satisfaction_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o any_o thing_n of_o man_n can_v be_v or_o do_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n once_o teach_v the_o world_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v unchangeable_a for_o ever_o and_o our_o bibles_n which_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n to_o measure_v religion_n by_o continue_v one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o that_o which_o be_v a_o error_n in_o those_o time_n must_v needs_o be_v error_n still_o and_o that_o which_o be_v a_o truth_n in_o those_o day_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o truth_n still_o and_o if_o we_o can_v think_v of_o any_o more_o proper_a mean_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n and_o error_n than_o the_o deliberate_a and_o unanimous_a judgement_n of_o so_o many_o hundred_o pious_a learned_a and_o unbiased_a man_n assemble_v together_o then_o certain_o the_o determination_n of_o those_o ancient_a council_n be_v very_o considerable_a evidence_n for_o truth_n and_o against_o error_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o they_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n who_o beside_o their_o eminent_a piety_n and_o learning_n have_v the_o great_a advantage_n of_o live_v near_o the_o apostle_n age_n and_o thereby_o be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o inform_v themselves_o and_o we_o too_o what_o be_v certain_o believe_v and_o do_v in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n those_o especial_o that_o live_v within_o the_o first_o six_o century_n wherever_o they_o agree_v and_o be_v not_o since_o corrupt_v or_o maim_v by_o the_o fraud_n and_o forgery_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v of_o singular_a use_n in_o this_o matter_n too_o that_o ignatius_n clemens_n origen_n athanasius_n cyril_n nazianzen_n basil_n chrysostom_n hierom_n augustine_n and_o some_o other_o be_v indeed_o person_n of_o great_a devotion_n and_o excellent_a part_n can_v be_v deny_v and_o although_o some_o of_o these_o great_a name_n in_o some_o particular_a matter_n have_v their_o peculiar_a mistake_v and_o show_v themselves_o to_o be_v but_o man_n yet_o in_o all_o point_n where_o we_o find_v a_o unanimous_a consent_n among_o they_o we_o be_v to_o have_v so_o much_o veneration_n for_o their_o authority_n as_o not_o easy_o to_o suspect_v or_o contradict_v it_o true_a it_o be_v if_o we_o take_v these_o father_n single_o man_n by_o man_n where_o we_o find_v any_o of_o they_o alone_o in_o their_o opinion_n as_o origen_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o punishment_n of_o hell_n and_o saint_n augustine_n in_o reference_n to_o infant_n that_o die_v unbaptise_v we_o be_v not_o in_o this_o case_n much_o more_o oblige_v to_o accept_v their_o judgement_n then_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o person_n yet_o alive_a who_o perhaps_o may_v be_v as_o pious_a and_o learned_a as_o some_o of_o they_o but_o if_o we_o take_v all_o the_o father_n that_o live_v within_o six_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n together_o and_o in_o the_o lump_n where_o we_o find_v 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of_o saint_n chrysostom_n or_o basil_n do_v not_o transcend_v and_o perhaps_o not_o match_v beside_o these_o there_o be_v many_o choice_n and_o excellent_a catechism_n compose_v by_o man_n that_o be_v pious_a learned_a and_o judicious_a acquaint_v with_o scripture_n well_o verse_v in_o the_o primitive_a council_n and_o father_n these_o short_a catechism_n compile_v by_o person_n of_o singular_a endowment_n and_o approve_v by_o the_o church_n be_v little_o less_o than_o so_o many_o contract_a bibles_n contain_v in_o they_o whatever_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o know_v and_o deliver_v enough_o in_o plain_a and_o easy_a term_n to_o inform_v we_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o error_n and_o confirm_v our_o judgement_n in_o all_o the_o great_a point_n of_o faith_n so_o then_o the_o sum_z of_o all_o be_v this_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o examine_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n but_o because_o this_o word_n in_o some_o material_a case_n according_a to_o the_o different_a fancy_n or_o interest_n of_o man_n have_v different_a interpretation_n give_v concern_v its_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n it_o be_v our_o only_a way_n for_o our_o better_a satisfaction_n to_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o the_o most_o able_a faithful_a and_o unbiased_a judge_n and_o they_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a council_n the_o primitive_a father_n public_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o orthodox_n catechism_n set_v forth_o or_o approve_v by_o the_o church_n of_o god_n use_v i._o consider_v how_o much_o to_o blame_v those_o person_n be_v who_o without_o any_o examination_n whatsoever_o take_v up_o their_o religion_n bare_o upon_o trust_n we_o be_v thus_o command_v in_o the_o text_n prove_v all_o thing_n but_o alas_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o this_o that_o we_o will_v prove_v nothing_o and_o although_o perhaps_o we_o pretend_v to_o abhor_v the_o religion_n of_o rome_n yet_o so_o far_o do_v we_o act_v like_o papist_n that_o a_o implicit_a faith_n serve_v our_o turn_n it_o be_v the_o great_a imprudence_n and_o crime_n of_o many_o person_n who_o be_v so_o supine_n and_o careless_a that_o they_o will_v not_o examine_v their_o religion_n but_o withal_o it_o be_v the_o sad_a calamity_n of_o some_o other_o who_o be_v so_o sottish_a and_o ignorant_a that_o indeed_o they_o can_v that_o we_o be_v require_v to_o prove_v our_o faith_n and_o of_o what_o concern_v it_o be_v so_o to_o do_v we_o have_v already_o see_v and_o that_o all_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n must_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o doubtful_a case_n to_o be_v expound_v by_o ancient_a council_n and_o father_n have_v be_v already_o show_v yea_o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o man_n that_o be_v utter_o unlearned_a and_o ignorant_a can_v that_o man_n prove_v his_o religion_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o know_v it_o not_o can_v that_o man_n help_v himself_o in_o
may_v be_v from_o god_n and_o if_o so_o what_o a_o sin_n will_v it_o be_v to_o slight_v they_o but_o withal_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o such_o and_o such_o pretender_n may_v be_v from_o the_o devil_n and_o if_o so_o what_o a_o danger_n must_v it_o be_v to_o entertain_v they_o wherefore_o that_o both_o extreme_n may_v be_v avoid_v that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o error_n that_o you_o may_v know_v the_o devil_n emissary_n from_o christ_n apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v theophylact_v prove_v examine_v pass_v a_o mature_a and_o deliberate_a judgement_n and_o that_o be_v one_o great_a part_n of_o that_o advice_n which_o saint_n paul_n give_v we_o in_o the_o text_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d prove_v all_o thing_n whatever_o doctrine_n be_v broach_v among_o you_o though_o it_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o the_o fair_a pretence_n imaginable_a yet_o because_o it_o may_v possible_o prove_v too_o light_a put_v it_o in_o the_o balance_n and_o try_v its_o weight_n because_o it_o may_v possible_o prove_v a_o counterfeit_n bring_v it_o to_o the_o touchstone_n and_o try_v its_o sincerity_n and_o if_o upon_o this_o strict_a enquiry_n it_o prove_v not_o right_a let_v it_o go_v but_o if_o it_o be_v find_v orthodox_n sound_n and_o good_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hold_v it_o fast_o so_o then_o the_o text_n commend_v to_o our_o practice_n a_o double_a act_n each_o of_o which_o relate_v to_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o 1._o we_o be_v require_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o prove_v they_o to_o examine_v all_o doctrine_n principle_n and_o practice_n whether_o they_o be_v right_a such_o as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n recommend_v or_o at_o least_o allow_v it_o be_v our_o business_n to_o consider_v as_o cornelius_n à _fw-la lapide_fw-la word_v it_o a_o sint_fw-la prophetiae_fw-la a_o instinctus_fw-la spiritûs_fw-la humani_fw-la whether_o they_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n or_o the_o invention_n and_o imagination_n of_o man_n 2._o we_o be_v require_v after_o this_o strict_a examination_n and_o judgement_n pass_v to_o dismiss_v whatever_o be_v naught_o but_o to_o retain_v and_o hold_v fast_o that_o all_o that_o and_o only_o that_o which_o prove_v to_o be_v good_a and_o consequent_o from_o god_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o the_o text_n will_v lie_v in_o these_o two_o conclusion_n 1._o that_o every_o person_n whatsoever_o be_v high_o oblige_v to_o examine_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v recommend_v to_o he_o 2._o that_o after_o a_o impartial_a and_o strict_a enquiry_n that_o religion_n and_o only_o that_o which_o prove_v to_o be_v good_a right_a and_o true_a must_v be_v stout_o assert_v constant_o retain_v and_o hold_v fast_o for_o ever_o the_o first_o doctrine_n that_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o do_v high_o stand_v oblige_v to_o examine_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v recommend_v to_o they_o but_o here_o two_o thing_n may_v be_v demand_v 1._o it_o may_v be_v demand_v whether_o all_o person_n whatever_o be_v fit_a to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v every_o man_n so_o well_o qualify_v as_o to_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o define_v point_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n shall_v every_o illiterate_a and_o bold_a mechanic_n presume_v so_o far_o as_o to_o suspect_v any_o doctrine_n which_o the_o church_n deliver_v or_o scruple_n any_o practice_n which_o she_o recommend_v i_o answer_v certain_a it_o be_v there_o be_v a_o very_a signal_n respect_n and_o a_o very_a great_a veneration_n due_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o doubtless_o where_o matter_n be_v difficult_a and_o point_n be_v controvert_v it_o be_v our_o safe_a course_n to_o consider_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o her_o judgement_n rather_o than_o in_o our_o own_o but_o in_o other_o case_n where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v express_v and_o plain_a where_o we_o have_v a_o intelligible_a and_o easy_a rule_n we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o take_v up_o our_o religion_n upon_o other_o man_n credit_n in_o those_o matter_n wherein_o our_o own_o reason_n can_v best_o secure_v we_o it_o be_v our_o saviour_n command_n matt._n 11.15_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v so_o say_v we_o he_o that_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o see_v let_v he_o see_v methinks_v where_o the_o object_n be_v clear_a and_o visible_a especial_o if_o it_o be_v of_o great_a concern_v too_o it_o be_v high_a imprudence_n to_o rely_v upon_o another_o man_n sight_n since_o god_n have_v give_v we_o eye_n of_o our_o own_o that_o may_v see_v as_o well_o and_o be_v trust_v better_a and_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o great_a folly_n to_o depend_v bare_o upon_o other_o man_n judgement_n for_o those_o grand_a concern_v of_o eternity_n about_o which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o rational_a soul_n and_o all_o other_o mean_n that_o be_v sufficient_a and_o requisite_a to_o inform_v ourselves_o but_o if_o perhaps_o through_o sin_n and_o vice_n we_o have_v debauch_v our_o own_o reason_n if_o we_o have_v extinguish_v that_o light_n which_o our_o great_a creator_n set_v up_o within_o we_o and_o by_o so_o do_v have_v disable_v ourselves_o to_o obey_v the_o command_n in_o my_o text_n we_o have_v then_o just_a occasion_n to_o condemn_v ourselves_o but_o none_o to_o blame_v that_o god_n who_o do_v as_o well_o give_v we_o a_o eye_n as_o bid_v we_o see_v and_o doubtless_o since_o god_n have_v give_v to_o every_o man_n a_o understand_a faculty_n and_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v employ_v for_o his_o own_o advantage_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o very_o high_a tyranny_n to_o interdict_v any_o person_n the_o improvement_n and_o exercise_n of_o that_o reason_n but_o especial_o about_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o that_o immortal_a soul_n wherein_o that_o reason_n of_o he_o have_v its_o proper_a seat_n and_o only_a residence_n and_o since_o this_o personal_a and_o private_a examination_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v that_o which_o our_o god_n command_v and_o our_o reason_n do_v enable_v we_o to_o methinks_v no_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v ever_o dislike_v or_o quarrel_n at_o it_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o a_o true_a church_n shall_v disallow_v what_o god_n require_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o a_o true_a mother_n shall_v rob_v her_o child_n of_o that_o without_o which_o they_o can_v neither_o be_v christian_n nor_o men._n no_o it_o be_v for_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n to_o close_v up_o her_o bastard_n eye_n lest_o perhaps_o they_o shall_v discover_v the_o nakedness_n of_o their_o mother_n it_o be_v for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o deny_v her_o proselyte_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n lest_o perhaps_o they_o shall_v detect_v the_o weakness_n and_o want_n of_o she_o but_o as_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n so_o sure_o be_v she_o that_o her_o religion_n be_v right_a that_o she_o do_v not_o only_o allow_v but_o encourage_v her_o son_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o test_n such_o be_v her_o doctrine_n and_o such_o be_v her_o usage_n that_o she_o do_v rather_o provoke_v then_o decline_v the_o strict_a trial_n the_o truth_n which_o she_o teach_v be_v so_o divine_a the_o custom_n which_o she_o retain_v be_v so_o apostolical_a that_o like_o so_o many_o true_a and_o orient_a pearl_n the_o more_o they_o be_v examine_v search_v and_o try_v the_o bright_a do_v they_o shine_v and_o if_o so_o if_o to_o examine_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n if_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o bring_v honour_n to_o our_o church_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o ourselves_o what_o shall_v hinder_v we_o except_o it_o be_v that_o gross_a and_o foul_a ignorance_n of_o we_o which_o will_v indeed_o destroy_v our_o ability_n but_o never_o take_v off_o our_o obligation_n but_o 2._o from_o this_o great_a command_n in_o the_o text_n prove_v all_o thing_n it_o may_v be_v yet_o demand_v thus_o must_v we_o then_o turn_v sceptic_n in_o religion_n must_v we_o always_o hang_v in_o doubt_n and_o never_o fix_v must_v we_o for_o ever_o be_v examine_v and_o so_o come_v to_o no_o settle_a resolution_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o inference_n can_v never_o be_v gather_v from_o that_o which_o god_n require_v in_o the_o text_n our_o prove_v all_o thing_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o introduce_v scepticism_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v the_o sure_a way_n in_o the_o world_n to_o expel_v banish_v and_o root_v they_o out_o it_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o shake_v our_o faith_n that_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o most_o likely_a mean_n to_o
the_o understanding_n of_o difficult_a scripture_n by_o the_o assistence_n of_o those_o council_n and_o father_n to_o who_o he_o be_v but_o a_o stranger_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o poor_a people_n who_o be_v breed_v up_o under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n they_o can_v obey_v the_o command_n in_o my_o text_n because_o they_o be_v keep_v in_o ignorance_n they_o can_v do_v what_o saint_n john_n require_v they_o can_v try_v the_o spirit_n because_o that_o only_a touchstone_n be_v deny_v they_o they_o be_v in_o no_o capacity_n to_o weigh_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o religion_n because_o they_o be_v not_o suffer_v so_o much_o as_o once_o to_o touch_v the_o scale_n but_o alas_o this_o gross_a ignorance_n which_o be_v their_o sad_a calamity_n be_v our_o grievous_a crime_n that_o utter_a inability_n of_o obey_v god_n and_o prove_v all_o thing_n which_o arise_v from_o their_o invincible_a necessity_n spring_v from_o our_o carelessness_n and_o choice_n it_o be_v sure_a enough_o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o inform_v ourselves_o of_o our_o religion_n we_o have_v bibles_n to_o read_v in_o our_o family_n we_o have_v the_o scripture_n expound_v in_o our_o church_n we_o have_v many_o excellent_a catechism_n and_o other_o book_n within_o our_o reach_n and_o yet_o how_o ignorant_a still_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o its_o several_a branch_n that_o there_o be_v many_o among_o we_o who_o do_v not_o know_v so_o much_o as_o what_o religion_n mean_v what_o christianity_n be_v who_o christ_n be_v what_o he_o have_v do_v or_o what_o he_o require_v from_o we_o certain_o if_o such_o person_n do_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o any_o religion_n they_o must_v needs_o do_v it_o upon_o trust_n and_o how_o that_o be_v do_v we_o may_v see_v in_o 3_o particular_n 1._o there_o be_v some_o person_n who_o take_v up_o their_o religion_n bare_o upon_o the_o trust_n and_o credit_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o progenitour_n who_o own_v such_o and_o such_o a_o profession_n and_o continue_v therein_o perhaps_o to_o their_o very_a dying-day_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o very_o high_a account_n that_o many_o a_o one_o can_v give_v for_o his_o faith_n and_o worship_n be_v but_o this_o it_o be_v the_o old_a religion_n of_o his_o family_n it_o be_v the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o his_o father_n and_o therefore_o his_o too_o insomuch_o that_o person_n general_o be_v not_o make_v but_o bear_v christian_n as_o well_o as_o man_n and_o do_v common_o receive_v their_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o their_o flesh_n ex_fw-la traduce_v bare_o by_o propagation_n it_o be_v true_a christianity_n which_o certain_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o we_o all_o profess_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n there_o be_v but_o few_o among_o we_o that_o examine_v the_o principle_n upon_o which_o this_o religion_n stand_v nor_o do_v we_o consider_v the_o design_n to_o which_o this_o religion_n tend_v only_o we_o take_v it_o up_o from_o our_o forefather_n as_o if_o it_o be_v bare_o bequeath_v we_o among_o other_o legacy_n or_o leave_v we_o as_o a_o part_n of_o our_o inheritance_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o true_a religion_n preserve_v for_o we_o and_o transmit_v to_o we_o by_o the_o care_n and_o piety_n of_o our_o progenitour_n be_v a_o bless_a inheritance_n indeed_o such_o a_o inheritance_n so_o great_a and_o so_o glorious_a that_o we_o be_v concern_v if_o in_o any_o case_n much_o more_o in_o this_o to_o prove_v our_o father_n will_n and_o to_o consider_v how_o suitable_a it_o be_v to_o both_o the_o testament_n of_o that_o better_a father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 2._o there_o be_v some_o person_n who_o take_v up_o their_o religion_n bare_o upon_o the_o trust_n and_o credit_n of_o vulgar_a and_o public_a example_n what_o religion_n we_o find_v establish_v in_o the_o kingdom_n exercise_v in_o the_o church_n and_o common_o profess_v throughout_o the_o neighbourhood_n that_o we_o do_v not_o stand_v to_o examine_v but_o immediate_o embrace_v we_o make_v our_o faith_n a_o matter_n not_o of_o election_n and_o choice_n but_o bare_o of_o imitation_n doubtless_o there_o be_v many_o a_o soul_n among_o we_o that_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n not_o because_o he_o know_v the_o truth_n reasonableness_n and_o excellence_n of_o christianity_n but_o because_o he_o have_v the_o good_a fortune_n to_o be_v breed_v and_o live_v in_o christendom_n suppose_v a_o man_n breed_v among_o the_o persian_n this_o man_n adore_v the_o sun_n and_o make_v that_o his_o deity_n take_v a_o man_n breed_v among_o the_o turk_n this_o man_n bible_n be_v the_o alcoran_n and_o that_o impostor_n mahomet_n little_a less_o than_o his_o god_n suppose_v a_o man_n breed_v up_o in_o spain_n france_n or_o italy_n this_o man_n forsooth_o though_o he_o know_v not_o why_o prove_v a_o roman_n catholic_n he_o own_v the_o pope_n let_v he_o be_v who_o he_o will_v to_o be_v his_o grandfather_n and_o that_o church_n or_o if_o you_o will_v that_o whore_n to_o be_v his_o grandmother_n too_o well_o give_v i_o a_o man_n breed_v up_o in_o england_n it_o be_v ten_o to_o one_o but_o this_o man_n prove_v a_o protestant_n but_o why_o all_o this_o why_o alas_o we_o take_v up_o our_o religion_n not_o from_o the_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o judgement_n but_o bare_o from_o the_o force_n of_o example_n and_o the_o mere_a power_n of_o education_n 3._o there_o be_v some_o person_n who_o take_v up_o their_o religion_n upon_o the_o trust_n credit_n or_o command_v of_o prince_n certain_o man_n who_o be_v a_o wise_a know_v and_o noble_a creature_n of_o the_o very_a next_o degree_n to_o angel_n may_v easy_o convince_v himself_o how_o unreasonable_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v adore_v and_o worship_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o deity_n that_o he_o evident_o see_v and_o certain_o know_v that_o it_o be_v his_o own_o inferior_a and_o much_o below_o himself_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o if_o jeroboam_n set_v up_o his_o calf_n if_o nabuchadnezzar_n erect_v his_o image_n and_o command_v their_o subject_n to_o adore_v they_o who_o almost_o dispute_v it_o but_o alas_o we_o need_v not_o look_v back_o so_o far_o as_o the_o time_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o pregnant_a instance_n our_o own_o chronicle_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o while_o the_o king_n of_o england_n be_v slave_n to_o the_o pope_n so_o dull_a and_o sottish_a so_o easy_a and_o pliable_a be_v the_o people_n as_o to_o be_v so_o too_o and_o since_o our_o prince_n have_v just_o shake_v off_o the_o roman_a yoke_n the_o subject_n have_v general_o be_v if_o not_o so_o religious_a yet_o so_o conformable_a as_o to_o become_v protestant_n too_o tell_v i_o sir_n if_o the_o roman_a religion_n be_v good_a why_o do_v the_o people_n of_o england_n cast_v it_o off_o but_o if_o the_o roman_a religion_n be_v stark_o naught_o as_o certain_o it_o be_v why_o do_v the_o people_n of_o england_n ever_o own_o it_o doubtless_o these_o general_n and_o sudden_a turn_v of_o religion_n these_o universal_a and_o epidemical_a change_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o worship_n which_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o any_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o new_a conviction_n be_v evident_a demonstration_n that_o man_n take_v up_o or_o lay_v down_o their_o religion_n just_a as_o they_o do_v their_o fashion_n it_o be_v this_o or_o that_o according_a as_o the_o court_n think_v fit_a to_o alter_v as_o if_o to_o believe_v as_o the_o king_n believe_v and_o to_o do_v as_o the_o king_n do_v be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o allegiance_n which_o we_o owe_v he_o but_o be_v this_o indeed_o to_o obey_v the_o great_a command_n in_o my_o text_n prove_v all_o thing_n it_o be_v sure_a the_o king_n of_o england_n do_v not_o pretend_v like_o that_o usurper_n at_o rome_n that_o they_o can_v err_v nor_o be_v it_o imagine_v by_o any_o that_o there_o be_v any_o more_o infallibility_n annex_v to_o the_o prince_n throne_n then_o to_o the_o pope_n chair_n no_o we_o be_v require_v and_o deep_o concern_v too_o to_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o the_o king_n law_n do_v establish_v and_o if_o we_o find_v as_o upon_o strict_a search_n we_o certain_o shall_v that_o the_o present_a religion_n of_o our_o church_n commend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o king_n be_v own_o example_n and_o confirm_v by_o his_o law_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o canon_n of_o ancient_a council_n by_o the_o joint_a testimony_n of_o the_o primitive_a father_n and_o many_o receive_a confession_n of_o faith_n let_v we_o then_o bless_v our_o god_n that_o we_o have_v as_o yet_o a_o prince_n who_o style_v himself_o real_o be_v and_o declare_v his_o resolution_n
indeed_o a_o great_a vnhappiness_n but_o that_o we_o need_v not_o fear_n since_o our_o protestant_a prince_n resolve_v to_o defend_v it_o and_o we_o to_o lose_v our_o religion_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n but_o to_o surrender_v it_o ourselves_o through_o the_o cunning_a pretence_n of_o our_o adversary_n and_o our_o own_o gross_a mistake_v be_v methinks_v the_o foul_a disgrace_n the_o honour_n of_o man_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o his_o strength_n but_o in_o his_o prudence_n nor_o be_v it_o our_o discredit_v to_o have_v feeble_a hand_n but_o weak_a and_o impotent_a head_n and_o certain_a it_o be_v since_o god_n have_v give_v we_o a_o understand_a heart_n and_o since_o that_o understanding_n of_o we_o have_v no_o employment_n so_o honourable_a as_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o can_v possible_o bring_v upon_o ourselves_o any_o great_a disparagement_n by_o any_o mean_v imaginable_a then_o by_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v base_o baffle_v even_o to_o the_o loss_n of_o that_o reason_n that_o make_v we_o man_n and_o that_o religion_n that_o make_v we_o saint_n 2._o there_o be_v some_o person_n that_o forsake_v the_o true_a religion_n bare_o because_o the_o example_n of_o other_o man_n who_o do_v so_o to_o invite_v they_o to_o it_o that_o we_o be_v indeed_o oblige_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o all_o good_a man_n in_o all_o good_a thing_n there_o be_v nothing_o sure_a learn_v of_o i_o say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n matth._n 11.29_o and_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o as_o i_o be_o of_o christ_n say_v the_o great_a apostle_n 1_o cor._n 11.1_o but_o alas_o in_o stead_n of_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n who_o to_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o blood_n witness_v a_o good_a confession_n in_o stead_n of_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o saint_n paul_n who_o prove_v a_o martyr_n for_o that_o religion_n which_o he_o own_v we_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o julian_n that_o base_a apostate_n perhaps_o we_o see_v such_o and_o such_o a_o neighbour_n one_o that_o have_v the_o name_n of_o a_o scholar_n one_o that_o have_v the_o repute_n of_o a_o religious_a and_o charitable_a person_n we_o see_v even_o such_o a_o one_o change_v his_o religion_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n we_o think_v fit_a to_o do_v so_o too_o but_o tell_v i_o sir_n be_v it_o not_o a_o shame_n for_o person_n that_o have_v their_o wit_n about_o they_o to_o make_v the_o example_n of_o other_o man_n their_o great_a or_o only_a motive_n to_o cast_v off_o their_o present_a religion_n and_o embrace_v a_o new_a one_o it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n for_o such_o and_o such_o professor_n who_o make_v great_a show_v of_o religion_n and_o pass_v in_o the_o world_n for_o real_a saint_n to_o prove_v mere_a juggler_n and_o upon_o every_o small_a occasion_n to_o renounce_v their_o faith_n the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o john_n 6.66_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n go_v back_o and_o walk_v no_o more_o with_o he_o some_o little_a offence_n they_o take_v at_o his_o doctrine_n and_o away_o they_o march_v and_o that_o by_o troop_n well_o what_o say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n concern_v this_o the_o next_o word_n tell_v we_o jesus_n say_v unto_o the_o twelve_o will_v you_o also_o go_v away_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a number_n of_o my_o disciple_n fall_v off_o and_o go_v but_o what_o then_o shall_v their_o example_n encourage_v you_o to_o be_v go_v too_o we_o read_v that_o saint_n peter_n himself_o that_o otherwise_o brave_a and_o gallant_a person_n be_v so_o far_o prevail_v with_o as_o to_o deny_v his_o lord_n but_o what_o of_o that_o be_v peter_n example_n a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o the_o other_o disciple_n to_o deny_v he_o too_o what_o it_o be_v that_o move_v such_o and_o such_o a_o person_n to_o alter_v his_o religion_n we_o be_v not_o sure_a whether_o he_o do_v it_o from_o false_a and_o rot_a principle_n whether_o he_o do_v it_o to_o base_a and_o unworthy_a end_n whether_o he_o be_v not_o cheat_v in_o his_o judgement_n and_o mere_o trepan_v of_o his_o faith_n we_o can_v tell_v and_o yet_o shall_v we_o be_v like_o he_o nay_o more_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o man_n may_v prove_v such_o great_a dissembler_n as_o for_o some_o by_o end_n or_o other_o to_o enter_v upon_o some_o new_a profession_n and_o yet_o reserve_v their_o former_a judgement_n still_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o act_v as_o proselyte_n to_o a_o new_a religion_n and_o yet_o inward_o to_o approve_v their_o old_a one_o still_o and_o yet_o shall_v we_o be_v like_o they_o no_o the_o alteration_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o weight_n and_o moment_n such_o weight_n and_o such_o moment_n that_o we_o can_v safe_o do_v it_o without_o better_a ground_n than_o any_o man_n example_n can_v afford_v we_o it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o we_o to_o take_v our_o measure_n from_o other_o person_n who_o weak_a ability_n to_o defend_v their_o religion_n or_o wicked_a intention_n in_o leave_v it_o we_o do_v not_o know_v what_o though_o such_o and_o such_o person_n whether_o profane_a or_o ignorant_a or_o hypocritical_a be_v become_v papist_n and_o have_v now_o leave_v our_o church_n shall_v we_o therefore_o leave_v our_o mother_n bosom_n too_o shall_v we_o also_o show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o rot_a leave_n that_o drop_v one_o after_o another_o till_o the_o poor_a tree_n that_o bear_v they_o be_v leave_v quite_o naked_a no_o if_o we_o be_v indeed_o christ_n real_a and_o faithful_a disciple_n whatever_o become_v of_o other_o whatever_o contrary_a example_n may_v lie_v before_o and_o tempt_v we_o yet_o let_v we_o vigorous_o hold_v fast_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n if_o we_o be_v indeed_o christ_n flock_n though_o perhaps_o the_o goat_n may_v rove_v and_o wander_v yet_o let_v we_o as_o become_v his_o sheep_n indeed_o keep_v close_o within_o that_o excellent_a pasture_n where_o he_o himself_o have_v in_o mercy_n place_v we_o sure_o i_o be_o the_o roman_a church_n if_o a_o church_n it_o be_v it_o be_v not_o like_o we_o and_o why_o then_o shall_v any_o foolish_a example_n induce_v we_o to_o make_v a_o change_n we_o will_v not_o tread_v in_o any_o man_n step_n that_o shall_v lead_v we_o to_o those_o dangerous_a precipice_n where_o he_o must_v needs_o hazard_v his_o own_o neck_n and_o we_o too_o well_o that_o be_v the_o case_n the_o roman_a religion_n if_o it_o be_v not_o certain_o damnable_a yet_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a sure_a it_o be_v more_o dangerous_a to_o all_o new_a comer_n then_o to_o most_o of_o its_o native_a professor_n what_o hazard_v the_o proselyte_n run_v our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v thus_o inform_v we_o matt._n 23.15_o you_o compass_n sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v one_o proselyte_n and_o when_o he_o be_v make_v you_o make_v he_o twofold_a more_o the_o child_n of_o hell_n than_o yourselves_o it_o be_v certain_o thus_o with_o every_o besotted_a soul_n that_o forsake_v the_o reform_a religion_n wherein_o he_o be_v breed_v and_o become_v a_o proselyte_n to_o the_o roman_a church_n his_o crime_n be_v high_a and_o his_o danger_n be_v more_o and_o if_o so_o shall_v any_o example_n lead_v you_o thither_o tell_v i_o shall_v we_o imitate_v the_o poor_a sheep_n not_o in_o their_o innocence_n but_o in_o their_o folly_n shall_v we_o act_v like_o that_o silly_a flock_n which_o follow_v the_o bel_n weather_n even_o although_o he_o lead_v they_o into_o the_o brier_n that_o tear_v or_o into_o the_o ditch_n that_o drown_v they_o remember_v the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o have_v bring_v we_o forth_o be_v well_o able_a to_o nurse_n and_o breed_v we_o too_o the_o mother_n that_o have_v bear_v we_o want_v no_o breast_n to_o feed_v we_o and_o if_o so_o why_o shall_v we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v seduce_v by_o any_o fond_a example_n to_o leave_v our_o own_o dam_n and_o suck_v a_o stranger_n dug_n and_o such_o a_o dug_n too_o as_o runs_z with_o poison_n in_o stead_n of_o milk_n 3._o there_o be_v some_o person_n that_o forsake_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o take_v up_o a_o false_a bare_o because_o that_o debauchery_n and_o those_o vice_n which_o they_o will_v not_o leave_v do_v so_o incline_v they_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o weak_a head_n but_o the_o wicked_a heart_n it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o deprave_a judgement_n but_o the_o deprave_a conversation_n too_o that_o make_v a_o great_a alteration_n and_o that_o for_o the_o worse_o in_o some_o man_n religion_n our_o saviour_n indeed_o have_v tell_v we_o matt._n 21.31_o the_o publican_n and_o harlot_n go_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n it_o seem_v by_o this_o expression_n that_o many_o wicked_a person_n of_o those_o time_n change_v their_o religion_n and_o become_v proselyte_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o withal_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o these_o person_n who_o thus_o change_v their_o religion_n