be_v in_o heaven_n he_o be_v adorn_v with_o a_o excellent_a character_n in_o the_o word_n immediate_o follow_v those_o and_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n which_o privilege_n although_o it_o be_v not_o peculiar_a unto_o s._n peter_n but_o common_a to_o the_o other_o apostle_n with_o he_o yet_o be_v first_o declare_v of_o he_o add_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o character_n and_o yet_o detract_v nothing_o at_o all_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o christ_n apostle_n upon_o who_o as_o upon_o a_o sure_a foundation_n s._n paul_n assure_v we_o the_o church_n be_v build_v ephe._n 2.20_o it_o be_v build_v on_o they_o together_o with_o he_o who_o our_o saviour_n mention_n in_o this_o place_n it_o be_v most_o firm_o build_v upon_o they_o for_o so_o it_o appear_v from_o these_o word_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o which_o word_n we_o must_v 1_o consider_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d translate_v hell_n be_v frequent_o use_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o well_o as_o profane_a author_n to_o signify_v the_o grave_n to_o denote_v the_o place_n and_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a so_o it_o be_v use_v in_o these_o word_n psal_n 16.10_o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n neither_o will_v thou_o suffer_v thy_o holy_a one_o to_o see_v corruption_n and_o then_o further_o 2_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o grave_n or_o place_n and_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a be_v sometime_o compare_v unto_o a_o house_n if_o i_o wait_v the_o grave_n be_v my_o house_n job_n 17.13_o and_o to_o a_o house_n with_o gate_n or_o door_n shut_v up_o and_o lock_v with_o bar_n and_o lock_n and_o hence_o that_o say_n of_o hezekiah_n isa_n 38.10_o i_o say_v in_o the_o cut_n off_o of_o my_o day_n i_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o grave_n hence_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o bar_n of_o the_o pit_n job_n 17.16_o and_o of_o the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n revel_v 1.18_o and_o of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n revel_v 9.1_o 3_o be_v then_o that_o the_o grave_n be_v that_o the_o place_n and_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a be_v compare_v to_o a_o house_n with_o gate_n and_o door_n shut_v up_o and_o fasten_v with_o bar_n and_o lock_n from_o hence_o likewise_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o death_n or_o destruction_n be_v describe_v by_o enter_v into_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o grave_n for_o so_o you_o find_v in_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v already_o cite_v isaiah_n 38.10.11_o i_o say_v in_o the_o cut_n off_o of_o my_o day_n when_o god_n tell_v i_o that_o i_o shall_v die_v i_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o grave_n be_o deprive_v of_o the_o residue_n of_o my_o year_n i_o say_v i_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n i_o shall_v behold_v man_n no_o more_o with_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n where_o enter_v into_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o grave_n plain_o signify_v death_n itself_o or_o enter_v into_o the_o place_n of_o the_o dead_a as_o all_o the_o other_o expression_n show_v 4._o this_o be_v so_o if_o the_o church_n be_v take_v for_o god_n people_n not_o consider_v as_o a_o society_n be_v together_o in_o communion_n but_o as_o single_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n then_o these_o word_n that_o be_v before_o we_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n imply_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n shall_v overcome_v death_n and_o the_o grave_n by_o a_o resurrection_n to_o immortality_n but_o then_o if_o the_o church_n in_o this_o place_n be_v take_v as_o it_o usual_o be_v and_o as_o i_o judge_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o the_o general_a society_n of_o believer_n consider_v as_o they_o be_v a_o church_n live_v together_o in_o communion_n in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o christ_n institution_n then_o be_v the_o word_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n a_o promise_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o church_n profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o live_v in_o the_o use_n of_o its_o institution_n in_o visible_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n till_o the_o second_o come_v of_o our_o lord_n then_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n the_o meaning_n will_v be_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o enter_v into_o those_o gate_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v destroy_v have_v thus_o interpret_v the_o word_n before_o we_o i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o this_o method_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v what_o church_n this_o be_v which_o be_v design_v in_o these_o word_n 2._o and_o then_o second_o how_o far_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o lord_n make_v to_o that_o church_n in_o these_o word_n secure_v it_o from_o error_n and_o defection_n 1._o it_o be_v needful_a to_o understand_v what_o the_o church_n be_v which_o be_v design_v in_o these_o word_n where_o it_o be_v promise_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o patron_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v assume_v this_o promise_n unto_o themselves_o with_o as_o much_o confidence_n and_o presumption_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v express_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n shall_v never_o fail_v but_o always_o continue_v firm_a and_o stable_a nay_o absolute_o infallible_a in_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n whereas_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v as_o well_o a_o great_a arrogance_n as_o a_o most_o wide_a and_o foul_a mistake_n for_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n here_o speak_v not_o of_o any_o particular_a church_n plant_v in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o place_n but_o only_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n the_o whole_a society_n of_o those_o person_n who_o profess_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o speak_v indefinite_o of_o his_o church_n upon_o the_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o speak_v indefinite_o of_o his_o church_n can_v possible_o understand_v any_o particular_a part_n of_o it_o the_o church_n of_o any_o particular_a place_n but_o the_o catholic_n universal_a church_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o church_n of_o any_o particular_a place_n seat_v in_o any_o particular_a country_n may_v utter_o fail_v and_o be_v extinguish_v how_o many_o great_a and_o excellent_a church_n have_v fail_v and_o perish_v long_o ago_o how_o many_o other_o have_v so_o decay_v that_o they_o seem_v near_o unto_o destruction_n where_o be_v those_o many_o famous_a church_n which_o once_o flourish_v in_o the_o coast_n of_o africks_n where_o be_v those_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n large_o mention_v by_o st._n john_n in_o the_o three_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n where_o be_v those_o many_o other_o church_n which_o former_o flourish_v in_o the_o east_n how_o many_o of_o they_o be_v extinguish_v utter_o ruin_a and_o destroy_v with_o the_o very_a city_n where_o they_o be_v plant_v how_o many_o other_o be_v decay_v almost_o to_o a_o total_a dissolution_n be_v it_o then_o conclude_v that_o this_o promise_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n universal_a only_o and_o not_o to_o any_o society_n of_o christian_n seat_v in_o any_o particular_a place_n not_o unto_o any_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v so_o i_o can_v dismiss_v this_o point_n without_o a_o inference_n and_o a_o caution_n 1._o the_o inference_n be_v that_o see_v this_o promise_n of_o our_o lord_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o not_o to_o any_o particular_a church_n the_o consequence_n which_o the_o romanist_n draw_v from_o these_o word_n namely_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v indefectible_a and_o infallible_a be_v most_o inconsequent_a and_o unreasonable_a this_o promise_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o which_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n be_v but_o a_o part_n and_o a_o part_n infect_v with_o strange_a corruption_n this_o promise_n belong_v to_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v never_o more_o than_o only_a a_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a and_o be_v now_o what_o it_o have_v long_o be_v a_o most_o corrupt_a and_o unsound_a member_n and_o as_o that_o church_n have_v strange_o sink_v into_o heathenish_a and_o barbarous_a superstition_n so_o may_v it_o utter_o fail_v and_o vanish_v and_o disclaim_v the_o
be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v terrify_v either_o by_o his_o bond_n or_o death_n itself_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o their_o sake_n to_o who_o his_o life_n may_v be_v more_o useful_a he_o shall_v rather_o desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n he_o further_o acquaint_v they_o with_o his_o design_n to_o visit_v they_o again_o in_o order_n to_o their_o support_n and_o settlement_n if_o god_n shall_v rescue_v he_o from_o his_o bond_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n give_v this_o admonition_n only_o let_v your_o conversation_n be_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o whether_o i_o come_v and_o see_v you_o or_o else_o be_v absent_a i_o may_v hear_v of_o your_o affair_n that_o you_o stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n with_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o nothing_o thing_n terrify_v by_o your_o adversary_n that_o you_o stand_v fact_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o word_n you_o have_v a_o account_n what_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n for_o any_o church_n which_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o christianity_n still_o to_o abide_v and_o continue_v in_o it_o firmness_n of_o mind_n in_o every_o man_n private_a belief_n of_o it_o close_a union_n among_o themselves_o zeal_n and_o diligence_n in_o joint_a endeavour_n for_o its_o defence_n and_o propagation_n and_o courage_n against_o such_o opposition_n as_o other_o may_v possible_o make_v against_o it_o 1._o firmness_n of_o mind_n in_o every_o man_n private_a belief_n of_o it_o which_o be_v suggest_v in_o these_o word_n stand_v fast_o that_o be_v to_o say_v as_o it_o there_o follow_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o union_n among_o themselves_o stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n with_o one_o mind_n 3._o zeal_n and_o diligence_n in_o joint_a endeavour_n for_o its_o defence_n and_o propagation_n stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n with_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n 4._o courage_n against_o such_o opposition_n as_o other_o person_n make_v against_o it_o and_o in_o nothing_o terrify_v by_o your_o adversary_n these_o be_v the_o method_n which_o our_o apostle_n here_o propound_v for_o a_o church_n to_o retain_v the_o true_a faith_n that_o be_v to_o continue_v a_o true_a church_n 1._o the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v firmness_n of_o mind_n in_o every_o man_n private_a belief_n of_o truth_n for_o see_v that_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v make_v up_o of_o particular_a person_n so_o far_o as_o particular_a member_n fail_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n so_o far_o be_v that_o church_n they_o be_v member_n of_o maim_v and_o mutilate_v in_o its_o part_n and_o the_o whole_a in_o tendency_n to_o dissolution_n now_o see_v the_o firmness_n of_o belief_n depend_v upon_o clear_a and_o evident_a proof_n i_o may_v here_o offer_v a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n but_o be_v this_o be_v neither_o so_o needful_a nor_o yet_o so_o seasonable_a to_o the_o occasion_n of_o our_o meeting_n i_o shall_v rather_o choose_v to_o address_v myself_o to_o what_o the_o occasion_n now_o require_v which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o truth_n and_o excellence_n of_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v profess_v in_o our_o own_o church_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o of_o rome_n which_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o compare_v they_o and_o we_o together_o in_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o manner_n 1._o and_o first_o of_o all_o for_o matter_n of_o faith_n we_o firm_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o every_o thing_n therein_o contain_v to_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n do_v contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n according_a as_o st._n john_n assure_v we_o joh._n 20.31_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n which_o we_o can_v not_o have_v if_o every_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v not_o write_v be_v not_o contain_v in_o this_o very_a gospel_n of_o st._n john_n nay_o further_o yet_o we_o believe_v and_o receive_v all_o creed_n that_o be_v ever_o receive_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n these_o creed_n be_v take_v into_o our_o liturgy_n they_o be_v repeat_v in_o our_o church_n we_o signify_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o by_o stand_v up_o when_o they_o be_v repeat_v and_o be_v we_o still_o to_o be_v judge_v heretic_n and_o deficient_a in_o the_o catholic_n faith_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o roman_a church_n deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n they_o build_v their_o faith_n upon_o tradition_n a_o thing_n uncertain_a they_o rely_v upon_o council_n which_o may_v err_v nay_o upon_o such_o as_o have_v gross_o err_v they_o vary_v as_o well_o from_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o many_o case_n as_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n itself_o and_o last_o of_o all_o they_o pretend_v a_o power_n of_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o make_v by_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o be_v so_o let_v reason_n judge_v whether_o they_o or_o we_o be_v likely_a to_o err_v in_o point_n of_o faith_n 2._o for_o matter_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o second_o place_n their_o public_a prayer_n be_v make_v and_o use_v in_o a_o tongue_n unknown_a unto_o the_o people_n we_o in_o a_o tongue_n which_o we_o all_o understand_v and_o here_o let_v st._n paul_n decide_v the_o controversy_n that_o be_v between_o we_o i_o cor._n 14_o 15_o 16_o etc._n etc._n i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o understand_v also_o i_o will_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v sing_v with_o understand_v also_o else_o when_o thou_o shall_v bless_v with_o the_o spirit_n how_o shall_v he_o that_o occupi_v the_o room_n of_o the_o unlearned_a say_n amen_o at_o thy_o give_a thanks_o see_v he_o understand_v not_o what_o thou_o say_v for_o thou_o very_o give_v thanks_o well_o but_o the_o other_o be_v not_o edify_v from_o whence_o it_o appear_v what_o edification_n may_v be_v expect_v from_o their_o prayer_n that_o be_v to_o say_v none_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n further_o add_v i_o thank_v god_n i_o speak_v with_o tongue_n more_o than_o you_o all_o yet_o in_o the_o church_n i_o have_v rather_o speak_v five_o word_n with_o my_o understanding_n that_o by_o my_o voice_n i_o may_v teach_v other_o also_o than_o ten_o thousand_o word_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n but_o to_o proceed_v as_o we_o make_v our_o prayer_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n so_o in_o they_o we_o invoke_v the_o true_a god_n and_o he_o only_o we_o use_v no_o other_o mediator_n no_o other_o patron_n but_o only_a christ_n who_o god_n have_v appoint_v so_o to_o be_v for_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n 1_o tim._n 2.5_o but_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v their_o address_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n as_o well_o for_o patronage_n and_o protection_n as_o for_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o they_o and_o some_o of_o those_o the_o virgin_n mary_n do_v they_o invoke_v in_o as_o magnificent_a and_o high_a a_o stile_n as_o they_o invoke_v god_n himself_o we_o pay_v no_o worship_n to_o any_o image_n see_v that_o god_n have_v express_o say_v thou_o shall_v not_o make_v to_o thyself_o any_o grave_a image_n nor_o the_o likeness_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n above_o or_o in_o the_o earth_n beneath_o or_o in_o the_o water_n under_o the_o earth_n thou_o shall_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o they_o nor_o worship_v they_o but_o they_o bow_v down_o and_o prostrate_v themselves_o before_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n and_o other_o and_o though_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o honour_n they_o give_v unto_o the_o image_n pass_v through_o it_o to_o the_o person_n who_o it_o represent_v yet_o still_o they_o acknowledge_v they_o worship_v the_o image_n that_o this_o at_o least_o be_v a_o transient_a object_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o then_o again_o we_o give_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n unto_o the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o the_o priest_n in_o both_o kind_n so_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n himself_o so_o it_o be_v give_v all_o along_o for_o many_o age_n but_o other_o in_o perfect_a contradiction_n to_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o lord_n deny_v the_o cup_n unto_o the_o laity_n we_o believe_v that_o after_o consecration_n the_o bread_n and_o wine_n set_v apart_o and_o consecrate_a for_o the_o sacrament_n do_v still_o retain_v the_o natural_a substance_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n himself_o believe_v when_o he_o style_v that_o bread_n of_o
have_v nothing_o but_o good_a principle_n to_o prevent_v and_o hinder_v such_o compliance_n from_o whence_o it_o most_o inevitable_o follow_v that_o where_o such_o principle_n be_v not_o find_v where_o man_n be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o guidance_n of_o evil_a principle_n they_o be_v most_o dangerous_o expose_v to_o evil_a this_o be_v the_o least_o of_o the_o ill_a effect_n that_o we_o can_v possible_o expect_v from_o they_o 2._o but_o than_o second_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o as_o all_o ill_a principle_n in_o religion_n leave_v we_o at_o least_o expose_v to_o evil_a so_o be_v there_o many_o do_v very_o high_o encourage_v to_o it_o there_o be_v such_o principle_n to_o be_v find_v as_o turn_v the_o great_a crime_n to_o merit_n and_o make_v man_n hope_v for_o a_o reward_n hope_v to_o gain_v eternal_a glory_n by_o the_o foul_a practice_n in_o the_o world_n by_o those_o that_o tend_v to_o eternal_a misery_n our_o bless_a lord_n foretell_v his_o follower_n that_o the_o time_n will_v come_v wherein_o they_o will_v put_v they_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o not_o so_o only_o but_o also_o that_o whosoever_o kill_v they_o shall_v think_v he_o do_v god_n service_n by_o it_o john_n 16.2_o so_o do_v the_o jew_n use_v his_o disciple_n they_o first_o accuse_v they_o of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n and_o then_o persecute_v they_o unto_o death_n and_o just_o so_o do_v the_o roman_a church_n to_o all_o christian_n dissent_v from_o they_o they_o pronounce_v they_o guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n they_o excommunicate_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n they_o flat_o deny_v that_o they_o can_v be_v save_v they_o doom_n they_o all_o unto_o damnation_n they_o pronounce_v it_o lawful_a to_o destroy_v they_o to_o destroy_v the_o very_o great_a prince_n when_o they_o have_v once_o judge_v they_o heretic_n they_o make_v it_o a_o meritorious_a act_n in_o those_o that_o adventure_n so_o to_o do_v and_o lest_o man_n shall_v not_o venture_v upon_o it_o some_o of_o they_o teach_v that_o they_o be_v oblige_v and_o bind_v to_o do_v it_o extremo_fw-la animarum_fw-la suarum_fw-la perieule_fw-fr si_fw-la vires_fw-la habeant_fw-la ad_fw-la hoc_fw-la idoneas_fw-la philopator_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o soul_n if_o they_o have_v sufficient_a strength_n to_o do_v it_o can_v a_o man_n have_v think_v that_o such_o practice_n as_o these_o be_v shall_v ever_o have_v be_v undertake_v by_o any_o make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n can_v he_o have_v think_v that_o although_o these_o shall_v be_v undertake_v they_o shall_v be_v justify_v and_o defend_v nay_o urge_v and_o press_v with_o great_a severity_n under_o no_o less_o a_o tie_n and_o penalty_n than_o that_o of_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o man_n soul_n but_o this_o it_o be_v to_o have_v the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n defile_v as_o the_o apostle_n himself_o express_v it_o tit._n 1.15_o this_o it_o be_v as_o he_o speak_v elsewhere_o 1._o tim._n 4.2_o to_o have_v the_o conscience_n sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n if_o a_o man_n principle_n be_v corrupt_a his_o conscience_n pervert_v and_o deprave_v what_o will_v not_o such_o a_o conscience_n admit_v and_o such_o principle_n urge_v upon_o he_o if_o the_o very_a light_n that_o be_v in_o he_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a then_o be_v that_o darkness_n and_o now_o to_o apply_v what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o this_o point_n 1._o see_v the_o danger_n of_o false_a principle_n in_o religion_n be_v so_o prodigious_o and_o strange_o great_a let_v this_o be_v a_o mighty_a caution_n to_o we_o to_o avoid_v communion_n with_o such_o person_n as_o govern_v themselves_o by_o such_o principle_n and_o more_o especial_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o this_o church_n have_v pervert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o quite_o overthrow_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o many_o considerable_a part_n of_o it_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o one_o command_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v not_o cloud_v and_o pervert_v by_o some_o perverse_a interpretation_n and_o beside_o all_o this_o they_o have_v form_v and_o state_v general_a principle_n which_o effectual_o lead_v to_o the_o overthrow_v of_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o christianity_n and_o some_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o 1._o the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v the_o doctrine_n receive_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n of_o act_v according_a to_o probable_a opinion_n receive_v not_o only_o among_o the_o jesuit_n but_o by_o many_o other_o as_o well_o as_o they_o 1._o they_o teach_v that_o although_o a_o opinion_n seem_v to_o be_v false_a to_o any_o man_n consider_v the_o reason_n that_o make_v against_o it_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v a_o probable_a opinion_n if_o it_o be_v maintain_v by_o two_o or_o three_o nay_o by_o one_o doctor_n of_o note_n among_o they_o 2._o and_o then_o second_o that_o any_o person_n may_v lawful_o act_v and_o govern_v himself_o by_o such_o a_o opinion_n in_o point_n of_o practice_n by_o a_o opinion_n maintain_v by_o other_o although_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v false_a to_o himself_o just_a contrary_n to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n rom._n 14.23_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n the_o very_a word_n they_o use_v be_v these_o exit_fw-la anthoritate_fw-la unius_fw-la tantùm_fw-la posse_fw-la quem_fw-la illam_fw-la in_o praxi_fw-la amplecti_fw-la licèt_fw-la à _fw-la principiis_fw-la intrinsecis_fw-la falsam_fw-la &_o improbahilem_fw-la existimet_fw-la that_o be_v that_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o follow_v a_o opinion_n in_o practice_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o one_o doctor_n though_o he_o himself_o consider_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o opinion_n judge_v it_o to_o be_v false_a and_o improbable_a guimen_fw-la pag._n 55_o my_o author_n add_v a_o example_n to_o this_o and_o that_o be_v although_o a_o confessor_n shall_v himself_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a to_o absolve_v a_o man_n in_o a_o certain_a case_n yet_o that_o notwithstanding_o he_o may_v absolve_v he_o if_o other_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v lawful_a now_o here_o i_o observe_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o this_o be_v direct_o against_o the_o scripture_n which_o pronounce_v that_o to_o be_v unlawful_a which_o a_o man_n act_n against_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o conscience_n although_o agreeable_o to_o other_o man_n and_o then_o second_o that_o this_o opinion_n give_v all_o man_n liberty_n to_o do_v whatsoever_o a_o few_o doctor_n nay_o any_o one_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v judge_v lawful_a and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v not_o judge_v lawful_a especial_o against_o all_o those_o person_n upon_o who_o they_o fix_v the_o name_n of_o heretic_n and_o if_o you_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o design_n of_o those_o person_n that_o do_v maintain_v this_o opinion_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o spiritual_a guide_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n may_v have_v a_o pretence_n to_o lead_v the_o people_n bold_o to_o act_v what_o they_o require_v although_o against_o the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n of_o they_o they_o lead_v that_o be_v in_o case_n a_o private_a person_n judge_v it_o unlawful_a to_o break_v his_o faith_n to_o falsify_v promise_n to_o a_o heretic_n or_o to_o deprive_v he_o of_o life_n or_o fortune_n or_o reputation_n yet_o that_o he_o may_v still_o lawful_o do_v it_o if_o two_o or_o three_o of_o their_o guide_n and_o teacher_n nay_o if_o any_o one_o of_o they_o judge_v it_o lawful_a 3._o but_o than_o three_o they_o further_o teach_v that_o where_o there_o be_v any_o two_o opinion_n one_o less_o probable_a than_o another_o that_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o guide_v his_o practice_n by_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v less_o probable_a so_o martial_a de_fw-fr prado_n conclude_v and_o abundance_n of_o other_o as_o well_o as_o he_o as_o guiman_n p._n 64._o saepe_fw-la in_o praxi_fw-la licitum_fw-la est_fw-la sequi_fw-la opinionem_fw-la minùs_fw-la probabilem_fw-la relictâ_fw-la probabiliori_fw-la it_o be_v often_o lawful_a in_o matter_n of_o practice_n to_o follow_v a_o less_o probable_a opinion_n forsake_v that_o which_o be_v more_o probable_a which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o govern_v his_o life_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o judgement_n but_o may_v very_o lawful_o do_v what_o be_v worse_o where_o he_o know_v and_o believe_v he_o may_v do_v better_o and_o be_v this_o for_o a_o man_n to_o guide_v his_o life_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n or_o that_o integrity_n that_o sincerity_n which_o true_a christianity_n require_v from_o we_o 4._o and_o yet_o i_o must_v add_v what_o be_v still_o worse_o for_o it_o be_v add_v upon_o this_o point_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o person_n to_o follow_v a_o less_o probable_a opinion_n rather_o than_o one_o that_o be_v more_o probable_a and_o that_o although_o the_o more_o probable_a
be_v also_o safe_a than_o the_o other_o and_o for_o this_o a_o author_n of_o that_o church_n cite_v the_o testimony_n of_o above_o forty_o of_o their_o doctor_n guimen_fw-la p._n 62_o 64._o and_o be_v this_o to_o teach_v like_o true_a and_o faithful_a guide_n of_o soul_n be_v this_o for_o man_n to_o behave_v themselves_o like_o faithful_a pastor_n and_o careful_a of_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n to_o give_v they_o licence_n to_o guide_v their_o life_n by_o such_o opinion_n as_o be_v not_o only_o less_o probable_a but_o less_o safe_a than_o the_o direct_a contrary_n be_v but_o these_o be_v the_o method_n these_o be_v the_o art_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n to_o draw_v man_n in_o unto_o their_o church_n to_o allow_v they_o liberty_n to_o please_v themselves_o to_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o please_a though_o least_o safe_a to_o gratify_v sinful_a inclination_n though_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o their_o soul_n by_o these_o liberty_n they_o fill_v their_o church_n with_o numerous_a proselyte_n and_o disciple_n and_o gain_v authority_n to_o themselves_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o foul_a action_n by_o teach_v they_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o their_o teacher_n though_o it_o seem_v false_a unto_o themselves_o which_o be_v to_o rob_v every_o private_a person_n of_o his_o conscience_n reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o follow_v other_o who_o as_o appear_v from_o these_o particular_n have_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o conscience_n in_o they_o 2._o add_v hereunto_o another_o principle_n teach_v and_o maintain_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n concern_v the_o rectify_v of_o the_o intention_n which_o be_v that_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v material_o evil_a provide_v always_o that_o he_o direct_v the_o inward_a intention_n of_o his_o mind_n unto_o a_o good_a and_o a_o honest_a end_n as_o for_o example_n that_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o smite_v with_o a_o sword_n where_o he_o have_v receive_v a_o blow_n with_o the_o hand_n and_o be_v secure_a from_o further_a prejudice_n provide_v he_o do_v it_o non_fw-la ad_fw-la sumendam_fw-la vindictam_fw-la sed_fw-la ad_fw-la vitandam_fw-la infamiam_fw-la guimen_fw-la pag._n 199_o 200._o that_o be_v to_o say_v not_o for_o revenge_n but_o to_o repair_v his_o reputation_n or_o as_o father_n escobar_n have_v express_v it_o letter_n provincial_a p._n 143._o one_o may_v lawful_o kill_v another_o who_o have_v give_v he_o a_o box_n on_o the_o ear_n though_o he_o run_v away_o for_o it_o provide_v he_o do_v it_o not_o out_o of_o hatred_n or_o revenge_n in_o short_a that_o a_o man_n may_v do_v any_o evil_n to_o he_o that_o have_v offer_v he_o a_o affront_n in_o case_n he_o do_v it_o not_o out_o of_o malice_n or_o to_o revenge_v himself_o upon_o he_o but_o only_o to_o repair_v his_o credit_n and_o defend_v his_o honour_n and_o reputation_n but_o if_o this_o be_v true_a and_o christian_a doctrine_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n mat._n 5.39_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o resist_v not_o evil_a but_o whosoever_o shall_v smite_v thou_o on_o the_o right_a cheek_n turn_v to_o he_o the_o other_o also_o that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o any_o injury_n pass_v upon_o thou_o leave_v thou_o secure_v of_o life_n and_o limb_n if_o it_o only_o touch_v thy_o reputation_n as_o this_o be_v measure_v among_o man_n by_o vulgar_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n do_v thou_o patient_o bear_v the_o injury_n and_o be_v content_a to_o expect_v a_o reward_n hereafter_o for_o it_o whatsoever_o become_v of_o thy_o reputation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v it_o be_v observe_v how_o the_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n loosen_v the_o reins_o to_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n indulge_v their_o vain_a unchristian_a humour_n while_o they_o teach_v they_o to_o value_v their_o reputation_n and_o that_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o vulgar_a judge_n more_o than_o the_o very_a life_n of_o man_n while_o they_o allow_v they_o to_o preserve_v the_o esteem_n of_o vain_a man_n by_o the_o spill_n of_o their_o neighbour_n blood_n as_o though_o his_o life_n be_v of_o less_o value_n than_o the_o opinion_n of_o such_o person_n two_o thing_n further_o i_o shall_v observe_v first_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o good_a intention_n justify_v action_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v in_o effect_n no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o do_v of_o evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v or_o of_o the_o use_n of_o evil_a mean_n for_o the_o attain_v a_o good_a end_n a_o doctrine_n most_o severe_o censure_v rom._n 3.8_o and_o then_o further_o that_o a_o good_a intention_n justify_v a_o indifferent_a action_n a_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o but_o never_o justify_v thing_n unlawful_a in_o these_o thing_n it_o have_v no_o place_n but_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n it_o have_v now_o then_o to_o conclude_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v see_v evil_a principle_n do_v not_o only_o leave_v we_o expose_v to_o sin_n but_o also_o encourage_v we_o thereunto_o see_v they_o expose_v we_o to_o death_n eternal_a by_o so_o do_v let_v we_o have_v a_o care_n of_o such_o person_n and_o such_o a_o church_n as_o teach_v and_o promote_v such_o principle_n let_v we_o be_v steadfast_a in_o that_o church_n where_o the_o save_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v faithful_o teach_v and_o offer_v to_o we_o we_o have_v no_o other_o certain_a help_n against_o the_o most_o pernicious_a evil_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o the_o foul_a sin_n but_o firm_a principle_n faith_n and_o holiness_n assist_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o must_v preserve_v we_o against_o our_o natural_a inclination_n against_o our_o deprave_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o must_v secure_v we_o against_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o recover_v we_o if_o we_o chance_v to_o fall_v through_o humane_a frailty_n and_o infirmity_n he_o that_o commit_v a_o sin_n by_o principle_n have_v nothing_o to_o retrieve_v he_o from_o it_o and_o to_o recover_v he_o from_o his_o fall_n while_o such_o a_o principle_n remain_v in_o he_o but_o he_o that_o fall_v through_o inadvertency_n may_v be_v soon_o recover_v by_o good_a principle_n he_o will_v remember_v he_o have_v do_v amiss_o his_o conscience_n will_v check_v and_o smite_v he_o for_o it_o these_o check_n will_v send_v he_o to_o his_o prayer_n to_o beg_v the_o pardon_n of_o what_o be_v past_a and_o a_o great_a vigilance_n a_o great_a assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n for_o time_n to_o come_v and_o so_o recover_v he_o from_o his_o fall_n and_o restore_v he_o to_o his_o former_a station_n and_o therefore_o let_v it_o be_v our_o care_n to_o govern_v our_o life_n by_o stable_a principle_n of_o integrity_n in_o doubtful_a case_n let_v we_o always_o follow_v the_o safe_a part_n and_o not_o do_v as_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n forsake_v a_o safe_a to_o follow_v a_o more_o unsafe_a opinion_n and_o where_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o do_v a_o thing_n let_v we_o not_o cheat_v our_o own_o reason_n with_o any_o deceitful_a art_n and_o reason_n to_o make_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o if_o we_o do_v this_o we_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o guile_n and_o sophistry_n of_o our_o lust_n and_o may_v make_v the_o plain_a thing_n obscure_v but_o if_o we_o hearty_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o use_v no_o mean_n to_o contradict_v it_o it_o will_v be_v a_o faithful_a guide_n unto_o we_o in_o this_o life_n and_o so_o conduct_v we_o to_o life_n eternal_a how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_v schism_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o they_o value_v themselves_o upon_o this_o account_n and_o believe_v themselves_o the_o only_a saint_n because_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n make_v that_o a_o character_n of_o religion_n which_o tend_v to_o its_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n the_o five_o sermon_n matth._n 16.18_o and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o the_o whole_a verse_n be_v thus_o and_o i_o say_v also_o unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o st_n peter_n have_v in_o the_o 16_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n make_v this_o confession_n of_o our_o lord_n that_o he_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n be_v in_o return_n for_o this_o confession_n first_o pronounce_v a_o bless_a person_n and_o then_o adorn_v with_o a_o excellent_a character_n by_o our_o saviour_n he_o be_v pronounce_v a_o bless_a person_n at_o the_o 17_o verse_n bless_v be_v thou_o simon_n bar-jona_n for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o unto_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n which_o
very_a name_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o lord_n remain_v a_o firm_a and_o stable_a truth_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n 2._o see_v that_o this_o promise_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n universal_a only_o and_o not_o to_o any_o particular_a church_n this_o may_v suggest_v a_o severe_a caution_n to_o all_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v fix_v and_o plant_v careful_o to_o study_v their_o preservation_n and_o due_o to_o mind_n and_o use_v the_o mean_n that_o may_v be_v effectual_a to_o that_o purpose_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v not_o fail_v in_o the_o fail_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n see_v that_o no_o particular_a church_n have_v the_o warranty_n of_o any_o promise_n from_o he_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o lose_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n if_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o any_o particular_a place_n or_o nation_n shall_v become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n exchange_v plain_a and_o wholesome_a truth_n for_o fond_a speculation_n and_o opinion_n if_o they_o shall_v turn_v factious_a and_o schismatical_a neglect_v their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o pastor_n if_o they_o be_v dissolute_a in_o their_o manner_n and_o confute_v their_o profession_n in_o their_o life_n they_o do_v in_o effect_n dissolve_v themselves_o and_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o their_o own_o communion_n and_o what_o be_v more_o provoke_v god_n to_o bring_v confusion_n and_o ruin_n upon_o they_o they_o be_v these_o miscarriage_n that_o open_v the_o way_n to_o the_o turk_n and_o saracen_n to_o overflow_v the_o eastern_a church_n and_o let_v mahometism_n into_o the_o world_n they_o be_v the_o same_o that_o bring_v that_o deluge_n of_o goth_n and_o vandal_n and_o barbarous_a nation_n upon_o the_o west_n and_o what_o may_v happen_v upon_o ourselves_o for_o the_o same_o miscarriage_n that_o be_v among_o we_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o we_o can_v tell_v unless_o those_o evil_n be_v reform_v which_o plain_o threaten_v destruction_n to_o we_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o christ_n admonition_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n may_v due_o he_o apply_v to_o we_o remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o its_o place_n except_o thou_o repent_v rev._n 2.5_o christ_n be_v so_o far_o from_o promise_a safety_n and_o protection_n to_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o people_n where_o they_o neglect_v their_o own_o safety_n where_o they_o wilful_o violate_v his_o law_n that_o he_o threaten_v destruction_n and_o ruin_n to_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n but_o the_o catholic_n or_o universal_a church_n to_o which_o our_o lord_n make_v this_o promise_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n full_a not_o prevail_v against_o it_o this_o be_v clear_v 2._o let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o point_n which_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o far_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o lord_n make_v to_o the_o universal_a church_n secure_v it_o from_o error_n and_o defection_n 1._o and_o first_o of_o all_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o it_o secure_v it_o from_o such_o error_n as_o destroy_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n for_o wheresoever_o these_o prevail_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n prevail_v in_o they_o which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o christ_n promise_n make_v to_o his_o church_n in_o this_o place_n error_n in_o matter_n fundamental_a destroy_v the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o promise_n which_o assure_v we_o that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o church_n assure_v we_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o society_n of_o christian_n which_o shall_v not_o err_v in_o fundamental_o that_o be_v to_o say_v which_o shall_v profess_v all_o christian_a doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n 2._o but_o than_o second_o although_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o lord_n secure_v the_o universal_a church_n from_o error_n in_o fundamental_a point_n yet_o i_o conceive_v it_o do_v not_o secure_v it_o from_o error_n in_o thing_n not_o fundamental_a i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o church_n universal_a of_o any_o age_n even_o since_o the_o decease_n of_o christ_n apostle_n have_v actual_o err_v even_o in_o thing_n of_o less_o concernment_n but_o this_o i_o say_v that_o this_o promise_n do_v not_o secure_v it_o from_o such_o error_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o church_n may_v err_v in_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o fundamental_a and_o yet_o continue_v a_o true_a church_n for_o as_o a_o particular_a or_o single_a person_n may_v be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a christian_a although_o he_o mistake_v in_o lesser_a matter_n in_o such_o as_o do_v not_o appertain_v to_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n so_o also_o may_v a_o society_n of_o man_n be_v a_o true_a church_n although_o they_o err_v in_o the_o like_a matter_n error_n in_o matter_n of_o less_o concernment_n do_v no_o more_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n than_o lesser_a irregularity_n in_o practice_n and_o certain_o such_o irregularity_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o it_o there_o be_v something_o of_o faction_n and_o something_o of_o profaneness_n also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n one_o be_v of_o paul_n another_o of_o apollo_n another_o of_o cephas_n 1_o cor._n 3.3_o 4._o and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n one_o be_v hungry_a and_o another_o be_v drink_v and_o the_o rich_a despise_a and_o contemn_v the_o poor_a 1_o cor._n 11.21_o which_o certain_o be_v no_o small_a miscarriage_n and_o yet_o s._n paul_n do_v still_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a church_n and_o so_o he_o style_v they_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o there_o be_v not_o many_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n whereunto_o s._n john_n write_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n himself_o as_o unto_o true_a christian_a church_n but_o have_v some_o considerable_a fault_n in_o they_o for_o thus_o be_v our_o lord_n bring_v in_o as_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n remember_v therefore_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v etc._n etc._n revel_v 2.5_o to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o suffer_v they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n revel_v 2.14_o to_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezebel_n which_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o seduce_v my_o servant_n etc._n etc._n revel_v 2.20_o to_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n revel_v 3.2_o to_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a so_o then_o because_o thou_o be_v lukewarm_a and_o neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a i_o will_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n unless_o thou_o reform_v in_o due_a time_n revel_v 3.16_o 18._o the_o sum_n be_v this_o as_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n where_o there_o be_v defect_n in_o point_n of_o practice_n so_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n also_o where_o there_o be_v defect_n in_o point_n of_o truth_n provide_v they_o be_v not_o in_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v fundamental_a to_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o since_o this_o promise_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n import_v no_o more_o but_o that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o true_a church_n it_o do_v not_o secure_v the_o same_o church_n from_o error_n in_o matter_n not_o fundamental_a and_o now_o to_o reflect_v upon_o this_o point_n 1._o hence_o we_o learn_v what_o it_o have_v be_v that_o have_v preserve_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o that_o church_n in_o all_o its_o several_a danger_n and_o hazard_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o christianity_n namely_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o this_o his_o stable_n and_o gracious_a promise_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n which_o faithfulness_n will_v appear_v more_o signal_n if_o we_o shall_v make_v a_o short_a reflection_n upon_o the_o several_a danger_n and_o trial_n that_o have_v in_o several_a and_o divers_a age_n assault_v the_o church_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n 1._o and_o first_o of_o all_o when_o that_o church_n and_o faith_n do_v first_o appear_v they_o be_v assault_v by_o persecution_n by_o persecution_n from_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o that_o both_o by_o the_o tongue_n and_o the_o sword_n the_o scribes_z and_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o philosopher_n also_o among_o the_o gentile_n bend_v all_o their_o wit_n to_o confute_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o
1._o easie_n 2._o pleasant_n and_o 3._o fit_a to_o promote_v and_o serve_v those_o end_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v apt_a to_o propound_v unto_o themselves_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o make_v a_o outward_a show_n of_o piety_n while_o the_o lust_n be_v suffer_v to_o dwell_v within_o and_o man_n natural_o love_v their_o ease_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o content_v themselves_o with_o that_o which_o have_v a_o fair_a resemblance_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o be_v favourable_a to_o the_o lust_n to_o love_v and_o embrace_v it_o on_o that_o account_n man_n never_o quarrel_v with_o religion_n till_o it_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o lust_n they_o use_v it_o as_o herod_n do_v the_o baptist_n speak_v it_o fair_a and_o treat_v it_o kind_o and_o bear_v fair_a regard_n to_o it_o while_o it_o be_v content_a to_o oblige_v no_o further_o than_o to_o some_o plausible_a outward_a action_n it_o be_v never_o difficult_a till_o it_o require_v they_o to_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v the_o lust_n within_o and_o those_o peculiar_a lust_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v predominant_a in_o themselves_o till_o it_o demand_v a_o eye_n or_o a_o hand_n something_o that_o be_v dear_a or_o ufeful_a to_o they_o here_o it_o be_v that_o they_o forsake_v it_o and_o cast_v it_o off_o when_o it_o grow_v press_v and_o importunate_a in_o contradiction_n to_o their_o appetite_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n if_o it_o will_v indulge_v the_o lust_n within_o if_o it_o will_v permit_v pride_n and_o avarice_n and_o animosity_n to_o dwell_v there_o and_o content_v itself_o to_o paint_v and_o gild_v the_o outward_a man_n if_o it_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o these_o external_a show_n and_o action_n which_o be_v plausible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o thwart_v no_o secular_a end_n and_o interest_n no_o carnal_a appetite_n and_o inclination_n they_o be_v ready_a enough_o to_o entertain_v it_o now_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o hypocrisy_n it_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o those_o thing_n this_o as_o i_o former_o show_v at_o large_a be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o do_v confine_v it_o to_o outward_a action_n and_o further_a yet_o to_o those_o that_o make_v the_o fair_a show_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n add_v hereto_o a_o due_a care_n to_o omit_v the_o evil_n which_o be_v so_o notorious_o and_o gross_o so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v excuse_v either_o by_o misinterpret_v the_o law_n or_o by_o blind_a the_o eye_n of_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v they_o and_o this_o it_o be_v that_o make_v their_o religion_n strange_o spread_v and_o diffuse_v itself_o through_o the_o body_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n we_o be_v all_o apt_a to_o study_v for_o easy_a way_n to_o heaven_n all_o mankind_n desire_v happiness_n but_o they_o desire_v it_o may_v cost_v they_o nothing_o to_o attain_v it_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o gnostic_n make_v it_o lawful_a to_o deny_v christ_n to_o abjure_v christianity_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o spiritual_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v glad_a to_o accommodate_v the_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n not_o to_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n but_o to_o the_o ordinary_a way_n and_o manner_n of_o mankind_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v glad_a to_o absolve_v from_o sin_n upon_o mere_a profession_n of_o repentance_n to_o promise_v forgiveness_n and_o life_n eternal_a to_o they_o that_o will_v undergo_v the_o penance_n although_o they_o will_v not_o forsake_v the_o sin_n a_o easy_a religion_n easy_o recommend_v itself_o to_o man_n acceptance_n and_o inclination_n such_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n such_o in_o truth_n be_v all_o hypocrisy_n and_o therefore_o scarce_o to_o be_v avoid_v without_o considerable_a care_n and_o diligence_n 2._o and_o second_o what_o be_v more_o considerable_a hypocrisy_n be_v not_o only_o a_o easy_a but_o a_o pleasant_a religion_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o exercise_v it_o elf_n in_o censure_v the_o vice_n scorn_v the_o person_n and_o oppose_v the_o religion_n of_o other_o man_n all_o which_o thing_n as_o they_o pass_v for_o religion_n with_o many_o man_n so_o be_v they_o so_o far_o from_o be_v troublesome_a that_o they_o be_v singular_a gratification_n to_o pride_n and_o envy_n and_o animosity_n 1._o the_o religion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n that_o be_v hypocrisy_n much_o consist_v in_o censure_v the_o vice_n of_o other_o person_n they_o have_v a_o eye_n upon_o every_o man_n life_n except_o their_o own_o they_o have_v a_o reproof_n for_o every_o man_n fault_n great_a or_o small_a while_o they_o be_v indulgent_a to_o themselves_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o every_o other_o man_n behaviour_n far_o more_o than_o in_o their_o own_o life_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o as_o i_o observe_v in_o a_o former_a discourse_n that_o they_o lay_v heavy_a burden_n and_o grievous_a to_o be_v bear_v on_o other_o man_n shoulder_n but_o that_o they_o themselves_o will_v not_o move_v they_o with_o one_o of_o their_o finger_n matth._n 23.4_o he_o tell_v we_o how_o sharp_a and_o quick_a they_o be_v in_o espy_v a_o mote_n in_o their_o brother_n eye_n not_o consider_v the_o beam_n in_o their_o own_o matth._n 7.3_o which_o as_o it_o pass_v for_o religion_n among_o the_o man_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o use_v it_o so_o it_o be_v grateful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o the_o natural_a passion_n of_o mankind_n it_o gratify_v pride_n and_o self-conceit_n it_o gratify_v anger_n and_o animosity_n it_o feed_v self-love_n with_o great_a content_n as_o make_v the_o person_n very_o think_v that_o he_o himself_o have_v a_o detestation_n unto_o evil_n because_o he_o censure_v it_o in_o other_o person_n how_o eloquent_a and_o how_o free_a of_o speech_n be_v those_o man_n that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o condemn_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o person_n how_o do_v the_o word_n gush_v like_o water_n from_o a_o fountain_n what_o heat_n what_o warmth_n what_o zeal_n and_o passion_n may_v you_o discover_v in_o their_o language_n and_o whence_o do_v all_o this_o rhetoric_n flow_v what_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o this_o eloquence_n but_o the_o pleasure_n they_o take_v in_o the_o reproof_n in_o the_o rebuke_n of_o their_o neighbour_n sin_n so_o pleasant_a be_v it_o and_o delightful_a to_o censure_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n 2._o add_v hereunto_o another_o instance_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n very_o grateful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o the_o sinful_a passion_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o lie_v not_o only_o in_o censure_v the_o fault_n but_o deride_v the_o person_n of_o other_o man_n i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o much_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n how_o much_o our_o very_a lord_n himself_o be_v scorn_v and_o deride_v by_o the_o pharisee_n but_o that_o which_o i_o now_o observe_v be_v this_o that_o it_o pass_v for_o a_o piece_n of_o religion_n among_o some_o person_n to_o speak_v contemptuous_o of_o other_o man_n to_o scorn_v a_o priest_n to_o deride_v a_o bishop_n to_o mock_v and_o scorn_v a_o whole_a profession_n be_v judge_v by_o some_o a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o religion_n to_o invent_v opprobrious_a name_n and_o fable_n to_o forge_v to_o receive_v and_o spread_v report_n false_a and_o scandalous_a and_o disgraceful_a concern_v their_o person_n and_o their_o life_n be_v now_o become_v a_o part_n of_o religion_n with_o many_o man_n they_o do_v not_o only_o not_o accuse_v themselves_o for_o this_o but_o they_o applaud_v themselves_o in_o it_o they_o do_v noton_o not_o believe_v themselves_o the_o worse_a but_o better_a man_n for_o so_o do_v this_o be_v their_o religion_n this_o be_v their_o piety_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o prize_v and_o value_v themselves_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v deny_v this_o they_o will_v have_v very_o little_a to_o say_v little_a to_o plead_v for_o their_o be_v of_o any_o religion_n at_o all_o if_o you_o shall_v strip_v they_o of_o their_o zeal_n in_o scorn_v those_o they_o ought_v to_o value_v if_o you_o shall_v quench_v all_o that_o heat_n that_o appear_v in_o anger_n and_o animosity_n against_o the_o person_n of_o other_o man_n if_o you_o shall_v require_v what_o god_n do_v what_o be_v command_v in_o the_o gosspel_n to_o show_v their_o religion_n in_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o christian_a charity_n in_o patience_n gentleness_n and_o humility_n in_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherein_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v rom._n 14.17_o you_o will_v find_v they_o far_o from_o be_v that_o which_o they_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v namely_o true_a and_o real_a christian_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v it_o be_v so_o pleasant_a be_v it_o be_v so_o grateful_a