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 they_o one_o in_o judgement_n they_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o wise_a council_n than_o any_o one_o age_n can_v probable_o afford_v a_o council_n certain_o of_o more_o value_n and_o far_o great_a credit_n than_o that_o conventicle_n of_o trent_n wherein_o there_o sit_v sometime_o at_o least_o little_o more_o than_o 40_o bishop_n and_o some_o of_o those_o but_o mere_o titular_a and_o suborn_v too_o and_o upon_o this_o score_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n must_v needs_o excuse_v we_o that_o we_o do_v rather_o adhere_v to_o the_o unite_a judgement_n of_o so_o many_o ancient_a father_n then_o to_o those_o late_a decree_n and_o canon_n of_o trent_n which_o contradict_v they_o it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o our_o adversary_n of_o rome_n that_o in_o the_o great_a controversy_n betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o most_o ancient_a council_n and_o father_n who_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o impartial_a and_o able_a judge_n the_o whole_a matter_n in_o question_n we_o offer_v to_o their_o decision_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o stand_v or_o fall_v as_o they_o determine_v but_o alas_o there_o be_v no_o tribunal_n like_o saint_n peter_n chair_n one_o pope_n be_v of_o more_o value_n with_o they_o then_o ten_o saint_n augustine_n nor_o indeed_o can_v we_o blame_v they_o for_o where_o the_o cause_n be_v notorious_o bad_a it_o be_v strange_a imprudence_n to_o refer_v it_o to_o any_o other_o vmpire_n and_o arbitratour_n save_v only_o such_o who_o be_v prepossess_v with_o the_o strong_a prejudice_n and_o oblige_v by_o the_o great_a interest_n to_o defend_v and_o own_v it_o and_o thus_o stand_v the_o case_n with_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o as_o for_o we_o where_o matter_n be_v doubtful_a and_o scripture_n be_v not_o clear_a we_o dare_v not_o run_v to_o uncertain_a tradition_n and_o the_o pretend_a infallibility_n of_o pope_n but_o rather_o to_o ancient_a council_n and_o father_n from_o who_o we_o do_v rational_o expect_v more_o satisfactory_a resolution_n and_o far_o better_a comment_n but_o 4._o there_o be_v several_a system_n of_o divinity_n confession_n of_o faith_n short_a abridgement_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o be_v especial_o to_o unlearned_a person_n great_a help_n in_o this_o matter_n too_o and_o here_o methinks_v those_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o apostle_n nice_n and_o athanasius_n which_o be_v so_o general_o receive_v by_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n to_o settle_v our_o judgement_n in_o the_o main_a and_o most_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n whatever_o contradict_v any_o one_o article_n deliver_v and_o contain_v therein_o may_v be_v just_o suspect_v of_o heresy_n error_n and_o innovation_n and_o as_o for_o other_o doctrine_n practice_n and_o matter_n of_o discipline_n we_o may_v have_v recourse_n and_o that_o with_o good_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o know_a article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o book_n of_o homily_n and_o that_o excellent_a liturgy_n of_o we_o which_o that_o 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
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
bring_v they_o to_o your_o minister_n bring_v they_o to_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a bishop_n of_o our_o church_n those_o that_o be_v now_o alive_a or_o those_o that_o be_v go_v but_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o such_o excellent_a book_n which_o our_o adversary_n can_v never_o answer_v and_o if_o you_o find_v as_o upon_o a_o due_a examination_n you_o certain_o will_v that_o your_o bible_n do_v contradict_v their_o tenant_n if_o it_o appear_v that_o our_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v against_o their_o pope_n and_o his_o council_n if_o our_o divine_n have_v satisfactory_o answer_v whatever_a they_o have_v sophistical_o object_v if_o we_o can_v produce_v such_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o any_o wise_a and_o impartial_a judge_n shall_v appear_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v our_o doctrine_n and_o disprove_v they_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v evident_a that_o the_o reform_a religion_n be_v the_o only_a religion_n which_o christ_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n let_v i_o then_o allude_v to_o the_o word_n of_o elijah_n if_o god_n be_v god_n then_o follow_v he_o if_o our_o present_a religion_n be_v right_a let_v we_o then_o embrace_v and_o own_v it_o still_o remember_v that_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o establish_a religion_n we_o do_v in_o some_o case_n appeal_v to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n in_o other_o case_n we_o appeal_v to_o sound_v reason_n and_o in_o all_o case_n we_o appeal_v to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o so_o if_o our_o own_o sense_n which_o we_o trust_v without_o all_o jealousy_n in_o other_o concern_v do_v not_o deceive_v we_o in_o this_o which_o be_v the_o main_a if_o all_o that_o reason_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o distinguish_v man_n from_o a_o brute_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o nay_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v infallible_a in_o it_o self_n and_o as_o it_o be_v expound_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a unprejudiced_a and_o wise_a council_n and_o father_n can_v fail_v we_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o our_o religion_n be_v true_a right_a and_o good_a and_o since_o it_o be_v so_o let_v we_o unchangeable_o resolve_v to_o profess_v defend_v and_o maintain_v it_o even_o for_o ever_o and_o if_o perhaps_o the_o defence_n thereof_o shall_v cost_v we_o dear_a yet_o remember_v whatever_o we_o expend_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v bestow_v upon_o that_o god_n who_o well_o deserve_v it_o shall_v it_o cost_v we_o our_o estate_n our_o liberty_n our_o very_a life_n which_o we_o trust_v the_o mercy_n of_o our_o god_n and_o the_o constancy_n and_o care_n of_o our_o sovereign_n will_v still_o prevent_v yet_o remember_v there_o be_v no_o charge_n that_o can_v be_v too_o great_a which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o a_o bless_a jesus_n and_o a_o immortal_a soul_n the_o second_o doctrine_n 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 see_v why_o upon_o 3_o account_n 1._o to_o let_v go_v a_o religion_n that_o be_v good_a be_v matter_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v the_o great_a command_n of_o god_n in_o the_o text_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a it_o be_v that_o which_o saint_n paul_n press_v again_o heb._n 10.13_o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o which_o christ_n command_v from_o heaven_n apoc._n 3.11_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o thou_o have_v we_o have_v precept_n upon_o precept_n god_n be_v so_o jealous_a of_o his_o name_n and_o so_o much_o concern_v for_o his_o religion_n that_o he_o give_v we_o one_o command_n after_o another_o that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o oblige_v we_o not_o to_o quit_v it_o and_o certain_a it_o be_v we_o may_v with_o as_o little_a offence_n to_o heaven_n with_o as_o little_a injury_n to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o with_o as_o little_a prejudice_n to_o ourselves_o make_v bold_a with_o many_o other_o command_v as_o with_o this_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v dispute_v but_o we_o may_v with_o less_o gild_n become_v false_a to_o man_n then_o treacherous_a to_o god_n it_o be_v safe_a to_o prove_v a_o thief_n then_o to_o prove_v a_o apostate_n we_o may_v with_o great_a innocence_n squander_v away_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n than_o that_o religion_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v commit_v to_o our_o trust_n and_o that_o with_o this_o severe_a injunction_n even_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o jewel_n of_o his_o crown_n hold_v it_o fast_o but_o 2._o to_o let_v go_v a_o religion_n that_o be_v good_a be_v matter_n of_o shame_n and_o great_a dishonour_n and_o here_o methinks_v if_o we_o be_v not_o so_o good_a christian_n as_o to_o value_v the_o command_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o man_n as_o to_o respect_v our_o own_o reputation_n and_o credit_n if_o we_o will_v not_o hold_v fast_o our_o true_a religion_n for_o fear_n of_o sin_n yet_o let_v we_o do_v it_o for_o fear_n of_o shame_n to_o renounce_v that_o faith_n that_o be_v right_a and_o sound_a be_v not_o only_o to_o disobey_v our_o god_n but_o to_o reproach_n and_o vilify_v ourselves_o too_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n to_o be_v name_v no_o motive_n to_o be_v imagine_v for_o our_o cast_v off_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o dishonour_v and_o shame_n attend_v it_o see_v this_o in_o 4_o particular_n 1._o there_o be_v some_o person_n that_o forsake_v the_o true_a religion_n bare_o for_o want_n of_o discretion_n judgement_n knowledge_n and_o better_a ability_n to_o defend_v it_o certain_o imprudence_n ignorance_n and_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o any_o man_n whatever_o but_o especial_o to_o such_o as_o want_v no_o mean_n to_o inform_v themselves_o much_o better_o so_o think_v saint_n paul_n 1_o cor._n 6.5_o i_o speak_v to_o your_o shame_n be_v it_o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n among_o you_o the_o expression_n be_v tart_a and_o it_o clear_o import_v that_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o great_a reproach_n to_o humane_a nature_n but_o much_o more_o to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n than_o the_o defect_n of_o prudence_n and_o the_o want_n of_o understanding_n it_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n that_o make_v we_o man_n and_o the_o more_o we_o fail_v in_o this_o the_o more_o do_v we_o degenerate_v into_o brute_n and_o thus_o stand_v the_o case_n with_o every_o man_n that_o part_n with_o a_o true_a religion_n bare_o because_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o maintain_v it_o whosoever_o manage_v the_o better_a cause_n and_o yet_o be_v baffle_v do_v plain_o discover_v to_o his_o adversary_n and_o may_v just_o assure_v himself_o that_o he_o want_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o therefore_o be_v so_o much_o the_o less_o a_o man._n true_a it_o be_v to_o be_v overthrow_v and_o worsted_n in_o the_o patronage_n of_o a_o bad_a matter_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o be_v happy_o beat_v with_o safety_n and_o great_a advantage_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o our_o quarrel_n be_v good_a and_o yet_o we_o be_v foil_v if_o we_o stand_v on_o the_o high_a ground_n but_o can_v keep_v it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n but_o its_o sorry_a champion_n that_o must_v be_v blame_v and_o that_o be_v our_o case_n this_o day_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o have_v all_o advantage_n on_o our_o side_n the_o best_a and_o most_o ancient_a council_n the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n for_o six_o hundred_o year_n together_o and_o that_o which_o be_v more_o than_o all_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n to_o serve_v god_n by_o be_v certain_o for_o we_o and_o if_o so_o what_o a_o dishonour_n will_v it_o be_v if_o any_o of_o we_o for_o want_v of_o skill_n to_o use_v these_o weapon_n which_o god_n have_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n shall_v suffer_v his_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o we_o to_o receive_v a_o blow_n and_o be_v defeat_v what_o will_v become_v of_o our_o reputation_n shall_v we_o suffer_v some_o crafty_a jesuit_n by_o mere_a sophistry_n and_o fallacy_n to_o captivate_v our_o reason_n and_o to_o lead_v we_o with_o pomp_n and_o triumph_n as_o so_o many_o prisoner_n rather_o than_o proselyte_n to_o rome_n what_o will_v the_o world_n say_v shall_v we_o suffer_v the_o best_a religion_n that_o it_o ever_o see_v to_o be_v lose_v not_o by_o force_n and_o violence_n but_o mere_a fraud_n and_o cheat_n shall_v we_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v not_o extort_a from_o we_o for_o want_v of_o strong_a arm_n but_o surprise_v and_o steal_v for_o want_v of_o clear_a eye_n and_o better_a brain_n it_o will_v be_v
off_o that_o slender_a objection_n which_o some_o inconsiderate_a person_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v against_o our_o excellent_a liturgy_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o worse_a because_o derive_v as_o they_o say_v from_o the_o roman_a missal_n for_o what_o if_o the_o reformer_n of_o our_o religion_n take_v that_o very_a book_n which_o be_v then_o the_o rule_n of_o divine_a service_n throughout_o the_o kingdom_n and_o after_o a_o serious_a enquiry_n into_o all_o its_o part_n and_o office_n raze_v and_o blot_v out_o whatever_o deserve_v the_o sponge_n shall_v we_o blame_v they_o if_o after_o they_o have_v thus_o prove_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o first_o command_n in_o the_o text_n they_o do_v also_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o second_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a when_o solomon_n be_v to_o build_v the_o temple_n i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o he_o like_v his_o material_n one_o jot_n the_o worse_a because_o they_o be_v fetch_v from_o hiram_n who_o be_v a_o mere_a pagan_a and_o a_o idolatrous_a king_n no_o the_o cedar_n be_v good_a though_o present_v by_o a_o wicked_a hand_n yet_o solomon_n like_v they_o and_o so_o do_v god_n almighty_a too_o the_o case_n be_v much_o like_o we_o when_o those_o eminent_a person_n of_o our_o nation_n under_o the_o happy_a reign_n of_o edward_n the_o six_o and_o queen_n elizabeth_n have_v leave_v and_o opportunity_n to_o rebuild_v god_n house_n and_o repair_v the_o woeful_a ruin_n of_o his_o religion_n their_o great_a care_n be_v to_o furnish_v themselves_o with_o good_a material_n not_o much_o regard_v whence_o they_o have_v they_o their_o business_n be_v not_o to_o erect_v a_o new_a church_n but_o mend_v a_o old_a one_o and_o in_o so_o do_v they_o do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v usual_o do_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o build_v as_o to_o repair_v put_v the_o case_n that_o a_o man_n take_v a_o ruinous_a house_n in_o piece_n with_o a_o design_n to_o contrive_v and_o raise_v it_o better_o shall_v we_o condemn_v this_o man_n for_o a_o fool_n if_o throw_v away_o whatever_o stone_n and_o timber_n prove_v to_o be_v naught_o and_o rot_a he_o do_v use_v such_o old_a material_n as_o do_v appear_v firm_a and_o sound_a even_o as_o new_a one_o thus_o stand_v the_o case_n with_o the_o reformer_n of_o our_o church_n they_o be_v encourage_v to_o new_a mould_n that_o old_a religion_n which_o have_v be_v corrupt_v well_o they_o take_v it_o in_o piece_n they_o consider_v all_o its_o part_n whatever_o be_v naught_o and_o vicious_a they_o lay_v aside_o but_o whatever_o be_v good_a they_o still_o retain_v and_o who_o can_v just_o blame_v they_o pray_v tell_v i_o if_o gold_n be_v right_a if_o it_o be_v cleanse_v and_o scour_v what_o be_v it_o the_o worse_a for_o be_v find_v upon_o a_o dunghill_n and_o if_o the_o liturgy_n of_o our_o church_n be_v such_o gold_n indeed_o if_o it_o be_v so_o well_o purify_v and_o so_o thorough_o reform_v that_o it_o exceed_v all_o liturgy_n beside_o what_o be_v it_o the_o worse_a if_o perhaps_o some_o parcel_n of_o it_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o same_o rome_n from_o which_o peradventure_o after_o the_o invasion_n of_o the_o pagan_a saxon_n we_o recover_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o austin_n the_o monk_n our_o very_a bibles_n too_o what_o our_o concern_v be_v my_o text_n inform_v we_o prove_v all_o thing_n search_v try_v examine_v that_o service_n of_o our_o church_n which_o our_o reformer_n have_v recommend_v to_o we_o and_o when_o once_o that_o be_v do_v if_o we_o find_v it_o innocent_a good_a and_o holy_a here_o be_v our_o duty_n hold_v it_o fast_o iii_o consider_v how_o much_o to_o blame_v those_o person_n be_v who_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o debauchery_n from_o hope_n or_o fear_n or_o the_o prevalence_n of_o such_o and_o such_o example_n have_v desert_v the_o reform_a religion_n and_o embrace_v the_o roman_a religion_n shall_v i_o say_v or_o superstition_n such_o person_n in_o stead_n of_o obey_v the_o great_a command_n of_o my_o text_n have_v most_o shameful_o break_v it_o in_o stead_n of_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a they_o have_v very_o unworthy_o let_v it_o go_v that_o the_o reform_a religion_n be_v certain_o good_a that_o the_o roman_a religion_n where_o it_o differ_v from_o we_o be_v certain_o naught_o many_o pious_a and_o learned_a divine_n of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o church_n have_v prove_v by_o such_o argument_n as_o the_o pope_n and_o all_o his_o council_n can_v never_o answer_v without_o sophistry_n and_o with_o satisfaction_n they_o have_v prove_v the_o reform_a religion_n to_o be_v that_o very_a religion_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v the_o world_n that_o religion_n which_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o wise_a council_n ratify_v that_o religion_n which_o the_o most_o early_a and_o judicious_a father_n have_v confirm_v that_o religion_n which_o pagan_a tyrant_n persecute_v that_o religion_n which_o enable_v the_o martyr_n with_o comfort_n and_o joy_n to_o kiss_v the_o stake_n and_o embrace_v the_o flame_n that_o religion_n which_o teach_v man_n to_o serve_v his_o god_n obey_v his_o prince_n and_o love_v his_o neighbour_n and_o if_o so_o if_o the_o reform_a religion_n be_v indeed_o the_o religion_n of_o god_n whereas_o that_o of_o rome_n in_o many_o thing_n be_v but_o the_o mere_a invention_n of_o man_n if_o the_o reform_a religion_n teach_v we_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n alone_o whereas_o that_o of_o rome_n require_v the_o adoration_n of_o creature_n too_o if_o the_o reform_a religion_n teach_v we_o to_o obey_v and_o honour_v even_o wicked_a ruler_n whereas_o that_o of_o rome_n teach_v the_o depose_n and_o assassination_n of_o all_o prince_n how_o good_a soever_o that_o do_v not_o please_v they_o if_o the_o reform_a religion_n do_v protest_v against_o the_o breach_n of_o sacred_a oath_n and_o other_o sin_n whereas_o that_o of_o rome_n dispense_v with_o they_o in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o reform_a religion_n be_v certain_o good_a and_o that_o of_o rome_n stark_v naught_o i_o beseech_v you_o by_o all_o that_o tender_a respect_n which_o you_o have_v for_o your_o comfort_n in_o this_o world_n or_o your_o interest_n in_o the_o next_o by_o all_o that_o regard_n which_o you_o have_v for_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n or_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v steadfast_a be_v unmovable_a be_v not_o trepan_v out_o of_o your_o religion_n be_v not_o surprise_v nor_o cheat_v nor_o yet_o be_v scare_v and_o fright_v out_o of_o your_o most_o holy_a faith_n o_o remember_v what_o my_o text_n command_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a why_o sir_n my_o soul_n for_o you_o your_o present_a religion_n be_v such_o it_o be_v good_a it_o be_v holy_a it_o be_v a_o religion_n that_o advance_v virtue_n and_o beat_v down_o vice_n it_o be_v a_o religion_n that_o exalt_v christ_n and_o lay_v the_o creature_n low_a it_o be_v a_o religion_n that_o please_v god_n and_o save_v man_n and_o if_o so_o will_v you_o cast_v it_o off_o and_o change_v it_o for_o a_o worse_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o much_o like_o aesop_n dog_n as_o to_o exchange_v substance_n for_o mere_a shadow_n shall_v we_o be_v such_o natural_n and_o perfect_a fool_n as_o to_o exchange_v pearl_n of_o value_n for_o splendid_a and_o gawdy_a trifle_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o religion_n of_o rome_n do_v transcend_v and_o outshine_v we_o in_o external_a pomp_n and_o bravery_n but_o what_o then_o it_o be_v not_o this_o which_o take_v with_o god_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o take_v with_o man_n there_o be_v many_o a_o dissemble_a hypocrite_n that_o make_v a_o more_o glorious_a show_n then_o the_o real_a saint_n the_o dirty_a comet_n do_v outblaze_v the_o real_a star_n and_o yet_o shall_v we_o like_v they_o better_o no_o it_o be_v not_o for_o man_n but_o child_n to_o be_v take_v with_o baby_n and_o puppet_n secure_v yourselves_o that_o the_o religion_n of_o rome_n though_o it_o be_v magnificent_a and_o pompous_a yet_o it_o be_v naught_o though_o it_o seem_v never_o so_o fair_a and_o fine_a yet_o it_o be_v rot_v be_v confident_a that_o if_o you_o change_v you_o change_v for_o the_o worse_o you_o can_v change_v but_o you_o must_v dishonour_v god_n and_o undo_v your_o self_n i_o tell_v you_o again_o it_o be_v worse_a far_o worse_o to_o be_v make_v and_o turn_v a_o papist_n then_o to_o be_v breed_v one_o the_o man_n that_o be_v so_o breed_v from_o his_o infancy_n though_o his_o case_n be_v dangerous_a enough_o yet_o here_o be_v something_o that_o extenuate_v his_o sin_n he_o neither_o do_v nor_o perhaps_o for_o want_v of_o all_o better_a mean_n can_v know_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v better_a and_o upon_o that_o score_n as_o he_o may_v just_o plead_v so_o peradventure_o god_n may_v merciful_o spare_v his_o ignorance_n but_o however_o it_o fare_v with_o he_o it_o will_v be_v worse_o with_o that_o person_n who_o be_v breed_v in_o the_o reform_a church_n where_o no_o mean_n be_v want_v for_o his_o confirmation_n in_o the_o protestant_a faith_n which_o he_o there_o embrace_v do_v notwithstanding_o upon_o this_o or_o that_o pretence_n cast_v it_o off_o turn_v romanist_n and_o thereby_o do_v at_o once_o become_v a_o idolater_n and_o a_o apostate_n too_o how_o god_n may_v deal_v with_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n that_o be_v devout_a in_o their_o way_n and_o think_v themselves_o right_a i_o can_v tell_v but_o as_o for_o the_o protestant_n who_o may_v know_v and_o yet_o be_v ignorant_a if_o he_o be_v betray_v by_o that_o supine_n and_o inexcusable_a ignorance_n of_o he_o or_o tempt_v some_o other_o way_n to_o the_o change_n of_o his_o religion_n his_o sin_n be_v great_a his_o shame_n be_v great_a and_o his_o danger_n be_v great_a too_o and_o so_o great_a that_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o whosoever_o do_v thus_o remove_v from_o the_o true_a church_n of_o england_n to_o that_o corrupt_a one_o of_o rome_n without_o a_o timely_a repentance_n and_o a_o serious_a recantation_n his_o next_o remove_n will_v be_v from_o earth_n to_o hell_n δόξα_n θεῷ_n finis_fw-la finis_fw-la euseb_n hist_o l._n 5._o pag._n 196._o
religion_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o instruct_v and_o help_v our_o brother_n for_o if_o not_o it_o be_v like_a enough_o that_o we_o may_v be_v cheat_v what_o we_o rash_o take_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n may_v perhaps_o upon_o a_o review_n prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n what_o we_o unadvised_o take_v for_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n may_v perhaps_o upon_o a_o strict_a survey_n prove_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o imposture_n of_o man_n and_o if_o once_o we_o come_v to_o propagate_v these_o what_o great_a pleasure_n can_v we_o do_v the_o devil_n what_o great_a disservice_n can_v we_o do_v the_o church_n of_o god_n what_o great_a injury_n can_v we_o do_v our_o neighbour_n our_o bosom_n friend_n our_o darling_n child_n certain_a it_o be_v we_o be_v much_o engage_v to_o sift_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o we_o be_v to_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n and_o teach_v our_o brother_n lest_o otherwise_o through_o our_o own_o mistake_n and_o idle_a confidence_n we_o become_v guilty_a of_o cruel_a charity_n and_o prove_v instrumental_a to_o damn_v that_o soul_n who_o we_o inâ—end_v and_o be_v oblige_v to_o save_v 3._o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o examine_v our_o religion_n and_o see_v it_o be_v right_a by_o all_o that_o kind_a respect_n which_o we_o owe_v the_o church_n and_o nation_n where_o we_o dwell_v that_o the_o welfare_n of_o kingdom_n do_v but_o little_o depend_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n may_v perhaps_o be_v object_v from_o that_o know_a example_n of_o the_o turk_n and_o some_o other_o nation_n where_o idolatry_n reign_v and_o yet_o success_n power_n and_o wealth_n attend_v they_o but_o sure_o that_o such_o nation_n flourish_v it_o be_v not_o from_o any_o covenant_n or_o promise_n but_o from_o the_o general_a providence_n and_o perhaps_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o rather_o from_o the_o want_n of_o we_o solomon_n tell_v we_o prov._n 14.34_o righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n yea_o where_o virtue_n thrive_v where_o true_a religion_n flourish_v it_o be_v sure_a that_o kingdom_n will_v do_v so_o too_o we_o read_v that_o while_o the_o jew_n retain_v their_o religious_a worship_n in_o its_o purity_n they_o be_v a_o rich_a and_o thrive_a nation_n belove_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o fear_v of_o man_n but_o when_o once_o they_o suffer_v idolatry_n and_o superstition_n to_o steal_v in_o among_o they_o it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o this_o very_a sin_n prove_v the_o subversion_n of_o their_o state_n and_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o church_n methinks_v this_o dreadful_a instance_n shall_v make_v we_o exceed_o wary_a what_o religion_n we_o admit_v among_o we_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v our_o wisdom_n not_o to_o permit_v much_o less_o to_o establish_v by_o law_n any_o doctrine_n whatever_o that_o have_v already_o be_v not_o only_o suspect_v but_o upon_o mature_a advice_n condemn_v too_o except_o we_o be_v now_o full_o satisfy_v by_o clear_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v at_o least_o reconcilable_a to_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v and_o our_o god_n approve_v for_o if_o we_o do_v otherwise_o if_o our_o folly_n carelessness_n ignorance_n or_o vice_n shall_v prove_v a_o mean_n to_o retrieve_v those_o erroneous_a doctrine_n and_o superstitious_a practice_n which_o the_o wisdom_n piety_n and_o zeal_n of_o our_o forefather_n have_v just_o banish_v it_o we_o shall_v reduce_v those_o superfluous_a vain_a and_o burdensome_a ceremony_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o our_o noble_a progenitour_n have_v so_o deserve_o explode_v if_o we_o shall_v base_o let_v go_v those_o great_a and_o concern_v truth_n which_o our_o heroical_a ancestor_n have_v derive_v unto_o we_o seal_v with_o their_o dear_a blood_n if_o we_o shall_v exchange_v a_o good_a religion_n for_o a_o bad_a what_o can_v we_o expect_v but_o that_o our_o holy_a god_n who_o be_v so_o jealous_a of_o his_o great_a name_n shall_v be_v angry_a with_o we_o even_o till_o he_o have_v quite_o conjume_v we_o it_o be_v true_a god_n indeed_o may_v bear_v with_o the_o idolatry_n of_o poor_a ignorant_a turk_n and_o pagan_n who_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v know_v what_o be_v better_a but_o as_o for_o this_o nation_n of_o we_o we_o have_v his_o law_n and_o his_o prophet_n we_o have_v his_o evangelist_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o have_v the_o gospel_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n to_o confirm_v and_o settle_v we_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o if_o so_o shall_v we_o turn_v apostate_n shall_v we_o embrace_v a_o false_a religion_n and_o become_v idolater_n so_o dreadful_a will_v the_o consequence_n be_v that_o we_o may_v just_o tremble_v so_o much_o as_o once_o to_o name_v they_o if_o therefore_o we_o have_v any_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n towards_o the_o womb_n that_o bear_v we_o if_o we_o have_v any_o kindness_n for_o the_o breast_n that_o feed_v we_o if_o we_o have_v any_o compassion_n for_o the_o nation_n that_o warm_v and_o clothes_v we_o let_v we_o never_o close_v with_o any_o other_o religion_n except_o it_o produce_v some_o better_a warrant_n than_o our_o present_a church_n can_v show_v and_o that_o not_o from_o a_o priest_n not_o from_o a_o jesuit_n not_o from_o some_o pretend_a forge_a and_o abuse_a father_n but_o from_o a_o prophet_n from_o a_o evangelist_n from_o a_o apostle_n one_o of_o who_o be_v of_o more_o value_n and_o great_a credit_n than_o the_o whole_a romish_a conclave_n and_o all_o their_o council_n though_o every_o member_n thereof_o be_v a_o better_a man_n and_o more_o infallible_a even_o the_o best_a of_o pope_n 4._o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o examine_v our_o religion_n by_o all_o that_o respect_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o ourselves_o see_v why_o in_o 2_o particular_n 1._o that_o man_n who_o never_o trouble_v himself_o to_o search_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o by_o infallible_a argument_n to_o secure_v himself_o that_o his_o faith_n and_o worship_n be_v sound_a and_o right_a must_v needs_o be_v in_o doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o no._n for_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o the_o report_n which_o he_o hear_v concern_v it_o may_v be_v false_a the_o person_n that_o recommend_v it_o to_o he_o may_v be_v mistake_v his_o forefather_n from_o who_o he_o derive_v his_o religion_n may_v be_v deceive_v nay_o that_o particular_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n may_v possible_o be_v in_o a_o error_n too_o for_o tell_v i_o how_o gross_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n mistake_v though_o they_o have_v all_o the_o prophet_n to_o inform_v they_o concern_v that_o which_o they_o be_v most_o oblige_v to_o know_v the_o person_n doctrine_n and_o miracle_n of_o their_o own_o messiah_n and_o how_o stiff_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n this_o day_n contend_v for_o those_o foul_a error_n and_o abominable_a superstition_n for_o which_o there_o be_v very_o little_a to_o be_v plead_v save_v only_o the_o practice_n and_o tradition_n of_o their_o predecessor_n among_o who_o ambition_n pride_n avarice_n luxury_n and_o ignorance_n do_v so_o prevail_v that_o they_o have_v little_a of_o true_a religion_n leave_v to_o transmit_v and_o bequeath_v to_o their_o posterity_n so_o that_o to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v be_v to_o believe_v at_o best_a but_o at_o a_o venture_n and_o he_o that_o do_v so_o have_v no_o assurance_n that_o his_o faith_n be_v right_a now_o what_o inconvenience_n will_v arise_v from_o bare_a doubt_n jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o may_v see_v in_o 2_o particular_n 1._o that_o person_n who_o be_v thus_o uncertain_a and_o doubtful_a of_o his_o religion_n can_v never_o expect_v any_o great_a satisfaction_n comfort_n pleasure_n in_o any_o of_o those_o religious_a act_n which_o he_o do_v perform_v doubtless_o that_o joy_n which_o arise_v to_o a_o good_a man_n and_o know_v christian_n from_o the_o true_a service_n of_o god_n be_v very_o considerable_a and_o exceed_o great_a my_o soul_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n say_v holy_a david_n who_o well_o know_v what_o he_o do_v when_o he_o serve_v his_o god_n thus_o and_o thus_o and_o without_o all_o controversy_n there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o delight_n to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o thing_n whatever_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n special_a presence_n his_o favourable_a interpretation_n of_o our_o desire_n his_o kind_a acceptance_n of_o our_o poor_a endeavour_n the_o smile_n of_o his_o countenance_n the_o testimony_n of_o his_o spirit_n how_o do_v they_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o joy_n but_o withal_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v expect_v by_o that_o soul_n who_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o his_o religion_n be_v right_a if_o a_o man_n be_v uncertain_a whether_o he_o present_v to_o god_n a_o sheep_n
to_o continue_v the_o defender_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o past_o all_o per_fw-la adventure_n be_v true_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a ii_o consider_v what_o abundant_a cause_n we_o have_v to_o be_v jealous_a of_o that_o religion_n which_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n submit_v to_o this_o great_a command_n in_o the_o text_n which_o fear_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o dare_v not_o stand_v the_o test_n certain_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o suspect_v that_o religion_n which_o do_v so_o manifest_o suspect_v itself_o it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n that_o a_o man_n do_v doubt_v his_o cause_n and_o question_v its_o merit_n when_o he_o show_v himself_o exceed_v loath_a to_o come_v to_o a_o trial_n and_o it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a sign_n that_o ware_n be_v corrupt_a and_o naught_o when_o they_o be_v produce_v and_o show_v only_o in_o the_o dark_a what_o our_o bless_a saviour_n joh._n 3.21_o say_v of_o person_n may_v fit_o be_v say_v of_o religion_n too_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a the_o man_n that_o be_v honest_a virtuous_a and_o learned_a do_v rather_o hope_v than_o fear_v to_o be_v search_v into_o but_o he_o that_o constant_o lurk_v in_o corner_n and_o walk_v under_o a_o disguise_n do_v give_v the_o world_n sufficient_a ground_n to_o suspect_v that_o he_o be_v some_o break_a bankrupt_a or_o knave_n it_o be_v thus_o with_o religion_n too_o that_o religion_n which_o dare_v appeal_v to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n and_o man_n that_o religion_n which_o desire_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o scripture_n council_n and_o father_n that_o religion_n which_o do_v public_o expose_v all_o its_o doctrine_n and_o do_v not_o only_o allow_v all_o its_o friend_n but_o provoke_v its_o utmost_a enemy_n to_o five_o and_o try_v they_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o think_v that_o such_o a_o religion_n be_v sound_a right_a and_o true_a it_o be_v full_a weight_n that_o fear_v not_o the_o scale_n and_o right_a metal_n that_o do_v not_o dread_a the_o touchstone_n but_o now_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o religion_n find_v within_o the_o church_n that_o be_v jealous_a of_o itself_o that_o fear_v its_o own_o proselyte_n that_o dare_v not_o endure_v the_o scrutiny_n no_o not_o of_o its_o own_o friend_n have_v we_o not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o suspect_v it_o now_o shall_v i_o tell_v you_o such_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o dare_v not_o suffer_v its_o own_o member_n so_o much_o as_o once_o to_o peep_v into_o the_o bible_n lest_o perhaps_o that_o clear_a and_o sacred_a glass_n shall_v immediate_o represent_v even_o to_o vulgar_a eye_n those_o foul_a and_o by_o they_o as_o yet_o undiscerned_a spot_n which_o that_o corrupt_a and_o scabby_a religion_n have_v upon_o its_o face_n i_o remember_v chemnitius_n who_o have_v somewhat_o narrow_o inquire_v into_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o discover_v to_o the_o world_n the_o nakedness_n of_o their_o decree_n be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n style_v not_o a_o saucy_a fellow_n but_o a_o downright_a heretic_n and_o so_o for_o make_v some_o considerable_a inquisition_n into_o their_o religion_n be_v think_v to_o deserve_v at_o least_o their_o great_a one_o as_o for_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o we_o the_o examination_n of_o our_o doctrine_n be_v not_o only_o allow_v but_o require_v too_o we_o put_v the_o scale_n into_o your_o hand_n and_o bid_v you_o weigh_v they_o we_o set_v the_o touchstone_n before_o your_o eye_n and_o bid_v you_o try_v they_o we_o translate_v we_o print_n we_o put_v the_o bible_n into_o your_o bosom_n and_o bid_v you_o thence_o examine_v what_o our_o church_n do_v hold_v what_o our_o minister_n do_v preach_v and_o what_o you_o yourselves_o must_v believe_v and_o do_v i_o can_v tell_v you_o this_o fair_a deal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v at_o rome_n no_o there_o the_o holy_a bible_n that_o dangerous_a book_n must_v be_v withhold_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v though_o there_o be_v sin_n and_o sacrilege_n in_o their_o so_o do_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o craft_n and_o policy_n too_o for_o where_o the_o cause_n be_v naught_o if_o there_o be_v some_o material_a witness_n who_o testimony_n will_v certain_o overthrow_v it_o if_o he_o can_v be_v bribe_v it_o be_v great_a prudence_n to_o remove_v he_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o this_o course_n take_v the_o roman_a church_n it_o be_v that_o miserable_a shift_n which_o a_o bad_a cause_n drive_v they_o to_o what_o ever_o come_v of_o it_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v withdraw_v for_o shall_v they_o permit_v their_o people_n to_o peruse_v they_o they_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o fear_v that_o at_o first_o sight_n they_o will_v dislike_v such_o and_o such_o gainful_a doctrine_n and_o upon_o a_o serious_a review_n abjure_v they_o quite_o and_o upon_o this_o score_n do_v they_o find_v themselves_o necessitate_v as_o to_o withdraw_v the_o bible_n so_o likewise_o base_o to_o corrupt_v the_o most_o ancient_a council_n and_o father_n act_v methinks_v like_o some_o knavish_a merchant_n who_o sell_v bad_a ware_n and_o that_o by_o false_a weight_n and_o measure_n and_o therefore_o be_v concern_v to_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o standard_n near_o he_o what_o be_v the_o great_a axiom_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n estius_n a_o friend_n champion_n and_o son_n of_o they_o do_v thus_o inform_v we_o 2._o thes_n 5.21_o tenendum_fw-la quod_fw-la tenet_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la what_o the_o church_n believe_v what_o the_o church_n require_v i._n e._n whatever_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o council_n think_v fit_a that_o and_o only_o that_o without_o more_o ado_n must_v be_v believe_v and_o do_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o require_v little_o more_o of_o their_o proselyte_n then_o a_o bare_a implicit_a faith_n and_o a_o blind_a obedience_n and_o that_o they_o ground_n upon_o this_o fond_a presumption_n and_o rot_a principle_n that_o their_o council_n at_o least_o if_o confirm_v by_o the_o pope_n can_v err_v how_o vicious_a soever_o the_o pope_n may_v be_v in_o his_o conversation_n yet_o when_o he_o sit_v in_o cathedra_fw-la in_o his_o chair_n he_o must_v be_v infallible_a in_o his_o judgement_n still_o as_o if_o the_o golden_a mitre_n and_o triple_a crown_n which_o adorn_v his_o head_n must_v needs_o inspire_v it_o too_o but_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o indeed_o what_o need_v they_o fear_v the_o severe_a trial_n if_o council_n can_v err_v what_o need_v they_o fear_v the_o strict_a search_n if_o the_o pope_n be_v real_o infallible_a what_o need_v he_o dread_v the_o close_a scrutiny_n search_v the_o scripture_n say_v christ_n himself_o to_o all_o his_o hearer_n search_v not_o the_o scripture_n say_v his_o pretend_a vicar_n and_o yet_o infallible_a try_v the_o spirit_n say_v the_o apostle_n try_v not_o the_o spirit_n say_v the_o roman_a bishop_n and_o yet_o infallible_a prove_v all_o thing_n say_v saint_n paul_n prove_v nothing_o say_v the_o successor_n of_o saint_n peter_n and_o yet_o infallible_a no_o they_o manage_v a_o bad_a cause_n that_o be_v afraid_a to_o see_v it_o open_v it_o be_v not_o religion_n and_o conscience_n but_o craft_n gild_n and_o fear_n that_o make_v they_o withdraw_v the_o bible_n and_o so_o decline_v a_o trial_n for_o have_v but_o the_o poor_a people_n that_o live_v under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o rome_n liberty_n mean_n and_o knowledge_n to_o examine_v those_o doctrine_n which_o now_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o take_v up_o upon_o trust_n and_o be_v but_o the_o prince_n of_o europe_n who_o the_o pope_n have_v sometime_o use_v and_o still_o account_n as_o his_o slave_n and_o vassal_n be_v they_o but_o once_o at_o leisure_n to_o mind_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o his_o church_n will_v they_o but_o once_o impartial_o and_o thorough_o examine_v matter_n of_o religion_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o rule_n we_o shall_v quick_o see_v the_o pope_n unmask_v king_n undeceive_v and_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n become_v protestant_n and_o as_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o our_o earnest_a prayer_n so_o must_v the_o duty_n require_v in_o the_o text_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o obedience_n too_o what_o the_o protestant_a assert_n what_o the_o papist_n pretend_v examine_v both_o the_o grand_a difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o lie_v in_o their_o affirm_v and_o our_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o infallibility_n transubstantiation_n purgatory_n indulgency_n invocation_n of_o saint_n adoration_n of_o image_n work_n of_o merit_n and_o supererogation_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o any_o of_o these_o or_o the_o like_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v commend_v to_o you_o by_o the_o plausible_a insinuation_n of_o some_o subtle_a jesuit_n o_o remember_v what_o my_o text_n command_v prove_v all_o thing_n bring_v they_o to_o your_o bibles_n