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doctrine_n and_o true_a betwixt_o tare_n and_o wheat_n betwixt_o the_o devil_n counterfeit_a and_o god_n real_a pearl_n in_o this_o conjuncture_n of_o time_n when_o heretic_n pretend_v to_o be_v evangelist_n when_o wild_a enthusiast_n act_v by_o the_o devil_n pretend_v to_o be_v inspire_v of_o god_n when_o at_o the_o same_o season_n and_o in_o the_o selfsame_a place_n divine_a truth_n be_v preach_v by_o some_o and_o devilish_a error_n broach_v by_o other_o the_o servants_z of_o god_n and_o apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o concern_v of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o care_n of_o his_o soul_n can_v not_o but_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o do_v whatever_o in_o they_o lay_v that_o their_o late_a convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v not_o either_o unwory_o admit_v what_o be_v indeed_o a_o error_n nor_o yet_o unadvised_o reject_v what_o be_v indeed_o a_o truth_n to_o prevent_v this_o double_a hazzard_n saint_n john_n 1_o john_n 4.1_o do_v thus_o command_v they_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n there_o be_v it_o seem_v even_o thus_o early_o in_o the_o church_n a_o great_a variety_n of_o spirit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v theophylact_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v oecumenius_n prophet_n true_a and_o prophet_n false_a and_o yet_o even_o these_o impostor_n too_o pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n well_o what_o must_v the_o christian_n do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o must_v they_o receive_v all_o doctrine_n because_o some_o be_v certain_o true_a or_o must_v they_o reject_v all_o because_o some_o be_v certain_o false_a no_o such_o matter_n the_o apostle_n give_v they_o and_o we_o another_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o that_o be_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d try_v the_o spirit_n be_v not_o rash_a in_o receive_v be_v not_o rash_a in_o reject_v neither_o perhaps_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v deliver_v by_o such_o and_o such_o
may_v be_v from_o god_n and_o if_o so_o what_o a_o sin_n will_v it_o be_v to_o slight_v they_o but_o withal_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o such_o and_o such_o pretender_n may_v be_v from_o the_o devil_n and_o if_o so_o what_o a_o danger_n must_v it_o be_v to_o entertain_v they_o wherefore_o that_o both_o extreme_n may_v be_v avoid_v that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o error_n that_o you_o may_v know_v the_o devil_n emissary_n from_o christ_n apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v theophylact_v prove_v examine_v pass_v a_o mature_a and_o deliberate_a judgement_n and_o that_o be_v one_o great_a part_n of_o that_o advice_n which_o saint_n paul_n give_v we_o in_o the_o text_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d prove_v all_o thing_n whatever_o doctrine_n be_v broach_v among_o you_o though_o it_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o the_o fair_a pretence_n imaginable_a yet_o because_o it_o may_v possible_o prove_v too_o light_a put_v it_o in_o the_o balance_n and_o try_v its_o weight_n because_o it_o may_v possible_o prove_v a_o counterfeit_n bring_v it_o to_o the_o touchstone_n and_o try_v its_o sincerity_n and_o if_o upon_o this_o strict_a enquiry_n it_o prove_v not_o right_a let_v it_o go_v but_o if_o it_o be_v find_v orthodox_n sound_n and_o good_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hold_v it_o fast_o so_o then_o the_o text_n commend_v to_o our_o practice_n a_o double_a act_n each_o of_o which_o relate_v to_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o 1._o we_o be_v require_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o prove_v they_o to_o examine_v all_o doctrine_n principle_n and_o practice_n whether_o they_o be_v right_a such_o as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n recommend_v or_o at_o least_o allow_v it_o be_v our_o business_n to_o consider_v as_o cornelius_n à _fw-la lapide_fw-la word_v it_o a_o sint_fw-la prophetiae_fw-la a_o instinctus_fw-la spiritûs_fw-la humani_fw-la whether_o they_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n or_o the_o invention_n and_o imagination_n of_o man_n 2._o we_o be_v require_v after_o this_o strict_a examination_n and_o judgement_n pass_v to_o dismiss_v whatever_o be_v naught_o but_o to_o retain_v and_o hold_v fast_o that_o all_o that_o and_o only_o that_o which_o prove_v to_o be_v good_a and_o consequent_o from_o god_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o the_o text_n will_v lie_v in_o these_o two_o conclusion_n 1._o that_o every_o person_n whatsoever_o be_v high_o oblige_v to_o examine_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v recommend_v to_o he_o 2._o that_o after_o a_o impartial_a and_o strict_a enquiry_n that_o religion_n and_o only_o that_o which_o prove_v to_o be_v good_a right_a and_o true_a must_v be_v stout_o assert_v constant_o retain_v and_o hold_v fast_o for_o ever_o the_o first_o doctrine_n that_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o do_v high_o stand_v oblige_v to_o examine_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v recommend_v to_o they_o but_o here_o two_o thing_n may_v be_v demand_v 1._o it_o may_v be_v demand_v whether_o all_o person_n whatever_o be_v fit_a to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v every_o man_n so_o well_o qualify_v as_o to_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o define_v point_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n shall_v every_o illiterate_a and_o bold_a mechanic_n presume_v so_o far_o as_o to_o suspect_v any_o doctrine_n which_o the_o church_n deliver_v or_o scruple_n any_o practice_n which_o she_o recommend_v i_o answer_v certain_a it_o be_v there_o be_v a_o very_a signal_n respect_n and_o a_o very_a great_a veneration_n due_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o doubtless_o where_o matter_n be_v difficult_a and_o point_n be_v controvert_v it_o be_v our_o safe_a course_n to_o consider_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o her_o judgement_n rather_o than_o in_o our_o own_o but_o in_o other_o case_n where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v express_v and_o plain_a where_o we_o have_v a_o intelligible_a and_o easy_a rule_n we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o take_v up_o our_o religion_n upon_o other_o man_n credit_n in_o those_o matter_n wherein_o our_o own_o reason_n can_v best_o secure_v we_o it_o be_v our_o saviour_n command_n matt._n 11.15_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v so_o say_v we_o he_o that_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o see_v let_v he_o see_v methinks_v where_o the_o object_n be_v clear_a and_o visible_a especial_o if_o it_o be_v of_o great_a concern_v too_o it_o be_v high_a imprudence_n to_o rely_v upon_o another_o man_n sight_n since_o god_n have_v give_v we_o eye_n of_o our_o own_o that_o may_v see_v as_o well_o and_o be_v trust_v better_a and_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o great_a folly_n to_o depend_v bare_o upon_o other_o man_n judgement_n for_o those_o grand_a concern_v of_o eternity_n about_o which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o rational_a soul_n and_o all_o other_o mean_n that_o be_v sufficient_a and_o requisite_a to_o inform_v ourselves_o but_o if_o perhaps_o through_o sin_n and_o vice_n we_o have_v debauch_v our_o own_o reason_n if_o we_o have_v extinguish_v that_o light_n which_o our_o great_a creator_n set_v up_o within_o we_o and_o by_o so_o do_v have_v disable_v ourselves_o to_o obey_v the_o command_n in_o my_o text_n we_o have_v then_o just_a occasion_n to_o condemn_v ourselves_o but_o none_o to_o blame_v that_o god_n who_o do_v as_o well_o give_v we_o a_o eye_n as_o bid_v we_o see_v and_o doubtless_o since_o god_n have_v give_v to_o every_o man_n a_o understand_a faculty_n and_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v employ_v for_o his_o own_o advantage_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o very_o high_a tyranny_n to_o interdict_v any_o person_n the_o improvement_n and_o exercise_n of_o that_o reason_n but_o especial_o about_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o that_o immortal_a soul_n wherein_o that_o reason_n of_o he_o have_v its_o proper_a seat_n and_o only_a residence_n and_o since_o this_o personal_a and_o private_a examination_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v that_o which_o our_o god_n command_v and_o our_o reason_n do_v enable_v we_o to_o methinks_v no_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v ever_o dislike_v or_o quarrel_n at_o it_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o a_o true_a church_n shall_v disallow_v what_o god_n require_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o a_o true_a mother_n shall_v rob_v her_o child_n of_o that_o without_o which_o they_o can_v neither_o be_v christian_n nor_o men._n no_o it_o be_v for_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n to_o close_v up_o her_o bastard_n eye_n lest_o perhaps_o they_o shall_v discover_v the_o nakedness_n of_o their_o mother_n it_o be_v for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o deny_v her_o proselyte_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n lest_o perhaps_o they_o shall_v detect_v the_o weakness_n and_o want_n of_o she_o but_o as_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n so_o sure_o be_v she_o that_o her_o religion_n be_v right_a that_o she_o do_v not_o only_o allow_v but_o encourage_v her_o son_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o test_n such_o be_v her_o doctrine_n and_o such_o be_v her_o usage_n that_o she_o do_v rather_o provoke_v then_o decline_v the_o strict_a trial_n the_o truth_n which_o she_o teach_v be_v so_o divine_a the_o custom_n which_o she_o retain_v be_v so_o apostolical_a that_o like_o so_o many_o true_a and_o orient_a pearl_n the_o more_o they_o be_v examine_v search_v and_o try_v the_o bright_a do_v they_o shine_v and_o if_o so_o if_o to_o examine_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n if_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o bring_v honour_n to_o our_o church_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o ourselves_o what_o shall_v hinder_v we_o except_o it_o be_v that_o gross_a and_o foul_a ignorance_n of_o we_o which_o will_v indeed_o destroy_v our_o ability_n but_o never_o take_v off_o our_o obligation_n but_o 2._o from_o this_o great_a command_n in_o the_o text_n prove_v all_o thing_n it_o may_v be_v yet_o demand_v thus_o must_v we_o then_o turn_v sceptic_n in_o religion_n must_v we_o always_o hang_v in_o doubt_n and_o never_o fix_v must_v we_o for_o ever_o be_v examine_v and_o so_o come_v to_o no_o settle_a resolution_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o inference_n can_v never_o be_v gather_v from_o that_o which_o god_n require_v in_o the_o text_n our_o prove_v all_o thing_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o introduce_v scepticism_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v the_o sure_a way_n in_o the_o world_n to_o expel_v banish_v and_o root_v they_o out_o it_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o shake_v our_o faith_n that_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o most_o likely_a mean_n to_o
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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 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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
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 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rule_n of_o we_o in_o the_o most_o material_a and_o concern_v point_n of_o faith_n be_v obvious_a plain_a and_o easy_a but_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o other_o matter_n of_o religion_n though_o not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n yet_o of_o considerable_a import_n and_o moment_n about_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o intelligible_a at_o least_o to_o ordinary_a reader_n but_o that_o they_o want_v some_o good_a interpreter_n and_o who_o more_o fit_a to_o declare_v the_o sense_n of_o doubtful_a and_o difficult_a text_n than_o the_o first_o and_o best_a of_o council_n i_o read_v of_o the_o council_n of_o nicaea_n call_v by_o constantine_n the_o great_a against_o the_o heresy_n of_o arrius_n the_o council_n of_o constantinople_n summon_v by_o theodosius_n the_o first_o against_o the_o heresy_n of_o macedonius_n the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n call_v by_o theodosius_n the_o second_o against_o the_o heresy_n of_o nestorius_n the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n call_v by_o martian_a 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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 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of_o saint_n chrysostom_n or_o basil_n do_v not_o transcend_v and_o perhaps_o not_o match_v beside_o these_o there_o be_v many_o choice_n and_o excellent_a catechism_n compose_v by_o man_n that_o be_v pious_a learned_a and_o judicious_a acquaint_v with_o scripture_n well_o verse_v in_o the_o primitive_a council_n and_o father_n these_o short_a catechism_n compile_v by_o person_n of_o singular_a endowment_n and_o approve_v by_o the_o church_n be_v little_o less_o than_o so_o many_o contract_a bibles_n contain_v in_o they_o whatever_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o know_v and_o deliver_v enough_o in_o plain_a and_o easy_a term_n to_o inform_v we_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o error_n and_o confirm_v our_o judgement_n in_o all_o the_o great_a point_n of_o faith_n so_o then_o the_o sum_z of_o all_o be_v this_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o examine_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n but_o because_o this_o word_n in_o some_o material_a 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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
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 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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
do_v change_v their_o conversation_n too_o as_o they_o come_v off_o from_o their_o judaisme_n in_o profession_n so_o they_o come_v off_o from_o their_o heathenism_n in_o practice_n too_o they_o come_v over_o to_o a_o religion_n that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o allow_v their_o former_a crime_n that_o it_o do_v both_o command_n and_o help_v they_o to_o leave_v they_o thus_o stand_v the_o case_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n but_o how_o be_v it_o in_o we_o we_o hear_v sometime_o of_o person_n and_o great_a one_o too_o that_o be_v alter_v their_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v their_o motive_n be_v it_o because_o their_o present_a faith_n be_v unsound_a and_o naught_o be_v it_o because_o they_o design_v to_o embrace_v a_o better_a religion_n and_o to_o lead_v much_o better_a life_n alas_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n but_o their_o present_a religion_n be_v too_o nice_a and_o tender_a for_o they_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o allow_v man_n their_o wanton_a mistress_n their_o paint_a jezebel_n their_o perfume_a concubine_n we_o dare_v not_o teach_v that_o fornication_n and_o whoredom_n be_v but_o trivial_a sin_n and_o may_v upon_o easy_a term_n be_v buy_v off_o at_o pleasure_n no_o the_o gallant_n of_o our_o age_n that_o resolve_v to_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n do_v find_v the_o reform_a religion_n too_o strict_a for_o their_o unreformed_a life_n and_o upon_o that_o score_n there_o be_v no_o church_n for_o they_o like_o that_o of_o rome_n that_o be_v a_o please_a religion_n indeed_o that_o grant_v a_o public_a allowance_n of_o stew_n that_o be_v a_o welcome_a religion_n indeed_o that_o set_v but_o a_o easy_a rate_n upon_o iniquity_n and_o if_o perhaps_o the_o priest_n shall_v be_v so_o rigid_a and_o sour_a as_o upon_o confession_n to_o impose_v a_o penance_n it_o be_v common_o such_o as_o shall_v not_o balance_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o sin_n or_o if_o it_o do_v there_o be_v a_o indulgence_n to_o be_v have_v even_o such_o a_o pardon_n and_o that_o upon_o easy_a term_n as_o shall_v secure_v the_o sinner_n so_o they_o tell_v he_o not_o only_o from_o the_o clamour_n of_o his_o foul_a and_o guilty_a conscience_n not_o only_o from_o the_o present_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n but_o from_o the_o pain_n of_o purgatory_n yea_o and_o of_o hell_n too_o but_o tell_v i_o sir_n shall_v we_o change_v our_o religion_n upon_o such_o a_o score_n as_o this_o what_o shame_n what_o dishonour_n will_v it_o bring_v we_o shall_v the_o world_n just_o say_v that_o such_o and_o such_o a_o person_n have_v leave_v his_o religion_n bare_o because_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v his_o sin_n such_o and_o such_o a_o man_n be_v become_v a_o papist_n because_o he_o resolve_v to_o live_v like_o a_o beast_n but_o by_o the_o way_n though_o man_n be_v determine_v to_o indulge_v their_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o so_o far_o to_o gratify_v their_o lust_n as_o for_o their_o sake_n to_o alter_v their_o profession_n yet_o methinks_v as_o they_o shame_v themselves_o so_o they_o do_v not_o much_o oblige_v their_o new_a religion_n by_o make_v it_o to_o be_v think_v their_o bawd_n it_o be_v sure_a that_o true_a religion_n do_v aggravate_v and_o greaten_v sin_n but_o what_o religion_n then_o be_v that_o which_o do_v not_o only_o extenuate_v and_o mince_v but_o even_o invite_v it_o too_o true_a religion_n side_n with_o heaven_n but_o o_o curse_a religion_n that_o take_v part_n with_o hell_n and_o court_v man_n thither_o well_o then_o let_v rome_n applaud_v herself_o and_o triumph_n as_o she_o please_v in_o the_o access_n of_o such_o proselyte_n as_o repair_v to_o she_o expect_v from_o her_o the_o patronage_n of_o their_o vice_n it_o be_v the_o great_a honour_n of_o our_o church_n that_o its_o doctrine_n and_o law_n be_v too_o strict_a for_o such_o offender_n and_o doubtless_o that_o signal_n holiness_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o move_v such_o notorious_a transgressor_n to_o renounce_v and_o leave_v it_o do_v lay_v the_o strong_a obligation_n upon_o every_o man_n that_o be_v good_a to_o embrace_v defend_v and_o hold_v it_o fast_o it_o be_v a_o main_a proof_n that_o our_o religion_n be_v from_o god_n that_o it_o abhor_v every_o vice_n cry_v down_o every_o sin_n and_o exact_v from_o we_o pure_a heart_n and_o holy_a life_n and_o if_o upon_o that_o very_a score_n we_o do_v not_o like_v it_o the_o more_o be_v our_o shame_n because_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a sign_n that_o we_o have_v not_o in_o we_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n no_o nor_o the_o reason_n of_o men._n for_o doubtless_o that_o person_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o christian_n that_o he_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o brute_n who_o by_o cast_v off_o his_o religion_n bare_o because_o it_o be_v strict_a declare_v to_o the_o world_n and_o must_v needs_o assure_v himself_o that_o he_o love_v some_o curse_a lust_n better_a than_o a_o immortal_a soul_n that_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o serve_v his_o sin_n then_o to_o serve_v his_o god_n 4._o there_o be_v some_o person_n who_o quit_v a_o religion_n that_o be_v good_a and_o take_v up_o one_o that_o be_v naught_o because_o some_o secular_a interest_n invite_v they_o to_o it_o see_v this_o in_o 2_o particular_n 1._o the_o hope_n of_o profit_n preferment_n honour_n some_o worldly_a advantage_n or_o other_o do_v prevail_v sometime_o with_o such_o and_o such_o person_n to_o alter_v their_o religion_n and_o that_o for_o the_o worse_a too_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o at_o some_o time_n and_o in_o some_o place_n a_o man_n religion_n may_v stand_v betwixt_o he_o and_o his_o gain_n betwixt_o he_o and_o some_o considerable_a advancement_n in_o the_o world_n in_o this_o case_n the_o man_n perhaps_o for_o a_o while_n may_v be_v at_o a_o stand_n he_o dispute_v with_o himself_o whether_o it_o be_v better_a to_o gratify_v his_o conscience_n or_o his_o interest_n but_o at_o length_n the_o temptation_n prevail_v he_o think_v it_o better_a to_o serve_v himself_o then_o his_o maker_n and_o to_o part_n with_o his_o present_a religion_n rather_o than_o with_o his_o present_a hope_n i_o remember_v what_o a_o complaint_n saint_n paul_n make_v of_o this_o to_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 4.10_o demas_n have_v forsake_v i_o but_o what_o move_v he_o thus_o to_o forsake_v his_o friend_n and_o his_o religion_n both_o at_o once_o the_o account_n be_v this_o have_v love_v this_o present_a world_n the_o sinner_n consider_v that_o the_o main_a reward_n of_o religion_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n do_v lie_v elsewhere_o and_o be_v but_o in_o reversion_n yea_o but_o the_o world_n have_v something_o for_o he_o in_o hand_n and_o this_o consideration_n tempt_v and_o overcome_v o_o how_o many_o soul_n and_o with_o this_o kind_n of_o vermin_n do_v the_o roman_a church_n bait_v her_o hook_n and_o catch_v her_o most_o considerable_a fish_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o some_o learned_a man_n of_o our_o nation_n have_v now_o and_o then_o desert_v our_o church_n and_o run_v away_o to_o rome_n but_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o matter_n what_o drive_v man_n hence_o and_o what_o invite_v they_o thither_o alas_o the_o church_n of_o england_n how_o well_o soever_o it_o seem_v provide_v yet_o it_o have_v be_v so_o curtail_v and_o pinch_v that_o it_o have_v not_o a_o estate_n leave_v for_o every_o son_n it_o be_v otherwise_o at_o rome_n their_o monastery_n be_v flourish_v their_o abbey_n be_v fat_a their_o bishopric_n be_v numerous_a and_o rich_a and_o what_o be_v more_o what_o hypocrite_n will_v not_o be_v encourage_v by_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o cardinal_n cap_n and_o the_o possibility_n of_o a_o triple_a crown_n certain_a it_o be_v so_o direful_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o discontent_n and_o pride_n and_o so_o invite_v be_v the_o promise_v of_o some_o secular_a and_o great_a advantage_n that_o man_n who_o grow_v too_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o part_n and_o merit_n from_o their_o want_n of_o preferment_n at_o home_n and_o their_o hope_n thereof_o abroad_o will_v even_o quit_v their_o religion_n forsake_v their_o mother_n bosom_n and_o accept_v the_o embrace_n of_o that_o roman_a whore_n because_o she_o be_v better_a able_a to_o lap_v up_o in_o scarlet_n but_o be_v this_o indeed_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o change_n of_o our_o religion_n do_v it_o indeed_o make_v for_o our_o honour_n to_o prove_v so_o have_v and_o so_o mercenary_a as_o to_o cast_v off_o the_o true_a service_n of_o god_n and_o accept_v the_o devil_n drudgery_n and_o that_o bare_o in_o hope_n of_o some_o better_a and_o present_a vail_n sure_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o practice_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v gentile_a and_o honourable_a and_o as_o sure_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o practice_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n be_v sordid_a base_a and_o vile_a and_o if_o so_o then_o methinks_v no_o ingenuous_a soul_n no_o man_n that_o
pretend_v a_o noble_a spirit_n shall_v ever_o reject_v the_o one_o or_o close_o with_o the_o other_o from_o a_o expectation_n though_o of_o the_o great_a advantage_n which_o the_o world_n can_v give_v or_o man_n receive_v wherefore_o my_o brethren_n if_o this_o temptation_n shall_v ever_o chance_v to_o be_v lay_v in_o your_o way_n shall_v the_o world_n invite_v you_o to_o a_o new_a and_o false_a religion_n by_o promise_v you_o this_o or_o that_o yet_o i_o beseech_v you_o consult_v your_o credit_n consult_v your_o honour_n remember_v it_o be_v the_o reform_a religion_n that_o you_o have_v espouse_v and_o own_a a_o religion_n so_o pure_a so_o chaste_a so_o immaculate_a and_o undefiled_a that_o it_o be_v exceed_o hard_a to_o find_v the_o least_o pretence_n but_o impossible_a to_o find_v any_o just_a cause_n to_o make_v a_o divorce_n betwixt_o it_o and_o you_o and_o if_o so_o how_o unworthy_a a_o act_n must_v it_o be_v to_o forsake_v and_o cast_v she_o off_o how_o ignoble_a be_v it_o shall_v we_o suffer_v ourselves_o like_o 196._o natalius_n of_o old_a to_o be_v corrupt_v and_o base_o bribe_v into_o apostasy_n be_v not_o this_o to_o tell_v mankind_n that_o we_o prefer_v earth_n before_o heaven_n and_o value_n mammon_n more_o than_o god_n 2._o the_o fear_n of_o persecution_n the_o dread_a of_o suffer_v this_o or_o that_o for_o their_o religion_n be_v another_o thing_n which_o prevail_v with_o many_o to_o quit_v a_o true_a and_o take_v up_o a_o false_a i_o remember_v saint_n judas_n do_v thus_o command_v we_o verse_n 3_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n dispute_v for_o the_o faith_n but_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v die_v for_o it_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n with_o argument_n but_o if_o these_o will_v not_o serve_v contend_v with_o blood_n not_o by_o shed_v other_o man_n but_o by_o lose_v your_o own_o and_o thus_o do_v the_o martyr_n of_o old_a contend_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o thus_o must_v we_o if_o god_n so_o please_v and_o the_o time_n shall_v so_o require_v shall_v we_o live_v to_o see_v our_o religion_n likely_a to_o expire_v it_o shall_v expire_v within_o our_o bosom_n shall_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o our_o religion_n must_v die_v and_o breathe_v its_o last_o in_o our_o day_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v more_o noble_a then_o die_v with_o it_o and_o for_o it_o but_o alas_o where_o almost_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o man_n that_o have_v so_o much_o kindness_n for_o his_o religion_n as_o to_o suffer_v for_o its_o sake_n eusebius_n tell_v we_o hist_o l._n 6._o c._n 10._o that_o many_o christian_n of_o who_o serapion_n though_o a_o good_a man_n be_v one_o that_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fall_v off_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o that_o every_o hypocrite_n will_v do_v so_o too_o we_o can_v doubt_v since_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v thus_o foretell_v we_o matt._n 13.21_o when_o persecution_n arise_v by_z and_o by_o he_o be_v offend_v bond_n and_o imprisonment_n fire_n and_o sword_n flesh_n and_o blood_n look_v upon_o as_o untoward_a thing_n to_o deal_v with_o and_o yet_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o to_o decline_v suffering_n and_o make_v choice_n of_o sin_n to_o save_v our_o liberty_n estate_n or_o life_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o dishonourable_a that_o it_o do_v no_o way_n become_v we_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o ignoble_a soul_n one_o that_o be_v far_o from_o that_o gallantry_n of_o saint_n paul_n act_n 21.13_o i_o be_o ready_a not_o only_o to_o be_v bind_v but_o also_o to_o die_v etc._n etc._n a_o gaol_n a_o dungeon_n a_o cross_n he_o dread_v they_o not_o they_o be_v his_o glory_n see_v that_o expression_n of_o he_o gal._n 6.17_o i_o bear_v in_o my_o body_n the_o mark_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o scar_n the_o cicatrice_n the_o mark_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o bear_v they_o but_o how_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v saint_n chrysostom_n not_o as_o burden_n but_o as_o trophy_n and_o ensign_n of_o honour_n and_o certain_o if_o it_o be_v indeed_o such_o a_o honour_n to_o suffer_v for_o a_o good_a religion_n what_o a_o shameful_a act_n must_v it_o be_v through_o fear_n and_o cowardice_n to_o disow_v and_o quit_v it_o methinks_v the_o person_n that_o do_v it_o must_v needs_o in_o his_o own_o apprehension_n shall_v the_o world_n say_v nothing_o esteem_v himself_o unworthy_a sordid_a base_a eusebius_n tell_v we_o hist_o l._n 5._o c._n 10._o that_o those_o poor-spirited_a soul_n who_o for_o fear_n of_o suffer_v deny_v their_o faith_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d deject_v cast_v down_o full_o of_o shame_n and_o well_o they_o may_v indeed_o for_o there_o be_v no_o coward_n so_o base_a as_o he_o that_o quit_v the_o field_n and_o run_v away_o even_o then_o when_o the_o quarrel_n be_v god_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v one_o will_v think_v that_o a_o little_a courage_n may_v serve_v our_o turn_n and_o excite_v we_o to_o suffer_v though_o somewhat_o considerable_o for_o that_o religion_n which_o if_o constant_o embrace_v own_a and_o practise_v will_v infallible_o secure_v we_o from_o those_o sore_a and_o most_o dreadful_a suffering_n which_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o fearful_a the_o unbelieving_a the_o unworthy_a apostate_n and_o that_o for_o ever_o 3._o to_o let_v go_v a_o religion_n that_o be_v good_a be_v matter_n of_o strange_a imprudence_n and_o the_o most_o desperate_a folly_n that_o can_v be_v for_o as_o among_o that_o great_a variety_n of_o god_n which_o be_v adore_v by_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v only_o one_o that_o be_v true_a so_o among_o that_o great_a diversity_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v embrace_v and_o own_a there_o be_v only_o one_o that_o be_v good_a and_o if_o so_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n that_o be_v sound_a if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o worship_n that_o be_v right_a than_o whosoever_o forsake_v this_o one_o that_o be_v good_a must_v either_o take_v up_o none_o or_o one_o that_o be_v bad_a but_o tell_v i_o who_o can_v what_o folly_n great_a to_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v worse_o than_o brutus_n for_o even_o they_o in_o their_o kind_n do_v pay_v some_o homage_n to_o their_o maker_n and_o to_o exchange_v a_o true_a religion_n for_o a_o false_a be_v to_o become_v more_o silly_a than_o a_o child_n see_v how_o smart_o saint_n paul_n take_v up_o the_o galatian_n upon_o this_o very_a score_n gal._n 3.1_o o_o foolish_a galatian_n who_o have_v bewitch_v you_o the_o text_n import_v that_o whosoever_o part_n with_o a_o good_a religion_n and_o take_v up_o a_o worse_a be_v like_o a_o man_n bewitch_v strange_o besot_v one_o that_o have_v quite_o lose_v his_o brain_n and_o show_v himself_o a_o mere_a babe_n again_o true_a it_o be_v a_o infant_n may_v be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o exchange_v gold_n for_o glitter_a counter_n and_o pearl_n for_o pretty_a baby_n but_o will_v any_o man_n that_o have_v his_o wit_n about_o he_o do_v so_o too_o well_o false_a religion_n even_o in_o its_o rich_a dress_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o gaudy_a baby_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v somewhat_o pompous_a and_o thereby_o take_v some_o vain_a and_o inconsiderate_a person_n yet_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v but_o a_o pitiful_a and_o worthless_a thing_n what_o varnish_n soever_o be_v set_v upon_o it_o what_o fine_a show_v soever_o it_o make_v yet_o what_o it_o be_v saint_n paul_n real_o tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 3.12_o wood_n hey_o stubble_n it_o be_v hay_n that_o be_v fit_a for_o none_o but_o beast_n it_o be_v wood_n and_o stubble_n that_o be_v fit_a for_o little_a but_o the_o fire_n yea_o but_o what_o be_v religion_n that_o be_v true_a be_v that_o any_o thing_n better_o yea_o the_o same_o text_n style_v that_o gold_n silver_n precious_a stone_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o use_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o value_n and_o if_o so_o a_o exchange_n of_o such_o a_o true_a religion_n for_o a_o false_a will_v be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o exchange_n of_o gold_n not_o for_o brass_n but_o mere_a dross_n a_o exchange_n of_o silver_n not_o for_o lead_v but_o dirt._n sure_o we_o be_v whosoever_o exchange_v the_o only_a good_a religion_n for_o any_o bad_a one_o do_v exchange_n god_n for_o a_o idol_n heaven_n for_o hell_n and_o what_o a_o wise_a bargain_n be_v this_o it_o be_v such_o a_o bargain_n as_o no_o man_n can_v make_v but_o he_o must_v at_o least_o adventure_v the_o sore_a wrath_n and_o high_a displeasure_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a expression_n that_o of_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 10.38_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o what_o be_v that_o si_fw-mi fidem_fw-la abjiciat_fw-la if_o he_o cast_v off_o the_o true_a faith_n what_o