be_v other_o matter_n very_o observable_a in_o this_o case_n as_o several_a indirect_a end_n and_o motive_n which_o probable_o may_v be_v and_o certain_o be_v the_o inducement_n to_o many_o of_o the_o beginner_n and_o promoter_n of_o it_o the_o irregular_a manner_n in_o which_o it_o be_v manage_v and_o settle_v the_o subtle_a accommodation_n of_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o work_n to_o recommend_v the_o preacher_n and_o gratify_v the_o people_n but_o undermine_v the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o settle_v the_o people_n in_o presumption_n and_o security_n upon_o a_o false_a foundation_n according_a to_o the_o description_n of_o the_o apostle_n speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o they_o and_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n agreeable_a thereunto_o a_o plain_a indication_n that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o judgement_n and_o that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v nor_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o which_o though_o certain_a truth_n and_o very_o evident_a when_o look_v into_o yet_o be_v not_o so_o obvious_a to_o common_a observation_n nor_o indeed_o be_v i_o myself_o so_o sensible_a of_o much_o of_o they_o till_o after_o much_o study_n and_o endeavour_n to_o promote_v the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o my_o country_n it_o all_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v under_o a_o enchantment_n so_o that_o no_o good_a can_v be_v do_v whereupon_o consider_v the_o fruit_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n rule_n upon_o a_o fair_a invitation_n and_o opportunity_n i_o resolve_v upon_o a_o retirement_n and_o a_o review_n of_o the_o reformation_n the_o root_n which_o produce_v no_o better_a fruit_n and_o come_v to_o it_o with_o much_o sincerity_n and_o impartiality_n i_o soon_o perceive_v all_o this_o that_o i_o have_v here_o say_v and_o more_o very_o clear_o and_o some_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o civil_a state_n and_o present_a settlement_n of_o this_o nation_n of_o which_o i_o soon_o give_v a_o account_n to_o such_o person_n as_o i_o think_v most_o proper_a to_o acquaint_v his_o majesty_n with_o it_o to_o discharge_v my_o own_o conscience_n whatever_o be_v farther_o do_v in_o it_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o there_o be_v need_n of_o a_o reformation_n of_o divers_a thing_n but_o none_o know_v better_o than_o your_o lordship_n and_o the_o gentleman_n of_o your_o profession_n how_o common_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o man_n who_o have_v real_o a_o good_a cause_n to_o make_v it_o ill_o through_o passion_n partiality_n unreasonable_a demand_n or_o charge_n and_o such_o ill_a management_n as_o if_o it_o come_v to_o trial_n it_o must_v be_v find_v against_o they_o or_o though_o it_o be_v not_o good_a yet_o through_o partiality_n or_o prejudice_n to_o think_v it_o good_a and_o then_o when_o by_o degree_n they_o have_v well_o fix_v and_o rivet_v that_o opinion_n and_o beside_o engage_v their_o reputation_n in_o it_o to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o those_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o it_o which_o in_o truth_n be_v not_o and_o those_o thing_n useful_a or_o necessary_a which_o in_o conclusion_n will_v but_o expose_v and_o ruin_v it_o how_o much_o mischief_n people_n thus_o affect_v frequent_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o endless_a vexation_n when_o obstinate_a in_o their_o opinion_n resolute_a in_o their_o demand_n and_o pertinacious_a in_o their_o contention_n right_a or_o wrong_n how_o undecent_a and_o unbecoming_a even_o in_o civil_a matter_n this_o appear_v to_o all_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n who_o have_v opportunity_n to_o observe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n on_o the_o other_o side_n how_o much_o more_o prudent_a it_o be_v as_o well_o as_o just_a and_o honest_a if_o a_o man_n have_v the_o misfortune_n to_o purchase_v a_o ill_a title_n or_o be_v unhappy_o concern_v in_o a_o ill_a cause_n to_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o good_a by_o fair_a agreement_n with_o party_n concern_v and_o tender_v of_o what_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a and_o such_o honest_a mean_n as_o will_v at_o least_o secure_a his_o reputation_n if_o not_o his_o cause_n also_o however_o much_o mend_v the_o matter_n this_o have_v be_v always_o my_o practice_n and_o this_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n of_o what_o i_o have_v discover_v upon_o my_o review_n aforesaid_a i_o do_v utter_o disclaim_v all_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o case_n that_o i_o have_v already_o discover_v or_o can_v discover_v all_o the_o sacrilege_n schism_n and_o heresy_n and_o other_o corruption_n of_o the_o pretend_a reformation_n in_o general_n and_o of_o that_o of_o england_n in_o particular_a and_o though_o i_o do_v not_o forsake_v the_o corruption_n of_o this_o church_n to_o espouse_v those_o of_o another_o yet_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o make_v my_o own_o cause_n good_a and_o to_o stand_v only_o upon_o such_o term_n as_o i_o can_v comfortable_o refer_v to_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o as_o i_o be_o satisfy_v will_v make_v it_o their_o fault_n not_o i_o who_o shall_v refuse_v agreement_n and_o communion_n with_o i_o what_o i_o think_v prudent_a in_o my_o own_o case_n if_o it_o be_v so_o indeed_o i_o can_v wish_v the_o whole_a nation_n do_v see_v it_o as_o well_o as_o i_o for_o i_o believe_v it_o a_o more_o firm_a foundation_n for_o a_o last_a peace_n and_o true_a happiness_n than_o any_o other_o we_o can_v build_v upon_o and_o if_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v in_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o but_o such_o as_o many_o principal_a man_n of_o the_o one_o side_n think_v aught_o to_o be_v yield_v by_o they_o or_o as_o all_o on_o the_o other_o confess_v may_v for_o just_a cause_n be_v grant_v by_o they_o or_o may_v be_v otherwise_o accommodate_v by_o only_o fit_a explication_n and_o expression_n to_o which_o since_o the_o most_o considerable_a on_o both_o side_n have_v show_v a_o very_a good_a disposition_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o repose_v and_o common_a good_a of_o mankind_n especial_o in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o may_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o rest_n do_v require_v it_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v for_o the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o which_o side_n soever_o shall_v do_v it_o to_o make_v the_o proposal_n provide_v it_o be_v very_o just_a and_o reasonable_a of_o those_o matter_n which_o be_v think_v aught_o to_o be_v yield_v this_o which_o i_o propose_v to_o your_o lordship_n consideration_n concern_v the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a be_v one_o and_o the_o most_o proper_a instance_n that_o can_v be_v in_o all_o respect_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o double_a instance_n for_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a supposition_n with_o which_o not_o only_o multitude_n of_o people_n in_o these_o last_o age_n but_o ever_o since_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n have_v be_v deceive_v and_o mislead_v with_o very_o plausible_a pretence_n be_v notwithstanding_o false_a in_o itself_o beside_o fallacious_a misapplication_n of_o what_o be_v true_a as_o appear_v abundant_o by_o irenaeus_n tertullian_n and_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n in_o their_o contest_v with_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n and_o it_o be_v in_o its_o self_n one_o of_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o the_o power_n of_o prejudice_n to_o abuse_v weak_a man_n out_o of_o their_o apparent_a interest_n without_o any_o other_o competent_a ground_n or_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o man_n to_o be_v so_o abuse_v and_o of_o the_o inconsiderateness_n of_o those_o who_o presume_v to_o be_v positive_a and_o direct_v other_o in_o such_o case_n that_o i_o know_v of_o my_o intention_n at_o first_o be_v to_o have_v publish_v a_o vindication_n of_o the_o true_a english_a liturgy_n the_o first_o book_n of_o ed._n 6._o compose_v by_o know_a english_a clergyman_n and_o afterward_o corrupt_v and_o disorder_v by_o cranmer_n and_o a_o faction_n of_o foreigner_n and_o other_o unknown_a calvinian_a sectary_n in_o secret_n and_o so_o crafty_o impose_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o nation_n but_o when_o i_o consider_v in_o these_o unhappy_a difference_n how_o partial_o zealous_a the_o generality_n of_o clergyman_n who_o have_v any_o zeal_n at_o all_o be_v for_o their_o own_o party_n more_o than_o for_o the_o common_a concern_v of_o religion_n or_o of_o their_o country_n and_o how_o unconcerned_a the_o chief_a of_o the_o clergy_n of_o this_o nation_n be_v and_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o the_o state_n assume_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n as_o if_o either_o dispirited_a or_o presume_v that_o the_o care_n also_o be_v incumbent_a only_o upon_o they_o who_o have_v assume_v the_o power_n and_o how_o little_a i_o have_v find_v by_o
ashamed_a of_o christ_n or_o his_o word_n the_o doctrine_n and_o institution_n deliver_v by_o he_o in_o person_n or_o by_o his_o apostle_n to_o the_o church_n matt._n 10.28_o 32._o mar._n 8.34_o and_o last_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o fruitless_a and_o ineffectual_a profession_n express_o declare_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o our_o saviour_n first_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n matt._n 7.21_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o his_o farewell_n discourse_n when_o he_o go_v last_o out_o of_o the_o temple_n in_o the_o whole_a 25_o chapter_n of_o st._n matthew_n all_o concern_v professor_n whence_o it_o appear_v how_o far_o people_n may_v go_v in_o a_o profession_n and_o yet_o at_o last_o fail_v of_o their_o expectation_n upon_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v whether_o as_o many_o soul_n do_v not_o miscarry_v by_o security_n in_o a_o ineffectual_a profession_n as_o by_o live_v in_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n to_o soul_n thus_o prepare_v truth_n will_v undoubted_o find_v admittance_n and_o the_o good_a spirit_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n the_o discourse_n abovementioned_a be_v of_o prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a with_o a_o preface_n show_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o retraction_n of_o the_o mistake_a reformation_n for_o a_o more_o firm_a settlement_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o nation_n a_o profession_n of_o faith_n comprise_v the_o ancient_a form_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n with_o other_o article_n concern_v the_o roman_a term_n of_o communion_n a_o letter_n to_o a_o young_a man_n of_o one_o of_o the_o religious_a society_n in_o london_n concern_v separation_n and_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o reformation_n common_a principle_n of_o a_o just_a vindication_n of_o the_o right_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a whether_o the_o practice_n and_o tradition_n thereof_o in_o the_o church_n be_v true_o catholic_n and_o a_o competent_a evidence_n of_o apostolic_a original_a and_o authority_n humble_o tender_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o judge_n and_o of_o the_o gentleman_n of_o the_o honourable_a profession_n of_o the_o law_n with_o a_o preface_n concern_v the_o reason_n thereof_o and_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o nation_n that_o the_o difference_n about_o religion_n be_v better_o consider_v in_o order_n to_o a_o more_o firm_a foundation_n of_o a_o honourable_a and_o last_a peace_n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1699._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a john_n lord_n summer_n baron_n of_o evesham_n lord_n high_a chancellor_n of_o england_n sir_n john_n holt_n lord_n chief_a justice_n of_o the_o kings-bench_n sir_n george_n treby_n lord_n chief_a justice_n of_o the_o common_a plea_n sir_n edward_n ward_n lord_n chief_a baron_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o honourable_a judge_n may_v it_o please_v your_o lordship_n though_o at_o first_o to_o some_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a and_o improper_a to_o offer_v a_o theological_a controversy_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n of_o civil_a cause_n yet_o if_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o question_n and_o the_o special_a qualification_n of_o the_o person_n for_o the_o consideration_n of_o such_o a_o question_n beside_o the_o common_a concern_v of_o all_o state_n and_o person_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v well_o consider_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a a_o church_n profess_v and_o glory_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o a_o religion_n establish_v by_o law_n and_o so_o entire_o subject_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o state_n that_o it_o can_v call_v a_o synod_n choose_v a_o bishop_n dean_n or_o prebend_n make_v a_o canon_n or_o alter_v any_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n without_o it_o a_o question_n of_o prescription_n usage_n and_o custom_n than_o which_o none_o be_v more_o frequent_o examine_v try_v and_o determine_v in_o our_o civil_a court_n and_o by_o consequence_n no_o person_n more_o proper_a to_o give_v a_o judgement_n upon_o such_o a_o question_n because_o none_o more_o verse_v and_o expert_a in_o case_n of_o that_o nature_n than_o those_o of_o the_o honourable_a profession_n of_o the_o law_n beside_o your_o lordship_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o honourable_a profession_n have_v another_o qualification_n indispensable_o requisite_a to_o a_o just_a and_o true_a judgement_n indifferency_n and_o freedom_n from_o any_o special_a prejudice_n more_o than_o what_o be_v common_a to_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o as_o much_o above_o that_o as_o any_o person_n in_o it_o i_o mean_v that_o of_o education_n by_o which_o though_o the_o inconsiderate_a vulgar_a and_o people_n of_o little_a judgement_n be_v very_o strange_o affect_v and_o move_v either_o fond_o affect_v or_o childish_o abhor_v what_o have_v nothing_o of_o real_a good_a or_o evil_a but_o what_o proceed_v from_o a_o abuse_a or_o deceive_v imagination_n yet_o man_n of_o part_n judgement_n and_o experience_n can_v more_o easy_o extricate_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o fetter_n and_o manacle_n of_o such_o impression_n and_o prejudice_n upon_o consideration_n of_o sufficient_a ground_n and_o reason_n but_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o english_a clergy_n and_o nonconformist_n be_v under_o a_o double_a special_a prejudice_n and_o pre-ingagement_n the_o authority_n and_o credit_n of_o their_o party_n and_o their_o own_o in_o particular_a have_v not_o only_o imbibe_v a_o special_a opinion_n in_o the_o case_n but_o inconsiderate_o assert_v and_o so_o espouse_v it_o also_o beside_o the_o prudential_n caution_n of_o not_o disoblige_v or_o offend_v their_o auditor_n though_o many_o protestant_n in_o other_o part_n be_v of_o another_o opinion_n and_o the_o most_o learned_a here_o have_v desert_v the_o old_a cause_n both_o in_o their_o dispute_n in_o the_o university_n and_o in_o their_o controversial_a write_n and_o therefore_o as_o every_o honest_a man_n in_o any_o difference_n will_v desire_v the_o judgement_n of_o such_o as_o be_v most_o indifferent_a unbiased_a and_o impartial_a so_o every_o wise_a man_n will_v desire_v that_o they_o may_v be_v person_n of_o most_o ability_n skill_n and_o expert_a in_o such_o matter_n and_o in_o both_o these_o respect_n i_o know_v none_o more_o proper_a to_o judge_v of_o this_o case_n than_o your_o lordship_n and_o the_o gentleman_n of_o your_o honourable_a profession_n nor_o be_v this_o all_o that_o you_o be_v thus_o qualify_v to_o judge_v of_o this_o matter_n but_o you_o have_v also_o a_o concern_v a_o double_a concern_v in_o it_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v fair_o and_o true_o determine_v a_o concern_v which_o oblige_v you_o to_o impartiality_n that_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v clear_v and_o a_o end_v put_v to_o such_o difference_n both_o in_o regard_n to_o the_o place_n you_o hold_v and_o the_o interest_n you_o have_v in_o the_o civil_a state_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o your_o personal_a interest_n and_o particular_a concern_v both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o hereafter_o for_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o no_o little_a importance_n to_o the_o wellbeing_a of_o state_n as_o well_o as_o of_o particular_a person_n and_o to_o the_o wellbeing_a of_o particular_a person_n as_o well_o in_o this_o life_n as_o hereafter_o and_o all_o this_o in_o a_o double_a respect_n in_o respect_n to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o natural_a efficacy_n and_o tendency_n it_o be_v very_o manifest_a that_o almost_o all_o the_o vnhappiness_n trouble_n and_o disturbance_n which_o this_o nation_n have_v suffer_v for_o more_o than_o 150_o year_n last_o pass_v have_v proceed_v from_o unhappy_a difference_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o will_v be_v as_o evident_a if_o due_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v as_o little_a likelihood_n if_o possibility_n of_o any_o long_a continuance_n of_o peace_n without_o some_o proper_a application_n to_o so_o fatal_a a_o root_n of_o mischief_n among_o we_o for_o the_o extirpation_n or_o suppression_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v this_o so_o vain_a unreasonable_a or_o impracticable_a a_o thing_n to_o be_v think_v on_o or_o attempt_v as_o most_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o presume_v upon_o the_o vnsuccessfulness_n of_o the_o attempt_n which_o have_v be_v make_v if_o better_a consider_v it_o be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o learn_v from_o the_o error_n of_o former_a attempt_n so_o to_o correct_v their_o method_n and_o measure_n as_o to_o accomplish_v with_o ease_n what_o other_o with_o great_a labour_n be_v not_o able_a to_o effect_v many_o thing_n in_o practice_n be_v like_o riddle_n in_o speculation_n which_o after_o many_o have_v find_v insoluble_a by_o their_o utmost_a study_n appear_v at_o last_o when_o the_o secret_a be_v once_o reveal_v very_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n but_o in_o such_o difference_n as_o these_o there_o be_v usual_o a_o double_a secret_n the_o one_o supernatural_a manage_v by_o
regius_n vorstius_n vossius_fw-la dr._n field_n bishop_n andrews_n and_o pass_v over_o in_o silence_n very_o many_o other_o as_o he_o say_v he_o recite_v the_o word_n of_o the_o liturgy_n of_o edward_n 6._o both_o in_o the_o office_n for_o the_o communion_n and_o that_o for_o burial_n lament_n that_o such_o most_o ancient_a and_o pious_a prayer_n shall_v by_o the_o persuasion_n of_o bucer_n and_o other_o be_v expunge_v and_o wish_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o have_v show_v great_a moderation_n in_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o less_o moment_n have_v rather_o conform_v herself_o in_o this_o business_n as_o also_o in_o some_o other_o to_o the_o most_o ancient_a custom_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n than_o for_o some_o error_n and_o abuse_n which_o have_v by_o degree_n creep_v in_o plain_o reject_v it_o and_o whole_o take_v it_o away_o to_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o almost_o all_o other_o christian_n i_o need_v add_v no_o more_o after_o this_o learned_a and_o apostolic_a bishop_n only_o in_o short_a take_v notice_n of_o what_o vrbanus_n regius_n say_v that_o none_o reject_v it_o but_o epicurean_o and_o sadducee_n and_o vorstius_n that_o no_o good_a man_n can_v dislike_v it_o and_o bishop_n andrews_n that_o there_o be_v little_a that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o and_o conclude_v this_o matter_n with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o famous_a hugo_n grotius_n the_o use_n of_o pray_v for_o the_o dead_a receive_v through_o all_o church_n of_o the_o east_n no_o less_o than_o of_o the_o west_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v condemn_v and_o after_o some_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o something_o concern_v the_o jew_n he_o add_v the_o ancient_a liturgy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v condemn_v since_o christ_n himself_o do_v never_o reprehend_v the_o prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a common_o use_v among_o the_o jew_n of_o which_o there_o be_v a_o form_n extant_a in_o the_o talmud_n make_v as_o be_v believe_v in_o the_o babylonian_a captivity_n and_o mention_v in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o the_o maccabee_n it_o will_v be_v reply_v that_o as_o great_a a_o man_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o any_o of_o those_o have_v write_v against_o it_o the_o famous_a usher_n archbishop_n of_o armath_n it_o be_v very_o true_a he_o have_v and_o employ_v and_o strain_v all_o his_o learning_n all_o his_o part_n and_o all_o his_o skill_n and_o a_o little_a too_o much_o to_o oppose_v it_o and_o all_o to_o very_o little_a purpose_n for_o his_o own_o cause_n but_o to_o very_o good_a purpose_n against_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o what_o bishop_n andrews_n true_o say_v that_o there_o be_v little_a that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o what_o this_o great_a man_n take_v such_o pain_n to_o oppose_v the_o sole_a question_n between_o he_o and_o his_o adversary_n be_v whether_o the_o father_n of_o the_o first_o 400_o or_o 500_o year_n hold_v that_o prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a be_v both_o commendable_a and_o godly_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o challenge_n which_o be_v in_o those_o very_a word_n and_o no_o other_o how_o and_o where_o do_v he_o answer_v this_o plain_a question_n his_o title_n of_o that_o part_n of_o his_o answer_n be_v general_a of_o prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a he_o see_v well_o enough_o how_o little_a he_o have_v to_o say_v to_o that_o plain_a question_n and_o therefore_o resolve_v to_o take_v more_o liberty_n to_o say_v something_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o title_n though_o little_a or_o nothing_o to_o the_o question_n he_o spend_v three_o score_n and_o ten_o page_n upon_o the_o general_a matter_n but_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o not_o ten_o line_n direct_o and_o close_o to_o the_o special_a question_n purpose_n question_n to_o use_v his_o own_o word_n p._n 170._o he_o allege_v indeed_o a_o number_n of_o authority_n to_o blear_v man_n eye_n with_o all_o which_o be_v narrow_o look_v into_o will_v be_v find_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n which_o be_v to_o abuse_v not_o so_o much_o his_o adversary_n as_o his_o reader_n with_o a_o specious_a appearance_n of_o a_o answer_n which_o in_o truth_n and_o reality_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n that_o which_o come_v near_a to_o the_o purpose_n be_v what_o he_o say_v pag._n 246._o these_o two_o question_n say_v he_o must_v necessary_o be_v distinguish_v whether_o prayer_n and_o oblation_n be_v to_o be_v make_v for_o the_o dead_a and_o whether_o the_o dead_a do_v receive_v any_o peculiar_a profit_n thereby_o in_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o he_o the_o reader_n shall_v find_v great_a difference_n among_o the_o doctor_n in_o the_o former_a very_o little_a or_o none_o at_o all_o this_o be_v indeed_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o his_o resolution_n of_o the_o former_a question_n though_o very_o true_a be_v a_o plain_a confession_n against_o himself_o for_o if_o they_o be_v agree_v that_o prayer_n and_o oblation_n be_v to_o be_v make_v for_o the_o dead_a then_o certain_o they_o hold_v that_o that_o be_v commendable_a and_o godly_a which_o be_v all_o that_o his_o adversary_n do_v affirm_v then_o and_o that_o i_o do_v principal_o assert_v now_o for_o what_o i_o have_v to_o allege_v far_o be_v but_o a_o consequence_n of_o that_o and_o his_o resolution_n of_o the_o latter_a question_n be_v manifest_o false_a and_o a_o disingenuous_a assertion_n for_o if_o among_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o doctor_n in_o so_o many_o year_n he_o can_v have_v assign_v five_o or_o six_o or_o ten_o who_o have_v real_o differ_v in_o that_o point_n from_o the_o rest_n which_o those_o few_o he_o cite_v right_o understand_v do_v not_o have_v that_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n and_o if_o some_o author_n do_v say_v that_o some_o or_o that_o many_o in_o their_o time_n be_v doubtful_a in_o the_o point_n be_v that_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o it_o be_v still_o a_o question_n in_o the_o church_n when_o they_o name_v not_o one_o person_n in_o particular_a much_o less_o any_o doctor_n nor_o tell_v we_o so_o much_o as_o of_o what_o quality_n they_o be_v who_o have_v those_o doubt_n when_o a_o difference_n be_v great_a there_o must_v be_v some_o proportion_n between_o the_o contender_n and_o where_o a_o question_n be_v continue_v there_o must_v be_v some_o dispute_n contention_n or_o debate_n but_o if_o people_n secret_a doubt_n must_v be_v take_v for_o question_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o bring_v all_o religion_n into_o question_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o such_o deal_n in_o controversy_n have_v have_v its_o share_n in_o produce_v this_o growth_n of_o scepticism_n and_o atheism_n of_o late_a that_o such_o a_o man_n as_o this_o shall_v put_v colour_n upon_o cause_n shall_v hold_v up_o contention_n shall_v be_v so_o addict_v to_o party_n as_o in_o favour_n to_o they_o to_o confirm_v people_n in_o opinion_n which_o if_o false_a be_v mischievous_a and_o if_o true_a of_o little_a advantage_n and_o contrary_a to_o so_o great_a authority_n as_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o so_o expose_v his_o judgement_n or_o integrity_n be_v a_o great_a unhappiness_n to_o himself_o and_o a_o scandal_n to_o other_o it_o be_v possible_a what_o other_o may_v have_v observe_v in_o this_o great_a man_n for_o it_o be_v a_o scurvy_a thing_n to_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o ill_a cause_n may_v have_v teach_v they_o more_o wisdom_n for_o for_o aught_o i_o can_v find_v as_o well_o in_o the_o controversial_a write_n of_o late_a as_o in_o the_o disputation_n at_o the_o university_n the_o old_a cause_n a_o preces_fw-la pro_fw-la defunctis_fw-la sint_fw-la licitae_fw-la be_v quite_o desert_v and_o that_o question_n be_v turn_v into_o another_o a_o preces_fw-la pro_fw-la defunctis_fw-la antiquitus_fw-la usurpatae_fw-la inferant_fw-la purgatorium_fw-la papisticum_fw-la it_o be_v well_o man_n have_v learn_v so_o much_o wisdom_n for_o themselves_o as_o to_o mend_v their_o cause_n so_o far_o as_o that_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o they_o may_v also_o learn_v so_o much_o honesty_n as_o to_o undeceive_v the_o people_n and_o restore_v to_o they_o for_o themselves_o and_o their_o friend_n the_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o that_o ancient_a catholic_n practice_n mr._n thorndike_n one_o of_o the_o learn_a person_n this_o church_n have_v produce_v and_o a_o late_a bishop_n of_o st._n asaph_n have_v do_v well_o to_o do_v what_o they_o can_v and_o restore_v it_o upon_o their_o own_o tombstone_n though_o they_o can_v not_o do_v it_o in_o the_o church_n and_o if_o all_o who_o believe_v well_o will_v but_o do_v so_o well_o as_o profess_v what_o they_o believe_v which_o certain_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v we_o shall_v soon_o see_v the_o truth_n revive_v and_o flourish_v beyond_o expectation_n and_o so_o much_o of_o our_o contention_n abate_v thus_o concern_v the_o person_n who_o have_v oppose_v this_o
rely_v not_o upon_o any_o hypothesis_n but_o upon_o the_o receive_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o he_o do_v rely_v upon_o as_o be_v confess_v but_o he_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o rely_v upon_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o of_o the_o pretend_a sibyl_n nor_o have_v this_o champion_n produce_v i_o think_v any_o one_o proof_n that_o either_o tertullian_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_n or_o modern_a christian_n do_v at_o all_o rely_v upon_o any_o such_o authority_n for_o that_o practice_n but_o all_o unanimous_o rely_v upon_o tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n his_o whole_a book_n be_v full_a of_o fallacy_n and_o deceit_n and_o of_o the_o very_a spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o a_o heretic_n who_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o abuse_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o most_o excellent_a person_n in_o it_o to_o maintain_v his_o own_o principle_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o divers_a of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v know_v to_o the_o gentile_n long_o before_o and_o receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o the_o common_a parent_n of_o mankind_n but_o receive_v as_o article_n of_o faith_n by_o christian_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o such_o be_v this_o which_o he_o father_n upon_o a_o impostor_n and_o pretend_v the_o church_n receive_v it_o from_o he_o without_o any_o proof_n of_o either_o whereas_o if_o he_o be_v a_o christian_a it_o be_v much_o more_o likely_a that_o he_o receive_v the_o hypothesis_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n and_o be_v therefore_o rather_o a_o evidence_n of_o it_o other_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n have_v be_v consider_v by_o learned_a man_n of_o our_o own_o country_n and_o i_o think_v i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o with_o any_o regard_n to_o he_o but_o as_o to_o the_o practice_n beside_o all_o this_o positive_a and_o affirmative_a evidence_n i_o do_v deny_v that_o any_o competent_a evidence_n can_v be_v produce_v among_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n of_o any_o where_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v plant_v without_o it_o or_o where_o it_o be_v introduce_v by_o any_o particular_a person_n upon_o any_o special_a occasion_n at_o any_o different_a time_n after_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n there_o in_o all_o those_o age_n since_o the_o apostle_n be_v very_o persuade_v that_o no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v produce_v but_o what_o will_v strong_o confirm_v and_o illustate_v the_o contrary_a evidence_n like_o mr._n vsher_n flourish_n with_o his_o most_o ancient_a manuscript_n missal_n wherein_o the_o commemoration_n of_o the_o dead_a do_v no_o where_n appear_v which_o yet_o be_v but_o two_o in_o all_o if_o not_o all_o but_o one_o mention_v by_o two_o several_a author_n and_o that_o no_o complete_a missal_n neither_o but_o only_o libre_fw-la sacramentorum_fw-la a_o abstract_n and_o itself_o at_o last_o not_o to_o be_v find_v as_o his_o expression_n habebatur_fw-la seem_v to_o imply_v a_o good_a argument_n of_o the_o agreement_n of_o all_o or_o most_o other_o in_o that_o particular_a that_o so_o industrious_a a_o searcher_n into_o ancient_a record_n and_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n of_o that_o kind_n especial_o can_v neither_o see_v nor_o hear_v of_o any_o other_o either_o at_o home_n or_o abroad_o wherein_o it_o be_v not_o such_o another_o exception_n may_v perhaps_o be_v meet_v with_o which_o may_v serve_v to_o confirm_v the_o general_a rule_n but_o not_o any_o thing_n considerable_a i_o believe_v to_o any_o other_o purpose_n certain_a it_o be_v it_o must_v either_o have_v be_v settle_v in_o all_o those_o several_a place_n in_o the_o world_n where_o church_n be_v plant_v together_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o institution_n and_o than_o it_o must_v have_v proceed_v from_o the_o same_o founder_n who_o agree_v as_o unanimous_o in_o this_o as_o they_o do_v in_o other_o necessary_a thing_n of_o which_o sort_n this_o may_v therefore_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v one_o or_o it_o must_v have_v have_v a_o several_a distinct_a particular_a introduction_n by_o itself_o in_o all_o or_o most_o of_o those_o several_a place_n and_o be_v derive_v from_o several_a author_n original_n occasion_n and_o time_n and_o then_o the_o account_n of_o its_o special_a and_o particular_a introduction_n in_o all_o probability_n will_v have_v very_o much_o vary_v in_o several_a place_n at_o least_o have_v remain_v upon_o record_n or_o by_o tradition_n in_o some_o but_o not_o a_o word_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n can_v i_o find_v that_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n but_o a_o unanimous_a agreement_n in_o all_o both_o in_o the_o practice_n continue_v by_o custom_n and_o original_a by_o tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o proof_n à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la from_o evidence_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o i_o think_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o reasonable_a man_n of_o competent_a ability_n and_o to_o convince_v any_o man_n of_o modesty_n and_o sincerity_n yet_o because_o simple_a genuine_a truth_n be_v always_o consistent_a with_o all_o that_o be_v such_o it_o may_v ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la gratify_v a_o honest_a ingenuous_a reader_n to_o observe_v brief_o the_o universal_a agreement_n of_o this_o catholic_n practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n 1._o with_o common_a reason_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n 2._o with_o the_o common_a sentiment_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n concern_v the_o middle_a state_n of_o soul_n 3._o with_o divers_a plain_a text_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o 4._o with_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o and_o before_o our_o saviour_n time_n never_o reprehend_v by_o he_o or_o any_o of_o his_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o allow_v by_o all_o and_o indeed_o practise_v by_o they_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o inconsistence_n of_o the_o obstinate_a opposition_n with_o truth_n and_o justice_n in_o divers_a respect_n as_o for_o common_a reason_n the_o universe_n be_v of_o vast_a and_o unconceivable_a extent_n in_o it_o we_o see_v be_v many_o great_a body_n orb_n and_o region_n the_o life_n of_o man_n upon_o this_o of_o the_o earth_n be_v very_o short_a the_o time_n from_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o this_o be_v near_o 1700_o year_n and_o how_o much_o more_o it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o general_n judgement_n no_o mortal_n know_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o soul_n of_o mortal_n go_v out_o of_o their_o body_n in_o infinite_o various_a state_n of_o purity_n and_o impurity_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v not_o only_o one_o general_a distinction_n of_o soul_n but_o moreover_o many_o distinct_a place_n state_n and_o condition_n wherein_o the_o separate_a soul_n be_v dispose_v according_a to_o their_o several_a qualification_n when_o they_o go_v out_o of_o the_o body_n and_o as_o that_o curious_a observer_n of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o late_a lord_n chief_a justice_n hale_n speak_v of_o towardly_a plant_n by_o death_n transplant_v into_o another_o region_n a_o garden_n of_o happiness_n and_o comfort_n add_v and_o possible_o by_o continuance_n of_o time_n as_o they_o receive_v improvement_n and_o perfection_n here_o so_o in_o that_o other_o region_n they_o add_v to_o their_o degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o be_v promote_v to_o far_a accession_n and_o degree_n and_o station_n of_o happiness_n and_o glory_n till_o they_o come_v to_o the_o state_n of_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a now_o in_o all_o these_o variety_n of_o state_n be_v there_o nothing_o capable_a of_o receive_v benefit_n by_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o live_n be_v there_o no_o communion_n of_o saint_n between_o those_o in_o the_o body_n and_o those_o out_o of_o the_o body_n but_o if_o there_o be_v how_o can_v it_o better_o be_v exercise_v or_o express_v than_o in_o the_o solemn_a office_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o common_a sentiment_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n because_o it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o to_o recite_v so_o many_o testimony_n in_o this_o place_n and_o they_o be_v collect_v already_o to_o my_o hand_n by_o sixtus_n senensis_n and_o other_o i_o need_v but_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o they_o but_o this_o also_o be_v confess_v and_o assert_v by_o blondel_n and_o dalle_n but_o they_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v that_o they_o receive_v they_o from_o a_o impostor_n a_o counterfeit_n sibyl_n a_o groundless_a impudent_a and_o impious_a calumny_n the_o agreement_n with_o plain_a scripture_n be_v observable_a in_o that_o expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o sin_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v neither_o in_o this_o world_n neither_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v mat._n 12.32_o and_o that_o which_o agree_v with_o this_o of_o be_v cast_v into_o prison_n and_o not_o come_v out_o by_o any_o mean_n till_o