upon_o their_o own_o authority_n to_o begin_v a_o new_a church_n and_o to_o broach_v new_a doctrine_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o sanhedrin_n yea_o after_o they_o have_v pronounce_v sentence_n against_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n and_o condemn_v he_o to_o death_n and_o excommunicate_v his_o follower_n and_o punish_v as_o many_o as_o they_o can_v get_v into_o their_o power_n what_o can_v it_o in_o their_o opinion_n be_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o faction_n and_o disobedience_n thus_o to_o oppose_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n in_o believe_v contrary_a to_o its_o decree_n and_o reform_v without_o any_o power_n derive_v from_o it_o we_o see_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n how_o severe_o they_o check_v any_o of_o the_o people_n who_o speak_v favourable_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n as_o though_o the_o poor_a ignorant_a people_n be_v fit_a to_o judge_v of_o these_o matter_n to_o understand_v prophecy_n and_o to_o know_v the_o true_a messiah_n when_o he_o shall_v appear_v and_o therefore_o when_o some_o of_o their_o officer_n that_o have_v be_v send_v to_o apprehend_v he_o come_v back_o with_o admiration_n of_o he_o and_o say_v never_o man_n speak_v like_o this_o man_n they_o take_v they_o up_o short_a and_o tell_v they_o they_o must_v believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v what_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o judge_v of_o such_o matter_n no_o they_o must_v submit_v to_o their_o governor_n have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o he_o but_o this_o people_n which_o know_v 49._o not_o the_o law_n be_v curse_v i_o e._n when_o they_o set_v up_o their_o own_o judgement_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o after_o our_o saviour_n death_n at_o a_o solemn_a council_n at_o jerusalem_n when_o peter_n and_o john_n be_v summon_v before_o they_o the_o first_o question_n they_o ask_v be_v by_o what_o power_n or_o by_o what_o name_n have_v you_o do_v this_o they_o never_o inquire_v 7._o whether_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v or_o no_o or_o whether_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a all_o their_o question_n be_v about_o their_o mission_n whether_o it_o be_v ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a or_o what_o authority_n they_o can_v pretend_v to_o that_o be_v not_o send_v by_o themselves_o but_o let_v the_o thing_n be_v never_o so_o true_a which_o they_o say_v if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o flaw_n in_o their_o mission_n according_a to_o their_o own_o rule_n and_o law_n this_o they_o think_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o forbid_v they_o to_o preach_v any_o more_o and_o to_o charge_v they_o with_o faction_n if_o they_o disobey_v 2._o they_o charge_v the_o christian_n with_o faction_n in_o be_v so_o active_a and_o busy_a to_o promote_v christianity_n to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o part_n this_o tertullus_n accuse_v st._n paul_n of_o that_o he_o be_v a_o mover_n of_o sedition_n among_o all_o the_o jew_n throughout_o the_o 5._o world_n and_o according_o the_o jew_n at_o thessalonica_n take_v the_o christian_n by_o force_n and_o carry_v they_o to_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o city_n cry_v those_o that_o have_v turn_v the_o world_n upside_o down_o be_v come_v hither_o also_o this_o 6._o they_o know_v be_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o render_v they_o odious_a to_o all_o governor_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v all_o new_a thing_n as_o dangerous_a and_o think_v no_o truth_n can_v compensate_a the_o hazard_n of_o alteration_n thus_o it_o be_v especial_o among_o the_o roman_a governor_n who_o have_v learn_v from_o the_o counsel_n give_v to_o augustus_n to_o be_v particular_o jealous_a of_o all_o innovation_n in_o religion_n and_o have_v much_o rather_o the_o people_n shall_v continue_v quiet_a under_o a_o old_a error_n than_o have_v the_o peace_n disturb_v for_o the_o great_a truth_n this_o be_v real_o the_o great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o christianity_n it_o come_v no_o where_o but_o people_n be_v possess_v before_o hand_n with_o quite_o other_o apprehension_n of_o religion_n than_o the_o christian_n bring_v among_o they_o the_o jewish_a and_o pagan_a religion_n be_v in_o possession_n in_o all_o place_n and_o the_o people_n be_v at_o ease_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o what_o then_o must_v the_o christian_n do_v must_v they_o let_v they_o alone_o and_o not_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o own_o doctrine_n if_o so_o they_o be_v unfaithful_a to_o their_o trust_n betrayer_n of_o truth_n and_o false_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o they_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v man_n out_o of_o their_o religion_n they_o know_v such_o be_v the_o fondness_n most_o man_n have_v for_o their_o own_o opinion_n especial_o in_o religion_n that_o where_o they_o may_v hope_v to_o convince_v one_o they_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o enrage_v many_o especial_o of_o those_o who_o interest_n lie_v in_o uphold_v the_o old_a religion_n how_o little_a do_v reason_n signify_v with_o most_o man_n where_o interest_n be_v against_o it_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n be_v odd_a kind_n of_o metaphysical_a thing_n to_o they_o which_o they_o do_v not_o care_v to_o trouble_v their_o head_n with_o but_o what_o make_v for_o or_o against_o their_o interest_n be_v think_v easy_a and_o substantial_a all_o other_o matter_n be_v as_o gallio_n say_v question_n of_o name_n and_o word_n which_o they_o care_v not_o for_o but_o no_o man_n will_v soon_o offer_v to_o demonstrate_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v false_a than_o they_o who_o know_v it_o to_o be_v against_o their_o interest_n to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o these_o great_a man_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o come_v down_o to_o accuse_v paul_n they_o easy_o see_v whither_o this_o new_a religion_n tend_v and_o if_o it_o prevail_v among_o their_o people_n farewell_o then_o to_o all_o the_o pomp_n and_o splendour_n of_o the_o high-priesthood_n at_o jerusalem_n farewell_o then_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o city_n whither_o all_o the_o tribe_n come_v up_o to_o worship_n thrice_o a_o year_n farewell_o then_o to_o all_o the_o riches_n and_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n which_o they_o enjoy_v and_o what_o be_v the_o great_a truth_n and_o best_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o they_o in_o comparison_n with_o these_o these_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o they_o to_o accuse_v truth_n itself_o of_o deceive_a man_n and_o the_o most_o peaceable_a doctrine_n of_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o faction_n and_o sedition_n thus_o we_o have_v consider_v the_o false_a imputation_n which_o be_v cast_v upon_o christianity_n at_o first_o employ_v in_o these_o word_n after_o the_o way_n which_o be_v call_v heresy_n 2._o i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o way_n take_v by_o st._n paul_n to_o remove_v these_o false_a imputation_n which_o he_o do_v 1._o by_o a_o appeal_n to_o scripture_n as_o the_o ground_n and_o rule_v of_o his_o faith_n believe_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n 2._o by_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a antiquity_n as_o to_o the_o object_n of_o worship_n so_o worship_v i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n not_o bring_v in_o any_o new_a religion_n but_o restore_v it_o to_o its_o primitive_a purity_n 1._o by_o a_o appeal_n to_o scripture_n as_o the_o ground_n and_o rule_v of_o his_o faith_n the_o jew_n plead_v possession_n tradition_n authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n against_o all_o these_o st._n paul_n fix_v upon_o a_o certain_a and_o unmoveable_a foundation_n the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n he_o do_v not_o here_o insist_v upon_o any_o particular_a revelation_n make_v to_o himself_o but_o offer_v the_o whole_a matter_n in_o dispute_n to_o be_v try_v by_o a_o common_a rule_n that_o be_v allow_v on_o both_o side_n and_o his_o meaning_n be_v if_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o he_o either_o assert_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n than_o they_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o accuse_v he_o of_o innovation_n or_o beginning_n of_o a_o new_a sect_n but_o if_o the_o foundation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n lie_v in_o what_o themselves_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v from_o god_n than_o they_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o charge_v he_o with_o introduce_v a_o new_a sect_n among_o they_o but_o the_o great_a question_n here_o be_v what_o ground_n st._n paul_n have_v to_o decline_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n since_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v the_o priest_n to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o in_o doubtful_a case_n resort_n be_v to_o be_v make_v to_o they_o and_o not_o the_o judgement_n leave_v to_o particular_a person_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v apparent_a st._n paul_n decline_v all_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a
in_o their_o judgement_n from_o hence_o we_o see_v st._n paul_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o appeal_v from_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o elder_n to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n because_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o mistake_n but_o these_o be_v not_o 2._o because_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v less_o liable_a to_o partiality_n than_o a_o live_a judge_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n i_o have_v ofttimes_o wonder_v to_o hear_v man_n speak_v so_o advantageous_o of_o a_o live_a judge_n before_o a_o infallible_a rule_n in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n of_o controversy_n if_o all_o they_o mean_v be_v only_o that_o a_o end_n be_v put_v to_o they_o no_o matter_n how_o i_o confess_v a_o live_a judge_n in_o that_o case_n have_v much_o the_o advantage_n but_o so_o will_v any_o other_o way_n that_o person_n will_v agree_v upon_o as_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o next_o person_n we_o meet_v with_o or_o lottery_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o if_o 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they_o who_o be_v the_o party_n so_o deep_o concern_v a_o live_a judge_n may_v have_v a_o great_a advantage_n over_o a_o bare_a rule_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o controversy_n but_o then_o we_o must_v suppose_v impartiality_n in_o he_o freedom_n from_o prejudice_n a_o excellent_a judgement_n diligence_n and_o patience_n in_o hear_v all_o the_o evidence_n and_o at_o last_o deliver_v sentence_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n if_o any_o of_o these_o be_v want_v the_o controversy_n may_v soon_o be_v end_v but_o on_o the_o wrong_a side_n i_o suppose_v none_o of_o those_o who_o will_v have_v controversy_n in_o religion_n end_v by_o a_o live_a judge_n will_v for_o shame_n say_v they_o will_v have_v they_o end_v right_a or_o wrong_n but_o if_o they_o will_v have_v truth_n determine_v they_o must_v give_v we_o assurance_n that_o these_o judge_n shall_v lay_v aside_o all_o partiality_n to_o their_o own_o interest_n all_o prejudice_n against_o their_o adversary_n shall_v diligent_o search_v and_o examine_v and_o weigh_v the_o evidence_n on_o both_o side_n and_o then_o shall_v determine_v according_a to_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o law_n how_o likely_a this_o be_v will_v appear_v by_o the_o live_a judge_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v there_o ever_o great_a partiality_n see_v than_o be_v in_o they_o or_o more_o obstinate_a prejudice_n or_o more_o wilful_a error_n or_o a_o more_o malicious_a sentence_n than_o come_v from_o they_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n they_o will_v not_o believe_v his_o miracle_n though_o tell_v they_o by_o those_o that_o see_v they_o when_o they_o see_v they_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o come_v from_o god_n but_o attribute_v they_o to_o the_o devil_n they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o inquire_v the_o true_a place_n of_o his_o nativity_n but_o run_v on_o still_o with_o that_o wilful_a mistake_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v in_o galilee_n and_o by_o this_o they_o think_v to_o confound_v nicodemus_n present_o search_v and_o look_v for_o out_o of_o galilee_n arise_v no_o prophet_n if_o they_o have_v search_v 52._o and_o look_v themselves_o they_o will_v have_v find_v that_o christ_n be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n and_o not_o in_o galilee_n but_o where_o man_n be_v strong_o prejudice_v any_o thing_n serve_v for_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n whereas_o all_o the_o argument_n on_o the_o other_o side_n shall_v be_v despise_v and_o contemn_v how_o captious_a be_v they_o on_o all_o occasion_n towards_o our_o saviour_n lie_v in_o wait_n to_o entrap_v he_o with_o question_n to_o pervert_v his_o word_n and_o draw_v blasphemy_n out_o of_o the_o most_o innocent_a expression_n and_o when_o none_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n can_v do_v they_o use_v all_o the_o way_n of_o fraud_n malice_n and_o injustice_n to_o destroy_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n as_o a_o malefactor_n and_o blasphemer_n be_v not_o here_o now_o a_o mighty_a advantage_n which_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n among_o the_o jew_n of_o that_o time_n have_v above_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o knowledge_n st._n paul_n have_v of_o the_o same_o temper_n be_v in_o they_o still_o may_v just_o make_v he_o decline_v their_o judgement_n and_o appeal_v only_o to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o ground_n and_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n 2._o for_o the_o object_n of_o his_o worship_n he_o appeal_v to_o the_o best_a antiquity_n i_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n i_o e._n i_o bring_v no_o new_a religion_n among_o you_o but_o the_o very_a same_o in_o substance_n with_o that_o which_o all_o the_o jew_n have_v own_v so_o some_o render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d deo_fw-la patrio_fw-la the_o god_n who_o all_o my_o brethren_n acknowledge_v but_o he_o rather_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o same_o god_n that_o be_v worship_v by_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n quem_fw-la majores_fw-la nostri_fw-la coluerunt_fw-la so_o st._n peter_n in_o his_o preach_n to_o the_o people_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o novelty_n say_v the_o god_n of_o abraham_n and_o of_o isaac_n and_o of_o 13._o jacob_n the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n have_v glorify_v his_o son_n jesus_n and_o again_o to_o the_o sanhedrin_n he_o say_v the_o god_n of_o 30._o our_o father_n raise_v up_o jesus_n and_o st._n paul_n the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n have_v choose_v thou_o in_o the_o use_n of_o which_o expression_n 14._o they_o purposely_o declare_v that_o they_o have_v no_o thought_n of_o bring_v in_o any_o new_a religion_n among_o they_o contrary_a to_o what_o god_n have_v of_o old_a declare_v to_o the_o patriarch_n the_o main_a thing_n in_o which_o the_o jew_n object_v innovation_n to_o they_o do_v either_o concern_v the_o bring_n in_o some_o new_a doctrine_n or_o the_o reformation_n of_o corruption_n among_o they_o 1._o for_o their_o doctrine_n that_o either_o concern_v the_o messiah_n or_o a_o future_a state_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o messiah_n it_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o record_n of_o any_o revelation_n from_o god_n be_v it_o be_v the_o great_a promise_n make_v to_o the_o patriarch_n long_o before_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o even_o moses_n himself_o speak_v of_o he_o as_o st._n steven_n prove_v to_o they_o and_o david_n and_o isaiah_n 37._o and_o jeremiah_n and_o ezekiel_n and_o daniel_n and_o micah_n and_o malachi_n as_o the_o apostle_n at_o large_a prove_v in_o their_o write_n why_o shall_v this_o then_o be_v account_v any_o new_a doctrine_n which_o they_o all_o believe_v and_o receive_v if_o the_o question_n be_v only_o whether_o christ_n be_v that_o messiah_n or_o no_o for_o that_o they_o desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o but_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o quarrel_v with_o they_o upon_o their_o belief_n for_o such_o a_o alteration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n which_o themselves_o believe_v must_v be_v when_o the_o messiah_n come_v for_o in_o he_o not_o only_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v bless_v which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o suppose_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n to_o continue_v in_o its_o force_n and_o obligation_n be_v particular_o suit_v to_o one_o people_n lie_v within_o such_o a_o compass_n as_o they_o may_v three_o time_n a_o year_n attend_v upon_o the_o service_n in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n if_o their_o quarrel_n be_v concern_v a_o future_a state_n as_o though_o that_o be_v a_o new_a doctrine_n st._n paul_n add_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n that_o themselves_o also_o allow_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v aresurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a both_o of_o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a and_o
the_o reformation_n justify_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o guildhall_n chapel_n septemb_n 21._o 1673._o before_o the_o lord_n major_n and_o alderman_n etc._n etc._n by_o edw._n stillingfleet_n d._n d._n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o robert_n white_a for_o henry_n mortlock_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o white_a hart_n in_o westminster_n hall_n and_o at_o the_o phoenix_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1674._o hanson_n major_a cur._n special_a tent_n in_o festo_fw-la s._n michaelis_fw-la archang_n 1673._o annoque_fw-la regis_fw-la caroli_n secundi_fw-la angliae_fw-la etc._n etc._n xxv_o it_o be_v order_v by_o this_o court_n that_o d_o r._n stillingfleet_n be_v earnest_o desire_v to_o print_v his_o sermon_n late_o preach_v at_o the_o guild-hall_n chapel_n before_o the_o lord_n major_n and_o alderman_n of_o this_o city_n wagstaffe_n act_v xxiv_o 14._o but_o this_o i_o confess_v unto_o thou_o that_o after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_v i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n we_o find_v st._n paul_n bring_v to_o his_o trial_n before_o felix_n the_o roman_a governor_n wherein_o if_o we_o only_o except_o the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o judge_n all_o other_o thing_n concur_v which_o can_v make_v such_o a_o action_n considerable_a viz._n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o cause_n the_o quality_n of_o the_o person_n and_o the_o skill_n which_o be_v show_v in_o the_o management_n of_o it_o the_o cause_n be_v not_o common_a and_o ordinary_a such_o as_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v try_v before_o the_o governor_n of_o province_n but_o of_o a_o unusual_a and_o public_a nature_n not_o a_o question_n of_o word_n and_o name_n as_o gallio_n 15._o think_v it_o but_o of_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a importance_n to_o the_o world_n which_o be_v manage_v by_o st._n paul_n with_o that_o zeal_n and_o industry_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o it_o give_v occasion_n to_o his_o malicious_a countryman_n to_o accuse_v he_o before_o the_o roman_a governor_n as_o one_o guilty_a of_o faction_n and_o sedition_n under_o this_o colour_n they_o hope_v easy_o to_o gain_v the_o governor_n good_a will_n to_o their_o design_n be_v a_o person_n that_o more_o regard_v the_o quiet_a of_o his_o province_n than_o all_o the_o concernment_n of_o truth_n and_o religion_n but_o that_o this_o design_n may_v be_v carry_v on_o with_o the_o great_a pomp_n and_o show_v of_o justice_n and_o piety_n they_o do_v not_o commit_v the_o care_n of_o it_o to_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o people_n or_o some_o furious_a zealot_n but_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o some_o member_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n 1._o go_v down_o on_o purpose_n from_o jerusalem_n to_o caesarea_n and_o carry_v with_o they_o one_o of_o their_o most_o eloquent_a advocate_n call_v tertullus_n to_o manage_v the_o accusation_n against_o paul_n who_o be_v no_o soon_o call_v forth_o but_o the_o orator_n begin_v to_o show_v his_o art_n by_o a_o flatter_a insinuation_n which_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o prevail_v with_o man_n of_o mean_a and_o corrupt_a mind_n see_v that_o by_o thou_o say_v he_o we_o enjoy_v great_a quietness_n and_o 3._o that_o very_o worthy_a deed_n be_v do_v unto_o this_o nation_n by_o thy_o providence_n we_o accept_v it_o always_o and_o in_o all_o place_n most_o noble_a felix_n with_o all_o thankfulness_n have_v thus_o prepare_v his_o judge_n he_o present_o fall_v upon_o the_o matter_n and_o charge_n st._n paul_n with_o be_v a_o pestilent_a and_o seditious_a 6._o person_n a_o disturber_n of_o his_o nation_n in_o all_o part_n a_o profaner_n of_o the_o temple_n but_o the_o main_a point_n of_o all_o and_o in_o which_o the_o rest_n be_v comprehend_v be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarenes_n so_o the_o christian_n be_v then_o call_v among_o the_o jew_n from_o our_o saviour_n abode_n in_o the_o town_n of_o nazareth_n but_o although_o the_o writer_n of_o this_o history_n give_v we_o only_o the_o short_a head_n of_o his_o accusation_n yet_o we_o may_v easy_o suppose_v by_o st._n paul_n answer_n that_o he_o insist_v more_o large_o on_o this_o than_o on_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n represent_v to_o felix_n that_o when_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v be_v at_o first_o establish_v by_o god_n himself_o under_o law_n of_o his_o own_o make_n when_o he_o have_v so_o settle_v the_o several_a order_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n among_o they_o that_o the_o priest_n lip_n be_v to_o 7._o preserve_v knowledge_n and_o the_o law_n to_o be_v seek_v at_o their_o mouth_n when_o under_o this_o government_n their_o religion_n have_v be_v preserve_v for_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n and_o after_o many_o revolution_n they_o enjoy_v one_o common_a and_o public_a worship_n among_o they_o though_o there_o be_v several_a distinct_a order_n of_o religious_a man_n such_o as_o the_o pharisee_n and_o essen_v yet_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o divine_a worship_n but_o now_o at_o last_o to_o their_o great_a regret_n and_o horror_n appear_v one_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n a_o person_n of_o obscure_a parentage_n and_o mean_a education_n who_o pretend_v to_o discover_v many_o corruption_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o best_a man_n and_o without_o any_o authority_n from_o the_o high_a priest_n or_o sanhedrin_n he_o gather_v disciple_n and_o draw_v multitude_n of_o people_n after_o he_o till_o at_o last_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o governor_n think_v it_o fit_a to_o take_v he_o off_o and_o make_v he_o a_o example_n for_o reformer_n notwithstanding_o this_o his_o bold_a and_o forward_a disciple_n after_o his_o death_n carry_v on_o the_o same_o design_n pretend_v that_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n be_v come_v and_o according_o have_v form_v 10._o themselves_o into_o a_o sect_n vigorous_a and_o active_a of_o high_a pretence_n and_o dangerous_a design_n which_o if_o it_o continue_v and_o increase_v can_v end_v in_o nothing_o short_a of_o the_o ruin_n of_o our_o ancient_a jewish_a catholic_n church_n which_o have_v have_v so_o constant_a and_o visible_a a_o succession_n in_o all_o age_n that_o have_v have_v so_o many_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n in_o it_o so_o many_o devout_a and_o religious_a person_n as_o the_o pharisee_n be_v so_o excellent_a a_o order_n and_o government_n so_o much_o unity_n and_o peace_n before_o this_o new_a sect_n of_o nazarenes_n arise_v in_o opposition_n to_o that_o authority_n with_o which_o god_n have_v invest_v the_o high_a priest_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_n and_o among_o all_o the_o promoter_n of_o this_o new_a sect_n there_o be_v none_o more_o factious_a and_o busy_a than_o this_o paul_n who_o we_o here_o accuse_v and_o who_o some_o of_o our_o nation_n find_v in_o the_o temple_n profane_v of_o it_o and_o there_o we_o will_v present_o out_o of_o mere_a zeal_n to_o our_o religion_n have_v take_v and_o destroy_v but_o he_o be_v violent_o rescue_v out_o of_o our_o hand_n and_o send_v hither_o to_o be_v try_v and_o these_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v speak_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v come_v down_o as_o witness_n for_o so_o we_o read_v v_o 9_o and_o the_o jew_n also_o assent_v and_o say_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o st._n paul_n be_v thus_o accuse_v and_o have_v leave_v give_v he_o to_o answer_v for_o himself_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v daunt_v by_o the_o greatness_n 10._o of_o his_o enemy_n or_o the_o vehemency_n of_o their_o accusation_n that_o he_o tell_v the_o governor_n that_o he_o do_v with_o all_o cheerfulness_n undertake_v his_o defence_n and_o there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o his_o accusation_n 1._o his_o tumultuous_a and_o profane_a carriage_n in_o the_o temple_n this_o he_o utter_o deny_v v_o 11_o 12_o 13._o and_o plain_o tell_v they_o they_o can_v never_o prove_v it_o against_o he_o 2._o but_o as_o to_o the_o other_o and_o main_a part_n of_o the_o charge_n his_o be_v a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarenes_n although_o he_o will_v not_o out_o of_o his_o great_a modesty_n take_v upon_o himself_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o head_n or_o chief_n among_o they_o yet_o as_o to_o the_o own_n of_o that_o way_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o imputation_n they_o have_v cast_v upon_o it_o he_o do_v it_o with_o the_o great_a freedom_n and_o courage_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o judge_n and_o accuser_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o defend_v himself_o therein_o that_o he_o have_v do_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o the_o most_o ancient_a religion_n of_o his_o country_n all_o which_o particular_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n but_o this_o i_o confess_v unto_o thou_o that_o after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_v
he_o do_v against_o st._n paul_n they_o charge_v we_o with_o bring_v in_o new_a sect_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o reformation_n or_o with_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o thereby_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o factionâ—nd_a â—nd_z schism_n these_o be_v heavy_a charge_n but_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o those_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o the_o elder_n make_v against_o st._n paul_n and_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n his_o defence_n and_o vindication_n be_v we_o too_o for_o we_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n and_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a antiquity_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v judge_v according_a to_o these_o these_o three_o thing_n therefore_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o before_o i_o conclude_v 1._o that_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o they_o produce_v against_o the_o reformation_n will_v have_v hold_v against_o the_o spread_a of_o christianity_n at_o first_o 2._o that_o the_o same_o defence_n which_o st._n paul_n make_v for_o christianity_n will_v justify_v the_o reformation_n 3._o that_o we_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o follow_v the_o courage_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o own_v and_o defend_v our_o religion_n not_o with_o stand_v the_o imputation_n which_o be_v cast_v upon_o it_o 1._o that_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o they_o produce_v against_o the_o reformation_n will_v have_v hold_v against_o christianity_n at_o first_o what_o have_v all_o the_o clamour_n of_o our_o adversary_n for_o above_o a_o hundred_o year_n come_v to_o but_o the_o very_a same_o which_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v as_o the_o jew_n objection_n against_o christianity_n viz._n novelty_n and_o faction_n where_o be_v your_o church_n before_o the_o reformation_n produce_v your_o succession_n in_o all_o age_n of_o person_n who_o agree_v in_o all_o thing_n with_o you_o where_o be_v those_o distinct_a body_n of_o man_n who_o find_v fault_n with_o those_o corruption_n that_o you_o pretend_v to_o reform_v our_o church_n have_v have_v a_o constant_a and_o glorious_a succession_n of_o bishop_n and_o martyr_n and_o consessor_n and_o religious_a order_n of_o man_n virgin_n and_o widow_n but_o suppose_v such_o a_o distinct_a succession_n be_v not_o necessary_a yet_o show_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o so_o many_o error_n and_o corruption_n to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n and_o no_o one_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o and_o discover_v they_o where_o be_v the_o watchful_a eye_n of_o providence_n over_o the_o church_n all_o this_o while_n what_o all_o the_o pastor_n asleep_a at_o once_o or_o all_o conspire_v together_o to_o deceive_v their_o posterity_n beside_o how_o can_v the_o protestant_n ever_o answer_v their_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n which_o they_o live_v under_o and_o to_o who_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o infallible_a spirit_n how_o can_v they_o clear_v themselves_o from_o faction_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n which_o live_v in_o so_o great_a unity_n and_o peace_n before_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o objection_n against_o the_o reformation_n which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o we_o have_v mention_v before_o as_o produce_v by_o the_o jew_n against_o christianity_n if_o the_o argument_n be_v good_a now_o they_o be_v so_o then_o if_o they_o be_v good_a then_o for_o all_o that_o i_o can_v see_v the_o high_a priest_n and_o elder_n be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o wrong_n if_o they_o be_v not_o good_a then_o but_o be_v now_o some_o remarkable_a disparity_n must_v be_v show_v between_o their_o case_n and_o we_o and_o that_o must_v lie_v in_o show_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v great_a infallibility_n promise_v than_o the_o jewish_a have_v 2._o that_o the_o first_o christian_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n than_o the_o reformer_n have_v as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 3_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n can_v not_o hold_v in_o the_o christian_n but_o if_o none_o of_o these_o can_v be_v make_v good_a than_o the_o case_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o very_a same_o 1._o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v great_a infallibility_n promise_v than_o the_o jewish_a have_v of_o which_o we_o have_v this_o plain_a evidence_n that_o one_o of_o the_o strong_a argument_n produce_v for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v take_v from_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o jewish_a how_o often_o have_v deut._n 17._o 8_o 9_o 10._o be_v make_v use_v of_o to_o prove_v infallibility_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n if_o they_o have_v any_o better_a argument_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n will_v they_o ever_o run_v so_o far_o back_o to_o a_o command_n that_o most_o evident_o relate_v to_o the_o jewish_a constitution_n where_o have_v ever_o god_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v dwell_v in_o st._n peter_n at_o rome_n as_o he_o do_v that_o he_o will_v dwell_v in_o his_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n what_o boasting_n and_o triumph_n will_v there_o have_v be_v if_o any_o such_o word_n have_v be_v in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v rome_n as_o there_o be_v of_o old_a concern_v jerusalem_n viz._n that_o god_n have_v 16._o sanctify_v it_o that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v there_o for_o ever_o and_o his_o eye_n and_o his_o heart_n shall_v be_v there_o perpetual_o what_o pitiful_a proof_n in_o comparison_n of_o this_o be_v all_o those_o bring_v out_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o authority_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n what_o be_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o remarkable_o accomplish_v in_o they_o to_o this_o plain_a promise_n of_o god_n particular_a presence_n in_o that_o place_n for_o ever_o suppose_v st._n peter_n have_v privilege_n above_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n how_o come_v the_o entail_n to_o be_v make_v to_o all_o his_o successor_n and_o only_o at_o rome_n and_o no_o where_o else_o where_o be_v the_o deed_n keep_v that_o contain_v this_o gift_n why_o be_v they_o not_o produce_v during_o all_o this_o contest_v and_o yet_o we_o see_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n where_o such_o a_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o a_o particular_a place_n no_o such_o thing_n as_o infallibility_n be_v employ_v in_o it_o 2._o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o the_o first_o christian_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n than_o our_o reformer_n have_v to_o reject_v that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o know_v here_o it_o will_v be_v present_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n see_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o wrought_v many_o themselves_o and_o receive_v a_o immediate_a commission_n from_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o the_o church_n infallibility_n be_v then_o seat_v all_o which_o i_o grant_v to_o be_v true_a in_o itself_o but_o can_v be_v plead_v by_o they_o who_o contend_v for_o absolute_a obedience_n to_o the_o present_a church_n authority_n as_o infallible_a my_o reason_n be_v because_o upon_o this_o principle_n they_o can_v not_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n for_o his_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n depend_v upon_o two_o thing_n viz._n the_o fulfil_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o miracle_n now_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o either_o of_o these_o without_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o prophecy_n depend_v upon_o the_o sense_n of_o many_o obscure_a place_n of_o scripture_n about_o which_o they_o say_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o for_o miracle_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a way_n of_o judge_v true_a and_o false_a but_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n now_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o what_o ground_n can_v the_o first_o christian_n have_v to_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n when_o in_o both_o these_o they_o must_v oppose_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n 3._o they_o can_v never_o prove_v that_o the_o same_o cause_n of_o corruption_n do_v not_o hold_v as_o to_o the_o christian_a which_o do_v as_o to_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o those_o age_n which_o we_o charge_v with_o introduce_v the_o corruption_n be_v degenerate_v into_o great_a ignorance_n barbarism_n luxury_n and_o superstition_n than_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o its_o darkness_n from_o the_o cessation_n of_o prophecy_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n our_o adversary_n themselves_o confess_v that_o for_o a_o long_a time_n there_o be_v nothing_o either_o of_o learning_n or_o humanity_n among_o they_o nothing_o but_o ease_n and_o luxury_n and_o ambition_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n among_o the_o chief_a ruler_n among_o they_o nay_o