term_n that_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n certain_o we_o must_v either_o quit_v the_o scripture_n or_o acknowledge_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o destructive_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n reveal_v there_o than_o such_o doctrine_n qu._n be_v there_o no_o infallible_a rule_n and_o judge_n to_o determine_v herein_o on_o who_o decisive_a sentence_n we_o may_v secure_o rest_v in_o the_o great_a controversy_n ans_fw-fr if_o we_o own_v ourselves_o christian_n this_o can_v be_v no_o debate_n that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n the_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o the_o church_n rom._n 3_o 2._o to_o give_v answer_n in_o every_o dark_a case_n the_o type_n and_o form_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n rom._n 6_o 17._o unto_o who_o sentence_n we_o be_v in_o all_o matter_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o practice_n express_o refer_v by_o the_o lord_n isaiah_n 8_o 20._o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o sect_n ii_o qu._n since_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a can_v the_o scripture_n be_v such_o which_o according_a to_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n be_v a_o mass_n of_o dead_a and_o dark_a character_n until_o their_o church_n put_v a_o sense_n thereon_o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v own_o witness_n be_v clear_a 1._o that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o make_v the_o simple_a wise_a psal_n 19_o 7._o and_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n to_o which_o we_o be_v call_v to_o take_v heed_n 2_o pet_n 1_o v._n 19_o a_o lamp_n to_o our_o foot_n psal_n 119_o 105._o 2._o we_o see_v what_o be_v write_v there_o be_v for_o our_o learning_n rom._n 15_o 4._o and_o give_v we_o for_o that_o end_n that_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v 3._o it_o be_v clear_a the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n joh._n 16_o 13._o do_v belong_v to_o every_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o can_v pretend_v no_o extraordinary_a revelation_n for_o lead_v of_o they_o 4._o we_o know_v the_o father_n and_o ancient_a church_n do_v still_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n from_o the_o scripture_n as_o not_o only_o of_o more_o authority_n but_o more_o clear_a than_o their_o comment_n 5._o though_o some_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o plain_a as_o other_o and_o several_a prophecy_n seal_v up_o until_o their_o take_a place_n in_o the_o event_n yet_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n and_o those_o scripture_n truth_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o the_o world_n may_v see_v it_o be_v not_o obscurity_n against_o which_o their_o true_a quarrel_n be_v but_o a_o too_o clear_a evidence_n before_o which_o their_o interest_n can_v stand_v qu._n yet_o be_v this_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v translate_v into_o our_o own_o language_n so_o as_o every_o man_n may_v read_v and_o have_v access_n thereto_o which_o the_o romish_a church_n so_o express_o forbid_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n ans_fw-fr we_o know_v 1._o the_o command_n be_v express_v for_o all_o to_o read_v and_o teach_v their_o child_n deut._n 6_o 11._o 2._o that_o under_o the_o law_n the_o jewish_a church_n have_v no_o restraint_n and_o shall_v the_o church_n now_o be_v in_o a_o worse_a case_n and_o live_v in_o more_o darkness_n 3._o upon_o this_o account_n be_v the_o berean_o so_o high_o commend_v for_o examine_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n by_o the_o write_a word_n which_o they_o can_v never_o have_v do_v if_o any_o such_o restraint_n to_o read_v the_o same_o have_v be_v upon_o they_o 4._o it_o be_v a_o strange_a cure_n to_o keep_v from_o the_o light_n for_o fear_n of_o go_v wrong_n and_o when_o christ_n say_v you_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n maâ—t_v 22_o 22._o that_o ignorance_n thereof_o shall_v be_v the_o way_n to_o keep_v we_o right_n qu._n be_v it_o not_o evident_a 2_o pet._n 3_o five_o 16._o how_o there_o be_v thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o paul_n epistle_n which_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v there_o show_v 1._o some_o thing_n be_v more_o dark_a in_o the_o scripture_n which_o none_o do_v deny_v 2._o we_o see_v those_o who_o thus_o stumble_v be_v such_o as_o wrest_v the_o word_n and_o not_o of_o a_o humble_a sober_a and_o serious_a spirit_n by_o who_o none_o will_v judge_v the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v the_o whole_a of_o believer_n within_o the_o church_n except_o the_o doctor_n thereof_o nor_o have_v it_o more_o weight_n to_o forbid_v christian_n use_v of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o read_v the_o same_o than_o the_o necessary_a use_n of_o meat_n because_o some_o unsober_a abuse_n the_o same_o to_o their_o hurt_n qu._n whâ—t_a inducement_n shall_v the_o romish_a church_n have_v to_o restrain_v christian_n in_o this_o if_o it_o be_v so_o visible_o cross_v to_o the_o rule_n ans_fw-fr they_o have_v i_o confess_v this_o plea_n for_o necessity_n since_o their_o case_n so_o stand_v they_o must_v either_o ruin_v their_o interest_n and_o be_v discover_v in_o the_o great_a imposture_n that_o ever_o be_v know_v in_o the_o world_n or_o have_v the_o bible_n shut_v up_o though_o to_o ruin_v the_o soul_n of_o many_o million_o of_o the_o poor_a people_n nor_o be_v it_o strange_a such_o hate_n the_o light_n who_o deed_n be_v evil_a lest_o they_o be_v reprove_v sect_n iii_o qu._n be_v it_o not_o to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o no_o private_a person_n that_o the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o power_n of_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v judge_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n thereof_o do_v belong_v ans_fw-fr the_o scripture_n be_v the_o alone_a infallible_a rule_n for_o interpret_n itself_o and_o to_o none_o but_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v to_o we_o there_o can_v such_o authority_n be_v ascribe_v 1._o because_o scripture_n be_v the_o supreme_a standard_n by_o which_o we_o be_v call_v to_o prove_v all_o thing_n 1_o thes_n 5_o 21._o and_o to_o know_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o 1_o joh._n 4_o 1._o yea_o thus_o must_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n be_v know_v 2._o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o thence_o only_o can_v be_v seek_v and_o understand_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o indite_v it_o 3._o we_o see_v by_o innumerable_a instance_n that_o where_o in_o one_o place_n it_o speak_v more_o dark_o it_o do_v explain_v itself_o in_o another_o and_o thus_o refer_v we_o to_o its_o own_o interpretation_n yea_o how_o with_o a_o great_a light_n and_o plainness_n truth_n be_v open_v up_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o more_o dark_o and_o as_o under_o a_o veil_n be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o old_a qu._n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o no_o private_a interpretation_n therefore_o to_o the_o church_n only_o it_o must_v belong_v ans_fw-fr this_o only_o show_v the_o scripture_n interpretation_n can_v be_v subject_v to_o no_o humane_a comment_n nor_o have_v its_o authority_n of_o man_n and_o from_o their_o private_a judgement_n whatever_o place_n they_o bear_v in_o the_o church_n but_o must_v be_v seek_v from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n but_o no_o ground_n in_o the_o least_o to_o deny_v access_n to_o private_a person_n to_o know_v and_o seek_v after_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n qu._n what_o assurance_n can_v any_o have_v that_o such_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o some_o authoritative_a decision_n of_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr we_o know_v 1._o that_o the_o promise_n joh._n 7_o 17._o stand_v good_a to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o saint_n if_o any_o man_n do_v my_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v my_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o such_o who_o object_n this_o dare_v not_o i_o be_o sure_a restrict_n the_o give_v of_o the_o spirit_n for_o that_o end_n to_o their_o church-doctor_n only_o 2._o if_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o thing_n write_v can_v be_v understand_v than_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o most_o weighty_a and_o necessary_a truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o obviouslie_o plain_a as_o they_o can_v bear_v no_o other_o sense_n and_o meaning_n except_o man_n quit_v the_o very_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o judgement_n 3._o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v more_o dark_a there_o want_v not_o peculiar_a help_n and_o mean_n for_o a_o christian_n attain_v the_o true_a sense_n thereof_o such_o as_o serious_a prayer_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o original_a language_n and_o repair_v to_o these_o fountain_n themselves_o advertency_n to_o the_o scope_n and_o intent_n of_o
the_o scripture_n yea_o a_o dexterous_a compare_v of_o one_o place_n with_o another_o with_o a_o prudent_a use_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o commentary_n of_o such_o as_o have_v write_v thereon_o though_o not_o implicit_o to_o rest_v upon_o they_o qu._n buâ—_n have_v not_o the_o scripture_n so_o various_a sense_n as_o necessary_o require_v a_o live_n and_o visible_a judge_n to_o decide_v when_o to_o take_v it_o in_o a_o literal_a or_o in_o a_o figurative_a sense_n ans_fw-fr it_o concern_v the_o romish_a church_n to_o impose_v divers_a sense_n on_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o may_v have_v none_o at_o all_o though_o we_o deny_v not_o some_o figurative_a expression_n the_o true_a sense_n whereof_o must_v be_v understand_v from_o what_o be_v the_o obvious_a intent_n as_o the_o scope_n of_o such_o a_o scripture_n &_o not_o the_o very_a word_n themselves_o such_o as_o mat._n 5_o 29._o if_o thy_o eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o psal_n 91_o 13._o thou_o shalâ—_n tread_v upon_o the_o lion_n and_o the_o dragon_n but_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a 1._o that_o one_o true_a and_o genuine_a sense_n the_o scripture_n only_o have_v from_o the_o word_n right_o understand_v which_o be_v the_o literal_a sense_n and_o thence_o only_a argument_n can_v be_v take_v to_o prove_v any_o truth_n 2._o that_o in_o truth_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v no_o thing_n figurative_o express_v but_o what_o be_v with_o great_a plainness_n to_o the_o discern_a of_o all_o hold_v forth_o 3._o what_o the_o romish_a church_n plead_v for_o of_o a_o allegoric_a moral_a and_o typical_a sense_n they_o be_v no_o different_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o a_o different_a application_n and_o accommodation_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o scripture_n divers_a way_n in_o the_o use_n whereof_o much_o caution_n and_o sobriety_n be_v needful_a and_o though_o a_o necessary_a respect_n be_v to_o be_v have_v always_o to_o the_o type_n and_o the_o thing_n typify_v yet_o even_o there_o be_v the_o sense_n still_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sect_n iv_o qu._n how_o know_v you_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o god_n or_o can_v be_v infallible_o sure_a of_o its_o divinity_n but_o by_o the_o church_n and_o its_o testimony_n ans_fw-fr we_o deny_v not_o this_o to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a motive_n and_o inducement_n for_o a_o high_a and_o reverend_a esteem_n thereof_o and_o a_o ministerial_a help_n to_o our_o faith_n though_o with_o no_o authoritative_a dominion_n over_o the_o same_o but_o 1._o the_o scripture_n be_v know_v by_o its_o own_o light_n and_o these_o express_a character_n and_o mark_n of_o divinity_n it_o bear_v which_o convince_o show_v who_o it_o be_v so_o as_o the_o mean_a christian_n may_v know_v this_o without_o any_o humane_a testimony_n 2._o there_o need_v also_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o beget_v a_o firm_a and_o through_o persuasion_n thereof_o upon_o the_o soul_n qu._n but_o how_o do_v you_o know_v you_o perceive_v such_o a_o light_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o you_o speak_v of_o or_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v to_o other_o that_o you_o be_v not_o deceive_v therein_o ans_fw-fr none_o will_v distrust_v their_o own_o eve_n though_o by_o no_o argument_n they_o can_v persuade_v those_o who_o be_v blind_a that_o they_o real_o behold_v so_o excellent_a a_o light_n as_o the_o sun_n but_o it_o be_v strange_a and_o absurd_a to_o demand_v a_o reason_n of_o sense_n or_o for_o a_o blind_a man_n to_o require_v he_o who_o see_v to_o prove_v unto_o he_o by_o argument_n that_o he_o certain_o see_v and_o behold_v such_o thing_n qu._n be_v not_o this_o torun_v in_o a_o round_a and_o circle_n from_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o spirit_n &_o from_o the_o spirit_n again_o to_o the_o scripture_n when_o thâ—s_n you_o know_v by_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o revelation_n to_o be_v true_a by_o the_o scripture_n ans_fw-fr no_o ground_n be_v here_o for_o any_o such_o challenge_n 1._o because_o we_o admit_v no_o private_a or_o particular_a revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n different_a from_o what_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o 2._o it_o can_v be_v no_o circle_n when_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a the_o scripture_n and_o spirit_n mutual_o prove_v one_o another_o by_o different_a way_n and_o not_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o argument_n that_o the_o scripture_n prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o spirit_n hold_v out_o such_o truth_n whence_o we_o know_v how_o to_o discern_v the_o spirit_n but_o effective_o and_o as_o a_o instrument_n do_v the_o spirit_n prove_v the_o scripture_n by_o enable_v we_o to_o see_v that_o marvellous_a light_n which_o be_v therein_o 3._o as_o have_v be_v already_o clear_v there_o be_v argument_n of_o another_o nature_n and_o independent_a on_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v solid_o know_v and_o demonstrate_v qu._n can_v you_o know_v the_o scripture_n be_v canonical_a or_o that_o these_o apocrypha_fw-la book_n which_o protestant_n reject_v be_v no_o part_n thereof_o without_o the_o church_n decision_n ans_fw-fr we_o know_v 1._o that_o these_o be_v never_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o jewish_a church_n before_o christ_n to_o which_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v nor_o read_v and_o expound_v in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o their_o most_o ancient_a writer_n and_o of_o the_o great_a credit_n among_o they_o witness_n 2._o they_o be_v not_o write_v in_o hebrew_n the_o language_n of_o the_o church_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o which_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v general_o write_v 3._o though_o with_o that_o severe_a caution_n be_v the_o ancient_a church_n careful_a to_o keep_v the_o scripture_n so_o as_o the_o number_n of_o the_o verse_n &_o letter_n thereof_o be_v most_o exact_o reckon_v and_o look_v to_o yet_o none_o of_o these_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v ever_o receive_v or_o admit_v by_o they_o 4._o by_o the_o primitive_a church_n after_o the_o apostle_n such_o be_v not_o own_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o by_o some_o allow_v to_o be_v read_v for_o instruction_n of_o manner_n 5._o they_o be_v convict_v of_o notorious_a falsehood_n in_o many_o place_n both_o of_o doctrine_n and_o history_n which_o all_o may_v see_v repugnant_a to_o truth_n and_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n qu._n bus_fw-la wat_fw-mi certainty_n can_v be_v on_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o translation_n that_o all_o know_v to_o be_v fallible_a ans_fw-fr nothing_o can_v be_v more_o for_o moral_a assurance_n when_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a 1._o that_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o translation_n though_o in_o divers_a time_n and_o different_a language_n yet_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a and_o substance_n 2._o that_o solid_a relief_n be_v at_o hand_n to_o go_v unto_o the_o fountain_n themselves_o the_o original_a language_n and_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n if_o the_o translation_n thereof_o be_v not_o faithful_a and_o true_a which_o by_o a_o little_a pain_n and_o diligent_a use_n of_o help_n for_o such_o a_o end_n be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o attain_v 3._o it_o be_v not_o on_o naked_a word_n but_o on_o the_o clear_a and_o genuine_a sense_n thereof_o in_o whatever_o language_n hold_v forth_o that_o we_o find_v our_o faith_n nor_o can_v any_o deny_v the_o scripture_n true_o render_v in_o english_a to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o not_o in_o the_o very_a same_o character_n in_o which_o the_o prophet_n write_v the_o same_o 4._o these_o evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n divinity_n that_o it_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n and_o convert_v the_o soul_n with_o its_o authority_n over_o the_o conscience_n we_o know_v to_o be_v no_o less_o discernable_o and_o convince_o witness_v in_o man_n vulgar_a language_n through_o all_o age_n than_o in_o the_o greek_a and_o hebrew_n sect_n v._o qu._n be_v the_o scripture_n of_o a_o sufficient_a foundation_n of_o faith_n for_o a_o private_a christian_a which_o according_a to_o the_o romish_a doctrine_n must_v have_v its_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v no_o scripture_n nor_o canonical_a ans_fw-fr they_o be_v indeed_o concern_v to_o put_v down_o all_o divine_a record_n that_o they_o may_v be_v alone_a judge_n in_o their_o own_o cause_n but_o we_o know_v 1._o that_o the_o apostolic_a church_n have_v no_o such_o claim_n 2_o cor._n 1_o 24._o not_o that_o we_o have_v dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n 2._o that_o they_o do_v bind_v their_o authority_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o scripture_n gal._n 1_o 8._o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v another_o doctrine_n than_o that_o we_o have_v preach_v to_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v 3._o thus_o shall_v the_o
church_n witness_v be_v of_o great_a credit_n and_o weight_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 4_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n even_o the_o romish_a church_n can_v pretend_v to_o but_o what_o they_o plead_v from_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o church_n 5._o shall_v this_o be_v admit_v the_o christian_a cause_n be_v lose_v in_o contend_v against_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n nor_o any_o possible_a access_n to_o convince_v these_o for_o what_o can_v that_o argument_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n be_v to_o they_o who_o own_v no_o such_o thing_n 6._o if_o on_o this_o the_o scripture_n be_v admit_v our_o faith_n shall_v then_o resolve_v on_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n and_o be_v but_o a_o human_a faith_n qu._n but_o must_v every_o private_a man_n be_v his_o own_o judge_n and_o not_o the_o church_n to_o put_v what_o sense_n he_o please_v on_o the_o scripture_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v clear_a 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o private_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n the_o mean_a christian_n have_v to_o know_v and_o discern_v the_o truth_n that_o his_o service_n may_v be_v reasonable_a service_n rom._n 12_o 1._o and_o his_o faith_n a_o rational_a act_n for_o every_o man_n must_v prove_v his_o own_o work_n gal._n 6_o 4._o 2._o we_o deny_v not_o a_o public_a and_o ministerial_a judgement_n to_o the_o church_n which_o in_o great_a and_o lesset_n synod_n may_v be_v pass_v where_o pastor_n &_o elder_n be_v assemble_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n though_o here_o no_o blind_a obedience_n be_v impose_v since_o this_o only_a can_v be_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o not_o above_o it_o but_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n alone_o can_v a_o supremacy_n and_o a_o sovereignty_n of_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o faih_n belong_v since_o there_o be_v but_o one_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o destroy_v jam._n 4_o 12._o and_o no_o power_n against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o it_o 2_o cor._n 13_o 8._o qu._n be_v we_o not_o call_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n mat._n 18_o 17._o and_o implicit_o rely_v on_o its_o sentence_n ans_fw-fr that_o command_n have_v respect_n to_o church-censure_n and_o against_o contumacy_n but_o to_o impose_v no_o implicit_a obedience_n or_o subject_v the_o scripture_n authority_n to_o man_n when_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a 1._o that_o the_o further_a observance_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v such_o as_o may_v not_o go_v without_o these_o bound_n be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o as_o i_o be_o of_o christ_n 2._o this_o be_v to_o divide_v faith_n and_o knowledge_n from_o one_o another_o and_o a_o express_v contradict_v of_o that_o 1_o pet._n 3_o 15._o to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o faith_n within_o we_o to_o every_o who_o demand_n 3._o thus_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n 4._o thus_o many_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n to_o live_v and_o die_v infidel_n if_o they_o must_v only_o hear_v what_o the_o romish_a church_n say_v &_o not_o read_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o who_o in_o some_o remote_a part_n of_o earth_n or_o by_o a_o close_a imprisonment_n may_v be_v shut_v up_o so_o as_o they_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a converse_n with_o that_o church_n sect_n vi_o qu._n be_v there_o no_o supreme_a visible_a and_o infallible_a judge_n place_v in_o the_o church_n upon_o who_o decision_n we_o may_v secure_o rest_v in_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o conscience_n ans_fw-fr this_o article_n be_v indeed_o of_o great_a weight_n to_o the_o romish_a church_n so_o as_o their_o whole_a interest_n seem_v to_o stand_v or_o fall_v according_o but_o it_o be_v clear_a 1._o they_o must_v bring_v another_o bible_n than_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o prove_v this_o or_o let_v we_o see_v the_o least_o commission_n and_o warrant_n for_o any_o such_o judge_n there_o as_o they_o plead_v for_o 2._o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o command_n 1_o thes_n 5_o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 3._o none_o can_v deny_v the_o apostle_n be_v fallible_a though_o not_o in_o their_o doctrine_n be_v therein_o immediate_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o so_o ignorant_a of_o the_o death_n suffering_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v sure_a peter_n be_v far_o from_o this_o infallibility_n when_o he_o deny_v his_o master_n and_o after_o he_o be_v confirm_v and_o have_v that_o assurance_n give_v that_o his_o faith_n shall_v not_o fail_v which_o be_v one_o great_a foundation_n of_o the_o pretend_a romish_a infallibility_n when_o paul_n withstand_v he_o to_o the_o face_n gal._n 2_o 11._o 4._o this_o power_n do_v the_o pope_n challenge_v over_o the_o gentile_n as_o be_v peter_n successor_n when_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o paul_n be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o peter_n own_o consent_n rom._n 11_o 17._o act_n 13_o 2._o gal._n 2_o 9_o 5._o and_o do_v not_o all_o know_v what_o decree_v of_o council_n have_v be_v against_o council_n and_o pope_n against_o pope_n qu._n be_v not_o peter_n that_o rock_n on_o which_o christ_n promise_v to_o build_v the_o church_n mat._n 16_o 18._o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v manifest_a that_o by_o this_o be_v express_o mean_v the_o doctrine_n and_o profession_n then_o make_v of_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n yea_o that_o the_o same_o power_n give_v to_o peter_n be_v in_o as_o express_v term_n give_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n mat._n 18_o 18._o joh._n 20_o 22._o and_o where_o it_o be_v say_v you_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n eph._n 2_o 20._o no_o difference_n be_v in_o the_o least_o put_v betwixt_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n yet_o here_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o their_o church_n qu._n do_v not_o this_o prove_v such_o a_o infallibility_n that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim_n 3_o 1st_a ans_fw-fr this_o be_v not_o say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o evince_v her_o peculiar_a claim_n thereto_o beyond_o other_o church_n but_o here_o clear_o be_v show_v the_o stability_n and_o fixedness_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n unto_o which_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v and_o no_o possible_a reason_n thence_o for_o a_o infallibility_n to_o any_o church_n on_o earth_n qu._n be_v there_o nothing_o from_o the_o scripture_n to_o show_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o to_o his_o presidence_n and_o that_o the_o monarchy_n of_o the_o church_n be_v establish_v in_o his_o person_n ans_fw-fr we_o find_v this_o be_v express_o prohibit_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o whole_a apostle_n without_o exception_n that_o no_o such_o absolute_a authority_n shall_v be_v by_o any_o of_o they_o claim_v mat._n 23_o 10_o be_v you_o not_o call_v master_n for_o one_o be_v your_o master_n even_o christ_n but_o if_o any_o shadow_n be_v for_o this_o it_o may_v seem_v more_o applicable_a to_o paul_n when_o he_o say_v beside_o these_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n come_v upon_o i_o 2_o cor._n 11_o v._n 28._o if_o this_o have_v be_v say_v of_o peter_n the_o romish_a writer_n will_v have_v make_v a_o strange_a noise_n as_o if_o they_o have_v find_v one_o demonstration_n for_o all_o to_o secure_v that_o interest_n sect_n vii_o qu._n can_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o sufficient_a to_o decide_v controversy_n in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o help_n of_o unwritten_a tradition_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v 1._o because_o the_o alone_a way_n for_o be_v save_v be_v in_o follow_v what_o be_v write_v there_o joh._n 20_o 31._o these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o full_a and_o sufficient_a rule_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a both_o to_o believe_v &_o do_v 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o from_o a_o child_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n yea_o it_o be_v there_o show_v to_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 3._o it_o be_v express_o against_o the_o scripture_n to_o impose_v any_o humane_a tradition_n on_o the_o church_n for_o subject_v our_o faith_n thereto_o deut_n 4_o 2._o thou_o shall_v not_o add_v to_o the_o word_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o qu._n but_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n command_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o
tradition_n whether_o by_o word_n or_o epistle_n deliver_v to_o we_o 2._o thes_n 2_o 15_o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v there_o show_v 1._o that_o the_o apostolic_a authority_n whether_o in_o speak_v or_o write_v be_v the_o same_o and_o that_o to_o both_o the_o church_n be_v to_o give_v the_o same_o credit_n 2._o that_o what_o be_v teach_v from_o the_o apostle_n by_o word_n be_v the_o very_a same_o deliver_v by_o epistle_n but_o thence_o can_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o receive_v of_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v not_o only_o different_a from_o the_o scripture_n but_o visible_o contrary_a thereto_o when_o neither_o scripture_n reason_n nor_o antiquity_n discover_v their_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n qu._n be_v not_o oral_a tradition_n such_o as_o can_v possible_o deceive_v whereby_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v deliver_v down_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n and_o from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o ans_fw-fr to_o this_o of_o late_o do_v a_o part_n of_o this_o of_o late_o do_v a_o part_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n fly_v though_o nothing_o more_o visible_o repugnant_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n if_o man_n but_o open_a their_o eye_n to_o see_v 1._o that_o no_o more_o sure_a and_o plain_a delivery_n of_o the_o truth_n can_v be_v to_o we_o by_o speak_v than_o by_o write_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v possible_o judge_v how_o a_o certainty_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o traditional_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v more_o than_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n 2._o this_o be_v to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n not_o on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n but_o on_o what_o the_o father_n &_o forefather_n have_v tell_v to_o the_o child_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o pass_v from_o all_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o deny_v that_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o way_n of_o be_v eternal_o save_v which_o with_o most_o convince_a evidence_n be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n 3._o we_o see_v how_o far_o tradition_n in_o a_o few_o age_n differ_v from_o itself_o and_o have_v be_v the_o rise_n of_o such_o fabulous_a romance_n the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o about_o matter_n of_o fact_n from_o former_a time_n yea_o how_o oft_o the_o church_n have_v be_v almost_o swallow_v up_o of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n so_o that_o if_o one_o will_v trace_v back_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n by_o tradition_n they_o shall_v go_v near_o to_o lose_v the_o scent_n when_o it_o come_v to_o athanasiâ—s's_n time_n whilst_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n seem_v to_o be_v arrian_n qu._n be_v there_o no_o necessity_n of_o tradition_n when_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o refute_v all_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr can_v it_o be_v possible_a to_o understand_v heresy_n but_o as_o they_o be_v against_o the_o scripture_n or_o how_o to_o have_v another_o conception_n thereof_o and_o yet_o that_o not_o sufficient_a for_o their_o refutation_n this_o be_v i_o confess_v a_o doctrine_n meet_v for_o such_o who_o can_v make_v contradiction_n meet_v and_o agree_v at_o their_o pleasure_n sect_n viii_o qu._n have_v we_o not_o safe_a and_o unanswerable_a ground_n from_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o romish_a doctrine_n and_o its_o long_a continue_a succession_n to_o find_v a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o its_o truth_n ans_fw-fr none_o can_v deny_v these_o 1._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o true_a antiquity_n and_o what_o be_v not_o according_a to_o this_o be_v a_o novelty_n bring_v in_o on_o the_o church_n 2._o that_o the_o rise_n and_o pedigree_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n must_v be_v trace_v back_o to_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o beginning_n to_o work_v who_o gradual_a breaking-up_a do_v then_o hasten_v to_o a_o more_o full_a appearance_n 3._o but_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a also_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o some_o age_n know_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o popery_n in_o so_o horrid_a a_o corrupt_a of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n that_o after_o follow_v nor_o what_o a_o universal_a bishop_n and_o his_o infallibility_n mean_v qu._n but_o can_v any_o evidence_n be_v find_v from_o these_o first_o time_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o will_v import_v a_o contradict_v of_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v now_o profess_a ans_fw-fr there_o be_v no_o accident_n where_o the_o thing_n itself_o have_v no_o be_v nor_o can_v these_o possible_o write_v against_o popery_n in_o such_o head_n as_o the_o romish_a infallibility_n the_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o saint_n etc._n etc._n before_o they_o be_v once_o bring_v to_o light_v but_o by_o undeniable_a consequence_n it_o be_v clear_a they_o hold_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o alone_a rule_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n therefore_o not_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o that_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n be_v clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o same_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v shut_v up_o as_o the_o fountain_n of_o error_n yea_o that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o place_n after_o death_n without_o the_o least_o touch_n or_o mention_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o purgatory_n this_o also_o be_v the_o know_a doctrine_n of_o the_o first_o time_n that_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v the_o alone_a way_n of_o salvation_n therefore_o not_o by_o oâ—r_n own_o merit_n sect_n ix_o qu._n be_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n for_o which_o the_o romish_a church_n so_o much_o contend_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v secure_o rest_v upon_o that_o man_n by_o their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o work_n may_v be_v save_v ans_fw-fr it_o be_v clear_a we_o must_v go_v to_o heaven_n by_o merit_n though_o not_o our_o own_o yea_o upon_o the_o exact_a term_n of_o justice_n it_o be_v due_a to_o he_o who_o have_v pay_v the_o price_n to_o the_o utmost_a value_n that_o none_o of_o his_o purchase_n be_v lose_v but_o to_o we_o it_o be_v only_o of_o grace_n nor_o can_v such_o work_n be_v meritorious_a where_o 1._o we_o owe_v all_o and_o do_v nothing_o which_o be_v not_o a_o debt_n upon_o we_o be_v not_o our_o own_o but_o buy_v with_o a_o price_n 1_o cor._n 6_o 17._o 2._o where_o no_o equality_n proportion_n or_o suitablenesse_n can_v be_v betwixt_o the_o work_n and_o the_o reward_n as_o be_v clear_a 2_o cor._n 4_o 17._o rom._n 3_o 28._o 3._o which_o at_o the_o best_a have_v some_o spot_n and_o stain_v cleave_v thereto_o and_o come_v so_o short_a to_o answer_v what_o the_o law_n require_v isa_n 64_o 4._o but_o we_o be_v all_o as_o a_o unclean_a thing_n and_o all_o our_o righteousness_n as_o filthy_a rag_n 4._o it_o be_v most_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n rom._n 11_o 6._o if_o by_o grace_n it_o be_v no_o more_o of_o work_n otherwise_o grace_n be_v no_o more_o grace_n rom._n 4_o 4._o nâ—w_o to_o he_o that_o work_v be_v the_o reward_n not_o reckon_v of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n but_o to_o he_o who_o work_v not_o but_o believe_v in_o he_o who_o justifi_v the_o ungodly_a his_o faith_n be_v count_v for_o righteousness_n and_o chap._n 3_o 28._o wherefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o law_n qu._n yet_o may_v not_o some_o in_o a_o unconverted_a state_n deserve_v a_o confer_v of_o grace_n upon_o they_o by_o put_v themselves_o forth_o to_o the_o utmost_a for_o their_o own_o conversion_n which_o the_o romish_a church_n call_v the_o merit_n of_o congruity_n ans_fw-fr from_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o before_o renew_v grace_n all_o be_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n who_o of_o themselves_o can_v frame_v their_o thought_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a nor_o have_v a_o active_a concurrence_n for_o such_o a_o change_n 2_o cor._n 3_o 5._o and_o that_o the_o alone_a cause_n which_o make_v one_o to_o differ_v from_o another_o be_v that_o rom._n 9_o vers_fw-la 15._o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n therefore_o no_o plea_n for_o merit_n by_o any_o improvement_n of_o man_n natural_a ability_n qu._n but_o do_v not_o the_o work_n of_o the_o regenerate_v which_o follow_v justification_n deserve_v eternal_a life_n not_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n but_o from_o their_o own_o intrinsic_a worth_n and_o proportionableness_n to_o the_o reward_n which_o be_v call_v the_o merit_n of_o condignity_n ans_fw-fr this_o be_v to_o subvert_v the_o whole_a contrivance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o judicial_a transfer_v our_o sin_n as_o a_o debt_n on_o christ_n the_o surety_n and_o of_o his_o righteousness_n and_o merit_n to_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o our_o justification_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o work_n and_o lay_v down_o the_o very_a same_o way_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o
14_o 9_o 10._o as_o shall_v cause_v man_n to_o tremble_v who_o be_v not_o under_o a_o strange_a height_n of_o induration_n and_o now_o since_o the_o break_n up_o of_o so_o great_a a_o light_n and_o these_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o water_n become_v bloody_a revel_v 16_o 3._o qu._n yet_o can_v all_o this_o make_v out_o the_o charge_n of_o antichristianism_n or_o that_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o antichrist_n who_o be_v so_o express_o foretell_v 2_o thes_n 2_o 3_o 4_o ans_fw-fr to_o resolve_v such_o a_o thing_n these_o be_v undeniable_o clear_a 1._o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a way_n particular_a in_o point_v antichrist_n out_o by_o such_o notorious_a mark_n and_o character_n that_o after_o age_n may_v know_v he_o if_o they_o will_v not_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o that_o a_o most_o exact_a portraiture_n be_v there_o draw_v of_o such_o a_o adversary_n what_o shall_v be_v his_o form_n and_o shape_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o appearance_n 2._o except_o we_o deny_v our_o sense_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o see_v with_o our_o eye_n such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v there_o show_v forth_o so_o as_o none_o ever_o know_v the_o face_n of_o a_o man_n by_o his_o picture_n draw_v to_o the_o life_n in_o a_o frame_n better_a than_o the_o church_n this_o day_n may_v know_v antichrist_n and_o that_o this_o be_v he_o who_o so_o clear_o answer_v all_o these_o mark_n which_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v give_v of_o he_o even_o he_o who_o come_v shall_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n signs_z and_o lie_v wonder_n forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v use_v with_o thanksgiving_n who_o sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o exalt_v himself_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n bewitch_v the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o his_o enchantment_n and_o be_v drink_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n of_o christ_n jesus_n yea_o who_o traffic_n and_o merchandise_n be_v not_o only_o gold_n and_o silver_n but_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n rev._n 18_o 13._o and_o can_v we_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a to_o know_v or_o discover_v who_o this_o antichrist_n be_v who_o doctrine_n be_v state_v in_o so_o direct_v a_o opposition_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o antichrist_n must_v be_v already_o come_v and_o reveal_v else_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n that_o prophecy_n can_v never_o have_v its_o accomplishment_n since_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n this_o mystery_n begin_v to_o work_v and_o he_o who_o for_o a_o time_n do_v withhold_v his_o come_n the_o heathen_a empire_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v long_o since_o take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o as_o the_o scripture_n point_v his_o first_o come_n and_o appearance_n in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o church_n so_o his_o last_o close_a and_o final_a ruin_n to_o be_v near_o the_o second_o come_v of_o the_o lord_n 4._o it_o be_v thus_o undeniable_a that_o this_o adversary_n can_v be_v no_o single_a person_n or_o of_o a_o short_a continuance_n but_o be_v a_o politic_a body_n and_o kingdom_n centre_v and_o unite_v in_o one_o supreme_a head_n and_o with_o a_o succession_n for_o many_o age_n 5._o it_o be_v clear_a that_o these_o express_a mark_n and_o character_n give_v by_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o church_n know_v of_o antichrist_n can_v answer_v to_o no_o adversary_n else_o which_o jesus_n christ_n ever_o have_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n either_o pagan_a or_o mahometan_a qu._n since_o antichrist_n fall_n must_v be_v by_o the_o word_n as_o be_v clear_a 2_o thes_n 2_o 4._o who_o the_o lord_n shall_v consume_v by_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n can_v it_o be_v now_o applicable_a to_o the_o romish_a church_n whilst_o popery_n be_v so_o spread_v even_o in_o those_o part_n where_o the_o word_n be_v most_o powerful_o preach_v ans_fw-fr this_o need_v not_o be_v strange_a if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o antichrist_n fall_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v by_o degree_n as_o his_o rise_n be_v 2._o that_o where_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o receive_v in_o love_n 2_o thes_n 2_o 18_o it_o can_v long_o want_v judicial_a effect_n to_o be_v give_v up_o to_o strong_a delusion_n 3._o it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v how_o such_o as_o at_o this_o day_n have_v fall_v off_o to_o popery_n be_v not_o upon_o debate_n or_o by_o argument_n to_o their_o judgement_n engage_v but_o it_o be_v the_o visible_a product_n of_o a_o licentious_a time_n and_o from_o a_o unusual_a growth_n of_o atheism_n and_o ignorance_n yea_o those_o only_a be_v find_v to_o change_v their_o religion_n who_o never_o in_o earnest_n embrace_v any_o 4._o yet_o can_v none_o deny_v those_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a effect_n the_o preach_v word_n have_v have_v to_o recover_v the_o church_n from_o antichristian_a darkness_n in_o these_o last_o age_n to_o which_o those_o famous_a plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o britain_n ireland_n france_n germany_n the_o low_a country_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o this_o day_n a_o witness_n where_o the_o great_a atheist_n may_v see_v a_o immediate_a appearance_n of_o god_n and_o something_o above_o nature_n with_o that_o convince_a increase_n of_o light_n as_o enforce_v such_o even_a to_o gnaw_v their_o tongue_n with_o pain_n who_o do_v nor_o cease_v to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n some_o serious_a consideration_n further_o anent_o popery_n and_o the_o import_n of_o that_o great_a controversy_n betwixt_o the_o romish_a and_o reform_a church_n at_o this_o day_n though_o there_o seem_v small_a ground_n of_o hope_n to_o convince_v such_o who_o in_o the_o holy_a judgement_n of_o god_n be_v give_v up_o to_o that_o strong_a delusion_n of_o popery_n and_o cease_v not_o to_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o the_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n yet_o this_o be_v so_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a a_o sight_n to_o see_v how_o much_o of_o the_o christian_a world_n thus_o perish_v who_o will_v not_o once_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o under_o the_o great_a of_o judgement_n this_o way_n must_v involve_v they_o if_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n have_v any_o weight_n or_o credit_n with_o such_o yea_o since_o this_o be_v so_o grave_a and_o concern_v a_o duty_n now_o in_o these_o last_o time_n to_o beaâ—_n witness_v against_o antichrist_n and_o pursue_v without_o cease_v that_o call_n whatever_o success_n it_o shall_v have_v that_o man_n will_v come_v out_o of_o babylon_n and_o hasten_v from_o under_o approach_a wrath_n and_o judgement_n i_o shall_v here_o add_v to_o what_o be_v premit_v before_o upon_o this_o subject_n some_o serious_a consideration_n concern_v popery_n with_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o adversary_n yea_o to_o their_o reason_n and_o judgement_n if_o they_o will_v allow_v its_o free_a exercise_n herein_o anent_o the_o truth_n thereof_o consid._n 1._o first_o at_o what_o a_o rate_n by_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a consequence_n from_o the_o romish_a doctrine_n and_o principle_n one_o can_v be_v popish_a conform_a to_o their_o way_n and_o what_o be_v necessary_o import_v in_o be_v a_o roman_n catholic_n as_o they_o thus_o term_v themselves_o which_o be_v not_o more_o strange_a and_o astonish_v in_o itself_o than_o may_v be_v clear_a in_o these_o particular_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v to_o deliver_v up_o their_o reason_n and_o judgement_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o such_o of_o who_o they_o must_v see_v true_a cause_n to_o fear_n adventure_v upon_o in_o the_o small_a of_o their_o outward_a interest_n and_o where_o it_o be_v so_o visible_a its_o money_n for_o merit_n and_o that_o all_o can_v be_v sell_v at_o this_o market_n upon_o such_o a_o price_n yea_o where_o the_o poor_a only_o must_v be_v leave_v hopeless_a who_o thus_o have_v not_o to_o expiate_v their_o guilt_n and_o purchase_v a_o plenary_a indulgence_n as_o petrarch_n of_o old_a be_v enforce_v to_o say_v that_o if_o judas_n can_v come_v with_o the_o price_n of_o his_o master_n blood_n to_o the_o romish_a market_n he_o may_v be_v welcome_a to_o buy_v a_o absolution_n where_o no_o sin_n needs_o want_v a_o dispensation_n to_o allow_v it_o or_o a_o pardon_n for_o its_o commitment_n if_o their_o purse_n can_v possible_o answer_v thereto_o 2._o this_o be_v to_o quit_v that_o judgement_n of_o discern_v give_v they_o of_o god_n and_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o all_o proper_a knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o their_o own_o consent_n except_o these_o of_o the_o clergy_n so_o as_o they_o must_v not_o trust_v their_o own_o eye_n but_o other_o in_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o their_o eternal_a state_n and_o thus_o take_v the_o romish_a authority_n for_o their_o bible_n yea_o such_o who_o they_o can_v
this_o we_o appeal_v our_o adversary_n to_o produce_v one_o essential_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o from_o the_o record_n of_o these_o time_n or_o any_o write_n of_o the_o father_n 3._o that_o no_o evidence_n can_v be_v give_v in_o contend_v for_o the_o christian_a faith_n against_o heathen_n and_o to_o hold_v forth_o the_o certainty_n thereof_o which_o do_v not_o undeniable_o answer_v to_o confirm_v the_o protestant_a religion_n 4._o that_o in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o great_a adversary_n &_o their_o bitter_a invective_n against_o christianity_n who_o in_o the_o first_o time_n do_v oppose_v themselves_o to_o the_o same_o doctrine_n the_o protestant_a church_n now_o own_v and_o profess_v such_o as_o câ—â—sus_n tryphon_n porphyry_n lucian_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o popery_n in_o any_o of_o these_o article_n against_o which_o the_o protestant_a church_n contend_v nor_o of_o the_o romish_a supremacy_n and_o infallibility_n where_o they_o can_v have_v have_v so_o great_a advantage_n to_o object_n against_o the_o christian_a cause_n and_o call_v its_o truth_n in_o question_n nor_o do_v the_o jew_n who_o object_v all_o they_o can_v against_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o least_o once_o mention_v any_o such_o point_n as_o be_v now_o controvert_v betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o 5._o it_o be_v clear_a from_o unquestionable_a history_n and_o confession_n of_o our_o adversary_n that_o a_o continue_a succession_n of_o orthodox_n doctor_n who_o do_v confess_v and_o teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n for_o the_o substance_n that_o we_o own_o have_v in_o no_o time_n be_v want_v to_o the_o church_n nor_o some_o visible_a party_n to_o withstand_v popery_n and_o keep_v up_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n even_o in_o the_o great_a darkness_n as_o the_o romish_a writer_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o the_o protestant_n now_o be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o waldenses_n be_v of_o old_a and_o the_o berengarian_o before_o they_o qu._n do_v not_o the_o popish_a religion_n find_v on_o such_o ground_n and_o principle_n as_o can_v bring_v a_o sufficient_a certainty_n therewith_o of_o its_o truth_n when_o it_o have_v the_o decree_n canon_n and_o infallible_a decision_n of_o their_o church_n to_o warrant_v the_o same_o and_o of_o the_o pope_n as_o supreme_a head_n ans_fw-fr according_a to_o their_o doctrine_n &_o principle_n they_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a certainty_n of_o their_o religion_n nor_o of_o that_o they_o pretend_v to_o found_v on_o when_o 1._o they_o be_v not_o agree_v nor_o ever_o like_a to_o be_v who_o that_o infallible_a judge_n be_v or_o in_o who_o such_o a_o infallibility_n as_o they_o claim_v be_v seat_v whether_o in_o a_o general_n council_n or_o the_o pope_n alone_o so_o as_o they_o be_v in_o great_a contradiction_n to_o other_o about_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n nor_o be_v this_o a_o controversy_n among_o a_o few_o but_o one_o part_n of_o their_o church_n with_o great_a heat_n be_v oppose_v the_o other_o therein_o 2._o they_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n if_o they_o have_v any_o church_n at_o all_o and_o whether_o most_o of_o their_o pope_n bishop_n and_o priest_n be_v not_o without_o baptism_n and_o still_o laic_n without_o ordination_n when_o their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n so_o express_o hold_v the_o efficacy_n of_o all_o sacrament_n of_o which_o they_o reckon_v ordination_n as_o well_o as_o baptism_n to_o be_v one_o to_o depend_v on_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n who_o officiate_n of_o which_o none_o possible_o can_v be_v sure_a 3._o such_o have_v no_o rational_a certainty_n of_o what_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v who_o be_v with_o their_o own_o consent_n shut_v out_o from_o all_o proper_a knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o on_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n must_v resolve_v their_o faith_n 4._o be_v it_o not_o on_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o most_o doubtful_a relation_n they_o ground_n their_o faith_n and_o adventure_v their_o immortal_a soul_n where_o scarce_o a_o shadow_n or_o school-problem_n be_v to_o bear_v up_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o popery_n which_o be_v a_o allege_a presidence_n of_o peter_n among_o the_o apostle_n while_o no_o demonstration_n can_v ever_o be_v give_v that_o peter_n be_v at_o rome_n or_o that_o he_o be_v bishop_n there_o or_o if_o the_o same_o privilege_n be_v entail_v to_o his_o successor_n and_o how_o these_o shall_v be_v choose_v in_o aftertime_n 5._o according_a to_o their_o principle_n they_o have_v no_o bible_n nor_o any_o such_o authentic_a record_n to_o prove_v religion_n but_o what_o be_v a_o masâ—e_n of_o dead_a unsense_v character_n that_o have_v no_o articulate_a voice_n or_o intelligible_a sound_n until_o the_o romish_a clergy_n put_v a_o sense_n thereon_o so_o that_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v most_o evidentlie_o pass_v from_o for_o myself_o i_o dare_v say_v before_o he_o who_o know_v all_o thing_n that_o i_o will_v tremble_v and_o stand_v in_o a_o we_o of_o any_o deceit_n or_o mistake_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o have_v in_o great_a earnest_n seek_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n without_o respect_n to_o interest_n party_n or_o education_n as_o that_o wherein_o i_o know_v a_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v concern_v but_o can_v see_v no_o way_n to_o embrace_v popery_n except_o man_n turn_v atheist_n yea_o quit_v all_o religion_n and_o reason_n at_o once_o cue_n be_v not_o rome_n the_o catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n ans_fw-fr we_o know_v there_o be_v a_o catholic_n church_n under_o the_o gospel_n that_o consist_v of_o all_o who_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n whether_o bond_n or_o free_a jew_n or_o gentile_n and_o be_v to_o no_o particular_a nation_n people_n or_o language_n restrict_v as_o under_o the_o law_n but_o that_o the_o romish_a church_n can_v have_v no_o possible_a claim_n here_o be_v unanswerable_a 〈◊〉_d because_o no_o institution_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o consist_v of_o all_o christian_n subject_v to_o one_o humane_a head_n and_o supreme_a governor_n under_o jesus_n christ_n on_o the_o earth_n or_o where_o subjection_n to_o the_o pope_n be_v make_v a_o condition_n to_o salvation_n 2._o it_o be_v clear_a that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o for_o many_o age_n after_o the_o christian_n catholic_n church_n have_v a_o be_v when_o it_o have_v not_o dependence_n on_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n nor_o be_v know_v by_o any_o such_o test_n as_o to_o own_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o supreme_a jurisdiction_n except_o it_o be_v aver_v that_o there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n before_o the_o set_n up_o of_o papacy_n and_o the_o other_o since_o essential_o different_a from_o the_o former_a 3._o there_o be_v no_o access_n to_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v more_o and_o of_o great_a extent_n in_o the_o world_n who_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n or_o their_o doctrine_n than_o such_o who_o be_v subject_v thereto_o 4._o as_o there_o be_v on_o faith_n and_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n so_o be_v there_o but_o one_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n unite_v to_o he_o as_o her_o head_n eph._n 4_o 3._o 4._o which_o be_v the_o prorogative_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o incommunicable_a to_o any_o to_o be_v the_o head_n thereof_o but_o he_o who_o for_o this_o end_n die_v and_o rise_v that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o of_o the_o live_n rom._n 14_o 9_o qu._n yet_o be_v not_o still_o the_o same_o christian_a religion_n at_o least_o for_o substance_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n which_o the_o protestant_a church_n own_v ans_fw-fr whatever_o in_o word_n such_o pretend_v their_o principle_n and_o the_o know_a doctrine_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n can_v too_o visible_o resolve_v this_o that_o these_o do_v not_o retain_v the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o essential_o thereof_o but_o have_v raze_v the_o very_a foudation_n who_o resolve_v not_o their_o faith_n on_o the_o scripture_n and_o its_o divine_a authority_n but_o on_o a_o humane_a testimony_n and_o deny_v religious_a worship_n to_o be_v due_a to_o the_o true_a god_n alone_o but_o give_v it_o unto_o angel_n and_o man_n also_o who_o lie_v another_o foundation_n to_o build_v on_o than_o jesus_n christ_n another_o purgatory_n than_o his_o blood_n to_o purify_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n another_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n to_o expiate_v sin_n than_o his_o death_n who_o be_v once_o offer_v to_o bear_v the_o sin_n of_o many_o heb._n 9_o 28_o another_o merit_n than_o his_o obedience_n by_o which_o we_o be_v make_v righteous_a and_o thus_o make_v void_a the_o great_a intent_n of_o the_o gospel_n lay_v down_o a_o way_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n on_o the_o same_o
it_o qu._n be_v it_o not_o lawful_a to_o make_v a_o image_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v true_o man_n for_o keep_v up_o the_o remembrance_n of_o he_o in_o our_o worship_n ans_fw-fr we_o may_v not_o 1._o because_o it_o be_v express_o forbid_v to_o frame_v unto_o ourselves_o the_o likeness_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o heaven_n where_o the_o bless_a body_n of_o christ_n now_o be_v 2._o since_o both_o nature_n in_o he_o be_v inseparable_a this_o be_v to_o fix_v a_o representation_n in_o our_o mind_n of_o his_o manhood_n only_o divide_v it_o from_o his_o divinity_n and_o thus_o give_v a_o manifest_a advantage_n to_o arrianism_n 3._o nothing_o from_o the_o scripture_n give_v the_o least_o show_n of_o any_o shape_n or_o lineament_n of_o his_o body_n to_o let_v we_o see_v that_o under_o no_o visible_a image_n we_o shall_v seek_v to_o represent_v he_o 4._o the_o true_a portraiture_n of_o christ_n crucify_v we_o have_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n as_o be_v clear_a gal._n 3_o vers_fw-la 1._o qu._n yet_o be_v there_o not_o safe_a ground_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o angel_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o of_o the_o saint_n since_o this_o be_v not_o direct_v unto_o they_o as_o unto_o god_n but_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n ans_fw-fr god_n alone_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o religious_a worship_n which_o in_o no_o degree_n can_v be_v give_v unto_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o as_o be_v express_v from_o the_o command_n matth._n 4_o 10._o thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v 2._o all_o worship_v of_o angel_n be_v forbid_v col._n 2_o 18._o rev._n 10_o 10._o 3._o since_o religious_a worship_n be_v due_a to_o god_n alone_o we_o may_v in_o no_o degree_n give_v it_o to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n or_o the_o saint_n since_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o tim._n 2_o 5._o yea_o this_o be_v so_o far_o to_o put_v they_o in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n to_o provoke_v his_o jealousy_n exo._n 24_o 14._o thou_o shall_v worship_v no_o other_o god_n for_o the_o lord_n who_o name_n be_v jealous_a be_v a_o jealous_a god_n and_o of_o this_o be_v he_o in_o a_o special_a way_n jealous_a that_o none_o be_v copartner_n with_o he_o in_o his_o worship_n qu._n be_v there_o no_o warrantable_a use_n of_o image_n ans_fw-fr the_o use_n of_o image_n be_v not_o simple_o condemn_v for_o we_o find_v some_o in_o the_o temple_n by_o express_a command_n though_o they_o be_v only_o typical_a to_o shadow_v out_o thing_n to_o be_v fulfil_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v a_o political_a use_n of_o image_n also_o lawful_a for_o ornament_n and_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o remembrance_n of_o friend_n some_o historical_a and_o for_o doctrinal_a use_n but_o none_o shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o church_n or_o in_o the_o least_o set_v apart_o for_o religious_a worship_n sect_n xvi_o qu._n may_v not_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n according_a to_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n ans_fw-fr you_o have_v the_o apostle_n answer_v to_o this_o 1_o cor._n 14_o 2._o he_o that_o speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n speak_v not_o unto_o man_n but_o unto_o god_n for_o who_o understand_v he_o in_o which_o he_o show_v there_o can_v be_v no_o visible_a communion_n in_o such_o a_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o let_v we_o see_v how_o it_o contradict_v one_o great_a end_n of_o public_a worship_n that_o such_o can_v have_v no_o real_a and_o heart_n consent_v therein_o which_o be_v indispensiby_o call_v for_o in_o that_o duty_n of_o public_a prayer_n as_o we_o see_v vers_fw-la 16._o for_o how_o shall_v be_v that_o occupi_v the_o room_n of_o the_o unlearned_a say_v amen_o at_o thy_o give_v of_o thanks_o since_o he_o understand_v not_o what_o thou_o say_v qu._n be_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o intrust_v church-guides_a with_o this_o to_o who_o the_o people_n make_v their_o confession_n ans_fw-fr we_o know_v no_o such_o implicit_a reliance_n teach_v by_o the_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v no_o cure_n where_o man_n will_v intrust_v both_o religion_n and_o reason_n at_o once_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o other_o qu._n yet_o be_v there_o not_o a_o necessity_n of_o some_o implicit_a reliance_n on_o these_o since_o according_a to_o the_o romish_a doctrine_n none_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o own_o salvation_n but_o what_o he_o have_v on_o the_o assurance_n of_o his_o priest_n and_o confessor_n ans_fw-fr nothing_o be_v more_o clear_a than_o a_o christian_n access_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o he_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n 1_o joh._n 3_o 14._o upon_o these_o ground_n 1._o because_o a_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v attainable_a here_o as_o the_o apostle_n show_v rom._n 5_o vers_fw-la 2._o 2._o that_o by_o the_o work_n and_o evidence_n of_o sanctification_n a_o most_o firm_a and_o infallible_a assurance_n be_v in_o this_o life_n give_v to_o the_o saint_n 1_o joh_n 3_o 18_o 19_o let_v we_o not_o love_v in_o tongue_n neither_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n and_o truth_n and_o hereby_o do_v we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o shall_v assure_v our_o heart_n before_o he_o 3._o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n rom_n 8_o 16._o 4._o by_o that_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n whereby_o we_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n eph._n 1_o 13_o 14._o &_o 4_o 30._o qu._n be_v there_o no_o ground_n for_o that_o article_n of_o the_o romish_a doctrine_n that_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n there_o be_v a_o confession_n of_o the_o most_o secret_a sin_n of_o man_n yea_o their_o very_a thought_n so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v remember_v unto_o the_o priest_n according_a to_o that_o james_z 5_o 16._o confess_v your_o fault_n one_o to_o another_o ans_fw-fr we_o see_v as_o much_o ground_n from_o this_o to_o confess_v to_o the_o people_n as_o to_o the_o priest_n nor_o do_v the_o scripture_n warrant_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o this_o assurance_n have_v we_o that_o he_o who_o confess_v and_o forsake_v his_o sin_n shall_v find_v mercy_n prov._n 28_o 13._o which_o none_o will_v deny_v be_v there_o mean_v unto_o god_n nor_o do_v the_o saint_n in_o scripture_n know_v auricular_a confession_n i_o say_v i_o will_v confess_v my_o transgression_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o thou_o forgave_v the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o sin_n psal_n 32_o 5._o though_o we_o deny_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o public_a confession_n in_o the_o case_n of_o public_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n but_o if_o man_n shut_v not_o their_o eye_n nothing_o but_o a_o politic_a interest_n be_v here_o to_o be_v thus_o on_o the_o most_o hide_v and_o close_a counsel_n of_o man_n by_o such_o a_o pretext_n to_o keep_v the_o conscience_n under_o awe_n sect_n xvii_o qu._n but_o how_o shall_v that_o plea_n be_v answer_v which_o the_o romish_a church_n have_v to_o prove_v their_o religion_n from_o its_o unity_n universality_n and_o a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v i_o confess_v strange_a and_o astonish_a when_o so_o clear_a 1._o for_o her_o unity_n that_o beside_o what_o know_a difference_n they_o be_v at_o among_o themselves_o in_o many_o doctrine_n they_o be_v visible_o divide_v about_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n whether_o it_o resolve_v on_o the_o pope_n alone_o or_o on_o the_o pope_n and_o a_o council_n or_o that_o late_a found-out_a rule_n of_o oral_a tradition_n 2._o for_o a_o universality_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o know_v how_o much_o more_o than_o the_o one_o half_a where_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v embrace_v through_o the_o world_n do_v not_o at_o all_o own_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n and_o 3._o for_o that_o succession_n of_o their_o church_n and_o uninterrupted_a line_n of_o pope_n they_o will_v not_o themselves_o debate_v how_o there_o have_v be_v â—hree_o pope_n at_o one_o time_n yea_o by_o what_o horrid_a mean_v some_o of_o they_o get_v up_o to_o that_o throne_n as_o their_o great_a writer_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v qu._n but_o be_v the_o apostasy_n of_o that_o church_n such_o as_o there_o be_v no_o safe_a union_n with_o it_o nor_o hope_v of_o be_v save_v in_o their_o religion_n ans_fw-fr if_o rome_n be_v that_o spiritual_a babylon_n rev._n 18_o 4._o as_o be_v there_o most_o evident_a then_o be_v the_o command_n peremptory_a to_o come_v out_o of_o she_o leâ—t_o be_v partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n thâ—y_v be_v partaker_n of_o her_o plague_n yea_o such_o a_o threaten_a we_o may_v read_v rev._n