only_o upon_o the_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o the_o penitent_a and_o sure_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n than_o that_o when_o man_n have_v perform_v all_o the_o condition_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v yet_o they_o shall_v notwithstanding_o this_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o intend_v to_o confer_v upon_o they_o because_o the_o priest_n have_v not_o the_o same_o intention_n so_o that_o when_o a_o man_n have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n he_o shall_v be_v never_o the_o near_o only_o for_o want_v of_o that_o which_o be_v whole_o out_o of_o his_o power_n the_o right_a intention_n of_o the_o priest_n beside_o that_o after_o all_o their_o boast_n of_o the_o safe_a condition_n of_o man_n in_o their_o church_n and_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a mean_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v have_v in_o it_o this_o one_o principle_n that_o the_o 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rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o duty_n to_o be_v practise_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o when_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v grow_v to_o the_o height_n and_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o council_n at_o trent_n be_v resolve_v not_o to_o retrench_v and_o reform_v they_o they_o see_v it_o necessary_a to_o enlarge_v and_o lengthen_v out_o their_o rule_n because_o the_o ancient_a rule_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n reach_v several_a of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v and_o make_v good_a by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o as_o namely_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n of_o purgatory_n and_o of_o the_o seven_o sacracrament_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o image_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n of_o indulgence_n and_o the_o communion_n in_o one_o kind_n and_o several_a other_o superstitious_a practice_n in_o use_n among_o they_o now_o to_o enlarge_v their_o rule_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n for_o the_o justification_n of_o these_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n they_o take_v these_o two_o way_n 1._o they_o have_v add_v to_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o jewish_a church_n to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n i_o say_v to_o these_o they_o have_v add_v several_a apocryphal_a book_n not_o warrant_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n because_o they_o be_v write_v after_o prophecy_n and_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v cease_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n malachi_n be_v the_o last_o of_o their_o prophet_n according_a to_o the_o general_a tradition_n of_o that_o church_n but_o because_o the_o addition_n of_o these_o book_n do_v not_o make_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n large_a enough_o for_o their_o purpose_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o great_a confusion_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o that_o church_n they_o add_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o their_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o call_v the_o write_a word_n a_o unwritten_a word_n which_o they_o call_v oral_a tradition_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o they_o declare_v to_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n themselves_o and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o the_o same_o pious_a veneration_n and_o affection_n of_o which_o tradition_n they_o be_v the_o keeper_n and_o judge_n they_o may_v extend_v they_o to_o what_o they_o please_v and_o have_v they_o in_o their_o own_o breast_n they_o may_v declare_v whatever_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o to_o have_v be_v a_o constant_a and_o universal_a tradition_n of_o their_o church_n though_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o common_a sense_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o uncertain_a and_o more_o liable_a to_o alteration_n and_o mistake_v than_o tradition_n at_o the_o distance_n of_o so_o many_o age_n bring_v down_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n without_o write_v and_o pass_v through_o so_o many_o hand_n he_o that_o can_v think_v these_o to_o be_v of_o equal_a certainty_n and_o authority_n with_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o write_v and_o bring_v down_o by_o book_n undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o a_o strange_a paradox_n viz._n that_o general_a rumour_n and_o report_n of_o thing_n say_v and_o do_v 1500_o year_n ago_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n and_o credit_n with_o a_o record_n and_o a_o write_a history_n by_o which_o proceed_v of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o bring_v their_o faith_n to_o the_o ancient_a rule_n the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o they_o know_v can_v not_o be_v do_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o fit_v their_o rule_n to_o their_o faith_n and_o this_o foundation_n be_v lay_v in_o their_o first_o decree_n all_o the_o rest_n will_v afterward_o go_v on_o very_o smooth_o for_o do_v but_o give_v man_n the_o make_n of_o their_o rule_n and_o they_o can_v make_v good_a any_o thing_n by_o it_o and_o according_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n have_v thus_o fix_v and_o fit_v a_o rule_n to_o their_o own_o purpose_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o decree_n they_o give_v the_o world_n fair_a warning_n upon_o what_o ground_n and_o in_o what_o way_n they_o intend_v to_o proceed_v in_o their_o follow_a decree_n of_o practice_n and_o definition_n of_o faith_n omnes_fw-la itaque_fw-la intelligant_fw-la quo_fw-la ordine_fw-la &_o via_fw-la ipsa_fw-la synodus_fw-la post_fw-la jactum_fw-la fidei_fw-la confessionis_fw-la fundamentum_fw-la sit_fw-la progressura_fw-la etc._n etc._n be_v it_o know_v therefore_o to_o all_o man_n in_o what_o order_n and_o way_n the_o synod_n after_o have_v lay_v this_o
of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o know_v that_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n declare_v it_o for_o the_o rule_n they_o intend_v to_o proceed_v upon_o and_o make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o confirmation_n and_o proof_n of_o their_o follow_a determination_n and_o decree_n but_o do_v any_o of_o the_o ancient_a council_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n lie_v down_o this_o rule_n and_o proceed_v upon_o it_o do_v not_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n at_o the_o open_n of_o the_o first_o general_n council_n lay_v the_o bible_n before_o they_o as_o the_o only_a rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o proceed_v and_o this_o with_o the_o approbation_n of_o all_o those_o holy_a father_n that_o be_v assemble_v in_o that_o council_n and_o do_v not_o follow_v council_n proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o rule_n do_v any_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n ever_o mention_v any_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o ancient_a creed_n which_o because_o it_o be_v a_o abridgement_n of_o the_o necessary_a article_n of_o christian_a faith_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v by_o they_o frequent_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o the_o same_o father_n frequent_o and_o express_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v plain_o contain_v in_o they_o which_o concern_v faith_n and_o life_n and_o that_o whatever_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v all_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o can_v make_v good_a by_o innumerable_a express_a testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n which_o be_v well_o know_v to_o those_o that_o be_v verse_v in_o they_o by_o what_o authority_n then_o have_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n set_v up_o this_o new_a rule_n unknown_a to_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o 1500_o year_n and_o who_o give_v they_o this_o authority_n the_o plain_a truth_n be_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v and_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o part_v with_o force_v they_o to_o lengthen_v out_o the_o rule_n the_o old_a rule_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v too_o short_a for_o their_o purpose_n three_o whereas_o they_o pretend_v that_o holy_a scripture_n as_o expound_v by_o a_o private_a spirit_n may_v not_o seem_v so_o favourable_a to_o some_o of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n yet_o as_o interpret_v by_o tradition_n which_o can_v only_o give_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n it_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o they_o i_o suppose_v they_o mean_v that_o whereas_o a_o private_a spirit_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o understand_v some_o text_n of_o scripture_n as_o if_o people_n be_v to_o search_v and_o read_v the_o scripture_n tradition_n interpret_v those_o text_n in_o a_o quite_o other_o sense_n that_o people_n be_v not_o to_o be_v permit_v to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n a_o private_a spirit_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o understand_v st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o one_a to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o be_v against_o celebrate_v prayer_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o edification_n and_o indeed_o to_o common_a sense_n for_o he_o say_v if_o one_o shall_v come_v and_o find_v they_o speak_v and_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n will_v they_o not_o say_v you_o be_v mad_a but_o now_o tradition_n which_o only_o know_v how_o to_o give_v the_o true_a sense_n can_v reconcile_v this_o discourse_n of_o st._n paul_n very_o easy_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o so_o likewise_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o colossian_n with_o the_o worship_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n with_o offer_v the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mass_n a_o thousand_o time_n every_o day_n and_o to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o whereas_o a_o man_n by_o his_o private_a spirit_n will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o understand_v the_o second_o commandment_n to_o forbid_v all_o worship_n of_o image_n tradition_n discover_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o commandment_n to_o be_v that_o due_a veneration_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o so_o that_o at_o this_o rate_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n by_o tradition_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o fix_v any_o objection_n from_o scripture_n upon_o any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n which_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o maintain_v four_o whereas_o they_o pretend_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o church_n deliver_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n or_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o bring_v down_o to_o they_o and_o preserve_v by_o continnal_a succession_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o so_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n say_v that_o the_o holy_a synod_n do_v receive_v and_o venerate_v these_o tradition_n with_o equal_a pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n as_o they_o do_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n this_o we_o must_v declare_v against_o as_o unreasonable_a in_o itself_o to_o make_v tradition_n convey_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o one_o to_o another_o through_o so_o many_o age_n and_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o mistake_v and_o miscarriage_n to_o be_v at_o the_o distance_n of_o 1500_o year_n of_o equal_a certainty_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n careful_o preserve_v and_o transmit_v down_o to_o we_o because_o this_o as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v to_o make_v common_a rumour_n and_o report_n of_o equal_a authority_n and_o certainty_n with_o a_o write_a record_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o hereby_o they_o make_v the_o scripture_n a_o imperfect_a rule_n contrary_a to_o the_o declare_a judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o council_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o so_o in_o truth_n they_o set_v up_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o they_o change_v the_o christian_a religion_n for_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n make_v a_o new_a faith_n and_o religion_n this_o we_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o and_o do_v challenge_v they_o to_o show_v this_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o consequent_o where_o their_o religion_n be_v before_o that_o council_n to_o show_v a_o religion_n consist_v of_o all_o those_o article_n which_o be_v define_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o establish_v upon_o this_o new_a rule_n profess_v by_o any_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n before_o that_o time_n and_o as_o they_o have_v pitch_v upon_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n so_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v to_o what_o end_n for_o take_v pope_n pius_n iu._n his_o creed_n and_o we_o may_v see_v where_o the_o old_a and_o new_a religion_n part_n even_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o twelve_o article_n of_o the_o aplostle_n creed_n which_o be_v the_o ancient_a christian_a faith_n to_o which_o be_v add_v in_o pope_n pius_fw-la his_o creed_n twelve_o article_n more_o define_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o support_v only_o by_o tradition_n so_o that_o as_o the_o scripture_n answer_v for_o the_o twelve_o old_a article_n which_o be_v plain_o contain_v there_o so_o tradition_n be_v to_o answer_v for_o the_o twelve_o new_a one_o and_o therefore_o the_o matter_n be_v calculate_v very_o exact_o when_o they_o make_v tradition_n just_a of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n because_o as_o many_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v make_v good_a by_o it_o and_o rely_v upon_o it_o as_o those_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n but_o that_o tradition_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o it_o but_o the_o bare_a assertion_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v add_v some_o other_o consideration_n tend_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o our_o religion_n against_o the_o pretence_n and_o insinuation_n of_o seduce_v spirit_n but_o i_o shall_v proceed_v no_o far_o at_o present_a the_o ten_o sermon_n as_o number_v follow_v there_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o number_v of_o these_o sermon_n the_o ten_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o nine_o and_o so_o on_o to_o the_o end_n for_o there_o be_v but_o fifteen_o sermon_n in_o this_o volume_n and_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o a_o sermon_n heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v these_o word_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v by_o the_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o
rather_o because_o they_o be_v different_a from_o that_o which_o they_o presume_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n aught_o to_o be_v condemn_v at_o all_o adventure_n without_o any_o far_a enquiry_n this_o i_o say_v be_v fond_a partiality_n because_o every_o religion_n and_o every_o church_n may_v for_o aught_o that_o appear_v to_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o examine_v thing_n impartial_o say_v the_o same_o for_o themselves_o and_o with_o as_o much_o reason_n and_o if_o so_o then_o either_o every_o religion_n ought_v to_o permit_v itself_o to_o be_v examine_v or_o else_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o examine_v his_o own_o religion_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o consequent_o jew_n and_o turk_n and_o heathen_n and_o heretic_n ought_v all_o to_o continue_v as_o they_o be_v and_o none_o of_o they_o to_o change_v because_o they_o can_v reasonable_o change_v without_o examine_v both_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o leave_v and_o that_o which_o they_o embrace_v instead_o of_o it_o 2._o admit_v this_o pretence_n be_v true_a that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o have_v the_o true_a religion_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o permit_v it_o to_o be_v examine_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n why_o they_o shall_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v examine_v and_o why_o they_o may_v safe_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v so_o they_o shall_v permit_v it_o to_o be_v try_v that_o man_n may_v upon_o good_a reason_n be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o they_o may_v safe_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v do_v because_o if_o they_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v firm_a and_o good_a i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v be_v never_o the_o worse_o for_o be_v examine_v and_o look_v into_o but_o i_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n reason_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o ill_a sign_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o sure_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v solid_a and_o firm_a and_o such_o as_o will_v abide_v the_o trial_n that_o they_o be_v so_o very_o loath_a to_o have_v they_o search_v into_o and_o examine_v this_o can_v but_o tempt_v a_o wise_a man_n to_o suspect_v that_o their_o church_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o a_o rock_n and_o that_o they_o themselves_o know_v something_o that_o be_v amiss_o in_o their_o religion_n which_o make_v they_o so_o loath_a to_o have_v it_o try_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o touch._n 3._o it_o be_v certain_a among_o all_o christian_n that_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o they_o never_o forbid_v the_o christian_n to_o examine_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o frequent_o exhort_v they_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o whether_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v deliver_v to_o they_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ._n so_o st._n paul_n 2_o corinth_n 13._o 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n and_o again_o 1_o thes._n 5._o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a intimate_v to_o we_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o prove_v and_o try_v it_o and_o so_o likewise_o st._n john_n ep._n 1._o 4._o 1._o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whither_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o he_o give_v a_o very_a notable_a mark_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n the_o spirit_n of_o error_n carry_v on_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o tend_v to_o secular_a power_n and_o greatness_n vers_fw-la 5._o they_o be_v of_o the_o world_n therefore_o speak_v they_o of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n hear_v they_o act_n 17._o 11._o st._n luke_n commend_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o generous_a spirit_n in_o the_o beroean_n that_o they_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o without_o disparagement_n to_o their_o infallibility_n these_o say_v he_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n in_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v the_o word_n but_o not_o blind_o and_o with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n but_o use_v due_a care_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o to_o see_v if_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o have_v before_o receive_v it_o seem_v they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o admit_v and_o swallow_v contradiction_n in_o their_o faith_n and_o we_o desire_v no_o more_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o that_o they_o will_v encourage_v the_o people_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o and_o to_o examine_v whether_o their_o doctrine_n be_v according_a to_o they_o we_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o hear_v the_o pope_n and_o a_o general_n council_n commend_v to_o the_o people_n the_o search_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o try_v their_o definition_n of_o faith_n and_o decree_n of_o worship_n by_o that_o rule_n to_o see_v whether_o what_o they_o have_v define_v and_o decree_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v be_v agreeable_a to_o it_o their_o worship_n of_o image_n their_o solemn_a invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n depart_v the_o sacrament_n under_o one_o kind_n only_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n in_o the_o mass._n have_v the_o beroean_n be_v at_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o plead_v their_o right_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o i_o doubt_v they_o will_v have_v be_v think_v very_o troublesome_a and_o impertinent_a and_o will_v not_o have_v be_v praise_v by_o the_o pope_n and_o council_n for_o their_o pain_n as_o they_o be_v by_o st._n luke_n you_o see_v then_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a groundless_a and_o suspicious_a pretence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o because_o they_o be_v infallible_o in_o the_o right_n and_o they_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n therefore_o their_o people_n must_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o examine_v it_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v undoubted_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o they_o not_o only_o permit_v the_o people_n to_o examine_v it_o but_o exhort_v and_o encourage_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o commend_v they_o for_o it_o and_o any_o man_n that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n must_v abhor_v to_o submit_v to_o this_o slavery_n not_o to_o be_v allow_v to_o examine_v his_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v free_o into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o will_v break_v with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o this_o single_a point_n and_o will_v tell_v they_o plain_o if_o your_o religion_n be_v too_o good_a to_o be_v examine_v i_o doubt_v it_o be_v too_o bad_a to_o be_v believe_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o allow_v of_o this_o liberty_n be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v people_n perpetual_o doubt_v and_o unsettled_a i_o do_v utter_o deny_v this_o and_o do_v on_o the_o contrary_a with_o good_a reason_n affirm_v that_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o have_v the_o contrary_a effect_n there_o be_v in_o reason_n no_o better_a way_n to_o establish_v any_o man_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o to_o let_v he_o see_v that_o there_o be_v very_o good_a ground_n and_o reason_n for_o 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foundation_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n will_v proceed_v and_o what_o testimony_n and_o proof_n she_o chief_o intend_v to_o make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o doctrine_n and_o reformation_n of_o manner_n in_o the_o church_n and_o no_o doubt_n all_o man_n do_v see_v very_o plain_o to_o what_o purpose_n this_o foundation_n be_v lay_v of_o so_o large_a a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v admit_v how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o confirm_v and_o prove_v whatever_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o establish_v but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o new_a and_o another_o foundation_n than_o that_o which_o the_o great_a author_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v lay_v and_o build_v his_o church_n upon_o viz._n the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n what_o they_o build_v upon_o it_o and_o if_o they_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o the_o new_a part_n of_o this_o rule_n by_o the_o 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powerful_a it_o be_v frequent_o see_v that_o this_o have_v many_o time_n too_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o weak_a and_o foolish_a mind_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v carry_v down_o with_o the_o stream_n and_o to_o follow_v a_o multitude_n in_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a but_o more_o especial_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o be_v sway_v by_o great_a example_n and_o to_o bend_v themselves_o to_o such_o a_o obsequiousness_n to_o their_o superior_n and_o better_n that_o in_o compliance_n with_o they_o they_o be_v ready_a not_o only_o to_o change_v their_o affection_n to_o person_n and_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v but_o even_o their_o judgement_n also_o and_o that_o in_o the_o great_a and_o weight_a matter_n even_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o another_o world_n but_o this_o sure_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o poor_a and_o mean_a spirit_n and_o of_o a_o weak_a understanding_n which_o lean_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o another_o and_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o low_a degree_n of_o servility_n that_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n can_v stoop_v to_o and_o even_o beneath_o that_o of_o a_o slave_n who_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o chain_n and_o fetter_n do_v still_o retain_v the_o freedom_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o judgement_n but_o i_o need_v not_o to_o urge_v this_o upon_o considerate_a person_n who_o know_v better_a how_o to_o value_v their_o duty_n and_o obligation_n to_o god_n than_o to_o be_v tempt_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a thereto_o mere_o in_o compliance_n with_o fashion_n and_o example_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o religion_n so_o very_o plain_a that_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v stand_v alone_o in_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o not_o be_v move_v in_o the_o least_o by_o the_o contrary_a example_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o be_v a_o brave_a resolution_n of_o joshua_n though_o all_o man_n shall_v forsake_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o run_v aside_o to_o other_o god_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o joshua_n 24._o 15._o if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v but_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v well_o resolve_v of_o peter_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v too_o confident_a of_o his_o own_o strength_n when_o he_o say_v to_o our_o saviour_n though_o all_o man_n forsake_v thou_o yet_o will_v not_o i._o 2._o another_o sort_n of_o temptation_n and_o which_o be_v common_o more_o powerful_a than_o example_n be_v worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n this_o be_v a_o mighty_a bait_n to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o apt_a to_o work_v very_o strong_o upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o some_o and_o upon_o the_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n of_o other_o some_o man_n be_v tempt_v by_o necessity_n which_o many_o time_n make_v they_o do_v ugly_a and_o reproachful_a thing_n and_o like_o esau_n for_o a_o morsel_n of_o meat_n to_o sell_v their_o 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err_v or_o be_v seduce_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n this_o be_v the_o temptation_n which_o draw_v off_o demas_n from_o his_o religion_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 2_o tim._n 4._o 10._o demas_n have_v forsake_v i_o have_v love_v this_o present_a world_n ambition_n be_v likewise_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o proud_a and_o aspire_a mind_n and_o make_v many_o man_n false_a to_o their_o religion_n when_o they_o find_v it_o a_o hindrance_n to_o their_o preferment_n and_o they_o be_v easy_o persuade_v that_o that_o be_v the_o best_a religion_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o great_a worldly_a advantage_n and_o will_v raise_v they_o to_o the_o high_a dignity_n the_o devil_n understand_v very_o well_o the_o force_n of_o this_o temptation_n when_o he_o set_v upon_o our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o reserve_v it_o for_o the_o last_o assault_n he_o show_v he_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o and_o say_v to_o he_o all_z this_o will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o and_o when_o he_o see_v this_o will_v not_o prevail_v he_o give_v he_o over_o in_o despair_n and_o leave_v he_o but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o very_a dazzle_a temptation_n yet_o there_o be_v consideration_n of_o that_o weight_n to_o be_v set_v over-against_o it_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o infinite_a concernment_n of_o it_o to_o our_o immortal_a soul_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o quench_v this_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o put_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n out_o of_o countenance_n and_o to_o render_v all_o the_o riches_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o other_o world_n but_o as_o the_o very_a
scripture_n or_o in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n any_o command_n or_o example_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n for_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n which_o do_v now_o make_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n nay_o be_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n plain_o against_o all_o these_o practice_n with_o what_o face_n then_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v make_v a_o constant_a visible_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o practice_n in_o all_o age_n from_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n or_o will_v the_o primitive_a church_n of_o rome_n if_o it_o shall_v now_o visit_v the_o earth_n again_o own_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n that_o it_o be_v when_o they_o leave_v it_o and_o whereas_o they_o demand_v 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church_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o the_o great_a reason_n and_o need_v there_o be_v of_o a_o reformation_n and_o as_o every_o particular_a person_n have_v a_o right_a to_o reform_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o find_v amiss_o in_o himself_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v himself_o so_o much_o more_o every_o national_a church_n have_v a_o power_n within_o itself_o to_o reform_v itself_o from_o all_o error_n and_o corruption_n and_o by_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o catholic_n authority_n to_o confirm_v that_o reformation_n which_o be_v our_o case_n here_o in_o england_n and_o whatever_o part_n of_o the_o church_n how_o great_a and_o eminent_a soever_o exclude_v from_o her_o communion_n such_o a_o national_a church_n for_o reform_v herself_o from_o plain_a error_n and_o corruption_n clear_o condemn_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n be_v undoubted_o guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o no_o blind_a talk_n about_o a_o perpetual_a visible_a church_n can_v render_v we_o guilty_a of_o schism_n for_o make_v a_o real_a reformation_n or_o acquit_v they_o of_o it_o for_o cast_v we_o out_o of_o their_o communion_n for_o that_o cause_n 7._o and_o last_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o they_o pretend_v that_o we_o delude_v the_o people_n by_o lay_v too_o much_o stress_n upon_o scripture_n and_o make_v it_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n whereas_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n together_o make_v up_o the_o entire_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o every_o man_n private_a fancy_n but_o by_o tradition_n careful_o preserve_v in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o several_a of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n can_v be_v so_o clear_o make_v out_o by_o scripture_n or_o perhaps_o seem_v contrary_a to_o it_o as_o it_o may_v be_v expound_v by_o a_o private_a spirit_n but_o not_o as_o interpret_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o can_v only_o give_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o several_a of_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o we_o object_n against_o be_v most_o clear_o prove_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o church_n which_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o scripture_n in_o this_o objection_n of_o they_o which_o they_o design_v for_o the_o cover_n of_o all_o their_o error_n and_o corruption_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n distinct_o to_o be_v consider_v which_o i_o shall_v do_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v first_o whereas_o it_o be_v suggest_v that_o we_o delude_v the_o people_n by_o lay_v too_o much_o stress_n upon_o the_o scripture_n which_o certain_o we_o can_v well_o do_v if_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o delude_v and_o abuse_v they_o infinite_o more_o in_o keep_v the_o scripture_n from_o they_o and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o see_v that_o which_o they_o can_v deny_v to_o be_v at_o least_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n do_v it_o not_o by_o this_o deal_n of_o they_o appear_v very_o suspicious_a that_o they_o be_v extreme_o afraid_a that_o the_o people_n shall_v examine_v their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n by_o this_o rule_n for_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v they_o have_v to_o conceal_v it_o from_o they_o second_o whereas_o they_o affirm_v that_o scripture_n alone_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n but_o that_o scripture_n and_o oral_a tradition_n preserve_v in_o the_o church_n and_o deliver_v down_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n make_v up_o the_o entire_a rule_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v whence_o they_o learn_v this_o new_a doctrine_n
profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v be_v not_o mean_v that_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o religion_n shall_v blind_o hold_v it_o fast_o against_o the_o best_a reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v because_o upon_o these_o term_n every_o man_n must_v continue_v in_o the_o religion_n in_o which_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v fix_v by_o education_n or_o a_o ill_a choice_n be_v his_o religion_n true_a or_o false_a without_o examine_v and_o look_v into_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n for_o till_o a_o man_n examine_v every_o man_n think_v his_o religion_n right_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o exhort_v christian_n to_o hold_v fast_o be_v the_o ancient_a faith_n of_o which_o all_o christian_n make_v a_o solemn_a profession_n in_o their_o baptism_n as_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o context_n and_o this_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o hold_v in_o the_o follow_a instance_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o brief_o mention_v without_o enlarge_n upon_o they_o 1._o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v that_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o plain_a scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n against_o the_o temptation_n of_o fashion_n and_o example_n and_o of_o worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n and_o against_o all_o terror_n and_o suffering_n of_o persecution_n 4._o against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n than_o the_o gospel_n have_v propose_v in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n last_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o busy_a and_o dispute_a man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o unhinge_v man_n from_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n and_o faction_n but_o without_o enter_v into_o these_o particular_n i_o shall_v in_o order_n to_o establishment_n in_o the_o reform_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n apply_v myself_o at_o this_o time_n to_o make_v a_o short_a comparison_n betwixt_o the_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o we_o may_v discern_v on_o which_o side_n the_o advantage_n of_o truth_n lie_v and_o in_o make_v this_o comparison_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o three_o thing_n which_o will_v bring_v the_o matter_n to_o a_o issue_n and_o be_v i_o think_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v every_o sober_a and_o considerate_a man_n which_o of_o these_o he_o ought_v in_o reason_n and_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o embrace_v and_o they_o be_v these_o i._o that_o we_o govern_v our_o belief_n and_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o true_a ancient_a rule_n of_o christianity_n the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o error_n and_o corruption_n have_v be_v force_v to_o devise_v a_o new_a rule_n never_o own_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n nor_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o council_n of_o it_o ii_o that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v either_o contrary_a to_o this_o rule_n or_o destitute_a of_o the_o warrant_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o be_v plain_a addition_n to_o the_o ancient_a christianity_n and_o corruption_n of_o it_o iii_o that_o our_o religion_n have_v many_o clear_a advantage_n of_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o only_o very_o considerable_a in_o themselves_o but_o very_o obvious_a and_o discernible_a to_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n upon_o the_o first_o proposal_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v be_v as_o brief_a in_o these_o as_o i_o can_v i._o that_o we_o govern_v our_o belief_n and_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o true_a ancient_a rule_n of_o christianity_n the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o their_o error_n and_o corruption_n have_v be_v force_v to_o devise_v a_o new_a rule_n never_o own_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n nor_o by_o the_o ancient_a council_n and_o father_n of_o it_o that_o be_v they_o have_v join_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o unwritten_a tradition_n of_o their_o church_n concern_v several_a point_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o practice_n which_o they_o acknowledge_v can_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n and_o these_o they_o call_v the_o unwritten_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n have_v decree_v they_o to_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o they_o do_v receive_v and_o venerate_v they_o with_o the_o same_o pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n and_o all_o this_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a declaration_n and_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a council_n and_o father_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o this_o never_o declare_v to_o be_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n till_o it_o be_v decree_v not_o much_o above_o a_o hundred_o year_n ago_o in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o this_o sure_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n to_o presume_v to_o alter_v the_o ancient_a rule_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o to_o enlarge_v it_o and_o add_v to_o it_o at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o change_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n it_o become_v consequent_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o change_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o therefore_o with_o great_a reason_n do_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n take_v this_o into_o consideration_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o put_v it_o in_o the_o front_n of_o their_o decree_n because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o main_a proof_n of_o the_o follow_a definition_n of_o faith_n and_o decree_n of_o practice_n for_o which_o without_o this_o new_a rule_n there_o have_v be_v no_o colour_n ii_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v either_o contrary_a to_o the_o true_a rule_n or_o destitute_a of_o the_o warrant_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o plain_a addition_n to_o the_o ancient_n christianity_n and_o corruption_n of_o it_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v best_o appear_v by_o instance_v in_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o as_o for_o their_o two_o great_a fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n over_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n in_o scripture_n concern_v these_o privilege_n nay_o it_o be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o demonstration_n that_o they_o have_v no_o such_o privilege_n that_o st._n paul_n in_o a_o long_a epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n either_o then_o be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v soon_o after_o the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n which_o be_v now_o grow_v to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o he_o can_v have_v omit_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o such_o remarkable_a privilege_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o church_n above_o any_o in_o the_o world_n have_v he_o 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