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sense_n protestant_n scripture_n true_a 3,825 5 5.7198 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A71330 A preservative against popery. [Parts 1-2.] being some plain directions to unlearned Protestants, how to dispute with Romish priests, the first part / by Will. Sherlock ... Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1688 (1688) Wing S3326; Wing S3342; ESTC R14776 130,980 192

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to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n they_o give_v up_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o make_v every_o man_n his_o own_o pope_n and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o senseless_a raillery_n of_o their_o admire_a pax_n vobis_fw-la by_o this_o they_o confess_v that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v understand_v by_o reason_n that_o they_o can_v back_o their_o interpretation_n with_o such_o powerful_a argument_n as_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v heretic_n who_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n and_o then_o they_o must_v unsay_v all_o their_o hard_a say_n against_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a dead_a letter_n unsenced_a character_n mere_a figure_a ink_n and_o paper_n they_o must_v recant_v all_o their_o raillery_n against_o expound_v scripture_n by_o a_o private_a spirit_n and_o allow_v every_o man_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o to_o choose_v what_o he_o please_v for_o thus_o they_o do_v themselves_o 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this_o present_a undertake_n to_o examine_v all_o their_o scripture-proof_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v some_o general_a fault_n t●y_o be_v guilty_a of_o which_o whoever_o be_v aware_a of_o be_v in_o no_o danger_n of_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o their_o pretence_n to_o scripture_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o industrious_o multiply_v particular_n for_o there_o be_v some_o few_o palpable_a mistake_n which_o run_v through_o most_o of_o their_o scripture-proof_n 1._o as_o first_o many_o of_o their_o scripture-proof_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o word_n or_o phrase_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o signification_n of_o that_o word_n in_o scripture_n or_o to_o the_o matter_n to_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v as_o for_o instance_n there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o useful_a doctrine_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o that_o of_o unwritten_a tradition_n which_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n for_o be_v this_o own_a they_o may_v put_v what_o 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wherein_o all_o man_n who_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o deliver_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o sin_n must_v yet_o undergo_v that_o punishment_n of_o they_o which_o have_v not_o be_v satisfy_v for_o by_o other_o mean_n as_o profitable_a a_o doctrine_n as_o any_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v because_o it_o give_v great_a authority_n to_o sacerdotal_a absolution_n and_o set_v a_o good_a price_n upon_o mass_n for_o the_o dead_a and_o indulgence_n and_o yet_o the_o best_a proof_n they_o have_v for_o this_o be_v that_o fire_n mention_v 1_o cor._n 3._o 13_o 14_o 15._o every_o man_n work_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a for_o the_o day_n shall_v declare_v it_o because_o it_o shall_v be_v reveal_v by_o fire_n and_o the_o fire_n shall_v declare_v every_o man_n work_n of_o what_o sort_n it_o be_v if_o any_o man_n work_n shall_v be_v burn_v he_o shall_v suffer_v loss_n but_o he_o himself_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n now_o here_o be_v mention_n of_o fire_n indeed_o but_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o popish_a purgatory_n suppose_v it_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o material_a fire_n though_o that_o do_v not_o seem_v so_o proper_a to_o try_v good_a or_o bad_a action_n a_o true_a and_o orthodox_n or_o heretical_a faith_n yet_o this_o fire_n be_v not_o kindle_v till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n which_o be_v eminent_o in_o scripture_n call_v the_o day_n and_o be_v the_o only_a day_n we_o know_v of_o in_o scripture_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v by_o fire_n when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n in_o flame_a fire_n 2_o thess._n 1._o 7_o 8._o so_o that_o here_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o word_n fire_n apply_v to_o another_o fire_n than_o st._n paul_n ever_o think_v on_o to_o prove_v a_o popish_a purgatory_n thus_o they_o make_v confession_n to_o a_o priest_n ordinary_o necessary_a to_o obtain_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o have_v no_o better_a scripture-proof_n for_o it_o but_o that_o we_o be_v often_o command_v to_o confess_v our_o sin_n sometime_o to_o god_n and_o sometime_o to_o another_o but_o never_o to_o a_o priest._n they_o have_v make_v a_o sacrament_n of_o extreme_a unction_n wherein_o the_o sick_a person_n be_v anoint_v for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o though_o a_o sacrament_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o express_a institution_n both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o use_v and_o end_n of_o it_o yet_o the_o only_a proof_n they_o produce_v for_o this_o be_v the_o disciple_n work_v miraculous_a cure_n by_o anoint_v the_o sick_a with_o oil_n 6_o mark_z 13_o which_o methinks_v be_v a_o little_a different_a from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o extreme_a unction_n which_o be_v not_o to_o cure_v their_o sickness_n but_o to_o forgive_v their_o sin_n and_o st._n james_n his_o command_n be_v any_o sick_a among_o you_o let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o anoint_v he_o with_o oil_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a and_o the_o lord_n shall_v raise_v he_o up_o 15._o and_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v sin_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o where_o anoint_v with_o oil_n join_v with_o servant_n prayer_n be_v prescribe_v as_o a_o mean_n of_o restore_v the_o sick_a person_n to_o health_n again_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o the_o popish_a extreme_a unction_n which_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v die_v and_o though_o st._n james_n add_v and_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v sin_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o yet_o 1._o this_o be_v not_o say_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o anoint_v but_o of_o the_o servant_n prayer_n and_o 2._o this_o very_a forgiveness_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o refer_v to_o a_o plenary_a pardon_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o
sin_n which_o be_v forgive_v in_o the_o next_o world_n because_o there_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v there_o now_o not_o to_o consider_v the_o ordinary_a use_n of_o such_o phrase_n to_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v without_o distinguish_v between_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o world_n and_o what_o in_o the_o next_o nay_o not_o to_o consider_v how_o contrary_a this_o be_v to_o their_o own_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n that_o man_n who_o go_v to_o purgatory_n have_v all_o their_o sin_n already_o forgive_v though_o they_o must_v suffer_v the_o punishment_n of_o they_o there_o which_o how_o absurd_a soever_o it_o be_v yet_o show_v that_o purgatory_n be_v not_o a_o place_n of_o forgive_a sin_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v mean_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o those_o word_n yet_o suppose_v all_o they_o will_v have_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o sin_n forgive_v in_o the_o next_o world_n which_o be_v not_o forgive_v in_o this_o how_o do_v this_o prove_v a_o popish_a purgatory_n where_o soul_n endure_v such_o torment_n as_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o those_o of_o hell_n itself_o except_v their_o duration_n that_o some_o sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v in_o the_o next_o world_n i_o think_v do_v not_o very_o evident_o prove_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v torment_v it_o may_v be_v for_o several_a age_n in_o the_o fire_n of_o purgatory_n thus_o they_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o auricular_a confession_n to_o priest_n from_o the_o power_n of_o judicial_a absolution_n christ_n have_v give_v the_o priest_n power_n to_o forgive_v sin_n and_o hereby_o have_v make_v he_o a_o judge_n to_o retain_v or_o remit_v sin_n to_o absolve_v and_o inflict_v penance_n now_o a_o judge_n can_v judge_v right_a without_o a_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o this_o the_o priest_n can_v know_v without_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o penitent_a and_o therefore_o as_o priest_n have_v authority_n to_o absolve_v so_o a_o penitent_a who_o will_v be_v absolve_v must_v of_o necessity_n confess_v but_o now_o i_o shall_v think_v it_o a_o much_o better_a consequence_n that_o the_o priest_n have_v not_o such_o a_o judicial_a authority_n of_o absolution_n as_o require_v a_o particular_a confession_n of_o the_o penitent_a because_o christ_n have_v no_o where_o command_v all_o man_n to_o confess_v their_o sin_n to_o a_o priest_n than_o that_o the_o priest_n have_v such_o a_o judicial_a authority_n and_o therefore_o all_o man_n must_v confess_v to_o a_o priest_n for_o though_o our_o saviour_n do_v give_v power_n to_o his_o apostle_n to_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n yet_o those_o word_n do_v not_o necessary_o signify_v a_o judicial_a authority_n to_o forgive_v sin_n or_o if_o it_o do_v it_o may_v relate_v only_o to_o public_a sin_n which_o be_v too_o well_o know_v without_o a_o private_a confession_n or_o however_o it_o be_v not_o the_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o the_o sin_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o but_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o true_a repentance_n for_o public_a or_o secret_a sin_n which_o be_v the_o best_a rule_n and_o direction_n who_o to_o absolve_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o particular_a confession_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o the_o sophistry_n of_o this_o be_v most_o palpable_a when_o they_o draw_v such_o consequence_n from_o one_o text_n of_o scripture_n as_o direct_o contradict_v other_o plain_a and_o express_v text_n thus_o because_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o from_o hence_o they_o will_v conclude_v that_o people_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v to_o read_v the_o bible_n as_o if_o st._n peter_n have_v intend_v to_o forbid_v they_o to_o read_v those_o epistle_n which_o st._n paul_n have_v write_v to_o they_o nay_o to_o read_v this_o very_a epistle_n which_o he_o himself_o now_o send_v to_o they_o for_o these_o epistle_n which_o be_v send_v to_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v be_v read_v by_o they_o make_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o the_o people_n must_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o read_v now_o but_o set_v aside_o this_o this_o consequence_n that_o the_o people_n must_v not_o read_v the_o bible_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o a_o great_a many_o other_o text_n which_o express_o command_v they_o to_o read_v and_o search_v and_o study_v and_o meditate_v on_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o every_o body_n know_v i_o confess_v it_o amaze_v i_o to_o hear_v man_n argue_v at_o this_o rate_n when_o they_o can_v produce_v any_o one_o text_n which_o forbid_v people_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o express_a command_n that_o they_o shall_v read_v the_o scripture_n they_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o oppose_v against_o all_o this_o authority_n a_o consequence_n of_o their_o own_o make_n and_o a_o very_a absurd_a one_o too_o and_o call_v this_o a_o scripture-proof_n i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v whole_o to_o reject_v a_o plain_a and_o evident_a consequence_n from_o scripture_n but_o yet_o i_o will_v never_o admit_v of_o a_o mere_a consequence_n to_o prove_v a_o institution_n which_o must_v be_v deliver_v in_o plain_a term_n as_o all_o law_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o where_o i_o have_v no_o other_o proof_n but_o some_o scripture-consequence_n i_o shall_v not_o think_v it_o equivalent_a to_o a_o scripture-proof_n if_o the_o consequence_n be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a and_o such_o as_o every_o man_n see_v i_o shall_v not_o question_v it_o but_o remote_a and_o dubious_a and_o dispute_v consequence_n if_o we_o have_v no_o better_a evidence_n to_o be_v sure_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a foundation_n for_o article_n of_o faith._n let_v our_o protestant_n then_o tell_v such_o disputant_n that_o for_o the_o institution_n of_o sacrament_n and_o for_o article_n of_o faith_n he_o expect_v plain_a positive_a proof_n that_o as_o much_o as_o the_o protestant_a faith_n be_v charge_v with_o uncertainty_n we_o desire_v a_o little_a more_o certainty_n for_o our_o faith_n than_o mere_a inference_n from_o scripture_n and_o those_o none_o of_o the_o plain_a neither_o 4._o another_o false_a pretence_n to_o scripture-proof_n be_v to_o clap_v their_o own_o sense_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o use_n and_o propriety_n of_o word_n to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n to_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o call_v this_o a_o scripture-proof_n of_o their_o doctrine_n when_o their_o doctrine_n do_v not_o natural_o grow_v there_o but_o be_v only_o engraft_v by_o some_o cunning_a artist_n upon_o a_o scripture-stock_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o only_o one_o instance_n of_o this_o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n as_o for_o transubstantiation_n they_o teach_v that_o the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v convert_v into_o the_o natural_a flesh_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n that_o after_o consecration_n there_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n but_o the_o accident_n subsist_v without_o a_o substance_n that_o the_o natural_a body_n of_o christ_n his_o soul_n and_o divinity_n be_v present_a under_o the_o species_n of_o bread_n nay_o that_o whole_a christ_n flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v under_o the_o species_n of_o bread_n and_o in_o every_o particle_n of_o it_o and_o under_o the_o species_n of_o wine_n and_o every_o drop_n of_o it_o that_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o break_v nor_o his_o blood_n shed_v in_o the_o sacrament_n but_o only_o the_o species_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n which_o be_v nothing_o that_o it_o be_v only_o this_o nothing_o which_o we_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o which_o go_v down_o into_o our_o stomach_n and_o carry_v whole_a christ_n down_o with_o it_o now_o this_o doctrine_n find_v so_o very_o harsh_a be_v so_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o have_v so_o many_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n to_o reason_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o plain_o prove_v from_o scripture_n in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o for_o if_o a_o man_n may_v be_v persuade_v to_o renounce_v his_o sense_n and_o reason_n to_o believe_v scripture_n yet_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v equal_o evident_a to_o he_o at_o least_o that_o scripture_n be_v for_o it_o as_o it_o be_v that_o sense_n and_o reason_n be_v against_o it_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n in_o scripture_n to_o prove_v any_o one_o part_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n neither_o that_o the_o natural_a
must_v neither_o believe_v their_o sense_n nor_o trust_v their_o reason_n nor_o read_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o guess_v what_o know_v and_o understand_v christian_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v instruct_v her_o child_n in_o the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n though_o she_o will_v not_o venture_v they_o to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o nor_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o her_o great_a care_n of_o they_o to_o keep_v they_o orthodox_n for_o when_o man_n trust_v to_o their_o own_o fallible_a reason_n and_o private_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v a_o great_a hazard_n that_o they_o do_v not_o fall_v into_o one_o heresy_n or_o other_o but_o when_o man_n be_v teach_v the_o pure_a catholic_n faith_n without_o any_o danger_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n be_v not_o this_o much_o better_a then_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o reason_n and_o judge_v for_o themselves_o when_o it_o be_v great_a odds_o but_o they_o will_v judge_v wrong_a now_o this_o will_v be_v something_o indeed_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n take_v care_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o all_o necessary_a doctrine_n and_o to_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v true_a and_o can_v such_o man_n who_o thus_o tame_o receive_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o know_v and_o to_o understand_v their_o religion_n how_o far_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v from_o do_v the_o first_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v sensible_a but_o themselves_o but_o that_o be_v not_o our_o present_a dispute_n for_o though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v instruct_v her_o people_n into_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n yet_o such_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o know_v and_o understand_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o secure_v the_o faith_n by_o destroy_a knowledge_n be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o make_v man_n wise_a and_o understand_a christian_n for_o no_o man_n understand_v his_o religion_n who_o do_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n know_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o judge_v whether_o they_o be_v sufficient_a or_o not_o who_o know_v not_o how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n who_o have_v no_o rule_n to_o go_v by_o but_o must_v take_v all_o upon_o trust_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o teacher_n who_o believe_v whatever_o he_o be_v tell_v and_o learn_v his_o creed_n as_o school_n boy_n do_v their_o grammar_n without_o understand_v it_o this_o be_v not_o a_o active_a but_o a_o kind_n of_o passive_a knowledge_n such_o man_n receive_v the_o impression_n that_o be_v make_v on_o they_o as_o wax_n do_v and_o understand_v no_o more_o of_o the_o matter_n now_o will_v any_o one_o call_v this_o the_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n or_o the_o discipline_n of_o a_o child_n but_o suppose_v there_o be_v some_o man_n so_o dull_a and_o stupid_a that_o they_o can_v never_o rise_v high_o that_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n but_o must_v take_v up_o their_o religion_n upon_o trust_n yet_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o knowledge_n that_o any_o christian_n must_v aim_v at_o be_v this_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n 16._o be_v this_o the_o way_n to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o any_o one_o who_o ask_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o the_o perfection_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n be_v a_o great_a and_o glorious_a attainment_n to_o understand_v the_o secret_n of_o god_n law_n those_o depth_n and_o mystery_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o man_n salvation_n to_o see_v the_o analogy_n between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n how_o the_o legal_a type_n and_o ancient_a prophecy_n receive_v their_o accomplishment_n in_o christ_n how_o far_o the_o gospel_n have_v advance_v we_o above_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n what_o a_o admirable_a design_n it_o be_v to_o redeem_v the_o world_n by_o the_o incarnation_n and_o death_n and_o suffering_n and_o intercession_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n what_o mystery_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n the_o gospel_n contain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v not_o only_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n but_o raise_v and_o ennoble_v our_o mind_n and_o transform_v we_o into_o the_o divine_a image_n these_o thing_n be_v reveal_v that_o they_o may_v be_v know_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v conceal_v from_o the_o world_n or_o neglect_v and_o despise_v but_o this_o be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o can_v be_v attain_v without_o diligent_a and_o laborious_a inquiry_n without_o use_v all_o the_o reason_n and_o understanding_n we_o have_v in_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o all_o other_o help_v which_o god_n have_v afford_v we_o now_o if_o christian_n knowledge_n be_v something_o more_o than_o to_o be_v able_a to_o repeat_v our_o creed_n and_o to_o believe_v it_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o teacher_n if_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v intend_v to_o advance_v we_o to_o a_o true_a manly_a knowledge_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n seem_v to_o have_v two_o very_a different_a design_n our_o lord_n in_o cause_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v write_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n the_o other_o in_o conceal_v it_o as_o much_o as_o she_o can_v and_o suffer_v no_o body_n to_o read_v it_o without_o her_o leave_n as_o a_o dangerous_a book_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v man_n heretic_n for_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v read_v and_o then_o one_o will_v guess_v that_o he_o by_o who_o authority_n and_o inspiration_n the_o gospel_n be_v write_v and_o those_o by_o who_o authority_n it_o be_v forbid_v to_o be_v read_v be_v not_o of_o a_o mind_n in_o this_o matter_n 1._o this_o i_o think_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o to_o forbid_v christian_a people_n to_o read_v and_o study_v and_o mediate_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v no_o gospel_n doctrine_n unless_o not_o to_o read_v the_o bible_n be_v a_o better_a way_n to_o improve_v in_o all_o true_a christian_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n than_o to_o read_v it_o for_o that_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v one_o great_a end_n of_o publish_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n to_o enlighten_v and_o improve_v man_n understanding_n as_o well_o as_o to_o govern_v their_o life_n and_o though_o we_o grant_v man_n may_v be_v teach_v the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o child_n be_v without_o read_v the_o bible_n yet_o if_o they_o will_v but_o grant_v that_o study_v and_o meditate_v on_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o best_a and_o only_o way_n to_o improve_v in_o all_o true_a christian_a knowledge_n this_o show_v how_o contrary_a this_o prohibition_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v to_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o perfect_v our_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ._n 2_o lie_n this_o be_v a_o mighty_a presumption_n also_o against_o transubstantiation_n that_o it_o be_v no_o gospel_n doctrine_n because_o it_o overthrow_v the_o very_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o advance_v divine_a knowledge_n to_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n it_o can_v attain_v in_o this_o world_n whoever_o have_v his_o eye_n in_o his_o head_n must_v confess_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v contrary_a to_o sense_n for_o be_v our_o sense_n to_o be_v judge_n of_o this_o matter_n they_o will_v pronounce_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n after_o consecration_n to_o be_v bread_n and_o wine_n still_o and_o therefore_o what_o ever_o reason_n there_o may_v be_v to_o believe_v it_o not_o to_o be_v bread_n and_o wine_n but_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o our_o faith_n in_o this_o matter_n contradict_v our_o sense_n for_o even_o roman_n catholic_n eye_n and_o nose_n and_o hand_n can_v see_v and_o feel_v and_o smell_v nothing_o but_o bread_n and_o wine_n and_o if_o to_o our_o sense_n it_o appear_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o bread_n and_o wine_n those_o who_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o natural_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n believe_v contrary_a to_o what_o they_o see_v thus_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o thing_n than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n for_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v true_a than_o the_o same_o individual_a body_n of_o christ_n
doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o they_o and_o according_o he_o appeal_v to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n and_o exhort_v they_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n which_o give_v testimony_n to_o he_o and_o how_o the_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v give_v authority_n to_o any_o new_a revelation_n he_o make_v of_o god_n will_n to_o the_o world_n since_o he_o do_v not_o contradict_v the_o old_a the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o god_n can_v contradict_v himself_o and_o therefore_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o new_a prophet_n even_o of_o christ_n himself_o be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o be_v to_o be_v examine_v to_o this_o day_n by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o therefore_o though_o he_o be_v certain_o a_o infallible_a teacher_n yet_o man_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o his_o doctrine_n before_o they_o believe_v he_o and_o he_o do_v not_o require_v they_o to_o lay_v aside_o their_o reason_n and_o judgement_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o infallible_a authority_n without_o examination_n so_o that_o all_o this_o while_n there_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n to_o who_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v their_o own_o private_a reason_n and_o judgement_n and_o to_o receive_v all_o their_o dictate_v as_o divine_a oracle_n without_o examination_n because_o they_o can_v not_o know_v they_o to_o be_v such_o infallible_a teacher_n till_o they_o have_v examine_v their_o doctrine_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o we_o can_v to_o this_o day_n know_v that_o moses_n and_o christ_n be_v true_a prophet_n but_o in_o the_o same_o way_n since_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v a_o far_a test_n of_o a_o infallible_a teacher_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o neither_o contradict_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n nor_o the_o true_a intent_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n nor_o alter_v or_o add_v to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n because_o be_v he_o never_o so_o infallible_a we_o can_v never_o know_v that_o he_o be_v so_o but_o by_o the_o agreement_n of_o his_o doctrine_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n with_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o with_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o must_v examine_v his_o doctrine_n by_o these_o rule_n and_o therefore_o must_v judge_v for_o ourselves_o and_o not_o suffer_v any_o man_n to_o judge_v for_o we_o upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o his_o infallibility_n can_v i_o know_v that_o any_o man_n be_v infallible_a without_o judge_v of_o his_o doctrine_n than_o indeed_o there_o be_v some_o reason_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o he_o say_v without_o any_o inquiry_n or_o examination_n but_o this_o never_o be_v never_o can_v be_v and_o therefore_o though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o infallible_a teacher_n there_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n to_o who_o i_o must_v submit_v my_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n without_o ask_v any_o question_n which_o by_o the_o way_n show_v how_o ridiculous_a that_o sophism_n be_v the_o church_n have_v not_o err_v because_o she_o be_v infallible_a when_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o know_v she_o be_v infallible_a till_o by_o examine_v her_o doctrine_n by_o a_o infallible_a rule_n i_o know_v that_o she_o have_v not_o err_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v well_o there_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n for_o if_o there_o be_v it_o will_v suspend_v and_o silence_v the_o reason_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o what_o a_o know_a creature_n will_v man_n be_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o he_o must_v not_o reason_n and_o must_v not_o judge_v just_a as_o know_v as_o a_o man_n can_v be_v without_o exercise_v any_o reason_n and_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o not_o only_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n prove_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n but_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n to_o advance_v humane_a nature_n to_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n in_o this_o world_n prove_v that_o he_o never_o intend_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o for_o to_o take_v away_o the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n and_o private_a judgement_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o make_v man_n wise_a and_o know_a christian_n and_o if_o christ_n allow_v we_o to_o judge_v for_o ourselves_o there_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n who_o office_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o judge_v for_o we_o all_o 4_o lie_n to_o pretend_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o obscure_a or_o imperfect_a rule_n be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o improve_v and_o perfect_a knowledge_n for_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a in_o the_o essential_a matter_n of_o faith_n and_o christian_a knowledge_n that_o we_o can_v have_v any_o certainty_n what_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n 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in_o dispute_n between_o we_o and_o therefore_o can_v prove_v nothing_o till_o that_o be_v first_o prove_v by_o something_o else_o 1._o to_o begin_v then_o with_o reason_n now_o we_o do_v allow_v of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o our_o adversary_n pretend_v to_o use_v it_o when_o they_o think_v it_o will_v serve_v their_o turn_n and_o rail_v at_o it_o and_o despise_v it_o when_o it_o be_v against_o they_o not_o that_o we_o make_v natural_a reason_n the_o rule_n or_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o natural_a reason_n be_v to_o reject_v revelation_n or_o to_o destroy_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o for_o what_o use_n be_v there_o of_o a_o revelation_n or_o at_o lest_o what_o necessity_n of_o it_o if_o nothing_o must_v be_v reveal_v but_o what_o may_v have_v be_v know_v by_o natural_a reason_n without_o revelation_n or_o at_o lest_o what_o natural_a reason_n can_v full_o comprehend_v when_o it_o be_v 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the_o second_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v not_o make_v to_o thyself_o any_o grave_a image_n nor_o the_o likeness_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n above_o or_o in_o the_o earth_n beneath_o or_o in_o the_o water_n under_o the_o earth_n thou_o shall_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o they_o nor_o worship_v they_o which_o be_v so_o express_v a_o law_n against_o image-worship_n that_o no_o reason_n must_v be_v admit_v for_o it_o no_o man_n need_v to_o trouble_v himself_o to_o answer_v the_o reason_n urge_v for_o such_o practice_n for_o no_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v allow_v nor_o any_o dispute_v admit_v against_o such_o express_a law_n this_o i_o suppose_v all_o man_n will_v grant_v but_o then_o the_o difficulty_n be_v what_o be_v a_o express_a law_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n be_v the_o law_n and_o if_o there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o sense_n put_v on_o the_o word_n as_o will_v reconcile_v these_o reason_n with_o the_o law_n we_o must_v not_o say_v then_o that_o such_o reason_n be_v against_o the_o law_n when_o though_o they_o may_v be_v against_o the_o law_n in_o some_o sense_n yet_o they_o be_v consistent_a with_o other_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n and_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a that_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o law_n which_o have_v the_o best_a reason_n on_o its_o side_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v there_o be_v some_o truth_n in_o this_o when_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n be_v capable_a of_o different_a sense_n and_o reason_n be_v for_o one_o sense_n and_o the_o other_o sense_n against_o reason_n there_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o a_o plain_a and_o necessary_a reason_n shall_v expound_v the_o law_n but_o when_o the_o law_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o different_a sense_n or_o there_o be_v no_o such_o reason_n as_o make_v one_o sense_n absurd_a and_o the_o other_o necessary_a the_o law_n must_v be_v expound_v according_a to_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o obvious_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n though_o it_o shall_v condemn_v that_o which_o we_o think_v there_o may_v be_v some_o reason_n for_o or_o at_o lest_o no_o reason_n against_o for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o expound_v away_o all_o the_o law_n of_o god._n to_o be_v sure_a all_o man_n must_v grant_v that_o such_o reason_n as_o destroy_v the_o law_n or_o put_v a_o absurd_a or_o impossible_a sense_n on_o it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v reject_v how_o plausible_a soever_o they_o appear_v as_o for_o instance_n some_o there_o be_v who_o to_o excuse_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n from_o idolatry_n in_o worship_v saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n positive_o affirm_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n who_o worship_n one_o supreme_a god_n as_o a_o late_a author_n express_o teach_v as_o for_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n 133._o unless_o they_o worship_v they_o as_o the_o supreme_a god_n the_o charge_n of_o idolatry_n be_v a_o idle_a word_n and_o the_o adoration_n itself_o which_o 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well_o express_v by_o the_o septuagint_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d beside_o i_o which_o suppose_v that_o they_o worship_v he_o too_o and_o our_o saviour_n expound_v this_o law_n by_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 so_o that_o this_o reason_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o idolatry_n where_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n be_v worship_v as_o the_o supreme_a god_n contradict_v the_o very_a letter_n of_o this_o law._n how_o then_o do_v this_o author_n get_v rid_v of_o the_o first_o commandment_n true_o by_o lay_v it_o all_o aside_o for_o he_o give_v this_o as_o the_o whole_a sense_n of_o the_o first_o commandment_n that_o god_n enjoin_v the_o worship_n of_o himself_o 80._o who_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n have_v deliver_v they_o from_o their_o egyptian_a
bondage_n but_o be_v this_o all_o that_o these_o word_n thou_o shall_v have_v no_o other_o god_n before_o i_o signify_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n indeed_o be_v suppose_v in_o they_o but_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n but_o against_o the_o worship_n of_o any_o other_o god_n before_o he_o or_o beside_o he_o but_o according_a to_o our_o new_a expositor_n this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o law_n though_o according_a to_o the_o express_a word_n it_o be_v the_o principal_a if_o not_o the_o whole_a meaning_n of_o it_o if_o this_o argument_n be_v good_a viz._n that_o idolatry_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o worship_n of_o other_o being_n beside_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n as_o supreme_a god_n than_o other_o god_n in_o this_o commandment_n must_v signify_v other_o supreme_a god_n and_o then_o the_o commandment_n run_v thus_o thou_o shall_v have_v no_o other_o supreme_a god_n before_o i_o now_o this_o be_v a_o very_a 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the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o and_o bring_v they_o by_o a_o mighty_a hand_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n now_o do_v it_o not_o find_v very_o strange_a that_o the_o supreme_a god_n who_o be_v know_v only_o by_o this_o character_n that_o he_o be_v supreme_a the_o great_a creator_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v make_v a_o law_n that_o we_o shall_v worship_v no_o other_o supreme_a god_n but_o himself_o when_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a that_o he_o who_o worship_v a_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a god_n shall_v worship_v any_o other_o god_n but_o himself_o because_o he_o alone_o be_v the_o supreme_a god_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o worship_n the_o supreme_a god_n under_o this_o notion_n as_o supreme_a worship_v he_o and_o no_o other_o be_v so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v make_v sense_n of_o it_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o first_o commandment_n be_v plain_o this_o thou_o shall_v not_o give_v divine_a honour_n to_o any_o other_o being_n as_o 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that_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v not_o supreme_a to_o be_v the_o supreme_a god_n which_o will_v be_v ridiculous_a nonsense_n to_o command_v they_o not_o to_o own_o that_o be_v for_o the_o supreme_a god_n which_o they_o know_v not_o to_o be_v supreme_a but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o heathen_n do_v worship_v some_o being_n who_o be_v not_o the_o supreme_a god_n as_o supreme_a as_o this_o author_n tell_v we_o they_o do_v the_o sun_n though_o no_o body_n tell_v he_o so_o that_o i_o know_v of_o for_o macrobius_n who_o he_o cite_v in_o this_o cause_n do_v not_o say_v that_o they_o worship_v the_o sun_n as_o supreme_a god_n though_o he_o say_v that_o most_o of_o the_o god_n they_o worship_v do_v signify_v the_o sun_n but_o suppose_v the_o sun_n be_v the_o chief_a object_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o look_v on_o as_o the_o great_a and_o most_o principal_a god_n this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o they_o worship_v it_o as_o the_o supreme_a god_n for_o these_o be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n to_o be_v worship_v as_o the_o chief_a god_n which_o such_o a_o people_n have_v and_o to_o be_v worship_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o absolute_o supreme_a some_o pagan_a idolater_n may_v worship_v a_o creature_n as_o their_o chief_a and_o great_a deity_n and_o may_v call_v it_o their_o great_a their_o great_a god_n because_o it_o be_v the_o great_a god_n they_o have_v their_o king_n and_o prince_n of_o god_n as_o mr._n selden_n tell_v we_o they_o call_v the_o sun_n as_o be_v the_o chief_a planet_n who_o direct_v and_o govern_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o rest_n not_o as_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n as_o this_o author_n assert_n but_o those_o who_o direct_v their_o worship_n to_o a_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a be_v consider_v as_o absolute_o supreme_a infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n the_o maker_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v under_o this_o notion_n worship_v no_o other_o but_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o supreme_a god_n but_o he_o which_o show_v that_o the_o first_o commandment_n be_v so_o far_o from_o forbid_v the_o worship_n of_o other_o supreme_a god_n beside_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n that_o to_o make_v sense_n of_o it_o these_o other_o god_n must_v be_v expound_v not_o of_o supreme_a but_o inferior_a deity_n and_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o idolatry_n to_o worship_v other_o supreme_a being_n beside_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n that_o it_o be_v nonsense_n to_o suppose_v it_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o idolatry_n in_o the_o first_o commandment_n be_v to_o worship_v some_o inferior_a being_n together_o with_o the_o supreme_a god_n it_o be_v a_o grosser_n sort_n of_o idolatry_n when_o man_n whole_o neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o supreme_a god_n and_o worship_v some_o creature_n for_o their_o great_a and_o chief_a god_n and_o it_o be_v worse_a still_o when_o man_n worship_v bad_a spirit_n than_o when_o they_o worship_v good_a spirit_n together_o with_o the_o supreme_a god_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a this_o law_n condemn_v the_o worship_n of_o any_o inferior_a being_n though_o we_o do_v also_o worship_v the_o supreme_a god._n i_o shall_v give_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o of_o this_o nature_n and_o that_o be_v the_o second_o commandment_n which_o in_o such_o express_a word_n forbid_v the_o worship_n of_o all_o image_n of_o what_o kind_n or_o nature_n soever_o now_o whatever_o reason_n man_n may_v imagine_v there_o be_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n they_o can_v be_v of_o no_o force_n against_o a_o express_a law_n and_o if_o these_o word_n be_v not_o express_v thou_o shall_v not_o make_v to_o thyself_o any_o grave_a image_n etc._n etc._n i_o despair_v of_o ever_o see_v a_o express_a law_n for_o have_v god_n intend_v
flesh_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o sacrament_n nor_o that_o the_o substance_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n do_v not_o remain_v after_o consecration_n nor_o that_o the_o accident_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n such_o as_o colour_v smell_v taste_n quantity_n weight_n subsist_v without_o any_o substance_n or_o subject_a to_o subsist_v in_o these_o be_v such_o paradox_n to_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o well_o support_v with_o scripture_n before_o they_o be_v receive_v for_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o else_o our_o faith_n will_v be_v as_o very_a a_o accident_n without_o any_o substance_n as_o the_o sacramental_a species_n themselves_o be_v but_o though_o they_o have_v no_o text_n which_o prove_v the_o least_o tittle_n of_o all_o this_o yet_o they_o have_v a_o text_n whereon_o they_o graft_v this_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n viz._n this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o they_o say_v signify_v every_o thing_n which_o they_o teach_v concern_v transubstantiation_n but_o then_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v prove_v that_o it_o do_v so_o not_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v because_o they_o say_v it_o now_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o those_o argument_n whereby_o our_o divine_n have_v so_o demonstrative_o prove_v that_o transubstantiation_n as_o explain_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o be_v my_o body_n my_o advice_n to_o protestant_n be_v to_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o proof_n that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o which_o in_o reason_n they_o ought_v to_o prove_v because_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n of_o it_o in_o the_o text_n and_o i_o shall_v only_o tell_v they_o what_o proof_n they_o ought_v to_o demand_v for_o it_o now_o i_o suppose_v all_o man_n will_v think_v it_o reasonable_a that_o the_o evidence_n for_o it_o shall_v at_o least_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o evidence_n against_o it_o though_o we_o ought_v indeed_o to_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o believe_v it_o than_o to_o disbelieve_v it_o or_o else_o we_o must_v hang_v in_o suspense_n when_o the_o balance_n be_v equal_a and_o turn_v neither_o way_n now_o i_o will_v not_o oppose_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n for_o i_o will_v never_o suppose_v that_o they_o can_v contradict_v each_o other_o and_o if_o there_o shall_v appear_v some_o contradiction_n between_o they_o i_o will_v be_v content_v at_o present_a without_o dispute_v that_o point_n to_o give_v it_o on_o the_o side_n of_o scripture_n but_o i_o will_v oppose_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n against_o any_o private_a man_n or_o any_o church_n exposition_n of_o scripture_n and_o if_o that_o exposition_n they_o give_v of_o any_o text_n of_o scripture_n as_o suppose_v this_o be_v my_o body_n contradict_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n i_o may_v modest_o require_v as_o plain_a proof_n that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o text_n as_o i_o have_v that_o such_o a_o meaning_n be_v contrary_a to_o all_o sense_n and_o reason_n for_o though_o sense_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o faith_n yet_o we_o must_v use_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n in_o expound_v scripture_n or_o we_o may_v quick_o make_v a_o very_a absurd_a and_o senseless_a religion_n now_o this_o show_v we_o what_o kind_n of_o proof_n we_o must_v require_v that_o transubstantiation_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n as_o certain_a proof_n as_o we_o have_v that_o transubstantiation_n be_v contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o therefore_o 1._o we_o must_v demand_v a_o self-evident_a proof_n of_o this_o because_o it_o be_v self-evident_a that_o transubstantiation_n contradict_v sense_n and_o reason_n every_o man_n who_o know_v what_o the_o word_n mean_n which_o i_o believe_v man_n may_v do_v without_o be_v great_a philosopher_n and_o will_v consult_v his_o own_o sense_n and_o reason_n will_v need_v no_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o transubstantiation_n contradict_v both_o now_o such_o a_o scripture-proof_n i_o will_v see_v for_o transubstantiation_n so_o plain_a and_o express_v and_o self-evident_a that_o no_o man_n who_o understand_v the_o word_n can_v doubt_v whether_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o i_o mean_v a_o reasonable_a not_o a_o obstinate_a wilful_a and_o sceptical_a doubt_v now_o i_o believe_v that_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o will_v not_o say_v that_o this_o be_v my_o body_n be_v such_o a_o self-evident_a proof_n of_o transubstantiation_n i_o be_o sure_a some_o of_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o they_o have_v not_o think_v it_o so_o and_o the_o fierce_a dispute_n for_o so_o many_o age_n about_o the_o interpretation_n of_o those_o word_n prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o man_n do_v not_o use_v to_o dispute_v what_o be_v self-evident_a and_o prove_v itself_o without_o any_o other_o argument_n now_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o require_v any_o man_n to_o believe_v transubstantiation_n against_o a_o self-evident_a proof_n that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n without_o give_v he_o a_o self-evident_a proof_n that_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v to_o require_v a_o man_n to_o believe_v against_o the_o best_a reason_n and_o evidence_n 2._o we_o must_v demand_v such_o a_o scripture-proof_n of_o transubstantiation_n as_o can_v possible_o signify_v any_o thing_n else_o or_o else_o it_o will_v not_o answer_v that_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v against_o transubstantiation_n for_o sense_n and_o reason_n pronounce_v transubstantiation_n to_o be_v natural_o impossible_a and_o therefore_o unless_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o put_v any_o other_o sense_n upon_o scripture_n than_o what_o signify_v transubstantiation_n as_o it_o be_v to_o reconcile_v transubstantiation_n to_o sense_n and_o reason_n there_o be_v not_o such_o good_a evidence_n for_o transubstantiation_n as_o against_o it_o be_v the_o scripture-proof_n for_o transubstantiation_n so_o plain_a and_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o put_v any_o other_o sense_n on_o the_o word_n than_o i_o will_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o disbelieve_v transubstantiation_n as_o it_o be_v for_o those_o who_o trust_v to_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o reason_n to_o believe_v it_o here_o the_o difficulty_n will_v be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v prefer_v a_o divine_a revelation_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o prove_v such_o a_o revelation_n to_o be_v divine_a before_o natural_a sense_n and_o reason_n but_o i_o presume_v no_o man_n will_v say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o put_v another_o and_o that_o a_o very_a reasonable_a interpretation_n upon_o those_o word_n this_o be_v my_o body_n without_o expound_v they_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o transubstantiation_n our_o roman_a adversary_n do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o these_o word_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o figurative_a as_o well_o as_o of_o a_o literal_a sense_n as_o when_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n it_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o his_o natural_a but_o his_o mystical_a body_n and_o thus_o when_o the_o bread_n be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n it_o may_v not_o signify_v his_o natural_a but_o sacramental_a body_n or_o his_o body_n to_o all_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o a_o sacrament_n now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o good_a sense_n to_o be_v make_v of_o these_o word_n beside_o transubstantiation_n there_o can_v be_v such_o a_o necessity_n to_o expound_v they_o of_o transubstantiation_n as_o there_o be_v not_o to_o expound_v they_o of_o it_o for_o i_o do_v not_o reject_v scripture_n if_o i_o deny_v transubstantiation_n when_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n do_v not_o necessary_o prove_v it_o but_o i_o renounce_v sense_n and_o reason_n if_o i_o believe_v it_o now_o though_o i_o be_v bind_v to_o renounce_v my_o sense_n and_o reason_n when_o they_o contradict_v scripture_n yet_o sure_o i_o be_o not_o bind_v to_o deny_v my_o sense_n and_o reason_n when_o they_o do_v not_o contradict_v scripture_n and_o sense_n and_o reason_n be_v never_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n nor_o scripture_n to_o they_o when_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o interpretation_n as_o be_v reconcilable_a both_o to_o sense_n and_o reason_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o expound_v scripture_n contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n be_v both_o to_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o contradict_v reason_n without_o any_o necessity_n a_o unlearned_a man_n need_v not_o enter_v into_o a_o large_a dispute_n about_o transubstantiation_n let_v he_o but_o require_v his_o adversary_n to_o give_v he_o as_o plain_a evidence_n that_o transubstantiation_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o he_o can_v give_v he_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o
it_o agree_v with_o the_o rest_n the_o father_n many_o time_n contradict_v themselves_o and_o each_o other_o and_o if_o man_n differ_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n they_o differ_v much_o more_o about_o father_n and_o council_n that_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a riddle_n that_o those_o who_o think_v ordinary_a christian_n not_o fit_a to_o read_v the_o scripture_n shall_v think_v it_o necessary_a for_o they_o to_o understand_v father_n and_o council_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v ridiculous_a indeed_o to_o dispute_v with_o every_o tradesman_n about_o father_n and_o council_n if_o they_o do_v not_o think_v they_o ought_v to_o read_v and_o understand_v they_o the_o sum_n be_v such_o protestant_n as_o be_v not_o skill_v in_o book-learning_n may_v very_o reasonable_o tell_v these_o man_n who_o urge_v they_o with_o the_o authority_n of_o council_n and_o father_n that_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o any_o skill_n in_o such_o matter_n and_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o require_v of_o they_o for_o if_o it_o be_v they_o be_v in_o a_o ill_a case_n the_o holy_a scripture_n not_o father_n and_o council_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n if_o they_o have_v read_v the_o father_n they_o shall_v believe_v they_o no_o far_o than_o what_o they_o teach_v be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o opinion_n any_o of_o the_o father_n have_v it_o be_v no_o concern_v of_o they_o to_o know_v if_o they_o can_v learn_v what_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v without_o it_o learned_a man_n may_v dispute_v about_o these_o thing_n and_o they_o have_v hear_v learned_a protestant_n affirm_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v find_v none_o of_o her_o peculiar_a doctrine_n in_o the_o write_n of_o any_o of_o the_o father_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n and_o its_o certain_a if_o this_o be_v true_a all_o the_o late_a father_n be_v of_o no_o authority_n to_o establish_v any_o new_a doctrine_n for_o there_o be_v no_o more_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o bring_v in_o any_o new_a doctrine_n after_o three_o hundred_o year_n than_o there_o be_v at_o this_o day_n unlearned_a man_n may_v very_o honourable_o reject_v all_o dispute_n about_o father_n and_o council_n though_o learned_a man_n can_v and_o indeed_o need_v not_o for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o read_v father_n and_o council_n i_o think_v they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o understand_v they_o nor_o to_o dispute_v about_o they_o and_o it_o be_v very_o unadviseable_o do_v when_o they_o do_v for_o it_o be_v pass_v a_o jest_n in_o so_o serious_a a_o matter_n though_o otherwise_o it_o be_v comical_a enough_o for_o man_n to_o be_v convert_v by_o father_n and_o council_n without_o understand_v they_o chap._n iii_o how_o to_o answer_v some_o of_o the_o most_o popular_a pretence_n urge_v by_o papist_n against_o protestant_n sect_n i._o 1._o concern_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o protestant_n faith._n our_o popish_a adversary_n of_o late_a have_v not_o so_o much_o dispute_v as_o fence_v have_v neither_o downright_o oppose_v the_o protestant_a faith_n nor_o vindicate_v their_o own_o but_o have_v betake_v themselves_o to_o some_o trick_n and_o amusement_n to_o divert_v and_o perplex_v the_o dispute_n and_o to_o impose_v upon_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unwary_a one_o of_o their_o principal_a art_n have_v be_v to_o cry_v out_o of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o protestant_n faith._n this_o every_o body_n be_v near_o concern_v in_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o wherein_o certainty_n be_v so_o necessary_a and_o so_o much_o desire_v as_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n whereon_o our_o eternal_a state_n depend_v this_o have_v be_v often_o answer_v by_o protestant_n and_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o show_v upon_o what_o a_o firm_a and_o sure_a bottom_n the_o protestant_a faith_n stand_v this_o be_v a_o cavil_v easy_o enough_o expose_v to_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o consider_v man_n without_o so_o much_o trouble_v for_o 1._o suppose_v the_o protestant_a faith_n be_v uncertain_a how_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n ever_o the_o better_a be_v this_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o turn_v papist_n because_o protestant_n be_v uncertain_a do_v this_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v infallible_a because_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v fallible_a must_v certainty_n necessary_o be_v find_v among_o they_o because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v with_o we_o be_v thomas_n a_o honest_a man_n because_o john_n be_v a_o knave_n these_o be_v two_o distinct_a question_n and_o must_v be_v distinct_o prove_v if_o they_o can_v prove_v our_o faith_n uncertain_a and_o their_o own_o certain_a there_o be_v reason_n then_o to_o go_v over_o to_o they_o but_o if_o they_o can_v do_v this_o they_o may_v it_o may_v be_v persuade_v man_n to_o renounce_v the_o protestant_a faith_n but_o not_o to_o embrace_v popery_n ask_v they_o then_o what_o great_a assurance_n they_o have_v of_o their_o faith_n than_o we_o have_v of_o we_o if_o they_o tell_v you_o their_o church_n be_v infallible_a tell_v they_o that_o be_v another_o question_n and_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o this_o dispute_n for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n do_v not_o follow_v from_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o they_o can_v prove_v their_o church_n infallible_a whether_o they_o prove_v our_o faith_n uncertain_a or_o not_o we_o will_v at_o any_o time_n change_n protestant_n certainty_n for_o infallibility_n and_o if_o they_o can_v prove_v our_o faith_n uncertain_a unless_o they_o can_v prove_v their_o own_o more_o certain_a though_o we_o bate_v they_o infallibility_n we_o may_v cease_v to_o be_v protestant_n but_o shall_v never_o turn_v papist_n 2._o ask_v they_o what_o they_o mean_v by_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o protestant_a faith_n for_o this_o may_v signify_v two_o thing_n either_o 1._o that_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v in_o themselves_o uncertain_a and_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o certain_a reason_n or_o two_o that_o our_o persuasion_n about_o these_o matter_n be_v uncertain_a and_o waver_a if_o they_o mean_v the_o first_o than_o the_o sense_n be_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o uncertain_a thing_n and_o can_v be_v certain_o prove_v for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a protestant_a faith_n we_o believe_v the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o whatever_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o this_o be_v all_o we_o believe_v and_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o say_v these_o thing_n be_v uncertain_a for_o than_o they_o renounce_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o infallibility_n itself_o can_v help_v they_o out_o for_o infallibility_n can_v make_v that_o certain_a which_o be_v in_o itself_o uncertain_a a_o infallible_a man_n must_v know_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v or_o else_o he_o be_v mistake_v and_o cease_v to_o be_v infallible_a and_o therefore_o what_o be_v certain_a he_o infallible_o know_v to_o be_v certain_a and_o what_o be_v uncertain_a he_o infallible_o know_v to_o be_v uncertain_a for_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a knowledge_n do_v not_o change_v its_o object_n but_o see_v it_o just_a as_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o they_o must_v allow_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o the_o protestant_a faith_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o to_o be_v very_o certain_a and_o build_v upon_o certain_a reason_n or_o else_o their_o infallible_a church_n can_v have_v no_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith._n if_o they_o mean_v the_o second_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a persuasion_n about_o what_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v this_o be_v a_o great_a abuse_n to_o protestant_n as_o if_o we_o be_v all_o knave_n and_o hypocrite_n who_o do_v not_o hearty_o and_o firm_o believe_v what_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v and_o a_o protestant_n who_o know_v that_o he_o do_v very_o firm_o and_o steadfast_o believe_v his_o religion_n aught_o to_o reject_v such_o a_o villainous_a accusation_n as_o this_o with_o indignation_n and_o scorn_n indeed_o it_o be_v both_o impudent_a and_o silly_a for_o any_o man_n to_o tell_v a_o protestant_n that_o his_o faith_n be_v uncertain_a as_o that_o signify_v a_o uncertain_a and_o doubtful_a persuasion_n when_o he_o know_v and_o feel_v the_o contrary_a and_o no_o body_n else_o can_v know_v this_o but_o himself_o in_o what_o notion_n then_o be_v the_o protestant_a faith_n uncertain_a what_o can_v faith_n signify_v but_o either_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o internal_a assent_n and_o persuasion_n the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v certain_a if_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o that_o be_v they_o have_v very_o certain_a evidence_n our_o assent_n and_o persuasion_n be_v very_o certain_a as_o that_o be_v oppose_v to_o all_o doubtfulness_n and_o waver_a and_o what_o certainty_n then_o be_v want_v to_o the_o