Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n according_a believe_v scripture_n 1,612 5 5.8214 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A10399 Tvventy nine lectures of the Church very necessary for the consolation and support of Gods Church, especially in these times: wherein is handled, first, in generall concerning first, the name; secondly, the titles; thirdly, the nature, fourthly, the diuision of the true Church: secondly, of the visible Church ... and lastly, the application of it to all Churches in the world so farre as they are knowne to vs. By that learned and faithfull preacher, Master Iohn Randall, Batchelor of Diuinity, pastor of Saint Andrewes Hubbart in little Eastcheape, London, and sometimes fellow of Lincolne Colledge in Oxford. Published by the coppie perfected and giuen by the author in his life time; carefully preserued and adorned with notes in the margent, by the late faithfull minister of Christ, Master William Holbrooke. Randall, John, 1570-1622.; Holbrooke, William. 1631 (1631) STC 20683; ESTC S115641 423,199 550

There are 19 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

be_v believe_v beside_o the_o word_n gal._n 1.8_o reas_n 6_o last_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v answerable_a to_o this_o both_o of_o teacher_n and_o learner_n the_o teacher_n they_o have_v refer_v the_o people_n still_o for_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o the_o scripture_n esa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o light_a in_o they_o act_v 10.43_o to_o he_o give_v all_o the_o prophet_n witness_n say_v peter_n to_o cornelius_n refer_v the_o truth_n he_o teach_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o learner_n act_n 17.11_o 12._o the_o man_n of_o berea_n seach_v the_o scripture_n to_o try_v whether_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o paul_n have_v teach_v they_o and_o yet_o paul_n be_v a_o principal_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o his_o doctrine_n he_o be_v special_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n more_o than_o ever_o any_o church_n be_v since_o and_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v for_o this_o and_o not_o account_v curious_a so_o that_o the_o teacher_n and_o the_o learner_n have_v still_o refer_v themselves_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o object_n but_o you_o will_v say_v so_o the_o scripture_n be_v usual_o refer_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o other_o scripture_n and_o yet_o that_o be_v no_o proof_n that_o therefore_o one_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o another_o how_o then_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v answ_n yes_o it_o prove_v the_o first_o ponit_fw-la of_o the_o observation_n plain_o that_o be_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o above_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o main_a controversy_n nay_o if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v it_o prove_v the_o second_o point_n of_o the_o observation_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o church_n i_o say_v it_o prove_v it_o as_o sufficient_o though_o not_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n so_o plain_o for_o still_o in_o every_o kind_n there_o must_v be_v one_o high_a which_o all_o the_o rest_n must_v settle_v upon_o else_o there_o will_v be_v no_o stay_n at_o all_o but_o we_o shall_v run_v on_o infinite_o and_o without_o end_n now_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o church_n be_v the_o high_a thing_n in_o this_o kind_n whereon_o we_o be_v to_o rest_v for_o they_o cnanot_v be_v equal_a then_o the_o scripture_n must_v needs_o be_v high_a and_o if_o they_o be_v refer_v to_o any_o at_o all_o it_o must_v be_v to_o themselves_o for_o there_o be_v none_o great_a nor_o high_a as_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o oath_n heb._n 6.13_o to_o 16._o man_n swear_v by_o he_o that_o be_v great_a than_o themselves_o but_o god_n swear_v by_o himself_o because_o there_o be_v none_o great_a to_o swear_v by_o so_o likewise_o the_o church_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o scripture_n for_o trial_n because_o the_o scripture_n be_v high_a than_o the_o church_n but_o scripture_n be_v refer_v to_o scripture_n because_o there_o be_v none_o high_a to_o be_v refer_v to_o nor_o there_o can_v be_v two_o highest_n in_o one_o kind_n for_o that_o be_v against_o nature_n and_o reason_n too_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o say_n of_o the_o church_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o approbation_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v the_o refer_v of_o they_o to_o a_o high_a and_o so_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n the_o use_n be_v these_o the_o first_o be_v matter_n of_o refutation_n use_v 1_o against_o the_o papist_n that_o usual_o disparage_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o set_v they_o down_o too_o low_a and_o dote_v on_o the_o church_n advance_v it_o too_o high_a their_o reach_n therein_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o love_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o church_n itself_o but_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v exalt_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o church_n and_o that_o their_o faith_n may_v be_v repute_v the_o only_a true_a save_a faith_n because_o their_o church_n teach_v it_o so_o that_o god_n and_o his_o word_n must_v go_v down_o that_o they_o may_v be_v lift_v up_o but_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o scripture_n yet_o except_o they_o can_v prove_v their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n which_o they_o be_v never_o able_a to_o do_v it_o help_v not_o their_o cause_n church_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v and_o hear_v what_o monstrous_a and_o blasphemous_a speech_n and_o position_n many_o of_o they_o have_v deliver_v to_o this_o purpose_n as_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o no_o more_o authority_n without_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n than_o esop_n fable_n oh_o horrible_a blasphemy_n there_o be_v some_o other_o of_o a_o better_a kind_n that_o be_v more_o modest_a that_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o time_n and_o the_o sense_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v alter_v as_o the_o time_n alter_v other_o there_o be_v that_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o take_v the_o scripture_n as_o true_a without_o the_o allegation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o reject_v or_o allow_v scripture_n and_o that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o by_o the_o church_n they_o mean_v their_o romish_a church_n and_o by_o that_o the_o pope_n harken_v how_o blasphemous_o they_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n that_o he_o may_v dispense_v against_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o canon_n babylon_n and_o against_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n etc._n etc._n here_o the_o world_n may_v see_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v that_o whore_n of_o babylon_n a_o impudent_a and_o shameless_a strumpet_n that_o set_v such_o a_o brazen_a face_n and_o belch_v out_o such_o whorish_a filthy_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o his_o word_n the_o very_a name_n of_o these_o position_n be_v refutation_n enough_o for_o they_o in_o any_o christian_n judgement_n answer_v to_o come_v to_o their_o best_a position_n in_o this_o controversy_n position_n 1_o first_o the_o church_n say_v they_o be_v supreme_a judge_n in_o all_o controversy_n of_o religion_n but_o you_o see_v by_o this_o observation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o god_n be_v high_a and_o the_o scripture_n be_v high_a the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o the_o high_a judge_n speak_v open_o and_o plain_o in_o in_o the_o word_n and_o secret_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n of_o every_o believer_n 1._o joh._n 2_o 20_o 27._o you_o have_v anoyntment_n from_o that_o holy_a one_o and_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o again_o the_o same_o anoint_v teach_v you_o of_o all_o thing_n object_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o be_v not_o man_n send_v to_o the_o priest_n to_o inquire_v at_o their_o mouhe_n mal._n 2.7_o and_o be_v not_o the_o priest_n the_o high_a judge_n then_o answ_n i_o answer_v what_o be_v we_o to_o go_v to_o the_o priest_n for_o for_o the_o law_n not_o for_o their_o own_o judgement_n whereto_o if_o they_o speak_v we_o be_v to_o receive_v it_o yet_o not_o because_o it_o be_v their_o say_n but_o god_n law_n but_o haply_o they_o can_v deliver_v no_o other_o but_o god_n law_n that_o be_v flat_o contradict_v verse_n 8._o where_o the_o prophet_n say_v that_o they_o be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o have_v cause_v many_o to_o fall_v by_o the_o law_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v the_o judge_n as_o we_o may_v see_v deut._n 17.8_o 12._o but_o he_o be_v to_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o law_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o verse_n 11._o so_o that_o except_o they_o will_v arrogate_v more_o to_o themselves_o than_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n do_v under_o the_o law_n they_o can_v be_v judge_n nor_o judge_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o second_o position_n of_o they_o be_v this_o position_n 2_o that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n say_v we_o must_v take_v it_o as_o a_o law_n and_o obey_v it_o it_o be_v true_a that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n say_v according_a the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v obey_v it_o not_o otherwise_o obey_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v as_o they_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n that_o be_v as_o they_o teach_v his_o doctrine_n matth._n 23_o 2_o 3._o but_o if_o they_o transgress_v and_o bring_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n and_o their_o own_o tradition_n
christ_n mystical_a body_n and_o by_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o be_v nourish_v in_o this_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n now_o all_o these_o three_o outward_a mean_n be_v lay_v down_o together_o matth._n 28.19_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n go_v that_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o apostle_n teach_v there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o baptise_v there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n one_o express_v the_o other_o employ_v these_o be_v the_o instrumental_a cause_n without_o us._n inward_a now_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n within_o we_o be_v first_o repentance_n act._n 11.18_o god_n have_v grant_v to_o the_o gentile_n repentance_n to_o life_n second_o faith_n act._n 15.9_o and_o he_o put_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o after_o that_o by_o faith_n he_o have_v purify_v their_o heart_n and_o last_o and_o principal_o god_n spirit_n that_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n whereby_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n 1_o cor._n 2.12_o we_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n and_o all_o these_o six_o instrumental_a mean_n inward_a and_o outward_a be_v lay_v down_o together_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o first_o church_n that_o be_v plant_v after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n from_o the_o fourteen_o verse_n to_o the_o six_o and_o thirty_o there_o be_v their_o minister_n and_o the_o word_n his_o sermon_n then_o peter_n life_n up_o his_o voice_n etc._n etc._n then_o there_o be_v their_o sacrament_n first_o baptism_n in_o the_o 38._o and_o 41._o verse_n then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o the_o 42._o and_o 46._o verse_n and_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v the_o outward_a cause_n so_o likewise_o the_o inward_a as_o first_o there_o be_v repentance_n vers_fw-la 37._o and_o 38._o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n then_o second_o there_o be_v faith_n too_o as_o in_o the_o 41._o and_o 44._o verse_n they_o that_o glad_o receive_v his_o word_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v etc._n etc._n and_o last_o there_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o in_o the_o seventeen_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v prophesy_v before_o of_o they_o that_o god_n will_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o they_o and_o in_o the_o 38._o verse_n the_o apostle_n bid_v they_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o they_o repent_v and_o believe_v do_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o these_o be_v the_o instrumental_a cause_n or_o mean_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n the_o next_o cause_n be_v the_o material_a cause_n and_o that_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n saint_n by_o call_v 1_o cor._n 1.2_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n etc._n etc._n ephes_n 2.19_o as_o member_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o body_n and_o citizens_z the_o matter_n of_o a_o city_n so_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n four_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v inward_a and_o outward_a that_o which_o be_v inward_a be_v the_o effectual_a call_n and_o gather_v of_o god_n people_n to_o christ_n when_o the_o faithful_a be_v persuade_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o outward_a formal_a cause_n that_o be_v their_o joint_n and_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o the_o outward_a communion_n that_o they_o hold_v in_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n both_o for_o duty_n of_o piety_n to_o god_n and_o of_o charity_n each_o to_o other_o you_o shall_v find_v both_o these_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 2._o first_o their_o effectual_a call_n which_o be_v their_o inward_a formal_a cause_n that_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o 37_o 38_o 41_o and_o 44._o verse_n they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n repent_v baptize_v add_v to_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v their_o effectual_a call_n their_o outward_a formal_a cause_n that_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o 41_o 42_o 44_o 45_o 46._o verse_n they_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n etc._n etc._n and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a etc._n etc._n there_o be_v their_o joint_n and_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o their_o outward_a communion_n these_o be_v the_o material_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n last_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o church_n and_o that_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o many_o respect_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n glory_n that_o some_o of_o adam_n seed_n may_v glorify_v the_o lord_n god_n here_o in_o his_o church_n by_o believe_v obey_v call_v upon_o he_o and_o hereafter_o in_o heaven_n sing_v everlasting_a praise_n to_o his_o glory_n rom._n 9.23_o that_o he_o may_v declare_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n on_o the_o vessel_n of_o mercy_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v to_o glory_n second_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o and_o of_o their_o salvation_n and_o glory_n for_o god_n will_v not_o have_v all_o mankind_n cast_v away_o as_o they_o well_o deserve_v but_o some_o he_o will_v have_v of_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o obtain_v salvation_n and_o glory_n by_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o thes_n 2.14_o and_o to_o receive_v the_o end_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 1.9_o three_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v embrace_v and_o maintain_v and_o keep_v alive_a on_o earth_n that_o some_o man_n may_v not_o only_o know_v the_o truth_n but_o believe_v it_o and_o live_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o it_o and_o also_o that_o the_o scripture_n the_o record_n of_o truth_n may_v be_v safe_o preserve_v first_o that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v not_o be_v mangle_v or_o tear_v by_o heretic_n second_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v not_o be_v deprave_a by_o the_o enemy_n of_o it_o last_o that_o the_o scripture_n may_v not_o be_v as_o a_o seal_a book_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o on_o earth_n to_o interpret_v it_o and_o to_o teach_v it_o and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v open_o teach_v and_o practise_v on_o earth_n this_o be_v one_o end_n of_o god_n church_n four_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o they_o may_v be_v leave_v without_o excuse_n when_o as_o the_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n be_v propound_v to_o they_o by_o his_o minister_n and_o by_o his_o church_n and_o when_o as_o they_o deny_v it_o as_o false_a or_o contemn_v it_o or_o at_o least_o careless_o neglect_v it_o as_o a_o vile_a thing_n not_o worth_a harken_v to_o that_o then_o they_o may_v just_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o wilfulness_n thus_o you_o have_v hear_v concern_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n both_o of_o those_o that_o cause_n it_o direct_o and_o of_o themselves_o and_o also_o such_o as_o cause_v it_o not_o of_o themselves_o direct_o but_o only_o as_o by_o the_o way_n be_v overruled_n by_o god_n to_o that_o end_n we_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o observation_n doctr._n we_o hear_v first_o that_o god_n be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o his_o church_n and_o all_o other_o cause_n be_v from_o he_o he_o note_v then_o be_v this_o that_o howsoever_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o concur_v and_o have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o the_o cause_v and_o constitute_v of_o a_o church_n yet_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o cause_n be_v the_o lord_n himself_o and_o indeed_o he_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o it_o this_o be_v so_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o they_o special_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o church_n as_o first_o that_o be_v more_o special_o respect_v of_o god_n than_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o second_o as_o the_o church_n depend_v more_o near_o upon_o he_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n ephes_n 4.6_o the_o apostle_n speak_v there_o of_o the_o church_n say_v there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o
we_o now_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o either_o they_o much_o wrong_v the_o woman_n voice_n in_o prefer_v christ_n before_n it_o or_o else_o the_o church_n be_v not_o of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o scripture_n of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n john_n 5.33_o to_o the_o 39_o john_n bare_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o his_o voice_n therein_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n but_o do_v our_o saviour_n rest_n there_o as_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v thereby_o sufficent_o confirm_v no_o he_o disclaim_v it_o in_o that_o respect_n verse_n 34._o i_o receive_v not_o the_o record_n of_o man_n and_o appeal_v to_o a_o high_a and_o great_a witness_n even_o to_o his_o father_n who_o do_v speak_v more_o sufficient_o for_o he_o and_o do_v not_o the_o father_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n be_v not_o great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o father_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n great_a than_o of_o john_n so_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o 39_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n he_o appeal_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n by_o name_n to_o scripture_n search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o testify_v of_o i_o as_o they_o be_v a_o great_a witness_n than_o the_o witness_n of_o john_n so_o in_o luke_n 16._o from_o verse_n 27._o to_o 31._o the_o rich_a man_n be_v in_o hell_n in_o torment_n entreat_v father_n abraham_n that_o lazarus_n may_v go_v and_o forewarn_v his_o brethren_n that_o they_o may_v not_o come_v into_o those_o torment_n no_o say_v abraham_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a if_o lazarus_n have_v come_v to_o his_o brethren_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v heed_n of_o their_o brother_n course_n for_o he_o be_v now_o in_o hell_n in_o torment_n for_o their_o sin_n if_o he_o have_v do_v thus_o have_v not_o his_o voice_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o what_o do_v the_o church_n but_o instruct_v exhort_v reprove_v and_o forewarn_v man_n from_o sin_n that_o so_o they_o may_v keep_v they_o from_o hell_n and_o yet_o abraham_n refer_v they_o to_o scripture_n as_o of_o great_a authority_n and_o if_o lazarus_n have_v come_v thus_o it_o have_v be_v by_o miracle_n too_o which_o will_v have_v add_v weight_n to_o his_o word_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o he_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o scripture_n to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n with_o a_o plain_a affirmation_n of_o great_a authority_n in_o they_o to_o persuade_v man_n from_o hell_n then_o if_o one_o have_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o persuade_v they_o the_o last_o place_n that_o i_o will_v add_v for_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n be_v in_o john_n 10.3.4_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n they_o follow_v christ_n that_o be_v the_o faithful_a they_o believe_v in_o he_o why_o because_o they_o know_v his_o voice_n as_o who_o shall_v say_v there_o be_v a_o secret_a skill_n that_o god_n have_v endue_v they_o withal_o whereby_o they_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n from_o any_o other_o and_o that_o voice_n of_o he_o they_o hear_v and_o believe_v it_o why_o because_o the_o church_n tell_v they_o so_o no_o that_o be_v not_o it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v his_o voice_n and_o he_o have_v speak_v it_o so_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v a_o material_a point_n 246._o not_o only_o against_o the_o papist_n but_o even_o in_o our_o conscience_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n which_o we_o be_v to_o rest_v upon_o the_o church_n or_o the_o scripture_n reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n be_v many_o first_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n ephes_n 2.20_o you_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n christ_n jesus_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n that_o be_v you_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o scripture_n then_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o the_o church_n the_o build_n now_o we_o know_v that_o the_o foundation_n may_v and_o oft_o time_n do_v stand_v fast_o without_o the_o building_n but_o the_o building_n can_v stand_v at_o all_o without_o the_o foundation_n therefore_o the_o foundation_n be_v a_o far_o sure_a stay_n than_o the_o building_n and_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o church_n reas_n 2_o second_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o immortal_a seed_n whereof_o the_o church_n be_v beget_v 1_o pet._n 1.23_o now_o which_o be_v great_a the_o seed_n that_o beget_v or_o the_o fruit_n that_o be_v thereof_o beget_v reas_n 3_o three_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n to_o beget_v faith_n than_o christ_n own_o miracle_n and_o therefore_o of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n john_n 5.36_o to_o the_o 39_o our_o saviour_n appeal_v from_o the_o voice_n of_o john_n which_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o his_o miracle_n as_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o yet_o he_o appeal_v from_o his_o miracle_n to_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o they_o both_o and_o luke_n 16.31_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o 2_o pet._n 1.17_o 18_o 19_o miracle_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o far_a greate●_n authority_n than_o miracle_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o more_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n i_o will_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o a_o simile_n in_o a_o family_n the_o wife_n be_v of_o more_o authority_n than_o the_o child_n her_o word_n shall_v stand_v when_o the_o child_n shall_v not_o stand_v yea_o but_o the_o husband_n word_n be_v of_o more_o authority_n than_o the_o wife_n for_o his_o shall_v stand_v when_o she_o shall_v not_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o husband_n word_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o child_n four_o that_o which_o speak_v true_a always_o must_v needs_o reas_n 4_o be_v of_o great_a credit_n then_o that_o which_o do_v speak_v true_a but_o sometime_o but_o the_o scripture_n speak_v always_o true_a in_o every_o tittle_n as_o the_o lord_n himself_o who_o can_v lie_v speak_v in_o every_o sentence_n of_o it_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n 2_o timoth._n 3.16_o but_o the_o church_n speak_v sometime_o false_a for_o every_o man_n be_v a_o liar_n rom._n 3.4_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n or_o take_v it_o thus_o more_o plain_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o man_n but_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o the_o voice_n of_o man_n therefore_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n five_o our_o assurance_n of_o any_o truth_n stand_v more_o on_o reas_n 5_o that_o into_o which_o it_o be_v last_o resolve_v then_o of_o that_o which_o be_v but_o a_o mean_n thereto_o be_v itself_o prove_v by_o it_o as_o for_o example_n if_o i_o be_v sure_a the_o king_n will_v give_v i_o a_o hundred_o pound_n because_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o past_o his_o word_n for_o it_o this_o promise_n be_v but_o the_o mean_a of_o this_o assurance_n that_o which_o my_o assurance_n be_v last_o resolve_v into_o be_v the_o honesty_n of_o the_o king_n for_o if_o i_o be_v not_o principal_o resolve_v on_o that_o his_o promise_n can_v give_v i_o no_o certain_a assurance_n now_o our_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n be_v last_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o the_o church_n be_v but_o a_o mean_n bring_v we_o thereto_o and_o itself_o lean_v thereon_o for_o if_o i_o believe_v the_o truth_n because_o the_o church_n say_v it_o than_o i_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o the_o church_n say_v true_a but_o how_o shall_v i_o do_v it_o but_o by_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o my_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n stand_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n not_o of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v not_o to_o
book_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o make_v any_o so_o of_o herself_o for_o this_o she_o can_v do_v worship_n the_o three_o position_n be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o church_n can_v make_v any_o book_n canonical_a which_o be_v not_o so_o of_o itself_o for_o she_o have_v no_o power_n to_o devise_v add_v diminish_v or_o alter_v any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n outward_a passage_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v much_o in_o her_o power_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o but_o that_o she_o may_v ordain_v any_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n beside_o scripture_n or_o affix_v remission_n of_o sin_n or_o other_o supernatural_a effect_n to_o the_o observation_n and_o ceremony_n which_o she_o devise_v all_o this_o be_v but_o will-worship_n hateful_a to_o god_n and_o express_o forbid_v col._n 2.23_o thing_n intolerable_a have_v be_v the_o presumption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o both_o these_o for_o first_o they_o have_v ordain_v beside_o scripture_n image_n satisfacton_n new_a sacrament_n new_a intercessor_n new_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o sundry_a other_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n second_o even_o to_o ceremony_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v as_o to_o cross_n procession_n ring_v of_o bell_n penance_n and_o such_o like_a they_o have_v ascribe_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n drive_v away_o of_o devil_n and_o such_o like_a gracious_a effect_n wherein_o consist_v no_o small_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n the_o four_o point_n be_v concern_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n custom_n custom_n we_o know_v prevail_v much_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n and_o many_o time_n they_o be_v very_o approvable_a and_o not_o to_o be_v vary_a from_o but_o upon_o good_a occasion_n yet_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n yield_v to_o custom_n have_v breed_v much_o inconvenience_n as_o we_o see_v among_o we_o profane_v the_o sabbath_n by_o play_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o street_n and_o in_o the_o field_n after_o the_o exercise_n be_v grow_v to_o such_o a_o custom_n as_o that_o man_n think_v it_o no_o sin_n and_o so_o in_o other_o thing_n and_o to_o speak_v plain_o custom_n be_v but_o a_o carnal_a motive_n apt_a to_o over_o sway_v the_o natural_a man_n but_o of_o themselves_o beside_o scripture_n they_o be_v no_o spiritual_a motive_n to_o the_o true_a believer_n custom_n the_o ancient_a father_n tie_v up_o custom_n in_o religion_n thus_o short_a that_o they_o must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o where_o truth_n and_o custom_n agree_v there_o they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v else_o to_o be_v reject_v now_o what_o be_v truth_n our_o saviour_n say_v god_n word_n be_v truth_n john_n 17_o 17._o then_o if_o there_o be_v any_o custom_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n beside_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o truth_n they_o must_v be_v abolish_v even_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o father_n who_o the_o papist_n will_v seem_v to_o allege_v for_o these_o thing_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o the_o apostle_n paul_n allege_v custom_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o but_o how_o do_v he_o allege_v they_o against_o contention_n because_o contention_n be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o custom_n beside_o scripture_n be_v nothing_o worth_a the_o last_o point_n be_v for_o matter_n of_o tradition_n tradition_n tradition_n be_v one_o my_o pillar_n of_o popery_n and_o if_o they_o leave_v they_o once_o they_o will_v quick_o leave_v their_o religion_n too_o now_o if_o we_o understand_v tradition_n in_o a_o general_a sense_n it_o intend_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n which_o from_o time_n to_o time_n have_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o before_o father_n to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n receive_v and_o so_o we_o willing_o embrace_v tradition_n as_o be_v the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n and_o so_o the_o speech_n of_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_n be_v to_o be_v expound_v and_o do_v make_v for_o tradition_n but_o in_o the_o particular_a sense_n as_o the_o popish_a church_n intend_v they_o that_o be_v unwritten_a verity_n and_o matter_n beside_o scripture_n than_o so_o there_o be_v no_o build_n on_o they_o if_o they_o be_v verity_n it_o be_v more_o than_o we_o know_v and_o be_v unwritten_a we_o have_v no_o warrant_n to_o receive_v they_o ob._n to_o his_o point_n we_o say_v first_o either_o there_o be_v no_o such_o tradition_n at_o all_o or_o second_o if_o there_o be_v yet_o they_o be_v needless_a consider_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n three_o if_o they_o be_v needful_a yet_o they_o be_v uncertain_a last_o if_o they_o be_v certain_a yet_o certain_o they_o be_v but_o the_o word_n of_o man_n and_o not_o certain_o the_o word_n of_o god_n first_o either_o there_o be_v none_o at_o all_o i_o mean_v for_o matter_n of_o substance_n yes_o say_v they_o for_o substance_n you_o have_v something_o by_o tradition_n as_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n the_o change_n of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o that_o so_o many_o book_n be_v canonical_a scripture_n etc._n etc._n we_o answer_v we_o have_v not_o these_o by_o tradition_n scripture_n for_o they_o may_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v by_o good_a consequence_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o first_o for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o mark_n 10.14_o and_o second_o for_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n we_o have_v that_o place_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n etc._n etc._n yea_o but_o what_o place_n in_o the_o word_n say_v that_o so_o many_o book_n be_v canonical_a i_o answer_v every_o book_n bear_v witness_n of_o itself_o and_o this_o place_n of_o they_o all_o that_o they_o be_v canonical_a three_o for_o the_o change_n of_o the_o sabbath_n we_o have_v reu._n 1.10_o where_o it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n so_o that_o we_o have_v scripture_n enough_o for_o these_o thing_n to_o satisfy_v a_o humble_a mind_a man_n that_o be_v not_o contentious_a second_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o yet_o they_o be_v needless_a for_o suppose_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o what_o need_v unwritten_a tradition_n beside_o scripture_n 2._o indeed_o before_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n be_v commit_v to_o writing_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o man_n to_o man_n but_o the_o word_n be_v now_o write_v and_o have_v be_v now_o write_v these_o 1610._o year_n and_o as_o much_o write_v as_o ever_o shall_v be_v what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o tradition_n beside_o scripture_n 3._o three_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a yet_o they_o be_v uncertain_a for_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v aught_o by_o tradition_n or_o that_o the_o church_n after_o they_o be_v they_o either_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la or_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la answe_n for_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v from_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 2_o thess_n 2.15_o keep_v the_o instruction_n you_o have_v be_v teach_v either_o by_o word_n or_o by_o epistle_n whereupon_o they_o say_v the_o apostle_n leave_v tradition_n and_o epistle_n i_o answer_v these_o word_n do_v not_o imply_v any_o diversity_n in_o the_o thing_n he_o teach_v but_o only_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o delivery_n 4._o look_v what_o he_o preach_v he_o write_v and_o whatsoever_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o the_o church_n after_o they_o be_v but_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n we_o must_v know_v it_o by_o history_n and_o what_o certainty_n be_v there_o in_o that_o to_o repose_v my_o salvation_n upon_o last_o if_o they_o be_v certain_a yet_o all_o this_o while_n they_o be_v but_o certain_a the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o certain_o not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o here_o be_v the_o damnable_a presumption_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o they_o by_o name_n call_v they_o the_o word_n of_o god_n unwritten_a &_o equal_v they_o both_o in_o authority_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n &_o in_o necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v with_o the_o write_a word_n common_a sense_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v endue_v but_o with_o the_o least_o touch_n of_o religion_n will_v easy_o decide_v this_o controversy_n if_o we_o add_v here_o to_o determination_n of_o counsel_n consent_n of_o father_n decree_n of_o pope_n and_o other_o patch_n and_o feigning_n of_o popish_a religion_n the_o conclusion_n must_v be_v this_o that_o either_o there_o be_v none_o such_o or_o if_o there_o be_v they_o be_v not_o beside_o scripture_n but_o according_a to_o it_o or_o else_o if_o they_o be_v beside_o scripture_n than_o they_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o substance_n nor_o salvation_n nor_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o such_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o instruction_n to_o teach_v we_o what_o use_v 2_o it_o be_v that_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v frame_v by_o and_o what_o every_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o and_o that_o be_v
the_o scripture_n the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o else_o general_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o obedience_n what_o it_o teach_v must_v only_o be_v believe_v and_o what_o it_o command_v must_v only_o be_v obey_v and_o nothing_o else_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o general_o all_o church_n acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o canon_n yea_o the_o popish_a church_n to_o his_o day_n retain_v the_o name_n though_o they_o cast_v it_o out_o at_o the_o backgate_n yet_o at_o the_o foregate_n they_o take_v it_o in_o the_o canon_n that_o be_v as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o the_o rule_n now_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v with_o a_o rule_n all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v fit_v to_o it_o and_o not_o it_o to_o any_o thing_n carpenter_n and_o mason_n they_o fit_v their_o timber_n and_o stone_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o not_o the_o rule_n to_o the_o timber_n or_o stone_n so_o than_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n whatsoever_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o obey_v must_v be_v square_v by_o it_o and_o look_v how_o much_o it_o come_v short_a or_o go_v beyond_o or_o miss_v on_o this_o hand_n or_o that_o of_o the_o rule_n so_o much_o it_o come_v short_a of_o true_a save_a faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o so_o much_o we_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n therefore_o cast_v away_o all_o other_o measure_n as_o crooked_a tradition_n custom_n etc._n etc._n and_o stick_v fast_o only_o to_o this_o rule_n as_o to_o the_o perfect_a square_n of_o all_o religion_n we_o must_v put_v nothing_o to_o god_n word_n nor_o take_v aught_o there_o from_o this_o the_o lord_n himself_o command_v deut._n 4.2_o and_o 5.32.35_o second_o as_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n so_o it_o be_v the_o trial_n of_o every_o truth_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a touch_n stone_n of_o truth_n if_o paul_n teach_v the_o truth_n truth_n it_o must_v be_v try_v by_o the_o scripture_n act_n 17.11_o let_v heathen_a man_n bring_v their_o paganism_n the_o turck_n their_o alcoran_n the_o jew_n their_o talmud_n the_o papist_n their_o catechism_n counsel_n custom_n and_o tradition_n to_o this_o touchstone_n and_o this_o this_o will_v show_v they_o all_o to_o be_v stark_o counterfeit_v very_a dross_n and_o filth_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v once_o look_v after_o much_o less_o to_o be_v esteem_v the_o precious_a golden_a truth_n of_o god_n that_o soul_n shall_v be_v save_v by_o last_o yet_o mistake_v not_o as_o to_o think_v that_o all_o matter_n of_o substance_n and_o salvation_n be_v express_o in_o the_o word_n same_o that_o be_v by_o name_n and_o in_o so_o many_o word_n as_o we_o be_v to_o apprehend_v it_o but_o at_o least_o by_o consequence_n and_o to_o be_v deduct_v by_o sound_n and_o sanctify_a reason_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n and_o to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o we_o have_v finish_v those_o thing_n that_o concern_v matter_n of_o substance_n we_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n and_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o miracle_n or_o discipline_n either_o miracle_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n as_o it_o contain_v altogether_o from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o down_o to_o our_o time_n for_o with_o they_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n to_o do_v miracle_n matth._n 10.1_o our_o saviour_n give_v they_o power_n against_o unclean_a spirit_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o &c_n &c_n and_o mark_v 16.17_o and_o 1_o cor._n 12.9.10_o to_o another_o be_v give_v the_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_a to_o another_o the_o operation_n of_o great_a work_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v this_o power_n for_o the_o confirm_v of_o their_o office_n and_o authority_n that_o plant_v it_o but_o now_o there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o miracle_n their_o doctrine_n and_o write_n be_v sufficient_o confirm_v already_o and_o therefore_o that_o power_n be_v restrain_v and_o what_o church_n soever_o challenge_v this_o power_n therein_o may_v just_o be_v censure_v for_o anti-christian_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o 2_o thes_n 2.9_o second_o or_o discipline_n and_o that_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o matter_n of_o government_n or_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n of_o the_o first_o we_o have_v speak_v already_o of_o the_o second_o we_o will_v speak_v a_o word_n by_o ceremony_n we_o understand_v the_o time_n place_n and_o gesture_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n we_o will_v contrive_v the_o whole_a business_n into_o this_o observation_n every_o particular_a visible_a church_n have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o ordain_v some_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n for_o the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n within_o that_o church_n or_o congregation_n mark_v the_o part_n of_o the_o note_n doct._n first_o i_o say_v every_o visible_a church_n for_o the_o invisible_a not_o be_v contain_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o any_o one_o settle_v outward_a state_n can_v have_v no_o such_o order_n second_o i_o say_v particular_a for_o beside_o that_o a_o general_a visible_a church_n can_v so_o be_v proper_o assign_v to_o a_o place_n and_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o be_v of_o so_o large_a a_o extent_n as_o common_o it_o be_v it_o can_v be_v bring_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o same_o outward_a rite_n three_o i_o say_v have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o ordain_v ceretaine_n rite_n four_o i_o say_v for_o the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o church_n business_n for_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o inward_a man_n five_o i_o say_v they_o must_v be_v within_o that_o particular_a church_n for_o one_o church_n be_v not_o to_o prescribe_v another_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v except_o their_o case_n be_v very_o like_a and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o willingness_n in_o the_o receiver_n so_o the_o note_n be_v clear_a we_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n act_n 15.1_o 2._o in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n there_o be_v a_o matter_n in_o question_n as_o touch_v circumcision_n a_o outward_a ceremony_n the_o apostle_n be_v then_o at_o jerusalem_n be_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n consult_v withal_o about_o it_o and_o according_o they_o deliver_v their_o judgement_n in_o the_o 23._o verse_n etc._n etc._n and_o therein_o show_v their_o power_n and_o consequent_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n after_o they_o for_o the_o cause_n be_v perpetual_a the_o course_n must_v be_v perpetual_a too_o and_o they_o show_v their_o power_n both_o in_o disannul_v some_o ceremony_n as_o circumcision_n vers_fw-la 10._o as_o abstaming_a from_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o blood_n verse_n 20._o which_o be_v certain_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a as_o the_o apostle_n show_v of_o meat_n 1_o corinth_n 8.8_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o they_o do_v with_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n verse_n 28._o and_o that_o only_a in_o thing_n needful_a as_o in_o the_o same_o verse_n and_o this_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o offence_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 11.2_o etc._n etc._n where_o the_o apostle_n mention_n the_o ordinance_n which_o he_o have_v deliver_v they_o already_o which_o be_v general_o understand_v of_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o the_o circumstance_n make_v it_o plain_a enough_o for_o after_o verse_n 3_o etc._n etc._n he_o deliver_v they_o other_o ordinance_n keep_v which_o he_o have_v not_o deliver_v they_o before_o concern_v the_o uncover_v of_o the_o man_n head_n and_o the_o cover_n of_o the_o woman_n head_n which_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o yet_o for_o comeliness_n sake_n he_o do_v there_o enjoin_v they_o and_o verse_n 20_o etc._n etc._n he_o deliver_v certain_a other_o ordinance_n concern_v the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o their_o tarry_v one_o for_o another_o eat_v before_o etc._n etc._n verse_n 33.34_o and_o whereas_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v out_o of_o frame_n with_o they_o he_o promise_v in_o the_o end_n of_o 34._o verse_n to_o order_v the_o rest_n at_o his_o come_n to_o they_o where_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n concern_v the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o for_o still_o the_o rule_n hold_v that_o the_o disease_n continue_v always_o require_v a_o continual_a reamedy_n from_o time_n to_o time_n so_o in_o the_o 1._o cor_n 14.26_o 40._o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v all_o thing_n do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n he_o give_v they_o this_o general_a rule_n for_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n and_o they_o must_v draw_v particular_n according_o
shall_v be_v make_v as_o white_a as_o snow_n second_o here_o be_v comfort_n against_o their_o want_n and_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n thou_o can_v not_o pray_v nor_o perform_v any_o other_o good_a duty_n as_o thou_o ought_v yea_o but_o thou_o be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o bless_a and_o glorious_a church_n whereof_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o head_n and_o therefore_o all_o thy_o want_n and_o infirmity_n be_v cover_v and_o supply_v by_o the_o perfection_n of_o christ_n three_o here_o be_v comfort_n against_o temptation_n and_o against_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o power_n for_o thou_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v like_a to_o mount_n zion_n that_o can_v be_v remove_v but_o shall_v stand_v fast_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n nor_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n shall_v ever_o prevail_v against_o thou_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n which_o he_o have_v set_v upon_o we_o will_v never_o see_v we_o overthrow_v last_o here_o be_v comfort_n for_o we_o against_o all_o the_o reproach_n of_o man_n that_o howsoever_o we_o be_v as_o the_o offscowring_a of_o the_o world_n in_o their_o unjust_a censure_n yet_o in_o god_n sight_n who_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n we_o be_v beautiful_a and_o glorious_a and_o therefore_o let_v this_o suffice_v to_o give_v we_o content_v against_o all_o the_o scoff_n and_o nickname_n in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o be_v so_o bless_v and_o beautiful_a in_o god_n eye_n what_o need_v we_o care_v though_o we_o be_v contemn_v in_o the_o world_n the_o five_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o terror_n to_o the_o world_n that_o persecute_v use_v 5_o and_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o god_n church_n they_o know_v not_o who_o it_o be_v they_o make_v their_o force_n against_o it_o be_v even_o against_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v never_o prevail_v and_o against_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o most_o glorious_a and_o bless_a company_n that_o be_v and_o therefore_o first_o they_o may_v be_v dismay_v for_o they_o rush_v against_o a_o rock_n and_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n act._n 9_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v good_a success_n yea_o second_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o the_o fierce_a and_o full_a vengeance_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n because_o they_o resist_v the_o lord_n and_o oppose_v his_o glorious_a and_o anoint_a one_o use_v 6_o the_o six_o and_o last_o use_n be_v to_o reprove_v the_o perverse_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v no_o grace_n nor_o beauty_n in_o the_o church_n like_v unto_o the_o wicked_a jew_n that_o will_v not_o see_v any_o form_n or_o beauty_n in_o christ_n isai_n 53._o they_o look_v only_o on_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v see_v but_o deformity_n and_o misery_n but_o if_o they_o can_v look_v within_o there_o be_v perfect_a glory_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o this_o be_v but_o your_o word_n we_o can_v see_v no_o such_o glory_n in_o the_o church_n but_o we_o can_v see_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n among_o you_o why_o do_v you_o then_o face_n it_o out_o thus_o i_o answer_v we_o must_v understand_v it_o with_o these_o limitation_n first_o it_o can_v be_v discern_v but_o with_o a_o spiritual_a eye_n and_o therefore_o the_o world_n can_v see_v it_o because_o they_o want_v this_o eye_n to_o discern_v it_o withal_o second_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v consider_v in_o their_o head_n christ_n and_o not_o as_o they_o be_v consider_v by_o themselves_o if_o they_o consider_v the_o church_n thus_o they_o shall_v perceive_v perfect_a glory_n christ_n himself_o be_v perfect_o glorious_a and_o he_o cover_v and_o supply_v our_o want_n and_o deformity_n and_o present_v we_o as_o glorious_a to_o god_n his_o father_n three_o it_o be_v so_o rather_o in_o our_o desire_n and_o god_n account_v then_o in_o actual_a possession_n four_o we_o have_v not_o th●s_a glory_n and_o blessedness_n here_o but_o only_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o it_o we_o have_v some_o grace_n and_o some_o beauty_n and_o some_o glory_n here_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perfect_v in_o heaven_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o new_a jerusalem_n revel_v 21.2_o and_o then_o christ_n shall_v present_v we_o a_o glorious_a body_n unto_o god_n his_o father_n without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n ephes_n 5.27_o which_o because_o some_o have_v attain_v to_o already_o and_o the_o rest_n shall_v sure_o obtain_v hereafter_o and_o have_v some_o beginning_n of_o it_o here_o already_o it_o may_v therefore_o be_v just_o say_v in_o respect_n of_o some_o of_o her_o part_n now_o and_o of_o all_o hereafter_o thou_o be_v all_o fair_a my_o love_n and_o there_o be_v no_o spot_n in_o thou_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o beautiful_a the_o church_n be_v and_o bless_v and_o glorious_a though_o the_o world_n be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o she_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o second_o general_n point_v propound_v to_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n the_o three_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n the_o three_o general_n point_v propound_v to_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n for_o so_o the_o order_n of_o teach_v require_v that_o when_o once_o we_o do_v know_v the_o name_n of_o a_o thing_n what_o it_o be_v call_v and_o the_o title_n that_o it_o be_v grace_v withal_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o shall_v search_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v thus_o call_v and_o thus_o entitle_v for_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o thing_n may_v and_o be_v ofttimes_o impart_v to_o other_o but_o the_o nature_n of_o every_o thing_n be_v proper_a to_o itself_o and_o can_v be_v communicate_v to_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o therefore_o howsoever_o the_o name_n and_o title_n set_v it_o forth_o unto_o we_o and_o make_v we_o esteem_v of_o it_o yet_o the_o nature_n will_v more_o full_o express_v it_o and_o make_v we_o the_o highly_o to_o esteem_v of_o it_o the_o name_n bear_v diverse_a signification_n in_o ordinary_a method_n ought_v to_o be_v divide_v first_o and_o define_v after_o but_o because_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n may_v be_v apt_o enough_o comprehend_v in_o one_o general_a description_n and_o because_o the_o division_n have_v a_o more_o near_a dependence_n with_o that_o which_o follow_v make_v a_o ready_a step_n and_o passage_n thereunto_o we_o will_v first_o define_v therefore_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n according_a to_o our_o order_n set_v down_o to_o divide_v it_o into_o several_a kind_n and_o branch_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o describe_v thing_n the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o true_a general_a nature_n thereof_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n where_o they_o be_v describe_v by_o three_o thing_n first_o by_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n god_n elect_v or_o choose_v they_o second_o by_o their_o number_n the_o whole_a company_n three_o by_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v in_o heaven_n &_o in_o earth_n cause_n first_o by_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o principal_a reason_n why_o any_o man_n be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v because_o god_n have_v choose_v he_o to_o it_o first_o to_o salvation_n and_o glory_n as_o the_o end_n second_o and_o consequent_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o end_n therefore_o the_o church_n ofttimes_o be_v call_v god_n choose_v psal_n 33.12_o even_o the_o people_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o his_o inheritance_n and_o in_o psal_n 132.13_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v zion_n that_o be_v his_o church_n and_o rom._n 8.33_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n call_v they_o by_o that_o express_a name_n god_n choose_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n church_n be_v call_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n choose_v titus_n 1.1_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v call_v the_o first_o bear_v who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n heb._n 12.23_o which_o what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n that_o be_v to_o be_v god_n choose_v it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v define_v by_o their_o call_v rather_o than_o by_o their_o choose_v as_o in_o the_o first_o lecture_n because_o they_o be_v a_o company_n call_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o right_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v define_v by_o their_o choose_n rather_o than_o by_o their_o call_v and_o that_o
and_o natural_a mother_n that_o reas_n 5_o bring_v forth_o a_o child_n of_o her_o own_o body_n and_o after_o she_o have_v bring_v it_o forth_o nourish_v it_o with_o her_o own_o milk_n so_o likewise_o the_o church_n that_o do_v beget_v we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o nourish_v we_o with_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o she_o a_o true_a church_n six_o every_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o the_o fruit_n matth._n 7.16_o reas_n 6_o 17._o the_o false_a prophet_n be_v know_v by_o his_o false_a doctrine_n for_o so_o the_o place_n intend_v if_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mark_n to_o know_v they_o by_o then_o true_a doctrine_n be_v a_o sufficient_a mark_n to_o know_v the_o true_a church_n by_o seven_o it_o be_v christ_n presence_n that_o make_v a_o true_a visible_a reas_n 7_o church_n therefore_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n outward_o represent_v christ_n presence_n so_o as_o nothing_o else_o do_v and_o so_o make_v he_o notorious_o present_a make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n last_o from_o the_o sufficient_a enumeration_n of_o the_o part_n of_o a_o true_a reas_n 8_o visible_a church_n it_o must_v be_v so_o none_o be_v member_n and_o part_n of_o it_o but_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n now_o the_o minister_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o dispense_n god_n mystery_n both_o for_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o and_o the_o people_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o obey_v that_o they_o teach_v at_o least_o outward_o they_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n joh._n 10.4_o now_o which_o of_o these_o mark_n may_v be_v spare_v or_o what_o other_o be_v use_v 1_o there_o that_o need_n to_o be_v add_v therefore_o where_o these_o be_v exception_n there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o the_o first_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o that_o of_o many_o adversary_n first_o it_o reprove_v such_o as_o except_v and_o say_v first_o that_o other_o congregation_n beside_o except_o 1_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n have_v these_o mark_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a nor_o infallible_a mark_n i_o answer_v answ_n it_o be_v true_a that_o other_o congregation_n pretend_v to_o have_v these_o mark_n as_o what_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_n be_v there_o that_o will_v not_o say_v they_o have_v the_o truth_n and_o right_a faith_n with_o they_o this_o be_v the_o general_a claim_n of_o they_o all_o the_o scripture_n be_v we_o and_o for_o we_o but_o this_o be_v a_o false_a pretence_n for_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v but_o their_o say_n not_o that_o it_o be_v so_o in_o truth_n for_o either_o they_o will_v refuse_v some_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o else_o they_o will_v mangle_v and_o deprave_v it_o or_o else_o they_o will_v take_v the_o letter_n for_o the_o sense_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o transubstantiation_n this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o other_o heretic_n that_o because_o it_o be_v say_v he_o shall_v baptize_v you_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n therefore_o they_o baptize_v with_o fire_n take_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n instead_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o or_o else_o they_o add_v something_o to_o the_o word_n as_o tradition_n and_o such_o like_a and_o so_o though_o they_o do_v approve_v and_o take_v it_o in_o at_o the_o foredoor_n yet_o they_o cast_v it_o out_o at_o the_o backdoor_n so_o that_o indeed_o they_o have_v it_o not_o at_o all_o whatsoever_o they_o pretend_v we_o may_v say_v true_o therefore_o that_o they_o challenge_v these_o mark_n but_o we_o can_v say_v they_o be_v they_o but_o they_o still_o remain_v the_o proper_a right_n of_o god_n true_a church_n we_o know_v that_o the_o devil_n policy_n and_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o subtlety_n be_v to_o imitate_v apish_o the_o course_n of_o god_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v deceive_v the_o more_o cunning_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v counterfeit_v god_n own_o mark_n and_o cognisance_n but_o we_o must_v try_v the_o spirit_n 1_o joh._n 4.1_o and_o the_o proof_n will_v make_v all_o clear_a for_o satan_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o minister_n as_o though_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n 2_o cor._n 11.13_o 14_o 15._o so_o than_o though_o these_o lay_v claim_v to_o these_o mark_n and_o say_v they_o be_v they_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o right_n to_o they_o it_o be_v but_o their_o vain_a brag_n their_o master_n satan_n himself_o allege_v scripture_n and_o pretend_v it_o be_v for_o he_o but_o he_o be_v shameful_o discover_v by_o our_o saviour_n for_o he_o leave_v out_o part_n of_o it_o and_o deprave_a it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v math._n 4.6_o 7._o and_o so_o the_o harlot_n pro._n 7.14_o say_v i_o have_v peace-offering_n this_o day_n i_o have_v pay_v my_o vow_n therefore_o come_v i_o out_o to_o meet_v thou_o she_o pretend_v to_o pray_v but_o her_o intent_n be_v to_o play_v the_o harlot_n and_o so_o zidkiah_n 1_o king_n 22.24_o brag_v that_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n when_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n that_o be_v in_o his_o mouth_n so_o the_o congregation_n of_o heretic_n and_o of_o schismatic_n lay_v claim_v to_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o say_v they_o be_v they_o when_o as_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o because_o they_o do_v either_o refuse_v some_o part_n of_o they_o or_o deprave_v they_o or_o add_v unto_o they_o their_o own_o invention_n second_o that_o except_o and_o say_v that_o many_o visible_a church_n have_v except_o 2_o not_o these_o mark_n at_o least_o not_o all_o of_o they_o always_o i_o answer_v yes_o they_o have_v they_o all_o answ_n and_o that_o always_o in_o some_o measure_n more_o or_o less_o else_o they_o be_v not_o true_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n hereof_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o different_a estate_n of_o church_n necessary_a sometime_o god_n church_n do_v thrive_v and_o flourish_v and_o than_o it_o have_v all_o these_o mark_n without_o doubt_n god_n word_n be_v true_o preach_v the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o be_v profess_v and_o yield_v and_o that_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n but_o sometime_o a_o church_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o excellent_a estate_n some_o be_v but_o in_o their_o begining_n new_o plant_v and_o so_o can_v have_v all_o at_o once_o but_o have_v every_o thing_n in_o its_o order_n &_o place_n first_o the_o word_n be_v tender_v to_o they_o than_o the_o people_n if_o they_o believe_v and_o submit_v themselves_o and_o profess_v obedience_n to_o it_o they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o sacrament_n first_o baptism_n and_o then_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a church_n it_o have_v all_o these_o mark_n these_o church_n be_v but_o in_o their_o beginning_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v but_o the_o beginning_n of_o these_o note_n and_o mark_n again_o sometime_o a_o church_n be_v in_o a_o die_a and_o decay_a estate_n either_o by_o reason_n of_o apostasy_n or_o persecution_n if_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o decay_a state_n by_o apostasy_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v to_o such_o church_n i_o say_v that_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o these_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n so_o far_o forth_o they_o retain_v these_o mark_n if_o they_o be_v but_o the_o remainder_n of_o a_o church_n than_o they_o have_v the_o remainder_n of_o these_o mark_n if_o it_o be_v a_o die_a and_o a_o decay_a church_n than_o it_o have_v die_v and_o decay_a mark_n so_o then_o these_o mark_n must_v be_v find_v in_o all_o true_a visible_a church_n according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o those_o church_n if_o it_o be_v a_o die_a church_n than_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o obedience_n be_v die_v and_o decay_v too_o but_o when_o it_o be_v quite_o fall_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n nor_o have_v it_o these_o mark_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n when_o the_o church_n be_v so_o persecute_v that_o there_o be_v none_o leave_v to_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o that_o public_o suffer_v for_o the_o gospel_n so_o long_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o trouble_v and_o bring_v low_o for_o by_o their_o suffering_n they_o profess_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o though_o they_o be_v debar_v of_o the_o public_a use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n yet_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o be_v still_o visible_a
be_v do_v but_o there_o be_v general_n from_o which_o and_o some_o particular_n by_o which_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v and_o measure_v that_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n the_o impossibility_n of_o it_o reas_n 2_o second_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a yet_o it_o be_v inconvenient_a and_o unfit_a fit_a for_o every_o several_a nation_n and_o country_n have_v their_o several_a state_n and_o custom_n and_o civil_a government_n so_o that_o that_o which_o be_v decent_a in_o one_o be_v not_o decent_a in_o another_o that_o which_o will_v stand_v with_o some_o civil_a government_n may_v not_o stand_v with_o another_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unfit_a to_o impose_v the_o same_o particular_n on_o the_o church_n in_o every_o several_a government_n as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v a_o decent_a thing_n in_o some_o church_n to_o wear_v long_a hair_n in_o some_o it_o be_v not_o in_o some_o church_n it_o be_v decent_a to_o have_v the_o head_n cover_v when_o they_o prophesy_v in_o some_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o where_o its_o decent_a it_o may_v be_v do_v where_o it_o be_v not_o decent_a it_o may_v not_o be_v do_v so_o that_o decency_n be_v hold_v still_o in_o the_o general_a though_o that_o the_o particular_n fail_v and_o differ_v as_o far_o as_o the_o east_n be_v from_o the_o west_n reas_n 3_o three_o some_o thing_n we_o have_v &_o must_v have_v in_o our_o church_n government_n which_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o many_o year_n after_o be_v not_o so_o and_o that_o be_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n who_o have_v a_o chief_a stroke_n in_o church_n government_n &_o that_o by_o right_a from_o god_n who_o dare_v deny_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v never_o mean_v that_o the_o same_o particular_n shall_v be_v in_o all_o church_n and_o so_o no_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o word_n in_o every_o particular_a whereunto_o all_o church_n be_v to_o conform_v reas_n 4_o last_o some_o thing_n they_o have_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n by_o practice_n act._n 6.1_o and_o there_o be_v commandment_n about_o it_o too_o as_o well_o as_o about_o other_o office_n as_o widow_n 1_o tim._n 5.3_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o of_o necessity_n require_v in_o any_o reform_a church_n so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n use_v 1_o the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o this_o shall_v teach_v we_o to_o moderate_v and_o stay_v ourselves_o and_o to_o set_v our_o heart_n at_o rest_n from_o seek_v after_o such_o a_o particular_a precise_a and_o necessary_a form_n of_o church-government_n for_o every_o case_n in_o god_n word_n it_o be_v but_o vain_a labour_n let_v we_o never_o think_v to_o find_v it_o for_o the_o general_a we_o may_v and_o for_o many_o particular_n but_o for_o every_o particular_a we_o may_v not_o how_o many_o excellent_a wit_n have_v even_o tire_v themselves_o out_o in_o this_o business_n how_o long_o and_o how_o grievous_o have_v many_o learned_a and_o holy_a man_n vex_v themselves_o about_o this_o question_n and_o yet_o can_v agree_v among_o themselves_o some_o press_v more_o particular_n than_o other_o as_o that_o the_o chief_a governor_n be_v but_o for_o a_o year_n or_o by_o turn_n etc._n etc._n yea_o how_o have_v some_o and_o how_o do_v some_o to_o this_o day_n wrest_v scripture_n lay_v violent_a hand_n on_o god_n own_o holy_a book_n sometime_o put_v out_o somewhat_o as_o timothy_n bishopric_n in_o the_o postscript_n to_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n so_o sometime_o they_o put_v in_o though_o not_o into_o the_o text_n yet_o cunning_o they_o add_v it_o as_o in_o eph._n 4.11_o where_o it_o be_v say_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n they_o say_v and_o some_o pastor_n and_o some_o teacher_n to_o make_v they_o a_o diverse_a office_n so_o likewise_o they_o misinterpret_v as_o in_o phil._n 1.1_o where_o they_o will_v have_v bishop_n to_o signify_v lay-elder_n a_o thing_n never_o hear_v of_o that_o they_o be_v call_v bishop_n and_o so_o they_o be_v exceed_o unconscionable_a in_o handle_v the_o word_n in_o this_o business_n object_n and_o all_o to_o maintain_v their_o own_o conceit_n of_o government_n but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n provide_v for_o in_o every_o particular_a and_o why_o then_o be_v not_o we_o as_o well_o provide_v for_o as_o they_o i_o answer_v first_o answ_n that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o particular_a national_n church_n and_o so_o may_v the_o better_o be_v provide_v for_o in_o particular_a second_o i_o answer_v that_o some_o particular_n be_v not_o prescribe_v by_o they_o yea_o i_o say_v further_o that_o the_o certain_a form_n of_o church-government_n among_o they_o in_o every_o respect_n be_v not_o at_o this_o day_n know_v by_o any_o and_o yet_o we_o have_v the_o scripture_n where_o this_o be_v record_v for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o profess_v i_o can_v by_o all_o my_o poor_a endeavour_n and_o small_a read_n come_v to_o any_o full_a understanding_n in_o every_o particular_a of_o that_o government_n neither_o can_v i_o ever_o hear_v or_o read_v of_o any_o that_o can_v and_o so_o likewise_o i_o profess_v for_o matter_n of_o church-government_n now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o all_o my_o labour_n and_o endeavour_n and_o prayer_n unto_o god_n i_o can_v never_o see_v it_o in_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n for_o the_o general_a substance_n it_o be_v and_o for_o some_o particular_n enough_o to_o receive_v some_o good_a direction_n for_o the_o rest_n but_o in_o every_o particular_a i_o can_v never_o see_v it_o use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o refutation_n and_o reproof_n of_o all_o such_o as_o pretend_v their_o particular_a government_n to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o condemn_v all_o other_o as_o first_o the_o papist_n they_o allege_v this_o that_o their_o government_n be_v god_n ordinance_n for_o christ_n say_v they_o when_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n mind_v to_o erect_v one_o universal_a head_n over_o all_o as_o his_o substitute_n and_o that_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v at_o his_o beck_n and_o government_n first_o he_o erect_v it_o in_o peter_n and_o from_o he_o it_o come_v to_o the_o pope_n and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o contiene_fw-fr for_fw-mi ever_o and_o therefore_o say_v they_o whosoever_o be_v not_o under_o this_o head_n be_v no_o part_n of_o god_n church_n but_o of_o all_o opposition_n to_o this_o observation_n this_o have_v the_o least_o colour_n of_o truth_n and_o these_o opposite_n have_v least_o colour_n of_o scripture_n for_o they_o of_o all_o other_o for_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n nor_o example_n for_o it_o in_o scripture_n they_o be_v both_o most_o direct_o against_o it_o first_o for_o precept_n look_v in_o luk._n 22.25.26_o the_o king_n of_o the_o gentile_n reign_v over_o they_o etc._n etc._n but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v our_o saviour_n precept_n direct_o against_o it_o and_o so_o for_o example_n look_v in_o act._n 15.13_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o james_n bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n moderate_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n and_o give_v sentence_n in_o it_o which_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o which_o peter_n shall_v have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v be_v head_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n beside_o what_o mean_v paul_n to_o write_v to_o rome_n and_o to_o corinth_n and_o ephesus_n and_o other_o church_n and_o to_o prescribe_v order_n for_o they_o if_o peter_n have_v be_v head_n it_o have_v be_v his_o office_n and_o he_o must_v have_v perform_v it_o and_o if_o he_o be_v dead_a why_o do_v not_o his_o successor_n do_v it_o likewise_o when_o commandment_n come_v from_o heaven_n for_o reformation_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n why_o be_v they_o not_o reveal_v to_o peter_n or_o he_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o pope_n his_o successor_n but_o that_o they_o must_v be_v reveal_v to_o john_n in_o pathmos_n if_o the_o pope_n have_v be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o epistle_n shall_v have_v be_v send_v by_o he_o or_o at_o least_o by_o john_n from_o he_o so_o that_o they_o have_v no_o colour_n for_o their_o government_n last_o this_o reprove_v those_o of_o the_o presbytery_n that_o say_v that_o their_o government_n and_o their_o ruler_n which_o they_o require_v be_v plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n and_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o endure_v for_o ever_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_o furnish_v in_o every_o particular_a for_o first_o they_o be_v not_o certain_a whether_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v diverse_a or_o if_o they_o be_v so_o than_o second_o they_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o may_v not_o be_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n three_o whether_o of_o necessity_n all_o these_o must_v be_v in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n so_o
more_o than_o light_n and_o evil_o more_o than_o goodness_n and_o howsoever_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v they_o to_o enlighten_v they_o and_o to_o relieve_v they_o against_o each_o infirmity_n yet_o their_o weakness_n be_v such_o that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o far_o capable_a of_o the_o spirit_n as_o that_o thereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o understand_v and_o know_v all_o truth_n and_o practice_v all_o goodness_n the_o spirit_n indeed_o in_o itself_o be_v all_o sufficient_a but_o in_o they_o not_o so_o sufficient_a nothing_o can_v be_v receive_v but_o according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o he_o that_o receive_v it_o be_v the_o master_n never_o so_o good_a to_o teach_v yet_o if_o the_o scholar_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o be_v he_o teach_v he_o shall_v never_o bring_v he_o to_o it_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o the_o spirit_n be_v sufficient_a to_o teach_v they_o all_o truth_n but_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o they_o the_o spirit_n be_v sufficient_a in_o they_o for_o salvation_n but_o not_o for_o perfect_a knowledge_n or_o obedience_n and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o frailty_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o far_o capable_a of_o the_o spirit_n the_o second_o reason_n be_v satan_n malice_n and_o subtlety_n who_o reas_n 2_o as_o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o lie_n himself_o and_o the_o auhor_n of_o all_o error_n and_o sin_n so_o he_o cease_v not_o to_o tempt_v both_o to_o error_n and_o wickedness_n and_o his_o labour_n be_v not_o altogether_o lose_v but_o that_o he_o fasten_v some_o of_o his_o infection_n in_o both_o kind_n on_o the_o best_a man_n live_v or_o at_o the_o least_o as_o a_o hinderer_n he_o hinder_v that_o truth_n and_o holiness_n be_v not_o embrace_v at_o least_o not_o in_o that_o measure_n that_o it_o shall_v yea_o and_o he_o sow_v error_n and_o sin_n like_o tare_n upon_o that_o good_a seed_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n which_o god_n spirit_n have_v sow_v in_o our_o heart_n three_o while_o we_o live_v here_o we_o have_v many_o occasion_n reas_n 3_o of_o error_n many_o deceiver_n false_a apostle_n heretic_n schismatic_n many_o ill_a example_n &_o persuasion_n and_o sundry_a provocation_n and_o these_o be_v too_o strong_a for_o we_o to_o withstand_v they_o all_o and_o that_o at_o all_o time_n at_o least_o not_o so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v free_a from_o all_o infection_n by_o they_o four_o our_o perfection_n both_o for_o knowledge_n and_o reas_n 4_o obedience_n be_v respite_v to_o the_o life_n to_o come_v &_o not_o attain_v to_o in_o this_o life_n by_o the_o perfect_a phil._n 3.12_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o he_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o perfection_n though_o he_o be_v inferior_a to_o no_o man_n no_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o life_n it_o be_v respite_v to_o the_o life_n to_o come_v then_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n eph._n 5.27_o and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o imputation_n as_o we_o be_v here_o but_o by_o actual_a possession_n then_o shall_v that_o be_v verify_v cant._n 4.7_o where_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v all_o fair_a and_o no_o spot_n in_o she_o but_o that_o be_v for_o the_o church_n glorious_a and_o triumphant_a it_o can_v be_v so_o with_o the_o church_n militant_a but_o they_o must_v sit_v down_o under_o that_o ignorance_n and_o error_n which_o they_o can_v prevail_v against_o and_o pray_v daily_a lord_n forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n so_o you_o see_v the_o point_n make_v plain_a by_o reason_n too_o use_v 1_o the_o use_n be_v these_o first_o here_o be_v matter_n of_o instruction_n teach_v we_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o and_o to_o be_v cast_v down_o in_o our_o soul_n in_o that_o we_o be_v such_o vile_a and_o corrupt_a wretch_n brutish_a in_o ourselves_o both_o for_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n for_o so_o the_o scripture_n set_v we_o forth_o that_o we_o be_v even_o beast_n in_o both_o first_o for_o knowledge_n the_o prophet_n say_v jeremy_n 10.14_o every_o man_n be_v a_o beast_n by_o his_o own_o knowledge_n and_o for_o obedience_n it_o be_v say_v job_n 15.16_o that_o man_n drink_v up_o iniquity_n as_o water_n etc._n etc._n concern_v knowledge_n first_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o we_o love_v error_n and_o falsehood_n and_o that_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o accept_v lie_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o satan_n and_o other_o deceiver_n we_o embrace_v they_o with_o both_o hand_n and_o make_v much_o of_o they_o and_o hardly_o can_v abide_v to_o be_v win_v from_o they_o we_o be_v soon_o and_o easy_o persuade_v from_o a_o hundred_o truth_n then_o from_o one_o error_n second_o for_o truth_n we_o know_v that_o natural_o we_o hate_v and_o abhor_v it_o we_o can_v learn_v or_o find_v it_o ourselves_o nor_o yet_o be_v we_o willing_a to_o receive_v it_o from_o other_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o we_o no_o not_o when_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o word_n &_o his_o own_o bless_a spirit_n tender_v it_o unto_o we_o or_o if_o we_o do_v receive_v it_o it_o be_v but_o in_o part_n to_o the_o half_n deadly_a and_o cold_o and_o fearful_o and_o we_o be_v easy_o draw_v from_o it_o the_o evil_a one_o catch_v it_o out_o of_o our_o heart_n our_o mind_n waver_v carry_v away_o with_o every_o wind_n or_o blast_v of_o vain_a doctrine_n or_o if_o we_o do_v receive_v it_o and_o stick_v to_o it_o it_o be_v with_o much_o infirmity_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o defile_v it_o with_o our_o own_o invention_n device_n gloss_n addition_n detraction_n mistake_n doubt_n distruste_n idle_a and_o evil_a apprehension_n the_o lord_n know_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v all_o but_o vain_a so_o concern_v obedience_n we_o find_v that_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v prone_a to_o all_o sin_n and_o averse_a from_o all_o righteousness_n and_o in_o this_o we_o do_v much_o more_o resist_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n then_o they_o former_a the_o reason_n be_v this_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n be_v of_o the_o understanding_n reason_n and_o judgement_n the_o high_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o can_v more_o easy_o submit_v to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n but_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v of_o the_o will_n and_o heart_n and_o affection_n the_o more_o base_a and_o more_o carnal_a part_n in_o we_o and_o the_o do_v of_o good_a and_o the_o forbear_n of_o evil_a be_v the_o deny_v of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o bridle_n of_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n the_o forsake_v of_o all_o our_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n and_o indeed_o the_o break_n of_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v death_n to_o we_o to_o be_v thus_o master_v and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o we_o be_v much_o more_o unwilling_a to_o reform_v in_o matter_n of_o obedience_n then_o in_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n and_o that_o reformation_n which_o we_o do_v attain_v to_o in_o matter_n of_o obedience_n be_v much_o more_o imperfect_a then_o in_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n let_v we_o consider_v right_o of_o this_o and_o see_v the_o case_n stand_v thus_o with_o we_o let_v we_o be_v ashamed_a &_o confound_v before_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o hate_n and_o abhor_v ourselves_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n what_o be_v we_o ignorant_a of_o ourselves_o and_o yet_o will_v not_o learn_v naught_o and_o sinful_a and_o can_v be_v reform_v how_o do_v this_o provoke_v god_n wrath_n against_o we_o what_o a_o deform_a be_v this_o to_o his_o image_n in_o we_o what_o dishonour_n to_o his_o name_n what_o grief_n be_v this_o to_o his_o spirit_n that_o he_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o perverse_a and_o froward_a scholar_n that_o will_v not_o be_v teach_v by_o he_o either_o we_o will_v not_o receive_v his_o good_a motion_n at_o all_o or_o else_o not_o as_o we_o shall_v what_o rejoice_v be_v this_o to_o satan_n that_o can_v insult_v and_o say_v i_o can_v persuade_v man_n to_o error_n and_o sin_n when_o as_o god_n spirit_n and_o his_o motion_n to_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n be_v reject_v this_o be_v a_o great_a gratify_n of_o satan_n and_o a_o great_a rejoice_v to_o he_o beside_o what_o hurt_n do_v we_o to_o those_o among_o who_o we_o live_v but_o special_o what_o wrong_n do_v we_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n this_o be_v to_o forsake_v our_o own_o mercy_n and_o herein_o ourselves_o be_v the_o chief_a enemy_n to_o our_o own_o salvation_n let_v we_o confess_v this_o to_o god_n and_o bewail_v it_o and_o instant_o beg_v pardon_n of_o he_o for_o it_o and_o strive_v the_o best_a we_o can_v against_o ●●_o and_o let_v we_o be_v humble_v all_o our_o day_n that_o we_o can_v strive_v no_o better_o against_o this_o brutish_a nature_n of_o we_o use_v 1_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o refutation_n of_o the_o puritan_n those_o ancient_a heretic_n that_o hold_v a_o absolute_a perfection_n in_o this_o life_n and_o so_o the_o papist_n
and_o the_o anabaptist_n be_v here_o refute_v that_o hold_v this_o error_n that_o they_o offend_v not_o in_o manner_n sure_o this_o be_v a_o far_o high_a strain_n than_o ever_o the_o apostle_n attain_v to_o for_o they_o err_v all_o in_o manner_n they_o all_o forsake_v christ_n and_o flee_v matth._n 26.56_o but_o this_o be_v before_o the_o come_n down_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o but_o do_v they_o so_o afterward_o yes_o even_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o err_v in_o manner_n john_n the_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v will_v have_v worship_v the_o angel_n reu._n 19.10_o and_o again_o even_o after_o admonition_n he_o will_v have_v do_v the_o like_a in_o chap._n 22.8_o and_o so_o very_o likely_a he_o do_v it_o after_o repentance_n too_o and_o so_o we_o see_v that_o peter_n be_v reprove_v to_o his_o face_n by_o paul_n for_o his_o sin_n galat._n 2._o if_o this_o be_v so_o in_o the_o green_a tree_n alas_o alas_o what_o shall_v it_o be_v in_o the_o dry_a when_o peter_n and_o john_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v have_v their_o fall_n shall_v any_o puritan_n in_o the_o world_n be_v so_o shameless_a as_o to_o boast_v of_o perfection_n this_o point_n shall_v need_v no_o further_o refutation_n all_o god_n child_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o will_v ondemne_v this_o assertion_n by_o their_o own_o contrary_n clamentable_a experience_n in_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o their_o life_n i_o mention_v this_o the_o rather_o because_o some_o papist_n anabaptist_n and_o familist_n be_v infect_v with_o this_o presumption_n at_o this_o day_n use_v 3_o last_o this_o serve_v for_o the_o refutation_n of_o papist_n that_o challenge_n to_o their_o church_n and_o head_n the_o pope_n a_o immunity_n yea_o a_o impossibility_n of_o err_v in_o doctrine_n as_o if_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o they_o hold_v whereas_o this_o we_o be_v able_a to_o show_v how_o that_o they_o have_v err_v from_o themselves_o in_o many_o thing_n hold_v one_o thing_n this_o year_n another_o thing_n the_o next_o and_o one_o contrary_a to_o the_o other_o so_o that_o except_o two_o contrary_n may_v be_v true_a they_o must_v needs_o err_v in_o the_o one_o or_o in_o the_o other_o but_o of_o this_o more_o shall_v be_v speak_v hereafter_o thus_o we_o have_v see_v the_o first_o point_n handle_v at_o large_a that_o the_o church_n militant_a howsoever_o it_o have_v many_o excellent_a privilege_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o exempt_v from_o error_n but_o that_o it_o may_v and_o oftentimes_o do_v err_v both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n now_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o second_o observation_n and_o doct._n 2_o therein_o see_v how_o the_o church_n may_v not_o err_v the_o observation_n be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n militant_a be_v so_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n that_o though_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n yet_o it_o can_v err_v fundamental_o obstinate_o final_o and_o general_o first_o not_o fundamental_o psal_n 62.2_o he_o be_v my_o strength_n and_o my_o salvation_n and_o my_o defence_n therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o much_o be_v move_v that_o be_v fundamental_o nor_o obstinate_o psal_n 19.13_o lord_n keep_v i_o from_o presumptuous_a sin_n nor_o final_o psal_n 55.22_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o righteous_a to_o fall_v for_o ever_o he_o may_v fall_v but_o not_o for_o ever_o nor_o general_o in_o all_o her_o part_n but_o still_o some_o be_v reserve_v that_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n 1_o king_n 19.18_o these_o two_o final_o and_o general_o be_v never_o find_v in_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o militant_a church_n haply_o they_o may_v err_v fundamental_o and_o obstinate_o but_o never_o final_o and_o general_o psal_n 37.24_o though_o he_o fall_v yet_o shall_v he_o not_o be_v cast_v off_o which_o if_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o our_o outward_a preservation_n here_o as_o the_o text_n seem_v to_o intend_v it_o then_o much_o more_o of_o our_o preservation_n from_o sin_n and_o error_n that_o though_o we_o do_v fall_v yet_o not_o final_o for_o ever_o and_o psal_n 125.1_o they_o which_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v like_o mount_n zion_n which_o can_v be_v remove_v but_o stand_v fast_o for_o ever_o and_o this_o be_v clear_v by_o our_o saviour_n own_o mouth_n matth._n 16.18_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o overcome_v it_o he_o say_v not_o shall_v not_o touch_v it_o but_o only_o not_o overcome_v it_o and_o psal_n 102._o last_o verse_n the_o child_n of_o thy_o servant_n shall_v continue_v and_o their_o seed_n shall_v stand_v fast_o in_o thy_o sight_n so_o then_o the_o church_n militant_a though_o haply_o it_o do_v fall_v fundamental_o and_o obstinate_o yet_o it_o can_v fall_v final_o and_o general_o the_o reason_n first_o it_o be_v christ_n promise_n that_o the_o reas_n 1_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o overcome_v it_o matth._n 16.18_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n this_o be_v sufficient_a reas_n 2_o but_o second_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o rock_n mat._n 16.8_o and_o therefore_o can_v fall_v matth._n 7.25_o reas_n 3_o three_o christ_n god_n and_o man_n knit_v and_o unite_v we_o and_o if_o god_n knit_v the_o knot_n who_o shall_v unknit_v it_o reas_n 4_o four_o chirst_n pray_v for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v not_o fall_v luk._n 22.23_o and_o he_o can_v be_v deny_v reas_n 5_o five_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n love_n he_o admit_v none_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n militant_a but_o who_o he_o love_v now_o who_o god_n love_v once_o he_o love_v to_o the_o end_n john_n 13._o reas_n 6_o six_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v another_o reason_n of_o it_o joh._n 16.13_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v continual_o present_a with_o they_o enlighten_v quicken_a direct_n persuade_v and_o reclaim_v they_o from_o sin_n and_o error_n whereunto_o if_o we_o add_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o all_o matter_n both_o for_o life_n and_o doctrine_n what_o other_o direction_n can_v we_o have_v or_o how_o can_v we_o err_v final_o and_o general_o reas_n 7_o the_o last_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o god_n love_n and_o care_n of_o his_o own_o heavenly_a truth_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o believe_v at_o all_o it_o be_v much_o disparage_v and_o if_o it_o be_v believe_v any_o where_o then_o sure_o it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n therefore_o still_o the_o truth_n be_v alive_a at_o least_o in_o some_o of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o church_n can_v fall_v final_o and_o general_o for_o then_o the_o truth_n must_v fall_v too_o use_v the_o use_n be_v these_o the_o first_o use_n be_v for_o matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o the_o faithful_a that_o howsoever_o if_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o ourselves_o we_o be_v weak_a and_o dark_a and_o blind_a prone_a to_o sin_n and_o error_n and_o untoward_a to_o grace_v and_o goodness_n yet_o we_o see_v god_n grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o keep_v we_o in_o his_o holy_a faith_n unto_o the_o end_n it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o regard_n of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v like_o silly_a sheep_n ready_a to_o be_v a_o prey_n to_o the_o bear_n and_o the_o wolf_n yet_o we_o have_v a_o heavenly_a shepherd_n our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o he_o have_v still_o a_o eye_n on_o we_o and_o look_n after_o we_o and_o rather_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v quite_o lose_v he_o will_v bring_v we_o home_o on_o his_o own_o shoulder_n luke_n 15._o satan_n may_v and_o do_v seek_v to_o devour_v we_o and_o to_o swallow_v we_o up_o quick_a but_o god_n have_v set_v he_o his_o stint_n so_o that_o neither_o altogether_o nor_o for_o ever_o he_o can_v prevail_v against_o we_o john_n 10.28.29_o christ_n know_v his_o sheep_n and_o he_o will_v give_v they_o eterternall_a life_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v etc._n etc._n if_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o point_n god_n will_v reveal_v it_o if_o we_o be_v doubtful_a god_n will_v resolve_v it_o if_o we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n he_o will_v admonish_v and_o reclaim_v we_o we_o shall_v hear_v a_o voice_n behind_o we_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o etc._n etc._n isaiah_n 30.21_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o reproof_n of_o the_o papist_n and_o use_v 2_o lutheran_n which_o hold_v that_o the_o very_o choose_a may_v fall_v away_o and_o that_o final_o which_o can_v be_v hold_v without_o blasphemy_n for_o by_o this_o they_o wrong_v god_n make_v his_o election_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a casual_a thing_n depend_v on_o man_n goodness_n and_o perseverance_n therein_o so_o likewise_o it_o be_v a_o exceed_a wrong_n to_o the_o faithful_a for_o if_o they_o may_v
as_o sometime_o they_o do_v then_o be_v their_o doctrine_n vain_a and_o to_o be_v reject_v mark_v 7_o 7_o 8._o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v so_o long_o as_o they_o go_v according_a to_o god_n word_n but_o when_o they_o swerve_v from_o that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v believe_v esa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o except_o they_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v but_o dark_a and_o blind_a guide_n no_o light_n in_o they_o at_o all_o and_o that_o which_o be_v pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a matth._n 18.17_o be_v direct_o understand_v of_o church_n censure_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o simple_o authentical_a in_o themselves_o but_o as_o they_o be_v proceed_v in_o christ_n name_n ver._n 20._o that_o be_v according_a to_o his_o order_n else_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o it_o john_n 9.34_o their_o last_o position_n be_v this_o position_n 3_o which_o be_v direct_o against_o this_o observation_n namely_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n answer_v in_o which_o gross_a assertion_n they_o first_o it_o dishonour_n god_n exceed_o as_o who_o shall_v say_v man_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o god_n at_o least_o that_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v believe_v but_o because_o of_o man_n beside_o whence_o have_v the_o scripture_n its_o authority_n in_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o from_o god_n or_o man_n sure_o from_o god_n he_o be_v the_o author_n himself_o of_o scripture_n 2._o timothy_n 3.16_o every_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n than_o it_o must_v have_v its_o authority_n from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o again_o who_o give_v we_o faith_n the_o church_n no_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n john_n 6.29_o therefore_o that_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v scripture_n or_o any_o book_n of_o it_o to_o be_v scripture_n it_o be_v whole_o from_o god_n himself_o who_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o to_o believe_v it_o well_o ob_fw-la say_v they_o it_o be_v of_o god_n indeed_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v their_o authority_n but_o yet_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o propound_v witness_n thereof_o but_o not_o as_o indue_a it_o with_o authority_n for_o that_o be_v from_o god_n alone_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n to_o he_o to_o give_v any_o part_n of_o it_o to_o any_o other_o second_o as_o it_o dishonour_v god_n so_o it_o disgrace_v the_o scripture_n make_v they_o inferior_a to_o the_o church_n whereas_o indeed_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n and_o subiect_v they_o to_o the_o arbitrement_n of_o man_n whereas_o all_o our_o faith_n and_o discern_a and_o thought_n be_v to_o be_v frame_v by_o direction_n from_o scripture_n ob._n but_o they_o except_v and_o say_v it_o be_v no_o disgrace_n to_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o advance_a no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v to_o christ_n that_o his_o apostle_n give_v witness_v to_o he_o answer_v i_o answer_v yes_o for_o they_o make_v the_o church_n above_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o case_n but_o the_o apostle_n be_v witness_n of_o christ_n as_o his_o underling_n and_o disciple_n they_o reply_v reply_n but_o the_o protestant_n do_v magnify_v every_o one_o himself_o as_o much_o as_o we_o do_v the_o church_n answer_n i_o answer_v no_o for_o every_o one_o of_o we_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o right_n because_o we_o go_v by_o the_o right_a rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o church_n go_v by_o that_o rule_n we_o will_v follow_v she_o as_o soon_o yea_o soon_o than_o any_o particular_a man_n three_o this_o weaken_v and_o indeed_o overthrow_v religion_n set_v it_o upon_o man_n a_o ground_n weakeand_a insufficient_a whereas_o religion_n must_v stand_v upon_o divine_a authority_n else_o it_o be_v not_o sound_a four_o it_o spoil_v the_o faithful_a of_o their_o sure_a comfort_n which_o be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o not_o man_n five_o it_o bereave_v the_o church_n of_o her_o main_a hold_n and_o defence_n against_o the_o adversary_n for_o while_o she_o say_v the_o religion_n which_o she_o profess_v be_v true_a because_o she_o say_v so_o herself_o she_o lay_v herself_o open_a to_o the_o scoff_n &_o insultation_n of_o the_o adversary_n for_o by_o that_o reason_n every_o religion_n will_v be_v a_o true_a religion_n see_v the_o professor_n thereof_o will_v say_v it_o be_v true_a as_o well_o and_o as_o confident_o as_o the_o church_n whereas_o if_o she_o say_v her_o religion_n be_v true_a because_o god_n say_v so_o in_o his_o word_n and_o so_o prove_v it_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o stop_v their_o mouth_n or_o else_o to_o leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o instruction_n teach_v we_o how_o to_o carry_v both_o ourselves_o towards_o the_o church_n and_o towards_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v with_o a_o even_a hand_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o tribute_n money_n give_v unto_o caesar_n that_o which_o be_v caesar_n and_o unto_o god_n that_o which_o be_v god_n scripture_n so_o must_v we_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o which_o be_v the_o church_n and_o unto_o the_o scripture_n that_o which_o be_v the_o scripture_n first_o esteem_v of_o the_o scripture_n as_o god_n own_o word_n 2_o pet._n 1.21_o 22._o able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n and_o perfect_a to_o every_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16_o 17_o second_o church_n esteem_v of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o pillar_n that_o be_v as_o the_o keeper_n and_o uphoulder_n of_o the_o truth_n 1._o tim._n 3.16_o not_o that_o light_n but_o a_o witness_n of_o that_o light_n john_n 1.8_o she_o be_v to_o inquire_v search_n propound_v expound_v pronounce_v teach_v approve_v &_o judge_v according_a to_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o not_o otherwise_o she_o be_v as_o the_o woman_n of_o samariah_n that_o propound_v the_o messiah_n to_o the_o man_n of_o the_o city_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o he_o but_o when_o they_o hear_v he_o they_o say_v now_o we_o believe_v not_o for_o thy_o say_n but_o we_o have_v hear_v he_o ourselves_o and_o know_v that_o this_o be_v indeed_o that_o christ_n john_n 4.42_o so_o the_o church_n propound_v and_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o scripture_n but_o when_o we_o look_v into_o it_o and_o hear_v it_o speak_v than_o we_o believe_v but_o you_o will_v say_v scripture_n how_o then_o do_v we_o know_v which_o be_v scripture_n or_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o the_o content_n therein_o be_v true_a and_o of_o god_n i_o answer_v first_o we_o shall_v know_v it_o from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v know_v by_o his_o own_o light_n so_o the_o scripture_n be_v know_v by_o their_o own_o light_n god_n speak_v and_o shine_v in_o the_o scripture_n do_v we_o then_o believe_v the_o scripture_n because_o the_o church_n say_v they_o be_v scripture_n no_o but_o because_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o say_v so_o 2_o tim._n 3.16_o second_o we_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n work_v in_o we_o together_o with_o the_o word_n and_o persuade_v we_o that_o they_o be_v true_a 1_o john_n 5.6_o three_o they_o be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o the_o miracle_n whereby_o they_o be_v first_o confirm_v john_n 20.30_o 31._o four_o we_o know_v they_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n scripture_n that_o be_v that_o congregation_n that_o true_o profess_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o first_o not_o every_o company_n that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o church_n but_o profess_v the_o save_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o second_o not_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n say_v be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o that_o which_o she_o say_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o three_o that_o which_o be_v so_o believe_v be_v not_o chief_o to_o be_v believe_v because_o she_o say_v so_o but_o in_o a_o second_o place_n aftre_fw-la the_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o four_a not_o formal_o or_o essential_o but_o instrumental_o as_o a_o outward_a instrument_n only_o five_o and_o that_o which_o she_o do_v say_v so_o she_o speak_v not_o infallible_o but_o with_o some_o fayling_n error_n and_o imperfection_n man_n corruption_n still_o betray_v its_o self_n even_o when_o he_o be_v much_o enlighten_v sixthly_a that_o which_o she_o speak_v without_o error_n be_v not_o absolute_o to_o be_v believe_v because_o the_o church_n say_v it_o but_o conditional_o because_o she_o speak_v according_a
to_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n there_o must_v be_v a_o persuasion_n in_o we_o that_o the_o word_n be_v of_o god_n else_o there_o be_v no_o profit_n by_o it_o 1_o thessa_n 2.3.2_o peter_n 1.19_o 20._o 2_o tim._n 3.16_o and_o therefore_o still_o the_o preface_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v verbum_fw-la domini_fw-la and_o so_o much_o shall_v seve_o to_o be_v speak_v concern_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o four_o and_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n you_o have_v hear_v how_o it_o extend_v itself_o to_o person_n and_o thing_n for_o so_o we_o divide_v it_o for_o our_o more_o easy_a proceed_n in_o the_o point_n that_o which_o concern_v person_n we_o have_v already_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o church_n have_v power_n we_o have_v enter_v into_o and_o show_v that_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n or_o matter_n of_o substance_n the_o church_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o substance_n be_v either_o in_o matter_n touch_v scripture_n or_o beside_o scripture_n touch_v scripture_n and_o that_o i_o show_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o touch_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n we_o speak_v in_o the_o last_o lecture_n therein_o now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o long_o in_o handle_v because_o look_v what_o be_v want_v in_o the_o former_a point_n shall_v be_v here_o supply_v touch_v this_o point_n what_o authority_n the_o church_n have_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v as_o material_a and_o as_o difficult_a a_o point_n as_o the_o former_a first_o as_o material_a for_o after_o we_o be_v make_v acquaint_v which_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n so_o that_o we_o know_v which_o be_v canonical_a book_n write_v by_o the_o infallible_a direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o every_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o god_n we_o be_v still_o as_o far_o to_o seek_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o before_o till_o we_o proceed_v further_o and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o letter_n as_o the_o sense_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o bare_a write_a word_n as_o the_o right_a meaning_n and_o understand_v of_o that_o which_o be_v write_v that_o what_o a_o man_n say_v be_v his_o speech_n indeed_o in_o common_a acceptation_n 1._o but_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o take_v in_o the_o sense_n he_o mean_v it_o he_o will_v and_o may_v just_o disclaim_v as_o none_o of_o his_o speech_n a_o man_n meaning_n be_v contain_v in_o his_o word_n as_o the_o thing_n signify_v in_o the_o sign_n because_o word_n be_v the_o signification_n of_o our_o meaning_n but_o the_o subject_n of_o they_o wherein_o it_o proper_o rest_v and_o be_v seat_v be_v the_o breast_n of_o the_o speaker_n so_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o sign_n whereby_o god_n signify_v his_o meaning_n but_o the_o subject_n of_o they_o wherein_o proper_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o rest_n be_v in_o god_n himself_o so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o material_a point_n to_o be_v know_v second_o it_o be_v as_o difficult_a a_o point_n as_o the_o former_a for_o after_o we_o hear_v which_o be_v the_o right_a letter_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v as_o difficult_a to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o right_a sense_n as_o before_o it_o be_v to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o right_a letter_n for_o the_o same_o word_n sometime_o have_v diverse_a signification_n and_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sentence_n may_v be_v understand_v many_o way_n and_o diverse_a man_n be_v of_o diverse_a mind_n expound_v one_o and_o the_o same_o scripture_n diverse_a way_n every_o man_n abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n the_o true_a believer_n expound_v it_o to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_a faith_n the_o heretic_n to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o his_o heresy_n yea_o among_o and_o true_a believer_n themselves_o one_o interpret_v the_o same_o word_n to_o that_o opinion_n that_o he_o favour_v and_o another_o to_o a_o contrary_n that_o he_o favour_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n the_o church_n be_v here_o thrust_v upon_o we_o as_o the_o only_a or_o chief_a umpyre_n in_o these_o difference_n and_o that_o alone_o to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n which_o she_o pronounce_v and_o sure_o i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o the_o church_n may_v as_o probable_o and_o plausible_o challenge_v authority_n to_o deliver_v which_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n as_o which_o be_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n we_o have_v give_v the_o church_n her_o due_a touch_v the_o former_a acknowledge_v her_o authority_n in_o and_o about_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n but_o not_o over_o or_o above_o it_o and_o so_o god_n willing_a we_o will_v deal_v as_o ingenurous_o in_o this_o concern_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o yet_o we_o will_v limit_v and_o bound_v it_o within_o certain_a necessary_a caution_n and_o limitation_n and_o that_o we_o may_v do_v so_o we_o will_v handle_v it_o by_o way_n of_o observation_n the_o observation_n be_v this_o doct._n that_o howsoever_o the_o church_n have_v great_a authority_n in_o expound_v scripture_n yet_o she_o must_v not_o expound_v it_o as_o she_o list_v and_o according_a to_o her_o own_o mind_n but_o according_a to_o god_n mind_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o say_v some_o the_o church_n will_v not_o nor_o can_v expound_v they_o ob._n but_o according_a to_o god_n mind_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o needless_a observation_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o catholic_a church_n that_o be_v answer_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o faithful_a can_v do_v otherwise_o but_o particular_a visible_a church_n may_v and_o oft_o time_n have_v expound_v scripture_n to_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o not_o according_a to_o god_n mind_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v reason_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v thus_o bound_v and_o limit_v we_o will_v proceed_v then_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o observation_n and_o first_o i_o will_v prove_v it_o by_o rule_n and_o second_o by_o example_n the_o rule_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a for_o this_o note_n and_o that_o first_o in_o general_n isaiah_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n &_o to_o the_o testimony_n etc._n etc._n whosoever_o be_v the_o speaker_n and_o whatsoever_o he_o speak_v in_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o special_o in_o expound_v scripture_n it_o must_v be_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o meaning_n that_o god_n intend_v therein_o and_o so_o in_o the_o 1_o peter_n 4.11_o the_o apostle_n say_v let_v he_o that_o speak_v speak_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o god_n sense_n as_o in_o general_a all_o must_v thus_o speak_v god_n word_n so_o special_o the_o preacher_n or_o whosoever_o that_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o expound_v god_n word_n he_o must_v speak_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o only_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o reverent_o and_o zealous_o as_o become_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o for_o the_o matter_n much_o more_o that_o be_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o god_n himself_o have_v speak_v it_o as_o he_o be_v then_o in_o god_n stead_n and_o deliver_v his_o message_n else_o he_o speak_v his_o own_o word_n not_o god_n second_o more_o particular_o john_n 5_o 39_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v our_o saviour_n he_o do_v not_o bide_v they_o take_v the_o scripture_n and_o read_v they_o and_o give_v what_o sense_n of_o they_o they_o think_v good_a but_o he_o bid_v they_o search_v they_o that_o be_v examine_v they_o and_o consider_v advise_o of_o they_o lay_v they_o right_o together_o &_o weigh_v one_o place_n well_o with_o another_o and_o make_v diligent_a inquiry_n after_o the_o sense_n &_o reach_v that_o god_n intend_v in_o they_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o be_v first_o witness_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o that_o they_o be_v help_n to_o eternal_a life_n see_v it_o yet_o more_o near_o rom._n 12.6_o let_v we_o prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n whereby_o prophecy_n be_v express_o mean_v interpretation_n of_o scripture_n for_o so_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14.3.31_o and_o that_o be_v to_o be_v frame_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n or_o analogy_n of_o faith_n which_o whether_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o faith_n contain_v in_o the_o creed_n or_o of_o the_o measure_n of_o faith_n that_o god_n have_v endue_v we_o with_o all_o yet_o still_o
it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o that_o faith_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o square_v of_o all_o interpretation_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 2_o peter_n 1.20_o no_o pprophecy_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n etc._n etc._n where_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v name_v and_o all_o private_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n exclude_v now_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o private_a interpretation_n it_o be_v explain_v by_o the_o opposition_n vers_fw-la 21._o but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o every_o interpretation_n be_v forbid_v and_o condemn_v as_o ptivate_v that_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o speak_v in_o scripture_n and_o see_v it_o fall_v in_o right_a with_o the_o observation_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n second_o the_o example_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v plain_a for_o this_o nehem_n 8.7.8_o the_o text_n say_v they_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o give_v the_o sense_n etc._n etc._n not_o that_o they_o do_v give_v a_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o but_o they_o give_v that_o sense_n that_o the_o lord_n himself_o therein_o intend_v and_o so_o cause_v they_o to_o understand_v it_o so_o in_o act._n 8.34_o 35._o the_o eunuch_n read_v that_o place_n esa_fw-la 53._o he_o be_v lead_v as_o a_o sheep_n to_o the_o slaughter_n etc._n etc._n he_o ask_v philip_n whether_o the_o prophet_n speak_v this_o of_o himself_o or_o of_o some_o other_o acknowledge_v thereby_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n himself_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n that_o he_o must_v go_v by_o in_o expound_v the_o prophet_n and_o act._n 17.11_o the_o berean_n take_v not_o the_o apostle_n word_n no_o far_o than_o it_o be_v consonant_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o same_o rule_n luke_n 24.27_o he_o expound_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o they_o that_o be_v he_o do_v plain_o deliver_v their_o meaning_n for_o that_o be_v the_o right_a office_n of_o a_o interpreter_n as_o when_o two_o speak_v together_o be_v of_o a_o strange_a language_n the_o interpreter_n be_v to_o tell_v what_o each_o of_o they_o mean_v and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a office_n that_o the_o church_n have_v concern_v scripture_n to_o interpret_v they_o she_o be_v then_o to_o give_v no_o other_o sense_n of_o they_o but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o this_o be_v true_a preach_n and_o this_o do_v our_o saviour_n luke_n 4.17.21_o he_o open_v the_o book_n and_o read_v in_o it_o and_o then_o expound_v it_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o reason_n be_v these_o reas_n 1_o first_o what_o the_o church_n do_v according_a to_o her_o own_o will_n not_o follow_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o do_v it_o as_o natural_a man_n for_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v spiritual_a so_o far_o they_o follow_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o deny_v themselves_o now_o the_o natural_a man_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n rom._n 8.7_o and_o when_o peter_n confess_v aright_o that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n flesh_n and_o blood_n do_v not_o reveal_v this_o unto_o he_o matth._n 16.17_o and_o therefore_o if_o so_o be_v they_o will_v find_v out_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n they_o must_v not_o consult_v with_o themselves_o but_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n reas_n 2_o second_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n afford_v every_o man_n to_o interpret_v his_o own_o word_n accord_v to_o his_o own_o meaning_n special_o he_o that_o make_v law_n be_v to_o expound_v they_o and_o be_v not_o the_o scripture_n god_n own_o word_n and_o be_v not_o he_o the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n therein_o contain_v and_o shall_v we_o scantle_v god_n of_o that_o in_o this_o kind_n which_o be_v due_a to_o every_o man_n in_o the_o like_a kind_n shall_v every_o man_n expound_v his_o own_o word_n and_o interpret_v the_o law_n he_o make_v according_a to_o his_o own_o meaning_n and_o shall_v not_o god_n do_v so_o much_o more_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n reason_n for_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n 2_o pet._n 1.20_o 21._o where_o he_o say_v that_o no_o pprophecy_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v god_n word_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v interpret_v after_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o it_o may_v as_o just_o be_v apply_v to_o all_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o prophet_n because_o they_o be_v all_o of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o all_o give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n therefore_o god_n be_v to_o expound_v they_o reas_n 3_o three_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o outward_a and_o carnal_a thing_n because_o they_o be_v of_o god_n therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v proceed_v and_o deal_v in_o after_o his_o will_n and_o not_o our_o own_o the_o judgement_n that_o man_n give_v be_v not_o his_o own_o but_o it_o be_v god_n judgement_n as_o jehosaphat_n say_v to_o the_o judge_n in_o the_o 2_o chron._n 19.6_o 7._o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o civil_a thing_n that_o the_o judge_n must_v do_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o god_n will_v have_v he_o to_o do_v because_o it_o be_v god_n judgement_n much_o more_o in_o religious_a judgement_n as_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o for_o the_o life_n of_o natural_a reason_n be_v far_o more_o clear_a in_o the_o other_o than_o these_o yea_o the_o lord_n himself_o quote_v they_o both_o together_o in_o this_o case_n limit_v both_o alike_o deut._n 17.8_o to_o the_o 11._o if_o a_o controversy_n arise_v they_o must_v go_v unto_o the_o priest_n and_o unto_o the_o judge_n and_o what_o they_o inform_v according_a to_o the_o law_n that_o they_o must_v do_v reas_n 4_o four_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n now_o the_o wife_n must_v be_v advise_v by_o her_o husband_n and_o not_o run_v on_o she_o own_o head_n so_o they_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o to_o follow_v the_o shepherd_n voice_n and_o not_o to_o go_v before_o it_o frame_v it_o to_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o the_o church_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n no_o further_o but_o as_o follow_v god_n word_n john_n 14.26_o reas_n 5_o five_o the_o church_n have_v err_v and_o that_o most_o dangerous_o in_o interpret_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o be_v when_o they_o neglect_v to_o observe_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o mind_n and_o therefore_o her_o own_o woeful_a experience_n may_v teach_v she_o this_o wisdom_n reas_n 6_o sixthly_a by_o this_o mean_v the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v and_o be_v occasional_o the_o author_n of_o all_o heresy_n for_o whence_o have_v they_o spring_v but_o from_o hence_o that_o man_n have_v take_v the_o scripture_n and_o misinterpret_v they_o in_o favour_n of_o their_o own_o opinion_n yea_o but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o church_n that_o particular_a man_n have_v do_v this_o yes_o for_o if_o they_o may_v do_v it_o why_o not_o the_o other_o and_o these_o very_a heretic_n be_v of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o do_v thus_o misinterpret_v the_o scripture_n reas_n 7_o seventhly_a by_o this_o mean_n the_o church_n shall_v be_v find_v contrary_a or_o at_o least_o diverse_a from_o herself_o two_o several_a church_n expound_v the_o same_o scripture_n two_o contrary_a way_n yea_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n expound_v the_o same_o scripture_n now_o one_o way_n and_o now_o another_o way_n reas_n 8_o eight_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n to_o handle_v the_o word_n deceitful_o make_v merchandise_n of_o it_o turn_v it_o to_o their_o own_o and_o other_o man_n affection_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o 2_o cor._n 2.17_o and_o 4.2_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n and_o god_n minister_n do_v otherwise_o they_o make_v god_n meaning_n plain_a in_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n to_o misapply_v scripture_n wrest_v it_o to_o error_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3.16_o so_o they_o allege_v it_o quite_o against_o the_o meaning_n of_o god_n as_o satan_n do_v math._n 4_o 6._o last_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o
follow_v they_o not_o they_o break_v their_o oath_n what_o a_o snare_n do_v these_o man_n entangle_v themselves_o in_o last_o if_o they_o shall_v never_o err_v yet_o to_o swear_v to_o the_o word_n of_o man_n be_v to_o enthral_v our_o conscience_n to_o man_n which_o the_o lord_n alone_o be_v to_o have_v the_o command_n thereof_o dissent_n the_o last_o practice_n of_o they_o here_o reprove_v be_v that_o when_o the_o church_n dissent_v they_o rely_v final_o on_o the_o judgement_n of_o counsel_n and_o pope_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o they_o be_v all_o but_o man_n and_o may_v err_v yea_o and_o have_v err_v one_o of_o they_o cross_v that_o which_o another_o have_v hold_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o tie_v the_o scripture_n to_o man_n humour_n no_o let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n let_v god_n word_n expound_v itself_o and_o let_v not_o we_o tie_v it_o to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o man_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o many_o never_o so_o holy_a so_o learned_a so_o painful_a or_o so_o great_a in_o the_o church_n for_o that_o may_v be_v true_o say_v of_o counsel_n and_o father_n and_o without_o disgrace_n to_o the_o best_a of_o they_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o john_n baptist_n john_n 1.9_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o light_n but_o man_n that_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o light_n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o instruction_n to_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n for_o now_o that_o we_o have_v overthrow_v the_o error_n of_o the_o adversary_n we_o must_v set_v up_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o teach_v we_o wariness_n and_o care_n and_o conscience_n in_o meddle_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o sense_n thereof_o for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o god_n be_v dishonour_v when_o his_o word_n be_v mistake_v and_o belie_v when_o it_o be_v false_o interpret_v and_o we_o must_v know_v that_o god_n be_v make_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n and_o heresy_n when_o his_o word_n be_v pervert_v to_o the_o maintenance_n thereof_o and_o god_n himself_o be_v subject_v to_o man_n when_o man_n presume_v of_o himself_o to_o expound_v or_o to_o tie_v his_o meaning_n to_o other_o man_n interpretation_n brief_o it_o be_v light_n life_n and_o salvation_n if_o it_o be_v understand_v and_o believe_v aright_o else_o it_o be_v death_n and_o destruction_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_n look_v well_o about_o we_o in_o meddle_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o sense_n thereof_o and_o carry_v ourselves_o wary_o careful_o and_o conscionable_o therein_o and_o that_o first_o in_o admit_v the_o exposition_n of_o other_o second_o in_o make_v exposition_n of_o our_o own_o first_o in_o admit_v the_o exposition_n of_o other_o we_o must_v not_o altogether_o look_v into_o they_o with_o other_o man_n eye_n but_o with_o our_o own_o 1._o we_o be_v not_o to_o take_v any_o exposition_n upon_o any_o man_n or_o any_o church_n bare_a word_n but_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v their_o ground_n and_o their_o reason_n whereby_o they_o be_v maintain_v but_o some_o may_v say_v if_o i_o examine_v their_o ground_n i_o make_v myself_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o be_v i_o not_o as_o good_a rest_n on_o the_o church_n judgement_n as_o my_o own_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o if_o i_o do_v thus_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o proper_o censure_v the_o scripture_n but_o their_o ground_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o any_o church_n or_o any_o of_o the_o faithful_a may_v judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v as_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o and_o follow_v it_o three_o i_o say_v we_o rest_v neither_o on_o our_o own_o judgement_n nor_o on_o the_o church_n but_o on_o the_o scripture_n and_o when_o the_o church_n judge_v according_a to_o they_o we_o must_v willing_o embrace_v it_o if_o she_o dissent_v from_o they_o we_o may_v and_o must_v make_v bold_a to_o dissent_v from_o she_o we_o have_v a_o excellent_a example_n in_o this_o case_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o exposition_n 18._o in_o that_o holy_a father_n austin_n who_o find_v a_o interpetation_n of_o cyprian_n a_o holy_a man_n too_o not_o so_o well_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o another_o of_o liconius_n a_o heretic_n on_o the_o same_o text_n more_o agreeable_a thereto_o refuse_v cyprian_n exposition_n though_o otherwise_o he_o great_o reverence_v he_o and_o receive_v that_o of_o liconius_n though_o otherwise_o he_o know_v he_o to_o be_v out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n and_o say_v pardon_v i_o cyprian_a i_o must_v leave_v thou_o here_o and_o take_v liconius_n exposition_n not_o because_o it_o be_v he_o but_o because_o it_o be_v god_n this_o be_v a_o ingenuous_a practice_n and_o this_o we_o must_v follow_v we_o must_v look_v into_o other_o man_n exposition_n with_o our_o own_o eye_n and_o examine_v their_o ground_n and_o that_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n second_o scripture_n in_o frame_v exposition_n of_o our_o own_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o scripture_n to_o seek_v the_o sense_n hereof_o we_o must_v not_o come_v as_o lord_n to_o command_v but_o as_o servant_n to_o obey_v not_o as_o master_n to_o teach_v what_o we_o will_v have_v it_o say_v but_o as_o scholar_n to_o learn_v what_o itself_o do_v say_v not_o as_o the_o speaker_n but_o as_o the_o interpreter_n to_o take_v that_o which_o be_v speak_v to_o our_o hand_n and_o that_o we_o may_v walk_v upright_o herein_o and_o take_v such_o a_o course_n as_o be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o worthy_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o beneficial_a and_o comfortable_a to_o ourselves_o let_v we_o be_v rule_v by_o these_o direction_n they_o be_v very_o pithy_a &_o he_o that_o be_v rule_v by_o they_o god_n will_v reveal_v his_o meaning_n to_o they_o so_o far_o as_o shall_v be_v for_o their_o salvation_n 7._o there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o before_o we_o come_v to_o expound_v the_o scripture_n and_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o exposition_n of_o it_o and_o some_o rule_v we_o be_v to_o observe_v after_o it_o i_o labour_v to_o make_v this_o point_n plain_a because_o it_o be_v a_o main_a difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n and_o also_o because_o that_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o can_v be_v save_v first_o than_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v these_o direction_n before_o we_o take_v the_o scripture_n in_o hand_n and_o that_o be_v first_o we_o must_v go_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n we_o must_v begin_v with_o god_n that_o he_o may_v begin_v with_o we_o and_o go_v on_o with_o we_o and_o lead_v we_o safe_a through_o to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o business_n pray_v with_o david_n psal_n 119.18_o lord_n open_a my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wonder_n of_o thy_o law_n pray_v for_o light_n and_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o illumination_n of_o he_o that_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n james_n 1.17_o for_o thyself_o be_v darkness_n and_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o wisdom_n james_n 1.5_o for_o all_o thy_o own_o wit_n in_o this_o case_n be_v foolishness_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v present_a with_o we_o and_o effectual_a unto_o we_o to_o instruct_v direct_v quicken_v and_o teach_v we_o for_o that_o which_o be_v in_o we_o be_v but_o flesh_n and_o nature_n and_o the_o natural_a man_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.14_o and_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o thou_o shall_v be_v hear_v and_o find_v good_a success_n for_o thou_o have_v god_n promise_n for_o it_o james_n 1.5_o if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o luke_n 11.13_o the_o second_o rule_n we_o must_v be_v direct_v by_o herein_o be_v this_o we_o must_v have_v a_o reverend_a affection_n and_o conscionable_a respect_n to_o the_o word_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v god_n own_o voice_n one_o of_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n a_o most_o precious_a jewel_n bestow_v on_o the_o church_n touch_v it_o not_o with_o unwashen_n hand_n with_o unprepared_a heart_n handle_v it_o reverent_o religious_o and_o chary_o if_o we_o do_v thus_o nothing_o shall_v be_v more_o profitable_a unto_o we_o it_o shall_v be_v life_n and_o salvation_n if_o not_o nothing_o shall_v be_v more_o dangerous_a to_o we_o it_o shall_v be_v death_n and_o destruction_n 2_o cor._n 2.16_o three_o be_v not_o forestalled_n by_o prejudice_n that_o be_v dote_v not_o upon_o some_o conceit_n and_o be_v not_o wed_v to_o thy_o own_o opinion_n for_o this_o will_v prevent_v we_o of_o all_o the_o good_a that_o otherwise_o we_o may_v receive_v by_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v a_o example_n of_o this_o in_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o
messiah_n because_o he_o be_v so_o base_a and_o so_o mean_a in_o his_o outward_a estate_n and_o thereby_o they_o be_v so_o blind_v that_o see_v they_o do_v not_o see_v that_o be_v though_o the_o matter_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o every_o one_o that_o have_v any_o eye_n may_v see_v it_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o the_o four_o rule_n that_o we_o must_v be_v direct_v by_o before_o we_o come_v to_o expound_v scripture_n be_v this_o we_o must_v bring_v humility_n with_o we_o humbleness_n of_o heart_n lay_v down_o our_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o be_v fashion_v and_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o shape_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v teach_v for_o to_o such_o the_o promise_n of_o teach_v be_v make_v psal_n 25.9_o he_o will_v teach_v the_o humble_a his_o way_n empty_v thyself_o that_o thou_o may_v receive_v of_o his_o fullness_n deny_v thyself_o that_o god_n may_v teach_v thou_o and_o become_v a_o fool_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v make_v wise_a five_o we_o must_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o after_o the_o food_n of_o thy_o soul_n without_o which_o it_o will_v starve_v and_o die_v for_o ever_o and_o then_o thou_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v matth._n 5.6_o six_o we_o must_v be_v sure_o we_o have_v a_o good_a mark_n to_o aim_v at_o when_o we_o come_v to_o handle_v the_o scripture_n namely_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o find_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n not_o to_o know_v it_o only_o but_o to_o live_v by_o it_o that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v we_o must_v say_v lord_n it_o be_v thy_o face_n we_o seek_v and_o thy_o glory_n we_o aymeat_n and_o this_o be_v the_o end_n that_o god_n himself_o aim_v at_o in_o the_o tender_a of_o the_o scripture_n to_o thou_o and_o therefore_o if_o thou_o set_v the_o same_o end_n before_o thou_o god_n will_v sure_o assist_v and_o bless_v thou_o according_o last_o before_o we_o come_v to_o handle_v the_o scripture_n we_o must_v look_v well_o unto_o ourselves_o and_o mark_v and_o examine_v our_o own_o ability_n and_o gift_n and_o attempt_v not_o high_o than_o thou_o can_v reach_v without_o strain_v too_o much_o for_o many_o strive_v to_o reach_v high_a than_o their_o strength_n and_o ability_n will_v reach_v unto_o have_v overreach_v themselves_o and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o to_o rome_n 12.3.4_o let_v no_o man_n presume_v to_o understand_v above_o that_o which_o be_v meet_v itself_o but_o that_o he_o understand_v according_a to_o sobriety_n as_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o faith_n second_o in_o the_o business_n itself_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v first_o we_o must_v take_v the_o scripture_n and_o read_v it_o and_o consider_v and_o observe_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n and_o the_o consistence_n of_o it_o with_o the_o word_n go_v before_o and_o follow_v after_o and_o compare_v sense_n with_o sense_n and_o phrase_n with_o phrase_n and_o if_o thy_o skill_n can_v reach_v so_o far_o go_v to_o the_o original_n and_o thus_o do_v thou_o shall_v see_v the_o sense_n arise_v from_o the_o word_n sensible_o as_o water_n out_o of_o the_o fountain_n yea_o but_o say_v the_o papist_n the_o scripture_n be_v hard_a and_o contain_v dark_a speech_n high_a matter_n and_o doubtful_a word_n how_o can_v the_o unlearned_a then_o expound_v they_o i_o answer_v first_o for_o fundamental_a point_n that_o concern_v our_o salvation_n they_o be_v most_o plain_a to_o every_o man_n understanding_n that_o be_v either_o in_o the_o same_o place_n as_o most_o common_o it_o be_v or_o at_o least_o in_o other_o place_n as_o always_o we_o find_v it_o the_o lord_n still_o confirm_v every_o truth_n by_o the_o ●outh_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n other_o point_n also_o be_v plain_a enough_o for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o a_o proportionable_a capacity_n i_o say_v not_o to_o every_o capacity_n but_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o matter_n concern_v salvation_n be_v plain_a enough_o in_o scripture_n that_o be_v enough_o but_o say_v they_o if_o you_o tie_v we_o to_o this_o rule_n to_o seek_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n by_o scripture_n you_o do_v but_o as_o heretic_n use_v to_o do_v and_o yet_o they_o have_v miss_v the_o right_a sense_n of_o scripture_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a but_o that_o have_v be_v their_o own_o fault_n the_o fault_n have_v not_o be_v in_o the_o duty_n it_o be_v in_o this_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n many_o pray_v but_o they_o pray_v amiss_o as_o s._n james_n say_v spirit_n shall_v not_o we_o pray_v because_o of_o that_o the_o second_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o do_v in_o this_o action_n be_v this_o we_o must_v go_v and_o consult_v with_o god_n spirit_n who_o understand_v they_o and_o best_a know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o they_o 1_o cor._n 2.11.14_o 16._o and_o therefore_o consult_v with_o he_o and_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n too_o this_o be_v true_a say_v they_o but_o how_o shall_v we_o consult_v with_o god_n spirit_n i_o answer_v we_o must_v do_v it_o by_o prayer_n and_o heavenly_a meditation_n the_o spirit_n be_v by_o name_n christ_n substitute_n on_o earth_n for_o this_o business_n john_n 14.25_o 26._o to_o teach_v we_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o our_o remembrance_n and_o look_v what_o our_o saviour_n do_v when_o he_o be_v present_a upon_o earth_n luke_n 24.32_o 45._o he_o open_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o disciple_n and_o open_v their_o understand_n that_o they_o may_v conceive_v they_o so_o do_v the_o spirit_n now_o in_o his_o absence_n he_o open_v the_o scripture_n to_o we_o &_o our_o understand_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v they_o &_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o but_o have_v you_o he_o spirit_n say_v the_o papist_n yea_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o god_n promise_v to_o give_v his_o spirit_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v he_o to_o the_o mean_a as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o learnede_a and_o therefore_o that_o be_v but_o a_o scoff_n of_o they_o to_o say_v you_o that_o be_v a_o plain_a simple_a man_n have_v you_o the_o spirit_n three_o we_o must_v still_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n faith_n that_o be_v to_o those_o know_a ground_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o creed_n the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o not_o admit_v of_o any_o sense_n to_o cross_v they_o for_o they_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o marrow_n of_o scripture_n in_o fundamental_a matter_n they_o be_v in_o effect_n nothing_o but_o scripture_n itself_o only_o they_o differ_v in_o manner_n that_o which_o be_v more_o large_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n be_v there_o set_v down_o in_o a_o brief_a form_n that_o so_o our_o eye_n may_v the_o better_o be_v fix_v on_o they_o and_o this_o rule_n the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o rom._n 12.6_o to_o prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o portion_n or_o analogy_n of_o faith_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v still_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o that_o four_o we_o must_v use_v all_o industry_n diligence_n watchfulness_n and_o study_n in_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o scripture_n these_o help_n procure_v rare_a and_o excellent_a thing_n in_o carnal_a business_n and_o so_o will_v do_v much_o more_o in_o god_n business_n labour_n for_o the_o meat_n which_o endure_v to_o everlasting_a life_n say_v our_o saviour_n john_n 6.27_o last_o make_v use_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n herein_o and_o of_o holy_a man_n that_o have_v write_v upon_o the_o scripture_n both_o old_a and_o new_a the_o papist_n bely_v we_o when_o they_o accuse_v we_o that_o we_o scorn_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o affect_v nothing_o but_o singularity_n and_o novelty_n no_o we_o harken_v to_o the_o true_a church_n and_o be_v much_o rule_v by_o her_o judgement_n yet_o not_o to_o build_v only_o or_o chief_o thereon_o but_o to_o be_v instruct_v thereby_o and_o to_o be_v well_o advise_v before_o we_o dissent_v for_o who_o among_o man_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o they_o of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n make_v to_o they_o alone_o in_o the_o three_o place_n after_o we_o come_v to_o that_o which_o we_o must_v do_v after_o we_o have_v lay_v the_o book_n of_o god_n by_o and_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o we_o must_v do_v then_o be_v prayer_n to_o god_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o fayling_n and_o for_o a_o blessing_n on_o our_o labour_n for_o prayer_n must_v be_v the_o first_o second_o and_o last_o duty_n we_o must_v begin_v and_o end_v with_o it_o second_o meditation_n we_o must_v meditate_v of_o it_o in_o our_o heart_n as_o mary_n do_v the_o word_n of_o the_o
though_o they_o live_v under_o the_o miserable_a slavery_n of_o the_o turk_n yet_o be_v to_o be_v account_v true_a visible_a church_n we_o will_v take_v our_o pattern_n by_o that_o of_o constantinople_n where_o there_o be_v a_o patriarch_n at_o this_o day_n who_o have_v answer_v the_o objection_n both_o of_o the_o protestant_n and_o papist_n to_o their_o religion_n now_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n first_o because_o they_o affirm_v the_o foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o second_o their_o error_n do_v not_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n nor_o any_o part_n thereof_o for_o the_o first_o they_o hold_v so_o much_o of_o the_o right_a catholic_a faith_n as_o may_v just_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o name_n of_o a_o true_a church_n the_o whole_a creed_n that_o we_o profess_v they_o retain_v also_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o some_o point_n they_o differ_v somewhat_o from_o we_o but_o in_o the_o main_a substance_n they_o agree_v hold_v the_o foundation_n firm_a and_o sure_a christ_n jesus_n god_n and_o man_n the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n they_o renounce_v the_o head-ship_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o many_o other_o point_n of_o popish_a religion_n they_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o direction_n of_o scripture_n though_o the_o interpretation_n thereof_o they_o will_v fetch_v most_o willing_o from_o their_o predecessor_n the_o greek_a father_n of_o who_o some_o being_n more_o sound_a other_o less_a their_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o sincere_a as_o it_o shall_v therefore_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o proof_n be_v whether_o their_o error_n be_v such_o as_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n or_o any_o part_n thereof_o they_o be_v taint_v with_o the_o error_n of_o free_a will_n intercession_n of_o saint_n and_o transubstantiation_n and_o some_o other_o popish_a opinion_n which_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o maintain_v altogether_o so_o obstinate_o as_o the_o romish_a church_n do_v church_n but_o their_o main_a error_n be_v their_o deny_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o proceed_v from_o the_o son_n from_o the_o father_n they_o acknowledge_v and_o by_o the_o son_n but_o from_o the_o son_n this_o they_o express_o deny_v now_o we_o know_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o nature_n and_o in_o his_o person_n be_v a_o most_o profound_a and_o principal_a point_n in_o religion_n and_o very_o wary_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o every_o error_n therein_o be_v dangerous_a and_o fearful_a and_o near_o to_o blasphemy_n and_o this_o very_a error_n haply_o if_o it_o be_v thorough_o sift_v will_v be_v prove_v to_o overthrow_v by_o consequence_n the_o foundation_n yet_o see_v first_o it_o do_v not_o direct_o overthrow_v any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o see_v second_o we_o hear_v they_o do_v not_o either_o absolute_o oppose_v herein_o to_o the_o know_a truth_n or_o omit_v the_o search_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o but_o profess_v that_o upon_o plain_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n they_o will_v yield_v and_o three_o see_v they_o hold_v the_o foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o in_o express_a word_n we_o dare_v hardly_o charge_v they_o for_o heretical_a church_n much_o less_o to_o be_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n at_o all_o but_o that_o man_n live_v in_o those_o church_n believe_v otherwise_o aright_o in_o christ_n crucify_v and_o repent_v of_o their_o manifold_a error_n and_o ignorances_n may_v be_v all_o save_v undoubted_o use_v 1_o the_o use_v of_o this_o point_n be_v these_o first_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o first_o of_o the_o papist_n and_o that_o in_o two_o point_n first_o in_o that_o they_o presume_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a visible_a church_n affirm_v that_o no_o church_n be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o they_o that_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o pope_n and_o have_v he_o to_o be_v their_o head_n we_o see_v here_o that_o these_o be_v true_a church_n and_o better_a than_o the_o popish_a church_n popish-church_n and_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o his_o jurisdiction_n yea_o they_o hate_v and_o defy_v it_o so_o that_o their_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v false_a when_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n but_o that_o which_o be_v gather_v under_o the_o head-ship_n of_o the_o pope_n whereas_o the_o greek_a church_n as_o we_o see_v be_v true_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o gather_v under_o that_o head_n it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o former_a time_n a_o patriarch_n of_o constantinople_n do_v in_o ambition_n seek_v the_o title_n of_o head_n or_o universal_a bishop_n and_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n at_o that_o time_n withstand_v he_o say_v that_o whosoever_o take_v upon_o he_o that_o title_n shall_v be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o antichrist_n and_o it_o prove_v true_a for_o not_o long_o after_o one_o that_o succeed_v that_o pope_n take_v this_o title_n upon_o he_o and_o be_v indeed_o antichrist_n i_o say_v that_o a_o patriarch_n in_o ambition_n seek_v it_o but_o now_o he_o be_v bring_v low_o enough_o his_o head_n be_v under_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o turk_n the_o adversary_n of_o god_n church_n who_o then_o think_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o church_n but_o though_o he_o miss_v of_o that_o the_o church_n still_o continue_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n &_o be_v so_o to_o this_o day_n and_o yet_o never_o acknowledge_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v their_o head_n second_o answer_v it_o meet_v with_o they_o for_o their_o uncharitable_a censure_v of_o these_o church_n as_o no_o true_a church_n of_o god_n they_o be_v both_o heretical_a &_o schismatical_a say_v they_o what_o if_o they_o be_v so_o yet_o still_o they_o may_v be_v true_a church_n as_o we_o show_v before_o for_o heresy_n as_o i_o will_v not_o precise_o condemn_v they_o so_o neither_o can_v i_o altogether_o acquitte_v they_o but_o as_o for_o schism_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o none_o rome_n but_o only_o they_o be_v rend_v from_o the_o romish_a church_n in_o particular_a so_o that_o here_o be_v the_o quarrel_n because_o they_o do_v not_o submit_v their_o neck_n under_o the_o pope_n yoke_n and_o see_v they_o and_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o body_n within_o itself_o as_o that_o of_o rome_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n that_o their_o estate_n shall_v be_v judge_v schismatical_a bishop_n except_o they_o have_v depart_v when_o they_o have_v be_v member_n of_o that_o church_n but_o they_o be_v never_o subject_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n one_o thing_n there_o be_v find_v in_o these_o greek_a church_n which_o the_o papist_n take_v in_o their_o state_n to_o be_v a_o chief_a note_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v succession_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v as_o currant_n in_o the_o church_n of_o constantinople_n and_o alexandria_n as_o in_o rome_n even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n succession_n in_o rome_n be_v a_o certain_a note_n and_o mark_v of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o there_o be_v as_o good_a succession_n in_o the_o greek_a church_n as_o at_o rome_n and_o yet_o they_o say_v they_o be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o either_o let_v they_o disclaim_v this_o in_o the_o one_o or_o acknowledge_v it_o in_o the_o other_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v preserve_v this_o succession_n in_o the_o greek_a church_n of_o purpose_n to_o abate_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n build_v so_o direct_o upon_o that_o allegation_n it_o will_v else_o have_v be_v a_o far_o more_o colourable_a plea_n to_o the_o natural_a man_n but_o they_o deny_v the_o force_n of_o the_o use_v 2_o reason_n in_o other_o do_v plain_o answer_v themselves_o turk_n the_o second_o use_n teach_v we_o the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o care_n he_o have_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o church_n these_o greek_a church_n have_v live_v many_o a_o hundred_o year_n under_o the_o government_n and_o slavery_n of_o the_o turk_n that_o buy_v and_o sell_v they_o and_o their_o child_n and_o among_o the_o professor_n of_o mahomet_n the_o foul_a idol_n that_o the_o world_n afford_v in_o regard_n of_o government_n they_o live_v under_o what_o a_o heavy_a yoke_n be_v it_o what_o a_o bloody_a service_n how_o many_o persecution_n disgrace_n indignity_n tax_n and_o oppression_n horrible_a wrong_n and_o miserable_a slavery_n do_v they_o undergo_v they_o be_v buy_v sell_v imprison_a and_o put_v to_o death_n it_o can_v be_v speak_v what_o slavery_n they_o live_v in_o and_o yet_o behold_v god_n have_v uphold_v his_o church_n among_o they_o all_o to_o this_o day_n i_o dare_v say_v that_o israel_n preservation_n under_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n so_o many_o hundred_o year_n be_v not_o more_o miraculous_a than_o this_o of_o these_o christian_n under_o the_o turk_n so_o likewise_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o those_o that_o they_o be_v mix_v with_o it_o be_v a_o heavy_a yoke_n christ_n
office_n of_o the_o mediator_n the_o three_o be_v concern_v image_n the_o four_o be_v concern_v justification_n for_o the_o first_o therein_o which_o be_v her_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o ground_n of_o religion_n they_o teach_v very_o erroneous_o not_o only_o that_o which_o disparage_v they_o which_o yet_o be_v a_o presumptuous_a sin_n but_o that_o which_o by_o consequence_n utter_o overthrow_n they_o first_o scripture_n in_o that_o they_o dare_v deny_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n second_o in_o that_o they_o pervert_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n three_o in_o that_o they_o disanulle_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n first_o they_o deny_v express_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n whereas_o god_n have_v deliver_v they_o as_o a_o particular_a rule_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o they_o say_v no_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o they_o must_v be_v piece_v and_o perfect_v by_o tradition_n no_o man_n dare_v add_v to_o the_o will_n of_o a_o dead_a man_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v so_o shameless_a and_o presumptuous_a scripture_n that_o they_o dare_v presume_v to_o add_v to_o the_o sacred_a testament_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thus_o they_o deny_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n second_o they_o pervert_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n teach_v and_o deliver_v first_o concern_v the_o translation_n that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o authentical_a but_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a translation_n which_o themselves_o confess_v be_v sometime_o faulty_a and_o do_v miss_v of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n second_o for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n they_o will_v admit_v of_o none_o but_o such_o as_o it_o please_v the_o father_n to_o give_v who_o themselves_o acknowledge_v may_v and_o do_v sometime_o err_v and_o be_v deceive_v now_o to_o teach_v that_o a_o untrue_a translation_n be_v the_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o a_o untrue_a interpretation_n to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n scripture_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o make_v the_o scripture_n untrue_a three_o they_o disannul_v the_o authority_n and_o credit_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o many_o way_n first_o teach_v that_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n which_o be_v know_v to_o contain_v certain_a untruth_n to_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n second_o equal_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n with_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o urge_v they_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o as_o great_a authority_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o no_o more_o authority_n in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n than_o the_o word_n of_o man_n it_o be_v very_o feeble_a and_o not_o worth_a trust_n to_o three_o they_o go_v further_o prefer_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n above_o the_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n say_v they_o be_v to_o believe_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v god_n be_v not_o to_o believe_v for_o his_o own_o say_n but_o for_o the_o witness_n of_o man_n thus_o they_o disannul_v the_o authority_n and_o credit_n of_o the_o scripture_n now_o all_o these_o lay_v together_o see_v whether_o that_o may_v not_o be_v just_o take_v up_o against_o they_o which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v against_o the_o jew_n john_n 8_o 47._o he_o that_o be_v of_o god_n hear_v god_n word_n you_o therefore_o hear_v they_o not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o john_n 10.26.27_o you_o believe_v not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o my_o sheep_n my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o i_o know_v they_o and_o they_o follow_v i_o god_n child_n hear_v his_o word_n and_o will_v not_o impeach_v the_o truth_n and_o credit_n of_o it_o the_o popish_a faction_n will_v not_o hear_v it_o but_o will_v impeach_v the_o truth_n and_o credit_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n sheep_n mediator_n so_o much_o for_o their_o error_n in_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o scripture_n where_o we_o see_v that_o their_o fountain_n be_v corrupt_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v like_a to_o find_v but_o foul_a water_n in_o their_o channel_n their_o second_o error_n in_o doctrine_n be_v concern_v the_o direct_a office_n of_o the_o mediator_n god_n say_v direct_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n &_o that_o be_v christ_n 1._o tim._n 2.5_o they_o say_v there_o be_v many_o man_n the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n and_o other_o saint_n not_o only_o pray_v for_o we_o but_o to_o be_v invocate_v by_o we_o do_v not_o this_o justle_n christ_n out_o of_o his_o room_n at_o least_o to_o sit_v so_o close_o answer_v that_o other_o must_v sit_v in_o commission_n with_o he_o in_o that_o office_n they_o will_v shift_v it_o off_o with_o this_o that_o they_o make_v the_o saint_n mediator_n of_o intercession_n only_o and_o christ_n of_o redemption_n and_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o when_o he_o say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n etc._n etc._n he_o mean_v of_o redemption_n not_o of_o intercession_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o place_n mediator_n speak_v of_o a_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n for_o he_o speak_v of_o prayer_n and_o intercession_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n and_o as_o in_o reason_n he_o that_o be_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o any_o must_v be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v they_o and_o to_o take_v away_o the_o enmity_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o party_n who_o he_o intercede_v for_o into_o favour_n else_o it_o will_v be_v a_o frivolous_a and_o vain_a intercession_n and_o he_o that_o intercede_v for_o any_o must_v be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o person_n intercede_v do_v appoint_v or_o at_o least_o approve_v of_o for_o that_o business_n even_o so_o the_o scripture_n propound_v christ_n alone_o to_o be_v intercessor_n in_o both_o these_o respect_n 1_o john_n 2.1.2_o if_o any_o man_n sin_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o just_a and_o he_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n he_o be_v our_o advocate_n or_o intercessor_n and_o our_o propitiation_n or_o reconciliation_n both_o and_o john_n 16.23_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v the_o father_n in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v give_v it_o you_o he_o do_v not_o say_v whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o my_o mother_n name_n or_o in_o the_o saint_n name_n but_o in_o my_o name_n and_o therefore_o both_o redemption_n and_o intercession_n be_v oft_o time_n in_o scripture_n by_o name_n join_v together_o as_o in_o that_o 1_o tim._n 2.5_o 6_o there_o be_v one_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n &c_n &c_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o man_n &_o rome_n 8.34_o who_o shall_v condemn_v we_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v you_o rather_o that_o be_v rise_v again_o answer_v who_o be_v even_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o also_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o so_o that_o we_o see_v to_o be_v mediator_n of_o intercession_n be_v as_o peculiar_a to_o chrst_n as_o to_o be_v mediator_n of_o redemption_n they_o shift_v again_o &_o say_v we_o pray_v to_o the_o saint_n not_o as_o helper_n but_o as_o intercessor_n only_o but_o we_o pray_v to_o christ_n as_o intercessor_n and_o helper_n by_o his_o own_o power_n too_o i_o answer_v yet_o still_o they_o make_v they_o intercessor_n then_o though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n and_o so_o they_o either_o justle_v christ_n out_o of_o his_o room_n or_o set_v his_o mother_n and_o the_o saint_n on_o the_o bench_n with_o he_o but_o if_o therebe_n any_o other_o intercessor_n then_o either_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n be_v imperfect_a or_o else_o the_o intercession_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v superfluous_a but_o say_v they_o we_o do_v no_o more_o to_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n than_o you_o do_v to_o the_o saint_n on_o earth_n and_o then_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o the_o thessalonian_n in_o the_o 2_o thes_n 3.1_o brethren_n pray_v for_o we_o etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v first_o we_o have_v a_o warrant_n for_o this_o scripture_n but_o for_o the_o other_o we_o have_v none_o at_o all_o second_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n make_v they_o intercessor_n for_o he_o this_o be_v a_o disparagement_n to_o he_o no_o but_o he_o entreat_v they_o to_o be_v fellow_n suitor_n and_o joint_a petitioner_n to_o god_n with_o he_o and_o for_o he_o three_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v alive_a we_o have_v access_n unto_o and_o can_v utter_v our_o mind_n to_o they_o but_o so_o we_o can_v to_o they_o that_o be_v decease_v and_o therefore_o they_o that_o pray_v to_o they_o though_o it_o be_v but_o as_o fellow_n suitor_n they_o make_v god_n of_o they_o in_o that_o very_a fact_n that_o be_v they_o make_v they_o knower_n of_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o prayer_n be_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o know_v that_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n
indirect_a allegation_n by_o way_n of_o inference_n from_o god_n commandment_n bid_v we_o to_o do_v well_o and_o from_o his_o promise_n if_o we_o do_v well_o which_o rather_o send_v we_o to_o god_n for_o that_o which_o we_o can_v do_v of_o ourselves_o then_o imply_v any_o ability_n for_o the_o do_v of_o they_o in_o ourselves_o rule_n the_o three_o instance_n justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o against_o man_n merit_n we_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n rom._n 3.20_o 28_o that_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n no_o flesh_n shall_v be_v justify_v but_o that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n and_o gal._n 2.16_o a_o man_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o ephes_n 2.8_o 9_o by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n not_o of_o work_n &c_n &c_n and_o titus_n 3.5_o not_o by_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o that_o which_o the_o papist_n pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a james_n 2.24_o you_o see_v then_o how_o that_o of_o work_n a_o man_n be_v justify_v and_o not_o of_o faith_n only_o do_v not_o cross_v the_o former_a except_o they_o will_v blaspheme_v and_o say_v that_o god_n do_v contradict_v himself_o but_o be_v plain_o speak_v of_o another_o say_v that_o be_v dead_a verse_n 90._o whereas_o justify_v faith_n be_v a_o live_a faith_n and_o of_o another_o justification_n that_o be_v before_o man_n as_o verse_n 18._o whereas_o this_o be_v before_o god_n ●ule_n the_o four_o instance_n christ_n our_o only_a advocate_n against_o other_o intercessor_n we_o hold_v and_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n 1_o john_n 2.1.2_o that_o we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o just_a and_o he_o be_v the_o reconciliation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o revel_v 8.3_o another_o angel_n come_v and_o stand_v before_o the_o altar_n have_v a_o golden_a censor_n and_o much_o odour_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v offer_v with_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o saint_n this_o angel_n be_v christ_n who_o as_o the_o high_a priest_n in_o the_o law_n exod._n 28.38_o do_v appear_v before_o god_n make_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o show_n of_o warrant_n in_o the_o word_n neither_o for_o any_o one_o no_o nor_o for_o all_o the_o saint_n together_o to_o do_v the_o like_a rule_n the_o five_o instance_n the_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o god_n against_o image_n our_o religion_n teach_v according_a to_o the_o word_n john_n 4.23.24_o that_o all_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n require_v even_o such_o to_o worship_v he_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o exod._n 20.4_o 5._o thou_o shall_v make_v thou_o no_o grave_v image_n thou_o shall_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o they_o &c_n &c_n this_o second_o commandment_n be_v so_o plain_a for_o this_o that_o the_o papist_n leave_v it_o out_o in_o some_o of_o their_o catechism_n and_o make_v up_o the_o number_n of_o ten_o commandment_n by_o divide_v the_o last_o and_o there_o be_v not_o one_o tit●le_a of_o scripture_n for_o image_n neither_o precept_n dispensation_n exception_n or_o example_n approve_v ●rule_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o be_v fearful_o threaten_v and_o strange_o punish_v the_o six_o instance_n our_o communion_n against_o their_o mass_n our_o communion_n be_v warrant_v by_o god_n word_n 1_o cor._n 10.16_o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n &_o c_o and_o 1_o cor._n 11.23_o 24_o 25_o &c_n &c_n whereas_o their_o mass_n have_v no_o warrant_n at_o all_o in_o the_o word_n not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o name_n of_o it_o find_v there_o nor_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o any_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n rule_n nor_o any_o intimation_n of_o repeat_v it_o but_o direct_o the_o contrary_a as_o we_o may_v see_v hebr._n 10.10_o 14._o the_o offering_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n once_o make_v with_o one_o offering_n &c_n &c_n the_o seven_o instance_n our_o carriage_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n in_o open_a sight_n against_o their_o carriage_n of_o all_o in_o a_o cloud_n our_o prayer_n make_v in_o a_o know_a tongue_n be_v warrant_v in_o the_o word_n 1_o cor._n 14.14_o 15._o if_o i_o pray_v in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v but_o my_o understanding_n be_v without_o fruit_n what_o be_v it_o then_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n but_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o understand_v also_o &c_n &c_n and_o so_o for_o the_o word_n to_o be_v free_a and_o common_a to_o all_o as_o it_o be_v with_o we_o have_v his_o warrant_n matth._n 5.15_o neither_o do_v man_n light_v a_o candle_n and_o put_v it_o under_o a_o bushel_n but_o on_o a_o candlestick_n and_o it_o give_v light_a to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n and_o prou._n 9.4_o 5._o who_o be_v simple_a let_v he_o come_v hither_o &c_n &c_n and_o esa_n 55.1.3_o loe_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n &c_n &c_n incline_v your_o ear_n and_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o your_o soul_n shall_v live_v so_o likewise_o have_v a_o explicit_a faith_n his_o warrant_n joh._n 9.35_o do_v thou_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n where_o our_o saviour_n require_v a_o explicit_a and_o particular_a faith_n in_o the_o blind_a man_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v we_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o &c_n &c_n that_o which_o the_o papist_n pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a matth._n 7.6_o give_v you_o not_o that_o which_o be_v holy_a to_o dog_n &c_n &c_n be_v a_o malicious_a pervert_v of_o christ_n word_n to_o his_o people_n destruction_n and_o their_o own_o ruin_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v too_o light_a and_o oar_n full_a weight_n in_o this_o second_o balance_n of_o god_n word_n let_v we_o try_v they_o in_o the_o three_o balance_n bal●_n the_o balance_n of_o true_a holiness_n that_o be_v the_o best_a and_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n that_o be_v most_o powerful_a to_o work_v holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n for_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o our_o call_n and_o the_o end_n of_o ●●_o what_o cold_a devotion_n will_v there_o be_v in_o we_o and_o what_o hourly_a prayer_n and_o little_a faith_n and_o less_o reverence_n as_o deal_v with_o man_n and_o not_o with_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o five_o instance_n rule_n if_o we_o worship_v god_n in_o spirit_n without_o image_n it_o work_v in_o we_o spiritualnesse_n and_o truth_n for_o we_o present_v ourselves_o in_o all_o our_o worship_n naked_o without_o any_o image_n before_o the_o lord_n as_o before_o a_o pure_a spirit_n we_o be_v stir_v up_o thereby_o and_o grow_v by_o use_n to_o frame_v ourselves_o to_o his_o own_o image_n to_o be_v spiritual_a man_n and_o spiritual_o mind_v &_o spiritual_o affect_v our_o understanding_n will_n thought_n desire_n meditation_n and_o course_n will_v be_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a lift_v up_o to_o a_o high_a strain_n in_o affection_n and_o elevation_n of_o spirit_n the_o only_a mean_n whereby_o to_o be_v true_o renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n it_o will_v be_v a_o notable_a mean_n against_o all_o carelessness_n and_o hypocrisy_n rule_n and_o formality_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n six_o our_o spiritual_a and_o true_a communion_n with_o christ_n against_o their_o mass_n by_o this_o communion_n christ_n spiritual_o enter_v into_o we_o and_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o incorporate_v we_o into_o his_o mystical_a body_n here_o faith_n do_v her_o right_a office_n in_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n with_o a_o spiritual_a eye_n and_o apply_v christ_n and_o his_o death_n and_o merit_n sound_o to_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o receiver_n and_o feed_v upon_o christ_n in_o heaven_n at_o god_n right_a hand_n whereas_o in_o the_o mass_n there_o be_v but_o the_o flesh_n which_o without_o the_o spirit_n profit_v nothing_o and_o the_o bodily_a eye_n and_o hand_n and_o mouth_n and_o belly_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o &_o faith_n do_v little_a or_o nothing_o seven_o if_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v carry_v open_o rule_n and_o not_o in_o a_o cloud_n then_o all_o be_v do_v in_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n and_o then_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a will_n desire_n devotion_n affection_n and_o endevoure_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o a_o holy_a manner_n as_o may_v best_o beseem_v he_o and_o
unto_o we_o the_o sufficiency_n script_n three_o such_o as_o forbid_v any_o addition_n to_o or_o detraction_n from_o the_o scripture_n four_o such_o as_o condemn_v all_o doctrine_n teach_v either_o without_o or_o beside_o the_o scripture_n rhemist_n 15_o act_n ●_o the_o papist_n say_v the_o church_n may_v coin_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n what_o authority_n the_o church_n have_v about_o article_n of_o faith_n hyper_n 6●_n hyper_n 54._o second_o that_o the_o church_n make_v any_o book_n to_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n which_o the_o papist_n hold_v this_o confute_v by_o diverse_a reason_n three_o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o devise_v add_v diminish_v or_o alter_v any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v do_v prove_v by_o diverse_a thing_n four_o concern_v custom_n the_o father_n judgement_n concern_v custom_n five_o concern_v tradition_n how_o and_o in_o what_o sense_n tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v answer_n to_o the_o popish_a tenant_n concern_v traditition_n answer_n 1._o ob._n answer_v wherein_o be_v show_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n the_o change_n of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o that_o so_o many_o book_n be_v canonical_a scripture_n and_o be_v not_o have_v by_o tradition_n but_o prove_v by_o good_a consequence_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n answ_n 2._o answ_n 3._o their_o proof_n out_o of_o 2_o thes_n 2.15_o answe_n answ_n 4._o the_o scripture_n the_o so_o only_o rule_v of_o say_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v by_o all_o church_n general_o second_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a trial_n of_o every_o truth_n how_o every_o matter_n of_o substance_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v church_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n and_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n one_o of_o miracle_n and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v concern_v the_o same_o second_o of_o discipline_n and_o this_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o matter_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o before_o or_o second_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n and_o what_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o do_v therein_o the_o bound_n the_o church_n be_v to_o keep_v in_o ordain_v matter_n of_o ceremony_n 1._o 2._o use_v 2._o 1._o the_o nine_o general_a point_n concern_v the_o church_n viz._n the_o application_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o all_o visible_a church_n in_o christendom_n that_o i_o know_v of_o the_o general_a division_n of_o all_o church_n that_o have_v be_v or_o be_v since_o our_o saviour_n time_n into_o eastern_a and_o westenrne_a and_o this_o according_a to_o their_o situation_n second_o according_a to_o their_o language_n and_o so_o some_o be_v greek_n and_o some_o latin_a church_n whether_o schismatical_a or_o heretical_a church_n may_v be_v account_v true_a visible_a church_n what_o a_o schismatic_a church_n be_v heretical_a church_n first_o what_o they_o be_v and_o when_o any_o particular_a man_n be_v to_o be_v repute_v a_o heretic_n heresy_n of_o 2._o sort_n first_o such_o as_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n what_o this_o fundation_n be_v resol_n those_o that_o deny_v direct_o this_o foundation_n or_o any_o part_n thereof_o cease_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o be_v no_o more_o visible_a churcher_n the_o greek_a church_n be_v here_o speak_v of_o and_o what_o wear_v to_o think_v of_o they_o 1._o of_o the_o greek_a church_n general_o disperse_v in_o most_o at_o the_o eastern_a part_n of_o the_o world_n ortelius_n 100_o ortelius_n 97._o 98._o 108._o second_o the_o greek_a church_n which_o be_v more_o particular_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v and_o what_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v of_o they_o deliver_v in_o a_o observation_n doct._n the_o main_n error_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n the_o greek_a church_n better_a than_o the_o popish-church_n the_o papist_n unchatarible_v censure_v the_o greek_a church_n answer_v the_o greek_a church_n not_o guilty_a of_o schism_n from_o rome_n the_o greek_a church_n never_o subject_a to_o the_o roman_a church_n one_o note_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o papist_n account_v it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o greek_a church_n viz_o succession_n of_o bishop_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o perserue_v of_o his_o church_n see_v in_o the_o greek_a church_n under_o the_o turk_n the_o misery_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n under_o the_o turk_n in_o many_o particular_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o persecution_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o turk_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o turk_n 1._o a_o pestilent_a religion_n direct_o opposite_a to_o christ_n 2._o it_o overspread_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o please_a religion_n for_o what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n suffer_v such_o famous_a church_n to_o come_v to_o ruin_v apply_v to_o us._n the_o western_a church_n and_o first_o of_o those_o that_o acknowledge_v the_o pope_n their_o head_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o those_o that_o hold_v with_o she_o and_o what_o ma●_n be_v say_v and_o hold_v of_o she_o deliver_v in_o two_o observation_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o now_o it_o stand_v may_v in_o some_o sense_n be_v repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n a_o difference_n between_o the_o papacy_n or_o the_o popish_a ●action_n and_o some_o better_a spirit_n among_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o who_o the_o whole_a may_v be_v call_v a_o true_a church_n the_o popish_a church_n do_v not_o direct_o deny_v any_o part_n of_o the_o fundation_n but_o in_o outward_a show_n of_o word_n affirm_v it_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n the_o papist_n by_o their_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o work_n must_v overthrow_v the_o foundation_n they_o by_o this_o over_o throw_v christ_n not_o direct_o but_o by_o consequence_n quest_n answ_n it_o be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n to_o deny_v christ_n direct_o as_o by_o consequence_n yet_o he_o that_o do_v this_o deserve_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o god_n mercy_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n compare_v with_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n 2._o with_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n with_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n circumcision_n do_v as_o near_o by_o consequence_n cut_v off_o from_o christ_n as_o justification_n by_o work_n with_o the_o of_o church_n sardis_n baptism_n a_o true_a sacrament_n in_o rome_n and_o right_o administer_v there_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v lawful_o baptize_v ob_fw-la 1._o answ_n ob._n 2._o answ_n the_o ordinati_fw-la of_o our_o minister_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o yet_o a_o lawful_a ordination_n the_o question_n where_o the_o church_n be_v before_o luther_n time_n answer_v the_o inconvenience_n prevent_v by_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v be_v account_v a_o true_a church_n what_o to_o think_v of_o our_o father_n that_o live_v in_o the_o popish_a church_n they_o of_o the_o popish_a church_n be_v to_o ●e_v ●ud●ed_v rather_o misbeliever_n than_o unbeliever_n the_o 2._o observation_n wherein_o be_v further_o delire_v what_o may_v be_v say_v and_o hold_v further_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n so_o corrupt_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o join_v with_o she_o this_o that_o be_v speak_v against_o thou_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o popish_a factor_n corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n reduce_v to_o 2._o sort_n 1._o matter_n of_o doctrine_n reduce_v to_o 1._o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n four_o head_n 1_o concern_v scripture_n and_o their_o error_n therein_o three_o thing_n 1_o deny_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n 2_o pervert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n 3_o disannul_v the_o authority_n and_o credit_n of_o the_o scripture_n many_o way_n 1_o teach_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n to_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n second_o equal_v tradition_n of_o man_n with_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n three_o prefer_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n above_o the_o scripture_n two_o head_n wherein_o they_o orre_v in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n viz_o concern_v the_o direct_a office_n of_o the_o mediator_n the_o papist_n say_v there_o be_v many_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n the_o distinction_n of_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n and_o redemption_n answer_v two_o thing_n in_o a_o mediator_n to_o be_v mediator_n of_o intercession_n be_v peculiar_a to_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o to_o be_v mediator_n of_o redemption_n the_o popish_a sh●ft_n off_o pray_v to_o the_o saint_n not_o as_o helper_n but_o as_o intercessor_n answer_v the_o popish_a reason_n for_o pray_v to_o the_o saint_n depart_v draw_v from_o our_o desire_v the_o saint_n on_o earth_n to_o pray_v for_o we_o answer_v the_o three_o head_n wherein_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n err_v in_o doctrine_n and_o that_o be_v concern_v image_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n a_o abominable_a whore_n deserve_v