for_o above_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o st._n paul_n write_v this_o epistle_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o deny_v her_o communion_n to_o all_o other_o church_n but_o those_o which_o will_v accept_v it_o upon_o such_o term_n as_o those_o which_o nahash_n the_o ammonite_n propose_v to_o the_o man_n of_o jabesh-gilead_n 11.2_o 1_o sam._n 11.2_o on_o this_o condition_n will_v i_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o you_o that_o i_o may_v thrust_v out_o all_o your_o right_a eye_n or_o from_o say_v to_o they_o as_o the_o bramble_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o jotham_n say_v unto_o the_o tree_n 9.15_o judg._n 9.15_o if_o in_o truth_n you_o anoint_v i_o king_n over_o you_o then_o come_v and_o put_v your_o trust_n in_o my_o shadow_n and_o if_o not_o let_v fire_n come_v out_o of_o the_o bramble_n and_o devour_v the_o cedar_n of_o lebanon_n that_o in_o the_o six_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a which_o in_o the_o arabic_a canon_n be_v the_o eight_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v propose_v as_o a_o example_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n to_o contain_v himself_o within_o his_o own_o limit_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o apostolic_a for_o the_o apostle_n know_v nothing_o of_o any_o superiority_n and_o subjection_n among_o themselves_o or_o among_o the_o church_n which_o be_v found_v by_o they_o they_o know_v no_o other_o head_n of_o the_o church_n 1.18_o col._n 1.18_o but_o he_o who_o be_v the_o beginning_n the_o first-born_a from_o the_o dead_a that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o may_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n they_o know_v no_o other_o foundation_n but_o that_o of_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n 2.20_o ephes_n 2.20_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n and_o in_o that_o foundation_n all_o the_o apostle_n be_v as_o much_o of_o the_o foundation_n as_o any_o one_o of_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v call_v twelve_o foundation_n revel_v 21.14_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v in_o some_o sense_n the_o root_n of_o all_o church_n st._n paul_n call_v it_o so_o rom._n 11.17_o but_o it_o never_o claim_v any_o superiority_n over_o all_o other_o church_n upon_o that_o account_n but_o as_o for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n he_o say_v plain_o in_o the_o same_o verse_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o root_n but_o a_o branch_n of_o a_o wild-olive_n graff_v in_o among_o other_o branch_n and_o with_o they_o partake_v of_o the_o root_n and_o fatness_n of_o the_o olive-tree_n and_o as_o if_o he_o have_v foresee_v how_o ready_a that_o church_n will_v be_v to_o boast_v itself_o against_o other_o church_n he_o give_v they_o a_o admonition_n against_o it_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n boast_v not_o against_o the_o branch_n but_o if_o thou_o boast_v thou_o bear_v not_o the_o root_n but_o the_o root_n thou_o and_o argue_v the_o matter_n with_o they_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n thou_o will_v say_v then_o the_o branch_n be_v break_v off_o that_o i_o may_v be_v graff_v in_o well_o because_o of_o unbelief_n they_o be_v break_v off_o and_o thou_o stand_v by_o faith_n be_v not_o high-minded_a but_o fear_v for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n take_v heed_n lest_o he_o also_o spare_v not_o thou_o and_o set_v before_o they_o the_o example_n of_o god_n severity_n against_o the_o natural_a branch_n as_o a_o warn_n to_o they_o not_o to_o be_v high-minded_a but_o fear_v at_o the_o next_o verse_n behold_v therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n on_o they_o which_o fall_v severity_n but_o towards_o thou_o goodness_n if_o thou_o continue_v in_o his_o goodness_n otherwise_o thou_o also_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o 3._o as_o it_o be_v not_o catholic_n nor_o apostolic_a so_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o truth_n that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o more_o fundamental_a error_n than_o that_o of_o a_o local_a church_n which_o be_v such_o a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n that_o it_o can_v err_v but_o if_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o such_o a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n where_o these_o word_n be_v find_v there_o be_v not_o any_o mention_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o need_v not_o say_v any_o more_o to_o show_v how_o much_o they_o be_v out_o in_o the_o first_o particular_a which_o be_v the_o church_n let_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o particular_a which_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o see_v if_o they_o be_v not_o as_o much_o out_o in_o the_o truth_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n 1._o the_o truth_n of_o which_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n be_v not_o all_o truth_n for_o there_o be_v many_o truth_n for_o which_o the_o church_n be_v not_o concern_v they_o may_v stand_v or_o fall_v according_a to_o the_o strength_n or_o weakness_n of_o those_o argument_n by_o which_o they_o be_v support_v or_o with_o which_o they_o be_v assault_v without_o any_o peril_n or_o prejudice_n to_o the_o church_n god_n who_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n have_v set_v up_o a_o church_n to_o lead_v man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v but_o as_o for_o many_o other_o truth_n which_o be_v profess_v and_o teach_v in_o school_n and_o university_n as_o all_o man_n be_v not_o bear_v to_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o they_o so_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v not_o so_o necessary_a to_o they_o but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v without_o it_o when_o christ_n promise_v his_o disciple_n that_o he_o will_v send_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n 16.13_o joh._n 16.13_o to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n he_o speak_v of_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o know_v for_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o office_n and_o ministry_n which_o he_o have_v commit_v to_o they_o not_o all_o other_o truth_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o manichee_n glory_v in_o he_o who_o be_v the_o patriarch_n of_o their_o sect_n that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n for_o that_o he_o can_v discourse_v of_o truth_n in_o astronomy_n and_o other_o mathematical_a science_n st._n austin_n answer_v they_o very_o well_o that_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o give_v to_o lead_v man_n into_o such_o truth_n for_o he_o be_v not_o give_v to_o make_v mathematician_n but_o christian_n and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o infallible_a chair_n do_v not_o in_o these_o day_n meddle_v with_o truth_n of_o this_o nature_n there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o it_o do_v but_o so_o unlucky_o as_o to_o condemn_v one_o virgilius_n for_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v antipode_n and_o that_o the_o earth_n be_v round_o and_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o star_n move_v about_o it_o in_o the_o other_o hemisphere_n as_o they_o do_v in_o this_o which_o be_v a_o demonstrable_a truth_n but_o to_o let_v this_o pass_v as_o it_o be_v not_o all_o truth_n so_o neither_o be_v it_o all_o theological_a truth_n or_o truth_n in_o divinity_n for_o divinity_n be_v a_o science_n in_o which_o there_o be_v some_o truth_n which_o dwell_v in_o that_o light_n which_o be_v so_o inaccessible_a that_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o confess_v that_o such_o knowledge_n be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o they_o and_o that_o they_o can_v attain_v unto_o it_o and_o there_o be_v many_o other_o truth_n about_o which_o learned_a man_n may_v differ_v in_o opinion_n and_o dispute_v with_o so_o much_o probability_n on_o either_o side_n that_o though_o the_o truth_n can_v be_v with_o both_o of_o they_o because_o what_o the_o one_o affirm_v the_o other_o deni_v yet_o they_o who_o be_v in_o the_o error_n may_v be_v persuade_v that_o the_o truth_n be_v with_o they_o and_o their_o error_n shall_v not_o prejudice_v their_o salvation_n unless_o they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v lead_v into_o it_o 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understand_v the_o less_o necessary_a they_o be_v to_o be_v know_v god_n who_o have_v make_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o food_n and_o sustenance_n of_o man_n to_o grow_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o it_o where_o every_o eye_n may_v see_v they_o and_o every_o hand_n may_v gather_v they_o but_o hide_v the_o mine_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n which_o serve_v for_o riches_n and_o ornament_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n where_o they_o can_v be_v find_v but_o with_o much_o seek_n nor_o be_v wrought_v out_o and_o purge_v from_o that_o dross_n with_o which_o they_o be_v mix_v but_o with_o great_a labour_n have_v likewise_o make_v all_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o feed_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o eternal_a life_n so_o easy_a to_o be_v find_v that_o we_o may_v say_v of_o that_o as_o the_o wiseman_n say_v of_o wisdom_n 6.12_o wisd_v 6.12_o wisdom_n be_v easy_o see_v of_o they_o that_o love_v she_o and_o find_v of_o such_o as_o seek_v she_o but_o there_o be_v many_o other_o truth_n which_o serve_v to_o enrich_v and_o adorn_v the_o soul_n which_o he_o have_v reserve_v to_o exercise_v and_o reward_v the_o labour_n and_o study_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v for_o they_o as_o for_o silver_n and_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n if_o there_o be_v a_o infallible_a oracle_n to_o determine_v all_o truth_n the_o easiness_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o will_v much_o abate_v and_o lessen_v the_o value_n and_o esteem_v of_o they_o but_o when_o the_o difficulty_n of_o find_v they_o excite_v desire_n and_o desire_n stir_v up_o labour_n and_o study_v and_o labour_n and_o study_n find_v that_o truth_n which_o can_v not_o be_v find_v without_o it_o it_o be_v the_o more_o joyful_o embrace_v and_o more_o steadfast_o retain_v but_o three_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n be_v that_o truth_n which_o be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o church_n but_o be_v so_o manifest_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o who_o can_v find_v it_o any_o where_o else_o may_v find_v it_o there_o for_o as_o in_o all_o science_n there_o be_v some_o truth_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o they_o as_o truth_n in_o logic_n truth_n in_o natural_a and_o moral_a philosophy_n truth_n in_o all_o mathematical_a science_n so_o there_o be_v some_o truth_n in_o divinity_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o it_o which_o as_o they_o can_v never_o have_v be_v know_v but_o by_o divine_a revelation_n so_o they_o have_v be_v make_v know_v to_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v give_v to_o they_o to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o church_n such_o be_v that_o which_o st._n paul_n call_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n col._n 1.5_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11.10_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n rom._n 15.8_o and_o many_o time_n it_o be_v call_v truth_n and_o the_o truth_n without_o any_o note_n of_o difference_n from_o all_o other_o truth_n truth_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_a as_o truth_n be_v oppose_v to_o falsehood_n and_o lie_n truth_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o truth_n be_v oppose_v to_o figure_n and_o shadow_n truth_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o truth_n not_o as_o contrary_v to_o it_o for_o one_o truth_n can_v be_v contrary_a to_o another_o but_o in_o a_o superlative_a sense_n the_o most_o excellent_a and_o most_o incomparable_a truth_n for_o though_o all_o truth_n be_v truth_n yet_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n compare_v together_o 3.10_o 2_o cor._n 3.10_o even_o that_o which_o be_v make_v glorious_a have_v no_o glory_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o excel_v so_o we_o may_v say_v of_o truth_n in_o philosophy_n and_o all_o science_n compare_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o which_o be_v truth_n be_v not_o truth_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o excel_v such_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o next_o word_n to_o these_o of_o the_o text_n which_o some_o have_v join_v together_o expound_v these_o word_n by_o they_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n receive_v in_o glory_n the_o truth_n which_o he_o call_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v after_o godliness_n in_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v promise_v before_o the_o world_n begin_v but_o have_v in_o due_a time_n manifest_v his_o word_n through_o preach_v the_o truth_n by_o which_o we_o be_v beget_v again_o jam._n 1.18_o of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o again_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n the_o truth_n that_o make_v we_o freeman_n joh._n 8.32_o you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a the_o sanctify_a truth_n joh._n 17.17_o sanctify_v they_o with_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n the_o save_a truth_n 1_o tim._n 2.4_o god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o which_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o st._n paul_n now_o what_o sense_n that_o be_v follow_v in_o my_o three_o and_o last_o particular_a which_o be_v the_o importance_n of_o these_o word_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n here_o be_v two_o word_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n but_o they_o be_v very_o well_o join_v together_o for_o they_o signify_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v join_v together_o in_o a_o pillar_n that_o stand_v firm_a and_o steadfast_a the_o former_a word_n signify_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o body_n of_o the_o pillar_n the_o latter_a word_n signify_v the_o basis_n or_o foundation_n or_o foot_n of_o the_o pillar_n both_o together_o fignifie_v a_o pillar_n stand_v upon_o a_o basis_n or_o foundation_n but_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n and_o metaphor_n be_v apt_a to_o beget_v mistake_v for_o in_o every_o metaphor_n there_o be_v something_o which_o be_v like_a and_o something_o which_o be_v not_o like_a and_o as_o when_o the_o metaphor_n be_v take_v from_o something_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o likeness_n the_o metaphorical_a expression_n make_v the_o sense_n more_o elegant_a and_o clear_a but_o when_o it_o be_v stretch_v to_o something_o wherein_o there_o be_v no_o likeness_n in_o stead_n of_o make_v the_o sense_n more_o clear_a it_o make_v nonsense_n as_o in_o this_o metaphor_n of_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n a_o pillar_n or_o rather_o many_o pillar_n upon_o which_o a_o house_n or_o church_n be_v build_v as_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v build_v upon_o many_o pillar_n and_o so_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o diana_n at_o ephesus_n the_o pillar_n be_v as_o the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o house_n or_o church_n be_v build_v as_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o pillar_n be_v to_o the_o pillar_n which_o stand_v upon_o it_o but_o in_o this_o sense_n neither_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nor_o any_o national_a church_n nor_o the_o whole_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n can_v be_v well_o and_o true_o call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n because_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o build_v upon_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o truth_n and_o as_o there_o can_v never_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n if_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o church_n have_v not_o be_v before_o the_o church_n so_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v remove_v from_o the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o long_o a_o true_a church_n there_o be_v no_o power_n or_o authority_n in_o any_o church_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n a_o truth_n which_o be_v not_o a_o truth_n before_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v the_o whole_a faith_n to_o the_o church_n and_o if_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v join_v together_o they_o can_v make_v one_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n all_o that_o they_o can_v do_v be_v to_o deliver_v what_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o they_o who_o have_v deliver_v what_o they_o also_o receive_v till_o we_o come_v at_o last_o to_o the_o apostle_n who_o deliver_v what_o they_o also_o receive_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n by_o which_o they_o be_v lead_v into_o all_o that_o truth_n which_o can_v not_o otherwise_o be_v make_v know_v to_o they_o and_o assist_v in_o deliver_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v by_o other_o infallible_a proof_n make_v know_v to_o they_o but_o
beside_o those_o many_o pillar_n upon_o which_o house_n and_o church_n be_v build_v there_o be_v single_a pillar_n erect_v by_o the_o heathen_a to_o such_o purpose_n as_o do_v serve_v very_o well_o to_o express_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o metaphor_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o use_v by_o way_n of_o allusion_n to_o they_o as_o first_o there_o be_v pillar_n which_o they_o rear_v up_o on_o high_a with_o image_n of_o their_o god_n and_o goddess_n upon_o they_o sit_v or_o stand_v or_o in_o some_o other_o posture_n to_o attract_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n to_o look_v up_o to_o they_o with_o that_o respect_n and_o veneration_n which_o be_v due_a to_o divine_a thing_n of_o such_o pillar_n we_o read_v leu._n 26.1_o you_o shall_v make_v you_o no_o idol_n nor_o grave_v image_n neither_o rear_v you_o up_o a_o stand_a image_n or_o pillar_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n now_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o the_o heathen_a 1.25_o rom._n 1.25_o that_o they_o change_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n into_o a_o lie_n and_o the_o prophet_n habakkuk_n call_v a_o idol_n a_o teacher_n of_o lie_n 2.18_o hab._n 2.18_o so_o we_o may_v say_v of_o those_o pillar_n of_o idol_n they_o be_v pillar_n of_o lie_n and_o in_o allusion_n to_o they_o the_o church_n which_o set_v up_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n above_o all_o the_o false_a worship_n of_o all_o false_a god_n to_o draw_v the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n to_o look_v up_o to_o it_o with_o that_o veneration_n which_o be_v due_a to_o it_o may_v be_v call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n excelsa_fw-la columna_fw-la according_a to_o that_o which_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n foretell_v of_o it_o in_o another_o metaphor_n isai_n 2.2_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o last_o day_n that_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n shall_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n and_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o the_o hill_n and_o all_o nation_n shall_v flow_v unto_o it_o but_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v more_o like_a to_o those_o pillar_n of_o the_o heathen_a than_o any_o other_o christian_a church_n for_o though_o it_o do_v not_o set_v up_o those_o idol_n and_o image_n of_o the_o heathen_a to_o be_v worship_v it_o set_v up_o image_n and_o creature_n to_o be_v worship_v which_o be_v either_o make_v idol_n or_o be_v in_o so_o much_o danger_n to_o be_v make_v idol_n that_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o bellarmine_n they_o that_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o image_n or_o in_o a_o creature_n expose_v themselves_o to_o great_a peril_n and_o be_v force_v to_o use_v the_o most_o subtle_a distinction_n which_o learned_a man_n do_v not_o understand_v much_o less_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a second_o we_o read_v of_o many_o pillar_n erect_v by_o the_o heathen_a with_o inscription_n upon_o they_o inscription_n of_o historical_a narration_n of_o which_o it_o may_v be_v some_o be_v true_a and_o some_o be_v fabulous_a and_o many_o other_o inscription_n of_o law_n league_n covenant_n precept_n decree_n mystery_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o sense_n the_o metaphor_n of_o a_o pillar_n be_v use_v revel_v 3.12_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o make_v a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o my_o god_n and_o i_o will_v write_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n of_o my_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o city_n of_o my_o god_n which_o be_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o come_v down_o out_o of_o heaven_n from_o my_o god_n and_o i_o will_v write_v upon_o he_o my_o new_a name_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n which_o expose_v the_o scripture_n which_o ireneus_fw-la call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o which_o be_v write_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n his_o law_n covenant_n decree_n mystery_n of_o his_o will_n history_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o many_o other_o divine_a truth_n to_o be_v as_o legible_a as_o inscription_n upon_o a_o pillar_n and_o every_o particular_a church_n which_o make_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o all_o that_o truth_n which_o it_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v one_o with_o that_o catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n inscripta_fw-la columna_fw-la a_o pillar_n bear_v those_o inscription_n upon_o it_o in_o such_o character_n as_o make_v they_o legible_a to_o all_o man_n but_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v so_o well_o be_v call_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o other_o church_n 1._o because_o other_o church_n hebrew_n greek_a persian_a syrian_a arabian_a ethiopian_a have_v expose_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v read_v in_o their_o vulgar_a tongue_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o expose_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v read_v but_o in_o a_o language_n which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o that_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v by_o which_o mean_n they_o have_v keep_v the_o people_n in_o so_o great_a ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n many_o of_o they_o know_v so_o little_a of_o the_o new_a testament_n asto_a believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o book_n which_o have_v be_v write_v by_o luther_n 2._o because_o they_o set_v up_o unwritten_a tradition_n of_o which_o it_o may_v be_v some_o be_v true_a and_o some_o be_v fabulous_a and_o make_v they_o all_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n 3._o because_o they_o make_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n so_o dependent_a upon_o their_o own_o authority_n that_o without_o it_o they_o be_v of_o no_o more_o authority_n than_o esop_n fable_n as_o some_o of_o they_o have_v say_v and_o other_o of_o they_o commend_v the_o say_n 4._o because_o though_o they_o hold_v the_o foundation_n they_o have_v build_v upon_o that_o foundation_n such_o thing_n as_o st._n 3.12_o 1_o cor._n 3.12_o paul_n call_v wood_n hay_o and_o stubble_n and_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o they_o be_v gold_n silver_n precious_a stone_n which_o be_v not_o the_o part_n of_o a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n but_o three_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o text_n that_o be_v a_o pillar_n set_v upon_o a_o basis_n or_o foundation_n which_o keep_v it_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a be_v a_o very_a good_a expression_n of_o such_o a_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o be_v without_o waver_v in_o which_o sense_n st._n basil_n call_v abraham_n a_o pillar_n of_o faith_n because_o when_o he_o be_v tempt_v with_o a_o great_a temptation_n he_o stagger_v not_o through_o unbelief_n 4.20_o rom._n 4.20_o but_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o a_o epistle_n write_v by_o the_o church_n of_o vienna_n and_o lion_n mention_v by_o eusebius_n the_o martyr_n who_o suffer_v a_o great_a persecution_n for_o their_o faith_n and_o be_v not_o shake_v in_o it_o be_v call_v pillar_n and_o atalus_n one_o of_o great_a note_n among_o they_o be_v call_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n immota_fw-la columna_fw-la a_o pillar_n that_o stand_v unmoved_a upon_o that_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o be_v set_v for_o though_o some_o local_a church_n which_o be_v but_o as_o so_o many_o candlestick_n though_o they_o be_v of_o gold_n have_v be_v remove_v the_o catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n be_v so_o well_o settle_v upon_o a_o sure_a and_o strong_a foundation_n that_o all_o the_o mean_n which_o have_v be_v use_v to_o overthrow_v it_o have_v serve_v to_o establish_v it_o great_a endeavour_n be_v use_v at_o first_o to_o prevent_v the_o set_n up_o of_o this_o pillar_n upon_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o by_o they_o who_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o builder_n but_o the_o destruction_n which_o they_o think_v to_o bring_v upon_o the_o pillar_n and_o the_o ground_n fall_v upon_o themselves_o and_o the_o destruction_n which_o fall_v upon_o themselves_o serve_v very_o much_o to_o the_o edification_n of_o that_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n which_o they_o seek_v to_o destroy_v no_o soon_o be_v the_o pillar_n set_v up_o upon_o the_o ground_n but_o great_a force_n and_o violence_n be_v use_v to_o throw_v it_o down_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v assemble_v and_o the_o prince_n take_v counsel_n together_o against_o it_o as_o the_o child_n of_o edom_n in_o the_o day_n of_o jerusalem_n down_o with_o it_o down_o with_o it_o even_o to_o the_o ground_n but_o all_o the_o force_n and_o violence_n which_o they_o use_v to_o overthrow_v it_o
the_o city_n who_o get_v their_o wealth_n by_o make_v silver_n shrine_v for_o diana_n be_v so_o alarm_v at_o the_o success_n of_o it_o as_o to_o perceive_v that_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o great_a goddess_n diana_n will_v be_v despise_v and_o her_o magnificence_n destroy_v who_o all_o asia_n and_o the_o world_n worship_v and_o which_o trouble_v they_o more_o their_o trade_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n to_o be_v lose_v for_o that_o be_v the_o first_o argument_n which_o demetrius_n use_v to_o raise_v they_o up_o into_o a_o uproar_n verse_n 25._o sir_n you_o know_v that_o by_o this_o craft_n we_o have_v our_o wealth_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v this_o further_a honour_n not_o only_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v present_v to_o st._n john_n in_o the_o vision_n of_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o christ_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o command_v he_o to_o write_v so_o many_o epistle_n to_o they_o which_o he_o himself_o dictate_v to_o he_o but_o to_o be_v the_o first_o of_o they_o 1.11_o revel_v 1.11_o and_o the_o character_n which_o he_o give_v of_o that_o church_n be_v such_o as_o may_v well_o become_v a_o church_n which_o be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n 3._o revel_v 2.2_o 3._o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o thy_o labour_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o thou_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n and_o have_v bear_v and_o have_v patience_n and_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n have_v labour_v and_o have_v not_o faint_v now_o if_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o have_v all_o this_o honour_n have_v aspire_v to_o a_o supremacy_n over_o all_o other_o church_n it_o may_v have_v make_v a_o fair_a title_n to_o it_o by_o st._n paul_n than_o that_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v make_v by_o st._n peter_n for_o st._n 1.15_o gal._n 1.15_o paul_n be_v separate_v to_o his_o office_n from_o his_o mother_n womb._n he_o be_v call_v to_o it_o in_o a_o singular_a and_o extraordinary_a manner_n by_o christ_n appear_v to_o he_o in_o a_o vision_n from_o heaven_n 9.3_o act_n 9.3_o he_o be_v honour_v by_o he_o with_o this_o character_n 15._o verse_n 15._o he_o be_v a_o choose_a vessel_n unto_o i_o to_o bear_v my_o name_n before_o the_o gentile_n and_o king_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n 11.5_o 2_o cor._n 11.5_o he_o be_v not_o a_o whit_n behind_o the_o very_a chief_a apostle_n 15.10_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o he_o labour_v more_o abundant_o than_o they_o all_o 11.28_o 2_o cor._n 11.28_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n lay_v upon_o he_o 15.20_o rom._n 15.20_o he_o strive_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n not_o where_o christ_n be_v name_v lest_o he_o shall_v build_v upon_o another_o man_n foundation_n he_o confer_v not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n 17_o gal._n 1.16_o 17_o neither_o go_v he_o up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o they_o that_o be_v apostle_n before_o he_o they_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o in_o conference_n add_v nothing_o to_o he_o 2.6_o gal._n 2.6_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o learn_v any_o thing_n of_o st._n 11._o verse_n 11._o peter_n and_o from_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o his_o superior_a that_o he_o withstand_v he_o to_o the_o face_n and_o tell_v he_o plain_o that_o he_o and_o other_o who_o he_o have_v mislead_v walk_v not_o upright_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n 14._o verse_n 14._o and_o st._n peter_n be_v so_o far_o from_o rebuke_v he_o for_o his_o insolence_n as_o to_o make_v a_o honourable_a mention_n of_o he_o 3.15_o 2_o pet._n 3.15_o our_o belove_a brother_n paul_n according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n give_v to_o he_o st._n paul_n who_o be_v thus_o high_o honour_v have_v be_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o ephesian_n for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n 20.31_o act_n 20.31_o but_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o express_a mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o ever_o st._n peter_n be_v at_o rome_n and_o we_o may_v see_v they_o be_v hard_o put_v to_o prove_v it_o when_o they_o can_v allege_v any_o one_o text_n for_o it_o but_o that_o 5.15_o 1_o pet._n 5.15_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o babylon_n elect_v together_o with_o you_o salute_v you_o it_o be_v likewise_o a_o singular_a care_n which_o st._n paul_n have_v of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n that_o in_o his_o absence_n he_o commend_v the_o care_n of_o it_o to_o timothy_n 1.1_o 1_o tim._n 1.1_o a_o person_n endear_v to_o he_o by_o many_o name_n 16.21_o 2_o tim._n 1.1_o col._n 1.1_o rom._n 16.21_o his_o own_o son_n in_o the_o faith_n his_o belove_a son_n his_o brother_n his_o work-fellow_n and_o write_v two_o epistle_n to_o he_o to_o let_v he_o know_v how_o he_o ought_v to_o behave_v himself_o in_o so_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a a_o province_n as_o that_o which_o he_o call_v the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n whereas_o st._n peter_n never_o write_v any_o one_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n nor_o do_v we_o read_v of_o any_o one_o who_o he_o leave_v to_o take_v care_n of_o that_o church_n in_o his_o absence_n though_o he_o be_v so_o much_o absent_a that_o it_o be_v much_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v ever_o there_o for_o all_o that_o the_o ancient_a father_n have_v write_v of_o his_o be_v bishop_n of_o antioch_n seven_o year_n and_o after_o that_o bishop_n of_o rome_n twenty_o and_o five_o year_n and_o after_o that_o crucify_a under_o nero_n be_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o eusebius_n of_o who_o bellarmine_n say_v that_o he_o be_v deceive_v in_o some_o thing_n and_o we_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o he_o be_v deceive_v in_o this_o for_o three_o year_n after_o st._n paul_n conversion_n he_o go_v up_o not_o to_o rome_n but_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o see_v peter_n 1.18_o gal_n 1.18_o and_o there_o he_o find_v he_o and_o abode_n with_o he_o fifteen_o day_n 9_o gal._n 2.1_o 9_o then_o fourteen_o year_n after_o he_o go_v up_o again_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o there_o he_o find_v he_o he_o be_v present_a at_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o we_o read_v act._n 15._o which_o be_v eighteen_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o find_v he_o there_o or_o thereabouts_o a_o great_a way_n from_o rome_n after_o that_o he_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o those_o of_o pontus_n asia_n galatia_n cappadocia_n and_o bythinia_n and_o if_o after_o all_o this_o time_n he_o sit_v bishop_n of_o antioch_n seven_o year_n and_o after_o that_o five_o and_o twenty_o year_n bishop_n of_o rome_n he_o must_v outlive_v nero_n more_o year_n than_o nero_n reign_v and_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o be_v crucify_v under_o he_o but_o as_o st._n paul_n who_o know_v very_o well_o that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o whit_n behind_o the_o very_a chief_a apostle_n 11.5_o 2_o cor._n 11.5_o do_v never_o offer_v to_o put_v himself_o before_o and_o above_o they_o all_o and_o among_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v some_o who_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o personal_a excellency_n be_v call_v chief_a and_o pillar_n yet_o without_o any_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o rest_n so_o among_o church_n though_o the_o church_n of_o the_o east_n be_v more_o numerous_a and_o of_o great_a note_n than_o those_o of_o the_o west_n they_o never_o require_v any_o subjection_n from_o they_o and_o among_o the_o eastern_a church_n though_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v of_o great_a note_n and_o eminence_n it_o never_o assume_v any_o sovereignty_n over_o the_o other_o church_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n in_o scripture_n nor_o in_o the_o catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n that_o will_v afford_v any_o stand_n for_o such_o a_o pillar_n as_o that_o of_o a_o local_a church_n which_o be_v to_o all_o other_o church_n as_o the_o head_n in_o a_o body_n to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o body_n as_o a_o foundation_n in_o a_o building_n to_o all_o the_o building_n that_o stand_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o root_n in_o a_o tree_n to_o all_o the_o branch_n for_o though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n arrogate_v to_o itself_o all_o these_o title_n together_o with_o that_o of_o the_o catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v catholic_n and_o apostolic_a truth_n that_o it_o be_v neither_o catholic_n nor_o apostolic_a nor_o truth_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o catholic_n for_o though_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n have_v that_o dominion_n over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o which_o it_o be_v call_v caput_fw-la orbis_n the_o head_n of_o the_o world_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v never_o claim_v any_o such_o headship_n over_o all_o other_o church_n