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be_v not_o a_o elephant_n and_o that_o a_o musket-bullet_n be_v not_o a_o pike_n it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o hard_o a_o case_n to_o put_v to_o maintain_v by_o a_o long_a discourse_n that_o what_o we_o see_v and_o handle_v and_o taste_v to_o be_v bread_n be_v bread_n and_o not_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n and_o what_o we_o see_v and_o taste_v to_o be_v wine_n be_v wine_n and_o not_o blood_n and_o if_o this_o evidence_n may_v not_o pass_v for_o sufficient_a without_o any_o far_a proof_n i_o do_v not_o see_v why_o any_o man_n that_o have_v confidence_n enough_o to_o do_v so_o may_v not_o deny_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v what_o all_o the_o world_n see_v it_o be_v or_o affirm_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v what_o all_o the_o world_n see_v it_o be_v not_o and_o this_o without_o all_o possibility_n of_o be_v far_o confute_v so_o that_o the_o business_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v not_o a_o controversy_n of_o scripture_n against_o scripture_n or_o of_o reason_n against_o reason_n but_o of_o 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about_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o if_o this_o he_o true_a and_o certain_a than_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v so_o for_o if_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o what_o we_o see_v we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o nothing_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o there_o be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n so_o abandon_v and_o give_v up_o by_o god_n to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o delusion_n as_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o believe_v this_o gross_a and_o palpable_a error_n and_o to_o impose_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o christian_a world_n under_o no_o less_o penalty_n than_o of_o temporal_a death_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o therefore_o to_o undeceive_v if_o possible_a these_o delude_a soul_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o examine_v the_o pretend_a ground_n of_o
manifold_a error_n and_o corruption_n which_o the_o reformation_n have_v happy_o cut_v off_o and_o cast_v away_o so_o that_o though_o our_o reformation_n be_v as_o late_o as_o luther_n our_o religion_n be_v as_o ancient_a as_o christianity_n itself_o for_o when_o the_o addition_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v make_v to_o the_o ancient_a christian_a faith_n and_o their_o innovation_n in_o practice_n be_v pare_v off_o that_o which_o remain_v of_o their_o religion_n be_v we_o and_o this_o they_o can_v deny_v to_o be_v every_o tittle_n of_o it_o the_o ancient_a christianity_n and_o what_o other_o answer_n than_o this_o can_v the_o jew_n have_v give_v to_o the_o like_a question_n if_o it_o have_v be_v put_v to_o they_o by_o the_o ancient_a idolater_n of_o the_o world_n where_o be_v your_o religion_n before_o abraham_n but_o the_o very_a same_o in_o substance_n which_o we_o now_o give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o for_o many_o age_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n have_v be_v corrupt_v and_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n have_v prevail_v in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o abraham_n be_v raise_v up_o by_o god_n to_o reform_v religion_n and_o to_o reduce_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o its_o first_o institution_n in_o the_o do_v whereof_o he_o necessary_o separate_v himself_o and_o his_o family_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o idolater_n so_o that_o though_o the_o reformation_n which_o abraham_n begin_v be_v new_a yet_o his_o religion_n be_v true_o ancient_a as_o old_a as_o that_o of_o noah_n and_o enoch_n and_o adam_n which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n that_o we_o say_v and_o with_o the_o same_o and_o equal_a reason_n and_o if_o they_o will_v still_o complain_v of_o the_o newness_n of_o our_o reformation_n so_o do_v we_o too_o and_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a it_o begin_v no_o soon_o but_o however_o better_o late_o than_o never_o beside_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o this_o objection_n of_o 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it_o be_v the_o humour_n of_o babylon_n of_o old_a as_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o that_o she_o will_v not_o be_v heal_v 51.9_o jer._n 51.9_o and_o this_o be_v still_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o hate_v to_o he_o reform_v and_o rather_o than_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o have_v be_v once_o in_o a_o error_n they_o will_v continue_v in_o it_o for_o ever_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o at_o first_o make_v and_o still_o continue_v the_o breach_n and_o separation_n between_o we_o of_o which_o we_o be_v no-wise_a guilty_a who_o have_v only_o reform_v what_o be_v amiss_o but_o they_o who_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o their_o error_n and_o will_v needs_o impose_v they_o upon_o we_o and_o will_v not_o let_v we_o be_v of_o their_o communion_n unless_o we_o will_v say_v they_o be_v no_o error_n ii_o the_o other_o prejudice_n against_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v the_o contrariety_n of_o it_o to_o the_o vicious_a inclination_n and_o practice_n of_o men._n it_o be_v too_o heavy_a a_o yoke_n and_o lay_v too_o great_a a_o restraint_n upon_o humane_a nature_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o in_o truth_n lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o objection_n against_o religion_n man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a but_o this_o argument_n will_v require_v a_o discourse_n by_o itself_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o enter_v upon_o it_o only_o crave_v your_o patience_n a_o little_a long_o whilst_o i_o make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o what_o have_v be_v already_o deliver_v you_o see_v what_o be_v the_o exception_n which_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n have_v always_o make_v and_o do_v at_o this_o day_n still_o make_v against_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o how_o slight_a and_o insignificant_a they_o be_v but_o do_v we_o then_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o idolatry_n our_o church_n most_o certain_o do_v so_o and_o have_v always_o do_v it_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o her_o homily_n and_o liturgy_n and_o canon_n and_o in_o the_o write_n of_o her_o best_a and_o able_a champion_n and_o though_o i_o have_v as_o impartial_o as_o i_o can_v consider_v what_o have_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n in_o this_o controversy_n yet_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o can_v never_o yet_o see_v any_o tolerable_a defence_n make_v by_o they_o against_o this_o heavy_a charge_n and_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v great_o under_o the_o suspicion_n of_o it_o by_o say_v as_o cardinal_n perron_n and_o other_o do_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n for_o some_o age_n do_v neither_o worship_n image_n nor_o pray_v to_o saint_n for_o fear_v of_o be_v think_v to_o approach_v too_o near_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o divers_a of_o their_o most_o learned_a man_n do_v confess_v that_o if_o transubstantiation_n be_v not_o true_a they_o be_v as_o gross_a idolater_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o hope_v they_o do_v not_o expect_v it_o from_o we_o that_o in_o compliment_n to_o they_o and_o to_o acquit_v they_o from_o the_o charge_n of_o idolatry_n we_o shall_v present_o deny_v our_o sense_n and_o believe_v transubstantiation_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v this_o they_o grant_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o charge_v they_o with_o idolatry_n but_o we_o own_v they_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n which_o they_o can_v be_v if_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n this_o they_o often_o urge_v we_o withal_o and_o there_o seem_v at_o first_o sight_n to_o be_v something_o in_o it_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v so_o clear_a and_o satisfactory_a a_o answer_n to_o it_o as_o that_o we_o may_v never_o more_o be_v trouble_v with_o it_o the_o truth_n be_v we_o will_v fain_o hope_v because_o they_o still_o retain_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n and_o profess_v to_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o notwithstanding_o their_o corruption_n they_o may_v still_o retain_v the_o true_a essence_n of_o a_o church_n as_o a_o man_n may_v be_v true_o and_o real_o a_o man_n though_o he_o have_v the_o plague_n upon_o he_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v avoid_v by_o all_o that_o wish_v well_o to_o themselves_o but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v we_o can_v help_v it_o therefore_o to_o push_v the_o matter_n home_o be_v they_o sure_a that_o this_o be_v a_o firm_a and_o good_a consequence_n that_o if_o they_o be_v idolater_n they_o can_v be_v a_o true_a church_n then_o let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o it_o be_v they_o i_o take_v it_o that_o be_v concern_v to_o prove_v themselves_o a_o true_a church_n and_o not_o we_o to_o prove_v it_o for_o they_o and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o understand_v it_o of_o themselves_o it_o be_v fit_a they_o shall_v be_v tell_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o concession_n of_o charity_n and_o of_o necessity_n and_o that_o a_o very_a different_a use_n 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he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a to_o the_o body_n and_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n his_o miracle_n be_v not_o destructive_a to_o mankind_n but_o heal_v and_o charitable_a he_o can_v if_o he_o have_v please_v by_o his_o miraculous_a power_n have_v confound_v his_o enemy_n and_o have_v thunder_v out_o death_n and_o destruction_n against_o the_o infidel_n world_n as_o his_o pretend_a vicar_n have_v since_o do_v against_o heretic_n but_o intend_v that_o his_o religion_n shall_v be_v propagate_v in_o human_a way_n and_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v draw_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o by_o the_o band_n of_o love_n and_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n by_o the_o gentle_a and_o peaceable_a method_n of_o reason_n and_o persuasion_n he_o give_v no_o example_n of_o a_o furious_a zeal_n and_o religious_a rage_n against_o those_o who_o despise_v his_o doctrine_n it_o be_v propound_v to_o man_n for_o their_o great_a advantage_n and_o they_o reject_v it_o at_o their_o utmost_a peril_n it_o seem_v 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a_o man_n of_o very_o good_a sense_n instance_v in_o the_o conceit_n of_o eat_v god_n as_o the_o extremity_n of_o madness_n and_o so_o stupid_a a_o apprehension_n as_o he_o think_v no_o man_n be_v ever_o guilty_a of_o 3._o of_o de_fw-fr nat._n deorum_fw-la l._n 3._o when_o we_o call_v say_v he_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n ceres_n and_o wine_n bacchus_n we_o use_v but_o the_o common_a language_n but_o do_v you_o think_v any_o man_n so_o mad_a as_o to_o believe_v that_o which_o he_o eat_v to_o be_v god_n it_o seem_v he_o can_v not_o believe_v that_o so_o extravagant_a a_o folly_n have_v ever_o enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o be_v a_o very_a severe_a say_n of_o averro_n the_o arabian_a philosopher_n who_o live_v after_o this_o doctrine_n be_v entertain_v among_o christian_n and_o ought_v to_o make_v the_o church_n or_o rome_n blush_v 1._o blush_v diony_n carthus_n in_o 4._o do_v 10._o art_n 1._o if_o she_o can_v i_o have_v travel_v say_v he_o over_o the_o world_n and_o 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likewise_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o real_a barbarousness_n of_o this_o sacrament_n and_o rite_n of_o our_o religion_n upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n literal_o to_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o to_o drink_v his_o blood_n st._n austin_n as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o declare_v to_o be_v a_o great_a impiety_n and_o the_o impiety_n and_o barbarousness_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o in_o truth_n extenuate_v but_o only_o the_o appearance_n of_o it_o by_o its_o be_v do_v under_o the_o species_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n for_o the_o thing_n they_o acknowledge_v be_v real_o do_v and_o they_o believe_v that_o they_o very_o eat_v and_o drink_v the_o natural_a flesh_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o can_v any_o man_n do_v more_o unworthy_o towards_o his_o
all_o the_o brevity_n and_o clearness_n i_o can_v and_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o universality_n though_o that_o be_v no-wise_a necessary_a to_o justify_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n we_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o they_o if_o we_o take_v in_o the_o christian_n of_o all_o age_n and_o of_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o antiquity_n that_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v clear_o the_o advantage_n of_o they_o all_o our_o faith_n be_v unquestionable_o ancient_a there_o be_v not_o so_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o universality_n which_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o know_v not_o for_o what_o reason_n will_v needs_o make_v a_o inseparable_a property_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o they_o never_o stout_a at_o the_o protestant_a religion_n with_o so_o good_a a_o grace_n among_o the_o ignorant_a people_n as_o when_o they_o be_v 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not_o much_o unequal_a in_o number_n to_o those_o of_o the_o romish_a persuasion_n but_o then_o if_o we_o take_v in_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n who_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o and_o other_o christian_a church_n at_o this_o day_n which_o all_o together_o be_v vast_o great_a and_o more_o numerous_a than_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o which_o agree_v with_o we_o several_a of_o they_o in_o very_o considerable_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o dispute_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o all_o of_o they_o in_o disclaim_v that_o fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n and_o sum_n of_o christianity_n as_o bellarmine_n call_v it_o i_o mean_v the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n over_o all_o christian_n and_o church_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o number_n on_o our_o side_n will_v be_v much_o great_a than_o on_o they_o but_o we_o will_v not_o stand_v upon_o this_o advantage_n with_o they_o suppose_v we_o be_v by_o much_o the_o sewer_n so_o have_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n often_o be_v without_o any_o the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n what_o think_v we_o of_o the_o church_n in_o abraham_n time_n which_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v be_v confine_v to_o one_o family_n and_o one_o small_a kingdom_n that_o of_o melchisedec_n king_n of_o salem_n what_o think_v we_o of_o it_o in_o moses_n his_o time_n when_o it_o be_v confine_v to_o one_o people_n wander_v in_o a_o wilderness_n what_o of_o it_o in_o elijah_n time_n when_o beside_o the_o two_o tribe_n that_o worship_v at_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v in_o the_o other_o ten_o but_o seven_o thousand_o that_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n what_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n when_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n consist_v of_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o seventy_o disciple_n and_o some_o few_o follower_n beside_o how_o will_v bellarmine_n have_v despise_v this_o little_a flock_n because_o it_o want_v one_o or_o two_o of_o his_o goodly_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n universality_n and_o splendour_n and_o what_o think_v we_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o height_n of_o arianism_n and_o pelagianism_n when_o a_o great_a part_n of_o christendom_n be_v overrun_v with_o these_o error_n and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o orthodox_n be_v inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o heretic_n but_o what_o need_v i_o to_o urge_v these_o instance_n as_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v estimate_v and_o carry_v by_o the_o major_a vote_n which_o as_o it_o can_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o none_o but_o fool_n so_o i_o dare_v say_v no_o honest_a and_o wise_a man_n ever_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o a_o solid_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o any_o church_n or_o religion_n if_o multitude_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o man_n be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o vain_a then_o have_v the_o scripture_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a for_o if_o this_o argument_n be_v of_o any_o force_n the_o great_a number_n never_o go_v wrong_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o antiquity_n this_o be_v not_o always_o a_o certain_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n for_o sure_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o christianity_n begin_v and_o be_v a_o new_a profession_n and_o then_o both_o judaisme_n and_o paganism_n have_v certain_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o in_o point_n of_o antiquity_n but_o the_o proper_a question_n in_o this_o case_n be_v which_o be_v the_o true_a ancient_a christian_a faith_n that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o we_o and_o to_o make_v this_o matter_n plain_a it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a faith_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o as_o namely_o the_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n as_o explain_v by_o the_o first_o four_o general_n council_n and_o these_o make_v up_o our_o whole_a faith_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v matter_n of_o mere_a and_o simple_a belief_n that_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o salvation_n and_o in_o this_o faith_n of_o we_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v that_o can_v be_v show_v in_o any_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o thus_o far_o our_o faith_n and_o they_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v undoubted_o of_o equal_a antiquity_n that_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o christianity_n itself_o all_o the_o question_n be_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n between_o we_o the_o principal_a whereof_o be_v the_o twelve_o new_a article_n of_o the_o creed_n of_o pope_n pius_n the_o iv_o concern_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n transubstantiation_n the_o communion_n in_o one_o kind_n only_o purgatory_n etc._n etc._n not_o one_o of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o ancient_a creed_n or_o confession_n of_o faith_n general_o allow_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o antiquity_n of_o these_o we_o deny_v and_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v innovation_n and_o have_v particular_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v so_o not_o only_o to_o the_o answer_v but_o almost_o to_o the_o silence_v of_o our_o adversary_n and_o as_o for_o the_o negative_a article_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o romish_a faith_n these_o be_v by_o accident_n become_v a_o part_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o religion_n occasion_v by_o their_o error_n as_o the_o renounce_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o arianism_n become_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n religion_n after_o the_o rise_n of_o that_o heresy_n so_o that_o the_o case_n be_v plain_o this_o we_o believe_v and_o teach_v all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o creed_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n and_o be_v by_o they_o esteem_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v our_o religion_n but_o now_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v innovate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o make_v several_a addition_n to_o it_o and_o great_o corrupt_v it_o both_o in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o these_o addition_n and_o corruption_n be_v their_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v distinct_a from_o we_o and_o both_o because_o they_o be_v corruption_n and_o novelty_n we_o have_v reject_v they_o and_o our_o rejection_n of_o these_o be_v our_o reformation_n and_o our_o reformation_n we_o grant_v if_o this_o will_v do_v they_o any_o good_a not_o to_o be_v so_o ancient_a as_o their_o corruption_n all_o reformation_n necessary_o suppose_v corruption_n and_o error_n to_o have_v be_v before_o it_o and_o now_o we_o be_v at_o a_o little_a better_a leisure_n to_o answer_v that_o captious_a question_n of_o they_o where_o be_v your_o religion_n before_o luther_n wherever_o christianity_n be_v in_o some_o place_n more_o pure_a in_o other_o more_o corrupt_v but_o especial_o in_o these_o western_a part_n of_o christendom_n overgrow_v for_o several_a age_n with_o
sermon_n and_o discourse_n some_o of_o which_o never_o before_o print_v by_o john_n tillotson_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o canterbury_n preacher_n to_o the_o honourable_a society_n of_o lincolns-inn_n and_o one_o of_o his_o majesty_n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a the_o three_o volume_n the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v for_o b._n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n and_o w._n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n mdclxxxvii_o the_o text_n of_o each_o sermon_n sermon_n i._n luke_n ix_o 55_o 56._o but_o he_o turn_v and_o rebuke_v they_o and_o say_v you_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n you_o be_v of_o for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v not_o come_v to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o pag._n 1_o sermon_n ii_o john_n xiii_o 34_o 35._o a_o new_a commandment_n i_o give_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o that_o you_o also_o love_v one_o another_o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o pag._n 37_o sermon_n iii_o 1_o john_n iu_o 1._o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n pag._n 69_o sermon_n iu._n hebrews_n vi_o 16._o and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n pag._n 113_o sermon_n v._o luke_n xx._n 37_o 38._o now_o that_o the_o dead_a be_v raise_v even_o moses_n show_v at_o the_o bush_n when_o he_o call_v the_o lord_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o isaac_n and_o the_o god_n of_o jacob._n for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o god_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o of_o the_o live_n for_o all_o live_v to_o he_o pag._n 157_o sermon_n vi_o 2_o cor._n v._o 6._o wherefore_o we_o be_v always_o confident_a know_v that_o whilst_o we_o be_v at_o home_n in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord._n pag._n 215_o discourse_n vii_o a_o persuasive_a to_o frequent_v communion_n in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n on_o 1_o cor._n xi_o 26_o 27_o 28._o pag._n 251_o discourse_n viii_o a_o discourse_n against_o transubstantiation_n pag._n 305_o sermon_n ix_o x._o joshua_n xxiv_o 15._o if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v pag._n 373_o 405_o sermon_n xi_o jeremiah_n xiii_o 23._o can_v the_o ethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a pag._n 441_o sermon_n xii_o matthew_n xxiii_o 13._o woe_n unto_o you_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n hypocrite_n for_o you_o shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n and_o you_o neither_o go_v in_o yourselves_o neither_o suffer_v you_o they_o that_o be_v enter_v to_o go_v in_o pag._n 469_o imprimatur_fw-la c._n alston_n november_n 17._o 1685._o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o honourable_a house_n of_o commons_o novemb_n 5._o 1678._o luke_n ix_o 55_o 56._o but_o he_o turn_v and_o rebuke_v they_o and_o say_v you_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n you_o be_v of_o for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v not_o come_v to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o among_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o may_v just_o recommend_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o the_o approbation_n of_o mankind_n the_o intrinsic_a goodness_n of_o it_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o make_v impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o serious_a and_o considerate_a man_n the_o miracle_n of_o it_o be_v the_o great_a external_a evidence_n and_o confirmation_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o divinity_n but_o the_o morality_n of_o its_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o best_a reason_n and_o wise_a apprehension_n of_o mankind_n so_o admirable_o fit_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o sweeten_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o temper_n of_o man_n so_o friendly_a to_o human_a society_n and_o every_o way_n so_o well_o calculate_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o our_o religion_n glory_v in_o as_o her_o crown_n and_o excellency_n miracle_n be_v apt_a to_o awaken_v and_o astonish_v and_o by_o a_o sensible_a and_o overpower_v evidence_n to_o bear_v down_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o infidelity_n but_o there_o be_v secret_a charm_n in_o goodness_n which_o take_v fast_o hold_v of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o do_v insensible_o but_o effectual_o command_v our_o love_n and_o esteem_v and_o sure_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o proper_a to_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o day_n than_o a_o discourse_n upon_o this_o argument_n which_o so_o direct_o tend_v to_o correct_v that_o unchristian_a spirit_n and_o mistake_v zeal_n which_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o trouble_n and_o confusion_n and_o have_v so_o powerful_a a_o influence_n upon_o that_o horrid_a tragedy_n which_o be_v design_v now_o near_o upon_o fourscore_o year_n ago_o to_o have_v be_v act_v as_o upon_o this_o day_n and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o saviour_n reproof_n here_o in_o the_o text_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o hot_a and_o furious_a zeal_n which_o appear_v in_o some_o of_o his_o disciple_n and_o that_o be_v this_o our_o saviour_n be_v go_v from_o galilee_n to_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v to_o pass_v through_o a_o village_n of_o samaria_n he_o send_v messenger_n before_o he_o to_o prepare_v entertainment_n for_o he_o but_o the_o people_n of_o that_o place_n will_v not_o receive_v he_o because_o he_o be_v go_v to_o jerusalem_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v the_o difference_n of_o religion_n which_o then_o be_v between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o samaritan_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o this_o brief_a account_n the_o samaritan_n be_v original_o that_o colony_n of_o the_o assyrian_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o king_n be_v upon_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n plant_v in_o samaria_n by_o salmanassar_n they_o be_v heathen_n and_o worship_v their_o own_o idol_n till_o they_o be_v so_o infest_a with_o lion_n that_o for_o the_o redress_n of_o this_o mischief_n they_o desire_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n hope_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o appease_v the_o anger_n of_o the_o god_n of_o the_o country_n and_o then_o they_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n together_o with_o their_o own_o idol_n for_o so_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o king_n that_o they_o sear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v their_o own_o go_n after_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n be_v return_v from_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n and_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v rebuilt_a all_o the_o jew_n be_v oblige_v by_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n to_o put_v away_o their_o heathen_a wife_n it_o happen_v that_o manasses_n a_o jewish_a priest_n have_v marry_v the_o daughter_n of_o sanballat_n the_o samaritan_n and_o be_v unwilling_a to_o put_v away_o his_o wife_n sanballat_n excite_v the_o samaritan_n to_o build_v a_o temple_n upon_o mount_n gerizim_n near_o the_o city_n of_o samaria_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o make_v manasses_n his_o son-in-law_n priest_n there_o upon_o the_o build_n of_o this_o new_a temple_n there_o arise_v a_o great_a feud_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o samaritan_n which_o in_o process_n of_o time_n grow_v to_o so_o violent_a a_o hatred_n that_o they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o show_v common_a civility_n to_o one_o another_o and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o samaritan_n will_v not_o receive_v our_o saviour_n in_o his_o journey_n because_o they_o perceive_v he_o be_v go_v to_o worship_n at_o jerusalem_n at_o this_o uncivil_a usage_n of_o our_o saviour_n two_o of_o his_o disciple_n james_n and_o john_n present_o take_v fire_n 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i_o shall_v only_o observe_v to_o you_o that_o after_o the_o discovery_n of_o this_o plot_n the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o evil_a but_o sorry_a for_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o it_o sir_n everard_n digby_n who_o very_a original_a paper_n and_o letter_n be_v now_o in_o my_o hand_n after_o he_o be_v in_o prison_n and_o know_v he_o must_v suffer_v call_v it_o the_o best_a cause_n and_o be_v extreme_o trouble_v to_o hear_v it_o censure_v by_o catholic_n and_o priest_n contrary_a to_o his_o expectation_n for_o a_o great_a sin_n let_v i_o tell_v you_o say_v he_o what_o a_o grief_n it_o be_v to_o hear_v that_o so_o much_o condemn_v which_o i_o do_v believe_v will_v have_v be_v otherwise_o think_v of_o by_o catholic_n and_o yet_o he_o conclude_v that_o letter_n with_o these_o word_n in_o how_o full_a joy_n shall_v i_o die_v if_o i_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o cause_n which_o i_o love_v more_o than_o my_o life_n and_o in_o another_o letter_n he_o say_v he_o can_v have_v say_v something_o to_o have_v mitigate_v the_o odium_fw-la of_o this_o business_n as_o to_o that_o point_n of_o involve_v those_o of_o his_o own_o religion_n in_o the_o common_a ruin_n i_o dare_v not_o say_v he_o take_v that_o course_n that_o i_o can_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v less_o odious_a for_o divers_a be_v to_o have_v be_v bring_v out_o of_o danger_n who_o now_o will_v rather_o hurt_v they_o than_o otherwise_o i_o do_v not_o think_v there_o will_v have_v be_v three_o worth_n the_o save_n that_o shall_v have_v be_v lose_v and_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v to_o have_v be_v swallow_v up_o in_o that_o destruction_n he_o seem_v not_o to_o have_v the_o least_o relent_a in_o his_o mind_n about_o they_o all_o doubt_n he_o seem_v to_o have_v look_v upon_o as_o temptation_n and_o entreat_v his_o friend_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_v of_o his_o not_o sufficient_a strive_v against_o temptation_n since_o this_o business_n be_v undertake_v good_a god_n that_o any_o 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condemn_v whilst_o i_o be_o inveigh_v against_o it_o and_o in_o truth_n it_o almost_o look_v uncharitable_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o bare_o to_o relate_v what_o these_o man_n have_v not_o blush_v to_o do_v i_o need_v not_o nay_o i_o can_v aggravate_v these_o thing_n they_o be_v too_o horrible_a in_o themselves_o even_o when_o they_o be_v express_v in_o the_o soft_a and_o gentle_a word_n i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o charge_v every_o particular_a person_n who_o be_v or_o have_v be_v in_o the_o roman_a communion_n with_o the_o guilt_n of_o these_o or_o the_o like_a practice_n but_o i_o must_v charge_v their_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n with_o they_o i_o must_v charge_v the_o head_n of_o their_o church_n and_o the_o prevalent_a teach_n and_o govern_v part_n of_o it_o who_o be_v usual_o the_o contriver_n and_o abetter_n the_o executioner_n and_o applauder_n of_o these_o curse_a design_n i_o do_v willing_o acknowledge_v the_o great_a piety_n and_o charity_n of_o several_a person_n who_o have_v live_v and_o die_v in_o that_o communion_n as_o erasmus_n father_n paul_n thuanus_n and_o many_o other_o who_o have_v in_o truth_n more_o goodness_n than_o the_o principle_n of_o that_o religion_n do_v either_o incline_v man_n to_o or_o allow_v of_o and_o yet_o he_o that_o consider_v how_o universal_o almost_o the_o papist_n in_o ireland_n be_v engage_v in_o that_o massacre_n which_o be_v still_o fresh_a in_o our_o memory_n will_v find_v it_o very_o hard_a to_o determine_v how_o many_o degree_n of_o innocency_n and_o good_a nature_n or_o of_o coldness_n and_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n be_v necessary_a to_o overballance_v the_o fury_n of_o a_o blind_a zeal_n and_o a_o misguide_a conscience_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o papist_n be_v make_v like_o other_o man_n nature_n have_v not_o geneal_o give_v they_o such_o savage_a and_o cruel_a disposition_n but_o their_o religion_n have_v make_v they_o so_o whereas_o true_a christianity_n be_v not_o only_o the_o best_a but_o the_o best-natured_a institution_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o far_o as_o any_o church_n be_v depart_v from_o good_a nature_n and_o become_v cruel_a and_o barbarous_a so_o far_o be_v it_o degenerate_v from_o christianity_n i_o be_o loath_a to_o say_v it_o and_o yet_o i_o be_o confident_a it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o many_o papist_n will_v have_v be_v excellent_a person_n and_o very_o good_a man_n if_o their_o religion_n have_v not_o hinder_v they_o if_o the_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o their_o church_n have_v not_o pervert_v and_o spoil_v their_o natural_a disposition_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o exasperate_v you_o worthy_a patriot_n and_o the_o great_a bulwark_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o any_o unreasonable_a or_o unnecessary_a much_o less_o unchristian_a severity_n against_o they_o no_o let_v we_o not_o do_v like_o they_o let_v we_o never_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o religion_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o but_o i_o speak_v it_o to_o awaken_v your_o care_n thus_o far_o that_o if_o their_o priest_n will_v always_o be_v put_v these_o pernicious_a principle_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n effectual_a provision_n may_v be_v make_v that_o it_o may_v never_o be_v in_o their_o power_n again_o to_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n we_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n they_o have_v be_v continual_o peck_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o peace_n and_o religion_n when_o god_n know_v we_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o thirst_v after_o their_o blood_n that_o we_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o desire_v their_o disquiet_n but_o in_o order_n to_o our_o own_o necessary_a safety_n and_o indeed_o to_o they_o and_o god_n be_v praise_v for_o those_o matchless_a instance_n which_o we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v of_o the_o generous_a humanity_n and_o christian_a temper_n of_o the_o english_a protestant_n after_o q._n marys_n death_n when_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v restore_v bishop_n bonner_n notwithstanding_o all_o his_o cruelty_n and_o butchery_n be_v permit_v quiet_o to_o live_v and_o die_v among_o we_o and_o after_o the_o treason_n of_o this_o day_n nay_o at_o this_o very_a time_n since_o the_o discovery_n of_o so_o barbarous_a a_o design_n and_o the_o high_a provocation_n in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o treacherous_a murder_n of_o one_o of_o his_o majesty_n justice_n of_o the_o peace_n a_o very_a good_a man_n and_o a_o most_o excellent_a magistrate_n who_o have_v be_v active_a in_o the_o discovery_n of_o this_o plot_n i_o say_v after_o all_o this_o and_o notwithstanding_o the_o continue_a and_o insupportable_a insolence_n of_o their_o carriage_n and_o behaviour_n even_o upon_o this_o occasion_n no_o violence_n nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o incivility_n that_o i_o ever_o hear_v of_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o any_o of_o they_o i_o will_v to_o god_n they_o will_v but_o serious_o consider_v this_o one_o difference_n between_o our_o religion_n and_o they_o and_o which_o of_o they_o come_v near_a to_o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o which_o be_v peaceable_a and_o gentle_a and_o full_a of_o mercy_n and_o i_o do_v hearty_o pray_v and_o have_v good_a hope_n that_o upon_o this_o occasion_n god_n will_v open_v their_o eye_n so_o far_o as_o to_o convince_v a_o great_a many_o among_o they_o that_o that_o can_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o inspire_v man_n with_o such_o barbarous_a mind_n i_o have_v now_o do_v and_o if_o i_o have_v be_v transport_v upon_o this_o argument_n somewhat_o beyond_o my_o usual_a temper_n the_o occasion_n of_o this_o day_n and_o our_o present_a circumstance_n will_v i_o hope_v bear_v i_o out_o i_o have_v express_v myself_o all_o along_o with_o a_o just_a sense_n and_o with_o no_o unjust_a severity_n concern_v these_o horrid_a principle_n and_o
that_o be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v some_o way_n to_o discern_v mere_a pretender_n to_o inspiration_n from_o those_o who_o be_v true_o and_o divine_o inspire_v and_o this_o be_v necessary_o imply_v in_o the_o apostle_n bid_v we_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o make_v any_o trial_n if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o discern_v between_o pretend_a and_o real_a inspiration_n now_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o will_v give_v occasion_n to_o two_o very_a material_a inquiry_n and_o useful_a to_o be_v resolve_v i._o how_o we_o may_v discern_v between_o true_a and_o counterfeit_a doctrine_n those_o which_o real_o be_v from_o god_n and_o those_o which_o only_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o ii_o to_o who_o this_o judgement_n of_o discern_v do_v appertain_v i._o how_o we_o may_v discern_v between_o true_a and_o counterfeit_a doctrine_n and_o revelation_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o follow_a proposition_n i._o that_o reason_n be_v the_o faculty_n whereby_o revelation_n be_v to_o be_v discern_v or_o to_o use_v the_o phrase_n in_o the_o text_n it_o be_v that_o whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v what_o spirit_n be_v of_o god_n and_o what_o not_o for_o all_o revelation_n from_o god_n suppose_v we_o to_o be_v man_n and_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o reason_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o create_v new_a faculty_n in_o we_o but_o propound_v new_a object_n to_o that_o faculty_n which_o be_v in_o we_o before_o whatever_o doctrine_n god_n reveal_v to_o man_n be_v propound_v to_o their_o understanding_n and_o by_o this_o faculty_n we_o be_v to_o examine_v all_o doctrine_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n and_o upon_o on_o examination_n to_o judge_v whether_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o receive_v they_o as_o divine_a or_o to_o reject_v they_o as_o imposture_n 2._o all_o supernatural_a revelation_n suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n we_o must_v first_o be_v assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n before_o we_o can_v know_v that_o he_o have_v make_v any_o revelation_n of_o himself_o and_o we_o must_v know_v that_o his_o word_n be_v true_a otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o revelation_n which_o he_o make_v to_o we_o and_o we_o must_v believe_v his_o authority_n over_o we_o and_o that_o he_o will_v reward_v our_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o punish_v our_o breach_n of_o they_o otherwise_o there_o will_v neither_o be_v sufficient_a obligation_n nor_o encouragement_n to_o obedience_n these_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v true_a and_o natural_o know_v to_o we_o antecedent_o to_o all_o supernatural_a revelation_n otherwise_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o we_o nor_o be_v of_o any_o force_n with_o we_o 3._o all_o reason_v about_o divine_a revelation_n must_v necessary_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o be_v by_o those_o apprehension_n which_o man_n natural_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o by_o the_o clear_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o be_v imprint_v upon_o our_o nature_n because_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o judge_v what_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n and_o credible_a to_o be_v reveal_v by_o he_o and_o what_o not_o but_o by_o the_o natural_a notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o essential_a perfection_n which_o because_o we_o know_v he_o to_o be_v immutable_a we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v he_o will_v never_o contradict_v and_o by_o these_o principle_n likewise_o we_o be_v to_o interpret_v what_o god_n have_v reveal_v and_o when_o any_o doubt_n arise_v concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o be_v to_o govern_v ourselves_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o by_o what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o those_o natural_a notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reject_v that_o sense_n which_o be_v contrary_a thereto_o for_o instance_n when_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o have_v a_o humane_a shape_n eye_n ear_n and_o hand_n the_o notion_n which_o man_n natural_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n do_v sufficient_o direct_v we_o to_o interptet_fw-la these_o expression_n in_o a_o sense_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o understand_v they_o as_o rather_o speak_v to_o our_o capacity_n and_o in_o a_o figure_n than_o to_o be_v literal_o intend_v and_o this_o will_v proportionable_o hold_v in_o many_o other_o case_n 4._o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n which_o plain_o contradict_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n or_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o they_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n because_o this_o be_v a_o contradiction_n in_o term_n so_o likewise_o to_o pretend_v a_o command_n from_o god_n that_o we_o be_v to_o hate_v and_o despise_v he_o because_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o god_n shall_v require_v any_o thing_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n so_o unsuitable_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o to_o their_o obligation_n to_o he_o beside_o that_o such_o a_o law_n as_o this_o do_v tacit_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n because_o upon_o such_o a_o supposition_n to_o despise_v god_n will_v be_v to_o obey_v he_o and_o yet_o to_o obey_v he_o be_v certain_o to_o honour_v he_o so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n to_o honour_n god_n and_o to_o despise_v he_o will_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o equal_a contempt_n of_o he_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o will_v be_v vain_a to_o pretend_v any_o revelation_n from_o god_n that_o there_o be_v no_o life_n after_o this_o nor_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n because_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o those_o natural_a apprehension_n which_o have_v general_o possess_v mankind_n and_o will_v take_v away_o the_o main_a force_n and_o sanction_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v concern_v any_o pretend_a revelation_n from_o god_n which_o evident_o contradict_v those_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a as_o that_o god_n shall_v command_v or_o allow_v sedition_n and_o rebellion_n perfidiousness_n and_o perjury_n because_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o will_v be_v apparent_o destructive_a of_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o will_v natural_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o world_n but_o god_n be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o order_n which_o st._n paul_n appeal_v to_o as_o a_o principle_n natural_o knowu_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v entertain_v as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n because_o that_o will_v take_v away_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n itself_o which_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o principle_n for_o instance_n whoever_o pretend_v any_o revelation_n that_o bring_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n into_o question_n do_v by_o that_o very_a thing_n make_v such_o a_o revelation_n questionable_a for_o if_o god_n take_v no_o care_n of_o the_o world_n have_v no_o concernment_n for_o humane_a affair_n why_o shall_v we_o believe_v that_o he_o make_v any_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o man_n and_o by_o this_o principle_n moses_n will_v have_v false_a prophet_n to_o be_v try_v deut._n 13.1_o if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o wonder_n and_o the_o signior_n the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v unto_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o ver_fw-la 5._o because_o he_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o to_o turn_v you_o away_o from_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n which_o bring_v you_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n here_o be_v a_o case_n wherein_o a_o false_a prophet_n be_v suppose_v to_o work_v a_o true_a miracle_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o his_o doctrine_n which_o in_o other_o case_n the_o scripture_n make_v the_o sign_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n but_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n he_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v as_o a_o impostor_n because_o the_o doctrine_n he_o teach_v will_v draw_v man_n off_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n who_o be_v natural_o know_v and_o have_v manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o so_o miraculous_a a_o manner_n by_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n so_o that_o a_o miracle_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o a_o
man_n a_o secret_a dread_n of_o perjury_n above_o most_o other_o sin_n and_o this_o inconvenience_n be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o render_v those_o who_o refuse_v oath_n in_o all_o case_n almost_o intolerable_a to_o humane_a society_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o either_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o trouble_n or_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o measure_v truth_n by_o their_o interest_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n either_o of_o a_o wise_a or_o good_a man_n to_o take_v up_o any_o opinion_n especial_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v great_o to_o his_o prejudice_n upon_o slight_a ground_n and_o this_o very_a consideration_n that_o it_o be_v so_o much_o to_o their_o inconvenience_n may_v just_o move_v they_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a in_o the_o examination_n of_o it_o this_o be_v premise_v i_o come_v now_o to_o explain_v this_o prohibition_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o desire_v these_o three_o thing_n may_v be_v well_o consider_v first_o that_o several_a circumstance_n of_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v manifest_o show_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v interpret_v in_o a_o limit_a sense_n as_o only_o forbid_v swear_v in_o common_a conversation_n needless_a and_o heedless_a oath_n as_o one_o express_v it_o and_o in_o general_a all_o voluntary_a swear_n unless_o upon_o some_o great_a and_o weighty_a cause_n in_o which_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v concern_v for_o that_o in_o such_o case_n a_o voluntary_a oath_n may_v be_v lawful_a i_o be_o induce_v to_o believe_v from_o the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o use_v it_o more_o than_o once_o upon_o such_o occasion_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o give_v particular_a instance_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_a that_o man_n shall_v not_o swear_v but_o upon_o necessity_n and_o great_a occasion_n thus_o eusebius_n the_o philosopher_n in_o stobaeus_n counsel_n man_n some_o say_v he_o advise_v man_n to_o be_v careful_a to_o swear_v the_o truth_n but_o i_o advise_v principal_o that_o man_n do_v not_o easy_o swear_v at_o all_o that_o be_v not_o upon_o any_o slight_a but_o only_o upon_o weighty_a occasion_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n epictetus_n shun_v oath_n whole_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a if_o not_o however_o as_o much_o as_o thou_o can_v and_o so_o likewise_o simplicius_n in_o his_o comment_n upon_o he_o we_o ought_v whole_o to_o shun_v swear_v except_o upon_o occasion_n of_o great_a necessity_n and_o quintilian_n among_o the_o roman_n in_o totum_fw-la jurare_fw-la nisi_fw-la ubi_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la gravi_fw-la viro_fw-la parum_fw-la convenit_fw-la to_o swear_v at_o all_o except_o where_o it_o be_v necessary_a do_v not_o well_o suit_n with_o a_o wise_a man_n and_o that_o this_o prohibition_n of_o our_o saviour_n ought_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o oath_n in_o ordinary_a conversation_n appear_v from_o the_o opposition_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v swear_v not_o at_o all_o but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o that_o be_v in_o your_o ordinary_a commerce_n and_o affair_n do_v not_o interpose_v oath_n but_o say_v and_o do_v and_o this_o be_v very_o much_o confirm_v in_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o under_o this_o general_a prohibition_n instance_n in_o such_o oath_n as_o be_v express_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v this_o the_o jew_n think_v it_o unlawful_a in_o ordinary_a communication_n to_o swear_v express_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n but_o lawful_a to_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n as_o by_o heaven_n and_o earth_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v you_o think_v you_o may_v swear_v in_o common_a conversation_n provide_v you_o do_v not_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v without_o oath_n of_o any_o kind_n you_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o swear_v by_o heaven_n or_o by_o earth_n because_o god_n be_v virtual_o invoke_v in_o every_o oath_n and_o unless_o we_o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o good_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o our_o saviour_n shall_v only_o forbid_v they_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n and_o not_o much_o rather_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n such_o oath_n be_v sure_o of_o all_o other_o most_o to_o be_v avoid_v as_o be_v the_o most_o direct_a abuse_n and_o profanation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n second_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a to_o the_o explain_v of_o this_o prohibition_n that_o there_o be_v the_o like_a general_a expression_n in_o other_o jewish_a author_n concern_v this_o very_a matter_n which_o yet_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v thus_o limit_v maimonides_n from_o the_o ancient_a rabbi_n give_v this_o rule_n that_o it_o be_v best_a not_o to_o swear_v at_o all_o and_o philo_n use_v almost_o the_o same_o word_n and_o rabbi_n jonathan_n come_v very_o near_o our_o saviour_n expression_n when_o he_o say_v the_o just_a man_n will_v not_o swear_v at_o all_o not_o so_o much_o as_o by_o the_o common_a name_n of_o god_n nor_o by_o his_o attribute_n nor_o by_o his_o work_n as_o by_o heaven_n or_o the_o angel_n or_o the_o law_n now_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o these_o learned_a jew_n shall_v condemn_v oath_n in_o all_o case_n when_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v in_o many_o case_n express_o require_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o voluntary_a oath_n in_o ordinary_a conversation_n and_o that_o the_o jew_n mean_v this_o by_o not_o swear_v at_o all_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o plain_a from_o a_o passage_n in_o josephus_n who_o say_v that_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o essenes_n forbid_v their_o disciple_n to_o swear_v at_o all_o and_o yet_o he_o tell_v we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o who_o be_v admit_v into_o that_o sect_n take_v a_o oath_n to_o observe_v the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o so_o that_o they_o who_o forbid_v to_o swear_v at_o all_o allow_v of_o oath_n impose_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o superior_n three_o which_o will_v peremptory_o decide_v this_o matter_n this_o prohibition_n of_o our_o saviour_n can_v be_v understand_v to_o forbid_v all_o oath_n without_o a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o the_o undoubted_a practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o even_o of_o our_o lord_n himself_o origen_n and_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o christian_n refuse_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n genius_n not_o because_o it_o be_v a_o oath_n but_o because_o they_o think_v it_o to_o be_v idolatrous_a but_o the_o same_o tertullian_n say_v that_o the_o christian_n be_v willing_a to_o swear_v per_fw-la salutem_fw-la imperatoris_fw-la by_o the_o health_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o emperor_n athanasius_n be_v accuse_v to_o constantius_n purge_v himself_o by_o oath_n and_o desire_v that_o his_o accuser_n may_v be_v put_v to_o his_o oath_n sub_fw-la attestatione_n veritatis_fw-la by_o call_v the_o truth_n to_o witness_v by_o which_o form_n say_v he_o we_o christian_n be_v wont_a to_o swear_v but_o which_o be_v more_o than_o this_o st._n paul_n upon_o weighty_a occasion_n do_v several_a time_n in_o his_o epistle_n call_v god_n to_o witness_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v which_o be_v the_o very_a formality_n of_o a_o oath_n god_n be_v my_o witness_n rom._n 1.9_o as_o god_n be_v true_a our_o word_n be_v not_o yea_o and_o nay_o 2_o cor._n 1.18_o and_o v._o 23._o i_o call_v god_n for_o a_o record_n upon_o my_o soul_n before_o god_n i_o lie_v not_o gal_n 1.20_o god_n be_v my_o record_n philip_n 1.8_o god_n be_v my_o witness_n 1_o thess_n 2.5_o these_o be_v all_o unquestionable_a oath_n which_o we_o can_v imagine_v st._n paul_n will_v have_v use_v have_v they_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o our_o saviour_n law_n and_o whereas_o some_o defend_v this_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n i_o can_v possible_o see_v how_o this_o mend_v the_o matter_n for_o certain_o it_o be_v very_o inconvenient_a to_o say_v that_o they_o who_o be_v to_o teach_v the_o precept_n of_o christ_n to_o other_o do_v themselves_o break_v they_o by_o inspiration_n but_o i_o go_v yet_o far_o and_o shall_v urge_v a_o example_n beyond_o all_o exception_n our_o saviour_n himself_o who_o sure_o will_v not_o be_v the_o first_o example_n of_o break_v his_o own_o law_n do_v not_o refuse_v to_o answer_v upon_o oath_n be_v call_v thereto_o at_o his_o trial._n so_o we_o find_v matth._n 26.63_o yhe_o high_a priest_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o abjure_v thou_o by_o the_o live_a god_n that_o thou_o tell_v we_o whether_o thou_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o be_v he_o require_v he_o to_o answer_v this_o
be_v the_o great_a doctor_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o teacher_n and_o interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o because_o many_o of_o they_o be_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n which_o above_o all_o other_o pretend_v to_o skill_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o law_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v so_o often_o put_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n together_o and_o these_o be_v the_o man_n of_o chief_a authority_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n who_o equal_v their_o own_o unwritten_a word_n and_o tradition_n with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nay_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o they_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v by_o their_o tradition_n they_o do_v in_o effect_n assume_v to_o themselves_o infallibility_n and_o all_o that_o oppose_a and_o contradict_v they_o they_o brand_v with_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o heretic_n against_o these_o our_o saviour_n denounce_v this_o woe_n here_o in_o the_o text_n woe_n unto_o you_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n hypocrite_n for_o you_o shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n etc._n etc._n all_o the_o difficulty_n in_o the_o word_n be_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n st._n luke_n express_v it_o more_o plain_o you_o have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n you_o enter_v not_o in_o yourselves_o and_o they_o that_o be_v enter_v in_o you_o hinder_v by_o put_v these_o two_o expression_n together_o we_o shall_v the_o more_o easy_o come_v at_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o text._n you_o have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o have_v shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o men._n this_o metaphor_n of_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n be_v undoubted_o a_o allusion_n to_o that_o know_a custom_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o admission_n of_o their_o doctor_n for_o to_o whosoever_o they_o give_v authority_n to_o interpret_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o be_v solemn_o admit_v into_o that_o office_n by_o deliver_v to_o they_o a_o key_n and_o a_o table-book_n so_o that_o by_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n be_v here_o mean_v the_o interpretation_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n not_o only_o that_o they_o arrogate_a to_o themselves_o alone_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o likewise_o that_o they_o have_v convey_v away_o this_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o as_o it_o be_v hide_v it_o out_o of_o the_o way_n neither_o use_v it_o themselves_o as_o they_o ought_v nor_o suffer_v other_o to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o they_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n which_o be_v very_o fit_o say_v of_o those_o who_o have_v lock_v the_o door_n against_o they_o that_o be_v go_v in_o and_o have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o these_o metaphorical_a expression_n be_v that_o the_o scribe_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o law_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n have_v pervert_v they_o and_o keep_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o they_o from_o the_o people_n especial_o those_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v shut_v against_o man_n and_o they_o not_o only_o reject_v the_o truth_n themselves_o but_o by_o keep_v man_n in_o ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o hinder_v many_o from_o embrace_v our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n who_o be_v otherwise_o well_o enough_o dispose_v for_o it_o have_v thus_o explain_v the_o word_n i_o shall_v from_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o they_o observe_v to_o you_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n it_o be_v call_v by_o our_o saviour_n the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n that_o which_o let_v man_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 2._o the_o great_a and_o inexcusable_a fault_n of_o those_o who_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n and_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o hinder_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n denounce_v so_o heavy_a a_o woe_n against_o they_o i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o to_o these_o two_o observation_n and_o then_o apply_v they_o to_o those_o who_o be_v principal_o concern_v in_o they_o i._n first_o i_o observe_v hence_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n this_o be_v by_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n that_o which_o let_v man_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n knowledge_n be_v necessary_a to_o religion_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o it_o and_o necessary_a to_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o without_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n because_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o do_v necessary_o suppose_v some_o knowledge_n and_o apprehension_n of_o what_o we_o believe_v to_o all_o act_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v necessary_o require_v some_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n so_o that_o without_o knowledge_n there_o can_v be_v no_o devotion_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n no_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n religion_n begin_v in_o the_o understanding_n and_o from_o thence_o descend_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n say_v our_o saviour_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o we_o must_v first_o know_v god_n before_o we_o can_v worship_v he_o and_o understand_v what_o be_v his_o will_n before_o we_o can_v do_v it_o this_o be_v so_o very_o evident_a that_o one_o will_v think_v there_o need_v no_o discourse_n about_o it_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o in_o the_o world_n that_o cry_v up_o ignorance_n as_o the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n and_o to_o show_v that_o we_o do_v not_o wrong_v they_o in_o this_o matter_n mr._n rushworth_n in_o his_o dialogue_n a_o book_n in_o great_a vogue_n among_o the_o papist_n here_o in_o england_n do_v express_o reckon_v up_o ignorance_n among_o the_o parent_n of_o religion_n and_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v say_v more_o absurd_o and_o more_o to_o the_o disparagement_n of_o religion_n than_o to_o derive_v the_o pedigree_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n from_o so_o obscure_a and_o ignoble_a a_o original_a and_o to_o make_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o knowledge_n to_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o ignorance_n and_o a_o child_n of_o darkness_n ignorance_n indeed_o may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o wonder_n and_o admiration_n and_o the_o mother_n of_o folly_n and_o superstition_n but_o sure_o religion_n be_v of_o a_o noble_a extraction_n and_o be_v the_o issue_n and_o result_v of_o the_o best_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o descend_v from_o above_o from_o the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n even_o the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o as_o knowledge_n in_o general_n be_v necessary_a to_o religion_n so_o more_o particular_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n because_o these_o be_v the_o great_a and_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n concern_v our_o duty_n and_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o another_o world_n be_v full_o and_o plain_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o whence_o can_v we_o learn_v the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o well_o as_o from_o his_o own_o mouth_n they_o be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o shall_v not_o every_o man_n be_v acquaint_v with_o that_o which_o alone_o can_v perfect_o instruct_v he_o what_o he_o must_v believe_v and_o what_o he_o must_v do_v that_o he_o may_v be_v save_v this_o be_v the_o testimony_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o itself_o that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o fit_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v have_v this_o wisdom_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o the_o free_a use_n of_o that_o book_n from_o whence_o this_o wisdom_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v ii_o second_o i_o observe_v the_o great_a and_o inexcusable_a fault_n of_o those_o who_o keep_v man_n in_o ignorance_n of_o religion_n and_o take_v away_o from_o they_o so_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a a_o mean_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n as_o the_o h._n scripture_n be_v this_o our_o saviour_n call_v take_v away_o the_o
exhortation_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v likewise_o read_v to_o the_o people_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n be_v these_o direct_v to_o god_n or_o to_o the_o people_n only_o and_o be_v they_o not_o design_v by_o god_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o read_v either_o to_o that_o purpose_n or_o to_o none_o and_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o instruct_v man_n by_o what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v this_o be_v a_o new_a and_o wonderful_a way_n of_o teach_v by_o conceal_v from_o the_o people_n the_o thing_n which_o they_o shall_v learn_v be_v it_o not_o all_o one_o as_o to_o all_o purpose_n of_o edification_n as_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o read_v or_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o place_n of_o they_o as_o they_o many_o time_n do_v their_o legend_n which_o the_o wise_a sort_n among_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v when_o they_o read_v they_o for_o all_o thing_n be_v alike_o to_o they_o that_o understand_v none_o as_o all_o thing_n be_v of_o a_o colour_n in_o the_o dark_a ignorance_n know_v no_o difference_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v only_a knowledge_n that_o can_v distinguish_v 3._o they_o say_v that_o some_o do_v at_o least_o in_o some_o measure_n understand_v the_o particular_a prayer_n if_o they_o do_v that_o be_v no_o thanks_o to_o they_o it_o be_v by_o accident_n if_o they_o be_v more_o know_v than_o the_o rest_n and_o more_o than_o the_o church_n either_o desire_n or_o intend_v for_o if_o they_o desire_v it_o they_o may_v order_v their_o service_n so_o as_o every_o man_n may_v understand_v it_o 4._o they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v convenient_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v serve_v and_o worship_v in_o the_o same_o language_n all_o the_o world_n over_o convenient_a for_o who_o for_o god_n or_o for_o the_o people_n not_o for_o god_n sure_o for_o he_o understand_v all_o other_o language_n as_o well_o as_o latin_a and_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v to_o the_o contrary_n like_v they_o as_o well_o and_o certain_o it_o can_v be_v so_o convenient_a for_o the_o people_n because_o they_o general_o understand_v no_o language_n but_o their_o own_o and_o it_o be_v very_o inconvenient_a they_o shall_v not_o understand_v what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n but_o perhaps_o they_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v convenient_a for_o the_o roman_a church_n to_o have_v it_o so_o because_o this_o will_v look_v like_o a_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v the_o catholic_n or_o universal_a church_n when_o the_o language_n which_o be_v original_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o universal_a language_n in_o which_o all_o nation_n shall_v serve_v god_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n also_o they_o may_v bring_v all_o nation_n to_o be_v of_o their_o religion_n and_o yet_o make_v they_o never_o the_o wise_a and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a convenience_n because_o knowledge_n be_v a_o troublesome_a thing_n and_o ignorance_n very_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a render_v man_n fit_a to_o be_v govern_v and_o unfit_a to_o dispute_v ii_o as_o to_o their_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o they_o say_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o that_o the_o church_n can_v give_v leave_n to_o man_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o this_o not_o without_o great_a trouble_n and_o difficulty_n there_o must_v be_v a_o licence_n for_o it_o under_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o inquisitor_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o priest_n or_o confessor_n concern_v the_o fitness_n of_o the_o person_n that_o desire_v this_o privilege_n and_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o they_o will_v think_v none_o fit_a but_o those_o of_o who_o they_o have_v the_o great_a confidence_n and_o security_n and_o whoever_o presume_v to_o do_v it_o otherwise_o be_v to_o be_v deny_v absolution_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o damn_v man_n for_o presume_v to_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o their_o leave_n and_o whatever_o they_o may_v allow_v here_o in_o england_n where_o they_o hold_v their_o people_n upon_o more_o slippery_a term_n yet_o this_o privilege_n be_v very_o rare_o grant_v where_o they_o be_v in_o full_a possession_n of_o their_o power_n and_o have_v the_o people_n perfect_o under_o their_o yoke_n 2._o they_o tell_v we_o they_o instruct_v the_o people_n otherwise_o this_o indeed_o be_v something_o if_o they_o do_v it_o to_o purpose_n but_o general_o they_o do_v it_o very_o spare_o and_o slight_o their_o sermon_n be_v common_o make_v up_o of_o feign_a story_n and_o miracle_n of_o saint_n and_o exhortation_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o they_o and_o especial_o of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o of_o their_o image_n and_o relic_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o innumerable_a volume_n of_o their_o sermon_n and_o postil_v in_o print_n which_o i_o suppose_v be_v none_o of_o their_o worst_a i_o be_o sure_a erasmus_n say_v that_o in_o his_o time_n in_o several_a country_n the_o people_n do_v scarce_o once_o in_o half_a a_o year_n hear_v a_o profitable_a sermon_n to_o exhort_v they_o to_o true_a piety_n indeed_o they_o allow_v the_o people_n some_o catechism_n and_o manual_n of_o devotion_n and_o yet_o in_o many_o of_o they_o they_o have_v the_o conscience_n and_o the_o confidence_n to_o steal_v away_o the_o second_o commandment_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o eight_o but_o to_o bring_v the_o matter_n to_o a_o point_n if_o those_o help_n of_o instruction_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n why_o be_v they_o so_o afraid_a the_o people_n shall_v read_v the_o scripture_n if_o they_o be_v not_o why_o do_v they_o deceive_v and_o delude_v they_o 3._o they_o say_v that_o people_n be_v apt_a to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o that_o the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o they_o have_v be_v the_o great_a occasion_n of_o heresy_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o very_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v health_n and_o light_n and_o liberty_n as_o well_o as_o knowledge_n but_o must_v all_o these_o be_v therefore_o take_v away_o this_o very_a inconvenience_n of_o people_n wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o ruin_n st._n peter_n take_v notice_n of_o in_o his_o day_n but_o he_o do_v not_o therefore_o forbid_v man_n the_o read_n of_o they_o as_o his_o more_o prudent_a successor_n have_v do_v since_o suppose_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o heresy_n be_v there_o ever_o more_o than_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o yet_o neither_o the_o apostle_n nor_o their_o successor_n ever_o prescribe_v this_o remedy_n but_o be_v they_o in_o earnest_n must_v not_o man_n know_v the_o truth_n for_o sear_v of_o fall_v into_o error_n because_o man_n may_v possible_o miss_v their_o way_n at_o noonday_n must_v they_o never_o travel_v but_o in_o the_o night_n when_o they_o be_v sure_a to_o lose_v it_o and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v this_o be_v not_o true_a that_o heresy_n have_v spring_v from_o this_o cause_n they_o have_v general_o be_v broach_v by_o the_o learned_a from_o who_o the_o scripture_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v conceal_v and_o for_o this_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o history_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n i_o be_o well_o assure_v the_o ancient_a father_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n st._n chrysostome_n say_v if_o man_n will_v be_v conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o attend_v to_o they_o they_o will_v not_o only_o not_o fall_v into_o error_n themselves_o but_o rescue_v those_o that_o be_v deceive_v and_o that_o the_o scripture_n will_v instruct_v man_n both_o in_o right_a opinion_n and_o a_o good_a life_n and_o st._n hierome_n more_o express_o to_o our_o purpose_n that_o infinite_a evil_n arise_v from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o from_o that_o cause_n the_o most_o part_n of_o heresy_n have_v come_v but_o if_o what_o they_o say_v be_v true_a be_v not_o this_o to_o lay_v the_o blame_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a heresy_n upon_o the_o ill_a management_n of_o thing_n by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o holy_a father_n of_o the_o church_n for_o so_o many_o age_n and_o their_o imprudent_a dispense_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o people_n this_o indeed_o be_v to_o charge_v the_o matter_n home_o and_o yet_o this_o consequence_n be_v unavoidable_a for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v justify_v the_o piety_n and_o prudence_n of_o their_o present_a practice_n without_o accuse_v all_o these_o but_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o main_o rely_v upon_o as_o to_o both_o these_o practice_n be_v this_o that_o though_o these_o thing_n be_v otherwise_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n yet_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o alter_v they_o according_a to_o the_o exigence_n and_o circumstance_n of_o