in_o and_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n especial_o since_o trent-council_n assemble_v and_o end_v above_o your_o hundred_o year_n ago_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o and_o destructive_a of_o this_o individual_a headship_n true_a faith_n and_o church-constitution_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o anti-christian_n miscellany_n and_o compound_n oppositum_fw-la in_fw-la apposito_fw-la of_o god_n and_o the_o creature_n god-man_n and_o meerman_n in_o the_o most_o material_a point_n and_o principle_n of_o christianity_n the_o person_n of_o both_o in_o point_n of_o worship_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o both_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n the_o righteousness_n and_o merit_n of_o both_o in_o point_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o justification_n the_o will_n of_o both_o in_o the_o act_n of_o conversion_n the_o intercession_n of_o both_o in_o the_o great_a office_n of_o mediation_n yea_o a_o universal_a co-equivalency_n or_o equal_a concurrence_n of_o worth_n virtue_n and_o efficacy_n from_o both_o throughout_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n especial_o from_o christ_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n constitute_v therein_o corredemptress_n with_o her_o son_n and_o saviouress_n a_o latere_fw-la as_o if_o her_o breast_n as_o well_o as_o his_o side_n have_v be_v no_o less_o than_o sacramental_a and_o the_o mother_n milk_n and_o the_o son_n blood_n equal_o save_v moreover_o to_o prosecute_v this_o religious_a medley_n god_n and_o the_o creature_n in_o the_o decalogue_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n in_o the_o creed_n scripture_n and_o tradition_n in_o the_o canon_n paternoster_n and_o ave-maria_n in_o the_o litany_n sacrament_n and_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o supper_n etc._n etc._n all_o so_o many_o riddle_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n a_o religion_n consist_v of_o such_o trent-forge-principle_n and_o practice_n as_o these_o viz._n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n papal_a supremacy_n and_o authotity_n church_n infallibility_n unwritten_a tradition_n equal_v in_o authority_n with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n freewill_n in_o opposition_n to_o god_n freegrace_n the_o doctrine_n of_o perfection_n of_o merit_n pardon_n and_o indulgence_n redound_v from_o a_o surplusage_n of_o work_n of_o super-erogation_a and_o satisfaction_n as_o they_o be_v term_v as_o if_o any_o mere_a man_n can_v fulfil_v in_o obedience_n beyond_o what_o the_o law_n require_v and_o satisfy_v in_o penance_n beyond_o what_o sin_n deserve_v a_o rare_a religion_n the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n and_o soul_n depart_v the_o doctrine_n of_o mass-service_n and_o transubstantiation_n the_o consecrate_v priestle_a turn_v a_o petty_a creator_n as_o be_v suppose_v convert_v sacramental_a form_n into_o real_a substance_n and_o commemoration_n into_o expiation_n celebrate_v christ_n death_n with_o his_o death_n as_o well_o as_o with_o his_o own_o in_o destroy_v instead_o of_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n yea_o both_o saviour_n and_o sacrament_n at_o once_o the_o doctrine_n of_o ministration_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n by_o mean_n whereof_o they_o do_v most_o sacrilegious_o rob_v the_o child_n of_o their_o bread_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o they_o do_v of_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o supper_n and_o many_o more_o such_o like_a doctrine_n not_o of_o man_n only_o but_o of_o devil_n which_o i_o listen_v not_o to_o dwell_v upon_o the_o subject_a be_v so_o frightful_a in_o point_n of_o worship_n idolatry_n and_o imagery_n superstition_n saint-worship_n etc._n etc._n in_o point_n of_o polity_n absolute_a tyranny_n the_o key_n turn_v into_o a_o sword_n sufficient_o exercise_v and_o dear_o experience_v throughout_o the_o world_n upon_o princes-crown_n their_o subjects-conscience_n and_o protestant-blood_n in_o sanguinary_a law_n a_o bloody_a inquisition_n direful_a anathemaes_n execrable_a massacre_n rage_a persecution_n etc._n etc._n the_o violent_a calenture_n of_o that_o torrid_a zone_n the_o religion_n in_o fine_a of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v in_o doctrine_n damnable_o heretical_a in_o worship_n gross_o idolatrous_a in_o polity_n and_o government_n intolerable_o tyrannical_a in_o all_o palpable_o antichristian_a opposite_a to_o and_o virtual_o destructive_a of_o christ_n fundamentality_n and_o headship_n in_o his_o person_n or_o nature_n in_o his_o office_n in_o all_o their_o part_n in_o his_o state_n in_o his_o virtue_n merit_n &_o grace_n privilege_n institution_n and_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n in_o one_o or_o more_o or_o all_o of_o those_o and_o consequent_o destruction_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o religion_n by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a successive_a series_n of_o christian_n throughout_o the_o world_n profess_v and_o practise_v and_o final_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n his_o body_n all_o in_o effect_n nullify_v thereby_o yea_o and_o a_o false_a head_n other_o foundation_n and_o another_o name_n be_v substitute_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o true_a the_o religion_n i_o say_v profess_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o church_n herself_o especial_o since_o trent-council_n be_v such_o as_o be_v here_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d describe_v it_o follow_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n both_o primitive_a in_o her_o first_o reformer_n and_o present_a in_o their_o successor_n persist_v in_o that_o happy_a divorce_n from_o she_o and_o embody_v into_o a_o contradistinct_a but_o true_a church_n under_o christ_n the_o only_a true_a head_n in_o a_o joint_a profession_n of_o his_o faith_n the_o true_a religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v schismatical_a this_o be_v ever_o a_o causeless_a and_o groundless_a separation_n in_o or_o from_o matter_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o a_o true_a church_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v righteous_a and_o justifyable_a yea_o absolute_o necessary_a by_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o law_n whereby_o we_o be_v strict_o command_v to_o renounce_v and_o abjure_v her_o society_n upon_o peril_n of_o share_v in_o her_o plague_n from_o which_o good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o sir_n if_o in_o this_o short_a defence_n of_o our_o reformation_n which_o it_o be_v like_a may_v seem_v a_o kind_n of_o morose_a tragedy_n to_o a_o airy_a mercurius_n but_o that_o i_o aim_v at_o a_o further_a goal_n you_o think_v i_o have_v falsify_v or_o misrepresent_v any_o principle_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n charge_v i_o with_o it_o and_o spare_v not_o and_o if_o i_o do_v not_o justify_v what_o i_o have_v assert_v brand_v i_o for_o as_o great_a a_o slanderer_n as_o yourself_o again_o sir_n true_a religion_n be_v that_o only_o of_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o author_n the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o the_o holy_a church_n whereof_o our_o church_n of_o england_n be_v part_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o public_a trustee_n keeper_n and_o conservatory_n as_o pillar_n or_o table_n be_v of_o affix_v paper_n and_o proclamation_n to_o wit_n modo_fw-la forensi_fw-la non_fw-la architectonico_fw-la derive_v and_o deliver_v as_o be_v abovesaid_a to_o she_o from_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o they_o by_o christ_n from_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o reform_a religion_n faith_n doctrine_n and_o substantial_a worship_n profess_v and_o practise_v in_o and_o by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v such_o as_o may_v appear_v from_o her_o public_a test_n and_o monument_n especial_o the_o three_o creed_n apostolic_a nicene_n and_o athanasian_n and_o her_o doctrinal_a article_n unanimous_o agree_v upon_o in_o two_o several_a convocation_n viz_o an._n dom._n 1562_o and_o 1604_o etc._n etc._n compare_v with_o the_o sacred_a canon_n who_o test_n and_o trial_n in_o the_o case_n she_o be_v willing_a to_o undergo_v it_o follow_v that_o the_o reform_v and_o only_o reform_v religion_n profess_v and_o practise_v in_o and_o by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n which_o when_o you_o assault_v with_o argument_n as_o now_o you_o undermine_v by_o stratagem_n you_o shall_v be_v deal_v withal_o moreover_o sir_n the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v no_o less_o satisfy_v in_o her_o clergy_n then_o in_o her_o religion_n that_o as_o god_n have_v by_o a_o law_n of_o as_o long_a duration_n as_o that_o of_o sun_n and_o moon_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n appoint_v to_o publish_v and_o propagate_v his_o truth_n and_o instruct_v his_o church_n by_o a_o constant_a series_n and_o succession_n of_o person_n of_o holy_a order_n and_o office_n authorise_v and_o qualify_v thereunto_o so_o her_o clergy_n be_v such_o have_v derive_v their_o order_n together_o with_o their_o religion_n ex_fw-la traduce_v apostolica_fw-la from_o the_o original_a seminary_n founder_n of_o christianity_n in_o england_n who_o be_v record_v in_o history_n the_o monumental_a memory_n and_o best_a intelligencer_n in_o such_o case_n to_o have_v be_v apostle_n or_o man_n apostolical_a whether_o philip_n or_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n send_v by_o he_o as_o tertullian_n
to_o understand_v that_o sacred_a truth_n may_v have_v be_v easy_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o tradition_n from_o father_n to_o son_n convey_v &_o preserve_v all_o that_o time_n pure_a entire_a and_o incorrupt_a free_a from_o the_o abovenamed_a inconvenience_n yea_o one_o single_a trinmvirate_n may_v have_v perform_v this_o for_o the_o whole_a two_o thousand_o year_n mention_v namely_o adam_n methuselah_n and_o shem_n methuselah_n live_v above_o two_o hundred_o year_n with_o adam_n and_o shem_n who_o live_v to_o the_o fifty_o of_o isaack_n age_n which_o be_v about_o the_o two_o thousand_o one_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o of_o the_o age_n of_o the_o world_n about_o a_o hundred_o with_o methuselah_n but_o now_o be_v that_o the_o church-line_n have_v be_v since_o far_o extend_v her_o constitution_n advance_v from_o domestical_a to_o national_a and_o from_o that_o to_o oecumenick_n and_o universal_a japhet_n persuade_v to_o co-tabernacle_n with_o shem_n and_o moreover_o the_o life_n of_o man_n very_o much_o since_o curtail_v be_v contract_v by_o sacred_a horoscope_n to_o seventy_o or_o at_o most_o eighty_o year_n yea_o very_o rare_o protract_v to_o that_o insomuch_o that_o many_o successive_a sage_n of_o the_o church_n will_v not_o suffice_v to_o perform_v that_o now_o which_o that_o one_o single_a ternion_n do_v before_o and_o thus_o the_o case_n infinite_o alter_v it_o follow_v that_o for_o a_o preventive_a expedient_a against_o the_o threefold_a inconveniency_n above-specified_n namely_o oblivion_n corruption_n and_o suppression_n a_o scriptural_a and_o write_a rule_n be_v most_o convenient_a and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v most_o congruous_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n to_o indulge_v his_o creature_n such_o a_o revelation_n rule_n and_o directory_n be_v most_o convince_o manifest_a from_o his_o own_o infinite_a perfection_n partly_o and_o partly_o from_o the_o concern_v of_o his_o glory_n and_o honour_n in_o his_o own_o worship_n be_v right_o perform_v and_o his_o creature_n be_v happiness_n be_v full_o secure_v for_o to_o urge_v but_o one_o argument_n in_o this_o one_o piece_n of_o sacred_a oeconomy_n which_o be_v nemesius_n concern_v a_o divine_a providence_n in_o general_n shall_v not_o god_n in_o condescension_n to_o his_o creature_n necessity_n and_o conveniency_n mention_v as_o well_o as_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o own_o honour_n therein_o concern_v afford_v he_o such_o a_o revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_v and_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n this_o non-indulgence_n or_o refusal_n must_v necessary_o proceed_v either_o from_o want_n of_o wisdom_n or_o of_o will_n or_o of_o power_n and_o sufficiency_n in_o god_n as_o if_o either_o he_o be_v not_o wise_a enough_o to_o understand_v how_o to_o gratify_v his_o creature_n or_o indeed_o consult_v his_o own_o interest_n herein_o or_o not_o good_a gracious_a and_o kind_a enough_o to_o his_o creature_n or_o faithful_a enough_o to_o his_o own_o interest_n to_o do_v it_o or_o else_o in_o case_n of_o both_o skill_n and_o will_n yet_o not_o able_a or_o sufficient_a enough_o hereunto_o but_o now_o be_v that_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n be_v infinite_o wise_a infinite_o good_a and_o all-sufficient_a it_o be_v desperate_a treasonable_a blaspemy_n commit_v against_o heaven_n to_o assert_v any_o of_o those_o defect_n and_o therefore_o in_o fine_a by_o the_o best_a of_o consequence_n as_o a_o special_a supernatural_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a mind_n and_o will_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n be_v to_o the_o creature_n absolute_o necessary_a and_o a_o scriptural_a and_o write_a one_o most_o convenient_a so_o it_o be_v most_o congruous_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a both_o nature_n and_o honour_n to_o afford_v and_o indulge_v his_o creature_n this_o most_o needful_a useful_a scriptural_a rule_n and_o revelation_n last_o sir_n that_o this_o necessary-expedient_a revelation_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n this_o canon_n rule_n and_o directory_n of_o divine_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n etc._n etc._n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o system_fw-la of_o sacred_a truth_n the_o volume_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o approve_v and_o receive_v throughout_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v as_o rational_o demonstrable_a as_o either_o of_o the_o former_a this_o be_v that_o only_a revelation_n to_o which_o the_o necessary_a property_n and_o condition_n of_o such_o a_o canon_n do_v appertain_v which_o be_v summary_o these_o two_o namely_o divine_a authority_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o original_a and_o universal_a sufficiency_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o end_n it_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a that_o such_o a_o rule_n shall_v both_o proceed_v from_o not_o man_n church_n or_o angel_n but_o god_n himself_o as_o its_o author_n and_o also_o by_o due_a proportion_n correspond_v to_o the_o end_n and_o intendment_n specify_v as_o a_o plain_a and_o plenary_a description_n of_o and_o direction_n to_o the_o true_a god_n true_a worship_n true_a happiness_n and_o the_o appropriate_v mean_n of_o the_o acceptable_a performance_n of_o that_o worship_n and_o infallible_a attainment_n of_o that_o happiness_n what_o more_o rational_a and_o may_v that_o instrument_n method_n and_o model_n of_o revelation_n be_v for_o ever_o explode_v the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o apocryphal_a which_o be_v devoid_a of_o either_o property_n the_o one_o be_v a_o compound_n of_o infallible_a veracity_n and_o authoritative_a power_n express_v in_o the_o revelation_n as_o be_v by_o its_o sacred_a author_n who_o essential_a property_n those_o be_v both_o inspire_v and_o institute_v for_o the_o only_a authentic_a and_o unalterable_a canon_n of_o his_o church_n the_o former_a require_v our_o faith_n the_o latter_a our_o obedience_n both_o in_o their_o respective_a analysis_n ultimate_o resolvable_a into_o the_o same_o as_o their_o very_a formal_a and_o fundamental_a reason_n a_o principle_n of_o natural_a conscience_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o author_n eternal_a power_n and_o god_n head_n so_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n frame_v by_o this_o canon_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o rational_a as_o be_v found_v partly_o upon_o the_o veracity_n of_o that_o god_n who_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v partly_o upon_o his_o supremacy_n or_o potestative_a right_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o quicquid_fw-la libet_fw-la licet_fw-la he_o may_v as_o the_o creature_n be_v sovereign_a proprietary_n enjoin_v and_o exact_v of_o he_o whatsoever_o worship_n or_o service_n his_o own_o absolute_a but_o righteous_a will_n shall_v dictate_v or_o direct_v and_o if_o any_o of_o the_o english_a clergy_n offer_v to_o court_v your_o assent_n or_o obedience_n hereunto_o as_o other_o let_v they_o for_o ever_o inherit_v your_o contempt_n the_o other_o property_n again_o by_o i_o consider_v as_o relate_v to_o both_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o revelation_n be_v the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o canon_n whereby_o it_o be_v conceive_v as_o a_o sacred_a pandect_a or_o ecyclopoedy_n express_o or_o implicit_o direct_o or_o consequential_o to_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n concern_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v either_o know_v and_o believe_v or_o observe_v and_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o man_n happiness_n with_o so_o much_o clearness_n and_o perspicuity_n as_o that_o all_o both_o literate_a and_o illiterate_a may_v in_o a_o due_a and_o diligent_a perusal_n of_o the_o same_o attain_v to_o a_o competent_a skill_n and_o knowledge_n therein_o so_o that_o that_o only_a revelation_n must_v necessary_o be_v the_o authentic_a organ_n and_o instrument_n canon_n and_o rule_n of_o divine_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n christian_a faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o which_o those_o two_o canonical_a property_n and_o condition_n agree_v viz._n that_o authority_n in_o respect_n both_o of_o inspiration_n and_o institution_n and_o that_o all-sufficiency_n in_o respect_n both_o of_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o discovery_n so_o as_o that_o all_o faith_n and_o obedience_n yield_v to_o the_o revelation_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o veracity_n and_o supremacy_n of_o its_o author_n express_v therein_o as_o the_o formal_a object_n or_o objective_a reason_n of_o both_o aswell_o as_o into_o the_o universal_o perfect_a and_o all-sufficient_a testimony_n itself_o as_o the_o material_a one_o and_o not_o into_o the_o testimony_n either_o of_o church_n with_o the_o papist_n or_o of_o spirit_n with_o the_o enthysiast_n both_o commit_v a_o most_o absurd_a and_o putid_v circle_n in_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o hope_n assert_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o canon_n by_o those_o respective_a testimony_n and_o again_o in_o a_o reverse_a method_n the_o truth_n of_o those_o testimony_n as_o be_v no_o other_o way_n know_v to_o be_v true_a by_o the_o canon_n therefore_o to_o be_v equal_o decline_v now_o that_o the_o revelation_n of_o
hieragonisticon_fw-la or_o corah_n doom_n be_v a_o answer_n to_o two_o letter_n of_o enquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o religion_n in_o vindication_n of_o the_o contemn_a by_o way_n of_o epistle_n to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o say_v enquiry_n contra_fw-la rationem_fw-la nemo_fw-la sobrius_fw-la contra_fw-la scripturam_fw-la nemo_fw-la christianus_n contra_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la nemo_fw-la pacificus_fw-la london_n print_v by_o tho._n milbourn_n for_o dorman_n newman_n at_o the_o kings-arme_n in_o the_o poultry_n 1672._o a_o answer_n to_o two_o letter_n of_o enquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o religion_n in_o vindication_n of_o the_o contemn_a by_o way_n of_o epistle_n etc._n etc._n sir_n the_o reform_a religion_n and_o clergy_n england_n glory_n be_v by_o you_o betray_v to_o contempt_n under_o pretence_n of_o a_o amicable_a enquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o occasion_n of_o it_o which_o i_o here_o offer_v to_o make_v good_a i_o can_v conceive_v how_o i_o may_v better_o manage_v my_o vouched_a vindication_n of_o both_o then_o 1._o by_o vnriddle_v the_o mystery_n of_o your_o inquest_n to_o the_o laity_n and_o 2._o by_o answer_v to_o your_o process_n form_v in_o it_o against_o religion_n and_o clergy_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o method_n which_o i_o will_v observe_v in_o the_o present_a contest_v which_o have_v i_o reckon_v it_o certamen_fw-la de_fw-la oleastro_fw-la a_o debate_n about_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n than_o be_v achilles_n toe_n the_o graecian_n boot_n or_o neapolitan_a chestnut_n etc._n etc._n i_o have_v never_o i_o assure_v you_o contra_v you_o in_o to_o your_o the_o world_n or_o my_o own_o trouble_n as_o touch_v the_o first_o general_n viz._n the_o vnriddling_a of_o the_o mystery_n and_o detect_v of_o the_o stratagem_n project_n and_o imposture_n of_o your_o inquisition_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o prepossess_n and_o guard_v of_o the_o laity_n against_o it_o this_o sir_n i_o will_v endeavour_v by_o way_n of_o distinct_a gradual_a paragraph_n commence_v not_o a_o nannaco_n from_o adam_n or_o the_o praeadamites_a nor_o yet_o from_o your_o great_a mormo_n belshazzar_n but_o from_o the_o very_a genealogy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o you_o impeach_v thence_o proceed_v ab_fw-la equis_fw-la ad_fw-la asinos_fw-la till_o in_o fine_a sphinx_n do_v upon_o the_o matter_n become_v his_o own_o oedipus_n and_o your_o riddle_n whether_o one_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n or_o not_o the_o reader_n shall_v be_v judge_n as_o legible_a as_o that_o plain_a truth_n as_o great_a a_o one_o as_o any_o that_o occurr_n throughout_o your_o whole_a rhapsody_n namely_o 10_o let._n 2._o pag._n 10_o that_o there_o be_v a_o near_a relation_n between_o atheism_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o clergy_n wherein_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o you_o have_v in_o a_o manner_n prophesy_v your_o own_o doom_n as_o caiaphas_n do_v our_o saviour_n unawares_o first_o then_o sir_n the_o christian_a faith_n or_o religion_n be_v that_o which_o god_n the_o father_n the_o original_a author_n of_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o be_v have_v deliver_v to_o his_o son_n his_o son_n to_o his_o apostle_n his_o apostle_n to_o his_o church_n the_o primitive_a to_o succeed_a church_n and_o all_o to_o their_o respective_a member_n and_o matriculate_v this_o be_v a_o prescript_n of_o the_o learn_a apologist_n and_o defender_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o ever_o the_o church_n enjoy_v namely_o the_o great_a tertullian_n and_o with_o i_o a_o grand_a piece_n of_o orthodoxy_n again_o sir_n this_o religion_n thus_o convey_v from_o god_n the_o father_n by_o his_o son_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o by_o the_o intermediation_n of_o both_o to_o his_o church_n have_v be_v in_o all_o the_o successive_a age_n thereof_o from_o the_o apostle_n downward_o to_o this_o present_a time_n and_o will_v be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n publish_v preach_v and_o propagate_v by_o a_o constitute_v hierarchy_n or_o continual_a series_n of_o person_n of_o holy_a order_n and_o office_n due_o authorize_v and_o qualify_v thereunto_o style_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n the_o steward_n of_o divine_a mystery_n the_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n the_o pastor_n teacher_n guide_n angel_n and_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n for_o this_o sir_n beside_o its_o congruity_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o general_a equity_n i_o will_v produce_v scripture-argument_n but_o that_o i_o fear_v lest_o they_o may_v share_v in_o the_o common_a lot_n of_o sacred_a promise_n precept_n narrative_n etc._n etc._n by_o your_o overdare_a wit_n facetious_o abuse_v sacra_fw-la sacris_fw-la hence_o sir_n it_o follow_v three_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o compendious_a method_n or_o stratagem_n devise_v for_o propagate_a of_o any_o sinister_a innovation_n or_o revolution_n pagan_a or_o papal_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o most_o atheistick_a idolatrous_a loose_a licentious_a principle_n and_o practice_n whatsoever_o even_o to_o a_o universal_a re-paganizing_a of_o a_o nation_n than_o either_o by_o utter_o subvert_v of_o a_o orthodox_n clergy_n therein_o or_o else_o by_o render_v it_o useless_a and_o unserviceable_a for_o if_o either_o the_o person_n of_o those_o sacred_a steward_n teacher_n guide_n and_o superviser_n be_v remove_v or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o use_v and_o serviceableness_n in_o the_o church_n their_o authority_n rebate_v and_o infringe_v those_o light_n either_o quite_o exstinct_a or_o at_o leastwise_o eclipse_v those_o sacred_a pipe_n cut_v or_o stop_v etc._n etc._n what_o other_o can_v the_o sequel_n be_v then_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o what_o may_v not_o be_v obtrude_v upon_o a_o ignorant_a laity_n of_o all_o that_o the_o arbitrary_a law_n and_o lust_n of_o their_o new_a master_n to_o who_o service_n and_o blind_a obedience_n they_o be_v now_o most_o humble_o envassaled_a shall_v impose_v their_o swallow_v be_v sufficient_o prepare_v by_o this_o time_n not_o for_o their_o gnat_n only_a tushâ—_n that_o be_v ordinary_a with_o the_o blind_a to_o a_o proverb_n but_o for_o their_o camel_n the_o beast_n himself_o for_o a_o nauseous_a deadly_a crambe_n a_o blast_a nehushtan_n for_o stock_n stones_z idol_n image_n and_o what_o you_o will_v even_o to_o a_o unknown_a god_n which_o undoubted_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o satan_n &_o his_o accomplice_n have_v in_o most_o of_o the_o catastrophe_n that_o have_v befall_v the_o church_n still_o commence_v the_o tragedy_n from_o the_o ministry_n witness_v both_o history_n and_o experience_n address_v all_o their_o power_n and_o policy_n to_o a_o utter_a either_o extirpation_n or_o exauctoration_n of_o the_o same_o this_o sir_n i_o have_v likewise_o adopt_v into_o my_o creed_n as_o follow_v consequential_o from_o the_o former_a four_o the_o most_o artificial_a and_o expedite_a way_n either_o to_o destroy_v the_o clergy_n or_o which_o be_v much_o the_o same_o to_o render_v it_o useless_a and_o unserviceable_a to_o the_o church_n as_o this_o be_v to_o destroy_v religion_n be_v to_o expose_v and_o betray_v it_o to_o misprision_n and_o contempt_n in_o the_o laity_n this_o sir_n i_o take_v to_o be_v as_o high_a a_o strain_n of_o politic_n as_o ever_o socinian_n loyolite_n or_o jesuited_a pander_n throughout_o the_o world_n can_v write_v himself_o master_n of_o and_o indeed_o a_o very_a sacra_fw-la anchora_fw-la in_o the_o romish_a sea_n for_o all_o other_o artifices_fw-la fail_v enchantment_n argument_n anathemaes_n menace_n massacre_n altar-coal_n the_o learned_a quill_n the_o charm_a cup_n the_o sacred_a key_n the_o thirsty_a sword_n etc._n etc._n inter_fw-la sacrum_fw-la &_o saxum_fw-la ahab_n prejudice_n will_v do_v the_o business_n the_o jesuite_n powder-plot_n an._n dom._n 88_o be_v a_o shrewd_a stratagem_n as_o be_v level_v at_o the_o community_n in_o ruler_n and_o representative_a where_o each_o unite_v stand_v for_o thousand_o universal_o devote_v to_o a_o tout_fw-fr a_fw-fr coup_fw-fr such_o a_o epitomise_v stroke_n upon_o the_o english_a as_o the_o enrage_a caligula_n imprecate_v to_o his_o offend_a roman_n without_o the_o trouble_n of_o a_o repetition_n but_o now_o those_o ghostly_a politician_n be_v teach_v by_o experience_n that_o sacred_a erterprise_n never_o luck_n more_o prosperous_o then_o when_o manage_v surdo_fw-la verbere_fw-la and_o that_o the_o serpent_n be_v far_o more_o serviceable_a in_o the_o cause_n than_o the_o dragon_n as_o act_v with_o less_o noise_n &_o great_a execution_n once_o thorough_o leaven_n a_o ungovernable_a laity_n with_o contempt_n and_o prejudice_n against_o their_o clergy_n and_o what_o the_o consequent_n hereof_o may_v prove_v may_v be_v perceive_v without_o a_o prospective-glass_n this_o active_a ferment_n will_v doubtless_o by_o degree_n foment_n the_o whole_a mass_n of_o blood_n and_o spirit_n with_o which_o it_o once_o incorporate_v to_o a_o utter_a rejection_n of_o that_o which_o it_o ought_v if_o call_v for_o to_o be_v expend_v in_o defence_n of_o and_o thus_o
be_v such_o a_o near_a relation_n by_o your_o own_o confession_n and_o that_o else_o your_o politic_n be_v as_o faulty_a as_o your_o cause_n under_o the_o disguise_n of_o a_o friendly_a pretence_n it_o be_v a_o grand_a maxim_n in_o law_n but_o only_o with_o a_o civilian_n non_fw-la defendere_fw-la videtur_fw-la qui_fw-la latitat_fw-la very_a silence_n or_o non-appearance_n for_o the_o accuse_v &c._n &c._n much_o more_o publication_n without_o vindication_n as_o in_o the_o present_a case_n be_v a_o implicit_a charge_n so_o that_o the_o very_a negative_a your_o non-vindicating_a of_o religion_n and_o clergy_n from_o that_o contempt_n which_o you_o both_o too_o true_o presuppose_v and_o divulge_v be_v a_o indirect_a proscription_n and_o exposal_n of_o both_o to_o a_o further_a degree_n and_o confirmation_n of_o it_o your_o inquisition_n interpretative_a though_o there_o be_v no_o express_a accusation_n and_o hence_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n the_o proper_a paraphrase_n upon_o your_o text_n and_o i_o dare_v say_v most_o congruous_a to_o the_o original_n must_v be_v this_o the_o ground_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o contempt_n and_o contemptibility_n both_o of_o the_o clergy_n person_n and_o function_n and_o of_o religion_n under_o colour_n of_o friendly_a enquiry_n into_o the_o same_o and_o pretence_n of_o redress_n of_o the_o present_a gâ—â—tempt_n but_o with_o a_o real_a intent_n of_o foment_v and_o propagate_a a_o further_o and_o firm_a prejudice_n and_o what_o have_v a_o near_a relation_n thereunto_o atheism_n etc._n etc._n allege_a or_o administer_v and_o in_o perpetuam_fw-la rei_fw-la memoriam_fw-la publish_v to_o the_o world_n by_o oath_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o now_o ex_fw-la ungue_fw-la leonem_fw-la but_o sir_n to_o subsume_v a_o fortiori_fw-la in_o stead_n of_o vindication_n of_o religion_n and_o clergy_n or_o the_o pretend_a redress_n of_o popular_a contempt_n of_o both_o by_o you_o both_o suppose_v and_o divulge_v you_o have_v expose_v and_o betray_v both_o to_z what_o you_o have_v foul_o bewray_v in_o yourself_o accumulative_a prejudice_n and_o a_o confirm_a contempt_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o more_o effectual_a propagation_n hereof_o and_o your_o atheistick_n antichristian_a design_n herein_o in_o a_o a_o most_o defamatory_n reproachful_a and_o blasphemous_a manner_n traduce_v and_o abuse_v the_o doctrinal_a foundation_n of_o both_o viz._n the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o the_o infringe_n and_o subvert_v what_o you_o can_v the_o sacred_a authority_n and_o consequent_o the_o necessity_n and_o utility_n of_o the_o same_o and_o therein_o the_o christian_a faith_n found_v thereupon_o for_o which_o you_o must_v be_v accountable_a as_o touch_v your_o first_o and_o chief_n assault_n sir_n this_o be_v make_v as_o be_v say_v upon_o the_o doctrinal_a foundation_n of_o both_o religion_n and_o clergy_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o in_o they_o the_o personal_a god_n and_o his_o christ_n or_o rather_o this_o complex_fw-la god_n in_o christ_n if_o those_o phrase_n may_v not_o be_v offensive_a to_o you_o and_o thus_o at_o once_o antiscriptural_a antichristian_a atheistical_a i_o judge_v it_o necessary_a that_o i_o first_o by_o way_n of_o defence_n prepossess_v the_o reader_n against_o it_o and_o then_o for_o conviction_n in_o a_o few_o instance_n among_o many_o a_o little_a exemplify_v it_o as_o for_o the_o former_a i_o can_v better_o prepossess_v the_o reader_n nor_o counter-work_n you_o then_o by_o assert_v from_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o reason_n the_o only_a significant_a topic_a in_o this_o case_n the_o authority_n by_o you_o debase_v and_o disparage_v namely_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o i_o will_v brief_o perform_v in_o these_o few_o ensue_a paragraph_n wherein_o i_o consult_v not_o so_o much_o his_o judgement_n as_o his_o memory_n the_o reality_n as_o the_o rationality_n of_o his_o faith_n as_o be_v rather_o prompter_n hereof_o then_o founder_n hope_v that_o i_o have_v not_o herein_o to_o do_v with_o more_o atheist_n than_o one_o nor_o fear_v in_o defence_n of_o such_o a_o rational_a interest_n to_o encounter_v they_o all_o first_o then_o sir_n that_o there_o be_v a_o one_o only_o true_a and_o live_a god_n that_o to_o this_o god_n be_v due_a from_o the_o creature_n all_o possible_a worship_n and_o service_n that_o upon_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o this_o worship_n depend_v all_o true_a and_o certain_a happiness_n be_v all_o truth_n demonstrable_a from_o principle_n of_o common_a reason_n else_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o take_v shame_n for_o my_o assertion_n viz._n that_o of_o a_o true_a deity_n partly_o from_o natural_a conscience_n as_o be_v in_o its_o latitude_n both_o conservatory_n of_o common_a connate_a notion_n and_o principle_n of_o which_o that_o of_o a_o deity_n divine_a worship_n and_o concomitant_a reward_n be_v the_o chief_a the_o very_a light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o also_o witness_v and_o judge_n by_o way_n of_o domestic_a process_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n vicious_a or_o virtuous_a accuse_v or_o excuse_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o that_o law_n hence_o call_v by_o gregory_n nazianzen_n the_o souls-paedagogess_a which_o will_v you_o become_v tractable_a disciple_n to_o i_o shall_v not_o yet_o despair_v of_o you_o for_o none_o such_o ever_o die_v atheist_n or_o infidel_n and_o by_o basile_n the_o great_a a_o natural_a judicatory_a most_o certain_o authorise_v from_o a_o supreme_a law_n and_o lawgiver_n who_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o true_a god_n who_o authentic_a and_o righteous_a will_n be_v therein_o exemplify_v partly_o again_o by_o rational_a collection_n or_o conclusion_n of_o one_o absolute_a first_o cause_n and_o principle_n from_o obvious_a effect_n that_o be_v the_o production_n of_o the_o creature_n can_v neither_o be_v infinite_a that_o be_v of_o one_o by_o another_o the_o present_a by_o a_o former_a those_o again_o by_o a_o former_a and_o so_o still_o on_o far_o beyond_o adam_n and_o the_o praeadamites_a even_o in_o infinitum_fw-la by_o way_n of_o a_o direct_a unbounded_a procession_n nor_o yet_o circular_a that_o be_v of_o a_o second_o by_o a_o first_o a_o three_o by_o a_o second_o another_z by_o that_o and_o so_o round_o to_o the_o first_o again_o produce_v and_o reproduce_v each_o other_o by_o way_n of_o continual_a circulation_n both_o those_o way_n be_v palpable_o inconsistent_a absurd_a and_o irrational_a it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v original_a proceed_v from_o one_o only_a universal_a supreme_a absolute_a and_o independent_a be_v the_o original_a author_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o jehovah_n the_o only_a true_a god_n deny_v this_o sir_n and_o unman_v your_o self_n again_o that_o of_o religious_a worship_n be_v evict_v from_o the_o former_a the_o very_a same_o principle_n convince_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o godhead_n and_o of_o religious_a worship_n due_a from_o man_n as_o natural_a tribute_n and_o homage_n to_o this_o god_n as_o be_v not_o only_o a_o superexcellent_a nature_n in_o himself_o but_o absolute_a &_o sovereign_a proprietary_n in_o &_o benefactor_n to_o his_o creature_n more_o especial_o man_n his_o vsufructuary_n for_o life_n and_o be_v himself_o independent_a upon_o any_o thing_n all_o thing_n necessary_a dependent_n upon_o he_o insomuch_o that_o there_o be_v never_o person_n or_o people_n in_o the_o world_n who_o do_v not_o always_o join_v with_o their_o sense_n and_o conscience_n of_o a_o deity_n religious_a and_o devotional_a acknowledgement_n witness_v sacred_a ritual_n temple_n altar_n sacrifice_n festival_n etc._n etc._n among_o the_o most_o barbarous_a of_o nation_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o gentile_n be_v not_o tax_v by_o their_o doctor_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o the_o old_a roman_n with_o a_o total_a neglect_n of_o worship_n but_o with_o defect_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o as_o be_v unsuitable_a and_o incongruous_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will._n last_o that_o of_o a_o certain_a reward_n and_o happiness_n attend_v upon_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o this_o worship_n as_o opposite_a misery_n upon_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o be_v no_o less_o congruous_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n than_o either_o of_o the_o former_a as_o be_v convince_o manifest_a partly_o from_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v equal_o dispose_v to_o reward_v virtue_n and_o punish_v vice_n partly_o from_o the_o intrinseck_n equity_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o in_o fine_a then_o sir_n the_o truth_n of_o a_o godhead_n religious_a worship_n due_a to_o this_o god_n true_a happiness_n and_o reward_n depend_v upon_o this_o worship_n be_v all_o article_n of_o a_o very_a heathen_n creed_n as_o well_o as_o of_o that_o of_o a_o christian_a as_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o of_o scripture_n read_v by_o the_o light_n of_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n common_a principle_n of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o article_n of_o faith_n perspicuous_a to_o the_o world_n in_o general_n in_o
common_a with_o that_o impropriate_v part_n of_o it_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n suppose_v as_o general_a preliminary_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o other_o art_n and_o science_n confess_v principle_n for_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n as_o candidate_n in_o this_o sacred_a profession_n must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o a_o godhead_n religion_n concomitant_a reward_n and_o happiness_n common-creed_n wherein_o all_o heathen_n and_o pagan_n jew_n mahometan_n etc._n etc._n who_o several_a testimony_n i_o must_v not_o here_o insert_v as_o well_o as_o christian_n universal_o throughout_o the_o world_n be_v joint_a confessor_n save_v here_o and_o there_o a_o protagoras_n diagoras_n lucian_n the_o author_n of_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o clergy_n etc._n etc._n and_o such_o like_a desperado_n who_o yet_o never_o dare_v out_o of_o a_o fever_n express_o deny_v any_o of_o all_o the_o three_o a_o god_n his_o worship_n or_o a_o future_n state_n or_o suppose_v they_o live_v the_o pope_n life_n question_v what_o they_o dare_v not_o can_v deny_v clement_n the_o seven_o be_v the_o man_n i_o mean_v his_o three_o dying-resolves_a will_v be_v their_o certain_a though_o too_o late_a conviction_n viz._n whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n whether_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a whether_o there_o be_v a_o heaven_n and_o hell_n again_o sir_n that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o due_a knowledge_n of_o this_o god_n the_o right_a and_o acceptable_a performance_n of_o this_o worship_n and_o the_o discovery_n and_o attainment_n of_o this_o happiness_n a_o special_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a mind_n &_o will_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n &_o life_n be_v to_o the_o creature_n absolute_o necessary_a that_o a_o scriptural_a rule_n and_o revelation_n be_v most_o convenient_a and_o that_o to_o afford_v the_o creature_n such_o a_o rule_n be_v most_o congruous_a to_o the_o sacred_a nature_n &_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v all_o rational_a truth_n aswell_o as_o the_o former_a for_o sir_n as_o touch_v the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o rule_n and_o revelation_n although_o a_o person_n may_v by_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n emprove_v by_o the_o accessary_a help_n of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n discover_v and_o learn_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n yea_o and_o in_o some_o degree_n what_o he_o be_v both_o in_o his_o negative_a attribute_n independency_n infinity_n immutability_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o his_o affirmative-goodness_n wisdom_n power_n etc._n etc._n yea_o and_o those_o in_o their_o very_a eminency_n omnisciency_n omnipotency_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o like_a as_o the_o necessary_a and_o essential_a property_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n likewise_o that_o there_o be_v religious_a worship_n due_a to_o this_o god_n yea_o and_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n most_o acceptable_a to_o himself_o last_o that_o reward_n and_o happiness_n attend_v and_o depend_v upon_o that_o worship_n yea_o and_o in_o some_o respect_n what_o objective_a happiness_n &_o chief_a good_a be_v viz._n god_n himself_o qui_fw-la omnis_fw-la beatitudinis_fw-la fastigium_fw-la meta_fw-la finis_fw-la as_o say_v the_o divine_a plato_n like_v as_o his_o master_n socrates_n the_o former_a the_o very_a sum_n adequate_a measure_n and_o boundary_a of_o all_o real_a blessedness_n yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o what_o unity_n of_o essence_n in_o trinity_n of_o person_n be_v one_o in_o three_o without_o division_n three_o in_o one_o without_o confusion_n god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n all_o one_o individual_a spirit_n the_o proper_a object_n of_o divine_a worship_n what_o the_o right_a and_o acceptable_a manner_n of_o perform_v that_o worship_n wherein_o that_o true_a formal_a happiness_n consist_v which_o attend_v thereupon_o and_o by_o what_o mean_n attainble_a etc._n etc._n those_o sir_n believe_v it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o discoverable_a by_o that_o common_a light_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o infinite_a disproportion_n which_o be_v between_o such_o a_o defective_a medium_n and_o the_o object_n and_o hence_o in_o the_o academy_n the_o lyceum_n the_o stoa_n and_o other_o athenian_a phrontistery_n will_v have_v find_v no_o more_o credit_n than_o the_o doctrine_n usual_o preach_v for_o a_o hundred_o year_n last_o pass_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v in_o your_o book_n folly_n 59_o lett._n 1._o pag._n 59_o else_o what_o mean_v the_o heathenish_a polytheisme_n and_o great_a armado_n of_o mock-deity_n alias_o mortal_n bewray_v by_o the_o tomb_n they_o have_v aswell_o as_o temple_n thirty_o thousand_o strong_a as_o it_o be_v in_o hesiod_n musterroll_n copy_v by_o st._n augustine_n of_o who_o three_o thousand_o among_o the_o very_a grecian_n as_o it_o be_v in_o homer_n who_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o with_o you_o as_o canonical_a as_o belike_o his_o iliad_n and_o odyssey_n be_v than_o we_o know_v at_o once_o what_o be_v your_o creed_n your_o bible_n and_o practice_n of_o piety_n six_o thousand_o among_o the_o roman_n as_o it_o be_v in_o varro_n more_o god_n than_o there_o be_v of_o contemn_a clergy_n all_o england_n over_o what_o mean_v their_o monstrous_a idolatry_n their_o two_o hundred_o eighty_o eight_o beatitude_n recount_v by_o the_o learned_a roman_a now_o mention_v and_o such_o like_a stuff_n of_o which_o to_o speak_v with_o the_o father_n i_o piget_fw-la quod_fw-la illos_fw-la non_fw-la puduit_fw-la and_o that_o not_o among_o the_o rude_a plebeian_n only_o but_o even_o person_n of_o more_o defecate_v intellectual_n their_o polish_a sophy_n ingeniosoe_n vertuosoe_n and_o the_o most_o refine_a of_o all_o nation_n and_o profession_n the_o egyptian_a priest_n the_o persian_a magi_n the_o wise_a grecian_a philosopher_n stoic_n peripatetic_n platonic_n etc._n etc._n the_o most_o inquisitive_a roman_a naturalist_n the_o grecian_a and_o roman_a both_o orator_n and_o poet_n even_o the_o very_a prince_n in_o either_o faculty_n demosthenes_n and_o tully_n in_o the_o one_o and_o in_o the_o other_o which_o your_o reader_n may_v chance_v to_o wonder_v at_o protestant-homer_n 46._o let._n 2._o pag._n 43_o 45_o 46._o and_o which_o be_v yet_o stranger_n virgil_n themselves_o undoubted_a nonconformi_v have_v he_o but_o hold_v out_o to_o bartholomew_n the_o famous_a the_o only_a person_n of_o either_o persuasion_n i_o assure_v you_o that_o i_o ever_o read_v or_o dream_v of_o to_o have_v come_v from_o rome_n or_o athens_n what_o i_o say_v can_v the_o pagan_a mock-deity_n idolatry_n and_o imaginary_a beatitude_n in_o the_o very_a judgement_n of_o the_o most_o strenuous_a advocate_n of_o pure_a natural_n portend_v other_o than_o a_o utter_a insufficiency_n of_o natural_a light_n for_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n above_o specify_v namely_o the_o administer_a of_o the_o due_a knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n true_a worship_n and_o true_a happiness_n therefore_o a_o new_a light_n or_o supernatural_a rule_n and_o revelation_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a again_o sir_n the_o expediency_n of_o a_o scriptural_a or_o write_a rule_n may_v appear_v from_o a_o threefold_a danger_n and_o inconveniency_n which_o a_o unwritten_a one_o be_v liable_a to_o namely_o that_o of_o oblivion_n and_o forgetfulness_n that_o of_o depravation_n and_o corruption_n by_o unjust_a addition_n detraction_n falsification_n and_o forgery_n and_o last_o that_o of_o utter_a destruction_n and_o suppression_n the_o first_o through_o the_o treachery_n of_o humane_a memory_n the_o two_o last_o through_o the_o implacable_a enmity_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o accomplice_n against_o god_n his_o truth_n and_o church_n from_o all_o which_o a_o write_a rule_n and_o revelation_n be_v more_o secure_a as_o be_v a_o public_a record_n and_o repertory_n whereunto_o recourse_n may_v be_v have_v upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o well_o for_o relief_n to_o memory_n as_o for_o trial_n or_o redress_v of_o question_v and_o impeach_v truth_n hence_o call_v by_o st._n peter_n a_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n than_o vocal_a or_o unwritten_a to_o wit_n not_o by_o a_o certainty_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o veracity_n for_o all_o divine_a revelation_n be_v equal_o sure_a in_o this_o sense_n because_o equal_o true_a but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o security_n upon_o the_o account_v mention_v true_a it_o be_v god_n be_v please_v to_o instruct_v his_o church_n for_o the_o first_o two_o thousand_o year_n and_o upward_o only_o viva_fw-la voce_fw-la by_o a_o vocal_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_v for_o aught_o certain_o know_v to_o the_o contrary_a but_o then_o sir_n the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v during_o that_o long_a aera_fw-la only_o domestical_a confine_v within_o the_o line_n and_o limit_n of_o particular_a family_n which_o compare_v with_o the_o longaevity_n and_o great_a age_n of_o the_o aborigines_n of_o the_o world_n give_v we_o plain_o
dignity_n pre-engaged_n be_v perfect_v and_o ripen_v into_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n by_o the_o concurrent_a certificative_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o efficient_a cause_n thereof_o exert_v in_o if_o distinct_a from_o the_o admirable_a efficacy_n of_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o upon_o the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n the_o heart_n will_n and_o affection_n etc._n etc._n namely_o that_o the_o revelation_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n confirm_v by_o miracle_n both_o co-attested_n canonical_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o ministerial_o by_o the_o church_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o they_o be_v approve_v and_o receive_v throughout_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v of_o a_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v several_a other_o secondary_a and_o collateral_a argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o cessation_n of_o gentile-oracle_n the_o subversion_n of_o pagan-idol_n by_o virtue_n hereof_o like_o the_o fall_n of_o dagon_n before_o the_o ark_n the_o implacable_a malice_n rage_n and_o fury_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o accomplice_n against_o they_o the_o divine_a judgement_n upon_o their_o inveterate_a opponent_n the_o invincible_a courage_n constancy_n and_o resolution_n of_o their_o confessor_n and_o martyr_n the_o quality_n of_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o evangelist_n their_o first_o publisher_n and_o writer_n the_o admirable_a preservation_n of_o they_o against_o all_o opposition_n the_o confession_n of_o adversary_n jew_n gentile_n sibylls_n philosopher_n heathen_n and_o heretic_n etc._n etc._n touch_v the_o divine_a truth_n thereof_o and_o also_o several_a other_o internal_a mark_n and_o cognisance_n of_o divinity_n as_o antiquity_n consent_n of_o part_n efficacy_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o like_a but_o the_o former_a be_v only_o know_v to_o we_o by_o humane_a testimony_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n the_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o present_a witness_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o person_n rational_o infallible_a or_o such_o as_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v suspect_v of_o any_o either_o active_a or_o passive_a deceit_n &_o imposture_n in_o the_o case_n be_v &_o must_v to_o any_o considerate_a person_n appear_v to_o be_v equivalent_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o a_o more_o sure_a and_o compendious_a argument_n for_o fix_v and_o settle_v of_o our_o belief_n in_o the_o particular_a the_o latter_a i_o have_v omit_v as_o not_o so_o argumentative_a or_o convictive_a to_o natural-conscience_n which_o i_o have_v here_o more_o especial_o address_v my_o endeavour_n to_o as_o the_o other_o above_o urge_v but_o that_o none_o may_v wonder_v why_o i_o urge_v not_o here_o the_o argument_n of_o miracle_n which_o other_o of_o the_o great_a fame_n lie_v such_o a_o main_a stress_n upon_o i_o will_v give_v you_o and_o the_o world_n this_o brief_a account_n of_o it_o miracle_n be_v considerable_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n but_o two_o way_n namely_o as_o either_o matter_n of_o divine_a testimony_n co-attested_n together_o with_o the_o doctrine_n by_o they_o confirm_v canonical_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o else_o as_o matter_n of_o humane_a testimony_n co-attested_n together_o with_o the_o say_a doctrine_n ministerial_o in_o &_o by_o the_o church_n as_o have_v be_v preassert_v now_o in_o short_a sir_n under_o neither_o consideration_n be_v miracle_n or_o can_v they_o rational_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o argument_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o only_o the_o partial_a object_n thereof_o as_o matter_n of_o divine_a testimony_n as_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o matter_n of_o humane_a testimony_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o require_v a_o correspondent_a assent_n to_o both_o where_o for_o a_o further_a account_n of_o myself_o i_o crave_v leave_n to_o remonstrate_v against_o a_o very_a eminent_a and_o worthy_a divine_a of_o the_o quorum_n of_o the_o clergy_n by_o you_o contemn_v now_o live_v who_o in_o a_o book_n as_o note_v as_o himself_o hold_v this_o of_o miracle_n for_o the_o main_a convictive_a argument_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o though_o best_a now_o because_o such_o of_o old_a which_o be_v a_o mere_a fallacy_n a_o non_fw-la causa_fw-la pro_fw-la causa_fw-la partly_o and_o partly_o ab_fw-la accident_n for_o first_o to_o argue_v ab_fw-la absurdo_fw-la from_o his_o own_o hypothesis_n namely_o this_o that_o which_o christ_n himself_o in_o his_o time_n use_v as_o the_o best_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o his_o doctrine_n be_v the_o best_a still_o to_o which_o i_o subsume_v but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o that_o of_o visible_a miracle_n be_v the_o best_a argument_n which_o christ_n use_v to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o his_o doctrine_n make_v the_o ear-witness_n of_o the_o one_o eye-witness_n of_o the_o other_o as_o infallible_o demonstrative_a sign_n and_o seal_n of_o divinity_n and_o then_o the_o conclusion_n follow_v full_a of_o absurdity_n viz._n that_o that_o of_o visible_a miracle_n obvious_a to_o our_o eye_n as_o those_o be_v which_o he_o wrought_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n to_o he_o then-proselyte_n be_v the_o best_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v use_v still_o to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n the_o scripture_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o christ_n must_v re-descend_a into_o the_o world_n and_o work_v new_a miracle_n visible_a as_o his_o first_o before_o he_o can_v have_v new_a convert_n absurd_a again_o if_o that_o which_o christ_n himself_o use_v as_o the_o best_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n which_o be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v visible_a miracle_n be_v the_o best_a still_o then_o be_v we_o under_o a_o unavoidable_a necessity_n of_o incur_v the_o same_o guilt_n to_o wit_n non-conviction_n and_o positive_a unbelief_n or_o in_o the_o same_o author_n opinion_n which_o i_o do_v not_o here_o dispute_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o those_o reprobated_a infidel_n in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n through_o our_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o same_o provision_n against_o it_o namely_o visible_a miracle_n nay_o more_o we_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o incur_v sin_n without_o possibility_n of_o remedy_n a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v through_o want_n of_o the_o preventive_a visible_a miracle_n without_o possibility_n of_o remedy_n because_o the_o positive_a unbelief_n mention_v and_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o those_o be_v distinct_a be_v know_v by_o scripture-verdict_n to_o be_v unpardonable_a this_o gross_a absurdity_n follow_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n &_o how_o injurious_a nay_o blasphemous_a against_o the_o wisdom_n goodness_n holiness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o assert_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v be_v easy_a to_o determine_v three_o dilemmatical_o that_o reverend_a author_n must_v necessary_o consider_v miracle_n either_o as_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o as_o report_a by_o the_o church_n for_o as_o visible_a they_o be_v peculiar_a to_o christ_n contemporary_n and_o eye-witness_n if_o as_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o such_o they_o be_v part_n of_o the_o divine_a testimony_n which_o be_v this_o complex_fw-la the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n confirm_v by_o miracle_n they_o be_v not_o the_o argument_n but_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o we_o believe_v not_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o miracle_n but_o the_o miracle_n for_o the_o scripture_n as_o part_v of_o the_o sacred_a narrative_a and_o together_o with_o the_o doctrine_n by_o they_o confirm_v and_o joint_o with_o they_o therein_o record_v the_o collateral_a object_n of_o our_o belief_n if_o again_o as_o report_a by_o the_o church_n then_o by_o my_o author_n divinity_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o main_a or_o best_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v use_v to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o train_n of_o absurdity_n and_o if_o we_o abstract_a from_o the_o testimony_n of_o both_o scripture_n and_o church_n let_v any_o tell_v i_o what_o significancy_n miracle_n be_v of_o in_o the_o case_n the_o author_n i_o assure_v you_o be_v a_o person_n approve_v for_o eminent_a both_o learning_n and_o piety_n and_o indemnify_v from_o your_o two_o extenuative_a character_n of_o which_o in_o their_o due_a place_n but_o personal_a respect_n must_v vail_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o truth_n i_o can_v easy_o declare_v with_o he_o that_o i_o believe_v that_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o undeniable_a miracle_n i_o can_v as_o easy_o declare_v that_o i_o believe_v all_o true_a miracle_n to_o be_v of_o god_n because_o they_o exceed_v all_o create_a power_n but_o the_o critical_a query_n in_o the_o case_n by_o he_o omit_v be_v how_o shall_v one_o be_v assure_v that_o such_o miracle_n be_v ever_o wrought_v as_o christ_n turn_v of_o water_n into_o wine_n for_o instance_n his_o raise_v of_o
god_n and_o his_o will_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o they_o be_v approve_v and_o receive_v throughout_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v that_o one_o only_a revelation_n which_o be_v thus_o both_o inspire_v and_o also_o by_o eternal_a sanction_n institute_v and_o appoint_v of_o god_n for_o the_o all-sufficient_a and_o absolute_o perfect_a canon_n of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o both_o as_o touch_v the_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v and_o its_o accessary_a mode_n of_o scription_n it_o be_v whole_o commit_v to_o write_v by_o god_n holy_a prophet_n apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v all_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o his_o immediate_a actuary_n extraordinary_o qualify_v for_o irresistible_o incite_v to_o and_o infallible_o guide_v and_o actéd_v in_o the_o work_n commence_v by_o moses_n the_o first_o and_o final_o conclude_v and_o perfect_v by_o st._n john_n the_o last_o of_o canonical_a writer_n may_v be_v very_o rational_o evict_v and_o that_o to_o a_o utter_a exclusion_n not_o only_o of_o the_o jewish_a talmud_n the_o turkish_a koran_n popish_a tradition_n enthsiastick_a fancy_n etc._n etc._n from_o have_v part_n or_o lot_n in_o the_o sacred_a canon_n but_o of_o matter_n of_o a_o high_a predicament_n namely_o all_o vocal_a revelation_n such_o as_o be_v that_o whereby_o god_n instruct_v his_o church_n for_o the_o first_o two_o thousand_o year_n and_o upward_o and_o the_o many_o sermon_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n not_o record_v though_o equal_o inspire_v of_o god_n with_o the_o scriptural_a as_o also_o several_a prophecy_n as_o those_o of_o gad_n nathan_n iddo_n and_o other_o which_o be_v not_o only_o equal_o inspire_v but_o likewise_o record_v yet_o irrecoverable_o lose_v as_o be_v only_o accommodate_v pro_fw-la tunc_fw-la to_o some_o particular_a state_n condition_n &_o exigency_n of_o the_o church_n which_o once_o satisfy_v they_o be_v judge_v unnecessary_a to_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o universal_a canon_n where_o i_o advertise_v the_o reader_n that_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v evict_v in_o their_o authority_n for_o it_o be_v once_o agree_v upon_o that_o the_o revelation_n contain_v therein_o be_v of_o a_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o can_v more_o question_v its_o sufficiency_n than_o its_o testimony_n whereof_o this_o be_v a_o signal_n part_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v as_o inspire_v of_o god_n so_o as_o his_o sacred_a institutes_n profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n etc._n etc._n sufficient_a to_o perfect_v every_o individual_a man_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n that_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n etc._n etc._n that_o this_o word_n must_v be_v indeclinable_o observe_v without_o turn_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a that_o nothing_o must_v be_v add_v to_o this_o word_n or_o diminish_v from_o it_o upon_o peril_n of_o accumulative_a misery_n denounce_v by_o st._n john_n the_o last_o and_o long_a liver_n of_o canonical_a writer_n as_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o very_a last_o of_o his_o writing_n namely_o the_o very_a close_a of_o the_o canon_n by_o way_n of_o penal_a sanction_n and_o ratification_n of_o the_o whole_a so_o that_o the_o very_a crisis_n of_o this_o weighty_a concern_n of_o state_v and_o settle_v our_o faith_n &_o obedience_n in_o and_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n lie_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o after_o this_o discursive_a method_n that_o which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n ought_v necessary_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v but_o the_o revelation_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n therefore_o this_o revelation_n ought_v necessary_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v the_o major_a or_o first_o proposition_n be_v a_o conclusion_n of_o natural_a reason_n found_v and_o follow_v upon_o god_n essential_a veracity_n and_o supremacy_n as_o have_v be_v say_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o very_a light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o a_o deity_n itself_o the_o minor_a or_o assumption_n namely_o that_o the_o revelation_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n be_v apparent_a upon_o a_o threefold_a testimony_n namely_o that_o of_o the_o church_n that_o of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o which_o the_o two_o former_a only_o be_v argumentative_a the_o one_o as_o humane_a and_o ministerial_a the_o other_o as_o divine_a and_o canonical_a as_o for_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n his_o testimony_n indeed_o be_v most_o certain_o persuasive_a to_o a_o person_n be_v own_o conscience_n but_o this_o testimony_n be_v private_a and_o internal_a like_o the_o hide_a manna_n which_o no_o man_n know_v save_v he_o that_o receive_v it_o and_o the_o truth_n or_o divinity_n hereof_o be_v with_o all_o opponent_n equal_o questionable_a with_o that_o of_o the_o word_n itself_o it_o can_v be_v no_o way_n convictive_a to_o other_o well_o then_o to_o urge_v only_o the_o two_o former_a and_o that_o very_o brief_o as_o touch_v the_o first_o of_o those_o namely_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o i_o here_o consider_v and_o observe_v it_o sir_n not_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n for_o as_o such_o it_o be_v only_o knowable_a by_o the_o scripture_n not_o they_o by_o it_o but_o as_o a_o collective_a body_n or_o society_n of_o prudent_a and_o honest_a faithful_a witness_n profess_v and_o attest_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o religion_n therein_o prescribe_v so_o that_o the_o argument_n stand_v thus_o that_o revelation_n which_o be_v by_o a_o society_n of_o prudent_a honest_a and_o faithful_a witness_n who_o be_v neither_o deceive_v themselves_o nor_o deceiver_n of_o other_o profess_v and_o attest_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o all_o rational_a construction_n and_o evidence_n be_v such_o but_o the_o revelation_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v by_o such_o a_o society_n of_o prudent_a honest_a and_o faithful_a witness_n etc._n etc._n profess_a and_o attest_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o major_a or_o first_o proposition_n sir_n i_o reckon_v unquestionable_a with_o all_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n throughout_o the_o world_n for_o certain_o as_o essential_a infallibility_n in_o god_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o in_o genere_fw-la entis_fw-la he_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n in_o matter_n of_o divine_a testimony_n so_o a_o rational_a infallibility_n in_o a_o society_n of_o prudent_a honest_a and_o faithful_a man_n who_o therefore_o can_v be_v suspect_v to_o be_v in_o genere_fw-la moris_fw-la either_o deceive_v in_o themselves_o or_o deceiver_n of_o other_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o rational_a assurance_n in_o matter_n of_o humane_a testimony_n as_o be_v that_o in_o question_n viz_o a_o humane_a testimony_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o what_o more_o can_v be_v require_v in_o the_o case_n as_o for_o the_o roof_n of_o the_o minor_a or_o assumption_n all_o that_o be_v require_v hereunto_o be_v the_o eviction_n of_o the_o prudence_n honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o those_o witness_n or_o the_o rational_a infallibility_n of_o themselves_o and_o and_z their_o testimony_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o can_v neither_o be_v suspect_v of_o be_v deceive_v in_o themselves_o nor_o yet_o of_o any_o imposture_n or_o intent_n of_o deceive_v other_o where_o i_o understand_v as_o to_o our_o immediate_a concern_n in_o the_o case_n the_o present_a testifier_n especial_o without_o a_o perplex_v recourse_n have_v to_o the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o precede_a be_v still_o successive_o secure_v in_o the_o subsequent_a church_n thus_o be_v once_o persuade_v of_o the_o prudence_n and_o honesty_n of_o the_o present_a church_n namely_o that_o she_o be_v so_o wise_a and_o prudent_a as_o not_o to_o have_v be_v deceive_v by_o the_o next_o precede_v from_o who_o she_o receive_v the_o scripture_n and_o so_o honest_a and_o ingenuous_a as_o not_o to_o deceive_v the_o reader_n or_o myself_o or_o the_o next_o ensue_v we_o be_v according_o assure_v of_o the_o same_o both_o prudence_n and_o honesty_n and_o consequent_o rational_a infallibility_n in_o the_o former_a and_o so_o in_o the_o next_o to_o that_o and_o so_o on_o to_o the_o very_a apostle_n and_o first_o witness_n now_o then_o let_v the_o intellectual_n and_o moral_n the_o wisdom_n prudence_n and_o discretion_n the_o honesty_n fidelity_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o present_a witness_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v impartial_o scan_v and_o all_o compare_v with_o the_o multitude_n of_o