heart_n be_v regenerate_v by_o faith_n we_o be_v now_o teach_v what_o to_o believe_v as_o if_o that_o regeneration_n be_v without_o faith._n we_o learn_v christ_n after_o baptism_n as_o if_o there_o can_v be_v any_o baptism_n without_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v most_o safe_a for_o we_o as_o it_o follow_v a_o little_a after_o to_o retain_v that_o first_o and_o only_a evangelical_n faith_n confess_v and_o understand_v in_o baptism_n v._o and_o that_o a_o good_a and_o righteous_a cause_n may_v have_v good_a defender_n and_o supporter_n let_v we_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n wherein_o this_o faith_n be_v contain_v chief_o for_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v order_v our_o step_n that_o be_v our_o life_n and_o conversation_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n let_v we_o always_o remember_v that_o our_o religion_n be_v a_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n as_o be_v show_v before_o in_o which_o we_o be_v not_o well_o instruct_v if_o it_o do_v not_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world._n which_o be_v the_o best_a way_n also_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v most_o agreeable_a to_o these_o word_n which_o he_o write_v to_o timothy_n ground_v and_o settle_v or_o stable_n and_o steadfast_a colos_n i._o 23._o for_o they_o be_v the_o good_a ground_n in_o the_o church_n who_o in_o a_o bone_a and_o good_a heart_n have_v hear_v the_o word_n keep_v it_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n luk._n viii_o 15._o as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v if_o we_o will_v stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o not_o fall_v away_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v other_o will_v do_v in_o time_n of_o trial_n v._o 13._o we_o must_v first_o come_v to_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o upright_a heart_n desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o resolve_v to_o receive_v it_o though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o our_o present_a inclination_n and_o interest_n this_o be_v the_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n which_o second_o must_v keep_v and_o preserve_v in_o mind_n and_o heart_n what_o it_o have_v thus_o receive_v and_o not_o present_o let_v it_o slip_v or_o lay_v it_o aside_o as_o a_o thing_n never_o to_o be_v think_v of_o more_o after_o we_o have_v hear_v it_o and_o last_o we_o must_v not_o only_o in_o a_o warm_a fit_n of_o zeal_n begin_v to_o put_v in_o practice_n what_o we_o learn_v but_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n or_o continuance_n this_o be_v the_o way_n both_o to_o draw_v other_o into_o the_o church_n and_o to_o continue_v ourselves_o in_o it_o and_o to_o make_v we_o constant_a defender_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o be_v to_o do_v our_o part_n in_o this_o great_a office_n of_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n incumbent_a upon_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o consequent_o upon_o every_o one_o of_o we_o who_o be_v member_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o remember_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v zealous_a be_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n after_o godliness_n as_o i_o say_v before_o tit._n i._n 1._o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o piety_n to_o the_o study_n of_o which_o if_o we_o serious_o and_o hearty_o apply_v ourselves_o it_o will_v be_v our_o best_a security_n against_o all_o imposture_n and_o preserve_v we_o from_o the_o subtle_a and_o crafty_a insinuation_n of_o those_o who_o corrupt_a or_o pervert_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o final_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a mean_n to_o make_v christianity_n prevail_v in_o the_o world._n remember_v the_o advice_n of_o s._n paul_n to_o this_o church_n of_o ephesus_n ephes_n iv_o 14.15_o where_o you_o may_v find_v the_o true_a way_n to_o continue_v firm_a and_o steadfast_a and_o not_o to_o be_v toss_v about_o as_o child_n with_o every_o blast_n of_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o speak_v or_o rather_o follow_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n or_o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n dialect_n be_v fix_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o one_o another_o for_o the_o hebrew_n word_n aman_n to_o which_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d answer_n signify_v not_o only_o to_o speak_v truth_n but_o likewise_o to_o be_v firm_a and_o constant_a fix_v and_o establish_v which_o if_o we_o be_v we_o shall_v have_v a_o settle_a unmoveable_a confidence_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n towards_o we_o for_o he_o that_o hearty_o love_v god_n and_o his_o neighbour_n will_v never_o be_v startle_v much_o less_o shake_v by_o their_o bold_a anathemas_n though_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v tell_v he_o he_o shall_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v this_o or_o that_o proposition_n which_o they_o say_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o his_o salvation_n because_o there_o be_v something_o within_o he_o that_o give_v they_o the_o lie_n and_o assure_v he_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o they_o who_o say_v that_o god_n hate_v and_o will_v reject_v he_o who_o believe_v all_o the_o ancient_a faith_n which_o work_v by_o love._n god_n himself_o testify_v the_o contrary_a by_o make_v the_o truth_n efficacious_a in_o his_o heart_n to_o purge_v he_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o by_o change_v he_o into_o his_o own_o likeness_n in_o holiness_n love_n and_o goodness_n and_o the_o more_o thorough_o any_o man_n be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n the_o more_o perfect_o will_v he_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o pronounce_v a_o false_a judgement_n upon_o he_o and_o consequent_o be_v the_o more_o hearty_o resolve_v against_o that_o religion_n which_o make_v man_n so_o liberal_a in_o pour_v out_o curse_n upon_o all_o they_o that_o do_v not_o embrace_v its_o novel_a opinion_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o will_v have_v consider_v that_o vi_o we_o do_v not_o perform_v our_o duty_n i_o may_v safe_o affirm_v nay_o confident_o aver_v we_o be_v not_o the_o pillar_n and_o stay_v of_o truth_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v unless_o every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o our_o several_a place_n and_o station_n oppose_v with_o a_o become_a zeal_n the_o error_n innovation_n and_o encroachment_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v the_o man_n that_o be_v of_o all_o other_o most_o guilty_a of_o the_o just-now_a name_v uncharitableness_n or_o rather_o pride_n and_o cruelty_n for_o they_o utter_o un-church_n we_o and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v cut_v we_o off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o bar_v the_o gate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o we_o by_o this_o alone_a if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o we_o be_v sure_o they_o have_v gross_o err_v and_o live_v in_o error_n that_o they_o deny_v we_o to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o christ_n church_n who_o believe_v and_o confess_v with_o heart_n and_o mouth_n the_o whole_a catholic_a faith_n every_o thing_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d confess_o and_o by_o universal_a consent_n the_o ancient_a christian_a belief_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n and_o martyr_n die_v by_o which_o alone_a righteous_a soul_n for_o many_o age_n go_v to_o heaven_n know_v nothing_o of_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n of_o transubstantiation_n of_o the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n for_o quick_a and_o dead_a and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o new_a invention_n we_o deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n no_o nor_o of_o man_n if_o we_o stand_v not_o up_o resolute_o against_o such_o usurpation_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o maintain_v that_o faith_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o wherein_o we_o stand_v to_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n which_o be_v incumbent_a chief_o upon_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o i_o have_v show_v be_v the_o principal_a pillar_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o timothy_n be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o appear_v with_o all_o their_o might_n for_o the_o support_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n here_o establish_v instruct_v teach_v exhort_v all_o commit_v to_o their_o charge_n to_o be_v steadfast_a and_o immovable_a in_o it_o to_o the_o death_n and_o every_o honest_a heart_a christian_n ought_v to_o do_v the_o same_o in_o his_o rank_n and_o condition_n by_o follow_v those_o instruction_n by_o fortify_v himself_o against_o romish_a delusion_n by_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o detect_v their_o error_n which_o be_v the_o more_o earnest_o to_o be_v oppose_v because_o the_o new_a article_n of_o their_o creed_n be_v not_o a_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n but_o tend_v many_o
almighty_a against_o every_o such_o refractory_a opposer_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o he_o shall_v obey_v there_o be_v no_o exception_n from_o this_o rule_n for_o as_o it_o there_o follow_v v._o 11._o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o god._n will_v to_o god_n they_o will_v serious_o lay_v this_o to_o heart_n who_o now_o seem_v to_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o truth_n and_o for_o a_o right_a faith_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o deceive_v by_o this_o warm_a zeal_n as_o to_o miss_v the_o end_n of_o faith_n the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n which_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v obtain_v no_o not_o by_o faith_n itself_o without_o a_o holy_a life_n part_n ii_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o who_o this_o office_n belong_v have_v show_v with_o some_o care_n what_o the_o truth_n be_v of_o which_o s._n paul_n speak_v which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o propound_v the_o two_o next_o may_v be_v explain_v together_o with_o less_o pain_n viz._n what_o and_o who_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o these_o great_a truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o that_o will_v be_v save_v i._o and_o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v have_v we_o by_o a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n to_o understand_v that_o which_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o upon_o who_o credit_n and_o authority_n all_o christian_a truth_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n depend_v for_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n be_v this_o pillar_n and_o presume_v also_o that_o they_o only_o be_v the_o church_n they_o thence_o infer_v that_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o no_o truth_n but_o from_o they_o and_o that_o they_o give_v authority_n and_o certainty_n to_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o likewise_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n i._n e._n they_o declare_v to_o be_v truth_n be_v therefore_o to_o be_v receive_v insomuch_o that_o if_o they_o make_v any_o new_a article_n or_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o give_v a_o full_a assent_n to_o they_o because_o all_o truth_n depend_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o church_n this_o sound_v strange_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o those_o that_o be_v not_o accustom_v to_o such_o language_n and_o may_v be_v think_v perhaps_o a_o misrepresentation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n but_o â—â—â—larmine_fw-la to_o name_n no_o more_o vouch_v this_o to_o be_v the_o catholic_a sense_n of_o this_o place_n and_o from_o the_o word_n pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n prove_v that_o the_o church_n can_v err_v either_o in_o believe_v or_o in_o teach_v 2._o teach_v l._n ii_o the_o council_n 〈◊〉_d c._n 2._o and_o again_o that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n approve_v be_v true_a and_o whatsoever_o it_o disapprove_v be_v false_a 14._o false_a l._n iii_o the_o 〈◊〉_d milit._n c._n 14._o but_o this_o only_a show_n that_o they_o be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o find_v proof_n for_o their_o high_a pretence_n for_o it_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o process_n of_o this_o discourse_n first_o that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v the_o word_n pillar_n and_o ground_n have_v respect_n to_o the_o church_n and_o not_o rather_o to_o timothy_n for_o which_o there_o be_v good_a authority_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n i_o shall_v let_v the_o authority_n alone_o till_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o only_a note_n second_o that_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n not_o to_o refer_v this_o to_o the_o church_n for_o have_v call_v the_o church_n a_o house_n it_o do_v not_o seem_v a_o congruous_a speech_n immediate_o to_o call_v the_o same_o church_n a_o pillar_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o call_v timothy_n a_o pillar_n in_o that_o house_n and_o to_o wish_v he_o to_o behave_v himself_o therein_o like_o other_o great_a person_n to_o who_o in_o other_o place_n he_o give_v the_o name_n of_o pillar_n but_o three_o if_o it_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o church_n it_o no_o more_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o any_o other_o church_n and_o immediate_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n in_o which_o timothy_n preside_v which_o church_n of_o ephesus_n ult_n ephesus_n council_n floreat_n 〈◊〉_d ult_n with_o other_o church_n of_o the_o east_n condemn_v this_o headship_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v a_o sovereignty_n over_o our_o faith._n and_o further_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v four_o that_o the_o apostle_n respect_v the_o church_n universal_a and_o likewise_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o bind_v in_o duty_n to_o be_v but_o also_o actual_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n yet_o last_o it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o any_o other_o truth_n but_o those_o grand_a fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n those_o catholic_a doctrine_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o which_o bless_a be_v god_n be_v maintain_v in_o every_o church_n to_o this_o day_n not_o of_o all_o truth_n whatsoever_o much_o less_o of_o a_o absolute_a freedom_n from_o all_o manner_n of_o error_n for_o let_v these_o thing_n alone_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v mean_v by_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n if_o it_o refer_v to_o the_o church_n as_o i_o be_o content_a to_o admit_v not_o that_o the_o church_n as_o they_o absurd_o affirm_v be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n upon_o which_o it_o rely_v but_o that_o it_o firm_o retain_v uphold_v and_o profess_v the_o christian_a truth_n against_o all_o the_o force_n violence_n and_o opposition_n of_o earth_n and_o hell_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n that_o endeavour_n to_o overthrow_v it_o that_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a import_n of_o the_o phrase_n i_o will_v manifest_v first_o from_o the_o propriety_n of_o the_o word_n second_o from_o clear_a reason_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i._n first_o from_o the_o propriety_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o greek_a language_n in_o which_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d frequent_o signify_v such_o a_o pillar_n as_o stand_v before_o their_o common_a hall_n and_o court_n of_o judicature_n upon_o which_o the_o decree_n and_o order_n of_o the_o court_n be_v wont_a to_o hang_v or_o be_v fix_v unto_o which_o tertullian_n allude_v when_o speak_v of_o a_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n in_o the_o place_n above_o name_v 18._o name_v l._n the_o resurrect_a carnis_fw-la c._n 18._o he_o say_v vnum_fw-la opinor_fw-la apud_fw-la omnes_fw-la edictum_fw-la dei_fw-la pendet_fw-la i_o suppose_v one_o edict_n of_o god_n hang_v up_o among_o all_o viz._n to_o be_v read_v by_o they_o have_v just_o ask_v before_o quonam_fw-la titulo_fw-la spes_fw-la ista_fw-la proscripta_fw-la est_fw-la by_o what_o title_n this_o hope_n viz._n of_o the_o resurrection_n be_v propose_v and_o hold_v forth_o to_o all_o and_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ground_n signify_v not_o the_o foundation_n but_o the_o seat_n where_o any_o thing_n be_v place_v so_o as_o to_o be_v settle_v and_o lay_v up_o to_o remain_v and_o abide_v there_o and_o at_o the_o most_o can_v mean_v no_o more_o than_o the_o stay_n or_o establishment_n the_o seat_n or_o settlement_n of_o truth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d oecumenius_n render_v it_o the_o confirmation_n of_o truth_n or_o if_o we_o will_v have_v these_o word_n allude_v to_o a_o building_n because_o the_o church_n be_v here_o call_v the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o elsewhere_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o same_o they_o signify_v no_o more_o but_o supporter_n and_o upholder_n without_o which_o the_o edifice_n will_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o the_o most_o we_o can_v make_v of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n sustain_v and_o keep_v it_o from_o sink_v or_o fall_v as_o a_o pillar_n firm_o settle_v upon_o a_o basis_n sustain_v and_o uphold_v the_o fabric_n lay_v upon_o it_o this_o consist_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v distinct_o though_o but_o brief_o mention_n for_o the_o reader_n be_v clear_a information_n in_o this_o matter_n first_o the_o church_n be_v that_o body_n of_o man_n which_o preserve_v and_o keep_v which_o maintain_v and_o hold_v up_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o god_n have_v commit_v to_o its_o care_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o divine_a oracle_n deliver_v in_o old_a time_n and_o as_o the_o church_n will_v answer_v it_o to_o god_n and_o not_o be_v guilty_a of_o betray_v its_o trust_n it_o must_v constant_o preserve_v the_o truth_n commit_v to_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lose_v and_o do_v not_o perish_v this_o may_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o that_o the_o church_n
great_a circumspection_n and_o discretion_n there_o i_o do_v not_o love_v to_o use_v such_o word_n but_o there_o be_v no_o other_o i_o can_v find_v so_o apt_a to_o represent_v the_o gross_a absurdity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o give_v infallible_a interpretation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n from_o the_o universal_a bishop_n the_o grand_a and_o only_a oracle_n of_o christendom_n as_o they_o will_v have_v he_o esteem_v or_o from_o such_o council_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v general_n and_o can_v obtain_v their_o approbation_n you_o see_v what_o godly_a one_o we_o be_v like_a to_o have_v if_o we_o give_v up_o our_o faith_n to_o they_o how_o they_o will_v pervert_v the_o plain_a word_n of_o god_n to_o serve_v their_o own_o interest_n and_o wrest_v they_o from_o their_o natural_a and_o easy_a sense_n to_o another_o which_o be_v so_o force_v that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o rude_a but_o will_v ready_o discern_v the_o absurdness_n of_o it_o if_o he_o be_v permit_v to_o read_v and_o do_v consider_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o their_o great_a cardinal_n bellarmine_n allege_v these_o very_a word_n to_o prove_v that_o general_a council_n confirm_v by_o the_o pope_n can_v err_v 2da_fw-la err_v lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr contil._n auctoritate_fw-la c._n 2._o class_n 2da_fw-la nay_o that_o particular_a council_n approve_v by_o the_o pope_n have_v the_o same_o privilege_n denique_fw-la privilege_n ib._n cap._n 6._o denique_fw-la where_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o the_o weak_a understanding_n that_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o christian_n that_o be_v at_o ephesus_n unite_v to_o their_o pastor_n without_o which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v a_o society_n or_o company_n be_v the_o church_n here_o speak_v of_o and_o therefore_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n if_o this_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n and_o not_o mere_o some_o particular_a person_n in_o that_o church_n much_o less_o a_o general_n council_n of_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o world_n and_o least_o of_o all_o one_o bishop_n in_o who_o timothy_n can_v not_o be_v say_v in_o any_o sense_n to_o be_v as_o he_o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v in_o that_o church_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n viz._n in_o that_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a governor_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world._n for_o this_o be_v not_o a_o office_n appropriate_v to_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o to_o every_o single_a church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o here_o it_o will_v be_v very_o profitable_a i_o think_v to_o note_v these_o six_o thing_n for_o the_o full_a explication_n of_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n i._o the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v that_o which_o i_o now_o mention_v that_o every_o particular_a church_n one_o as_o well_o and_o as_o much_o as_o another_o be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n in_o that_o sense_n which_o i_o have_v declare_v this_o be_v not_o a_o prerogative_n which_o belong_v to_o some_o one_o church_n but_o a_o privilege_n appertain_v to_o the_o universal_a and_o to_o every_o particular_a as_o a_o part_n of_o it_o for_o if_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n be_v a_o pillar_n of_o truth_n as_o s._n paul_n here_o affirm_v then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o church_n of_o antioch_n the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v the_o same_o authority_n for_o that_o which_o make_v any_o one_o of_o they_o a_o church_n make_v the_o other_o so_o viz._n the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n there_o profess_v and_o union_n with_o their_o pastor_n for_o the_o divine_a service_n and_o therefore_o that_o honour_n or_o office_n which_o belong_v to_o one_o of_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n belong_v to_o another_o because_o they_o be_v but_o so_o many_o member_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o body_n that_o be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o their_o several_a country_n wherein_o they_o be_v plant_v have_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o they_o which_o they_o be_v to_o maintain_v and_o support_v unto_o the_o very_a death_n and_o endeavour_v that_o every_o one_o who_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n may_v by_o their_o mean_n know_v and_o believe_v they_o and_o according_o every_o church_n have_v contribute_v unto_o this_o and_o no_o one_o church_n can_v ever_o with_o any_o reason_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o sole_a supporter_n or_o defender_n of_o the_o christian_a truth_n of_o which_o there_o be_v this_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o then_o the_o church_n be_v most_o of_o all_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n or_o buttress_n as_o some_o translate_v it_o of_o truth_n when_o it_o be_v assault_v by_o heresy_n and_o not_o only_o beat_v they_o off_o but_o beat_v they_o down_o and_o suppress_v they_o now_o all_o heresy_n be_v not_o quash_v and_o confound_v by_o s._n peter_n and_o his_o successor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o by_o other_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o their_o successor_n in_o other_o church_n this_o be_v demonstrate_v by_o a_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n etc._n communion_n joh._n launoii_n epist_n pars_fw-la quinta_fw-la antonio_n varillao_n p._n 35._o etc._n etc._n by_o xii_o famous_a instance_n out_o of_o a_o far_o great_a number_n s._n john_n for_o example_n not_o peter_n or_o any_o of_o his_o successor_n strike_v down_o the_o nicolaitan_n s._n paul_n the_o nazarene_o and_o cerinthian_n s._n luke_n the_o ebionite_n as_o he_o prove_v out_o of_o good_a author_n particular_o hyginus_n who_o relate_v how_o the_o bishop_n of_o other_o see_v not_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n quash_v the_o ptolemaite_n the_o noetian_o and_o divers_a other_o heretic_n as_o the_o synod_n of_o antioch_n do_v paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la 22._o samosatenus_fw-la enseb_n l._n vii_o eccles_n hist_o c._n 22._o and_o the_o first_o general_n council_n of_o constantinople_n where_o damasus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o present_a either_o by_o himself_o or_o his_o legate_n do_v eunomius_n and_o other_o heretic_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o will_v have_v observe_v ii_o that_o every_o eminent_a pastor_n in_o the_o church_n who_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n as_o s._n paul_n speak_v in_o this_o epistle_n v._o 17._o have_v these_o very_a title_n ancient_o bestow_v upon_o he_o of_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n because_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o principal_a trustee_n with_o who_o the_o faith_n be_v deposit_v as_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o irenaeus_n before_o mention_v and_o many_o other_o ancient_a writer_n and_o in_o s._n paul_n word_n to_o timothy_n when_o he_o bid_v he_o to_o keep_v the_o depositum_fw-la he_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o and_o commit_v the_o same_o to_o other_o faithful_a or_o trusty_a person_n who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v it_o to_o other_o 2_o tim._n i._o 14._o ii_o 2._o and_o because_o they_o be_v principal_a instrument_n in_o defend_v the_o truth_n against_o opposer_n in_o propagate_a the_o christian_a faith_n to_o those_o who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o in_o preserve_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v entertain_v by_o their_o constant_a instruction_n and_o zealous_a exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v nay_o we_o shall_v rare_o if_o at_o all_o find_v any_o bishop_n of_o rome_n call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n but_o several_a other_o bishop_n be_v frequent_o call_v by_o this_o name_n s._n basil_n for_o instance_n ii_o instance_n epist_n lxii_o tom._n ii_o write_v of_o the_o bishop_n of_o neocaesarea_n new_o dead_a bewail_v his_o loss_n very_o much_o because_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ornament_n of_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n here_o in_o this_o place_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o strong_a and_o firm_a establishment_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n etc._n etc._n and_o upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ancyra_n lxvii_o ancyra_n epist_n lxvii_o who_o bishop_n be_v call_v athanasius_n it_o appear_v by_o some_o of_o the_o forego_n epistle_n he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o man_n be_v fall_v who_o be_v indeed_o a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o church_n and_o complain_v in_o another_o epistle_n lxx_o epistle_n epist_n lxx_o of_o the_o miserable_a estate_n of_o their_o church_n he_o say_v among_o other_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v disperse_v the_o bishop_n he_o mean_v be_v banish_v from_o their_o flock_n which_o
a_o contrary_a mind_n hope_v though_o they_o do_v not_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n yet_o they_o will_v help_v to_o establish_v the_o people_n of_o our_o church_n in_o the_o present_a truth_n which_o i_o doubt_v not_o they_o will_v see_v to_o be_v the_o true_o catholic_n apostolic_a faith_n which_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o part_v withal_o but_o preserve_v as_o careful_o as_o they_o do_v their_o life_n and_o so_o the_o can_v fail_v to_o do_v if_o they_o add_v to_o faith_n virtue_n in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v this_o treatise_n as_o practical_a as_o i_o can_v that_o we_o may_v not_o fall_v into_o that_o grand_a error_n of_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o hold_v the_o truth_n though_o we_o hold_v it_o in_o unrighteousness_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n deliver_v we_o all_o from_o that_o damnable_a delusion_n and_o establish_v our_o heart_n unblameable_a in_o holiness_n before_o god_n even_o our_o father_n at_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o his_o saint_n 1_o thess_n iii_o 13._o part_n i._n introduction_n it_o be_v a_o pious_a reflection_n which_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n make_v upon_o a_o say_n of_o plato_n that_o if_o truth_n can_v never_o have_v be_v learn_v 675._o l._n vi_o stromat_n p._n 675._o but_o either_o from_o god_n himself_o or_o from_o his_o dependent_n then_o we_o who_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a oracle_n do_v just_o boast_v that_o we_o be_v teach_v the_o truth_n by_o the_o very_a son_n of_o god._n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v unto_o we_o so_o plain_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n and_o transmit_v unto_o we_o so_o entire_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o great_a trouble_n to_o all_o those_o who_o love_v he_o and_o his_o religion_n to_o see_v such_o wrangling_n about_o it_o in_o his_o church_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o certainty_n among_o we_o what_o be_v truth_n than_o there_o be_v among_o the_o philosopher_n the_o contention_n about_o this_o be_v so_o sharp_a and_o fierce_a that_o while_o man_n seek_v after_o truth_n they_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o lose_v the_o very_a aim_n and_o scope_n of_o it_o which_o be_v charity_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o one_o another_o this_o s._n paul_n determine_v to_o be_v the_o very_a drift_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o he_o tell_v timothy_n the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v charity_n 1_o i._n 5._o nay_o they_o have_v raise_v so_o many_o doubt_n about_o this_o matter_n that_o poor_a people_n be_v many_o time_n to_o seek_v for_o truth_n itself_o even_o in_o the_o clear_a light_n thereof_o it_o be_v some_o man_n business_n so_o to_o confound_v their_o thought_n that_o they_o know_v it_o not_o when_o they_o see_v it_o but_o be_v still_o in_o great_a trouble_n about_o it_o even_o when_o they_o have_v it_o and_o where_o to_o seek_v for_o it_o be_v now_o grow_v a_o great_a question_n also_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v no_o doubt_n in_o the_o church_n but_o about_o that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o dispute_n that_o man_n be_v to_o seek_v as_o much_o as_o before_o if_o they_o go_v to_o find_v it_o there_o in_o short_a there_o be_v no_o word_n more_o abuse_v than_o these_o two_o truth_n and_o church_n and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v do_v some_o service_n to_o soul_n if_o for_o their_o plain_a and_o safe_a direction_n in_o these_o matter_n i_o rescue_v those_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n to_o timothy_n 1_o iii_o 15._o the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n from_o those_o false_a gloss_n that_o be_v put_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a truth_n and_o for_o that_o end_n i_o shall_v distinct_o treat_v of_o these_o four_o thing_n first_o what_o that_o truth_n be_v of_o which_o either_o the_o church_n or_o timothy_n or_o both_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n second_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n three_o who_o it_o be_v to_o who_o this_o office_n and_o honour_n belong_v of_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o what_o we_o mean_v when_o we_o say_v the_o church_n be_v entrust_v therewith_o last_o how_o it_o discharge_v this_o office._n i._o what_o be_v the_o truth_n here_o we_o must_v begin_v because_o we_o must_v first_o know_v what_o the_o truth_n be_v before_o we_o can_v know_v a_o society_n of_o man_n to_o be_v the_o church_n which_o be_v constitute_v and_o make_v by_o believe_v and_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o this_o in_o effect_n be_v a_o resolution_n of_o that_o question_n which_o pilate_n ask_v our_o saviour_n but_o will_v not_o stay_v for_o a_o answer_n what_o be_v truth_n which_o though_o it_o be_v make_v a_o great_a difficulty_n by_o those_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o make_v thing_n intricate_a and_o perplex_a yet_o in_o my_o opinion_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o it_o and_o we_o need_v not_o go_v far_o neither_o to_o seek_v it_o for_o the_o apostle_n himself_o immediate_o explain_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o truth_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n receive_v up_o into_o glory_n where_o we_o learn_v two_o thing_n in_o general_a concern_v this_o matter_n first_o that_o the_o truth_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v that_o which_o be_v former_o a_o mystery_n or_o secret_n which_o lie_v hide_v for_o many_o age_n and_o generation_n in_o the_o unknown_a purpose_n of_o god_n but_o now_o be_v reveal_v and_o manifest_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o make_v man_n godly_a which_o be_v the_o other_o thing_n we_o learn_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o truth_n which_o the_o apostle_n intend_v be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n or_o as_o he_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o vi_o chapter_n v._n 3._o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o better_a man_n life_n by_o make_v they_o do_v their_o duty_n faithful_o both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n to_o some_o of_o which_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v owe_v be_v in_o this_o very_a epistle_n call_v show_v piety_n or_o godliness_n v._o 4._o we_o be_v not_o to_o reckon_v it_o among_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v deposit_v with_o timothy_n to_o be_v prefer_v and_o uphold_v in_o the_o church_n for_o god_n do_v not_o design_n by_o the_o discovery_n he_o make_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n in_o the_o gospel_n mere_o to_o enlarge_v our_o knowledge_n but_o to_o rectify_v our_o will_n and_o affection_n by_o the_o right_a information_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o by_o acquaint_v we_o with_o such_o weighty_a truth_n especial_o such_o wonderful_a revelation_n of_o his_o love_n as_o can_v but_o irresistable_o sway_v we_o if_o we_o lie_v they_o to_o heart_n unto_o his_o obedience_n but_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o guess_v at_o this_o truth_n or_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n without_o any_o certainty_n he_o set_v down_o a_o particular_a of_o it_o and_o reduce_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n to_o these_o six_o head_n i._o the_o principal_n be_v this_o that_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o be_v incarnate_a by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o be_v make_v man_n that_o he_o may_v suffer_v for_o we_o and_o make_v himself_o a_o offering_n for_o our_o sin_n all_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v include_v in_o these_o word_n god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n which_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o god_n the_o father_n for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o other_o place_n that_o it_o be_v jesus_n christ_n who_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n 1_o joh._n iu_o 2._o and_o be_v here_o declare_v to_o be_v god_n that_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n the_o word_n make_v flesh_n 1_o joh._n 14._o which_o do_v not_o denote_v mere_o his_o be_v make_v man_n but_o likewise_o his_o suffering_n for_o we_o he_o take_v our_o flesh_n on_o purpose_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o therein_o he_o may_v by_o his_o death_n make_v a_o atonement_n for_o sin._n and_o so_o the_o very_a phrase_n flesh_n and_o blood_n signify_v in_o scripture_n as_o it_o do_v common_o in_o the_o hebrew_n writer_n this_o weak_a frail_a mortal_a suffer_v state_n wherein_o we_o be_v at_o present_a into_o which_o our_o bless_a lord_n put_v himself_o when_o he_o manifest_v himself_o in_o our_o flesh_n so_o we_o read_v express_o ii_o hebr._n 14._o where_n to_o
take_v part_n with_o we_o in_o our_o flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v to_o make_v himself_o liable_a to_o suffering_n and_o death_n in_o these_o few_o word_n therefore_o be_v contain_v many_o principle_n of_o christian_a truth_n viz._n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v real_o god_n not_o god_n the_o father_n who_o be_v be_v here_o suppose_a but_o god_n the_o son_n and_o that_o he_o be_v incarnate_a and_o real_o make_v man_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o mother_n be_v perfect_a god_n and_o perfect_a man_n and_o as_o real_o suffer_v for_o we_o in_o the_o flesh_n as_o s._n peter_n speak_v 1_o iu._n 1._o which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v first_o assault_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o agent_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o religion_n such_o as_o simon_n magus_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o tribe_n but_o prove_v to_o be_v undoubted_o true_a by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o his_o spirit_n ii_o which_o be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o mystery_n justify_v in_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n which_o sufficient_o convince_v all_o gainsayers_a that_o he_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n though_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n and_o that_o by_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n he_o condemn_a sin_n in_o the_o flesh_n viii_o rom._n 3._o for_o as_o he_o be_v conceive_v in_o his_o mother_n womb_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i._o luke_n 35._o so_o at_o his_o baptism_n he_o be_v anoint_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o power_n x._o act._n 38._o there_o be_v then_o a_o visible_a descent_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o a_o glorious_a manner_n upon_o he_o together_o with_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v iii_o matt._n 17._o and_o as_o it_o then_o light_v on_o he_o so_o it_o abode_n and_o remain_v on_o he_o i._n joh._n 32_o 33._o as_o appear_v by_o the_o power_n of_o such_o miracle_n as_o neither_o man_n nor_o devil_n can_v work_v but_o only_o the_o spirit_n of_o god._n which_o be_v so_o evident_o true_a that_o to_o ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n xii_o matt._n 28.31_o 32._o iii_o mark_v 29_o 30._o by_o who_o power_n not_o only_a devil_n be_v cast_v out_o but_o even_o the_o dead_a be_v raise_v whereby_o he_o be_v manifest_v to_o be_v the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o life_n xi_o joh._n 25._o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n he_o himself_o also_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o declare_v again_o the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n i._n rom._n 4._o and_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n give_v he_o he_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o his_o apostle_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n as_o a_o further_a justification_n of_o he_o xv._o joh._n 26._o v._n act._n 32._o nay_o more_o than_o this_o by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o their_o hand_n pour_v it_o out_o upon_o other_o who_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n ii_o act._n 38._o viii_o 17._o which_o be_v the_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o whereby_o they_o know_v all_o thing_n as_o st._n john_n call_v it_o 1._o ii_o 20._o i_o e._n be_v assure_v of_o all_o the_o christian_a truth_n reveal_v unto_o they_o for_o all_o these_o be_v illustrious_a witness_n unto_o christ_n and_o justify_v this_o grand_a truth_n that_o he_o be_v god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n for_o such_o end_n and_o purpose_n as_o he_o pretend_v against_o all_o opposer_n who_o accuse_v it_o of_o falsity_n and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o do_v not_o see_v several_a other_o principle_n of_o god_n holy_a truth_n contain_v in_o this_o particular_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o holy_a trinity_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n do_v what_o be_v in_o he_o 1_o cor._n ii_o 11._o and_o lead_v or_o guide_v the_o apostle_n into_o all_o truth_n xvi_o joh._n 13._o and_o dwell_v in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n as_o his_o temple_n 1_o cor._n vi_o 19_o which_o not_o create_v spirit_n can_v do_v and_o give_v such_o a_o divine_a testimony_n to_o our_o saviour_n that_o to_o speak_v against_o it_o be_v unpardonable_a blasphemy_n that_o other_o great_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n also_o be_v include_v in_o this_o which_o s._n paul_n declare_v in_o these_o term_n though_o he_o be_v crucify_v through_o weakness_n yet_o he_o live_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 2_o corinth_n xiii_o 4._o iii_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n notorious_a to_o the_o angel_n themselves_o which_o be_v the_o three_o particular_a in_o this_o mystery_n be_v see_v of_o angel_n both_o at_o his_o birth_n iii_o luke_n 9_o 10_o 13._o and_o in_o several_a passage_n of_o his_o life_n iu._n matt._n 11._o xvii_o 5._o i._n joh._n 51._o and_o at_o his_o death_n xxii_o luke_n 43._o and_o at_o and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n xxviii_o matt._n 2._o xx._n joh._n 20._o and_o also_o at_o his_o ascension_n i._n act._n 10_o 11._o when_o they_o testify_v to_o the_o apostle_n that_o this_o same_o jesus_n who_o be_v take_v up_o from_o they_o into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o come_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o have_v see_v he_o go_v into_o heaven_n where_o when_o he_o come_v they_o all_o worship_v he_o i._o hebr._n 6._o and_o admire_v at_o the_o wonderful_a wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o be_v make_v know_v to_o they_o by_o the_o church_n 1_o pet._n i._n 12._o especial_o this_o mystery_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o scripture_n call_v it_o which_o be_v the_o four_o particular_a in_o this_o catalogue_n of_o christian_a truth_n iv_o that_o this_o doctrine_n thus_o confirm_v and_o attest_v be_v preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v fellow-heir_n with_o the_o jew_n and_o partaker_n of_o god_n promise_n in_o christ_n by_o the_o gospel_n as_o s._n paul_n speak_v iii_o ephes_n 6._o unto_o who_o this_o grace_n be_v give_v to_o preach_v among_o the_o gentile_n the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v all_o man_n know_v what_o be_v the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o mystery_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n be_v hide_v in_o god_n who_o create_v all_o thing_n by_o jesus_n christ_n a_o astonish_a grace_n this_o be_v declare_v the_o infinite_a love_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n that_o they_o who_o think_v not_o of_o it_o who_o have_v no_o promise_n to_o make_v they_o expect_v it_o who_o be_v stranger_n to_o god_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n be_v on_o a_o sudden_a surprise_v with_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n good_a will_n to_o they_o in_o christ_n and_o by_o belief_n of_o it_o be_v make_v fellow_n citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god._n that_o be_v the_o church_n be_v make_v true_o catholic_n all_o the_o world_n be_v take_v into_o fellowship_n with_o the_o apostle_n who_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o joh._n i._n 3._o v._o and_o another_o great_a wonder_n be_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o potentate_n by_o the_o philosopher_n and_o disputer_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o devil_n also_o and_o his_o angel_n who_o though_o they_o also_o see_v 〈◊〉_d and_o can_v not_o but_o confess_v he_o yet_o set_v themselves_o against_o he_o with_o their_o whole_a power_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la that_o be_v in_o people_n mind_n against_o it_o this_o whole_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v entertain_v and_o receive_v with_o great_a joy_n every_o where_n which_o be_v the_o five_o particular_a see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world._n so_o mighty_o grow_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o prevail_v as_o s._n luke_n speak_v act._n xix_o 20._o the_o reason_n be_v because_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a be_v exalt_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n far_o above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o every_o name_n that_o be_v name_v either_o in_o this_o world_n or_o in_o the_o other_o so_o that_o neither_o man_n nor_o devil_n can_v hinder_v the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o work_n of_o that_o mighty_a power_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o set_v he_o at_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n in_o the_o heavenly_a place_n vi_o for_o that_o be_v the_o last_o part_n of_o this_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o or_o in_o glory_n that_o be_v in_o a_o glorious_a manner_n receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o be_v go_v into_o the_o heaven_n as_o s._n peter_n write_v 1_o iii_o ult_n be_v on_o the_o
they_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o to_o the_o creation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o to_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n or_o belong_v to_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o good_a and_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o bad_a be_v contain_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o creed_n from_o whence_o this_o question_n natural_o arise_v how_o come_v so_o many_o new_a article_n to_o be_v make_v necessary_a if_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o only_o to_o maintain_v the_o grandeur_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n for_o there_o be_v no_o more_o simple_o necessary_a for_o all_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o bellarmine_n himself_o confess_v xi_o confess_v l._n iu._n de_fw-fr verâ—o_fw-la dei_fw-la c._n xi_o but_o the_o article_n of_o that_o creed_n and_o therefore_o the_o rest_n be_v superfluous_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v discard_v as_o not_o so_o needful_a but_o that_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o they_o 3._o and_o for_o the_o three_o that_o they_o be_v mere_a novelty_n unknown_a to_o those_o in_o old_a time_n there_o be_v the_o like_a confession_n of_o ingenuous_a man_n among_o they_o aeneas_n silvius_n afterward_o pope_n pius_n ii_o confess_v 288._o confess_v epist_n 288._o that_o before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a little_a regard_n be_v have_v to_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o pope_n pius_n the_o four_o article_n of_o new_a belief_n that_o she_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n for_o none_o can_v doubt_v but_o they_o understand_v their_o duty_n in_o those_o day_n and_o practise_v it_o also_o to_o their_o better_n especial_o to_o a_o parent_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n which_o some_o schoolman_n have_v say_v not_o to_o be_v very_o ancient_a among_o which_o be_v scotus_n and_o gabriel_n biel._n they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o suarez_n 30._o suarez_n disput_fw-la tom._n 3._o disp_n 30._o unto_o who_o many_o other_o testimony_n may_v be_v add_v of_o the_o doctor_n of_o that_o church_n particular_o alphonsus_n à _fw-fr castro_n who_o say_v the_o ancient_a writer_n speak_v very_o seldom_o of_o transubstantiation_n he_o shall_v have_v say_v not_o at_o all_o for_o cassander_n honest_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o novelty_n i._n novelty_n see_v a_o late_a treatise_n of_o transubstantiation_n by_o a_o author_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n part_n i._n the_o like_a be_v acknowledge_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n which_o neither_o thomas_n aquinas_n nor_o gabriel_n biel_n long_o after_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v proper_a or_o propitiatory_a but_o give_v the_o same_o account_n that_o we_o do_v why_o the_o celebration_n of_o this_o sacrament_n be_v call_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n viz._n because_o the_o image_n of_o thing_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o represent_v for_o which_o s._n austin_n be_v quote_v and_o because_o by_o this_o sacrament_n we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n passion_n respond_v passion_n sum_n par._n iii_o q._n 83._o artic._n l._n respond_v that_o purgatory_n be_v for_o a_o good_a while_n unknown_a and_o but_o late_o know_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v confess_v by_o our_o bishop_n fisher_n xviii_o fisher_n ross_n contra_fw-la lâ—tâ—_n art._n xviii_o who_o by_o the_o whole_a church_n mean_v only_o the_o latin_a church_n for_o in_o the_o same_o place_n he_o say_v to_o this_o day_n it_o be_v not_o believe_v by_o the_o greek_n the_o same_o he_o say_v of_o indulgence_n which_o begin_v with_o man_n fear_n of_o purgatory_n the_o same_o i_o may_v observe_v of_o the_o seven_o sacrament_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o article_n but_o i_o will_v only_o observe_v the_o contradiction_n to_o which_o they_o swear_v in_o the_o very_a first_o new_a article_n wherein_o they_o declare_v that_o they_o embrace_v apostotical_a and_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n and_o yet_o consent_v at_o the_o same_o time_n by_o swear_v to_o all_o that_o be_v decree_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n to_o administer_v the_o holy_a communion_n but_o in_o one_o kind_n which_o for_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o more_o in_o some_o place_n for_o 1300_o year_n be_v administer_v in_o both_o kind_n every_o where_o even_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n by_o a_o undoubted_a apostolical_a tradition_n and_o ecclesiastical_a custom_n and_o practice_n which_o continue_v in_o all_o other_o church_n to_o this_o day_n which_o observation_n evident_o convince_v they_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o fearful_a sin_n in_o curse_v and_o damn_v those_o who_o do_v not_o receive_v these_o novel_a doctrine_n though_o they_o faithful_o embrace_v all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o true_o catholic_a faith_n and_o have_v rather_o die_v than_o deny_v any_o part_n thereof_o but_o let_v we_o be_v of_o good_a comfort_n we_o be_v safe_a enough_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o anathema_n which_o they_o thunder_v out_o against_o we_o for_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o be_v these_o doctrine_n true_a as_o they_o be_v certain_o false_a which_o they_o press_v upon_o we_o yet_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v heretic_n if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o and_o so_o not_o fall_v upon_o this_o account_n under_o the_o sentence_n of_o damnation_n because_o it_o be_v only_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a truth_n that_o can_v make_v we_o incur_v such_o a_o danger_n other_o truth_n there_o be_v of_o which_o we_o may_v be_v ignorant_a without_o danger_n of_o perish_v provide_v we_o still_o hold_v the_o foundation_n and_o keep_v the_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v with_o a_o life_n according_a to_o it_o they_o themselves_o therefore_o know_v that_o these_o terrible_a anathema_n be_v but_o bugbear_n word_n which_o they_o use_v to_o affright_v child_n withal_o for_o they_o who_o can_v read_v what_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a of_o they_o write_v will_v find_v that_o they_o confess_v these_o new_a article_n to_o be_v superfluous_a while_o they_o plain_o say_v the_o apostle_n creed_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n thus_o gregory_n of_o valentia_n 7._o valentia_n in_o secunda_fw-la secundae_fw-la disp_n 2._o q._n 7._o the_o article_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o the_o creed_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o christian_a faith_n in_o which_o be_v comprise_v the_o sum_n of_o evangelical_n doctrine_n which_o all_o be_v bind_v explicit_o to_o believe_v thus_o the_o father_n judge_n when_o they_o affirm_v this_o creed_n be_v compose_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o all_o may_v have_v a_o short_a summary_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o be_v scattered_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n thus_o also_o write_v filiucius_n and_o a_o great_a many_o more_o even_o the_o trent_n catechism_n itself_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o so_o that_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o we_o have_v be_v teach_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o to_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n as_o well_o as_o of_o our_o faith._n and_o that_o now_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n be_v the_o grand_a truth_n of_o all_o the_o main_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a belief_n that_o the_o intention_n of_o all_o divine_a truth_n and_o of_o faith_n itself_o be_v to_o make_v we_o true_o godly_a they_o can_v do_v we_o no_o service_n if_o they_o do_v not_o produce_v this_o effect_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o this_o very_a epistle_n of_o s._n paul_n he_o call_v christianity_n the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v according_a unto_o godliness_n 1_o tim._n vi_o 3._o and_o a_o little_a after_o call_v it_o godliness_n v._o 6._o but_o godliness_n that_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n with_o contentment_n be_v great_a gain_n and_o indeed_o we_o may_v well_o be_v content_v with_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o hope_n and_o think_v ourselves_o happy_a in_o such_o glorious_a expectation_n hereafter_o nay_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o exceed_v great_a gainer_n whatsoever_o we_o lose_v here_o upon_o this_o account_n if_o we_o lose_v not_o the_o hope_n of_o immortal_a life_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o titus_n also_o in_o the_o very_a first_o verse_n he_o call_v it_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v after_o godliness_n which_o be_v the_o very_a truth_n that_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o my_o discourse_n as_o appear_v by_o what_o follow_v when_o the_o apostle_n say_v it_o be_v a_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n not_o a_o cunning_a device_n to_o get_v money_n to_o advance_v our_o worldly_a grandeur_n and_o pomp_n much_o less_o a_o crafty_a artifice_n to_o excuse_v we_o from_o live_v well_o or_o to_o palliate_v wickedness_n and_o show_v we_o a_o way_n how_o to_o be_v
save_v though_o we_o live_v ungodly_a which_o be_v the_o great_a drift_n of_o too_o many_o doctrine_n wherewith_o the_o world_n be_v trouble_v but_o a_o wonderful_a contrivance_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o heaven_n effectual_o to_o root_v out_o all_o impiety_n to_o plant_v all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o take_v all_o kind_n of_o excuse_n from_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o become_v true_o good_a whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n describe_v christian_a woman_n in_o this_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n ii_o 10._o by_o this_o character_n that_o they_o profess_v godliness_n let_v they_o be_v adorn_v say_v he_o as_o become_v woman_n profess_v godliness_n with_o good_a work_n not_o mere_o profess_v the_o truth_n or_o the_o faith_n but_o godliness_n which_o comprehend_v all_o christian_a virtue_n though_o if_o he_o have_v say_v profess_v the_o truth_n it_o have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n because_o that_o truth_n be_v godliness_n hence_o all_o the_o truth_n i_o have_v mention_v be_v call_v fundamental_a not_o only_o because_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o they_o but_o because_o they_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o christian_a practice_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v superstruct_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o let_v we_o neither_o be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o nor_o let_v our_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v empty_a and_o idle_a without_o effect_n that_o be_v first_o let_v we_o not_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o imagine_v we_o shall_v obtain_v salvation_n mere_o by_o be_v of_o a_o right_a belief_n and_o hold_v the_o right_a faith._n which_o be_v not_o a_o unnecessary_a caution_n for_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o very_a business_n of_o a_o great_a many_o man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o put_v man_n in_o hope_n of_o life_n eternal_a if_o they_o do_v but_o quit_v that_o which_o they_o call_v heresy_n and_o embrace_v the_o faith_n they_o propound_v unto_o they_o though_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n remain_v just_a as_o they_o be_v before_o without_o any_o real_a amendment_n this_o be_v certain_o not_o a_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n but_o the_o very_a mystery_n of_o iniquity_n not_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n but_o the_o witchcraft_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n to_o lead_v they_o secure_o into_o destruction_n but_o we_o have_v not_o thus_o learned_a christ_n as_o the_o same_o apostle_n speak_v elsewhere_o iu._n ephes_n 20_o 21._o if_o so_o be_v we_o have_v hear_v and_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o he_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o jesus_n that_o we_o put_v off_o concern_v the_o former_a conversation_n the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o the_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o that_o we_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n of_o truth_n mark_v here_o what_o the_o truth_n be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v deceive_v by_o our_o own_o or_o other_o lust_n that_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v that_o which_o teach_v we_o to_o abandon_v all_o wickedness_n and_o not_o to_o think_v of_o throw_v a_o cover_n over_o it_o to_o hide_v it_o but_o to_o put_v it_o off_o that_o which_o renew_v we_o in_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o make_v we_o new_a creature_n and_o real_o restore_v the_o divine_a image_n in_o we_o in_o righteousness_n and_o sincere_a holiness_n thus_o we_o have_v learned_a christ_n thus_o we_o be_v constant_o teach_v in_o this_o church_n and_o therefore_o second_o if_o the_o truth_n have_v not_o this_o effect_n upon_o we_o in_o vain_a do_v we_o pride_n ourselves_o in_o the_o name_n of_o orthodox_n believer_n upon_o such_o s._n john_n have_v pass_v this_o censure_n 1_o i._n 6._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n where_o you_o may_v observe_v by_o the_o way_n there_o be_v a_o do_v of_o the_o truth_n expect_v from_o we_o and_o not_o mere_o believe_v it_o it_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o very_a heathen_a proportionable_a to_o what_o they_o know_v for_o they_o be_v accuse_v by_o s._n paul_n upon_o this_o score_n that_o they_o hold_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o unrighteousness_n i._n rom._n 18._o some_o truth_n they_o know_v and_o it_o teach_v they_o to_o do_v better_a than_o they_o do_v and_o their_o not_o do_v so_o be_v their_o condemnation_n and_o if_o natural_a truth_n teach_v they_o righteousness_n of_o life_n much_o more_o do_v this_o divine_a revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v in_o christ_n jesus_n instruct_v we_o therein_o and_o if_o they_o be_v find_v guilty_a for_o hold_v that_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n much_o more_o shall_v we_o be_v find_v so_o for_o hold_v in_o the_o like_a wickedness_n these_o supernatural_a truth_n which_o we_o know_v only_o by_o a_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n which_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o all_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n 2_o tit._n ii_o 12._o which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o mark_v the_o consequence_n either_o we_o shall_v not_o hold_v the_o truth_n or_o if_o we_o do_v the_o truth_n will_v not_o save_v we_o but_o only_o serve_v to_o condemn_v we_o sometime_o by_o live_v wicked_o man_n lose_v the_o very_a truth_n either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n as_o the_o heathen_a s._n paul_n there_o show_v do_v i._n rom._n 21_o 22_o 23._o read_v the_o word_n and_o you_o will_v not_o wonder_v if_o the_o same_o sad_a fate_n attend_v man_n impiety_n now_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o direct_o oppose_v that_o if_o they_o can_v prevail_v with_o man_n to_o leave_v their_o wickedness_n their_o wickedness_n will_v prevail_v with_o they_o to_o leave_v the_o truth_n this_o belief_n for_o instance_n that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n who_o die_v for_o we_o and_o rise_v again_o will_v come_v to_o judge_v we_o which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o manifest_o against_o those_o sin_n which_o man_n commit_v against_o his_o law_n that_o if_o they_o be_v persuade_v they_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o his_o gospel_n it_o must_v needs_o make_v they_o very_o uneasy_a in_o their_o sin_n which_o therefore_o if_o they_o will_v not_o quit_v their_o sin_n will_v tempt_v they_o to_o be_v rid_v of_o this_o belief_n which_o disquiet_v and_o disturb_v they_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o lust_n on_o which_o they_o have_v set_v their_o heart_n or_o if_o it_o have_v not_o this_o effect_n to_o make_v they_o whole_o disbelieve_v the_o life_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v yet_o it_o tempt_v they_o to_o adulterate_a the_o christian_a faith_n as_o too_o many_o christian_n have_v do_v and_o to_o devise_v easy_a term_n of_o happiness_n than_o the_o gospel_n propound_v invent_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o will_v favour_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o comply_v with_o their_o inclination_n to_o follow_v their_o foul_a lust_n and_o yet_o not_o perish_v eternal_o and_o it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o show_v if_o this_o be_v a_o proper_a place_n for_o it_o that_o abundance_n of_o false_a notion_n if_o not_o all_o which_o man_n have_v about_o faith_n have_v spring_v from_o this_o cause_n but_o suppose_v man_n do_v still_o hold_v the_o truth_n though_o in_o unrighteousness_n what_o will_v they_o get_v by_o it_o since_o it_o will_v not_o save_v they_o but_o only_o serve_v to_o condemn_v they_o for_o this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o evangelical_n truth_n as_o you_o read_v in_o the_o place_n now_o name_v i._n rom._n 18_o that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n who_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o again_o we_o read_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n who_o will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a or_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o evident_a conviction_n and_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a etc._n etc._n v._n 6_o 7_o 8_o etc._n etc._n where_o you_o see_v there_o be_v a_o obedience_n to_o the_o truth_n expect_v from_o we_o unto_o which_o if_o we_o will_v not_o submit_v but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n then_o that_o very_a truth_n tell_v we_o we_o must_v expect_v nothing_o but_o the_o inexpressible_a displeasure_n of_o the_o
in_o for_o their_o share_n of_o this_o privilege_n nay_o if_o confidence_n and_o power_n can_v carry_v it_o engross_v it_o whole_o to_o themselves_o it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v give_v the_o church_n keep_v the_o truth_n and_o keep_v it_o up_o it_o be_v the_o conservator_n of_o it_o and_o preserve_v it_o from_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n it_o proclaim_v it_o and_o hold_v it_o forth_o to_o other_o it_o continue_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o world_n and_o settle_v it_o in_o man_n mind_n but_o itself_o be_v build_v upon_o this_o truth_n not_o the_o truth_n upon_o it_o which_o derive_v its_o authority_n from_o god_n who_o send_v jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o world_n to_o teach_v we_o his_o will_n and_o give_v he_o power_n to_o send_v his_o apostle_n as_o he_o have_v send_v he_o god_n bear_v they_o witness_n with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will._n this_o will_v be_v the_o more_o plain_o lay_v open_a if_o i_o spend_v a_o little_a time_n in_o show_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o church_n which_o be_v common_o think_v to_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n propound_v in_o the_o beginning_n to_o be_v explain_v iii_o the_o church_n or_o house_n of_o god_n signify_v every_o where_o a_o company_n of_o christian_n unite_v under_o their_o pastor_n unto_o christ_n their_o head_n by_o a_o sincere_a faith_n and_o join_v one_o to_o another_o by_o brotherly_a love_n and_o communion_n where_o ever_o we_o find_v such_o a_o society_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n there_o be_v a_o church_n and_o all_o the_o society_n of_o this_o kind_n throughout_o the_o world_n make_v up_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o catholic_a or_o universal_a church_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n or_o christian_a church_n of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v a_o part_n one_o eminent_a company_n of_o christian_n profess_v the_o true_o catholic_a faith_n and_o join_v to_o timothy_n as_o their_o chief_a pastor_n for_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o to_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n as_o these_o word_n must_v be_v interpret_v if_o they_o relate_v unto_o the_o church_n they_o indeed_o who_o be_v now_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n understand_v by_o the_o church_n only_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o some_o of_o they_o this_o church_n representative_a as_o it_o may_v be_v call_v that_o be_v the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o christian_a bishop_n as_o many_o as_o can_v meet_v together_o represent_v all_o the_o church_n under_o their_o care_n but_o other_o understand_v only_o one_o bishop_n alone_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v then_o the_o church_n virtual_a in_o who_o all_o the_o power_n of_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o world_n be_v unite_v but_o as_o there_o be_v no_o such_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n church_n in_o scripture_n so_o if_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o this_o place_n they_o will_v appear_v very_o wild_a fancy_n unto_o any_o man_n who_o will_v sober_o consider_v the_o scope_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o the_o church_n be_v here_o mention_v as_o distinct_a from_o timothy_n who_o be_v the_o prime_a pastor_n of_o it_o and_o who_o be_v direct_v how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o it_o therefore_o if_o this_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n at_o ephesus_n unite_v under_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o pastor_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o this_o great_a privilege_n and_o honour_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n to_o be_v the_o conservator_n and_o supporter_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o s._n paul_n as_o i_o say_v be_v instruct_v timothy_n how_o to_o demean_v himself_o in_o this_o society_n which_o he_o call_v the_o house_n or_o family_n of_o god_n that_o be_v among_o true_a believer_n in_o christ_n form_v into_o a_o society_n under_o the_o government_n of_o their_o guide_n who_o be_v to_o take_v the_o great_a care_n that_o every_o one_o in_o the_o church_n be_v well_o teach_v instruct_v and_o order_v because_o they_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n this_o make_v s._n paul_n very_o solicitous_a that_o timothy_n shall_v carry_v himself_o well_o and_o be_v a_o good_a pastor_n in_o that_o church_n of_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v he_o chief_a overseer_n and_o not_o know_v when_o he_o may_v have_v opportunity_n to_o see_v he_o and_o give_v he_o personal_a instruction_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n he_o write_v this_o letter_n to_o he_o for_o his_o direction_n that_o he_o may_v full_o understand_v how_o to_o discharge_v this_o office._n and_o therefore_o these_o word_n it_o appear_v by_o the_o verse_n forego_v v._n 14._o relate_v partly_o to_o what_o go_v before_o and_o partly_o to_o what_o follow_v these_o thing_n write_v i_o unto_o thou_o hope_v to_o come_v unto_o thou_o short_o but_o if_o i_o tarry_v long_o that_o thou_o may_v know_v how_o thou_o ought_v to_o behave_v thyself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n etc._n etc._n which_o whole_a paragraph_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v in_o more_o word_n though_o i_o hope_v short_o to_o discourse_v with_o thou_o face_n to_o face_n yet_o not_o know_v what_o may_v hinder_v and_o retard_v my_o hope_n i_o have_v send_v the_o above_o write_v instruction_n to_o thou_o not_o to_o trouble_v the_o church_n with_o vain_a disputation_n about_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o law_n and_o such_o idle_a question_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v apt_a to_o raise_v but_o to_o remember_v as_o i_o have_v say_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o letter_n v._n 4_o 5._o of_o the_o first_o chapter_n that_o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v charity_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n this_o therefore_o teach_v they_o and_o instruct_v they_o also_o to_o make_v prayer_n supplication_n and_o intercession_n with_o give_v of_o thanks_o for_o all_o man_n for_o king_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n chap._n ii_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o teach_v they_o all_o likewise_o how_o to_o pray_v v._n 8._o and_o instruct_v the_o bishop_n and_o the_o deacon_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n in_o their_o office_n and_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n that_o they_o be_v well_o inform_v because_o this_o church_n over_o which_o thou_o be_v set_v be_v the_o very_a seat_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o place_n but_o in_o such_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n who_o ought_v to_o uphold_v and_o defend_v it_o when_o thou_o be_v dead_a and_o go_v and_o therefore_o have_v need_n be_v well_o settle_v and_o establish_v in_o it_o especial_o in_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n wherein_o all_o christian_n agree_v and_o about_o which_o there_o be_v no_o controversy_n that_o so_o the_o church_n may_v never_o let_v it_o go_v and_o this_o truth_n may_v not_o die_v and_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n when_o we_o be_v lay_v in_o our_o grave_n but_o be_v deliver_v to_o those_o that_o come_v after_o as_o the_o very_a oracle_n of_o god._n who_o now_o be_v there_o so_o blind_a as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o see_v that_o by_o the_o church_n be_v mean_v not_o mere_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v timothy_n but_o all_o that_o company_n of_o christian_a people_n under_o their_o several_a bishop_n and_o teacher_n who_o belong_v to_o ephesus_n all_o of_o which_o s._n paul_n leave_v timothy_n when_o he_o himself_o go_v into_o macedonia_n to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o to_o charge_v that_o they_o teach_v no_o other_o doctrine_n as_o you_o read_v 1.3_o and_o in_o this_o house_n or_o family_n he_o be_v when_o s._n paul_n write_v this_o epistle_n to_o he_o not_o in_o a_o general_n council_n for_o there_o be_v none_o in_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o this_o time_n therefore_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n representative_a as_o it_o be_v call_v much_o less_o of_o the_o church_n virtual_a as_o they_o term_v it_o that_o be_v the_o pope_n for_o then_o mark_v what_o sense_n the_o word_n will_v make_v i_o have_v write_v to_o thou_o not_o know_v when_o i_o shall_v see_v thou_o how_o to_o behave_v thyself_o in_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o if_o he_o will_v have_v we_o fancy_n timothy_n in_o the_o pope_n belly_n and_o himself_o grave_o instruct_v he_o how_o to_o carry_v himself_o with_o
he_o bewail_v in_o another_o place_n in_o the_o very_a same_o language_n only_o put_v both_o the_o forego_n part_n of_o their_o character_n together_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cccxlix_o 〈◊〉_d epist_n cccxlix_o etc._n etc._n who_o i_o account_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n both_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o the_o church_n and_o honour_v they_o so_o much_o the_o more_o the_o further_o off_o they_o be_v banish_v from_o their_o church_n and_o account_v that_o separation_n the_o great_a punishment_n in_o the_o very_a same_o language_n s._n gregory_n nazianzen_n address_v himself_o to_o s._n basil_n beginning_n basil_n orat._n xix_o beginning_n who_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o church_n the_o prop_n of_o faith_n the_o habitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o he_o call_v athanasius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d xxi_o 〈◊〉_d orat._n xxi_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o another_o place_n xxiii_o place_n orat._n xxiii_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o prop_n or_o stay_v of_o the_o faith._n and_o write_v to_o eusebius_n bishop_n of_o samosat_n tomâ—_n samosat_n epist_n xxix_o tomâ—_n he_o thus_o begin_v what_o shall_v i_o call_v thou_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n shall_v i_o call_v thou_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o light_n in_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n or_o the_o stay_n of_o thy_o country_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o ambassador_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o all_o these_o together_o and_o more_o than_o all_o these_o but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o worthy_a to_o be_v note_v under_o this_o head_n be_v that_o s._n gregory_n nyssen_n 226._o nyssen_n de_fw-fr vita_fw-la mosis_fw-la tom._n i._o p._n 226._o expound_v this_o very_a text_n of_o timothy_n and_o make_v he_o not_o the_o church_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n for_o discourse_v concern_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o divine_a mystery_n as_o pillar_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n s._n paul_n wrought_v and_o fashion_a timothy_n to_o be_v a_o goodly_a pillar_n make_v he_o as_o he_o speak_v with_o his_o own_o voice_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o truth_n as_o if_o he_o take_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n to_o be_v this_o but_o if_o i_o tarry_v long_o that_o thou_o who_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n may_v know_v how_o to_o behave_v thyself_o in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o indeed_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pillar_n in_o the_o ii_o gal._n 9_o not_o only_a s._n peter_n but_o james_n and_o john_n also_o and_o here_o we_o be_v teach_v as_o he_o true_o observe_v that_o not_o only_a peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v pillar_n not_o only_a john_n the_o baptist_n be_v a_o burn_a lamp_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o all_o that_o by_o themselves_o support_v the_o church_n all_o that_o by_o their_o work_n be_v shine_a light_n be_v call_v both_o pillar_n and_o lamp_n which_o name_n be_v afterward_o apply_v to_o christian_a bishop_n by_o the_o most_o eminent_a person_n in_o the_o church_n who_o hereby_o plain_o declare_v what_o they_o understand_v by_o these_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n and_o that_o they_o look_v not_o upon_o this_o as_o a_o privilege_n peculiar_a to_o any_o one_o bishop_n or_o any_o one_o church_n but_o common_a to_o all_o church_n and_o especial_o to_o the_o principal_a person_n in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v the_o leader_n and_o guide_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o so_o more_o peculiar_o entrust_v with_o the_o preservation_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o the_o chief_a pillar_n and_o supporter_n of_o the_o faith._n and_o thus_o origen_n or_o whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o write_v the_o homily_n upon_o the_o song_n of_o song_n 598._o song_n hom._n iii_o basil_n p._n 598._o seem_v to_o have_v understand_v this_o place_n for_o have_v observe_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o church_n be_v god_n house_n and_o apply_v these_o word_n to_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o canticle_n where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o beam_n of_o our_o house_n be_v cedar_n he_o conclude_v that_o hereby_o be_v mean_v those_o who_o be_v validiores_fw-la of_o great_a strength_n in_o the_o church_n et_fw-la puto_fw-la quod_fw-la convenienter_fw-la hi_o qui_fw-la episcopatum_fw-la bene_fw-la ministrant_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o i_o think_v that_o they_o who_o well_o discharge_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n may_v convenient_o be_v call_v beam_n by_o which_o the_o whole_a building_n be_v bear_v up_o etc._n etc._n viz._n by_o support_v and_o defend_v the_o christian_a faith_n upon_o which_o the_o church_n be_v build_v and_o thus_o the_o abyssine_n christian_n at_o this_o day_n call_v not_o only_a s._n mark_n but_o their_o great_a doctor_n s._n cyril_n by_o the_o name_n of_o columnae_n ecclesiae_fw-la alexandrinae_n 51._o alexandrinae_n ludolphi_n histor_n aethiop_n l._n iii_o c._n 12._o n._n 51._o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n because_o cypril_n be_v a_o mighty_a assertor_n and_o defender_n of_o the_o truth_n against_o the_o assault_n of_o heretic_n upon_o which_o account_n rupertus_n tuitiensis_n 19_o tuitiensis_n l._n vii_o oper_n de_fw-fr sp._n sancto_n cap._n 19_o call_v s._n austin_n by_o the_o same_o name_n that_o s._n paul_n here_o call_v timothy_n columna_fw-la &_o firmamentum_fw-la veritatis_fw-la the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n or_o strong_a stay_n of_o truth_n which_o language_n be_v common_a among_o the_o jew_n who_o call_v abraham_n for_o instance_n the_o pillar_n of_o the_o world_n 29._o world_n maimon_n de_fw-fr cultu_fw-la stell_n c._n 1._o n._n 5._o &_o more_o nevohim_a pars_fw-la iii_o c._n 29._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o he_o maintain_v which_o be_v the_o very_a language_n of_o ignatius_n concern_v the_o apostle_n of_o who_o he_o thus_o speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d philadelph_n 〈◊〉_d epist_n ad_fw-la philadelph_n the_o pillar_n of_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n mention_v together_o with_o they_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n viz._n the_o church_n i_o have_v be_v the_o more_o copious_a in_o this_o because_o it_o show_v that_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n think_v all_o bishop_n to_o be_v equal_o concern_v in_o this_o office_n and_o honour_n it_o never_o enter_v into_o their_o mind_n that_o any_o one_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o it_o more_o than_o the_o rest_n much_o less_o that_o one_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v it_o sole_o to_o himself_o iii_o but_o further_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o martyr_n though_o not_o bishop_n be_v frequent_o call_v by_o this_o name_n so_o the_o church_n of_o vienne_n and_o lion_n in_o their_o letter_n to_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n concern_v the_o bless_a martyr_n who_o have_v suffer_v among_o they_o say_v that_o god_n deliver_v the_o weak_a sort_n and_o oppose_v to_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o enemy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o who_o be_v firm_a and_o steady_a pillar_n able_a by_o their_o patience_n to_o draw_v all_o the_o violent_a assault_n of_o the_o devil_n upon_o they_o vale_n they_o apud_fw-la euseb_n l._n v._o histor_n eccles_n cap._n 1._o p._n 155._o edit_n vale_n among_o who_o they_o mention_v sanchis_n a_o deacon_n and_o maturus_n a_o mere_a novice_n and_o attalus_n bear_v at_o pergamus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 157._o 〈◊〉_d ib._n p._n 157._o who_o have_v always_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n or_o stay_v and_o strength_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o place_n that_o be_v settle_v and_o sustain_v other_o in_o the_o christian_a belief_n and_o so_o eusebius_n speak_v of_o other_o martyr_n at_o alexandria_n in_o the_o time_n of_o decius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 41._o 〈◊〉_d l._n vi_o eccles_n hist_o cap._n 41._o etc._n etc._n firm_a and_o bless_a pillar_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o strengthen_v by_o he_o and_o have_v might_n and_o power_n answerable_a to_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o faith_n become_v admirable_a witness_n of_o his_o kingdom_n for_o they_o can_v not_o be_v shake_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o torment_n and_o so_o by_o their_o steadfastness_n confirm_v and_o establish_v other_o in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v eminent_a instrument_n likewise_o of_o convert_v stranger_n to_o our_o religion_n who_o see_v their_o pious_a and_o meek_a constancy_n under_o the_o great_a suffering_n join_v with_o the_o great_a charity_n bowel_n of_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n towards_o their_o bloody_a persecutor_n for_o who_o they_o beg_v pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o god_n desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o they_o may_v come_v to_o that_o heavenly_a kingdom_n which_o they_o testify_v to_o they_o by_o part_v with_o life_n
itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o neither_o be_v this_o mere_o the_o ecclesiastical_a language_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n itself_o give_v those_o this_o honourable_a title_n who_o constant_o endure_v tribulation_n for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n though_o it_o do_v not_o cost_v they_o their_o life_n thus_o our_o bless_a lord_n speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n iii_o revel_n 12._o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o make_v a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o my_o god._n which_o signify_v partly_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o eminent_a instrument_n of_o uphold_v the_o church_n and_o preserve_v many_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n by_o his_o constancy_n and_o firmness_n in_o it_o and_o partly_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o establish_v himself_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o power_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v never_o fall_v according_a to_o that_o of_o s._n peter_n 1_o v._o 10._o but_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n who_o have_v call_v we_o unto_o his_o eternal_a glory_n after_o that_o you_o have_v suffer_v a_o while_n make_v you_o perfect_a establish_v strengthen_v settle_v you_o and_o partly_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v make_v in_o the_o high_a sense_n a_o pillar_n that_o be_v a_o apostolical_a man_n who_o shall_v be_v advance_v to_o the_o most_o eminent_a employment_n in_o the_o church_n of_o teach_v and_o instruct_v of_o govern_v and_o rule_v as_o a_o principal_a pastor_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o god._n in_o one_o word_n be_v a_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n as_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o letter_n v._o 7._o and_o in_o all_o the_o rest_n a_o illustrious_a minister_n and_o messenger_n of_o god_n to_o publish_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n to_o the_o world._n such_o the_o apostle_n be_v who_o theodoret_n call_v the_o pillar_n of_o the_o truth_n with_o peculiar_a respect_n to_o their_o suffering_n behold_v say_v he_o 441._o he_o orat._n de_fw-fr providentia_fw-la tom._n iu._n p._n 441._o peter_n and_o john_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n the_o tower_n or_o bulwark_n of_o godliness_n the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n support_v the_o structure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v scourge_v by_o the_o jew_n but_o rejoice_v and_o glory_v v._n act._n 41._o that_o they_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v shame_n or_o to_o be_v disgrace_v for_o his_o name_n and_o such_o like_a be_v these_o victorious_a soul_n as_o arethas_n 12._o arethas_n comment_fw-fr in_o iii_o rev._n 12._o expound_v our_o saviour_n word_n to_o this_o church_n for_o he_o that_o conquer_v say_v he_o the_o adverse_a power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v constitute_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n rejoice_v himself_o immutable_o so_o he_o interpret_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o my_o god_n and_o establish_v other_o in_o goodness_n that_o they_o may_v not_o fall_v from_o their_o steadfastness_n iv_o any_o eminent_a person_n also_o in_o the_o church_n though_o not_o a_o martyr_n be_v sometime_o call_v by_o this_o name_n in_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n for_o instance_n jo._n damascen_n thus_o address_v himself_o to_o jordanes_n the_o archimandrite_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d triâ—agio_fw-it 〈◊〉_d epist_n ad_fw-la euâ—n_fw-la de_fw-la triâ—agio_fw-it o_o most_o divine_a father_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n or_o stay_v of_o truth_n nay_o thus_o zealous_a person_n in_o the_o laity_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v of_o great_a quality_n contribute_v to_o the_o support_n of_o the_o faith_n by_o support_v these_o pillar_n of_o it_o so_o s._n basil_n in_o one_o of_o the_o forename_a epistle_n have_v bewail_v the_o banishment_n of_o their_o bishop_n who_o he_o call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n pray_v terentius_n a_o count_n of_o the_o empire_n to_o preserve_v himself_o safe_a that_o they_o may_v have_v some_o to_o rest_n upon_o god_n have_v gracious_o make_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 345._o 〈◊〉_d epist_n 345._o a_o support_n and_o a_o prop_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o we_o but_o they_o of_o the_o clergy_n more_o particular_o though_o of_o the_o order_n below_o bishop_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o have_v no_o small_a share_n in_o this_o office._n for_o s._n cyril_n of_o alexandria_n 768._o alexandria_n lib._n v._o in_o esaiam_n tom._n 2._o p._n 768._o have_v mention_v christ_n as_o the_o foundation_n and_o believer_n in_o he_o as_o precious_a stone_n build_v upon_o he_o unto_o a_o holy_a temple_n compare_v their_o instructor_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o most_o precious_a stone_n such_o as_o those_o mention_v liv._o isa_n 11_o 12._o which_o god_n use_v some_o in_o lay_v the_o foundation_n other_o as_o buttress_n some_o for_o the_o gate_n other_o for_o the_o wall_n of_o the_o holy_a city_n that_o be_v the_o church_n that_o all_o her_o child_n may_v be_v teach_v of_o god._n v._n nay_o one_o of_o the_o forename_a great_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n warrant_v i_o to_o add_v that_o every_o pious_a member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n have_v his_o share_n in_o this_o great_a trust_n for_o whosoever_o say_v s._n gregory_n nyssen_n 684._o nyssen_n hom._n fourteen_o in_o cant._n canticorum_fw-la p_o 684._o be_v perfect_v in_o these_o two_o great_a commandment_n to_o love_n god_n and_o to_o love_v his_o neighbour_n he_o be_v frame_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o language_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o both_o these_o we_o may_v become_v such_o pillar_n as_o peter_n and_o james_n and_o john_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o since_o they_o that_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v worthy_a of_o this_o name_n and_o he_o do_v in_o effect_n say_v the_o same_o in_o the_o place_n before_o name_v mosis_fw-la name_v de_fw-fr vita_fw-la mosis_fw-la where_o he_o observe_v the_o apostle_n require_v other_o to_o be_v pillar_n as_o well_o as_o himself_o when_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n xv._o 58._o be_v you_o steadfast_a or_o stable_n unmoveable_a abound_v always_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o firm_o fix_v and_o settle_a as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v and_o diligent_a in_o well_o do_v whatsoever_o trial_n he_o have_v to_o shake_v he_o he_o support_v religion_n he_o maintain_v the_o credit_n of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n he_o do_v great_a service_n to_o the_o truth_n by_o show_v how_o good_a how_o useful_a how_o laborious_a it_o make_v those_o that_o embrace_v it_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o lie_v upon_o every_o one_o of_o we_o as_o a_o indispensable_a duty_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o profess_v it_o and_o practice_v it_o and_o notwithstanding_o any_o danger_n or_o trouble_n unto_o which_o it_o may_v expose_v we_o to_o testify_v unto_o it_o if_o need_v be_v by_o constant_a patient_a peaceable_a suffering_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o he_o that_o do_v thus_o be_v according_a to_o his_o measure_n though_o never_o so_o mean_a a_o person_n in_o the_o church_n a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o thus_o theodoret_n expound_v these_o word_n he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n and_o these_o he_o say_v be_v the_o pillar_n and_o support_v of_o truth_n for_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o rook_n they_o both_o remain_v unshaken_a and_o preach_v by_o their_o deed_n the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o theophyla_v also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n be_v a_o constitution_n or_o a_o assembly_n of_o truth_n for_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v in_o it_o be_v true_a nothing_o shadowy_a as_o under_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n vi_o i_o have_v but_o one_o thing_n further_o to_o add_v that_o the_o more_o and_o the_o better_a they_o be_v who_o join_v in_o this_o work_n the_o great_a support_n they_o give_v to_o the_o truth_n first_o i_o say_v the_o more_o the_o great_a number_n there_o be_v of_o those_o who_o maintain_v the_o truth_n by_o preach_v write_a suffer_a or_o well_o do_v and_o the_o great_a credit_n they_o have_v in_o the_o world_n the_o strong_a pillar_n they_o be_v and_o the_o sure_a do_v the_o truth_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o represent_v it_o upon_o which_o account_n the_o doctrine_n of_o s._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v by_o revelation_n as_o well_o as_o other_o apostle_n yet_o be_v communicate_v to_o james_n and_o cephas_n and_o john_n who_o be_v eminent_a pillar_n and_o be_v approve_v by_o they_o receive_v the_o more_o strength_n by_o their_o concurrent_a testimony_n ii_o gal._n 2_o 5_o 9_o and_o it_o be_v still_o more_o confirm_v by_o the_o whole_a council_n of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n
xv._o act._n 2.25_o so_o that_o it_o be_v receive_v joyful_o at_o antioch_n v._n 31._o and_o the_o church_n in_o other_o city_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o increase_v in_o number_n daily_o xvi_o 4.5_o for_o which_o reason_n the_o testimony_n of_o a_o great_a assembly_n of_o bishop_n be_v a_o great_a support_n and_o strengthen_n to_o the_o faith_n than_o the_o testimony_n of_o single_a person_n they_o be_v the_o principal_a trustee_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o to_o who_o fidelity_n the_o truth_n be_v commit_v and_o when_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o council_n to_o discharge_v this_o trust_n it_o give_v great_a force_n to_o the_o truth_n declare_v by_o they_o which_o they_o know_v so_o well_o that_o in_o ancient_a time_n such_o council_n be_v wont_a to_o desire_v the_o consent_n of_o other_o bishop_n who_o be_v not_o there_o for_o the_o great_a establishment_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o faith_n as_o theodoret_n 6._o theodoret_n l._n 2._o hist_o eccles_n c._n 6._o relate_v of_o the_o council_n of_o sardica_n who_o letter_n he_o have_v set_v down_o to_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o world_n desire_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o present_v in_o spirit_n with_o they_o to_o consent_v to_o their_o synod_n and_o by_o their_o subscription_n to_o decree_n that_o concord_n may_v be_v preserve_v among_o all_o their_o fellow_n bishop_n every_o where_n nay_o the_o great_a and_o first_o general_a council_n of_o nice_a itself_o 9_o itself_o theodoret._n l._n 1._o eccles_n hist_o cap._n 8_o 9_o write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n and_o the_o rest_n throughout_o egypt_n libya_n and_o pentapolis_n to_o give_v they_o a_o account_n of_o their_o decree_n and_o constantine_n also_o certify_v all_o absent_a bishop_n who_o can_v not_o come_v to_o the_o council_n of_o their_o proceed_n that_o there_o may_v be_v one_o faith_n as_o his_o word_n be_v and_o sincere_a charity_n and_o a_o concord_v religion_n or_o piety_n preserve_v among_o they_o all_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o same_o score_n that_o sometime_o they_o send_v particular_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o his_o concurrence_n as_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n xcv_o carthage_n august_n epist_n xc_o xci_o xcv_o and_o other_o do_v in_o the_o business_n of_o pelagius_n not_o because_o they_o imagine_v their_o decree_n will_v be_v of_o no_o force_n without_o his_o consent_n that_o be_v a_o ungrounded_a fancy_n but_o because_o he_o be_v a_o eminent_a bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o who_o concurrent_a testimony_n the_o truth_n will_v be_v still_o more_o confirm_v and_o their_o church_n will_v have_v the_o great_a comfort_n de_fw-la communi_fw-la participatione_fw-la unius_fw-la gratiae_fw-la from_o the_o common_a participation_n of_o one_o grace_n by_o know_v that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o belief_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o martyr_n who_o when_o they_o suffer_v in_o great_a number_n give_v the_o more_o amaze_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o terrify_v the_o devil_n himself_o and_o stagger_v their_o very_a judge_n as_o s._n basil_n speak_v xx._n speak_v tom._n 1._o hom._n xx._n of_o the_o xl_o martyr_n who_o all_o together_o as_o if_o they_o have_v have_v but_o one_o mouth_n cry_v out_o when_o they_o be_v examine_v i_o be_o a_o christian_n by_o such_o resolution_n as_o this_o our_o religion_n be_v not_o only_o uphold_v but_o mighty_o increase_v and_o the_o more_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n increase_v the_o more_o be_v truth_n spread_v abroad_o till_o it_o grow_v to_o be_v the_o prevail_a religion_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n 2._o but_o it_o be_v not_o mere_a number_n that_o do_v the_o business_n for_o their_o extraordinary_a piety_n and_o purity_n in_o those_o early_a day_n have_v the_o great_a hand_n in_o it_o which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n i_o desire_v to_o be_v note_v under_o this_o last_o head_n that_o the_o better_a the_o pastor_n and_o the_o people_n be_v the_o great_a service_n they_o do_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o more_o prevalent_a their_o testimony_n be_v when_o it_o appear_v by_o their_o life_n that_o they_o have_v no_o other_o interest_n to_o serve_v but_o that_o of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o sanctity_n of_o those_o who_o assert_v god_n holy_a truth_n their_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n which_o keep_v they_o from_o be_v spot_v by_o the_o world_n be_v that_o which_o will_v be_v the_o most_o powerful_a to_o move_v man_n mind_n and_o will_v make_v the_o easy_a way_n for_o its_o entertainment_n in_o man_n heart_n nothing_o can_v give_v a_o church_n such_o authority_n and_o make_v its_o testimony_n so_o credible_a as_o its_o integrity_n and_o sincere_a devotion_n its_o study_n of_o purity_n in_o heart_n and_o life_n it_o be_v design_v clear_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n and_o not_o worldly_a advantage_n its_o universal_a charity_n and_o kindness_n which_o invite_v even_o stranger_n to_o attend_v unto_o it_o and_o much_o more_o its_o own_o member_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v note_v for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n i._n e._n the_o whole_a company_n of_o believer_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n or_o establishment_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v mean_v principal_o of_o those_o who_o faith_n bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o work_n by_o love_n these_o be_v the_o main_a supporter_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n who_o do_v not_o mere_o profess_v it_o but_o be_v act_v and_o live_v by_o their_o faith_n in_o all_o holy_a obedience_n to_o christ_n for_o they_o be_v live_v stone_n build_v upon_o he_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o true_a live_a body_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v animate_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o with_o who_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o make_v his_o abode_n and_o consequent_o be_v the_o only_a person_n who_o to_o purpose_n support_v and_o maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o truth_n which_o will_v in_o a_o little_a time_n be_v suppress_v or_o obscure_v deprave_a or_o vary_v conceal_a or_o misinterpret_v if_o the_o wicked_a only_o have_v the_o conduct_n of_o it_o who_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v account_v pillar_n of_o the_o truth_n i._n e._n can_v no_o more_o alone_o support_v and_o uphold_v it_o than_o a_o reed_n a_o straw_n or_o a_o rot_a stick_n can_v support_v a_o building_n this_o be_v the_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o as_o appear_v by_o what_o s._n austin_n say_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o xlviii_o psalm_n xlvii_o psalm_n tom._n viii_o enarratio_fw-la in_o psal_n xlvii_o where_o take_v the_o firmament_n which_o be_v make_v the_o second_o day_n to_o be_v a_o emblem_n of_o the_o church_n he_o say_v by_o the_o church_n we_o ought_v to_o understand_v ecclesiam_fw-la christi_fw-la in_o sanctis_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o saint_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o those_o who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o those_o who_o do_v not_o yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o world._n ipsi_fw-la enim_fw-la digni_fw-la sunt_fw-la nomine_fw-la firmamenti_fw-la for_o these_o be_v worthy_a the_o name_n of_o firmament_n or_o strength_n therefore_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o those_o qui_fw-la firmi_fw-la sunt_fw-la who_o be_v strong_a concern_v who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v we_o that_o be_v strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a be_v call_v the_o firmament_n for_o hearken_v and_o acknowledge_v how_o this_o church_n be_v call_v by_o this_o name_n in_o the_o apostolical_a writing_n and_o then_o he_o quote_v this_o place_n to_o timothy_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n columna_fw-la &_o firmamentum_fw-la veritatis_fw-la the_o pillar_n and_o support_v of_o truth_n by_o these_o principal_o the_o truth_n be_v maintain_v for_o it_o be_v most_o plain_o deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o that_o man_n and_o woman_n by_o their_o wicked_a life_n do_v turn_v apostate_n from_o the_o faith._n and_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n as_o well_o as_o their_o instruction_n that_o nothing_o do_v more_o quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o true_a wisdom_n than_o filthiness_n and_o impurity_n which_o we_o must_v abandon_v therefore_o and_o not_o think_v we_o can_v do_v very_o considerable_a service_n to_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o bare_a profession_n of_o it_o but_o upon_o the_o foundation_n christ_n jesus_n we_o must_v serious_o endeavour_v to_o raise_v the_o superstructure_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n whereby_o we_o shall_v adorn_v recommend_v and_o effectual_o promote_v our_o religion_n it_o must_v not_o be_v deny_v indeed_o that_o a_o
better_o from_o one_o of_o their_o society_n who_o call_v they_o brethren_n than_o from_o one_o that_o separate_v from_o they_o as_o mere_a stranger_n and_o foreigner_n with_o who_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n will_v to_o god_n this_o be_v more_o serious_o practise_v among_o we_o that_o we_o will_v be_v as_o forward_o charitable_o to_o reprove_v man_n for_o their_o wickedness_n as_o we_o be_v even_o to_o reproach_v they_o perhaps_o uncharitable_o for_o their_o false_a opinion_n it_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o their_o cure_n a_o effectual_a remedy_n for_o their_o amendment_n when_o pious_o and_o prudent_o administer_v and_o a_o mean_n of_o bring_v those_o back_n who_o be_v go_v astray_o from_o we_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o division_n among_o we_o but_o we_o may_v be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n part_n iii_o how_o the_o church_n discharge_v this_o office_n of_o a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n what_o the_o psalmist_n say_v concern_v jerusalem_n or_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v wont_v there_o to_o assemble_v be_v more_o full_o verify_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o thou_o o_o thou_o city_n of_o god_n lxxxvii_o ps_n 1._o this_o great_a city_n s._n john_n see_v descend_v out_o of_o heaven_n have_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n xxi_o rev._n 10_o 11._o and_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o call_v this_o church_n the_o bride_n the_o lamb_n wife_n there_o be_v a_o special_a presence_n that_o be_v of_o god_n in_o it_o and_o a_o special_a love_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o he_o that_o fill_v all_o thing_n to_o this_o s._n john_n say_v they_o shall_v bring_v the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o nation_n against_o this_o our_o saviour_n promise_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v the_o pure_a water_n of_o life_n clear_a as_o crystal_n run_v therein_o here_o grow_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n xxii_o rev._n 1_o 2._o and_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o paradise_n and_o garden_n of_o god._n which_o thing_n show_v what_o a_o honour_n what_o a_o happiness_n it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o citizen_n of_o this_o holy_a jerusalcm_n whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o by_o a_o cordial_a faith_n in_o christ_n and_o sincere_a love_n to_o he_o join_v themselves_o to_o this_o body_n be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n child_n of_o god_n companion_n of_o angel_n and_o inheritor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n they_o be_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o almighty_a under_o the_o guidance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n under_o the_o care_n and_o tender_a love_n of_o that_o great_a and_o glorious_a lord_n who_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o earth_n invest_v in_o he_o for_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n and_o family_n of_o god_n nay_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n 2_o cor._n vi_o 17._o for_o he_o have_v say_v as_o it_o there_o follow_v i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n i_o will_v be_v a_o father_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o daughter_n say_v the_o lord_n god_n almighty_n these_o thing_n be_v great_a indeed_o and_o exceed_v glorious_a but_o not_o content_a with_o these_o privilege_n which_o be_v as_o a_o royal_a diadem_n and_o crown_n of_o glory_n on_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v those_o who_o will_v adorn_v she_o with_o proud_a title_n and_o set_v she_o forth_o in_o a_o adulterous_a dress_n and_o a_o presumptuous_a glory_n make_v she_o in_o a_o manner_n equal_a to_o her_o head_n the_o lord_n christ_n for_o they_o have_v snatch_v one_o of_o the_o incommunicable_a property_n of_o god_n and_o fix_v it_o as_o a_o jewel_n on_o the_o top_n of_o the_o church_n crown_n tell_v we_o that_o she_o be_v a_o infallible_a guide_n who_o can_v mislead_v we_o that_o be_v though_o she_o may_v go_v astray_o and_o play_v the_o harlot_n in_o life_n and_o practice_n yet_o she_o can_v err_v nor_o mistake_v in_o her_o judgement_n so_o that_o if_o we_o listen_v to_o what_o she_o say_v we_o shall_v never_o wander_v but_o always_o be_v in_o the_o right_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o they_o first_o suppose_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o alone_o and_o then_o they_o abuse_v this_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n to_o assert_v this_o divine_a prerogative_n to_o be_v in_o his_o church_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o but_o i_o have_v expose_v the_o bold_a folly_n of_o these_o pretence_n by_o show_v that_o the_o church_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o that_o timothy_n be_v the_o principal_a pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n in_o this_o church_n which_o do_v not_o signify_v i_o have_v show_v that_o either_o the_o church_n or_o timothy_n be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n upon_o who_o credit_n the_o authority_n the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o all_o religion_n depend_v but_o the_o supporter_n of_o the_o truth_n who_o testify_v maintain_v uphold_v and_o propagate_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o more_o full_a understanding_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o show_v before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o thing_n propound_v first_o what_o power_n it_o be_v that_o we_o herein_o ascribe_v to_o the_o church_n particular_o to_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n thereof_o second_o what_o power_n it_o can_v pretend_v unto_o nor_o aught_o to_o be_v yield_v to_o any_o church_n or_o person_n whatsoever_o i._o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o what_o the_o power_n be_v we_o allow_v the_o church_n when_o we_o say_v it_o uphold_v maintain_v and_o testify_v to_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o inquire_v of_o what_o authority_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v how_o much_o it_o ought_v to_o weigh_v with_o we_o and_o how_o far_o we_o ought_v to_o yield_v to_o it_o to_o the_o testimony_n for_o instance_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v member_n for_o it_o have_v as_o much_o authority_n as_o any_o other_o when_o it_o propound_v truth_n to_o we_o and_o press_v it_o upon_o our_o belief_n be_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o mere_o because_o the_o church_n say_v it_o in_o answer_n to_o which_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o whereby_o we_o be_v both_o inform_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o induce_v as_o by_o the_o first_o external_a motive_n to_o faith_n in_o christ_n mr._n hooker_n call_v it_o the_o key_n as_o other_o do_v the_o door_n which_o let_v we_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n which_o be_v preserve_v in_o this_o house_n of_o god._n if_o we_o allow_v it_o not_o this_o we_o allow_v it_o nothing_o nor_o can_v it_o or_o any_o person_n in_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n unless_o it_o do_v something_o to_o the_o bring_v we_o acquaint_v with_o the_o truth_n which_o it_o propound_v and_o set_v before_o we_o and_o testify_v to_o be_v that_o which_o christ_n have_v leave_v with_o his_o church_n to_o be_v deliver_v down_o to_o all_o generation_n for_o it_o convey_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o we_o and_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o consider_v and_o study_v they_o that_o therein_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o this_o office_n i_o have_v show_v principal_o belong_v we_o may_v find_v all_o necessary_a truth_n in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n which_o testimony_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o man_n that_o profess_v faithfulness_n honesty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o the_o great_a thing_n in_o their_o religion_n be_v the_o high_a of_o all_o humane_a testimony_n and_o can_v but_o work_v very_o strong_o and_o powerful_o upon_o man_n mind_n when_o christian_n be_v such_o as_o they_o profess_v to_o be_v and_o as_o they_o be_v it_o ought_v to_o work_v thus_o far_o upon_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n even_o upon_o those_o who_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o incline_v they_o to_o have_v a_o reverend_a regard_n to_o that_o faith_n and_o those_o scripture_n and_o to_o look_v into_o they_o and_o consider_v they_o which_o they_o see_v such_o multitude_n of_o people_n and_o some_o of_o they_o very_o wise_a as_o well_o as_o devout_a constant_o esteem_v as_o the_o very_a truth_n of_o god_n transmit_v to_o they_o from_o his_o son_n by_o the_o apostle_n who_o attend_v on_o he_o from_o his_o first_o appear_v till_o he_o go_v to_o heaven_n this_o move_v s._n
defect_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v thing_n unwritten_a to_o become_v matter_n of_o faith._n which_o be_v such_o a_o unbounded_a prerogative_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o new_a faith_n as_o often_o as_o they_o please_v to_o pretend_v a_o tradition_n for_o it_o though_o they_o can_v prove_v it_o for_o we_o must_v rest_v in_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n which_o affirm_v it_o and_o that_o against_o the_o very_a scripture_n it_o self_n which_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o against_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o i_o have_v show_v forbid_v the_o produce_v of_o any_o other_o faith_n but_o that_o which_o be_v evident_o deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n there_o 3._o we_o can_v allow_v the_o church_n a_o infallible_a authority_n that_o be_v such_o a_o assistance_n in_o her_o doctrine_n and_o proposal_n that_o she_o can_v err_v in_o any_o thing_n she_o define_v in_o controversy_n indeed_o arise_v about_o matter_n of_o faith_n we_o own_o and_o reverence_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n xx._n church_n artic._n xx._n so_o as_o not_o to_o contest_v the_o public_a judgement_n but_o to_o prefer_v it_o before_o our_o own_o private_a conceit_n in_o doubtful_a thing_n but_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o proceed_v in_o its_o determination_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n so_o we_o think_v it_o possible_a it_o may_v mistake_v in_o the_o application_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o blind_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o its_o authority_n without_o all_o regard_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n unto_o which_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o respect_n in_o all_o its_o determination_n no_o that_o be_v another_o proud_a pretence_n of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n that_o they_o can_v mistake_v in_o their_o definition_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v submit_v unto_o they_o without_o examination_n from_o whence_o this_o intolerable_a mischief_n have_v ensue_v that_o it_o have_v make_v they_o both_o insensible_a of_o their_o error_n and_o careless_a to_o seek_v any_o cure_n of_o they_o nay_o utter_o incapable_a of_o a_o remedy_n for_o as_o one_o of_o our_o own_o divine_n excellent_o speak_v 5._o speak_v dr._n petter_n answer_n to_o charity_n mistake_v sect._n 5._o who_o word_n those_o be_v this_o conceit_n of_o their_o infallibility_n be_v to_o they_o both_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o that_o which_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a and_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o that_o which_o be_v most_o unanswerable_a to_o this_o they_o retreat_n upon_o all_o occasion_n when_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o maintain_v their_o ground_n they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o defend_v their_o error_n when_o they_o be_v plain_o set_v before_o their_o eye_n but_o to_o tell_v we_o confident_o they_o can_v err_v which_o be_v a_o very_a strange_a boldness_n for_o we_o demonstrate_v in_o manay_n instance_n that_o they_o have_v err_v err_v most_o gross_o particular_o in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v add_v new_a article_n to_o the_o old_a creed_n to_o be_v believe_v under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n and_o add_v a_o new_a canon_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o old_a testament_n against_o the_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o record_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n that_o the_o book_n they_o have_v new_o receive_v be_v never_o acknowledge_v for_o canonical_a scripture_n if_o by_o the_o church_n indeed_o they_o will_v understand_v the_o church_n true_o catholic_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o time_n place_n and_o age_n and_o if_o by_o matter_n of_o faith_n they_o will_v understand_v those_o grand_a article_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o if_o by_o be_v infallible_a they_o will_v understand_v not_o a_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o err_v which_o humane_a nature_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o but_o not_o actual_a error_n there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o make_v any_o question_n but_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a that_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n have_v not_o err_v nor_o shall_v not_o err_v in_o the_o whole_a faith_n or_o in_o any_o necessary_a part_n thereof_o for_o such_o error_n will_v cut_v man_n off_o from_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o so_o leave_v he_o no_o church_n at_o all_o which_o be_v impossible_a it_o have_v be_v the_o very_a scope_n of_o first_o my_o discourse_n to_o show_v that_o the_o church_n have_v always_o keep_v the_o great_a fundamental_a truth_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o not_o err_v in_o they_o but_o transmit_v they_o down_o to_o we_o whole_a and_o undefiled_a till_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n corrupt_v the_o faith_n by_o their_o error_n which_o they_o have_v mix_v with_o it_o for_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n such_o as_o that_o of_o rome_n be_v we_o can_v allow_v this_o privilege_n of_o not_o err_v because_o we_o know_v they_o have_v err_v even_o in_o fundamental_a truth_n and_o thereby_o cease_v to_o be_v church_n witness_v those_o glorious_a church_n to_o which_o christ_n himself_o send_v his_o letter_n by_o s._n john_n the_o apostle_n these_o prerogative_n therefore_o not_o belong_v to_o any_o church_n every_o one_o must_v be_v content_a with_o those_o two_o office_n before_o mention_v which_o be_v sufficient_a first_o the_o office_n of_o a_o witness_n testify_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n unto_o its_o member_n second_o of_o god_n instrument_n by_o who_o ministry_n in_o open_v expound_v and_o urge_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o holy_a ghost_n beget_v a_o divine_a faith_n in_o we_o and_o by_o perform_v these_o office_n it_o support_v and_o continue_v and_o propagate_v the_o truth_n and_o so_o may_v be_v call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n thereof_o the_o meaning_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v now_o distinct_o set_v before_o the_o reader_n eye_n that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o four_o and_o last_o thing_n propound_v in_o the_o beginning_n iv_o how_o the_o church_n may_v appropriate_v to_o itself_o this_o title_n 1._o first_o every_o church_n and_o every_o person_n in_o it_o especial_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n officio_fw-la by_o duty_n and_o office_n whereby_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o keep_v maintain_v and_o uphold_v the_o truth_n this_o always_o be_v and_o always_o will_v be_v incumbent_a on_o they_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o fill_v up_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o attribute_n as_o these_o which_o do_v not_o always_o note_v performance_n of_o duty_n but_o only_a obligation_n to_o it_o as_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n you_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o do_v not_o signify_v that_o they_o be_v necessary_o so_o for_o he_o suppose_v immediate_o the_o salt_n may_v lose_v its_o savour_n but_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o will_v be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o tread_v under_o foot_n matth._n v._o 13._o 2._o but_o second_o the_o first_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v actu_fw-la &_o effectu_fw-la actual_o and_o effectual_o the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v they_o faithful_o discharge_v this_o office_n and_o perform_v their_o duty_n constant_o maintain_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n for_o the_o apostle_n be_v a_o part_n of_o those_o church_n who_o god_n lead_v into_o all_o truth_n which_o they_o teach_v sincere_o and_o entire_o while_o they_o live_v and_o do_v at_o this_o day_n instruct_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o whole_a truth_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n 3._o but_o we_o can_v say_v the_o same_o of_o all_o succeed_a church_n that_o they_o do_v faithful_o perform_v this_o office_n though_o in_o duty_n they_o also_o be_v bind_v so_o to_o do_v no_o some_o of_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v pillar_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o let_v it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n we_o have_v strange_a instance_n of_o it_o with_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o fill_v these_o paper_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n which_o show_v we_o that_o if_o we_o take_v not_o heed_n to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o we_o have_v no_o security_n that_o we_o or_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n shall_v continue_v firm_a and_o steadfast_a supporter_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o pillar_n themselves_o may_v decay_v and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o well_o look_v after_o will_v go_v to_o ruin_n and_o fall_v to_o the_o earth_n 4._o even_o this_o very_a church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n while_o timothy_n preside_v in_o it_o afterward_o begin_v before_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v dead_a to_o remit_v its_o first_o love_n and_o zeal_n for_o
the_o truth_n ii_o rev._n 4._o and_o now_o be_v utter_o subvert_v and_o not_o to_o be_v find_v which_o be_v a_o demonstration_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o in_o these_o word_n intend_v to_o teach_v that_o the_o church_n can_v err_v but_o that_o as_o i_o say_v it_o be_v in_o duty_n bind_v by_o its_o call_n and_o office_n to_o preserve_v the_o truth_n pure_a and_o entire_a for_o he_o himself_o foresee_v this_o church_n will_v be_v haunt_v with_o grievous_a wolf_n after_o his_o departure_n act._n xx._n 29_o 30._o who_o no_o doubt_n come_v in_o sheep_n clothing_n as_o they_o also_o among_o themselves_o do_v who_o he_o foretell_v will_v arise_v speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o and_o immediate_o after_o he_o have_v here_o call_v the_o church_n or_o timothy_n the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n he_o admonish_v he_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o next_o chapter_n iu_o 1_o 2._o that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n as_o the_o spirit_n express_o declare_v for_o according_a to_o what_o our_o saviour_n predict_v there_o be_v scarce_o any_o church_n but_o the_o enemy_n sow_v tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n which_o very_o much_o hinder_v the_o growth_n thereof_o so_o we_o be_v inform_v by_o hegisippus_n a_o very_a ancient_a christian_a historian_n who_o 32._o who_o fuâ—b_n l._n iii_o eccles_n hist_o c._n 32._o say_v that_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o sacred_a choir_n of_o apostle_n be_v dead_a and_o that_o generation_n be_v go_v who_o have_v hear_v the_o inspire_a wisdom_n with_o their_o own_o ear_n then_o begin_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o conspiracy_n or_o combination_n of_o impious_a or_o atheistical_a error_n by_o the_o deceit_n of_o false_a teacher_n who_o make_v a_o bare-saced_a opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o speech_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v proper_a enough_o for_o a_o church_n or_o its_o pastor_n may_v be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v though_o they_o prove_v negligent_a in_o their_o office._n just_a as_o the_o priest_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v call_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n who_o lip_n shall_v so_o preserve_v knowledge_n that_o the_o people_n shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n because_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o office_n for_o which_o he_o be_v ordain_v though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o prophet_n complain_v that_o they_o be_v depart_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n and_o have_v corrupt_v the_o covenant_n of_o levi_n mal._n ii_o 7_o 8._o the_o like_a we_o read_v in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n that_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o true_a to_o their_o trust_n but_o declare_v the_o vision_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n not_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o lead_v the_o people_n into_o error_n and_o falsehood_n feed_v they_o with_o lie_n instead_o of_o truth_n 5._o further_o i_o must_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n make_v to_o any_o particular_a church_n that_o it_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o pillar_n of_o truth_n no_o not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o now_o so_o bold_o lay_v claim_v and_o that_o sole_o to_o this_o privilege_n but_o quite_o contrary_a there_o be_v a_o terrible_a threaten_n to_o this_o very_a church_n include_v in_o that_o admonition_n which_o this_o very_a apostle_n give_v they_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o christ_n give_v no_o such_o privilege_n to_o this_o church_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v never_o err_v but_o direct_o contrary_a suppose_v it_o may_v err_v and_o err_v even_o to_o apostasy_n when_o he_o bid_v they_o take_v heed_n lest_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o unbelief_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n read_v xi_o rom._n 20_o 21_o 22._o they_o speak_v of_o the_o jew_n be_v break_v off_o by_o unbelief_n and_o thou_o speak_v to_o the_o roman_a christian_n stand_v by_o faith_n be_v not_o high_o mind_v but_o fear_v harken_v to_o this_o o_o you_o of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n take_v heed_n lest_o he_o also_o spare_v not_o thou_o behold_v the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n on_o they_o which_o fall_v severity_n but_o towards_o thou_o goodness_n if_o thou_o continue_v in_o his_o goodness_n otherwise_o thou_o also_o shall_v be_v cut_o of_o from_o whence_o we_o may_v thus_o argue_v if_o god_n have_v grant_v to_o the_o roman_a church_n the_o privilege_n of_o be_v a_o pillar_n of_o truth_n infallible_o and_o immutable_o unto_o all_o generation_n all_o these_o supposition_n be_v vain_a and_o these_o exhortation_n utter_o needless_a and_o frivolous_a for_o it_o will_v have_v be_v absolute_o impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o and_o absolute_o necessary_a it_o shall_v continue_v and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n plain_o suppose_v otherwise_o and_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v it_o may_v fail_v for_o these_o two_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o stand_v and_o to_o fall_v to_o continue_v and_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o to_o be_v a_o everlasting_a pillar_n and_o to_o be_v break_v off_o for_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o a_o pillar_n to_o stand_v and_o support_v but_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o as_o he_o suppose_v they_o may_v be_v be_v to_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o support_v one_o self_n much_o less_o other_o now_o that_o they_o of_o that_o church_n have_v go_v far_o towards_o this_o condition_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n supposition_n by_o falsify_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n even_o part_n of_o the_o apostolical_a faith_n and_o so_o have_v not_o continue_v a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a pillar_n of_o truth_n but_o maintain_v and_o support_v dangerous_a error_n and_o heresy_n be_v apparent_a from_o this_o alone_a if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o that_o they_o limit_v and_o confine_v the_o catholic_a church_n to_o themselves_o alone_o and_o exclude_v all_o other_o christian_n from_o it_o who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o their_o bishop_n and_o decree_n the_o impiety_n of_o which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v express_v for_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n to_o make_v the_o church_n not_o catholic_n but_o particular_a how_o new_a false_a sacrilegious_a scandalous_a schismatical_a and_o heretical_a this_o one_o article_n of_o the_o roman_a creed_n be_v one_o of_o our_o own_o morto_fw-la own_o bishop_n morto_fw-la morto_fw-la bishop_n have_v demonstrate_v evident_o in_o a_o book_n on_o purpose_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n which_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o call_v the_o grand_a imposture_n it_o will_v enlarge_v this_o treatise_n too_o much_o beyond_o my_o intention_n or_o else_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o show_v both_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o let_v truth_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o how_o they_o proceed_v to_o fail_v in_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o betray_v their_o trust_n till_o they_o quite_o alter_v the_o ancient_a catholic_a faith_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o now_o they_o cry_v up_o as_o the_o great_a pillar_n of_o truth_n when_o it_o do_v nothing_o but_o lend_v a_o lame_a support_n to_o the_o most_o notorious_a falsehood_n which_o it_o establish_v as_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n when_o they_o be_v before_o but_o erroneous_a opinion_n in_o that_o church_n i_o call_v it_o lame_a because_o of_o the_o numerous_a flaw_n that_o there_o be_v both_o in_o the_o constitution_n and_o in_o the_o proceed_n of_o that_o council_n which_o make_v it_o of_o no_o authority_n for_o in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o it_o iv_o it_o sess_n iv_o they_o decree_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o a_o sense_n contrary_a to_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a mother-church_n i._n e._n themselves_o have_v hold_v and_o hold_v and_o so_o establish_v all_o the_o tenant_n of_o that_o church_n before_o they_o examine_v they_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o contradict_v their_o own_o decree_n by_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o sense_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o what_o their_o church_n then_o hold_v all_o the_o bishop_n likewise_o there_o assemble_v be_v swear_v to_o support_v the_o papacy_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n whereby_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v the_o usurpation_n of_o that_o see_v upon_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o world_n who_o authority_n be_v throw_v down_o and_o thereby_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o i_o have_v show_v they_o to_o be_v trample_v under_o foot_n when_o boniface_n be_v declare_v universal_a bishop_n and_o upon_o king_n and_o prince_n who_o hildebrand_n tread_v under_o foot_n yea_o upon_o the_o whole_a church_n over_o which_o pope_n leo_n
exalt_v himself_o when_o he_o get_v it_o declare_v in_o the_o lateran_n council_n that_o he_o be_v above_o a_o general_n council_n and_o the_o universal_a church_n xi_o church_n sess_n xi_o be_v blasphemous_o call_v by_o his_o flatterer_n the_o spouse_n of_o the_o church_n the_o lion_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n from_o which_o very_a phrase_n of_o spouse_n no_o less_o man_n than_o bellarmine_n 17._o bellarmine_n l._n ii_o the_o council_n auctor_fw-la c._n 17._o himself_o labour_v to_o prove_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v absolute_o above_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o above_o a_o general_n council_n because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n that_o the_o wife_n shall_v be_v above_o the_o husband_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o think_v of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v infallible_a that_o it_o have_v err_v more_o than_o any_o other_o church_n 6._o but_o though_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n either_o to_o that_o or_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n of_o be_v preserve_v from_o error_n yet_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o some_o part_n or_o other_o of_o it_o we_o be_v sure_o will_v always_o be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o whole_a truth_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n because_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o that_o be_v the_o church_n shall_v be_v perpetual_a which_o it_o can_v be_v unless_o it_o hold_v the_o truth_n entire_o it_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n its_o head._n and_o thus_o one_o of_o their_o own_o cardinal_n 〈◊〉_d cardinal_n 〈…〉_o de_fw-fr 〈◊〉_d l._n ii_o c._n 〈◊〉_d l._n iii_o 〈◊〉_d understand_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n with_o which_o they_o now_o make_v so_o much_o noise_n when_o we_o say_v the_o church_n can_v err_v in_o faith_n or_o manner_n it_o must_v be_v thus_o take_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n that_o god_n do_v so_o assist_v his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o true_a faith_n shall_v never_o fail_v out_o of_o the_o same_o for_o to_o the_o world_n end_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o time_n wherein_o some_o though_o all_o shall_v not_o have_v true_a faith_n work_v by_o love._n unto_o this_o exposition_n we_o hearty_o submit_v but_o that_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n or_o indeed_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n can_v degenerate_v and_o depart_v from_o the_o right_a faith_n we_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v but_o think_v ourselves_o bind_v by_o the_o most_o sacred_a tie_n to_o oppose_v these_o arrogant_a pretence_n that_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n they_o be_v no_o more_o the_o church_n than_o any_o other_o company_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n nor_o so_o much_o neither_o for_o there_o be_v true_a believer_n than_o they_o i_o have_v prove_v also_o that_o other_o church_n have_v err_v and_o therefore_o so_o may_v they_o nay_o they_o have_v err_v and_o that_o so_o gross_o as_o to_o be_v able_a by_o no_o other_o mean_n to_o maintain_v their_o error_n but_o by_o pretend_v they_o can_v err_v and_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n be_v so_o forgetful_a of_o these_o thing_n as_o to_o trust_v they_o to_o be_v his_o guide_n fancy_v they_o can_v mislead_v he_o they_o have_v mislead_v those_o that_o rely_v upon_o they_o and_o have_v lead_v they_o into_o a_o maze_n or_o labyrinth_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o find_v their_o way_n and_o know_v what_o be_v the_o truth_n for_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v they_o their_o church_n can_v err_v they_o be_v not_o agree_v nor_o ever_o will_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o the_o church_n whether_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_a people_n which_o be_v the_o new_a heresy_n among_o they_o as_o some_o of_o themselves_o call_v it_o or_o a_o general_n council_n which_o the_o learn_a and_o best_a man_n among_o they_o maintain_v or_o the_o pope_n who_o have_v a_o great_a many_o on_o his_o side_n but_o they_o can_v agree_v about_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o definition_n whether_o alone_o or_o in_o a_o general_n council_n nor_o about_o the_o time_n whether_o at_o any_o time_n or_o only_o when_o he_o resolve_v to_o publish_v doctrine_n as_o matter_n of_o faith_n nor_o about_o the_o matter_n whether_o all_o thing_n even_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o only_a matter_n of_o faith_n and_o after_o all_o no_o body_n can_v tell_v when_o there_o be_v a_o true_a pope_n so_o that_o all_o their_o faith_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o they_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n they_o believe_v because_o they_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o very_a ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o be_v their_o church_n these_o thing_n i_o have_v only_o brief_o touch_v which_o be_v more_o large_o handle_v in_o other_o book_n that_o the_o reader_n may_v be_v sensible_a how_o happy_a they_o be_v who_o be_v free_v from_o these_o imposture_n and_o that_o our_o people_n may_v know_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o church_n of_o england_n whereof_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o be_v member_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o treatise_n with_o six_o consideration_n more_o whereby_o the_o whole_a i_o hope_v will_v be_v make_v more_o useful_a i._n first_o i_o desire_v every_o one_o to_o consider_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o this_o church_n in_o which_o we_o be_v be_v certain_o as_o much_o a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n as_o any_o other_o nay_o more_o than_o many_o other_o church_n for_o we_o open_o profess_v and_o recite_v twice_o a_o day_n in_o our_o own_o language_n that_o every_o one_o may_v understand_v it_o the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n comprise_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n with_o the_o explication_n of_o some_o part_n of_o this_o faith_n by_o the_o nicene_n father_n once_o every_o week_n or_o more_o and_o a_o more_o distinct_a explication_n of_o the_o same_o article_n by_o athanasius_n once_o a_o month_n that_o be_v we_o hold_v and_o assert_v and_o maintain_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v always_o be_v and_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o christian_n the_o true_a ancient_a catholic_a and_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n wherein_o this_o faith_n be_v original_o contain_v and_o if_o we_o know_v any_o thing_n else_o to_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n deliver_v to_o we_o from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o the_o universal_a church_n we_o be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v it_o and_o do_v it_o appear_v will_v immediate_o embrace_v and_o propagate_v it_o but_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o i_o have_v show_v have_v declare_v this_o to_o be_v sufficient_a nay_o full_a and_o perfect_a and_o moreover_o forbid_v any_o other_o faith_n to_o be_v either_o compose_v or_o offer_v to_o those_o who_o will_v become_v christian_n to_o all_o which_o that_o i_o have_v say_v in_o the_o first_o part_n this_o memorable_a say_n of_o pope_n leo_n augustam_fw-la leo_n epist_n ad_fw-la pulcheriam_fw-la augustam_fw-la the_o great_a may_v be_v add_v the_o short_a and_o perfect_a confession_n of_o the_o catholic_a symbol_n or_o creed_n itself_o which_o be_v seal_v in_o as_o many_o sentence_n as_o there_o be_v apostle_n i._n e._n xii_o article_n be_v so_o instruct_v with_o celestial_a munition_n or_o defence_n that_o all_o the_o opinion_n of_o heretic_n with_o this_o sword_n alone_o may_v be_v cut_v in_o piece_n ii_o and_o therefore_o second_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v bind_v â—nless_a we_o will_v betray_v our_o trust_n and_o as_o we_o will_v answer_v it_o to_o our_o lord_n christ_n the_o author_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o hold_v fast_o this_o faith_n to_o preserve_v it_o entire_a and_o to_o defend_v it_o not_o suffer_v any_o of_o it_o to_o be_v lose_v or_o any_o addition_n to_o be_v make_v to_o it_o as_o if_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n take_v fast_o hold_v of_o instruction_n of_o those_o great_a substantial_a 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