will_v not_o be_v prove_v without_o so_o much_o trouble_v and_o difficulty_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o let_v they_o alone_o and_o by_o the_o confident_a assertion_n of_o they_o by_o importunity_n and_o by_o any_o other_o fair_a mean_n to_o get_v they_o believe_v without_o proof_n of_o this_o stubborn_a sort_n of_o proposition_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o proof_n this_o be_v one_o that_o a_o part_n be_v the_o whole_a or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o thâ—â—_n the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n for_o that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o not_o the_o best_a part_n neither_o but_o perhaps_o the_o very_o worst_a and_o most_o corrupt_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o prove_v and_o have_v be_v often_o do_v but_o now_o to_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n that_o be_v the_o whole_a society_n of_o all_o true_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n these_o follow_v particular_n 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declare_v himself_o equal_a to_o the_o chief_a apostle_n even_o to_o st._n peter_n himself_o and_o be_v this_o consistent_a with_o a_o plain_a constitution_n of_o our_o lord_n make_v st._n peter_n supreme_a head_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o suppose_v this_o to_o have_v be_v so_o where_o do_v it_o appear_v by_o any_o constitution_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o this_o authority_n be_v derive_v to_o his_o successor_n and_o if_o it_o be_v why_o to_o his_o successor_n at_o rome_n rather_o than_o at_o antioch_n where_o he_o be_v first_o and_o unquestionable_o bishop_n they_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o when_o he_o be_v bishop_n of_o antioch_n he_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o then_o the_o style_n must_v have_v be_v the_o antiochian_a catholic_n church_n as_o it_o be_v now_o the_o roman_n catholic_n but_o do_v they_o find_v any_o footstep_n of_o such_o a_o style_n in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n 2._o to_o make_v good_a this_o proposition_n that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n they_o be_v in_o consequence_n oblige_v to_o affirm_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n which_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o not_o keep_v easter_n as_o they_o do_v and_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o africa_n who_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o same_o bishop_n upon_o the_o point_n of_o rebaptise_v heretic_n that_o all_o these_o by_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v also_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o from_o a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n this_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n themselves_o will_v not_o affirm_v and_o yet_o if_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a and_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v all_o one_o they_o must_v affirm_v it_o 3._o in_o consequence_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n 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rome_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o supremacy_n be_v no_o true_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o in_o a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n and_o this_o do_v not_o only_o exclude_v those_o of_o the_o reform_a religion_n from_o be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o eastern_a church_n i._n e._n four_o of_o the_o five_o patriarchal_a church_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n which_o take_v together_o be_v real_o great_a than_o those_o in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o this_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v affirm_v concern_v all_o those_o church_n and_o christian_n which_o refuse_v subjection_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n that_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o a_o capacity_n of_o salvation_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n can_v have_v so_o little_a charity_n as_o this_o come_v to_o and_o to_o a_o wise_a man_n there_o need_v no_o other_o demonstration_n than_o this_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o whole_a christian_a church_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a arrogant_a and_o uncharitable_a part_n of_o it_o five_o and_o last_o in_o consequence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n and_o of_o the_o importance_n of_o it_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n they_o ought_v to_o produce_v express_a mention_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o if_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n be_v true_a it_o be_v always_o so_o and_o always_o of_o the_o great_a importance_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o and_o always_o believe_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o they_o pretend_v what_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v why_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n shall_v never_o say_v so_o nor_o put_v a_o article_n of_o such_o consequence_n and_o importance_n in_o express_a word_n in_o their_o creed_n nor_o why_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v use_v the_o style_n of_o roman_n catholic_n as_o familiar_o then_o as_o they_o do_v now_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o this_o be_v a_o new_a style_n which_o they_o use_v when_o they_o give_v themselves_o the_o title_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n and_o that_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n know_v better_a than_o to_o call_v one_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o whole_a i_o be_o sure_a that_o aeneas_n silvius_n who_o be_v afterward_o pope_n pius_n the_o second_o say_v that_o before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a little_a respect_n be_v have_v to_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o how_o do_v this_o consist_v with_o their_o present_a pretence_n that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v and_o always_o have_v be_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v by_o christ_n appointment_n the_o supreme_a pastor_n and_o visible_a head_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v believe_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o yet_o little_a respect_n to_o be_v have_v at_o that_o time_n to_o the_o roman_a church_n this_o indeed_o be_v say_v by_o aeneas_n silvius_n before_o he_o sit_v in_o the_o infallible_a chair_n but_o be_v never_o the_o less_o true_a for_o that_o 5_o the_o next_o step_n of_o their_o method_n be_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v infallible_a and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o have_v a_o certain_a remedy_n against_o heresy_n and_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n which_o we_o want_v in_o our_o
profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v be_v not_o mean_v that_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o religion_n shall_v blind_o hold_v it_o fast_o against_o the_o best_a reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v because_o upon_o these_o term_n every_o man_n must_v continue_v in_o the_o religion_n in_o which_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v fix_v by_o education_n or_o a_o ill_a choice_n be_v his_o religion_n true_a or_o false_a without_o examine_v and_o look_v into_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n for_o till_o a_o man_n examine_v every_o man_n think_v his_o religion_n right_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o exhort_v christian_n to_o hold_v fast_o be_v the_o ancient_a faith_n of_o which_o all_o christian_n make_v a_o solemn_a profession_n in_o their_o baptism_n as_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o context_n and_o this_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o hold_v in_o the_o follow_a instance_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o brief_o mention_v without_o enlarge_n upon_o they_o 1._o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v that_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o plain_a scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n against_o the_o temptation_n of_o fashion_n and_o example_n and_o of_o worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n and_o against_o all_o terror_n and_o suffering_n of_o persecution_n 4._o against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n than_o the_o gospel_n have_v propose_v in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n last_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o busy_a and_o dispute_a man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o unhinge_v man_n from_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n and_o faction_n but_o without_o enter_v into_o these_o particular_n i_o shall_v in_o order_n to_o establishment_n in_o the_o reform_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n apply_v myself_o at_o this_o time_n to_o make_v a_o short_a comparison_n betwixt_o the_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o we_o may_v discern_v on_o which_o side_n the_o advantage_n of_o truth_n lie_v and_o in_o make_v this_o comparison_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o three_o thing_n which_o will_v bring_v the_o matter_n to_o a_o issue_n and_o be_v i_o think_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v every_o sober_a and_o considerate_a man_n which_o of_o these_o he_o ought_v in_o reason_n and_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o embrace_v and_o they_o be_v these_o i._o that_o we_o govern_v our_o belief_n and_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o true_a ancient_a rule_n of_o christianity_n the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o error_n and_o corruption_n have_v be_v force_v to_o devise_v a_o new_a rule_n never_o own_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n nor_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o council_n of_o it_o ii_o that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v either_o contrary_a to_o this_o rule_n or_o destitute_a of_o the_o warrant_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o be_v plain_a addition_n to_o the_o ancient_a christianity_n and_o corruption_n of_o it_o iii_o that_o our_o religion_n have_v many_o clear_a advantage_n of_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o only_o very_o considerable_a in_o themselves_o but_o very_o obvious_a and_o discernible_a to_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n upon_o the_o first_o proposal_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v be_v as_o brief_a in_o these_o as_o i_o can_v i._o that_o we_o govern_v our_o belief_n and_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o true_a ancient_a rule_n of_o christianity_n the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o their_o error_n and_o corruption_n have_v be_v force_v to_o devise_v a_o new_a rule_n never_o own_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n nor_o by_o the_o ancient_a council_n and_o father_n of_o it_o that_o be_v they_o have_v join_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o unwritten_a tradition_n of_o their_o church_n concern_v several_a point_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o practice_n which_o they_o acknowledge_v can_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n and_o these_o they_o call_v the_o unwritten_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n have_v decree_v they_o to_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o they_o do_v receive_v and_o venerate_v they_o with_o the_o same_o pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n and_o all_o this_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a declaration_n and_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a council_n and_o father_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o this_o never_o declare_v to_o be_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n till_o it_o be_v decree_v not_o much_o above_o a_o hundred_o year_n ago_o in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o this_o sure_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n to_o presume_v to_o alter_v the_o ancient_a rule_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o to_o enlarge_v it_o and_o add_v to_o it_o at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o change_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n it_o become_v consequent_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o change_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o therefore_o with_o great_a reason_n do_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n take_v this_o into_o consideration_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o put_v it_o in_o the_o front_n of_o their_o decree_n because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o main_a proof_n of_o the_o follow_a definition_n of_o faith_n and_o decree_n of_o practice_n for_o which_o without_o this_o new_a rule_n there_o have_v be_v no_o colour_n ii_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v either_o contrary_a to_o the_o true_a rule_n or_o destitute_a of_o the_o warrant_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o plain_a addition_n to_o the_o ancient_n christianity_n and_o corruption_n of_o it_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v best_o appear_v by_o instance_v in_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o as_o for_o their_o two_o great_a fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n over_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n in_o scripture_n concern_v these_o privilege_n nay_o it_o be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o demonstration_n that_o they_o have_v no_o such_o privilege_n that_o st._n paul_n in_o a_o long_a epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n either_o then_o be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v soon_o after_o the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n which_o be_v now_o grow_v to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o he_o can_v have_v omit_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o such_o remarkable_a privilege_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o church_n above_o any_o in_o the_o world_n have_v he_o know_v they_o have_v belong_v to_o they_o so_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o those_o mighty_a prerogative_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n otherwise_o it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o he_o will_v have_v write_v with_o more_o deference_n and_o submission_n to_o this_o seat_n of_o infallibility_n and_o centre_n of_o unity_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v pay_v a_o great_a respect_n to_o this_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n where_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o vicar_n of_o christ_n either_o be_v already_o seat_v or_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n be_v design_v for_o ever_o to_o fix_v his_o throne_n and_o establish_v his_o residence_n but_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n or_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n throughout_o this_o whole_a epistle_n nor_o in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n beside_o that_o both_o these_o pretend_a
to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o himself_o in_o so_o intricate_a and_o perplex_v a_o case_n the_o constancy_n of_o abraham_n faith_n be_v not_o a_o obstinate_a and_o stubborn_a persuasion_n but_o the_o result_n of_o the_o wise_a reason_n and_o sober_a consideration_n so_o the_o text_n say_v that_o he_o count_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o reason_v with_o himself_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a so_o that_o he_o debate_v the_o matter_n with_o himself_o and_o give_v himself_o satisfaction_n concern_v the_o objection_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o case_n and_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a command_n he_o resolve_v to_o obey_v it_o as_o for_o the_o objection_n i_o have_v mention_v 1._o the_o horrid_a appearance_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o a_o father_n shall_v slay_v his_o innocent_a son_n why_o shall_v abraham_n scruple_n the_o do_v this_o at_o the_o command_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o life_n 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god_n only_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o objection_n from_o the_o horrible_a consequence_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v that_o the_o slay_v of_o isaac_n seem_v to_o overthrow_v the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v before_o to_o abraham_n that_o in_o isaac_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v this_o seem_v to_o he_o to_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o here_o he_o make_v use_v of_o reason_n to_o reconcile_v the_o seem_a contradiction_n of_o this_o command_n of_o god_n to_o his_o former_a promise_n so_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a so_o that_o though_o isaac_n be_v put_v to_o death_n yet_o he_o see_v how_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n may_v still_o be_v make_v good_a by_o his_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o live_v afterward_o to_o have_v a_o numerous_a posterity_n there_o have_v then_o indeed_o be_v no_o instance_n or_o example_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o one_o from_o the_o dead_a which_o make_v abraham_n faith_n the_o more_o wonderful_a but_o he_o confirm_v himself_o in_o this_o belief_n by_o a_o example_n as_o near_o the_o case_n as_o may_v be_v he_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a from_o whence_o also_o he_o have_v receive_v he_o in_o a_o figure_n this_o i_o know_v be_v by_o interpreter_n general_o understand_v of_o isaac_n be_v deliver_v from_o the_o jaw_n of_o death_n when_o he_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o altar_n and_o ready_a to_o be_v slay_v but_o the_o text_n seem_v not_o to_o speak_v of_o what_o happen_v after_o but_o of_o something_o that_o have_v pass_v before_o by_o which_o abraham_n confirm_v himself_o in_o this_o pervasion_n that_o if_o he_o be_v slay_v god_n will_v raise_v he_o up_o again_o and_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d aught_o to_o be_v render_v in_o the_o past_a time_n from_o whence_o also_o he_o have_v receive_v he_o in_o a_o figure_n so_o that_o this_o expression_n plain_o refer_v to_o the_o miraculous_a birth_n of_o isaac_n when_o his_o parent_n be_v pass_v the_o age_n of_o have_v child_n which_o be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o so_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o it_o rom._n 4._o 17._o abraham_n believe_v god_n who_o quicken_v the_o dead_a and_o call_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v and_o not_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n he_o consider_v not_o his_o own_o body_n which_o be_v dead_a and_o a_o little_a before_o the_o text_n speak_v of_o the_o miraculous_a birth_n of_o isaac_n and_o therefore_o spring_v there_o of_o one_o and_o he_o as_o good_a as_o dead_a as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n from_o whence_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o abraham_n reason_v thus_o that_o god_n who_o give_v he_o isaac_n at_o first_o in_o so_o miraculous_a 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have_v something_o of_o difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n in_o it_o and_o to_o vindicate_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a revelation_n therein_o contain_v from_o one_o of_o the_o most_o specious_a objection_n of_o infidelity_n but_o i_o have_v a_o far_a design_n in_o this_o text_n and_o that_o be_v to_o make_v some_o observation_n and_o inference_n from_o it_o that_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o as_o first_o that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o clear_a and_o full_a satisfaction_n concern_v a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o if_o abraham_n have_v not_o be_v full_o and_o past_o all_o doubt_n assure_v that_o this_o be_v a_o command_n from_o god_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v spare_v his_o son_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o believe_v that_o those_o to_o who_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v immediate_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v divine_a otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n but_o how_o man_n be_v assure_v concern_v divine_a revelation_n make_v to_o they_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o make_v out_o to_o other_o only_a these_o two_o thing_n we_o be_v sure_a of_o 1._o that_o god_n can_v work_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o reveal_v and_o that_o such_o a_o revelation_n be_v from_o he_o this_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o that_o consider_v the_o great_a power_n and_o influence_n which_o god_n who_o make_v we_o and_o perfect_o know_v our_o frame_n must_v needs_o have_v upon_o our_o mind_n and_o understanding_n 2._o that_o god_n never_o offer_v any_o thing_n to_o any_o man_n belief_n that_o plain_o contradict_v the_o natural_a and_o essential_a notion_n of_o his_o mind_n because_o this_o will_v be_v for_o god_n to_o destroy_v his_o own_o workmanship_n and_o to_o impose_v that_o upon_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n which_o whilst_o it_o remain_v what_o it_o be_v it_o can_v 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a_o great_a confidence_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a the_o first_o time_n god_n appear_v to_o abraham_n because_o it_o be_v a_o new_a thing_n that_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o credit_n of_o future_a revelation_n god_n do_v show_v himself_o to_o he_o in_o so_o glorious_a a_o manner_n as_o be_v abundant_o to_o his_o conviction_n and_o this_o st._n stephen_n do_v seem_v to_o intimate_v act_n 7._o 2._o the_o god_n of_o glory_n appear_v to_o our_o father_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v in_o mesopotamia_n now_o by_o this_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o god_n to_o he_o at_o first_o he_o be_v so_o prepare_v for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o after_o revelation_n that_o he_o be_v not_o stagger_v even_o at_o this_o concern_v the_o sacrifice_a of_o his_o son_n be_v both_o by_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o the_o assurance_n that_o accompany_v it_o full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n second_o i_o observe_v from_o hence_o the_o great_a and_o necessary_a use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n for_o we_o see_v here_o that_o abraham_n reason_n be_v a_o mighty_a strengthen_n and_o help_n to_o his_o faith_n here_o be_v two_o revelation_n make_v to_o abraham_n which_o seem_v to_o clash_v with_o one_o another_o and_o if_o abraham_n reason_n can_v not_o have_v reconcile_v the_o repugnancy_n of_o they_o he_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v believe_v they_o both_o to_o be_v from_o god_n because_o this_o natural_a notion_n or_o principle_n that_o god_n can_v contradict_v himself_o every_o man_n do_v first_o and_o more_o firm_o believe_v than_o any_o revelation_n whatsoever_o now_o abraham_n reason_n relieve_v he_o in_o this_o strait_a so_o the_o text_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o reason_v with_o himself_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o this_o be_v admit_v the_o command_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o slay_v of_o isaac_n be_v very_o well_o consistent_a with_o his_o former_a promise_n that_o in_o isaac_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v i_o know_v there_o have_v a_o very_a rude_a clamour_n be_v raise_v by_o some_o person_n but_o of_o more_o zeal_n i_o think_v than_o judgement_n against_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o how_o very_o unreasonable_a this_o be_v will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o that_o will_v but_o have_v patience_n to_o consider_v these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a revelation_n that_o it_o do_v not_o endow_v man_n with_o new_a faculty_n but_o propound_v new_a object_n to_o the_o faculty_n which_o they_o have_v before_o reason_n be_v the_o faculty_n whereby_o revelation_n be_v to_o be_v discern_v for_o when_o god_n reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o he_o reveal_v it_o to_o our_o understanding_n and_o by_o that_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o it_o therefore_o st._n john_n caution_n we_o 1_o jo._n 4._o 1._o not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o 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word_n with_o joy_n and_o endure_v for_o a_o while_n but_o when_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n present_o they_o be_v offend_v not_o that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o word_n but_o their_o faith_n have_v take_v no_o deep_a root_n and_o therefore_o it_o wither_v the_o weakness_n and_o waver_v of_o man_n faith_n make_v they_o unstable_a and_o inconstant_a in_o their_o course_n because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o one_o mind_n but_o divide_v betwixt_o two_o interest_n that_o of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o and_o the_o double_a mind_a man_n as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n it_o be_v general_o a_o true_a rule_n so_o much_o waver_v as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o action_n and_o life_n of_o man_n so_o much_o weakness_n there_o be_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v know_v what_o any_o man_n firm_o believe_v let_v he_o attend_v to_o his_o action_n more_o than_o to_o his_o profession_n if_o 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faith_n and_o make_v it_o more_o vigorous_a and_o powerful_a and_o indeed_o a_o faith_n which_o be_v well_o root_v and_o establishould_n do_v suppose_v a_o wise_a and_o deep_a consideration_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o fatal_a miscarriage_n of_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v with_o themselves_o serious_o how_o much_o religion_n be_v their_o interest_n and_o how_o much_o it_o will_v cost_v they_o to_o be_v true_a to_o it_o and_o to_o persevere_v in_o it_o to_o the_o end_n we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o sense_n and_o to_o be_v transport_v with_o present_a thing_n but_o do_v not_o consider_v our_o future_a and_o last_a interest_n and_o the_o whole_a duration_n of_o a_o immortal_a soul_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o man_n be_v hurry_v away_o by_o the_o present_a and_o sensible_a delight_n of_o this_o world_n because_o they_o will_v not_o take_v time_n to_o think_v of_o what_o will_v be_v hereafter_o for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v but_o that_o the_o man_n who_o have_v serious_o consider_v what_o sin_n be_v the_o shortness_n of_o its_o pleasure_n and_o the_o eternity_n of_o its_o punishment_n shall_v resolve_v to_o forsake_v sin_n and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n to_o conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n if_o man_n do_v but_o serious_o believe_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n the_o be_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o glorious_a reward_n and_o the_o dreadful_a punishment_n of_o another_o world_n they_o can_v not_o possible_o make_v so_o imprudent_a a_o choice_n as_o we_o see_v a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o do_v they_o can_v not_o be_v induce_v to_o forsake_v god_n and_o religion_n for_o any_o temporal_a interest_n and_o advantage_n to_o renounce_v the_o favour_n of_o heaven_n and_o all_o their_o hope_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v nay_o not_o for_o the_o whole_a world_n if_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o for_o as_o our_o saviour_n reason_n in_o this_o very_a case_n of_o forsake_v our_o religion_n for_o any_o temporal_a interest_n or_o consideration_n what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n when_o ever_o any_o of_o we_o be_v tempt_v in_o this_o kind_n let_v that_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o our_o judge_n be_v continual_o in_o our_o mind_n he_o that_o confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v also_o before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosever_v shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o thank_v god_n to_o see_v so_o many_o in_o this_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o hour_n of_o temptation_n to_o adhere_v with_o so_o much_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n to_o their_o holy_a religion_n and_o to_o prefer_v the_o keep_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o all_o earthly_a consideration_n and_o advantage_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o so_o many_o hold_v their_o religion_n so_o fast_o and_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o part_v with_o it_o gives_z great_a hope_n that_o they_o intend_v to_o make_v good_a use_n of_o it_o and_o to_o frame_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a rule_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o which_o alone_o can_v give_v we_o peace_n whilst_o we_o live_v and_o comfort_v when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v and_o after_o death_n secure_a to_o we_o the_o possession_n of_o a_o happiness_n large_a as_o our_o wish_n and_o last_v as_o our_o soul_n to_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n bring_v we_o all_o for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v to_o persuade_v the_o jew_n who_o be_v new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o holy_a and_o excellent_a religion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v and_o not_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o it_o either_o by_o the_o subtle_a insinuation_n of_o their_o brethren_n the_o jew_n who_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v in_o possession_n
only_o upon_o the_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o the_o penitent_a and_o sure_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n than_o that_o when_o man_n have_v perform_v all_o the_o condition_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v yet_o they_o shall_v notwithstanding_o this_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o intend_v to_o confer_v upon_o they_o because_o the_o priest_n have_v not_o the_o same_o intention_n so_o that_o when_o a_o man_n have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n he_o shall_v be_v never_o the_o near_o only_o for_o want_v of_o that_o which_o be_v whole_o out_o of_o his_o power_n the_o right_a intention_n of_o the_o priest_n beside_o that_o after_o all_o their_o boast_n of_o the_o safe_a condition_n of_o man_n in_o their_o church_n and_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a mean_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v have_v in_o it_o this_o one_o principle_n that_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o validity_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrament_n put_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o great_a hazard_n and_o uncertainty_n and_o such_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n either_o to_o discover_v or_o prevent_v unless_o he_o have_v some_o certain_a way_n to_o know_v the_o heart_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n for_o upon_o these_o term_n who_o can_v know_v whether_o any_o man_n be_v a_o priest_n and_o real_o ordain_v or_o not_o nay_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o have_v be_v true_o baptize_v or_o not_o and_o consequent_o whether_o any_o of_o his_o admistration_n be_v valid_a and_o we_o have_v any_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o they_o because_o all_o this_o depend_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o which_o we_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v know_v so_o that_o when_o a_o man_n have_v conscientious_o do_v all_o that_o god_n require_v of_o any_o man_n to_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o salvation_n yet_o without_o any_o fault_n of_o he_o the_o want_n of_o intention_n in_o a_o idle-minded_n man_n may_v frustrate_v all_o and_o though_o the_o man_n have_v be_v baptize_v and_o do_v true_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o have_v sincere_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o live_v a_o most_o holy_a life_n yet_o all_o this_o may_v signify_v nothing_o and_o after_o all_o he_o may_v be_v no_o christian_n because_o his_o baptism_n be_v invalid_a and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n which_o his_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n have_v prescribe_v may_v be_v of_o no_o efficacy_n if_o the_o priest_n do_v not_o intend_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n and_o the_o church_n intend_v now_o if_o this_o be_v true_a there_o be_v certain_o no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o which_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n run_v so_o many_o hazard_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o hazard_n and_o uncertainty_n have_v its_o rise_n from_o a_o scholastical_a point_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o notion_n of_o mankind_n concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o clear_a reason_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o to_o the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o be_v never_o assert_v by_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n much_o less_o define_v by_o any_o council_n before_o that_o of_o trent_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n new_a and_o needless_a and_o in_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o it_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n the_o last_o instance_n i_o shall_v mention_v be_v their_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n universal_o receive_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v therefore_o by_o the_o church_n call_v canonical_a because_o they_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o duty_n to_o be_v practise_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o when_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v grow_v to_o the_o height_n and_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o council_n at_o trent_n be_v resolve_v not_o to_o retrench_v and_o reform_v they_o they_o see_v it_o necessary_a to_o enlarge_v and_o lengthen_v out_o their_o rule_n because_o the_o ancient_a rule_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n reach_v several_a of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v and_o make_v good_a by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o as_o namely_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n of_o purgatory_n and_o of_o the_o seven_o sacracrament_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o image_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n of_o indulgence_n and_o the_o communion_n in_o one_o kind_n and_o several_a other_o superstitious_a practice_n in_o use_n among_o they_o now_o to_o enlarge_v their_o rule_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n for_o the_o justification_n of_o these_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n they_o take_v these_o two_o way_n 1._o they_o have_v add_v to_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o jewish_a church_n to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n i_o say_v to_o these_o they_o have_v add_v several_a apocryphal_a book_n not_o warrant_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n because_o they_o be_v write_v after_o prophecy_n and_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v cease_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n malachi_n be_v the_o last_o of_o their_o prophet_n according_a to_o the_o general_a tradition_n of_o that_o church_n but_o because_o the_o addition_n of_o these_o book_n do_v not_o make_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n large_a enough_o for_o their_o purpose_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o great_a confusion_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o that_o church_n they_o add_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o their_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o call_v the_o write_a word_n a_o unwritten_a word_n which_o they_o call_v oral_a tradition_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o they_o declare_v to_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n themselves_o and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o the_o same_o pious_a veneration_n and_o affection_n of_o which_o tradition_n they_o be_v the_o keeper_n and_o judge_n they_o may_v extend_v they_o to_o what_o they_o please_v and_o have_v they_o in_o their_o own_o breast_n they_o may_v declare_v whatever_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o to_o have_v be_v a_o constant_a and_o universal_a tradition_n of_o their_o church_n though_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o common_a sense_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o uncertain_a and_o more_o liable_a to_o alteration_n and_o mistake_v than_o tradition_n at_o the_o distance_n of_o so_o many_o age_n bring_v down_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n without_o write_v and_o pass_v through_o so_o many_o hand_n he_o that_o can_v think_v these_o to_o be_v of_o equal_a certainty_n and_o authority_n with_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o write_v and_o bring_v down_o by_o book_n undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o a_o strange_a paradox_n viz._n that_o general_a rumour_n and_o report_n of_o thing_n say_v and_o do_v 1500_o year_n ago_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n and_o credit_n with_o a_o record_n and_o a_o write_a history_n by_o which_o proceed_v of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o bring_v their_o faith_n to_o the_o ancient_a rule_n the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o they_o know_v can_v not_o be_v do_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o fit_v their_o rule_n to_o their_o faith_n and_o this_o foundation_n be_v lay_v in_o their_o first_o decree_n all_o the_o rest_n will_v afterward_o go_v on_o very_o smooth_o for_o do_v but_o give_v man_n the_o make_n of_o their_o rule_n and_o they_o can_v make_v good_a any_o thing_n by_o it_o and_o according_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n have_v thus_o fix_v and_o fit_v a_o rule_n to_o their_o own_o purpose_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o decree_n they_o give_v the_o world_n fair_a warning_n upon_o what_o ground_n and_o in_o what_o way_n they_o intend_v to_o proceed_v in_o their_o follow_a decree_n of_o practice_n and_o definition_n of_o faith_n omnes_fw-la itaque_fw-la intelligant_fw-la quo_fw-la ordine_fw-la &_o via_fw-la ipsa_fw-la synodus_fw-la post_fw-la jactum_fw-la fidei_fw-la confessionis_fw-la fundamentum_fw-la sit_fw-la progressura_fw-la etc._n etc._n be_v it_o know_v therefore_o to_o all_o man_n in_o what_o order_n and_o way_n the_o synod_n after_o have_v lay_v this_o
of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o know_v that_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n declare_v it_o for_o the_o rule_n they_o intend_v to_o proceed_v upon_o and_o make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o confirmation_n and_o proof_n of_o their_o follow_a determination_n and_o decree_n but_o do_v any_o of_o the_o ancient_a council_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n lie_v down_o this_o rule_n and_o proceed_v upon_o it_o do_v not_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n at_o the_o open_n of_o the_o first_o general_n council_n lay_v the_o bible_n before_o they_o as_o the_o only_a rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o proceed_v and_o this_o with_o the_o approbation_n of_o all_o those_o holy_a father_n that_o be_v assemble_v in_o that_o council_n and_o do_v not_o follow_v council_n proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o rule_n do_v any_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n ever_o mention_v any_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o ancient_a creed_n which_o because_o it_o be_v a_o abridgement_n of_o the_o necessary_a article_n of_o christian_a faith_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v by_o they_o frequent_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o the_o same_o father_n frequent_o and_o express_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v plain_o contain_v in_o they_o which_o concern_v faith_n and_o life_n and_o that_o whatever_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v all_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o can_v make_v good_a by_o innumerable_a express_a testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n which_o be_v well_o know_v to_o those_o that_o be_v verse_v in_o they_o by_o what_o authority_n then_o have_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n set_v up_o this_o new_a rule_n unknown_a to_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o 1500_o year_n and_o who_o give_v they_o this_o authority_n the_o plain_a truth_n be_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v and_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o part_v with_o force_v they_o to_o lengthen_v out_o the_o rule_n the_o old_a rule_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v too_o short_a for_o their_o purpose_n three_o whereas_o they_o pretend_v that_o holy_a scripture_n as_o expound_v by_o a_o private_a spirit_n may_v not_o seem_v so_o favourable_a to_o some_o of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n yet_o as_o interpret_v by_o tradition_n which_o can_v only_o give_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n it_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o they_o i_o suppose_v they_o mean_v that_o whereas_o a_o private_a spirit_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o understand_v some_o text_n of_o scripture_n as_o if_o people_n be_v to_o search_v and_o read_v the_o scripture_n tradition_n interpret_v those_o text_n in_o a_o quite_o other_o sense_n that_o people_n be_v not_o to_o be_v permit_v to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n a_o private_a spirit_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o understand_v st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o one_a to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o be_v against_o celebrate_v prayer_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o edification_n and_o indeed_o to_o common_a sense_n for_o he_o say_v if_o one_o shall_v come_v and_o find_v they_o speak_v and_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n will_v they_o not_o say_v you_o be_v mad_a but_o now_o tradition_n which_o only_o know_v how_o to_o give_v the_o true_a sense_n can_v reconcile_v this_o discourse_n of_o st._n paul_n very_o easy_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o so_o likewise_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o colossian_n with_o the_o worship_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n with_o offer_v the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mass_n a_o thousand_o time_n every_o day_n and_o to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o whereas_o a_o man_n by_o his_o private_a spirit_n will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o understand_v the_o second_o commandment_n to_o forbid_v all_o worship_n of_o image_n tradition_n discover_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o commandment_n to_o be_v that_o due_a veneration_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o so_o that_o at_o this_o rate_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n by_o tradition_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o fix_v any_o objection_n from_o scripture_n upon_o any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n which_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o maintain_v four_o whereas_o they_o pretend_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o church_n deliver_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n or_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o bring_v down_o to_o they_o and_o preserve_v by_o continnal_a succession_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o so_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n say_v that_o the_o holy_a synod_n do_v receive_v and_o venerate_v these_o tradition_n with_o equal_a pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n as_o they_o do_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n this_o we_o must_v declare_v against_o as_o unreasonable_a in_o itself_o to_o make_v tradition_n convey_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o one_o to_o another_o through_o so_o many_o age_n and_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o mistake_v and_o miscarriage_n to_o be_v at_o the_o distance_n of_o 1500_o year_n of_o equal_a certainty_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n careful_o preserve_v and_o transmit_v down_o to_o we_o because_o this_o as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v to_o make_v common_a rumour_n and_o report_n of_o equal_a authority_n and_o certainty_n with_o a_o write_a record_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o hereby_o they_o make_v the_o scripture_n a_o imperfect_a rule_n contrary_a to_o the_o declare_a judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o council_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o so_o in_o truth_n they_o set_v up_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o they_o change_v the_o christian_a religion_n for_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n make_v a_o new_a faith_n and_o religion_n this_o we_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o and_o do_v challenge_v they_o to_o show_v this_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o consequent_o where_o their_o religion_n be_v before_o that_o council_n to_o show_v a_o religion_n consist_v of_o all_o those_o article_n which_o be_v define_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o establish_v upon_o this_o new_a rule_n profess_v by_o any_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n before_o that_o time_n and_o as_o they_o have_v pitch_v upon_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n so_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v to_o what_o end_n for_o take_v pope_n pius_n iu._n his_o creed_n and_o we_o may_v see_v where_o the_o old_a and_o new_a religion_n part_n even_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o twelve_o article_n of_o the_o aplostle_n creed_n which_o be_v the_o ancient_a christian_a faith_n to_o which_o be_v add_v in_o pope_n pius_fw-la his_o creed_n twelve_o article_n more_o define_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o support_v only_o by_o tradition_n so_o that_o as_o the_o scripture_n answer_v for_o the_o twelve_o old_a article_n which_o be_v plain_o contain_v there_o so_o tradition_n be_v to_o answer_v for_o the_o twelve_o new_a one_o and_o therefore_o the_o matter_n be_v calculate_v very_o exact_o when_o they_o make_v tradition_n just_a of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n because_o as_o many_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v make_v good_a by_o it_o and_o rely_v upon_o it_o as_o those_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n but_o that_o tradition_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o it_o but_o the_o bare_a assertion_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v add_v some_o other_o consideration_n tend_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o our_o religion_n against_o the_o pretence_n and_o insinuation_n of_o seduce_v spirit_n but_o i_o shall_v proceed_v no_o far_o at_o present_a the_o ten_o sermon_n as_o number_v follow_v there_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o number_v of_o these_o sermon_n the_o ten_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o nine_o and_o so_o on_o to_o the_o end_n for_o there_o be_v but_o fifteen_o sermon_n in_o this_o volume_n and_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o a_o sermon_n heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v these_o word_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v by_o the_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o
plain_a then_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n nor_o necessity_n to_o extend_v this_o precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v self-denial_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v proper_o enough_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n and_o therefore_o this_o precept_n must_v be_v limit_v by_o the_o plain_a scope_n and_o intendment_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n and_o no_o man_n can_v argue_v thus_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v self-denial_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n require_v it_o of_o his_o disciple_n for_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o here_o require_v all_o kind_n of_o self-denial_n but_o limit_n it_o by_o his_o discourse_n to_o one_o certain_a kind_n beyond_o which_o self-denial_n be_v no_o duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o text_n and_o therefore_o for_o our_o clear_a understanding_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o remove_v some_o sort_n of_o self-denial_n which_o be_v instance_a in_o by_o some_o as_o intend_v in_o this_o precept_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v what_o kind_n of_o self-denial_n that_o be_v which_o our_o saviour_n here_o intend_v 1._o there_o be_v several_a thing_n bring_v under_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n which_o be_v never_o intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o two_o or_o three_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o frequent_o insist_v upon_o and_o some_o of_o they_o by_o very_o devout_a and_o well-meaning_a man_n as_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n we_o shall_v deny_v and_o renounce_v our_o own_o sense_n and_o our_o reason_n nay_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v content_a to_o renounce_v our_o own_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v damn_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o our_o brethren_n but_o all_o these_o be_v so_o apparent_o and_o gross_o unreasonable_a that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o any_o one_o shall_v ever_o take_v they_o for_o instance_n of_o that_o self-denial_n which_o our_o saviour_n require_v especial_o consider_v that_o in_o all_o his_o discourse_n of_o self-denial_n he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o glance_v at_o any_o of_o these_o instance_n or_o any_o thing_n like_o to_o they_o 1._o some_o comprehend_v under_o self-denial_n the_o deny_v and_o renounce_v our_o own_o sense_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o this_o can_v be_v make_v out_o to_o be_v intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o precept_n we_o need_v not_o dispute_v any_o of_o the_o other_o instance_n for_o he_o that_o renounce_v the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n so_o as_o not_o to_o believe_v what_o he_o see_v may_v after_o this_o renounce_v and_o deny_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n be_v more_o clear_a and_o unquestionable_a than_o that_o of_o faith_n as_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o intimate_v as_o john_n 20._o 29._o where_o our_o saviour_n reprove_v thomas_n for_o refuse_v to_o believe_v his_o resurrection_n upon_o any_o less_o evidence_n than_o that_o of_o sense_n because_o thou_o have_v see_v thou_o have_v believe_v bless_a be_v they_o which_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v which_o plain_o suppose_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n to_o be_v the_o high_a and_o clear_a degree_n of_o evidence_n so_o likewise_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 7._o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n where_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n as_o that_o which_o be_v more_o imperfect_a and_o obscure_a be_v oppose_v to_o that_o of_o sight_n as_o more_o clear_a and_o certain_a so_o that_o to_o believe_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o sense_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o assent_n which_o always_o yield_v to_o the_o great_a and_o clear_a evidence_n beside_o that_o our_o belief_n of_o religion_n be_v at_o last_o resolve_v into_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n so_o that_o by_o renounce_v that_o we_o destroy_v and_o undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n one_o of_o the_o plain_a and_o principal_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o all_o religion_n rely_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n namely_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n by_o the_o contemplation_n whereof_o we_o be_v lead_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o invisible_a author_n of_o it_o so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o rom._n 1._o 20._o that_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n and_o the_o great_a external_a evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v miracle_n be_v at_o last_o resolve_v into_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n without_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n that_o any_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o the_o knowledge_n likewise_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o our_o sense_n the_o evidence_n whereof_o if_o it_o be_v uncertain_a take_v away_o all_o certainty_n of_o faith_n how_o shall_v they_o believe_v say_v st._n paul_n rom._n 10._o 14._o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o ver_fw-la 17._o so_o then_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o to_o deny_v and_o renounce_v our_o sense_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o main_a pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o it_o 2._o other_o almost_o with_o equal_a absurdity_n will_v comprehend_v under_o our_o saviour_n precept_n of_o self-denial_n the_o deny_v and_o renounce_v of_o our_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v self-denial_n with_o a_o witness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o deny_v his_o own_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v to_o deny_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o man._n this_o sure_o be_v a_o very_a great_a mistake_n and_o though_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o may_v be_v innocent_a yet_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o the_o discourse_n upon_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a the_o ground_n of_o the_o mistake_n be_v this_o man_n think_v they_o deny_v their_o own_o reason_n when_o they_o assent_v to_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o their_o own_o reason_n can_v neither_o have_v discover_v nor_o be_v able_a to_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o whereas_o in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o deny_v his_o own_o reason_n that_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o it_o for_o what_o more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o believe_v whatever_o we_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v be_v reveal_v to_o we_o by_o god_n who_o can_v neither_o be_v deceive_v himself_o nor_o deceive_v we_o but_o though_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o mistake_n may_v be_v innocent_a yet_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o be_v most_o absurd_a and_o dangerous_a for_o if_o we_o be_v to_o renounce_v our_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n then_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o believe_v without_o reason_n which_o no_o man_n can_v do_v or_o if_o he_o can_v than_o faith_n will_v be_v unreasonable_a and_o infidelity_n reasonable_a so_o that_o this_o instance_n likewise_o of_o self-denial_n to_o renounce_v and_o deny_v our_o own_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v no_o where_o express_v so_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o be_v intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o precept_n 3._o nor_o do_v this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n require_v man_n to_o be_v content_a to_o renounce_v their_o own_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v damn_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o their_o brethren_n if_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n we_o may_v just_o say_v as_o the_o disciple_n do_v to_o our_o saviour_n in_o another_o case_n this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n and_o who_o can_v hear_v it_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v humane_a nature_n to_o tremble_v at_o its_o very_a foundation_n for_o the_o deep_a principle_n that_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o our_o nature_n be_v the_o desire_n of_o our_o own_o preservation_n and_o happiness_n and_o into_o this_o the_o force_n of_o all_o law_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o our_o duty_n be_v at_o last_o resolve_v from_o whence_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o man_n duty_n in_o any_o case_n to_o renounce_v his_o own_o happiness_n and_o to_o be_v content_a to_o be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a because_o if_o once_o this_o be_v make_v a_o duty_n there_o will_v be_v no_o argument_n leave_v to_o persuade_v any_o man_n to_o it_o for_o the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n that_o god_n ever_o use_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o any_o thing_n be_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o everlasting_a torment_n but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o man_n duty_n to_o be_v content_a to_o