for_o though_o it_o be_v something_o a_o nice_a and_o elaborate_a business_n to_o observe_v all_o the_o tradition_n yet_o this_o be_v much_o more_o grateful_a not_o only_o to_o fancy_v but_o to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n than_o to_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o true_a piety_n by_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o instance_n though_o it_o be_v something_o troublesome_a to_o be_v wash_v at_o every_o turn_n yet_o if_o this_o will_v keep_v a_o man_n mind_n clean_o it_o be_v a_o much_o easy_a care_n than_o to_o keep_v the_o heart_n pure_a v._o 19_o from_o evil_a thought_n murder_n adultery_n fornication_n theft_n false-witnessings_a and_o evil_a speaking_n which_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o defile_v the_o man_n v._o 20._o how_o be_v it_o possible_a but_o that_o people_n shall_v be_v fond_a of_o believe_v such_o a_o conclusion_n as_o this_o whosoever_o live_v in_o the_o land_n of_o israel_n and_o eat_v his_o meat_n in_o cleanness_n and_o speak_v in_o the_o holy_a tongue_n and_o morning_n and_o evening_n say_v over_o his_o phylactery_n let_v he_o never_o doubt_v but_o he_o shall_v obtain_v life_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o master_n and_o certain_o they_o must_v be_v very_o unreasonable_a people_n that_o can_v not_o be_v content_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o these_o if_o they_o can_v be_v make_v such_o fool_n as_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o true_o man_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o hearken_v to_o such_o folly_n because_o they_o save_v they_o the_o labour_n of_o be_v true_o good_a no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o the_o scribe_n be_v so_o universal_o believe_v and_o obey_v by_o the_o people_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o undertake_v to_o carry_v they_o all_o to_o heaven_n infallible_o by_o such_o slight_a and_o cheap_a performance_n as_o be_v require_v by_o their_o tradition_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o it_o will_v cost_v more_o than_o ordinary_a pain_n to_o undeceive_v they_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v constrain_v to_o repeat_v his_o instruction_n over_o and_o over_o again_o to_o his_o disciple_n to_o get_v these_o fancy_n out_o of_o their_o head_n and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o charge_n which_o the_o pharise_n lay_v against_o our_o lord_n disciple_n and_o concern_v that_o which_o be_v employ_v in_o it_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o scribe_n for_o their_o tradition_n and_o the_o fondness_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v addict_v to_o they_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o 2._o point_v and_o that_o be_v the_o answer_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o this_o charge_n viz._n why_o do_v you_o also_o transgress_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n by_o your_o tradition_n which_o do_v of_o itself_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o wise_a way_n of_o answer_v their_o bold_a question_n because_o it_o turn_v the_o difficulty_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o a_o thousand_o time_n a_o great_a difficulty_n to_o say_v if_o they_o can_v by_o what_o authority_n they_o advance_v their_o tradition_n against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o since_o they_o think_v it_o be_v so_o heinous_a a_o fault_n in_o the_o disciple_n not_o to_o observe_v their_o tradition_n to_o purge_v themselves_o if_o they_o be_v able_a of_o a_o notorious_a fault_n in_o keep_v their_o tradition_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o other_o inasmuch_o as_o their_o tradition_n can_v not_o be_v keep_v without_o transgress_v the_o commandment_n of_o god._n which_o general_n charge_v our_o saviour_n make_v good_a also_o by_o one_o particular_a inference_n so_o plain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o fence_n against_o it_o for_o god_n say_v he_o command_v say_v honour_v thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n and_o he_o that_o curse_v father_n or_o mother_n let_v he_o die_v the_o death_n but_o you_o say_v whosoever_o shall_v say_v to_o his_o father_n or_o his_o mother_n it_o be_v a_o gift_n by_o whatsoever_o thou_o may_v be_v profit_v by_o i_o and_o honour_v not_o his_o father_n and_o his_o mother_n he_o shall_v be_v free_a thus_o have_v you_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_n by_o your_o tradition_n the_o tradition_n be_v this_o that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v vow_v never_o to_o relieve_v or_o to_o give_v any_o thing_n to_o such_o or_o such_o a_o person_n though_o it_o be_v his_o father_n or_o his_o mother_n he_o be_v hold_v by_o his_o vow_n and_o if_o afterward_o he_o shall_v change_v his_o mind_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o relieve_v his_o parent_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o go_v to_o the_o priest_n to_o be_v dispense_v with_o and_o absolve_v of_o his_o vow_n the_o priest_n shall_v challenge_v all_o that_o he_o now_o design_v to_o relieve_v his_o parent_n withal_o but_o of_o his_o vow_n he_o can_v not_o be_v release_v and_o the_o money_n be_v put_v into_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o temple_n so_o that_o if_o his_o father_n or_o mother_n come_v afterward_o to_o he_o and_o ask_v a_o alm_n of_o he_o he_o may_v say_v it_o be_v corban_n or_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o temple_n whatsoever_o i_o can_v have_v a_o mind_n to_o give_v thou_o and_o in_o st._n mark_v our_o saviour_n conclude_v and_o you_o suffer_v he_o no_o more_o to_o do_v aught_o for_o his_o father_n or_o his_o mother_n for_o they_o hold_v he_o to_o his_o vow_n and_o whatever_o money_n he_o can_v be_v willing_a to_o give_v they_o afterward_o be_v under_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o vow_n it_o become_v sacred_a and_o be_v to_o go_v to_o the_o temple_n in_o which_o most_o wicked_a tradition_n they_o have_v their_o end_n for_o the_o wealth_n of_o the_o treasury_n be_v partly_o employ_v in_o the_o reparation_n of_o the_o temple_n partly_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a partly_o for_o the_o enrich_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n the_o pharise_n who_o be_v no_o small_a part_n of_o the_o priest_n have_v their_o share_n in_o all_o that_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o treasury_n by_o this_o traditionary_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n they_o have_v elude_v a_o law_n of_o god_n not_o of_o lesser_a moment_n but_o of_o great_a moment_n that_o the_o transgression_n of_o it_o be_v capital_a and_o such_o a_o law_n too_o as_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n show_v no_o less_o than_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o well_o may_v our_o saviour_n conclude_v thus_o have_v you_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v by_o your_o tradition_n but_o if_o it_o be_v now_o ask_v why_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o keep_v to_o that_o instance_n which_o the_o pharise_n produce_v and_o answer_v to_o that_o but_o rather_o choose_v another_o instance_n the_o account_n of_o this_o i_o think_v very_o easy_a viz._n that_o he_o see_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o run_v they_o down_o by_o one_o of_o the_o most_o undeniable_a instance_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v of_o their_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o their_o tradition_n for_o the_o boldness_n of_o the_o pharise_n and_o priest_n be_v so_o excessive_a and_o the_o fondness_n of_o the_o people_n about_o these_o tradition_n be_v so_o hard_o to_o be_v break_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v way_n for_o their_o conviction_n by_o such_o a_o argument_n as_o must_v needs_o make_v some_o impression_n upon_o they_o and_o when_o he_o have_v make_v a_o end_n of_o that_o he_o do_v not_o forget_v to_o speak_v direct_o to_o the_o point_n they_o have_v begin_v withal_o for_o ver_fw-la 10._o we_o find_v that_o he_o call_v the_o multitude_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o hear_v and_o understand_v not_o that_o which_o go_v into_o the_o mouth_n defile_v a_o man_n but_o that_o which_o come_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n defile_v a_o man_n that_o be_v do_v not_o suffer_v yourselves_o to_o be_v delude_v by_o these_o confident_a man_n who_o use_v their_o authority_n to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o carry_v you_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o keep_v their_o tradition_n to_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o plain_a commandment_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v evident_o show_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o five_o commandment_n and_o now_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v instruct_v in_o that_o other_o point_n of_o pretend_a tradition_n which_o they_o blame_v my_o disciple_n for_o not_o observe_v and_o know_v that_o no_o food_n whatsoever_o be_v unclean_a or_o unlawful_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o be_v use_v nor_o can_v any_o man_n touch_n make_v it_o so_o nor_o can_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n defile_v a_o man_n conscience_n but_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v defile_v by_o that_o which_o come_v from_o his_o heart_n by_o evil_a thought_n by_o evil_a word_n and_o by_o action_n contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n such_o as_o murder_n and_o adultery_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v the_o thing_n
now_o have_v give_v you_o this_o account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o i_o be_o much_o mistake_v if_o from_o this_o authority_n we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n against_o the_o most_o specious_a and_o popular_a exception_n which_o they_o of_o rome_n make_v against_o our_o reformation_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v under_o these_o three_o head_n first_o that_o in_o this_o church_n whilst_o it_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o and_o subjection_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v notorious_a abuse_n and_o error_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n add_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o common_a faith._n second_o that_o upon_o this_o supposition_n we_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o reform_v ourselves_o as_o we_o have_v do_v three_o that_o the_o main_a objection_n which_o they_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n do_v bring_v and_o whereby_o they_o seek_v to_o stagger_v those_o of_o our_o communion_n and_o to_o fright_v they_o into_o their_o own_o may_v by_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o message_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v vain_a and_o fallacious_a and_o therefore_o by_o no_o mean_n fit_a to_o remove_v we_o from_o our_o steadfastness_n first_o that_o in_o this_o church_n as_o in_o all_o other_o that_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v notorious_a abuse_n and_o error_n introduce_v into_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christian_n and_o first_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n so_o in_o these_o church_n there_o be_v doctrine_n and_o practice_n lead_v to_o idolatry_n i_o wish_v that_o be_v all_o but_o it_o be_v not_o all_o for_o idolatry_n itself_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v be_v practise_v and_o that_o practice_n not_o only_o connive_v at_o but_o encourage_v and_o command_v and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o adore_v the_o host_n pray_v to_o saint_n to_o dead_a man_n and_o woman_n and_o worship_v of_o image_n contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n provide_v that_o we_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o that_o he_o only_o we_o shall_v serve_v and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o when_o we_o urge_v they_o with_o these_o thing_n they_o defend_v themselves_o from_o idolatry_n by_o the_o use_n of_o such_o distinction_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o common_a people_n to_o save_v themselves_o by_o if_o indeed_o these_o distinction_n will_v do_v the_o business_n as_o for_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o licentiousness_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_o such_o than_o the_o easy_a term_n upon_o which_o they_o promise_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o security_n from_o hell_n confession_n to_o a_o priest_n with_o attrition_n be_v reckon_v sufficient_a to_o receive_v a_o pretorial_n absolution_n which_o shall_v be_v valid_a in_o heaven_n as_o also_o the_o invention_n of_o purgatory_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o shorten_v the_o pain_n of_o it_o by_o indulgence_n by_o apply_v the_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n merit_n by_o mass_n and_o prayer_n with_o a_o great_a many_o abuse_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n their_o half_a communion_n their_o latin_a service_n their_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o precedent_n or_o rule_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o in_o antiquity_n but_o plain_a and_o full_a consent_n there_o be_v both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o against_o they_o but_o now_o to_o all_o this_o they_o make_v one_o general_a reply_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o church_n mean_v the_o roman_a church_n have_v not_o err_v in_o these_o point_n because_o she_o can_v err_v at_o all_o for_o she_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n and_o the_o standard_n of_o catholic_n unity_n and_o faith_n she_o be_v that_o one_o catholic_n church_n which_o can_v fail_v to_o which_o christ_n have_v promise_v his_o perpetual_a presence_n and_o assistance_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o she_o and_o of_o which_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o she_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o a_o word_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v by_o she_o define_v be_v infallible_o true_a and_o therefore_o that_o these_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v neither_o damnable_a error_n and_o sin_n nor_o error_n and_o sin_n at_o all_o now_o if_o indeed_o such_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o that_o church_n we_o shall_v be_v bring_v into_o a_o very_a great_a strait_n and_o not_o very_o well_o know_v whether_o we_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n speak_v against_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n impose_v by_o that_o church_n or_o the_o scripture_n speak_v to_o we_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v as_o that_o church_n require_v but_o first_o of_o all_o we_o say_v that_o whatsoever_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n they_o do_v not_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o that_o these_o promise_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n and_o that_o christ_n will_v be_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o she_o shall_v be_v preserve_v from_o so_o much_o error_n as_o will_v utter_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n not_o from_o all_o error_n whatsoever_o but_o that_o no_o promise_n in_o particular_a be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n so_o much_o as_o to_o secure_v she_o from_o fundamental_a error_n utter_o destructive_a of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n especial_o since_o st._n paul_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n plain_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v quite_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n rom._n 11.21_o 22._o where_n speak_v of_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o have_v these_o word_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 therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n on_o they_o which_o fall_v severity_n but_o towards_o thou_o goodness_n if_o thou_o continue_v in_o his_o goodness_n otherwise_o thou_o also_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o which_o have_v be_v vain_a word_n if_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a by_o virtue_n of_o any_o privilege_n confer_v upon_o the_o see_v of_o peter_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o to_o continue_v in_o god_n goodness_n or_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a truth_n that_o she_o shall_v not_o be_v cut_v off_o we_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o find_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o if_o we_o can_v find_v it_o there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o she_o have_v err_v because_o some_o of_o her_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n do_v seem_v to_o we_o apparent_o to_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n than_o to_o believe_v she_o be_v infallible_a because_o she_o say_v so_o of_o herself_o but_o to_o this_o they_o say_v that_o we_o misinterpret_v those_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o condemn_v what_o they_o profess_v and_o practice_v and_o in_o short_a that_o we_o can_v arrive_v to_o certainty_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n without_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n which_o the_o church_n be_v well_o for_o the_o present_a i_o will_v suppose_v this_o but_o then_o this_o will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o that_o church_n ever_o to_o convince_v i_o or_o any_o reasonable_a man_n of_o she_o own_o infallibility_n by_o the_o scripture_n for_o when_o she_o tell_v i_o that_o christ_n have_v say_v thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n she_o suppose_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o infallibility_n to_o herself_o be_v so_o plain_o make_v that_o every_o man_n who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o understand_v the_o truth_n may_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n but_o if_o i_o may_v arrive_v at_o a_o certain_a sense_n of_o these_o scripture_n without_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n then_o why_o may_v i_o not_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o other_o text_n as_o plain_a as_o these_o without_o such_o a_o interpreter_n it_o
of_o our_o saviour_n may_v be_v well_o apply_v to_o such_o a_o person_n if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o he_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n moreover_o there_o be_v little_a hope_n to_o reform_v that_o man_n evil_a practice_n who_o persuasion_n make_v he_o secure_a and_o easy_a all_o the_o while_n so_o there_o be_v no_o little_a difficulty_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o try_v to_o undeceive_v he_o for_o man_n will_v hold_v comfortable_a error_n as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v find_v the_o least_o pretence_n for_o it_o and_o which_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mischief_n of_o this_o offence_n though_o such_o error_n be_v not_o lay_v down_o without_o a_o great_a trouble_n yet_o they_o be_v take_v up_o with_o much_o readiness_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o spread_v far_o and_o wide_o and_o to_o this_o i_o believe_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n agree_v viz._n that_o although_o there_o be_v mistake_n that_o lead_v to_o trouble_v of_o mind_n and_o overmuch_o 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that_o defile_v a_o man_n but_o to_o eat_v with_o unwashen_n hand_n defile_v not_o a_o man_n i._n e._n do_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n affect_v his_o soul_n or_o his_o conscience_n for_o in_o this_o respect_n he_o be_v neither_o better_o for_o wash_v nor_o worse_o for_o let_v it_o alone_o and_o to_o think_v otherwise_o be_v a_o superstition_n hurtful_a to_o yourselves_o and_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o of_o very_o bad_a consequence_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o impudent_a and_o notorious_a a_o abuse_n as_o the_o make_v void_a of_o god_n law_n by_o the_o other_o lewd_a tradition_n that_o i_o mention_v before_o it_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o method_n and_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n in_o this_o place_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o pharise_n bring_v against_o the_o disciple_n from_o which_o answer_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n to_o be_v gather_v well_o worth_a our_o observation_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v 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rule_n which_o be_v so_o many_o that_o to_o have_v provide_v express_o against_o they_o all_o will_v have_v make_v the_o bible_n a_o more_o voluminous_a book_n than_o any_o be_v in_o the_o world_n not_o to_o say_v the_o most_o odd_a and_o uncouth_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v see_v for_o whoever_o write_v or_o speak_v in_o that_o manner_n as_o to_o provide_v against_o all_o possible_a way_n of_o be_v mistake_v or_o have_v his_o word_n pervert_v according_a to_o this_o rate_n a_o man_n must_v not_o expect_v to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o a_o sentence_n in_o a_o hour_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v his_o explication_n may_v be_v pervert_v too_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o god_n have_v not_o provide_v express_a caution_n against_o all_o possible_a mistake_v and_o abuse_v of_o this_o nature_n but_o think_v good_a to_o leave_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o worship_n which_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v all_o honest_a person_n and_o 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doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god._n but_o as_o for_o other_o they_o will_v make_v a_o shift_n to_o reject_v it_o with_o some_o colour_n for_o so_o do_v or_o to_o pervert_v it_o if_o they_o once_o admit_v it_o this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v the_o temper_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o deliver_v truth_n that_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n gratify_v the_o lust_n of_o man_n or_o please_v their_o imagination_n or_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o particular_a person_n to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o all_o other_o and_o than_o that_o this_o truth_n be_v deliver_v in_o that_o way_n which_o though_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o instruct_v and_o convince_v all_o honest_a man_n yet_o will_v not_o infallible_o bear_v down_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n now_o to_o this_o we_o must_v add_v 2._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o general_a temper_n of_o mankind_n for_o who_o sake_n the_o gospel_n be_v make_v know_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v very_o corrupt_a and_o exceed_o prone_a to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o to_o error_n impatient_a of_o true_a virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o therefore_o of_o true_a doctrine_n humane_a nature_n do_v affect_v a_o lawless_a liberty_n and_o can_v well_o bear_v to_o be_v confine_v and_o it_o be_v so_o disease_a that_o it_o do_v not_o take_v it_o well_o to_o be_v heal_v it_o be_v therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o remedy_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v have_v be_v so_o tamper_v withal_o by_o man_n as_o to_o make_v it_o ineffectual_a for_o that_o purpose_n for_o which_o he_o have_v send_v it_o to_o we_o and_o doctrine_n have_v be_v teach_v which_o give_v that_o liberty_n that_o truth_n deny_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n shall_v not_o effectual_o overcome_v those_o lust_n that_o reign_v in_o the_o world_n those_o lust_n will_v corrupt_v and_o pervert_v that_o doctrine_n and_o bring_v in_o heresy_n ambition_n and_o covetousness_n will_v bring_v in_o heresy_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o a_o worldly_a power_n and_o dominion_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n licentiousness_n will_v bring_v in_o heresy_n for_o make_v void_a the_o commandment_n of_o god_n pride_n will_v bring_v in_o heresy_n though_o for_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n satisfaction_n and_o glory_n in_o draw_v many_o people_n into_o a_o party_n and_o become_v the_o head_n of_o it_o and_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o the_o natural_a inconstancy_n and_o waver_v of_o some_o will_v carry_v they_o away_o from_o the_o truth_n the_o natural_a stiffness_n and_o inflexibility_n of_o other_o will_v detain_v they_o in_o error_n the_o very_a desire_n and_o love_n of_o novelty_n will_v at_o first_o help_n to_o bring_v in_o some_o and_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o pretence_n of_o antiquity_n will_v be_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o able_a to_o gain_v other_o final_o the_o unwillingness_n of_o most_o man_n to_o take_v pain_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o great_a ease_n of_o depend_v upon_o the_o absolute_a authority_n of_o other_o will_v give_v a_o far_a advantage_n to_o error_n which_o fear_v nothing_o more_o than_o a_o examination_n and_o therefore_o discourage_v all_o person_n from_o give_v themselves_o so_o needless_a a_o trouble_n since_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o those_o for_o their_o security_n who_o can_v possible_o mislead_v they_o consider_v the_o disease_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o cure_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o it_o can_v not_o be_v expect_v but_o there_o will_v be_v faction_n and_o heresy_n against_o the_o truth_n if_o therefore_o it_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v say_v there_o must_v be_v heresy_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o if_o he_o have_v say_v after_o all_o the_o care_n that_o god_n have_v take_v to_o restore_v mankind_n there_o will_v be_v pride_n and_o ambition_n there_o will_v be_v covetousness_n and_o injustice_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n there_o will_v be_v luxury_n and_o licentiousness_n there_o will_v be_v both_o inconstancy_n and_o stiffneckedness_n there_o will_v be_v laziness_n and_o slothfulness_n and_o unaptness_n for_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n for_o god_n have_v provide_v no_o infallible_a remedy_n against_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o as_o certain_o as_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o world_n will_v break_v out_o in_o the_o church_n so_o certain_o will_v error_n get_v into_o it_o by_o degree_n and_o usurp_v the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n if_o he_o please_v can_v absolute_o have_v hinder_v it_o by_o his_o overrule_a power_n but_o in_o this_o say_n it_o be_v imply_v that_o he_o will_v not_o do_v so_o and_o experience_n have_v show_v that_o he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o and_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o it_o since_o he_o be_v not_o please_v to_o make_v all_o man_n good_a by_o a_o irresistible_a grace_n for_o there_o be_v less_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v all_o man_n orthodox_n by_o a_o irresistible_a illumination_n and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o point_n which_o concern_v the_o reason_n assign_v why_o god_n be_v please_v to_o permit_v heresy_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a i._n e._n that_o it_o may_v most_o evident_o appear_v who_o be_v sincere_a and_o honest_a and_o who_o be_v not_o so_o for_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o way_n that_o be_v take_v to_o advance_v error_n do_v prove_v what_o man_n be_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o distinguish_v between_o those_o that_o will_v appear_v all_o alike_o if_o the_o same_o truth_n be_v equal_o profess_v by_o all_o the_o great_a difference_n that_o break_v out_o be_v that_o between_o the_o probity_n of_o some_o man_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o falseness_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o other_o on_o the_o other_o side_n which_o appear_v in_o these_o instance_n 1._o in_o a_o more_o diligent_a search_n after_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n heresy_n have_v upon_o honest_a and_o godly_a man_n while_o they_o give_v occasion_n to_o hypocrite_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v most_o for_o their_o ease_n their_o safety_n their_o advantage_n in_o this_o world_n whilst_o the_o several_a party_n of_o christian_n be_v each_o of_o they_o eager_o contend_v for_o their_o own_o way_n man_n of_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o examine_v their_o own_o persuasion_n more_o narrow_o and_o to_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o more_o careful_o so_o that_o if_o they_o apprehend_v a_o mistake_n in_o themselves_o they_o quit_v it_o without_o any_o more_o to_o do_v and_o come_v to_o establish_v themselves_o in_o the_o truth_n upon_o better_a ground_n
than_o they_o have_v before_o and_o be_v better_a able_a to_o lead_v other_o into_o it_o 2._o by_o this_o mean_n also_o the_o constancy_n of_o sincere_a person_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v manifest_v for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o opposition_n there_o can_v be_v no_o trial_n of_o that_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v a_o man_n to_o forsake_v it_o and_o this_o not_o only_o because_o a_o man_n steadfastness_n can_v be_v prove_v but_o by_o opposition_n and_o temptation_n but_o likewise_o because_o they_o be_v but_o few_o good_a man_n in_o comparison_n who_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o a_o diligent_a examination_n of_o their_o own_o persuasion_n if_o contrary_a doctrine_n be_v not_o advance_v they_o will_v rely_v most_o upon_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o other_o instead_o of_o believe_a truth_n upon_o its_o proper_a ground_n and_o argument_n but_o if_o as_o i_o say_v in_o the_o first_o instance_n the_o spread_a of_o heresy_n put_v they_o upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n after_o the_o reason_n of_o truth_n their_o steadfastness_n in_o it_o afterward_o be_v manifest_v to_o be_v the_o true_a virtue_n of_o constancy_n which_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o obstinate_a resolution_n not_o to_o change_v our_o opinion_n let_v what_o will_v be_v produce_v against_o it_o but_o in_o adhere_v to_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a after_o the_o most_o diligent_a examination_n of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o and_o thus_o heresy_n make_v good_a man_n more_o constant_a in_o the_o truth_n by_o give_v they_o a_o opportunity_n of_o confirm_v themselves_o in_o it_o by_o better_a argument_n and_o clear_a evidence_n and_o they_o manifest_v their_o constancy_n to_o the_o world_n inasmuch_o as_o the_o adversary_n of_o truth_n be_v never_o want_v to_o shake_v the_o dfastness_n of_o true_a believer_n by_o all_o way_n of_o temptation_n imaginable_a 3._o their_o charity_n to_o other_o be_v manifest_v also_o by_o mean_n of_o heresy_n and_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n for_o here_o be_v occasion_n give_v to_o show_v their_o care_n of_o one_o another_o in_o satisfy_v the_o doubtful_a in_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a in_o give_v caution_n to_o the_o confident_a and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o weak_a all_o which_o be_v noble_a instance_n of_o christian_a charity_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o since_o their_o care_n to_o recover_v other_o from_o the_o way_n of_o error_n to_o reduce_v those_o that_o be_v go_v aside_o together_o with_o their_o endure_a contradiction_n their_o instruct_n in_o much_o patience_n their_o meekness_n towards_o those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o be_v likewise_o manifest_v upon_o all_o such_o occasion_n 4._o their_o sincerity_n do_v likewise_o appear_v in_o another_o respect_n viz._n of_o defend_v truth_n with_o truth_n only_o and_o a_o good_a cause_n by_o innocence_n and_o honest_a mean_n without_o make_v use_n of_o fraud_n of_o lie_n of_o false_a accusation_n of_o false_a principle_n of_o unconcluding_a argument_n of_o any_o disingenuous_a art_n without_o make_v advantage_n of_o the_o weakness_n and_o mistake_n of_o other_o which_o one_o thing_n make_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o those_o that_o be_v honest_a and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o all_o which_o instance_n do_v express_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o reason_n for_o which_o god_n have_v still_o suffer_v heresy_n to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a i._n e._n that_o their_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o their_o diligence_n in_o inquire_v after_o it_o that_o their_o constancy_n in_o profess_v it_o that_o their_o charity_n to_o those_o that_o be_v and_o to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o mislead_v and_o their_o sincerity_n and_o ingenuity_n in_o assert_v truth_n and_o appear_v for_o it_o by_o none_o but_o lawful_a method_n and_o just_a argument_n may_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n which_o as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o praise_n of_o good_a man_n so_o there_o be_v other_o benefit_n arise_v from_o it_o for_o instance_n 1._o that_o the_o belief_n of_o true_a doctrine_n come_v hereby_o to_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a and_o firm_a ground_n than_o in_o all_o likelihood_n have_v be_v discover_v if_o opposition_n have_v not_o oblige_v honest_a man_n to_o dig_v the_o deep_a for_o they_o and_o this_o we_o have_v note_v already_o 2._o that_o by_o the_o way_n many_o profitable_a truth_n come_v to_o be_v discover_v which_o have_v otherwise_o lie_v hide_v the_o scripture_n come_v to_o be_v better_o understand_v and_o the_o more_o obscure_a passage_n of_o it_o to_o be_v reasonable_o well_o interpret_v all_o which_o be_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god._n opposition_n whet_v the_o industry_n and_o set_v a_o edge_n upon_o the_o wit_n of_o all_o man_n good_a and_o bad_a and_o whilst_o bad_a man_n be_v concern_v to_o find_v out_o all_o the_o way_n of_o support_a error_n the_o good_a and_o honest_a be_v no_o less_o employ_v to_o arm_v themselves_o with_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o can_v fail_v of_o arrive_v at_o great_a skill_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o a_o great_a compass_n of_o understanding_n in_o divine_a matter_n than_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v constrain_v to_o countermine_v the_o approach_n of_o error_n last_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o all_o man_n of_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n to_o maintain_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o all_o heresy_n whatsoever_o show_v they_o also_o the_o necessity_n of_o recommend_v true_a opinion_n to_o the_o world_n by_o more_o orthodox_n live_v by_o walk_v more_o wary_o and_o circumspect_o by_o set_v better_a example_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n by_o show_v the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o true_a doctrine_n to_o make_v man_n live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o when_o god_n suffer_v heresy_n to_o prevail_v most_o in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o loud_a call_n to_o all_o that_o be_v friend_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n to_o justify_v his_o cause_n by_o the_o strong_a argument_n and_o the_o best_a life_n and_o now_o he_o be_v something_o to_o blame_v that_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o follow_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v 1._o that_o heresy_n and_o schism_n be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god._n 2._o that_o they_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o a_o church_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n since_o they_o have_v their_o good_a use_n and_o consequence_n for_o which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o permit_v they_o and_o this_o especial_o to_o try_v the_o honesty_n of_o man_n and_o to_o show_v what_o they_o be_v to_o the_o world_n which_o will_v in_o the_o end_n make_v extreme_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o truth_n and_o common_o the_o more_o heresy_n there_o be_v the_o more_o certain_o be_v this_o trial_n make_v in_o the_o mean_a while_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v dissemble_v that_o yet_o diversity_n of_o sect_n and_o party_n have_v its_o manifold_a mischief_n and_o misery_n attend_v upon_o it_o it_o breed_v scandal_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o diversion_n of_o atheist_n and_o unbeliever_n it_o nourish_v discord_n and_o animosity_n it_o remove_v the_o contentious_a far_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o make_v the_o study_n of_o good_a manner_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n to_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n forget_v it_o lessen_v the_o reverence_n of_o authority_n it_o produce_v fraud_n and_o force_n unfaithfulness_n and_o cruelty_n and_o have_v make_v man_n and_o which_o be_v worse_a christian_n fox_n and_o wolf_n to_o one_o another_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o heresy_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o consequence_n very_o great_a evil_n but_o then_o they_o be_v such_o evil_n as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n permit_v for_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n such_o as_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v they_o have_v their_o good_a consequence_n as_o well_o as_o their_o bad_a one_o and_o the_o good_a that_o be_v wrought_v out_o of_o they_o be_v weighty_a enough_o to_o overbalance_n the_o evil_a for_o the_o great_a mischief_n that_o be_v discernible_a in_o they_o be_v but_o this_o that_o they_o do_v effectual_o draw_v forth_o that_o wickedness_n which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v lie_v more_o undiscovered_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o then_o also_o they_o manifest_v more_o clear_o that_o integrity_n that_o piety_n that_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n and_o virtue_n and_o charity_n of_o good_a man_n which_o otherwise_o have_v not_o so_o much_o appear_v bad_a man_n do_v by_o mean_n of_o heresy_n grow_v worse_o and_o the_o good_a
and_o because_o this_o exhortation_n be_v also_o add_v to_o the_o epistle_n send_v to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n part_n of_o which_o i_o have_v now_o read_v to_o you_o i_o may_v also_o exhort_v you_o to_o hear_v or_o rather_o i_o need_v not_o since_o our_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o have_v require_v you_o so_o to_o do_v st._n john_n who_o have_v be_v the_o founder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n be_v now_o in_o the_o isle_n of_o patmos_n banish_v thither_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n as_o he_o witness_v himself_o chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 9_o i_o john_n who_o also_o be_o your_o brother_n and_o companion_n in_o tribulation_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o patience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o the_o isle_n that_o be_v call_v patmos_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ._n but_o he_o have_v commit_v this_o church_n to_o the_o care_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o his_o absence_n who_o be_v here_o call_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o who_o this_o epistle_n be_v direct_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n under_o his_o care_n and_o it_o consist_v of_o these_o three_o general_a part_n i._o of_o a_o commendation_n ii_o of_o a_o reproof_n iii_o a_o warn_v to_o repent_v i._o a_o commendation_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v and_o thou_o hold_v fast_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n even_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o antipas_n be_v my_o faithful_a martyr_n who_o be_v slay_v among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v which_o commendation_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n 1._o that_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n retain_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o point_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n for_o if_o she_o have_v part_v with_o any_o point_n necessary_a she_o must_v then_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o a_o church_n she_o be_v by_o our_o lord_n be_v own_o acknowledgement_n and_o therefore_o by_o hold_v fast_o his_o name_n and_o not_o deny_v his_o faith_n we_o must_v needs_o understand_v that_o she_o have_v keep_v entire_a that_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n the_o apostolical_a creed_n which_o st._n john_n have_v leave_v among_o they_o 2._o that_o which_o heighten_v her_o praise_n be_v that_o she_o have_v do_v this_o in_o such_o a_o place_n where_o there_o be_v so_o great_a temptation_n to_o apostasy_n first_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v i._n e._n where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o idol-temple_n that_o no_o place_n in_o asia_n can_v show_v so_o many_o as_o if_o pergamos_n have_v be_v satan_n principal_a court_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world._n second_o where_o by_o consequence_n there_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v and_o where_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o great_a persecution_n of_o the_o gospel_n under_o which_o antipas_n a_o faithful_a martyr_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o zeal_n and_o courage_n be_v a_o example_n to_o the_o rest_n be_v slay_v this_o be_v the_o commendation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n that_o in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n she_o have_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o she_o have_v hold_v fast_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v his_o faith._n but_o there_o follow_v ii_o a_o reproof_n but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n who_o teach_v balak_n to_o cast_v a_o stumbling-block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n so_o have_v thou_o also_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o thing_n i_o hate_v i._n e._n although_o she_o have_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o faith_n yet_o within_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n be_v teach_v and_o practise_v she_o have_v suffer_v damnable_a doctrine_n and_o wicked_a practice_n to_o take_v place_n which_o be_v likely_a enough_o to_o endanger_v the_o subvert_v of_o the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n profess_v among_o they_o but_o more_o particular_o 1._o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n be_v open_o teach_v among_o they_o and_o that_o be_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o idolater_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o idol_n for_o this_o be_v the_o stumbling-block_n which_o balaam_n lay_v before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n not_o only_o draw_v they_o to_o carnal_a fornication_n with_o the_o daughter_n of_o moab_n but_o spiritual_a fornication_n also_o with_o their_o idol_n now_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v such_o a_o grievous_a persecution_n of_o the_o church_n at_o pergamos_n that_o some_o of_o that_o communion_n to_o ease_v the_o church_n from_o it_o teach_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o have_v external_n communion_n with_o idolater_n in_o their_o worship_n to_o wit_n by_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n pretend_v as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o commendation_n give_v they_o in_o the_o former_a verse_n that_o if_o they_o do_v but_o still_o hold_v fast_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o deny_v any_o necessary_a point_n of_o his_o faith_n their_o external_n compliance_n with_o idolater_n in_o their_o worship_n will_v not_o deserve_v any_o severe_a reproof_n but_o that_o because_o they_o shall_v still_o retain_v the_o name_n and_o essence_n of_o a_o true_a church_n they_o shall_v therefore_o sufficient_o approve_v their_o fidelity_n to_o christ_n notwithstanding_o their_o burn_a incense_n and_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o give_v divine_a honour_n by_o their_o outward_a act_n to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o god._n 2._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n be_v also_o hold_v among_o they_o that_o be_v a_o doctrine_n that_o tend_v to_o a_o licentious_a life_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o good_a manner_n and_o it_o be_v call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n from_o nicolas_n the_o deacon_n who_o be_v upbraid_v for_o dote_v too_o much_o upon_o his_o fair_a wife_n to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v upon_o that_o account_n make_v a_o prostitution_n of_o she_o to_o all_o comer_n which_o lewd_a example_n have_v it_o seem_v spread_v its_o contagion_n into_o some_o of_o the_o asian_a church_n especial_o at_o pergamos_n where_o many_o of_o they_o hold_v community_n of_o woman_n to_o be_v lawful_a which_o be_v so_o vile_a and_o detestable_a a_o doctrine_n that_o god_n be_v here_o say_v to_o hate_v it_o so_o that_o the_o doctrine_n for_o tolerate_v of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n be_v here_o reprehend_v be_v such_o as_o grate_v very_o near_o upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n the_o former_a lead_n to_o idolatry_n the_o latter_a to_o a_o impure_a and_o vicious_a life_n a_o very_a strange_a corruption_n of_o the_o state_n of_o that_o church_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n from_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o it_o now_o iii_o we_o have_v in_o this_o message_n of_o jesus_n to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n a_o warning_n to_o repent_v and_o to_o make_v haste_n to_o repent_v too_o repent_v or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n and_o what_o be_v she_o to_o repent_v of_o but_o of_o suffer_v those_o coruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n to_o prevail_v in_o her_o communion_n for_o which_o she_o be_v reprove_v before_o and_o how_o be_v she_o to_o repent_v but_o by_o reform_v those_o abuse_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o her_o communion_n those_o that_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v and_o return_v to_o the_o primitive_a purity_n of_o her_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o manner_n and_o if_o she_o will_v not_o do_v this_o jesus_n threaten_v that_o he_o will_v sudden_o take_v the_o matter_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o cut_v they_o off_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n from_o be_v a_o church_n at_o all_o who_o be_v so_o soon_o degenerate_v from_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o upon_o this_o warning_n she_o do_v repent_v and_o reform_v for_o she_o be_v not_o speedy_o cut_v off_o as_o god_n have_v threaten_v she_o shall_v be_v if_o she_o do_v not_o repent_v but_o continue_v a_o church_n for_o many_o age_n afterward_o till_o at_o length_n fall_v again_o into_o great_a corruption_n of_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n she_o with_o all_o the_o other_o six_o church_n of_o asia_n write_v to_o by_o our_o lord_n fall_v to_o be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o and_o the_o temple_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v upon_o be_v now_o become_v turkish_a mosque_n and_o so_o the_o burden_n of_o pergamos_n be_v fulfil_v and_o
to_o be_v hold_v in_o claim_v also_o a_o absolute_a obedience_n from_o the_o people_n insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v a_o say_n among_o they_o if_o the_o scribe_n say_v that_o the_o right_a hand_n be_v the_o left_a or_o the_o left_a hand_n the_o right_a you_o be_v to_o believe_v they_o now_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o pharise_n upon_o our_o saviour_n disciple_n be_v not_o that_o they_o have_v transgress_v any_o tradition_n that_o appear_v to_o have_v a_o divine_a original_a by_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o that_o they_o have_v transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n as_o they_o use_v to_o call_v they_o such_o tradition_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o other_o pretence_n than_o that_o they_o be_v convey_v down_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o father_n to_o son_n among_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o the_o master_n and_o the_o scribe_n the_o particular_a instance_n to_o explain_v the_o general_a charge_n be_v this_o that_o the_o disciple_n do_v not_o wash_v their_o hand_n before_o they_o eat_v bread_n for_o one_o of_o those_o many_o traditionary_a doctrine_n for_o which_o they_o be_v so_o zealous_a be_v this_o that_o if_o a_o stranger_n or_o a_o uncircumcised_a person_n shall_v but_o touch_v a_o jew_n the_o jew_n be_v forthwith_o defile_v or_o if_o he_o have_v but_o touch_v any_o thing_n that_o a_o jew_n afterward_o touch_v he_o be_v unclean_a and_o if_o the_o jew_n shall_v in_o that_o state_n take_v any_o meat_n to_o eat_v that_o meat_n be_v render_v unclean_a and_o will_v defile_v his_o mind_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o which_o danger_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o religion_n to_o wash_v before_o eat_v and_o thus_o for_o a_o idle_a fancy_n they_o invent_v a_o idle_a relief_n and_o place_v so_o much_o religion_n in_o it_o that_o say_v one_o of_o they_o he_o that_o eat_v bread_n with_o unwashen_n hand_n sin_n as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v lie_v with_o a_o whore_n and_o say_v another_o it_o be_v the_o high_a point_n of_o holiness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o separate_v himself_o from_o the_o vulgar_a and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o touch_v they_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o eat_v or_o drink_v with_o they_o and_o the_o next_o to_o this_o be_v to_o wash_v away_o the_o impurity_n that_o be_v contract_v thereby_o you_o may_v see_v a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o this_o senseless_a superstition_n of_o they_o in_o mark_n 7._o the_o pharise_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n except_o they_o wash_v their_o hand_n oft_o eat_v not_o hold_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o when_o they_o come_v from_o the_o market_n except_o they_o wash_v they_o eat_v not_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v which_o they_o have_v receive_v to_o hold_v as_o the_o wash_n of_o cup_n and_o pot_n brazen_a vessel_n and_o of_o table_n that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o only_o wash_v their_o own_o hand_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v touch_v some_o stranger_n or_o one_o less_o pure_a than_o themselves_o but_o least_o some_o stranger_n shall_v have_v touch_v the_o cup_n in_o which_o they_o drink_v or_o the_o dish_n in_o which_o their_o meat_n be_v or_o the_o table_n upon_o which_o the_o cup_n be_v to_o stand_v these_o be_v wash_v with_o all_o care_n not_o for_o cleanliness_n for_o that_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n but_o for_o holiness-sake_n as_o if_o their_o mind_n be_v make_v pure_a by_o wash_v their_o hand_n and_o cup_n and_o all_o thing_n of_o this_o sort_n this_o be_v one_o kind_a of_o their_o traditionary_a doctrine_n for_o transgress_v of_o which_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n be_v accuse_v by_o the_o pharise_n ii_o we_o may_v observe_v these_o two_o thing_n employ_v in_o the_o charge_n 1._o the_o concern_v which_o the_o scribe_n have_v for_o their_o tradition_n and_o 2._o the_o reverence_n in_o which_o the_o people_n hold_v they_o 1._o the_o concern_v of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharise_n to_o have_v they_o observe_v it_o be_v so_o great_a that_o a_o man_n may_v with_o less_o danger_n from_o they_o break_v a_o plain_a law_n of_o god_n than_o transgress_v one_o of_o their_o tradition_n and_o they_o will_v soon_o call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o this_o latter_a than_o for_o the_o former_a if_o they_o can_v have_v charge_v our_o lord_n disciple_n with_o break_v the_o five_o commandment_n as_o jesus_n charge_v they_o with_o it_o present_o after_o of_o this_o they_o will_v have_v say_v nothing_o but_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o neglect_n of_o the_o disciple_n to_o wash_v before_o eat_v for_o conscience-sake_n and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v the_o multitude_n a_o plain_a account_n of_o this_o neglect_n neither_o can_v they_o bear_v that_o but_o be_v offend_v at_o he_o v._o 12._o hence_o in_o their_o talmud_n a_o book_n that_o pretend_v to_o have_v gather_v up_o their_o oral_a tradition_n it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v more_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o scribe_n than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o the_o write_a law_n be_v the_o foundation_n but_o the_o unwritten_a and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o elder_n be_v of_o more_o authority_n and_o weight_n than_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n so_o blind_a be_v their_o zeal_n for_o their_o tradition_n that_o one_o of_o the_o rabbi_n be_v once_o cast_v into_o prison_n and_o water_n be_v give_v he_o to_o wash_v and_o to_o drink_v and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v spill_v he_o rather_o choose_v to_o wash_v his_o hand_n than_o to_o drink_v say_v it_o be_v better_a to_o die_v than_o to_o transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o no_o wonder_n that_o they_o be_v thus_o concern_v when_o it_o be_v by_o these_o doctrine_n that_o they_o keep_v up_o a_o absolute_a authority_n over_o the_o people_n for_o if_o the_o people_n will_v be_v make_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o unwritten_a law_n be_v of_o great_a consequence_n than_o the_o write_v and_o that_o the_o scribe_n be_v the_o guardian_n and_o oracle_n of_o the_o unwritten_a law_n nothing_o can_v be_v better_o contrive_v to_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o absolute_a dependence_n upon_o the_o scribe_n 2._o the_o charge_n do_v likewise_o imply_v a_o universal_a regard_n of_o these_o tradition_n in_o the_o people_n why_o do_v thy_o disciple_n transgress_v the_o tradition_n i._n e._n why_o do_v they_o only_o do_v it_o and_o we_o hear_v from_o st._n mark_n that_o the_o pharise_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n except_o they_o wash_v their_o hand_n oft_o eat_v not_o whatever_o become_v of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n here_o be_v very_o good_a care_n take_v that_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v keep_v nay_o it_o be_v so_o fix_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o our_o lord_n disciple_n themselves_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o set_v they_o right_o in_o these_o thing_n present_o for_o after_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v they_o not_o that_o which_o go_v into_o the_o mouth_n defile_v the_o man_n but_o that_o which_o come_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n v._o 11._o peter_n ask_v he_o v._o 15._o to_o declare_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o parable_n or_o as_o he_o think_v it_o hard_o say_v and_o jesus_n say_v v._o 16._o be_v you_o also_o yet_o without_o understanding_n and_o so_o he_o go_v on_o show_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o cleanness_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v defile_v by_o evil_a thought_n murder_n adultery_n etc._n etc._n they_o have_v not_o yet_o get_v rid_v of_o those_o superstitious_a fancy_n that_o reign_v among_o the_o people_n and_o be_v so_o prejudice_v by_o they_o that_o they_o can_v hardly_o understand_v the_o plain_a truth_n on_o the_o other_o side_n nay_o when_o after_o this_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o say_v to_o they_o as_o you_o find_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n ver_fw-la 6._o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharise_n and_o of_o the_o sadducee_n how_o do_v we_o think_v they_o understand_v this_o say_n and_o they_o reason_v among_o themselves_o say_v it_o be_v because_o we_o have_v take_v no_o bread_n which_o show_v they_o be_v not_o yet_o cure_v of_o this_o pharisaical_a superstition_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o understand_v our_o saviour_n as_o if_o he_o have_v forbid_v they_o to_o eat_v any_o bread_n which_o the_o pharise_n have_v touch_v as_o the_o pharise_n will_v eat_v nothing_o that_o have_v be_v touch_v by_o a_o gentile_a when_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v be_v that_o they_o shall_v beware_v of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o no_o wonder_n that_o these_o traditionary_a invention_n have_v take_v such_o root_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o they_o do_v not_o serve_v more_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o guide_n than_o for_o the_o ease_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n that_o follow_v they_o