be_v not_o do_v yet_o and_o how_o long_o then_o shall_v we_o have_v stay_v for_o these_o very_a thing_n which_o the_o reformation_n reject_v be_v still_o defend_v by_o she_o and_o all_o the_o protestation_n and_o application_n that_o have_v be_v make_v to_o she_o have_v have_v no_o effect_n upon_o she_o to_o procure_v a_o reformation_n on_o her_o part_n and_o we_o do_v not_o know_v when_o they_o will_v have_v but_o why_o must_v we_o stay_v till_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v order_v the_o reformation_n which_o we_o see_v will_v have_v be_v long_o enough_o what_o be_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o we_o but_o as_o a_o sister_n church_n whatever_o she_o pretend_v of_o her_o catholicism_n and_o masterdom_n or_o mistress-ship_n over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v refute_v before_o and_o what_o have_v she_o to_o do_v then_o to_o control_v our_o reformation_n or_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o stay_v her_o leisure_n or_o why_o have_v not_o prince_n and_o national_a church_n in_o themselves_o full_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o reform_v what_o be_v to_o be_v reform_v in_o their_o own_o precinct_n we_o see_v what_o the_o good_a king_n of_o the_o jew_n asa_n hezekiah_n josiah_n do_v and_o what_o do_v we_o do_v but_o what_o in_o a_o like_a case_n they_o do_v before_o and_o if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v have_v never_o so_o much_o a_o authority_n over_o we_o yet_o if_o upon_o due_a application_n she_o will_v not_o reform_v error_n and_o redress_v abuse_n and_o yet_o these_o error_n and_o abuse_n be_v of_o a_o most_o pestilent_a and_o dangerous_a nature_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o most_o contrary_a to_o the_o true_a religion_n must_v we_o therefore_o persist_v in_o these_o false_a belief_n and_o practice_n whilst_o she_o think_v fit_a to_o retain_v they_o and_o hazard_v our_o eternal_a salvation_n in_o reject_v divine_a truth_n and_o contradict_v the_o light_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o true_a gospel-doctrine_n mere_o out_o of_o respect_n to_o she_o or_o must_v we_o not_o provide_v for_o our_o own_o welfare_n ourselves_o without_o which_o we_o shall_v run_v the_o hazard_n of_o eternal_a perdition_n if_o other_o will_v not_o do_v it_o who_o ought_v now_o this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n the_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v so_o very_o great_a both_o in_o faith_n and_o worship_n as_o may_v appear_v partly_o by_o this_o little_a treatise_n and_o be_v so_o very_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a to_o man_n soul_n and_o so_o universal_o spread_v and_o so_o stiff_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o a_o reformation_n of_o they_o by_o that_o church_n but_o the_o council_n that_o be_v assemble_v to_o remove_v corruption_n settle_v they_o the_o strong_a because_o they_o can_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o better_a mind_n to_o renounce_v these_o error_n must_v we_o therefore_o continue_v to_o err_v for_o company_n or_o when_o we_o can_v no_o long_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o without_o have_v a_o communion_n in_o these_o corruption_n have_v we_o not_o a_o just_a cause_n then_o of_o separation_n from_o they_o jer._n 51._o 9_o we_o will_v have_v heal_v babylon_n and_o she_o be_v not_o heal_v forsake_v she_o and_o let_v we_o go_v every_o one_o to_o his_o own_o country_n it_o be_v just_a the_o same_o in_o our_o case_n we_o have_v remonstrate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n her_o error_n and_o she_o have_v not_o reform_v they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a she_o have_v excommunicate_v and_o persecute_v with_o fire_n and_o sword_n those_o that_o have_v publish_v the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o abandon_v her_o communion_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 17_o 18._o wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o and_o be_v a_o father_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o daughter_n say_v the_o lord_n almighty_n and_o rev._n 18._o 4._o come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n here_o be_v our_o call_n to_o do_v as_o we_o have_v do_v when_o we_o can_v no_o long_o abide_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n without_o be_v defile_v with_o her_o sin_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o torment_n which_o be_v prepare_v for_o she_o we_o be_v then_o oblige_v to_o come_v out_o of_o she_o rom._n 16._o 17._o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o this_o we_o say_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v do_v so_o that_o we_o be_v require_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o mark_v and_o avoid_v they_o for_o gal._n 1._o 9_o whosoever_o preach_v say_v he_o another_o gospel_n than_o that_o which_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v and_o we_o have_v see_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o many_o and_o very_o great_a instance_n so_o that_o it_o look_v like_o another_o gospel_n than_o what_o be_v preach_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n 1_o john_n 5._o 21._o little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n and_o if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v and_o we_o can_v keep_v to_o they_o without_o keep_v to_o her_o idolatry_n must_v we_o not_o then_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o both_o for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v that_o their_o doctrine_n that_o be_v we_o say_v their_o corruption_n be_v ancient_a this_o be_v no_o warrant_n to_o the_o jew_n former_o to_o follow_v the_o old_a heathen_a custom_n because_o of_o their_o antiquity_n but_o say_v joshua_n chap._n 24._o 14_o 15._o put_v away_o the_o god_n which_o your_o father_n have_v serve_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o flood_n and_o be_v egypt_n and_o serve_v the_o lord_n and_o if_o it_o seem_v evil_a to_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v whether_o the_o god_n which_o your_o father_n serve_v that_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o flood_n or_o the_o god_n of_o the_o amorites_n in_o who_o land_n you_o dwell_v but_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n the_o like_a we_o say_v do_v concern_v we_o and_o if_o other_o will_v persist_v still_o in_o their_o false_a worship_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o too_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v such_o as_o we_o prove_v it_o be_v in_o many_o instance_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o renounce_v it_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o ancient_a yea_o though_o it_o be_v old_a than_o noah_n flood_n sect_n iii_o they_o object_n to_o we_o the_o division_n that_o be_v among_o the_o reform_a but_o what_o do_v they_o get_v by_o this_o because_o there_o be_v division_n among_o the_o reform_a be_v therefore_o the_o reformation_n itself_o evil_a or_o because_o we_o be_v divide_v among_o ourselves_o in_o some_o thing_n and_o some_o of_o we_o than_o must_v be_v in_o the_o wrong_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_a if_o this_o be_v a_o argnment_n against_o the_o reformation_n the_o same_o may_v have_v be_v a_o argument_n against_o christianity_n itself_o for_o as_o soon_o as_o christianity_n spread_v itself_o abroad_o be_v there_o not_o division_n then_o too_o among_o those_o that_o embrace_v it_o some_o be_v for_o retain_v the_o legal_a ordinance_n and_o mix_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n with_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n with_o who_o the_o apostle_n have_v great_a contention_n some_o very_a famous_a church_n be_v leaven_v with_o this_o error_n as_o that_o be_v which_o be_v in_o galatia_n other_o strange_a heresy_n be_v broach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o obtain_v among_o many_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o there_o soon_o arise_v many_o other_o that_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o in_o the_o apostolical_a and_o follow_a age_n gnostic_n valentinian_o marcionite_n arian_n etc._n etc._n which_o spread_v far_o and_o wide_a and_o continue_v a_o long_a time_n be_v this_o now_o a_o just_a objection_n against_o christianity_n that_o there_o be_v division_n and_o heresy_n among_o those_o that_o profess_a themselves_o christian_n and_o how_o come_v it_o then_o to_o be_v so_o mighty_a a_o argument_n now_o against_o the_o reformation_n we_o be_v sorry_a indeed_o to_o see_v it_o fall_v out_o so_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o better_a agreement_n among_o the_o reform_a and_o that_o there_o shall_v any_o heresy_n spring_v out_o of_o
christ_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o one_o word_n of_o such_o a_o office_n as_o that_o of_o supreme_a pastor_n or_o universal_a sovereign_n over_o all_o which_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o he_o will_v not_o have_v omit_v if_o such_o a_o office_n have_v be_v so_o necessary_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a end_n as_o be_v pretend_v chap._n ix_o that_o the_o pope_n have_v power_n over_o king_n to_o excommunicate_v and_o depose_v they_o and_o can_v give_v power_n to_o resist_v sovereign_a prince_n and_o can_v absolve_v subject_n from_o their_o allegiance_n and_o that_o all_o ecclesiastical_a person_n be_v exempt_v from_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o secular_a court_n the_o 3d_o general_n council_n of_o lateran_n cap._n 27._o &_o 14._o the_o four_o of_o lateran_n can._n 3._o de_fw-la haereticis_fw-la &_o can._n 43._o council_n of_o lion_n ann._n 1245._o council_n of_o constance_n sess_z 17._o council_n of_o trent_n decret_a de_fw-fr reformat_fw-la cap._n 12._o this_o vast_a and_o exorbitant_a power_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o pope_n headship_n over_o the_o church_n which_o be_v refute_v before_o there_o need_v no_o new_a argument_n here_o for_o the_o confutation_n hereof_o for_o it_o be_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o pope_n have_v a_o proper_a and_o direct_a temporal_a sovereignty_n but_o as_o a_o necessary_a consequent_a to_o and_o appendix_n of_o his_o spiritual_a and_o for_o the_o promote_a the_o end_n thereof_o the_o pope_n can_v change_v kingdom_n take_v they_o from_o one_o and_o give_v they_o to_o another_o as_o the_o sovereign_a spiritual_a prince_n if_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o bellarmiâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d rom._n pontif._n lib._n 5._o cap._n 6._o so_o that_o the_o same_o argument_n produce_v before_o to_o refute_v the_o spiritual_a sovereignty_n serve_v also_o to_o overthrow_v the_o temporal_a and_o more_o strong_o this_o have_v only_a relation_n to_o the_o former_a and_o infer_v from_o it_o by_o far-fetched_a consequence_n without_o the_o least_o intimation_n from_o scripture_n and_o the_o exemption_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a person_n from_o the_o temporal_a power_n be_v ground_v likewise_o upon_o the_o same_o papal_a headship_n for_o he_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v their_o supreme_a governor_n and_o sovereign_n be_v to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o all_o cause_n that_o have_v relation_n to_o they_o as_o their_o proper_a judg._n and_o this_o be_v the_o consequent_a of_o such_o a_o principle_n the_o principle_n be_v overthrow_v the_o consequence_n must_v also_o fall_v with_o it_o and_o then_o there_o remain_v no_o other_o power_n upon_o earth_n to_o which_o the_o clergy_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a as_o their_o supreme_a governor_n under_o god_n and_o christ_n but_o sovereign_a prince_n and_o state_n in_o their_o several_a dominion_n but_o yet_o this_o pretend_a exemption_n of_o the_o clergy_n may_v be_v likewise_o far_o confute_v from_o the_o follow_a text_n rom._n 13._o 1_o 2._o let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a unto_o the_o high_a power_n mean_v the_o supreme_a civil_a authority_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v whether_o emperor_n king_n etc._n etc._n in_o their_o several_a dominion_n here_o be_v a_o universal_a assertion_n respect_v all_o person_n under_o such_o authority_n and_o no_o exemption_n of_o any_o for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o power_n lawful_o constitute_v but_o of_o god_n the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordaind_v of_o god._n wherefore_o he_o that_o resist_v the_o power_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o resist_v shall_v receive_v to_o themselves_o damnation_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o power_n whatever_o that_o can_v absolve_v subject_n from_o their_o allegiance_n to_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n or_o free_v they_o from_o his_o jurisdiction_n lawful_o constitute_v for_o he_o bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a it_o be_v his_o part_n to_o bear_v and_o wield_v and_o sword_n of_o justice_n for_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a and_o to_o punish_v offender_n and_o therefore_o ecclesiastical_a person_n as_o â—ell_o as_o other_o if_o they_o do_v evil_a against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o a_o lawful_a government_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o just_a execution_n of_o punishment_n inflict_v by_o such_o governor_n but_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o republic_n of_o venice_n be_v put_v under_o a_o interdict_v for_o have_v begin_v a_o process_n against_o a_o abbot_n and_o a_o canon_n who_o be_v notorious_o criminal_a and_o punishable_a 1_o pet._n 2._o 13_o 14._o see_v also_o st._n peter_n peter_n s_o judgement_n submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil_a doer_n and_o for_o the_o praise_n of_o they_o that_o do_v well_o he_o do_v not_o say_v submit_v yourselves_o to_o i_o as_o the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o say_v he_o submit_v yourselves_o from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o my_o successor_n in_o rome_n but_o submit_v yourselves_o to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a and_o how_o can_v he_o more_o manifest_o teach_v subjection_n which_o all_o person_n of_o whatsoever_o condition_n and_o quality_n shall_v render_v unto_o he_o for_o he_o make_v no_o exception_n of_o the_o clergy_n but_o this_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o see_v chap._n 5._o tit._n 3._o 1._o see_v here_o again_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n paul_n put_v they_o in_o mind_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o to_o obey_v magistrate_n who_o be_v these_o that_o titus_n be_v to_o put_v in_o mind_n to_o be_v subject_a but_o those_o who_o by_o st._n paul_n direction_n be_v commit_v to_o his_o care_n and_o teach_n among_o which_o we_o find_v the_o elder_n and_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n chap._n 1._o 4_o 5._o these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o than_o who_o titus_n be_v to_o put_v in_o mind_n to_o be_v subject_a aaron_n be_v elder_a brother_n to_o moses_n and_o chief_a priest_n yet_o nevertheless_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o moses_n and_o call_v he_o his_o lord_n exod._n 32._o 21_o 22._o and_o moses_n say_v unto_o aaron_n what_o do_v this_o people_n unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o have_v bring_v so_o great_a a_o sin_n upon_o they_o viz._n of_o the_o golden_a calf_n of_o which_o they_o speak_v and_o aaron_n say_v let_v not_o the_o anger_n of_o my_o lord_n wax_v hot_a thou_o know_v the_o people_n that_o they_o be_v set_v on_o mischief_n and_o numb_a 12._o 11._o aaron_n say_v unto_o moses_n alas_o my_o lord_n lay_v not_o this_o sin_n upon_o we_o wherein_o we_o have_v do_v foolish_o and_o wherein_o we_o have_v sin_v for_o he_o and_o miriam_n have_v murmur_v against_o moses_n the_o chief_a priest_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n for_o which_o you_o need_v but_o read_v the_o book_n of_o king_n see_v one_o example_n hereof_o to_o which_o no_o reply_n can_v be_v make_v 1_o king._n 2._o 26_o 27._o unto_o abiather_n the_o priest_n say_v king_n solomon_n get_v thou_o to_o anathoth_o unto_o thy_o own_o field_n for_o thou_o be_v worthy_a of_o death_n but_o i_o will_v not_o at_o this_o time_n put_v thou_o to_o death_n because_o thou_o bear_v the_o ark_n of_o god_n before_o david_n my_o father_n etc._n etc._n so_o solomon_n thrust_v out_o abiathar_n from_o be_v priest_n unto_o the_o lord_n but_o now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n say_v cardinal_n bonaventure_n the_o temporal_a rule_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o priesthood_n and_o pope_n may_v now_o degrade_v king_n and_o depose_v emperor_n as_o this_o have_v often_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o wherein_o be_v the_o difference_n and_o where_o be_v the_o proof_n of_o this_o impious_a assertion_n st._n paul_n plead_v his_o cause_n before_o felix_n a_o secular_a judge_n and_o do_v not_o except_v against_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o court_n act_v 24._o and_o so_o again_o before_o festus_n act_v 25._o but_o now_o the_o mean_a priest_n and_o the_o poor_a monk_n of_o they_o all_o where_o he_o can_v refuse_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o secular_a judge_n and_o it_o be_v a_o receive_a maxim_n the_o pope_n ought_v to_o judge_n all_o the_o world_n and_o be_v judge_v himself_o of_o no_o body_n distinct_a 40._o can._n si_fw-mi pape_n at_o last_o st._n paul_n appeal_v unto_o cesar_n act_v 25._o 10_o 11._o then_o say_v paul_n i_o stand_v at_o cesar_n
preach_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o to_o take_v heed_n st._n peter_n praise_v those_o that_o read_v the_o prophet_n and_o why_o shall_v man_n he_o blame_v then_o for_o read_v the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n note_v whereas_o he_o say_v vers_n 20._o that_o no_o propheâ—cy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n he_o do_v not_o speak_v it_o to_o deter_v private_a man_n from_o the_o read_n or_o judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o to_o show_v the_o sureness_n of_o their_o rule_n that_o it_o be_v not_o first_o interpret_v or_o write_v by_o the_o fancy_n or_o will_n of_o private_a man_n but_o it_o come_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v therein_o as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ver_fw-la 21._o act_n 8._o 27_o 28._o behold_v a_o man_n of_o ethiopia_n a_o eunuch_n of_o great_a authority_n and_o power_n under_o candace_n the_o queen_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o all_o her_o treasure_n as_o he_o be_v return_v from_o jerusalem_n and_o fit_v in_o his_o chariot_n read_v isaias_n the_o prophet_n observe_v that_o this_o person_n be_v not_o a_o churchman_n but_o a_o treasurer_n or_o minister_n of_o state_n to_o the_o queen_n and_o philip_n be_v send_v to_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n to_o help_v he_o to_o understand_v the_o prophecy_n he_o be_v read_v which_o be_v a_o clear_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v approbation_n of_o his_o practice_n and_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o other_o to_o do_v the_o like_a and_o in_o do_v so_o to_o hope_v for_o the_o divine_a direction_n and_o blessing_n act_n 17._o 11._o it_o be_v say_v the_o berean_o therefore_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n in_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o to_o know_v whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o it_o be_v note_v as_o a_o instance_n of_o a_o excellent_a spirit_n in_o they_o that_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n about_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n so_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o from_o a_o child_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n see_v here_o a_o child_n exercise_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o this_o be_v note_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o excellent_a and_o praiseworthy_a thing_n in_o he_o observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n address_v the_o most_o part_n of_o his_o epistle_n not_o to_o the_o priest_n or_o bishop_n but_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o to_o all_o that_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n see_v rom._n 1._o 7._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o 2_o cor._n 1._o 1._o gal._n 1._o 2._o ephes_n 1._o 1._o and_o to_o show_v clear_o that_o he_o write_v to_o the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o pastor_n he_o distinguish_v they_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o philippian_n chap._n 1._o 1._o paul_n and_o timotheus_n the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o all_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v at_o philippi_n with_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n so_o likewise_o st._n james_n address_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o and_o st._n peter_n his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o stranger_n scatter_v throughout_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n andâ—ithynia_fw-la â—ithynia_z chap._n 1._o 1._o his_o second_o epistle_n be_v yet_o more_o general_a to_o all_o those_o that_o have_v obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n with_o we_o through_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n st._n john_n write_v to_o father_n to_o young_a man_n and_o to_o child_n now_o what_o colour_n can_v there_o be_v to_o hinder_v those_o person_n from_o read_v those_o epistle_n that_o be_v send_v and_o address_v to_o they_o add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v formal_o and_o express_o command_v and_o require_v person_n to_o read_v their_o epistle_n thus_o col._n 4._o 16._o when_o this_o epistle_n be_v read_v among_o you_o cause_n that_o it_o be_v read_v also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n and_o that_o you_o likewise_o read_v the_o epistle_n from_o laodicea_n so_o 1_o thess_n 5._o 27._o i_o charge_v you_o by_o the_o lord_n that_o this_o epistle_n be_v read_v to_o all_o the_o holy_a brethren_n and_o note_v that_o for_o this_o end_n they_o be_v write_v in_o a_o language_n best_o know_v to_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n as_o also_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n beside_o be_v write_v in_o a_o language_n that_o be_v best_a understand_v by_o the_o people_n for_o who_o it_o be_v write_v the_o old_a testament_n in_o hebrew_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o new_a testament_n in_o greek_a that_o be_v the_o language_n then_o most_o general_o use_v and_o for_o this_o end_n there_o be_v translation_n make_v of_o the_o scripture_n into_o the_o language_n of_o several_a nation_n that_o people_n of_o all_o sort_n may_v read_v they_o as_o to_o what_o be_v say_v 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o that_o in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o many_o do_v wrest_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n it_o be_v from_o the_o vice_n and_o rashness_n of_o man_n that_o they_o do_v so_o wrest_v they_o which_o if_o they_o be_v of_o humble_a and_o teachable_a spirit_n they_o may_v avoid_v and_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v this_o wrest_n of_o they_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o prohibit_v the_o people_n the_o read_n of_o they_o but_o only_a caution_n they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o lead_v away_o with_o these_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o direct_v they_o to_o grow_v more_o in_o knowledge_n the_o way_n to_o attain_v unto_o which_o be_v to_o peruse_v they_o with_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n and_o it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a thing_n to_o build_v a_o prohibition_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n upon_o a_o far-fetched_a consequence_n from_o this_o text_n against_o so_o many_o express_a command_n to_o the_o contrary_n yet_o see_v moreover_o rev._n 1._o 3._o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o keep_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v therein_o note_v here_o the_o most_o difficult_a book_n of_o scripture_n be_v commend_v to_o man_n read_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n call_v those_o bless_a that_o read_v and_o keep_v it_o and_o what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v then_o to_o deter_v man_n from_o read_v the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o contain_z thing_n much_o more_o familiar_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understâ—â—â—â—â—_n of_o the_o church_n chap._n iu._n that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v always_o visible_a bellarm._n de_fw-fr eccles_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 11._o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v continue_v in_o be_v in_o all_o age_n be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v always_o glorious_o and_o conspicuou_o visible_a to_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o person_n that_o they_o may_v know_v whither_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o it_o to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o may_v be_v move_v thereunto_o by_o its_o splendour_n be_v against_o many_o scripture-instance_n and_o prophecy_n to_o the_o contrary_n which_o many_o time_n come_v to_o pass_v through_o the_o prevail_a of_o corruption_n in_o it_o or_o persecution_n against_o it_o which_o very_o much_o darken_v and_o obscure_v it_o so_o that_o a_o very_a few_o person_n may_v retain_v the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n in_o it_o and_o those_o not_o visible_a to_o the_o notice_n of_o many_o other_o as_o for_o example_n what_o be_v the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n then_o when_o god_n bring_v abraham_n out_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o infidel_n and_o idolater_n gen._n 12._o what_o be_v the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n when_o israel_n be_v in_o egypt_n where_o they_o defile_v themselves_o with_o the_o idol_n of_o egypt_n ezek._n 20._o 7_o 8._o then_o they_o rebel_v against_o i_o say_v god_n and_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o i_o they_o do_v not_o every_o man_n cast_v away_o the_o abomination_n of_o his_o eye_n neither_o do_v they_o forsake_v the_o idol_n of_o egypt_n then_o i_o say_v i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o fury_n upon_o they_o and_o my_o anger_n against_o they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n here_o be_v a_o very_a great_a corruption_n in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a chief_a and_o principal_a point_n of_o religion_n what_o be_v the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n of_o israel_n judg._n 2._o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o all_o that_o generation_n be_v gather_v unto_o their_o father_n and_o
servant_n of_o all_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v intend_v a_o primacy_n of_o jurisdiction_n or_o authority_n to_o st._n peter_n over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n will_v he_o have_v express_v himself_o in_o such_o universal_a term_n so_o absolute_o deny_v this_o authority_n and_o superiority_n to_o all_o will_v he_o not_o have_v except_v st._n peter_n right_a and_o privilege_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o he_o but_o here_o be_v a_o universal_a negation_n of_o such_o supreme_a authority_n to_o all_o of_o they_o indifferent_o without_o any_o such_o exception_n mat._n 19_o 28._o jesus_n say_v unto_o they_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o which_o have_v follow_v i_o in_o the_o regeneration_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o glory_n you_o shall_v sit_v upon_o twelve_o throne_n judge_v the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n the_o apostle_n be_v here_o represent_v sit_v equal_o upon_o twelve_o throne_n be_v not_o this_o to_o let_v we_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v to_o have_v a_o equal_a authority_n whereas_o if_o st._n peter_n be_v to_o have_v have_v a_o superior_a authority_n one_o will_v think_v he_o shall_v have_v have_v a_o throne_n too_o superior_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n mat._n 23._o 8._o be_v not_o yâ—_n call_v rabbi_n or_o master_n for_o one_o be_v your_o master_n even_o christ_n and_o all_o you_o be_v brethren_n here_o be_v no_o assignation_n of_o any_o mastership_n to_o st._n peter_n as_o christ_n vicar_n but_o all_o the_o disciple_n be_v join_v together_o in_o a_o equality_n of_o brotherhood_n under_o christ_n their_o lord_n luke_n 22._o 24._o there_o be_v also_o a_o strife_n among_o they_o which_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v account_v the_o great_a note_v that_o this_o dispute_n be_v but_o the_o evening_n before_o the_o passion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n after_o these_o word_n be_v speak_v mat._n 16._o 19_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n if_o st._n peter_n have_v be_v then_o constitute_v the_o chief_a of_o the_o apostle_n there_o will_v never_o have_v be_v this_o dispute_n among_o they_o touch_v the_o primacy_n for_o our_o saviour_n upon_o this_o dispute_n say_v not_o one_o word_n that_o he_o have_v give_v it_o to_o st._n peter_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a verse_n 25._o 26._o the_o king_n of_o the_o gentile_n exercise_v lordship_n over_o they_o and_o they_o that_o exercise_n authority_n upon_o they_o be_v call_v benefactor_n but_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o which_o certain_o exclude_v such_o a_o supreme_a authority_n as_o be_v claim_v by_o the_o pope_n john_n 20._o 22_o 23._o jesus_n christ_n breathe_v upon_o his_o disciple_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v note_v here_o that_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v which_o be_v promise_v to_o st._n peter_n mat._n 16._o 19_o be_v here_o give_v to_o all_o the_o disciple_n indifferent_o therefore_o that_o promise_v convey_v no_o special_a privilege_n or_o authority_n to_o st._n peter_n but_o what_o be_v give_v in_o common_a to_o they_o all_o ephes_n 2._o 20._o you_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n note_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v here_o put_v in_o the_o same_o rank_n and_o be_v all_o equal_o call_v foundation-stone_n as_o st._n peter_n be_v call_v a_o rock_n matth._n 16._o 18._o and_o james_n and_o john_n pillar_n as_o well_o as_o he_o gal._n 2._o 9_o to_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o belong_v the_o pre-eminence_n so_o rev._n 21._o 14._o and_o the_o wall_n of_o the_o city_n have_v twelve_o foundation_n and_o in_o they_o be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n of_o the_o lamb._n you_o see_v here_o still_o the_o apostle_n advance_v to_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o honour_n buâ—_n note_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o call_v foundation_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o person_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o hold_v or_o preach_v and_o in_o the_o text_n matth._n 16._o 18._o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n the_o rock_n there_o mention_v be_v expound_v by_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n as_o st._n chrysostom_n st._n ambrose_n st._n austin_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o st._n peter_n confess_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god._n which_o christ_n call_v a_o rock_n and_o that_o upon_o which_o he_o will_v build_v his_o church_n with_o allusion_n to_o st._n peter_n name_n that_o speak_v it_o which_o signify_v a_o stone_n and_o upon_o this_o doctrine_n all_o the_o apostle_n indifferent_o found_v the_o church_n where_o they_o come_v as_o well_o as_o he_o john_n 21._o 17._o where_o our_o saviour_n three_o time_n say_v to_o st._n peter_n feed_v my_o sheep_n what_o be_v there_o contain_v in_o that_o or_o signify_v by_o it_o but_o what_o be_v equal_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o other_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o here_o be_v no_o privilege_n confer_v only_o to_o he_o but_o a_o duty_n enjoin_v which_o concern_v all_o but_o be_v there_o particular_o three_o time_n repeat_v to_o st._n peter_n and_o urge_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o best_a expression_n of_o his_o love_n which_o he_o then_o profess_v to_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n who_o before_o he_o have_v thrice_o deny_v and_o perhaps_o be_v as_o a_o rebuke_n for_o that_o denial_n three_o time_n repeat_v 1_o pet._n 5._o 1_o 2_o 3._o here_o st._n peter_n put_v himself_o in_o the_o rank_n of_o the_o elder_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o attribute_n to_o himself_o any_o manner_n of_o domination_n and_o forbid_v the_o same_o to_o other_o the_o elder_n which_o be_v among_o you_o i_o exhort_v who_o be_o also_o a_o elder_a he_o do_v not_o say_v who_o be_o supreme_a ruler_n and_o governor_n over_o all_o as_o he_o may_v and_o shall_v have_v do_v to_o have_v enforce_v his_o exhortation_n the_o more_o if_o it_o have_v be_v true_a for_o he_o shall_v have_v magnify_v his_o office_n as_o st._n paul_n do_v feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o you_o take_v the_o oversight_n thereof_o which_o be_v the_o same_o exhortation_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v he_o and_o how_o then_o be_v it_o a_o special_a prerogative_n belong_v to_o he_o alone_o but_o then_o he_o add_v likewise_o not_o by_o constraint_n but_o willing_o not_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n but_o of_o a_o ready_a mind_n neither_o as_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o be_v enample_n to_o the_o flock_n quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o pride_n and_o arrogance_n of_o many_o bishop_n of_o rome_n that_o lord_n it_o over_o all_o consider_v far_o there_o be_v no_o indication_n of_o any_o such_o supreme_a authority_n in_o st._n peter_n but_o the_o quite_o contrary_a in_o very_a many_o instance_n st._n peter_n be_v not_o always_o name_v in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o mark_v 16._o 7._o joh._n 1._o 44._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 12._o gal._n 2._o 9_o he_o speak_v not_o first_o in_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o a_o great_a dispute_n there_o have_v be_v before_o he_o begin_v his_o discourse_n act_v 15._o 7._o it_o be_v not_o by_o his_o sentence_n that_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n be_v state_v vers_fw-la 13._o the_o message_n to_o the_o gentile_n be_v not_o send_v by_o he_o vers_n 22._o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n be_v not_o publish_v in_o his_o name_n vers_fw-la 23._o he_o share_v the_o ecclesiastical_a charge_n with_o the_o apostle_n as_o their_o fellow_n and_o companion_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n gal._n 2._o 9_o and_o when_o james_n and_o cephas_n and_o john_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v pillar_n perceive_v the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v to_o i_o they_o give_v to_o i_o and_o barnabas_n the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n that_o we_o shall_v go_v unto_o the_o gentile_n as_o they_o unto_o those_o of_o the_o circumcision_n st._n paul_n make_v himself_o equal_a unto_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n gal._n 2._o 6._o of_o those_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o whatsoever_o they_o be_v it_o make_v no_o matter_n to_o meâ—_n god_n accept_v no_o man_n person_n they_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o in_o conference_n add_v nothing_o to_o i_o so_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 5._o for_o i_o suppose_v i_o be_v not_o a_o whit_n behind_o the_o very_o chief_a apostle_n it_o have_v be_v good_a manner_n to_o have_v except_v st._n peter_n his_o head_n and_o lord_n at_o least_o st._n peter_n be_v send_v in_o commission_n by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_n 8._o 14._o when_o the_o apostle_n that_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n
hear_v that_o samaria_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o send_v unto_o they_o peter_n and_o john._n do_v this_o look_n like_o his_o be_v their_o head_n or_o have_v supreme_a authority_n over_o they_o sure_o it_o will_v be_v esteem_v a_o strange_a piece_n of_o presumption_n if_o the_o bishop_n shall_v undertake_v to_o do_v the_o like_a to_o the_o pope_n st._n peter_n be_v require_v to_o render_v a_o account_n also_o of_o his_o carriage_n act_v 11._o 2_o 3._o and_o when_o peter_n be_v come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o circumcision_n contend_v with_o he_o say_v thou_o wente_v in_o unto_o man_n uncircumcised_a and_o do_v eat_v with_o they_o but_o peter_n rehearse_v the_o matter_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o expound_v it_o by_o order_n to_o they_o he_o be_v also_o public_o reprove_v by_o st._n paul_n gal._n 2._o 11._o when_o peter_n be_v come_v to_o antioch_n i_o withstand_v he_o to_o the_o face_n because_o he_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v and_o vers_n 14._o when_o i_o see_v that_o they_o walk_v not_o upright_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o say_v unto_o peter_n before_o they_o all_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o jew_n live_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o not_o as_o do_v the_o jew_n why_o compelle_v thou_o the_o gentile_n to_o live_v as_o do_v the_o jew_n be_v this_o very_a decent_a in_o paul_n if_o st._n peter_n be_v his_o head_n and_o chief_a governor_n over_o all_o so_o that_o here_o be_v not_o the_o least_o testimony_n or_o sign_n of_o any_o such_o supremacy_n or_o power_n ever_o own_v or_o acknowledge_v by_o st._n peter_n note_v also_o that_o all_o headship_n over_o the_o church_n be_v always_o appropriate_v to_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o it_o can_v be_v delegated_a to_o st._n peter_n or_o any_o other_o thus_o ephes_n 1._o 22_o 23._o god_n have_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o the_o foot_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v give_v he_o to_o be_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n the_o fullness_n of_o he_o that_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o have_v it_o not_o be_v proper_a to_o have_v say_v and_o under_o the_o foot_n of_o st._n peter_n too_o and_o his_o successor_n as_o christ_n vicar_n if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o but_o as_o in_o the_o body_n of_o man_n there_o be_v but_o one_o head_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o head_n in_o the_o church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v all_o member_n ephes_n 5._o 23._o the_o husband_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o wife_n even_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n where_o the_o apostle_n join_v his_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o saviour_n together_o so_o that_o he_o that_o be_v not_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v the_o head._n and_o note_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o husband_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o wife_n so_o that_o as_o in_o the_o business_n of_o marriage_n there_o be_v to_o be_v no_o substitute_n so_o neither_o be_v christ_n to_o have_v a_o deputy_n or_o vicar_n in_o his_o church_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 11._o for_o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o be_v lay_v which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n but_o suppose_v that_o st._n peter_n be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n why_o must_v the_o pope_n be_v so_o or_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o headship_n in_o st._n peter_n how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v any_o more_o than_o a_o personal_a privilege_n in_o which_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o have_v no_o successor_n and_o a_o honour_n confer_v upon_o he_o out_o of_o particular_a respect_n and_o not_o from_o any_o universal_a necessity_n of_o such_o a_o office_n in_o the_o church_n a_o supreme_a pastor_n they_o say_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o st._n peter_n be_v such_o a_o one_o and_o therefore_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o successor_n in_o that_o same_o office._n but_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o build_v so_o great_a a_o pretention_n that_o can_v be_v right_o ground_v upon_o nothing_o but_o a_o divine_a institution_n upon_o a_o mere_a humane_a reason_n of_o the_o expediency_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v it_o not_o more_o modest_a rather_o to_o argue_v the_o contrary_a that_o because_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a institution_n of_o such_o a_o office_n that_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a however_o we_o may_v mistake_v the_o conveniency_n of_o it_o show_v the_o institution_n and_o we_o will_v believe_v it_o or_o else_o though_o st._n peter_n shall_v have_v be_v prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n under_o christ_n which_o yet_o be_v show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o why_o may_v not_o we_o take_v this_o for_o a_o particular_a honour_n and_o not_o for_o a_o necessary_a office_n can_v our_o saviour_n who_o be_v god_n over_o all_o sufficient_o dispense_v his_o influence_n and_o provide_v for_o his_o church_n welfare_n as_o far_o as_o he_o think_v meet_v in_o this_o military_a state_n by_o other_o mean_n and_o church-officer_n without_o such_o a_o vicar_n head_n or_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o mere_a creature_n shall_v be_v capable_a of_o execute_v such_o a_o office_n over_o all_o the_o church_n for_o their_o good_a at_o such_o remote_a and_o distant_a place_n or_o how_o can_v he_o be_v able_a to_o manage_v such_o a_o wide_a and_o mighty_a empire_n but_o after_o all_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o st._n peter_n be_v vest_v in_o such_o a_o office_n for_o the_o time_n be_v yet_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v to_o have_v a_o successor_n in_o it_o or_o that_o it_o must_v be_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o so_o that_o here_o we_o be_v altogether_o at_o uncertainty_n still_o and_o must_v build_v a_o institution_n again_o upon_o mere_a humane_a reason_v if_o because_o he_o himself_o be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n so_o be_v he_o say_v to_o be_v of_o antioch_n too_o and_o why_o shall_v not_o his_o successor_n at_o antioch_n claim_v this_o privilege_n as_o much_o as_o he_o at_o rome_n if_o because_o rome_n be_v his_o last_o see_v when_o he_o die_v how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o his_o die_v there_o transfer_v his_o authority_n to_o the_o follow_a bishop_n unless_o it_o appear_v it_o be_v his_o last_o will_n to_o have_v it_o so_o and_o that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o make_v such_o a_o will_n but_o last_o do_v it_o appear_v by_o the_o scripture_n at_o all_o or_o certain_o by_o ancient_a record_n that_o ever_o st._n peter_n be_v at_o rome_n much_o less_o bishop_n there_o and_o if_o not_o how_o be_v the_o pope_n his_o successor_n at_o all_o see_v for_o this_o a_o late_a discourse_n print_v at_o london_n call_v a_o modest_a inquiry_n whether_o st._n peter_n be_v ever_o at_o rome_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o here_o be_v nothing_o but_o uncertainty_n still_o to_o build_v all_o their_o glorious_a pretence_n upon_o and_o consider_v all_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v as_o our_o church_n do_v sermon_n of_o obedience_n 3d._a part_n the_o usurp_a power_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n which_o he_o most_o wrongful_o challenge_v as_o the_o successor_n of_o st._n peter_n be_v false_a feign_a and_o forge_v neither_o be_v it_o necessary_a then_o to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o true_a church_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o pope_n as_o supreme_a pastor_n and_o governor_n over_o it_o as_o be_v pretend_v catech._n roman_n par_fw-fr 1._o de_fw-la 9_o artic._n symbol_n sl_z 11._o if_o no_o such_o centre_n of_o unity_n be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o bridegroom_n of_o the_o church_n than_o it_o can_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o be_v unite_v in_o it_o nor_o be_v that_o a_o essential_a note_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n and_o so_o all_o those_o great_a pretension_n of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o people_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n under_o the_o pope_n as_o supreme_a pastor_n upon_o the_o pain_n of_o damnation_n for_o the_o guilt_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n in_o break_v this_o union_n be_v mere_o false_a and_o vain_a so_o that_o our_o church_n may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n and_o in_o catholic_n unity_n still_o though_o we_o have_v separate_v from_o they_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o render_v our_o separation_n culpable_a beside_o this_o vain_a pretence_n the_o apostle_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o all_o other_o church-officer_n both_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a that_o be_v appoint_v by_o
of_o a_o priest_n nor_o be_v it_o exact_v or_o require_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o necessary_a obligation_n and_o as_o for_o what_o st._n james_n say_v chap._n 5._o 16._o confess_v your_o fault_n one_o to_o another_o and_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o that_o you_o may_v be_v heal_v note_v that_o he_o direct_v to_o this_o only_o in_o case_n of_o bodily_a sickness_n accompany_v with_o a_o afflict_a or_o distress_a conscience_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v the_o more_o fervent_a prayer_n of_o those_o who_o be_v make_v privy_a to_o their_o case_n for_o their_o relief_n and_o help_n from_o god_n but_o he_o do_v not_o appoint_v it_o for_o a_o universal_a stand_a rule_n for_o all_o man_n and_o of_o absolute_a obligation_n upon_o they_o in_o all_o case_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n by_o a_o priestly_a absolution_n and_o note_v that_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v john_n 20._o 23._o who_o soever_o sin_v you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o soever_o sin_v you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v it_o can_v only_o be_v mean_v of_o such_o sin_n as_o may_v happen_v to_o come_v to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o in_o such_o case_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o right_a and_o sure_a judgement_n of_o man_n repentance_n of_o or_o pertinacy_n in_o sin_n which_o the_o apostle_n be_v sometime_o enable_v to_o do_v by_o special_a revelation_n and_o then_o they_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a power_n give_v they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o inflict_v extraordinary_a punishment_n upon_o man_n and_o to_o take_v they_o off_o again_o as_o they_o see_v cause_n upon_o man_n repentance_n act_v 5._o 3_o 4._o &_o 13._o 11._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 5._o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6_o 7._o but_o the_o most_o that_o any_o priest_n now_o can_v do_v who_o be_v not_o invest_v with_o those_o extraordinary_a gift_n be_v to_o pronounce_v man_n absolve_v from_o the_o gild_n of_o their_o sin_n upon_o condition_n of_o their_o repentance_n or_o condemn_v for_o their_o not_o come_v up_o to_o it_o and_o here_o be_v no_o institution_n of_o confession_n to_o be_v necessary_o make_v to_o a_o priest_n nor_o the_o least_o intimation_n give_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n can_v be_v otherwise_o remit_v if_o so_o be_v they_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n in_o themselves_o there_o be_v no_o trace_n or_o tract_n of_o it_o in_o our_o saviour_n deal_n with_o sinner_n though_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o very_o great_a one_o nor_o yet_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o st._n peter_n himself_o when_o he_o sin_v we_o hear_v of_o he_o only_o that_o he_o go_v out_o and_o weep_v bitter_o by_o that_o sign_n express_v the_o real_a contrition_n and_o sincere_a repentance_n of_o his_o heart_n but_o we_o read_v not_o a_o word_n of_o his_o go_v to_o a_o priest_n to_o make_v confession_n in_o case_n of_o public_a scandal_n indeed_o give_v to_o the_o church_n a_o public_a confession_n be_v very_o needful_a and_o be_v always_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o in_o case_n of_o perplexity_n of_o conscience_n for_o the_o disburden_v of_o that_o and_o as_o a_o help_n to_o repentance_n a_o private_a confession_n of_o the_o sinner_n and_o open_v his_o case_n to_o some_o spiritual_a guide_n be_v also_o very_o useful_a but_o that_o a_o particular_a private_a confession_n of_o all_o mortal_a sin_n with_o all_o its_o circumstance_n to_o a_o priest_n be_v of_o perpetual_a and_o necessary_a obligation_n to_o all_o in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v pardon_n of_o sin_n can_v no_o where_o be_v prove_v and_o therefore_o be_v a_o horrid_a imposition_n and_o intolerable_a tyranny_n upon_o man_n conscience_n and_o be_v to_o change_v the_o term_n of_o salvation_n from_o what_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v and_o to_o make_v that_o both_o easy_a and_o hard_a than_o he_o have_v make_v it_o either_o as_o it_o be_v say_v that_o confession_n be_v enough_o with_o bare_a attrition_n or_o that_o it_o must_v be_v add_v over_o and_o above_o to_o true_a repentance_n itself_o and_o note_v that_o the_o priestly_a absolution_n when_o it_o be_v give_v be_v not_o authoritative_a and_o judicial_a for_o so_o to_o absolve_v sinner_n and_o forgive_v sin_n belong_v only_o to_o god_n mark_v 2._o 7._o isa_n 43._o 25._o who_o be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n jam._n 2._o 12._o or_o to_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n who_o open_v and_o none_o shut_v rev._n 3_o 7._o who_o alone_o have_v the_o supreme_a independent_a and_o absolute_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n and_o whereas_o he_o have_v likewise_o give_v unto_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n they_o then_o open_a heaven_n when_o they_o declare_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o repent_v sinner_n they_o shut_v heaven_n when_o they_o declare_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n to_o impenitent_a sinner_n but_o if_o they_o be_v ignorant_a or_o wicked_a let_v they_o pardon_v the_o impenitent_a and_o excommunicate_v the_o good_a that_o which_o they_o do_v on_o earth_n be_v not_o ratify_v in_o heaven_n the_o authority_n they_o have_v to_o pardon_v sin_n or_o to_o absolve_v the_o sinner_n be_v only_o ministerial_a declarative_a and_o conditional_a upon_o the_o profession_n and_o supposition_n of_o the_o sinner_n faith_n and_o repentance_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n and_o work_v of_o supererrogation_n chap._n xxii_o that_o the_o good_a work_n of_o justify_v person_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o meritorious_a and_o full_o worthy_a of_o eternal_a life_n council_n of_o trent_n sess_z 6._o chap._n 16._o can._n 32._o these_o good_a work_n be_v say_v by_o they_o indeed_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n but_o than_o it_o be_v the_o good_a work_n themselves_o that_o be_v true_o meritorious_a of_o eternal_a life_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n have_v only_o a_o remote_a or_o mediate_a influence_n towards_o the_o procure_n eternal_a life_n viz._n by_o give_v we_o grace_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o act_v and_o that_o be_v do_v the_o act_n or_o work_v themselves_o which_o justify_v person_n perform_v do_v true_o and_o proper_o deserve_v eternal_a life_n contrary_n to_o rom._n 6._o 23._o the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n he_o say_v the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n sin_n deserve_v death_n but_o he_o do_v not_o say_v by_o way_n of_o opposition_n the_o wage_n of_o righteousness_n be_v eternal_a life_n but_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o eternal_a life_n be_v a_o free_a gift_n to_o we_o and_o not_o merit_v by_o the_o righteousness_n and_o good_a work_n of_o any_o for_o free_a gift_n and_o merit_n can_v stand_v together_o so_o luke_n 12._o 32._o fear_v not_o little_a flock_n it_o be_v your_o father_n good_a pleasure_n to_o give_v you_o a_o kingdom_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v represent_v as_o a_o gift_n and_o that_o as_o flow_v from_o the_o father_n good_a pleasure_n and_o therefore_o not_o from_o their_o merit_n so_o again_o john_n 10._o 28._o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o follow_v i_o and_o i_o give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n this_o be_v give_v to_o man_n upon_o their_o hear_n and_o follow_v of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o their_o follow_v of_o he_o do_v deserve_v it_o ephes_n 2._o 8_o 9_o by_o grace_n be_v you_o save_v through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god._n both_o faith_n and_o salvation_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o faith_n be_v all_o of_o grace_n and_o gift_n not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v so_o tit._n 3._o 4_o 5._o after_o that_o the_o kindness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n towards_o man_n appear_v not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n and_o renew_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v justify_v by_o his_o grace_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v heir_n according_a to_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n regeneration_n be_v of_o grace_n and_o justification_n be_v of_o grace_n and_o free_a and_o we_o have_v the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n as_o heir_n partake_v of_o the_o adoption_n which_o be_v free_a and_o not_o as_o mercenary_n by_o work_n and_o merit_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o salvation_n from_o first_o to_o last_o be_v of_o mere_a mercy_n thus_o exod._n 20._o 6._o show_v mercy_n to_o thousand_o of_o they_o that_o love_v i_o and_o keep_v my_o commandment_n those_o that_o love_n god_n and_o render_v the_o most_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n have_v yet_o need_v of_o his_o mercy_n