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of_o gross_a hypocrisy_n who_o pretend_v a_o further_a obligation_n of_o conscience_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v give_v this_o plain_a demonstration_n which_o rely_v upon_o concession_n general_o make_v on_o all_o hand_n and_o by_o all_o party_n no_o protestant_a that_o i_o know_v of_o hold_v himself_o oblige_v to_o go_v and_o preach_v up_o his_o religion_n and_o make_v convert_v in_o spain_n or_o italy_n nor_o do_v either_o the_o protestant_a minister_n or_o popish_a priest_n think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o turkey_n and_o to_o confute_v the_o alcheran_n to_o convert_v the_o mahometan_n and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n because_o of_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o inquisition_n in_o popish_a country_n and_o of_o the_o law_n in_o turkey_n but_o do_v the_o danger_n then_o alter_v the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n no_o certain_o but_o it_o make_v man_n throw_v off_o the_o false_a pretence_n and_o disguise_n of_o it_o but_o where_o 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these_o two_o exception_n with_o
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forget_v he_o day_n without_o number_n the_o obligation_n he_o have_v lay_v upon_o we_o be_v so_o vast_o great_a not_o only_o beyond_o all_o requital_n but_o beyond_o all_o expression_n that_o if_o he_o have_v command_v we_o some_o very_a grievous_a thing_n we_o ought_v with_o all_o the_o readiness_n and_o cheerfulness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o have_v do_v it_o how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v impose_v upon_o we_o so_o easy_a a_o commandment_n a_o thing_n of_o no_o burden_n but_o of_o immense_a benefit_n when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v to_o we_o eat_v o_o friend_n and_o drink_v o_o belove_v when_o he_o only_o invite_v we_o to_o his_o table_n to_o the_o best_a and_o most_o delicious_a feast_n that_o we_o can_v partake_v of_o on_o this_o side_n heaven_n if_o we_o serious_o believe_v the_o great_a blessing_n which_o be_v there_o exhibit_v to_o we_o and_o ready_a to_o be_v confer_v upon_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o neglect_v they_o that_o we_o shall_v hearty_o thank_v god_n for_o every_o opportunity_n he_o offer_v to_o we_o of_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o such_o benefit_n when_o such_o a_o price_n be_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n shall_v we_o want_v heart_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o methinks_v we_o shall_v long_o with_o david_n who_o see_v but_o the_o shadow_n of_o these_o blessing_n to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o god_n house_n and_o to_o draw_v near_o his_o altar_n and_o shall_v cry_v out_o with_o he_o o_o when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o thou_o my_o soul_n long_v yea_o even_o faint_v for_o the_o court_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o my_o flesh_n cry_v out_o for_o the_o live_a god_n and_o if_o we_o have_v a_o just_a esteem_n of_o thing_n we_o shall_v account_v it_o the_o great_a infelicity_n and_o judgement_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v debar_v of_o this_o privilege_n which_o yet_o we_o do_v deliberate_o and_o frequent_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o we_o exclaim_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o great_a impatience_n and_o with_o a_o very_a just_a indignation_n for_o rob_v the_o people_n of_o half_a of_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o take_v from_o they_o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n the_o cup_n of_o salvation_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v patient_o endure_v for_o some_o month_n nay_o year_n to_o exclude_v ourselves_o whole_o from_o it_o if_o no_o such_o great_a benefit_n and_o blessing_n belong_v to_o it_o why_o do_v we_o complain_v of_o they_o for_o hinder_v we_o of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o but_o if_o there_o do_v why_o do_v we_o by_o our_o own_o neglect_n deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o whole_a in_o vain_a do_v we_o bemoan_v the_o decay_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o our_o slow_a progress_n and_o improvement_n in_o christianity_n whilst_o we_o wilful_o despise_v the_o best_a mean_n of_o our_o growth_n in_o goodness_n well_o do_v we_o deserve_v that_o god_n shall_v send_v leanness_n into_o our_o soul_n and_o make_v they_o to_o consume_v and_o pine_v away_o in_o perpetual_a doubt_v and_o trouble_n if_o when_o god_n himself_o do_v spread_v so_o bountiful_a a_o table_n for_o we_o and_o set_v before_o we_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n we_o will_v not_o come_v and_o feed_v upon_o it_o with_o joy_n and_o thankfulness_n a_o discourse_n against_o transubstantiation_n concern_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n one_o of_o the_o two_o great_a positive_a institution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v two_o main_a point_n of_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n one_o about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n in_o which_o they_o think_v but_o be_v not_o certain_a that_o they_o have_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n on_o their_o side_n the_o other_o about_o the_o administration_n of_o this_o sacrament_n to_o the_o people_n in_o both_o kind_n in_o which_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o have_v the_o scripture_n and_o our_o saviour_n institution_n on_o our_o side_n and_o that_o so_o plain_o that_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o do_v not_o deny_v it_o of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v now_o treat_v and_o endeavour_v to_o show_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o in_o this_o sacrament_n there_o be_v no_o substantial_a change_n make_v of_o the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n into_o the_o natural_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o body_n which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o suffer_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o so_o they_o explain_v that_o hard_a word_n transubstantiation_n before_o i_o engage_v in_o this_o argument_n i_o can_v but_o observe_v what_o a_o unreasonable_a task_n we_o be_v put_v upon_o by_o the_o bold_a confidence_n of_o our_o adversary_n to_o dispute_v a_o matter_n of_o sense_n which_o be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n about_o which_o aristotle_n have_v long_o since_o pronounce_v there_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o dispute_n it_o may_v well_o seem_v strange_a if_o any_o man_n shall_v write_v a_o book_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o egg_n be_v not_o a_o elephant_n and_o that_o a_o musket-bullet_n be_v not_o a_o pike_n it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o hard_o a_o case_n to_o put_v to_o maintain_v by_o a_o long_a discourse_n that_o what_o we_o see_v and_o handle_v and_o taste_v to_o be_v bread_n be_v bread_n and_o not_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n and_o what_o we_o see_v and_o taste_v to_o be_v wine_n be_v wine_n and_o not_o blood_n and_o if_o this_o evidence_n may_v not_o pass_v for_o sufficient_a without_o any_o far_a proof_n i_o do_v not_o see_v why_o any_o man_n that_o have_v confidence_n enough_o to_o do_v so_o may_v not_o deny_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v what_o all_o the_o world_n see_v it_o be_v or_o affirm_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v what_o all_o the_o world_n see_v it_o be_v not_o and_o this_o without_o all_o possibility_n of_o be_v far_o confute_v so_o that_o the_o business_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v not_o a_o controversy_n of_o scripture_n against_o scripture_n or_o of_o reason_n against_o reason_n but_o of_o downright_a impudence_n against_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n and_o all_o the_o sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v a_o most_o self-evident_a falsehood_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n or_o proposition_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v of_o itself_o more_o evident_o true_a than_o transubstantiation_n be_v evident_o false_a and_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v true_a it_o will_v be_v the_o most_o ill-natured_a and_o pernicious_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n because_o it_o will_v suffer_v nothing_o else_o to_o be_v true_a it_o be_v like_o the_o roman-catholick_n church_n which_o will_v needs_o be_v the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o will_v allow_v no_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v any_o part_n of_o it_o so_o transubstantiation_n if_o it_o be_v true_a at_o all_o it_o be_v all_o truth_n and_o nothing_o else_o be_v true_a for_o it_o can_v be_v true_a unless_o our_o sense_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n be_v deceive_v about_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o if_o this_o he_o true_a and_o certain_a than_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v so_o for_o if_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o what_o we_o see_v we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o nothing_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o there_o be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n so_o abandon_v and_o give_v up_o by_o god_n to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o delusion_n as_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o believe_v this_o gross_a and_o palpable_a error_n and_o to_o impose_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o christian_a world_n under_o no_o less_o penalty_n than_o of_o temporal_a death_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o therefore_o to_o undeceive_v if_o possible_a these_o delude_a soul_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o examine_v the_o pretend_a ground_n of_o
time_n i_o have_v purposely_o reserve_v this_o for_o the_o last_o place_n because_o it_o be_v their_o last_o refuge_n and_o if_o this_o fail_v they_o they_o be_v go_v to_o show_v the_o weakness_n of_o this_o pretence_n we_o will_v if_o they_o please_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v in_o no_o age_n more_o power_n than_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o they_o now_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o that_o the_o authority_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v give_v they_o from_o the_o lord_n be_v only_o for_o edification_n but_o not_o for_o destruction_n and_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n make_v it_o the_o business_n of_o a_o whole_a chapter_n to_o show_v that_o the_o perform_v the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n be_v contrary_a to_o edification_n from_o which_o premise_n the_o conclusion_n be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o appoint_v the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v arrogance_n for_o the_o church_n in_o any_o age_n to_o pretend_v to_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o apostle_n have_v this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o our_o adversary_n say_v in_o justification_n of_o themselves_o in_o these_o point_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o confidence_n will_v always_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o say_v something_o for_o any_o thing_n and_o some_o way_n or_o other_o blanch_v over_o the_o black_a and_o most_o absurd_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n whether_o any_o thing_n be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o to_o tell_v man_n in_o effect_n that_o it_o be_v fit_a they_o shall_v understand_v as_o little_a of_o religion_n as_o be_v possible_a that_o god_n have_v publish_v a_o very_a dangerous_a book_n with_o which_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a for_o the_o people_n to_o be_v familiar_o acquaint_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n for_o more_o than_o six_o hundred_o year_n be_v not_o wise_a manager_n of_o religion_n nor_o prudent_a dispenser_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o like_o fond_a and_o foolish_a father_n put_v a_o knife_n and_o a_o sword_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o child_n with_o which_o they_o may_v easy_o have_v foresee_v what_o mischief_n they_o will_v do_v to_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o who_o will_v not_o choose_v to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o church_n which_o be_v provide_v of_o such_o excellent_a and_o effectual_a mean_n of_o ignorance_n such_o wise_a and_o infallible_a method_n for_o the_o prevention_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o people_n and_o such_o variety_n of_o close_a shutter_n to_o keep_v out_o the_o light_n i_o have_v choose_v to_o insist_v upon_o this_o argument_n because_o it_o be_v so_o very_a plain_n that_o the_o most_o ordinary_a capacity_n may_v judge_v of_o this_o usage_n and_o deal_n with_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v so_o very_o gross_a that_o every_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o because_o it_o touch_v man_n in_o the_o common_a right_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o much_o as_o the_o light_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o air_n we_o breath_n in_o it_o require_v no_o subtlety_n of_o wit_n no_o skill_n in_o antiquity_n to_o understand_v these_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o there_o be_v no_o father_n to_o be_v pretend_v on_o both_o side_n in_o these_o question_n they_o yield_v we_o have_v antiquity_n on_o we_o and_o we_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n which_o church_n that_o of_o rome_n or_o we_o have_v all_o the_o right_a and_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n on_o her_o side_n in_o these_o debate_n and_o who_o they_o be_v that_o tyrannize_v over_o christian_n the_o governor_n of_o their_o church_n or_o we_o who_o use_v the_o people_n like_o son_n and_o freeman_n and_o who_o like_a slave_n who_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n commit_v to_o they_o and_o who_o take_v the_o child_n bread_n from_o they_o who_o they_o be_v that_o when_o their_o child_n ask_v bread_n for_o bread_n give_v they_o a_o stone_n and_o for_o a_o egg_n a_o serpent_n i_o mean_v the_o legend_n of_o their_o saint_n instead_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o who_o they_o be_v that_o lie_v most_o just_o under_o the_o suspicion_n of_o error_n and_o corruption_n they_o who_o bring_v their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n into_o the_o open_a light_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v they_o try_v by_o the_o true_a touchstone_n the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o they_o who_o shun_v the_o light_n and_o decline_v all_o manner_n of_o trial_n and_o examination_n and_o who_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o carry_v on_o a_o worldly_a design_n they_o who_o drive_v a_o trade_n of_o such_o mighty_a gain_n and_o advantage_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o make_v such_o market_n of_o the_o ignorance_n and_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n or_o we_o who_o malice_n itself_o can_v charge_v with_o serve_v any_o worldly_a design_n by_o any_o allow_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o we_o make_v no_o money_n of_o the_o mistake_v of_o the_o people_n nor_o do_v we_o fill_v their_o head_n with_o vain_a fear_n of_o new_a place_n of_o torment_n to_o make_v they_o willing_a to_o empty_v their_o purse_n in_o a_o vain_a hope_n of_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o they_o we_o do_v not_o like_v they_o pretend_v a_o mighty_a bank_n and_o treasure_n of_o merit_n in_o the_o church_n which_o they_o sell_v to_o the_o people_n for_o ready_a money_n giving_z they_o bills_z of_o exchange_n from_o the_o pope_n to_o purgatory_n when_o they_o who_o grant_v they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v they_o will_v avail_v they_o or_o be_v accept_v in_o the_o other_o world_n for_o our_o part_n we_o have_v no_o fear_n that_o our_o people_n shall_v understand_v religion_n too_o well_o we_o can_v wish_v with_o moses_n that_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v prophet_n we_o shall_v be_v hearty_o glad_a the_o people_n will_v read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n more_o diligent_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v their_o own_o fault_n if_o they_o learn_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v good_a from_o thence_o we_o have_v no_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o no_o occasion_n to_o keep_v it_o close_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o people_n or_o to_o hide_v any_o of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n from_o they_o we_o leave_v these_o mean_a art_n to_o those_o who_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o they_o in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o which_o god_n have_v say_v to_o man_n which_o we_o desire_v shall_v be_v conceal_v from_o they_o nay_o we_o be_v willing_a the_o people_n shall_v examine_v what_o we_o teach_v and_o bring_v all_o our_o doctrine_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o may_v neither_o believe_v they_o nor_o we_o it_o be_v only_o thing_n false_a and_o adulterate_a which_o shun_v the_o light_n and_o sear_v the_o touchstone_n we_o have_v that_o security_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o honest_a confidence_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o cause_n that_o we_o do_v not_o forbid_v the_o people_n to_o read_v the_o best_a book_n our_o adversary_n can_v write_v against_o it_o and_o now_o let_v any_o impartial_a man_n judge_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o better_a argument_n of_o a_o good_a cause_n to_o leave_v man_n at_o liberty_n to_o try_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n than_o the_o course_n which_o be_v take_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o awe_v man_n with_o a_o inquisition_n and_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a to_o keep_v the_o common_a people_n in_o ignorance_n not_o only_o of_o what_o their_o late_a adversary_n the_o protestant_n but_o their_o chief_a and_o ancient_a adversary_n the_o scripture_n have_v to_o say_v against_o they_o a_o man_n have_v need_v of_o more_o than_o common_a security_n of_o the_o skill_n and_o integrity_n of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o perfect_o resign_v his_o understanding_n this_o be_v too_o great_a a_o trust_n to_o be_v repose_v in_o humane_a frailty_n and_o too_o strong_a a_o temptation_n to_o other_o to_o impose_v upon_o we_o to_o abuse_v our_o blindness_n and_o to_o make_v their_o own_o end_n of_o our_o voluntary_a ignorance_n and_o easy_a credulity_n this_o be_v such_o a_o folly_n as_o if_o a_o rich_a man_n shall_v make_v his_o physician_n his_o heir_n which_o be_v to_o tempt_v he_o either_o to_o destroy_v
virtue_n be_v vice_n and_o vice_n virtue_n he_o will_v hereby_o take_v away_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o religion_n and_o how_o can_v i_o look_v upon_o he_o any_o long_o as_o a_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o religion_n if_o he_o have_v judge_v and_o determine_v right_a second_o the_o scripture_n plain_o allow_v this_o liberty_n to_o particular_a and_o private_a person_n to_o judge_n for_o themselves_o and_o for_o this_o i_o need_v go_v no_o far_o than_o my_o text_n which_o bid_v man_n try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n i_o do_v not_o think_v this_o be_v speak_v only_o to_o the_o pope_n or_o a_o general_n council_n but_o to_o christian_n in_o general_a for_o to_o these_o the_o apostle_n write_v now_o if_o st._n john_n have_v believe_v that_o god_n have_v constitute_v a_o infallible_a judge_n in_o his_o church_n to_o who_o sentence_n and_o determination_n all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v he_o 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the_o true_a church_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n because_o it_o will_v be_v ridiculous_a to_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o turn_v to_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o urge_v he_o with_o reason_n to_o do_v so_o and_o yet_o to_o deny_v he_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n whether_o their_o reason_n be_v sufficient_a to_o move_v he_o to_o make_v such_o a_o change_n now_o as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n in_o another_o case_n if_o man_n be_v fit_a to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o so_o great_a and_o important_a a_o matter_n as_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o religion_n why_o shall_v they_o be_v think_v unworthy_a to_o judge_v in_o lesser_a matter_n they_o tell_v we_o indeed_o that_o a_o man_n may_v use_v his_o judgement_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o his_o religion_n but_o when_o he_o have_v once_o choose_v he_o be_v then_o for_o ever_o to_o resign_v up_o his_o judgement_n to_o their_o church_n but_o what_o tolerable_a reason_n can_v any_o man_n give_v why_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v fit_a 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the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o iii_o thing_n i_o propound_v which_o be_v to_o answer_v the_o main_a objection_n of_o our_o adversary_n against_o this_o principle_n and_o likewise_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o reason_n and_o necessity_n for_o a_o universal_a insallible_a judge_n as_o they_o pretend_v now_o their_o great_a objection_n be_v this_o if_o every_o man_n may_v judge_v for_o himself_o there_o will_v be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n in_o religion_n there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o controversy_n so_o that_o a_o universal_a infallible_a judge_n be_v necessary_a and_o without_o this_o god_n have_v not_o make_v sufficient_a provision_n for_o the_o assurance_n of_o man_n faith_n and_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o his_o church_n or_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o canon_n law_n aliter_fw-la dominus_fw-la non_fw-la videretur_fw-la fuisse_fw-la discretus_fw-la otherwise_o our_o lord_n have_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v discreet_a how_o plausible_a soever_o this_o objection_n may_v appear_v i_o do_v not_o despair_v but_o if_o man_n will_v lay_v aside_o prejudice_n and_o impartial_o consider_v thing_n to_o make_v it_o abundant_o evident_a that_o this_o ground_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o found_v a_o infallible_a judge_n upon_o and_o therefore_o in_o answer_n to_o it_o i_o desire_v these_o follow_a particular_n may_v be_v consider_v firft_v that_o this_o which_o they_o say_v rather_o prove_v what_o god_n shall_v have_v do_v according_a to_o their_o fancy_n than_o what_o he_o have_v real_o and_o actual_o do_v my_o text_n express_o bid_v christians_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n which_o to_o any_o man_n sense_n do_v imply_v that_o they_o may_v judge_v of_o these_o matter_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n say_v they_o may_v not_o because_o if_o this_o liberty_n be_v permit_v god_n have_v not_o order_v thing_n wise_o and_o for_o the_o best_a for_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o his_o church_n but_o as_o the_o 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and_o clear_a enough_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o his_o providence_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o there_o be_v another_o life_n after_o this_o though_o neither_o pope_n nor_o council_n have_v ever_o declare_v any_o thing_n about_o these_o matter_n and_o for_o reveal_v doctrine_n we_o may_v be_v certain_a enough_o of_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a if_o it_o be_v true_a which_o the_o father_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a be_v plain_o reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n four_o a_o infallible_a judge_n if_o there_o be_v one_o be_v no_o certain_a way_n to_o end_v controversy_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o it_o be_v likewise_o infallible_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o judge_n and_o who_o he_o be_v for_o till_o man_n be_v sure_a of_o both_o these_o there_o will_v still_o be_v a_o controversy_n whether_o there_o be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o who_o he_o be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a which_o 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infallibility_n no_o though_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n though_o he_o be_v a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n s._n paul_n put_v the_o case_n so_o high_a gal._n 1.8_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o what_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v which_o plain_o suppose_v that_o christian_n may_v and_o can_v judge_v when_o doctrine_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n what_o not_o believe_v a_o apostle_n nor_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n if_o he_o shall_v teach_v any_o thing_n evident_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o he_o shall_v determine_v virtue_n to_o be_v vice_n and_o vice_n to_o be_v virtue_n no_o not_o a_o apostle_n nor_o a_o angel_n because_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o this_o will_v confound_v and_o overturn_v all_o thing_n in_o religion_n and_o yet_o bellarmin_n put_v this_o very_a case_n and_o say_v if_o the_o pope_n shall_v so_o determine_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v 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this_o for_o two_o or_o three_o day_n more_o he_o lead_v i_o direct_o south_n and_o with_o my_o face_n full_a upon_o the_o sun_n at_o noon_n day_n and_o at_o last_o bring_v i_o back_o again_o to_o dover_n pere_n and_o still_o bid_v i_o follow_v he_o then_o certain_o no_o modesty_n do_v oblige_v a_o man_n not_o to_o dispute_v with_o his_o guide_n and_o to_o tell_v he_o sure_o that_o can_v be_v no_o way_n because_o it_o be_v sea_n now_o though_o he_o set_v never_o so_o bold_a a_o face_n upon_o the_o matter_n and_o tell_v i_o with_o all_o the_o gravity_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o sea_n but_o dry_a land_n under_o the_o species_n and_o appearance_n of_o water_n and_o that_o whatever_o my_o eye_n tell_v i_o have_v once_o commit_v myself_o to_o his_o guidance_n i_o must_v not_o trust_v my_o own_o sense_n in_o the_o case_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a sort_n of_o infidelity_n for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v his_o own_o eye_n rather_o than_o his_o faithful_a and_o infallible_a guide_n all_o this_o move_v i_o not_o but_o i_o begin_v to_o expostulate_v roundly_o with_o he_o and_o to_o let_v he_o understand_v that_o if_o i_o must_v not_o believe_v what_o i_o see_v he_o be_v like_a to_o be_v of_o no_o far_o use_v to_o i_o because_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a at_o this_o rate_n to_o know_v whether_o i_o have_v a_o guide_n and_o whether_o i_o follow_v he_o or_o not_o in_o short_a i_o tell_v he_o plain_o that_o when_o i_o take_v he_o for_o my_o guide_n i_o do_v not_o take_v he_o to_o tell_v i_o the_o difference_n between_o north_n and_o south_n between_o a_o hedge_n and_o a_o highway_n between_o sea_n and_o dry_a land_n all_o this_o i_o know_v before_o as_o well_o as_o he_o
be_v of_o some_o religion_n and_o then_o offer_v it_o to_o their_o consideration_n which_o they_o will_v pitch_v upon_o 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 etc._n etc._n religion_n be_v a_o thing_n to_o which_o man_n be_v not_o only_o form_v by_o education_n and_o custom_n but_o as_o tully_n say_v quo_fw-la omnes_fw-la deuce_fw-la naturâ_fw-la vehimur_fw-la it_o be_v that_o to_o which_o we_o be_v all_o carry_v by_o a_o natural_a inclination_n which_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o some_o religion_n or_o other_o have_v so_o universal_o prevail_v in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n of_o the_o world_n the_o temporal_a felicity_n of_o man_n and_o the_o end_n of_o government_n can_v very_o hardly_o if_o at_o all_o be_v attain_v without_o religion_n take_v away_o this_o and_o all_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n cease_v and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n all_o security_n of_o truth_n and_o 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and_o force_n of_o law_n for_o by_o declare_v themselves_o free_a from_o all_o other_o obligation_n they_o give_v we_o fair_a warning_n what_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v at_o their_o hand_n and_o how_o far_o we_o may_v trust_v they_o religion_n be_v the_o strong_a band_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o god_n so_o necessary_a to_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n as_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v more_o if_o we_o can_v suppose_v the_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o to_o have_v be_v purposely_o design_v and_o contrive_v for_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o man_n so_o that_o very_o well_o may_v it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o a_o nation_n must_v be_v of_o some_o religion_n or_o other_o second_o though_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o our_o choice_n yet_o it_o be_v neither_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o itself_o nor_o to_o a_o good_a governor_n what_o religion_n his_o people_n be_v of_o notwithstanding_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o text_n joshua_n do_v not_o leave_v they_o at_o liberty_n whether_o they_o will_v serve_v god_n or_o idol_n but_o by_o a_o very_a rhetorical_a scheme_n of_o speech_n endeavour_n to_o engage_v they_o more_o firm_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n to_o countenance_n and_o support_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o people_n be_v instruct_v in_o it_o and_o that_o none_o be_v permit_v to_o debauch_v and_o seduce_v man_n from_o it_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n this_o power_n the_o king_n of_o israel_n always_o exercise_v not_o only_o with_o allowance_n but_o with_o great_a approbation_n and_o commendation_n from_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o case_n be_v not_o alter_v since_o christianity_n the_o better_a the_o religion_n be_v the_o better_a it_o deserve_v the_o countenance_n and_o support_v of_o the_o civil_a authority_n and_o this_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v never_o call_v in_o question_n but_o by_o the_o enthusiast_n of_o these_o late_a time_n and_o yet_o among_o these_o every_o father_n and_o master_n of_o a_o family_n claim_v this_o power_n over_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o deny_v it_o to_o the_o magistrate_n over_o his_o subject_n but_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v where_o the_o difference_n lie_v have_v a_o master_n of_o a_o family_n more_o power_n over_o those_o under_o his_o government_n than_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o man_n ever_o pretend_v it_o nay_o so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o that_o that_o the_o natural_a authority_n of_o a_o father_n may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v limit_v and_o restrain_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o why_o then_o may_v not_o a_o magistrate_n exercise_v the_o same_o power_n over_o his_o subject_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o every_o master_n challenge_v to_o himself_o in_o his_o own_o family_n that_o be_v to_o establish_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o such_o manner_n and_o with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o he_o think_v best_o and_o to_o permit_v none_o to_o affront_v it_o or_o to_o seduce_v from_o it_o those_o that_o be_v under_o his_o care_n and_o to_o prevent_v all_o misunderstanding_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o do_v not_o hereby_o ascribe_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o magistrate_n that_o can_v possible_o give_v he_o any_o pretence_n of_o right_a to_o reject_v god_n true_a religion_n or_o to_o declare_v what_o he_o please_v to_o be_v so_o and_o what_o book_n he_o please_v to_o be_v canonical_a and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o to_o make_v a_o false_a religion_n so_o currant_n by_o the_o stamp_n of_o his_o authority_n as_o to_o oblige_v his_o subject_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o because_o he_o who_o acknowledge_v himself_o to_o derive_v all_o his_o authority_n from_o god_n can_v pretend_v to_o none_o against_o he_o but_o if_o a_o false_a religion_n be_v establish_v by_o law_n the_o case_n here_o be_v the_o same_o as_o in_o all_o other_o law_n that_o be_v sinful_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o but_o yet_o make_v by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n in_o this_o case_n the_o subject_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o profess_v a_o false_a religion_n but_o patient_o to_o suffer_v for_o the_o constant_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a and_o to_o speak_v free_o in_o this_o matter_n i_o can_v think_v till_o i_o be_v better_o inform_v which_o i_o be_o always_o ready_a to_o be_v that_o any_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n warrant_v any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o extraordinary_o commission_v as_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o publisher_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v and_o can_v justify_v that_o commission_n by_o miracle_n as_o they_o do_v to_o affront_v the_o establish_a religion_n of_o a_o nation_n though_o it_o be_v false_a and_o open_o to_o draw_v man_n off_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o in_o contempt_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o law_n all_o that_o person_n of_o a_o different_a religion_n can_v in_o such_o a_o case_n reasonable_o pretend_v to_o be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o private_a liberty_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o religion_n for_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o thankful_a and_o to_o forbear_v the_o open_a make_n of_o proselyte_n to_o their_o own_o religion_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o sure_a that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_a till_o they_o have_v either_o a_o extraordinary_a commission_n from_o god_n to_o that_o purpose_n or_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n make_v way_n for_o it_o by_o the_o permission_n or_o connivance_n of_o the_o magistrate_n not_o but_o that_o every_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o publish_v and_o propagate_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o to_o declare_v it_o against_o a_o false_a one_o but_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n upon_o any_o man_n to_o attempt_v this_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o when_o without_o a_o miracle_n it_o can_v have_v no_o other_o effect_n but_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o own_o life_n unless_o he_o have_v a_o immediate_a command_n and_o commission_n from_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n as_o a_o public_a seal_n and_o testimony_n of_o that_o commission_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v a_o immediate_a commission_n be_v not_o to_o enter_v upon_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o but_o to_o stay_v at_o jerusalem_n till_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n be_v to_o abide_v all_o hazard_n and_o may_v reasonable_o expect_v both_o extraordinary_a assistance_n and_o success_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v and_o even_o a_o miraculous_a protection_n till_o his_o work_n be_v do_v and_o after_o that_o if_o he_o be_v call_v do_v to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n a_o supernatural_a support_n under_o those_o suffering_n and_o that_o they_o be_v guilty_a however_o
all_o the_o brevity_n and_o clearness_n i_o can_v and_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o universality_n though_o that_o be_v no-wise_a necessary_a to_o justify_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n we_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o they_o if_o we_o take_v in_o the_o christian_n of_o all_o age_n and_o of_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o antiquity_n that_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v clear_o the_o advantage_n of_o they_o all_o our_o faith_n be_v unquestionable_o ancient_a there_o be_v not_o so_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o universality_n which_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o know_v not_o for_o what_o reason_n will_v needs_o make_v a_o inseparable_a property_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o they_o never_o stout_a at_o the_o protestant_a religion_n with_o so_o good_a a_o grace_n among_o the_o ignorant_a people_n as_o when_o they_o be_v brag_v of_o their_o number_n and_o despise_v poor_a protestancy_n because_o embrace_v by_o so_o few_o this_o pestilent_a northern_a heresy_n as_o of_o late_o they_o scornful_o call_v it_o entertain_v it_o seem_v only_o in_o this_o cold_a and_o cloudy_a corner_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o company_n of_o dull_a stupid_a people_n that_o can_v neither_o penetrate_v into_o the_o proof_n nor_o the_o possibility_n of_o transubstantiation_n whereas_o to_o the_o more_o refine_a southern_a wit_n all_o these_o difficult_a and_o obscure_a point_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o their_o sun_n at_o noonday_n but_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o thing_n itself_o if_o number_n be_v necessary_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o any_o religion_n we_o upon_o enquiry_n will_v be_v find_v not_o so_o inconsiderable_a as_o our_o adversary_n will_v make_v it_o those_o of_o the_o reform_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o most_o exact_a calculation_n that_o have_v be_v make_v by_o learned_a man_n be_v esteem_v not_o much_o unequal_a in_o number_n to_o those_o of_o the_o romish_a persuasion_n but_o then_o if_o we_o take_v in_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n who_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o and_o other_o christian_a church_n at_o this_o day_n which_o all_o together_o be_v vast_o great_a and_o more_o numerous_a than_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o which_o agree_v with_o we_o several_a of_o they_o in_o very_o considerable_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o dispute_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o all_o of_o they_o in_o disclaim_v that_o fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n and_o sum_n of_o christianity_n as_o bellarmine_n call_v it_o i_o mean_v the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n over_o all_o christian_n and_o church_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o number_n on_o our_o side_n will_v be_v much_o great_a than_o on_o they_o but_o we_o will_v not_o stand_v upon_o this_o advantage_n with_o they_o suppose_v we_o be_v by_o much_o the_o sewer_n so_o have_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n often_o be_v without_o any_o the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n what_o think_v we_o of_o the_o church_n in_o abraham_n time_n which_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v be_v confine_v to_o one_o family_n and_o one_o small_a kingdom_n that_o of_o melchisedec_n king_n of_o salem_n what_o think_v we_o of_o it_o in_o moses_n his_o time_n when_o it_o be_v confine_v to_o one_o people_n wander_v in_o a_o wilderness_n what_o of_o it_o in_o elijah_n time_n when_o beside_o the_o two_o tribe_n that_o worship_v at_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v in_o the_o other_o ten_o but_o seven_o thousand_o that_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n what_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n when_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n consist_v of_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o seventy_o disciple_n and_o some_o few_o follower_n beside_o how_o will_v bellarmine_n have_v despise_v this_o little_a flock_n because_o it_o want_v one_o or_o two_o of_o his_o goodly_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n universality_n and_o splendour_n and_o what_o think_v we_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o height_n of_o arianism_n and_o pelagianism_n when_o a_o great_a part_n of_o christendom_n be_v overrun_v with_o these_o error_n and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o orthodox_n be_v inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o heretic_n but_o what_o need_v i_o to_o urge_v these_o instance_n as_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v estimate_v and_o carry_v by_o the_o major_a vote_n which_o as_o it_o can_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o none_o but_o fool_n so_o i_o dare_v say_v no_o honest_a and_o wise_a man_n ever_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o a_o solid_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o any_o church_n or_o religion_n if_o multitude_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o man_n be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o vain_a then_o have_v the_o scripture_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a for_o if_o this_o argument_n be_v of_o any_o force_n the_o great_a number_n never_o go_v wrong_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o antiquity_n this_o be_v not_o always_o a_o certain_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n for_o sure_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o christianity_n begin_v and_o be_v a_o new_a profession_n and_o then_o both_o judaisme_n and_o paganism_n have_v certain_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o in_o point_n of_o antiquity_n but_o the_o proper_a question_n in_o this_o case_n be_v which_o be_v the_o true_a ancient_a christian_a faith_n that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o we_o and_o to_o make_v this_o matter_n plain_a it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a faith_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o as_o namely_o the_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n as_o explain_v by_o the_o first_o four_o general_n council_n and_o these_o make_v up_o our_o whole_a faith_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v matter_n of_o mere_a and_o simple_a belief_n that_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o salvation_n and_o in_o this_o faith_n of_o we_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v that_o can_v be_v show_v in_o any_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o thus_o far_o our_o faith_n and_o they_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v undoubted_o of_o equal_a antiquity_n that_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o christianity_n itself_o all_o the_o question_n be_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n between_o we_o the_o principal_a whereof_o be_v the_o twelve_o new_a article_n of_o the_o creed_n of_o pope_n pius_n the_o iv_o concern_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n transubstantiation_n the_o communion_n in_o one_o kind_n only_o purgatory_n etc._n etc._n not_o one_o of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o ancient_a creed_n or_o confession_n of_o faith_n general_o allow_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o antiquity_n of_o these_o we_o deny_v and_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v innovation_n and_o have_v particular_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v so_o not_o only_o to_o the_o answer_v but_o almost_o to_o the_o silence_v of_o our_o adversary_n and_o as_o for_o the_o negative_a article_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o romish_a faith_n these_o be_v by_o accident_n become_v a_o part_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o religion_n occasion_v by_o their_o error_n as_o the_o renounce_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o arianism_n become_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n religion_n after_o the_o rise_n of_o that_o heresy_n so_o that_o the_o case_n be_v plain_o this_o we_o believe_v and_o teach_v all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o creed_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n and_o be_v by_o they_o esteem_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v our_o religion_n but_o now_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v innovate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o make_v several_a addition_n to_o it_o and_o great_o corrupt_v it_o both_o in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o these_o addition_n and_o corruption_n be_v their_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v distinct_a from_o we_o and_o both_o because_o they_o be_v corruption_n and_o novelty_n we_o have_v reject_v they_o and_o our_o rejection_n of_o these_o be_v our_o reformation_n and_o our_o reformation_n we_o grant_v if_o this_o will_v do_v they_o any_o good_a not_o to_o be_v so_o ancient_a as_o their_o corruption_n all_o reformation_n necessary_o suppose_v corruption_n and_o error_n to_o have_v be_v before_o it_o and_o now_o we_o be_v at_o a_o little_a better_a leisure_n to_o answer_v that_o captious_a question_n of_o they_o where_o be_v your_o religion_n before_o luther_n wherever_o christianity_n be_v in_o some_o place_n more_o pure_a in_o other_o more_o corrupt_v but_o especial_o in_o these_o western_a part_n of_o christendom_n overgrow_v for_o several_a age_n with_o
to_o importune_v they_o to_o their_o interest_n and_o with_o great_a earnestness_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o that_o which_o in_o all_o respect_n be_v so_o visible_o for_o their_o advantage_n choose_v you_o therefore_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v god_n or_o your_o lust_n and_o take_v up_o a_o speedy_a resolution_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a and_o press_v a_o concernment_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n where_o there_o be_v great_a hazard_n in_o the_o do_n of_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v good_a to_o deliberate_v long_o before_o we_o undertake_v it_o but_o where_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o safe_a but_o beneficial_a and_o not_o only_o huge_o beneficial_a but_o high_o necessary_a when_o our_o life_n and_o our_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o it_o and_o all_o the_o danger_n lie_v in_o the_o delay_n of_o it_o there_o we_o can_v be_v too_o sudden_a in_o our_o resolution_n nor_o too_o speedy_a in_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o that_o which_o be_v evident_o safe_a needs_o no_o deliberation_n and_o that_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a will_v admit_v of_o none_o therefore_o resolve_v upon_o it_o out_o of_o hand_n to_o day_n while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o dny_n of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o day_n of_o your_o youth_n and_o health_n for_o that_o be_v the_o acceptable_a time_n that_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n before_o the_o evil_a day_n come_v and_o you_o be_v drive_v to_o it_o by_o the_o terrible_a apprehension_n and_o approach_n of_o death_n when_o man_n fly_v to_o god_n only_o for_o fear_n of_o his_o wrath_n for_o the_o great_a atheist_n and_o infidel_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v if_o they_o have_v any_o of_o that_o reason_n leave_v which_o they_o have_v use_v so_o ill_o have_v common_o right_a opinion_n about_o god_n and_o religion_n for_o then_o the_o confidence_n as_o well_o as_o the_o comfort_n of_o atheism_n leave_v they_o as_o the_o devil_n use_v to_o do_v witch_n when_o they_o be_v in_o distress_n then_o with_o nabuchadnezzar_n when_o they_o be_v recover_v from_o be_v beast_n they_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o their_o understanding_n return_v to_o they_o then_o they_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o can_v help_v it_o they_o believe_v and_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o he_o thus_o lucretius_n one_o of_o their_o great_a author_n observe_n that_o when_o man_n be_v in_o distress_n acrius_fw-la advertunt_fw-la animos_fw-la ad_fw-la religionem_fw-la the_o thought_n of_o religion_n be_v then_o more_o quick_a and_o pungent_a upon_o their_o mind_n nam_fw-la verae_fw-la voces_fw-la tum_fw-la demum_fw-la pectore_fw-la ab_fw-la imo_fw-la eliciuntur_fw-la &_o eripitur_fw-la persona_fw-la manet_fw-la res_fw-la man_n word_n then_o come_v from_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o heart_n the_o mask_n be_v take_v off_o and_o thing_n than_o appear_v as_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v but_o then_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v too_o late_o to_o make_v this_o choice_n nay_o then_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v choice_n but_o necessity_n man_n do_v not_o then_o choose_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n but_o they_o be_v urge_v and_o force_v to_o it_o by_o their_o fear_n they_o have_v serve_v their_o lust_n all_o their_o life_n long_o and_o now_o they_o will_v fain_o serve_v themselves_o of_o god_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n they_o have_v do_v what_o they_o can_v by_o their_o insolent_a contempt_n and_o defiance_n of_o the_o almighty_a to_o make_v themselves_o miserable_a and_o now_o that_o they_o can_v stand_v out_o no_o long_o against_o he_o they_o be_v content_v at_o last_o to_o be_v behold_v to_o he_o to_o make_v they_o happy_a the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v vast_a and_o boundless_a but_o yet_o methinks_v it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o presumption_n in_o all_o reason_n for_o man_n to_o design_n beforehand_o to_o make_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n the_o sanctuary_n and_o retreat_n of_o a_o sinful_a life_n to_o draw_v then_o to_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o discourse_n if_o safety_n or_o pleasure_n or_o liberty_n or_o wisdom_n or_o virtue_n or_o even_o happiness_n itself_o have_v any_o temptation_n in_o they_o religion_n have_v all_o these_o bait_n and_o allurement_n what_o tully_n say_v philosophy_n be_v much_o more_o true_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n which_o be_v from_o above_o nunquam_fw-la satis_fw-la laudari_fw-la poterit_fw-la cvi_fw-la qui_fw-la pareat_fw-la omne_fw-la tempus_fw-la aetatis_fw-la sine_fw-la molestia_fw-la degere_fw-la possit_fw-la we_o can_v never_o praise_v it_o enough_o since_o whoever_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o may_v pass_v the_o whole_a age_n of_o his_o life_n i_o may_v add_v his_o whole_a duration_n this_o life_n and_o the_o other_o without_o trouble_n philosophy_n have_v give_v we_o several_a plausible_a rule_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n but_o they_o fall_v very_o much_o short_a of_o bring_v man_n to_o it_o the_o very_o best_a of_o they_o fail_v we_o upon_o the_o great_a occasion_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v effectual_o do_v all_o that_o which_o philosophy_n pretend_v to_o and_o aim_v at_o the_o precept_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v every_o way_n sufficient_a for_o our_o comfort_n and_o for_o our_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n to_o correct_v all_o the_o error_n and_o to_o bear_v we_o up_o under_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o adversity_n of_o humane_a life_n especial_o that_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a doctrine_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o admirable_a sermon_n of_o our_o saviour_n quem_fw-la cum_fw-la legimus_fw-la quem_fw-la philosophum_fw-la non_fw-la contemnimus_fw-la who_o excellent_a discourse_n when_o we_o read_v what_o philosopher_n do_v we_o not_o despise_v none_o of_o the_o philosopher_n can_v upon_o sure_a ground_n give_v that_o encouragement_n to_o their_o scholar_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v to_o his_o disciple_n take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o and_o learn_v of_o i_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n to_o your_o soul_n for_o my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a this_o be_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n sincere_o believe_v and_o practise_v that_o it_o give_v perfect_a rest_n and_o tranquillity_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o free_v we_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o our_o lust_n and_o from_o the_o slavish_a fear_n of_o death_n and_o of_o the_o vengeance_n of_o another_o world_n it_o build_v our_o comfort_n upon_o a_o rock_n which_o will_v abide_v all_o storm_n and_o remain_v unshaken_a in_o every_o condition_n and_o will_v last_v and_o hold_v out_o for_o ever_o he_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o say_v our_o lord_n i_o will_v liken_v he_o to_o a_o wise_a wan_a who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n in_o short_a religion_n make_v the_o life_n of_o man_n a_o wise_a design_n regular_a and_o constant_a to_o its_o self_n because_o it_o unite_v all_o our_o resolution_n and_o action_n in_o one_o great_a end_n whereas_o without_o religion_n the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v a_o wild_a and_o flutter_v and_o inconsistent_a thing_n without_o any_o certain_a scope_n and_o design_n the_o vicious_a man_n live_v at_o random_n and_o act_n by_o chance_n for_o he_o that_o walk_v by_o no_o rule_n can_v carry_v on_o no_o settle_a and_o steady_a design_n it_o will_v pity_v a_o man_n heart_n to_o see_v how_o hard_o such_o man_n be_v put_v to_o it_o for_o diversion_n and_o what_o a_o burden_n time_n be_v to_o they_o and_o how_o solicitous_a they_o be_v to_o devise_v way_n not_o to_o spend_v it_o but_o to_o squander_v it_o away_o for_o their_o great_a grievance_n be_v consideration_n and_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v intent_n upon_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v serious_a they_o hurry_v from_o one_o vanity_n and_o folly_n to_o another_o and_o plunge_v themselves_o into_o drink_n not_o to_o quench_v their_o thirst_n but_o their_o guilt_n and_o be_v behold_v to_o every_o vain_a man_n and_o to_o every_o trifle_a occasion_n that_o can_v but_o help_v to_o take_v time_n off_o their_o hand_n wretched_a and_o inconsiderate_a man_n who_o have_v so_o vast_a a_o work_n before_o they_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o eternity_n to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o provide_v for_o and_o yet_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n how_o to_o employ_v their_o time_n so_o that_o irreligion_n and_o vice_n make_v life_n a_o extravagant_a and_o unnatural_a thing_n because_o it_o pervert_v and_o overthrow_v the_o natural_a course_n and_o order_n of_o thing_n for_o instance_n according_a to_o nature_n man_n labour_v to_o get_v a_o estate_n to_o free_v themselves_o from_o temptation_n to_o rapine_n and_o injury_n and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v wherewithal_o to_o supply_v their_o own_o want_n and_o to_o relieve_v the_o needs_o of_o other_o but_o now_o the_o
be_v the_o great_a doctor_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o teacher_n and_o interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o because_o many_o of_o they_o be_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n which_o above_o all_o other_o pretend_v to_o skill_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o law_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v so_o often_o put_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n together_o and_o these_o be_v the_o man_n of_o chief_a authority_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n who_o equal_v their_o own_o unwritten_a word_n and_o tradition_n with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nay_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o they_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v by_o their_o tradition_n they_o do_v in_o effect_n assume_v to_o themselves_o infallibility_n and_o all_o that_o oppose_a and_o contradict_v they_o they_o brand_v with_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o heretic_n against_o these_o our_o saviour_n denounce_v this_o woe_n here_o in_o the_o text_n woe_n unto_o you_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n hypocrite_n for_o you_o shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n etc._n etc._n all_o the_o difficulty_n in_o the_o word_n be_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n st._n luke_n express_v it_o more_o plain_o you_o have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n you_o enter_v not_o in_o yourselves_o and_o they_o that_o be_v enter_v in_o you_o hinder_v by_o put_v these_o two_o expression_n together_o we_o shall_v the_o more_o easy_o come_v at_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o text._n you_o have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o have_v shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o men._n this_o metaphor_n of_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n be_v undoubted_o a_o allusion_n to_o that_o know_a custom_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o admission_n of_o their_o doctor_n for_o to_o whosoever_o they_o give_v authority_n to_o interpret_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o be_v solemn_o 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the_o scribe_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o law_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n have_v pervert_v they_o and_o keep_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o they_o from_o the_o people_n especial_o those_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v shut_v against_o man_n and_o they_o not_o only_o reject_v the_o truth_n themselves_o but_o by_o keep_v man_n in_o ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o hinder_v many_o from_o embrace_v our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n who_o be_v otherwise_o well_o enough_o dispose_v for_o it_o have_v thus_o explain_v the_o word_n i_o shall_v from_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o they_o observe_v to_o you_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n it_o be_v call_v by_o our_o saviour_n the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n that_o which_o let_v man_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 2._o the_o great_a and_o inexcusable_a fault_n of_o those_o who_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n and_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o hinder_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n denounce_v so_o heavy_a a_o woe_n against_o they_o i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o to_o these_o two_o observation_n and_o then_o apply_v they_o to_o those_o who_o be_v principal_o concern_v in_o they_o i._n first_o i_o observe_v hence_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n this_o be_v by_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n that_o which_o let_v man_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n knowledge_n be_v necessary_a to_o religion_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o it_o and_o necessary_a to_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o without_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n because_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o do_v necessary_o suppose_v some_o knowledge_n and_o apprehension_n of_o what_o we_o believe_v to_o all_o act_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v necessary_o require_v some_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n so_o that_o without_o knowledge_n there_o can_v be_v no_o devotion_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n no_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n religion_n begin_v in_o the_o understanding_n and_o from_o thence_o descend_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n say_v our_o saviour_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o we_o must_v first_o know_v god_n before_o we_o can_v worship_v he_o and_o understand_v what_o be_v his_o will_n before_o we_o can_v do_v it_o this_o be_v so_o very_o evident_a that_o one_o will_v think_v there_o need_v no_o discourse_n about_o it_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o in_o the_o world_n that_o cry_v up_o ignorance_n as_o the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n and_o to_o show_v that_o we_o do_v not_o wrong_v they_o in_o this_o matter_n mr._n rushworth_n in_o his_o dialogue_n a_o book_n in_o great_a vogue_n among_o the_o papist_n here_o in_o england_n do_v express_o reckon_v up_o ignorance_n among_o the_o parent_n of_o religion_n and_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v say_v more_o absurd_o and_o more_o to_o the_o disparagement_n of_o religion_n than_o to_o derive_v the_o pedigree_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n from_o so_o obscure_a and_o ignoble_a a_o original_a and_o to_o make_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o knowledge_n to_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o ignorance_n and_o a_o child_n of_o darkness_n ignorance_n indeed_o may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o wonder_n and_o admiration_n and_o the_o mother_n of_o folly_n and_o 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salvation_n and_o shall_v not_o every_o man_n be_v acquaint_v with_o that_o which_o alone_o can_v perfect_o instruct_v he_o what_o he_o must_v believe_v and_o what_o he_o must_v do_v that_o he_o may_v be_v save_v this_o be_v the_o testimony_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o itself_o that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o fit_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v have_v this_o wisdom_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o the_o free_a use_n of_o that_o book_n from_o whence_o this_o wisdom_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v ii_o second_o i_o observe_v the_o great_a and_o inexcusable_a fault_n of_o those_o who_o keep_v man_n in_o ignorance_n of_o religion_n and_o take_v away_o from_o they_o so_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a a_o mean_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n as_o the_o h._n scripture_n be_v this_o our_o saviour_n call_v take_v away_o the_o
exhortation_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v likewise_o read_v to_o the_o people_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n be_v these_o direct_v to_o god_n or_o to_o the_o people_n only_o and_o be_v they_o not_o design_v by_o god_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o read_v either_o to_o that_o purpose_n or_o to_o none_o and_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o instruct_v man_n by_o what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v this_o be_v a_o new_a and_o wonderful_a way_n of_o teach_v by_o conceal_v from_o the_o people_n the_o thing_n which_o they_o shall_v learn_v be_v it_o not_o all_o one_o as_o to_o all_o purpose_n of_o edification_n as_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o read_v or_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o place_n of_o they_o as_o they_o many_o time_n do_v their_o legend_n which_o the_o wise_a sort_n among_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v when_o they_o read_v they_o for_o all_o thing_n be_v alike_o to_o they_o that_o understand_v none_o as_o all_o thing_n be_v of_o a_o colour_n in_o the_o dark_a ignorance_n know_v no_o difference_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v only_a knowledge_n that_o can_v distinguish_v 3._o they_o say_v that_o some_o do_v at_o least_o in_o some_o measure_n understand_v the_o particular_a prayer_n if_o they_o do_v that_o be_v no_o thanks_o to_o they_o it_o be_v by_o accident_n if_o they_o be_v more_o know_v than_o the_o rest_n and_o more_o than_o the_o church_n either_o desire_n or_o intend_v for_o if_o they_o desire_v it_o they_o may_v order_v their_o service_n so_o as_o every_o man_n may_v understand_v it_o 4._o they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v convenient_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v serve_v and_o worship_v in_o the_o same_o language_n all_o the_o world_n over_o convenient_a for_o who_o for_o god_n or_o for_o the_o people_n not_o for_o god_n sure_o for_o he_o understand_v all_o other_o language_n as_o well_o as_o latin_a and_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v to_o the_o contrary_n like_v they_o as_o well_o and_o certain_o it_o can_v be_v so_o convenient_a for_o the_o people_n because_o they_o general_o understand_v no_o language_n but_o their_o own_o and_o it_o be_v very_o inconvenient_a they_o shall_v not_o understand_v what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n but_o perhaps_o they_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v convenient_a for_o the_o roman_a church_n to_o have_v it_o so_o because_o this_o will_v look_v like_o a_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v the_o catholic_n or_o universal_a church_n when_o the_o language_n which_o be_v original_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o universal_a language_n in_o which_o all_o nation_n shall_v serve_v god_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n also_o they_o may_v bring_v all_o nation_n to_o be_v of_o their_o religion_n and_o yet_o make_v they_o never_o the_o wise_a and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a convenience_n because_o knowledge_n be_v a_o troublesome_a thing_n and_o ignorance_n very_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a render_v man_n fit_a to_o be_v govern_v and_o unfit_a to_o dispute_v ii_o as_o to_o their_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o they_o say_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o that_o the_o church_n can_v give_v leave_n to_o man_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o this_o not_o without_o great_a trouble_n and_o difficulty_n there_o must_v be_v a_o licence_n for_o it_o under_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o inquisitor_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o priest_n or_o confessor_n concern_v the_o fitness_n of_o the_o person_n that_o desire_v this_o privilege_n and_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o they_o will_v think_v none_o fit_a but_o those_o of_o who_o they_o have_v the_o great_a confidence_n and_o security_n and_o whoever_o presume_v to_o do_v it_o otherwise_o be_v to_o be_v deny_v absolution_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o damn_v man_n for_o presume_v to_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o their_o leave_n and_o whatever_o they_o may_v allow_v here_o in_o england_n where_o they_o hold_v their_o people_n upon_o more_o slippery_a term_n yet_o this_o privilege_n be_v very_o rare_o grant_v where_o they_o be_v in_o full_a possession_n of_o their_o power_n and_o have_v the_o people_n perfect_o under_o their_o yoke_n 2._o they_o tell_v we_o they_o instruct_v the_o people_n otherwise_o this_o indeed_o be_v something_o if_o they_o do_v it_o to_o purpose_n but_o general_o they_o do_v it_o very_o spare_o and_o slight_o their_o sermon_n be_v common_o make_v up_o of_o feign_a story_n and_o miracle_n of_o saint_n and_o exhortation_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o they_o and_o especial_o of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o of_o their_o image_n and_o relic_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o innumerable_a volume_n of_o their_o sermon_n and_o postil_v in_o print_n which_o i_o suppose_v be_v none_o of_o their_o worst_a i_o be_o sure_a erasmus_n say_v that_o in_o his_o time_n in_o several_a country_n the_o people_n do_v scarce_o once_o in_o half_a a_o year_n hear_v a_o profitable_a sermon_n to_o exhort_v they_o to_o true_a piety_n indeed_o they_o allow_v the_o people_n some_o catechism_n and_o manual_n of_o devotion_n and_o yet_o in_o many_o of_o they_o they_o have_v the_o conscience_n and_o the_o confidence_n to_o steal_v away_o the_o second_o commandment_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o eight_o but_o to_o bring_v the_o matter_n to_o a_o point_n if_o those_o help_n of_o instruction_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n why_o be_v they_o so_o afraid_a the_o people_n shall_v read_v the_o scripture_n if_o they_o be_v not_o why_o do_v they_o deceive_v and_o delude_v they_o 3._o they_o say_v that_o people_n be_v apt_a to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o that_o the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o they_o have_v be_v the_o great_a occasion_n of_o heresy_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o very_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v health_n and_o light_n and_o liberty_n as_o well_o as_o knowledge_n but_o must_v all_o these_o be_v therefore_o take_v away_o this_o very_a inconvenience_n of_o people_n wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o ruin_n st._n peter_n take_v notice_n of_o in_o his_o day_n but_o he_o do_v not_o therefore_o forbid_v man_n the_o read_n of_o they_o as_o his_o more_o prudent_a successor_n have_v do_v since_o suppose_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o heresy_n be_v there_o ever_o more_o than_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o yet_o neither_o the_o apostle_n nor_o their_o successor_n ever_o prescribe_v this_o remedy_n but_o be_v they_o in_o earnest_n must_v not_o man_n know_v the_o truth_n for_o sear_v of_o fall_v into_o error_n because_o man_n may_v possible_o miss_v their_o way_n at_o noonday_n must_v they_o never_o travel_v but_o in_o the_o night_n when_o they_o be_v sure_a to_o lose_v it_o and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v this_o be_v not_o true_a that_o heresy_n have_v spring_v from_o this_o cause_n they_o have_v general_o be_v broach_v by_o the_o learned_a from_o who_o the_o scripture_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v conceal_v and_o for_o this_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o history_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n i_o be_o well_o assure_v the_o ancient_a father_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n st._n chrysostome_n say_v if_o man_n will_v be_v conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o attend_v to_o they_o they_o will_v not_o only_o not_o fall_v into_o error_n themselves_o but_o rescue_v those_o that_o be_v deceive_v and_o that_o the_o scripture_n will_v instruct_v man_n both_o in_o right_a opinion_n and_o a_o good_a life_n and_o st._n hierome_n more_o express_o to_o our_o purpose_n that_o infinite_a evil_n arise_v from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o from_o that_o cause_n the_o most_o part_n of_o heresy_n have_v come_v but_o if_o what_o they_o say_v be_v true_a be_v not_o this_o to_o lay_v the_o blame_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a heresy_n upon_o the_o ill_a management_n of_o thing_n by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o holy_a father_n of_o the_o church_n for_o so_o many_o age_n and_o their_o imprudent_a dispense_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o people_n this_o indeed_o be_v to_o charge_v the_o matter_n home_o and_o yet_o this_o consequence_n be_v unavoidable_a for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v justify_v the_o piety_n and_o prudence_n of_o their_o present_a practice_n without_o accuse_v all_o these_o but_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o main_o rely_v upon_o as_o to_o both_o these_o practice_n be_v this_o that_o though_o these_o thing_n be_v otherwise_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n yet_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o alter_v they_o according_a to_o the_o exigence_n and_o circumstance_n of_o