Downame - BV209_D69_G6_1640_v1

are to kprayed againft. not have this MN to reigne over us, but having recei- ved the mark of the beaft are in fubjeion to the Pope under penalty of damnation: And he fitteth in, or rather fets himfelf againft the Church, ufurping fovereigne authority; and fitting as God in the throne of Chriff, he deteineth the people in ignorance, making them believe that their implicite faith will fave them : and fo they lead them blindfolded after them as it were in a firing, to perdition, For whofe law reigneth amongft them Gods, or their owns The breach of whofe law more feverely punifhedk To whole government are they fubjed,: Gods, or their own: What do6rine do they teach,: the word of God, or the inventions of men r The word of God,which is his fceptre; do they not fuppreffe this light of mens fouls: do they not hide it from the people under a ftrange language, as it were under a bufhel r do they follow the Lambe that have recei- ved the mark of the beaft, and perfecute with fire and (word all true profeffours &c. Well, againft thefe enemies, both ferret and open, covert and dif- covered, that is,Gog and Magog, Revel.2o. we are taught to pray, that being fubdued, ( that is, either converted or fubverted) the Church and kingdome of God may be advanced. Befides thefe enemies there are alfo other impe- diments of the kingdome of God oppofite to the outward means. As to the preaching of the word, I, The infufficiency of Miniflers not able to teach; a. Their negligence and idleneffe; 3. Their caufe- leffe non- refidencie, and covetous' multiplying be- nefices with cure; 4. The want of maintenance by impro - 285