traditionary_a point_n may_v be_v involve_v in_o those_o text_n so_o that_o we_o may_v safe_o argue_v thus_o far_o from_o such_o exposition_n they_o hold_v such_o tenet_n or_o else_o they_o will_v not_o have_v apply_v those_o place_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o such_o doctrine_n though_o such_o doctrine_n can_v manifest_o be_v conclude_v from_o those_o place_n and_o therefore_o when_o protestant_n rational_o show_v that_o some_o text_n so_o apply_v by_o the_o father_n may_v admit_v their_o interpretation_n yea_o sometime_o perhaps_o with_o great_a probability_n they_o must_v not_o think_v they_o then_o carry_v the_o cause_n against_o they_o and_o we_o in_o those_o point_n this_o indeed_o be_v enough_o for_o catholic_n to_o do_v in_o all_o controversy_n of_o faith_n against_o protestant_n who_o depend_v whole_o upon_o scripture_n as_o explicate_v by_o wit_n and_o private_a reason_n or_o spirit_n for_o their_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v no_o conclude_a argument_n against_o some_o ancient_n for_o their_o over-credulity_n as_o i_o may_v say_v in_o rely_v on_o such_o text_n for_o some_o point_n now_o deny_v by_o protestant_n or_o against_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n as_o rely_v upon_o they_o when_o that_o the_o father_n neither_o do_v nor_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n now_o only_o rely_v upon_o such_o text_n for_o those_o particular_a point_n nor_o yet_o upon_o scripture_n for_o any_o point_n of_o faith_n at_o all_o but_z as_o handed_z and_o fence_a to_o we_o by_o tradition_n but_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n see_v scripture_n thus_o manifest_o descend_v to_o we_o by_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o tradition_n than_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o be_v receive_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o tradition_n by_o protestant_n themselves_o we_o can_v enough_o wonder_v at_o their_o unreasonable_a prevarication_n in_o take_v the_o church_n word_n for_o the_o whole_a rule_n of_o their_o belief_n and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o rely_v upon_o her_o credit_n for_o any_o one_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o acknowledge_v her_o authority_n infallible_a in_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o yet_o deny_v to_o believe_v her_o tradition_n for_o the_o ssense_n nor_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o conform_v to_o she_o in_o those_o point_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v hand_v to_o we_o by_o her_o attestation_n with_o far_o great_a evidence_n of_o credibility_n and_o this_o be_v clear_a to_o i_o can_v i_o any_o long_o continue_v a_o protestant_n have_v i_o not_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o become_v a_o catholic_n the_o second_o ground_n of_o the_o first_o motive_n viz._n the_o authority_n or_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n in_o determine_v all_o controversy_n concern_v faith_n and_o define_v what_o be_v of_o faith_n and_o what_o not_o when_o call_v in_o question_n sect_n vi_o a_o introductive_a discourse_n concern_v the_o judiciary_n power_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n hand_v from_o age_n to_o age_n the_o evangelical_n law_n with_o so_o much_o evidence_n unreasonable_a man_n have_v arise_v of_o perverse_a mind_n question_v and_o contradict_v the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n insomuch_o that_o hardly_o yea_o perhaps_o not_o any_o one_o fundamental_a point_n of_o christianity_n but_o have_v be_v controvert_v in_o some_o age_n or_o other_o wherefore_o as_o tradition_n be_v a_o constant_a rule_n so_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o almighty_a god_n have_v provide_v in_o his_o church_n a_o authoritative_a judge_n to_o give_v sentence_n by_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o say_a rule_n if_o there_o happen_v to_o be_v contention_n about_o matter_n of_o faith_n among_o believer_n for_o unless_o in_o such_o case_n a_o authoritative_a judge_n be_v allow_v to_o give_v a_o definitive_a sentence_n from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n by_o the_o contend_a party_n for_o the_o decision_n of_o such_o controversy_n authoritative_o assure_v we_o what_o doctrine_n be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n if_o deny_v and_o what_o not_o when_o false_o pretend_v actum_fw-la est_fw-la de_fw-la fide_fw-la &_o unitate_fw-la faith_n and_o church-unity_n must_v necessary_o be_v destroy_v and_o all_o religion_n lose_v in_o a_o chaos_n of_o disagree_a judgement_n without_o any_o probability_n of_o reconcilement_n a_o supreme_a and_o unerring_a judicature_n be_v then_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o order_n and_o preserve_v of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o thing_n essential_a to_o salvation_n how_o little_a satisfaction_n and_o that_o not_o without_o just_a cause_n i_o receive_v in_o this_o point_n from_o the_o english_a protestant_n who_o indeed_o grant_v a_o judge_n but_o one_o whole_o inefficacious_a to_o this_o purpose_n yea_o impossible_a to_o reconcile_v dissent_v litigant_n as_o the_o super-abundant_a experience_n of_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n for_o all_o heretic_n fly_v to_o the_o dead_a letter_n of_o scripture_n for_o their_o refuge_n have_v sufficient_o evidence_v i_o shall_v make_v hereafter_o appear_v in_o the_o examination_n of_o their_o rule_n and_o judge_n and_o for_o the_o present_a endeavour_n to_o demonstrate_v how_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v content_v and_o acquiess_a as_o i_o do_v in_o what_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n teach_v and_o the_o catholic_n church_n always_o have_v and_o do_v practice_n on_o such_o occasion_n now_o what_o the_o catholic_n church_n teach_v and_o always_o have_v deliver_v in_o this_o point_n be_v brief_o this_o that_o all_o divine_a truth_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n whether_o traditionary_a only_a or_o also_o write_v be_v deposit_v in_o the_o church_n as_o a_o witness_n to_o attest_v they_o and_o as_o a_o judge_n divine_o assist_v to_o interpret_v and_o give_v a_o authorative_n sentence_n if_o their_o be_v any_o controversy_n about_o they_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o follow_v under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n a_o doctrine_n bring_v down_o to_o we_o from_o the_o apostolical_a time_n by_o a_o more_o visible_a practice_n and_o unquestionable_a tradition_n than_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o which_o yet_o the_o protestant_n receive_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o same_o authority_n what_o concern_v the_o church_n as_o a_o sacred_a depository_n of_o all_o reveal_v truth_n write_v and_o unwritten_a have_v already_o be_v manifest_v in_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n and_o that_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o authoritative_a judge_n or_o infallible_a guide_n to_o determine_v all_o controversy_n of_o faith_n among_o her_o child_n that_o they_o may_v know_v with_o security_n what_o to_o believe_v and_o follow_v according_a to_o their_o duty_n i_o hope_v shall_v be_v make_v no_o less_o evident_a in_o the_o follow_a section_n sect_n vii_o that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a visible_a judge_n to_o decide_v controversy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n institute_v by_o christ_n infallible_a in_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n to_o which_o as_o such_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o a_o submission_n of_o judgement_n under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n be_v here_o make_v apparent_a from_o scripture_n and_o some_o further_a reason_n also_o give_v to_o acknowledge_v a_o visible_a judge_n to_o interpret_v and_o apply_v law_n in_o controversial_a matter_n be_v so_o conform_v to_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n and_o so_o confirm_v by_o the_o experience_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o all_o kind_n of_o government_n that_o to_o deny_v such_o a_o power_n from_o god_n in_o his_o church_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n have_v not_o so_o well_o provide_v for_o the_o regulate_a and_o preservation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o peculiar_a people_n purchase_v with_o his_o own_o most_o precious_a blood_n in_o order_n to_o their_o eternal_a good_a and_o happiness_n as_o mere_a man_n subject_a to_o manifold_a weakness_n and_o passion_n do_v by_o the_o common_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o ordinary_a principle_n of_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n provide_v for_o the_o well-being_n of_o family_n and_o commonwealth_n in_o temporal_a matter_n a_o position_n unavoidable_o draw_v after_o it_o so_o many_o strange_a and_z to_o say_v no_o worse_o dangerous_a consequence_n that_o they_o will_v be_v here_o better_o lament_v than_o infisted_a upon_o but_o because_o protestant_n who_o i_o have_v forsake_v fly_v to_o scripture_n as_o the_o only_a infallible_a judge_n in_o all_o controversial_a matter_n of_o faith_n thither_o i_o shall_v bring_v they_o first_o to_o be_v try_v and_o show_v they_o out_o of_o those_o sacred_a oracle_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o they_o acknowledge_v what_o ample_a and_o most_o abundant_o satisfactory_a provision_n the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o almighty_a god_n have_v make_v and_o leave_v in_o his_o church_n to_o bring_v we_o secure_o to_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o his_o reveal_v will_n nothing_o be_v want_v on_o
their_o side_n to_o prohibit_v catholic_n to_o speak_v for_o themselves_o in_o any_o public_a defence_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o delude_v vulgar_a apprehension_n with_o this_o plausible_a sophism_n the_o papist_n refuse_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o thing_n whosoever_o lay_v together_o and_o serious_o ponder_v as_o i_o do_v can_v but_o discover_v that_o the_o english_a protestant_a reformer_n do_v not_o receive_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o have_v be_v the_o square_n of_o christian_a belief_n in_o all_o age_n and_o be_v to_o continue_v so_o for_o ever_o but_o invent_v or_o rather_o assume_v from_o their_o predecessor_n the_o ancient_a heretic_n a_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o church_n they_o be_v set_v up_o whereby_o they_o think_v their_o new_a doctrine_n may_v with_o most_o likelihood_n be_v maintain_v and_o find_v no_o better_o expedient_a then_o by_o deny_v a_o authorise_a visible_a judge_n to_o pronounce_v a_o definitive_a sentence_n in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n that_o so_o they_o may_v keep_v in_o possession_n of_o what_o they_o have_v usurp_v by_o eternal_o wrangle_v about_o the_o right_n but_o that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o some_o issue_n by_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o a_o mysterious_a may_v be_v declare_v to_o stand_v to_o something_o in_o this_o main_a principle_n of_o religion_n admit_v that_o the_o write_a word_n be_v the_o sole_a and_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o dead_a letter_n of_o themselves_o to_o rectify_v thing_n applicable_a to_o they_o for_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n they_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v some_o animate_v judge_n to_o perform_v this_o office_n among_o christian_n by_o apply_v the_o rule_n to_o all_o particular_n now_o they_o have_v deny_v the_o church_n this_o right_a and_o so_o cast_v off_o her_o live_a voice_n and_o authority_n in_o plain_a term_n though_o insist_v in_o general_n they_o assign_v no_o other_o determinate_a interpreter_n yet_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o reason_n or_o revelation_n for_o beside_o these_o three_o i_o know_v not_o any_o i_o say_v they_o must_v either_o let_v private_a reason_n make_v this_o declaration_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n by_o her_o innate_a light_n or_o fly_v to_o revelation_n and_o pretend_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n infallible_o declare_v by_o a_o divine_a light_n his_o meaning_n to_o they_o this_o late_a way_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v lay_v claim_n to_o by_o the_o calvinistical_a party_n and_o those_o strange_a brood_n of_o other_o english_a sectary_n who_o have_v nothing_o but_o scripture_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o their_o mouth_n upon_o who_o in_o a_o most_o prodigious_a manner_n they_o father_n all_o their_o blasphemy_n to_o the_o shame_n of_o christian_n but_o it_o be_v reject_v by_o all_o protestant_n in_o any_o degree_n rational_a as_o mere_o fanatical_a and_o invincible_o convict_v of_o imposture_n by_o the_o manifest_a contradiction_n of_o several_a pretender_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o can_v the_o holy_a ghost_n reveal_v to_o the_o calvinist_n that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o presbytery_n have_v a_o divine_a right_n from_o scripture_n and_o by_o the_o same_o divine_a unction_n teach_v the_o independent_o that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o write_a word_n etc._n etc._n private_a reason_n therefore_o be_v only_o leave_v they_o to_o resolve_v their_o faith_n into_o and_o rely_v upon_o in_o their_o inquire_v after_o and_o belief_n of_o supernatural_a truth_n and_o those_o sublime_a mystery_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o nature_n have_v not_o sufficient_a light_n to_o advance_v herself_o by_o her_o sole_a native_a power_n beside_o those_o mist_n of_o passion_n or_o prejudice_n or_o education_n or_o interest_n to_o which_o we_o be_v daily_o liable_a and_o which_o must_v needs_o make_v this_o way_n more_o dark_a and_o difficult_a in_o order_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n however_o they_o must_v take_v to_o it_o unless_o they_o will_v open_o recant_v what_o they_o have_v public_o approve_v for_o though_o at_o first_o they_o keep_v secret_a this_o grand_a mystery_n of_o their_o state-religion_n yet_o at_o last_o great_a patron_n of_o the_o english_a protestant_a church_n have_v with_o authority_n and_o much_o applause_n enthrone_v etc._n mr._n chill_a worth_n etc._n etc._n private_a reason_n as_o a_o sole_a queen_n and_o mistress_n in_o the_o church_n chair_n to_o direct_v and_o interpret_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o from_o they_o to_o give_v a_o final_a sentence_n what_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o we_o without_o which_o sentence_n or_o declaration_n the_o church_n decree_n in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n have_v no_o strength_n at_o all_o or_o obligation_n nor_o then_o neither_o as_o these_o rationalist_n explain_v it_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o authority_n but_o reason_n only_o but_o how_o unreasonable_o and_o without_o ground_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v appear_v in_o the_o follow_a section_n sect_n iv_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o the_o sole_a and_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n to_o evidence_n the_o groundlessness_n of_o this_o main_a foundation_n of_o the_o english_a protestant_a church_n as_o declare_v and_o explicate_v in_o the_o precedent_a section_n with_o full_a satisfaction_n i_o conceive_v it_o lie_v upon_o i_o principal_o to_o make_v three_o thing_n good_a against_o they_o first_o that_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o sole_a and_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n second_o that_o it_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o common_a tenet_n of_o modern_a heretic_n and_o three_o that_o admit_v it_o for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o in_o part_n it_o be_v private_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o interpreter_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n thereof_o for_o every_o christian_n to_o rely_v upon_o for_o his_o salvation_n in_o clear_v the_o first_o point_n i_o need_v not_o labour_n much_o have_v already_o by_o convince_a argument_n establish_v in_o the_o four_o and_o 5_o section_n of_o the_o first_o motive_n the_o catholic_n rule_n of_o faith_n universal_a tradition_n whither_o i_o desire_v my_o reader_n to_o return_v for_o satisfaction_n and_o which_o stand_v firm_a the_o protestant_n rule_v of_o scripture_n only_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o well_o a_o ruine_a as_o ruinous_a principle_n and_o fall_v to_o nothing_o yet_o that_o discourse_n be_v more_o general_a i_o shall_v here_o descend_v to_o some_o particular_n to_o make_v it_o visible_a to_o very_o ordinary_a capacity_n that_o scripture_n do_v not_o contain_v full_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n nor_o be_v clear_o evident_a without_o dispute_n in_o all_o point_v necessary_a therein_o contain_v and_o consequent_o can_v be_v the_o sole_a and_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n want_v those_o two_o most_o necessary_a condition_n belong_v to_o it_o first_o i_o say_v not_o full_a and_o comprehend_v all_o point_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n for_o i_o demand_v of_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n to_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o mr._n hooker_n one_o of_o the_o most_o judicious_a writer_n of_o the_o english_a protestant_n acknowledge_v this_o can_v be_v ground_v upon_o scripture_n of_o all_o point_n say_v remember_v hooker_n ecc._n polit_n l._n 2._o â—â—_o i_o remember_v he_o the_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v confess_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o prove_v and_o proceed_n make_v a_o demonstration_n of_o it_o against_o the_o puritan_n how_o then_o themselves_z being_z judges_z can_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n not_o comprehend_v what_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o every_o christian_a if_o they_o say_v this_o objection_n be_v not_o pertinent_a because_o whosoever_o make_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n the_o sole_a and_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n must_v necessary_o pre-suppose_a the_o belief_n of_o scripture_n found_v upon_o some_o other_o principle_n i_o reply_v it_o be_v impertinent_a to_o say_v so_o because_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o pre-supposition_n of_o some_o fundamental_a point_n be_v a_o sufficient_a conviction_n that_o the_o rule_n they_o have_v choose_v can_v be_v complete_a and_o perfect_a as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o fundamental_a point_n presupposed_a independent_a on_o scripture_n but_o scripture_n depend_v on_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o ground_n quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la to_o we_o of_o all_o thing_n believe_v in_o it_o which_o ground_n or_o antecedent_n principle_n upon_o which_o they_o as_o well_o as_o we_o build_v their_o belief_n of_o such_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o universal_a
rely_v we_o have_v only_o a_o firm_a and_o rational_a belief_n of_o reveal_v verity_n constant_a and_o immovable_a among_o all_o the_o change_n of_o sect_n and_o heretic_n true_a it_o be_v in_o every_o act_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v use_v of_o reason_n whether_o it_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n reveal_v or_o the_o church_n propose_v for_o we_o captivate_v our_o understanding_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n because_o we_o judge_v nothing_o more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o believe_v god_n and_o we_o secure_o rely_v upon_o his_o church_n who_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o assist_v with_o infallibility_n in_o such_o proposal_n but_o shall_v we_o say_v therefore_o that_o reason_n be_v the_o prime_n intrinsical_a motive_n of_o faith_n and_o into_o which_o it_o final_o be_v resolve_v nothing_o less_o for_o this_o discourse_n and_o approbation_n of_o reason_n be_v but_o necessary_o previous_a and_o antecedent_n to_o our_o deliberate_a and_o rational_a act_n of_o faith_n the_o act_n themselves_o be_v act_n of_o the_o understanding_n not_o discourse_v but_o pure_o assent_v which_o assent_n be_v not_o for_o reason_n sake_n but_o for_o authority_n be_v the_o last_o resolution_n into_o the_o judgement_n of_o private_a reason_n faith_n can_v not_o be_v divine_a or_o supernatural_a reason_n indeed_o produce_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o in_o catholic_n as_o protestant_n but_o with_o a_o vast_a difference_n for_o a_o protestant_n believe_v such_o a_o truth_n to_o be_v from_o god_n rely_v upon_o his_o reason_n only_o that_o it_o be_v reveal_v and_o this_o assent_n be_v not_o rational_a because_o his_o ground_n be_v deceitful_a but_o in_o a_o catholic_n reason_n act_v only_o so_o far_o in_o point_n of_o belief_n as_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o authority_n declare_v such_o truth_n to_o be_v sufficient_o reveal_v by_o almighty_a god_n which_o he_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n suspect_v to_o be_v fallible_a in_o such_o declaration_n i_o believe_v this_o say_v a_o protestant_n because_o my_o reason_n tell_v i_o it_o be_v reveal_v and_o will_v allow_v no_o other_o judge_n of_o this_o revelation_n i_o believe_v this_o say_v a_o catholic_n because_o a_o infallible_a authority_n assure_v i_o iâ—_n be_v reveal_v and_o my_o reason_n tell_v i_o there_o be_v no_o other_o sufficient_a ground_n or_o evidence_n for_o divine_a faith_n and_o therefore_o give_v up_o my_o private_a judgement_n to_o the_o church_n and_o which_o of_o these_o principle_n be_v more_o safe_a and_o rational_a let_v reason_n judge_v three_o i_o demand_v of_o these_o rationalist_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o heresy_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o it_o be_v oportet_fw-la esse_fw-la haereses_fw-la 19_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 19_o etc._n etc._n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n st._n paul_n have_v say_v it_o and_o that_o be_v sufficient_a and_o as_o for_o what_o it_o be_v it_o be_v well_o know_v the_o church_n have_v always_o teach_v that_o heresy_n be_v the_o voluntary_a election_n of_o some_o private_a opinion_n contradict_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o heretic_n who_o neglect_v the_o church_n authority_n with_o a_o stubborn_a mind_n defend_v wicked_a opinion_n but_o if_o we_o shall_v admit_v their_o new_a definition_n that_o heresy_n be_v to_o contradict_v any_o fundamental_a point_n express_o contain_v in_o scripture_n in_o my_o poor_a judgement_n according_a to_o such_o a_o definition_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o heresy_n or_o heretic_n but_o both_o arian_n anabaptist_n fanatic_n etc._n etc._n be_v as_o good_a catholic_n as_o any_o christian_n of_o the_o world_n for_o if_o private_a reason_n be_v the_o only_a judge_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o every_o one_o to_o rely_v upon_o these_o and_o all_o other_o condemn_v heretic_n the_o montanist_n except_v rely_v upon_o the_o write_a word_n as_o interpret_v by_o reason_n with_o sober_a enquiry_n and_o real_a endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o truth_n can_v just_o be_v so_o repute_v the_o arian_n have_v so_o much_o reason_n and_o scripture_n too_o in_o the_o bare_a letter_n on_o their_o side_n that_o take_v away_o the_o church_n infallibility_n and_o universal_a tradition_n interpret_n and_o deliver_v to_o we_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o the_o controversy_n will_v never_o be_v decide_v all_o place_n will_v swarm_v with_o nestorian_n eutychian_o anti-trinitarians_a barengarians_n anabaptist_n etc._n etc._n neither_o can_v we_o condemn_v they_o if_o this_o principle_n be_v good_a for_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o follow_v scripture_n as_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o private_a reason_n or_o spirit_n dictate_v to_o they_o let_v they_o not_o say_v that_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v just_o condemn_v for_o contradict_v express_a scripture_n against_o their_o knowledge_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n for_o they_o must_v remember_v first_o that_o themselves_o do_v not_o condemn_v the_o anabaptist_n upon_o only_a scripture_n ground_n second_o that_o it_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v that_o all_o fundamental_a point_n be_v not_o so_o express_v in_o scripture_n as_o they_o imagine_v and_o three_o that_o it_o be_v most_o uncharitable_a to_o say_v that_o all_o those_o who_o they_o condemn_v for_o heretic_n do_v against_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n contradict_v the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n and_o run_v headlong_o to_o hell_n with_o their_o eye_n open_a can_v we_o possible_o imagine_v that_o among_o so_o many_o million_o of_o arian_n there_o be_v not_o one_o single_a person_n have_v any_o conscience_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o many_o heretic_n have_v and_o do_v live_v virtuous_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n for_o who_o know_v not_o that_o satan_n sometime_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o while_o they_o profess_v and_o protest_v that_o if_o it_o be_v once_o make_v apparent_a to_o they_o that_o their_o tenet_n be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o will_v not_o one_o minute_n persist_v in_o they_o we_o judge_v it_o uncharitable_a to_o affirm_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o protestation_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o real_a though_o misguide_v zeal_n they_o all_o wilful_o sin_n against_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o their_o conscience_n we_o catholic_n indeed_o assert_v that_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o credibility_n be_v produce_v by_o we_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o heretical_a opinion_n and_o dangerous_a state_n without_o repentance_n but_o withal_o we_o say_v that_o god_n in_o his_o just_a judgement_n which_o be_v inscrutable_a suffer_v they_o through_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n in_o that_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n be_v veil_v from_o their_o eye_n by_o passion_n or_o prejudice_n or_o worldly_a interest_n while_o they_o so_o continue_v and_o we_o pray_v for_o they_o in_o hope_n that_o the_o father_n of_o infinite_a mercy_n will_v in_o his_o good_a time_n discover_v truth_n unto_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o home_o unto_o his_o church_n but_o for_o these_o rationalist_n to_o damn_v all_o those_o who_o they_o esteem_v heretic_n as_o contradictor_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o their_o conscience_n and_o knowledge_n be_v a_o censure_n most_o unreasonable_a and_o little_o beseem_v such_o who_o life_n be_v not_o so_o gospellike_a but_o that_o many_o sectary_n who_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o fundamental_o may_v just_o be_v repute_v at_o least_o as_o conscientious_a and_o in_o charity_n can_v be_v think_v otherwise_o all_o which_o due_o consider_v plain_o prove_v that_o they_o must_v either_o change_v their_o judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n or_o give_v we_o some_o new_a rule_n to_o discover_v heresy_n and_o withal_o that_o if_o they_o will_v stick_v close_o to_o this_o principle_n they_o must_v maintain_v that_o all_o the_o general_a council_n of_o the_o church_n even_o that_o celebrate_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v mere_a tyrannical_a usurpation_n in_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o believe_v and_o practice_n according_a to_o their_o decree_n whatever_o their_o private_a reason_n can_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_n four_o in_o vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n have_v jesus_n christ_n institute_v authoritative_a overseer_n and_o governor_n in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o perfect_a etc._n eph._n 4._o 11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edification_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 faith_n etc._n etc._n if_o every_o one_o must_v acknowledge_v no_o visible_a authority_n upon_o earth_n to_o have_v any_o oblige_a power_n over_o he_o in_o doctrine_n appertain_v to_o god_n but_o be_v his_o own_o teacher_n in_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o private_a reason_n five_o if_o every_o one_o be_v send_v to_o scripture_n to_o compose_v a_o creed_n for_o himself_o
letter_n i_o know_v in_o their_o popular_a discourse_n they_o make_v fine_a flourish_n and_o after_o a_o long_a combat_n with_o pretend_a monstruous_a error_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o clap_v their_o wing_n and_o crow_v triumphant_o upon_o their_o own_o dunghill_n demand_v of_o their_o delude_a auditory_a whether_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v this_o be_v their_o custom_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o question_n for_o let_v they_o produce_v but_o one_o sentence_n out_o of_o those_o sacred_a oracle_n of_o truth_n that_o in_o express_a term_n contradict_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o any_o one_o controvert_v point_n for_o which_o they_o pretend_v just_a cause_n of_o separation_n and_o it_o will_v be_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o catholic_n who_o have_v teach_v the_o protestant_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v god_n word_n shall_v themselves_o in_o express_a and_o positive_a term_n deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o see_v the_o question_n be_v if_o scripture_n alone_o be_v to_o decide_v the_o controversy_n whether_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o those_o sacred_a write_n be_v to_o be_v take_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n or_o newborn_a interpretation_n of_o some_o few_o private_a man_n certain_o none_o except_o much_o oversway_v by_o passion_n or_o interest_n can_v prefer_v the_o bare_a conjecture_n and_o probability_n of_o those_o interpreter_n before_o the_o evidence_n of_o such_o authority_n especial_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o witness_v that_o thing_n in_o they_o 17._o 2_o pet._n 3._o 15_o 16_o 17._o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v wrest_v by_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n by_o private_a spirit_n in_o a_o sense_n contrary_a to_o the_o attestation_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v the_o very_a source_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o heresy_n and_o in_o such_o case_n there_o be_v no_o possible_a way_n to_o be_v secure_v from_o seduction_n and_o fall_v into_o error_n but_o by_o firm_o adhere_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n sine_fw-la ego_fw-la sive_fw-la quis_fw-la alius_fw-la etc._n etc._n if_o i_o or_o any_o other_o say_v vincentius_n lyrinensis_n will_v discover_v the_o fraud_n of_o newborn_a heretic_n and_o shun_v their_o snare_n abide_v sound_a and_o firm_a in_o the_o right_a belief_n he_o must_v by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n fortify_v his_o faith_n with_o a_o double_a bulwark_n first_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a law_n and_o then_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v liable_a to_o such_o variety_n of_o interpretion_n that_o almost_o so_o many_o man_n so_o many_o mind_n novatian_n photinus_n sabellius_n donatus_n arius_n apollinaris_n belagius_n nestorius_n lutheran_n calvinist_n protestant_n anabaptist_n independent_o fanatic_n etc._n etc._n every_o one_o pretend_v the_o scripture_n to_o stand_v for_o they_o according_a to_o their_o several_a gloss_n and_o exposition_n of_o necessity_n to_o shun_v the_o labyrinth_n of_o so_o many_o error_n we_o must_v follow_v the_o line_n of_o apostolical_a write_n as_o hand_v to_o we_o by_o the_o sense_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o shall_v exclude_v the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o undoubted_a testimony_n of_o council_n and_o father_n of_o all_o age_n by_o which_o protestant_n stand_v convict_v of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n beyond_o all_o rational_a contradiction_n from_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v in_o the_o decision_n of_o these_o controversy_n grant_v all_o that_o they_o desire_v let_v bare_a word_n of_o scripture_n be_v take_v according_a to_o the_o exact_a criticism_n of_o private_a reason_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o learned_a and_o un-interessed_n man_n and_o even_o upon_o that_o score_n those_o sacred_a oracle_n of_o divine_a truth_n will_v cast_v it_o clear_o on_o the_o catholic_n side_n against_o our_o adversary_n and_o if_o they_o can_v be_v convince_v from_o they_o to_o be_v heretical_a in_o all_o material_a point_n of_o faith_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o yet_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o formal_a part_n of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n they_o stand_v thereby_o as_o manifest_o guilty_a of_o those_o heinous_a sin_n as_o ever_o any_o one_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n doctrine_n and_o communion_n yea_o and_o by_o protestant_n themselves_o condemn_v for_o heretic_n but_o never_o any_o place_n have_v be_v produce_v by_o they_o from_o the_o scripture_n against_o the_o church_n in_o the_o present_a controversy_n as_o to_o evidence_n she_o in_o any_o one_o point_n erroneous_a but_o catholic_n have_v sufficient_o show_v that_o by_o such_o endeavour_n they_o have_v trouble_v those_o water_n of_o life_n with_o the_o mud_n of_o their_o corrupt_a fancy_n and_o by_o injurious_a distortion_n force_v they_o to_o speak_v what_o never_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intend_v what_o remain_v therefore_o but_o that_o protestant_n acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v a_o congregation_n fallible_a and_o subject_a to_o error_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n confess_v also_o that_o they_o never_o afford_v a_o more_o pregnant_a demonstration_n of_o their_o fallibility_n than_o in_o assering_a the_o catholic_n church_n to_o have_v err_v whereby_o their_o separation_n from_o her_o doctrine_n and_o communion_n may_v be_v justify_v sect_n iv_o wherein_o the_o protestant_n plea_n that_o the_o pope_n universal_a pastorship_n in_o a_o usurpation_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v forsake_v without_o schism_n be_v refute_v yet_o another_o plea_n they_o have_v that_o the_o pope_n universal_a authority_n and_o primacy_n over_o the_o church_n be_v a_o mere_a usurpation_n and_o tyrannical_a and_o consequent_o to_o oppose_v and_o expel_v the_o exercise_n of_o such_o a_o power_n out_o of_o england_n or_o where_o ever_o else_o it_o be_v introduce_v can_v be_v a_o schism_n but_o a_o godly_a reformntion_n by_o reduce_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o its_o primitive_a institution_n as_o found_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n these_o be_v fine_a specious_a word_n and_o will_v be_v find_v nothing_o else_o in_o their_o due_a examination_n for_o it_o be_v of_o faith_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o a_o primacy_n or_o supreme_a jurifdiction_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n over_o the_o universal_a body_n of_o christianity_n in_o st._n peter_n and_o his_o successor_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o maintain_v by_o she_o as_o so_o teach_v and_o practise_v in_o all_o age_n yea_o and_o the_o pope_n be_v in_o peaceable_a possession_n of_o such_o a_o authority_n in_o england_n for_o about_o 1000_o year_n by_o confession_n of_o protestant_n themselves_z be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v deny_v as_o notorious_o evident_a from_o unquestionable_a record_n in_o church_n affair_n to_o deny_v such_o a_o authority_n to_o be_v lawful_a and_o thereupon_o to_o withdraw_v their_o obedience_n from_o such_o a_o government_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n declare_v they_o schismatic_n unless_o first_o by_o rigorous_a demonstration_n they_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a usurpation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o abuse_v scripture_n much_o less_o other_o testimony_n either_o just_o suspect_v or_o wrest_v to_o their_o purpose_n that_o can_v weigh_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o selfproof_n of_o so_o long_a a_o continue_a possession_n the_o like_a to_o which_o can_v be_v show_v by_o any_o authority_n upon_o earth_n to_o fortify_v their_o right_n against_o opposer_n i_o say_v nothing_o but_o rigorous_a demonstration_n will_v serve_v their_o turn_n in_o this_o case_n which_o no_o prescription_n can_v evacuate_v but_o when_o the_o papal_a authority_n be_v first_o cast_v out_o of_o england_n god_n know_v they_o be_v think_v on_o other_o matter_n lust_n and_o self-interest_n have_v quite_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o reason_n in_o king_n henry_n the_o 8_o and_o his_o flatterer_n resolve_v first_o upon_o the_o fact_n and_o then_o endeavour_v to_o maintain_v it_o just_a and_o lawful_a but_o with_o such_o weak_a argument_n as_o may_v be_v strong_a proof_n to_o induce_v all_o un-interested_n soul_n to_o believe_v the_o contrary_a though_o indeed_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o evidence_n against_o they_o need_v no_o help_n from_o the_o feebleness_n of_o their_o defence_n however_o thus_o liberal_a they_o be_v to_o we_o against_o their_o will_n no_o cause_n actual_o work_v can_v but_o produce_v effect_n correspondent_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o activity_n no_o man_n can_v deny_v this_o but_o he_o must_v deny_v his_o reason_n if_o therefore_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n over_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v introduce_v by_o tyranny_n and_o
corruption_n it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o such_o novelty_n as_o a_o universal_a usurpation_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a concern_n shall_v insensible_o creep_v into_o the_o church_n without_o discovery_n and_o invade_v the_o whole_a christian_a world_n without_o opposition_n and_o this_o too_o in_o produce_v notorious_o visible_a effect_n which_o necessary_o must_v accompany_v such_o a_o innovation_n doubtless_o such_o a_o change_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o pretend_a divine_a institution_n will_v have_v make_v a_o strange_a clamour_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n one_o may_v as_o well_o maintain_v that_o the_o bloody_a alteration_n of_o government_n in_o our_o island_n have_v creep_v into_o the_o nation_n and_o after_o the_o sad_a misery_n of_o so_o long_a a_o war_n leave_v behind_o it_o evidence_n to_o every_o eye_n no_o man_n can_v tell_v how_o or_o be_v sensible_a when_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n those_o grand_a mutation_n happen_v yea_o this_o may_v be_v defend_v with_o more_o show_n of_o reason_n those_o alteration_n be_v in_o temporal_a matter_n act_v in_o a_o corner_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o more_o easy_o bring_v about_o with_o lesser_a noise_n and_o better_o stifle_v in_o their_o birth_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v transmit_v to_o posterity_n than_o this_o usurpation_n in_o a_o spiritual_a government_n found_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o continue_v for_o ever_o over_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n those_o reverend_a witness_n of_o our_o ancient_a faith_n the_o holy_a father_n who_o be_v so_o tenacious_a and_o careful_a of_o christian_a custom_n and_o the_o doctrine_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n that_o they_o have_v exact_o observe_v and_o register_v in_o the_o least_o innovation_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n which_o new_a teacher_n will_v have_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n and_o be_v always_o more_o ready_a to_o part_v with_o their_o life_n than_o any_o one_o point_n of_o their_o religion_n will_v they_o have_v quiet_o suffer_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n the_o sole_a conserver_n of_o its_o doctrine_n institute_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o be_v change_v and_o not_o general_o complain_v contradict_v oppose_v register_n and_o publish_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o they_o may_v know_v it_o to_o be_v a_o usurpation_n a_o spurious_a issue_n no_o plant_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n plant_v and_o therefore_o to_o be_v abominate_v and_o root_v out_o it_o be_v incredible_a that_o they_o who_o be_v so_o eagle-eyed_a to_o observe_v and_o eager_a to_o contradict_v matter_n of_o far_o less_o moment_n shall_v in_o a_o business_n of_o such_o concernment_n be_v whole_o silent_a and_o betray_v the_o truth_n for_o if_o they_o have_v declare_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n supreme_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o god_n church_n as_o successor_n to_o st._n peter_n in_o his_o primacy_n to_o be_v a_o usurp_a authority_n and_o of_o humane_a invention_n and_o as_o such_o oppose_v it_o let_v they_o show_v it_o out_o of_o their_o write_n that_o we_o may_v know_v when_o by_o who_o and_o by_o what_o mean_n it_o be_v introduce_v into_o the_o church_n so_o as_o to_o invade_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christianity_n and_o if_o they_o can_v as_o most_o certain_o they_o can_v have_v labour_v in_o vain_a to_o do_v it_o for_o above_o these_o 100_o year_n and_o their_o own_o difference_n about_o the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v first_o bring_v in_o be_v a_o manifest_a proof_n it_o can_v never_o be_v assign_v and_o confess_v so_o by_o the_o most_o ingenuous_a among_o they_o see_v it_o be_v a_o government_n that_o have_v be_v in_o quiet_a possession_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n time_n out_o of_o mind_n with_o a_o belief_n of_o its_o divine_a institution_n hand_v as_o such_o to_o we_o by_o universal_a tradition_n unless_o they_o will_v divest_v themselves_o of_o reason_n they_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o ab_fw-la initio_fw-la fuit_fw-la sic_fw-la it_o be_v as_o old_a as_o christian_a religion_n and_o all_o those_o schismatic_n who_o disobey_v so_o sacred_a a_o power_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o usurpation_n the_o divine_a right_n of_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n be_v thus_o vindicate_v those_o pretence_n of_o a_o godly_a reformation_n and_o reduce_v church_n government_n to_o its_o primitive_a institution_n fall_v to_o nothing_o of_o themselves_o what_o they_o call_v reformation_n be_v a_o violent_a usurpation_n of_o another_o right_n and_o upon_o what_o motive_n be_v too_o notorious_a to_o be_v justify_v it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wish_v they_o will_v lay_v to_o heart_n how_o in_o the_o late_a revolution_n by_o god_n most_o remarkable_a judgement_n on_o they_o those_o very_a weapon_n which_o they_o use_v against_o papal_a power_n have_v be_v take_v up_o by_o the_o presbyterian_o to_o the_o ruin_n and_o extirpation_n of_o eposcopacy_n for_o some_o time_n and_o those_o zealot_n in_o the_o same_o sort_n as_o handsome_o cudgel_v by_o the_o independent_n all_o equal_o pretend_v a_o godly_a reformation_n and_o reduce_v religion_n to_o its_o primitive_a purity_n here_o i_o may_v conclude_v this_o motive_n of_o my_o conversion_n wherein_o i_o have_v be_v very_o large_a because_o schism_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v more_o discernible_a by_o ordinary_a capacity_n than_o dispute_v of_o thing_n more_o abstract_v from_o sense_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v more_o easy_a to_o discover_v to_o all_o separatist_n the_o danger_n of_o their_o condition_n that_o they_o may_v return_v to_o catholic_n unity_n especial_o consider_v the_o proof_n whole_o lie_v on_o our_o adversary_n side_n to_o demonstrate_v so_o long_a a_o continue_a government_n as_o the_o pope_n primacy_n over_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a tyrannical_a usurpation_n or_o else_o to_o stand_v unanswerable_o convict_v of_o schism_n for_o renounce_v such_o a_o authority_n evidence_v unto_o we_o by_o universal_a tradition_n which_o be_v our_o tenure_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n however_o in_o that_o many_o poor_a soul_n not_o know_v or_o not_o consider_v the_o strength_n of_o universal_a practice_n and_o immemorial_n possession_n on_o the_o catholic_n side_n be_v still_o seduce_v and_o keep_v in_o error_n by_o some_o place_n glean_v here_o and_o there_o from_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o the_o write_n of_o antiquity_n wre_v to_o their_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v evident_o see_v that_o all_o such_o verbal_a proof_n from_o dead_a letter_n be_v make_v to_o speak_v what_o the_o author_n never_o intend_v i_o shall_v ex_fw-la abundante_fw-la to_o give_v they_o all_o possible_a satisfaction_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a consequence_n produce_v such_o clear_a testimony_n from_o undoubted_a record_n of_o antiquity_n speak_v the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o point_n of_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o new_a present_a church_n of_o rome_n that_o more_o can_v be_v require_v by_o man_n of_o reason_n sect_n viii_o wherein_o the_o pope_n universal_a power_n and_o supreme_a jurisdictidiction_n in_o god_n church_n be_v far_o manifest_v and_o make_v good_a from_o council_n and_o the_o verdict_n of_o ancient_a father_n ground_v on_o sacred_a scripture_n we_o hold_v st._n peter_n to_o be_v constitute_v by_o christ_n himself_o the_o head_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o be_v to_o have_v a_o supreme_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o god_n church_n peculiar_o entrust_v to_o he_o and_o the_o pope_n universal_a pastorship_n to_o be_v found_v on_o the_o primacy_n of_o st._n peter_n as_o his_o successor_n the_o testimony_n we_o be_v produce_v must_v make_v good_a too_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o ancient_a church_n believe_v st._n peter_n to_o be_v prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n second_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n succeed_v he_o in_o that_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n here_o the_o father_n first_o declare_v their_o belief_n in_o these_o particular_n i_o begin_v with_o anacletus_fw-la pope_n and_o martyr_n immediate_o after_o the_o first_o century_n speak_v the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o present_a church_n haec_fw-la sacrosancta_fw-la epist_n ann._n 101._o epist_n 3._o ad_fw-la omnes_fw-la epist_n romana_fw-la etc._n etc._n this_o holy_a and_o roman_a and_o apostolical_a chair_n have_v obtain_v the_o primacy_n and_o eminency_n of_o power_n over_o all_o church_n and_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o christian_a people_n not_o from_o the_o apostle_n but_o from_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n as_o he_o say_v to_o bless_a peter_n the_o apostle_n thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n julius_n the_o first_o of_o that_o name_n in_o the_o roman_a chair_n write_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o east_n in_o behalf_n of_o st._n athanasius_n that_o invincible_a
to_o have_v fail_v in_o this_o particular_a must_v needs_o acknowledge_v this_o point_n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v apostolical_a second_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o see_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o tradition_n be_v at_o first_o the_o usual_a mean_n of_o plant_v and_o conserve_n the_o law_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v convert_v before_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o church_n so_o that_o when_o any_o false_a teacher_n do_v arise_v they_o of_o necessity_n have_v recourse_n to_o tradition_n whether_o they_o have_v be_v so_o teach_v and_o not_o to_o scripture_n whether_o it_o be_v so_o write_v be_v impossible_a to_o rule_v before_o it_o have_v a_o be_v i_o say_v this_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o rational_a account_n to_o intelligent_a person_n why_o a_o immutable_a faith_n shall_v have_v a_o mutable_a rule_n and_o a_o stand_a edifice_n shall_v have_v a_o move_a foundation_n if_o they_o think_v to_o salve_v this_o soar_n by_o say_v tradition_n be_v necessary_a till_o the_o write_a word_n take_v place_n they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v that_o all_o thing_n at_o first_o deliver_v necessary_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v afterward_o commit_v to_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o yet_o till_o this_o be_v do_v satisfactory_o who_o see_v not_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o this_o assertion_n but_o than_o three_o if_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o christ_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n at_o first_o traditionary_o convey_v be_v afterward_o entire_o commit_v to_o write_v by_o infallible_a inspiration_n and_o deposit_v in_o the_o church_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o be_v it_o so_o as_o most_o certain_o they_o will_v be_v never_o able_a to_o prove_v yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a tradition_n shall_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o after_o as_o before_o the_o reception_n of_o such_o a_o canon_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o scripture_n by_o its_o self_n to_o perform_v what_o tradition_n do_v without_o it_o in_o the_o beginning_n for_o dead_a word_n be_v capable_a of_o endless_a controversy_n because_o liable_a to_o various_a interpretation_n heretic_n will_v either_o shroud_v themselves_o under_o the_o umbrage_n of_o obscure_a passage_n in_o sacred_a writ_n or_o darken_v plain_a place_n with_o metaphor_n or_o cloud_n of_o witty_a criticism_n so_o that_o no_o evident_a conviction_n can_v be_v have_v or_o possibility_n to_o hold_v up_o church-unity_n in_o faith_n and_o government_n except_o the_o controvert_v doctrine_n be_v bring_v for_o their_o trial_n to_o the_o touchstone_n of_o oral_a tradition_n which_o with_o the_o same_o unerring_a voice_n deliver_v scripture_n and_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o to_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o age_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v com._n lih_o the_o prescript_n c_o 19_o s._n irenae_n count_v haeres_fw-la st._n aug._n eont_a ep._n fund_z vinc._n lyri_n in_o com._n that_o we_o find_v tertullian_n and_o other_o ancient_n affirm_v that_o no_o good_a can_v be_v do_v with_o heretic_n by_o dispute_v out_o scripture_n to_o reduce_v they_o to_o truth_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o take_v their_o word_n our_o own_o experience_n be_v a_o evidence_n beyond_o all_o exception_n last_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o as_o in_o natural_a science_n there_o be_v some_o prima_fw-la principia_fw-la fundamental_a axiom_n which_o need_v no_o proof_n into_o which_o all_o conclusion_n right_o from_o they_o deduce_v be_v reducible_a so_o in_o supernatural_a revelation_n there_o must_v be_v some_o self-evident_a principle_n a_o rule_n of_o faith_n into_o which_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v resolvable_a have_v itself_o no_o need_n of_o further_a probation_n as_o to_o such_o evidence_n or_o else_o we_o run_v in_o a_o circle_n not_o have_v any_o satisfactory_a ground_n upon_o which_o we_o may_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n rely_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o believe_v now_o scripture_n be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v such_o a_o principle_n it_o depend_v manifest_o as_o protestant_n themselves_o acknowledge_v on_o tradition_n by_o which_o we_o only_o come_v certain_o to_o know_v and_o accept_v it_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o necessary_a point_n and_o consequent_o the_o ground_n or_o evidence_n of_o what_o we_o believe_v upon_o scripture-authority_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o tradition_n make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n infallible_a but_o that_o thereby_o we_o be_v rational_o assure_v what_o be_v scripture_n and_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o which_o otherwise_o be_v subject_a to_o perpetual_a quarrel_n of_o dissent_v mind_n for_o my_o part_n i_o see_v not_o how_o protestant_n can_v answer_v this_o argument_n for_o they_o acknowledge_v tradition_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o contend_v for_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n tradition_n must_v necessary_o be_v the_o prime_a rule_n that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o rule_n and_o antecedent_n ground_n of_o their_o foundation_n and_o so_o by_o unavoidable_a consequence_n all_o their_o faith_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o tradition_n see_v it_o clear_a by_o a_o parallel_n we_o catholic_n rely_v upon_o the_o church_n for_o point_n of_o faith_n will_v protestant_n therefore_o say_v that_o we_o rely_v not_o upon_o tradition_n for_o in_o rely_v upon_o the_o church_n we_o rely_v also_o upon_o what_o the_o church_n rely_v which_o in_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v tradition_n we_o rely_v upon_o the_o church_n immediate_o as_o a_o infallible_a guide_n we_o rely_v upon_o tradition_n as_o a_o extern_a evidence_n it_o be_v easy_o applicable_a to_o protestant_n receive_v the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o tradition_n who_o while_o they_o shun_v it_o as_o a_o stone_n of_o offence_n fall_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o rock_n of_o foundation_n and_o true_o till_o they_o show_v we_o some_o other_o self-evident_a principle_n which_o can_v assure_v we_o what_o doctrine_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v the_o world_n we_o must_v believe_v and_o maintain_v universal_a tradition_n to_o be_v the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o sense_n hitherto_o explain_v thus_o they_o may_v be_v satisfy_v with_o reason_n in_o this_o controversy_n but_o because_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v move_v more_o with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n than_o our_o argument_n they_o shall_v hear_v they_o speak_v and_o true_o one_o will_v think_v plain_a enough_o to_o their_o condemnation_n witness_v st._n iraeneus_n a_o anti-protestant_n certain_o while_o he_o teach_v 4._o teach_v lib._n 3._o cont_n haer._n c._n 4._o what_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o scripture_n ought_v we_o not_o to_o have_v follow_v the_o rule_n of_o tradition_n which_o they_o deliver_v to_o those_o to_o who_o they_o commit_v the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o because_o they_o have_v leave_v scripture_n the_o order_n of_o tradition_n be_v by_o they_o evacuate_v but_o that_o reveal_v truth_n depend_v on_o tradition_n only_o be_v as_o divine_a and_o certain_a as_o if_o no_o scripture_n have_v be_v leave_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n or_o else_o we_o make_v the_o saint_n while_o he_o be_v show_v the_o excellent_a use_n and_o necessity_n of_o church-tradition_n so_o incongruous_a as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o at_o all_o but_o argument_n may_v be_v spare_v when_o the_o follow_a instance_n of_o nation_n believe_v by_o tradition_n only_o without_o scripture_n make_v his_o meaning_n evident_a before_o he_o in_o the_o front_n of_o the_o second_o age_n b._n ignatius_n st._n john_n disciple_n exhort_v the_o church_n to_o hold_v themselves_o inseparable_o to_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o 35._o *_o hist_o eccl._n l._n 3._o c._n 35._o apostle_n as_o eusebius_n testify_v have_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v only_o scripture_n as_o protestant_n contend_v can_v he_o have_v give_v such_o advice_n yea_o it_o inevitable_o imply_v tradition_n to_o be_v the_o sure_a ground_n to_o rely_v upon_o for_o christian_a doctrine_n do_v origen_n assert_v scripture_n or_o tradition_n for_o a_o rule_n while_o he_o teach_v matt_n teach_v in_o tract_n 27._o in_o c_o 23._o s._n matt_n that_o in_o our_o understand_a scripture_n we_o must_v not_o depart_v from_o the_o first_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n nor_o believe_v otherwise_o then_o as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v by_o succession_n deliver_v to_o we_o and_o elsewhere_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o only_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v 〈◊〉_d *_o in_o praef._n lib._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o truth_n which_o in_o nothing_o disagree_v from_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n what_o more_o full_a
perspicuum_fw-la est_fw-la etc._n etc._n it_o be_v apparent_a from_o this_o place_n that_o he_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n deliver_v many_o thing_n not_o commit_v to_o writing_n which_o epiphanius_n also_o apply_v to_o the_o same_o 61._o hear_v 61._o purpose_n teach_v we_o oportet_fw-la autem_fw-la &_o traditione_n uti_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o we_o must_v make_v use_n of_o tradition_n see_v all_o thing_n can_v be_v take_v out_o of_o sacred_a writ_n the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v some_o thing_n in_o write_v and_o other_o by_o tradition_n even_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v sicut_fw-la tradidi_fw-la vobis_fw-la as_o i_o have_v deliver_v to_o you_o and_o no_o less_o st._n s._n lib._n the_o spirâ—_n s._n basil_n it_o be_v a_o apostolic_a thing_n to_o persist_v constant_o in_o tradition_n not_o write_v for_o say_v the_o apostle_n i_o praise_v you_o in_o that_o you_o be_v mindful_a of_o whatsoever_o thing_n come_v from_o i_o and_o observe_v the_o tradition_n which_o i_o have_v give_v you_o and_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v so_o many_o that_o the_o day_n will_v fail_v he_o shall_v he_o enumerate_v they_o moreover_o that_o no_o man_n will_v contradict_v ibid._n ibid._n it_o who_o have_v the_o least_o experience_n in_o ibid._n ibid._n church_n law_n and_o as_o potent_a patron_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v st._n iraeneus_n l._n 3_o cont_n haer._n ca._n 3_o &_o 4._o tertullian_n de_fw-fr corona_fw-la militis_fw-la cap._n 3._o &_o lib._n de_fw-fr praescrip_n s._n aug._n ep._n 118._o ad_fw-la januarium_fw-la &_o lib._n 5._o the_o bapt_a cap._n 23._o the_o second_o famous_a nicene_n council_n in_o the_o seven_o act_n etc._n etc._n by_o who_o traditionary_a point_n be_v invincible_o vindicate_v and_o teach_v otherwise_o they_o can_v not_o except_o their_o word_n shall_v contradict_v their_o faith_n and_o practice_n though_o protestant_n who_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a belief_n be_v also_o of_o a_o contrary_a doctrine_n and_o have_v invent_v several_a evasion_n to_o darken_v the_o evident_a light_n of_o these_o text_n whereby_o they_o alas_o deceive_v poor_a soul_n to_o the_o native_a lustre_n of_o scripture_n if_o we_o add_v the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o father_n expound_v they_o for_o we_o they_o more_o manifest_o make_v good_a against_o the_o protestant_n that_o the_o same_o scripture_n can_v be_v a_o un-errable_a and_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n to_o christian_n without_o tradition_n and_o indeed_o catholic_n do_v not_o deny_v scripture_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o can_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n at_o all_o as_o interpret_v by_o private_a reason_n or_o particular_a fallibility_n congregation_n which_o be_v their_o new_a way_n and_o practice_n but_o as_o expound_v authoritative_o by_o the_o catholic_n church_n according_a to_o the_o line_n of_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n the_o constant_a custom_n of_o all_o age_n now_o why_o religion_n be_v settle_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o universal_a tradition_n as_o a_o perpetual_a rule_n of_o faith_n rather_o than_o write_v precept_n will_v present_o appear_v to_o any_o one_o well_o consider_v how_o that_o way_n of_o delivery_n be_v far_o more_o secure_a from_o mistake_n and_o error_n than_o write_n this_o be_v notorious_o visible_a in_o action_n common_a to_o all_o mankind_n in_o which_o all_o sort_n of_o condition_n do_v agree_v and_o can_v read_v the_o inward_a belief_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o those_o outward_a well-understood_a expression_n whereas_o write_v word_n be_v different_a and_o if_o understand_v by_o some_o few_o eminent_o learned_a yet_o liable_a to_o a_o thousand_o casualty_n and_o misapprehension_n convey_v erroneous_a thought_n sometime_o even_o where_o exact_a diligence_n be_v observe_v and_o withal_o that_o it_o be_v more_o last_a then_o write_v book_n which_o may_v perish_v total_o by_o the_o fury_n of_o persecution_n or_o be_v lose_v by_o some_o accident_n or_o other_o as_o most_o certain_o some_o scripture_n be_v whereas_o christian_a doctrine_n thus_o convey_v can_v perish_v but_o with_o the_o total_a ruin_n of_o all_o believer_n but_o principal_o that_o sacred_a scripture_n themselves_o both_o for_o canon_n incorruptness_n and_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o text_n be_v necessary_o depend_v on_o tradition_n not_o it_o on_o they_o be_v a_o self-evident_a principle_n that_o need_v no_o proof_n which_o great_a and_o notable_a advantage_n will_v be_v more_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o main_a end_n and_o principal_a errand_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o deliver_v entire_o to_o the_o world_n the_o gospel_n or_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n what_o they_o preach_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n with_o their_o common_a and_o unite_a endeavour_n inculcate_v it_o in_o season_n out_o of_o season_n and_o engraft_v it_o by_o daily_a and_o visible_a practice_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n must_v needs_o descend_v to_o we_o with_o more_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n of_o truth_n because_o accompany_v with_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o tradition_n than_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o any_o part_n of_o their_o commission_n or_o by_o any_o joint_a consent_n intend_v to_o comprise_v the_o whole_a law_n of_o christ_n but_o mere_o a_o occasional_a work_n of_o their_o apostleship_n according_a as_o the_o present_a circumstance_n do_v require_v write_v by_o some_o single_a apostle_n or_o evangelist_n send_v to_o some_o particular_a church_n or_o person_n as_o all_o the_o apostolical_a epistle_n upon_o who_o authority_n and_o credit_n the_o whole_a church_n original_o must_v rely_v to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o true_a write_n of_o such_o a_o evangelist_n or_o apostle_n that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o genuine_a reason_n that_o while_o traditionary_a doctrine_n be_v on_o all_o hand_n acknowledge_v because_o found_v in_o universals_z which_o can_v easy_o fail_v the_o true_a book_n of_o scripture_n because_o at_o first_o of_o particular_a and_o unknown_a authority_n agree_v therein_o with_o all_o errorus_n be_v cauceous_o reject_v by_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o can_v not_o obtain_v due_a veneration_n and_o acceptance_n but_o by_o degree_n as_o they_o be_v communicate_v to_o other_o christian_n by_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v and_o so_o at_o last_o upon_o diligent_a inquisition_n receive_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o believer_n for_o canonical_a in_o which_o examination_n the_o traditional_a doctrine_n be_v universal_o famous_a and_o first_o plant_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o that_o of_o scripture_n original_o obscure_a and_o of_o a_o after_o birth_n they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v rational_o argue_v thus_o the_o doctrine_n we_o have_v be_v teach_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n because_o agreeable_a to_o this_o book_n but_o thus_o this_o book_n attest_v to_o we_o for_o scripture_n may_v safe_o be_v receive_v for_o the_o write_n of_o such_o a_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n as_o they_o witness_v who_o have_v already_o accept_v it_o for_o such_o because_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v they_o be_v herein_o deceive_v or_o lie_v against_o their_o conscience_n in_o that_o we_o find_v it_o conformable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n we_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o have_v receive_v by_o tradition_n for_o to_o have_v proceed_v è_fw-la conuerso_fw-la have_v be_v to_o prove_v i_o say_v not_o obscurum_fw-la per_fw-la obscurius_fw-la but_o clarum_fw-la per_fw-la obscurum_fw-la and_o contrary_a to_o all_o rule_n of_o logic_n and_o reason_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o find_v the_o ancient_a father_n expound_v some_o text_n of_o scripture_n for_o traditionary_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n which_o afford_v sometime_o perhaps_o scarce_o probable_a topic_n for_o those_o point_n to_o which_o they_o be_v apply_v now_o this_o they_o do_v not_o as_o if_o they_o found_v their_o belief_n of_o such_o article_n upon_o the_o scripture_n etc._n st_n aug._n the_o civ_o dei_fw-la l._n 20._o c._n 24._o lib._n de_fw-fr fide_fw-la &_o oper._n c._n 15._o s._n am_n in_o ca._n 3._o ad_fw-la cor._n st._n jer._n in_o ca._n 5_o matt._n origen_n in_o eandem_fw-la locum_fw-la etc._n etc._n as_o might_n be_v specify_v in_o the_o one_a corin._n 3._o from_o the_o 12_o ver_fw-la to_o the_o 16._o and_o matth._n the_o 5_o ver_fw-la 25_o 26._o for_o purgatory_n the_o 15_o of_o the_o foresay_a epist_n ver_fw-la 29._o for_o a_o state_n wherein_o the_o dead_a may_v be_v help_v by_o the_o live_n luke_n the_o one_a ver_fw-la 34._o for_o the_o perpetual_a virginity_n of_o the_o mother_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n but_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o point_n with_o the_o present_a church_n of_o their_o age_n upon_o the_o tenure_n of_o tradition_n they_o only_o bring_v such_o place_n for_o the_o further_a confirmation_n and_o explanation_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o very_o probable_o such_o
the_o church_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o any_o ambiguity_n do_v demonstrate_v to_o the_o end_n that_o because_o the_o scripture_n can_v deceive_v we_o whosoever_o be_v afraid_a to_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o obscurity_n of_o any_o question_n may_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o church_n judgement_n concern_v it_o which_o church_n the_o holy_a scripture_n demonstrate_v without_o any_o ambiguity_n two_o thing_n be_v suitable_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n which_o be_v clear_a from_o hence_o first_o that_o though_o we_o may_v sometime_o doubt_v what_o be_v truth_n yet_o we_o can_v never_o doubt_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n demonstrate_v to_o we_o by_o the_o scripture_n upon_o who_o judgement_n while_o we_o rely_v we_o be_v secure_a from_o hold_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o write_a word_n commend_v to_o we_o her_o authority_n second_o that_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v infallible_a and_o can_v deceive_v we_o yet_o if_o we_o will_v not_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o kill_v our_o soul_n by_o the_o dead_a letter_n without_o the_o quicken_a sense_n we_o must_v believe_v what_o the_o church_n believe_v submit_v our_o private_a reason_n to_o her_o public_a interpretation_n for_o else_o let_v heretic_n never_o so_o much_o boast_v of_o scripture_n for_o they_o we_o may_v tell_v they_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o same_o saint_n this_o you_o 19_o cont._n faust_n l._n 32._o c._n 19_o seem_v to_o do_v that_o scripture_n may_v loose_v all_o authority_n while_o every_o one_o may_v allow_v or_o disallow_v what_o his_o own_o mind_n suggest_v to_o he_o out_o of_o they_o that_o be_v may_v not_o subject_v his_o faith_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n but_o subject_a scripture_n to_o his_o faith_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o property_n of_o all_o heretic_n not_o to_o take_v sense_n from_o but_o to_o bring_v sense_n to_o those_o sacred_a oracle_n force_v they_o by_o manifest_a distortion_n or_o dark_a conjecture_n to_o speak_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o prejudicate_v tenet_n and_o so_o make_v nothing_o of_o scripture_n while_o they_o seem_v to_o value_v nothing_o else_o now_o what_o remedy_n against_o this_o intolerable_a abuse_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o everlastingly-quarrelproducing_a evil_n but_o that_o of_o origen_n quoties_fw-la etc._n etc._n as_o often_o as_o they_o heretic_n 〈◊〉_d ho._n in_o mat._n &_o praef._n l._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bring_v forth_o canonical_a scripture_n which_o not_o christian_a but_o believe_v and_o assent_v to_o they_o seem_v to_o say_v behold_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n be_v in_o our_o house_n but_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v they_o nor_o depart_v from_o the_o primitive_a ecclesiastical_a tradition_n nor_o believe_v otherwise_o then_o as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o succession_n have_v deliver_v to_o we_o and_o to_o put_v they_o to_o silence_n with_o that_o of_o 19_o l._n de_fw-fr praes_n p._n 19_o tertullian_n we_o must_v not_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n neither_o be_v the_o controversy_n to_o be_v settle_v upon_o they_o in_o which_o either_o there_o will_v be_v no_o victory_n at_o all_o or_o very_o uncertain_a yea_o there_o be_v no_o good_a get_v by_o dispute_v out_o of_o text_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v as_o interpretable_a by_o private_a reason_n and_o play_v upon_o by_o wit_n but_o either_o to_o make_v a_o man_n sick_a or_o mad_a but_o that_o be_v only_o to_o be_v believe_v for_o for_o truth_n which_o in_o nothing_o disagree_v from_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n thus_o he_o full_o agree_v with_o origen_n in_o the_o forequote_v place_n and_o i_o can_v omit_v here_o what_o the_o glorious_a bishop_n of_o hippo_n have_v so_o apposite_a for_o our_o present_a purpose_n to_o his_o catechuman_n the_o holy_a church_n the_o church_n which_o be_v one_o the_o true_a 6._o s._n aust_n de_fw-fr symb._n lib._n 1._o v._n 6._o church_n the_o catholic_n church_n fight_v against_o all_o heresy_n she_o may_v be_v resist_v but_o can_v be_v conquer_v all_o heresy_n have_v go_v out_o of_o she_o as_o unprofitable_a branch_n cut_v off_o from_o the_o vine_n see_v protestant_n your_o original_a but_o she_o remain_v in_o her_o root_n in_o her_o charity_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o she_o nor_o that_o to_o honoratus_n when_o therefore_o we_o see_v god_n stand_v for_o we_o and_o so_o much_o fruit_n and_o proficiency_n doubt_v we_o to_o repose_v our_o 17._o l._n the_o util_a cred._n c._n 17._o self_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o that_o church_n which_o from_o the_o apostolical_a chair_n by_o succession_n of_o bishop_n heretic_n on_o all_o side_n bark_v in_o vain_a against_o she_o have_v obtain_v supremacy_n of_o power_n to_o who_o not_o to_o give_v the_o chief_a be_v true_o either_o the_o high_a impiety_n or_o harebrain_n arrogance_n thus_o the_o father_n always_o bring_v believer_n to_o the_o church_n for_o a_o firm_a foundation_n in_o totter_a time_n there_o they_o cast_v anchor_n and_o fix_v themselves_o amid_o the_o storm_n of_o controversy_n and_o contention_n raise_v by_o unreasonable_a man_n with_o the_o wind_n of_o strange_a doctrine_n lest_o they_o shall_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o their_o holy_a faith_n this_o still_o they_o press_v upon_o all_o christian_n in_o doubt_n of_o disputation_n the_o church_n the_o church_n believe_v the_o church_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n the_o sacred_a depository_n of_o reveal_v verity_n the_o rich_a storehouse_n of_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o salvation_n protect_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o world_n end_n endow_v with_o the_o certain_a gift_n of_o truth_n by_o the_o special_a guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n found_v upon_o a_o rock_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o she_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o what_o they_o have_v learn_v and_o receive_v from_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n a_o truth_n so_o convince_a that_o it_o extort_a from_o dr._n field_n a_o great_a patron_n of_o the_o english_a protestant_n church_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o church_n word_n to_o this_o effect_n controversy_n be_v now_o a_o day_n grow_v to_o that_o height_n and_o so_o numerous_a and_o intricate_a that_o few_o have_v time_n to_o discuss_v and_o search_v into_o they_o thorough_o for_o satisfaction_n few_o wit_n and_o ability_n to_o do_v it_o as_o such_o a_o business_n of_o concernment_n require_v that_o no_o security_n remain_v but_o to_o fly_v into_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o church_n and_o acquiess_n in_o her_o judgement_n and_o definition_n but_o from_o word_n let_v we_o proceed_v to_o deed_n from_o the_o doctrine_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o antiquity_n sect_n ix_o the_o aforesaid_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n clear_v and_o demonstrate_v by_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o age_n if_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n through_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n not_o a_o popish_a priest_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n but_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n a_o practical_a proof_n of_o this_o authoritative_a power_n wherewith_o the_o church_n be_v invest_v by_o jesus_n christ_n yet_o reside_v more_o eminent_o and_o with_o large_a extent_n in_o bishop_n the_o supreme_a order_n of_o the_o clergy_n make_v overseer_n of_o their_o respective_a flock_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o appear_v more_o glorious_o visible_a in_o the_o decree_n and_o act_n of_o general_a council_n the_o high_a ecclesiastical_a tribunal_n determine_v all_o emergent_a controversy_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n with_o anathemae_n against_o all_o contradictor_n whatsoever_o and_o catholic_n in_o all_o age_n acknowledge_v their_o sacred_a and_o oblige_a authority_n pay_v most_o inviolable_o the_o just_a tribute_n of_o obedience_n to_o their_o decision_n with_o submission_n of_o their_o private_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n however_o rational_a before_o they_o seem_v unto_o they_o so_o that_o what_o point_v soever_o be_v once_o declare_v to_o be_v of_o faith_n by_o lawful_a and_o approve_a council_n those_o who_o persist_v in_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n where_o account_v heretic_n and_o be_v just_o excommunicate_v for_o such_o incorrigible_a obstinacy_n shun_v by_o all_o the_o faithful_a as_o no_o better_a than_o heathen_n and_o publican_n now_o i_o can_v think_v that_o english_a protestant_n will_v say_v though_o such_o decree_n issue_v out_o from_o general_a council_n yet_o it_o be_v by_o a_o usurp_a power_n not_o of_o right_a and_o so_o though_o such_o exact_a obedience_n be_v pay_v by_o christian_n to_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v in_o their_o own_o prejudice_n and_o not_o of_o duty_n or_o obligation_n though_o true_o in_o deed_n they_o assert_v it_o because_o they_o pretend_v much_o veneration_n to_o the_o first_o four_o general_n council_n and_o bishop_n montague_n one_o of_o the_o learnede_a casa_n in_o his_o appello_n ad_fw-la casa_n man_n they_o ever_o have_v proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o defend_v against_o his_o more_o zealous_a brethren_n of_o rome_n ruin_n the_o
infallibility_n of_o all_o such_o council_n in_o council_n in_o decree_n of_o faith_n and_o indeed_o abstract_v from_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o apostolical_a practice_n it_o be_v so_o notorious_o unreasonable_a a_o thing_n and_o destructive_a of_o all_o government_n to_o deny_v ecumenical_a synod_n to_o be_v the_o fiâ—â—est_a judge_n in_o such_o matter_n that_o few_o or_o no_o heretic_n ever_o have_v the_o confidence_n absolute_o to_o disclaim_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o assembly_n as_o tyrannical_o assume_v a_o power_n over_o other_o man_n conscience_n in_o thing_n not_o appertain_v to_o they_o but_o acknowledge_v their_o authority_n still_o causeless_o pick_v quarrel_n either_o about_o their_o call_v or_o convening_n or_o proceed_v or_o confirm_v or_o receive_v pretend_v they_o to_o be_v defective_a some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o justify_v their_o disobedience_n to_o their_o decree_n and_o doubtless_o as_o fit_a so_o if_o they_o be_v not_o lawful_a judge_n in_o all_o spiritual_a matter_n by_o commission_n from_o christ_n the_o supreme_a head_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n and_o necessary_a when_o make_v so_o by_o present_a circumstance_n the_o apostle_n themselves_o when_o controversy_n arise_v in_o the_o infant-church_n among_o believer_n about_o some_o legal_a observance_n will_v not_o have_v take_v this_o course_n to_o define_v those_o matter_n neither_o will_v they_o have_v prefix_v to_o their_o decree_n a_o visum_fw-la est_fw-la spiritui_fw-la 15._o act._n 15._o sancto_fw-la &_o nobis_fw-la and_o so_o just_o father_n those_o determination_n upon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v they_o not_o be_v divine_a sanction_n though_o make_v by_o man_n yet_o according_a to_o the_o appointment_n and_o will_n of_o god_n infallible_o assist_v their_o endeavour_n neither_o will_v the_o universal_a church_n in_o after-age_n have_v on_o the_o same_o occasion_n insist_v in_o their_o step_n or_o presume_v in_o the_o same_o authoritative_a stile_n to_o attribute_v their_o meeting_n and_o decision_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n a_o power_n as_o divine_a withal_o so_o necessary_a that_o no_o other_o way_n can_v with_o so_o much_o efficacy_n and_o satisfaction_n preserve_v declare_v or_o explicate_v the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n extirpate_v heresy_n maintain_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n strengthen_v the_o nerve_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n reform_v clergy_n and_o laity_n and_o depress_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n insomuch_o that_o hooker_n a_o very_a learned_a protestant_n plead_v strong_o for_o submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o decree_n of_o general_a counsel_n tell_v those_o that_o be_v otherwise_o politic._n in_o the_o pres_n to_o hisâ—ccl_n â—ccl_z politic._n mind_v that_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n they_o have_v not_o know_v go_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n reason_n and_o holy_a writ_n and_o as_o i_o remember_v give_v instance_n in_o the_o first_o council_n celebrate_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o pattern_n of_o what_o be_v to_o follow_v who_o decree_n put_v to_o silence_v all_o former_a doubt_n and_o disputation_n every_o christian_a obey_v without_o the_o least_o scruple_n to_o be_v mislead_v by_o they_o and_o with_o all_o readiness_n as_o if_o god_n himself_o have_v speak_v to_o they_o and_o questionless_a the_o divine_a providence_n thus_o order_v that_o this_o main_a point_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o counsel_n shall_v as_o well_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o world_n by_o apostolical_a practice_n as_o precept_n that_o with_o great_a evidence_n they_o may_v know_v who_o and_o what_o to_o follow_v when_o question_n about_o christian_a doctrine_n do_v arise_v and_o that_o after_o the_o definitive_a sentence_n of_o that_o supreme_a judicature_n all_o wrangling_n be_v to_o cease_v and_o they_o have_v then_o nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o obey_v in_o the_o century_n immediate_o succeed_v though_o satan_n missioner_n be_v spread_v false_a doctrine_n to_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n and_o perturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o no_o ecumenical_a synod_n can_v be_v celebrate_v by_o reason_n of_o those_o general_a persecution_n which_o hale_v the_o christian_n to_o their_o martyrdom_n as_o far_o and_o wide_o as_o the_o vast_a roman_a empire_n have_v arm_n to_o do_v it_o and_o indeed_o all_o that_o while_o the_o blood_n of_o those_o noble_a army_n of_o glorious_a martyr_n speak_v as_o love_v and_o as_o powerful_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o decree_n of_o live_a confessor_n can_v have_v do_v supply_v as_o it_o be_v in_o that_o extraordinary_a manner_n what_o these_o have_v a_o constant_a power_n and_o will_n also_o to_o perform_v but_o no_o convenience_n to_o put_v in_o execution_n however_o they_o meet_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v and_o take_v the_o best_a course_n those_o sad_a time_n will_v permit_v to_o kill_v soul-destroying_a heresy_n and_o keep_v true_a faith_n and_o unity_n alive_a in_o the_o christian_a church_n afterward_o in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n that_o great_a and_o glorious_a emperor_n the_o first_o public_a nurse_n father_n of_o his_o catholic_n mother_n when_o arianism_n have_v instill_a its_o poison_n into_o the_o vein_n of_o many_o christian_a bishop_n or_o antichristian_a rather_o and_o so_o diffuse_v its_o contagion_n into_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n by_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o first_o ecumenical_a and_o most_o famous_a synod_n be_v celebrate_v at_o nicaea_n in_o bythinia_n 327._o ann._n ch._n 327._o to_o provide_v a_o antidote_n against_o his_o venomous_a infection_n where_o after_o most_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o debate_n the_o consubstantiality_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o the_o eternal_a father_n be_v define_v and_o declare_v by_o the_o council_n to_o be_v of_o faith_n against_o the_o arch-heretick_n arius_n and_o all_o his_o follower_n and_o the_o prime_a end_n for_o which_o general_a council_n be_v institute_v and_o endow_v with_o this_o supreme_a judiciary_n power_n be_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n by_o the_o authoritative_a condemnation_n of_o encroach_a heresy_n the_o next_o ecumenical_a synod_n celebrate_v at_o constantinople_n against_o macedonius_n and_o 381._o ann._n ch._n 381._o who_o he_o have_v teach_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n to_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n 431._o ann._n ch._n 431._o the_o next_o at_o ephesus_n where_o nestorius_n the_o patriarch_n of_o constantinople_n with_o his_o adherent_n be_v condemn_v for_o distract_n christ_n into_o two_o person_n and_o the_o four_o at_o chalcedon_n against_o the_o eutychian_o for_o contract_a christ_n into_o one_o nature_n 451._o ann._n ch._n 451._o and_o so_o other_o in_o follow_v age_n to_o our_o present_a time_n be_v call_v on_o emergent_a occasion_n to_o determine_v and_o declare_v to_o all_o christian_n what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o sufficient_o reveal_v by_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o like_a practice_n will_v be_v to_o the_o world_n end_n when_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n require_v it_o yet_o not_o as_o make_v new_a substantial_a creed_n or_o precise_a article_n of_o faith_n not_o before_o in_o be_v for_o that_o will_v require_v new_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n which_o catholic_n pretend_v not_o to_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v a_o perfect_a lawgiver_n by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n but_o only_o declare_v and_o explicate_v what_o already_o be_v reveal_v when_o call_v in_o question_n for_o the_o definitive_a sentence_n of_o a_o general_n council_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n include_v and_o presuppose_v a_o universal_a tradition_n of_o that_o doctrine_n and_o be_v but_o a_o public_a authoratative_a and_o more_o explicit_a declaration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o what_o the_o church_n hold_v upon_o that_o tenure_n when_o any_o contradictor_n endeavour_v to_o rob_v we_o of_o our_o holy_a faith_n for_o catholic_n faith_n always_o be_v the_o same_o although_o the_o evidence_n and_o verbal_a notion_n of_o that_o faith_n be_v not_o always_o alike_o nor_o be_v it_o material_a so_o they_o be_v but_o sound_a and_o agreeable_a to_o tradition_n yea_o sometime_o word_n never_o before_o in_o ecclesiastical_a use_n be_v accept_v by_o general_a council_n into_o the_o church_n language_n to_o express_v her_o immutable_a faith_n as_o circumstance_n than_o require_v for_o the_o more_o efficacious_a redress_n of_o present_a evil_n and_o prevent_v all_o mistake_n of_o that_o nature_n for_o the_o future_a even_o in_o the_o earnest_a understanding_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n catholic_n know_v assure_o what_o to_o hold_v and_o stick_v close_a to_o in_o point_n controvert_v can_v not_o be_v circumvent_v by_o the_o subtle_a insinuation_n and_o wily_a expression_n of_o heretic_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v the_o unwary_a and_o insensible_o