the_o letter_n write_v by_o the_o last_o assembly_n general_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o france_n to_o the_o protestant_n invite_v they_o to_o return_v to_o their_o communion_n together_o with_o the_o method_n propose_v by_o they_o for_o their_o conviction_n translate_v into_o english_a and_o examine_v by_o gilbert_n burnet_n d._n d._n london_n print_v for_o richard_n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o s._n paul_n churchyard_n m_o dc_o lxxxiii_o the_o preface_n the_o fate_n of_o most_o that_o answer_v any_o particular_a book_n or_o treatise_n be_v such_o that_o one_o may_v be_v just_o discourage_v from_o undertake_v it_o for_o beside_o the_o great_a trouble_n the_o answerer_n be_v put_v to_o in_o follow_v his_o author_n in_o all_o his_o digression_n and_o perhaps_o impertinence_n and_o the_o small_a game_n he_o be_v often_o engage_v in_o about_o some_o ill-sounding_a expression_n or_o some_o misunderstand_v period_n the_o issue_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n in_o matter_n 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evidence_n of_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n from_o which_o they_o deduce_v they_o 5._o since_o those_o of_o that_o communion_n object_n a_o national_a synod_n to_o the_o protestant_n this_o may_v be_v turn_v back_o on_o they_o with_o great_a advantage_n in_o some_o point_n establish_v by_o council_n which_o they_o esteem_v not_o only_a general_n but_o infallible_a in_o the_o three_o council_n of_o the_o lateran_n it_o be_v decree_v that_o all_o prince_n who_o favour_a heretic_n do_v forfeit_v their_o right_n and_o a_o plenary_a indulgence_n be_v grant_v to_o all_o that_o fight_v against_o they_o in_o the_o four_o council_n at_o the_o same_o place_n it_o be_v decree_v that_o the_o pope_n may_v not_o only_o declare_v this_o forfeiture_n but_o absolve_v the_o subject_n from_o their_o oath_n of_o obedience_n and_o transfer_v their_o dominion_n upon_o other_o in_o the_o first_o council_n at_o lion_n they_o join_v with_o the_o pope_n in_o thunder_v the_o sentence_n of_o deposition_n 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be_v that_o of_o which_o s._n austin_n make_v most_o frequent_a use_n against_o the_o donatist_n and_o chief_o in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o his_o epistle_n of_o which_o the_o most_o remarkable_a passage_n relate_v to_o this_o matter_n be_v gather_v together_o by_o the_o late_a archbishop_n of_o roven_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o apology_n for_o the_o gospel_n in_o which_o he_o handle_v this_o matter_n excellent_o well_o one_o may_v add_v to_o this_o method_n the_o maxim_n of_o which_o tertullian_n make_v use_v in_o his_o treatise_n of_o prescription_n against_o the_o heretic_n and_o also_o vincentius_n lyrinensis_n in_o his_o advice_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o those_o two_o treatise_n may_v satisfy_v any_o that_o will_v read_v they_o without_o prepossession_n in_o order_n to_o their_o form_v a_o just_a judgement_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o all_o those_o society_n that_o will_v usurp_v that_o name_n remark_n this_o method_n be_v so_o common_a that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n in_o any_o sort_n to_o give_v mr._n maimbourg_n the_o honour_n of_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o the_o assembly_n intend_v to_o do_v he_o this_o public_a honour_n to_o balance_v his_o disgrace_n at_o rome_n but_o let_v we_o examine_v it_o 1._o this_o assert_n that_o no_o other_o church_n have_v a_o perpetual_a succession_n without_o interruption_n but_o that_o which_o derive_v it_o from_o rome_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o what_o every_o one_o know_v that_o mr._n maimbourg_n be_v certain_o inspire_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o order_n when_o he_o write_v it_o do_v not_o all_o the_o greek_a church_n and_o all_o the_o church_n that_o have_v their_o ordination_n from_o they_o all_o from_o the_o northern_a empire_n of_o muscovy_n to_o the_o southern_a of_o the_o abassine_n together_o with_o all_o those_o in_o the_o east_n derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n by_o a_o uninterrupted_a series_n for_o till_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v prove_v which_o be_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n their_o be_v declare_v schismatic_n or_o heretic_n by_o it_o do_v not_o interrupt_v this_o succession_n 2._o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v the_o same_o succession_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v in_o gregory_n the_o great_a be_v time_n to_o wave_v the_o more_o ancient_a pretension_n of_o the_o british_a church_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o this_o church_n be_v bind_v by_o one_o of_o their_o sponsion_n make_v at_o their_o consecration_n according_a to_o the_o roman_a pontifical_a to_o instruct_v their_o flock_n in_o the_o true_a faith_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o make_v good_a this_o promise_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v pretend_v that_o they_o have_v thereupon_o forfeit_v their_o order_n and_o by_o consequence_n their_o succession_n 3._o the_o succession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v uninterrupted_a if_o either_o heresy_n or_o schism_n can_v cut_v it_o off_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o felix_n liberius_n and_o honorius_n to_o name_v no_o more_o be_v heretic_n and_o if_o ordination_n by_o schismatic_n or_o unlawful_a usurper_n be_v to_o be_v annul_v which_o be_v judge_v in_o the_o case_n of_o photius_n and_o be_v often_o practise_v at_o rome_n than_o the_o many_o schism_n and_o unjust_a usurpation_n that_o have_v be_v in_o that_o see_v will_v make_v the_o succession_n of_o their_o order_n the_o most_o disputable_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v especial_o during_o that_o schism_n that_o last_v almost_o forty_o year_n all_o the_o church_n of_o that_o communion_n have_v derive_v their_o order_n from_o one_o or_o other_o of_o the_o pope_n and_o if_o the_o pope_n at_o avignon_n be_v the_o usurper_n then_o let_v the_o gallican_n church_n see_v how_o they_o can_v justify_v the_o series_n of_o their_o ordination_n to_o all_o which_o may_v be_v add_v the_o impossibility_n of_o prove_v a_o true_a succession_n in_o order_n if_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrament_n depend_v on_o the_o intention_n of_o he_o who_o officiate_n since_o secret_a intention_n be_v only_o know_v to_o god_n 4._o the_o ground_n on_o which_o the_o donatist_n separate_v from_o the_o orthodox_n church_n be_v at_o first_o found_v on_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v of_o the_o pretend_a irregularity_n of_o those_o who_o ordain_v cecilian_n which_o they_o afterward_o defend_v upon_o this_o that_o the_o church_n can_v be_v only_o compose_v of_o good_a man_n and_o that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v of_o no_o virtue_n when_o dispense_v by_o ill_a hand_n all_o that_o s._n austin_n say_v be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o this_o hypothesis_n against_o which_o he_o argue_v and_o it_o be_v once_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o corrupt_v neither_o in_o doctrine_n nor_o worship_n we_o be_v very_o ready_a
from_o that_o which_o animate_v the_o church_n in_o the_o former_a and_o best_a age_n the_o reverend_a prelate_n say_v in_o their_o letter_n that_o they_o hold_v the_o same_o faith_n with_o their_o predecessor_n if_o this_o be_v true_a in_o all_o point_n it_o be_v indeed_o very_o hard_o to_o write_v a_o apology_n for_o those_o that_o have_v separate_v from_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o engage_v in_o a_o long_a discussion_n of_o the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n of_o the_o gallican_n church_n yet_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v not_o be_v too_o much_o wrought_v on_o by_o the_o confidence_n and_o plausibleness_n of_o this_o expressionâ—_n i_o shall_v only_o give_v a_o taste_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o first_o of_o all_o the_o gallican_n clergy_n who_o work_n be_v yet_o preserve_v and_o that_o be_v irenaeus_n i_o shall_v instance_n it_o in_o two_o particular_n the_o one_o be_v the_o hinge_n upon_o which_o all_o our_o other_o controversy_n turn_v that_o be_v whether_o the_o scripture_n or_o oral_a tradition_n be_v to_o be_v appeal_v to_o for_o determine_v matter_n of_o controversy_n the_o other_o be_v the_o most_o material_a point_n in_o difference_n among_o we_o concern_v the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n 5._o whether_o in_o it_o we_o real_o receive_v the_o substance_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n or_o only_o the_o accident_n as_o to_o the_o first_o he_o direct_o appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n which_o he_o say_v be_v the_o pillar_n â—nd_v ground_n of_o truth_n and_o add_v that_o the_o valentinian_o do_v appeal_v to_o oral_a tradition_n from_o which_o he_o â—urns_v to_o that_o tradition_n that_o be_v come_v from_o the_o apostle_n on_o which_o he_o insist_o very_o copious_o and_o put_v all_o the_o authority_n of_o tradition_n in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o say_v that_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v nothing_o in_o write_v we_o must_v then_o have_v follow_v the_o order_n of_o 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and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o conclude_v that_o our_o flesh_n by_o the_o sacrament_n have_v a_o assurance_n of_o its_o resurrection_n and_o incorruptibility_n more_o particular_o he_o say_v our_o blood_n be_v increase_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o he_o increase_v our_o body_n by_o that_o bread_n which_o he_o have_v confirm_v to_o be_v his_o body_n and_o that_o by_o these_o the_o substance_n of_o our_o body_n be_v increase_v and_o from_o thence_o he_o argue_v that_o our_o body_n receive_v a_o increase_v not_o by_o any_o internal_a or_o invisible_a way_n but_o in_o the_o natural_a way_n of_o nourishment_n and_o so_o conclude_v that_o our_o body_n be_v nourish_v by_o the_o eucharist_n shall_v therefore_o rise_v again_o every_o one_o that_o consider_v the_o force_n of_o these_o word_n must_v conclude_v that_o he_o believe_v our_o body_n receive_v in_o the_o sacrament_n a_o real_a substance_n which_o nourish_v they_o and_o not_o bare_a accident_n if_o then_o upon_o this_o essay_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o first_o writer_n of_o all_o gallican_n bishop_n do_v agree_v with_o the_o protestant_n both_o in_o that_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v their_o whole_a cause_n and_o also_o in_o that_o particular_a opinion_n which_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n than_o the_o reader_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o present_a bishop_n of_o france_n hold_v the_o same_o faith_n which_o their_o predecessor_n teach_v who_o first_o preach_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o that_o kingdom_n but_o now_o i_o come_v to_o answer_v the_o main_a question_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o the_o letter_n why_o have_v they_o make_v the_o schism_n if_o such_o a_o letter_n with_o such_o a_o demand_n in_o it_o have_v come_v from_o the_o abassin_n or_o armenian_a church_n or_o perhaps_o from_o the_o greek_a church_n who_o distance_n from_o we_o be_v such_o and_o the_o oppression_n they_o groan_v under_o be_v so_o extreme_a that_o they_o have_v little_a heart_n and_o few_o opportunity_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o affair_n or_o opinion_n of_o other_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v think_v strange_a but_o to_o hear_v it_o from_o these_o among_o who_o those_o live_v who_o have_v so_o often_o both_o in_o write_n and_o discourse_n answer_v this_o question_n so_o copious_o be_v real_o somewhat_o unaccountable_a yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o but_o it_o be_v add_v that_o the_o protestant_n upon_o trial_n find_v they_o can_v not_o shake_v their_o doctrine_n have_v charge_v they_o only_o for_o their_o ill_a life_n as_o if_o that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o separation_n this_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v have_v better_o become_v the_o affect_a eloquence_n of_o a_o maimbourg_n than_o the_o sincerity_n of_o so_o many_o eminent_a man_n of_o who_o the_o mild_a censure_n that_o can_v be_v pass_v in_o this_o particular_a be_v that_o some_o aspire_a priest_n be_v appoint_v to_o pen_v this_o letter_n that_o be_v better_o accustom_v to_o the_o figure_n of_o a_o clamorous_a rhetoric_n than_o the_o strict_a measure_n of_o truth_n give_v it_o this_o turn_n hope_v to_o recommend_v himself_o by_o it_o and_o that_o the_o bishop_n sign_v it_o in_o haste_n without_o consider_v it_o well_o who_o of_o all_o the_o protestant_n have_v make_v that_o experiment_n and_o find_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o to_o be_v attack_v and_o that_o she_o can_v only_o be_v accuse_v for_o the_o ill_a life_n of_o some_o in_o her_o communion_n if_o this_o be_v all_o we_o have_v to_o object_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o all_o that_o the_o father_n retort_v on_o the_o schismatic_n particular_o the_o donatist_n do_v very_o just_o fall_v on_o we_o and_o that_o we_o can_v neither_o answer_v it_o to_o god_n to_o the_o world_n nor_o our_o own_o conscience_n if_o we_o have_v separate_v from_o their_o church_n on_o no_o other_o account_n and_o this_o be_v indeed_o so_o weak_a a_o plea_n that_o the_o penner_n of_o the_o letter_n show_v his_o skill_n at_o least_o if_o he_o be_v want_v in_o his_o sincerity_n to_o set_v up_o a_o pretence_n which_o he_o know_v he_o can_v easy_o overthrow_v though_o the_o reason_n he_o bring_v to_o overthrow_v it_o be_v not_o all_o pertinent_a nor_o convince_a but_o this_o in_o conclusion_n be_v so_o manage_v as_o to_o draw_v a_o occasion_n from_o it_o to_o compliment_v the_o present_a pope_n some_o way_n to_o make_v a_o amends_o for_o their_o take_a part_n with_o their_o king_n against_o he_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v say_v on_o this_o head_n be_v that_o protestant_n be_v not_o so_o unjust_a as_o to_o deny_v the_o pope_n that_o now_o reign_v his_o due_a praise_n of_o who_o virtue_n and_o strictness_n of_o life_n they_o hear_v such_o account_n that_o they_o hearty_o wish_v all_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o clergy_n from_o the_o precedent_n down_o to_o the_o secretary_n will_v imitate_v that_o excellent_a pattern_n that_o he_o set_v they_o a_o zeal_n for_o convert_v heretic_n do_v not_o very_o well_o become_v those_o who_o course_n of_o life_n have_v not_o be_v so_o exemplary_a that_o this_o can_v be_v impute_v to_o a_o inward_a sense_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o motive_n of_o divine_a charity_n but_o in_o this_o point_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n life_n we_o may_v add_v two_o thing_n more_o material_a the_o one_o be_v if_o a_o church_n teach_v ill_a moral_n or_o at_o least_o connive_n at_o such_o casuistical_a doctrine_n as_o must_v certain_o root_v out_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o common_a goodness_n out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n than_o their_o ill_a moral_n may_v be_v improve_v to_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n for_o a_o separation_n from_o they_o how_o much_o the_o casuistical_a doctrine_n of_o those_o
and_o they_o be_v the_o affirmative_a and_o since_o all_o negative_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n prove_v themselves_o it_o fall_v to_o their_o share_n to_o prove_v those_o addition_n which_o they_o have_v make_v to_o our_o faith_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n 3._o though_o this_o be_v a_o sure_a maxim_n yet_o our_o plea_n be_v strong_a for_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n teach_v by_o they_o against_o the_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n as_o their_o worship_a image_n their_o noâ—_n drink_v all_o of_o the_o cup_n their_o worship_v of_o angel_n their_o not_o worship_v god_n in_o a_o tongue_n which_o the_o unlearned_a understand_v and_o to_o which_o they_o can_v say_v amen_n their_o set_n up_o more_o mediatoâ—â—_n between_o god_n and_o we_o than_o one_o whereas_o s._n paul_n exhort_v we_o to_o make_v prayerâ—_n to_o god_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v one_o mediator_n which_o show_v that_o he_o speak_v there_o his_o single_a intercession_n with_o god_n on_o our_o behalf_n 4._o we_o do_v not_o only_o build_v our_o doctrine_n upon_o some_o few_o passage_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o which_o perhaps_o a_o critical_a writer_n may_v easy_o raise_v much_o dust_n but_o upon_o that_o in_o which_o we_o can_v be_v so_o easy_o mistake_v which_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n and_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n which_o we_o believe_v be_v reverse_v in_o their_o church_n by_o the_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n that_o be_v in_o it_o 5._o as_o for_o the_o particular_n which_o they_o call_v on_o we_o to_o prove_v as_o they_o be_v very_o few_o so_o scarce_o any_o of_o they_o be_v of_o the_o great_a consequence_n the_o first_o be_v a_o speculative_a point_n about_o which_o we_o will_v never_o have_v break_v communion_n with_o they_o for_o the_o second_o that_o we_o receive_v christ_n only_o by_o faith_n if_o the_o three_o be_v true_a that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v still_o bread_n then_o that_o must_v be_v also_o true_a now_o s._n paul_n call_v it_o so_o four_o several_a time_n as_o also_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o cup_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n as_o for_o our_o deny_v purgatory_n it_o be_v a_o negative_a and_o they_o must_v prove_v it_o nor_o shall_v we_o have_v break_a communion_n for_o their_o opinion_n concern_v it_o if_o they_o have_v not_o add_v to_o that_o the_o redeem_n soul_n out_o of_o it_o with_o mass_n by_o which_o the_o worship_n be_v corrupt_v contrary_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o for_o the_o last_o in_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o many_o of_o they_o assert_v it_o we_o do_v not_o raise_v any_o controversy_n about_o it_o for_o we_o know_v that_o god_n reward_v our_o good_a work_n or_o rather_o crown_v his_o own_o grace_n in_o we_o the_o five_o method_n be_v the_o peaceable_a method_n and_o without_o dispute_v found_v on_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n which_o all_o the_o pretend_a reform_a church_n of_o france_n have_v receive_v and_o which_o have_v define_v according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o when_o there_o be_v a_o dispute_n concern_v any_o controvert_v article_n between_o two_o party_n that_o be_v both_o within_o the_o true_a church_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o that_o he_o who_o refuse_v to_o submit_v himself_o become_v guilty_a of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n now_o if_o we_o will_v run_v back_o to_o the_o time_n in_o which_o the_o dispute_n begin_v concern_v any_o article_n for_o instance_n that_o of_o the_o real_a presence_n both_o the_o party_n in_o thâ—_n debate_n as_o well_o the_o ancestor_n of_o those_o of_o the_o p._n r._n religion_n as_o we_o be_v in_o thâ—_n same_o church_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o before_o the_o separation_n which_o be_v not_o then_o make_v then_o their_o ancestor_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v separate_v from_o she_o on_o no_o other_o account_n but_o because_o she_o have_v condemn_v their_o sentiment_n be_v schismatic_n and_o heretic_n and_o those_o who_o at_o this_o day_n succeed_v they_o be_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n guilty_a since_o they_o follow_v their_o opinion_n and_o to_o this_o they_o can_v make_v no_o other_o answer_n but_o that_o which_o the_o heretic_n that_o have_v be_v condemn_v in_o all_o age_n may_v have_v make_v this_o method_n be_v prove_v in_o all_o its_o part_n in_o the_o little_a treatise_n that_o have_v be_v make_v about_o it_o remark_n it_o be_v not_o unwise_o do_v to_o call_v this_o a_o method_n that_o be_v to_o pass_v without_o dispute_n for_o it_o will_v not_o bear_v one_o and_o 1._o there_o be_v this_o difference_n between_o the_o principle_n of_o protestant_n and_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o whereas_o the_o latter_a be_v bind_v to_o justify_v whatever_o have_v be_v decree_v in_o a_o general_n council_n as_o a_o rule_n either_o of_o faith_n or_o manner_n the_o sormer_n be_v not_o so_o tie_v and_o much_o less_o be_v they_o bind_v by_o the_o decision_n of_o a_o national_a council_n though_o never_o so_o solemn_a it_o be_v natural_a for_o all_o judicatories_n to_o raise_v their_o own_o authority_n as_o high_a as_o they_o can_v and_o so_o if_o any_o synod_n have_v make_v any_o such_o declaration_n it_o lie_v on_o they_o to_o justify_v it_o but_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o who_o have_v separate_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o it_o 2._o the_o principle_n of_o protestant_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o majority_n even_o in_o a_o general_n council_n be_v that_o when_o any_o doctrine_n be_v establish_v or_o condemn_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n those_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o do_v think_v â—hat_n the_o council_n misunderstand_v the_o scripture_n be_v bind_v to_o suspect_v themselves_o a_o little_a and_o to_o review_v the_o matter_n with_o great_a application_n and_o not_o to_o adhere_v to_o their_o former_a opinion_n out_o of_o pride_n or_o obstinacy_n they_o be_v also_o bind_v to_o consider_v well_o of_o their_o opinion_n though_o they_o appear_v still_o to_o be_v true_a yet_o if_o â—hey_n be_v of_o that_o importance_n that_o the_o publish_v they_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o unless_o it_o be_v so_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v rend_v by_o they_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v require_v to_o profess_v that_o they_o believe_v opinion_n which_o they_o think_v false_a if_o tâ—ey_n be_v never_o so_o inconsiderable_a no_o man_n ought_v to_o go_v against_o his_o conscience_n but_o if_o a_o man_n after_o his_o strict_a inquiry_n be_v still_o persuade_v that_o a_o council_n have_v decree_v against_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o point_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o he_o must_v prefer_v god_n to_o man_n and_o follow_v the_o sound_a though_o it_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o much_o lesser_a party_n and_o if_o any_o company_n or_o synod_n of_o protestant_n have_v decree_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o this_o in_o so_o far_o they_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o protestant_a principle_n 3._o difference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v also_o between_o heresy_n and_o schism_n in_o a_o legal_a and_o a_o vulgar_a sense_n and_o what_o be_v true_o such_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n the_o sentence_n of_o a_o supreme_a court_n from_o which_o there_o lie_v no_o appeal_n make_v one_o legal_o a_o criminal_a but_o if_o he_o be_v innocent_a he_o be_v not_o the_o less_o innocent_a because_o a_o hard_a sentence_n be_v pass_v against_o he_o so_o heresy_n and_o schism_n may_v take_v their_o denomination_n from_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o national_a or_o general_a council_n but_o in_o that_o which_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o word_n that_o make_v they_o criminal_a heresy_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o obstinate_a persist_v in_o error_n contrary_a to_o divine_a revelation_n after_o one_o have_v have_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o schism_n be_v a_o ill_a ground_a separation_n from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n so_o it_o must_v be_v the_o divine_a revelation_n and_o not_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o synod_n that_o can_v prove_v one_o who_o hold_v contrary_a opinion_n to_o be_v a_o heretic_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o separation_n must_v be_v likewise_o examine_v before_o one_o can_v be_v conclude_v a_o schismatic_a 4._o though_o the_o conclusion_n and_o definition_n make_v by_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n be_v perhaps_o general_o receive_v in_o france_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o bind_v they_o up_o to_o subscribe_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v assert_v in_o that_o synod_n nor_o do_v they_o find_v their_o assent_n to_o those_o opinion_n on_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o synod_n but_o upon_o the_o
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the_o six_o and_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n when_o no_o persecution_n provoke_v they_o to_o they_o and_o no_o law_n give_v they_o any_o colour_n for_o they_o be_v a_o much_o strong_a prejudice_n against_o their_o church_n chief_o since_o these_o be_v set_v on_o by_o the_o authority_n and_o agent_n of_o rome_n so_o that_o they_o may_v well_o give_v over_o the_o pursue_v this_o matter_n any_o further_o as_o for_o the_o argument_n set_v before_o they_o from_o the_o greatness_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o king_n and_o his_o zeal_n to_o have_v all_o again_o reunite_v into_o one_o body_n how_o powerful_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v to_o work_v upon_o their_o fear_n and_o to_o touch_v they_o in_o their_o secular_a concern_v it_o can_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o argument_n to_o work_v on_o their_o reason_n they_o express_v their_o zeal_n for_o their_o king_n in_o his_o great_a extremity_n while_o he_o be_v under_o age_n and_o after_o all_o the_o heavy_a return_n that_o they_o have_v meet_v with_o 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beside_o that_o they_o have_v not_o have_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o their_o separate_n from_o she_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o none_o of_o all_o the_o other_o point_n of_o our_o belief_n that_o be_v controvert_v be_v either_o of_o great_a importance_n or_o hard_a to_o be_v believe_v than_o this_o which_o have_v be_v ever_o esteem_v even_o by_o themselves_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a ground_n of_o their_o separation_n and_o be_v that_o by_o which_o the_o people_n be_v most_o amuse_v as_o for_o that_o which_o the_o minister_n dailee_n say_v for_o elude_v the_o force_n of_o this_o objection_n that_o the_o lutheran_n do_v not_o adore_v jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v altogether_o unreasonable_a coena_fw-la since_o calvin_n himself_o reprove_v the_o lutheran_n for_o that_o and_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o adoration_n be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o real_a presence_n what_o be_v more_o strange_a say_v he_o than_o to_o put_v jesus_n christ_n 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maximianist_n who_o they_o have_v former_o condemn_v it_o be_v in_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n hold_v under_o anastasius_n that_o the_o father_n use_v this_o against_o those_o heretic_n and_o in_o the_o four_o canon_n they_o set_v this_o before_o they_o 4._o that_o they_o may_v see_v if_o they_o will_v but_o open_v their_o eye_n a_o little_a to_o the_o divine_a light_n that_o they_o have_v as_o unjust_o â—ut_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o maximianist_n according_a to_o what_o they_o say_v have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o their_o communion_n remark_n if_o cardinal_n richelieu_n have_v not_o â—een_n a_o able_a statesman_n than_o as_o it_o appear_v by_o this_o argument_n he_o be_v a_o divine_a the_o prince_n of_o europe_n will_v not_o have_v such_o cause_n as_o they_o have_v at_o present_a to_o dread_v the_o growth_n of_o the_o french_a monarchy_n of_o which_o he_o lay_v the_o best_a and_o strong_a foundation_n it_o be_v a_o common_a 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be_v error_n in_o which_o the_o person_n that_o hold_v they_o be_v only_o concern_v whereas_o the_o other_o error_n become_v more_o fruitful_a they_o corrupt_v the_o worship_n they_o give_v scandal_n and_o infect_v other_o therefore_o we_o will_v without_o scruple_n own_o that_o whether_o a_o man_n believe_v consubstantiation_n or_o transubstantiation_n so_o long_o as_o that_o lie_v in_o his_o brain_n as_o a_o notion_n we_o may_v conclude_v he_o a_o very_a ill_a philosopher_n and_o a_o worse_a divine_a for_o hold_v it_o but_o still_o we_o will_v receive_v he_o to_o our_o communion_n that_o be_v a_o solemn_a stipulation_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n make_v with_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o therefore_o since_o such_o a_o person_n act_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o that_o covenant_n we_o ought_v to_o admit_v he_o to_o it_o but_o idolatry_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n upon_o which_o that_o
if_o their_o absolution_n be_v think_v to_o have_v any_o other_o virtue_n in_o it_o than_o a_o give_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n with_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o term_n upon_o which_o god_n pardon_v sinner_n if_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o which_o so_o much_o depend_v according_a to_o their_o principle_n be_v so_o entire_o in_o the_o priest_n power_n that_o he_o can_v defeat_v it_o when_o he_o please_v with_o a_o cross_a intention_n so_o that_o all_o man_n hope_n of_o another_o state_n shall_v depend_v on_o the_o priest_n good_a disposition_n to_o they_o by_o which_o every_o man_n must_v know_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o purchase_v their_o favour_n at_o any_o rate_n if_o likewise_o they_o pretend_v to_o a_o immunity_n from_o the_o secular_a judge_n and_o do_v all_o enter_v into_o oath_n which_o centre_n in_o he_o who_o they_o acknowledge_v their_o common_a head_n who_o authority_n they_o have_v advance_v above_o all_o the_o power_n on_o earth_n so_o that_o he_o can_v depose_v prince_n and_o give_v away_o his_o dominion_n to_o other_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o all_o these_o have_v such_o character_n of_o interest_n and_o ambition_n on_o they_o and_o be_v so_o little_a like_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n or_o indeed_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o religion_n that_o a_o man_n be_v very_o partial_a who_o do_v not_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o suspect_v such_o proceed_n and_o a_o church_n that_o hold_v such_o doctrine_n 3._o it_o be_v likewise_o reasonable_a to_o suspect_v any_o church_n that_o hold_v many_o opinion_n that_o tend_v much_o to_o a_o vast_a increase_n of_o their_o wealth_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o great_a treasure_n of_o the_o world_n into_o their_o hand_n the_o power_n of_o redeem_v soul_n out_o of_o purgatory_n have_v bring_v more_o wealth_n into_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o indies_n have_v do_v to_o the_o crown_n of_o spain_n such_o also_o be_v the_o power_n of_o pardon_v and_o of_o exchange_v penance_n for_o money_n by_o which_o the_o world_n know_v the_o price_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o rate_n at_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v compound_v for_o the_o pope_n power_n of_o grant_v indulgence_n the_o virtue_n of_o pilgrimage_n the_o communication_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o order_n to_o such_o as_o put_v on_o their_o habit_n and_o in_o a_o word_n the_o whole_a authority_n that_o the_o câ—â—râ—_n of_o rome_n have_v assume_v in_o these_o latter_a age_n that_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o revenue_n be_v all_o such_o evident_a indication_n of_o particular_a end_n and_o private_a design_n that_o he_o must_v be_v very_o much_o wed_v to_o his_o first_o impression_n that_o do_v not_o upon_o this_o suspect_n that_o matter_n have_v not_o be_v so_o fair_o carry_v among_o they_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v doubt_v which_o be_v define_v by_o they_o 4._o it_o be_v a_o very_a just_a cause_n of_o suspect_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v manage_v by_o a_o company_n of_o priest_n if_o they_o have_v for_o several_a age_n carry_v on_o their_o design_n by_o the_o foul_a method_n of_o forgery_n and_o imposture_n of_o which_o they_o themselves_o be_v now_o both_o convince_v and_o ashamed_a when_o the_o pope_n authority_n be_v build_v on_o a_o pretend_a collection_n of_o the_o letter_n which_o the_o pope_n of_o the_o first_o age_n after_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v write_v and_o their_o assume_v jurisdiction_n be_v justify_v by_o those_o precedent_n which_o be_v now_o by_o themselves_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v forgery_n when_o the_o pope_n temporal_a dominion_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o donation_n of_o constantine_n of_o charles_n the_o great_a and_o his_o son_n lewis_n the_o good_a which_o appear_v now_o to_o be_v notorious_a forgery_n when_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o saint_n of_o miracle_n vision_n and_o other_o wonderful_a thing_n be_v not_o only_o read_v and_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n but_o likewise_o be_v put_v into_o the_o collect_v and_o hymn_n use_v on_o their_o festival_n which_o wrought_v much_o on_o the_o simplicity_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o vulgar_a many_o of_o which_o be_v now_o prove_v to_o be_v such_o gross_a imposture_n that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o dash_v they_o out_o of_o their_o office_n and_o other_o against_o which_o there_o lie_v not_o such_o positive_a proof_n yet_o depend_v on_o the_o credit_n only_o of_o some_o legend_n write_v by_o some_o monk_n when_o many_o book_n pass_v over_o the_o world_n as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n which_o be_v but_o late_o write_v and_o many_o of_o their_o genuine_a write_n be_v gross_o vitiate_v when_o all_o those_o thing_n be_v become_v so_o evident_a that_o the_o most_o learned_a writer_n among_o themselves_o particular_o in_o the_o gallican_n church_n have_v not_o only_o yield_v to_o the_o proof_n bring_v by_o protestant_a writer_n in_o many_o of_o these_o particular_n but_o have_v with_o a_o very_a commendable_a zeal_n and_o sincerity_n make_v discovery_n themselves_o in_o several_a particular_n into_o which_o the_o other_o have_v not_o such_o advantage_n to_o penetrate_v there_o be_v upon_o all_o these_o ground_n good_a cause_n give_v to_o mistrust_v they_o in_o other_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o examine_v the_o assertion_n of_o that_o church_n with_o the_o severe_a rigour_n since_o a_o imposture_n once_o discover_v aught_o to_o bring_v a_o suspicion_n on_o all_o concern_v in_o it_o even_o as_o to_o all_o other_o thing_n 5._o there_o be_v likewise_o great_a reason_n to_o suspect_v all_o that_o be_v extreme_a fierce_a and_o violent_a that_o can_v endure_v the_o least_o contradiction_n but_o endeavour_v the_o ruin_n of_o all_o that_o oppose_v they_o truth_n make_v man_n both_o confident_a of_o its_o force_n and_o merciful_a towards_o such_o as_o do_v not_o yet_o receive_v it_o whereas_o error_n be_v jealous_a and_o cruel_a if_o then_o a_o church_n have_v decree_v that_o all_o heretic_n that_o be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o submit_v to_o all_o her_o decision_n be_v to_o be_v extirpate_v if_o she_o have_v bind_v all_o her_o bishop_n by_o oath_n at_o their_o ordination_n to_o persecute_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n rom._n if_o prince_n that_o do_v not_o extirpate_v they_o be_v first_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o their_o bishop_n and_o after_o a_o year_n contumacy_n be_v to_o be_v depose_v by_o the_o pope_n and_o their_o kingdom_n to_o be_v give_v away_o if_o all_o heretic_n upon_o obstinacy_n or_o relapse_n be_v to_o be_v burn_v and_o if_o they_o endeavour_v in_o all_o place_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o erect_v court_n of_o inquisition_n with_o a_o absolute_a authority_n in_o which_o churchman_n forget_v their_o character_n have_v vie_v in_o invention_n of_o torture_n and_o cruelty_n with_o the_o bloody_a tyrant_n that_o have_v ever_o be_v then_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o all_o these_o set_v together_o present_a the_o church_n that_o authorise_v and_o practise_v they_o with_o so_o dreadful_a a_o aspect_n so_o contrary_a to_o those_o bowel_n and_o tenderness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o merciful_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wonderful_a meekness_n of_o the_o author_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n that_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o under_o what_o form_n soever_o of_o religion_n such_o thing_n be_v set_v on_o foot_n in_o the_o world_n such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v so_o far_o from_o improve_n and_o exalt_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n that_o real_o it_o make_v he_o worse_o than_o he_o will_v otherwise_o be_v if_o he_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o softness_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v better_o there_o be_v no_o reveal_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n than_o that_o mankind_n shall_v become_v worse_o more_o cruel_a and_o more_o barbarous_a by_o its_o mean_n than_o it_o will_v be_v if_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o nature_n or_o a_o little_a philosophy_n upon_o all_o these_o ground_n lay_v together_o it_o be_v no_o unreasonable_a thing_n to_o conclude_v that_o a_o church_n liable_a to_o such_o imputation_n ought_v just_o to_o be_v suspect_v and_o that_o every_o one_o in_o it_o ought_v to_o examine_v well_o on_o what_o ground_n he_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o society_n of_o man_n against_o which_o such_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la lie_v so_o fair_o without_o the_o least_o strain_v or_o aggravate_v matter_n too_o much_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o my_o undertake_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o that_o church_n build_v be_v certain_o weak_a if_o not_o false_a and_o 1._o they_o boast_v much_o of_o a_o constant_a succession_n as_o the_o only_a infallible_a mark_n to_o judge_v of_o a_o church_n and_o