i_o this_o reason_n for_o his_o question_n namely_o that_o if_o neither_o i_o myself_o nor_o those_o who_o teach_v i_o that_o christianity_n be_v the_o only_a safe_a way_n to_o salvation_n and_o the_o only_a way_n in_o which_o heaven_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v be_v infallible_o certain_a or_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o mistake_n or_o may_v in_o any_o possibility_n commit_v a_o error_n in_o this_o thing_n then_o as_o to_o i_o christianity_n can_v be_v no_o more_o then_o probable_o true_a and_o we_o can_v with_o no_o colour_n of_o reason_n condemn_v the_o jew_n turk_n or_o pagan_a since_o they_o be_v as_o well_o persuade_v of_o their_o several_a way_n as_o we_o can_v be_v of_o we_o upon_o a_o fallible_a certainty_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v not_o have_v any_o infallible_a certainty_n for_o our_o christianity_n some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o we_o in_o the_o wrong_a way_n and_o how_o can_v you_o say_v to_o a_o jew_n you_o must_v become_v a_o christian_n if_o you_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v when_o as_o if_o he_o examine_v you_o strict_o and_o close_o in_o relation_n to_o what_o certaitny_n you_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n your_o answer_n will_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o you_o conceive_v you_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o you_o hope_v and_o believe_v you_o be_v not_o mistake_v but_o it_o be_v possible_a you_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o this_o for_o every_o man_n be_v a_o liar_n every_o man_n and_o all_o man_n and_o every_o church_n be_v fallible_a and_o subject_a to_o error_n and_o to_o be_v mistake_v can_v such_o argument_n as_o these_o invite_v a_o jew_n or_o turk_n to_o become_v a_o christian_a i_o confess_v i_o be_v extreme_o trouble_v with_o this_o first_o difficulty_n and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o answer_v it_o plain_o and_o without_o apparent_a shuffle_n and_o decline_v the_o question_n which_o i_o plain_o do_v by_o urge_v that_o if_o he_o intend_v to_o call_v the_o religion_n which_o christ_n establish_v in_o the_o world_n into_o question_n and_o to_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o the_o main_a and_o grand_a principle_n of_o christianity_n which_o we_o both_o of_o we_o agree_v to_o be_v true_a i_o shall_v treat_v no_o far_o and_o that_o if_o himself_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n religion_n i_o be_v not_o prepare_v to_o dispute_v the_o point_n this_o answer_n seem_v very_o strange_a even_o to_o myself_o but_o it_o seem_v more_o strange_a to_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v find_v myself_o gravel_v in_o such_o a_o question_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o every_o one_o to_o answer_v however_o my_o opponent_n use_v i_o gentle_o and_o sweet_o and_o without_o the_o least_o show_n of_o insult_v over_o my_o weakness_n he_o tell_v i_o that_o in_o reason_n i_o ought_v to_o answer_v this_o difficulty_n for_o reply_v he_o though_o it_o may_v be_v true_a and_o be_v most_o certain_o true_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o the_o true_a ground_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v be_v infallible_o certain_a and_o divine_a yet_o upon_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o you_o may_v find_v your_o beleif_n thereof_o it_o may_v possible_o not_o be_v true_a or_o certain_a as_o to_o you_o for_o example_n suppose_v you_o be_v tell_v a_o thing_n by_o a_o know_a or_o common_a perjure_a person_n and_o upon_o his_o word_n you_o believe_v it_o you_o can_v be_v certain_o assure_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a because_o such_o a_o infamous_a common_a notorious_a liar_n tell_v you_o so_o but_o the_o thing_n be_v real_o to_o you_o doubtful_a nay_o more_o probable_o false_a then_o true_a and_o yet_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o be_v true_a so_o if_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n one_o have_v believe_v christianity_n to_o be_v true_a not_o because_o the_o apostle_n teach_v he_o so_o but_o because_o simon_n magus_n affirm_v it_o to_o he_o in_o this_o case_n who_o see_v not_o that_o such_o a_o man_n faith_n have_v not_o be_v true_a but_o that_o the_o whole_a thing_n to_o he_o have_v be_v uncertain_a the_o belief_n of_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o wrong_a foundation_n which_o be_v no_o way_n certain_a from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o heretic_n can_v have_v true_a faith_n this_o i_o shall_v far_o prove_v in_o regard_n the_o contrary_n be_v a_o error_n broach_v public_o by_o mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o treatise_n against_o mr._n william_n johnson_n etc._n who_o have_v full_o silence_v mr._n baxter_n beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o reply_v with_o reason_n in_o relation_n to_o this_o particular_a the_o proof_n which_o i_o give_v be_v in_o this_o argument_n whosoever_o have_v true_a faith_n beleive_v the_o thing_n believe_v or_o the_o material_a object_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o god_n reveal_v it_o but_o no_o heretic_n beleive_v so_o therefore_o no_o heretic_n have_v true_a faith_n the_o major_n be_v grant_v by_o all_o because_o christian_a faith_n must_v rest_v upon_o god_n revelation_n as_o its_o formal_a object_n the_o minor_a be_v prove_v thus_o whosoever_o believe_v the_o material_a object_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o thing_n believe_v for_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o god_n reveal_v it_o must_v believe_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o sufficient_o propound_v to_o he_o to_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n as_o be_v those_o article_n which_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o must_v believe_v nothing_o as_o a_o revelation_n of_o god_n which_o be_v as_o sufficient_o declare_v to_o he_o to_o be_v erroneous_a or_o not_o a_o revelation_n as_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v reveal_v but_o every_o heretic_n either_o refuse_v to_o believe_v something_o which_o be_v so_o sufficient_o propound_v to_o he_o to_o be_v reveal_v from_o god_n or_o believe_v something_o as_o a_o revelation_n which_o be_v so_o sufficient_o declare_v to_o he_o to_o be_v erroneous_a or_o not_o reveal_v from_o god_n therefore_o no_o heretic_n have_v true_a faith_n the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o major_n be_v prove_v thus_o whosoever_o refuse_v to_o believe_v what_o be_v so_o sufficient_o propound_v to_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n either_o refuse_v all_o that_o be_v so_o propound_v or_o believe_v some_o thing_n and_o refuse_v to_o believe_v other_o as_o sufficient_o propound_v as_o those_o which_o he_o believe_v if_o he_o refuse_v all_o he_o can_v have_v no_o true_a faith_n for_o he_o believe_v nothing_o and_o be_v therefore_o no_o christian_a if_o he_o believe_v some_o and_o refuse_v other_o equal_o propound_v than_o he_o believe_v not_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v believe_v for_o the_o divine_a authority_n reveal_v for_o when_o two_o thing_n be_v equal_o propound_v to_o the_o understanding_n they_o ought_v to_o work_v equal_o upon_o it_o but_o upon_o his_o own_o wilful_a choice_n or_o private_a judgement_n refuse_v some_o and_o ascent_n to_o other_o as_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a major_n viz._n that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v true_a christian_a faith_n who_o believe_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o revelation_n which_o be_v as_o sufficient_o propound_v to_o he_o to_o be_v erroneous_a as_o the_o article_n by_o he_o believe_v be_v propound_v to_o be_v revelation_n the_o very_a same_o authority_n which_o affirm_v the_o one_o deny_v the_o other_o suppose_v the_o same_o authority_n acknowledge_v do_v sufficient_o propound_v to_o a_o calvenist_n the_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o reveal_v from_o god_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n assure_v he_o that_o his_o conceit_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o great_a antichrist_n be_v never_o reveal_v from_o god_n but_o be_v a_o manifest_a error_n in_o faith_n in_o this_o case_n our_o calvenist_n must_v disbeleive_v that_o propound_v authority_n and_o thereby_o lose_v his_o faith_n in_o the_o former_a article_n by_o he_o believe_v and_o have_v no_o true_a faith_n in_o the_o first_o or_o he_o must_v believe_v the_o same_o authority_n in_o the_o second_o because_o it_o be_v the_o same_o authority_n in_o both_o for_o that_o very_a authority_n which_o propound_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o reveal_v of_o god_n propound_v the_o other_o as_o not_o reveal_v and_o as_o contrary_a to_o god_n revelation_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o if_o your_o faith_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o wrong_a foundation_n it_o be_v of_o no_o value_n nor_o do_v it_o give_v you_o any_o certainty_n nor_o be_v it_o indeed_o faith_n but_o humour_n and_o opinion_n this_o discourse_n seem_v to_o i_o so_o convince_a that_o i_o can_v not_o but_o agree_v unto_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o tell_v he_o as_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o his_o first_o question_n that_o i_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o that_o sort_n of_o christianity_n to_o which_o i_o adhear_v in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o because_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v god_n word_n teach_v i_o so_o to_o
and_o treatise_n from_o whence_o i_o make_v several_a collection_n the_o head_n of_o which_o i_o recommend_v to_o your_o consideration_n they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v by_o the_o gracious_a assistance_n of_o almighty_a god_n such_o a_o prevail_a power_n upon_o my_o understanding_n as_o to_o convince_v i_o of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o way_n wherein_o i_o then_o be_v and_o to_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o christian_n faith_n i_o gather_v from_o the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o that_o text_n of_o scripture_n heb._n 11._o 6._o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o of_o that_o mar._n 16._o 16._o he_o that_o beleive_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o of_o that_o other_o ephes_n 4._o 5._o there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n and_o one_o baptism_n one_o lord_n jesus_n that_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o save_v i_o and_o by_o the_o which_o i_o be_v to_o please_v god_n must_v certain_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n which_o can_v be_v find_v in_o contrary_a opinion_n it_o be_v but_o one_o and_o of_o contrary_n one_o only_o can_v be_v true_a i_o also_o collect_v from_o that_o text_n 2._o cor._n 10._o 5._o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n that_o this_o faith_n or_o believe_v be_v to_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o understanding_n that_o the_o understanding_n be_v to_o submit_v not_o dispute_v and_o that_o this_o act_n to_o believe_v be_v a_o command_n or_o precept_n of_o almighty_a god_n who_o will_v have_v his_o will_n obey_v by_o all_o his_o subject_n and_o the_o not_o obey_v of_o which_o be_v punish_v with_o eternal_a damnation_n last_o i_o find_v from_o that_o text_n heb._n 10._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v that_o faith_n if_o true_o divine_a must_v be_v a_o infallible_a assent_n of_o our_o understanding_n submit_v itself_o obedient_o to_o believe_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n for_o otherwise_o faith_n and_o consequent_o all_o religion_n may_v be_v no_o more_o than_o fancy_n or_o opinion_n and_o then_o no_o way_n certain_a and_o if_o so_o than_o no_o obligation_n from_o whence_o i_o think_v it_o do_v very_o natural_o follow_v first_o that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n by_o which_o we_o may_v know_v this_o one_o true_a faith_n from_o all_o false_a opinion_n for_o to_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n and_o not_o to_o give_v we_o any_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v what_o to_o believe_v be_v to_o require_v we_o to_o make_v brick_n without_o straw_n second_o that_o these_o mean_n must_v be_v infallible_a for_o we_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o infallible_a ascent_n by_o fallible_a and_o uncertain_a mean_n and_o god_n will_v not_o require_v we_o to_o assent_v to_o a_o authority_n which_o may_v deceive_v we_o three_o that_o the_o understanding_n must_v submit_v to_o these_o mean_n under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n for_o if_o the_o understanding_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o submit_v or_o not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o faith_n be_v convey_v unto_o we_o it_o will_v be_v no_o fault_n not_o to_o believe_v consequent_o god_n can_v not_o just_o damn_v we_o for_o not_o believe_v beside_o whosoever_o shall_v refuse_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o their_o mean_n and_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o govern_v he_o be_v a_o rebel_n against_o god_n four_o that_o two_o man_n of_o two_o differ_a faith_n or_o belief_n can_v be_v save_v for_o they_o both_o of_o they_o know_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v guide_v and_o govern_v by_o those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o convey_v faith_n unto_o they_o and_o one_o of_o they_o flat_o refuse_v to_o submit_v this_o person_n who_o refuse_v must_v be_v guilty_a of_o disobedience_n to_o god_n command_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v save_v five_o that_o ignorant_a people_n by_o such_o reasonable_a diligence_n as_o be_v very_o tolerable_a to_o humane_a frailty_n and_o very_o possible_a for_o they_o may_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o mean_n for_o otherwise_o god_n will_v have_v appoint_v mean_n which_o will_v be_v unprofitable_a to_o the_o end_n and_o the_o far_o great_a number_n of_o soul_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v will_v not_o be_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o by_o the_o sweet_a providence_n of_o god_n by_o which_o that_o prophecy_n will_v be_v ineffectual_a isaiah_n 35._o say_v to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o fearful_a heart_n be_v strong_a fear_v not_o behold_v your_o god_n will_v come_v and_o save_v you_o than_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a shall_v be_v open_v and_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o deaf_a unstopped_a etc._n etc._n and_o one_o high_a way_n shall_v be_v there_o and_o a_o way_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o holy_a way_n the_o way_n fare_v man_n though_o fool_n shall_v not_o err_v therein_o and_o thus_o far_o i_o meet_v with_o nothing_o but_o what_o i_o esteem_v very_o agreeable_a with_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n profess_v themselves_o christian_n all_o that_o i_o ever_o meet_v with_o seem_v to_o grant_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o way_n and_o a_o rule_n there_o must_v be_v mean_n appoint_v there_o must_v be_v a_o govern_v power_n to_o judge_v and_o decide_v all_o doubt_n and_o teach_v we_o the_o true_a way_n to_o heaven_n with_o certainty_n but_o who_o this_o rule_n or_o judge_n be_v that_o be_v the_o difficulty_n for_o when_o once_o we_o have_v find_v it_o i_o think_v all_o person_n will_v agree_v that_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v unto_o it_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n if_o they_o be_v actual_o live_v or_o to_o christ_n himself_o this_o therefore_o i_o think_v to_o be_v the_o only_a question_n that_o i_o be_v to_o gain_v satisfaction_n unto_o i_o therefore_o cease_v to_o inquire_v after_o this_o doctrine_n or_o the_o other_o article_n as_o believe_v that_o if_o i_o can_v once_o find_v out_o this_o rule_n this_o judge_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v as_o the_o mean_n to_o direct_v i_o and_o to_o which_o i_o be_v to_o submit_v as_o to_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o rule_n and_o govern_v i_o to_o teach_v i_o what_o i_o be_v and_o what_o i_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v i_o shall_v no_o more_o scruple_n to_o believe_v what_o that_o authority_n shall_v teach_v i_o to_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n then_o if_o i_o hear_v god_n himself_o speak_v and_o i_o be_v no_o way_n discourage_v in_o my_o resolution_n to_o search_v when_o i_o consider_v that_o as_o god_n speak_v in_o ancient_a time_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n before_o and_o after_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v and_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o apostle_n before_o and_o after_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v and_o that_o the_o write_n of_o what_o god_n direct_v to_o be_v write_v do_v not_o lessen_v the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o that_o he_o may_v still_o direct_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n so_o possible_o i_o may_v find_v god_n still_o speak_v by_o a_o authority_n which_o hitherto_o i_o have_v not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o i_o find_v all_o the_o rule_n and_o mean_v propose_v by_o every_o party_n to_o amount_v to_o four_o in_o the_o whole_a one_o party_n will_v set_v up_o a_o claim_n to_o the_o spirit_n direct_v they_o and_o speak_v to_o their_o spirit_n another_o will_v have_v reason_n to_o be_v this_o rule_n and_o judge_n a_o three_o will_v set_v up_o sole_a scripture_n and_o the_o four_o assign_v the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n visible_a here_o on_o earth_n to_o be_v that_o judge_n and_o director_n and_o final_o that_o medium_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o end_n before_o mention_v and_o to_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v to_o submit_v other_o than_o these_o i_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o for_o i_o always_o esteem_v the_o quaker_n light_n to_o be_v either_o the_o spirit_n or_o natural_a reason_n and_o i_o resolve_v to_o rank_v it_o under_o one_o of_o those_o consideration_n by_o a_o name_n more_o know_v to_o the_o world_n then_o that_o which_o they_o have_v give_v it_o and_o therefore_o these_o i_o resolve_v most_o careful_o to_o examine_v as_o to_o the_o first_o touch_v the_o spirit_n bear_v witness_n in_o secret_a with_o our_o spirit_n or_o in_o plain_a term_n the_o private_a spirit_n i_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n jew_n or_o turk_n pagan_a or_o christian_n but_o may_v if_o he_o will_v put_v on_o confidence_n enough_o affirm_v that_o he_o be_v teach_v inward_o by_o god_n many_o of_o all_o sort_n do_v this_o and_o yet_o teach_v contradiction_n some_o therefore_o must_v be_v
a_o epistle_n to_o the_o several_a congregation_n of_o the_o non-conformists'_a by_o cap._n robert_n everard_n now_o by_o god_n grace_n a_o member_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n show_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o conversion_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o say_a catholic_n church_n paris_z printed_n 1664._o if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o have_v any_o value_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o great_a st._n austin_n i_o shall_v beseech_v they_o to_o read_v this_o follow_a text_n of_o that_o saint_n and_o to_o consider_v whether_o i_o have_v not_o in_o my_o proceed_n observe_v his_o rule_n and_o method_n and_o let_v they_o but_o change_v the_o word_n manichaeus_n into_o john_n calvin_n and_o observe_v how_o near_o it_o will_v concern_v they_o st._n aug._n against_o the_o epist_n of_o manichaeus_n which_o they_o call_v fundamental_a c._n 5._o edit_fw-la paris_n tom._n 6._o 1._o 46._o if_o thou_o shall_v find_v any_o one_o who_o do_v not_o as_o yet_o believe_v the_o gospel_n what_o will_v thou_o do_v when_o he_o shall_v say_v unto_o thou_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v but_o neither_o have_v i_o believe_v the_o gospel_n unless_o i_o have_v be_v thereunto_o move_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n those_o therefore_o to_o who_o i_o submit_v when_o they_o require_v i_o to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n why_o shall_v i_o not_o also_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o they_o when_o they_o direct_v i_o not_o to_o believe_v manichaeus_n take_v your_o choice_n if_o you_o tell_v i_o i_o must_v believe_v the_o catholic_n they_o give_v i_o advice_n not_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o you_o and_o therefore_o if_o i_o believe_v they_o i_o can_v but_o refuse_v to_o believe_v you_o if_o you_o tell_v i_o i_o must_v not_o believe_v the_o catholic_n you_o proceed_v ill_a when_o you_o go_v about_o by_o the_o gospel_n to_o persuade_v i_o to_o believe_v manichaeus_n because_o it_o be_v from_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o catholic_n that_o i_o believe_v the_o gospel_n itself_o if_o you_o tell_v i_o i_o do_v well_o when_o i_o believe_v the_o catholic_n praise_v the_o gospel_n but_o i_o do_v ill_a when_o i_o believe_v the_o same_o person_n decry_v manichaeus_n do_v you_o take_v i_o to_o be_v so_o stupid_a as_o without_o any_o reason_n give_v unto_o i_o i_o shall_v believe_v or_o disbeleive_v what_o you_o please_v etc._n etc._n but_o if_o you_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o offer_v unto_o i_o lay_v aside_o the_o gospel_n if_o you_o hold_v yourself_o to_o the_o gospel_n i_o shall_v adhere_v to_o those_o upon_o who_o command_n i_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o so_o long_o as_o i_o obey_v they_o i_o shall_v not_o believe_v you_o but_o if_o by_o accident_n you_o shall_v find_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n most_o evident_o touch_v the_o apostleship_n of_o manichaeus_n you_o will_v weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_n in_o my_o esteem_n who_o require_v i_o not_o to_o believe_v you_o but_o that_o be_v weaken_v i_o shall_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n because_o i_o believe_v that_o by_o they_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o you_o bring_v from_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v of_o no_o force_n with_o i_o wherefore_o if_o nothing_o be_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o manichaeus_n his_o apostleship_n i_o shall_v rather_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o catholic_n than_o you_o but_o if_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v there_o find_v manifest_a on_o the_o behalf_n of_o manichaeus_n i_o shall_v neither_o believe_v they_o nor_o you_o not_o they_o because_o they_o tell_v i_o a_o lie_n of_o you_o nor_o shall_v i_o believe_v you_o because_o you_o urge_v that_o scripture_n to_o i_o which_o i_o believe_v upon_o their_o authority_n who_o tell_v i_o a_o lie_n in_o relation_n to_o you_o i_o can_v doubt_v but_o the_o report_n which_o have_v late_o spread_v concern_v i_o and_o of_o my_o change_n and_o alteration_n in_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o religion_n put_v you_o upon_o a_o expectation_n to_o hear_v something_o from_o i_o and_o that_o in_o print_n too_o it_o have_v be_v my_o constant_a former_a method_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o myself_o to_o the_o world_n that_o way_n and_o although_o i_o may_v very_o well_o excuse_v myself_o from_o the_o same_o thing_n now_o that_o scribble_a humour_n be_v only_o in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o ignorance_n when_o god_n almighty_a please_v to_o permit_v a_o veil_n to_o hang_v between_o my_o eye_n and_o his_o most_o glorious_a truth_n namely_o the_o veil_n of_o my_o pride_n and_o folly_n yet_o lest_o from_o a_o total_a silence_n the_o world_n which_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v censorious_a enough_o shall_v apprehend_v that_o i_o either_o want_v charity_n to_o my_o late_a dear_a brother_n or_o courage_n to_o own_o the_o truth_n or_o that_o i_o think_v the_o way_n unjustifiable_a wherein_o i_o now_o worship_n and_o adore_v the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n these_o good_a and_o pious_a man_n who_o until_o the_o pretend_a reformation_n of_o luther_n and_o his_o follower_n know_v no_o other_o way_n of_o worship_n or_o religion_n than_o this_o by_o which_o million_o of_o they_o be_v send_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o christ_n i_o have_v at_o last_o resolve_v to_o give_v you_o a_o short_a account_n of_o myself_o and_o what_o have_v befall_v i_o since_o the_o happy_a restauration_n of_o our_o most_o gracious_a sovereign_n to_o his_o crown_n and_o dignity_n and_o indeed_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o love_n which_o i_o have_v ever_o have_v for_o you_o and_o the_o return_n of_o affection_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v from_o many_o and_o most_o of_o you_o i_o think_v myself_o more_o then_o ordinary_o engage_v to_o be_v free_a with_o you_o in_o these_o thing_n as_o hope_v and_o in_o charity_n believe_v that_o if_o i_o can_v convince_v you_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o my_o proceed_n you_o will_v approve_v of_o what_o i_o have_v do_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o any_o of_o you_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v wherein_o i_o have_v do_v amiss_o you_o will_v be_v so_o just_a and_o this_o justice_n i_o here_o challenge_v from_o you_o as_o to_o show_v i_o my_o error_n my_o carriage_n whilst_o i_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o you_o be_v i_o hope_v always_o such_o as_o to_o give_v you_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o i_o neither_o be_v nor_o be_o byassable_a by_o worldly_a interest_n and_o selfish_a consideration_n when_o i_o profess_v myself_o against_o infant_n baptism_n i_o have_v run_v through_o almost_o if_o not_o altogether_o all_o the_o several_a profession_n of_o châ—istianity_n then_o appear_v in_o this_o kingdom_n the_o catholic_a only_o except_v which_o as_o i_o never_o have_v any_o opportunity_n to_o examine_v as_o not_o meet_v with_o any_o of_o that_o party_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o publish_v themselves_o to_o i_o for_o such_o so_o neither_o do_v i_o think_v they_o or_o their_o principle_n worthy_a my_o consideration_n have_v from_o the_o joint_n and_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o our_o pulpit_n believe_v those_o of_o that_o party_n to_o be_v so_o gross_o ignorant_a that_o to_o discourse_v with_o they_o in_o relation_n to_o religion_n be_v but_o to_o cast_v away_o time_n and_o labour_n be_v thus_o prejudice_v against_o the_o catholic_a party_n it_o please_v almighty_a god_n to_o bring_v i_o into_o the_o company_n of_o a_o lay_v gentleman_n of_o that_o persuasion_n and_o to_o give_v i_o occasion_n to_o spend_v some_o considerable_a time_n with_o he_o i_o no_o soon_o understand_v his_o profession_n as_o to_o religion_n but_o i_o begin_v to_o attempt_v he_o in_o that_o wherein_o i_o think_v as_o conscious_a of_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o cause_n he_o will_v never_o have_v engage_v but_o i_o soon_o find_v my_o mistake_n by_o his_o readiness_n to_o embrace_v discourse_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o i_o find_v also_o that_o we_o have_v all_o embrace_v a_o most_o notorious_a error_n while_o we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o catholic_n be_v a_o ignorant_a generation_n the_o gentleman_n seem_v desirous_a to_o examine_v every_o thing_n from_o the_o bottom_n and_o to_o lay_v the_o axe_n to_o the_o root_n and_o true_o i_o think_v that_o very_o reasonable_a as_o conceive_v that_o where_o the_o foundation_n be_v unsound_a the_o superstructure_n be_v not_o to_o be_v rely_v on_o he_o inquire_v of_o i_o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n whether_o i_o be_v sure_a &_o certain_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n be_v more_o true_a than_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o turk_n jew_n or_o any_o other_o which_o be_v opposite_a thereunto_o and_o whether_o i_o be_v so_o certain_o and_o infallible_o assure_v of_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o i_o or_o for_o those_o who_o teach_v i_o christianity_n to_o be_v mistake_v in_o this_o and_o he_o give_v
church_n in_o his_o time_n and_o the_o same_o be_v also_o describe_v again_o ephes_n 4._o from_o v_o 4._o to_o the_o 17._o but_o i_o suppose_v you_o will_v be_v ask_v be_v not_o then_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n can_v the_o church_n have_v another_o head_n beside_o christ_n i_o answer_v christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o appointment_n may_v have_v in_o its_o external_a government_n another_o head_n that_o be_v a_o external_a head_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n i_o say_v christ_n be_v the_o only_a absolute_a independent_a head_n but_o he_o may_v appoint_v a_o dependent_a head_n derive_v from_o he_o christ_n be_v the_o sole_a head_n that_o govern_v all_o both_o pastor_n and_o people_n and_o the_o chief_n pastor_n also_o thus_o god_n be_v the_o king_n of_o the_o world_n may_v not_o he_o therefore_o have_v other_o king_n reign_v under_o he_o now_o how_o opposite_a and_o contrary_a your_o congregational_a church_n and_o all_o church_n divide_v from_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v to_o this_o constitution_n be_v easy_a for_o you_o to_o see_v what_o be_v those_o congregational_a church_n but_o a_o confuse_a rabble_n of_o itch_a ear_n heap_v up_o teacher_n to_o themselves_o without_o any_o either_o single_a person_n or_o assembly_n of_o they_o endow_v with_o power_n to_o govern_v or_o direct_v all_o of_o their_o congregation_n disperse_v in_o divers_a province_n and_o country_n but_o every_o one_o stand_v upon_o its_o own_o bottom_n and_o have_v no_o dependence_n of_o the_o rest_n as_o do_v the_o commonwealth_n of_o venice_n geneva_n holland_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o they_o have_v no_o visible_a unity_n among_o they_o either_o of_o coordination_n or_o subordination_n but_o be_v politic_a body_n whole_o separate_v and_o disjoin_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o can_v you_o think_v this_o the_o constitution_n of_o christ_n visible_a church_n on_o earth_n be_v this_o one_o body_n be_v this_o a_o compaction_n and_o conjunction_n by_o joint_n and_o nerve_n mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o first_o and_o original_a christian_a church_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v such_o a_o unite_a body_n as_o st._n paul_n mention_n have_v then_o our_o saviour_n for_o its_o visible_a head_n and_o his_o disciple_n for_o its_o member_n all_o unite_a together_o in_o one_o visible_a communion_n and_o be_v not_o this_o original_a church_n the_o model_n and_o platform_n lay_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v imitate_v and_o follow_v in_o its_o manner_n of_o government_n by_o all_o succeed_a age_n the_o apostolical_a church_n next_o to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v like_a unto_o it_o where_o st._n peter_n be_v the_o chief_a pastor_n and_o the_o apostle_n under_o he_o over_o the_o whole_a church_n disperse_v both_o among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n as_o appear_v act_n 15._o and_o who_o have_v power_n to_o change_v this_o original_a and_o apostolical_a manner_n of_o union_n and_o government_n in_o after_o age_n into_o a_o quite_o opposite_a digestion_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o a_o perfect_a anarchy_n i_o hope_v from_o the_o ground_n here_o lay_v it_o will_v appear_v as_o clear_a to_o you_o as_o i_o profess_v it_o do_v to_o i_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n which_o in_o the_o creed_n be_v call_v the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n be_v and_o be_v that_o rule_n and_o judge_n that_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o convey_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o who_o all_o on_o pain_n of_o damnation_n be_v and_o be_v by_o god_n ordinance_n to_o submit_v as_o to_o the_o authority_n appoint_v by_o god_n to_o teach_v they_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o attain_n of_o salvation_n and_o that_o without_o dispute_v any_o more_o than_o they_o will_v have_v dispute_v the_o decree_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n be_v they_o now_o live_v upon_o earth_n consequent_o that_o this_o authority_n be_v infallible_a it_o will_v only_o remain_v that_o we_o consider_v which_o among_o all_o those_o congregation_n now_o on_o earth_n which_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v this_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v real_o and_o true_o this_o holy_a church_n and_o spouse_n of_o christ_n for_o have_v once_o find_v she_o and_o know_v that_o she_o be_v so_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o she_o can_v teach_v we_o a_o error_n instead_o of_o a_o truth_n we_o shall_v no_o more_o dispute_v the_o verity_n of_o her_o doctrine_n than_o we_o shall_v have_v question_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n teach_v by_o the_o holy_a apostle_n or_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n himself_o wherefore_o if_o this_o church_n this_o infallible_a guide_n shall_v teach_v we_o that_o infant_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v that_o it_o be_v as_o lawful_a to_o desire_v the_o saint_n depart_v to_o pray_v for_o we_o as_o to_o desire_v the_o prayer_n of_o those_o who_o be_v live_v on_o our_o behalf_n that_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n our_o saviour_n be_v real_o and_o true_o present_a in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o altar_n or_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o any_o the_o like_a article_n of_o faith_n we_o shall_v no_o more_o doubt_n of_o it_o then_o the_o first_o christian_n do_v dispute_v the_o verity_n of_o what_o the_o apostle_n teach_v they_o when_o they_o inform_v they_o that_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o christ_n who_o they_o have_v see_v as_o man_n be_v true_a and_o very_a god_n that_o a_o virgin_n still_o remain_v a_o virgin_n may_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n bring_v forth_o a_o child_n that_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n spirituallize_v may_v pass_v through_o a_o door_n the_o door_n be_v shut_v that_o three_o can_v be_v one_o and_o one_o three_o for_o who_o shall_v dare_v to_o question_v what_o god_n shall_v tell_v he_o to_o be_v true_a and_o if_o god_n now_o speak_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o present_a church_n as_o he_o do_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o shall_v doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o word_n which_o proceed_v from_o his_o mouth_n wherefore_o as_o to_o this_o last_o question_n which_o be_v now_o this_o present_a church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v our_o infallible_a guide_n and_o judge_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o our_o direction_n and_o to_o who_o we_o be_v to_o submit_v as_o aforesaid_a i_o shall_v in_o brief_a give_v you_o that_o answer_n which_o i_o profess_v give_v i_o a_o full_a and_o clear_a satisfaction_n and_o it_o be_v short_o this_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o other_o church_n different_a from_o the_o roman_a do_v judge_n and_o declare_v and_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v fallible_a even_o according_a to_o the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n if_o then_o the_o say_a protestant_n church_n of_o england_n or_o any_o other_o church_n different_a from_o the_o roman_a be_v infallible_a in_o all_o that_o they_o judge_v and_o in_o that_o they_o declare_v and_o profess_v to_o be_v true_a according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o doubtless_o be_v then_o infallible_a and_o speak_v then_o the_o infallible_a truth_n when_o they_o judge_v declare_v and_o profess_v that_o even_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v fallible_a therefore_o infallible_o they_o be_v fallible_a hence_o again_o it_o be_v thus_o prove_v that_o no_o church_n different_a from_o that_o roman_a be_v infallible_a and_o it_o be_v before_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v some_o church_n upon_o earth_n to_o be_v our_o infallible_a judge_n it_o demonstrative_o follow_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n must_v needs_o be_v this_o infallible_a judge_n because_o no_o church_n different_a from_o it_o that_o be_v none_o but_o the_o roman_a church_n can_v be_v this_o infallible_a church_n but_o i_o pray_v you_o do_v not_o mistake_v this_o argument_n as_o some_o have_v please_v to_o do_v who_o think_v the_o force_n of_o it_o to_o lie_v thus_o viz._n the_o roman_a church_n claim_v infallibility_n therefore_o she_o be_v infallible_a this_o be_v nothing_o like_o the_o argument_n which_o i_o put_v the_o force_n of_o which_o lie_v thus_o that_o the_o church_n true_o appoint_v by_o god_n for_o this_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n can_v possible_o be_v any_o of_o those_o church_n which_o teach_v themselves_o not_o to_o be_v this_o infallible_a judge_n because_o they_o teach_v themselves_o to_o be_v fallible_a if_o then_o they_o be_v infallible_a in_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v they_o be_v infallible_a when_o they_o teach_v themselves_o to_o be_v fallible_a therefore_o infallible_o they_o be_v fallible_a now_o the_o church_n which_o be_v true_o appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v this_o infallible_a judge_n must_v needs_o have_v this_o condition_n that_o she_o do_v own_o her_o infallibility_n but_o