council_n convene_v about_o the_o arian_n controversy_n after_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o nicene_n father_n if_o that_o have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o far_a dispute_n and_o appeal_v which_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o the_o christian_n do_v not_o then_o think_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o council_n be_v so_o sacred_a that_o no_o man_n must_v question_v it_o when_o succeed_a council_n examine_v and_o many_o time_n reverse_v the_o decree_n of_o former_a council_n nay_o that_o council_n which_o be_v not_o general_a shall_v make_v bold_a with_o the_o decree_n of_o general_a council_n which_o be_v but_o a_o degree_n remove_v from_o every_o man_n private_a reason_n but_o the_o council_n anathematise_v all_o those_o that_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o decree_n and_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o they_o deny_v all_o christian_n a_o liberty_n of_o examine_v after_o they_o may_v they_o not_o declare_v such_o doctrine_n to_o be_v damnable_a heresy_n and_o reject_v such_o man_n out_o of_o their_o communion_n without_o believe_v their_o decree_n to_o be_v so_o infallible_a and_o sacred_a that_o no_o man_n must_v examine_v they_o do_v not_o the_o protestant_a church_n do_v this_o without_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o absolute_a authority_n over_o man_n faith_n a_o fallible_a man_n who_o be_v certain_o assure_v that_o any_o doctrine_n be_v a_o damnable_a heresy_n may_v declare_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o if_o he_o have_v any_o such_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n he_o may_v cast_v such_o man_n out_o of_o communion_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o a_o anathema_n signify_v and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v do_v and_o yet_o man_n dispute_v on_o and_o judge_v for_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o to_o denounce_v a_o anathema_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o he_o that_o do_v it_o have_v such_o a_o infallible_a and_o uncontrollable_a authority_n as_o must_v silence_v all_o dispute_n and_o captivate_v man_n reason_n and_o understanding_n to_o his_o dictate_v as_o for_o that_o passage_n that_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o then_o think_v a_o man_n safe_a though_o he_o to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o understanding_n do_v expound_v scripture_n if_o he_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n it_o have_v something_o of_o truth_n but_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o sophistry_n in_o it_o it_o be_v so_o far_o true_a that_o a_o man_n who_o embrace_v damnable_a error_n be_v not_o safe_a how_o firm_o soever_o he_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o hazardous_a to_o contradict_v the_o sense_n not_o of_o any_o council_n which_o may_v be_v a_o pack_v conventicle_n of_o heretic_n nor_o of_o any_o particular_a age_n of_o the_o church_n which_o may_v be_v very_o ignorant_a or_o very_o corrupt_a but_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o all_o place_n and_o age_n but_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o present_a purpose_n and_o if_o the_o meaning_n be_v as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o a_o man_n to_o use_v his_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o council_n it_o may_v sometime_o be_v so_o and_o sometime_o not_o as_o the_o council_n be_v and_o whatever_o the_o event_n be_v every_o man_n must_v judge_v of_o that_o it_o may_v prove_v dangerous_a to_o a_o man_n to_o use_v his_o reason_n if_o he_o do_v not_o use_v it_o right_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o it_o but_o every_o man_n must_v use_v his_o reason_n or_o act_v like_o a_o fool._n but_o possible_o it_o will_v be_v ask_v what_o authority_n then_o do_v we_o allow_v to_o council_n and_o i_o shall_v very_o free_o speak_v my_o mind_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o case_n that_o be_v doubtful_a the_o judgement_n of_o so_o many_o wise_a and_o learned_a and_o pious_a man_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o very_a probable_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o decree_n and_o no_o modest_a man_n will_v open_o oppose_v what_o they_o determine_v unless_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v something_o of_o faction_n and_o interest_n at_o the_o bottom_n or_o that_o the_o reason_n whereby_o they_o be_v overrule_v be_v so_o weak_a or_o ludicrous_a as_o to_o render_v their_o judgement_n contemptible_a for_o if_o the_o opinion_n of_o one_o learned_a man_n be_v so_o considerable_a much_o more_o be_v the_o deliberate_a judgement_n of_o so_o many_o great_a and_o good_a man_n second_o the_o authority_n of_o ancient_a council_n be_v very_o considerable_a as_o they_o be_v credible_a witness_n of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o the_o constant_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o precede_a age_n which_o be_v a_o mighty_a satisfaction_n to_o find_v by_o these_o venerable_a record_n that_o what_o we_o now_o believe_v be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n before_o it_o be_v divide_v by_o schism_n and_o faction_n or_o corrupt_v with_o ease_n or_o liberty_n or_o wanton_a dispute_n three_o general_n or_o national_a council_n have_v authority_n to_o determine_v what_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v public_o profess_v and_o teach_v in_o their_o church_n and_o be_v make_v the_o article_n of_o church_n communion_n as_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v if_o there_o be_v any_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v one_o and_o those_o who_o have_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n must_v have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o faith_n but_o then_o this_o authority_n do_v not_o oblige_v any_o man_n to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v and_o to_o receive_v all_o such_o decree_n without_o examination_n but_o only_o if_o we_o will_v live_v in_o communion_n with_o such_o a_o church_n we_o must_v own_v the_o faith_n of_o that_o church_n for_o she_o will_v allow_v none_o to_o communicate_v with_o she_o who_o do_v not_o now_o if_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v pure_a and_o orthodox_n the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o require_v obedience_n and_o conformity_n to_o her_o decree_n and_o constitution_n and_o those_o who_o refuse_v it_o must_v answer_v it_o both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n if_o her_o faith_n be_v corrupt_a she_o abuse_v her_o power_n in_o impose_v it_o on_o christian_n and_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v what_o be_v false_a because_o the_o church_n define_v it_o to_o be_v true_a if_o you_o ask_v who_o judgement_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o every_o private_a christian_n i_o answer_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o necessity_n must_v take_v place_n as_o to_o external_n government_n to_o determine_v what_o shall_v be_v profess_v and_o practise_v in_o her_o communion_n and_o no_o private_a christian_n have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v in_o these_o matter_n but_o when_o the_o question_n be_v what_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n true_a or_o false_a in_o what_o we_o may_v obey_v and_o in_o what_o not_o here_o every_o private_a christian_a who_o will_v not_o believe_v without_o understanding_n nor_o follow_v his_o guide_n blindfold_a must_v judge_v for_o himself_o and_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o his_o soul_n be_v worth_a to_o judge_v right_a for_o if_o he_o reject_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n without_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n he_o be_v a_o heretic_n and_o a_o schismatic_a liable_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o next_o if_o he_o reject_v a_o erroneous_a and_o corrupt_a communion_n he_o incur_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o most_o christian_a kingdom_n be_v attend_v with_o some_o temporal_a inconvenience_n and_o if_o he_o embrace_v it_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n for_o if_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a they_o shall_v both_o fall_v into_o the_o dith_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a limit_n of_o all_o human_a authority_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n below_o this_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n and_o above_o it_o it_o be_v not_o human_a authority_n for_o a_o blind_a obedience_n can_v be_v due_a to_o none_o but_o god_n and_o he_o himself_o seldom_o exact_v it_o if_o we_o will_v grant_v governor_n and_o subject_n to_o be_v man_n who_o have_v the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o state_n the_o case_n of_o authority_n and_o subjection_n otherwise_o than_o thus_o that_o the_o faith_n and_o judgement_n of_o governor_n influence_n and_o direct_v their_o government_n and_o give_v law_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o subject_n and_o the_o private_a judgement_n of_o subject_n direct_v they_o how_o far_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v their_o governor_n and_o god_n himself_o
other_o give_v of_o a_o true_a church_n there_o be_v one_o mark_v without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v certain_a which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o that_o be_v that_o she_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ._n for_o this_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o church_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n without_o it_o all_o other_o mark_n may_v deceive_v we_o for_o whatever_o other_o mark_n there_o be_v if_o there_o be_v not_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n there_o can_v be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n be_v break_v and_o divide_v into_o different_a and_o opposite_a communion_n whoever_o will_v find_v out_o the_o true_a church_n must_v examine_v her_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n bellarmine_n himself_o make_v the_o holiness_n of_o doctrine_n one_o essential_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o truth_n be_v antecedent_n to_o holiness_n and_o equal_o essential_a now_o this_o be_v such_o a_o mark_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n as_o make_v her_o infallibility_n useless_a when_o we_o have_v find_v she_o for_o we_o must_v understand_v the_o true_a religion_n before_o we_o can_v know_v the_o true_a church_n and_o can_v be_v no_o more_o certain_a which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n than_o we_o be_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o therefore_o can_v resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n because_o we_o can_v know_v the_o true_a church_n only_o by_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o therefore_o must_v have_v some_o other_o mean_n of_o find_v out_o the_o true_a faith_n antecedent_n to_o the_o church_n authority_n for_o that_o which_o be_v a_o mark_n to_o know_v something_o else_o by_o must_v be_v first_o know_v itself_o so_o that_o whereas_o the_o church_n authority_n be_v think_v so_o compendious_a a_o way_n to_o make_v man_n infallible_o certain_a of_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o deliver_v they_o from_o those_o uncertain_a dispute_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o can_v be_v certain_a which_o the_o true_a church_n be_v on_o who_o authority_n we_o must_v rely_v till_o we_o have_v examine_v that_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n which_o divide_v the_o christian_a church_n and_o have_v satisfy_v ourselves_o on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v this_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o appeal_v to_o a_o judge_n unless_o we_o will_v undo_v all_o we_o have_v do_v before_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o seek_v again_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o what_o advantage_n then_o have_v the_o papist_n above_o the_o protestant_n in_o the_o point_n of_o certainty_n when_o they_o can_v know_v which_o be_v that_o church_n which_o they_o may_v safe_o trust_v without_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o her_o religion_n and_o judge_v for_o themselves_o just_a as_o we_o do_v we_o be_v concern_v indeed_o to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_n church_n not_o that_o we_o must_v receive_v our_o faith_n upon_o her_o authority_n for_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n we_o must_v know_v the_o true_a faith_n before_o we_o can_v know_v the_o true_a church_n but_o because_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ._n five_o and_o yet_o if_o they_o can_v find_v the_o church_n without_o all_o this_o trouble_n and_o protestant_a uncertainty_n wherever_o they_o place_v their_o infallibility_n whether_o in_o the_o pope_n or_o council_n according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n they_o can_v have_v so_o much_o as_o a_o moral_a certainty_n of_o it_o as_o for_o the_o pope_n though_o for_o argument_n sake_n we_o shall_v grant_v a_o true_a pope_n to_o be_v infallible_a yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a pope_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n teach_v that_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o sacrament_n that_o though_o he_o perform_v all_o the_o external_a part_n of_o it_o yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o apply_v the_o sacrament_n to_o such_o person_n it_o be_v not_o apply_v now_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n who_o can_v tell_v whether_o this_o present_a pope_n be_v ever_o baptise_a or_o ordain_v priest_n or_o bishop_n for_o if_o the_o priest_n or_o bishop_n that_o do_v this_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o do_v it_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o true_a pope_n that_o he_o be_v no_o christian._n nay_o if_o the_o priest_n and_o bishop_n which_o baptise_a and_o ordain_v he_o do_v intend_v to_o apply_v the_o sacrament_n to_o he_o yet_o if_o those_o who_o baptise_a and_o ordain_v they_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o do_v it_o than_o they_o be_v no_o christian_n nor_o bishop_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o confer_v order_n on_o he_o and_o so_o upward_o still_o which_o reduce_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n in_o the_o world_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o know_v any_o man_n private_a intention_n when_o neither_o word_n nor_o action_n shall_v be_v allow_v a_o sufficient_a declaration_n of_o it_o and_o beside_o this_o if_o a_o pope_n be_v simoniacal_o promote_v or_o ordain_v by_o a_o simoniacal_a pope_n here_o be_v a_o invalidity_n in_o his_o order_n and_o then_o what_o become_v of_o his_o infallibility_n nay_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o that_o long_a papal_a schism_n when_o there_o be_v three_o pope_n together_o john_n 23._o gregory_n 12._o and_o benedict_n 13._o who_o be_v all_o depose_v by_o the_o council_n of_o constance_n and_o martin_n 5._o choose_v be_v there_o never_o a_o true_a pope_n among_o all_o the_o three_o if_o there_o be_v what_o authority_n then_o have_v the_o council_n to_o depose_v they_o all_o and_o choose_v a_o four_o and_o who_o know_v to_o this_o day_n from_o whence_o the_o succeed_a pope_n have_v derive_v their_o succession_n which_o may_v very_o much_o call_v the_o popedom_n and_o infallibility_n into_o question_n and_o then_o as_o for_o council_n which_o consist_v of_o bishop_n there_o be_v the_o same_o incertainty_n about_o they_o whether_o they_o be_v true_a bishop_n or_o not_o as_o there_o be_v about_o the_o pope_n and_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v so_o many_o dispute_n what_o make_v a_o general_n council_n when_o it_o be_v regular_o call_v and_o when_o they_o act_n conciliaritèr_fw-la in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o a_o council_n ought_v to_o act_v to_o procure_v the_o infallible_a direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o give_v authority_n to_o their_o decree_n that_o if_o woman_n and_o busy_a people_n can_v understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v much_o less_o able_a to_o understand_v what_o council_n they_o may_v safe_o rely_v on_o but_o suppose_v we_o do_v know_v who_o this_o infallible_a judge_n be_v whether_o pope_n or_o council_n and_o this_o judge_n shall_v give_v we_o a_o infallible_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o a_o infallible_a decision_n of_o all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n never_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o do_v yet_o and_o i_o believe_v never_o will_v witness_v those_o many_o fierce_a dispute_n which_o be_v among_o man_n of_o their_o own_o communion_n and_o i_o think_v no_o man_n be_v ever_o the_o more_o infallible_a for_o a_o judge_n who_o will_v not_o exercise_v his_o infallibility_n yet_o if_o this_o judge_n shall_v infallible_o determine_v all_o the_o controversy_n in_o religion_n we_o must_v either_o hear_v it_o from_o his_o own_o mouth_n or_o receive_v it_o in_o write_v or_o take_v it_o upon_o the_o report_n of_o other_o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o there_o be_v not_o one_o in_o the_o world_n at_o this_o day_n that_o be_v present_a at_o the_o debate_n of_o any_o general_a council_n or_o hear_v they_o pronounce_v their_o decree_n and_o definition_n and_o i_o believe_v as_o few_o ever_o hear_v the_o pope_n determine_v any_o question_n ex_fw-la cathedrâ_fw-la which_o what_o it_o mean_v either_o they_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v or_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o tell_v we_o as_o for_o write_v when_o we_o see_v the_o decree_n of_o a_o council_n write_v we_o can_v have_v only_o a_o moral_a assurance_n that_o these_o be_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n and_o when_o we_o have_v they_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v much_o more_o obscure_a and_o subject_a to_o as_o many_o different_a interpretation_n as_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o better_a assurance_n what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o council_n than_o what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o experience_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o the_o roman_a doctor_n differ_v as_o much_o about_o as_o protestant_n do_v about_o the_o
a_o mind_n to_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o must_v go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o enlarge_v and_o improve_v their_o faith_n for_o we_o shall_v never_o believe_v they_o but_o if_o they_o can_v be_v content_v with_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n profess_v we_o have_v as_o much_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n for_o that_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o have_v and_o how_o they_o can_v better_v themselves_o by_o go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o to_o these_o point_n i_o can_v tell_v since_o we_o believe_v as_o orthodox_o as_o they_o second_o as_o for_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o we_o reject_v because_o we_o have_v no_o evidence_n for_o they_o but_o only_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v no_o evidence_n to_o we_o because_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a itself_o we_o think_v ourselves_o much_o safe_o in_o reject_v than_o we_o can_v be_v in_o own_v they_o and_o that_o for_o this_o plain_a reason_n that_o though_o we_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o reject_v such_o doctrine_n as_o we_o be_v very_o certain_a we_o be_v not_o yet_o they_o be_v such_o mistake_v as_o do_v no_o injury_n to_o common_a christianity_n no_o dishonour_n to_o our_o common_a saviour_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v dangerous_a to_o our_o soul_n whereas_o if_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v as_o we_o say_v they_o be_v innovation_n and_o corruption_n of_o christianity_n they_o be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a corruption_n as_o to_o show_v this_o in_o some_o few_o instance_n what_o injury_n be_v it_o to_o christianity_n not_o to_o believe_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o council_n while_o we_o believe_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o be_v infallible_a which_o be_v infallibility_n enough_o to_o direct_v the_o christian_a church_n for_o while_o we_o adhere_v to_o what_o they_o teach_v we_o can_v neither_o believe_v too_o little_a nor_o too_o much_o but_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o stand_v to_o his_o authority_n and_o to_o receive_v all_o his_o dictate_v without_o examination_n and_o how_o dangerous_a be_v this_o if_o he_o shall_v prove_v not_o to_o be_v infallible_a for_o than_o he_o may_v lead_v we_o into_o damnable_a error_n and_o we_o have_v no_o way_n to_o get_v out_o of_o they_o while_o we_o own_o the_o supremacy_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o of_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n under_o christ_n what_o do_v the_o church_n suffer_v by_o deny_v the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o pope_n when_o sovereign_a prince_n and_o bishop_n may_v govern_v their_o several_a church_n as_o well_o or_o better_a without_o he_o this_o indeed_o destroy_v the_o papal_a monarchy_n but_o christ_n be_v king_n still_o and_o the_o church_n be_v never_o the_o worse_a church_n because_o it_o be_v not_o a_o universal_a monarchy_n which_o christ_n never_o intend_v it_o shall_v be_v but_o if_o we_o give_v the_o supremacy_n to_o the_o pope_n and_o he_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o by_o christ_n institution_n this_o be_v a_o invasion_n upon_o the_o right_n of_o all_o the_o christian_a bishop_n in_o the_o world_n make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o govern_v or_o reform_v their_o own_o church_n whatever_o occasion_n there_o be_v without_o leave_n from_o the_o pope_n which_o very_a thing_n have_v hinder_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o these_o last_o age_n when_o it_o have_v be_v so_o earnest_o press_v both_o by_o christian_a prince_n and_o bishop_n of_o that_o communion_n witness_v the_o managemént_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n nay_o this_o be_v a_o invasion_n on_o the_o right_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n to_o set_v a_o superior_a over_o they_o in_o their_o own_o dominion_n who_o can_v command_v their_o subject_n with_o a_o more_o sacred_a authority_n and_o how_o fatal_a this_o may_v prove_v to_o prince_n and_o what_o a_o snare_n and_o temptation_n to_o subject_n some_o example_n of_o former_a age_n may_v satisfy_v we_o suppose_v we_o shall_v be_v mistake_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o pray_v to_o saint_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o want_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n by_o not_o do_v it_o and_o certain_o our_o saviour_n can_v think_v it_o any_o injury_n to_o his_o mediation_n that_o we_o so_o whole_o rely_v upon_o his_o intercession_n that_o we_o desire_v no_o other_o advocate_n and_o that_o we_o be_v so_o jealous_a of_o his_o glory_n that_o we_o will_v not_o admit_v the_o most_o glorious_a saint_n to_o the_o least_o partnership_n with_o he_o and_o this_o will_v make_v he_o our_o advocate_n in_o deed_n when_o he_o see_v we_o will_v have_v no_o other_o but_o if_o he_o be_v our_o only_a mediator_n and_o advocate_n by_o god_n appointment_n and_o his_o own_o purchase_n let_v those_o who_o unnecessary_o apply_v themselves_o to_o so_o many_o other_o mediator_n consider_v how_o our_o only_a mediator_n will_v like_v it_o suppose_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o worship_n god_n or_o christ_n by_o image_n which_o we_o think_v express_o forbid_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n yet_o will_v they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o affront_n or_o injury_n to_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n to_o worship_v he_o without_o image_n if_o that_o lovely_a idea_n we_o have_v of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n if_o the_o remembrance_n of_o what_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o make_v we_o true_o and_o sincere_o and_o passionate_o devout_a what_o need_n have_v we_o of_o a_o image_n which_o be_v pretend_v only_o to_o be_v a_o help_n to_o devotion_n and_o therefore_o of_o no_o use_n to_o those_o who_o can_v be_v devout_a without_o it_o but_o he_o who_o consider_v what_o god_n jealousy_n mean_v must_v needs_o think_v it_o dangerous_a to_o worship_v the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o saint_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v be_v forbid_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o all_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v never_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o though_o latin_a prayer_n be_v lawful_a in_o english_a congregation_n who_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o yet_o be_v it_o unlawful_a to_o pray_v in_o english_a be_v it_o any_o dishonour_n to_o god_n any_o injury_n to_o religion_n that_o man_n pray_v with_o their_o understanding_n if_o true_a worship_n begin_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o our_o understanding_n must_v govern_v our_o affection_n i_o shall_v fear_v that_o to_o pray_v without_o understanding_n what_o i_o pray_v will_v not_o be_v accept_v by_o that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n and_o must_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o christ_n once_a offering_n himself_o upon_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o sufficient_a sacrifice_n propitiation_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n what_o injury_n do_v we_o to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n though_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v offer_v again_o every_o day_n in_o ten_o thousand_o mass_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o in_o the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o eat_v the_o sacramental_a body_n and_o drink_v the_o sacramental_a blood_n of_o christ_n which_o by_o his_o own_o institution_n do_v as_o real_o and_o effectual_o convey_v to_o we_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n as_o if_o we_o can_v eat_v his_o natural_a flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n what_o injury_n do_v the_o church_n suffer_v by_o deny_v transubstantiation_n and_o if_o when_o we_o approach_v his_o holy_a table_n we_o worship_v christ_n in_o heaven_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n be_v not_o this_o as_o true_a a_o honour_n to_o our_o saviour_n as_o to_o worship_v he_o under_o the_o species_n of_o bread_n but_o if_o transubstantiation_n be_v false_a what_o a_o hazard_n do_v that_o man_n run_v who_o worship_v a_o piece_n of_o bread_n which_o the_o most_o learned_a romanist_n themselves_o grant_v to_o be_v idolatry_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o christ_n alone_o have_v a_o judicial_a power_n to_o forgive_v sin_n and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o ministerial_a authority_n to_o take_v in_o or_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o only_a state_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o ministerial_a remit_v or_o retain_v of_o sin_n and_o sufficient_a to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v not_o this_o as_o much_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n as_o any_o christian_a have_v need_n of_o though_o we_o deny_v that_o the_o priest_n have_v a_o judicial_a
or_o praetorian_a authority_n to_o forgive_v sin_n which_o be_v not_o compatible_a to_o any_o creature_n for_o what_o can_v any_o man_n desire_v more_o have_v to_o be_v put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o be_v final_o acquit_v and_o absolve_v in_o the_o next_o but_o if_o the_o priest_n have_v no_o such_o judicial_a authority_n to_o forgive_v sin_n what_o a_o fatal_a mistake_n be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o rely_v on_o such_o a_o ineffectual_a absolution_n what_o a_o miserable_a surprise_n will_v it_o be_v for_o those_o who_o think_v themselves_o pardon_v by_o the_o priest_n to_o be_v condemn_v by_o christ_n though_o we_o deny_v such_o a_o place_n as_o purgatory_n be_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n as_o good_a a_o argument_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n or_o do_v it_o lessen_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o sinner_n to_o say_v that_o god_n remit_v all_o future_a punishment_n when_o he_o remit_v the_o sin_n but_o if_o the_o hope_n of_o expiate_v their_o sin_n in_o purgatory_n and_o of_o be_v pray_v out_o of_o it_o shall_v embolden_v any_o man_n in_o sin_n what_o a_o disappointment_n will_v it_o be_v to_o find_v their_o purgatory_n to_o be_v hell_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o we_o can_v suffer_v nothing_o by_o deny_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o unless_o the_o causeless_a anathema_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v damn_v we_o but_o the_o hazard_n be_v so_o vast_o great_a on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o mistake_n will_v prove_v so_o fatal_a if_o they_o be_v in_o a_o mistake_n that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n can_v justify_v the_o prudence_n of_o such_o a_o choice_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o such_o fallible_a creature_n as_o we_o own_v ourselves_o to_o be_v to_o venture_v on_o they_o we_o be_v safe_a as_o we_o be_v and_o we_o think_v it_o best_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o so_o though_o we_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v safe_a three_o safe_a i_o say_v we_o be_v in_o reject_v these_o doctrine_n unless_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o by_o reject_v they_o we_o want_v something_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n especial_o wherein_o the_o romanist_n think_v they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o we_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o some_o protestant_n be_v persuade_v to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o that_o of_o rome_n that_o they_o eat_v the_o natural_a flesh_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o receive_v a_o judicial_a pardon_n of_o all_o their_o sin_n by_o the_o absolution_n of_o the_o priest_n which_o we_o confess_v we_o do_v not_o now_o suppose_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o eat_v the_o natural_a flesh_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o christ_n will_v not_o forgive_v any_o man_n who_o be_v not_o before_o forgive_v by_o the_o priest_n yet_o if_o these_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v they_o as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o no_o man_n need_v go_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o they_o if_o the_o word_n of_o consecration_n this_o be_v my_o body_n do_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n transubstantiate_v the_o bread_n into_o the_o natural_a flesh_n of_o christ_n these_o word_n must_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n when_o pronounce_v by_o a_o priest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o give_v we_o his_o natural_a flesh_n to_o eat_v we_o do_v eat_v it_o as_o much_o as_o they_o for_o we_o eat_v the_o consecrate_a element_n which_o be_v whatever_o christ_n intend_v to_o make_v they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o consecration_n for_o our_o not_o believe_v transubstantiation_n can_v hinder_v the_o virtue_n of_o consecration_n if_o christ_n have_v so_o appoint_v it_o for_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o change_v their_o nature_n with_o man_n opinion_n about_o they_o thus_o penitent_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v confess_v their_o sin_n to_o a_o priest_n if_o they_o please_v and_o receive_v absolution_n and_o if_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v a_o judicial_a absolution_n than_o they_o have_v it_o and_o need_v not_o go_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o it_o there_o be_v but_o two_o objection_n that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o this_o either_o that_o we_o have_v no_o true_a priest_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o consecration_n of_o the_o element_n or_o that_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v necessary_a to_o consecration_n and_o nothing_o more_o be_v do_v than_o what_o the_o priest_n intend_v to_o do_v and_o therefore_o no_o priest_n can_v transubstantiate_v but_o he_o who_o intend_v to_o transubstantiate_v 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o if_o there_o be_v no_o true_a priest_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o our_o bishop_n and_o priest_n derive_v their_o succession_n from_o those_o bishop_n who_o receive_v order_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o have_v as_o good_a order_n as_o they_o can_v give_v and_o as_o they_o themselves_o have_v and_o if_o we_o have_v as_o true_a bishop_n and_o priest_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o must_v have_v as_o perfect_a sacrament_n as_o they_o also_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o to_o intend_v to_o do_v what_o the_o church_n do_v and_o why_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o do_v what_o christ_n do_v as_o good_a and_o perfect_a a_o intention_n as_o this_o and_o thus_o we_o all_o intend_v to_o do_v what_o christ_n do_v which_o be_v all_o the_o intention_n that_o can_v be_v necessary_a to_o consecration_n unless_o the_o private_a opinion_n of_o the_o priest_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o institution_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n depend_v upon_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n for_o consecration_n no_o papist_n can_v ever_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o bread_n be_v consecrate_v and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v not_o transubstantiate_v and_o therefore_o i_o think_v they_o may_v compound_v this_o business_n and_o allow_v we_o transubstantiation_n if_o we_o will_v allow_v it_o they_o we_o want_v it_o not_o indeed_o and_o care_v not_o for_o it_o but_o those_o who_o lie_v so_o much_o stress_n upon_o it_o need_v not_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o that_o reason_n at_o least_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o we_o want_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n let_v we_o but_o observe_v the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o we_o need_v not_o fear_n but_o we_o shall_v receive_v all_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n which_o christ_n intend_v to_o convey_v to_o we_o in_o that_o sacrament_n which_o those_o can_v never_o be_v sure_a of_o who_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o institution_n but_o receive_v only_o a_o part_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n instead_o of_o the_o whole_a be_v these_o thing_n well_o consider_v i_o persuade_v myself_o no_o man_n will_v see_v any_o cause_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n where_o he_o have_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n without_o oppress_v his_o faith_n with_o doctrine_n hard_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o endanger_v his_o soul_n by_o doubtful_a and_o suspicious_a practice_n at_o best_a the_o index_n the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n of_o no_o use_n in_o convert_v jew_n or_o pagan_n 2_o faith_n not_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n 3_o though_o some_o passage_n in_o scripture_n be_v difficult_a other_o be_v plain_a 4_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a 5_o whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n 6_o whether_o general_n council_n have_v a_o power_n to_o determine_v matter_n of_o faith_n without_o appeal_n to_o every_o man_n reason_n 8_o 9_o what_o authority_n we_o allow_v to_o council_n 10_o 11_o the_o use_n of_o antiquity_n in_o expound_v scripture_n 12_o the_o church_n of_o england_n way_n of_o resolve_v of_o faith_n 14_o 15_o heretic_n pretence_n to_o scripture_n no_o argument_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o way_n 15_o 16_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretence_n to_o antiquity_n 16_o 17_o what_o course_n people_n must_v take_v who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o controversy_n in_o religion_n 19_o etc._n etc._n the_o ignorance_n of_o common_a people_n only_o a_o pretence_n not_o a_o reason_n for_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n 26_o 27_o a_o visible_a succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n no_o mark_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n 29_o argument_n against_o a_o infallible_a judge_n 32_o 33_o proof_n that_o christ_n never_o intend_v to_o set_v up_o such_o a_o judge_n 39_o certainty_n in_o religion_n may_v be_v have_v without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n 42_o what_o evidence_n require_v in_o faith_n 43_o concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 46_o a_o inquiry_n what_o certainty_n a_o papist_n can_v have_v 5â—_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v guilty_a of_o damnable_a error_n 60_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v authority_n to_o reform_v error_n which_o be_v not_o damnable_a 62_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n 63_o whether_o we_o can_v know_v what_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v canonical_a without_o a_o visible_a judge_n 64_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v one_o 65_o the_o apostolic_a church_n the_o standard_n of_o catholic_n unity_n and_o communion_n 67_o what_o catholic_n communion_n be_v 69_o 70_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v call_v holy_a 72_o the_o church_n of_o england_n not_o guilty_a of_o schism_n 73_o that_o there_o be_v great_a safety_n in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 75_o to_o the_o end_n the_o end_n
the_o protestant_a religion_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n purge_v from_o the_o corruption_n and_o innovation_n of_o popery_n now_o it_o will_v be_v very_o pleasant_a to_o hear_v a_o popish_a priest_n in_o a_o dispute_n with_o turk_n or_o pagan_n about_o christianity_n urge_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o instruct_v a_o infidel_n who_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o judge_n what_o christian_a religion_n be_v and_o to_o convince_v he_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o by_o reason_n and_o scripture_n either_o this_o be_v a_o good_a way_n or_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a foundation_n for_o christianity_n and_o let_v any_o man_n show_v i_o a_o reason_n why_o christian_n may_v not_o understand_v their_o religion_n the_o same_o way_n that_o heathen_n must_v be_v teach_v it_o this_o be_v the_o way_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n take_v with_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o take_v with_o they_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o write_a law_n which_o no_o authority_n can_v contradict_v and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o only_o work_v miracle_n but_o appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n both_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o person_n his_o miracle_n and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o his_o own_o liberty_n to_o judge_v for_o himself_o what_o he_o must_v believe_v which_o show_v that_o miracle_n themselves_o be_v no_o authority_n against_o a_o write_a law_n for_o then_o the_o jew_n can_v have_v have_v no_o pretence_n for_o their_o infidelity_n and_o there_o have_v be_v no_o reason_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o have_v dispute_v with_o they_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o heathen_n have_v no_o stand_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o miracle_n be_v sufficient_a to_o confirm_v that_o testimony_n the_o apostle_n give_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o preach_v and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v mere_o for_o the_o miracle_n sake_n be_v convince_v by_o reason_n and_o argument_n for_o thus_o st._n paul_n dispute_v with_o the_o philosopher_n at_o athens_n as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o jew_n and_o thus_o the_o primitive_a doctor_n deal_v with_o the_o infidel_n in_o their_o day_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o those_o many_o excellent_a apology_n they_o write_v in_o defence_n of_o christianity_n but_o then_o those_o who_o do_v believe_v at_o first_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o miracle_n be_v particular_o instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n out_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n which_o though_o they_o be_v original_o give_v to_o the_o jew_n yet_o be_v the_o venerable_a record_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v recourse_n in_o expound_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n thus_o christianity_n be_v teach_v at_o first_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o solid_a foundation_n the_o christian_a faith_n have_v none_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n though_o they_o be_v infallible_a make_v their_o own_o infallibility_n the_o only_a reason_n of_o man_n faith_n but_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n which_o they_o expound_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o honest_a and_o teachable_a mind_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v upon_o these_o term_n they_o must_v continue_v infidel_n and_o that_o this_o way_n of_o resolve_v faith_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n be_v not_o know_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o yet_o methinks_v st._n peter_n authority_n if_o he_o have_v any_o such_o authority_n shall_v have_v be_v better_o know_v in_o those_o day_n than_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n of_o time_n be_v evident_a from_o those_o early_a heresy_n which_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n for_o let_v any_o reasonable_a man_n tell_v i_o how_o it_o be_v possible_a there_o ever_o shall_v have_v be_v any_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n if_o all_o christian_n have_v receive_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n together_o with_o their_o christianity_n man_n may_v have_v renounce_v christianity_n and_o the_o visible_a judge_n together_o but_o have_v they_o then_o acknowledge_v a_o visible_a judge_n it_o have_v be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o pretend_v to_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o to_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o infallible_a chair_n have_v there_o be_v a_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n know_v to_o all_o christian_n it_o have_v be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v ever_o have_v be_v any_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n as_o those_o man_n must_v grant_v who_o think_v it_o necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o visible_a judge_n to_o make_v all_o man_n of_o a_o mind_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o rise_n and_o growth_n of_o heresy_n which_o must_v suppose_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n will_v do_v this_o or_o else_o this_o argument_n can_v prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n if_o then_o the_o appointment_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n will_v certain_o prevent_v all_o heresy_n and_o yet_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n there_o have_v be_v heresy_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n there_o be_v no_o visible_a judge_n in_o those_o day_n well_o but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n how_o shall_v we_o arrive_v at_o any_o certainty_n in_o our_o religion_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o a_o demonstration_n not_o plain_a even_o in_o what_o we_o dare_v not_o disow_v to_o be_v fundamental_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n now_o 1._o suppose_v there_o be_v some_o difficult_a passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o obvious_a to_o every_o common_a understanding_n can_v we_o not_o therefore_o understand_v what_o be_v plain_a because_o something_n be_v difficult_a can_v any_o thing_n be_v plain_a than_o the_o first_o and_o second_o commandment_n not_o to_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o any_o be_v but_o the_o supreme_a god_n and_o not_o to_o worship_n god_n by_o image_n and_o picture_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v plain_a than_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o both_o kind_n than_o st._n paul_n discourse_n against_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v plain_a than_o what_o be_v evident_a to_o our_o very_a sense_n that_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v not_o transubstantiate_v into_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n man_n who_o will_v believe_v contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o scripture_n contrary_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o certain_o ought_v to_o be_v consult_v in_o expound_v scripture_n who_o will_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o in_o it_o or_o that_o not_o to_o be_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v there_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v never_o write_v to_o prove_v what_o they_o will_v have_v prove_v but_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v very_o plain_a to_o man_n who_o only_o inquire_v what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v without_o force_v such_o sense_n upon_o it_o as_o it_o do_v not_o teach_v those_o who_o will_v prove_v that_o from_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o in_o it_o to_o be_v sure_o must_v prove_v it_o very_o obscure_o and_o then_o to_o excuse_v the_o obscurity_n of_o their_o exposition_n charge_v the_o scripture_n with_o obscurity_n though_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o equal_o plain_a in_o scripture_n yet_o all_o man_n may_v understand_v what_o be_v plain_a and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a perverseness_n to_o say_v nothing_o be_v plain_a in_o scripture_n because_o some_o thing_n be_v not_o plain_a or_o that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o plain_a text_n because_o there_o be_v some_o obscure_a text_n second_o i_o do_v affirm_v that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v be_v plain_a in_o scripture_n for_o else_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o we_o must_v believe_v it_o or_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o then_o by_o plain_a i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o every_o man_n and_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o man_n who_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v skill_n and_o ability_n to_o do_v it_o and_o may_v be_v make_v plain_a to_o every_o man_n who_o have_v the_o common_a understanding_n of_o a_o man_n without_o any_o bias_n and_o interest_n who_o will_v attend_v to_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o this_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o call_v it_o plain_a if_o learned_a man_n by_o study_n and_o industry_n can_v understand_v it_o and_o if_o the_o unlearned_a may_v
the_o learned_a may_v contradict_v and_o therefore_o whoever_o will_v have_v a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n must_v not_o lay_v the_o necessity_n of_o have_v such_o a_o judge_n mere_o upon_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o multitude_n for_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o learned_a man_n must_v have_v such_o a_o judge_n nay_o it_o prove_v that_o learned_a man_n need_v no_o such_o judge_n if_o ignorance_n only_o make_v he_o necessary_a and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o judge_n for_o learned_a man_n there_o can_v be_v no_o judge_n of_o controversy_n for_o there_o be_v more_o dispute_n among_o the_o learned_a than_o the_o ignorant_a the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o people_n be_v only_o make_v a_o pretence_n to_o deceive_v ignorant_a people_n but_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n for_o a_o visible_a judge_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o visible_a judge_n unless_o he_o judge_v for_o the_o learned_a as_o well_o as_o the_o unlearned_a and_o if_o learned_a man_n must_v not_o judge_v for_o themselves_o it_o be_v then_o a_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o any_o other_o evidence_n than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o judge_n for_o what_o do_v evidence_n signify_v if_o no_o man_n must_v use_v it_o nay_o upon_o these_o principle_n it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o distinguish_v between_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o read_v and_o study_v the_o scripture_n father_n and_o council_n when_o they_o must_v not_o exercise_v their_o own_o reason_n or_o judgement_n about_o they_o what_o privilege_n have_v the_o learned_a above_o the_o unlearned_a when_o they_o must_v know_v and_o believe_v no_o more_o than_o their_o judge_n will_v let_v they_o the_o paper_n and_o we_o be_v discourage_v from_o the_o quiet_a way_n of_o submission_n to_o the_o clergy_n authority_n by_o your_o tell_v we_o that_o no_o assembly_n of_o man_n have_v power_n on_o earth_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n answer_n how_o come_v submission_n to_o the_o clergy_n authority_n in_o here_o for_o be_v every_o priest_n the_o judge_n into_o who_o authority_n we_o must_v resolve_v our_o faith_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o last_o resolution_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o priest_n be_v the_o immediate_a guide_n of_o every_o man_n faith_n and_o conscience_n and_o after_o all_o the_o talk_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n the_o people_n know_v nothing_o more_o what_o he_o teach_v than_o what_o their_o priest_n tell_v they_o who_o it_o may_v be_v himself_o know_v little_a of_o the_o matter_n and_o i_o can_v see_v what_o great_a security_n this_o give_v the_o people_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n than_o what_o our_o people_n have_v who_o have_v general_o as_o wise_a and_o learned_a and_o honest_a guide_n as_o they_o to_o say_v nothing_o more_o but_o who_o ever_o say_v that_o no_o assembly_n of_o man_n have_v power_n on_o earth_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n we_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o make_v law_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n for_o whatever_o law_n she_o make_v for_o the_o edification_n and_o good_a government_n of_o christian_a people_n which_o contradict_v no_o law_n of_o god_n and_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v bind_v the_o conscience_n nay_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o sacred_a that_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n quiet_o to_o submit_v to_o her_o decision_n where_o there_o be_v not_o plain_a evidence_n against_o they_o but_o we_o say_v indeed_o that_o no_o man_n nor_o assembly_n of_o man_n have_v such_o authority_n as_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v all_o their_o dictate_v and_o decree_v without_o examination_n much_o less_o contrary_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o require_v that_o man_n shall_v believe_v mere_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o teacher_n without_o understanding_n why_o they_o do_v so_o but_o this_o i_o hope_n be_v no_o discouragement_n to_o any_o man_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o instruction_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o to_o learn_v from_o they_o what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o why_o and_o this_o will_v make_v they_o wise_a man_n and_o more_o understand_a christian_n than_o to_o rely_v whole_o on_o their_o authority_n the_o paper_n for_o authority_n that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v infinite_o great_a who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v at_o least_o have_v a_o appearance_n of_o succession_n and_o visibility_n and_o who_o pretend_v that_o god_n have_v leave_v in_o that_o church_n such_o mean_n so_o happy_a and_o so_o easy_a to_o attain_v to_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o our_o very_a divine_n wish_v in_o this_o confusion_n of_o thing_n god_n have_v so_o order_v it_o for_o certainty_n and_o union_n answer_n this_o be_v a_o strange_a paragraph_n that_o only_o a_o fear_n of_o a_o appearance_n of_o succession_n and_o visibility_n and_o her_o own_o pretence_n that_o god_n have_v make_v she_o the_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n shall_v render_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n infinite_o great_a than_o of_o any_o other_o church_n which_o be_v very_o little_a thing_n to_o give_v so_o great_a a_o authority_n but_o we_o will_v ready_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v a_o visible_a church_n in_o a_o constant_a succession_n of_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n till_o now_o what_o then_o how_o do_v this_o give_v she_o a_o great_a authority_n than_o other_o church_n which_o have_v as_o visible_a a_o succession_n as_o she_o the_o greek_a church_n have_v be_v a_o visible_a church_n and_o preserve_v her_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n till_o now_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v as_o visible_a and_o have_v as_o good_a a_o succession_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n how_o then_o do_v succession_n and_o visibility_n give_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n a_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o greek_a church_n or_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o be_v a_o mighty_a weak_a foundation_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n that_o such_o a_o church_n have_v a_o visible_a succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n who_o shall_v oblige_v all_o man_n to_o believe_v his_o determination_n must_v be_v infallible_a unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o god_n have_v oblige_v we_o without_o examination_n to_o believe_v a_o judge_n who_o may_v err_v which_o can_v be_v unless_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o god_n may_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v a_o lie_n for_o thus_o it_o may_v happen_v if_o we_o be_v always_o oblige_v to_o believe_v a_o judge_n who_o may_v sometime_o err_v as_o all_o fallible_a creature_n may_v which_o show_v what_o a_o poor_a shift_n it_o be_v which_o some_o late_a writer_n have_v use_v and_o which_o this_o paper_n which_o speak_v not_o one_o word_n of_o infallibility_n seem_v to_o imitate_v to_o set_v aside_o the_o dispute_n about_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o can_v make_v nothing_o of_o and_o to_o insist_v only_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n to_o determine_v controversy_n as_o a_o visible_a judge_n for_o that_o only_o oblige_v man_n either_o to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o to_o submit_v to_o her_o determination_n not_o at_o all_o adventure_n to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v as_o i_o show_v before_o and_o therefore_o this_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o dispute_n about_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n now_o if_o the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n must_v be_v infallible_a how_o do_v a_o visible_a succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n prove_v any_o church_n to_o be_v infallible_a this_o be_v no_o natural_a effect_n as_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o grant_v for_o then_o the_o successor_n in_o all_o the_o apostolical_a chair_n must_v be_v infallible_a since_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v as_o infallible_a as_o st._n peter_n whereas_o they_o will_v allow_v this_o only_a to_o the_o chair_n of_o st._n peter_n as_o a_o peculiar_a prerogative_n grant_v to_o he_o by_o christ_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o succession_n or_o visibility_n which_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n this_o paper_n insist_o on_o but_o they_o must_v return_v to_o the_o good_a old_a argument_n of_o tu_fw-la es_fw-la petrus_n &_o pasce_fw-la oves_fw-la which_o i_o perceive_v the_o author_n of_o this_o paper_n be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o take_v a_o needless_a trouble_n to_o confute_v they_o if_o indeed_o they_o can_v prove_v a_o visible_a succession_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n
as_o well_o as_o bishop_n from_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o believe_v and_o practise_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o through_o all_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o this_o day_n than_o what_o st._n peter_n teach_v they_o though_o this_o will_v not_o make_v they_o the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n yet_o they_o will_v be_v good_a witness_n of_o the_o apostolical_a faith_n and_o there_o will_v be_v great_a reason_n to_o inquire_v what_o their_o faith_n and_o worship_n be_v but_o their_o mere_a succession_n to_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v neither_o diminish_v nor_o add_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o there_o be_v no_o natural_a necessity_n that_o those_o who_o succeed_v shall_v always_o be_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o their_o predecessor_n and_o we_o have_v plain_a evidence_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v in_o several_a age_n make_v new_a and_o strange_a addition_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o their_o succession_n of_o bishop_n without_o a_o succession_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n be_v little_a worth_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o stranger_n still_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretence_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o judge_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o she_o have_v this_o authority_n what_o advantage_n have_v confidence_n above_o modesty_n over_o weak_a mind_n the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v pretend_v this_o with_o as_o much_o reason_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o she_o disow_v infallibility_n lose_v all_o claim_n to_o it_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v to_o infallibility_n it_o seem_v gain_v a_o right_a to_o it_o by_o possession_n and_o usurpation_n but_o the_o argument_n such_o as_o it_o be_v seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n wish_v in_o this_o confusion_n of_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n and_o therefore_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n a_o judge_n be_v very_o useful_a and_o necessary_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v such_o a_o judge_n and_o no_o other_o church_n pretend_v to_o that_o authority_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n therefore_o she_o alone_o be_v that_o judge_n which_o be_v such_o a_o chain_n of_o consequence_n as_o hang_v together_o by_o magic_n for_o they_o have_v no_o natural_a connexion_n if_o we_o do_v think_v a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n useful_a do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v such_o a_o judge_n when_o there_o be_v no_o appearance_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n or_o if_o god_n have_v appoint_v such_o a_o judge_n do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v to_o be_v that_o judge_n when_o she_o can_v show_v no_o commission_n for_o it_o prove_v that_o she_o be_v so_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v whatever_o divine_v they_o be_v if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o who_o wish_v for_o such_o a_o judge_n to_o unite_v the_o whole_a christian_a church_n in_o faith_n and_o worship_n take_v very_o wrong_a measure_n of_o thing_n and_o because_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o this_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o end_v this_o controversy_n i_o shall_v discourse_v particular_o of_o it_o 1._o first_o then_o i_o observe_v that_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n who_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o all_o case_n to_o believe_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o constitution_n of_o human_a nature_n man_n be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o understand_v and_o judge_v for_o himself_o and_o therefore_o to_o submit_v to_o any_o man_n judgement_n how_o infallible_a soever_o he_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v without_o understanding_n and_o judge_v for_o ourselves_o be_v a_o unnatural_a imposition_n upon_o mankind_n this_o destroy_v human_a nature_n and_o transform_v a_o man_n who_o be_v a_o know_v and_o intelligent_a creature_n into_o a_o senseless_a though_o infallible_a machine_n which_o move_v by_o external_a direction_n not_o from_o a_o inward_a principle_n of_o knowledge_n and_o life_n to_o know_v and_o to_o follow_v a_o guide_n without_o any_o knowledge_n or_o judgement_n of_o our_o own_o be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n the_o first_o be_v the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n the_o other_o a_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n without_o understanding_n for_o though_o i_o have_v a_o entire_a system_n of_o true_a proposition_n which_o i_o must_v exercise_v no_o act_n of_o reason_n and_o judgement_n about_o but_o only_o receive_v they_o as_o the_o dictate_v of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n this_o be_v not_o human_a knowledge_n this_o be_v no_o perfection_n of_o human_a understanding_n no_o man_n be_v a_o jot_n the_o wise_a or_o more_o know_v for_o all_o this_o no_o more_o than_o he_o will_v be_v who_o can_v repeat_v all_o the_o proposition_n in_o euclid_n and_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v all_o true_a upon_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o master_n but_o know_v not_o how_o to_o demonstrate_v any_o one_o of_o they_o which_o be_v to_o understand_v nothing_o about_o they_o now_o i_o can_v never_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v destroy_v human_a nature_n by_o suspend_v all_o the_o act_n of_o reason_n and_o judgement_n to_o make_v man_n infallible_a which_o be_v a_o certain_a way_n indeed_o to_o prevent_v error_n to_o let_v man_n know_v and_o judge_v of_o nothing_o that_o they_o may_v not_o mistake_v but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o value_v knowledge_n so_o much_o that_o i_o have_v rather_o venture_v some_o mistake_v than_o forfeit_v my_o understanding_n if_o my_o faith_n must_v be_v resolve_v whole_o into_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n though_o i_o may_v think_v i_o understand_v some_o thing_n yet_o i_o must_v not_o believe_v for_o that_o reason_n for_o than_o i_o must_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o i_o do_v understand_v and_o see_v a_o reason_n for_o which_o make_v every_o man_n his_o own_o judge_n but_o i_o must_v believe_v my_o judge_n with_o or_o without_o understanding_n without_o the_o exercise_n of_o my_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n which_o may_v make_v we_o good_a catholic_n but_o do_v also_o unman_v we_o but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v we_o not_o bind_v to_o believe_v infallible_a teacher_n who_o we_o know_v to_o be_v infallible_a and_o have_v not_o god_n in_o several_a age_n give_v such_o teacher_n to_o the_o world_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o must_v we_o not_o resign_v up_o our_o understanding_n to_o they_o and_o do_v this_o unman_v we_o why_o then_o may_v we_o not_o resign_v up_o our_o understanding_n to_o a_o infallible_a judge_n now_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v have_v we_o live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o any_o other_o infallible_a teacher_n now_o for_o answer_n to_o this_o consider_v second_o that_o no_o infallible_a teacher_n can_v whole_o supersede_n the_o exercise_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n for_o though_o the_o immediate_a authority_n of_o god_n must_v and_o aught_o in_o all_o case_n to_o over-rule_v we_o and_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o rational_a account_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o believe_v god_n who_o be_v eternal_a truth_n yet_o when_o any_o man_n pretend_v to_o teach_v by_o god_n authority_n we_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n judge_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o not_o believe_v every_o one_o who_o pretend_v to_o come_v from_o god_n which_o resolve_v the_o very_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n into_o our_o own_o private_a judgement_n and_o therefore_o by_o this_o rule_n we_o must_v at_o least_o use_v our_o own_o judgement_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o our_o judge_n which_o in_o our_o present_a case_n will_v infer_v the_o use_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n as_o to_o all_o the_o material_a dispute_n in_o religion_n and_o make_v such_o a_o judge_n needless_a when_o we_o have_v find_v he_o of_o which_o more_o present_o nay_o second_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o such_o a_o teacher_n by_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a principle_n of_o knowledge_n for_o let_v a_o man_n pretend_v never_o so_o much_o to_o a_o divine_a authority_n if_o he_o preach_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v he_o no_o not_o though_o he_o shall_v work_v miracle_n for_o we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o come_v from_o god_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a notice_n god_n have_v give_v we_o of_o thing_n and_o as_o god_n can_v contradict_v himself_o so_o we_o can_v never_o be_v sure_a that_o any_o man_n speak_v from_o god_n than_o we_o be_v of_o what_o sense_n and_o reason_n teach_v and_o if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v but_o suffer_v we_o to_o judge_v thus_o far_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o infallible_a demonstration_n
whole_o reject_v it_o or_o set_v up_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n and_o in_o my_o opinion_n the_o infidel_n seem_v to_o have_v the_o better_a of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o immediate_a consequence_n not_o to_o believe_v what_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o but_o i_o can_v see_v no_o connexion_n in_o the_o world_n between_o the_o want_n of_o certainty_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n something_o to_o be_v sure_o must_v come_v between_o to_o unite_v they_o together_o and_o the_o least_o we_o can_v think_v of_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v be_v certain_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o make_v we_o certain_a but_o a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o therefore_o since_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o religion_n without_o such_o a_o judge_n we_o must_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v one_o but_o now_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o want_v evidence_n to_o make_v christianity_n certain_a how_o do_v they_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v be_v certain_a of_o it_o which_o signify_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v be_v certain_a of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o certain_a and_o methinks_v it_o want_v a_o little_a proof_n too_o that_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n be_v the_o only_a possible_a way_n to_o make_v man_n certain_a i_o will_v advise_v all_o papist_n not_o to_o press_v this_o argument_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o religion_n too_o far_o lest_o when_o they_o come_v to_o consider_v it_o thorough_o it_o make_v they_o infidel_n but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v but_o reasonable_a what_o great_a certainty_n can_v they_o desire_v than_o we_o have_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o a_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a write_n which_o all_o honest_a and_o diligent_a inquirer_n at_o least_o with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o guide_n may_v understand_v in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o persuade_v we_o of_o the_o reason_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o pardon_v involuntary_a mistake_v second_o the_o next_o pretence_n for_o a_o infallible_a judge_n be_v unity_n for_o we_o see_v by_o sad_a experience_n that_o while_o every_o man_n judge_n for_o himself_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v divide_v into_o sect_n and_o party_n who_o first_o differ_v in_o their_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o then_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o communion_n and_o thus_o it_o necessary_o must_n and_o will_v be_v till_o all_o submit_v to_o one_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o unite_v in_o one_o visible_a head_n and_o therefore_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o christ_n intend_v that_o all_o his_o disciple_n shall_v live_v in_o unity_n with_o each_o other_o which_o he_o so_o strict_o enjoin_v and_o so_o passionate_o recommend_v we_o must_v conclude_v that_o he_o have_v appoint_v some_o effectual_a mean_n to_o end_v all_o controversy_n and_o to_o unite_v they_o in_o one_o communion_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o infallible_a and_o govern_v head_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o considenr_v 1._o that_o a_o supreme_a visible_a head_n as_o suppose_v the_o pope_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o if_o all_o christian_a church_n live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o they_o will_v be_v one_o church_n though_o they_o be_v all_o equal_a without_o own_v the_o supremacy_n of_o one_o over_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o that_o christ_n institute_v but_o one_o church_n and_o require_v all_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o one_o visible_a head_n because_o they_o may_v be_v one_o without_o such_o a_o head_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v all_o the_o unity_n christ_n intend_v but_o of_o this_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o follow_a paper_n 2._o though_o christ_n have_v make_v unity_n necessary_a with_o the_o necessity_n of_o duty_n it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o he_o have_v appoint_v infallible_a and_o necessary_a mean_n of_o unity_n i_o suppose_v all_o man_n will_v grant_v that_o christ_n have_v make_v holiness_n as_o necessary_a as_o unity_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v appoint_v no_o necessary_a and_o infallible_a mean_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n but_o we_o see_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n suffer_v as_o much_o by_o the_o wickedness_n as_o by_o the_o division_n of_o her_o member_n unity_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o so_o be_v holiness_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o both_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o own_o choice_n and_o liberty_n and_o if_o the_o command_v and_o exhortation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o another_o world_n with_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n will_v not_o make_v man_n do_v their_o duty_n i_o know_v of_o nothing_o else_o that_o can_v and_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o christ_n be_v more_o concern_v for_o the_o unity_n than_o for_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o church_n 3._o for_o three_o i_o think_v it_o a_o great_a mistake_n to_o attribute_v all_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n to_o want_v of_o evidence_n and_o all_o division_n to_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o lust_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o both_o or_o else_o both_o heresy_n and_o schism_n be_v more_o innocent_a thing_n than_o i_o take_v they_o to_o be_v all_o the_o world_n can_v preserve_v man_n who_o have_v any_o interest_n to_o serve_v by_o it_o from_o be_v heretic_n for_o interest_n will_v make_v man_n teach_v heresy_n without_o believe_v they_o or_o believe_v they_o without_o reason_n and_o interest_n and_o faction_n will_v divide_v the_o church_n where_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o of_o which_o the_o donatist_n of_o old_a be_v a_o sad_a example_n and_o there_o be_v a_o present_a and_o sensible_a example_n of_o this_o which_o the_o romanist_n must_v own_v and_o yet_o if_o they_o own_v it_o it_o utter_o destroy_v all_o their_o pretence_n to_o infallibility_n and_o supremacy_n as_o such_o certain_a and_o infallible_a remedy_n for_o heresy_n and_o schism_n for_o they_o must_v say_v as_o they_o do_v that_o christ_n have_v vest_v st._n peter_n and_o his_o successor_n the_o pope_n of_o rome_n with_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o church_n here_o than_o be_v their_o infallible_a cure_n of_o schism_n how_o then_o come_v all_o those_o schism_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n for_o there_o be_v a_o good_a number_n of_o they_o notwithstanding_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n and_o some_o more_o for_o that_o reason_n have_v not_o christ_n appoint_v a_o head_n of_o unity_n yes_o but_o other_o bishop_n and_o church_n will_v submit_v to_o he_o how_o not_o to_o christ_n vicar_n how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v why_o they_o dispute_v his_o authority_n and_o have_v not_o christ_n plain_o give_v he_o this_o authority_n yes_o but_o they_o will_v see_v it_o but_o be_v this_o inculpable_a ignorance_n or_o pride_n and_o faction_n if_o the_o first_o than_o they_o must_v grant_v there_o want_v certain_a evidence_n for_o this_o infallible_a head_n and_o this_o they_o must_v not_o say_v if_o the_o second_o than_o the_o vice_n of_o man_n will_v make_v the_o institution_n of_o a_o supreme_a head_n as_o ineffectual_a to_o prevent_v schism_n as_o the_o command_v of_o our_o saviour_n be_v and_o it_o argue_v a_o good_a degree_n of_o assurance_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o pretend_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a head_n and_o judge_n of_o controversy_n to_o prevent_v heresy_n and_o schism_n when_o though_o they_o say_v that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v such_o a_o head_n and_o judge_n yet_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n for_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v never_o the_o few_o heresy_n nor_o schism_n for_o it_o by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o infallible_a remedy_n against_o they_o well!_o but_o it_o will_v be_v so_o if_o all_o man_n will_v submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o infallible_a judge_n very_o right_a and_o so_o any_o other_o way_n will_v do_v in_o which_o all_o man_n will_v agree_v for_o than_o i_o guess_v they_o will_v be_v all_o of_o a_o mind_n but_o this_o give_v no_o advantage_n to_o a_o infallible_a judge_n above_o any_o other_o mean_n of_o union_n and_o therefore_o the_o necessity_n of_o unity_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n for_o if_o the_o romanist_n be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o christ_n do_v appoint_v such_o a_o judge_n and_o such_o a_o judge_n be_v such_o a_o infallible_a mean_n of_o unity_n
be_v the_o meaning_n of_o some_o particular_a phrase_n in_o this_o obscure_a text_n so_o much_o be_v very_o plain_a in_o it_o that_o man_n who_o build_v hay_n and_o stubble_n upon_o the_o foundation_n i._n e._n who_o believe_v in_o christ_n though_o with_o a_o mixture_n of_o many_o vain_a and_o hurtful_a superstition_n shall_v yet_o if_o their_o life_n be_v holy_a and_o virtuous_a be_v save_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n though_o with_o some_o loss_n and_o hazard_n which_o make_v the_o case_n of_o honest_a man_n who_o live_v in_o very_o corrupt_a communion_n not_o perfect_o hopeless_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o we_o grant_v that_o salvation_n may_v be_v have_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o any_o man_n to_o choose_v the_o communion_n of_o a_o corrupt_a church_n because_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n in_o it_o however_o this_o show_v what_o a_o great_a mistake_n this_o paper_n be_v guilty_a of_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o best_a christian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o believe_v such_o damnable_a doctrine_n can_v be_v save_v only_o by_o ignorance_n which_o most_o protestant_n divine_v believe_v the_o pagan_n themselves_o may_v be_v for_o though_o invincible_a ignorance_n be_v a_o equal_a excuse_n for_o pagan_n and_o christian_n yet_o when_o this_o excuse_n be_v allow_v pagan_n have_v not_o such_o a_o right_a to_o salvation_n as_o christian_n have_v ignorance_n may_v excuse_v but_o can_v save_v it_o be_v only_a faith_n in_o christ_n save_v we_o which_o corrupt_a christian_n have_v and_o pagan_n have_v not_o which_o be_v a_o essential_a difference_n second_o suppose_v the_o error_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o damnable_a why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n reform_v such_o error_n as_o be_v not_o damnable_a suppose_v they_o only_o obscure_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n mediation_n and_o be_v dangerous_a temptation_n to_o sin_n or_o hinder_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n or_o betray_v man_n to_o false_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o damnable_a why_o may_v not_o such_o error_n as_o these_o be_v reform_v if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v convince_v that_o she_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o error_n ought_v she_o not_o to_o reform_v herself_o and_o be_v not_o every_o church_n in_o duty_n bind_v to_o preserve_v her_o faith_n and_o worship_n as_o pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a as_o she_o can_v and_o why_o then_o be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n bind_v to_o do_v so_o if_o indeed_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v a_o supreme_a power_n over_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v without_o her_o approbation_n and_o order_n than_o we_o will_v grant_v that_o in_o case_n of_o tolerable_a error_n such_o a_o dependent_a church_n can_v not_o reform_v itself_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o its_o superior_a as_o no_o private_a christian_n can_v reform_v the_o church_n wherein_o he_o live_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o but_o we_o say_v that_o every_o national_a church_n have_v the_o supreme_a independent_a power_n within_o herself_o and_o therefore_o may_v correct_v any_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o her_o communion_n without_o ask_v leave_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n or_o any_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o justify_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o she_o reform_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v erroneous_a though_o the_o error_n be_v not_o damnable_a for_o all_o error_n ought_v to_o be_v reform_v when_o they_o be_v know_v if_o the_o reformer_n have_v just_a authority_n to_o do_v it_o and_o such_o error_n as_o be_v damnable_a will_v justify_v any_o man_n to_o reform_v himself_o and_o all_o that_o he_o can_v convince_v of_o such_o error_n for_o every_o man_n have_v authority_n to_o save_v his_o soul_n three_o if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v guilty_a of_o damnable_a error_n how_o do_v christ_n perform_v his_o promise_n to_o his_o church_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o now_o the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o objection_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o sound_n of_o those_o phrase_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n by_o which_o some_o understand_v that_o the_o devil_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n for_o if_o he_o can_v do_v that_o then_o say_v they_o he_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v only_o destruction_n for_o hades_n be_v proper_o the_o state_n of_o dead_a man_n who_o be_v lay_v underground_o and_o appear_v no_o more_o in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o when_o our_o saviour_n promise_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hades_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n profess_v that_o faith_n which_o here_o peter_n have_v profess_v and_o whereon_o christ_n promise_v to_o build_v his_o church_n viz._n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o such_o a_o church_n there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n ever_o since_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o it_o be_v such_o a_o church_n but_o that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v overrun_v with_o great_a and_o damn_v error_n be_v evident_a from_o st._n paul_n prediction_n of_o the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o late_a day_n when_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v reveal_v the_o son_n of_o perdition_n who_o as_o god_n sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n show_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v god_n 2_o thess._n 2._o 3_o 4._o for_o whosoever_o this_o man_n of_o sin_n be_v he_o sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o while_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n sit_v in_o the_o church_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o he_o bring_v some_o damn_v error_n with_o he_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n even_o when_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n sit_v there_o four_o as_o for_o the_o last_o thing_n mention_v it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reformation_n who_o do_v not_o own_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o though_o they_o may_v have_v error_n of_o their_o own_o yet_o not_o of_o such_o fatal_a consequence_n but_o if_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v be_v equal_o corrupt_v at_o that_o time_n it_o have_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o we_o for_o corruption_n ought_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o we_o have_v authority_n to_o reform_v ourselves_o and_o as_o for_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o other_o pure_a church_n we_o do_v so_o we_o own_o all_o pure_a church_n nay_o be_v ready_a to_o communicate_v with_o church_n which_o have_v some_o corruption_n in_o their_o constitution_n if_o they_o be_v tolerable_a and_o do_v not_o render_v their_o communion_n sinful_a which_o be_v all_o the_o obligation_n we_o have_v to_o communicate_v with_o any_o church_n for_o if_o by_o communion_n they_o mean_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v put_v ourselves_o under_o the_o government_n and_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o church_n which_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o think_v no_o church_n in_o communion_n with_o she_o without_o submit_v to_o her_o authority_n we_o beg_v their_o pardon_n for_o that_o we_o will_v communicate_v with_o other_o church_n as_o friend_n and_o equal_n and_o brethren_n but_o not_o as_o subject_n second_o the_o next_o argument_n for_o a_o visible_a judge_n which_o the_o paper_n insist_o on_o be_v that_o without_o such_o a_o judge_n we_o can_v know_v that_o every_o particular_a book_n of_o scripture_n be_v canonical_a and_o here_o be_v a_o great_a many_o objection_n start_v against_o the_o authority_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o canon_n which_o much_o more_o become_v sceptic_n and_o infidel_n than_o christian_n of_o any_o communion_n i_o do_v not_o think_v they_o worth_a transcribe_v for_o this_o argument_n may_v be_v answer_v without_o answer_v these_o objection_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o answer_v as_o we_o for_o those_o who_o original_o make_v these_o objection_n will_v not_o be_v put_v off_o with_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o judge_n without_o a_o rational_a solution_n of_o these_o difficulty_n and_o those_o who_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o answer_n can_v be_v give_v to_o they_o but_o to_o resolve_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o canon_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o judge_n without_o any_o other_o reason_n give_v up_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n to_o infidel_n who_o despise_v the_o vain_a
this_o to_o the_o purpose_n when_o the_o scripture_n express_o condemn_v the_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o give_v religious_a worship_n to_o any_o other_o be_v but_o to_o god_n only_o and_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n say_v nothing_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o that_o st._n paul_n dispute_v design_o against_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n institute_v his_o supper_n in_o both_o kind_n and_o command_v they_o to_o drink_v of_o the_o consecrate_a cup_n as_o well_o as_o to_o eat_v the_o bread_n though_o i_o have_v a_o great_a reverence_n for_o antiquity_n yet_o if_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o day_n pronounce_v a_o anathema_n against_o angel_n themselves_o who_o shall_v preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n we_o may_v safe_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o church_n that_o shall_v contradict_v the_o express_a command_n and_o institution_n of_o christ._n to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n be_v antiquity_n our_o only_a guide_n and_o rule_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n i_o ready_o grant_v it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a uncertain_a rule_n and_o such_o as_o neither_o the_o learned_a nor_o the_o unlearned_a can_v build_v their_o faith_n on_o for_o there_o have_v be_v great_a variety_n of_o opinion_n and_o practice_n in_o other_o age_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o since_o the_o four_o century_n from_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n principal_o date_n their_o antiquity_n as_o well_o as_o in_o our_o own_o which_o show_v what_o a_o uncertain_a foundation_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v for_o her_o faith_n as_o for_o all_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n wherein_o she_o differ_v from_o we_o which_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n and_o at_o best_a a_o very_a uncertain_a one_o in_o very_o late_a antiquity_n but_o this_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o who_o prefer_v scripture_n antiquity_n before_o all_o other_o and_o own_o no_o antiquity_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o we_o neither_o retain_v too_o much_o nor_o too_o little_a because_o we_o teach_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v the_o paper_n but_o it_o be_v reply_v the_o church_n of_o england_n give_v leave_v even_o to_o woman_n to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o teach_v but_o certain_o this_o be_v a_o compliment_n they_o be_v incapable_a of_o examination_n neither_o indeed_o be_v statesman_n lawyer_n the_o busy_a nor_o the_o stupid_o ignorant_a for_o if_o we_o will_v be_v judge_n ourselves_o of_o these_o matter_n what_o life_n or_o capacity_n be_v sufficient_a for_o in_o justice_n if_o i_o examine_v i_o ought_v to_o hear_v all_o the_o several_a pretender_n to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n who_o make_v it_o their_o rule_n of_o faith_n so_o to_o examine_v those_o text_n that_o make_v against_o we_o as_o well_o as_o those_o for_o we_o and_o the_o several_a expositor_n for_o in_o affair_n of_o much_o less_o importance_n people_n be_v think_v foolish_a and_o partial_a let_v one_o party_n tell_v his_o story_n to_o a_o seem_a demonstration_n not_o to_o preserve_v another_o ear_n for_o the_o other_o side_n before_o he_o determine_v if_o he_o must_v judge_v at_o all_o answer_n the_o lightness_n of_o this_o expression_n of_o compliment_a do_v not_o savour_n of_o a_o serious_a mind_n in_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a importance_n do_v our_o saviour_n then_o compliment_v his_o hearer_n when_o he_o command_v they_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o he_o have_v woman_n and_o very_o busy_a people_n who_o hear_v his_o sermon_n the_o poor_a and_o the_o ignorant_a and_o the_o despise_a people_n publican_n and_o sinner_n receive_v the_o gospel_n which_o do_v not_o so_o much_o require_v great_a leisure_n and_o capacity_n for_o study_n as_o a_o honest_a teachable_a mind_n and_o i_o confess_v i_o think_v it_o a_o great_a reproach_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o make_v it_o so_o much_o a_o art_n and_o a_o mystery_n that_o none_o but_o great_a scholar_n can_v understand_v it_o scholar_n indeed_o have_v make_v a_o art_n and_o a_o mere_a dispute_v art_n of_o it_o and_o heretic_n who_o have_v corrupt_v the_o gospel_n have_v endeavour_v by_o perverse_a comment_n to_o make_v plain_a place_n obscure_a and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v more_o countenance_v this_o pretence_n than_o any_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o frighten_v people_n from_o read_v that_o book_n which_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v against_o popery_n and_o after_o all_o their_o talk_n of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o scripture_n their_o deny_v the_o people_n the_o free_a use_n of_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a confession_n that_o they_o think_v it_o too_o plain_a against_o themselves_o so_o plain_a that_o every_o ordinary_a christian_n will_v be_v able_a to_o see_v it_o but_o if_o so_o very_a few_o people_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o dispute_n in_o religion_n what_o course_n shall_v woman_n and_o other_o person_n who_o the_o paper_n make_v such_o incompetent_a judge_n take_v suppose_v they_o have_v be_v educate_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o be_v now_o assault_v by_o popish_a priest_n to_o go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n must_v they_o make_v this_o change_n with_o reason_n or_o without_o it_o must_v they_o judge_v for_o themselves_o or_o forsake_v one_o church_n and_o choose_v another_o without_o judgement_n or_o can_v woman_n or_o busy_a or_o ignorant_a people_n more_o easy_o find_v out_o the_o true_a church_n and_o the_o infallible_a judge_n than_o they_o can_v read_v in_o scripture_n that_o they_o must_v worship_v none_o but_o god_n that_o they_o must_v not_o worship_v image_n and_o picture_n that_o they_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n and_o celebrate_v the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n by_o drink_v of_o the_o cup_n as_o well_o as_o by_o eat_v the_o bread_n whoever_o venture_v to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v baptize_v and_o educate_v i_o be_o sure_a aught_o to_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v whether_o he_o be_v or_o no_o and_o those_o who_o confess_v they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v aught_o to_o be_v keep_v where_o they_o be_v for_o it_o be_v safe_a to_o continue_v in_o a_o church_n without_o judgement_n than_o to_o forsake_v it_o without_o reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o the_o first_o case_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o our_o birth_n and_o education_n will_v make_v some_o apology_n for_o our_o involuntary_a mistake_v but_o if_o we_o wanton_o leave_v one_o church_n and_o go_v to_o another_o without_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o either_o the_o act_n be_v whole_o our_o own_o choice_n and_o if_o we_o leave_v a_o better_a for_o a_o worse_o we_o must_v take_v what_o follow_v and_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o most_o improper_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v use_v by_o one_o who_o be_v waver_v between_o two_o church_n for_o if_o he_o must_v not_o use_v his_o own_o private_a judgement_n i_o can_v guess_v how_o he_o shall_v either_o choose_v or_o refuse_v those_o who_o challenge_v a_o liberty_n of_o judge_v for_o themselves_o which_o be_v the_o undoubted_a right_n of_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n may_v change_v as_o they_o see_v reason_n and_o at_o their_o own_o peril_n if_o they_o choose_v wrong_v but_o those_o who_o disclaim_v all_o right_a and_o capacity_n of_o judge_v must_v continue_v as_o they_o be_v and_o take_v their_o chance_n for_o they_o may_v as_o well_o choose_v their_o faith_n as_o their_o guide_n who_o they_o will_v in_o all_o thing_n believe_v but_o still_o the_o force_n of_o the_o objection_n be_v not_o answer_v that_o he_o who_o will_v judge_v must_v judge_v upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v able_a to_o know_v and_o answer_v whatever_o be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a which_o the_o great_a number_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o woman_n be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v but_o if_o this_o be_v true_a the_o great_a number_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o woman_n must_v never_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o that_o christ_n come_v from_o god_n to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n for_o there_o be_v very_o few_o of_o they_o that_o ever_o hear_v or_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v the_o ten_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n against_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o talk_v of_o authority_n or_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o these_o matter_n for_o we_o must_v first_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o christ_n come_v from_o god_n before_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o they_o have_v appoint_v a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n so_o that_o
we_o must_v either_o say_v that_o common_a people_n who_o have_v not_o time_n nor_o ability_n to_o understand_v and_o answer_v all_o the_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n can_v have_v no_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o we_o must_v grant_v that_o man_n may_v have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v some_o thing_n without_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v all_o possible_a objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o they_o the_o plain_a account_n of_o this_o matter_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n argument_n so_o plain_a and_o clear_a and_o convince_a that_o the_o mind_n may_v safe_o acquiesce_v in_o they_o without_o examine_v or_o answer_v all_o possible_a objection_n which_o may_v be_v start_v every_o man_n find_v this_o in_o himself_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o he_o can_v never_o be_v make_v to_o doubt_v of_o though_o it_o may_v be_v he_o have_v but_o one_o plain_a argument_n to_o prove_v they_o though_o the_o philosopher_n dispute_v very_o subtle_o against_o the_o possibility_n of_o motion_n he_o can_v persuade_v none_o of_o his_o scholar_n that_o motion_n be_v impossible_a because_o they_o see_v themselves_o and_o every_o thing_n else_o move_v every_o day_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v against_o motion_n if_o i_o have_v any_o one_o unanswerable_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o my_o faith_n though_o i_o can_v answer_v all_o objection_n against_o it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o objection_n of_o any_o force_n against_o a_o plain_a and_o positive_a proof_n but_o such_o as_o weaken_v the_o proof_n itself_o and_o they_o indeed_o must_v be_v consider_v but_o all_o other_o collateral_a difficulty_n may_v be_v reject_v for_o if_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o other_o difficulty_n about_o the_o nature_n notion_n or_o operation_n of_o such_o a_o be_v can_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o as_o for_o instance_n we_o have_v a_o great_a many_o positive_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n especial_o from_o the_o visible_a effect_n of_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n in_o make_v the_o world_n now_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o which_o can_v move_v a_o consider_a man_n than_o we_o may_v firm_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a many_o difficulty_n object_v against_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n what_o he_o be_v and_o how_o he_o make_v the_o world_n etc._n etc._n which_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n but_o that_o we_o do_v not_o perfect_o comprehend_v he_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v general_o the_o case_n that_o where_o there_o be_v one_o plain_a and_o evident_a proof_n for_o or_o against_o any_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o plain_a and_o evident_a proof_n on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o then_o indeed_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o hard_a case_n can_v there_o be_v plain_o positive_a proof_n for_o both_o side_n of_o the_o question_n it_o will_v be_v of_o use_n to_o show_v this_o more_o particular_o how_o man_n of_o very_a ordinary_a ability_n may_v arrive_v to_o a_o very_a great_a certainty_n in_o religion_n without_o be_v able_a to_o dispute_v the_o point_n or_o to_o answer_v all_o possible_a objection_n and_o the_o best_a way_n to_o explain_v this_o to_o the_o mean_a understanding_n be_v to_o give_v some_o particular_a instance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o great_a dispute_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n whether_o the_o sacramental_a bread_n and_o wine_n be_v transubstantiate_v into_o the_o natural_a flesh_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o i_o think_v a_o plain_a man_n who_o will_v believe_v his_o sense_n may_v determine_v without_o dispute_v for_o he_o have_v the_o best_a evidence_n that_o he_o possible_o can_v have_v for_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o consecrate_a bread_n and_o wine_n be_v still_o bread_n and_o wine_n not_o flesh_n and_o blood_n for_o all_o his_o sense_n tell_v he_o so_o and_o he_o who_o will_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v reason_v out_o of_o his_o sense_n deserve_v to_o be_v deceive_v and_o very_o absurd_o complain_v of_o want_n of_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n when_o he_o reject_v the_o most_o certain_a evidence_n that_o god_n can_v give_v he_o in_o matter_n of_o sense_n the_o restimony_n of_o our_o sense_n be_v certain_o the_o best_a evidence_n and_o every_o man_n who_o have_v his_o eye_n in_o his_o head_n can_v see_v whether_o it_o be_v bread_n and_o wine_n or_o not_o and_o therefore_o this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o create_v certainty_n in_o defiance_n of_o all_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_n thus_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o forbid_v the_o worship_n of_o all_o image_n without_o any_o restriction_n or_o qualification_n be_v a_o plain_a and_o express_a proof_n against_o image-worship_n for_o whatever_o apology_n may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n here_o be_v a_o express_a law_n against_o it_o in_o such_o plain_a term_n as_o require_v great_a art_n and_o sophistry_n to_o evade_v they_o but_o no_o art_n to_o understand_v they_o now_o there_o be_v a_o positive_a law_n against_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o no_o law_n either_o in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n to_o give_v the_o least_o allowance_n to_o any_o kind_n of_o image-worship_n any_o man_n who_o will_v believe_v according_a to_o evidence_n must_v condemn_v image-worship_n whatever_o other_o unscriptural_a argument_n or_o authority_n may_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o and_o i_o know_v no_o need_n there_o be_v of_o any_o dispute_n in_o the_o case_n if_o man_n will_v be_v determine_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n thus_o if_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a infallible_a head_n of_o the_o church_n he_o must_v be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o such_o plain_a word_n that_o every_o body_n may_v know_v who_o he_o be_v and_o what_o his_o authority_n be_v but_o christ_n have_v do_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v none_o and_o this_o alone_a be_v evidence_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o mean_a man_n in_o this_o matter_n without_o dispute_v for_o if_o christ_n have_v appoint_v no_o supreme_a infallible_a judge_n i_o be_o sure_a all_o the_o argument_n in_o the_o world_n can_v make_v one_o this_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o evident_a that_o a_o man_n who_o will_v be_v convince_v by_o reason_n can_v resist_v it_o for_o though_o no_o pretence_n of_o usefulness_n or_o necessity_n can_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o judge_n yet_o that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v no_o such_o judge_n evident_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v none_o for_o he_o can_v be_v unless_o he_o be_v evident_o appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o evident_o appoint_v unless_o it_o be_v in_o such_o plain_a word_n as_o admit_v of_o no_o reasonable_a dispute_n so_o that_o this_o whole_a controversy_n about_o the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o infallible_a judge_n issue_v in_o this_o one_o point_n whether_o christ_n have_v appoint_v such_o a_o head_n and_o judge_n and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n to_o prove_v it_o viz._n by_o show_v where_o and_o when_o christ_n have_v do_v this_o and_o this_o the_o mean_a man_n without_o dispute_v may_v judge_v of_o for_o if_o no_o such_o thing_n plain_o appear_v the_o want_n of_o evidence_n for_o it_o be_v all_o the_o evidence_n we_o need_v to_o have_v against_o it_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o most_o of_o the_o dispute_v between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n especial_o where_o the_o people_n be_v most_o concern_v they_o be_v reduce_v to_o this_o one_o plain_a question_n whether_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v institute_v by_o christ_n because_o without_o such_o a_o institution_n they_o can_v have_v no_o virtue_n in_o they_o and_o whether_o they_o be_v institute_v or_o not_o the_o most_o unlearned_a man_n who_o can_v read_v the_o bible_n at_o least_o with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o guide_n may_v satisfy_v himself_o as_o for_o instance_n whether_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a whether_o the_o laity_n be_v not_o as_o much_o bind_v to_o drink_v of_o the_o sacramental_a cup_n as_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o bread_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v to_o saint_n depart_v and_o to_o make_v they_o our_o advocate_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n whether_o we_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n in_o a_o language_n which_o we_o do_v or_o do_v not_o understand_v etc._n etc._n i_o say_v nothing_o can_v justify_v these_o thing_n but_o a_o institution_n and_o when_o no_o such_o institution_n appear_v it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o attempt_v