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authority_n church_n council_n tradition_n 2,236 5 9.2761 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A48243 The letter writ by the last Assembly General of the Clergy of France to the Protestants, inviting them to return to their communion together with the methods proposed by them for their conviction / translated into English, and examined by Gilbert Burnet. Burnet, Gilbert, 1643-1715.; Catholic Church. Assemblée générale du clergé de France. 1683 (1683) Wing L1759; ESTC R2185 82,200 210

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general_n in_o which_o i_o intend_v to_o show_v that_o they_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n much_o more_o evident_o than_o they_o can_v pretend_v that_o we_o have_v do_v and_o this_o be_v concern_v the_o pope_n power_n o●_n depose_v king_n which_o they_o who_o live_v under_o so_o mighty_a a_o monarch_n have_v very_o prudent_o renounce_v but_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o more_o plain_o contradict_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o reformer_n do_v shall_v appear_v by_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o discourse_n in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o two_o ground_n that_o seem_v undeniable_a in_o their_o own_o principle_n the_o one_o be_v that_o the_o tradition_n of_o any_o age_n or_o age_n of_o the_o church_n when_o it_o be_v universal_a and_o undisputed_a be_v of_o the_o same_o authority_n with_o the_o tradition_n of_o any_o other_o age_n whatsoever_o for_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o church_n last_o continual_o and_o 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what_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o those_o passage_n that_o be_v in_o dispute_n but_o by_o that_o same_o church_n which_o convey_v it_o to_o you_o this_o be_v s._n augustine_n method_n in_o many_o place_n but_o above_o all_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr utilitate_fw-la credendi_fw-la and_o in_o his_o book_n contra_fw-la epistolam_fw-la fundamenti_fw-la 5._o in_o which_o he_o say_v i_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o oblige_v i_o to_o it_o this_o method_n be_v handsome_o manage_v in_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n join_v to_o the_o peaceable_a method_n remark_n 1._o great_a difference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v between_o the_o conveyance_n of_o book_n and_o a_o oral_a tradition_n of_o doctrine_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o carry_v down_o the_o one_o in_o a_o way_n that_o be_v moral_o infallible_a a_o exact_a copy_v be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o that_o whereas_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a to_o prevent_v fraud_n and_o imposture_n in_o the_o other_o in_o a_o course_n of_o some_o age_n especial_o in_o time_n of_o ignorance_n and_o corruption_n in_o which_o the_o credulity_n of_o unthinking_a people_n have_v make_v a_o easy_a game_n to_o the_o craft_n and_o industry_n of_o covetous_a and_o aspire_a priest_n few_o be_v then_o at_o the_o pain_n to_o examine_v any_o thing_n but_o take_v all_o upon_o trust_n and_o become_v so_o ready_a of_o belief_n that_o the_o more_o incredible_a a_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v they_o swallow_v it_o down_o the_o more_o willing_o 2._o if_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v will_v hold_v good_a it_o be_v as_o strong_a in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n for_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o sanhedrim_n may_v have_v as_o reasonable_o pretend_v that_o since_o they_o have_v convey_v down_o the_o book_n in_o which_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v contain_v they_o h●d_v likewise_o the_o right_a to_o expound_v those_o 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sacrilegious_a a_o attempt_n as_o the_o corrupt_a they_o have_v be_v he_o can_v not_o have_v succeed_v in_o it_o to_o any_o great_a degree_n some_o addition_n may_v have_v be_v make_v in_o some_o copy_n and_o so_o from_o those_o they_o may_v have_v be_v derive_v to_o other_o but_o these_o can_v not_o have_v b●en_o considerable_a otherwise_o they_o have_v be_v discover_v and_o complain_v of_o and_o when_o we_o find_v the_o church_n engage_v in_o contest_v with_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n we_o see_v both_o side_n appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o neither_o of_o they_o reproach_v the_o other_o for_o violate_v that_o sacred_a trust._n and_o the_o noise_n we_o find_v of_o the_o small_a change_n of_o a_o letter_n in_o the_o a●ian_a controversy_n show_v we_o how_o exact_a they_o be_v in_o preserve_v these_o record_n as_o for_o the_o error_n of_o transcriber_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o though_o some_o error_n have_v creep_v into_o some_o copy_n yet_o all_o these_o put_v together_o do_v not_o alter_v any_o one_o point_n of_o our_o religion_n so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o great_a consequence_n thus_o it_o appear_v how_o much_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o receive_v the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o such_o a_o tradition_n but_o for_o oral_a tradition_n it_o be_v visible_a how_o it_o may_v have_v be_v so_o manage_v as_o quick_o to_o change_v the_o whole_a nature_n of_o religion_n natural_a religion_n be_v soon_o corrupt_v when_o it_o pass_v down_o in_o this_o conveyance_n even_o during_o the_o long_a life_n of_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n who_o have_v thereby_o a_o advantage_n to_o keep_v this_o pure_a that_o after_o age_n in_o which_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v so_o shorten_v can_v pretend_v to_o we_o also_o see_v to_o what_o a_o degree_n the_o jewish_a tradition_n become_v corrupt_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n particular_o in_o one_o point_n which_o may_v be_v call_v the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o wit_n concern_v their_o messiah_n what_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o person_n and_o kingdom_n be_v to_o be_v so_o that_o they_o all_o expect_v a_o great_a conqueror_n a_o second_o moses_n or_o a_o david_n so_o ineffectual_a a_o mean_n be_v oral_a tradition_n for_o convey_v down_o any_o doctrine_n pure_a or_o uncorrupted_a the_o nine_o method_n be_v to_o tell_v they_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v before_o they_o make_v the_o separation_n be_v the_o true_a church_n because_o it_o be_v the_o only_a church_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o reform_v the_o doctrine_n without_o make_v another_o church_n for_o than_o she_o must_v have_v fall_v into_o error_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n must_v have_v prevail_v against_o she_o which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o can_v fail_v 1.16_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o her_o remark_n 1._o a_o church_n may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o be_v corrupt_v by_o many_o error_n for_o a_o ●rue_a church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n among_o who_o be_v the_o certain_a mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o such_o be_v the_o jewish_a church_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n for_o their_o sacrifice_n have_v still_o a_o expiatory_a virtue_n and_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o that_o people_n stand_v still_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v overrun_v with_o many_o error_n chief_o in_o their_o notion_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o thus_o as_o long_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n acknowledge_v the_o expiation_n make_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o apply_v to_o all_o that_o true_o believe_v and_o amend_v their_o life_n so_o long_o she_o be_v a_o true_a church_n so_o that_o those_o of_o that_o communion_n who_o adhere_v true_o to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a fundamental_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v save_v but_o when_o so_o many_o thing_n be_v add_v to_o this_o that_o it_o be_v very_o hard_o to_o preserve_v this_o fundamental_a truth_n pure_a and_o entire_a than_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o those_o who_o be_v better_o enlighten_v to_o call_v on_o other_o to_o correct_v the_o abuse_n that_o have_v creep_v in_o 2._o it_o be_v hard_o to_o build_v a_o great_a super-structure_n on_o a_o figurative_a expression_n of_o which_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a and_o full_a sense_n and_o in_o this_o that_o be_v cite_v there_o be_v but_o three_o term_n and_o about_o every_o one_o of_o they_o great_a and_o just_a ground_n of_o doubt_v do_v appear_v 1._o it_o be_v not_o certain_a what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n which_o be_v a_o odd_a figure_n for_o a_o assailant_n if_o by_o gate_n we_o mean_v council_n because_o the_o magistrate_n and_o court_n among_o the_o jew_n sit_v in_o the_o gate_n than_o the_o meaning_n will_v be_v that_o the_o craft_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n that_o be_v shall_v not_o root_v out_o christianity_n or_o if_o by_o gate_n of_o hell_n or_o the_o grave_a according_a to_o a_o common_a greek_a phrase_n death_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v it_o be_v the_o gate_n through_o which_o we_o pass_v to_o the_o grave_a than_o the_o meaning_n be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o die_v or_o be_v extinguish_v nor_o be_v there_o less_o difficulty_n to_o be_v make_v about_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n church_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v mean_v in_o general_a of_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n or_o of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o majority_n of_o they_o the_o context_n seem_v to_o carry_v it_o for_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n and_o then_o the_o meaning_n will_v be_v only_o this_o that_o there_o shall_v still_o be_v a_o body_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o
have_v opinion_n different_a from_o other_o separate_z themselves_z from_o they_o but_o remain_v in_o the_o communion_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o those_o from_o who_o they_o differ_v that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o wait_v till_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v decide_v the_o difference_n and_o after_o he_o have_v resume_v a_o little_a of_o what_o he_o have_v former_o say_v he_o conclude_v thus_o bapti●mo_n if_o then_o the_o church_n be_v lose_v for_o hold_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o heretic_n be_v good_a they_o can_v show_v the_o original_a of_o their_o communion_n but_o if_o the_o true_a church_n do_v still_o subsist_v they_o can_v justify_v their_o separation_n nor_o the_o schism_n that_o they_o have_v make_v one_o may_v say_v all_o this_o against_o the_o waldenses_n the_o lutheran_n the_o calvinist_n and_o the_o other_o heretic_n who_o can_v mount_v high_a than_o to_o waldo_n to_o luther_n to_o calvin_n or_o their_o other_o head_n this_o method_n of_o s._n augustine_n be_v most_o excellent_a but_o if_o our_o brethren_n the_o pretend_a reform_a will_v defend_v themselves_o by_o say_v as_o in_o effect_n they_o do_v say_v in_o some_o of_o their_o book_n that_o it_o be_v not_o they_o who_o make_v the_o separation_n but_o rather_o that_o it_o come_v from_o we_o and_o that_o we_o have_v cut_v they_o off_o from_o our_o communion_n to_o this_o it_o must_v be_v answer_v that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o separation_n the_o one_o be_v criminal_a the_o other_o be_v judicial_a in_o the_o first_o one_o separate_v himself_o from_o his_o pastor_n by_o a_o manifest_a disobedience_n in_o the_o second_o the_o pastor_n separate_v he_o from_o the_o flock_n who_o be_v make_v a_o party_n and_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n the_o one_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o the_o other_o be_v the_o punishment_n the_o one_o be_v a_o voluntary_a departure_n the_o other_o be_v the_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o a_o sentence_n even_o as_o the_o judge_n pronounce_v a_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n against_o one_o that_o have_v kill_v himself_o the_o proof_n of_o those_o two_o different_a separation_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o thirty_o eight_o letter_n of_o s._n cyprian_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o one_o augendus_n who_o have_v go_v over_o to_o the_o party_n of_o felicissimus_n the_o deacon_n and_o it_o appear_v that_o that_o great_a saint_n have_v suspend_v and_o excommunicate_v he_o for_o have_v withdraw_v himself_o from_o his_o obedience_n and_o for_o have_v engage_v other_o in_o the_o same_o separation_n 76._o let_v every_o one_o say_v he_o that_o have_v folfollowed_a his_o opinion_n and_o faction_n know_v that_o he_o shall_v communicate_v no_o more_o with_o we_o in_o the_o church_n since_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n he_o have_v choose_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n in_o his_o seventy_o six_o epistle_n he_o say_v the_o same_o thing_n of_o novatian_n and_o those_o who_o have_v join_v with_o he_o in_o his_o revolt_n because_o they_o leave_v the_o church_n by_o their_o rebellion_n and_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v endeavour_v to_o establish_v their_o authority_n and_o to_o assume_v a_o supreme_a jurisdiction_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o usurp_v power_n to_o baptise_v and_o to_o offer_v sacrifice_n this_o distinction_n be_v also_o clear_o state_v in_o the_o four_o action_n of_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n where_o those_o two_o ancient_a canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n that_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o canon_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v cite_v the_o first_o be_v concern_v those_o that_o be_v separate_v the_o other_o be_v concern_v those_o who_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n do_v separate_v themselves_o the_o greek_a be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d age_n it_o be_v think_v proper_a for_o this_o purpose_n to_o transcribe_v here_o those_o two_o canon_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n with_o regard_n to_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n who_o she_o throw_v out_o of_o her_o bosom_n and_o who_o have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o she_o these_o canon_n be_v the_o four_o and_o five_o of_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n and_o the_o twenty_o seven_o and_o thirty_o of_o the_o apostolic_a canon_n and_o the_o pretend_a reform_a can_v reject_v their_o authority_n since_o they_o observe_v among_o themselves_o the_o same_o discipline_n when_o any_o particular_a person_n whether_o minister_n or_o other_o of_o their_o communion_n will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o decision_n of_o their_o synod_n remark_n 1._o for_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o this_o method_n the_o reform_a be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o it_o for_o they_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v still_o a_o true_a church_n and_o that_o her_o baptism_n and_o ordination_n be_v valid_a and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v repeat_v and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v very_o pertinent_a to_o urge_v the_o donatist_n as_o s._n austin_n do_v who_o hold_v that_o the_o sacrament_n in_o a_o ill_a man_n hand_n have_v no_o virtue_n at_o all_o and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v every_o where_o fail_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n but_o that_o which_o be_v among_o they_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v foreign_a to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o we_o do_v free_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o such_o a_o matter_n as_o the_o rebaptising_a heretic_n it_o have_v be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n to_o have_v break_a communion_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o yet_o upon_o this_o very_a head_n p._n s●ephen_n do_v excommunicate_v s._n cyprian_a who_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o do_v not_o depart_v from_o his_o former_a opinion_n or_o practice_n so_o here_o be_v such_o a_o schism_n as_o they_o object_n to_o we_o s._n cyprian_n think_v the_o rebaptise_v heretic_n be_v well_o ground_v stephen_n think_v otherwise_o and_o do_v excommunicate_v he_o if_o upon_o that_o a_o last_a schism_n have_v follow_v in_o the_o church_n s._n cyprian_n may_v have_v be_v hold_v the_o fountain_n of_o it_o by_o those_o who_o condemn_v his_o opinion_n but_o if_o his_o opinion_n be_v true_a he_o can_v be_v no_o schismatic_a so_o we_o desire_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o separation_n may_v be_v examine_v if_o they_o will_v not_o bear_v such_o a_o superstructure_n we_o confess_v we_o deserve_v the_o severe_a censure_n possible_a but_o if_o they_o be_v solid_a than_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o rent_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n must_v lie_v somewhere_o else_o than_o on_o we_o 3._o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o separation_n which_o be_v here_o very_o well_o distinguish_v and_o without_o seek_v for_o any_o proof_n in_o so_o clear_a a_o matter_n we_o confess_v that_o when_o any_o separate_v himself_o from_o the_o church_n upon_o any_o unjustifiable_a account_n those_o canon_n and_o the_o high_a severity_n of_o church-censure_n ought_v to_o be_v apply_v ●o_o they_o but_o all_o this_o be_v upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o departure_n be_v ill_o ground_v and_o therefore_o all_o those_o rule_n that_o have_v be_v ●aid_v down_o in_o general_a against_o heresy_n and_o schism_n must_v still_o suppose_v the_o church_n to_o ●e_v pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a 4._o it_o be_v plain_a by_o these_o very_a canon_n how_o much_o that_o power_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v and_o be_v abuse_v the_o council_n of_o antioch_n be_v compose_v of_o the_o favourer_n of_o arius_n depose_v athanasius_n and_o resolve_v to_o silence_v he_o and_o such_o other_o churchman_n as_o receive_v the_o nicene_n doctrine_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o withstand_v their_o design_n and_o therefore_o they_o make_v those_o canon_n according_a to_o former_a custom_n which_o in_o the_o stile_n of_o that_o age_n be_v call_v the_o canon_n or_o rule_n for_o none_o that_o have_v consider_v 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plea_n of_o those_o persecute_a man_n so_o full_o that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o conclude_v that_o the_o spirit_n that_o act_v in_o hilary_n be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o now_o inspire_v the_o reverend_a prelate_n of_o that_o church_n to_o this_o i_o may_v add_v the_o know_a history_n of_o the_o priscillianist_n that_o fall_v out_o not_o long_o after_o martini_n i_o shall_v not_o presume_v to_o make_v a_o parallel_n between_o any_o of_o the_o gallican_n church_n and_o ithacius_n who_o persecute_v they_o of_o who_o the_o historian_n give_v this_o character_n that_o he_o be_v a_o vain_a sumptuous_a sensual_a and_o impudent_a man_n and_o that_o he_o grow_v to_o that_o pitch_n in_o vice_n that_o he_o suspect_v all_o man_n that_o lead_v strict_a life_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v incline_v to_o heresy_n and_o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v hope_v that_o none_o will_v be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o compare_v the_o priscillianist_n with_o those_o they_o now_o call_v heretic_n in_o france_n whether_o we_o consider_v their_o opinion_n that_o be_v a_o revival_n of_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o the_o gnostic_n or_o their_o moral_n that_o be_v brutal_a and_o obscene_a even_o by_o priscillian_n own_o confession_n now_o ithacius_n prosecute_v those_o in_o the_o emperor_n court_n and_o go_v on_o in_o the_o pursuit_n though_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o that_o age_n martin_n warn_v he_o often_o to_o give_v it_o over_o in_o conclusion_n when_o ithacius_n have_v set_v it_o on_o so_o far_o that_o a_o sentence_n be_v sure_a to_o pass_v against_o they_o he_o then_o withdraw_v from_o it_o sentence_n be_v give_v and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n upon_o which_o some_o bishop_n excommunicate_v ithacius_n yet_o s._n martin_n be_v wrought_v on_o to_o communicate_v with_o he_o very_o much_o against_o his_o mind_n be_v threaten_v by_o the_o emperor_n maximus_n that_o if_o he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o troop_n shall_v be_v order_v to_o march_v into_o spain_n to_o destroy_v the_o rest_n of_o they_o this_o prevail_v on_o that_o good_a man_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o those_o that_o have_v act_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o mercifulness_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o sacredness_n of_o their_o character_n but_o no_o art_n can_v work_v on_o s._n martin_n to_o approve_v of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o be_v remarkable_a for_o when_o s._n martin_n go_v home_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v sulpitius_n a_o angel_n appear_v to_o he_o and_o reprove_v he_o severe_o for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v upon_o which_o he_o with_o many_o tear_n lament_v much_o the_o sin_n he_o have_v commit_v by_o his_o communicate_v with_o those_o man_n and_o will_v never_o after_o that_o communicate_v with_o any_o of_o that_o party_n and_o during_o the_o sixteen_o year_n that_o he_o survive_v that_o sulpitius_n who_o live_v with_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o never_o go_v to_o any_o synod_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a withdraw_n of_o those_o influence_n and_o grace_n for_o which_o he_o have_v be_v so_o eminent_a former_o and_o thus_o if_o s._n martin_n example_n and_o practice_n be_v of_o any_o authority_n the_o cruelty_n of_o that_o church_n that_o have_v engage_v all_o the_o prince_n of_o europe_n as_o much_o as_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o do_v what_o maximus_n then_o do_v and_o the_o present_a practice_n of_o the_o bishop_n about_o the_o court_n may_v justify_v a_o separation_n from_o they_o but_o we_o do_v not_o proceed_v upon_o such_o disputable_a ground_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o ●dd_v the_o authority_n of_o another_o father_n who_o t●o●gh_v he_o be_v none_o of_o the_o gallican_n bishop_n 〈◊〉_d since_o he_o be_v more_o read_v and_o esteem_v in_o that_o church_n than_o any_o other_o of_o all_o the_o ●athers_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o his_o authority_n may_v be_v somewhat_o consider_v it_o be_v s._n austin_n he_o be_v once_o against_o all_o sort_n of_o severity_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o deliver_v his_o mind_n so_o pathetical_o and_o elegant_o on_o that_o subject_n that_o i_o presume_v the_o reader_n will_v not_o be_v ill_o please_v to_o hear_v his_o own_o word_n write_v against_o the_o manichaean_n who_o impiety_n be_v too_o well_o know_v to_o be_v enlarge_v on_o so_o as_o to_o show_v that_o even_o in_o the_o account_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v of_o thing_n they_o can_v pretend_v that_o the_o protestant_n be_v as_o bad_a as_o they_o be_v he_o begin_v his_o book_n against_o they_o with_o a_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o a_o calm_a and_o serene_a mind_n so_o that_o he_o may_v study_v their_o conversion_n and_o not_o seek_v their_o ruin_n to_o which_o purpose_n he_o apply_v those_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n to_o timothy_n the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v not_o strive_v but_o be_v meek_a towards_o all_o man_n apt_a to_o teach_v patient_a in_o meekness_n instruct_v they_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o which_o he_o add_v these_o word_n 2._o let_v they_o exercise_v cruelty_n upon_o you_o who_o do_v not_o know_v with_o what_o difficulty_n truth_n be_v find_v out_o and_o how_o hardly_o error_n be_v avoid_v let_v they_o exercise_v cruelty_n upon_o you_o who_o do_v not_o know_v how_o rare_a and_o hard_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o overmaster_v carnal_a imagination_n with_o the_o serenity_n of_o a_o pious_a mind_n let_v they_o exercise_v cruelty_n upon_o you_o who_o do_v not_o know_v with_o what_o difficulty_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v heal_v that_o so_o it_o may_v behold_v its_o sun_n let_v they_o exercise_v cruelty_n upon_o you_o who_o do_v not_o know_v with_o what_o groan_n and_o sigh_n we_o attain_v the_o small_a measure_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n let_v they_o exercise_v cruelty_n upon_o you_o who_o be_v never_o themselves_o deceive_v with_o any_o error_n like_o that_o with_o which_o you_o be_v now_o deceive_v it_o be_v true_a it_o may_v be_v pretend_v that_o he_o become_v afterward_o of_o another_o mind_n but_o that_o will_v not_o serve_v to_o excuse_v the_o severity_n now_o on_o foot_n the_o case_n be_v so_o very_o different_a the_o donatist_n in_o his_o time_n very_o general_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a one_o sort_n of_o they_o the_o circumcellionist_n act_v like_o mad_a man_n they_o do_v lie_v in_o wait_n for_o s._n augustine_n life_n they_o fall_v upon_o several_a bishop_n with_o great_a barbarity_n put_v out_o the_o eye_n of_o some_o and_o cudgel_n other_o till_o they_o leave_v they_o as_o dead_a upon_o this_o the_o bishop_n of_o africa_n be_v force_v to_o desire_v the_o emperor_n protection_n and_o that_o the_o law_n make_v against_o heretic_n may_v be_v execute_v upon_o the_o donatist_n ●0_n and_o yet_o even_o in_o this_o s._n austin_n be_v at_o first_o averse_a it_o be_v true_a he_o afterward_o in_o his_o write_n against_o the_o donatist_n justify_v those_o severity_n of_o fine_v and_o banish_v 50._o but_o he_o express_v both_o in_o his_o own_o name_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o those_o church_n great_a dislike_n not_o only_o of_o all_o capital_a proceed_n but_o of_o all_o rigour_n 160._o and_o when_o the_o governor_n and_o magistrate_n be_v carry_v thing_n too_o far_o he_o interpose_v often_o and_o ●ith_o great_a earnestness_n to_o moderate_v their_o severity_n and_o write_v to_o they_o that_o if_o they_o go_v on_o with_o such_o rigour_n the_o bishop_n will_v rather_o bear_v with_o all_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o donatist_n than_o seek_v to_o they_o for_o redress_n and_o whole_a synod_n of_o bishop_n concur_v with_o he_o in_o make_v the_o like_a address_n in_o their_o favour_n and_o though_o there_o be_v excess_n commit_v in_o some_o few_o instance_n yet_o we_o may_v easy_o conclude_v how_o gentle_a they_o be_v upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n from_o this_o that_o he_o say_v that_o the_o fine_n impose_v by_o law_n have_v never_o be_v exact_v don_n and_o that_o they_o 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from_o that_o which_o animate_v the_o church_n in_o the_o former_a and_o best_a age_n the_o reverend_a prelate_n say_v in_o their_o letter_n that_o they_o hold_v the_o same_o faith_n with_o their_o predecessor_n if_o this_o be_v true_a in_o all_o point_n it_o be_v indeed_o very_o hard_o to_o write_v a_o apology_n for_o those_o that_o have_v separate_v from_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o engage_v in_o a_o long_a discussion_n of_o the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n of_o the_o gallican_n church_n yet_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v not_o be_v too_o much_o wrought_v on_o by_o the_o confidence_n and_o plausibleness_n of_o this_o expression●_n i_o shall_v only_o give_v a_o taste_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o first_o of_o all_o the_o gallican_n clergy_n who_o work_n be_v yet_o preserve_v and_o that_o be_v irenaeus_n i_o shall_v instance_n it_o in_o two_o particular_n the_o one_o be_v the_o hinge_n upon_o which_o all_o our_o other_o controversy_n turn_v that_o be_v whether_o the_o 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essay_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o first_o writer_n of_o all_o gallican_n bishop_n do_v agree_v with_o the_o protestant_n both_o in_o that_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v their_o whole_a cause_n and_o also_o in_o that_o particular_a opinion_n which_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n than_o the_o reader_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o present_a bishop_n of_o france_n hold_v the_o same_o faith_n which_o their_o predecessor_n teach_v who_o first_o preach_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o that_o kingdom_n but_o now_o i_o come_v to_o answer_v the_o main_a question_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o the_o letter_n why_o have_v they_o make_v the_o schism_n if_o such_o a_o letter_n with_o such_o a_o demand_n in_o it_o have_v come_v from_o the_o abassin_n or_o armenian_a church_n or_o perhaps_o from_o the_o greek_a church_n who_o distance_n from_o we_o be_v such_o and_o the_o oppression_n they_o 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guilty_a of_o which_o be_v to_o worship_n that_o as_o a_o god_n which_o we_o do_v believe_v be_v only_o a_o piece_n of_o bread_n 2._o in_o this_o very_a article_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o our_o opinion_n be_v the_o sure_a side_n for_o as_o to_o the_o spiritual_a efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o due_a preparation_n for_o it_o which_o be_v all_o that_o we_o hold_v concern_v it_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n there_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n in_o that_o whereas_o if_o their_o opinion_n be_v false_a they_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o most_o horrid_a idolatry_n so_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o any_o thing_n we_o do_v whereas_o there_o may_v be_v great_a danger_n on_o their_o side_n all_o the_o danger_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v on_o our_o side_n be_v that_o we_o do_v not_o adore_v christ_n if_o he_o be_v present_a which_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v want_n of_o reverence_n but_o that_o can_v be_v reasonable_o urge_v since_o we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n adore_v he_o believe_v 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say_v with_o design_n only_o to_o beget_v reverence_n and_o devotion_n can_v do_v 3._o the_o ancient_a council_n be_v not_o so_o solicitous_a as_o this_o paper_n will_v insinuate_v to_o prove_v a_o tradition_n from_o the_o father_n of_o the_o first_o age_n they_o take_v great_a care_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o decree_v by_o many_o argument_n from_o scripture_n but_o for_o the_o tradition_n they_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o show_v that_o they_o do_v innovate_v in_o nothing_o and_o that_o some_o father_n before_o they_o have_v teach_v what_o they_o decree_v we_o have_v not_o the_o act_n of_o the_o two_o first_o general_n council_n but_o we_o may_v very_o probable_o gather_v upon_o what_o ground_n those_o at_o nice_a proceed_v by_o what_o s._n athanasius_n write_v as_o a_o apology_n for_o their_o symbol_n nic._n in_o particular_a for_o the_o word_n consubstantial_a which_o he_o prove_v by_o many_o consequence_n draw_v from_o scripture_n but_o for_o the_o tradition_n of_o it_o he_o only_o cite_v four_o father_n and_o none_o of_o those_o be_v very_o ancient_a they_o be_v theognistus_n denis_n of_o alexandria_n denis_n of_o rome_n and_o origen_n and_o yet_o both_o that_o alex._n father_n syn._n hilary_n and_o 41._o s._n basil_n acknowledge_v that_o denis_n of_o alexandria_n waver_v much_o in_o that_o matter_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v what_o advantage_n be_v take_v from_o many_o of_o origen_n expression_n so_o here_o we_o have_v only_o two_o undisputed_a father_n that_o convey_v this_o tradition_n 1._o we_o have_v the_o act_n of_o the_o three_o general_n council_n yet_o preserve_v and_o in_o they_o we_o find_v a_o tradition_n indeed_o allege_v but_o except_o s._n cyprian_a and_o s._n peter_n of_o alexandria_n they_o cite_v none_o but_o those_o that_o have_v live_v after_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o pope_n leo_n letter_n to_o flavian_n
evidence_n of_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n from_o which_o they_o deduce_v they_o 5._o since_o those_o of_o that_o communion_n object_n a_o national_a synod_n to_o the_o protestant_n this_o may_v be_v turn_v back_o on_o they_o with_o great_a advantage_n in_o some_o point_n establish_v by_o council_n which_o they_o esteem_v not_o only_a general_n but_o infallible_a in_o the_o three_o council_n of_o the_o lateran_n it_o be_v decree_v that_o all_o prince_n who_o favour_a heretic_n do_v forfeit_v their_o right_n and_o a_o plenary_a indulgence_n be_v grant_v to_o all_o that_o fight_v against_o they_o in_o the_o four_o council_n at_o the_o same_o place_n it_o be_v decree_v that_o the_o pope_n may_v not_o only_o declare_v this_o forfeiture_n but_o absolve_v the_o subject_n from_o their_o oath_n of_o obedience_n and_o transfer_v their_o dominion_n upon_o other_o in_o the_o first_o council_n at_o lion_n they_o join_v with_o the_o pope_n in_o thunder_v the_o sentence_n of_o deposition_n 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up_o by_o the_o earth_n ibid._n so_o that_o by_o this_o diversity_n of_o the_o punishment_n one_o may_v know_v that_o schism_n be_v a_o great_a crime_n than_o idolatry_n we_o may_v likewise_o see_v how_o upon_o the_o same_o subject_n he_o exhort_v the_o donatist_n to_o renounce_v their_o wicked_a schism_n in_o his_o ●71_n epistle_n in_o which_o among_o other_o thing_n he_o have_v those_o excellent_a word_n 171._o why_o will_v you_o tear_v the_o lord_n garment_n and_o why_o will_v you_o not_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n leave_v that_o coat_n of_o charity_n entire_a that_o be_v all_o weave_v of_o one_o thread_n which_o even_o his_o persecutor_n themselves_o will_v not_o rend_v and_o a_o little_a after_o this_o you_o pretend_v that_o you_o will_v avoid_v that_o cockle_n that_o as_o you_o allege_v be_v mix_v among_o we_o and_o that_o before_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n whereas_o indeed_o it_o be_v you_o yourselves_o that_o be_v this_o cockle_n for_o if_o you_o be_v the_o good_a 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cockle_n with_o the_o wheat_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o strong_o urge_v against_o they_o but_o it_o be_v quite_o out_o of_o the_o present_a controversy_n between_o they_o and_o we_o who_o do_v not_o separate_v for_o this_o mixture_n but_o find_v the_o wheat_n itself_o so_o much_o corrupt_v take_v care_n to_o cleanse_v it_o 3._o we_o free_o acknowledge_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o severe_a punishment_n due_a to_o it_o but_o for_o all_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o corah_n and_o his_o partner_n we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o when_o the_o temple_n be_v so_o defile_v by_o idolatry_n under_o the_o king_n that_o pollute_v the_o altar_n and_o the_o court_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n with_o idol_n it_o be_v not_o only_o no_o sin_n but_o a_o commendable_a piece_n of_o religion_n in_o such_o case_n to_o have_v withdraw_v from_o so_o impious_a a_o worship_n this_o be_v our_o present_a case_n and_o if_o what_o we_o object_n to_o their_o worship_n be_v true_a than_o our_o separation_n from_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a a_o duty_n as_o be_v the_o preserve_n of_o our_o life_n from_o poison_n or_o infectious_a disease_n 4._o the_o true_a scope_n of_o that_o parable_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o reproof_n to_o the_o violence_n of_o such_o churchman_n as_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o condemn_v and_o pluck_v up_o every_o thing_n that_o they_o think_v to_o be_v cockle_n and_o when_o the_o declare_v what_o be_v cockle_n be_v lodge_v with_o they_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o count_v every_o thing_n such_o that_o do_v not_o please_v they_o and_o then_o that_o same_o heat_n that_o make_v they_o judge_v those_o opinion_n to_o be_v cockle_n set_v they_o on_o to_o root_v they_o out_o with_o such_o violence_n that_o much_o good_a wheat_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v pluck_v up_o therefore_o to_o repress_v this_o our_o saviour_n command_v they_o under_o that_o figure_n to_o let_v both_o grow_v till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v not_o to_o proceed_v to_o extremity_n and_o to_o rigorous_a method_n but_o to_o leave_v that_o to_o god_n who_o will_v judge_v all_o at_o the_o last_o day_n if_o this_o be_v well_o consider_v it_o will_v put_v a_o effectual_a stop_n to_o that_o spirit_n of_o persecution_n which_o ferment_n so_o violent_o in_o that_o church_n the_o language_n of_o which_o be_v always_o this_o let_v u●_n go_v and_o pluck_v up_o the_o tare_n or_o that_o of_o the_o two_o disciple_n who_o will_v have_v call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n and_o because_o heaven_n will_v not_o answer_v such_o bloody_a demand_n they_o try_v to_o raise_v such_o fire_n on_o earth_n as_o may_v burn_v up_o those_o who_o they_o call_v the_o tare_n not_o know_v what_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n be_v and_o that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o and_o forget_v that_o our_o saviour_n command_v they_o to_o let_v the_o tare_n grow_v till_o the_o harvest_n but_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o mischief_n that_o follow_v the_o humour_n of_o expound_v the_o scripture_n fanciful_o that_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o clear_a text_n be_v neglect_v while_o force_v and_o allegorical_a exposition_n be_v pursue_v 5._o when_o it_o be_v clear_o prove_v that_o the_o majority_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a than_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v that_o all_o separation_n from_o they_o be_v simple_o unlawful_a but_o till_o that_o be_v do_v we_o can_v no_o more_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n when_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o withdraw_v from_o such_o false_a teacher_n as_o corrupt_v it_o then_o it_o be_v for_o common_a subject_n to_o refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o subordinate_a magistrate_n when_o they_o clear_o perceive_v that_o they_o have_v revolt_v from_o their_o duty_n to_o their_o supreme_a authority_n and_o since_o we_o be_v warn_v to_o beware_v of_o false_a teacher_n we_o know_v no_o other_o way_n to_o judge_v of_o they_o but_o the_o compare_v their_o doctrine_n with_o that_o which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n the_o fourteen_o method_n be_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o former_a in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o must_v ask_v the_o calvinist_n upon_o all_o their_o article_n that_o which_o apparuit_fw-la s._n austin_n ask_v of_o the_o donatist_n when_o the_o church_n reconcile_v to_o her self_o heretic_n that_o be_v penitent_a without_o rebaptising_a they_o for_o example_n whether_o be_v the_o church_n still_o a_o true_a church_n or_o not_o when_o before_o the_o schism_n be_v make_v jesus_n christ_n be_v adore_v in_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n if_o she_o be_v the_o true_a church_n than_o none_o ought_v to_o have_v separate_v from_o she_o for_o any_o practice_n that_o be_v authorize_v by_o she_o 2._o if_o she_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n from_o whence_o come_v calvin_n out_o of_o what_o soil_n do_v he_o grow_v or_o out_o of_o what_o sea_n be_v he_o cast_v or_o from_o which_o of_o the_o heaven_n do_v he_o fall_v from_o whence_o be_v these_o reformer_n come_v from_o who_o have_v they_o receive_v their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o authority_n to_o preach_v it_o ibid._n let_v those_o who_o follow_v they_o consider_v well_o where_o they_o be_v since_o they_o can_v mount_v no_o high_o than_o to_o those_o for_o their_o original_a for_o we_o we_o be_v secure_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n in_o which_o that_o be_v to_o this_o day_n universal_o practise_v that_o be_v also_o practise_v before_o agripinus_n be_v time_n and_o also_o in_o the_o interval_n between_o cyprian_a and_o agripinus_n and_o afterward_o he_o subjoin_v these_o excellent_a word_n that_o be_v decisive_n ibid._n but_o neither_o do_v agripinus_n nor_o cyprian_a nor_o those_o that_o have_v follow_v they_o though_o they_o
which_o we_o have_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v among_o those_o church_n such_o as_o the_o adore_v the_o consecrate_a element_n the_o deny_v the_o wine_n to_o the_o people_n the_o say_n mass_n for_o redeem_v soul_n out_o of_o purgatory_n the_o have_v image_n for_o the_o trinity_n the_o immediate_a invocation_n of_o saint_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o those_o blessing_n which_o we_o receive_v only_o from_o god_n beside_o a_o infinite_a variety_n of_o other_o thing_n not_o to_o mention_v their_o deny_v the_o pope_n authority_n and_o to_o turn_v this_o argument_n on_o they_o those_o part_n of_o their_o worship_n in_o which_o they_o differ_v so_o much_o from_o the_o eastern_a church_n do_v afford_v we_o very_o good_a argument_n to_o evince_v that_o they_o be_v innovation_n bring_v in_o since_o these_o age_n in_o which_o those_o church_n hold_v communion_n with_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o do_v prove_v that_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o separation_n they_o be_v not_o introduce_v in_o the_o western_a church_n for_o when_o we_o find_v such_o a_o keenness_n of_o dispute_n concern_v one_o of_o the_o most_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o whether_o the_o sacrament_n shall_v be_v of_o leaven_a or_o unleavened_a bread_n can_v we_o think_v that_o if_o the_o latin_n have_v then_o worship_v the_o sacrament_n they_o have_v not_o much_o rather_o have_v object_v to_o the_o greek_n their_o irreverence_n upon_o so_o high_a a_o occasion_n than_o have_v insist_v on_o the_o matter_n of_o unleavened_a bread_n as_o for_o the_o conclusion_n we_o do_v acknowledge_v it_o be_v such_o as_o become_v a_o assembly_n of_o bishop_n but_o whether_o it_o become_v man_n of_o their_o character_n of_o their_o birth_n and_o of_o their_o quality_n to_o pretend_v to_o such_o gentleness_n and_o meekness_n when_o all_o the_o world_n see_v such_o notorious_a proof_n give_v to_o the_o contrary_a i_o shall_v not_o determine_v but_o will_v leave_v it_o to_o their_o own_o second_o thought_n to_o consider_v better_o of_o it_o we_o find_v both_o the_o king_n and_o the_o clergy_n of_o france_n express_v great_a tenderness_n towards_o the_o person_n of_o those_o they_o call_v heretic_n togetherwith_o their_o resolution_n of_o gain_v they_o only_o by_o the_o method_n of_o persuasion_n and_o charity_n and_o yet_o the_o contrary_n be_v practise_v in_o so_o many_o part_n of_o france_n that_o consider_v the_o exact_a obedience_n that_o the_o inferior_a officer_n pay_v to_o the_o order_n that_o be_v send_v they_o from_o the_o court_n we_o must_v conclude_v these_o order_n be_v procure_v from_o the_o king_n without_o his_o be_v right_o inform_v concern_v they_o and_o since_o we_o must_v either_o doubt_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o king_n declaration_n or_o of_o the_o assembly_n we_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o take_v it_o ill_o if_o we_o pay_v that_o reverence_n to_o a_o crown_a head_n and_o to_o so_o illustrious_a a_o monarch_n as_o to_o prefer_v he_o in_o the_o competition_n between_o his_o credit_n and_o they_o and_o they_o must_v forgive_v we_o if_o we_o stand_v in_o some_o doubt_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o this_o declaration_n till_o we_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o by_o more_o infallible_a proof_n than_o word_n or_o general_a protestation_n the_o conclusion_n thus_o i_o have_v make_v such_o remark_n on_o these_o method_n as_o seem_v both_o just_a and_o solid_a i_o have_v advance_v no_o assertion_n either_o of_o fact_n or_o right_o concern_v which_o i_o be_o not_o well_o assure_v and_o which_o i_o can_v justify_v by_o a_o much_o large_a series_n of_o proof_n than_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o bring_v into_o a_o discourse_n which_o i_o intend_v shall_v be_v as_o short_a as_o be_v possible_a but_o if_o that_o be_v necessary_a and_o i_o be_o call_v on_o to_o do_v it_o i_o shall_v not_o decline_v it_o i_o have_v with_o great_a care_n avoid_v the_o say_v any_o thing_n mere_o for_o contention_n sake_n or_o to_o make_v up_o a_o muster_n of_o many_o particular_n for_o i_o look_v on_o that_o way_n in_o which_o many_o write_v for_o a_o cause_n as_o some_o advocate_n plead_v for_o their_o client_n by_o allege_v every_o thing_n that_o may_v make_v a_o show_n or_o bias_n a_o unwary_a hearer_n as_o very_o unbecoming_a the_o profession_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o the_o cause_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o assert_v and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n that_o show_v a_o man_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n he_o maintain_v more_o evident_o than_o a_o sincere_a way_n of_o defend_v it_o for_o great_a subtlety_n and_o deep_a fetch_n do_v natural_o incline_v a_o reader_n to_o suspect_v that_o the_o writer_n be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o cause_n and_o be_v therefore_o resolve_v to_o supply_v those_o defect_n by_o the_o quickness_n and_o nimbleness_n of_o his_o part_n but_o have_v now_o say_v what_o i_o think_v sufficient_a in_o the_o way_n of_o remark_n upon_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o method_n publish_v by_o the_o late_a assembly_n general_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o france_n i_o now_o go_v on_o to_o some_o method_n which_o seem_v strong_a and_o well_o ground_v for_o convince_a those_o in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o suspect_v the_o ground_n they_o stand_v on_o in_o which_o i_o shall_v observe_v this_o method_n first_o i_o shall_v offer_v such_o ground_n of_o just_a suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n as_o may_v dispose_v every_o consider_v man_n to_o fear_n and_o apprehend_v that_o their_o church_n be_v on_o a_o wrong_a bottom_n from_o which_o i_o shall_v draw_v no_o other_o inference_n but_o that_o they_o be_v reasonable_a ground_n to_o take_v a_o man_n a_o little_a off_o from_o the_o engagement_n of_o his_o former_a education_n and_o principle_n and_o may_v dispose_v he_o to_o examine_v matter_n in_o dispute_n among_o we_o with_o more_o application_n and_o less_o partiality_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v show_v upon_o more_o demonstrative_a ground_n how_o false_a the_o foundation_n be_v on_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v establish_v both_o which_o i_o shall_v examine_v only_o in_o a_o general_a view_n and_o in_o bulk_n without_o descend_v by_o retail_n unto_o the_o particulars_n in_o controversy_n between_o we_o 1._o and_o first_o it_o be_v a_o just_a ground_n to_o suspect_v any_o church_n or_o party_n of_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o have_v every_o thing_n pass_v upon_o their_o word_n or_o authority_n and_o that_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v those_o who_o adhere_v to_o they_o in_o all_o the_o ignorance_n possible_a that_o divert_v they_o from_o make_v inquiry_n into_o religion_n and_o do_v with_o great_a earnestness_n infuse_v in_o they_o a_o implicit_a belief_n of_o whatsoever_o they_o sh●ll_v propose_v or_o dictate_v to_o they_o the_o world_n have_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o which_o fraud_n and_o artifices_fw-la have_v be_v more_o employ_v than_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o priest_n have_v be_v often_o guilty_a of_o the_o base_a imposture_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a indication_n that_o any_o sort_n of_o they_o that_o make_v this_o the_o first_o and_o grand_a principle_n which_o they_o infuse_v into_o their_o follower_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v every_o thing_n that_o the_o majority_n of_o themselves_o decree_n and_o do_v therefore_o recommend_v ignorance_n and_o implicit_a obedience_n to_o their_o people_n and_o keep_v the_o scripture_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n all_o they_o can_v and_o wrap_v up_o their_o worship_n in_o a_o language_n not_o understand_v by_o the_o vulgar_a be_v not_o to_o be_v too_o easy_o believe_v but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v just_o suspect_v of_o have_v no_o sincere_a design_n since_o truth_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o light_n and_o religion_n be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o to_o raise_v our_o understanding_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o just_a ground_n of_o jealousy_n of_o any_o church_n if_o she_o hold_v many_o opinion_n which_o have_v a_o mighty_a tendency_n to_o raise_v the_o empire_n and_o dominion_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o a_o vast_a height_n a_o reverence_n to_o they_o for_o their_o work_n sake_n be_v due_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o if_o priest_n advance_v this_o further_a to_o such_o a_o pitch_n that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v believe_v qualify_v by_o his_o character_n to_o work_v the_o great_a miracle_n that_o ever_o be_v the_o change_n of_o the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n into_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n beside_o all_o the_o other_o consecration_n by_o which_o divine_a virtue_n be_v bring_v down_o on_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o bless_v if_o it_o be_v also_o believe_v necessary_a to_o enumerate_v all_o secret_a sin_n to_o they_o and_o
as_o that_o without_o which_o we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o faith_n but_o if_o this_o be_v true_a then_o into_o what_o desperate_a scruple_n must_v all_o man_n fall_v for_o the_o resolution_n of_o their_o faith_n turn_v to_o that_o which_o can_v never_o be_v so_o much_o as_o make_v probable_a much_o less_o certain_a the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n depend_v on_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n none_o can_v know_v who_o be_v true_o baptise_a or_o ordain_v and_o who_o be_v not_o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v much_o doubt_v but_o that_o many_o profane_a priest_n may_v have_v in_o a_o sort_n of_o wanton_a malice_n put_v their_o intention_n on_o purpose_n cross_v to_o the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o impiety_n of_o a_o atheistical_a churchman_n be_v the_o most_o extravagant_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o this_o what_o evidence_n can_v they_o give_v of_o the_o canonical_a ordination_n of_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n the_o first_o link_n of_o that_o chain_n be_v so_o entangle_v that_o it_o be_v no_o small_a difficulty_n to_o find_v out_o who_o first_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n and_o it_o be_v not_o certain_o know_v who_o suceee_v they_o afterward_o for_o some_o few_o catalogue_n gather_v up_o perhaps_o from_o report_n by_o historian_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o violent_a presumption_n if_o we_o consider_v succession_n only_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o order_n in_o which_o we_o go_v on_o without_o scrupulosity_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v a_o reasonable_a man_n but_o if_o we_o think_v it_o indispensable_a both_o for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrament_n than_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v any_o certainty_n of_o faith_n all_o must_v be_v sound_v on_o conjecture_n or_o probability_n at_o most_o it_o be_v but_o of_o late_a that_o formal_a instrument_n be_v make_v of_o ordination_n or_o that_o those_o be_v careful_o preserve_v and_o 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