Selected quad for the lemma: authority_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
authority_n church_n infallibility_n infallible_a 2,837 5 9.9103 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A71330 A preservative against popery. [Parts 1-2.] being some plain directions to unlearned Protestants, how to dispute with Romish priests, the first part / by Will. Sherlock ... Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1688 (1688) Wing S3326; Wing S3342; ESTC R14776 130,980 192

There are 12 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

while_o they_o adhere_v to_o their_o own_o judgement_n or_o they_o shall_v renounce_v they_o both_o together_o nay_o they_o must_v not_o only_o renounce_v their_o own_o judgement_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v convert_v but_o they_o must_v renounce_v the_o authority_n and_o validity_n of_o those_o very_a argument_n whereby_o they_o be_v convert_v whether_o from_o scripture_n reason_n or_o father_n they_o must_v confess_v that_o these_o argument_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o divine_a faith_n without_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o allow_v any_o authority_n to_o scripture_n or_o father_n without_o the_o church_n for_o that_o may_v make_v man_n heretic_n and_o yet_o i_o suppose_v when_o heretic_n be_v convert_v by_o these_o argument_n it_o must_v be_v the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n which_o convert_v they_o unless_o they_o believe_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n before_o they_o be_v convert_v and_o that_o be_v a_o little_a to_o early_o for_o it_o now_o methinks_v when_o protestant_n turn_n papist_n as_o they_o pretend_v from_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v convert_v be_v teach_v that_o there_o be_v no_o rely_v upon_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o that_o the_o reason_n whereby_o they_o be_v convert_v be_v not_o good_a in_o themselves_o without_o church_n authority_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o ever_o to_o use_v their_o reason_n more_o after_o such_o a_o change_n it_o will_v certain_o make_v they_o disow_v their_o conversion_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o very_a fallible_a judgement_n and_o very_o uncertain_a and_o inauthentick_a reason_n 2._o there_o be_v another_o pretence_n for_o these_o dispute_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o answer_v this_o difficulty_n that_o the_o intention_n of_o these_o dispute_n be_v only_o to_o lead_v you_o to_o the_o infallible_a church_n and_o set_v you_o upon_o a_o rock_n and_o than_o it_o be_v very_o natural_a to_o renounce_v your_o own_o judgement_n when_o you_o have_v a_o infallible_a guide_n our_o own_o judgement_n than_o must_v bring_v we_o to_o the_o infallible_a guide_n and_o when_o we_o have_v find_v he_o we_o have_v no_o far_o use_v for_o our_o own_o judgement_n i_o answer_v 1._o shall_v we_o grant_v this_o it_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o the_o particular_a dispute_n of_o religion_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o may_v dispute_v on_o about_o a_o infallible_a judge_n but_o they_o can_v with_o any_o sense_n dispute_v with_o we_o about_o the_o particular_a article_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o transubstantiation_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n the_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o the_o like_a for_o these_o be_v to_o be_v learn_v only_o from_o the_o church_n and_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o scripture_n or_o father_n without_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o will_v confess_v this_o they_o will_v save_v we_o and_o themselves_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o trouble_n for_o why_o shall_v they_o be_v at_o the_o trouble_n of_o write_v such_o argument_n or_o we_o to_o answer_v they_o when_o they_o themselves_o confess_v that_o the_o argument_n be_v not_o good_a unless_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o church_n authority_n i_o confess_v i_o have_v often_o wonder_v to_o see_v such_o volume_n of_o controversy_n write_v by_o the_o roman_a divine_n for_o i_o can_v never_o imagine_v to_o what_o end_n they_o be_v write_v be_v not_o their_o faith_n whole_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n what_o need_v reason_n and_o argument_n then_o which_o can_v work_v faith_n in_o we_o either_o these_o argument_n be_v sufficient_a to_o confirm_v the_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n or_o they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v than_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o infallibility_n since_o all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v confirm_v by_o such_o reason_n as_o be_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o faith_n without_o it_o and_o thus_o they_o give_v up_o all_o their_o argument_n for_o a_o infallible_a judge_n from_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o judge_n if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o what_o use_n be_v they_o do_v the_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n need_v to_o be_v confirm_v by_o such_o argument_n if_o they_o be_v not_o good_a argument_n without_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n they_o can_v no_o more_o give_v authority_n to_o the_o church_n than_o a_o infallible_a church_n can_v want_v any_o authority_n but_o it_o be_v own_o be_v they_o to_o convince_v heretic_n but_o how_o if_o heretic_n shall_v confute_v they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o good_a argument_n they_o may_v be_v confute_v and_o they_o know_v by_o sad_a experience_n that_o there_o be_v heretic_n as_o they_o call_v they_o who_o have_v wit_n and_o learning_n enough_o to_o confute_v what_o be_v to_o be_v confute_v and_o if_o they_o fall_v into_o such_o hand_n which_o have_v be_v their_o hard_a fate_n of_o late_a they_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v confute_v and_o i_o doubt_v then_o they_o have_v better_o have_v let_v they_o alone_o for_o the_o catholic_n cause_n may_v suffer_v much_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n when_o all_o their_o argument_n be_v confute_v all_o then_o that_o they_o can_v design_n by_o such_o argument_n be_v to_o impose_v upon_o the_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a when_o learned_a man_n be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n which_o be_v no_o very_o commendable_a design_n and_o that_o design_n will_v be_v spoil_v too_o if_o unlearned_a man_n do_v but_o learn_v to_o ask_v they_o the_o question_n whether_o they_o build_v their_o faith_n upon_o such_o argument_n for_o than_o they_o must_v either_o quit_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o argument_n the_o first_o reduce_v they_o to_o protestant_a uncertainty_n for_o than_o they_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n for_o their_o faith_n than_o protestant_n have_v which_o resolve_v itself_o into_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n of_o faith_n the_o second_o put_v a_o end_n to_o dispute_v about_o these_o matter_n for_o no_o man_n needs_o answer_v any_o argument_n which_o the_o disputant_n himself_o acknowledge_v not_o to_o be_v good_a 2._o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v then_o for_o disputation_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o private_a reason_n and_o judgement_n but_o the_o inquiry_n after_o a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o here_o also_o before_o you_o dispute_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o ask_v they_o whether_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o every_o man_n private_a judgement_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o believe_v this_o with_o a_o divine-faith_n and_o whether_o there_o can_v be_v any_o divine_a faith_n without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n certain_o if_o ever_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o have_v a_o infallible_a faith_n it_o be_v so_o to_o be_v infallible_o assure_v of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n because_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o though_o the_o judge_n be_v infallible_a if_o i_o be_v not_o infallible_o assure_v of_o this_o i_o can_v never_o arrive_v to_o infallibility_n in_o any_o thing_n for_o i_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a that_o his_o determination_n be_v infallible_a than_o i_o be_o that_o he_o himself_o be_v infallible_a and_o if_o i_o have_v but_o a_o moral_a assurance_n of_o this_o i_o can_v be_v but_o moral_o assure_v of_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o building_n can_v be_v more_o firm_a than_o the_o foundation_n be_v and_o thus_o there_o be_v a_o end_n to_o all_o the_o roman_a pretence_n to_o infallibility_n now_o if_o we_o must_v believe_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n or_o pope_n of_o rome_n with_o a_o infallible_a faith_n there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o dispute_v for_o no_o reason_n or_o argument_n not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n can_v beget_v a_o infallible_a faith_n according_a to_o the_o roman_a doctor_n for_o this_o reason_n they_o charge_v the_o protestant_a faith_n with_o uncertainty_n and_o will_v not_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a but_o humane_a faith_n though_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o firm_a reason_n the_o best_a authority_n and_o the_o most_o express_a scripture_n that_o can_v be_v have_v for_o any_o thing_n but_o because_o we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o rely_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o live_v infallible_a judge_n therefore_o forsooth_o our_o faith_n be_v uncertain_a humane_a and_o fallible_a and_o this_o they_o say_v make_v a_o infallible_a judge_n necessary_a because_o without_o he_o we_o have_v no_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o any_o thing_n now_o if_o nothing_o but_o a_o infallible_a judge_n can_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o infallible_a faith_n
sir_n for_o i_o rely_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v as_o infallible_a as_o your_o church_n conu._n but_o you_o rely_v on_o your_o own_o reason_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o those_o particular_a doctrine_n you_o draw_v from_o it_o prot._n and_o you_o rely_v on_o your_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o your_o church_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o your_o infallible_a faith_n be_v as_o much_o resolve_v into_o your_o own_o fallible_a judgement_n as_o the_o protestant_a faith_n be_v so_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o we_o be_v not_o that_o your_o faith_n be_v infallible_a and_o we_o fallible_a for_o they_o be_v both_o alike_o call_v it_o what_o you_o will_v fallible_a or_o infallible_a but_o the_o dispute_n be_v whether_o your_o reason_n and_o judgement_n or_o we_o be_v best_a and_o therefore_o if_o you_o think_v your_o reason_n better_o than_o we_o you_o do_v well_o to_o change_v but_o if_o you_o change_v your_o church_n hope_v to_o grow_v more_o infallible_a by_o it_o you_o be_v miserable_o mistake_v and_o may_v return_v to_o we_o again_o for_o we_o have_v more_o rational_a certainty_n than_o you_o have_v and_o you_o have_v no_o more_o infallible_a certainty_n than_o we_o you_o think_v you_o be_v reasonable_o assure_v that_o your_o church_n be_v infallible_a and_o then_o you_o take_v up_o your_o religion_n upon_o trust_n from_o your_o church_n without_o and_o many_o time_n against_o sense_n and_o reason_n according_a as_o it_o happen_v so_o that_o you_o have_v only_o a_o general_a assurance_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o your_o church_n and_o that_o no_o great_a than_o protestant_n pretend_v to_o in_o other_o case_n viz._n the_o certainty_n of_o reason_n and_o argument_n but_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o rational_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o particular_a doctrine_n that_o if_o you_o be_v mistake_v about_o the_o infallibility_n of_o your_o church_n you_o must_v be_v miserable_o mistake_v about_o every_o thing_n else_o which_o you_o have_v no_o other_o evidence_n for_o but_o now_o we_o be_v in_o general_n assure_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o particular_a be_v assure_v that_o the_o faith_n which_o we_o profess_v be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n or_o express_o contain_v in_o it_o and_o do_v not_o contradict_v either_o sense_n or_o reason_n nor_o any_o other_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n so_o that_o we_o have_v as_o much_o assurance_n of_o every_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o you_o have_v of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o your_o church_n and_o therefore_o have_v at_o least_o double_a and_o trible_a the_o assurance_n that_o you_o have_v but_o if_o you_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o your_o conversion_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v of_o you_o what_o make_v you_o think_v that_o you_o want_v certainty_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n conu._n because_o with_o you_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o private_a reason_n and_o judgement_n the_o effect_n of_o which_o be_v very_o visible_a in_o that_o infinite_a variety_n of_o sect_n among_o you_o which_o show_v what_o a_o uncertain_a thing_n your_o reason_n be_v that_o so_o few_o judge_n alike_o of_o the_o power_n and_o validity_n of_o the_o same_o reason_n prot._n and_o be_v you_o not_o sensible_a at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o you_o be_v leave_v to_o your_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n when_o you_o turn_v papist_n be_v you_o not_o sensible_a that_o man_n do_v as_o little_o agree_v about_o your_o reason_n for_o infallibility_n as_o they_o do_v about_o any_o protestant_a reason_n do_v not_o i_o know_v the_o reason_n allege_v by_o you_o for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o your_o church_n as_o well_o as_o you_o do_v and_o do_v we_o not_o still_o differ_v about_o they_o and_o be_v not_o this_o as_o much_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o those_o reason_n which_o make_v you_o a_o papist_n that_o they_o can_v make_v i_o a_o papist_n as_o the_o dissent_n of_o protestant_n in_o other_o matter_n be_v of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o reason_n can_v you_o indeed_o be_v infallible_o assure_v of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o your_o church_n i_o grant_v you_o will_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o we_o but_o while_o you_o find_v your_o belief_n of_o infallibility_n upon_o such_o a_o uncertain_a principle_n as_o you_o think_v reason_n be_v if_o certainty_n have_v be_v your_o only_a aim_n you_o may_v as_o well_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o have_v go_v over_o to_o rome_n this_o abundant_o show_v what_o a_o ridiculous_a thing_n it_o be_v for_o a_o protestant_n to_o be_v dispute_v out_o of_o his_o church_n and_o religion_n upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o more_o infallible_a certainty_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v they_o indeed_o inspire_v with_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v infallible_a there_o may_v be_v some_o pretence_n for_o this_o but_o a_o infallibility_n which_o have_v no_o better_a foundation_n than_o man_n private_a reason_n and_o private_a judgement_n be_v no_o infallibility_n but_o have_v all_o the_o same_o uncertainty_n which_o they_o charge_v on_o the_o protestant_a faith_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o because_o it_o be_v not_o found_v upon_o such_o great_a and_o certain_a reason_n the_o plain_a truth_n be_v man_n may_v be_v teach_v from_o their_o infancy_n to_o believe_v the_o church_n infallible_a and_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o may_v take_v it_o without_o examination_n for_o a_o first_o and_o self-evident_a principle_n and_o think_v this_o a_o infallible_a faith_n but_o man_n who_o understand_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n and_o infallibility_n can_v never_o find_v a_o infallible_a faith_n on_o reason_n nor_o think_v that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v reason_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n be_v more_o infallible_a in_o his_o faith_n than_o a_o protestant_n be_v and_o such_o a_o man_n will_v see_v no_o reason_n to_o quit_v the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o infallible_a faith_n for_o though_o they_o have_v a_o infallible_a guide_n yet_o reason_n can_v give_v they_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o it_o but_o can_v rise_v no_o high_o at_o most_o than_o a_o protestant_a certainty_n 2._o it_o be_v impossible_a also_o by_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o man_n must_v not_o use_v their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v attempt_v to_o persuade_v you_o of_o this_o ask_v he_o why_o then_o he_o go_v about_o to_o dispute_v with_o you_o about_o religion_n whether_o man_n can_v dispute_v without_o use_v their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n whether_o they_o can_v be_v convince_v without_o it_o whether_o his_o offering_n to_o dispute_v with_o you_o against_o the_o use_n of_o your_o reason_n do_v not_o prove_v he_o ridiculous_a and_o absurd_a for_o if_o you_o must_v not_o use_v your_o reason_n why_o do_v he_o appeal_v to_o your_o reason_n and_o whether_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v as_o ridiculous_a and_o absurd_a as_o he_o if_o by_o his_o reason_n and_o argument_n you_o shall_v be_v persuade_v to_o condemn_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n which_o will_v be_v in_o the_o same_o act_n to_o do_v what_o you_o condemn_v to_o use_v your_o reason_n when_o you_o condemn_v it_o if_o you_o must_v not_o use_v your_o reason_n and_o private_a judgement_n than_o you_o must_v not_o by_o any_o reason_n be_v persuade_v to_o condemn_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n for_o to_o condemn_v be_v a_o act_n of_o judgement_n which_o you_o must_v not_o use_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o point_n which_o no_o man_n can_v dispute_v against_o and_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v convince_v of_o by_o dispute_v without_o the_o reproach_n of_o self-contradiction_n this_o be_v a_o honourable_a way_n of_o silence_v these_o troublesome_a and_o clamorous_a disputant_n to_o let_v they_o see_v that_o their_o principle_n will_v not_o allow_v of_o dispute_v and_o that_o some_o of_o their_o fundamental_a doctrine_n which_o they_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o all_o dispute_n for_o the_o very_o admit_v of_o a_o dispute_n confute_v they_o and_o the_o mean_a man_n may_v quick_o say_v more_o in_o this_o cause_n than_o their_o great_a disputant_n can_v answer_v chap._n ii_o concern_v the_o several_a topic_n of_o dispute_n sect_n i._o concern_v argument_n from_o reason_n 2._o the_o next_o direction_n relate_v to_o the_o topic_n from_o which_o they_o dispute_v which_o be_v either_o reason_n scripture_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o writer_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o pope_n or_o general_a council_n be_v the_o thing_n
with_o reason_n reason_v common_o have_v as_o little_a to_o do_v with_o they_o but_o owe_v they_o a_o shame_n whenever_o they_o pretend_v to_o she_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v as_o good_a let_v she_o alone_o 2._o protestant_n may_v dispute_v against_o popish_a doctrine_n and_o to_o vindicate_v their_o own_o faith_n but_o they_o can_v reasonable_o be_v dispute_v into_o popery_n when_o papist_n allege_v scripture_n reason_n or_o humane_a authority_n for_o any_o doctrine_n of_o their_o religion_n protestant_n who_o allow_v of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n may_v examine_v and_o confute_v they_o when_o papist_n dispute_v against_o protestant_a doctrine_n protestant_n be_v concern_v to_o vindicate_v their_o own_o faith_n or_o to_o renounce_v it_o but_o if_o a_o protestant_n understand_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o principle_n all_o the_o dispute_n in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o make_v he_o a_o papist_n for_o to_o be_v a_o papist_n do_v not_o signify_v mere_o to_o believe_v transubstantiation_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o image_n and_o suchlike_a popish_a doctrine_n but_o to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o believe_v whatever_o the_o church_n believe_v and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o the_o church_n teach_v it_o this_o be_v the_o peculiar_a and_o distinguish_a character_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o divide_v it_o from_o all_o other_o church_n and_o sect_n of_o christian_n and_o therefore_o our_o late_a popish_a writer_n be_v certain_o in_o the_o right_n to_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o whole_a controversy_n to_o this_o issue_n not_o to_o dispute_v about_o particular_a doctrine_n which_o follow_v on_o course_n when_o once_o you_o believe_v the_o church_n to_o be_v infallible_a but_o to_o persuade_v man_n that_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v that_o infallible_a church_n now_o i_o say_v no_o understanding_n protestant_n can_v be_v dispute_v into_o this_o kind_n of_o popery_n and_o that_o for_o two_o plain_a reason_n 1._o because_o no_o argument_n or_o disputation_n can_v give_v i_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a by_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o man_n must_v not_o use_v their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n 1._o no_o argument_n can_v give_v i_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n the_o great_a motive_n to_o any_o man_n to_o forsake_v the_o other_o communion_n of_o christian_n and_o to_o go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v to_o attain_v a_o infallibility_n in_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o wonderful_a good_a thing_n if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v but_o though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v infallible_a and_o i_o shall_v be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v some_o reason_n to_o think_v so_o yet_o unless_o i_o can_v be_v infallible_o assure_v of_o it_o my_o faith_n be_v still_o as_o fallible_a as_o the_o protestant_a faith_n be_v and_o i_o be_o no_o near_o to_o infallibility_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o unless_o i_o can_v have_v a_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n i_o can_v have_v no_o infallibility_n at_o all_o though_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a in_o all_o her_o decree_n i_o can_v never_o be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o her_o decree_n unless_o i_o be_v infallible_o certain_a that_o she_o be_v infallible_a it_o be_v a_o know_a rule_n in_o logic_n that_o the_o conclusion_n must_v follow_v the_o weak_a part_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o infer_v a_o infallible_a faith_n from_o the_o fallible_a belief_n of_o the_o church_n infallibility_n and_o yet_o the_o best_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v all_o that_o dispute_v can_v do_v to_o offer_v reason_n for_o our_o faith_n can_v give_v we_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n because_o reason_n itself_o be_v not_o a_o infallible_a principle_n at_o least_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n dare_v not_o own_o that_o any_o man_n private_a reason_n and_o judgement_n be_v infallible_a for_o than_o protestant_n may_v set_v up_o for_o infallibility_n as_o well_o as_o papist_n no_o man_n by_o reason_n and_o argument_n can_v arrive_v at_o a_o great_a certainty_n than_o protestant_n may_v have_v and_o yet_o no_o man_n can_v arrive_v at_o great_a certainty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o dispute_v than_o reason_n and_o argument_n can_v give_v he_o and_o then_o a_o popish_a convert_n who_o be_v reason_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o infallibility_n though_o he_o have_v change_v his_o opinion_n yet_o have_v no_o more_o infallibility_n now_o than_o he_o have_v when_o he_o be_v a_o protestant_n protestant_n without_o a_o infallible_a church_n may_v have_v all_o the_o certainty_n that_o reason_n and_o argument_n can_v give_v they_o and_o a_o convert_n have_v no_o great_a certainty_n if_o he_o have_v no_o more_o than_o what_o dispute_v can_v give_v he_o for_o his_o infallible_a church_n and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a then_o that_o a_o reasonable_a man_n can_v be_v dispute_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n into_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n upon_o such_o vain_a hope_n of_o a_o more_o infallible_a certainty_n for_o let_v he_o go_v where_o he_o will_v if_o he_o be_v lead_v to_o rome_n itself_o by_o his_o own_o fallible_a reason_n and_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o only_a guide_n he_o have_v in_o dispute_v he_o will_v be_v the_o same_o fallible_a creature_n that_o ever_o he_o be_v but_o to_o represent_v this_o the_o more_o familiar_o let_v we_o hear_v a_o short_a conference_n between_o a_o sturdy_a protestant_n and_o a_o new_a convert_n prot._n o_o my_o old_a friend_n i_o be_o glad_a to_o meet_v you_o for_o i_o have_v long_v to_o know_v what_o change_n you_o find_v in_o yourself_o since_o you_o be_v become_v a_o infallible_a believer_n conu._n i_o find_v sir_n what_o i_o expect_v very_o great_a ease_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n since_o i_o be_o deliver_v from_o all_o doubtful_a dispute_n in_o such_o a_o important_a concernment_n as_o the_o salvation_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o have_v a_o firm_a and_o sure_a rock_n to_o trust_v to_o such_o a_o infallible_a church_n as_o can_v err_v itself_o nor_o misguide_a i_o prot._n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a great_a advantage_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o have_v be_v former_o of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o communion_n i_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o keep_v you_o company_n also_o in_o so_o advantageous_a a_o change_n pray_v therefore_o tell_v i_o how_o you_o come_v to_o be_v so_o infallible_o persuade_v of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o your_o church_n conu._n with_o all_o my_o heart_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o glad_a of_o such_o company_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v such_o powerful_a reason_n for_o it_o as_o i_o be_o sure_a must_v convince_v so_o free_a and_o ingenuous_a a_o mind_n as_o you_o always_o carry_v about_o with_o you_o for_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o build_v his_o church_n upon_o st._n peter_n and_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o prot._n hold_v good_a sir_n reason_n be_v you_o get_v no_o far_o than_o reason_n yet_o will_v reason_n ever_o make_v a_o man_n infallible_a i_o have_v consider_v all_o the_o reason_n that_o be_v use_v to_o this_o purpose_n and_o know_v what_o to_o say_v to_o they_o if_o that_o be_v our_o business_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v i_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o unanswerable_a reason_n to_o stay_v where_o i_o be_o and_o be_o a_o little_a surprise_v to_o think_v that_o you_o or_o any_o man_n shall_v leave_v the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o want_n of_o reason_n or_o go_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o it_o and_o therefore_o pray_v tell_v i_o the_o secret_a for_o there_o must_v be_v something_o else_o to_o make_v convert_v beside_o reason_n conu._n then_o i_o perceive_v you_o take_v i_o for_o a_o knave_n who_o have_v change_v my_o religion_n for_o base_a secular_a end_n without_o reason_n prot._n you_o know_v that_o best_a but_o that_o be_v not_o my_o meaning_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o question_n be_v because_o you_o change_v for_o a_o infallible_a faith._n now_o if_o you_o rely_v still_o upon_o reason_n i_o do_v see_v how_o your_o faith_n be_v more_o infallible_a than_o i_o for_o i_o be_o as_o confident_a as_o you_o can_v be_v that_o i_o have_v as_o good_a reason_n for_o my_o faith_n and_o in_o my_o opinion_n much_o better_a than_o you_o have_v for_o you_o conu._n i_o beg_v your_o pardon_n for_o that_o i_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n you_o trust_v to_o your_o private_a reason_n prot._n and_o i_o beg_v your_o pardon_n
to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n they_o give_v up_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o make_v every_o man_n his_o own_o pope_n and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o senseless_a raillery_n of_o their_o admire_a pax_n vobis_fw-la by_o this_o they_o confess_v that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v understand_v by_o reason_n that_o they_o can_v back_o their_o interpretation_n with_o such_o powerful_a argument_n as_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v heretic_n who_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n and_o then_o they_o must_v unsay_v all_o their_o hard_a say_n against_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a dead_a letter_n unsenced_a character_n mere_a figure_a ink_n and_o paper_n they_o must_v recant_v all_o their_o raillery_n against_o expound_v scripture_n by_o a_o private_a spirit_n and_o allow_v every_o man_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o to_o choose_v what_o he_o please_v for_o thus_o they_o do_v themselves_o when_o they_o dispute_v with_o heretic_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o i_o be_o pretty_a confident_a they_o will_v never_o speak_v against_o scripture_n nor_o a_o private_a spirit_n more_o if_o this_o private_a spirit_n will_v but_o make_v we_o convert_v but_o the_o mischief_n be_v a_o private_a spirit_n if_o it_o have_v any_o tincture_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n seldom_o expound_v scripture_n to_o a_o roman-catholick_n sense_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a nay_o a_o dangerous_a thing_n for_o papist_n to_o dispute_v with_o protestant_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o betray_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n and_o vindicate_v the_o scripture_n and_o every_o man_n natural_a right_n of_o judge_v from_o the_o usurpation_n and_o encroachment_n of_o a_o pretend_a infallibility_n but_o yet_o dispute_v they_o do_v and_o attempt_v to_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n from_o scripture_n and_o because_o it_o be_v too_o large_a a_o task_n for_o this_o present_a undertake_n to_o examine_v all_o their_o scripture-proof_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v some_o general_a fault_n t●y_o be_v guilty_a of_o which_o whoever_o be_v aware_a of_o be_v in_o no_o danger_n of_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o their_o pretence_n to_o scripture_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o industrious_o multiply_v particular_n for_o there_o be_v some_o few_o palpable_a mistake_n which_o run_v through_o most_o of_o their_o scripture-proof_n 1._o as_o first_o many_o of_o their_o scripture-proof_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o word_n or_o phrase_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o signification_n of_o that_o word_n in_o scripture_n or_o to_o the_o matter_n to_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v as_o for_o instance_n there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o useful_a doctrine_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o that_o of_o unwritten_a tradition_n which_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n for_o be_v this_o own_a they_o may_v put_v what_o novel_a doctrine_n they_o please_v upon_o we_o under_o the_o venerable_a name_n of_o ancient_a and_o unwritten_a tradition_n well_o we_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o unwritten_a tradition_n which_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n since_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v write_v and_o perfect_v and_o desire_v they_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o unwritten_a tradition_n now_o they_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o do_v this_o if_o they_o can_v but_o find_v the_o word_n tradition_n in_o scripture_n and_o that_o we_o confess_v they_o do_v in_o several_a place_n for_o tradition_n signify_v only_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o we_o grant_v be_v not_o do_v perfect_o in_o write_v when_o those_o epistle_n be_v write_v which_o speak_v of_o tradition_n by_o word_n 15._o as_o well_o as_o by_o epistle_n but_o because_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o write_v at_o first_o but_o deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o after_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v there_o be_v still_o unwritten_a tradition_n of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n this_o be_v what_o they_o shall_v prove_v and_o the_o mere_a name_n of_o tradition_n in_o scripture_n before_o the_o canon_n be_v perfect_v do_v not_o prove_v this_o for_o all_o man_n know_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n or_o by_o unwritten_a tradition_n before_o it_o be_v write_v but_o this_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v unwritten_a tradition_n after_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v to_o prove_v this_o they_o shall_v show_v we_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v some_o tradition_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v write_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n shall_v always_o consist_v partly_o of_o write_v partly_o of_o unwritten_a tradition_n thus_o we_o know_v how_o zealous_a the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v for_o their_o purgatory-fire_n wherein_o all_o man_n who_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o deliver_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o sin_n must_v yet_o undergo_v that_o punishment_n of_o they_o which_o have_v not_o be_v satisfy_v for_o by_o other_o mean_n as_o profitable_a a_o doctrine_n as_o any_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v because_o it_o give_v great_a authority_n to_o sacerdotal_a absolution_n and_o set_v a_o good_a price_n upon_o mass_n for_o the_o dead_a and_o indulgence_n and_o yet_o the_o best_a proof_n they_o have_v for_o this_o be_v that_o fire_n mention_v 1_o cor._n 3._o 13_o 14_o 15._o every_o man_n work_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a for_o the_o day_n shall_v declare_v it_o because_o it_o shall_v be_v reveal_v by_o fire_n and_o the_o fire_n shall_v declare_v every_o man_n work_n of_o what_o sort_n it_o be_v if_o any_o man_n work_n shall_v be_v burn_v he_o shall_v suffer_v loss_n but_o he_o himself_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n now_o here_o be_v mention_n of_o fire_n indeed_o but_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o popish_a purgatory_n suppose_v it_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o material_a fire_n though_o that_o do_v not_o seem_v so_o proper_a to_o try_v good_a or_o bad_a action_n a_o true_a and_o orthodox_n or_o heretical_a faith_n yet_o this_o fire_n be_v not_o kindle_v till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n which_o be_v eminent_o in_o scripture_n call_v the_o day_n and_o be_v the_o only_a day_n we_o know_v of_o in_o scripture_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v by_o fire_n when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n in_o flame_a fire_n 2_o thess._n 1._o 7_o 8._o so_o that_o here_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o word_n fire_n apply_v to_o another_o fire_n than_o st._n paul_n ever_o think_v on_o to_o prove_v a_o popish_a purgatory_n thus_o they_o make_v confession_n to_o a_o priest_n ordinary_o necessary_a to_o obtain_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o have_v no_o better_a scripture-proof_n for_o it_o but_o that_o we_o be_v often_o command_v to_o confess_v our_o sin_n sometime_o to_o god_n and_o sometime_o to_o another_o but_o never_o to_o a_o priest._n they_o have_v make_v a_o sacrament_n of_o extreme_a unction_n wherein_o the_o sick_a person_n be_v anoint_v for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o though_o a_o sacrament_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o express_a institution_n both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o use_v and_o end_n of_o it_o yet_o the_o only_a proof_n they_o produce_v for_o this_o be_v the_o disciple_n work_v miraculous_a cure_n by_o anoint_v the_o sick_a with_o oil_n 6_o mark_z 13_o which_o methinks_v be_v a_o little_a different_a from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o extreme_a unction_n which_o be_v not_o to_o cure_v their_o sickness_n but_o to_o forgive_v their_o sin_n and_o st._n james_n his_o command_n be_v any_o sick_a among_o you_o let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o anoint_v he_o with_o oil_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a and_o the_o lord_n shall_v raise_v he_o up_o 15._o and_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v sin_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o where_o anoint_v with_o oil_n join_v with_o servant_n prayer_n be_v prescribe_v as_o a_o mean_n of_o restore_v the_o sick_a person_n to_o health_n again_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o the_o popish_a extreme_a unction_n which_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v die_v and_o though_o st._n james_n add_v and_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v sin_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o yet_o 1._o this_o be_v not_o say_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o anoint_v but_o of_o the_o servant_n prayer_n and_o 2._o this_o very_a forgiveness_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o refer_v to_o a_o plenary_a pardon_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o
say_v be_v the_o protestant_a heresy_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o protestant_a uncertainty_n if_o they_o once_o open_v this_o gap_n to_o heretic_n into_o the_o church_n there_o be_v great_a danger_n that_o more_o will_v run_v out_o at_o it_o than_o will_v come_v in_o and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o the_o church_n itself_o stay_v behind_o for_o what_o become_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n if_o all_o their_o glorious_a cant_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o church_n and_o pope_n and_o general_a council_n be_v at_o last_o resolve_v into_o a_o private_a spirit_n while_o these_o man_n go_v about_o to_o dispute_v heretic_n into_o their_o church_n they_o unavoidable_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o infallibility_n which_o be_v the_o way_n to_o dispute_v a_o great_a many_o good_a catholic_n out_o of_o it_o who_o be_v keep_v there_o only_o by_o the_o power_n of_o a_o blind_a and_o implicit_a faith._n here_o then_o let_v our_o protestant_a fix_v his_o foot_n and_o not_o stir_v a_o inch_n till_o they_o disow_v infallibility_n and_o confess_v that_o every_o man_n can_v and_o must_v judge_v for_o himself_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o the_o proof_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o he_o for_o will_v a_o wise_a man_n dispute_v with_o one_o who_o he_o know_v banter_n he_o all_o the_o while_n who_o appeal_v to_o his_o private_a judgement_n as_o all_o man_n do_v who_o dispute_n with_o one_o another_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n cry_v down_o this_o private_a spirit_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a no_o man_n of_o any_o spirit_n but_o will_v scorn_v to_o dispute_v with_o one_o who_o intend_v only_o to_o put_v a_o trick_n on_o he_o and_o to_o out_o wit_n he_o if_o he_o can_v and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v no_o more_o to_o endeavour_v to_o dispute_v a_o man_n into_o popery_n when_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o popery_n be_v that_o we_o must_v not_o reason_n and_o dispute_v but_o believe_v that_o we_o must_v take_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n without_o ask_v any_o question_n about_o it_o there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v answer_v to_o this_o 1._o that_o though_o dispute_v be_v not_o a_o proper_a way_n for_o papist_n to_o take_v yet_o it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n that_o can_v be_v take_v with_o protestant_n who_o be_v all_o for_o dispute_v and_o will_v believe_v nothing_o without_o a_o reason_n and_o therefore_o protestant_n ought_v not_o to_o blame_v papist_n for_o dispute_v unless_o they_o will_v be_v good_a catholic_n without_o it_o now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o have_v something_o to_o say_v to_o papist_n and_o something_o to_o protestant_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o papist_n what_o necessity_n soever_o they_o be_v in_o of_o dispute_v i_o desire_v to_o know_v with_o what_o face_n they_o can_v reproach_v protestant_n with_o adhere_v to_o their_o own_o private_a judgement_n when_o they_o themselves_o be_v such_o zealous_a disputant_n which_o be_v a_o appeal_n to_o every_o private_a man_n judgement_n if_o ever_o they_o make_v any_o convert_v they_o must_v be_v behold_v to_o man_n private_a judgement_n for_o it_o for_o i_o think_v man_n can_v change_v their_o opinion_n without_o exercise_v a_o private_a judgement_n about_o it_o and_o i_o suppose_v when_o they_o dispute_v with_o man_n to_o make_v they_o papist_n they_o intend_v to_o convert_v they_o by_o their_o own_o private_a judgement_n now_o what_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o man_n use_v their_o private_a judgement_n to_o turn_v papist_n or_o to_o turn_v protestant_n one_o indeed_o may_v be_v false_a and_o the_o other_o true_a but_o private_a judgement_n be_v private_a judgement_n still_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o fault_n for_o man_n to_o use_v their_o own_o private_a judgement_n it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o fault_n in_o a_o papist_n as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o protestant_n so_o that_o at_o least_o as_o to_o convert_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v no_o advantage_n in_o this_o particular_a over_o protestant_a church_n some_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o some_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n some_o be_v dispute_v into_o popery_n and_o some_o into_o protestantism_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o belove_a convert_v and_o their_o belove_a disputation_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o favourable_a to_o a_o private_a spirit_n the_o truth_n be_v by_o dispute_v with_o heretic_n they_o give_v up_o their_o cause_n and_o confess_v that_o in_o all_o dispute_n of_o religion_n there_o lie_v a_o appeal_n to_o every_o man_n private_a judgement_n and_o conscience_n and_o shall_v they_o lose_v this_o point_n by_o their_o dispute_v all_o the_o convert_v they_o make_v can_v recompense_v such_o a_o loss_n 2._o as_o for_o protestant_n though_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o satisfy_v themselves_o or_o to_o convince_v other_o but_o by_o reason_n and_o discourse_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v dispute_v with_o those_o man_n who_o disow_v the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n as_o a_o private_a spirit_n for_o why_o shall_v i_o dispute_v with_o any_o man_n who_o use_v such_o argument_n to_o convince_v i_o as_o he_o himself_o do_v not_o think_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n of_o faith_n ask_v then_o one_o of_o these_o disputer_n who_o allege_v scripture_n reason_n and_o antiquity_n to_o prove_v any_o doctrine_n of_o the_o romish_a faith_n do_v you_o sir_n believe_v transubstantiation_n the_o worship_n of_o image_n the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n purgatory_n mass_n for_o the_o dead_a upon_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o these_o scripture_n and_o father_n you_o have_v produce_v for_o they_o if_o these_o doctrine_n be_v not_o define_v by_o the_o church_n shall_v you_o think_v these_o argument_n sufficient_a to_o prove_v they_o or_o can_v you_o suppose_v the_o church_n have_v define_v the_o contrary_a shall_v you_o think_v the_o argument_n good_a still_o in_o short_a can_v any_o reason_n any_o authority_n of_o scripture_n or_o father_n be_v any_o foundation_n for_o a_o divine_a faith_n but_o only_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n he_o that_o say_v they_o can_v be_v no_o papist_n and_o he_o that_o say_v they_o can_v confess_v that_o he_o use_v such_o argument_n as_o he_o himself_o do_v not_o build_v his_o faith_n upon_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v they_o you_o may_v but_o though_o you_o do_v you_o be_v no_o sound_a believer_n without_o resolve_v your_o faith_n sole_o into_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o i_o think_v he_o must_v love_v dispute_v well_o who_o will_v dispute_v with_o such_o man_n as_o these_o and_o those_o must_v have_v a_o good_a degree_n of_o assurance_n who_o will_v be_v troublesome_a with_o their_o dispute_n after_o such_o a_o discovery_n the_o end_n of_o dispute_v i_o suppose_v be_v either_o toconvince_v or_o to_o be_v convince_v but_o shall_v you_o answer_v and_o baffle_v all_o such_o a_o man_n argument_n if_o he_o be_v modest_a it_o may_v be_v he_o may_v blush_v a_o little_a but_o be_v not_o to_o be_v move_v for_o his_o faith_n after_o all_o be_v not_o build_v upon_o these_o argument_n but_o upon_o church-authority_n and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o you_o to_o suffer_v yourself_o to_o be_v convince_v by_o these_o argument_n for_o it_o will_v not_o make_v you_o a_o good_a catholic_n without_o resolve_v your_o faith_n whole_o into_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a surprise_v thing_n for_o a_o protestant_n to_o be_v dispute_v into_o popery_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v convert_v he_o must_v renounce_v the_o very_a mean_n of_o his_o conversion_n he_o must_v use_v his_o own_o judgement_n to_o turn_v papist_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v turn_v he_o must_v renounce_v his_o own_o judgement_n and_o confess_v it_o to_o be_v of_o no_o authority_n now_o though_o it_o may_v be_v such_o a_o private_a judgement_n as_o lead_v a_o man_n to_o popery_n may_v as_o well_o deserve_v to_o be_v renounce_v as_o any_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o odd_a kind_n of_o contradiction_n to_o renounce_v our_o own_o private_a reason_n and_o judgement_n and_o yet_o to_o own_o our_o conversion_n methinks_v such_o man_n shall_v renounce_v their_o conversion_n too_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o renounce_v their_o reason_n for_o if_o their_o conversion_n be_v good_a it_o be_v a_o sign_n their_o judgement_n be_v so_o but_o if_o their_o judgement_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v trust_v methinks_v this_o shall_v make_v they_o question_v their_o conversion_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v either_o maintain_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o conversion_n together_o and_o then_o they_o can_v be_v good_a catholic_n
where_o his_o infallible_a interpretation_n be_v to_o be_v find_v for_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o interpreter_n who_o never_o interpret_v i_o know_v not_o how_o either_o they_o or_o we_o shall_v understand_v scripture_n the_o better_a for_o he_o now_o have_v either_o pope_n or_o general_a council_n give_v we_o a_o authentic_a and_o infallible_a exposition_n of_o scripture_n i_o know_v of_o none_o such_o all_o the_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v write_v by_o private_a doctor_n who_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v infallible_a and_o the_o business_n of_o general_n council_n be_v not_o to_o expound_v scripture_n but_o to_o define_v article_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v the_o sense_n of_o very_a few_o text_n of_o scripture_n synodical_o define_v by_o any_o general_a council_n i_o think_v not_o above_o four_o or_o five_o by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n so_o that_o after_o all_o their_o talk_n of_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n when_o they_o undertake_v to_o expound_v particular_a text_n and_o to_o dispute_v with_o we_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o they_o have_v no_o more_o infallibility_n in_o this_o than_o we_o have_v for_o if_o they_o have_v a_o infallible_a interpreter_n they_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o he_o for_o he_o have_v not_o give_v they_o a_o infallible_a interpretation_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v force_v to_o do_v as_o protestant_n do_v interpret_v scripture_n according_a to_o their_o own_o skill_n and_o understanding_n which_o i_o suppose_v they_o will_v not_o say_v be_v infallible_a but_o you_o will_v say_v though_o the_o church_n have_v not_o give_v we_o a_o infallible_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n yet_o she_o have_v give_v we_o a_o infallible_a exposition_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n for_o expound_v scripture_n i_o answer_v there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o for_o our_o dispute_n be_v not_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o church_n but_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o know_v what_o doctrine_n their_o church_n have_v define_v but_o we_o desire_v to_o see_v they_o prove_v from_o scripture_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o very_a modest_a and_o pleasant_a proposal_n when_o the_o dispute_n be_v how_o their_o faith_n agree_v with_o scripture_n to_o make_v their_o faith_n the_o rule_n of_o expound_v scripture_n though_o i_o confess_v that_o be_v the_o only_a way_n i_o know_v of_o to_o make_v their_o faith_n and_o the_o scripture_n agree_v but_o this_o bring_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o faith_n do_v not_o prove_v their_o faith_n from_o scripture_n ii_o as_o for_o expound_v scripture_n by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o primitve_n father_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o rule_n which_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n give_v and_o which_o their_o doctor_n swear_v to_o observe_v how_o well_o they_o keep_v this_o oath_n they_o ought_v to_o consider_v now_o as_o to_o this_o you_o may_v tell_v they_o that_o you_o will_v ready_o pay_v a_o great_a deference_n to_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o father_n can_v you_o tell_v how_o to_o know_v it_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n you_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o agreement_n of_o how_o many_o father_n make_v a_o unanimous_a consent_n for_o you_o have_v be_v tell_v that_o there_o have_v be_v as_o great_a variety_n in_o interpret_n scripture_n among_o the_o ancient_a father_n as_o among_o our_o modern_a interpreter_n that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o if_o any_o controvert_v text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v interpret_v by_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o father_n if_o this_o unanimous_a consent_n then_o signify_v all_o the_o father_n we_o shall_v be_v trouble_v to_o find_v such_o a_o consent_n in_o expound_v scripture_n must_v it_o then_o be_v the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o great_a number_n of_o father_n this_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a thing_n especial_o for_o unlearned_a man_n to_o tell_v nose_n we_o can_v know_v the_o opinion_n only_o of_o those_o father_n who_o be_v the_o writer_n in_o every_o age_n and_o who_o write_n have_v be_v preserve_v down_o to_o we_o and_o who_o can_v tell_v whether_o the_o major_a number_n of_o those_o father_n who_o do_v not_o write_v or_o who_o write_n be_v lose_v be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o those_o who_o write_n we_o have_v and_o why_o must_v the_o major_a part_n be_v always_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a man_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o the_o consent_n of_o a_o few_o wise_a man_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o great_a number_n of_o other_o expositor_n again_o ask_v they_o whether_o these_o father_n be_v infallible_a or_o traditionary_a expositor_n of_o scripture_n or_o whether_o they_o expound_v scripture_n according_a to_o their_o own_o private_a reason_n and_o judgement_n if_o they_o be_v infallible_a expositor_n and_o deliver_v the_o traditionary_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v a_o little_a strange_a how_o they_o shall_v differ_v in_o their_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n and_o as_o strange_a how_o private_a doctor_n and_o bishop_n shall_v in_o that_o age_n come_v to_o be_v infallible_a and_o how_o they_o shall_v lose_v it_o in_o this_o for_o now_o infallibility_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o a_o general_n council_n if_o they_o be_v not_o infallible_a expositor_n how_o come_v their_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o sacred_a that_o it_o must_v not_o be_v oppose_v nay_o how_o come_v a_o infallible_a church_n to_o prescribe_v such_o a_o fallible_a rule_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n if_o they_o expound_v scripture_n according_a to_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n as_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o do_v then_o their_o authority_n be_v no_o more_o sacred_a than_o their_o reason_n be_v and_o those_o be_v the_o best_a expositor_n whether_o ancient_n or_o modern_a who_o exposition_n be_v back_v with_o the_o best_a reason_n we_o think_v it_o a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o and_o best_a age_n do_v believe_v the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o expound_v scripture_n in_o great_a and_o concern_v point_n much_o to_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o we_o do_v and_o therefore_o we_o refuse_v not_o to_o appeal_v to_o they_o but_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o whole_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n we_o forsake_v they_o where_o they_o forsake_v the_o scripture_n or_o put_v perverse_a sense_n on_o they_o and_o so_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n too_o after_o all_o their_o boast_n of_o the_o father_n when_o they_o contradict_v the_o present_a roman-catholick_n as_o they_o do_v very_o often_o though_o i_o believe_v without_o any_o malicious_a design_n because_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o however_o ask_v they_o once_o more_o whether_o that_o sense_n which_o they_o give_v of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v controvert_v between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a father_n whether_o for_o instance_n all_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v expound_v those_o text_n thou_o be_v peter_n and_o on_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o feed_v my_o sheep_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o personal_a supremacy_n and_o infallibility_n of_o peter_n and_o his_o successor_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n whether_o they_o all_o expound_v those_o word_n this_o be_v my_o body_n of_o the_o transubstantiation_n of_o the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n into_o the_o natural_a flesh_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o word_n drink_v you_o all_o of_o this_o to_o signify_v let_v none_o drink_v of_o the_o cup_n but_o the_o priest_n who_o consecrate_v and_o so_o in_o other_o scripture_n if_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v that_o all_o the_o father_n expound_v these_o and_o suchlike_a scripture_n as_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n now_o do_v tell_v they_o you_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v other_o exposition_n of_o such_o scripture_n cite_v from_o the_o ancient_a father_n by_o our_o divine_n and_o that_o you_o will_v refer_v that_o cause_n to_o they_o and_o have_v it_o try_v whenever_o they_o please_v iii_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n then_o leave_v of_o understand_a scripture_n but_o to_o expound_v it_o as_o we_o do_v other_o write_n by_o consider_v the_o signification_n and_o propriety_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n the_o scope_n and_o context_n of_o the_o place_n the_o reason_n of_o thing_n the_o analogy_n between_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o like_a when_o they_o dispute_v with_o protestant_n they_o can_v reasonable_o pretend_v to_o no_o other_o way_n of_o expound_v scripture_n because_o we_o admit_v of_o no_o other_o and_o yet_o if_o they_o allow_v of_o this_o they_o open_v a_o wide_a gap_n for_o all_o heresy_n
it_o agree_v with_o the_o rest_n the_o father_n many_o time_n contradict_v themselves_o and_o each_o other_o and_o if_o man_n differ_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n they_o differ_v much_o more_o about_o father_n and_o council_n that_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a riddle_n that_o those_o who_o think_v ordinary_a christian_n not_o fit_a to_o read_v the_o scripture_n shall_v think_v it_o necessary_a for_o they_o to_o understand_v father_n and_o council_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v ridiculous_a indeed_o to_o dispute_v with_o every_o tradesman_n about_o father_n and_o council_n if_o they_o do_v not_o think_v they_o ought_v to_o read_v and_o understand_v they_o the_o sum_n be_v such_o protestant_n as_o be_v not_o skill_v in_o book-learning_n may_v very_o reasonable_o tell_v these_o man_n who_o urge_v they_o with_o the_o authority_n of_o council_n and_o father_n that_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o any_o skill_n in_o such_o matter_n and_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o require_v of_o they_o for_o if_o it_o be_v they_o be_v in_o a_o ill_a case_n the_o holy_a scripture_n not_o father_n and_o council_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n if_o they_o have_v read_v the_o father_n they_o shall_v believe_v they_o no_o far_o than_o what_o they_o teach_v be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o opinion_n any_o of_o the_o father_n have_v it_o be_v no_o concern_v of_o they_o to_o know_v if_o they_o can_v learn_v what_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v without_o it_o learned_a man_n may_v dispute_v about_o these_o thing_n and_o they_o have_v hear_v learned_a protestant_n affirm_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v find_v none_o of_o her_o peculiar_a doctrine_n in_o the_o write_n of_o any_o of_o the_o father_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n and_o its_o certain_a if_o this_o be_v true_a all_o the_o late_a father_n be_v of_o no_o authority_n to_o establish_v any_o new_a doctrine_n for_o there_o be_v no_o more_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o bring_v in_o any_o new_a doctrine_n after_o three_o hundred_o year_n than_o there_o be_v at_o this_o day_n unlearned_a man_n may_v very_o honourable_o reject_v all_o dispute_n about_o father_n and_o council_n though_o learned_a man_n can_v and_o indeed_o need_v not_o for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o read_v father_n and_o council_n i_o think_v they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o understand_v they_o nor_o to_o dispute_v about_o they_o and_o it_o be_v very_o unadviseable_o do_v when_o they_o do_v for_o it_o be_v pass_v a_o jest_n in_o so_o serious_a a_o matter_n though_o otherwise_o it_o be_v comical_a enough_o for_o man_n to_o be_v convert_v by_o father_n and_o council_n without_o understand_v they_o chap._n iii_o how_o to_o answer_v some_o of_o the_o most_o popular_a pretence_n urge_v by_o papist_n against_o protestant_n sect_n i._o 1._o concern_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o protestant_n faith._n our_o popish_a adversary_n of_o late_a have_v not_o so_o much_o dispute_v as_o fence_v have_v neither_o downright_o oppose_v the_o protestant_a faith_n nor_o vindicate_v their_o own_o but_o have_v betake_v themselves_o to_o some_o trick_n and_o amusement_n to_o divert_v and_o perplex_v the_o dispute_n and_o to_o impose_v upon_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unwary_a one_o of_o their_o principal_a art_n have_v be_v to_o cry_v out_o of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o protestant_n faith._n this_o every_o body_n be_v near_o concern_v in_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o wherein_o certainty_n be_v so_o necessary_a and_o so_o much_o desire_v as_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n whereon_o our_o eternal_a state_n depend_v this_o have_v be_v often_o answer_v by_o protestant_n and_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o show_v upon_o what_o a_o firm_a and_o sure_a bottom_n the_o protestant_a faith_n stand_v this_o be_v a_o cavil_v easy_o enough_o expose_v to_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o consider_v man_n without_o so_o much_o trouble_v for_o 1._o suppose_v the_o protestant_a faith_n be_v uncertain_a how_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n ever_o the_o better_a be_v this_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o turn_v papist_n because_o protestant_n be_v uncertain_a do_v this_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v infallible_a because_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v fallible_a must_v certainty_n necessary_o be_v find_v among_o they_o because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v with_o we_o be_v thomas_n a_o honest_a man_n because_o john_n be_v a_o knave_n these_o be_v two_o distinct_a question_n and_o must_v be_v distinct_o prove_v if_o they_o can_v prove_v our_o faith_n uncertain_a and_o their_o own_o certain_a there_o be_v reason_n then_o to_o go_v over_o to_o they_o but_o if_o they_o can_v do_v this_o they_o may_v it_o may_v be_v persuade_v man_n to_o renounce_v the_o protestant_a faith_n but_o not_o to_o embrace_v popery_n ask_v they_o then_o what_o great_a assurance_n they_o have_v of_o their_o faith_n than_o we_o have_v of_o we_o if_o they_o tell_v you_o their_o church_n be_v infallible_a tell_v they_o that_o be_v another_o question_n and_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o this_o dispute_n for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n do_v not_o follow_v from_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o they_o can_v prove_v their_o church_n infallible_a whether_o they_o prove_v our_o faith_n uncertain_a or_o not_o we_o will_v at_o any_o time_n change_n protestant_n certainty_n for_o infallibility_n and_o if_o they_o can_v prove_v our_o faith_n uncertain_a unless_o they_o can_v prove_v their_o own_o more_o certain_a though_o we_o bate_v they_o infallibility_n we_o may_v cease_v to_o be_v protestant_n but_o shall_v never_o turn_v papist_n 2._o ask_v they_o what_o they_o mean_v by_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o protestant_a faith_n for_o this_o may_v signify_v two_o thing_n either_o 1._o that_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v in_o themselves_o uncertain_a and_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o certain_a reason_n or_o two_o that_o our_o persuasion_n about_o these_o matter_n be_v uncertain_a and_o waver_a if_o they_o mean_v the_o first_o than_o the_o sense_n be_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o uncertain_a thing_n and_o can_v be_v certain_o prove_v for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a protestant_a faith_n we_o believe_v the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o whatever_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o this_o be_v all_o we_o believe_v and_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o say_v these_o thing_n be_v uncertain_a for_o than_o they_o renounce_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o infallibility_n itself_o can_v help_v they_o out_o for_o infallibility_n can_v make_v that_o certain_a which_o be_v in_o itself_o uncertain_a a_o infallible_a man_n must_v know_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v or_o else_o he_o be_v mistake_v and_o cease_v to_o be_v infallible_a and_o therefore_o what_o be_v certain_a he_o infallible_o know_v to_o be_v certain_a and_o what_o be_v uncertain_a he_o infallible_o know_v to_o be_v uncertain_a for_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a knowledge_n do_v not_o change_v its_o object_n but_o see_v it_o just_a as_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o they_o must_v allow_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o the_o protestant_a faith_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o to_o be_v very_o certain_a and_o build_v upon_o certain_a reason_n or_o else_o their_o infallible_a church_n can_v have_v no_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith._n if_o they_o mean_v the_o second_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a persuasion_n about_o what_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v this_o be_v a_o great_a abuse_n to_o protestant_n as_o if_o we_o be_v all_o knave_n and_o hypocrite_n who_o do_v not_o hearty_o and_o firm_o believe_v what_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v and_o a_o protestant_n who_o know_v that_o he_o do_v very_o firm_o and_o steadfast_o believe_v his_o religion_n aught_o to_o reject_v such_o a_o villainous_a accusation_n as_o this_o with_o indignation_n and_o scorn_n indeed_o it_o be_v both_o impudent_a and_o silly_a for_o any_o man_n to_o tell_v a_o protestant_n that_o his_o faith_n be_v uncertain_a as_o that_o signify_v a_o uncertain_a and_o doubtful_a persuasion_n when_o he_o know_v and_o feel_v the_o contrary_a and_o no_o body_n else_o can_v know_v this_o but_o himself_o in_o what_o notion_n then_o be_v the_o protestant_a faith_n uncertain_a what_o can_v faith_n signify_v but_o either_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o internal_a assent_n and_o persuasion_n the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v certain_a if_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o that_o be_v they_o have_v very_o certain_a evidence_n our_o assent_n and_o persuasion_n be_v very_o certain_a as_o that_o be_v oppose_v to_o all_o doubtfulness_n and_o waver_a and_o what_o certainty_n then_o be_v want_v to_o the_o
evident_a than_o i_o can_v no_o more_o believe_v they_o as_o to_o any_o revelation_n than_o i_o can_v as_o to_o their_o natural_a reason_n for_o the_o same_o faculty_n must_v judge_v of_o both_o and_o if_o the_o faculty_n be_v false_a i_o can_v trust_v its_o judgement_n in_o neither_o 3_o lie_v the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n destroy_v all_o possible_a certainty_n what_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v and_o thereby_o overthrow_v all_o supernatural_a knowledge_n the_o scripture_n we_o know_v be_v expound_v to_o very_o different_a and_o contrary_a sense_n and_o make_v to_o countenance_v the_o most_o monstrous_a and_o absurd_a doctrine_n witness_v all_o the_o ancient_a heresy_n which_o have_v be_v father_v on_o the_o scripture_n now_o what_o way_n have_v we_o to_o confute_v these_o heresy_n but_o to_o show_v either_o that_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n will_v not_o bare_a such_o a_o sense_n or_o at_o least_o do_v not_o necessary_o require_v it_o that_o such_o a_o interpretation_n be_v contrary_a to_o sense_n to_o reason_n to_o the_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v in_o itself_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a but_o if_o transubstantiation_n be_v a_o gospel-doctrine_n i_o desire_v any_o papist_n among_o all_o the_o ancient_a heresy_n to_o pick_v out_o any_o doctrine_n more_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a more_o contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v and_o than_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o any_o doctrine_n or_o any_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v absurd_a and_o impossible_a contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n for_o so_o transubstantiation_n be_v and_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v one_o absurd_a doctrine_n we_o may_v believe_v five_o hundred_o how_o absurd_a soever_o they_o be_v and_o then_o what_o defence_n have_v any_o man_n against_o the_o most_o monstrous_a corruption_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v this_o the_o way_n to_o improve_v knowledge_n to_o destroy_v all_o the_o certain_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o truth_n and_o error_n and_o to_o leave_v no_o rule_n to_o judge_v by_o if_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o improve_v our_o mind_n by_o a_o know_a and_o understand_v faith_n transubstantiation_n which_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n both_o of_o natural_a and_o reveal_v knowledge_n can_v be_v no_o gospel-doctrine_n 3._o the_o authority_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n who_o we_o must_v believe_v in_o every_o thing_n without_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o what_o he_o affirm_v nay_o though_o he_o teach_v such_o doctrine_n as_o appear_v to_o we_o most_o express_o contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o scripture_n be_v no_o gospel-doctrine_n because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o make_v man_n wise_a and_o understand_a christian_n which_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o to_o suspend_v the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n and_o judgement_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o improve_v man_n knowledge_n a_o infallible_a teacher_n and_o a_o infallible_a rule_n do_v indeed_o mighty_o contribute_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o knowledge_n but_o such_o a_o infallible_a judge_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n boast_v of_o can_v only_o make_v man_n ignorant_a and_o stupid_a believer_n for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o a_o infallible_a teacher_n and_o a_o infallible_a judge_n which_o few_o man_n observe_v at_o least_o have_v not_o well_o explain_v for_o a_o infallible_a teacher_n be_v only_o a_o external_a proponent_n and_o while_o man_n only_o teach_v and_o instruct_v how_o infallible_a soever_o they_o be_v every_o man_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o use_v his_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n for_o though_o the_o teacher_n be_v infallible_a he_o that_o learn_v must_v use_v his_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n unless_o a_o man_n can_v learn_v without_o it_o but_o now_o a_o infallible_a judge_n be_v not_o content_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v which_o be_v a_o appeal_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n but_o he_o usurp_v the_o office_n of_o every_o man_n private_a reason_n and_o judgement_n and_o will_v needs_o judge_v for_o all_o mankind_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o universal_a soul_n a_o universal_a reason_n and_o judgement_n that_o no_o man_n have_v any_o soul_n any_o reason_n or_o judgement_n but_o himself_o for_o if_o every_o man_n have_v a_o private_a reason_n and_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o sure_o every_o man_n must_v have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o private_a exercise_n of_o it_o that_o be_v to_o judge_v for_o himself_o and_o then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o universal_a judge_n who_o must_v be_v that_o to_o every_o man_n which_o in_o other_o case_n his_o own_o private_a reason_n and_o judgement_n be_v which_o be_v to_o un-soul_n all_o mankind_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o though_o there_o have_v be_v a_o great_a many_o infallible_a teacher_n as_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n yet_o none_o ever_o pretend_v to_o be_v infallible_a judge_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o be_v none_o ever_o pretend_v to_o deny_v people_n a_o liberty_n of_o judge_v for_o themselves_o or_o ever_o exact_v from_o they_o a_o universal_a submission_n to_o their_o infallible_a judgement_n without_o exercise_v any_o act_n of_o reason_n and_o judgement_n themselves_o i_o be_o sure_a christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n leave_v people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n and_o require_v it_o of_o they_o they_o be_v infallible_a teacher_n but_o they_o do_v not_o judge_v for_o all_o mankind_n but_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o judge_v for_o himself_o as_o every_o man_n must_v and_o aught_o and_o as_o every_o man_n will_v do_v who_o have_v any_o reason_n and_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o but_o a_o infallible_a judge_n who_o pretend_v to_o judge_v for_o all_o man_n treat_v mankind_n like_o bruit_n who_o have_v no_o reasonable_a soul_n of_o their_o own_o but_o you_o will_v say_v this_o distinction_n between_o a_o infallible_a teacher_n and_o a_o infallible_a judge_n be_v very_o nice_a and_o curious_a but_o seem_v to_o have_v nothing_o in_o it_o for_o do_v not_o he_o who_o teach_v infallible_o judge_v infallible_o too_o and_o must_v i_o not_o submit_v my_o private_a judgement_n which_o all_o man_n allow_v to_o be_v fallible_a to_o a_o public_a infallible_a judgement_n which_o i_o know_v to_o be_v infallible_a if_o i_o know_v that_o i_o may_v be_v deceive_v and_o that_o such_o a_o man_n can_v be_v deceive_v be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a for_o i_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o his_o judgement_n rather_o than_o my_o own_o i_o answer_v all_z this_o be_v certain_o true_a as_o any_o demonstration_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o i_o can_v be_v so_o certain_a of_o any_o man_n infallibility_n as_o to_o make_v he_o my_o infallible_a judge_n in_o who_o judgement_n i_o must_v acquiesce_v without_o exercise_v any_o reason_n or_o judgement_n of_o my_o own_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o i_o can_v know_v that_o any_o man_n teach_v infallible_o unless_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o he_o teach_v nothing_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o any_o natural_a or_o reveal_v law._n whoever_o do_v so_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v infallible_a that_o he_o actual_o err_v and_o whether_o he_o do_v so_o i_o can_v know_v unless_o i_o may_v judge_v of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o by_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o infallible_a teacher_n there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o infallible_a judge_n to_o who_o i_o must_v submit_v my_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n because_o i_o must_v judge_v of_o his_o doctrine_n myself_o before_o i_o can_v know_v that_o he_o be_v infallible_a as_o for_o instance_n when_o moses_n appear_v as_o a_o prophet_n and_o a_o lawgiver_n to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v no_o write_a law_n but_o only_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o those_o great_a miracle_n he_o wrought_v give_v authority_n to_o his_o law_n because_o he_o contradict_v no_o necessary_a law_n of_o nature_n but_o have_v any_o other_o person_n at_o that_o time_n wrought_v as_o many_o miracle_n as_o moses_n do_v and_o withal_o teach_v the_o worship_n of_o many_o god_n either_o such_o as_o the_o egyptians_n or_o any_o other_o nation_n worship_v at_o that_o time_n this_o have_v be_v reason_n enough_o to_o have_v reject_v he_o as_o a_o false_a prophet_n because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a worship_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v when_o christ_n appear_v there_o be_v a_o write_a law_n the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o all_o the_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v can_v not_o have_v prove_v he_o a_o true_a prophet_n have_v he_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o therefore_o his_o
doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o they_o and_o according_o he_o appeal_v to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n and_o exhort_v they_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n which_o give_v testimony_n to_o he_o and_o how_o the_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v give_v authority_n to_o any_o new_a revelation_n he_o make_v of_o god_n will_n to_o the_o world_n since_o he_o do_v not_o contradict_v the_o old_a the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o god_n can_v contradict_v himself_o and_o therefore_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o new_a prophet_n even_o of_o christ_n himself_o be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o be_v to_o be_v examine_v to_o this_o day_n by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o therefore_o though_o he_o be_v certain_o a_o infallible_a teacher_n yet_o man_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o his_o doctrine_n before_o they_o believe_v he_o and_o he_o do_v not_o require_v they_o to_o lay_v aside_o their_o reason_n and_o judgement_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o infallible_a authority_n without_o examination_n so_o that_o all_o this_o while_n there_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n to_o who_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v their_o own_o private_a reason_n and_o judgement_n and_o to_o receive_v all_o their_o dictate_v as_o divine_a oracle_n without_o examination_n because_o they_o can_v not_o know_v they_o to_o be_v such_o infallible_a teacher_n till_o they_o have_v examine_v their_o doctrine_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o we_o can_v to_o this_o day_n know_v that_o moses_n and_o christ_n be_v true_a prophet_n but_o in_o the_o same_o way_n since_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v a_o far_a test_n of_o a_o infallible_a teacher_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o neither_o contradict_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n nor_o the_o true_a intent_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n nor_o alter_v or_o add_v to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n because_o be_v he_o never_o so_o infallible_a we_o can_v never_o know_v that_o he_o be_v so_o but_o by_o the_o agreement_n of_o his_o doctrine_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n with_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o with_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o must_v examine_v his_o doctrine_n by_o these_o rule_n and_o therefore_o must_v judge_v for_o ourselves_o and_o not_o suffer_v any_o man_n to_o judge_v for_o we_o upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o his_o infallibility_n can_v i_o know_v that_o any_o man_n be_v infallible_a without_o judge_v of_o his_o doctrine_n than_o indeed_o there_o be_v some_o reason_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o he_o say_v without_o any_o inquiry_n or_o examination_n but_o this_o never_o be_v never_o can_v be_v and_o therefore_o though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o infallible_a teacher_n there_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n to_o who_o i_o must_v submit_v my_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n without_o ask_v any_o question_n which_o by_o the_o way_n show_v how_o ridiculous_a that_o sophism_n be_v the_o church_n have_v not_o err_v because_o she_o be_v infallible_a when_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o know_v she_o be_v infallible_a till_o by_o examine_v her_o doctrine_n by_o a_o infallible_a rule_n i_o know_v that_o she_o have_v not_o err_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v well_o there_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n for_o if_o there_o be_v it_o will_v suspend_v and_o silence_v the_o reason_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o what_o a_o know_a creature_n will_v man_n be_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o he_o must_v not_o reason_n and_o must_v not_o judge_v just_a as_o know_v as_o a_o man_n can_v be_v without_o exercise_v any_o reason_n and_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o not_o only_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n prove_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n but_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n to_o advance_v humane_a nature_n to_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n in_o this_o world_n prove_v that_o he_o never_o intend_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o for_o to_o take_v away_o the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n and_o private_a judgement_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o make_v man_n wise_a and_o know_a christian_n and_o if_o christ_n allow_v we_o to_o judge_v for_o ourselves_o there_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n who_o office_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o judge_v for_o we_o all_o 4_o lie_n to_o pretend_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o obscure_a or_o imperfect_a rule_n be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o improve_v and_o perfect_a knowledge_n for_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a in_o the_o essential_a matter_n of_o faith_n and_o christian_a knowledge_n that_o we_o can_v have_v any_o certainty_n what_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o it_o be_v without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n than_o the_o scripture_n can_v improve_v our_o knowledge_n because_o we_o can_v know_v what_o they_o be_v we_o can_v understand_v their_o meaning_n and_o therefore_o can_v learn_v nothing_o from_o they_o yes_o you_o will_v say_v we_o may_v know_v their_o meaning_n when_o they_o be_v expound_v to_o we_o by_o a_o infallible_a judge_n though_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a that_o we_o can_v understand_v they_o without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n yet_o we_o may_v certain_o learn_v what_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v from_o such_o a_o judge_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o observe_v that_o though_o such_o a_o infallible_a judge_n shall_v determine_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o obscure_a text_n of_o scripture_n which_o neither_o the_o pope_n nor_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v ever_o do_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n or_o to_o learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o only_o to_o rely_v on_o this_o infallible_a judge_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n why_o i_o expound_v scripture_n to_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o that_o the_o word_n signify_v so_o that_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n and_o the_o context_n and_o coherence_n of_o the_o word_n require_v it_o that_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v either_o justify_v such_o a_o interpretation_n or_o admit_v no_o other_o and_o a_o expositor_n who_o can_v thus_o open_v our_o understanding_n and_o not_o only_o tell_v we_o what_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v but_o make_v we_o see_v that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o it_o do_v indeed_o make_v we_o understand_v the_o scripture_n thus_o christ_n himself_o do_v when_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o open_v their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n 24_o luke_n 45._o but_o to_o be_v tell_v that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o we_o must_v believe_v this_o be_v the_o sense_n though_o we_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v thus_o expound_v nay_o though_o all_o the_o reason_n we_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v thus_o expound_v no_o man_n will_v say_v that_o this_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n but_o to_o believe_v the_o judge_n no_o man_n can_v learn_v any_o thing_n from_o a_o book_n which_o he_o do_v not_o and_o can_v understand_v and_o if_o man_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v understand_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v certain_a they_o can_v learn_v nothing_o from_o they_o a_o infallible_a judge_n will_v teach_v as_o well_o without_o the_o scripture_n as_o with_o they_o and_o indeed_o somewhat_o better_a because_o than_o no_o man_n can_v have_v a_o pretence_n to_o contradict_v he_o and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v true_a the_o holy_a scripture_n deserve_v all_o those_o contemptible_a character_n which_o the_o romanist_n have_v give_v it_o for_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o improve_n and_o perfect_v our_o knowledge_n that_o itself_o can_v be_v know_v and_o therefore_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o so_o that_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o scripture_n make_v it_o whole_o useless_a to_o the_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n viz._n to_o improve_v and_o perfect_v the_o knowledge_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o necessary_a and_o essential_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v no_o gospel-doctrine_n because_o it_o make_v the_o gospel_n itself_o consider_v as_o write_v of_o no_o use_n thus_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o imperfect_a rule_n as_o the_o romanist_n affirm_v that_o it_o do_v not_o teach_v we_o the_o whole_a mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n but_o that_o we_o must_v learn_v
even_o some_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n from_o unwritten_a tradition_n which_o no_o body_n have_v the_o keep_n of_o but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n this_o i_o say_v contradict_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o improve_v and_o perfect_a knowledge_n for_o a_o imperfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v i_o think_v as_o bad_a as_o no_o rule_n at_o all_o because_o we_o can_v never_o trust_v it_o if_o you_o say_v that_o though_o the_o scripture_n in_o itself_o be_v a_o imperfect_a rule_n yet_o we_o have_v a_o perfect_a rule_n because_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v supply_v by_o unwritten_a tradition_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v the_o whole_a gospel_n and_o all_o the_o christian_a knowledge_n deliver_v down_o to_o we_o either_o in_o the_o write_a or_o unwritten_a rule_n i_o answer_v 1._o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o imperfect_a rule_n than_o all_o christian_n have_v not_o a_o perfect_a rule_n because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o keep_n of_o unwritten_a tradition_n and_o know_v not_o what_o they_o be_v and_o never_o can_v know_v what_o they_o be_v till_o the_o church_n be_v please_v to_o tell_v they_o and_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a while_n before_o the_o church_n think_v fit_a to_o do_v it_o for_o suppose_v that_o all_o the_o new_a article_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v unwritten_a tradition_n fifteen_o hundred_o year_n be_v somewhat_o of_o the_o long_a to_o have_v so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n conceal_v from_o the_o world_n and_o who_o know_v how_o much_o of_o it_o be_v conceal_v still_o for_o the_o church_n have_v not_o tell_v we_o that_o she_o have_v publish_v all_o her_o unwritten_a tradition_n there_o may_v be_v a_o nest-egg_n leave_v still_o which_o in_o time_n may_v add_v twelve_o new_a article_n to_o the_o trent-creed_n as_o that_o have_v do_v to_o the_o apostle_n creed_n so_o that_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o imperfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n the_o church_n never_o have_v a_o perfect_a rule_n till_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n for_o a_o rule_n which_o be_v not_o know_v be_v none_o at_o all_o and_o no_o body_n can_v tell_v whether_o our_o rule_n be_v perfect_a yet_o whether_o some_o more_o unwritten_a tradition_n may_v not_o start_v up_o in_o the_o next_o age_n to_o make_v our_o faith_n more_o perfect_a than_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n itself_o have_v make_v it_o now_o if_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o all_o divine_a knowledge_n can_v we_o think_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o such_o a_o imperfect_a rule_n as_o needs_o to_o be_v supply_v by_o unwritten_a tradition_n in_o every_o age_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o some_o of_o the_o great_a mystery_n and_o most_o useful_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v in_o the_o right_a be_v not_o write_v or_o so_o obscure_o that_o no_o body_n can_v find_v they_o in_o the_o scripture_n till_o they_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o help_n of_o unwritten_a tradition_n such_o as_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o pope_n the_o infallibility_n of_o pope_n and_o general_a council_n the_o worship_n of_o image_n the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o the_o great_a glory_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n indulgence_n the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n etc._n etc._n as_o necessary_a doctrine_n as_o any_o that_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n and_o the_o denial_n of_o which_o make_v we_o all_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n say_v though_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n as_o far_o as_o appear_v we_o be_v no_o great_a heretic_n and_o schismatic_n than_o the_o apostle_n be_v unless_o they_o be_v excuse_v for_o not_o know_v these_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o we_o be_v heretic_n for_o deny_v they_o since_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n have_v decree_v and_o publish_v they_o 2._o these_o unwritten_a tradition_n can_v supply_v the_o defect_n of_o a_o write_a rule_n because_o they_o be_v of_o uncertain_a authority_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o object_n much_o less_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o certain_a faith_n and_o knowledge_n what_o be_v not_o write_v but_o say_v to_o be_v deliver_v down_o from_o age_n to_o age_n by_o oral_a tradition_n and_o keep_v so_o private_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n never_o hear_v of_o it_o for_o several_a hundred_o year_n can_v never_o be_v prove_v but_o by_o miracle_n and_o they_o must_v be_v more_o credible_a miracle_n too_o than_o the_o school_n of_o the_o eucharist_n and_o the_o legend_n of_o the_o saint_n furnish_v we_o with_o and_o yet_o i_o know_v of_o no_o better_a the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o prove_v that_o a_o private_a tradition_n can_v be_v corrupt_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o think_v that_o any_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o rule_n of_o worship_n shall_v be_v a_o private_a and_o secret_a tradition_n for_o several_a age_n miracle_n themselves_o can_v prove_v any_o tradition_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o write_a rule_n and_o the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o christian_n for_o several_a age_n as_o several_a of_o the_o trent-doctrine_n be_v nay_o no_o miracle_n can_v prove_v any_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v never_o know_v before_o without_o prove_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o teach_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n for_o miracle_n themselves_o can_v never_o prove_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v that_o which_o the_o christian_a church_n never_o hear_v of_o before_o which_o be_v either_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o whole_a world_n have_v forget_v what_o they_o have_v be_v once_o teach_v which_o i_o doubt_n be_v not_o much_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o tradition_n or_o that_o the_o church_n for_o several_a age_n do_v not_o teach_v all_o that_o christ_n teach_v which_o be_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o rely_v on_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o prove_v against_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v that_o which_o no_o body_n ever_o hear_v of_o and_o i_o do_v not_o think_v a_o miracle_n sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o true_a which_o every_o body_n know_v to_o be_v false_a or_o at_o least_o do_v not_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a though_o they_o must_v have_v know_v it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v true_a and_o do_v not_o every_o body_n now_o see_v how_o improper_a unwritten_a tradition_n be_v to_o supply_v the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o write_a rule_n for_o they_o can_v never_o make_v one_o rule_n because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o equal_a authority_n a_o write_v may_v be_v prove_v authentic_a a_o obscure_a unwritten_a tradition_n can_v and_o can_v any_o man_n think_v that_o christ_n will_v have_v one_o half_a of_o his_o gospel_n write_v the_o other_o half_o unwritten_a if_o he_o intend_v to_o perfect_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christian_n for_o they_o can_v have_v so_o perfect_a a_o knowledge_n because_o they_o can_v have_v so_o great_a certainty_n of_o the_o unwritten_a as_o they_o have_v of_o the_o write_a gospel_n write_v be_v the_o most_o certain_a way_n to_o perpetuate_v knowledge_n and_o if_o christ_n intend_v that_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n shall_v have_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o write_a rule_n the_o truth_n be_v i_o can_v but_o admire_v the_o great_a artifice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o preach_v up_o the_o obscurity_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o she_o have_v hereby_o put_v it_o into_o her_o own_o power_n to_o make_v christian_a religion_n what_o she_o please_v for_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a and_o she_o alone_o can_v infallible_o interpret_v they_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v imperfect_a and_o she_o alone_o can_v supply_v their_o defect_n by_o unwritten_a tradition_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v what_o she_o say_v it_o be_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v what_o her_o interest_n require_v it_o to_o be_v but_o whether_o this_o be_v consistent_a with_o our_o saviour_n design_n in_o publish_v the_o gospel_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o best_a way_n of_o improve_n the_o knowledge_n of_o mankind_n let_v any_o impartial_a man_n judge_v 5_o lie_n a_o implicit_a faith_n or_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v without_o know_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v can_v be_v no_o gospel-doctrine_n because_o this_o to_o be_v sure_a can_v be_v for_o the_o improvement_n of_o knowledge_n some_o of_o the_o roman_a doctor_n think_v
good_a as_o suppose_v a_o man_n pray_v to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n in_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n or_o in_o a_o great_a storm_n at_o sea_n the_o man_n may_v be_v dead_a and_o ship_n wrack_v before_o the_o virgin_n know_v of_o his_o prayer_n and_o may_v carry_v the_o first_o news_n of_o it_o into_o the_o other_o world_n himself_o such_o kind_n of_o maybes_a and_o conjecture_n as_o these_o be_v a_o very_a sorry_a foundation_n for_o a_o infallible_a church_n to_o build_v her_o faith_n on_o 4._o you_o must_v reject_v also_o all_o such_o reason_n in_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o be_v draw_v from_o earthly_a pattern_n a_o consider_v man_n will_v a_o little_a wonder_n how_o a_o papist_n shall_v so_o punctual_o determine_v what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o other_o world_n without_o speak_v with_o any_o one_o who_o have_v see_v it_o and_o without_o have_v any_o revelation_n about_o it_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v but_o whoever_o consider_v many_o of_o their_o argument_n will_v soon_o find_v that_o they_o make_v this_o world_n the_o pattern_n of_o the_o next_o and_o reason_n from_o sensible_a to_o spiritual_a thing_n thus_o the_o true_a foundation_n of_o saint-worship_n be_v that_o man_n judge_v of_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n by_o the_o court_n of_o earthly_a prince_n the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o obtain_v any_o request_n of_o our_o prince_n be_v to_o address_v ourselves_o to_o some_o powerful_a favourite_n and_o they_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o all_o saint_n and_o angel_n in_o heaven_n be_v such_o favourite_n and_o can_v obtain_v whatever_o they_o ask_v and_o therefore_o they_o pray_v very_o devout_o to_o they_o and_o beg_v their_o intercession_n with_o god_n and_o their_o saviour_n especial_o in_o earthly_a court_n the_o queen_n mother_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v a_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o young_a prince_n her_o son_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o the_o virgin_n mary_n the_o mother_n of_o christ_n can_v do_v what_o she_o please_v with_o her_o son_n and_o since_o it_o be_v general_o observe_v that_o woman_n be_v more_o soft_a and_o tender_a and_o compassionate_a than_o man_n they_o hope_v to_o gain_v that_o by_o her_o intercession_n which_o he_o who_o die_v for_o they_o will_v not_o grant_v without_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o beg_v she_o to_o show_v herself_o to_o be_v a_o mother_n that_o be_v to_o take_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o mother_n upon_o she_o and_o command_v she_o son._n thus_o prince_n and_o great_a man_n love_v to_o have_v their_o picture_n set_v up_o in_o public_a place_n and_o to_o have_v all_o civil_a respect_n pay_v to_o they_o which_o redound_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o those_o who_o picture_n they_o be_v and_o therefore_o they_o imagine_v that_o this_o be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o christ_n and_o the_o saint_n as_o it_o be_v to_o man_n as_o if_o the_o other_o world_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o new_a scene_n of_o sense_n and_o passion_n mankind_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o such_o kind_n of_o reason_v as_o these_o and_o indeed_o they_o can_v have_v no_o other_o when_o they_o will_v undertake_v to_o guess_v at_o unseen_a and_o unknown_a thing_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n between_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n if_o pure_a spirit_n who_o be_v separate_v from_o flesh_n and_o sense_n have_v other_o passion_n and_o resentment_n than_o man_n have_v that_o be_v if_o we_o must_v not_o judge_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n by_o sense_n of_o the_o government_n of_o god_n by_o the_o passion_n of_o man_n than_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o may_v betray_v we_o to_o absurd_a and_o foolish_a superstition_n but_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a foundation_n for_o any_o new_a and_o uncommand_v act_n of_o worship_n 5._o never_o admit_v any_o argument_n mere_o from_o the_o usefulness_n conveniency_n or_o suppose_a necessity_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v as_o for_o instance_n a_o supreme_a ecumenical_a bishop_n and_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n be_v think_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o certainty_n of_o faith_n and_o confound_v of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o supreme_a pastor_n there_o can_v be_v no_o unity_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o infallible_a judge_n there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n in_o religion_n every_o man_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o private_a judgement_n and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v as_o many_o different_a religion_n as_o there_o be_v face_n now_o if_o i_o think_v all_o this_o be_v true_a as_o i_o believe_v not_o a_o word_n of_o it_o be_v i_o shall_v only_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o universal_a pastor_n and_o infallible_a judge_n institute_v by_o christ_n but_o if_o you_o will_v have_v i_o conclude_v from_o these_o premise_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v a_o universal_a bishop_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n i_o must_v beg_v your_o pardon_n for_o that_o for_o such_o argument_n as_o these_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o judge_n but_o only_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v one_o and_o therefore_o i_o must_v conclude_v no_o more_o from_o they_o indeed_o this_o be_v a_o very_a fallacious_a way_n of_o reason_v because_o what_o we_o may_v call_v useful_a convenient_a necessary_a may_v not_o be_v so_o in_o itself_o and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o so_o if_o god_n have_v not_o appoint_v what_o we_o think_v so_o useful_a convenient_a or_o necessary_a which_o be_v a_o true_a and_o more_o modest_a way_n of_o reason_v than_o to_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v such_o a_o judge_n when_o no_o such_o thing_n appear_v only_o because_o we_o think_v it_o so_o useful_a and_o necessary_a that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o these_o direction_n be_v sufficient_a to_o preserve_v all_o consider_v protestant_n from_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o the_o fallacious_a reason_n of_o papist_n sect_n ii_o concern_v scripture-proof_n 2._o let_v we_o now_o consider_v their_o scripture-proof_n though_o it_o be_v not_o choice_n but_o necessity_n which_o put_v they_o upon_o this_o trial_n when_o they_o have_v good_a catholic_n to_o deal_v with_o a_o little_a scripture_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n but_o heretic_n will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o nothing_o else_o and_o therefore_o in_o dispute_v with_o they_o they_o be_v force_v to_o make_v some_o little_a show_n and_o appearance_n of_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n by_o scripture_n but_o they_o come_v very_o unwilling_o to_o it_o and_o make_v as_o much_o of_o a_o little_a as_o may_v be_v the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v evidence_n enough_o that_o they_o have_v no_o great_a confidence_n in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o deal_v honest_o and_o fair_o with_o poor_a heretic_n when_o they_o make_v their_o boast_n of_o scripture_n for_o do_v they_o believe_v that_o their_o doctrine_n which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v from_o scripture_n be_v plain_o and_o evident_o contain_v in_o they_o why_o shall_v they_o deny_v the_o people_n the_o liberty_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v for_o they_o why_o shall_v they_o be_v against_o the_o scripture_n the_o common_a pretence_n be_v that_o those_o who_o be_v unlearned_a put_v very_o wild_a sense_n upon_o scripture_n and_o expound_v it_o by_o their_o own_o fancy_n which_o in_o many_o case_n indeed_o be_v too_o true_a but_o why_o shall_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v more_o afraid_a of_o this_o than_o other_o protestant_a church_n if_o they_o think_v the_o scripture_n be_v as_o much_o for_o they_o as_o we_o think_v it_o be_v for_o we_o why_o dare_v not_o they_o venture_v this_o as_o well_o as_o we_o we_o be_v not_o afraid_a man_n shall_v read_v the_o scripture_n though_o we_o see_v what_o wild_a interpretation_n some_o put_v on_o they_o because_o we_o be_v certain_a we_o can_v prove_v our_o faith_n by_o scripture_n and_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v all_o honest_a man_n who_o will_v impartial_o study_v the_o scripture_n that_o we_o give_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o and_o if_o they_o believe_v they_o can_v do_v so_o too_o why_o do_v they_o avoid_v this_o trial_n when_o ever_o they_o can_v for_o though_o they_o admit_v people_n to_o dispute_v from_o the_o scripture_n in_o england_n where_o they_o can_v help_v it_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v they_o so_o much_o as_o to_o see_v the_o scripture_n in_o italy_n or_o spain_n where_o they_o have_v power_n to_o hinder_v it_o nay_o they_o themselves_o do_v in_o effect_n confess_v that_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o religion_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o christian_a church_n can_v be_v prove_v by_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o to_o help_v they_o out_o
where_o the_o scripture_n fail_v they_o fly_v to_o unwritten_a tradition_n which_o they_o make_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o which_o they_o will_v never_o do_v be_v they_o not_o convince_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o plain_a on_o their_o side_n as_o to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n who_o have_v not_o already_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o a_o implicit_a faith._n and_o therefore_o before_o you_o enter_v into_o any_o debate_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o particular_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o their_o way_n of_o prove_v their_o particular_a doctrine_n from_o scripture_n ask_v they_o two_o question_n without_o a_o plain_a answer_n to_o which_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o dispute_v with_o they_o out_o of_o scripture_n ask_v 1._o whether_o they_o will_v allow_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n that_o no_o christian_n ought_v to_o receive_v any_o doctrine_n for_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o can_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n this_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o must_v not_o allow_v unless_o they_o will_v reject_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o give_v as_o venerable_a a_o authority_n to_o tradition_n as_o to_o scripture_n itself_o since_o than_o they_o have_v two_o rule_n scripture_n and_o tradition_n when_o they_o pretend_v to_o dispute_v from_o scripture_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o know_v of_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v stand_v to_o scripture_n and_o reject_v such_o a_o doctrine_n if_o it_o can_v be_v plain_o prove_v out_o of_o scripture_n for_o if_o they_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o this_o they_o give_v up_o their_o cause_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o dispute_v with_o they_o for_o why_o shall_v i_o dispute_v with_o any_o man_n from_o scripture_n who_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o scripture_n we_o protestant_n indeed_o do_v own_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o what_o we_o see_v plain_o prove_v out_o of_o scripture_n we_o must_v abide_v by_o which_o be_v reason_n enough_o for_o we_o to_o examine_v the_o scripture-proof_n which_o be_v produce_v by_o our_o adversary_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o blush_v if_o they_o have_v any_o modesty_n to_o pretend_v to_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n from_o scripture_n when_o they_o themselves_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o mere_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o dare_v not_o put_v their_o cause_n upon_o that_o issue_n which_o give_v a_o just_a suspicion_n that_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o their_o scripture-proof_n be_v not_o good_a and_o shall_v make_v protestant_n very_o careful_a how_o they_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o they_o to_o dispute_v upon_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v not_o own_v on_o both_o side_n can_v establish_v nothing_o though_o it_o may_v blunder_v and_o confound_v a_o adversary_n it_o be_v only_o a_o trial_n of_o wit_n where_o the_o subtle_a disputant_n will_v have_v the_o victory_n and_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n for_o any_o man_n to_o dispute_v upon_o these_o term_n this_o be_v not_o to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n because_o the_o papist_n reject_v it_o which_o no_o protestant_a can_n or_o will_v do_v but_o it_o be_v a_o effectual_a way_n for_o man_n who_o be_v not_o skill_v in_o disputation_n to_o deliver_v themselves_o from_o the_o troublesome_a importunity_n of_o popish_a priest_n when_o learned_a man_n who_o can_v detect_v their_o fallacy_n be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n let_v they_o but_o ask_v they_o whether_o all_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v be_v prove_v by_o plain_a scripture-evidence_n if_o they_o say_v they_o can_v then_o they_o must_v reject_v the_o necessity_n of_o unwritten_a tradition_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith._n a_o point_n which_o i_o believe_v no_o understand_a priest_n will_v yield_v if_o they_o say_v they_o can_v ask_v they_o with_o what_o confidence_n they_o pretend_v to_o prove_v that_o from_o scripture_n which_o they_o confess_v be_v not_o in_o it_o why_o they_o go_v about_o to_o impose_v upon_o you_o and_o to_o persuade_v you_o to_o believe_v that_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o themselves_o confess_v be_v not_o at_o least_o not_o plain_o contain_v in_o scripture_n 2._o ask_v such_o disputant_n who_o allege_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v their_o popish_a doctrine_n how_o they_o themselves_o know_v what_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v and_o how_o you_o shall_v know_v it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a undertake_n to_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o scripture_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a way_n of_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n now_o there_o can_v be_v but_o three_o way_n of_o do_v this_o either_o by_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n or_o by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o primitive_a father_n or_o by_o such_o humane_a mean_n as_o be_v use_v to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o other_o book_n i._o if_o they_o say_v we_o must_v learn_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n tell_v they_o this_o be_v not_o to_o dispute_v but_o to_o beg_v the_o cause_n they_o be_v to_o prove_v from_o scripture_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o do_v this_o they_o will_v have_v we_o take_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n exposition_n of_o scripture_n and_o then_o we_o have_v as_o good_a take_v her_o word_n for_o all_o without_o dispute_v but_o yet_o 1._o they_o know_v that_o we_o reject_v the_o pretence_n of_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n we_o own_v no_o such_o infallible_a judge_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o at_o least_o if_o they_o will_v dispute_v with_o we_o and_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n by_o scripture_n they_o must_v fetch_v their_o proof_n from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o not_o appeal_v to_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n who_o we_o disow_v which_o be_v like_a appeal_n to_o a_o judge_n in_o civil_a matter_n who_o one_o of_o the_o contend_a party_n tlhink_v incompetent_a and_o to_o who_o judgement_n they_o will_v not_o stand_v which_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o end_v any_o controversy_n and_o yet_o they_o can_v quit_v a_o infallible_a interpreter_n without_o grant_v that_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n without_o such_o a_o interpreter_n which_o be_v to_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n of_o infallibility_n 2._o one_o principal_a dispute_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v about_o this_o infallible_a interpreter_n and_o they_o know_v that_o we_o will_v not_o own_o such_o a_o interpreter_n unless_o they_o can_v prove_v from_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o and_o who_o he_o be_v the_o inquiry_n than_o be_v how_o we_o shall_v learn_v from_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n that_o be_v who_o shall_v expound_v those_o scripture_n to_o we_o which_o must_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infallible_a interpreter_n if_o without_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n before_o we_o know_v this_o infallible_a interpreter_n for_o a_o interpreter_n how_o infallible_a soever_o he_o be_v can_v interpret_v scripture_n for_o we_o before_o we_o know_v he_o and_o if_o we_o must_v know_v this_o infallible_a interpreter_n by_o scripture_n we_o must_v at_o least_o understand_v these_o scripture_n which_o direct_v we_o to_o this_o infallible_a interpreter_n without_o his_o assistance_n so_o that_o of_o necessity_n some_o scripture_n must_v be_v understand_v without_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o all_o scripture_n and_o then_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v why_o other_o scripture_n may_v not_o be_v understand_v the_o same_o way_n by_o which_o we_o must_v find_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o text_n which_o direct_v we_o to_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n there_o be_v a_o hundred_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o our_o adversary_n must_v grant_v area_n plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v as_o those_o and_o we_o believe_v it_o as_o easy_a a_o matter_n to_o find_v all_o the_o other_o trent-article_n in_o scripture_n as_o the_o supremacy_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n if_o ever_o there_o need_v a_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v to_o prove_v such_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n from_o scripture_n but_o upon_o this_o occasion_n he_o can_v be_v have_v and_o if_o we_o may_v make_v shift_n without_o he_o here_o we_o may_v as_o well_o spare_v he_o in_o all_o other_o case_n 3._o suppose_v we_o be_v satisfy_v from_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n yet_o it_o be_v worth_a know_v