the_o holy_a scripture_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o pagan_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o christian_n as_o man_n that_o be_v content_a to_o part_v with_o their_o religion_n for_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n but_o that_o they_o think_v christian_a religion_n to_o be_v therein_o contain_v and_o to_o be_v betray_v by_o those_o who_o deliver_v they_o to_o be_v burn_v by_o which_o i_o have_v prove_v more_o than_o i_o intend_v in_o this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n concern_v our_o salvation_n be_v contain_v which_o be_v the_o true_a question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o romeâ—_n not_o whither_o the_o scripture_n be_v deliver_v to_o we_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o no_o in_o this_o our_o people_n ought_v to_o tell_v they_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v but_o whither_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o we_o as_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god._n and_o from_o that_o argument_n now_o mention_v and_o 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shall_v have_v conceive_v or_o teach_v otherwise_o of_o these_o write_n then_o as_o of_o the_o undoubted_a oracle_n of_o god_n she_o will_v have_v err_v damnable_o in_o such_o a_o tradition_n i_o shall_v sum_v up_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o second_o particular_a in_o a_o few_o word_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n at_o first_o teach_v the_o church_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n but_o afterward_o that_o which_o they_o preach_v be_v by_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o writing_n and_o deliver_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o irenaeus_n have_v say_v in_o express_a word_n l._n 3._o c._n 1._o speak_v of_o they_o by_o who_o the_o gospel_n come_v unto_o all_o nation_n which_o they_o then_o preach_v but_o afterward_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n deliver_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v in_o time_n to_o come_v the_o foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o our_o faith_n iii_o and_o far_o we_o likewise_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o we_o even_o from_o the_o apostle_n day_n in_o other_o way_n or_o form_n beside_o the_o scripture_n for_o instance_n in_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n in_o the_o creed_n in_o the_o prayer_n and_o hymn_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o may_v call_v tradition_n if_o we_o please_v but_o they_o bring_v down_o to_o we_o no_o new_a doctrine_n but_o only_o deliver_v in_o a_o abridgement_n the_o same_o christianity_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n upon_o this_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o i_o shall_v enlarge_v but_o i_o proceed_v far_o to_o affirm_v iv_o that_o we_o reverent_o receive_v also_o the_o unanimous_a tradition_n or_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n which_o determine_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o make_v it_o more_o clear_a and_o unquestionable_a in_o any_o point_n of_o faith_n 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great_a doctor_n which_o be_v rather_o a_o scoff_n than_o a_o answer_n and_o cast_v a_o scorn_n not_o only_o upon_o he_o but_o upon_o the_o great_a council_n who_o as_o the_o same_o theodoret_n witness_v assent_v unto_o that_o speech_n of_o constantine_n so_o it_o there_o follow_v in_o these_o word_n that_o most_o of_o the_o synod_n be_v obedient_a to_o what_o he_o have_v discourse_v and_o embrace_v both_o mutual_a concord_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o according_o st._n hilary_n a_o little_a after_o extol_v his_o son_n constantius_n for_o this_o that_o he_o adhere_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o blame_v he_o only_o for_o not_o attend_v to_o the_o true_a catholic_n sense_n of_o they_o his_o word_n be_v these_o in_o his_o little_a book_n which_o he_o deliver_v to_o constantius_n i_o true_o admire_v thou_o o_o lord_n constantius_n the_o emperor_n who_o desire_v a_o faith_n according_a to_o what_o be_v write_v they_o pretend_v to_o no_o other_o in_o those_o day_n but_o as_o he_o speak_v a_o little_a after_o look_v upon_o he_o that_o refuse_v this_o as_o antichrist_n it_o be_v only_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v their_o faith_n out_o of_o god_n book_n not_o mere_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o they_o but_o according_a to_o their_o true_a meaning_n because_o many_o speak_v scripture_n without_o scripture_n and_o pretend_v to_o faith_n without_o faith_n as_o his_o word_n be_v and_o herein_o catholic_n and_o constant_a tradition_n be_v to_o guide_v they_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a to_o what_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v receive_v and_o hold_v from_o the_o beginning_n can_v not_o in_o reason_n be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o scripture_n which_o be_v allege_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o church_n pretend_v to_o no_o more_o than_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o the_o receive_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o bottom_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v this_o faith_n thus_o i_o observe_v hegesippus_n say_v in_o euseb_n his_o history_n l._n 4._o c._n 22._o that_o when_o he_o be_v at_o rome_n he_o meet_v with_o a_o great_a many_o bishop_n and_o that_o he_o receive_v the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n from_o they_o all_o and_o then_o a_o little_a after_o tell_v we_o what_o that_o be_v and_o whence_o they_o derive_v it_o say_v that_o in_o every_o succession_n of_o bishop_n and_o iâ—_n every_o city_n so_o they_o hold_v as_o the_o law_n preach_v and_o as_o the_o prophet_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o particular_a with_o a_o pregnant_a passage_n which_o i_o remember_v in_o a_o famous_a divine_a of_o our_o church_n dr._n jackson_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n chap._n 22._o who_o write_v
now_o such_o a_o force_n to_o induce_v belief_n as_o it_o have_v then_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o same_o vicentius_n who_o so_o high_o commend_v that_o way_n which_o be_v then_o take_v of_o reprove_v heresy_n but_o add_v this_o most_o wise_a caution_n in_o the_o last_o chapter_n but_o one_o of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o his_o commonitorium_fw-la but_o you_o must_v not_o think_v that_o all_o heresy_n and_o all_o way_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v oppose_v but_o only_o new_a and_o fresh_a heresy_n when_o they_o first_o rise_v up_o that_o be_v before_o they_o have_v falsify_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o ancient_a faith_n etc._n etc._n as_o for_o inveterate_a heresy_n which_o have_v spread_v themselves_o they_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v assault_v this_o way_n because_o in_o a_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n many_o opportunity_n may_v have_v present_v themselves_o to_o heretic_n of_o steal_a truth_n out_o of_o the_o ancient_a record_n and_o of_o corrupt_v the_o volume_n of_o our_o ancestor_n which_o if_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v evident_a the_o roman_a church_n have_v have_v such_o opportunity_n of_o falsify_v antiquity_n ever_o since_o the_o first_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o papal_a supremacy_n that_o we_o can_v rely_v mere_o upon_o any_o write_a testimony_n or_o unwritten_a tradition_n which_o never_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o their_o bishop_n meet_v together_o shall_v produce_v which_o amount_v not_o to_o so_o much_o as_o one_o legal_a testimony_n but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o or_o suspect_v as_o a_o multitude_n of_o false_a witness_n conspire_v together_o in_o their_o own_o cause_n how_o then_o may_v some_o say_v can_v heresy_n of_o long_a stand_n be_v confute_v the_o same_o vincentius_n resolve_v we_o in_o this_o in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n we_o may_v convince_v they_o if_o need_v be_v by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o eschew_v they_o as_o already_o convict_v and_o condemn_v in_o ancient_a time_n by_o the_o general_a council_n of_o catholic_n priest_n the_o tradition_n which_o be_v find_v there_o must_v direct_v all_o future_a council_n not_o the_o opinion_n of_o their_o present_a church_n iv_o i_o will_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o which_o be_v that_o the_o tradition_n call_v oral_a because_o it_o come_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o without_o any_o write_a record_n be_v the_o most_o uncertain_a and_o can_v be_v least_o rely_v upon_o of_o all_o other_o this_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v so_o full_o by_o the_o writer_n of_o our_o church_n and_o there_o be_v such_o pregnant_a instance_n of_o the_o error_n into_o which_o man_n have_v be_v lead_v by_o it_o that_o it_o need_v no_o long_a discourse_n two_o instance_n of_o it_o be_v very_o common_a and_o i_o shall_v add_v a_o three_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v that_o which_o papias_n who_o live_v present_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o converse_v with_o those_o who_o have_v see_v they_o set_v on_o foot_n his_o way_n be_v as_o eusebius_n relate_v out_o of_o his_o work_n not_o so_o much_o to_o read_v as_o to_o inquire_v of_o the_o elder_n what_o saint_n andrew_n or_o saint_n peter_n say_v what_o be_v the_o say_v of_o saint_n thomas_n saint_n james_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o he_o pretend_v that_o some_o of_o they_o tell_v he_o among_o other_o thing_n that_o after_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n we_o shall_v reign_v a_o thousand_o year_n here_o upon_o earth_n which_o he_o gather_v say_v eusebius_n from_o some_o say_v of_o the_o apostle_n wrong_v understand_v but_o this_o fancy_n be_v embrace_v very_o greedy_o and_o be_v teach_v for_o two_o whole_a age_n as_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n no_o body_n oppose_v it_o and_o yet_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v for_o it_o but_o only_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o man_n as_o eusebius_n his_o word_n be_v l._n 3._o cap._n ult_n who_o deliver_v it_o to_o they_o yet_o this_o tradition_n have_v be_v general_o since_o take_v for_o a_o imposture_n and_o teach_v we_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o if_o one_o man_n can_v set_v a_o go_v such_o a_o doctrine_n and_o make_v it_o pass_v so_o current_a for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n upon_o no_o other_o pretence_n then_o that_o a_o apostle_n say_v so_o in_o private_a discourse_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o other_o tradition_n have_v have_v no_o better_a beginning_n or_o not_o so_o good_a especial_o since_o they_o never_o so_o universal_o prevail_v as_o that_o do_v 2._o a_o second_o instance_n be_v that_o famous_a contention_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n which_o miserable_o afflict_v the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o victòr_n bishop_n of_o ròme_n by_o divide_v the_o eastern_a christian_n from_o the_o western_a one_o pretend_v tradition_n from_o saint_n jòhn_n and_o saint_n philip_n the_o other_o from_o saint_n peter_n and_o saint_n paul_n concern_v which_o i_o will_v not_o say_v as_o rigaltius_n do_v in_o his_o sharp_a note_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o firmilian_a who_o pretend_v tradition_n for_o the_o rebaptise_v of_o heretic_n that_o under_o the_o name_n and_o person_n of_o great_a man_n there_o be_v sottish_a and_o sophistical_a thing_n deliver_v for_o apostolical_a tradition_n by_o fool_n and_o sophister_n but_o this_o i_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o instance_n of_o man_n forwardness_n and_o they_o neither_o fool_n nor_o sophister_n but_o only_o wed_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o church_n to_o obtrude_v thing_n as_o apostolical_a for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o proof_n at_o all_o for_o when_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o defend_v themselves_o present_o they_o fly_v to_o tradition_n apostolical_a 3._o a_o three_o instance_n of_o who_o uncertainty_n we_o have_v in_o irenaeus_n l._n 2._o c._n 39_o concern_v the_o age_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o he_o die_v which_o he_o confident_o affirm_v to_o have_v be_v forty_o if_o not_o fifty_o year_n and_o say_v the_o elder_n which_o know_v st._n john_n and_o be_v his_o scholar_n receive_v this_o relation_n from_o he_o and_o yet_o all_o agree_v that_o he_o beginning_n to_o preach_v at_o thirty_o year_n of_o age_n be_v crucify_v about_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a after_o the_o like_a relation_n clement_n make_v of_o his_o preach_v but_o one_o year_n which_o he_o call_v a_o secret_a tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n but_o have_v no_o more_o truth_n in_o it_o then_o the_o other_o now_o if_o in_o the_o first_o age_n when_o they_o be_v so_o near_o the_o fountain_n and_o beginning_n of_o tradition_n man_n be_v deceive_v nay_o such_o great_a man_n as_o these_o be_v deceive_v and_o lead_v other_o into_o error_n in_o these_o matter_n we_o can_v with_o any_o safety_n trust_v to_o tradition_n that_o have_v pass_v man_n pretend_v from_o one_o to_o another_o until_o now_o but_o we_o can_v find_v no_o mention_n of_o in_o any_o writer_n till_o some_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n and_o then_o be_v by_o some_o body_n or_o other_o who_o have_v authority_n in_o those_o day_n call_v apostolical_a tradition_n mere_o to_o gain_v they_o the_o more_o credit_n thus_o andreas_n caesariensis_n in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o revelation_n p._n 743._o say_v that_o the_o come_n of_o enoch_n and_o elias_n before_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n though_o it_o be_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n be_v a_o constant_a report_n receive_v by_o tradition_n without_o any_o variation_n from_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v how_o ready_a they_o be_v to_o father_n their_o own_o private_a opinion_n upon_o ancient_a universal_a tradition_n and_o how_o little_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o trust_v to_o that_o which_o be_v so_o uncertain_a even_o in_o the_o first_o age_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o dubious_a now_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o lay_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o those_o who_o will_v be_v please_v to_o look_v over_o this_o short_a treatise_n what_o they_o be_v to_o think_v and_o speak_v about_o tradition_n it_o be_v a_o calumny_n to_o affirm_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n reject_v all_o tradition_n and_o i_o hope_v none_o of_o her_o true_a child_n be_v so_o ignorant_a as_o when_o they_o hear_v that_o word_n to_o imagine_v they_o must_v rise_v up_o and_o oppose_v it_o no_o the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v a_o tradition_n and_o we_o admit_v all_o other_o tradition_n which_o be_v subordinate_a and_o agreeable_a unto_o that_o together_o with_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v apostolical_a by_o the_o general_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n nay_o if_o any_o thing_n not_o contain_v in_o scripture_n which_o the_o roman_a church_n now_o
govern_v by_o apostolical_a man_n when_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suspect_v any_o deviation_n from_o the_o primitive_a practice_n and_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n own_v in_o such_o matter_n and_o by_o which_o she_o reject_v and_o confute_v both_o the_o innovation_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o wild_a pretence_n of_o phanaticism_n so_o that_o we_o do_v in_o the_o most_o proper_a sense_n own_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o expound_v scripture_n we_o do_v not_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o expound_v scripture_n by_o a_o private_a spirit_n as_o our_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n reproach_n we_o we_o adhere_v to_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n on_o one_o side_n and_o the_o fanatic_n on_o the_o other_o have_v forsake_v and_o though_o we_o reject_v the_o new_a invention_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n 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to_o pervert_v the_o plain_v text_n and_o some_o other_o sectary_n be_v as_o plain_v a_o demonstration_n what_o wâ—rk_n dullness_n and_o stupidity_n and_o enthusiasm_n will_v make_v with_o scripture_n but_o when_o we_o have_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o a_o ancient_a and_o venerable_a summary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o have_v be_v the_o common_a faith_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n to_o be_v our_o rule_n in_o expound_v scripture_n though_o we_o may_v after_o all_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o some_o particular_a text_n yet_o we_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o great_a and_o dangerous_a mistake_n this_o use_n the_o church_n of_o england_n make_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o expound_v scripture_n that_o she_o religious_o maintain_v the_o ancient_a catholic_n faith_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o man_n to_o expound_v scripture_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o ancient_a faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o 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witness_n of_o their_o doctrine_n they_o have_v no_o more_o authority_n in_o this_o matter_n than_o we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n nor_o have_v one_o church_n any_o more_o authority_n than_o another_o 3._o and_o therefore_o if_o by_o the_o church_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o know_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v understand_v the_o judgement_n and_o sentence_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n that_o we_o must_v seek_v no_o far_o for_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n than_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o expound_v scripture_n this_o also_o be_v absolute_o false_a and_o absurd_a this_o be_v more_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n assume_v to_o themselves_o while_o they_o be_v on_o earth_n they_o be_v indeed_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n but_o yet_o they_o never_o bear_v down_o their_o hearer_n mere_o with_o their_o authority_n but_o expound_v the_o scripture_n and_o apply_v ancient_a prophecy_n to_o their_o event_n and_o take_v the_o vail_n off_o of_o moses_n face_n and_o show_v they_o the_o gospel_n state_n conceal_v under_o those_o type_n and_o figure_n they_o confirm_v their_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n of_o their_o hearer_n whither_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o christ_n command_v the_o jew_n nor_o mere_o to_o take_v his_o own_o word_n and_o to_o rely_v on_o his_o authority_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v but_o to_o study_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v for_o this_o generous_a temper_n of_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n for_o they_o daily_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v whither_o the_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n preach_v be_v to_o be_v find_v there_o or_o not_o now_o i_o think_v no_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v more_o infallible_a than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o 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find_v there_o as_o the_o church_n infallibility_n be_v but_o however_o that_o be_v after_o all_o this_o boast_n of_o infallibility_n a_o papist_n have_v no_o more_o infallible_a foundation_n for_o his_o faith_n than_o a_o protestant_n have_v nor_o half_a so_o much_o we_o believe_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n because_o we_o find_v they_o plain_o teach_v in_o scripture_n and_o universal_o receive_v as_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o it_o a_o papist_n believe_v the_o church_n to_o be_v infallible_a because_o he_o think_v he_o find_v it_o in_o scripture_n though_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o many_o age_n never_o find_v it_o there_o and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o this_o day_n can_v find_v it_o there_o now_o if_o they_o will_v but_o allow_v that_o a_o protestant_n though_o a_o poor_a fallible_a creature_n may_v reason_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o 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in_o confute_v heresy_n as_o they_o call_v they_o that_o we_o do_v they_o allege_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n the_o authority_n of_o father_n and_o council_n to_o justify_v their_o innovation_n and_o here_o we_o willingl_v join_v issue_n with_o they_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o prove_v that_o scripture_n and_o all_o true_a antiquity_n be_v on_o our_o side_n and_o this_o have_v be_v often_o and_o unanswerable_o prove_v by_o the_o learned_a patron_n of_o the_o reformation_n but_o there_o be_v some_o very_a material_a thing_n to_o be_v observe_v from_o hence_o for_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o either_o they_o think_v this_o a_o good_a way_n to_o prove_v what_o they_o intend_v and_o to_o convince_v gainsayers_a the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o primitive_a antiquity_n or_o they_o do_v not_o if_o they_o do_v not_o think_v this_o a_o good_a way_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v there_o so_o many_o volume_n of_o controversy_n write_v why_o do_v they_o produce_v scripture_n and_o father_n and_o council_n to_o justify_v the_o usurpation_n of_o their_o church_n and_o those_o new_a addition_n they_o have_v make_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o good_a way_n to_o convince_v a_o heretic_n why_o do_v they_o give_v themselves_o and_o we_o such_o a_o impertinent_a trouble_n if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a way_n than_o we_o be_v in_o a_o good_a way_n already_o we_o take_v that_o very_a way_n for_o our_o satisfaction_n which_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n and_o practice_n be_v a_o very_a proper_a mean_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o heretic_n and_o to_o discover_v the_o truth_n and_o after_o the_o most_o diligent_a inquiry_n we_o can_v make_v we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o truth_n be_v on_o our_o side_n if_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n signify_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o matter_n than_o it_o seem_v heretic_n who_o reject_v â—he_v authority_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n may_v understand_v scripture_n without_o a_o 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do_v not_o believe_v she_o own_o infallibility_n no_o more_o than_o we_o protestant_n do_v for_o if_o she_o do_v she_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v her_o doctor_n to_o dispute_v with_o heretic_n from_o any_o other_o topick_n but_o her_o own_o authority_n when_o they_o vie_v reason_n and_o argument_n with_o we_o and_o dispute_v from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n they_o appeal_v from_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o present_a church_n to_o every_o man_n private_a reason_n and_o judgement_n as_o much_o as_o any_o protestant_n do_v and_o if_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v be_v establish_v by_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n as_o they_o suppose_v they_o may_v be_v by_o their_o frequent_a attempt_n to_o do_v it_o this_o plain_o overthrow_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n in_o a_o word_n not_o to_o take_v notice_n now_o how_o weak_a and_o groundless_a this_o pretence_n of_o infallibility_n be_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a useless_a doctrine_n for_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o church_n infallibility_n have_v no_o great_a assurance_n of_o their_o faith_n than_o we_o have_v who_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o and_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o church_n infallibility_n can_v never_o be_v confute_v by_o it_o so_o that_o it_o can_v neither_o establish_v any_o man_n faith_n nor_o confute_v any_o heresy_n that_o be_v it_o be_v of_o no_o use_n at_o all_o the_o church_n of_o england_n reverence_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o the_o best_a witness_n of_o the_o apostolical_a faith_n and_o practice_n but_o yet_o resolve_v her_o faith_n at_o last_o into_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n she_o receive_v nothing_o for_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o she_o do_v not_o find_v plain_o enough_o teach_v in_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o her_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n that_o the_o primitive_a church_n own_v the_o
it_o be_v to_o no_o more_o purpose_n to_o show_v we_o the_o word_n tradition_n in_o other_o place_n of_o st._n paul_n write_n particular_o in_o the_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o epistle_n v._o 6._o where_o by_o tradition_n st_n chrysâ—ston_n understand_v the_o apostle_n example_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o and_o so_o it_o follow_v v._o 7._o for_o yourselves_o know_v how_o you_o ought_v to_o follow_v we_o &c_n &c_n or_o it_o may_v refer_v to_o the_o commandment_n he_o have_v give_v they_o in_o his_o former_a epistle_n 4._o 11._o which_o the_o reader_n may_v be_v please_v to_o compare_v with_o this_o but_o not_o with_o any_o colour_n be_v expound_v to_o signify_v any_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n about_o which_o the_o roman_a church_n now_o contend_v with_o we_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a it_o have_v respect_n to_o their_o good_a manner_n and_o orderly_o live_v for_o the_o information_n of_o which_o we_o need_v go_v no_o where_o but_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n wherein_o we_o 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to_o this_o effect_n that_o tradition_n which_o be_v of_o so_o much_o use_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v not_o unwritten_a tradition_n or_o custom_n commend_v or_o ratify_v by_o the_o suppose_a infallibility_n of_o any_o visible_a church_n but_o do_v especial_o consist_v in_o the_o confession_n or_o register_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o so_o many_o several_a church_n as_o exhibit_v their_o concession_n to_o the_o nicene_n council_n out_o of_o such_o form_n as_o have_v be_v frame_v and_o teach_v before_o this_o controversy_n arise_v about_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o voluntary_o and_o free_o these_o church_n be_v not_o dependent_a one_o upon_o another_o nor_o oversway_v by_o any_o authority_n over_o they_o nor_o mislead_v by_o faction_n to_o frame_v their_o confession_n of_o faith_n by_o imitation_n or_o according_a to_o some_o pattern_n set_v they_o be_v a_o pregnant_a argument_n that_o this_o faith_n wherein_o they_o 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mention_v we_o yield_v too_o much_o to_o the_o popish_a cause_n which_o support_v itself_o by_o this_o pretence_n but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v suggest_v his_o to_o any_o of_o our_o people_n let_v they_o reply_v that_o it_o be_v but_o the_o pretence_n and_o only_o by_o the_o name_n of_o tradition_n that_o the_o romish_a church_n support_v itself_o for_o true_a tradition_n be_v as_o great_a a_o proof_n against_o popery_n as_o it_o be_v for_o episcopacy_n the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o pope_n empire_n which_o be_v his_o succession_n in_o st._n peter_n supremacy_n be_v utter_o subvert_v by_o this_o the_o constant_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v evident_o against_o it_o and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o lose_v this_o advantage_n we_o have_v against_o they_o by_o ignorant_o refuse_v to_o receive_v true_a and_o constant_a tradition_n which_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o lead_v we_o into_o their_o church_n that_o it_o will_v never_o suffer_v we_o to_o think_v of_o be_v of_o 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so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o true_a authority_n that_o sergeant_a testimony_n and_o forge_a write_n have_v be_v their_o great_a supporter_n beside_o the_o plain_a drist_n of_o they_o which_o be_v not_o to_o make_v all_o man_n better_o but_o to_o make_v same_o rich_a and_o the_o manifest_a danger_n man_n be_v in_o by_o many_o of_o they_o to_o be_v draw_v away_o from_o god_n to_o put_v their_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o creature_n as_o may_v be_v show_v if_o this_o paper_n will_v contain_v it_o in_o their_o doctrine_n of_o papal_a supremacy_n purgatory_n invocation_n of_o saint_n image_n worship_n and_o diverse_a other_o conceren_v which_o we_o say_v as_o saint_n cyprian_n do_v to_o pompeius_n about_o another_o maâ—ter_n if_o it_o be_v command_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o in_o their_o act_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v who_o return_n from_o any_o heresy_n but_o only_o be_v receive_v by_o imposition_n of_o hanâ—s_n let_v this_o divine_a and_o holy_a tradition_n be_v observe_v the_o same_o say_v we_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o gosple_n in_o the_o epistle_n in_o the_o act_n concern_v invocation_n of_o saint_n concern_v the_o pray_a soul_n out_o of_o purgatory_n etc._n etc._n let_v that_o divine_a that_o holy_a tradition_n be_v observe_v but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o there_o what_o obstinacy_n be_v this_o as_o it_o follow_v a_o little_a after_o in_o that_o epist_n l._n 24._o what_o presumption_n to_o prefer_v human_a tradition_n before_o the_o divine_a disposition_n or_o ordinance_n a_o great_a deal_n more_o there_o be_v in_o that_o place_n and_o in_o other_o of_o that_o holy_a martyr_n to_o bring_v all_o to_o the_o source_n the_o root_n the_o original_n of_o the_o divine_a tradition_n for_o then_o human_a error_n cease_v which_o original_a tradition_n he_o affirm_v to_o be_v what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o deliver_v to_o we_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n concern_v we_o we_o look_v after_o no_o other_o tradition_n but_o what_o explain_v and_o confirm_v and_o be_v consonant_a to_o this_o for_o we_o believe_v that_o what_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o by_o the_o scripture_n &_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o true_a tradition_n be_v but_o two_o several_a wave_n of_o bring_v we_o acquaint_v with_o the_o same_o christian_a truth_n not_o with_o different_a part_n of_o that_o truth_n and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n the_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v this_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v any_o tradition_n or_o doctrine_n to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o some_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n which_o doctrine_n they_o of_o rome_n pretend_v to_o have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o author_n with_o the_o scripture_n viz._n god_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o the_o same_o pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n but_o can_v tell_v we_o where_o we_o may_v find_v they_o how_o we_o shall_v discern_v true_a from_o false_a nor_o give_v we_o any_o assurance_n of_o their_o truth_n but_o we_o must_v take_v they_o pure_o upon_o their_o word_n now_o how_o little_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o trust_v to_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o have_v to_o add_v which_o be_v this_o 11._o that_o we_o dare_v not_o receive_v any_o thing_n whatsoever_o mere_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n no_o not_o that_o divine_a that_o holy_a tradition_n before_o speak_v of_o viz._n the_o scripture_n which_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v only_o upon_o their_o testimony_n both_o because_o they_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o sole_a keeper_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o they_o be_v a_o corrupt_a part_n who_o have_v not_o approve_v themselves_o faithful_a in_o the_o keep_n what_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o let_v our_o people_n diligent_o mark_v this_o that_o tradition_n never_o be_v nor_o be_v now_o only_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v wide_o different_a the_o tradition_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o of_o the_o great_a and_o best_a part_n of_o it_o and_o the_o tradition_n of_o one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o least_o part_n of_o it_o and_o the_o worst_a part_n also_o and_o most_o deprave_a what_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n i_o have_v show_v before_o we_o reverent_o receive_v but_o we_o can_v take_v that_o for_o current_a tradition_n which_o be_v warrant_v only_o by_o a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o we_o give_v very_o little_a credit_n to_o what_o be_v warrant_v only_o by_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v roman_a because_o 1._o first_o this_o church_n have_v not_o preserve_v so_o careful_o as_o other_o church_n have_v do_v the_o first_o and_o orginal_a tradition_n which_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v shameful_o corrupt_v every_o one_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o latin_a vulgar_a edition_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o they_o of_o that_o church_n prefer_v before_o the_o original_a none_o of_o which_o they_o preserve_v heretofore_o from_o manifest_a depravation_n nor_o have_v be_v able_a since_o they_o be_v tell_v of_o the_o fault_n to_o purge_v away_o so_o as_o to_o canonize_v any_o edition_n without_o permit_v great_a number_n in_o their_o new_a and_o most_o approve_a bibles_n isidore_n clarius_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o edition_n complain_v that_o he_o find_v these_o holy_a write_n deface_v with_o innumerable_a error_n eight_o thousand_o of_o which_o that_o he_o think_v most_o material_a he_o say_v he_o amend_v and_o yet_o leave_v he_o know_v not_o how_o many_o lesser_a one_o untouched_a after_o which_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n have_v vouch_v this_o vulgar_a latin_a edition_n for_o the_o only_a authentic_a pope_n sixtus_n the_o five_o publish_v out_o of_o the_o several_a copy_n that_o be_v abroad_o one_o which_o he_o straight_o charge_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o the_o only_a true_a vulgar_a from_o which_o none_o shall_v dare_v to_o vary_v in_o a_o tittle_n and_o yet_o two_o year_n be_v scarce_o pass_v before_o clement_n the_o eight_o find_v many_o defect_n and_o corruption_n still_o remain_v in_o that_o edition_n and_o therefore_o publish_v another_o with_o the_o very_a same_o charge_n that_o none_o else_o shall_v be_v receive_v which_o evident_o show_v they_o have_v suffer_v the_o holy_a book_n to_o be_v so_o foul_o abuse_v that_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o amend_v the_o error_n that_o be_v creep_v into_o they_o nor_o can_v tell_v which_o be_v the_o true_a bible_n for_o these_o two_o bibles_n thus_o equal_o authorize_v as_o the_o only_a authentic_a one_o abound_v not_o only_o with_o manifest_a diversity_n but_o with_o contradiction_n or_o contrariety_n one_o to_o the_o other_o whereby_o all_o romanist_n be_v reduce_v to_o this_o miserable_a necessity_n either_o to_o make_v use_n of_o no_o bible_n at_o all_o or_o to_o 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satisfaction_n it_o may_v be_v fit_a far_o to_o represent_v how_o negligent_a they_o have_v be_v in_o preserve_v other_o tradition_n which_o be_v certain_o once_o in_o the_o church_n but_o now_o utter_o lose_v there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v but_o the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o first_o christian_n the_o meaning_n of_o those_o hard_a place_n which_o we_o find_v in_o their_o and_o other_o holy_a write_n but_o who_o can_v tell_v we_o where_o to_o find_v certain_o so_o much_o as_o one_o of_o they_o and_o therefore_o where_o be_v the_o fidelity_n of_o this_o church_n which_o boast_v so_o much_o to_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o sacred_a tradition_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o desirable_a than_o these_o apostolical_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o useful_a and_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o hope_n to_o meet_v with_o they_o
prohibit_v the_o worship_n of_o all_o those_o god_n which_o be_v then_o worship_v in_o the_o world_n will_v any_o one_o in_o they_o wit_n hence_o conclude_v that_o if_o the_o folly_n and_o superstition_n of_o man_n shall_v set_v up_o a_o new_a race_n and_o generation_n of_o god_n in_o after_o age_n that_o the_o worship_n of_o these_o new_a god_n be_v not_o as_o well_o forbid_v by_o this_o general_a law_n as_o the_o worship_n of_o those_o god_n which_o be_v worship_v at_o that_o time_n when_o this_o law_n be_v give_v if_o this_o be_v true_a possible_o pagan_a rome_n itself_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o idolatry_n for_o most_o if_o not_o all_o of_o their_o god_n may_v be_v of_o a_o late_a date_n than_o the_o give_v the_o law_n 3._o now_o since_o no_o such_o distinction_n as_o these_o appear_v in_o scripture_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v justify_v the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n which_o be_v so_o express_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n if_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v distinct_a being_n from_o the_o supreme_a god_n for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o the_o supreme_a god_n we_o must_v not_o worship_v they_o for_o we_o must_v worship_v none_o but_o god_n no_o distinction_n can_v justify_v we_o in_o this_o case_n but_o such_o as_o god_n himself_o make_v for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o distinguish_v away_o any_o law_n of_o god_n humane_a law_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o distinction_n but_o such_o as_o they_o make_v themselves_o for_o a_o distinction_n do_v either_o confine_n and_o straighten_v or_o enlarge_v the_o law_n and_o he_o who_o have_v power_n to_o distinguish_v upon_o a_o law_n have_v so_o far_o power_n to_o make_v it_o if_o the_o law_n say_v that_o we_o shall_v worship_v no_o other_o be_v beside_o god_n and_o we_o have_v power_n if_o we_o have_v but_o wit_n enough_o to_o invent_v some_o new_a distinction_n between_o the_o worship_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a spirit_n between_o supreme_a and_o subordinate_a absolute_a and_o relative_a worship_n this_o make_v a_o new_a law_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o say_v thou_o shall_v worship_v god_n only_o and_o quite_o contrary_a to_o say_v thou_o shall_v worship_v god_n only_o and_o good_a spirit_n god_n with_o a_o supreme_a and_o absolute_a good_a spirit_n with_o a_o subordinate_a and_o relative_a worship_n this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o we_o must_v admit_v of_o no_o distinction_n upon_o a_o divine_a law_n but_o what_o the_o scripture_n itself_o own_v and_o therefore_o since_o those_o distinction_n with_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n justify_v her_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n they_o have_v no_o authority_n against_o a_o express_a law_n 3._o the_o next_o course_n the_o papist_n take_v to_o justify_v their_o creature-worship_n in_o contradiction_n to_o that_o law_n which_o express_o command_v we_o to_o worship_v none_o but_o god_n be_v a_o appeal_n to_o such_o authority_n as_o they_o think_v sufficient_a to_o decide_v this_o matter_n now_o i_o shall_v not_o say_v much_o to_o this_o for_o i_o believe_v all_o mankind_n will_v acknowledge_v that_o no_o authority_n less_o than_o divine_a can_v repeal_v a_o divine_a law_n and_o therefore_o unless_o god_n himself_o or_o such_o person_n as_o act_v by_o a_o divine_a authority_n have_v repeal_v this_o law_n no_o other_o authority_n can_v do_v it_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v not_o repeal_v this_o law_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o after_o age_n have_v any_o authority_n to_o repeal_v this_o law_n i_o desire_v they_o to_o prove_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o essential_o of_o faith_n and_o worship_n be_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o lawgiver_n but_o of_o witness_n the_o church_n never_o pretend_v in_o former_a age_n to_o make_v or_o to_o repeal_v any_o divine_a law_n but_o to_o declare_v and_o testify_v what_o the_o 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saint_n and_o martyr_n in_o in_o their_o oration_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n interpret_v to_o be_v prayer_n to_o they_o but_o though_o other_o challenge_n see_v bishop_n usher_n answer_v to_o the_o jesuit_n challenge_n learned_a man_n have_v vindicate_v those_o passage_n so_o far_o as_o to_o show_v the_o vast_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o solemn_a and_o formal_a invocation_n which_o be_v not_o my_o business_n at_o this_o time_n yet_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n very_o well_o worth_a our_o observation_n towards_o the_o true_a state_v of_o this_o matter_n as_o 1._o that_o these_o father_n come_v too_o late_o to_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o apostolical_a practice_n which_o they_o can_v know_v no_o otherwise_o than_o we_o may_v know_v it_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n viz._n by_o the_o testimony_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n till_o that_o time_n this_o be_v no_o where_n pretend_v by_o they_o that_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o they_o can_v have_v no_o proof_n of_o this_o unless_o they_o have_v better_a record_n of_o former_a time_n than_o we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n and_o such_o as_o contradict_v all_o the_o record_n which_o we_o now_o have_v of_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a church_n and_o i_o believe_v few_o man_n will_v be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o assert_v this_o and_o i_o think_v there_o shall_v be_v as_o few_o who_o be_v so_o credulous_a as_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o man_n live_v who_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v it_o 2._o nay_o the_o particular_a say_n of_o these_o father_n by_o which_o the_o romanist_n prove_v the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o that_o age_n they_o no_o where_n say_v that_o it_o be_v and_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o by_o any_o other_o record_n let_v they_o show_v i_o any_o council_n before_o or_o in_o those_o time_n when_o these_o father_n live_v that_o be_v in_o the_o four_o century_n which_o decree_v the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n let_v they_o produce_v any_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n in_o in_o those_o day_n which_o allow_v this_o worship_n and_o if_o no_o such_o thing_n appear_v those_o man_n must_v be_v very_o well_o prepare_v to_o believe_v this_o who_o will_v without_o any_o other_o evidence_n judge_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n only_o from_o some_o extravagant_a slight_n of_o poet_n and_o orator_n and_o if_o even_o in_o those_o day_n the_o worship_n of_o saint_n be_v not_o receive_v into_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o church_n methinks_v we_o may_v as_o well_o live_v without_o it_o still_o and_o they_o must_v either_o grant_v