conscience_n with_o what_o spectale_n do_v these_o man_n read_v this_o write_n in_o the_o heart_n that_o tell_v we_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n indulgence_n invocation_n of_o saint_n pope_n supremacy_n the_o church_n infallibility_n but_o you_o must_v know_v though_o this_o write_n be_v from_o god_n yet_o the_o interpretation_n belong_v to_o the_o pope_n who_o will_n stand_v for_o his_o reason_n and_o his_o word_n for_o a_o law_n but_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o prophet_n if_o with_o the_o pope_n good_a leave_n god_n may_v be_v his_o own_o interpreter_n he_o tell_v you_o this_o be_v the_o inscription_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d know_v the_o lord_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n jer._n 31.33_o and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n jer._n 32.39_o 40._o and_o this_o law_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o a_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o much_o less_o be_v it_o to_o justle_v out_o the_o word_n as_o the_o papist_n now_o abuse_v it_o that_o the_o use_n of_o this_o be_v only_o to_o help_v they_o to_o make_v the_o word_n their_o rule_n ezek._n 26_o 27._o i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n within_o you_o and_o cause_v you_o to_o walk_v in_o my_o statute_n hence_o that_o in_o is._n 59.21_o my_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o and_o my_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n so_o this_o objection_n be_v discharge_v the_o consequence_n remain_v in_o full_a force_n and_o tradition_n be_v disapprove_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n can_v be_v approve_v under_o the_o new_a but_o i_o shall_v more_o full_o prove_v that_o in_o the_o next_o branch_n which_o be_v this_o §_o 8._o 2._o this_o way_n of_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n by_o verbal_a tradition_n be_v disallow_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n he_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o indeed_o but_o little_a of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o know_v not_o that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o from_o their_o school_n the_o papist_n have_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n so_o little_a reason_n have_v du._n moulin_n to_o write_v a_o book_n about_o the_o novelty_n of_o popery_n when_o diverse_a of_o their_o doctrine_n have_v such_o a_o venerable_a antiquity_n that_o they_o be_v as_o old_a as_o the_o pharisee_n no_o wonder_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v diverse_a doctrine_n that_o christ_n never_o deliver_v to_o they_o for_o they_o have_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n leave_v they_o for_o a_o legacy_n and_o from_o they_o they_o have_v their_o bold_a expression_n by_o which_o they_o advance_v tradition_n above_o the_o scripture_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v this_o say_n think_v not_o that_o the_o write_a law_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o the_o law_n of_o oral_a tradition_n and_o again_o in_o the_o book_n juchas_fw-es p._n 158._o without_o this_o oral_a law_n of_o tradition_n the_o whole_a law_n will_v be_v in_o darkness_n and_o again_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o our_o rabbin_n teach_v we_o we_o be_v equal_o to_o believe_v as_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o this_o be_v so_o know_v that_o it_o be_v frivolous_a to_o multiply_v testimony_n of_o this_o kind_n the_o footstep_n of_o this_o principle_n you_o may_v discern_v in_o diverse_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o make_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o father_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n mat._n 15.2_o why_o do_v thy_o disciple_n transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n s_o t_o paul_n mention_n it_o as_o one_o of_o his_o pharisaical_a error_n that_o he_o be_v exceed_o zealous_a of_o the_o tradition_n of_o his_o father_n gal._n 1.14_o and_o s_o t_o peter_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o part_n or_o effect_v of_o their_o redemption_n by_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v deliver_v from_o a_o vain_a conversation_n receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n 1._o peter_n 1._o this_o sufficient_o show_v what_o their_o opinion_n be_v now_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o reflection_n christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n make_v upon_o it_o and_o there_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o which_o will_v end_v the_o controversy_n with_o ingenious_a adversary_n viz._n that_o whereas_o the_o romanist_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o desert_v of_o tradition_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o error_n on_o the_o contrary_a our_o saviour_n make_v this_o the_o fountain_n of_o their_o error_n their_o forsake_v the_o scripture_n not_o their_o recede_v from_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o ancestor_n mat._n 22.29_o you_o do_v err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n we_o be_v behold_v to_o the_o papist_n that_o they_o do_v not_o say_v there_o be_v a_o corruption_n in_o the_o text_n and_o scripture_n be_v put_v in_o for_o tradition_n for_o sure_o if_o christ_n have_v be_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o gentleman_n he_o never_o have_v a_o fit_a opportunity_n to_o utter_v it_o than_o now_o for_o the_o sadducee_n be_v note_v as_o enemy_n to_o tradition_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n be_v but_o dark_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n at_o lest_o in_o the_o pentatuch_n and_o more_o plain_o by_o tradition_n so_o now_o or_o never_o be_v the_o time_n for_o christ_n to_o say_v to_o the_o sadducee_n as_o doubtless_o m_o r_o white_n will_v if_o he_o have_v be_v present_a and_o christ_n shall_v if_o m_n r_o whites_n argument_n be_v good_a you_o err_v because_o you_o take_v no_o heed_n to_o the_o tradition_n of_o your_o ancestor_n but_o here_o be_v not_o a_o syllable_n about_o that_o but_o all_o be_v cast_v upon_o their_o not_o know_v the_o scripture_n thus_o in_o the_o resolution_n of_o that_o great_a controversy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n christ_n do_v not_o confute_v the_o jew_n nor_o establish_v the_o truth_n from_o tradition_n though_o there_o be_v eminent_a occasion_n for_o it_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v such_o a_o tradition_n then_o rise_v among_o they_o that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v at_o hand_n daniel_n week_n be_v nigh_o exspire_v and_o with_o it_o a_o general_a expectation_n of_o he_o but_o from_o scripture_n christ_n prove_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n by_o several_a argument_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n who_o be_v a_o prophet_n yea_o and_o more_o than_o a_o prophet_n by_o his_o father_n voice_n from_o heaven_n by_o his_o miracle_n and_o above_o all_o by_o the_o scripture_n how_o come_v christ_n to_o omit_v that_o which_o if_o those_o man_n do_v not_o deceive_v we_o be_v more_o considerable_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n viz._n tradition_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o present_a church_n a_o strange_a oversight_n you_o will_v say_v but_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v a_o discovery_n deny_v to_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o reserve_v to_o these_o last_o time_n answerable_a to_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o godly_a berean_o who_o do_v examine_v saint_n to_o paul_n doctrine_n not_o by_o tradition_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v but_o by_o the_o scripture_n act_v 17.11_o and_o st_n paul_n himself_o evidence_v the_o soundness_n of_o his_o doctrine_n not_o by_o its_o conformity_n with_o tradition_n which_o our_o adversary_n lay_v such_o stress_n upon_o that_o s._n clara_n with_o several_a other_o affirm_v that_o they_o receive_v the_o scripture_n only_o so_o far_o as_o they_o agree_v with_o tradition_n initio_fw-la but_o by_o its_o consonancy_n to_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o he_o witness_v none_o other_o thing_n then_o what_o be_v in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n act._n 26.22_o and_o act._n 24.14_o 15._o so_o then_o the_o question_n now_o be_v which_o be_v the_o more_o rational_a way_n to_o resolve_v a_o christian_n doubt_n and_o ground_n his_o faith_n whether_o that_o which_o have_v have_v the_o approbation_n of_o all_o the_o holy-man_n of_o god_n in_o both_o testament_n or_o the_o ingenious_a devise_n of_o these_o witty_a doctor_n that_o come_v with_o their_o quintum_fw-la evangelium_fw-la into_o the_o world_n that_o be_v whether_o scripture_n or_o tradition_n i_o know_v one_o thing_n will_v be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v urge_v tradition_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o oft_o hear_v of_o that_o 2_o thes._n 2.15_o hold_v the_o tradition_n which_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v whether_o by_o word_n or_o our_o epistle_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v brief_o 1._o that_o if_o the_o papist_n can_v demonstrate_v any_o of_o their_o tradition_n to_o be_v indeed_o apostolical_a as_o these_o be_v we_o shall_v receive_v they_o if_o conformable_a to_o scripture_n but_o if_o they_o be_v dissonant_n from_o scripture_n we_o have_v commission_n from_o s_o t_o paul_n to_o renounce_v they_o
bellarmine_n be_v a_o baffler_n to_o use_v fallacious_a argument_n and_o a_o liar_n too_o have_v say_v nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a nothing_o more_o certain_a if_o they_o do_v than_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v evidence_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o the_o church_n testimony_n which_o they_o so_o bold_o deny_v at_o other_o time_n the_o like_a may_v i_o show_v out_o of_o gregory_n de_fw-fr valentia_n who_o muster_v up_o diverse_a convince_a argument_n whereby_o even_o heathen_n may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n 3._o and_o the_o like_a be_v do_v by_o several_a of_o their_o learned_a and_o approve_a author_n from_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n and_o protestancy_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o argument_n and_o evidence_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o protestant_n viz._n for_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n independent_o upon_o the_o church_n testimony_n which_o we_o have_v as_o christian_n and_o that_o the_o papist_n can_v say_v nor_o do_v any_o thing_n towards_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n herein_o but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o by_o the_o same_o art_n and_o argument_n they_o must_v oppugn_v the_o christian_a cause_n and_o acknowledge_v it_o untenable_a against_o a_o subtle_a pagan_a or_o atheist_n and_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o answer_n or_o argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la which_o i_o now_o insist_v upon_o but_o fetch_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n &_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o for_o what_o they_o pretend_v that_o without_o the_o church_n testimony_n we_o can_v know_v that_o s._n mathews_n gospel_n be_v write_v by_o he_o and_o so_o the_o rest_n they_o shall_v take_v a_o answer_n of_o a_o very_a eminent_a and_o approve_a author_n of_o their_o own_o melchior_n canus_n it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a to_o the_o catholic_n faith_n that_o any_o book_n be_v write_v by_o this_o â—r_n that_o author_n so_o long_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v believe_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o which_o gregory_n learned_o deliver_v and_o explain_v for_o it_o matter_n not_o with_o what_o pen_n the_o king_n write_v his_o letter_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o write_v it_o 75._o §_o 3._o the_o second_o thing_n be_v that_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o corrupt_v in_o the_o essential_a and_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n this_o a_o man_n may_v easy_o discern_v by_o look_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o those_o various_a lection_n which_o be_v plead_v as_o evidence_n of_o corruption_n where_o he_o shall_v quick_o find_v they_o general_o to_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n and_o such_o upon_o which_o salvation_n do_v not_o depend_v but_o because_o the_o examination_n of_o this_o will_v be_v a_o tedious_a work_n i_o shall_v save_v myself_o and_o reader_n the_o labour_n and_o shall_v prove_v it_o in_o general_n as_o at_o first_o i_o propose_v from_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o papist_n themselves_z who_o condemn_v the_o rashness_n of_o those_o of_o their_o own_o brethren_n which_o out_o of_o a_o preposterous_a respect_n to_o the_o vulgar_a translation_n assert_v the_o malicious_a corruption_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o positive_o maintain_v the_o incorruption_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o matter_n of_o importance_n of_o this_o opinion_n be_v among_o the_o papist_n bellarmine_n arias_n mâ—ntanus_n driedo_n bannes_n tena_n acosta_n lorinus_n and_o diverse_a other_o if_o you_o please_v we_o will_v hear_v the_o foreman_n of_o the_o jury_n speak_v for_o the_o rest_n i_o confess_v say_v he_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o altogether_o pure_a they_o have_v some_o error_n in_o they_o but_o they_o be_v not_o of_o such_o moment_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v defective_a in_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o faith_n and_o manner_n for_o for_o the_o most_o part_n those_o difference_n and_o various_a lection_n consist_v in_o some_o wâ—rds_n which_o make_v little_a or_o no_o difference_n in_o the_o text_n fiâ—em_fw-la to_o who_o i_o shall_v add_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o late_a author_n s._n clara_n who_o word_n be_v these_o consider_v a_o moral_a thing_n moral_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v or_o be_v considerable_o adulterate_v 8._o and_o so_o he_o go_v on_o prove_v what_o he_o have_v assert_v this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o second_o thing_n §_o 4._o for_o the_o three_o particular_a which_o alone_o now_o remain_v in_o doubt_n concern_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n my_o assertion_n be_v this_o a_o protestant_a have_v or_o may_v have_v a_o sufficient_a assurance_n of_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n this_o i_o shall_v brief_o prove_v by_o this_o argument_n god_n promise_n be_v sufficient_a assurance_n the_o papist_n do_v not_o pretend_v a_o high_a assurance_n for_o their_o church_n infallibility_n but_o a_o protestant_n be_v or_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o this_o by_o god_n promise_n as_o appear_v from_o joh._n 7._o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n protestant_n have_v the_o assurance_n of_o reason_n and_o whatever_o the_o papist_n talk_v they_o have_v no_o other_o it_o be_v true_a they_o talk_v of_o several_a thing_n father_n counsel_n tradition_n motive_n of_o credibility_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o argument_n both_o papist_n and_o protestant_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o when_o they_o go_v to_o settle_v and_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n though_o they_o hear_v many_o thing_n yet_o reason_n weigh_v they_o all_o and_o reject_v what_o it_o judge_v false_a and_o hold_v fast_o what_o it_o esteem_v true_a and_o good_a if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v they_o have_v the_o assurance_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o those_o that_o ask_v it_o luk._n 11.13_o and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o the_o church_n herself_o pretend_v in_o a_o word_n to_o strike_v the_o business_n dead_a you_o shall_v see_v the_o perspicuity_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n acknowledge_v by_o our_o adversary_n from_o who_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n extort_a these_o confession_n that_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o evident_a which_o contain_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a principle_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o principal_a rule_n of_o live_v so_o sixtus_n senensis_n 151._o we_o deny_v not_o that_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o all_o christian_n be_v plain_o enough_o comprehend_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o costerus_n 48._o and_o salmeron_n have_v say_v that_o all_o doctrine_n and_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o scripture_n he_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v so_o frame_v and_o order_v by_o god_n that_o it_o may_v be_v accommodate_v to_o all_o place_n time_n person_n difficulty_n danger_n disease_n to_o drive_v away_o evil_a to_o procure_v good_a to_o overthrow_v error_n to_o establish_v truth_n to_o instil_v virtue_n to_o expel_v vice_n 1._o and_o hieronymus_n ab_fw-la oleastro_fw-la say_v we_o be_v to_o praise_n god_n for_o it_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n he_o have_v make_v easy_a 30._o from_o all_o these_o thing_n put_v together_o i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v it_o undeniable_o follow_v which_o i_o propose_v to_o evince_v that_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o protestant_n faith_n be_v solid_a and_o sufficient_a our_o adversary_n themselves_o be_v judge_n §_o 5._o only_o i_o must_v remove_v one_o block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n peradventure_o they_o will_v say_v that_o if_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a concern_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o its_o own_o language_n yet_o there_o be_v one_o notorious_a defect_n in_o the_o groundwork_n of_o the_o protestant_n faith_n viz._n that_o they_o build_v it_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o translation_n make_v by_o person_n confess_o fallible_a this_o because_o they_o make_v such_o a_o noise_n with_o it_o among_o ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a person_n however_o to_o man_n of_o understanding_n it_o be_v but_o a_o impertinent_a discourse_n it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o say_v something_o to_o it_o and_o but_o a_o little_a to_o this_o than_o i_o answer_v 1._o the_o papist_n can_v in_o reason_n charge_v we_o with_o that_o fault_n of_o which_o themselves_o be_v equal_o guilty_a nor_o can_v they_o accuse_v our_o faith_n of_o that_o infirmity_n to_o which_o their_o own_o be_v no_o less_o obnoxious_a for_o the_o generality_n of_o unlearned_a
spirit_n of_o god_n his_o holiness_n declare_v they_o be_v act_v by_o the_o devil_n by_o this_o time_n i_o hope_v the_o reader_n that_o be_v not_o whole_o blind_a may_v see_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o argument_n from_o tradition_n catholic_n tradition_n be_v pretend_v at_o rome_n for_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n and_o infallibility_n this_o tradition_n with_o othâ—rs_n come_v to_o they_o by_o uninterrupted_a succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o by_o the_o argument_n i_o have_v now_o in_o consideration_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o bishop_n or_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n either_o to_o misunderstand_v the_o mind_n of_o their_o ancestor_n or_o witting_o to_o deceive_v their_o posterity_n that_o which_o they_o make_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v the_o instance_n propose_v discover_v to_o be_v certain_o do_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o father_n shall_v make_v such_o a_o decree_n if_o they_o have_v not_o either_o be_v ignorant_a of_o such_o a_o tradition_n as_o bellarmine_n charge_v they_o or_o wilful_o and_o malicious_o oppose_v it_o as_o the_o pope_n accuse_v they_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o these_o father_n plead_v a_o tradition_n direct_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o the_o romanist_n pretend_v viz._n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o appeal_n to_o rome_n it_o irresistible_o follow_v that_o tradition_n have_v deceive_v either_o they_o former_o or_o the_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n i_o shall_v dismiss_v this_o answer_n with_o a_o remark_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n that_o if_o the_o pope_n and_o popish_a faction_n dare_v for_o their_o own_o base_a and_o ambitious_a design_n use_v such_o palpable_a forgery_n in_o a_o time_n of_o so_o much_o light_n when_o they_o have_v so_o many_o diligent_a observer_n and_o potent_a opposer_n i_o leave_v to_o the_o prudent_a reader_n to_o imagine_v what_o forgery_n may_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o in_o after_o age_n in_o time_n of_o ignorance_n and_o carelessness_n when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v in_o a_o deep_a sleep_n and_o the_o pope_n only_o vigilant_a to_o improve_v all_o occasion_n to_o his_o advantage_n and_o have_v almost_o all_o prince_n and_o people_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n at_o his_o devotion_n and_o thus_o much_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o seven_o answer_n wherein_o i_o have_v be_v the_o more_o prolix_a because_o it_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o the_o argument_n &_o not_o only_o prove_v the_o possibility_n of_o deceit_n in_o tradition_n but_o also_o discover_v the_o way_n and_o mode_n by_o which_o mistake_n may_v be_v commit_v and_o falsehood_n introduce_v under_o pretence_n of_o tradition_n i_o will_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o §_o 24._o answ._n 8._o and_o last_o if_o the_o tradition_n pretend_v give_v we_o infallible_a assurance_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n be_v come_v from_o the_o apostle_n then_o the_o romish_a church_n hold_v no_o doctrine_n but_o such_o as_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o romish_a church_n hold_v many_o doctrine_n which_o she_o have_v not_o receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n this_o i_o may_v take_v for_o grant_v have_v already_o prove_v it_o in_o that_o fundamental_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n concern_v the_o pope_n supremacy_n i_o may_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o what_o i_o have_v report_v out_o of_o diverse_a popish_a author_n of_o great_a note_n concern_v their_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o depart_n from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o father_n and_o have_v say_v so_o much_o there_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o mention_v two_o particular_n the_o first_o shall_v be_v that_o which_o have_v be_v more_o large_o discuss_v chap._n 3._o whither_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n about_o the_o bless_a virgin_n conception_n in_o original_a sin_n the_o present_a doctrine_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n or_o at_o least_o of_o the_o far_o great_a part_n and_o most_o eminent_a member_n of_o it_o be_v for_o her_o immaculate_a conception_n as_o i_o show_v before_o from_o the_o decree_n of_o pope_n and_o university_n etc._n etc._n and_o innumerable_a of_o their_o most_o approve_a author_n how_o much_o this_o opinion_n be_v favour_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n sufficient_o appear_v from_o their_o decree_n about_o original_a sin_n though_o cunning_o and_o doubtful_o deliver_v as_o the_o devil_n oracle_n use_v to_o be_v in_o which_o decree_n they_o declare_v that_o they_o will_v not_o comprehend_v the_o bless_a virgin_n the_o sense_n of_o which_o decree_n according_a to_o that_o favourable_a gloss_n which_o m_n r_o white_a put_v upon_o it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o council_n do_v judge_v both_o opinion_n probable_a now_o from_o the_o business_n thus_o state_v i_o gather_v two_o undeniable_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o fallibility_n of_o tradition_n 1._o tradition_n tell_v the_o ancient_a father_n that_o one_o of_o those_o opinion_n be_v positive_o false_a viz._n that_o the_o bless_a virgin_n be_v not_o conceive_v in_o sin_n tradition_n tell_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n that_o either_o of_o these_o opinion_n be_v probable_o true_a which_o be_v a_o implicit_a contradiction_n 2._o see_v in_o this_o hot_a contest_v not_o yet_o end_v between_o the_o different_a faction_n of_o the_o romanist_n in_o this_o point_n both_o side_n pretend_v tradition_n for_o their_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o both_o agree_v in_o this_o to_o hold_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o have_v by_o tradition_n therefore_o tradition_n must_v needs_o have_v deceive_v one_o of_o they_o ergo_fw-la it_o be_v not_o infallible_a to_o which_o i_o shall_v add_v that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o most_o and_o learnede_a of_o they_o hold_v viz._n of_o immaculate_a conception_n be_v not_o receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o the_o father_n as_o i_o have_v show_v from_o the_o ingenuous_a confession_n of_o their_o most_o learned_a writer_n to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v those_o word_n of_o melchior_n canus_n that_o the_o blessed_a virgin_n be_v whole_o free_a from_o original_a sin_n can_v be_v prove_v out_o of_o scripture_n according_a to_o its_o genuine_a meaning_n but_o that_o be_v but_o a_o small_a matter_n to_o give_v the_o scripture_n a_o goeby_o let_v we_o see_v what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o golden_a rule_n of_o tradition_n therefore_o he_o add_v present_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o come_v into_o the_o church_n by_o apostolical_a tradition_n for_o those_o tradition_n can_v not_o come_v to_o our_o hand_n by_o any_o other_o than_o those_o bishop_n and_o holy_a author_n which_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o those_o ancient_a writer_n do_v not_o receive_v it_o from_o their_o ancestor_n for_o then_o they_o will_v have_v faithful_o deliver_v it_o to_o their_o posterity_n 4._o and_o yet_o if_o m_o r_o whites_n discourse_n be_v solid_a in_o spite_n of_o your_o eye_n you_o shall_v believe_v not_o only_o that_o no_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o have_v not_o be_v convey_v to_o their_o hand_n from_o father_n to_o child_n even_o from_o the_o apostle_n day_n but_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o other_o doctrine_n shall_v creep_v in_o the_o other_o instance_n be_v that_o of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n impose_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o they_o say_v be_v another_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o yet_o their_o own_o prime_a author_n confess_v the_o most_o ancient_a father_n to_o be_v on_o our_o side_n at_o least_o as_o to_o several_a of_o their_o apocryphal_a book_n sixtus_n senensis_n give_v they_o to_o we_o in_o general_a the_o ancient_a father_n do_v hold_v the_o controvert_v book_n to_o be_v un-canonicall_a 1_o bellarmine_n give_v we_o epiphanius_n hilary_n ruffinus_n and_o hierom_n 20._o canus_n give_v we_o origâ—n_o damascen_n athanasius_n and_o melito_n 10._o a_o famous_a and_o ancient_a father_n who_o flourish_v anno_fw-la 170_o and_o be_v a_o man_n of_o great_a judgement_n and_o venerable_a sanctity_n say_v sixtus_n senensis_n who_o purposely_o travel_v to_o the_o eastern_a church_n where_o the_o apostle_n have_v their_o principal_a residence_n and_o employment_n to_o learn_v out_o the_o true_a canon_n and_o bring_v a_o non_fw-la est_fw-la in_o ventus_fw-la for_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n and_o return_n with_o the_o very_a same_o canon_n which_o we_o own_o so_o that_o in_o he_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o all_o those_o flourish_a and_o apostolical_a church_n to_o which_o tertullian_n direct_v we_o for_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n nor_o to_o this_o day_n have_v the_o papist_n cite_v one_o father_n or_o council_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o 600_o i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v a_o 1000_o year_n who_o do_v receive_v their_o whole_a canon_n and_o consequent_o none_o of_o they_o for_o aught_o appear_v in_o their_o write_n know_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o pretend_a tradition_n but_o as_o it_o seem_v by_o the_o story_n
imagination_n without_o the_o shadow_n of_o a_o proof_n that_o all_o which_o be_v write_v by_o such_o man_n be_v a_o part_n of_o canonical_a or_o divine_a scripture_n for_o we_o read_v that_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o inspire_v they_o not_o at_o all_o time_n but_o only_o when_o he_o please_v there_o be_v this_o difference_n between_o the_o spirit_n inspiration_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o other_o holy_a man_n that_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n without_o measure_n and_o without_o difference_n of_o time_n but_o in_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v a_o gift_n confine_v to_o such_o season_n and_o proportion_n as_o god_n see_v fit_a for_o they_o be_v any_o man_n so_o absurd_a as_o to_o think_v that_o every_o letter_n which_o a_o prophet_n or_o apostle_n may_v write_v about_o any_o private_a affair_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n or_o if_o solomon_n herbal_a be_v extant_a must_v it_o needs_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n or_o how_o can_v they_o prove_v and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v it_o this_o argument_n be_v impertinent_a that_o the_o history_n which_o joshua_n or_o nathan_n or_o samuel_n or_o gad_n etc._n etc._n might_n or_o do_v write_v concern_v the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o the_o civil_a transaction_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o canon_n or_o do_v the_o temporary_a transient_a and_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy-gost_n deprive_v they_o of_o their_o common_a gift_n and_o faculty_n and_o be_v the_o capacity_n of_o a_o prophet_n inconsistent_a with_o that_o of_o a_o historian_n or_o because_o balaam_n be_v once_o inspire_v must_v we_o needs_o canonize_v all_o that_o afterward_o he_o speak_v if_o it_o be_v extant_a or_o because_o hannah_n be_v once_o inspire_v 1_o sam._n 2._o and_o simeon_n and_o elizabeth_n luk._n 1._o do_v ever_o any_o man_n unless_o in_o a_o dream_n imagine_v that_o all_o their_o after_o discourse_n be_v canonical_a answ._n 3._o although_o fragmenta_fw-la auri_fw-la sunt_fw-la pretiosa_fw-la the_o least_o shred_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o inestimable_a value_n yet_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o the_o essential_a and_o integrall_a part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n every_o part_n and_o parcel_n of_o it_o be_v a_o choice_a blessing_n for_o our_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la and_o more_o abundant_a direction_n and_o consolation_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o those_o sacred_a book_n be_v spend_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o such_o general_a law_n and_o direction_n as_o be_v of_o themselves_o sufficient_a strictè_fw-la loquendo_fw-la or_o the_o repetition_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n which_o man_n dulness_n and_o backwardness_n to_o such_o thing_n make_v high_o expedient_a and_o beneficial_a the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n before_o any_o of_o the_o other_o book_n be_v indict_v and_o the_o follow_a write_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v but_o comment_n upon_o they_o which_o if_o by_o god_n providence_n they_o have_v be_v lose_v no_o doubt_n the_o first_o five_o book_n will_v have_v be_v sufficient_a for_o salvation_n for_o that_o state_n of_o the_o church_n so_o when_o st_n matthew_n have_v write_v his_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o person_n and_o office_n and_o work_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o marrow_n of_o both_o testament_n and_o the_o sole-sufficient_a object_n of_o save_a knowledge_n joh._n 17.3_o be_v clear_o reveal_v and_o full_o prove_v i_o do_v assert_v and_o let_v any_o of_o our_o adversary_n prove_v the_o contrary_a if_o they_o can_v that_o that_o have_v be_v sufficient_a for_o our_o salvation_n and_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v a_o wonderful_a favour_n from_o god_n that_o he_o have_v so_o plentiful_o provide_v for_o we_o and_o so_o careful_o watch_v by_o his_o providence_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o several_a book_n of_o scripture_n that_o all_o the_o wit_n and_o learning_n of_o adversary_n can_v only_o furnish_v they_o with_o two_o instance_n of_o apostolical_a write_n which_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v lose_v viz._n one_o epistle_n from_o laodicea_n and_o another_o to_o the_o corinthian_n arg._n 3._o a_o rule_n must_v be_v plain_a and_o clear_a but_o the_o scripture_n be_v dark_a and_o doubtful_a and_o that_o in_o thing_n appertain_v to_o salvation_n as_o appear_v from_o 2_o pet._n 3.16_o thing_n hard_o to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n to_o their_o destruction_n now_o this_o can_v not_o bring_v destruction_n if_o they_o be_v not_o hard_o in_o thing_n appertain_v to_o salvation_n and_o here_o the_o captain_n muster_v up_o several_a necessary_a doctrine_n which_o he_o suppose_v not_o to_o be_v clear_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n answ._n the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o clear_a in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o have_v be_v abundant_o evince_v by_o protestant_n out_o of_o express_a scripture_n and_o consent_n of_o father_n but_o that_o belong_v to_o another_o point_n and_o i_o do_v not_o love_v to_o mingle_v distinct_a question_n together_o therefore_o to_o they_o i_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n only_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o such_o assault_n as_o he_o have_v make_v upon_o this_o doctrine_n for_o the_o text_n 2_o pet._n 3.16_o i_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o meet_v with_o any_o passage_n so_o plausible_a as_o this_o in_o his_o whole_a book_n but_o the_o solution_n of_o the_o doubt_n be_v not_o difficult_a if_o you_o consider_v 1._o to_o who_o these_o thing_n be_v say_v to_o be_v dark_a even_o to_o ignorant_a unstable_a ungodly_a man_n when_o protestant_n say_v scripture_n be_v clear_a they_o do_v not_o mean_v it_o be_v so_o to_o those_o that_o be_v blind_a or_o to_o they_o that_o shut_v their_o eye_n or_o have_v discolour_a eye_n and_o such_o be_v they_o of_o who_o those_o thing_n be_v say_v but_o unto_o such_o as_o be_v humble_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n not_o only_o some_o passage_n of_o st_n paul_n but_o in_o general_a all_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a truth_n be_v dark_a to_o the_o natural_a man_n and_o such_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v these_o be_v as_o be_v positive_o assert_v by_o the_o apostle_n s_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 2.14_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v and_o consequent_o if_o the_o popish_a argument_n from_o this_o place_n have_v any_o force_n in_o it_o not_o only_o some_o part_n of_o scripture_n will_v be_v dark_a but_o not_o any_o part_n of_o it_o will_v be_v plain_a which_o the_o most_o impudent_a papist_n dare_v never_o yet_o assert_v 2._o the_o wrest_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o any_o of_o its_o truth_n or_o doctrine_n be_v so_o great_a a_o sin_n that_o it_o may_v well_o be_v call_v destructive_a though_o the_o doctrine_n wrest_v be_v not_o simple_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o the_o disbeliefe_n and_o contempt_n of_o any_o truth_n or_o assertion_n plain_o deliver_v by_o god_n be_v confess_v to_o be_v damnable_a though_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o assertion_n be_v mere_o circumstantial_a and_o not_o at_o all_o in_o itself_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n 3._o s._n paul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o difficult_a passage_n may_v be_v wrest_v to_o destruction_n although_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v or_o understand_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n as_o for_o instance_n that_o passage_n of_o st._n paul_n all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o scil_n all_o indifferent_a thing_n for_o he_o there_o speak_v of_o the_o use_n of_o meat_n or_o observation_n of_o day_n this_o i_o say_v be_v not_o a_o fundamental_a truth_n nor_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n yet_o when_o the_o libertine_n do_v abuse_v this_o scripture_n to_o justify_v themselves_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o wickedness_n doubtless_o they_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n beside_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o text_n may_v be_v of_o lesser_a importance_n and_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o the_o first_o and_o immediate_a mistake_n of_o it_o may_v be_v in_o itself_o inconsiderable_a and_o yet_o that_o may_v usher_v in_o other_o and_o those_o high_a mistake_n as_o we_o see_v error_n be_v fruitful_a and_o grow_v worse_a and_o worse_o and_o at_o last_o end_n in_o destruction_n as_o that_o cloud_n which_o at_o first_o be_v no_o big_a than_o a_o man_n hand_n do_v quick_o overcast_v the_o whole_a heaven_n the_o
apostle_n time_n to_o we_o the_o argument_n be_v this_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o only_a rule_n when_o there_o be_v several_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n acknowledge_v on_o all_o hand_n to_o be_v infallible_a both_o single_o and_o joint_o ergo_fw-la it_o be_v not_o the_o only_a rule_n now_o when_o there_o be_v no_o person_n nor_o person_n in_o the_o church_n but_o who_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v fallible_a for_o this_o be_v the_o case_n at_o this_o day_n unless_o the_o captain_n and_o mr._n cressy_n and_o the_o rest_n will_v change_v their_o note_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o council_n combine_v say_v that_o the_o pope_n alone_o be_v infallible_a wherein_o i_o desire_v to_o understand_v their_o mind_n 2._o the_o other_o consequence_n have_v not_o a_o dram_n more_o of_o truth_n in_o it_o for_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o sole_a rule_n yet_o do_v not_o the_o apostolical_a authority_n cease_v it_o be_v no_o diminution_n to_o their_o authority_n to_o say_v they_o have_v not_o a_o power_n superior_a to_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i._n e._n that_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o above_o his_o master_n the_o apostle_n never_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o power_n but_o rather_o carry_v themselves_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o become_v those_o who_o profess_v their_o subjection_n to_o the_o word_n of_o their_o god_n and_o lord_n observe_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o proceed_n in_o that_o great_a council_n act._n 15._o still_o you_o shall_v find_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o guide_v the_o whole_a debate_n and_o from_o which_o they_o draw_v their_o conclusion_n as_o none_o that_o read_v that_o chapter_n can_v deny_v you_o may_v observe_v that_o a_o apostle_n and_o he_o too_o of_o so_o great_a authority_n that_o he_o dare_v reprove_v st_n peter_n to_o his_o face_n gal._n 2._o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o circumscribe_v his_o own_o authority_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o god_n word_n and_o he_o repeat_v it_o in_o reimemoriam_fw-la though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o then_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1.8_o i_o know_v it_o be_v say_v by_o m_n r_o white_n in_o his_o apology_n for_o tradition_n that_o this_o place_n make_v for_o tradition_n rather_o than_o for_o scripture_n and_o for_o what_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n not_o what_o they_o leave_v in_o write_v to_o which_o the_o reply_n be_v most_o easy_a that_o since_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n either_o by_o word_n or_o write_n be_v and_o must_v be_v confess_v to_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n the_o council_n of_o trent_n go_v no_o high_a while_o they_o assert_v that_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v pari_fw-la pietatis_fw-la affâ—ctu_fw-la ac_fw-la reverentia_fw-la with_o equal_a piety_n and_o reverence_n it_o consequent_o follow_v that_o he_o who_o renounce_v all_o pretension_n of_o authority_n superior_n or_o not_o subordinate_a to_o the_o one_o can_v be_v say_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o sense_n to_o challenge_v a_o supremacy_n over_o the_o other_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o so_o learned_a christ_n as_o they_o who_o arrogate_v the_o name_n of_o their_o successor_n have_v the_o power_n they_o claim_v be_v not_o autocratoricall_a and_o despoticall_a have_v dominion_n over_o the_o people_n faith_n and_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o only_o ministerial_a not_o for_o destruction_n but_o for_o edification_n not_o coordinate_a but_o subject_a unto_o their_o master_n and_o his_o word_n the_o last_o reason_n he_o urge_v be_v that_o this_o opinion_n of_o sole_a scripture_n make_v every_o man_n judge_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o read_v and_o understand_v the_o scripture_n answ._n 1._o if_o it_o be_v mean_v a_o private_a judge_n so_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v his_o own_o action_n it_o be_v true_a and_o that_o judgement_n as_o i_o have_v show_v the_o scripture_n allow_v and_o enjoin_v to_o private_a christian_n and_o inform_v we_o of_o the_o sad_a condition_n of_o those_o that_o neglect_v their_o own_o judgement_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o a_o blind_a obedience_n to_o their_o ruler_n a_o error_n common_a to_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a and_o the_o papist_n now_o assure_v we_o this_o be_v no_o excuse_n nor_o security_n to_o they_o but_o if_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a both_o will_v fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n matth._n 15.14_o 2._o the_o papist_n themselves_o however_o they_o renounce_v this_o principle_n of_o every_o man_n be_v judge_n in_o word_n and_o show_v yet_o they_o receive_v it_o in_o truth_n and_o practice_v upon_o it_o and_o whatever_o noise_n they_o make_v of_o father_n and_o counsel_n and_o the_o pope_n and_o church_n yet_o in_o truth_n they_o make_v particular_a man_n the_o judge_n for_o their_o own_o action_n for_o instance_n if_o we_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o conversion_n as_o they_o miscall_v it_o of_o any_o man_n to_o the_o romish_a religion_n take_v cressy_n and_o the_o captain_n for_o instance_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o papist_n that_o deal_v with_o they_o make_v they_o judge_n and_o when_o the_o captain_n yield_v to_o that_o great_a argument_n viz._n that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o turn_v catholic_n he_o have_v no_o infallible_a assurance_n that_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a be_v not_o he_o himself_o judge_v of_o the_o validity_n of_o this_o argument_n and_o when_o cressy_n or_o other_o be_v pervert_v by_o that_o great_a title_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n to_o which_o they_o think_v all_o shall_v be_v subject_a what_o do_v they_o but_o make_v themselves_o judge_n of_o this_o question_n upon_o which_o all_o depend_v whether_o the_o church_n authority_n be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o safe_a foundation_n for_o a_o man_n faith_n to_o rest_v upon_o so_o if_o i_o come_v to_o any_o papist_n who_o be_v capable_a of_o discourse_n i_o will_v ask_v he_o whether_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o popish_a communion_n and_o belief_n with_o reason_n or_o without_o it_o if_o he_o say_v without_o reason_n i_o shall_v forbear_v discourse_v with_o bruit_n creature_n if_o with_o reason_n i_o demand_v what_o it_o be_v and_o here_o he_o will_v enter_v into_o a_o large_a harangue_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o live_n and_o infallible_a judge_n for_o the_o end_n of_o controversy_n and_o that_o the_o pope_n or_o council_n be_v this_o judge_n in_o this_o case_n i_o say_v the_o romanist_n make_v himself_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a question_n upon_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n depend_v viz._n whether_o such_o a_o judge_n be_v necessary_a and_o whether_o the_o pope_n or_o council_n be_v this_o judge_n and_o certain_o as_o st_n paul_n argue_v 1_o cor._n 6._o they_o that_o be_v fit_a to_o judge_v the_o great_a and_o weighty_a cause_n can_v be_v unfit_a to_o judge_v the_o small_a matter_n thus_o i_o have_v go_v over_o all_o the_o argument_n or_o appearance_n of_o reason_n which_o the_o captain_n or_o other_o for_o he_o have_v collect_v and_o what_o m_o r_o cressy_n have_v plead_v for_o any_o of_o they_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n proceed_v to_o answer_v what_o far_a argument_n i_o meet_v with_o either_o in_o m_n r_o cressy_n or_o in_o that_o famous_a or_o rather_o infamous_a piece_n call_v rushworth_n dialogue_n or_o in_o m_o r_o whites_n apology_n for_o tradition_n for_o doubtless_o si_fw-mi pergamon_n dextrâ_fw-la defâ—ndi_fw-la possent_fw-la dextrâ_fw-la hac_fw-la defensa_fw-la fuissent_fw-la and_o if_o man_n of_o their_o part_n and_o learning_n and_o study_n in_o the_o controversy_n can_v say_v nothing_o to_o purpose_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n i_o shall_v with_o great_a security_n acquiesce_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n another_o argument_n therefore_o against_o the_o scripture_n be_v take_v from_o the_o occasion_n of_o write_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n of_o which_o cressy_n treat_v sect._n 2._o chap._n 10._o and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o his_o argument_n however_o it_o regular_o aught_o to_o reach_v the_o whole_a scripture_n yet_o be_v only_o upon_o the_o matter_n levy_v against_o the_o epistle_n in_o the_o new-testament_n which_o say_v he_o be_v never_o intend_v to_o be_v write_v as_o institution_n or_o catechism_n contain_v a_o abridgement_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n faith_n for_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o they_o be_v write_v only_o to_o particular_a person_n or_o congregation_n without_o order_n to_o communicate_v they_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o they_o be_v write_v meâ—rly_o occasional_o because_o of_o some_o false_a doctrine_n which_o if_o those_o heretic_n have_v not_o chance_v to_o have_v broach_v they_o have_v never_o be_v write_v and_o therefore_o sure_o be_v very_o improper_a for_o a_o
rule_n of_o faith_n which_o must_v be_v so_o true_a and_o clear_a and_o evident_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rational_a possibility_n of_o contradiction_n or_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o for_o a_o man_n to_o venture_v his_o soul_n upon_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o that_o discourse_n except_v what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o i_o have_v consider_v before_o for_o answer_v 1._o since_o m_n r_o cressy_n require_v it_o in_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o be_v so_o true_a and_o clear_a and_o so_o evident_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rational_a possibility_n of_o contradiction_n or_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n let_v he_o or_o rather_o any_o other_o disinterest_v or_o unprejudiced_a person_n serious_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v discourse_v in_o the_o former_a treatise_n and_o answer_v it_o to_o his_o own_o conscience_n as_o he_o will_v give_v his_o account_n to_o god_n another_o day_n whether_o the_o popish_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v so_o true_a and_o clear_a and_o evident_a etc._n etc._n as_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v necessary_a or_o rather_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o so_o dark_a and_o doubtful_a that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o reject_v by_o protestant_n upon_o solid_a and_o cogent_a ground_n but_o also_o dispute_v and_o deny_v by_o diverse_a of_o their_o own_o great_a doctor_n the_o question_n under_o favour_n be_v not_o this_o whether_o our_o rule_n be_v so_o clear_a as_o to_o admit_v of_o no_o possibility_n of_o contradiction_n for_o who_o can_v dream_v of_o this_o that_o ever_o hear_v or_o read_v of_o the_o academic_n who_o great_a principle_n be_v to_o contradict_v every_o thing_n and_o be_v confident_a of_o nothing_o but_o whether_o the_o popish_a rule_n or_o we_o be_v better_a whether_o be_v more_o true_a clear_a and_o evident_a and_o this_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v not_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o determine_v and_o whether_o the_o protestant_a rule_n be_v so_o evident_a that_o it_o may_v satisfy_v the_o conscience_n and_o reason_n and_o prudence_n of_o any_o modest_a humble_a and_o diligent_a enquirer_n though_o it_o may_v not_o silence_v the_o clamour_n of_o every_o bold_a caviller_n since_o there_o have_v be_v and_o probable_o yet_o be_v in_o the_o world_n man_n so_o absurd_o scepticall_a that_o they_o have_v cavil_v against_o the_o certainty_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o two_o and_o three_o make_v five_o 2._o the_o occasionality_n and_o particularity_n of_o those_o write_n be_v no_o impediment_n to_o their_o be_v a_o rule_n though_o this_o be_v a_o notion_n the_o popish_a writer_n oft_o mention_v and_o vehement_o urge_v upon_o the_o simple_a sort_n of_o man_n it_o neither_o hinder_v their_o be_v a_o rule_n nor_o their_o be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n 1._o not_o the_o former_a the_o papist_n themselves_o be_v judges_n for_o they_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v regula_fw-la partialis_fw-la a_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n i_o tell_v you_o christ_n be_v exceed_o beholden_a to_o they_o that_o will_v acknowledge_v thus_o much_o and_o allow_v he_o any_o share_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o church_n the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o its_o decree_n concern_v the_o canonical_a scripture_n notwithstanding_o this_o objection_n ascribe_v this_o to_o the_o scripture_n no_o less_o then_o to_o tradition_n that_o both_o of_o they_o together_o be_v the_o canon_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o to_o both_o they_o allow_v equal_a piety_n and_o reverence_n as_o i_o say_v before_o will_v any_o man_n say_v the_o law_n concern_v inheritance_n deliver_v num._n 27._o be_v no_o law_n or_o rule_n to_o the_o israelite_n because_o it_o be_v deliver_v upon_o the_o extraordinary_a occasion_n of_o zelophehad_n daughter_n petition_v or_o that_o the_o law_n against_o the_o priest_n drink_v of_o wine_n when_o he_o be_v to_o go_v into_o the_o tabernacle_n levit._n 10.9_o be_v no_o rule_n to_o the_o priest_n because_o deliver_v peradventure_o upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o some_o intemperance_n of_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n 2._o nor_o do_v this_o at_o all_o hinder_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n partly_o because_o this_o objection_n concern_v only_o one_o part_n of_o the_o new-testament_n viz._n the_o apostolical_a epistle_n but_o for_o the_o gospel_n which_o of_o themselves_o be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n though_o the_o addition_n of_o the_o other_o be_v a_o abundant_a consolation_n and_o a_o rich_a mercy_n mr_n cressy_n confess_v they_o be_v write_v upon_o no_o special_a occasion_n but_o for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o all_o succeed_a christian_n as_o a_o history_n of_o his_o life_n and_o deâ—th_n and_o a_o sum_n of_o the_o principal_a point_n of_o his_o doctrine_n they_o be_v the_o author_n word_n and_o we_o need_v no_o more_o to_o justify_v the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n and_o partly_o because_o the_o occasion_n however_o casual_a to_o man_n yet_o be_v foresee_v and_o foreordain_v by_o god_n to_o be_v such_o as_o will_v recurre_v in_o all_o follow_a age_n and_o partly_o because_o the_o apostle_n extend_v his_o thought_n and_o instruction_n beyond_o the_o present_a occasion_n upon_o which_o or_o particular_a person_n or_o person_n to_o which_o he_o write_v even_o to_o follow_v age_n and_o consequent_o intend_v they_o for_o rule_n and_o direction_n not_o only_o to_o they_o but_o to_o other_o yea_o to_o all_o succeed_a christian_n what_o else_o mean_v st_n paul_n in_o charge_v timothy_n to_o keep_v the_o command_n there_o mention_v until_o the_o appear_a of_o christ_n 1_o tim._n 6.14_o which_o st_n paul_n know_v be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n 2_o thâ—s_n 2.1_o if_o he_o do_v not_o include_v his_o successor_n the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n at_o least_o diverse_a of_o they_o be_v write_v upon_o special_a occasion_n and_o yet_o st_n paul_n have_v give_v it_o under_o his_o hand_n that_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v afore_o time_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n rom._n 15.4_o and_o that_o all_o those_o scripture_n be_v profitable_a to_o we_o for_o doctrine_n reproffe_n etc._n etc._n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o a_o irrefragable_a argument_n that_o what_o be_v write_v upon_o a_o special_a occasion_n may_v be_v a_o stand_a rule_n and_o the_o constant_a universal_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o counsel_n confirm_v truth_n or_o duty_n and_o reprove_v sin_n or_o error_n in_o after_o age_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostolical_a epistle_n do_v unquestionable_o evince_v that_o they_o judge_v they_o however_o direct_v to_o particular_a person_n or_o church_n yet_o indeed_o design_v for_o a_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o follow_a generation_n that_o particular_a occasion_n have_v give_v the_o rise_n to_o such_o general_a rule_n and_o law_n as_o have_v be_v of_o perpetual_a force_n and_o use_v no_o man_n that_o know_v any_o thing_n can_v be_v ignorant_a and_o that_o real_o this_o be_v the_o case_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o instruction_n which_o be_v lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistolary_a write_n how_o particular_a soever_o the_o occasion_n may_v be_v that_o draw_v they_o forth_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o quality_n indifferent_o calculate_v for_o and_o equal_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o guide_n to_o other_o person_n or_o church_n need_v no_o proof_n but_o the_o read_n of_o they_o and_o a_o reflection_n upon_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o all_o preacher_n as_o well_o popish_a as_o protestant_a which_o from_o time_n to_o time_n deduce_v such_o document_n from_o they_o as_o be_v singular_o useful_a in_o whatsoever_o age_n or_o place_n they_o live_v in_o and_o this_o may_v serve_v m_n r_o cressy_n turn_n for_o i_o meet_v with_o nothing_o else_o considerable_a to_o this_o point_n in_o his_o book_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o shall_v consider_v what_o mr_n rushworth_n say_v who_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o romanist_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o his_o fame_a dialogue_n his_o argument_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v judge_n of_o controversy_n be_v two_o the_o first_o be_v that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o handle_v from_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o our_o bible_n by_o copyists_n and_o translator_n and_o here_o he_o set_v his_o wit_n upon_o the_o rack_n to_o devise_v whatever_o can_v be_v say_v to_o blast_v the_o credit_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n here_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o many_o hazard_n doubt_n and_o mistake_n from_o multitude_n of_o copy_n depravation_n of_o heretic_n the_o jew_n at_o tiberias_n and_o greek_n elsewhere_o mistake_v of_o the_o negligent_a or_o ignorant_a transcriber_n multiplicity_n of_o translation_n equivocation_n of_o word_n which_o be_v use_v in_o several_a sense_n according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n the_o cease_n of_o these_o tongue_n in_o which_o scripture_n be_v write_v and_o
several_a matter_n shall_v be_v under_o several_a chapter_n or_o division_n and_o not_o one_o piece_n here_o another_o there_o and_o thing_n must_v be_v plain_a and_o distinct_a from_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a enough_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v never_o intend_v for_o a_o law_n or_o judge_n of_o controversy_n because_o the_o book_n be_v so_o large_a and_o so_o many_o thing_n mingle_v unappertain_v to_o the_o substance_n of_o our_o belief_n as_o historical_a epistolar_n mystical_a and_o so_o many_o repetition_n and_o last_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o a_o mere_a conjecture_n what_o may_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o thus_o rushworth_n dialog_n 2._o sect._n 2._o be_v this_o the_o mathematical_a man_n be_v this_o the_o rigour_n of_o mathematics_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o man_n forswear_v the_o study_n of_o the_o mathematics_n if_o it_o produce_v no_o better_a demonstration_n we_o poor_a protestant_n may_v well_o be_v content_a to_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o these_o man_n for_o you_o see_v they_o give_v law_n to_o god_n himself_o and_o it_o be_v already_o enact_v in_o the_o conclave_n of_o rome_n that_o if_o god_n do_v not_o speak_v in_o mood_n and_o figure_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v hear_v and_o that_o if_o he_o put_v forth_o any_o law-book_n wherein_o he_o do_v not_o rigorous_o observe_v the_o order_n and_o method_n of_o a_o systeme_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v receive_v believe_v i_o it_o be_v a_o good_a turn_n that_o mr_n cowell_n write_v his_o institutiones_fw-la juris_fw-la anglicani_n wherein_o he_o reduce_v the_o english_a law_n to_o a_o method_n for_o else_o woe_n have_v be_v to_o the_o poor_a statute-book_n and_o all_o record_n of_o our_o law_n for_o as_o sure_a as_o a_o club_n they_o have_v be_v vote_v to_o be_v no_o law_n nor_o judge_n of_o controversy_n between_o man_n and_o man_n for_o so_o say_v our_o theological_a euclid_n that_o scorn_v to_o speak_v under_o a_o demonstration_n for_o we_o know_v how_o much_o more_o large_a a_o book_n they_o make_v then_o the_o bible_n and_o how_o many_o thing_n be_v mingle_v unappertain_v to_o the_o substance_n of_o our_o estate_n and_o life_n etc._n etc._n the_o sum_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v this_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o intend_v for_o the_o law_n because_o it_o be_v so_o large_a so_o miscellaneous_a so_o full_a of_o repetition_n etc._n etc._n shall_v i_o need_v to_o say_v any_o more_o for_o the_o answer_n of_o such_o a_o argument_n wherein_o there_o be_v nothing_o evident_a but_o the_o disputer_n confidence_n and_o the_o papist_n credulity_n and_o the_o desperateness_n of_o their_o cause_n answ._n 1._o if_o this_o argument_n hold_v the_o old_a testament_n or_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v no_o law_n to_o the_o jew_n but_o this_o be_v false_a and_o it_o be_v a_o law_n to_o the_o jew_n ergo_fw-la the_o principle_n be_v false_a from_o which_o such_o a_o conclusion_n be_v deduce_v the_o major_n i_o prove_v from_o his_o own_o word_n and_o beside_o he_o particular_o dispute_v against_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v a_o law_n the_o minor_a i_o hope_v i_o shall_v easy_o prove_v where_o to_o prevent_v equivocation_n or_o mistake_n take_v notice_n i_o meddle_v not_o with_o the_o ambiguous_a term_n of_o judge_n we_o be_v now_o dispute_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o law_n nor_o do_v i_o meddle_v with_o that_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o law_n to_o we_o but_o to_o the_o jew_n this_o than_o i_o assert_v that_o the_o old_a testament_n notwithstanding_o this_o objection_n be_v a_o law_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o a_o man_n will_v think_v the_o very_a mention_n of_o the_o proposition_n shall_v cut_v off_o all_o necessity_n of_o proof_n it_o be_v so_o absurd_a and_o portentous_a a_o thing_n to_o christian_a ear_n to_o hear_v so_o evident_a and_o receive_v a_o assertion_n question_v i_o prove_v it_o only_o by_o this_o argument_n that_o book_n by_o which_o both_o people_n and_o priest_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o be_v guide_v and_o rule_v and_o command_v in_o their_o decision_n be_v certain_o a_o law_n to_o they_o but_o such_o be_v the_o old_a testament_n 1._o for_o the_o people_n it_o be_v plain_a they_o be_v command_v to_o observe_v to_o do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n deut._n 28.58_o and_o moses_n make_v bold_a to_o call_v it_o a_o law-book_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o mixture_n repetition_n etc._n etc._n and_o a_o curse_n be_v pronounce_v to_o every_o one_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o gal._n 3.10_o and_o for_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o people_n those_o book_n be_v to_o be_v read_v by_o or_o to_o the_o people_n deut._n 31.9_o jos._n 8.35_o neh._n 8._o and_o diverse_a other_o place_n 2._o for_o the_o prince_n it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v a_o law_n and_o rule_n to_o they_o jos._n 1.8_o this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n but_o thou_o shall_v meditate_v therein_o day_n and_o night_n that_o thou_o may_v observe_v to_o do_v according_a to_o all_o that_o be_v write_v therein_o and_o deut._n 17.18_o 19_o when_o he_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n he_o shall_v write_v he_o a_o copy_n of_o this_o law_n in_o a_o book_n out_o of_o that_o which_o be_v before_o the_o priest_n the_o levite_n and_o he_o shall_v read_v therein_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o may_v learn_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n to_o keep_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n and_o these_o statute_n to_o do_v they_o thus_o it_o be_v undeniable_a it_o be_v a_o law_n both_o to_o prince_n and_o people_n and_o that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a argument_n but_o i_o add_v 3._o it_o be_v a_o law_n to_o the_o priest_n too_o i_o do_v not_o now_o dispute_v whether_o the_o people_n be_v absolute_o tie_v to_o follow_v the_o priest_n decision_n i_o think_v the_o contrary_n have_v be_v sufficient_o evidence_v but_o my_o present_a assertion_n be_v only_o this_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v a_o law_n to_o the_o priest_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o regulate_v in_o their_o proceed_n the_o sentence_n which_o the_o priest_n be_v to_o pronounce_v it_o must_v be_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n deut_n 17.11_o and_o the_o priest_n be_v oft_o censure_v and_o condemn_v for_o neglect_v or_o transgress_v the_o law_n which_o plain_o show_v it_o be_v the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o proceed_n ans._n 2._o but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v if_o the_o papist_n themselves_o deny_v their_o own_o conclusion_n which_o here_o they_o endeavour_v tanto_fw-la molimine_fw-la to_o prove_v you_o will_v say_v we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o believe_v those_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v themselves_o or_o to_o assent_v to_o that_o conclusion_n which_o they_o deny_v to_o make_v good_a this_o you_o must_v remember_v the_o question_n be_v not_o about_o the_o judge_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o about_o the_o rule_n or_o law_n to_o which_o we_o suppose_v the_o judge_n to_o be_v tie_v for_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v compile_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o law_n with_o the_o great_a exquisiteness_n this_o will_v not_o have_v satisfy_v our_o master_n the_o jesuit_n but_o there_o must_v have_v be_v another_o and_o that_o a_o live_a judge_n of_o controversy_n this_o premise_a i_o thus_o proceed_v either_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v a_o law_n by_o which_o they_o regulate_v all_o their_o decree_n and_o decision_n or_o they_o have_v none_o if_o they_o say_v they_o have_v none_o than_o they_o act_v lawless_o and_o arbitrary_o and_o we_o have_v find_v antichrist_n by_o his_o character_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o lawless_a 2_o thes._n 2._o but_o if_o they_o say_v as_o they_o all_o pretend_v and_o profess_v they_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o law_n than_o i_o inquire_v what_o that_o law_n be_v here_o it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v divide_v while_o some_o make_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o father_n their_o law_n other_o the_o pope_n decree_n other_o the_o act_n of_o counsel_n but_o all_o of_o they_o pretend_v some_o law_n or_o other_o and_o which_o opinion_n soever_o of_o their_o church_n they_o take_v for_o they_o have_v good_a choice_n either_o their_o argument_n have_v no_o force_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v our_o law_n or_o it_o equal_o militate_v against_o their_o own_o law_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o they_o make_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o father_n their_o law_n be_v not_o they_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o exception_n with_o the_o scripture_n of_o largeness_n alien_n mixture_n repetition_n &_o c_o and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o pope_n decretal_n and_o the_o act_n of_o counsel_n which_o