what_o have_v be_v so_o temperate_o learned_o and_o judicious_o write_v by_o monsieur_n daille_n our_o protestan-perron_n and_o what_o the_o same_o lord_n in_o a_o treatise_n which_o will_v short_o be_v publish_v say_v concern_v the_o popish_a perron_n viz._n he_o i_o can_v scarce_o ever_o laudare_fw-la in_o one_o sense_n that_o be_v quote_v but_o i_o must_v laudare_fw-la in_o the_o other_o that_o be_v praise_n who_o have_v help_v the_o church_n to_o all_o the_o advantage_n which_o wit_n learning_n industry_n judgement_n and_o eloquence_n can_v add_v unto_o she_o be_v as_o true_a of_o this_o our_o protestant_a i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o lord_n testimony_n more_o viz._n the_o lord_n george_n digby_n in_o his_o late_a letter_n concern_v religion_n in_o these_o word_n p._n 27_o 28._o the_o reason_n prevalent_a with_o i_o whereon_o a_o inquire_a and_o judicious_a person_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o rely_v and_o acquiesce_v be_v so_o ample_o and_o so_o learned_o set_v down_o by_o mounseur_fw-fr daillé_fw-fr in_o his_o employ_v des_fw-fr peâ—â—s_n that_o i_o think_v little_a which_o be_v material_a or_o weighty_a can_v be_v say_v on_o this_o subject_n that_o his_o rare_a and_o pierce_a observation_n have_v not_o anticipate_v be_v it_o needful_a to_o wander_v to_o foreigner_n for_o testimony_n i_o can_v tell_v you_o how_o high_o this_o author_n be_v esteem_v by_o the_o learned_a and_o famous_a doctor_n andr._n rivet_n upon_o whole_a importunity_n his_o book_n des_fw-fr image_n and_o other_o tract_n have_v be_v translate_v but_o write_v to_o englishman_n i_o will_v only_o name_v the_o judicious_a doctor_n jer._n taylor_n libert_n of_o proph._n sect._n 8._o n._n 4._o in_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v choose_v such_o a_o topic_a as_o make_v no_o invasion_n upon_o the_o great_a reputation_n of_o the_o father_n which_o i_o desire_v shall_v be_v preserve_v sacred_a as_o it_o ought_v for_o other_o thing_n let_v who_o please_v read_v mr._n daillé_fw-fr du_fw-fr urai_fw-fr usage_n des_fw-fr peres_n et_fw-la siquis_fw-la eveulo_fw-la locus_fw-la inter_fw-la oscines_fw-la i_o must_v ingenuous_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v the_o read_n of_o this_o rational_a book_n which_o first_o convince_v i_o that_o my_o study_n in_o the_o french_a language_n be_v not_o ill_o employ_v which_o have_v also_o enable_v i_o to_o commend_v this_o to_o the_o world_n as_o faithful_o translate_v by_o a_o judicious_a hand_n and_o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o use_n of_o the_o father_n there_o be_v very_o much_o while_n testem_fw-la quem_fw-la quis_fw-la adducit_fw-la pro_fw-la se_fw-la tenetur_fw-la accipere_fw-la contra_fw-la se_fw-la be_v a_o rule_n in_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o civil_a law_n and_o that_o the_o work_n of_o cord._n perron_n for_o who_o monstrous_a understanding_n they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o viscount_n faulkland_n p._n 59_o bellarmine_n and_o bironius_n may_v with_o most_o advantage_n to_o their_o party_n and_o no_o disgrace_n to_o they_o have_v be_v employ_v in_o seek_v citation_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o principle_n that_o whatever_o the_o father_n witness_n to_o be_v tradition_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v receive_v of_o all_o for_o such_o and_o so_o rely_v on_o and_o this_o principle_n be_v here_o thorough_o examine_v you_o have_v here_o as_o sufficient_a a_o constitation_n of_o perron_n book_n against_o k._n j._n and_o by_o consequence_n of_o the_o marquis_n of_o worcester_n against_o k._n c._n and_o dr._n vane_n and_o other_o epitonizer_n of_o the_o cardinal_n as_o you_o have_v of_o mr._n cressys_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o lord_n faulkland_n by_o the_o learned_a i._n p._n chr._n coll._n aug._n 1._o 1651._o t._n s._n the_o preface_n all_o the_o difference_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n betwixt_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o protestant_n lie_v in_o some_o certain_a point_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n maintain_v as_o important_a and_o necessary_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n whereas_o the_o protestant_n on_o the_o contrary_a neither_o believe_v nor_o will_v receive_v they_o for_o such_o for_o as_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o protestant_n believe_v for_o their_o part_n and_o which_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n they_o be_v so_o evident_o and_o undeniable_o such_o as_o that_o even_o their_o adversary_n themselves_o do_v also_o allow_v of_o and_o receive_v they_o as_o well_o as_o they_o for_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v both_o clear_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o express_o set_v down_o by_o the_o ancient_a council_n and_o father_n and_o be_v indeed_o unanimous_o receive_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n and_o part_n of_o the_o world_n such_o for_o example_n be_v these_o maxim_n follow_v namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o be_v supreme_a over_o all_o and_o who_o create_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n that_o have_v create_v man_n after_o his_o own_o image_n this_o man_n revolt_a from_o his_o obedience_n be_v fall_v together_o with_o his_o whole_a posterity_n into_o most_o extreme_a and_o eternal_a misery_n and_o become_v infect_v with_o sin_n as_o with_o a_o mortal_a leprosy_n and_o be_v therefore_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o liable_a to_o his_o curse_n that_o the_o merciful_a creator_n pity_v man_n estate_n gracious_o send_v his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o world_n that_o his_o son_n be_v god_n eternal_a with_o he_o and_o that_o have_v take_v flesh_n upon_o himself_o in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o become_v man_n he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v in_o this_o flesh_n all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o our_o salvation_n have_v by_o this_o mean_n sufficient_o expiate_v for_o our_o sin_n by_o his_o blood_n and_o that_o have_v finish_v all_o this_o he_o be_v ascend_v again_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n from_o whence_o he_o shall_v one_o day_n come_v to_o judge_v all_o mankind_n render_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o their_o work_n that_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o communicate_v of_o his_o salvation_n by_o his_o merit_n he_o send_v we_o down_o his_o holy_a spirit_n proceed_v both_o from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o who_o be_v also_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n with_o they_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o that_o these_o three_o person_n be_v notwithstanding_o but_o one_o god_n who_o be_v bless_v for_o ever_o that_o this_o spirit_n enlighten_v our_o understanding_n and_o beget_v faith_n in_o we_o whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v that_o after_o all_o this_o the_o lord_n send_v his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o these_o have_v plant_v church_n and_o place_v in_o each_o of_o they_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n who_o we_o be_v to_o hear_v with_o all_o reverence_n and_o to_o receive_v from_o they_o baptism_n the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o regeneration_n and_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n or_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n that_o we_o be_v likewise_o all_o of_o we_o bind_v to_o love_n god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n very_o fervent_o observe_v diligent_o that_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o be_v lay_v down_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v be_v inspire_v by_o his_o spirit_n of_o truth_n as_o also_o those_o other_o of_o the_o old_a there_o be_v nothing_o either_o in_o the_o one_o or_o in_o the_o other_o but_o what_o be_v most_o true_a these_o article_n and_o some_o other_o few_o the_o like_a which_o there_o perhaps_o may_v be_v be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o protestant_n whole_a belief_n and_o if_o all_o other_o christian_n will_v but_o content_v themselves_o with_o these_o there_o will_v never_o be_v any_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n but_o now_o their_o adversary_n add_v to_o these_o many_o other_o point_n which_o they_o press_v and_o command_v man_n to_o believe_v as_o necessary_a one_o and_o such_o as_o without_o believe_v of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o possible_a hope_n of_o salvation_n as_o for_o example_n that_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o head_n and_o supreme_a monarch_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n that_o he_o or_o at_o least_o the_o church_n which_o he_o acknowledge_v a_o true_a one_o can_v possible_o err_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n be_v to_o be_v adore_v as_o be_v real_o jesus_n christ_n and_o not_o a_o piece_n of_o bread_n that_o the_o mass_n be_v a_o sacrifice_n that_o real_o expiate_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o christian_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v in_o their_o church_n the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o of_o saint_n to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o use_v religious_a worship_n bow_v down_o before_o they_o that_o it_o be_v
lawful_a and_o also_o very_o useful_a to_o pray_v to_o saint_n depart_v and_o to_o angel_n that_o our_o soul_n after_o death_n before_o they_o enter_v into_o heaven_n be_v to_o pass_v through_o a_o certain_a fire_n and_o there_o to_o endure_v grievous_a torment_n thus_o satisfy_v for_o their_o sin_n that_o one_o neither_o may_v nor_o aught_o to_o receive_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n without_o have_v first_o confess_v himself_o in_o private_a to_o a_o priest_n that_o none_o but_o the_o priest_n himself_o that_o consecrate_v the_o eucharist_n be_v bind_v by_o right_a to_o receive_v it_o in_o both_o kind_n and_o a_o great_a number_n of_o other_o opinion_n which_o their_o adversary_n protest_v plain_o that_o they_o can_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n believe_v and_o these_o point_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o whole_a difference_n betwixt_o they_o the_o one_o party_n pretend_v that_o they_o have_v be_v believe_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n as_o reveal_v by_o he_o and_o the_o other_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a now_o see_v that_o none_o of_o these_o tenet_n have_v any_o ground_n from_o any_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o authentic_a rule_n of_o christianity_n the_o maintainer_n be_v fain_o to_o fly_v to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o live_v within_o the_o four_o or_o five_o first_o century_n after_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v common_o call_v the_o father_n my_o purpose_n be_v in_o this_o treatise_n to_o examine_v whether_o or_o no_o this_o be_v a_o good_a and_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o decision_n of_o these_o difference_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n i_o must_v first_o presuppose_v two_o thing_n which_o any_o reasonable_a person_n will_v easy_o grant_v i_o the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o question_n be_v here_o about_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o certain_a article_n of_o faith_n upon_o the_o testimony_n or_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o the_o passage_n which_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o they_o be_v clear_a and_o not_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o that_o be_v to_o say_v such_o as_o we_o can_v reasonable_o scruple_n at_o either_o touch_v the_o author_n out_o of_o who_o they_o be_v allege_v or_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n whether_o it_o signify_v what_o be_v pretend_v to_o for_o a_o deposition_n of_o a_o witness_n and_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o judge_n be_v of_o no_o value_n at_o all_o save_v only_o for_o the_o reputation_n of_o the_o witness_n or_o judge_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o if_o either_o proceed_v from_o person_n unknown_a or_o suspect_v they_o be_v invalid_a and_o prove_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o like_a manner_n if_o the_o deposition_n of_o a_o witness_n or_o sentence_n of_o a_o judge_n be_v obscure_a and_o in_o doubtful_a term_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o in_o this_o case_n the_o business_n must_v rest_v undecided_a there_o be_v another_o doubt_n first_o to_o be_v clear_v namely_o what_o the_o meaning_n of_o either_o of_o they_o be_v the_o second_o point_n that_o i_o shall_v here_o lay_v down_o for_o a_o foundation_n to_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v no_o less_o evident_a than_o the_o former_a namely_o that_o to_o allow_v a_o sufficiency_n to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o these_o controversy_n we_o must_v necessary_o attribute_v to_o their_o person_n very_o great_a authority_n and_o such_o as_o may_v oblige_v we_o to_o follow_v their_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o this_o authority_n be_v want_v how_o clear_a and_o express_v soever_o their_o opinion_n be_v in_o the_o article_n now_o controvert_v it_o will_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o towards_o their_o decision_n we_o have_v therefore_o here_o two_o thing_n to_o examine_v in_o this_o business_n the_o first_o be_v whether_o or_o not_o we_o may_v be_v able_a now_o certain_o and_o clear_o to_o know_v what_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n have_v be_v touch_v the_o difference_n now_o in_o hand_n the_o second_o whether_o their_o authority_n be_v such_o as_o that_o whatever_o faithful_a person_n shall_v clear_o and_o certain_o know_v what_o their_o opinion_n have_v be_v in_o any_o one_o article_n of_o christian_a religion_n he_o be_v thereby_o bind_v to_o receive_v that_o article_n for_o true_a for_o if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v but_o able_a to_o prove_v both_o these_o point_n it_o be_v then_o without_o all_o dispute_n that_o their_o proceed_v be_v good_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o end_v propose_v there_o be_v so_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n write_n allege_v at_o this_o day_n by_o they_o but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a side_n either_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n or_o both_o of_o they_o be_v indeed_o find_v to_o be_v doubtful_a i_o shall_v think_v that_o any_o man_n of_o a_o very_a mean_a judgement_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o conclude_v of_o himself_o that_o this_o way_n of_o proof_n which_o they_o have_v hitherto_o make_v use_n of_o be_v very_o insufficient_a and_o that_o therefore_o they_o of_o necessity_n ought_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o some_o other_o more_o proper_a and_o solid_a way_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o say_a opinion_n which_o the_o protestant_n will_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n receive_v the_o first_o book_n chap._n i._n reason_n i._o touch_v the_o difficulty_n of_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o father_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o present_a controversy_n in_o religion_n draw_v from_o hence_o namely_o because_o there_o be_v very_o little_a extant_a of_o their_o write_n for_o the_o three_o first_o century_n if_o we_o shall_v in_o this_o particular_a take_v the_o same_o course_n which_o some_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v use_n of_o against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a easy_a matter_n to_o bring_v in_o question_n and_o render_v very_o doubtful_a and_o suspect_v all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n for_o when_o any_o one_o allege_v the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n these_o gentleman_n present_o demand_v how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o know_v that_o any_o such_o book_n be_v true_o write_v by_o those_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n under_o who_o name_n they_o go_v if_o therefore_o in_o like_a manner_n when_o these_o man_n urge_v justin_n irenaeus_n ambrose_n augustine_n and_o the_o like_a one_o shall_v take_v they_o short_a and_o demand_v of_o they_o how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o be_v assure_v that_o these_o father_n be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o write_n which_o at_o this_o day_n go_v under_o their_o name_n it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o will_v find_v a_o hard_a task_n of_o it_o than_o their_o adversary_n in_o justify_v the_o inscription_n of_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a writ_n the_o truth_n whereof_o be_v much_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v demonstrate_v than_o of_o any_o humane_a write_n whatsoever_o but_o i_o pass_v by_o this_o too-artificial_a way_n of_o proceed_v and_o only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v no_o very_o easy_a matter_n to_o find_v out_o by_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n what_o have_v real_o beeen_n their_o opinion_n in_o any_o of_o those_o controversy_n which_o be_v now_o in_o debate_n betwixt_o the_o protestant_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o consideration_n which_o render_v the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o so_o difficult_a be_v many_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o this_o first_o part_n handle_v some_o of_o they_o only_o refer_v the_o rest_n to_o the_o late_a examine_v they_o one_o after_o another_o the_o first_o reason_n therefore_o which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o for_o the_o prove_v of_o this_o difficulty_n be_v the_o little_a we_o have_v extant_a of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n especial_o of_o the_o first_o second_o and_o third_z century_n which_o be_v those_o we_o be_v most_o especial_o to_o regard_v for_o see_v that_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a reason_n that_o move_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o allege_v the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n be_v to_o show_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o tenet_n by_o the_o antiquity_n which_o they_o reckon_v as_o a_o mark_n of_o it_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o most_o ancient_a aught_o to_o be_v the_o most_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v more_o pure_a and_o without_o mixture_n in_o its_o beginning_n and_o infancy_n than_o it_o be_v afterward_o in_o its_o growth_n and_o progress_n it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n to_o contract_v corruption_n more_o or_o less_o according_a as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o remove_v from_o their_o first_o institution_n as_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n in_o state_n law_n art_n and_o language_n the_o natural_a propriety_n of_o
observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n by_o pius_n both_o bishop_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n eusebius_n never_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v of_o as_o may_v appear_v out_o of_o some_o manuscript_n of_o he_o 8._o where_o you_o shall_v find_v he_o whole_o muâ—e_v as_o to_o these_o point_n wherewith_o the_o modern_n so_o much_o please_v themselves_o but_o to_o return_v and_o to_o take_v the_o time_n all_o along_o as_o they_o lie_v we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o licence_n grow_v strong_a daily_o as_o the_o time_n grow_v worse_a because_o that_o the_o great_a the_o distance_n of_o time_n be_v from_o the_o author_n be_v own_o age_n the_o more_o difficult_a the_o discovery_n of_o these_o forgery_n must_v necessary_o be_v the_o example_n also_o of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a person_n among_o the_o ancient_n who_o have_v sometime_o make_v use_n of_o these_o sleight_n add_v on_o the_o other_o side_n boldness_n to_o every_o one_o and_o courage_n to_o venture_v upon_o what_o they_o have_v do_v before_o they_o for_o i_o pray_v you_o be_v it_o not_o a_o strange_a thing_n that_o the_o legate_n of_o pope_n leo_n in_o the_o year_n 451._o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n where_o be_v assemble_v 600_o bishop_n the_o very_a flower_n and_o choice_n of_o the_o whole_a clergy_n shall_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o allege_v the_o vi_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a in_o these_o very_a word_n council_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v always_o have_v the_o primacy_n word_n which_o be_v no_o more_o find_v in_o any_o greek_a copy_n of_o the_o council_n than_o be_v those_o other_o pretend_a canon_n of_o pope_n zozimus_n neither_o do_v they_o yet_o appear_v in_o any_o greek_a or_o latin_a copy_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o edition_n of_o dionysius_n exiguus_fw-la who_o live_v about_o fifty_o year_n after_o this_o council_n when_o i_o consider_v that_o the_o legate_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o pope_n will_v at_o that_o time_n have_v fasten_v such_o a_o wen_n upon_o the_o body_n of_o so_o venerable_a a_o canon_n i_o be_o almost_o ready_a to_o think_v that_o we_o scarce_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o antiquity_n leave_v we_o that_o be_v entire_a and_o uncorrupt_a except_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n or_o which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v corrupt_v without_o much_o noise_n and_o to_o take_v this_o proceed_v of_o they_o which_o be_v come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n as_o a_o advertisement_n purposely_o give_v we_o by_o divine_a providence_n to_o let_v we_o see_v with_o how_o much_o consideration_n and_o advisedness_n we_o ought_v to_o receive_v for_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o of_o constantinople_n and_o for_o cyprian_a and_o hieroâ—o's_n write_n that_o which_o go_v at_o this_o day_n for_o such_o about_o seventy_o four_o year_n after_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n dionysius_n exiguus_fw-la who_o we_o before_o mention_v make_v his_o collection_n at_o rome_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d print_v at_o paris_n cum_fw-la privilegio_fw-la regiâ—_n out_o of_o very_o ancient_a manuscript_n whosoever_o shall_v but_o look_v diligent_o into_o this_o collection_n shall_v find_v divers_a alteration_n in_o it_o one_o whereof_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o only_o to_o show_v how_o ancient_a this_o artifice_n have_v be_v among_o christian_n the_o last_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laâ—dicea_n which_o be_v the_o 163._o of_o the_o greek_a code_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a forbid_v to_o read_v in_o church_n any_o other_o book_n than_o those_o which_o be_v canonical_a give_v we_o withal_o a_o long_a catalogue_n of_o they_o dionysius_n exiguus_fw-la although_o he_o have_v indeed_o insert_v in_o his_o collection_n num._n 162._o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o say_a canon_n which_o forbid_v to_o read_v any_o other_o book_n in_o the_o church_n beside_o the_o sacred_a volume_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n yet_o have_v he_o whole_o omit_v the_o catalogue_n or_o list_v of_o the_o say_a book_n fear_v as_o i_o conceive_v lest_o the_o tail_n of_o this_o catalogue_n may_v scandalize_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o many_o year_n before_o pope_n innocent_n have_v 7._o by_o a_o express_a decree_n to_o that_o purpose_n put_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o maccabee_n the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n ecclesiasticus_fw-la tobit_n judith_n etc._n etc._n of_o which_o book_n the_o father_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n make_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o name_v but_o xxii_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o new_a utter_o omit_v the_o apocalypse_n if_o any_o man_n can_v show_v i_o any_o better_a reason_n of_o this_o suppression_n let_v he_o speak_v as_o for_o my_o part_n i_o conceive_v this_o the_o most_o probable_a that_o can_v be_v give_v however_o we_o be_v not_o at_o all_o bind_v to_o divine_a what_o the_o motive_n shall_v be_v that_o make_v dionysius_n out_o off_o that_o part_n of_o the_o canon_n for_o whatsoever_o the_o reason_n be_v it_o serve_v the_o turn_n well_o enough_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o at_o that_o time_n they_o make_v no_o great_a conscience_n to_o curtal_n if_o need_n be_v the_o very_a text_n of_o the_o canon_n themselves_o so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v not_o have_v the_o good_a luck_n to_o have_v have_v this_o canon_n entire_a and_o perfect_a in_o divers_a other_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n as_o namely_o in_o the_o collection_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o also_o in_o the_o council_n of_o the_o french_a church_n we_o shall_v at_o this_o day_n have_v be_v whole_o ignorant_a what_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o father_n of_o lâ—â—odices_n be_v touch_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a controversy_n of_o these_o time_n it_o be_v true_a i_o confess_v that_o the_o latin_n have_v their_o revenge_n upon_o the_o greek_n reproach_v they_o in_o like_a manner_n because_o that_o in_o their_o translation_n of_o the_o code_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o african_a church_n they_o have_v leave_v the_o book_n of_o the_o maccabee_n quite_v out_o of_o the_o roll_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o 24._o canon_n of_o their_o collection_n express_o against_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o the_o latin_a copy_n of_o this_o collection_n l._n both_o print_v and_o manuscript_n as_o cardinal_n perron_n affirm_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o other_o afric_n who_o assure_v we_o that_o no_o book_n of_o maccabee_n appear_v at_o all_o in_o this_o canon_n in_o the_o collection_n of_o cresâ—bnius_n a_o bishop_n of_o africa_n not_o yet_o print_v the_o greek_a cudâ—_n represent_v unto_o we_o vii_o canon_n of_o the_o i_o council_n of_o constantinople_n which_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n find_v both_o in_o balsamon_n and_o in_o zonaras_n and_o also_o in_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a edition_n of_o the_o general_a council_n print_v at_o rome_n the_o three_o last_o of_o these_o do_v not_o appear_v at_o all_o in_o the_o latin_a code_n of_o 〈◊〉_d though_o they_o be_v very_o considerable_a one_o as_o to_o the_o business_n they_o relate_v to_o which_o be_v that_o order_n in_o proceed_v in_o pass_v judgement_n upon_o bishop_n accuse_v and_o in_o receive_v such_o person_n who_o forsake_v their_o communion_n with_o heretic_n desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n 〈…〉_z very_o hard_o to_o say_v what_o shall_v move_v the_o 〈…〉_z this_o council_n thus_o but_o this_o i_o be_o 〈…〉_z in_o the_o vi_o canon_n which_o be_v one_o of_o those_o 〈…〉_z have_v omit_v and_o which_o treat_v of_o judge_v of_o bishop_n accuse_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n make_v of_o appeal_n to_o rome_n nor_o of_o any_o reserve_v case_n wherein_o it_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o any_o save_v only_o to_o the_o pope_n himself_o to_o judge_v a_o bishop_n the_o power_n of_o hear_v and_o determine_v all_o such_o matter_n be_v here_o whole_o and_o absolute_o refer_v to_o the_o provincial_n and_o diocesan_a synod_n now_o whether_o the_o greek_n add_v this_o tail_n to_o the_o council_n of_o constantinople_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o very_o probable_a or_o whether_o dionysius_n or_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n curtal_v this_o council_n it_o will_v still_o that_o way_n also_o appear_v clear_o that_o this_o boldness_n in_o gâ—lding_v or_o make_v addition_n to_o ecclesiastical_a write_n be_v not_o at_o all_o in_o use_n in_o these_o day_n after_o the_o canon_n of_o constantinople_n there_o follow_v in_o the_o greek_a code_n viii_o canon_n of_o the_o general_n council_n of_o ephâ—sus_n set_v down_o also_o both_o by_o balsamon_n and_o zonaras_n and_o print_v with_o the_o act_n of_o the_o say_a council_n of_o ephesus_n in_o the_o first_o tome_n of_o the_o roman_a edition_n but_o dionysius_n exiguus_fw-la have_v discard_v they_o all_o not_o give_v we_o any_o one_o of_o
from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n this_o doubt_n i_o say_v of_o his_o manifest_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o at_o that_o time_n embrace_v or_o conclude_v upon_o the_o former_a of_o these_o opinion_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n utter_o improbable_a fatentut_o that_o so_o modest_a a_o man_n as_o s._n augustine_n be_v will_v have_v cast_v off_o the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v take_v up_o a_o particular_a fancy_n of_o his_o own_o but_o the_o passion_n wherewith_o s._n hierome_n be_v at_o that_o time_n carry_v away_o against_o ruffinus_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o his_o time_n be_v also_o of_o the_o say_a opinion_n easy_o wrought_v in_o he_o a_o belief_n that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n from_o the_o same_o root_n also_o spring_v that_o error_n of_o john_n bishop_n of_o thessalonica_n 〈◊〉_d if_o at_o least_o it_o be_v a_o error_n who_o affirm_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o angel_n be_v not_o whole_o incorporeal_a and_o invisible_a but_o that_o they_o have_v body_n though_o of_o a_o very_a rare_a and_o thin_a substance_n not_o much_o unlike_o those_o of_o the_o fire_n or_o the_o air._n for_o those_o who_o publish_v the_o general_a council_n at_o rome_n conceive_v this_o to_o have_v be_v his_o own_o private_a opinion_n only_o sententia_fw-la and_o if_o so_o neither_o shall_v we_o need_v at_o present_a to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o their_o conceit_n you_o then_o plain_o see_v that_o the_o affection_n this_o author_n bare_a to_o his_o own_o opinion_n carry_v he_o so_o far_o away_o as_o to_o make_v he_o father_n upon_o the_o whole_a church_n what_o be_v indeed_o but_o his_o own_o particular_a opinion_n though_o otherwise_o he_o be_v a_o man_n who_o be_v high_o esteem_v by_o the_o vii_o council_n 5._o which_o not_o only_o cit_v he_o among_o the_o father_n but_o honour_v he_o also_o with_o the_o title_n of_o a_o father_n epiphanius_n must_v also_o be_v excuse_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n where_o he_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o church_n hold_v by_o apostolical_a tradition_n the_o custom_n which_o it_o have_v of_o meet_v together_o thrice_o a_o week_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n which_o yet_o 354._o petavius_n make_v evident_o appear_v not_o to_o have_v be_v of_o apostolical_a institution_n the_o mistake_v of_o venerable_n bede_n note_v and_o censure_v elsewhere_o by_o 145._o petavius_n be_v of_o the_o fame_n nature_n also_o catholico_fw-la the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n if_o i_o mistake_v not_o say_v he_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n live_v in_o the_o flesh_n thirty_o three_o year_n or_o there_o about_o till_o the_o time_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o he_o say_v moreover_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n testify_v that_o this_o be_v its_o belief_n by_o the_o mark_n which_o they_o yearly_o set_v upon_o their_o taper_n upon_o good_a friday_n whereon_o they_o always_o inscribe_v a_o number_n of_o tear_n which_o be_v less_o by_o thirty_o three_o than_o the_o common_a aera_fw-la of_o the_o christian_n he_o likewise_o say_v in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o catholic_n to_o doubt_n whether_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v on_o the_o cross_a the_o xv_o day_n of_o the_o moon_n or_o not_o now_o petavius_n have_v prove_v at_o large_a that_o both_o these_o opinion_n which_o beda_n deliver_v unto_o we_o as_o the_o church_n belief_n be_v nothing_o less_o than_o what_o he_o will_v have_v they_o 143._o the_o curious_a reader_n may_v observe_v many_o the_o like_a carriage_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n but_o these_o here_o already_o set_v down_o in_o my_o judgement_n do_v sufficient_o justify_v the_o doubt_n which_o i_o have_v make_v namely_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o receive_v as_o certain_a truth_n the_o testimony_n which_o the_o father_n give_v touch_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n nevertheless_o that_o we_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o breach_n upon_o the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o father_n i_o say_v that_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o all_o their_o deposition_n and_o testimony_n in_o this_o particular_a be_v certain_o and_o undoubted_o true_a yet_o notwithstanding_o will_v they_o be_v of_o little_a use_n to_o we_o as_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o first_o of_o all_o there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o passage_n wherein_o they_o testify_v plain_o and_o in_o direct_a term_n what_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n have_v be_v touch_v the_o point_n now_o controvert_v among_o we_o this_o be_v the_o business_n of_o a_o historian_n rather_o than_o of_o a_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o office_n be_v to_o teach_v to_o prove_v and_o to_o exhort_v the_o people_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o to_o correct_v their_o vice_n and_o error_n tell_v they_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o believe_v rather_o than_o trouble_v they_o with_o discourse_n of_o what_o be_v do_v or_o believe_v by_o other_o but_o yet_o when_o they_o do_v give_v their_o testimony_n what_o the_o belief_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n be_v this_o testimony_n of_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o extend_v save_o only_a to_o what_o be_v apparent_o such_o and_o which_o beside_o be_v apparent_a to_o themselves_o too_o now_o as_o we_o have_v former_o prove_v they_o can_v not_o possible_o know_v the_o sense_n and_o opinion_n of_o every_o particular_a christian_n that_o live_v in_o their_o time_n nor_o yet_o of_o all_o the_o pastor_n and_o minister_n who_o be_v set_v over_o they_o but_o of_o some_o certain_a particular_a christian_n only_o forasmuch_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v confess_v even_o by_o those_o very_a man_n who_o have_v the_o church_n in_o great_a esteem_n that_o the_o belief_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o infallible_a we_o may_v very_o easy_o perceive_v that_o such_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n as_o these_o can_n standus_fw-la in_o very_o little_a or_o no_o stead_n see_v they_o represent_v unto_o we_o such_o opinion_n as_o be_v not_o always_o certain_o and_o undoubted_o true_a and_o which_o consequent_o be_v so_o far_o from_o confirm_v and_o prove_v we_o as_o that_o they_o rather_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o be_v examine_v and_o prove_v themselves_o but_o yet_o suppose_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v hold_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v infallible_a which_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o will_v not_o this_o make_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o against_o the_o protestant_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o clean_a contrary_a opinion_n now_o it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o proof_n ought_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v confess_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o your_o adversary_n who_o you_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v otherwise_o you_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o move_v he_o or_o make_v he_o quit_v his_o former_a opinion_n see_v therefore_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o farther_n touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n of_o their_o time_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o now_o consider_v their_o other_o discourse_n wherein_o they_o have_v deliver_v themselves_o not_o as_o witness_n depose_v what_o they_o have_v see_v but_o as_o doctor_n instruct_v we_o in_o what_o they_o believe_v and_o certain_o how_o holy_a and_o able_a soever_o they_o be_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o be_v still_o man_n and_o consequent_o be_v subject_n to_o error_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o business_n so_o much_o transcend_v humane_a apprehension_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n only_o be_v able_a to_o direct_v their_o understanding_n and_o their_o pen_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o withhold_v they_o from_o fall_v into_o any_o error_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o it_o direct_v the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n while_o they_o write_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n now_o we_o can_v be_v any_o way_n assure_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v present_a always_o with_o they_o to_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n and_o to_o make_v they_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n whereof_o they_o write_v they_o neither_o pretend_v to_o this_o themselves_o nor_o yet_o do_v any_o one_o that_o i_o know_v of_o attribute_n unto_o they_o this_o assistance_n unless_o it_o be_v perhaps_o the_o author_n of_o the_o gloss_n upon_o the_o decree_n iota_fw-la who_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o stand_v to_o all_o that_o the_o father_n have_v write_v even_o to_o the_o least_o tittle_n who_o yet_o be_v very_o just_o call_v to_o a_o round_a account_n for_o this_o by_o 7._o alphonsus_n à _fw-fr
its_o opinion_n public_o touch_v the_o point_n at_o this_o day_n controvert_v it_o be_v as_o impossible_a that_o many_o together_o that_o live_v in_o the_o same_o time_n shall_v represent_v it_o unto_o we_o as_o that_o one_o single_a person_n shall_v how_o can_v they_o possible_o have_v see_v that_o which_o lie_v as_o yet_o conceal_v how_o can_v they_o possible_o measure_v their_o belief_n by_o such_o a_o rule_n as_o be_v not_o yet_o visible_a to_o the_o world_n the_o chiliast_n allege_v the_o testimony_n not_o of_o one_o not_o of_o two_o but_o of_o a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o the_o most_o ancient_a among_o the_o father_n who_o be_v all_o of_o their_o opinion_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o the_o answer_n that_o be_v ordinary_o make_v to_o the_o objection_n be_v that_o the_o church_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o declare_v its_o sense_n touch_v this_o point_n the_o testimony_n of_o these_o man_n bind_v we_o not_o to_o believe_v the_o same_o which_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n that_o a_o great_a number_n in_o this_o case_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o a_o small_a in_o the_o represent_v unto_o we_o what_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o either_o by_o some_o general_a council_n or_o else_o by_o some_o other_o public_a way_n it_o must_v have_v declare_v its_o judgement_n touch_v any_o question_n in_o debate_n that_o so_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o the_o father_n have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n or_o no._n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o account_n we_o be_v to_o raise_v up_o again_o the_o whole_a ancient_a church_n and_o to_o call_v it_o to_o account_v touch_v every_o of_o these_o particular_a point_n now_o debate_v touch_v which_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n be_v allege_v it_o be_v impossible_a otherwise_o to_o give_v any_o certain_a judgement_n whether_o that_o which_o they_o say_v be_v their_o own_o private_a or_o else_o the_o public_a opinion_n that_o be_v to_o say_v whether_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o not_o so_o that_o any_o man_n that_o be_v but_o of_o the_o mean_a judgement_n may_v easy_o perceive_v how_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o difficult_a but_o also_o almost_o a_o impossible_a thing_n to_o gather_v out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n so_o much_o light_n as_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v have_v for_o our_o satisfaction_n in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n chap._n x._o reason_n 10._o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n to_o know_v whether_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n touch_v the_o controversy_n of_o these_o time_n be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n universal_a or_o but_o by_o some_o part_n of_o it_o only_o which_o yet_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v know_v before_o we_o can_v make_v use_n of_o any_o allegation_n out_o of_o they_o but_o suppose_v that_o a_o father_n relieve_v we_o in_o this_o difficult_a or_o rather_o impossible_a business_n shall_v tell_v we_o in_o express_a term_n that_o what_o he_o propose_v be_v the_o sense_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n yet_o will_v not_o this_o quite_o deliver_v we_o out_o of_o the_o doubtful_a condition_n we_o be_v in_o for_o beside_o that_o their_o word_n be_v many_o time_n in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o liable_a to_o exception_n suppose_v that_o it_o be_v certain_o and_o undoubted_o so_o yet_o will_v it_o concern_v we_o then_o to_o examine_v what_o that_o church_n be_v whereof_o he_o speak_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o church_n universal_a or_o only_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v that_o of_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o that_o of_o some_o city_n province_n or_o country_n only_o now_o that_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a importance_n be_v evident_a from_o hence_o because_o that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a in_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v account_v infallible_a and_o necessary_o true_a whereas_o those_o of_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o so_o but_o be_v confess_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n so_o that_o the_o question_n be_v here_o touch_v the_o faith_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ground_v upon_o any_o thing_n save_o what_o be_v infallible_o true_a it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o know_v what_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a have_v be_v see_v the_o opinion_n of_o no_o particular_a church_n can_v do_v we_o any_o service_n in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o this_o distinction_n be_v also_o otherwise_o very_o necessary_a appear_v evident_o by_o this_o because_o that_o the_o opinion_n and_o custom_n which_o have_v be_v common_o receive_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christendom_n have_v not_o always_o present_o take_v place_n in_o each_o particular_a church_n and_o again_o those_o which_o have_v be_v receive_v in_o some_o certain_a particular_a church_n have_v not_o be_v entertain_v by_o all_o the_o rest_n thus_o we_o find_v in_o story_n that_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n minor_a keep_v the_o feast_n of_o easter_n upon_o a_o different_a day_n from_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o christendom_n and_o although_o the_o business_n itself_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o no_o very_a great_a importance_n yet_o do_v it_o nevertheless_o cause_v a_o world_n of_o stir_n in_o the_o church_n victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n by_o reason_n of_o this_o little_a difference_n excommunicate_v all_o asia_n minor_fw-la now_o each_o party_n here_o allege_v their_o reason_n graec._n and_o apostolical_a tradition_n for_o what_o they_o do_v speak_v with_o so_o great_a confidence_n in_o the_o justification_n of_o their_o own_o opinion_n as_o that_o hear_v they_o several_o a_o man_n will_v very_o believe_v that_o each_o of_o their_o opinion_n be_v the_o very_a sense_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v but_o the_o opinion_n of_o one_o part_n of_o it_o only_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christendom_n hold_v the_o baptism_n of_o heretic_n to_o be_v good_a and_o effectual_a firmil_n and_o receive_v all_o those_o who_o forsake_v their_o heresy_n desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n without_o rebaptising_a they_o as_o appear_v out_o of_o st._n cyprian_n who_o confess_v that_o this_o have_v also_o be_v the_o custom_n former_o even_o in_o the_o african_a church_n themselves_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o est_fw-la firmilianus_n archbishop_n of_o caesaria_n in_o cappadocia_n testify_v that_o the_o church_n of_o cappadocia_n have_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n believe_v and_o practise_v the_o contrary_a and_o have_v also_o in_o his_o time_n so_o declare_v and_o ordain_v together_o with_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n and_o cilicia_n in_o a_o full_a synod_n hold_v at_o the_o city_n iconium_n and_o about_o the_o same_o time_n also_o st._n cyprian_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o africa_n fall_v upon_o the_o same_o business_n and_o embrace_v this_o opinion_n of_o rebaptisation_a of_o heretic_n the_o act_n of_o the_o council_n hold_v at_o carthage_n be_v yet_o extant_a where_o you_o have_v 87_o bishop_n who_o with_o one_o unanimous_a consent_n establish_v the_o same_o the_o custom_n at_o rome_n in_o tertullia_n time_n be_v to_o receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n all_o fornicator_n and_o adulterer_n after_o some_o certain_a penance_n which_o they_o enjoin_v they_o tertullian_n who_o be_v a_o montanist_n exclaim_v fearful_o against_o this_o custom_n and_o write_v a_o book_n express_o against_o it_o which_o be_v also_o extant_a among_o his_o work_n at_o this_o day_n who_o now_o that_o shall_v read_v this_o piece_n of_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o all_o catholic_n that_o such_o sinner_n be_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o penance_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o a_o certain_a epistle_n of_o st._n cyprian_n anton._n that_o even_o some_o of_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n of_o africa_n be_v of_o the_o contrary_a persuasion_n and_o the_o jesuit_n petavius_n be_v further_o of_o opinion_n that_o this_o indulgency_n be_v not_o allow_v nor_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o spain_n till_o a_o long_a time_n after_o and_o that_o the_o ancient_a rigour_n which_o exclude_v for_o ever_o such_o offender_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o practice_n among_o they_o till_o the_o time_n of_o pacianus_n bishop_n of_o barcelona_n who_o leave_v not_o any_o hope_n of_o ecclesiastical_a absolution_n either_o to_o idolater_n murderer_n or_o adulterer_n 163._o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o his_o exhortation_n to_o repentance_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 364._o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n ordain_v that_o none_o but_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n shall_v be_v read_v in_o church_n give_v we_o withal_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o say_a book_n
to_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o set_v down_o here_o the_o whole_a passage_n at_o length_n reprehenditur_fw-la as_o for_o these_o kind_n of_o book_n say_v he_o speak_v of_o those_o book_n which_o we_o write_v not_o with_o authority_n of_o command_v but_o only_o out_o of_o a_o design_n of_o exercise_v ourselves_o to_o benefit_v other_o we_o be_v so_o to_o read_v they_o as_o not_o be_v bind_v necessary_o to_o believe_v they_o but_o as_o have_v a_o liberty_n leave_v we_o of_o judge_v of_o what_o we_o read_v yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o we_o may_v not_o quite_o shut_v out_o these_o book_n and_o deprive_v posterity_n of_o the_o most_o profitable_a labour_n of_o exercise_v their_o language_n and_o style_v in_o the_o handle_n and_o treat_v of_o hard_a question_n we_o make_v a_o distinction_n betwixt_o these_o book_n of_o late_a writer_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o canonical_a authority_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v be_v confirm_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v since_o by_o the_o bishop_n who_o succeed_v they_o and_o the_o church_n which_o have_v be_v propagate_v throughout_o the_o world_n be_v place_v as_o it_o be_v upon_o a_o high_a throne_n there_o to_o be_v reverence_v and_o adore_v by_o every_o faithful_a and_o godly_a understanding_n and_o if_o we_o chance_v here_o to_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n that_o trouble_v we_o and_o seem_v absurd_a we_o must_v not_o say_v that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o truth_n but_o rather_o that_o either_o our_o copy_n be_v false_a or_o the_o interpreter_n be_v mistake_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n or_o else_o that_o we_o understand_v not_o he_o aright_o and_o as_o for_o the_o write_n of_o those_o other_o author_n who_o have_v come_v after_o they_o the_o number_n whereof_o be_v almost_o infinite_a though_o come_v very_o far_o short_a of_o this_o most_o sacred_a excellency_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n a_o man_n may_v sometime_o find_v in_o they_o the_o very_a same_o truth_n though_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n and_o therefore_o if_o by_o chance_n we_o here_o meet_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o seem_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n by_o reason_n perhaps_o of_o our_o not_o understand_v they_o only_o we_o have_v our_o liberty_n either_o in_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o same_o to_o approve_v of_o what_o we_o like_v and_o to_o reject_v that_o which_o we_o conceive_v not_o to_o be_v so_o right_a so_o that_o except_o all_o such_o passage_n be_v make_v good_a either_o by_o some_o certain_a reason_n or_o else_o by_o the_o canonical_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o the_o thing_n assert_v either_o real_o it_o or_o else_o at_o least_o that_o it_o may_v have_v be_v he_o that_o shall_v reject_v or_o not_o assent_v to_o the_o same_o ought_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a to_o be_v reprehend_v 21._o and_o thus_o far_o have_v we_o s._n augustine_n testify_v on_o our_o side_n as_o well_o here_o as_o in_o many_o other_o place_n which_o will_v be_v too_o long_o to_o be_v insert_v here_o that_o those_o opinion_n which_o we_o find_v deliver_v by_o the_o father_n in_o their_o write_n be_v ground_v not_o upon_o their_o bare_a authority_n but_o upon_o their_o reason_n and_o that_o they_o bind_v not_o our_o belief_n otherwise_o than_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v consonant_a either_o to_o the_o scripture_n or_o to_o reason_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o as_o proceed_v from_o person_n that_o be_v not_o infallible_a but_o possible_o may_v have_v err_v so_o that_o it_o appear_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o course_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n observe_v in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o of_o sufficiency_n enough_o for_o the_o discovery_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o we_o be_v now_o in_o doubt_n suppose_v what_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n be_v of_o such_o a_o piece_n of_o scripture_n here_o shall_v you_o present_o have_v the_o judgement_n of_o a_o father_n bring_v upon_o the_o say_a place_n quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n s_o augustine_n give_v we_o who_o will_v have_v we_o examine_v the_o father_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o father_n certain_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o this_o father_n the_o protestant_n though_o a_o passage_n as_o clear_v and_o express_v as_o any_o of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n shall_v be_v bring_v against_o he_o out_o of_o any_o of_o the_o father_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v if_o he_o shall_v answer_v that_o he_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n assent_v unto_o it_o unless_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v first_o prove_v unto_o he_o either_o by_o some_o certain_a reason_n or_o else_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n and_o that_o then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o he_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o assent_v unto_o it_o so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o account_n we_o be_v to_o allege_v not_o the_o name_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o book_n to_o take_v notice_n not_o of_o the_o quality_n of_o their_o author_n but_o of_o the_o solidity_n of_o their_o proof_n to_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v they_o give_v we_o and_o not_o the_o face_n or_o hand_n of_o he_o that_o give_v it_o we_o and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o reduce_v the_o dispute_n from_o person_n to_o thing_n and_o s._n jerome_n also_o seem_v to_o commend_v unto_o we_o this_o manner_n of_o proceed_v where_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o second_o commentary_n upon_o hosea_n he_o have_v these_o word_n then_o say_v he_o that_o be_v after_o the_o author_n of_o book_n be_v once_o depart_v this_o life_n we_o judge_v of_o their_o worth_n judicabitur_fw-la and_o part_n only_o not_o consider_v at_o all_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o name_n and_o the_o reader_n have_v regard_n only_o to_o what_o he_o read_v and_o not_o to_o the_o author_n who_o it_o be_v so_o that_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o bishop_n or_o a_o layman_n a_o general_n and_o a_o lord_n or_o a_o common_a soldier_n and_o a_o servant_n whether_o he_o lie_v in_o purple_a and_o in_o silk_n or_o in_o the_o vile_a and_o course_v rag_n he_o shall_v be_v judge_v not_o according_a to_o his_o degree_n of_o honour_n but_o according_a to_o the_o merit_n and_o worth_n of_o his_o work_n now_o he_o here_o speak_v either_o of_o matter_n of_o right_n or_o of_o fact_n and_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o either_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v this_o course_n in_o our_o judgement_n or_o else_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a affirmation_n that_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n so_o to_o do_v if_o his_o word_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n he_o then_o clear_o take_v away_o all_o authority_n from_o the_o bare_a name_n of_o writer_n and_o so_o will_v have_v we_o to_o consider_v the_o quality_n only_o and_o weight_n of_o their_o write_n that_o be_v to_o say_v their_o reason_n and_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n they_o use_v if_o he_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o second_o sense_n he_o seem_v not_o to_o speak_v truth_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v more_o take_v with_o the_o title_n and_o name_n of_o book_n than_o with_o the_o thing_n therein_o contain_v but_o suppose_v however_o that_o this_o be_v s._n hieroms_n meaning_n we_o may_v notwithstanding_o very_o safe_o believe_v that_o he_o approve_v of_o the_o say_a course_n for_o as_o much_o as_o have_v this_o occasion_n of_o speak_v of_o it_o he_o do_v not_o at_o all_o reprehend_v it_o if_o therefore_o thou_o have_v any_o mind_n to_o stand_v to_o his_o judgement_n lay_v i_o aside_o the_o name_n of_o augustine_n and_o of_o hierome_n of_o chrysostome_n and_o of_o cyril_n and_o forget_v for_o this_o once_o the_o rochet_n of_o the_o first_o and_o the_o chair_n of_o the_o second_o together_o with_o the_o patriarchal_a robe_n of_o the_o two_o last_o and_o observe_v what_o they_o say_v and_o not_o what_o they_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o not_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o person_n but_o that_o which_o make_v i_o very_o much_o wonder_n be_v that_o some_o of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v the_o most_o conversant_a in_o antiquity_n shall_v trouble_v themselves_o in_o stuff_v up_o their_o book_n with_o declamatory_n expression_n 20._o in_o praise_n of_o the_o author_n they_o produce_v not_o forbear_v to_o recount_v to_o you_o so_o much_o as_o the_o nobleness_n of_o their_o extraction_n the_o choiceness_n of_o their_o education_n the_o gallantry_n of_o their_o part_n the_o eminency_n of_o their_o see_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o state_n this_o manner_n of_o writing_n may_v perhaps_o suit_v well_o enough_o with_o
all_o which_o be_v continual_o decline_v after_o they_o have_v once_o pass_v the_o point_n of_o their_o vigour_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o flower_n and_o prime_n of_o their_o strength_n and_o perfection_n now_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o any_o faithful_a christian_a will_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n be_v in_o its_o height_n and_o perfection_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v the_o great_a injury_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v they_o to_o say_v that_o any_o of_o their_o successor_n have_v either_o have_v a_o great_a desire_n or_o more_o ability_n to_o advance_v christianity_n than_o they_o have_v it_o will_v hence_o follow_v then_o that_o those_o time_n which_o be_v near_a to_o the_o apostle_n be_v necessary_o the_o pure_a and_o less_o subject_a to_o suspicion_n of_o corruption_n either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o in_o manner_n and_o christian_a discipline_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o corruption_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n they_o come_v in_o by_o little_a and_o little_a and_o by_o degree_n as_o it_o happen_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v here_o object_v that_o even_o the_o very_a next_o age_n immediate_o after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o without_o its_o error_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v hegesippus_n who_o as_o he_o be_v cite_v by_o eusebius_n 〈◊〉_d witness_v that_o the_o church_n continue_v a_o virgin_n till_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n time_n but_o that_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o conspiracy_n of_o error_n begin_v to_o discover_v itself_o with_o open_a fce_n i_o shall_v not_o oppose_v any_o thing_n against_o this_o testimony_n but_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o if_o the_o enemy_n immediate_o upon_o the_o set_n of_o these_o star_n of_o the_o church_n their_o presence_n and_o light_n be_v scarce_o shut_v in_o have_v yet_o the_o boldness_n present_o to_o fall_v to_o sow_v his_o evil_a seed_n how_o much_o more_o have_v he_o opportunity_n to_o do_v this_o in_o those_o age_n which_o be_v further_o remove_v from_o their_o time_n when_o as_o the_o sanctity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o these_o great_a teacher_n of_o the_o world_n have_v now_o by_o little_a and_o little_o vanish_v out_o of_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n humane_a invention_n and_o new_a fancy_n begin_v to_o take_v place_n so_o that_o we_o may_v however_o conclude_v that_o suppose_v that_o christianity_n even_o in_o the_o first_o age_n have_v not_o be_v altogether_o exempt_a from_o alteration_n in_o doctrine_n yet_o be_v they_o much_o more_o free_a from_o it_o than_o the_o succeed_a age_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v and_o be_v therefore_o consequent_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o they_o in_o all_o respect_n it_o be_v here_o something_o like_o what_o the_o poet_n have_v fancy_v of_o the_o four_o age_n of_o the_o world_n where_o the_o succeed_a age_n always_o come_v short_a of_o the_o former_a casaub_v for_o as_o for_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o man_n who_o think_v the_o best_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n will_v be_v to_o search_v the_o write_n of_o those_o of_o the_o father_n chief_o who_o live_v betwixt_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a till_o pope_n leo_n or_o till_o pope_n gregory_n time_n that_o be_v to_o say_v from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o century_n till_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o seven_o i_o take_v this_o as_o a_o confession_n only_o of_o the_o small_a number_n of_o book_n that_o be_v leave_v we_o of_o those_o age_n before_o constantine_n and_o not_o that_o these_o man_n allow_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o three_o late_a age_n aught_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o that_o of_o the_o three_o former_a if_o we_o have_v but_o as_o much_o light_n and_o as_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o one_o as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o other_o i_o make_v no_o question_n but_o they_o will_v prefer_v the_o former_a but_o if_o they_o mean_v otherwise_o and_o be_v indeed_o of_o a_o persuasion_n that_o the_o church_n be_v real_o more_o pure_a after_o constantine_n time_n than_o before_o they_o must_v excuse_v i_o if_o i_o think_v that_o they_o by_o this_o mean_n confess_v the_o distrust_n they_o have_v of_o their_o own_o cause_n see_v they_o endeavour_v to_o get_v off_o as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v from_o the_o light_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n retreat_v back_o to_o those_o age_n wherein_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a there_o be_v both_o less_o perfection_n and_o light_n than_o before_o run_v clean_o contrary_a to_o that_o excellent_a rule_n which_o s._n 195._o cyprian_n have_v give_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o fountain_n whenever_o the_o channel_n and_o stream_n of_o doctrine_n and_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n be_v find_v to_o be_v any_o whit_n corrupt_v but_o however_o let_v their_o meaning_n be_v what_o it_o will_v their_o word_n in_o my_o judgement_n do_v not_o a_o little_a advantage_n the_o protestant_n cause_n it_o be_v a_o very_a clear_a confession_n that_o those_o opinion_n about_o which_o they_o contest_v with_o they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o appear_v clear_o in_o any_o of_o the_o book_n that_o be_v write_v during_o the_o three_o first_o century_n for_o if_o they_o be_v find_v clear_o in_o the_o same_o what_o policy_n be_v it_o then_o in_o they_o to_o appeal_v to_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o three_o follow_a century_n to_o which_o they_o very_o well_o know_v that_o their_o adversary_n attribute_v less_o than_o to_o the_o former_a but_o beside_o this_o tacit_a confession_n of_o they_o the_o thing_n be_v evident_a namely_o that_o there_o be_v leave_v we_o at_o this_o day_n very_o little_a of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o three_o first_o century_n of_o christianity_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o our_o difference_n the_o bless_a christian_n of_o those_o time_n content_v themselves_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o with_o write_v the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o beam_n of_o their_o sanctity_n and_o holy_a life_n and_o by_o their_o blood_n shed_v in_o martyrdom_n without_o much_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o the_o write_n of_o book_n whether_o it_o be_v 2._o because_o as_o learned_a origen_n elegant_o give_v the_o reason_n they_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o be_v defend_v by_o the_o innocency_n of_o life_n and_o honesty_n of_o conversation_n rather_o than_o by_o sophistry_n and_o the_o artifice_n of_o word_n or_o whither_o because_o their_o continual_a suffering_n give_v they_o not_o leisure_n to_o take_v pen_n in_o hand_n and_o to_o write_v book_n or_o else_o whether_o it_o be_v for_o some_o other_o reason_n perhaps_o which_o we_o know_v not_o but_o this_o we_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v of_o that_o except_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v very_o little_o write_v by_o other_o in_o these_o primitive_a time_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o much_o trouble_n to_o eusebius_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o history_n 〈◊〉_d have_v little_a or_o no_o light_n to_o guide_v he_o in_o his_o undertake_n and_o tread_v as_o himself_o say_v in_o a_o new_a path_n unbeaten_a by_o any_o that_o have_v go_v before_o he_o beside_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o few_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n have_v not_o come_v down_o to_o our_o hand_n but_o be_v lose_v either_o through_o the_o injury_n of_o time_n that_o consume_v all_o thing_n or_o else_o have_v be_v make_v away_o by_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n who_o have_v make_v bold_a to_o suppress_v and_o smother_v whatsoever_o they_o meet_v with_o that_o be_v not_o whole_o to_o their_o gust_n of_o this_o sort_n be_v those_o five_o book_n of_o papias_n bishop_n of_o hierapolis_n the_o apology_n of_o quadratus_n atheniensis_fw-la and_o that_o other_o of_o aristides_n the_o write_n of_o castor_n agrippa_n against_o the_o xxiv_o book_n of_o the_o heretic_n basilides_n the_o five_o book_n of_o hegesippus_n the_o work_n of_o melito_n bishop_n of_o sardis_n dionysius_n bishop_n of_o corinth_n apollinaris_n bishop_n of_o hierapolis_n the_o epistle_n of_o pinytus_n cretensis_n the_o write_n of_o philippus_n musanus_n modestus_n bardesanes_n pantaenus_n rhodon_n miltiades_n apollonius_n serapion_n bacchylus_n polycrates_n bishop_n of_o ephesus_n heraclius_n maximus_n hammonius_n tryphon_n hippolytus_n julius_n africanus_n dionysius_n alexandrinus_n and_o other_o of_o who_o we_o have_v no_o more_o leave_v save_v only_o their_o name_n and_o the_o title_n of_o their_o book_n which_o be_v preserve_v in_o eusebius_n meminit_fw-la s._n hierome_n and_o other_o all_o that_o we_o have_v leave_v we_o of_o these_o time_n which_o be_v certain_o know_v to_o be_v they_o and_o that_o no_o man_n doubt_n of_o be_v some_o certain_a discourse_n of_o
s._n justin_n the_o philosopher_n and_o martyr_n who_o write_v his_o second_o apology_n a_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n after_o the_o nativity_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o five_o book_n of_o s._n irenaeus_n who_o write_v not_o long_o after_o he_o three_o excellent_a and_o learned_a piece_n of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n who_o live_v towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n divers_a book_n of_o tertullian_n who_o be_v famous_a about_o the_o same_o time_n the_o epistle_n and_o other_o treatise_n of_o s._n cyprian_a bishop_n of_o carthage_n who_o suffer_v martyrdom_n about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o saviour_n cclxi_o the_o write_n of_o arnobius_n and_o of_o lactantius_n his_o scholar_n and_o some_o few_o other_o for_o as_o for_o origen_n s._n cyprian_n contemporary_a who_o alone_o have_v we_o but_o all_o his_o write_n entire_a will_v be_v able_a perhaps_o to_o give_v we_o more_o light_a and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o business_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n we_o have_v but_o very_o little_a of_o he_o leave_v we_o and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o too_o most_o miserable_o abuse_v and_o corrupt_v the_o most_o learned_a and_o almost_o innumerable_a write_n of_o this_o great_a and_o incomparable_a person_n not_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v the_o violence_n of_o time_n nor_o the_o envy_n and_o malice_n of_o man_n who_o have_v deal_v much_o worse_o with_o he_o than_o so_o many_o age_n and_o century_n of_o year_n that_o have_v pass_v from_o his_o time_n down_o to_o we_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o well-nigh_o all_o that_o we_o have_v leave_v we_o which_o be_v certain_o know_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o the_o father_n of_o the_o three_o first_o century_n for_o as_o for_o those_o other_o piece_n which_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v be_v write_v in_o the_o same_o time_n but_o be_v indeed_o either_o confess_v to_o be_v supposititious_a by_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o or_o be_v reject_v by_o their_o adversary_n and_o that_o upon_o very_o good_a and_o probable_a ground_n these_o be_v not_o to_o have_v any_o place_n at_o all_o or_o account_v here_o in_o clear_v the_o controversy_n we_o have_v now_o in_o hand_n the_o write_n of_o the_o four_o and_o five_o century_n have_v i_o confess_v outgo_v the_o former_a for_o number_n and_o good_a fortune_n too_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o have_v come_v down_o safe_a to_o our_o hand_n but_o they_o come_v much_o short_a of_o the_o other_o in_o weight_n and_o authority_n especial_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o protestant_n who_o maintain_v and_o that_o upon_o very_o probable_a ground_n too_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v from_o the_o beginning_n have_v its_o declining_n by_o little_a and_o little_a lose_v in_o every_o age_n some_o certain_a degree_n of_o its_o primitive_a and_o native_a purity_n and_o beside_o we_o have_v good_a cause_n perhaps_o to_o fear_v lest_o the_o multitude_n of_o writer_n of_o these_o two_o age_n trouble_v we_o as_o much_o as_o the_o paucity_n of_o they_o in_o the_o three_o precede_a and_o that_o as_o before_o we_o suffer_v under_o scarcity_n we_o now_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o their_o multitude_n for_o the_o multitude_n of_o word_n and_o of_o book_n serve_v as_o much_o sometime_o to_o the_o suppress_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o opinion_n of_o any_o public_a body_n as_o silence_n itself_o our_o mind_n be_v then_o extreme_o confound_v and_o perplex_v while_o it_o labour_v to_o apprehend_v what_o be_v the_o true_a and_o common_a opinion_n of_o the_o whole_a amid_o so_o many_o differently-biassed_n particular_n whereof_o each_o endeavour_n to_o express_v the_o same_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o among_o so_o great_a and_o almost_o infinite_a variety_n of_o spirit_n and_o tongue_n you_o shall_v very_o hardly_o meet_v with_o two_o person_n that_o shall_v deliver_v to_o you_o one_o and_o the_o same_o opinion_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n as_o the_o controversy_n in_o religion_n be_v after_o the_o same_o form_n and_o way_n of_o representation_n how_o unanimous_a soever_o their_o consent_n may_v otherwise_o be_v in_o the_o same_o opinion_n and_o this_o variety_n although_o it_o be_v but_o in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o thing_n make_v notwithstanding_o the_o foundation_n itself_o to_o appear_v different_a also_o chap._n ii_o reason_n ii_o that_o those_o write_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o first_o century_n treat_v of_o matter_n very_o far_o different_a from_o the_o present_a controversy_n in_o religion_n but_o suppose_v that_o neither_o the_o want_n of_o book_n in_o the_o three_o first_o century_n nor_o yet_o the_o abundance_n of_o they_o in_o the_o three_o follow_v shall_v bring_v along_o with_o it_o these_o inconvenience_n it_o will_v however_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o discover_v out_o of_o they_o what_o the_o opinion_n of_o their_o author_n have_v be_v touch_v those_o point_n of_o christian_a religion_n now_o controvert_v for_o the_o matter_n whereof_o they_o treat_v be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n these_o author_n according_a as_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o time_n require_v employ_v themselves_o either_o in_o justify_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o vindicate_v it_o from_o the_o aspersion_n of_o such_o crime_n wherewith_o it_o be_v most_o false_o and_o injurious_o charge_v or_o else_o in_o lay_v open_a to_o the_o world_n the_o absurdity_n and_o impiety_n of_o paganism_n or_o in_o convince_a the_o hard-hearted_a jew_n or_o in_o confute_v the_o prodigious_a foolery_n of_o the_o heretic_n of_o those_o time_n or_o in_o exhortation_n to_o the_o faithful_a to_o patience_n and_o martyrdom_n or_o in_o expound_v some_o certain_a passage_n and_o portion_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n all_o which_o thing_n have_v very_o little_a to_o do_v with_o the_o controversy_n of_o these_o time_n of_o which_o they_o never_o speak_v syllable_n unless_o they_o accidental_o or_o by_o chance_n let_v a_o word_n drop_n from_o they_o towards_o this_o side_n or_o that_o side_n yet_o without_o the_o least_o thought_n of_o we_o or_o of_o our_o controversy_n although_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o party_n sometime_o light_v upon_o passage_n wherein_o they_o conceive_v they_o have_v discover_v their_o own_o opinion_n clear_o deliver_v though_o in_o vain_a for_o the_o most_o part_n and_o without_o ground_n just_a as_o he_o do_v that_o hear_v a_o ring_n of_o bell_n think_v they_o perfect_o â—ounded_v out_o unto_o he_o what_o he_o in_o his_o own_o thought_n have_v fancy_v justin_n martyr_n and_o tertullian_n theophilus_n and_o lactantius_n clemens_n and_o arnobius_n show_v the_o heathen_a the_o vainness_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o of_o their_o god_n and_o that_o jupiter_n and_o juno_n be_v but_o mortal_n and_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a god_n the_o creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n irenaeus_n bend_v his_o whole_a force_n against_o the_o prodigious_a opinion_n of_o basilides_n the_o valentinian_o and_o other_o gnostic_n who_o be_v the_o inventor_n of_o the_o most_o chimaerical_a divinity_n that_o ever_o come_v into_o the_o fancy_n of_o man._n tertullian_n also_o whip_v they_o as_o they_o well_o deserve_v it_o but_o he_o especial_o take_v martion_n hermâ—genes_n apelles_n praxcas_n and_o other_o to_o task_n who_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v two_o god_n or_o two_o principle_n and_o confound_v the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n cyprian_n be_v whole_o upon_o the_o discipline_n and_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n arius_n macedonius_n eunomius_n photinus_n pelagius_n and_o afterward_o nestorius_n and_o eutyches_n make_v work_v for_o the_o father_n of_o the_o four_o and_o five_o century_n the_o blasphemy_n of_o these_o man_n against_o the_o person_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n or_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o its_o grace_n which_o have_v now_o of_o a_o long_a time_n lie_v bury_v and_o forget_v be_v the_o matter_n debate_v in_o those_o time_n and_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o book_n then_o write_v that_o have_v come_v to_o our_o hand_n what_o relation_n have_v any_o thing_n of_o all_o this_o to_o the_o business_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o adoration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n or_o the_o monarchy_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o auricular_a confession_n or_o the_o worship_v of_o image_n and_o the_o like_a point_n which_o be_v the_o business_n of_o the_o present_a controversy_n and_o which_o none_o of_o the_o ancient_n have_v handle_v express_o and_o of_o set_a purpose_n and_o perhaps_o too_o never_o so_o much_o as_o think_v of_o it_o be_v very_o true_a indeed_o that_o the_o silence_n of_o these_o father_n in_o these_o point_n which_o some_o set_v so_o much_o by_o be_v not_o whole_o mute_a and_o perhaps_o also_o it_o may_v pass_v for_o a_o very_a clear_a testimony_n
the_o other_o side_n ruffinus_n have_v some_o name_n in_o the_o church_n though_o nothing_o near_o so_o great_a a_o one_o as_o cyprian_n have_v and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o afore-named_n merchant_n have_v inscribe_v with_o s._n cyprian_n name_v that_o treatise_n upon_o the_o apostle_n creed_n which_o be_v write_v by_o ruffinus_n beside_o the_o avarice_n of_o these_o librarii_n their_o own_o ignorance_n or_o at_o least_o of_o those_o who_o they_o consult_v have_v in_o like_a manner_n produce_v no_o small_a number_n of_o these_o spurious_a piece_n for_o when_o either_o the_o likeness_n of_o the_o name_n or_o of_o the_o style_n or_o of_o the_o subject_a treat_v of_o or_o any_o other_o seem_a reason_n give_v they_o occasion_n to_o believe_v that_o such_o a_o anonymous_n book_n be_v the_o work_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o ancient_a author_n they_o present_o copy_v it_o out_o under_o the_o say_v author_n name_n and_o thus_o it_o come_v from_o thenceforth_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o world_n for_o such_o and_o by_o they_o to_o be_v deliver_v for_o such_o over_z to_z posterity_n but_o all_o the_o blame_n be_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o transcriber_n only_o in_o this_o particular_a the_o author_n themselves_o have_v contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o this_o kind_n of_o imposture_n for_o there_o have_v be_v find_v in_o all_o age_n some_o that_o have_v be_v so_o sottish_o ambitious_a and_o so_o desirous_a at_o what_o rate_n soever_o to_o have_v their_o conception_n publish_v to_o the_o world_n as_o that_o find_v they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o please_v and_o get_v applause_n abroad_o of_o themselves_o they_o have_v vent_v they_o under_o the_o name_n of_o some_o of_o the_o father_n choose_v rather_o to_o see_v they_o receive_v and_o honour_v under_o this_o false_a habit_n than_o disdain_v and_o slight_v under_o their_o own_o true_a one_o these_o man_n according_a as_o their_o several_a ability_n have_v be_v have_v imitate_v the_o style_n and_o fancy_n of_o the_o father_n either_o more_o or_o less_o happy_o and_o have_v bold_o present_v these_o issue_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n to_o the_o world_n under_o their_o name_n the_o world_n the_o great_a part_n whereof_o have_v always_o be_v the_o least_o subtle_a have_v very_o ready_o collect_v preserve_v and_o cherish_v these_o false_a birth_n and_o have_v by_o degree_n fill_v all_o their_o library_n with_o they_o other_o have_v be_v move_v to_o use_v the_o same_o artifice_n not_o out_o of_o ambition_n but_o some_o other_o irregular_a fancy_n as_o those_o man_n have_v do_v who_o have_v have_v a_o particular_a affection_n either_o to_o such_o a_o person_n or_o to_o such_o a_o opinion_n have_v fall_v to_o write_v of_o the_o same_o under_o the_o name_n of_o some_o author_n of_o good_a esteem_n and_o reputation_n with_o the_o world_n to_o make_v it_o pass_v the_o more_o current_o abroad_o just_o as_o that_o priest_n do_v who_o publish_v a_o book_n entitle_v 17._o the_o act_n of_o s._n paul_n and_o of_o tecla_n and_o be_v convince_v of_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o s._n john_n he_o plain_o confess_v that_o the_o love_n that_o he_o bear_v to_o s._n paul_n be_v the_o only_a cause_n that_o move_v he_o to_o do_v it_o such_o be_v the_o boldness_n also_o of_o ruffinus_n 2._o a_o priest_n of_o aquileia_n who_o s._n hierome_n just_o reprehend_v so_o sharp_o and_o in_o so_o many_o place_n who_o to_o vindicate_v origen_n honour_n write_v a_o apology_n for_o he_o under_o the_o name_n of_o pamphilus_n a_o holy_a and_o renown_a martyr_n although_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v he_o have_v take_v it_o partly_o out_o of_o the_o first_o and_o six_o book_n that_o eusebius_n have_v write_v upon_o the_o same_o subject_a and_o partly_o make_v use_n of_o his_o own_o invention_n in_o it_o some_o such_o like_a fancy_n it_o be_v that_o move_v he_o also_o to_o put_v forth_o the_o life_n of_o one_o sextus_n a_o pythagorean_n philosopher_n 4._o under_o the_o name_n of_o s._n sixtus_n the_o martyr_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o work_n may_v be_v receive_v the_o more_o favourable_o what_o can_v you_o say_v to_o this_o namely_o that_o in_o the_o very_a same_o age_n there_o be_v a_o personage_n of_o great_a note_n than_o the_o former_a who_o dislike_a that_o hierome_n have_v translate_v the_o old_a testament_n out_o of_o the_o hebrew_n frame_v a_o epistle_n under_o his_o name_n wherein_o he_o make_v he_o repent_v himself_o of_o have_v do_v it_o which_o epistle_n even_o in_o s._n hierome_n life-time_n though_o without_o his_o knowledge_n be_v publish_v by_o the_o say_a author_n both_o at_o rome_n and_o in_o africa_n who_o can_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o bold_a attempt_n 2._o have_v not_o s._n hierome_n himself_o relate_v the_o story_n and_o make_v complaint_n of_o the_o injury_n do_v he_o therein_o i_o must_v impute_v also_o to_o a_o fancy_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n though_o certain_o more_o innocent_a than_o the_o other_o the_o spread_a abroad_o of_o so_o many_o prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o sibylls_n which_o be_v do_v by_o some_o of_o the_o first_o christian_n only_o to_o prepare_v the_o pagan_n to_o relish_v this_o doctrine_n the_o better_a 7._o as_o it_o be_v object_v against_o they_o by_o celsus_n in_o origen_n but_o that_o which_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n yet_o be_v that_o even_o the_o father_n themselves_o have_v sometime_o make_v use_n of_o this_o artifice_n to_o promote_v the_o interest_n either_o of_o their_o own_o opinion_n or_o their_o passion_n we_o have_v a_o notable_a example_n hereof_o which_o be_v object_v against_o the_o latin_n by_o the_o greek_n 457._o above_o two_o hundred_o year_n since_o of_o two_o bishop_n of_o rome_n zozimus_n and_o boniface_n who_o to_o authorise_v the_o title_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v of_o be_v universal_a bishop_n and_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o african_a forge_v about_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o five_o century_n certain_a canon_n in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o allege_v they_o for_o such_o divers_a time_n 3._o in_o the_o council_n in_o africa_n which_o notwithstanding_o after_o a_o long_a and_o diligent_a search_n can_v never_o yet_o be_v find_v in_o any_o of_o the_o authentic_a copy_n of_o the_o say_a council_n of_o nice_a although_o the_o african_a bishop_n have_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o send_v as_o far_o as_o constantinople_n alexandria_n and_o antioch_n to_o get_v the_o best_a and_o true_a copy_n that_o they_o can_v neither_o indeed_o have_v the_o canon_n and_o act_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a at_o this_o day_n though_o it_o have_v since_o that_o time_n pass_v through_o so_o many_o several_a hand_n any_o such_o thing_n in_o itâ—_n no_o not_o in_o the_o edition_n of_o those_o very_a man_n who_o be_v the_o most_o interest_v in_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o pope_n as_o that_o of_o dionysius_n exiguus_fw-la who_o publish_v his_o latin_a collection_n of_o they_o about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n 525._o nor_o in_o any_o other_o either_o ancient_n or_o modern_a for_o at_o for_o that_o authentic_a copy_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a which_o one_o friar_n john_n 20._o at_o the_o council_n of_o florence_n pretend_v to_o have_v be_v the_o only_a copy_n that_o have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o arrian_n and_o have_v for_o this_o cause_n be_v always_o keep_v under_o lock_n and_o key_n at_o rome_n with_o all_o the_o safety_n and_o care_n that_o may_v be_v out_o of_o which_o copy_n they_o have_v transcribe_v the_o say_a canon_n i_o confess_v this_o copy_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v keep_v up_o very_o close_a under_o lock_n and_o seal_n see_v that_o three_o of_o their_o pope_n namely_o zozimus_n boniface_n and_o celestine_n can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v it_o for_o the_o justification_n of_o their_o pretend_a title_n against_o the_o african_a father_n though_o in_o a_o case_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n and_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a strange_a thing_n to_o i_o that_o this_o man_n who_o come_v a_o thousand_o year_n after_o shall_v now_o at_o last_o make_v use_n of_o it_o in_o this_o cause_n whereas_o those_o very_a person_n who_o have_v it_o in_o their_o custody_n never_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v one_o syllable_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n that_o the_o seal_n of_o this_o rare_a book_n be_v never_o open_v save_v only_o in_o the_o brain_n of_o this_o doctor_n where_o only_o it_o be_v both_o frame_v and_o seal_v up_o bring_v forth_o and_o vanish_v all_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o man_n that_o have_v come_v after_o he_o have_v lay_v aside_o this_o chimerical_a
sundry_a passage_n of_o scripture_n touch_v the_o meaning_n whereof_o we_o disagree_v among_o ourselves_o hear_v what_o s._n hierome_n say_v who_o be_v the_o most_o learned_a of_o all_o the_o latin_n and_o who_o give_v place_n but_o very_o little_a to_o any_o of_o the_o greek_n in_o these_o matter_n what_o say_v he_o be_v the_o business_n of_o a_o commentary_n plurimorum_fw-la it_o expound_v the_o word_n of_o another_o man_n and_o declare_v in_o plain_a term_n the_o sense_n of_o thing_n obscure_o write_v it_o represent_v the_o several_a opinion_n of_o other_o and_o say_v some_o expound_v this_o passage_n thus_o and_o other_o interpret_v it_o thus_o these_o endeavour_n to_o prove_v their_o sense_n and_o mean_v by_o such_o testimony_n and_o such_o reason_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o intelligent_a reader_n have_v several_a exposition_n before_o he_o and_o read_v the_o judgement_n of_o divers_a man_n some_o bring_v what_o he_o may_v and_o other_o perhaps_o what_o he_o can_v admit_v of_o he_o may_v judge_v which_o among_o the_o rest_n be_v the_o true_a and_o like_o a_o wise_a banker_n may_v refuse_v all_o adulterate_a coin_n now_o i_o will_v fain_o ask_v whether_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v account_v guilty_a of_o diversity_n in_o his_o interpretation_n or_o of_o contradiction_n in_o the_o sense_n give_v who_o in_o one_o and_o the_o some_o commentary_n shall_v deliver_v the_o exposition_n of_o divers_a person_n and_o so_o on_o as_o it_o there_o follow_v in_o the_o place_n aforecited_a he_o speak_v likewise_o to_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o divers_a other_o place_n throughout_o his_o work_n graecae_fw-la this_o say_v he_o be_v the_o usual_a manner_n of_o commentary_n and_o the_o rule_n that_o commentator_n go_v by_o to_o set_v down_o in_o their_o exposition_n the_o several_a opinion_n they_o have_v meet_v withal_o and_o to_o deliver_v both_o what_o their_o own_o and_o what_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o be_v upon_o the_o place_n and_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n not_o only_o of_o the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o of_o the_o expositor_n also_o of_o all_o kind_n of_o secular_a learning_n as_o well_o in_o the_o greek_a as_o in_o the_o latin_a tongue_n now_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a strange_a way_n of_o comment_v for_o what_o light_n or_o what_o certainty_n can_v a_o reader_n be_v able_a to_o gather_v out_o of_o such_o a_o rhapsody_n of_o different_a opinion_n tumble_v together_o in_o a_o heap_n without_o so_o much_o as_o intimate_v either_o which_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a or_o probable_a or_o necessary_a or_o to_o the_o purpose_n or_o not_o but_o see_v it_o have_v please_v s._n hierome_n to_o follow_v this_o course_n whatsoever_o his_o reason_n be_v you_o see_v plain_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o take_v as_o he_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v deliver_v in_o his_o commentary_n and_o see_v also_o he_o speak_v in_o general_a term_n as_o he_o do_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o a_o commentary_n we_o be_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o father_n have_v be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o of_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o that_o consequent_o they_o take_v the_o same_o course_n in_o those_o exposition_n which_o we_o have_v of_o they_o so_o that_o it_o will_v hence_o follow_v that_o notwithstanding_o that_o we_o shall_v chance_v to_o find_v in_o these_o kind_n of_o write_n of_o they_o a_o opinion_n or_o a_o interpretation_n clear_o deliver_v yet_o may_v we_o not_o from_o thence_o present_o conclude_v that_o this_o be_v the_o author_n own_o opinion_n for_o perhaps_o he_o only_o deliver_v it_o as_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o other_o man._n now_o if_o the_o father_n have_v be_v but_o careful_a to_o have_v take_v in_o water_n out_o of_o wholesome_a fountain_n only_o fill_v up_o their_o commentary_n with_o no_o other_o opinion_n or_o interpretation_n save_v only_o those_o of_o person_n of_o know_a piety_n faith_n and_o learning_n this_o mixture_n will_v have_v prove_v the_o less_o dangerous_a by_o much_o for_o notwithstanding_o that_o we_o shall_v often_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n and_o doubt_v whether_o that_o which_o we_o there_o find_v be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n who_o name_n it_o go_v under_o yet_o however_o we_o may_v still_o rest_v assure_v that_o though_o it_o shall_v not_o perhaps_o be_v his_o yet_o must_v it_o certain_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o some_o other_o good_a author_n if_o not_o of_o equal_a yet_o of_o little_a less_o authority_n than_o he_o but_o the_o mischief_n of_o it_o be_v that_o they_o take_v a_o quite_o contrary_a course_n many_o time_n stuff_v up_o their_o commentary_n with_o very_a strange_a senseless_a exposition_n and_o sometime_o too_o with_o dangerous_a one_o and_o such_o as_o be_v take_v out_o of_o very_o suspect_v author_n and_o which_o have_v no_o very_o good_a name_n neither_o in_o the_o church_n saepe_fw-la s._n hierome_n tell_v we_o often_o and_o whoever_o shall_v but_o diligent_o and_o attentive_o read_v he_o may_v easy_o observe_v as_o much_o that_o his_o commentary_n which_o make_v the_o great_a and_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o his_o work_n be_v interweave_v throughout_o with_o exposition_n take_v out_o of_o origen_n didymus_n apollinaris_n and_o other_o who_o be_v at_o that_o time_n ill_o speak_v of_o as_o man_n who_o too_o presumptuous_o put_v upon_o the_o world_n their_o own_o private_a opinion_n sacramenta_fw-la fashion_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o their_o own_o private_a fancy_n as_o s._n hierome_n himself_o sometime_o say_v of_o origen_n now_o this_o be_v wonderful_a strange_a to_o i_o for_o no_o man_n be_v morce_n fierce_a in_o cry_v down_o these_o author_n than_o he_o be_v indeed_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a head_n of_o that_o holy_a league_n of_o theophilus_n and_o epiphanius_n against_o origen_n and_o his_o party_n no_o man_n ever_o reprove_v any_o one_o so_o sharp_o as_o he_o have_v do_v ruffinus_n for_o offer_v to_o present_a to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o latin_v the_o poisonous_a doctrine_n of_o origen_n in_o those_o book_n of_o he_o which_o he_o have_v translate_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o himself_o stuff_v up_o his_o own_o commentary_n with_o the_o same_o many_o time_n without_o use_v any_o preparation_n at_o all_o about_o they_o or_o furnish_v his_o reader_n with_o any_o counterpoison_n in_o case_n he_o meet_v with_o any_o of_o they_o nahum_n so_o likewise_o in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o prophet_n he_o ever_o and_o anon_o bring_v in_o divers_a exposition_n out_o of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o insomuch_o that_o when_o you_o think_v you_o be_v read_v and_o search_v after_o the_o opinion_n and_o sense_n of_o s._n hierome_n upon_o such_o or_o such_o a_o passage_n you_o often_o read_v that_o of_o a_o heretic_n or_o of_o a_o jew_n if_o the_o father_n will_v have_v but_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o have_v give_v we_o notice_n every_o time_n who_o the_o author_n be_v who_o opinion_n they_o allege_v this_o manner_n of_o comment_v upon_o the_o scripture_n will_v have_v be_v much_o more_o beneficial_a unto_o we_o and_o less_o troublesome_a for_o the_o name_n will_v have_v be_v useful_a to_o we_o in_o direct_v we_o what_o account_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o such_o opinion_n and_o exposition_n but_o this_o they_o do_v but_o very_o seldom_o as_o you_o may_v observe_v out_o of_o the_o exposition_n of_o s._n hilary_n s._n ambrose_n and_o other_o who_o rob_v poor_a origen_n without_o any_o mercy_n marcel_n do_v not_o yet_o do_v he_o the_o honour_n so_o much_o as_o to_o name_v he_o scarce_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o you_o shall_v find_v in_o s._n ambrose_n many_o time_n whole_a period_n and_o whole_a page_n too_o take_v out_o of_o s._n basil_n but_o unless_o my_o memory_n fail_v i_o very_o much_o you_o shall_v never_o find_v he_o once_o name_v there_o these_o man_n deliver_v you_o the_o opinion_n and_o word_n of_o other_o man_n galat._n just_a as_o if_o they_o be_v their_o own_o and_o yet_o will_v not_o be_v bind_v to_o warrant_v they_o we_o for_o good_a and_o sound_a s._n hierome_n in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n expound_v that_o passage_n where_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o s._n paul_n reprove_v s._n peter_n by_o way_n of_o dispensation_n tell_v we_o that_o s._n paul_n do_v not_o reprehend_v he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v indeed_o account_v he_o blame-worthy_a but_o only_o for_o the_o better_a edification_n and_o bring_v in_o of_o the_o gentile_n by_o this_o seem_a reprehension_n of_o he_o who_o do_v but_o act_v this_o part_n with_o s._n peter_n libertarem_fw-la to_o the_o end_n say_v he_o that_o the_o hypocrisy_n or_o false_a show_n of_o observe_v the_o law_n which_o offend_v those_o among_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v believe_v may_v be_v
the_o truth_n when_o as_o in_o his_o old_a age_n take_v pen_n in_o hand_n he_o review_v and_o correct_v all_o that_o he_o have_v ever_o write_v during_o his_o whole_a life_n faithful_o and_o ingenuous_o note_v whatsoever_o he_o think_v worthy_a of_o reprehension_n and_o give_v we_o all_o those_o his_o animadversion_n collect_v together_o in_o the_o book_n of_o his_o retractation_n which_o in_o my_o judgement_n be_v the_o most_o glorious_a and_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o those_o many_o monument_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o posterity_n whether_o you_o consider_v here_o the_o learning_n or_o the_o modesty_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o man._n etc._n s._n hierome_n report_v that_o origen_n also_o long_o before_o have_v in_o his_o old_a age_n write_v a_o epistle_n to_o fabianus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n wherein_o he_o confess_v that_o he_o repent_v he_o of_o many_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v teach_v and_o write_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o doubt_n but_o that_o some_o such_o like_a thing_n may_v have_v happen_v to_o most_o of_o the_o other_o father_n and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v sometime_o disallow_v of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v former_o believe_v as_o true_a now_o from_o this_o consideration_n there_o fall_v in_o our_o way_n a_o new_a difficulty_n which_o we_o be_v to_o grapple_v with_o in_o this_o our_o inquiry_n into_o the_o true_a genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o father_n touch_v our_o present_a controversy_n for_o see_v that_o the_o condition_n and_o nature_n of_o their_o write_n be_v such_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o when_o we_o will_v make_v use_n of_o any_o of_o their_o opinion_n it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o sometime_o either_o hold_v or_o write_v the_o same_o but_o that_o they_o have_v moreover_o persevere_v in_o they_o to_o the_o end_n common_n whence_o vincentius_n lirinensis_n in_o that_o passage_n of_o he_o which_o be_v so_o often_o urge_v for_o the_o make_v use_n of_o the_o ancient_a author_n in_o decide_v our_o present_a controversy_n think_v it_o not_o fit_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o receive_v whatsoever_o they_o have_v say_v for_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n unless_o they_o have_v assure_v and_o confirm_v it_o unto_o we_o by_o their_o perseverance_n in_o the_o same_o as_o he_o there_o speak_v cardinal_n perron_n also_o evident_o show_v we_o the_o same_o way_n by_o his_o own_o practice_n for_o dispute_v about_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v be_v always_o the_o very_a same_o in_o the_o western_a church_n with_o that_o which_o be_v deliver_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o iii_o council_n of_o carthage_n where_o the_o maccabee_n be_v reckon_v in_o among_o the_o rest_n and_o find_v himself_o hardly_o press_v by_o some_o certain_a passage_n allege_v by_o the_o protestant_n out_o of_o s._n hierome_n to_o the_o contrary_a he_o answer_v the_o objection_n by_o say_v among_o other_o thing_n 50._o that_o this_o father_n when_o he_o write_v the_o say_v passage_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o the_o ripeness_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o study_n whereas_o afterward_o when_o he_o be_v now_o more_o full_o instruct_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n he_o change_v his_o opinion_n and_o retract_v as_o this_o cardinal_n say_v both_o in_o general_n and_o in_o particular_a whatsoever_o he_o have_v before_o write_v in_o those_o three_o prologue_n where_o he_o have_v exclude_v the_o maccabee_n out_o of_o the_o canon_n ibid._n and_o so_o likewise_o to_o another_o objection_n bring_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n out_o of_o the_o commentary_n of_o s._n gregory_n the_o great_a he_o give_v the_o like_a answer_n say_v that_o s._n gregory_n when_o he_o write_v that_o piece_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o be_v pope_n but_o be_v a_o plain_a deacon_n only_o be_v at_o that_o time_n employ_v at_o constantinople_n as_o the_o pope_n nuncio_n to_o the_o greek_n now_o these_o answer_n of_o his_o be_v either_o insufficient_a or_o else_o it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o rest_v certain_o satisfy_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o father_n except_o we_o first_o be_v assure_v that_o not_o only_o he_o never_o afterward_o retract_v that_o opinion_n of_o he_o but_o that_o beside_o he_o write_v it_o in_o the_o strength_n and_o ripeness_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o see_v now_o how_o we_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o new_a labyrinth_n for_o first_o of_o all_o from_o whence_o and_o by_o what_o mean_n may_v we_o be_v able_a to_o come_v true_o and_o certain_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o secret_a when_o as_o we_o can_v hardly_o meet_v with_o any_o light_a conjecture_n tend_v to_o the_o make_n of_o this_o discovery_n namely_o whether_o a_o father_n have_v in_o his_o old_a age_n change_v his_o opinion_n touch_v that_o point_n for_o which_o it_o be_v produce_v against_o we_o or_o not_o if_o they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o be_v either_o able_a or_o willing_a to_o have_v imitate_v the_o modesty_n of_o s._n augustine_n we_o shall_v then_o have_v have_v little_o leave_v to_o trouble_v we_o but_o you_o will_v hardly_o find_v any_o either_o of_o the_o ancient_n or_o of_o those_o of_o late_a time_n that_o have_v follow_v this_o example_n unless_o it_o be_v cardinal_n bellarmine_n who_o have_v late_o think_v good_a to_o revive_v this_o piece_n of_o modesty_n which_o have_v lie_v dead_a and_o bury_v for_o the_o space_n of_o so_o many_o age_n together_o by_o write_v a_o book_n of_o retractation_n which_o book_n of_o he_o be_v very_o diverse_o receive_v by_o the_o learned_a as_o well_o of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o religion_n but_o yet_o if_o you_o will_v stand_v stiff_a upon_o it_o with_o cardinal_z perron_n and_o not_o allow_v the_o say_n of_o a_o father_n to_o be_v of_o any_o value_n unless_o it_o be_v write_v by_o he_o after_o the_o ripeness_n of_o his_o study_n i_o shall_v then_o despair_v of_o our_o ever_o make_v any_o progress_n so_o much_o as_o one_o step_n forward_o by_o this_o mean_n in_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n for_o will_n the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o party_n say_v upon_o every_o testimony_n that_o shall_v be_v produce_v against_o they_o how_o do_v we_o know_v whether_o this_o father_n have_v yet_o arrive_v to_o the_o ripeness_n of_o his_o judgement_n when_o he_o write_v this_o book_n or_o not_o who_o can_v tell_v whether_o or_o no_o those_o day_n of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o enjoy_v after_o the_o write_n hereof_o may_v not_o have_v bestow_v as_o well_o clearness_n on_o his_o understanding_n as_o whiteness_n on_o his_o head_n and_o have_v change_v his_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o his_o hair_n we_o suppose_v here_o that_o no_o such_o thing_n appear_v in_o any_o of_o his_o other_o write_n how_o many_o author_n be_v there_o who_o have_v change_v their_o opinion_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o retract_v what_o they_o have_v former_o write_v but_o suppose_v now_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v lose_v that_o particular_a tract_n wherein_o the_o author_n have_v give_v testimony_n of_o the_o change_n of_o his_o opinion_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v in_o this_o cafe_z if_o time_n shall_v have_v deprive_v we_o of_o s._n augustine_n retractation_n and_o some_o other_o of_o his_o late_a write_n as_o it_o have_v of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o other_o piece_n both_o of_o he_o and_o other_o of_o the_o father_n which_o will_v have_v be_v of_o as_o great_a importance_n to_o we_o we_o must_v certain_o have_v think_v that_o he_o have_v believe_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o predestination_n be_v the_o prescience_n or_o foresee_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o man_n read_v but_o what_o he_o say_v in_o one_o of_o the_o book_n which_o he_o first_o write_v namely_o etc._n that_o god_n have_v not_o elect_v the_o work_n of_o any_o man_n according_a to_o his_o prescience_n see_v that_o it_o be_v he_o himself_o that_o give_v the_o same_o to_o a_o man_n but_o that_o he_o have_v elect_v his_o faith_n by_o his_o prescience_n that_o be_v he_o have_v elect_v those_o who_o he_o foresee_v will_v believe_v his_o word_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o make_v choice_n of_o they_o to_o bestow_v his_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o that_o so_o by_o do_v good_a work_n they_o may_v attain_v everlasting_a life_n now_o will_v the_o pelagian_n and_o semipelagian_o have_v bring_v this_o passage_n as_o a_o infallible_a argument_n that_o s._n augustine_n be_v of_o their_o opinion_n but_o that_o his_o retractation_n and_o his_o other_o book_n which_o be_v write_v afterward_o in_o his_o late_a time_n clear_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o argument_n be_v of_o no_o force_n at_o all_o forasmuch_o as_o this_o learned_a father_n have_v afterward_o better_o consider_v of_o this_o point_n whole_o alter_v
we_o have_v a_o synodical_a epistle_n of_o sophronius_n ii_o patriarch_n of_o jerusalem_n wherein_o as_o the_o usual_a custom_n be_v he_o explain_v the_o faith_n in_o a_o very_a large_a and_o particular_a manner_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o you_o shall_v no_o there_o meet_v with_o any_o of_o those_o point_n which_o be_v now_o controvert_v among_o we_o those_o that_o shall_v search_v more_o narrow_o into_o the_o business_n will_v be_v apt_a positive_o to_o conclude_v from_o this_o their_o silence_n that_o these_o point_n be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n any_o part_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n and_o certain_o this_o their_o way_n of_o argumentation_n seem_v not_o to_o want_v reason_n but_o as_o for_o my_o own_o particular_a it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o that_o it_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o my_o assertion_n which_o be_v that_o it_o be_v if_o not_o a_o impossible_a yet_o at_o least_o a_o very_a hard_a thing_n to_o discover_v in_o what_o degree_n either_o of_o necessity_n or_o probability_n the_o ancient_a father_n hold_v each_o of_o those_o point_n which_o be_v now_o debate_v among_o we_o see_v that_o they_o appear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o in_o the_o exposition_n of_o their_o faith_n nor_o yet_o in_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o council_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o catalogue_n of_o those_o point_n which_o they_o account_v necessary_a chap._n ix_o reason_n ix_o we_o ought_v to_o know_v what_o have_v be_v the_o opinion_n not_o of_o one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o father_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a ancient_a church_n which_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n to_o be_v find_v out_o those_o who_o make_v most_o account_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n and_o who_o urge_v they_o the_o often_o in_o their_o disputation_n do_v inform_v we_o that_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o say_n in_o these_o matter_n proceed_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o testimony_n of_o the_o general_n sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o alone_o these_o man_n attribute_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o judge_v in_o controversy_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o we_o shall_v consider_v they_o several_o each_o by_o himself_o and_o as_o they_o stand_v by_o their_o own_o strength_n only_o they_o confess_v that_o they_o may_v chance_v to_o err_v so_o that_o it_o will_v follow_v hence_o that_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o know_v whether_o such_o or_o such_o say_n be_v true_o they_o and_o if_o so_o what_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v but_o we_o ought_v further_o also_o to_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o in_o a_o court_n of_o judicature_n the_o opinion_n of_o any_o single_a person_n of_o the_o bench_n be_v of_o no_o weight_n at_o all_o as_o to_o the_o pass_v of_o judgement_n unless_o it_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n or_o at_o least_o of_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o company_n and_o now_o see_v how_o we_o be_v fall_v again_o into_o new_a difficulty_n for_o whence_o and_o by_o what_o mean_n may_v we_o learn_v whether_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o justin_n martyr_n or_o of_o s._n augustine_n or_o of_o s._n hierome_n maintain_v the_o same_o opinion_n in_o every_o particular_a that_o these_o man_n several_o do_v or_o not_o i_o confess_v that_o the_o charity_n of_o these_o man_n be_v very_o great_a and_o that_o they_o very_o hearty_o and_o constant_o embrace_v the_o body_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o particular_n that_o they_o see_v apparent_o to_o be_v such_o but_o where_o the_o church_n do_v not_o at_o all_o deliver_v itself_o and_o express_o declare_v what_o its_o sense_n be_v they_o can_v not_o possible_o how_o great_a soever_o their_o desire_n of_o so_o do_v may_v have_v be_v follow_v its_o authority_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o opinion_n wheresoever_o therefore_o they_o treat_v of_o point_n which_o be_v long_o since_o decide_v believe_v and_o receive_v express_o and_o positive_o by_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n either_o of_o their_o own_o age_n or_o of_o any_o of_o the_o precede_a age_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o they_o do_v conform_v to_o what_o be_v believe_v by_o the_o church_n so_o that_o in_o these_o case_n their_o say_v may_v very_o well_o pass_v for_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o they_o can_v be_v either_o ignorant_a what_o be_v the_o public_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n or_o that_o know_v the_o same_o they_o will_v not_o follow_v it_o as_o for_o example_n when_o athanasius_n s._n ambrose_n s._n hierome_n s._n augustine_n and_o other_o discourse_n touch_v the_o son_n of_o god_n they_o speak_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n because_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n have_v then_o be_v clear_o and_o express_o deliver_v upon_o this_o point_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o say_v as_o to_o this_o particular_a may_v safe_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n belief_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v do_v in_o all_o the_o other_o point_n which_o have_v either_o be_v positive_o determine_v in_o any_o of_o the_o general_a council_n or_o deliver_v in_o any_o of_o the_o creed_n or_o that_o any_o other_o way_n appear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o public_a belief_n of_o the_o church_n if_o the_o father_n have_v but_o contain_v themselves_o within_o these_o bound_n and_o have_v not_o take_v liberty_n to_o treat_v of_o any_o thing_n save_o what_o the_o church_n have_v clear_o deliver_v its_o judgement_n upon_o this_o rule_n may_v then_o have_v be_v receive_v as_o a_o general_n one_o and_o what_o opinion_n soever_o we_o find_v in_o they_o we_o may_v safe_o have_v conclude_v it_o to_o have_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o their_o time_n but_o the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n nature_n together_o with_o the_o impudence_n of_o the_o heretic_n and_o the_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n whether_o of_o their_o own_o or_o of_o other_o and_o divers_z other_o reason_n perhaps_o have_v partly_o make_v they_o willing_o and_o partly_o force_v and_o as_o it_o be_v constrain_v they_o to_o go_v on_o further_a and_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o search_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o several_a point_n which_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o universal_a and_o public_a consent_n of_o all_o christian_n it_o can_v not_o be_v avoid_v but_o that_o necessary_o they_o must_v in_o these_o inquiry_n make_v use_v of_o their_o own_o proper_a light_n and_o must_v deliver_v upon_o the_o same_o their_o own_o private_a opinion_n which_o the_o church_n which_o come_v after_o they_o have_v since_o either_o embrace_v or_o reject_v i_o shall_v not_o here_o stand_v to_o prove_v this_o my_o assertion_n since_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v confess_v on_o all_o hand_n and_o whereof_o the_o romanist_n make_v special_a use_n upon_o all_o occasion_n in_o answer_v several_a objection_n bring_v against_o they_o out_o of_o the_o father_n as_o for_o example_n etc._n where_o cardinal_n bellarmine_n excuse_v the_o error_n of_o pope_n john_n xxii_o touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o depart_v soul_n before_o the_o resurrection_n by_o say_v that_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o determine_v any_o thing_n touch_v this_o particular_a and_o so_o likewise_o where_o he_o apply_v the_o same_o plaster_n to_o that_o in_o his_o judgement_n so_o unsound_a opinion_n of_o pope_n nicolas_n i_o who_o maintain_v that_o baptism_n administer_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n only_o without_o express_v the_o other_o person_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n be_v not_o withstand_v valid_a and_o effectual_a his_fw-la this_o be_v a_o point_n say_v bellarmine_n touch_v which_o we_o find_v not_o the_o church_n to_o have_v determine_v any_o thing_n and_o how_o dangerous_a and_o almost_o heretical_a soever_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o man_n seem_v to_o he_o to_o be_v who_o hold_v that_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n may_v fall_v into_o heresy_n yet_o do_v he_o permit_v pope_n adrian_n to_o hold_v the_o same_o not_o dare_v to_o rank_v he_o among_o the_o heretic_n because_o that_o the_o church_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o clear_o and_o definitive_o deliver_v itself_o touch_v this_o point_n the_o same_o bellarmine_n in_o another_o controversy_n of_o great_a importance_n touch_v the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n find_v himself_o hardly_o put_v to_o it_o by_o his_o adversary_n urge_v against_o he_o the_o authority_n of_o s._n hierome_n who_o cast_v
bold_a assertion_n of_o he_o at_o once_o we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o than_o to_o the_o very_a point_n itself_o touch_v which_o he_o propose_v it_o for_o who_o will_v he_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o persuade_v that_o all_o the_o father_n have_v write_v and_o say_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n touch_v the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o sometime_o they_o will_v have_v it_o to_o proceed_v from_o the_o son_n also_o as_o s._n basil_n by_o name_n have_v express_v himself_o in_o that_o passage_n of_o he_o which_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o latin_n out_o of_o his_o book_n against_o eunomius_n which_o piece_n yet_o the_o greek_n say_v be_v forge_v and_o as_o the_o father_n of_o the_o western_a church_n have_v most_o express_o declare_v themselves_o in_o many_o place_n 454._o but_o yet_o i_o can_v possible_o see_v how_o we_o can_v say_v that_o they_o have_v all_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o meddle_v with_o those_o other_o authority_n produce_v by_o the_o greek_n out_o of_o the_o father_n which_o their_o adversary_n put_v by_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v oftentimes_o most_o miserable_o wrest_v and_o stretch_v upon_o the_o rack_n the_o word_n and_o mean_v of_o the_o father_n but_o that_o passage_n of_o theodoret_n in_o his_o refutation_n of_o s._n cyril_n anathema_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o express_v as_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o 〈◊〉_d s._n cyril_n have_v say_v in_o his_o ix_o anathema_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v proper_o from_o the_o son_n 〈◊〉_d theodoret_n answer_v that_o it_o be_v both_o impious_a and_o blasphemous_a to_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v its_o subsistence_n from_o the_o son_n or_o by_o the_o son_n if_o he_o mean_v say_v he_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v proper_o from_o the_o son_n as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o it_o and_o as_o proceed_n from_o the_o father_n we_o shall_v willing_o agree_v with_o he_o and_o shall_v receive_v his_o doctrine_n as_o sound_v and_o pious_a but_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v its_o subsistence_n from_o the_o son_n or_o by_o the_o son_n we_o must_v then_o reject_v it_o as_o impious_a and_o blasphemous_a he_o can_v not_o have_v throw_v by_o this_o proposition_n of_o s._n cyril_n more_o blunt_o or_o in_o courser_n term_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o so_o flat_o give_v he_o the_o lie_n as_o it_o be_v and_o his_o so_o insolent_a reject_v of_o a_o opinion_n that_o be_v then_o receive_v by_o the_o church_n as_o the_o latin_n pretend_v 〈◊〉_d s._n cyril_n reply_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n altbough_n it_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n yet_o nevertheless_o be_v not_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o son_n since_o he_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a with_o the_o father_n why_o do_v he_o not_o cry_v out_o against_o he_o as_o a_o heretic_n as_o he_o many_o time_n elsewhere_o do_v with_o much_o less_o reason_n if_o at_o least_o you_o must_v needs_o have_v it_o grant_v you_o that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n be_v that_o the_o h._n ghost_n proceed_v from_o the_o son_n why_o do_v he_o not_o take_v it_o very_o ill_a at_o his_o hand_n that_o he_o shall_v in_o so_o insolent_a a_o manner_n reject_v as_o impious_a and_o blasphemous_a a_o proposition_n that_o be_v so_o holy_a and_o so_o true_a why_o do_v he_o not_o call_v the_o whole_a church_n in_o to_o be_v his_o warrant_n for_o what_o he_o have_v say_v if_o so_o be_v it_o have_v real_o be_v the_o general_n belief_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n and_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o in_o stead_n of_o all_o this_o he_o rather_o return_v so_o tame_a a_o answer_n as_o seem_v rather_o to_o betray_v his_o own_o cause_n and_o something_o also_o to_o incline_v to_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n of_o his_o adversary_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o neither_o theodoret_n nor_o yet_o any_o of_o the_o modern_a greek_n ever_o hold_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o or_o be_v unconcern_v in_o the_o son_n seeing_z they_o all_o confess_v that_o these_o three_o to_o wit_n the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n who_o be_v bless_v for_o ever_o whosoever_o shall_v but_o diligent_o consider_v these_o thing_n for_o we_o can_v stand_v any_o long_o upon_o the_o examination_n of_o they_o he_o can_v in_o my_o judgement_n but_o confess_v that_o the_o church_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o declare_v itself_o or_o determine_v any_o thing_n touch_v this_o point_n and_o that_o these_o doctor_n speak_v herein_o each_o man_n his_o own_o private_a opinion_n only_o and_o according_a as_o the_o present_a occasion_n of_o disputation_n lead_v he_o to_o speak_v where_o you_o shall_v have_v they_o contradict_v one_o another_o in_o like_a manner_n as_o be_v usual_a in_o speak_v of_o thing_n not_o as_o yet_o thorough_o examine_v or_o express_o determine_v insomuch_o that_o it_o will_v grieve_v a_o man_n to_o see_v how_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o latin_n toil_n and_o sweat_v to_o no_o purpose_n each_o of_o they_o labour_v to_o bring_v over_o the_o father_n to_o speak_v to_o their_o side_n and_o fearful_o wrest_v their_o word_n whensoever_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o never_o so_o little_a ambiguous_a and_o ever_o and_o anon_o accuse_v one_o another_o of_o have_v corrupt_v the_o ancient_n write_n whensoever_o they_o be_v find_v to_o speak_v express_o against_o they_o and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v leave_v those_o who_o either_o read_v or_o hear_v they_o without_o any_o prejudice_n very_o much_o unsatisfy_v whereas_o it_o have_v be_v much_o more_o easy_a to_o have_v honest_o confess_v at_o first_o that_o which_o be_v but_o too_o apparent_a that_o the_o father_n as_o in_o this_o so_o in_o many_o other_o point_n of_o religion_n have_v not_o all_o be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o persuasion_n and_o whereas_o 551._o bessarion_n that_o he_o may_v clude_v this_o testimony_n of_o theodoret_n affirm_v that_o he_o be_v cast_v forth_o of_o the_o church_n for_o have_v deny_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v from_o the_o son_n and_o that_o he_o afterward_o public_o confess_v his_o error_n at_o the_o council_n of_o cbalcedon_n where_o he_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n again_o all_o this_o i_o say_v be_v only_o a_o piece_n of_o grecian_a confidence_n which_o show_v more_o clear_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n how_o much_o this_o man_n be_v carry_v away_o with_o his_o passion_n and_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o affection_n to_o the_o latin_a church_n for_o i_o beseech_v you_o in_o what_o ancient_a author_n have_v he_o ever_o read_v that_o theodoret_n be_v i_o do_v not_o say_v condemn_v or_o excommunicate_v but_o so_o much_o as_o reprove_v or_o accuse_v only_o for_o have_v maintain_v any_o erroneous_a opinion_n touch_v the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o have_v the_o act_n of_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n where_o he_o be_v excommunicate_v we_o have_v the_o letter_n of_o s._n cyril_n wherein_o he_o again_o receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n john_n patriarch_n of_o antioch_n and_o all_o his_o follower_n of_o which_o number_n theodoret_n be_v the_o chief_a we_o have_v the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n where_o theodoret_n after_o some_o certain_a cry_n out_o of_o his_o adversary_n against_o he_o be_v at_o length_n receive_v by_o the_o whole_a assembly_n as_o a_o catholic_n bishop_n and_o be_v admit_v to_o sit_v among_o they_o in_o which_o of_o all_o these_o authentic_a piece_n be_v there_o so_o much_o as_o one_o word_n speak_v touch_v this_o opinion_n of_o he_o concern_v the_o point_n of_o the_o proceed_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n s._n cyril_n himself_o that_o be_v to_o say_v those_o of_o his_o party_n do_v not_o at_o all_o condemn_v what_o he_o say_v touch_v this_o particular_a but_o he_o rather_o content_v himself_o in_o excuse_v or_o if_o you_o please_v in_o defend_v only_o his_o own_o opinion_n the_o business_n for_o which_o theodoret_n be_v question_v in_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n and_o of_o chalcedon_n have_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n to_o do_v with_o this_o touch_v the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o question_n be_v only_o there_o touch_v the_o two_o nature_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n who_o nestorius_n will_v needs_o divide_v into_o two_o person_n john_n patriarch_n of_o antioch_n theodoret_n and_o divers_a other_o eastern_a bishop_n favour_v in_o some_o sort_n his_o person_n or_o be_v indeed_o offend_v rather_o at_o the_o proceed_v of_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n against_o he_o and_o withal_o reject_v several_a thing_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o anathemas_fw-la of_o s._n cyril_n now_o with_o what_o face_n can_v this_o man_n tell_v we_o after_o all_o
that_o a_o man_n may_v safe_o build_v upon_o they_o and_o make_v they_o the_o judge_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o they_o all_o agree_v upon_o as_o far_o as_o i_o have_v either_o read_v or_o know_v as_o any_o man_n may_v see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o calvin_n bucer_n melancthon_n luther_n beza_n and_o the_o rest_n who_o all_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n only_o and_o admit_v not_o of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n as_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n whereon_o to_o build_v any_o article_n of_o their_o belief_n it_o be_v true_a i_o confess_v that_o some_o of_o their_o first_o author_n as_o namely_o bucer_n peter_n martyr_n and_o j._n jewel_n bishop_n of_o salisbury_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n all_o the_o late_a writer_n also_o allege_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n but_o if_o you_o but_o mark_v it_o it_o be_v only_o by_o way_n of_o confutation_n and_o not_o of_o establish_v any_o thing_n they_o do_v it_o only_o to_o overthrow_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o not_o to_o strengthen_v their_o own_o for_o though_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o so_o pure_a as_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n yet_o do_v they_o withal_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v much_o pure_a than_o that_o which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n teach_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n have_v continual_o decay_v and_o the_o impurity_n of_o it_o increase_v in_o such_o sort_n as_o that_o the_o further_o they_o be_v remove_v from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o near_o they_o approach_v as_o they_o say_v towards_o the_o aforementioned_a fall_v away_o speak_v of_o by_o s._n paul_n although_o the_o protestant_n therefore_o allow_v the_o scripture_n only_o for_o the_o true_a foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n yet_o notwithstanding_o do_v they_o account_v the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n to_o be_v necessary_a also_o and_o of_o good_a use_n unto_o they_o first_o of_o all_o in_o the_o prove_v this_o decay_n which_o they_o say_v have_v happen_v in_o christianity_n and_o second_o for_o the_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o opinion_n which_o their_o adversary_n now_o maintain_v be_v not_o in_o those_o day_n bring_v into_o any_o form_n but_o be_v as_o yet_o only_o in_o their_o seed_n as_o for_o example_n transubstantiation_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n notwithstanding_o that_o long_a ago_o they_o do_v innocent_o and_o not_o foresee_v what_o the_o issue_n may_v prove_v to_o be_v believe_v some_o certain_a thing_n out_o of_o which_o be_v afterward_o lick_v over_o by_o pass_v through_o divers_a several_a language_n transubstantiation_n be_v at_o length_n make_v up_o so_o likewise_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o pope_n have_v at_o that_o time_n no_o place_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o man_n although_o those_o small_a thread_n and_o root-string_n from_o whence_o this_o vast_a and_o wonderful_a power_n first_o spring_v long_o since_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o other_o point_n which_o the_o protestant_n will_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n receive_v and_o that_o this_o be_v their_o resolution_n and_o sense_n appear_v evident_o by_o those_o many_o book_n which_o they_o have_v write_v upon_o this_o subject_a wherein_o they_o show_v historical_o the_o whole_a progress_n of_o this_o decay_n in_o christianity_n as_o well_o in_o its_o faith_n as_o in_o its_o polity_n and_o discipline_n and_o true_o this_o their_o design_n seem_v to_o be_v very_o sufficient_a and_o satisfactory_a for_o see_v that_o they_o propose_v nothing_o positive_o and_o as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o may_v not_o easy_o and_o plain_o be_v prove_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n they_o have_v no_o need_n to_o make_v use_n of_o any_o other_o principle_n for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n furthermore_o see_v that_o those_o positive_a article_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o believe_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o of_o they_o receive_v and_o confess_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o we_o have_v say_v before_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o this_o treatise_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o trouble_v a_o man_n self_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o those_o thing_n which_o both_o party_n be_v agree_v upon_o be_v never_o to_o be_v prove_v but_o be_v always_o presuppose_v in_o all_o disputation_n yet_o notwithstanding_o if_o any_o one_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v inform_v what_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o father_n have_v be_v touch_v the_o say_a article_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n for_o they_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o also_o believe_v all_o of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o themselves_o as_o for_o example_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o christ_n a_o salvation_n a_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n a_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n and_o the_o like_a truth_n the_o great_a part_n whereof_o we_o have_v former_o set_v down_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o as_o for_o those_o other_o article_n which_o be_v propose_v to_o the_o world_n beside_o all_o these_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v the_o argument_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v they_o and_o to_o make_v it_o by_o this_o mean_n appear_v that_o they_o have_v not_o any_o sure_a ground_n at_o all_o and_o consequent_o neither_o may_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n and_o this_o be_v the_o use_n that_o the_o protestant_n make_v of_o the_o father_n evident_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n out_o of_o they_o that_o they_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o say_a article_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v at_o this_o day_n so_o that_o their_o allege_v of_o the_o father_n to_o this_o purpose_n only_o and_o indeed_o their_o whole_a practice_n in_o these_o dispute_n declare_v evident_o enough_o that_o they_o conceive_v not_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v so_o perfect_o and_o exact_o conformable_a to_o that_o of_o antiquity_n especial_o of_o the_o four_o or_o five_o first_o age_n which_o accord_v very_o well_o with_o their_o hypothesis_n touch_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n but_o yet_o no_o man_n may_v conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o do_v allow_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n as_o a_o sufficient_a foundation_n to_o ground_n any_o article_n of_o faith_n upon_o for_o this_o be_v repugnant_a both_o to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o to_o the_o protestation_n which_o they_o upon_o all_o occasion_n make_v express_o to_o the_o contrary_n so_o that_o i_o can_v but_o extreme_o wonder_v at_o the_o proceed_v of_o some_o of_o our_o modern_a author_n who_o in_o their_o disputation_n with_o the_o protestant_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v the_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o testimony_n bring_v out_o of_o the_o father_n whereas_o the_o protestant_n never_o go_v about_o to_o make_v good_a their_o own_o opinion_n but_o only_o to_o overthrow_v those_o of_o their_o adversary_n by_o urge_v the_o father_n testimony_n for_o see_v that_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n maintain_v that_o the_o church_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v possible_o err_v in_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o its_o belief_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n have_v always_o be_v the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o protestant_n to_o show_v by_o compare_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n with_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n betwixt_o they_o neither_o do_v this_o in_o any_o wise_a bind_v they_o to_o believe_v throughout_o whatsoever_o the_o father_n believe_v it_o be_v evident_a according_a to_o their_o hypothesis_n that_o there_o may_v have_v some_o error_n creep_v into_o their_o belief_n though_o certain_o not_o such_o nor_o so_o gross_a one_o as_o have_v be_v since_o entertain_v by_o the_o church_n in_o the_o age_n succeed_v we_o shall_v conclude_v therefore_o that_o the_o protestant_n acknowledge_v not_o neither_o in_o the_o father_n nor_o in_o their_o write_n any_o so_o absolute_a authority_n as_o render_v they_o capable_a of_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o as_o our_o supreme_a judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o such_o from_o who_o no_o appeal_n can_v be_v make_v whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o although_o the_o father_n may_v real_o perhaps_o have_v such_o a_o authority_n yet_o notwithstanding_o can_v not_o their_o definitive_a sentence_n put_v a_o end_n to_o any_o of_o our_o controversy_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o have_v
perhaps_o that_o his_o hyperbolical_a way_n of_o expression_n of_o a_o thousand_o augustine_n hieromes_n and_o gregory_n all_o which_o join_v together_o he_o in_o too_o disdainful_a a_o manner_n cast_v down_o beneath_o the_o foot_n of_o one_o single_a pope_n but_o this_o height_n of_o expression_n may_v be_v somewhat_o excuse_v in_o he_o consider_v that_o such_o excess_n as_o these_o be_v very_o ordinary_a with_o all_o high_a and_o free-spirited_n person_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o will_v be_v able_a to_o inform_v we_o more_o true_o and_o clear_o what_o esteem_v they_o have_v of_o antiquity_n for_o if_o we_o ought_v to_o stand_v to_o the_o father_n and_o not_o to_o depart_v from_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o have_v authorize_v nor_o to_o ordain_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o we_o at_o this_o day_n see_v so_o many_o several_a observation_n and_o custom_n which_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o ancient_n now_o quite_o lay_v aside_o and_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o we_o find_v in_o antiquity_n no_o mention_n at_o all_o of_o many_o thing_n which_o be_v now_o in_o great_a request_n among_o we_o there_o be_v as_o it_o be_v three_o principal_a part_n in_o religion_n namely_o point_n of_o belief_n of_o ceremony_n and_o of_o discipline_n we_o shall_v run_v they_o over_o light_o all_o three_o and_o so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a only_o for_o our_o present_a purpose_n that_o so_o we_o may_v let_v the_o world_n see_v that_o in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o three_o part_n they_o have_v both_o abolish_v and_o establish_v very_o many_o thing_n express_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ancient_n as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o we_o have_v former_o give_v the_o reader_n some_o taste_n only_o in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n for_o we_o have_v see_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o beside_o be_v at_o this_o day_n also_o maintain_v by_o the_o greek_a church_n be_v condemn_v not_o much_o above_o two_o hundred_o year_n since_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o the_o council_n of_o florence_n and_o a_o quite_o contrary_a belief_n there_o establish_v as_o a_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o have_v see_v beside_o that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o even_o down_o as_o far_o as_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o six_o century_n after_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o afterward_o be_v that_o the_o eucharist_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o baptism_n and_o that_o consequent_o it_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v administer_v to_o little_a child_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o council_n of_o sit_v trent_n have_v condemn_v this_o opinion_n as_o a_o error_n in_o faith_n withal_o anathematise_v by_o a_o canon_n make_v express_o for_o that_o purpose_n all_o those_o who_o ever_o shall_v maintain_v the_o same_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v say_v they_o whoever_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o eucharist_n be_v necessary_a for_o little_a child_n before_o they_o be_v come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n only_o that_o the_o father_n may_v not_o take_v offence_n hereat_o as_o have_v so_o fearful_a a_o affront_n put_v upon_o they_o these_o man_n have_v endeavour_v to_o persuade_v both_o they_o and_o other_o that_o they_o never_o do_v believe_v that_o which_o themselves_o have_v most_o clear_o and_o in_o express_a term_n protest_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v as_o we_o have_v before_o make_v it_o appear_v which_o be_v to_o double_v the_o injury_n upon_o they_o rather_o than_o to_o make_v they_o any_o reparation_n for_o it_o see_v that_o they_o deal_v with_o they_o now_o not_o as_o heretic_n only_o but_o as_o fool_n also_o who_o a_o man_n may_v at_o pleasure_n persuade_v that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o which_o they_o real_o do_v believe_v we_o have_v abundant_o hear_v out_o of_o st._n hierome_n mouth_n how_o that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o chilast_n be_v of_o old_a maintain_v by_o several_a of_o the_o ancient_a father_n which_o yet_o be_v now_o condemn_v as_o a_o error_n in_o faith_n and_o indeed_o the_o number_n of_o these_o kind_n of_o difference_n in_o opinion_n be_v almost_o infinite_a it_o be_v account_v no_o error_n in_o those_o day_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o father_n down_o to_o the_o son_n according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o generation_n but_o this_o opinion_n will_v now_o be_v account_v a_o heresy_n etc._n the_o ancient_n hold_v that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o oppose_a of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n if_o we_o shall_v bang_n up_o the_o picture_n of_o any_o man_n in_o the_o church_n and_o depingatur_fw-la that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v any_o picture_n in_o our_o church_n that_o that_o which_o we_o worship_v and_o adore_v be_v not_o paint_v upon_o a_o wall_n but_o now_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n have_v ordain_v the_o quite_o contrary_a and_o say_v impertiendam_fw-la that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v and_o to_o keep_v especial_o in_o our_o church_n the_o image_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o virgin_n the_o mother_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o other_o saint_n and_o that_o we_o be_v to_o yield_v unto_o they_o all_o due_a honour_n and_o veneration_n 3._o all_o the_o ancient_a father_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v learn_v out_o of_o their_o write_n believe_v that_o the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n be_v conceive_v in_o original_a sin_n if_o now_o the_o father_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n account_v they_o to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o faith_n what_o move_v they_o then_o to_o imagine_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o maintain_v any_o such_o opinion_n for_o have_v deliver_v their_o definitive_a sentence_n in_o a_o decree_n there_o pass_v to_o this_o purpose_n and_o declare_v that_o this_o sin_n which_o have_v spread_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a mass_n of_o mankind_n by_o propagation_n and_o not_o by_o imitation_n have_v seize_v on_o every_o person_n in_o particular_a genitricem_fw-la they_o at_o length_n conclude_v that_o their_o intention_n be_v not_o to_o comprehend_v within_o this_o number_n the_o bless_a and_o unspotted_a virgin_n mary_n the_o mother_n of_o god_n which_o word_n of_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a so_o to_o expound_v as_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o in_o plain_a term_n give_v the_o lie_n to_o all_o the_o father_n for_o if_o they_o mean_v by_o these_o word_n that_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v conceive_v without_o sin_n they_o flat_o establish_v a_o opinion_n which_o be_v contradictory_n to_o that_o of_o the_o father_n which_o be_v the_o gross_a manner_n of_o give_v they_o the_o lie_v that_o can_v be_v if_o they_o mean_v here_o no_o more_o than_o this_o which_o sense_n yet_o their_o word_n will_v hardly_o be_v ever_o make_v to_o bear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o know_v as_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v conceive_v in_o sin_n they_o however_o honest_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n that_o these_o good_a man_n affirm_v as_o true_a that_o which_o be_v yet_o doubtful_a and_o maintain_v as_o certain_a that_o which_o be_v but_o problematical_a only_o and_o questionable_a the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n which_o be_v insert_v into_o the_o code_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a 163._o put_v not_o into_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n any_o more_o than_o twenty_o two_o book_n only_o exclude_v by_o this_o mean_n out_o of_o this_o number_n the_o book_n of_o tobit_n of_o judith_n the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n ecclesiasticus_fw-la and_o the_o two_o book_n of_o the_o maccabee_n 27._o melito_n bishop_n of_o sardis_n 3._o origen_n 4._o cyril_n of_o jerusalem_n 98._o gregory_n nazianzen_n 2._o s._n hilary_n 162._o and_o epiphanius_n do_v all_o of_o they_o the_o same_o 58._o athanasius_n 552._o ruffinus_n and_o esdr_n s._n hierome_n express_o reject_v these_o very_a book_n and_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o canon_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o aforesaid_a council_n of_o esto_fw-la trent_n anathematize_v all_o those_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v as_o holy_a and_o canonical_a all_o these_o book_n with_o every_o part_n of_o the_o same_o as_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n and_o as_o they_o be_v find_v in_o the_o old_a latin_a edition_n common_o call_v the_o vulgar_a translation_n where_o beside_o the_o affront_n which_o they_o have_v offer_v to_o so_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_n and_o most_o eminent_a among_o the_o father_n and_o indeed_o to_o the_o whole_a primitive_a church_n itself_o which_o receive_v this_o conon_n of_o laodicea_n in_o among_o its_o universal_a rule_n they_o have_v also_o establish_v a_o position_n here_o which_o be_v not_o till_o then_o so_o much_o as_o ever_o hear_v
which_o amount_v in_o all_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o the_o number_n of_o twenty_o two_o only_a without_o make_v any_o mention_n at_o all_o of_o those_o other_o book_n which_o cardinal_n perron_n call_v posthumous_n namely_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n the_o maccabee_n judith_n and_o tobit_n all_o the_o canon_n of_o this_o council_n be_v afterward_o insert_v into_o the_o code_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a where_o you_o have_v this_o very_a canon_n also_o num._n 163._o that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v they_o be_v receive_v as_o rule_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o will_v believe_v now_o but_o that_o this_o declaration_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v at_o that_o time_n receive_v by_o all_o christian_a church_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o you_o have_v the_o church_n of_o africa_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o synod_n at_o 47._o carthage_n about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 397._o and_o ordain_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o former_a resolution_n of_o laodicea_n that_o among_o those_o book_n which_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v read_v in_o church_n the_o maccabee_n judith_n tobit_n ecclesiasticus_fw-la and_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n which_o two_o last_o they_o also_o reckon_v among_o the_o book_n write_v by_o solomon_n shall_v be_v take_v into_o the_o number_n who_o know_v not_o the_o difference_n that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n betwixt_o the_o eastern_a and_o the_o western_a church_n touch_v the_o 359._o fast_n upon_o saturday_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n maintain_v it_o be_v lawful_a and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n account_v it_o unlawful_a whence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v that_o so_o 〈◊〉_d bold_a canon_n pass_v in_o the_o council_n at_o constantinople_n in_o trullo_n in_o these_o word_n understanding_n that_o in_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o holy_a fast_o of_o lent_n they_o fast_o on_o saturday_n contrary_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o this_o holy_a council_n that_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n they_o inviolable_o also_o observe_v that_o canon_n which_o say_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o fast_o either_o upon_o the_o lord_n day_n or_o upon_o the_o saturday_n except_v only_o that_o one_o saturday_n if_o he_o be_v a_o clergyman_n he_o shall_v be_v depose_v but_o if_o be_v be_v of_o the_o laity_n he_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v who_o know_v not_o after_o how_o many_o several_a way_n the_o fast_a of_o lent_n be_v ancient_o observe_v in_o divers_a church_n a_o account_n whereof_o be_v give_v you_o by_o irenaeus_n in_o that_o pious_a 26_o epistle_n of_o he_o which_o he_o write_v to_o victor_n part_v whereof_o eusebius_n set_v down_o in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n who_o do_v not_o also_o know_v that_o the_o opinion_n and_o expression_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n touch_v freewill_n and_o predestination_n be_v extreme_o different_a from_o what_o the_o church_n believe_v and_o teach_v in_o s._n augustine_n time_n and_o so_o downward_o and_o as_o concern_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n do_v but_o hear_v anastasius_n bibliothecarius_n upon_o the_o vi_o canon_n of_o the_o vii_o general_n council_n which_o enjoin_v all_o metropolitan_o to_o hold_v provincial_a synod_n once_o a_o year_n dignoscitur_fw-la neither_o let_v it_o at_o all_o trouble_n thou_o say_v he_o that_o we_o have_v not_o this_o decree_n see_v that_o there_o be_v some_o other_o find_v among_o the_o canon_n who_o authority_n nevertheless_o we_o not_o admit_v of_o for_o some_o of_o they_o be_v in_o force_n and_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o greek_a church_n and_o other_o again_o in_o certain_a other_o province_n only_o as_o for_o example_n the_o xvi_o and_o xvii_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n be_v observe_v only_o among_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o vi_o and_o the_o viii_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o africa_n be_v receive_v by_o none_o but_o the_o african_n only_o i_o can_v here_o produce_v divers_a other_o example_n but_o these_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o the_o opinion_n and_o custom_n which_o have_v be_v receive_v in_o one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n have_v not_o always_o be_v entertain_v in_o all_o the_o rest_n whence_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o all_o that_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o the_o opinion_n or_o observation_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o therefore_o present_o to_o pass_v for_o a_o universal_a law_n the_o protestant_n allege_v for_o the_o justify_v his_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n before_o mention_v thou_o answer_v he_o perhaps_o that_o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v only_o of_o some_o particular_a church_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o enter_v into_o a_o examination_n whether_o this_o answer_n be_v well_o ground_v or_o not_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o that_o i_o can_v safe_o then_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o according_a to_o this_o account_n before_o you_o can_v make_v use_n of_o any_o opinion_n or_o testimony_n out_o of_o any_o of_o the_o father_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o you_o first_o make_v it_o appear_v not_o only_o that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n but_o you_o must_v further_o also_o clear_o demonstrate_v unto_o we_o what_o church_n opinion_n it_o be_v whether_o of_o the_o church_n universal_a or_o else_o of_o some_o particular_a church_n only_o it_o be_v object_v against_o the_o protestant_n that_o epiphanius_n testify_v 1._o that_o the_o church_n admit_v not_o into_o the_o high_a order_n of_o the_o ministry_n any_o save_v those_o that_o be_v virgin_n or_o profess_a continency_n now_o to_o make_v good_a this_o allegation_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o be_v first_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n he_o there_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o church_n universal_a for_o will_n the_o protestant_a reply_n upon_o you_o as_o laodicea_n have_v have_v as_o it_o seem_v a_o particular_a opinion_n touch_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n possible_o also_o cyprus_n may_v in_o like_a manner_n have_v have_v its_o particular_a resolution_n touch_v the_o ordination_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o other_o observation_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n now_o how_o difficult_a a_o business_n it_o will_v be_v to_o clear_v these_o matter_n which_o be_v so_o full_a of_o perplexity_n and_o to_o distinguish_v of_o antiquity_n at_o this_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n of_o time_n sever_a that_o which_o be_v public_a from_o what_o be_v particular_a and_o that_o which_o be_v provincial_a from_o what_o be_v national_a and_o what_o be_v national_a from_o that_o which_o be_v universal_a any_o man_n may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v some_o kind_n of_o guess_n but_o none_o can_v thorough_o understand_v save_v he_o that_o have_v make_v trial_n of_o it_o do_v but_o fancy_n to_o yourselves_o a_o city_n that_o have_v lie_v ruinate_v a_o thousand_o year_n no_o part_n whereof_o remain_v save_v only_o the_o ruin_n of_o house_n lie_v all_o along_o here_o and_o there_o confuse_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v cover_v all_o over_o with_o thorn_n and_o bush_n imagine_v then_o that_o you_o have_v meet_v with_o one_o that_o will_v undertake_v to_o show_v you_o precise_o where_o the_o public_a building_n of_o the_o city_n stand_v and_o where_o the_o private_a which_o be_v the_o stone_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o one_o and_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o other_o and_o in_o a_o word_n who_o in_o these_o confuse_a heap_n where_o the_o whole_a lie_v all_o together_o will_n notwithstanding_o separate_v you_o the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o the_o very_a same_o task_n in_o a_o manner_n do_v he_o undertake_v who_o ever_o shall_v go_v about_o true_o and_o precise_o to_o distinguish_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n this_o antiquity_n be_v now_o of_o eleven_o or_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n stand_v and_o the_o ruin_n of_o it_o be_v now_o only_o leave_v we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o that_o time_n which_o also_o have_v meet_v with_o none_o of_o the_o best_a entertainment_n in_o their_o passage_n through_o the_o several_a age_n down_o to_o our_o time_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o how_o then_o dare_v we_o entertain_v the_o least_o hope_n that_o amid_o this_o so_o great_a confusion_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a yet_o to_o distinguish_v the_o piece_n and_o to_o tell_v which_o of_o they_o honour_v the_o public_a temple_n and_o which_o go_v to_o the_o furnish_n of_o private_a chapel_n only_o especial_o consider_v that_o the_o private_a one_o have_v each_o of_o they_o ambitious_o endeavour_v to_o make_v their_o own_o pass_n for_o public_a for_o where_o be_v the_o province_n or_o the_o city_n or_o the_o doctor_n that_o have_v not_o boast_o cry_v up_o
castro_n and_o 4._o melchior_n canus_n two_o spanish_a doctor_n for_o as_o much_o therefore_o as_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n save_o that_o which_o be_v true_a it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o we_o neither_o may_v nor_o aught_o to_o believe_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n till_o such_o time_n as_o they_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o have_v be_v certain_o true_a now_o we_o can_v be_v certain_o assure_v of_o this_o by_o their_o single_a authority_n see_v that_o they_o be_v but_o man_n who_o be_v not_o always_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o above_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o some_o other_o guide_n in_o this_o our_o inquiry_n namely_o either_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o of_o reason_n or_o of_o tradition_n or_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o present_a church_n or_o of_o some_o other_o such_o mean_n as_o they_o themselves_o have_v make_v use_n of_o so_o that_o it_o hence_o follow_v that_o their_o bare_a assertion_n be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o we_o to_o build_v any_o of_o our_o opinion_n upon_o they_o only_o serve_v to_o incline_v we_o before_o hand_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o the_o great_a opinion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o they_o cause_v we_o to_o conclude_v that_o they_o will_v never_o have_v embrace_v such_o a_o opinion_n except_o it_o have_v be_v true_a which_o manner_n of_o argumentation_n how_o ever_o be_v at_o the_o best_a but_o probable_a so_o long_o as_o the_o person_n we_o have_v here_o to_o do_v withal_o be_v only_a man_n and_o no_o more_o and_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n where_o the_o question_n be_v touch_v point_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v allow_v of_o since_o that_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v ground_v not_o upon_o probability_n but_o upon_o necessary_a truth_n the_o father_n be_v like_a to_o other_o great_a master_n in_o this_o point_n and_o their_o opinion_n be_v more_o or_o less_o valid_a in_o proportion_n to_o the_o reason_n and_o authority_n whereon_o they_o be_v ground_v only_o they_o have_v this_o advantage_n that_o their_o very_a name_n beget_v in_o we_o a_o readiness_n and_o inclination_n to_o receive_v whatsoever_o come_v from_o they_o while_o we_o think_v it_o very_o improbable_a that_o so_o excellent_a man_n as_o they_o be_v shall_v ever_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a thus_o in_o humane_a science_n the_o say_n of_o a_o aristotle_n be_v of_o a_o far_o different_a value_n from_o that_o of_o any_o other_o philosopher_n of_o less_o account_n because_o that_o all_o man_n be_v beforehand_o possess_v with_o a_o opinion_n that_o this_o great_a philosopher_n will_v not_o maintain_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o consonant_a to_o reason_n but_o this_o be_v prejudice_n only_o for_o if_o upon_o better_a examination_n it_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v otherwise_o his_o bare_a authority_n will_v then_o no_o long_o prevail_v with_o we_o what_o himself_o have_v sometime_o gallant_o say_v will_v then_o here_o take_v place_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sacred_a thing_n always_o to_o prefer_v the_o truth_n 〈◊〉_d before_o friendship_n let_v the_o father_n therefore_o if_o you_o please_v be_v the_o aristotle_n in_o christian_n philosophy_n and_o let_v we_o have_v a_o reverent_a esteem_n of_o they_o and_o their_o write_n as_o they_o deserve_v and_o not_o be_v too_o rash_a in_o conclude_v that_o person_n of_o so_o eminent_a both_o learning_n and_o sanctity_n shall_v maintain_v any_o erroneous_a or_o vain_a opinion_n especial_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n yet_o notwithstanding_o be_v we_o bind_v withal_o to_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v but_o man_n and_o that_o their_o memory_n understanding_n or_o judgement_n may_v sometime_o fail_v they_o and_o therefore_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v their_o write_n by_o those_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o draw_v their_o conclusion_n and_o not_o to_o sit_v down_o upon_o their_o bare_a assertion_n till_o such_o time_n as_o we_o have_v discover_v they_o to_o be_v true_a if_o i_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o any_o other_o person_n than_o of_o the_o father_n i_o shall_v not_o add_v any_o thing_n more_o to_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v it_o have_v be_v already_o in_o my_o judgement_n clear_o enough_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o themselves_o of_o authority_n enough_o to_o oblige_v we_o necessary_o to_o follow_v their_o opinion_n but_o see_v the_o question_n here_o be_v touch_v these_o great_a name_n which_o be_v so_o high_o honour_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n that_o no_o man_n may_v accuse_v we_o of_o endeavour_v to_o rob_v they_o of_o any_o of_o the_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o they_o i_o hold_v it_o necessary_a to_o examine_v this_o business_n a_o little_a more_o exact_o and_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v by_o consider_v the_o thing_n itself_o that_o they_o be_v of_o no_o more_o authority_n neither_o in_o themselves_o nor_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o than_o have_v be_v already_o by_o we_o attribute_v unto_o they_o chap._n ii_o reason_n 2._o that_o the_o father_n themselves_o testify_v against_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v absolute_o and_o upon_o their_o own_o bare_a word_n in_o what_o they_o deliver_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v none_o so_o fit_a to_o inform_v we_o what_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n be_v as_o the_o ancient_n themselves_o who_o in_o all_o reason_n must_v needs_o know_v this_o better_a than_o we_o let_v we_o therefore_o now_o hear_v what_o they_o testify_v in_o this_o particular_a and_o if_o we_o do_v indeed_o hold_v they_o in_o so_o high_a esteem_n as_o we_o make_v profession_n of_o let_v we_o allow_v of_o their_o judgement_n in_o this_o particular_a attribute_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o unto_o the_o ancient_n than_o they_o themselves_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n st._n augustine_n who_o be_v the_o principal_a light_n of_o the_o latin_a church_n be_v enter_v into_o a_o contestation_n with_o st._n hierome_n touch_v the_o interpretation_n beforementioned_a of_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o saint_n paul_n to_o the_o galatian_n and_o find_v himself_o hardly_o press_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o six_o or_o seven_o greek_a writer_n which_o be_v urge_v against_o he_o by_o the_o other_o to_o rid_v his_o hand_n of_o they_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o make_v open_a profession_n in_o what_o account_n he_o hold_v that_o sort_n of_o writer_n est_fw-la i_o confess_v say_v he_o to_o thy_o charity_n that_o i_o only_o owe_v to_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v now_o call_v canonical_a that_o reverence_n and_o honour_n as_o to_o believe_v steadfast_o that_o none_o of_o their_o author_n ever_o commit_v any_o error_n in_o write_v the_o same_o and_o if_o by_o chance_n i_o there_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o truth_n i_o present_o think_v that_o certain_o either_o my_o copy_n be_v imperfect_a and_o not_o so_o correct_a as_o it_o shall_v be_v or_o else_o that_o the_o interpreter_n do_v not_o so_o well_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o the_o original_a or_o last_o that_o i_o myself_o have_v not_o so_o right_o understand_v he_o but_o as_o for_o all_o other_o writer_n how_o eminent_a soever_o they_o be_v either_o for_o sanctity_n or_o learning_n i_o read_v they_o so_o as_o not_o present_o to_o conclude_v whatsoever_o i_o there_o find_v to_o be_v true_a because_o they_o have_v say_v it_o but_o rather_o because_o they_o convince_v i_o either_o out_o of_o the_o say_v canonical_a book_n of_o scripture_n or_o else_o by_o some_o probable_a reason_n that_o what_o they_o say_v be_v true_a neither_o do_v i_o think_v brother_n that_o thou_o thyself_o art_n of_o any_o other_o opinion_n that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o thou_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v read_v thy_o book_n as_o we_o do_v those_o of_o the_o prophet_n or_o apostle_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o who_o write_n as_o be_v exempt_a from_o all_o error_n we_o may_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a doubt_n and_o have_v afterward_o oppose_v some_o other_o the_o like_a authority_n against_o those_o allege_a by_o st._n hierome_n he_o add_v that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o dubitem_fw-la notwithstanding_o that_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n he_o account_v the_o canonical_a scripture_n only_o to_o be_v the_o book_n to_o which_o as_o he_o say_v before_o he_o owe_v that_o ingenuous_a duty_n as_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o the_o author_n of_o they_o never_o err_v or_o deceive_v the_o reader_n in_o any_o thing_n this_o holy_a man_n account_v this_o advice_n to_o be_v of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o that_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o repeat_v it_o again_o in_o another_o place_n and_o i_o must_v entreat_v my_o reader_n