a_o treatise_n touch_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o apostolical_a rule_n how_o to_o judge_v aright_o in_o difference_n which_o concern_v religion_n john_n 7._o v._o 24._o judge_v not_o according_a to_o the_o appearance_n but_o judge_v righteous_a judgement_n publish_a by_o authority_n london_n print_v for_o george_n thomason_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1646._o to_o the_o reverend_n pious_a and_o learned_a assembly_n of_o divine_n convene_v at_o westminster_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o parliament_n for_o consultation_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n reverend_n sir_n consider_v with_o myself_o with_o a_o charitable_a and_o tender_a commiseration_n the_o pestiferous_a and_o pernicious_a heresy_n schism_n division_n and_o sect_n wherewith_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o christian_a both_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n be_v ever_o continual_o infest_a distract_a and_o tear_v in_o piece_n i_o make_v no_o question_n but_o you_o will_v confess_v that_o the_o latter_a two_o rent_n the_o one_o between_o the_o christian-protestants_a and_o roman-catholic_n the_o other_o between_o we_o and_o the_o evangelical-lutherans_a which_o in_o our_o predecessor_n day_n spring_v original_o in_o germany_n then_o be_v disperse_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o universal-occidental-christian-world_n and_o at_o this_o present_a be_v grow_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o desolation_n and_o devastation_n of_o christendom_n be_v foment_v with_o more_o unchristian_a and_o inhuman_a cruelty_n bitterness_n calumny_n slander_n oppression_n persecution_n and_o effusion_n of_o blood_n then_o ever_o you_o hear_v or_o read_v in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n of_o any_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o acknowledge_v that_o such_o distraction_n and_o disorder_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n proceed_v from_o no_o other_o ground_n then_o from_o a_o unseasonable_a uncharitable_a rash_a presumptuous_a and_o unjust_a judge_v and_o condemn_v one_o another_o wherefore_o we_o shall_v do_v very_o well_o exact_o to_o search_v and_o inquire_v which_o of_o these_o three_o principal_a divide_v and_o dissent_v church_n be_v guilty_a or_o innocent_a of_o such_o a_o prejudicial_a schism_n and_o separation_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v know_v and_o discern_v which_o side_n to_o embrace_v and_o give_v assent_n unto_o and_o which_o not_o and_o that_o the_o true_a undeniable_a orthodoxal_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o true_a evangelical_n reform_v protestant_n may_v not_o be_v condemn_v and_o reject_v by_o any_o incompetent_a judge_n as_o false_a erroneous_a heretical_a and_o damnable_a in_o regard_n that_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n be_v common_o as_o much_o obnoxious_a to_o ill_a manage_n as_o civil_a and_o temporal_a it_o be_v by_o all_o mean_v expedient_a and_o requisite_a for_o we_o to_o repair_v to_o such_o a_o judge_n who_o betwixt_o we_o and_o other_o may_v determine_v and_o decide_v the_o controversy_n and_o difference_n by_o a_o infallible_a sentence_n from_o which_o we_o can_v appeal_v and_o whereas_o the_o papist_n do_v attribute_v such_o full_a and_o absolute_a determination_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o as_o they_o declare_v it_o themselves_o to_o the_o pope_n as_o the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n either_o himself_o alone_o or_o with_o assistance_n of_o a_o council_n of_o cardinal_n bishop_n and_o prelate_n depend_v on_o he_o and_o represent_v the_o whole_a universal_a church_n i_o be_o persuade_v we_o with_o all_o christian_a protestant_n can_v nor_o will_v submit_v to_o any_o other_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n himself_o who_o in_o his_o sacred_a word_n have_v prescribe_v his_o will_n and_o decision_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o we_o only_o close_o and_o positive_o must_v adhere_v and_o stick_v unto_o for_o this_o volume_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o mean_v not_o any_o other_o book_n more_o or_o less_o than_o those_o that_o by_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v write_v of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o left_a to_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o from_o it_o be_v spread_v among_o all_o nation_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o darkness_n and_o unfaithful_a heresy_n by_o god_n singular_a providence_n preserve_v and_o in_o their_o original_a tongue_n convey_v unto_o we_o be_v the_o indubitable_a word_n of_o god_n who_o divine_a power_n light_n virtue_n and_o operation_n all_o true_a believer_n feel_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n and_o contain_v though_o not_o the_o decision_n of_o all_o theological_a question_n and_o controversy_n yet_o all_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n necessary_a for_o every_o true_a christian_n salvation_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o church_n or_o they_o that_o have_v the_o charge_n over_o it_o whether_o they_o be_v call_v pope_n cardinal_n bishop_n or_o divine_n and_o teacher_n or_o general_a counsel_n have_v not_o any_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o decide_v determine_v and_o wrest_v the_o doctrine_n to_o their_o arbitrary_a judgement_n and_o pleasure_n but_o only_o a_o ministerial_a function_n to_o teach_v and_o demonstrate_v by_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whither_o and_o how_o they_o be_v decide_v in_o it_o neither_o to_o force_v their_o doubtful_a and_o undecided_a opinion_n upon_o any_o man_n sub_fw-la anathemate_fw-la or_o excommunication_n unless_o he_o shall_v reject_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o any_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o plain_a declaration_n thereof_o or_o cry_v up_o his_o own_o erroneous_a and_o controvert_v opinion_n interpretation_n consequence_n and_o inference_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o disturbance_n and_o distraction_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o this_o be_v that_o the_o papist_n cast_v continual_o into_o the_o lutheran_n and_o reform_a protestant_n tooth_n that_o notwithstanding_o they_o still_o refer_v themselves_o to_o the_o perfect_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o they_o will_v be_v themselves_o infallible_a judge_n by_o obstruct_v and_o impose_v their_o own_o particular_a exposition_n and_o inference_n on_o other_o the_o lutheran_n indeed_o especial_o which_o be_v call_v lutherani_fw-la rigidi_fw-la the_o grosser_n sort_n who_o be_v so_o strict_o addict_v formulae_fw-la concordiae_fw-la saxonicae_fw-la that_o they_o bound_v not_o only_o their_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n unto_o it_o but_o also_o all_o other_o that_o dissent_v from_o they_o in_o their_o particular_a interpretation_n and_o opinion_n principal_o in_o the_o point_n of_o consubstantiation_n and_o omnipresence_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o its_o oral_a manducation_n by_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o deprive_v they_o of_o public_a office_n and_o dignity_n as_o long_o as_o they_o do_v obstinate_o persist_v in_o their_o arrogant_a judge_v and_o condemn_v will_v have_v a_o very_a hard_a task_n to_o clear_v themselves_o of_o this_o charge_n the_o vindication_n of_o the_o protestant_a reform_a church_n how_o that_o they_o only_o depend_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o on_o any_o man_n interpretation_n and_o opinion_n much_o less_o presume_v to_o impose_v they_o on_o other_o as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n but_o impart_v and_o permit_v to_o every_o one_o the_o due_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n without_o transgress_v the_o true_a limit_n and_o rule_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o the_o christian_a charity_n have_v be_v of_o late_a sufficient_o and_o punctual_o for_o the_o true_a and_o better_a information_n of_o they_o that_o be_v misinform_v exhibit_v in_o high_a dutch_a by_o d._n john_n bergius_n chaplain_n to_o his_o highness_n the_o prince_n elector_n of_o brandenbourg_n author_n of_o this_o treatise_n one_o of_o the_o best_a learned_a divine_v germany_n at_o this_o present_a afford_v a_o primitive_a catholic_n christian_n and_o downright_a protestant_n in_o such_o a_o plain_a and_o perspicuous_a way_n that_o even_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o peruse_v great_a volume_n may_v palpable_o see_v and_o perceive_v the_o falsehood_n and_o slander_n that_o be_v lay_v at_o all_o christian_a protestant_n door_n and_o withal_o since_o the_o reform_a protestant_a church_n can_v hope_v for_o any_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n and_o unity_n both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n while_o the_o vehemency_n and_o fierceness_n in_o judge_v and_o condemn_v of_o the_o say_v papist_n and_o lutheran_n be_v not_o appease_v and_o mitigate_v he_o represent_v and_o declare_v to_o they_o a_o infallible_a apostolical_a direction_n and_o rule_n in_o general_n what_o and_o how_o far_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o judge_v and_o not_o to_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o by_o way_n of_o application_n how_o far_o they_o ought_v to_o judge_v the_o roman-catholic_n and_o lutheran_n
and_o conversion_n from_o sin_n and_o without_o new_a obedience_n to_o christ_n commandment_n which_o all_o be_v so_o plain_o and_o express_o teach_v in_o the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n especial_o in_o the_o five_o aforemention_v principal_a point_n that_o every_o christian_a may_v sufficient_o understand_v they_o unto_o his_o salvation_n and_o have_v be_v unanimous_o profess_v in_o the_o primitive_a apostolic_a church_n but_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o so_o clear_o and_o express_o teach_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o a_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n towards_o christ_n nor_o have_v be_v understand_v and_o teach_v out_o of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o very_o same_o though_o it_o depend_v from_o it_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v true_a doctrine_n and_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v necessary_a for_o they_o who_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o as_o yet_o and_o retain_v only_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n itself_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o love_n towards_o christ_n at_o least_o so_o long_o till_o god_n enlighten_v and_o bring_v their_o understanding_n to_o a_o full_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n ought_v daily_o to_o search_v into_o whereby_o we_o do_v conclude_v further_a that_o we_o ought_v also_o not_o to_o judge_v one_o another_o according_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o doctrine_n especial_o when_o the_o other_o may_v produce_v motive_n and_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o such_o which_o be_v take_v not_o from_o natural_a reason_n but_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o bind_v not_o only_o his_o understanding_n but_o also_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o can_v receive_v such_o doctrine_n for_o fear_n of_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o his_o word_n but_o must_v at_o least_o doubt_n of_o they_o for_o in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o must_v say_v whosoever_o doubt_v if_o he_o eat_v if_o he_o receive_v they_o be_v damn_v by_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o rather_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n in_o such_o controversy_n of_o doctrine_n we_o must_v receive_v he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v let_v we_o therefore_o not_o judge_v one_o another_o any_o more_o but_o judge_v this_o rather_o that_o no_o man_n put_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o offence_n of_o conscience_n in_o his_o brother_n way_n chap._n iu._n that_o the_o roman_a catholic_a church_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o judge_n and_o condemn_v the_o protestant_n reform_v evangelical_n church_n as_o heretical_a have_v lay_v this_o ground_n we_o may_v easy_o and_o as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o one_o conscience_n unto_o salvation_n deliver_v our_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n concern_v the_o modern_a difference_n and_o dissension_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o among_o the_o christian_n that_o make_v on_o all_o side_n profession_n of_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v foment_v and_o aggravate_v mere_o out_o of_o a_o unseasonable_a and_o uncharitable_a judge_v and_o condemn_v with_o such_o vehemency_n and_o bitterness_n yea_o with_o such_o great_a effusion_n of_o blood_n and_o lamentable_a devastation_n of_o country_n that_o never_o the_o like_a be_v hear_v of_o any_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n at_o this_o present_a i_o will_v make_v but_o a_o short_a application_n to_o the_o three_o principal_a divide_v and_o dissent_v church_n church_n difference_n betwixt_o the_o roman_a catholic_n lutheran_n and_o reform_a church_n which_o be_v disperse_v in_o the_o occidental_a christian_a world_n throughout_o whole_a province_n and_o kingdom_n as_o first_o the_o say_v roman_a catholic_n or_o papist_n so_o call_v who_o beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o especial_o upon_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o general_o be_v altogether_o subject_v and_o depend_v on_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n as_o be_v their_o supreme_a head_n and_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n as_o the_o church_n in_o italy_n spain_n and_o the_o great_a part_n in_o france_n germany_n and_o poland_n then_o the_o protestant_a evangelical_n lutheran_n as_o they_o themselves_o will_v be_v call_v who_o beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n profess_v confessionem_fw-la agustanam_n &_o saxonicam_fw-la formulam_fw-la concordiae_fw-la as_o their_o symbolical_a and_o universal_a book_n of_o doctrine_n not_o that_o they_o ground_n principal_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n upon_o they_o but_o that_o they_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o they_o conformable_a to_o scripture_n and_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n as_o in_o germany_n especial_o in_o high_a and_o low_a saxony_n some_o church_n in_o swaben_n francony_a westphaly_n hessen_n etc._n etc._n and_o without_o germany_n the_o church_n in_o denmark_n sweden_n and_o prussia_n although_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n perceive_v betwixt_o they_o because_o some_o have_v not_o receive_v hitherto_o as_o yet_o the_o say_v formulam_fw-la saxonicam_fw-la and_o some_o of_o they_o have_v collect_v their_o own_o peculiar_a corpora_fw-la doctrinae_fw-la confession_n and_o book_n of_o doctrine_n three_o those_o evangelical_n christian_n protestant_n who_o because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v bind_v and_o tie_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o it_o be_v luther_n calvin_n zuinglius_fw-la or_o any_o other_o doctrine_n or_o book_n and_o therefore_o not_o be_v name_v by_o any_o man_n name_n but_o have_v purge_v and_o reform_v their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n from_o the_o abuse_n of_o popery_n only_o according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n be_v common_o call_v reform_v by_o some_o papist_n they_o be_v call_v biblist_n or_o scripture-man_n of_o which_o name_n they_o need_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a because_o they_o be_v ground_v on_o and_o refer_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o holy_a bible_n as_o the_o church_n in_o england_n scotland_n helvetia_n the_o unite_a province_n of_o the_o low-countries_n all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o france_n with_o some_o particular_a church_n in_o germany_n poland_n hungary_n etc._n etc._n which_o though_o they_o have_v collect_v and_o frame_v also_o their_o peculiar_a confession_n yet_o not_o with_o the_o intent_n to_o bind_v other_o christian_n conscience_n even_o to_o their_o word_n but_o only_o to_o testify_v their_o unanimous_a consent_n and_o uniformity_n first_o and_o principal_o in_o the_o necessary_a fundamental_a point_n of_o salvation_n out_o of_o the_o manifest_a word_n of_o god_n then_o secondary_o in_o the_o confutation_n and_o reject_v of_o the_o erroneous_a by-doctrine_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o popish_a church_n which_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v è_fw-la diametro_fw-la opposite_a to_o it_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n and_o withal_o to_o decline_v and_o refute_v all_o sort_n of_o calumny_n and_o slander_n of_o their_o adversary_n wherefore_o also_o they_o by_o a_o special_a confession_n of_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o confession_n of_o other_o especial_o that_o of_o augspourg_n though_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n in_o word_n remain_v much_o less_o do_v presume_v to_o condemn_v other_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n because_o of_o some_o different_a opinion_n or_o ceremony_n if_o only_o they_o do_v agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n withhold_v themselves_o from_o condemn_v other_o and_o even_o for_o these_o very_a same_o reason_n have_v i_o hitherto_o addict_v myself_o to_o the_o confession_n of_o these_o reform_a church_n and_o be_o resolve_v with_o god_n assistance_n to_o persevere_v in_o it_o even_o unto_o death_n not_o only_o because_o i_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o controvert_v point_n the_o doctrine_n of_o these_o church_n i_o say_v their_o own_o doctrine_n which_o they_o themselves_o unanimous_o profess_v to_o be_v consonant_n and_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n but_o especial_o because_o beside_o the_o indubitable_a universal_a fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o with_o one_o consent_n receive_v they_o do_v not_o maintain_v or_o impose_v upon_o other_o any_o other_o doctrine_n as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n which_o in_o itself_o and_o by_o god_n command_n be_v not_o but_o impart_v and_o permit_v to_o every_o one_o the_o due_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o also_o do_v neither_o deny_v pervert_v or_o mutilate_v any_o part_n or_o article_n of_o the_o true_a gospel_n of_o christ_n nor_o introduce_v any_o other_o by-gospel_n or_o by-article_n or_o judge_n or_o condemn_v other_o for_o it_o whereas_o other_o church_n principal_o the_o papist_n and_o partly_o the_o lutheran_n if_o they_o do_v not_o quite_o deny_v any_o necessary_a point_n of_o true_a
we_o can_v punctual_o explain_v it_o and_o many_o of_o our_o divine_n have_v already_o abundant_o and_o often_o spend_v their_o study_n and_o labour_n in_o it_o wherefore_o we_o refer_v to_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o all_o christian_a and_o pious_a heart_n whether_o man_n have_v cause_n and_o ground_n to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v we_o as_o heretic_n we_o for_o our_o part_n be_v assure_v that_o what_o have_v not_o be_v for_o the_o first_o christian_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n in_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n without_o which_o so_o many_o thousand_o martyr_n and_o so_o many_o million_o of_o christian_n be_v pious_o depart_v out_o of_o this_o life_n that_o can_v be_v also_o necessary_a for_o we_o in_o these_o last_o time_n and_o we_o may_v live_v and_o die_v as_o religious_a christian_n without_o it_o for_o we_o need_v not_o any_o other_o faith_n or_o religion_n beside_o that_o wherein_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n live_v and_o die_v we_o have_v with_o they_o obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o pet._n 1.1_o the_o old_a commandment_n which_o they_o have_v from_o the_o beginning_n 1_o joh._n 2.7_o the_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o heb._n 2.3_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o tae_n saint_n judas_n vers_fw-la 3._o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_a catholic_a what_o be_v to_o be_v true_a catholic_a or_o the_o universal_a christian_a faith_n which_o have_v be_v at_o all_o time_n especial_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o as_o long_o as_o we_o stand_v fast_o to_o it_o we_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a catholic_a christian_n whereas_o those_o that_o add_v thereunto_o any_o new_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n as_o necessary_a which_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v not_o in_o use_n though_o they_o bear_v and_o boast_v of_o the_o catholic_a name_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o true_a ancient_a catholic_a christian_n but_o new-catholikes_a which_o be_v equivalent_a with_o vn-catholikes_a and_o that_o church_n which_o by_o its_o own_o command_n impose_v such_o doctrine_n and_o tradition_n as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n though_o christ_n have_v not_o command_v but_o rather_o forbid_v they_o by_o his_o apostle_n and_o yet_o will_v condemn_v and_o persecute_v other_o church_n do_v thereby_o discover_v itself_o not_o to_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a but_o rather_o antichristian_a tyrannical_a church_n which_o also_o have_v need_n to_o stand_v in_o fear_n of_o the_o apostolical_a curse_n if_o any_o man_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n than_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1.8_o 9_o and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v add_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n god_n shall_v add_v unto_o he_o the_o plague_n that_o be_v write_v in_o it_o and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v take_v away_o from_o the_o word_n of_o this_o book_n god_n shall_v take_v away_o his_o part_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n rev._n 22.18_o 19_o but_o we_o hope_v that_o all_o understanding_n and_o conscientious_a man_n and_o such_o as_o love_v truth_n and_o peace_n among_o the_o roman_a catholic_n will_v beware_v of_o this_o malediction_n and_o take_v serious_o to_o heart_n this_o declaration_n of_o we_o abstain_v hereafter_o from_o presumptuous_a judge_n and_o condemn_v we_o as_o heretic_n much_o less_o persecute_v we_o with_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o loss_n of_o our_o good_n and_o honour_n as_o hitherto_o they_o have_v do_v which_o certain_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n but_o undoubted_o from_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v that_o arch-lyer_n and_o murderer_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n also_o do_v faithful_o warn_v we_o and_o especial_o the_o roman_a church_n lest_o it_o may_v imagine_v some_o special_a privilege_n before_o other_o those_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n receive_v you_o but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n judge_v not_o their_o thought_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v but_o if_o this_o warning_n will_v do_v no_o good_a to_o they_o certain_o the_o other_o shall_v at_o length_n be_v fulfil_v in_o they_o be_v not_o high_o mind_v but_o fear_n for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n the_o city_n and_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n take_v heed_n lest_o he_o also_o spare_v not_o thou_o behold_v therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n on_o they_o which_o fall_v severity_n but_o towards_o thou_o goodness_n if_o thou_o continue_v in_o his_o goodness_n otherwise_o thou_o also_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o rom._n 11.21_o 22._o chap._n v._o that_o the_o lutheran_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o judge_v the_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v heretical_a what_o we_o have_v speak_v now_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n concern_v its_o judge_n and_o condemn_v we_o the_o same_o we_o may_v partly_o well_o say_v of_o the_o lutheran_n which_o indeed_o together_o with_o we_o have_v protest_v against_o this_o judge_a and_o condemn_v of_o papist_n in_o the_o forename_a point_n of_o controversy_n and_o yet_o no_o less_o although_o in_o few_o point_n from_o whence_o also_o the_o evangelical_n church_n and_o estate_n general_o all_o be_v call_v protestant_n do_v judge_n and_o condemn_v our_o church_n or_o teacher_n as_o heretic_n under_o the_o most-odious_a man_n name_n who_o nevertheless_o rely_v not_o upon_o any_o man_n but_o upon_o the_o nature_n word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o according_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a apostolical_a rule_n we_o may_v make_v appear_v yet_o more_o plain_o then_o to_o the_o papist_n that_o they_o have_v no_o ground_n thus_o to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v we_o and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o worship_n ceremony_n the_o principal_a point_n of_o controversy_n betwixt_o lutheran_n and_o reform_a protestant_n 1._o in_o ceremony_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n what_o concern_v some_o controversy_n about_o ceremony_n both_o of_o their_o and_o our_o worship_v of_o god_n as_o that_o we_o use_v not_o in_o the_o holy_a baptism_n the_o exorcism_n or_o conjure_v of_o the_o devil_n to_o come_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o infant_n or_o young_a child_n because_o we_o do_v not_o hold_v they_o either_o spiritual_o or_o corporal_o possess_v by_o the_o devil_n although_o they_o natural_o be_v bear_v in_o original_a sin_n and_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n to_o cast_v the_o devil_n out_o of_o they_o by_o such_o conjure_n and_o therefore_o do_v just_o abhor_v from_o take_v therein_o god_n holy_a name_n in_o vain_a that_o we_o have_v no_o such_o image_n in_o our_o church_n which_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v abuse_v in_o popery_n unto_o idolatry_n but_o rather_o approve_v and_o justify_v the_o take_n away_o of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v do_v by_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o a_o orderly_a way_n after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o king_n hezekiah_n and_o josiah_n that_o also_o in_o the_o holy_a communion_n we_o use_v not_o the_o hosty_n or_o wafer_n but_o ordinary_a nourish_a bread_n and_o observe_v the_o break_n of_o it_o how_o can_v they_o judge_v we_o therefore_o whereas_o they_o themselves_o hold_v their_o exorcism_n image_n hosty_n not_o even_o absolute_o necessary_a nor_o the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n in_o itself_o erroneous_a but_o only_o to_o be_v adïaphora_fw-it indifferent_a thing_n although_o we_o for_o our_o part_n do_v not_o account_v they_o absolute_o indifferent_a matter_n but_o in_o some_o regard_n necessary_a partly_o because_o of_o god_n command_n partly_o because_o of_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a apostolical_a church_n at_o least_o for_o ourselves_o who_o shall_v sin_v if_o we_o shall_v against_o our_o conscience_n use_v the_o exorcism_n or_o the_o image_n or_o without_o any_o urgent_a cause_n omit_v the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n yet_o since_o we_o judge_v not_o nor_o condemn_v according_a to_o the_o abovementioned_a apostolical_a rule_n those_o that_o do_v not_o judge_v the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n necessary_a but_o give_v way_n to_o their_o pretend_a liberty_n it_o be_v fit_a they_o also_o shall_v not_o condemn_v we_o therein_o but_o to_o impart_v to_o we_o so_o much_o freedom_n that_o we_o may_v herein_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o may_v do_v more_o safe_o and_o without_o any_o sin_n as_o we_o likewise_o permit_v they_o to_o omit_v it_o and_o in_o stead_n thereof_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o papist_n in_o like_a manner_n that_o we_o in_o our_o catechism_n punctual_o retain_v all_o the_o commandment_n as_o they_o be_v set_v down_o exod._n 20._o deut._n 5_o and_o do_v not_o omit_v doctrine_n 2._o in_o the_o doctrine_n
doctrine_n and_o ceremony_n which_o they_o have_v add_v in_o the_o latter_a hundred_o year_n without_o and_o against_o god_n word_n also_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o people_n among_o they_o the_o one_o who_o in_o their_o christianity_n only_o and_o principal_o cleave_v to_o the_o indubitable_a universal_a apostolic_a creed_n which_o they_o with_o we_o be_v baptize_v unto_o so_o that_o they_o seek_v only_o 〈◊〉_d salvation_n in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o crucify_a as_o their_o own_o mediator_n and_o saviour_n and_o testify_v such_o belief_n of_o they_o in_o the_o effect_n by_o christian_a charity_n and_o godly_a conversation_n who_o also_o consequent_o will_v not_o condemn_v we_o as_o heretic_n who_o be_v unite_v in_o spirit_n with_o they_o in_o such_o universal_a save_a faith_n work_v through_o love_n much_o less_o persecute_v we_o with_o hostility_n unless_o it_o be_v out_o of_o mere_a ignorance_n because_o they_o have_v no_o true_a information_n of_o our_o doctrine_n and_o faith_n how_o shall_v we_o then_o condemn_v they_o much_o more_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o account_v such_o catholic_n for_o true_a evangelical_n and_o not_o for_o popish_a christian_n because_o their_o salvation_n be_v ground_v not_o upon_o their_o own_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n or_o upon_o other_o popish_a tradition_n and_o auxiliary_a concomitant_a mean_n but_o only_o upon_o the_o mere_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o precious_a redemption_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o there_o have_v be_v at_o all_o time_n a_o great_a number_n of_o such_o people_n and_o be_v still_o at_o this_o present_a even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o popery_n not_o only_o the_o experience_n of_o they_o that_o live_v among_o they_o but_o their_o own_o book_n before_o and_o after_o luther_n time_n do_v testify_v it_o as_o bernardi_n anselmi_n gersonis_n tauleri_n thomae_fw-la de_fw-fr kempis_n erasmi_n cassandri_n feri_fw-la cardinalis_fw-la contareni_n hosij_fw-la pighij_fw-la coloniensium_fw-la in_o anti-didagmate_a &_o enchiridio_fw-la and_o of_o a_o great_a many_o more_o especial_o their_o ancient_a manual_n concern_v meditation_n upon_o death_n which_o be_v common_o use_v a_o great_a while_n before_o luther_n time_n wherein_o the_o die_a person_n from_o all_o meritorious_a work_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o from_o all_o other_o humane_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v only_o direct_v to_o the_o precious_a merit_n and_o intercession_n of_o the_o only_a mediator_n and_o redeemer_n jesus_n christ_n formulae_fw-la interrogandi_fw-la infirmos_fw-la inter_fw-la epistolas_fw-la anselmi_n ars_fw-la benè_fw-la moriendi_fw-la monachi_fw-la cujusdam_fw-la cisterciensis_fw-la hortulus_fw-la animae_fw-la georg._n cassander_n in_o append._n opusc_n joh._n roffensis_n hosius_n in_o confess_v petricov_n cap._n 73._o sacerdotale_a roman_a edit_fw-la venet._n ann._n 1555._o fol._n 116._o sacra_fw-la institutio_fw-la baptizandi_fw-la edit_fw-la paris_n ann._n 1575._o fol._n 35._o ordo_fw-la baptizandi_fw-la cum_fw-la modo_fw-la visitandi_fw-la edit_fw-la venet._n ann._n 1575._o fol._n 34._o in_o which_o book_n the_o spanish_a inquisitor_n have_v ordain_v in_o their_o twofold_a indice_fw-la expurgatorio_n annis_n 1584._o &_o 1612._o to_o deface_v and_o omit_v these_o question_n and_o answer_n follow_v sacerdos_n credis_fw-la non_fw-la propriis_fw-la meritis_fw-la sed_fw-la passionis_fw-la domini_fw-la nostri_fw-la jesus_n christi_fw-la virtute_fw-la &_o merito_fw-la ad_fw-la gloriam_fw-la pervenire_fw-la respondeat_fw-la infirmus_fw-la credo_fw-la sacerdos_n credit_n quòd_fw-la dominus_fw-la noster_fw-la jesus_n christus_fw-la pro_fw-la nostra_fw-la salute_v mortuus_fw-la sit_fw-la &_o quod_fw-la ex_fw-la propriis_fw-la meritis_fw-la vel_fw-la alio_fw-la modo_fw-la nullus_fw-la possit_fw-la salvari_fw-la nisi_fw-la in_o merito_fw-la passionis_fw-la ejus_fw-la respondeat_fw-la infirmus_fw-la credo_fw-la by_o the_o omission_n of_o which_o word_n they_o testify_v against_o themselves_o that_o those_o among_o they_o who_o examine_v the_o die_a person_n upon_o this_o belief_n wherein_o the_o principal_a fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n consist_v and_o die_v upon_o it_o have_v be_v very_o addict_v to_o our_o evangelical_n faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o their_o popish_a belief_n and_o doctrine_n and_o although_o such_o man_n have_v also_o adhere_v in_o their_o ignorance_n to_o some_o erroneous_a opinion_n according_a to_o the_o common_a course_n of_o those_o time_n out_o of_o want_n of_o better_a information_n yet_o they_o can_v be_v condemn_v or_o account_v for_o non-evangelical_n because_o they_o fix_v their_o comfort_n and_o hope_n of_o their_o salvation_n not_o upon_o such_o erroneous_a doctrine_n not_o upon_o merit_n and_o invocation_n of_o saint_n not_o upon_o mass_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o decease_a 〈◊〉_d â—pon_n indulgence_n not_o upon_o monastical_a order_n and_o such_o other_o like_o thing_n but_o only_o upon_o god_n mere_a grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o crucify_a to_o the_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v that_o they_o nevertheless_o go_v to_o mass_n which_o we_o count_v idolatry_n and_o consequent_o must_v condemn_v all_o those_o as_o mere_a idolater_n we_o answer_v that_o such_o man_n go_v to_o mass_n in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n not_o even_o according_a to_o the_o new_a masse-doctrine_n which_o but_o in_o the_o council_n of_o lateran_n ann._n 1218._o and_o after_o in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v canonize_v but_o according_a to_o the_o pure_a ancient_a and_o simple_a belief_n of_o christ_n word_n in_o the_o holy_a communion_n wherein_o even_o yet_o the_o moderate_a papist_n so_o far_a must_v agree_v with_o we_o that_o it_o be_v sacrificium_fw-la commemorativum_fw-la a_o commemoration_n and_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n finish_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o a_o spiritual_a meat_n of_o our_o soul_n wherefore_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o many_o religious_a and_o pious_a heart_n have_v at_o all_o time_n understand_v and_o eat_v it_o after_o a_o spiritual_a sort_n who_o hear_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o scholastical_a disceptation_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o have_v not_o yet_o know_v the_o depth_n of_o satan_n as_o be_v say_v of_o those_o in_o thyatira_n revel_v 2._o v._n 24._o or_o have_v express_o reject_v they_o and_o believe_v nothing_o else_o concern_v the_o holy_a communion_n but_o what_o next_o to_o augustine_n and_o other_o ancient_a father_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n bertramus_n or_o ratramus_fw-la in_o the_o time_n of_o carolus_n calvus_n when_o the_o dispute_v of_o this_o subject_n have_v their_o first_o beginning_n have_v declare_v in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr corpore_fw-la &_o sanguine_a christi_n who_o at_o all_o time_n be_v account_v for_o a_o true_a catholic_n teacher_n and_o though_o some_o have_v believe_v the_o real_a and_o corporal_a presence_n and_o oral_a manducation_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o mass_n yet_o we_o shall_v have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o condemn_v they_o as_o the_o lutheran_n if_o they_o have_v but_o ground_v the_o principal_a comfort_n and_o hope_n of_o their_o salvation_n not_o upon_o the_o carnal_a but_o spiritual_a eat_n of_o christ_n body_n as_o be_v the_o only_a sacrifice_n and_o propitiation_n for_o their_o sin_n likewise_o though_o they_o have_v much_o decline_v in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o mass_n from_o christ_n first_o institution_n and_o have_v add_v thereunto_o many_o humane_a partly_o superstitious_a partly_o idolatrous_a ceremony_n yet_o all_o those_o can_v present_o be_v account_v for_o damnable_a idolater_n who_o in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n where_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o otherwise_o to_o be_v have_v nor_o the_o error_n make_v yet_o so_o apparent_o evident_a go_v to_o the_o common_a mass_n in_o their_o simplicity_n because_o of_o the_o remnant_n of_o christ_n institution_n therein_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n for_o the_o quicken_a of_o their_o soul_n like_a as_o they_o use_v the_o holy_a baptism_n for_o to_o cleanse_v and_o wash_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n notwithstanding_o the_o superstitious_a humane_a ceremony_n that_o be_v add_v thereunto_o who_o also_o though_o they_o kneel_v down_o before_o the_o consecrate_a bread_n and_o wine_n be_v a_o sacramental_a token_n of_o remembrance_n and_o exhibitive_a sign_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n like_v as_o the_o lutheran_n also_o at_o the_o administration_n of_o their_o communion_n and_o the_o reform_a protestant_n in_o england_n use_v to_o do_v yet_o have_v not_o fix_v the_o adoration_n and_o confidence_n of_o their_o heart_n on_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n but_o on_o christ_n himself_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o be_v much_o less_o to_o be_v esteem_v idolater_n then_o for_o their_o kneeling_z and_o bow_v down_o before_o paint_a 〈◊〉_d carve_v crucifix_n which_o christ_n never_o ordain_v for_o sign_n of_o remembâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d instead_o of_o adore_v jesus_n christ_n in_o heaven_n though_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o all_o such_o thing_n have_v be_v use_v in_o popery_n at_o