write_a thing_n especial_o religious_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n shall_v be_v prefer_v to_o the_o hazard_v they_o under_o the_o custody_n of_o oral_a tradition_n that_o rather_o than_o this_o be_v the_o sure_a mean_n of_o their_o preservation_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v much_o less_o difficult_a because_o there_o be_v much_o less_o require_v to_o keep_v a_o book_n safe_a and_o to_o hand_n it_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o than_o to_o preserve_v a_o great_a many_o of_o opinion_n and_o sense_n of_o that_o book_n and_o to_o transmit_v they_o from_o age_n to_o age_n unaltered_a to_o the_o former_a mere_a plain_a honesty_n and_o a_o easy_a care_n be_v sufficient_a here_o be_v no_o need_n of_o much_o apprehension_n and_o memory_n and_o of_o a_o constant_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o teach_v posterity_n here_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o posterity_n scrupulous_a attention_n to_o teach_v father_n and_o of_o a_o happy_a docility_n or_o promptness_n to_o learn_v and_o all_o this_o 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we_o shall_v see_v that_o they_o have_v a_o much_o great_a advantage_n and_o be_v secure_v above_o all_o write_n else_o by_o peculiar_a protection_n and_o have_v be_v bless_v with_o a_o special_a safety_n sect_n ii_o sacred_a scripture_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v in_o danger_n from_o 1._o malice_n and_o design_n 2_o from_o casualty_n and_o neglect_v and_o to_o have_v be_v in_o danger_n 1._o from_o malice_n and_o design_n of_o profess_a and_o public_a enemy_n 2_o of_o pretend_a friend_n i_o mean_v hetick_n 1._o the_o open_a and_o profess_v enemy_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n design_v and_o labour_v for_o their_o extinction_n as_o no_o professor_n of_o any_o religion_n be_v ever_o so_o persecute_v by_o the_o opposition_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o world_n as_o jew_n first_o and_o then_o the_o christian_n so_o the_o scripture_n in_o sympathy_n with_o they_o have_v be_v expose_v to_o great_a hazard_n but_o yet_o have_v survive_v they_o when_o the_o chaldean_n have_v overrun_v judea_n waste_v and_o plunder_v the_o town_n ransack_v and_o destroy_v the_o metropolis_n jerusalem_n have_v rifle_v and_o ruin_v the_o temple_n when_o they_o who_o have_v escape_v slaughter_n be_v carry_v away_o captive_a into_o a_o strange_a land_n and_o the_o captivity_n there_o last_v 70_o year_n whenas_o amid_o all_o these_o hurry_v vrim_fw-he and_o thummim_n the_o ark_n the_o pot_n of_o manna_n the_o rod_n of_o aaron_n whenas_o these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d holy_a and_o choice_a rarity_n of_o that_o people_n and_o all_o their_o glory_n sink_v in_o the_o deluge_n of_o a_o universal_a devastation_n yet_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o then_o be_v triumph_v over_o all_o these_o calamity_n though_o the_o copy_n be_v then_o but_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o what_o they_o be_v afterward_o for_o soon_o after_o the_o return_n from_o captivity_n and_o reedification_n of_o the_o temple_n 8._o temple_n nehem._n 8.6_o 7_o 8._o ezra_n also_o joshua_n and_o bani_n cause_v the_o people_n to_o understand_v the_o law_n and_o the_o people_n stand_v in_o their_o place_n so_o they_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n distinct_o and._n some_o time_n after_o this_o under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o antiochus_n the_o 58._o the_o 1_o mac._n 1.56_o 57_o 58._o book_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v find_v be_v rend_v in_o piece_n and_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o wheresoever_o be_v find_v with_o any_o the_o book_n of_o the_o testament_n or_o if_o any_o consent_v to_o the_o law_n the_o king_n commandment_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v put_v he_o to_o death_n notwithstanding_o this_o persecution_n the_o holy_a book_n outlive_v this_o scrutiny_n and_o cruelty_n in_o the_o time_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o 242._o of_o petau._n ration_n p._n 241_o 242._o dioclesian_n there_o be_v a_o imperial_a edict_n that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v demolish_v and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v be_v burn_v and_o though_o some_o be_v so_o base_a as_o to_o betray_v the_o divine_a book_n to_o the_o enemy_n who_o thence_o be_v call_v traditores_fw-la yet_o they_o weather_v out_o this_o storm_n also_o next_o to_o a_o invisible_a divine_a hand_n defend_v they_o so_o many_o be_v the_o copy_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n especial_o after_o the_o jew_n return_v from_o babylon_n and_o more_o after_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v and_o entertain_v in_o the_o world_n and_o likewise_o so_o zealous_o do_v both_o jew_n and_o christian_n concern_v themselves_o in_o they_o that_o the_o enemy_n may_v as_o soon_o have_v root_v out_o of_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a generation_n of_o jew_n and_o christian_n as_o the_o bibles_n 2_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o depravation_n of_o of_o holy_a scripture_n by_o addition_n subtraction_n or_o alteration_n in_o any_o thing_n material_a as_o to_o faith_n and_o life_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o
as_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n sense_n be_v scripture_n in_o earnest_n so_o utter_o obscure_a will_v their_o author_n say_v so_o of_o the_o history_n of_o livy_n or_o tacitus_n or_o of_o the_o philosophical_a write_n of_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n or_o of_o euclid_n element_n can_v not_o god_n speak_v clear_o and_o intelligible_o to_o man_n as_o man_n have_v do_v and_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n to_o they_o or_o will_v he_o not_o do_v so_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o one_o will_v impeach_v his_o wisdom_n of_o the_o other_o his_o mercy_n and_o kindness_n to_o soul_n and_o if_o scripture_n leave_v we_o so_o quite_o in_o the_o dark_a why_o do_v they_o call_v themselves_o a_o light_n a_o lamp_n say_v 8._o ps_n 119_o 105.13â—_n ps_n 19.7_o 8._o that_o they_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n and_o make_v wise_a the_o simple_a be_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o gospel_n act_n and_o epistle_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o 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other_o on_o occasion_n of_o dissent_n but_o howsoever_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o lock_v up_o but_o that_o a_o compâ—tent_a diligence_n and_o a_o beraean_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o readiness_n of_o mind_n may_v be_v a_o key_n to_o they_o may_v open_v they_o in_o all_o point_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o if_o in_o other_o thing_n we_o remain_v ignorant_a or_o not_o so_o certain_a we_o may_v well_o bear_v with_o it_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o but_o in_o viâ_fw-la and_o not_o comprehensores_fw-la on_o our_o way_n unto_o but_o have_v not_o yet_o reach_v perfection_n that_o which_o make_v the_o noise_n of_o scriptur_n obscurity_n the_o more_o loud_a be_v that_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o look_v upon_o the_o many_o subtlety_n of_o the_o school_n and_o nicety_n of_o polemic_a writer_n as_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o man_n have_v more_o mind_n to_o fathom_n depth_n and_o to_o humour_v their_o curiosity_n for_o which_o end_n i_o believe_v the_o scripture_n be_v not_o intend_v and_o hence_o be_v ever_o rack_a the_o scripture_n and_o vex_v the_o sacred_a text_n than_o to_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o a_o sober_a understanding_n of_o what_o be_v sufficient_o plain_a and_o in_o a_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o the_o holy_a rule_n of_o life_n which_o be_v evident_a enough_o if_o christian_n will_v more_o serious_o apply_v themselves_o to_o these_o two_o thing_n they_o will_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n employment_n enough_o and_o they_o will_v be_v more_o content_v with_o their_o difficulty_n the_o romanist_n have_v raise_v a_o cry_n of_o scriptur_n darkness_n upon_o another_o account_n and_o out_o of_o policy_n for_o have_v embrace_v several_a tenant_n and_o practice_n which_o scripture_n do_v condemn_v or_o not_o countenance_n either_o it_o be_v whole_o silent_a of_o they_o or_o they_o be_v but_o mere_a appearance_n there_o which_o be_v snatch_v at_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o their_o grandeur_n or_o profit_n or_o the_o affect_a reputation_n of_o a_o infallibility_n to_o part_v with_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o press_v tradition_n to_o serve_v in_o their_o war_n and_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o they_o thus_o they_o have_v first_o make_v a_o necessity_n and_o then_o have_v invent_v a_o remedy_n for_o it_o but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o remedy_n be_v more_o imaginary_a than_o real_a for_o how_o unsure_a a_o conveyance_n and_o consequent_o how_o weak_a a_o proof_n oral_a tradition_n be_v in_o matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n have_v be_v already_o evict_v so_o that_o if_o we_o must_v be_v ignorant_a of_o scripture_n sense_n unless_o oral_a tradition_n bless_v we_o with_o the_o exposition_n of_o it_o and_o scripture_n no_o far_o a_o light_n than_o it_o be_v tind_v at_o tradition_n candle_n we_o must_v sit_v still_o in_o much_o ignorance_n or_o wander_v in_o great_a uncertainty_n for_o that_o can_v relieve_v we_o it_o be_v not_o that_o infallible_a commentator_n it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v 2._o to_o the_o upbraid_v we_o with_o our_o distraction_n i_o reply_v 1._o before_o the_o charge_n can_v be_v make_v good_a that_o the_o choice_n of_o scripture_n for_o our_o canon_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o many_o difference_n and_o that_o upon_o that_o pretence_n we_o shall_v exchange_v scripture_n for_o oral_a tradition_n it_o must_v be_v suppose_v that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v a_o sure_a and_o infallible_a clew_n to_o guide_v we_o out_o of_o the_o labyrinth_n of_o error_n into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n the_o contrary_a to_o which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v for_o otherwise_o to_o leave_v scripture_n and_o to_o follow_v tradition_n will_v be_v to_o relinquish_v a_o guide_n or_o rule_n which_o be_v indict_v by_o a_o unerring_a spirit_n can_v mislead_v we_o and_o to_o choose_v one_o which_o may_v and_o will_v carry_v we_o out_o of_o the_o way_n nor_o will_v the_o pretence_n of_o unity_n make_v amends_o for_o this_o for_o true_a christian_a peace_n can_v be_v otherwhere_o bottom_v than_o on_o truth_n when_o and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v a_o cement_n of_o man_n to_o the_o disservice_n of_o truth_n it_o commence_v faction_n nor_o reason_n nor_o religion_n allow_v much_o less_o commend_v a_o agreement_n of_o person_n to_o err_v together_o 2._o they_o who_o have_v the_o most_o amorous_o espouse_v tradition_n have_v also_o their_o many_o and_o great_a difference_n as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o only_o through_o fear_n in_o some_o and_o policy_n in_o the_o rest_n they_o be_v hush_v up_o more_o than_o among_o we_o and_o so_o do_v better_o escape_v the_o observation_n and_o talk_n of_o the_o world_n nay_o that_o church_n may_v be_v just_o arraign_v as_o the_o guilty_a cause_n of_o that_o which_o they_o call_v a_o great_a schism_n viz._n the_o separation_n of_o so_o many_o church_n from_o they_o the_o church_n call_v protestant_n by_o their_o imposition_n of_o unlawful_a and_o therefore_o impossible_a term_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nilus_n tell_v the_o world_n that_o their_o imperiousness_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a schism_n between_o the_o greek_a and_o the_o latin_a church_n 22._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pag._n 21._o 22._o thus_o as_o the_o church_n of_o traditioner_n have_v no_o few_o dissension_n among_o themselves_o so_o they_o have_v give_v a_o beginning_n and_o continuance_n to_o the_o quarrel_n between_o they_o and_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o christendom_n 3._o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o fetch_v our_o distraction_n from_o the_o rejection_n of_o oral_a tradition_n there_o be_v be_v other_o true_a manifest_a cause_n of_o they_o assignable_a our_o church_n once_o flourish_v with_o peace_n and_o that_o without_o the_o aid_n of_o a_o oral_a tradition_n while_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n be_v suffer_v to_o govern_v it_o and_o the_o royal_a be_v able_a to_o countenance_v the_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n but_o when_o the_o pious_a king_n and_o bless_a martyr_n be_v engage_v in_o and_o divert_v by_o the_o turmoil_n of_o a_o civil_a war_n when_o episcopacy_n be_v change_v for_o anarchy_n when_o the_o golden_a reins_o of_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n be_v break_v then_o begin_v and_o increase_v our_o division_n and_o calamity_n unto_o which_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v some_o assist_a cause_n from_o without_o some_o who_o help_v to_o kindle_v and_o to_o blow_v our_o fire_n and_o if_o the_o roman_a church_n shall_v chance_v into_o the_o like_a afflict_a state_n with_o we_o it_o will_v be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o like_a confusion_n if_o the_o mitre_n shall_v be_v forsake_v by_o the_o secular_a crown_a head_n and_o a_o mutinying_a multitude_n shall_v pull_v their_o holy_a father_n out_o of_o his_o infallible_a chair_n then_o it_o be_v not_o altogether_o improbable_a but_o that_o child_n will_v less_o heauken_v
these_o passage_n so_o plain_o prove_v their_o so_o superlative_a esteem_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v infer_v their_o most_o exact_a diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n for_o their_o conservation_n and_o safety_n and_o this_o be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n in_o this_o section_n but_o withal_o too_o i_o have_v gain_v a_o argument_n for_o my_o main_a design_n viz._n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n forasmuch_o as_o between_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o safe_a conveyance_n of_o divine_a truth_n throughout_o all_o age_n and_o scripture_n be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v so_o necessary_a a_o connexion_n and_o because_o the_o romanist_n likewise_o allege_v the_o father_n to_o give_v countenance_n to_o oral_a tradition_n therefore_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n in_o our_o case_n shall_v be_v far_o consider_v of_o and_o 1._o i_o will_v appeal_v to_o any_o ingenious_a reader_n of_o they_o whether_o the_o passage_n which_o the_o romanist_n cite_v out_o of_o the_o father_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o tradition_n and_o seem_o the_o most_o diminutive_a of_o scripture_n do_v in_o any_o measure_n come_v near_o to_o such_o a_o course_n character_n of_o it_o as_o that_o it_o be_v a_o black_a gospel_n a_o ink_n theology_n 194._o theology_n sure_o foot_v p._n 194._o dead_a character_n waxen-natured_a and_o pliable_a to_o the_o daedalean_a fancy_n of_o the_o ingenious_a moulder_n of_o new_a opinion_n if_o man_n thought_n may_v be_v judge_v of_o by_o their_o word_n sure_o the_o father_n and_o romanist_n sentiment_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o divers_a 2_o see_v there_o be_v a_o seem_a contradiction_n of_o the_o father_n to_o themselves_o because_o they_o be_v urge_v by_o both_o the_o disagree_a party_n it_o will_v be_v fit_v to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o may_v not_o be_v a_o reconciliation_n of_o they_o to_o each_o other_o and_o of_o some_o of_o they_o to_o themselves_o for_o this_o end_n i_o suppose_v a_o good_a mean_n will_v be_v 1._o see_v the_o father_n sometime_o speak_v of_o scripture_n without_o mention_n of_o tradion_n at_o other_o time_n speak_v of_o tradition_n not_o mention_v scripture_n to_o examine_v how_o they_o deliver_v their_o sense_n when_o they_o express_v themselves_o of_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n joint_o and_o comparative_o of_o one_o with_o the_o other_o 2_o to_o see_v whether_o their_o appear_o most_o favourable_a expression_n of_o tradition_n may_v not_o be_v very_o well_o construe_v in_o a_o subordination_n of_o tradition_n to_o scripture_n very_o consistent_o with_o scripture_n precedence_n to_o it_o 1._o of_o the_o father_n speak_v of_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n conjoint_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o st._n cyprian_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o pompey_n be_v press_v with_o tradition_n he_o answer_v whence_o be_v this_o tradition_n descend_v it_o from_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o gospel_n authority_n or_o come_v it_o from_o the_o command_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o epistle_n god_n declare_v that_o those_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v which_o be_v write_v say_v to_o joshua_n the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o thy_o mouâ—h_n but_o thou_o shall_v meditate_v in_o it_o day_n and_o night_n that_o thou_o may_v observe_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n write_v in_o it_o likewise_o our_o lord_n send_v his_o apostle_n command_v all_o nation_n to_o be_v baptise_a and_o to_o be_v teach_v that_o they_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v what_o obstinacy_n what_o presumption_n be_v it_o to_o prefer_v humane_a tradition_n to_o the_o divine_a dispose_n or_o command_n and_o not_o to_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v angry_a and_o in_o wrath_n when_o humane_a tradition_n disregard_v and_o dissolve_v divine_a command_n as_o god_n warn_v and_o speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n etc._n etc._n and_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o this_o it_o behoove_v god_n priest_n to_o do_v at_o this_o time_n keep_v the_o divine_a command_n that_o if_o truth_n have_v decline_v and_o fail_v in_o any_o respect_n we_o go_v back_o to_o the_o source_n of_o the_o evangelical_n and_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o let_v the_o manner_n of_o our_o act_n take_v their_o rise_n thence_o whence_o their_o order_n and_o origin_n rise_v the_o preference_n of_o scripture_n to_o tradition_n by_o this_o ancient_a father_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a that_o it_o be_v reply_v st._n cyprian_n testimony_n be_v write_v by_o he_o to_o defend_v a_o error_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o as_o bellarmine_n say_v more_o errantium_fw-la ratiocinetur_fw-la he_o discourse_v after_o the_o rate_n of_o those_o that_o err_v that_o be_v assume_v false_a ground_n to_o build_v his_o error_n on_o letter_n of_o thanks_o p._n 124._o but_o this_o be_v a_o mean_a evasion_n for_o though_o cyprian_n be_v indeed_o in_o a_o error_n and_o do_v mistake_v in_o his_o discourse_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v affirm_v with_o probability_n or_o charity_n to_o such_o a_o saint_n and_o martyr_n that_o to_o gratify_v a_o private_a opinion_n he_o will_v affront_v so_o sacred_a and_o catholic_n a_o principle_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o degrade_v tradition_n from_o be_v such_o if_o he_o have_v indeed_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o yet_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v grant_v to_o our_o adversary_n the_o consequence_n will_v be_v their_o inconvenience_n for_o why_o may_v not_o more_o do_v the_o same_o which_o st._n cyprian_n do_v and_o if_o some_o father_n might_n desert_n tradition_n and_o fly_v to_o scripture_n mere_o to_o serve_v a_o turn_n for_o defence_n of_o a_o opinion_n which_o they_o can_v not_o maintain_v otherwise_o why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v as_o well_o say_v that_o other_o father_n may_v balk_v scripture_n and_o advance_v tradition_n and_o for_o the_o same_o end_n viz._n to_o support_v some_o doctrine_n or_o doctrine_n which_o else_o must_v have_v fall_v and_o upon_o this_o it_o will_v follow_v beside_o the_o imputation_n of_o inconstancy_n and_o shift_v to_o the_o father_n that_o we_o must_v be_v at_o much_o uncertainty_n what_o true_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o father_n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o quotation_n out_o of_o they_o must_v in_o a_o great_a part_n be_v insignificant_a for_o this_o purpose_n st._n basil_n in_o his_o tract_n call_v question_n compendious_o unfold_v or_o answer_v say_v it_o be_v necessary_a and_o consonant_a to_o reason_n that_o every_o man_n learn_v that_o which_o be_v needful_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n both_o for_o the_o fullness_n of_o godliness_n and_o lest_o they_o accustom_v themselves_o to_o humane_a tradition_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o 13._o by_o de_fw-fr amissi_fw-la gratiae_fw-la l._n 1._o c._n 13._o bellarmine_n that_o this_o author_n admit_v not_o tradition_n unwritten_a but_o then_o he_o say_v it_o be_v not_o certain_o manifest_a whether_o these_o question_n be_v the_o great_a basil_n or_o rather_o eustathius_n of_o sebastia_n yet_o the_o same_o 8._o same_o de_fw-fr paenit_fw-la l._n 3._o c._n 8._o bellarmine_n confident_o quote_v they_o as_o st._n basils_n for_o auricular_a confession_n so_o that_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o the_o question_n be_v before_o scruple_v at_o only_o because_o they_o speak_v in_o behalf_n of_o scripture_n against_o tradition_n and_o against_o venial_a sin_n which_o be_v manifest_a partiality_n but_o i_o shall_v bring_v a_o testimony_n of_o st._n basil_n which_o bellarmine_n himself_o will_v own_v to_o be_v st._n basils_n who_o in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n thus_o discourse_n if_o god_n be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o say_n his_o word_n and_o work_n they_o remain_v for_o ever_o and_o be_v do_v in_o truth_n and_o equity_n it_o must_v be_v a_o evident_a sign_n of_o infidelity_n and_o pride_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v reject_v what_o be_v write_v and_o introduce_v what_o be_v not_o write_v this_o be_v a_o manifest_a prelation_n of_o what_o be_v write_v i._n e._n holy_a scripture_n to_o what_o be_v unwritten_a i._n e._n tradition_n which_o bellarm._n call_v the_o unwritten_a word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o title_n to_o his_o 4_o book_n de_fw-fr verbo_fw-la dei_fw-la when_o st._n 14._o st._n quid_fw-la inquam_fw-la omousion_n nisi_fw-la ego_fw-la &_o pater_fw-la unum_fw-la sumus_fw-la sed_fw-la nunc_fw-la nec_fw-la ego_fw-la nicaenam_fw-la synodum_fw-la tibi_fw-la nec_fw-la tu_fw-la arimineusem_n mihi_fw-la debes_fw-la tâ—nquam_fw-la praejudicaturus_fw-la cbiitere_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la authoritatibus_fw-la res_fw-la cum_fw-la re_fw-la causa_fw-la cum_fw-la causâ_fw-la ratio_fw-la cum_fw-la ratione_fw-la concertet_fw-la contra_fw-la maxt_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 14._o august_n be_v willing_a to_o wave_v the_o council_n of_o nice_a to_o maximinus_n and_o to_o retire_v to_o a_o decision_n of_o the_o catholic_n cause_n by_o scripture_n certain_o that_o great_a person_n judge_v scripture_n without_o tradion_n to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o
vit_n be_v joh._n 20._o vit_n write_v that_o we_o may_v believe_v and_o believe_v have_v life_n and_o which_o be_v 15.4_o be_v rom._n 15.4_o write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n but_o how_o can_v they_o attain_v those_o end_n if_o they_o shall_v perish_v if_o this_o light_n be_v extinguish_v how_o much_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o forlorn_a will_v man_n be_v this_o peculiar_a watchfulness_n of_o god_n over_o the_o scripture_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o romanist_n 727._o romanist_n ita_fw-la velente_v deo_fw-la ut_fw-la verae_fw-la lectionis_fw-la â—ntegrâ—tas_fw-la quam_fw-la hominum_fw-la velmalitia_fw-la vel_fw-la negligentia_fw-la corâ—uperent_fw-la in_o partibus_fw-la in_fw-la totâ_fw-la saltem_fw-la ecclesiasticorum_fw-la codi_fw-la they_o universitate_fw-la seruâ—retur_fw-la ne_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la christi_fw-la per_fw-la aliquod_fw-la tempus_fw-la divinarum_fw-la scripturaâ—um_fw-la integritate_fw-la careret_fw-la bibl._n sanct._n p._n 727._o sixtus_n senensis_n attribute_n the_o preserve_v incorruptness_n of_o the_o sacred_a text_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o bellarmine_n argumentum_fw-la bellarmine_n de_fw-fr verbo_fw-la dei_fw-la l._n 2._o c._n 2._o quintum_fw-la &_o ultimum_fw-la argumentum_fw-la argue_v from_o the_o divine_a providence_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o any_o injury_n by_o the_o jew_n indeed_o he_o entitle_v tradition_n likewise_o to_o god_n special_a care_n as_o the_o 12._o the_o cura_fw-la ista_fw-la non_fw-la incumbit_fw-la praecipue_fw-la hominibus_fw-la sed_fw-la deo_fw-la praeter-providentiam_a dei_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la praecipua_fw-la causa_fw-la de_fw-fr verbo_fw-la dei_fw-la non_fw-la scripto_fw-la lib._n 4._o c._n 12._o principal_a cause_n of_o its_o pretend_a safety_n and_o this_o be_v a_o confession_n that_o god_n be_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n the_o guardian_n of_o that_o by_o which_o he_o communicate_v his_o mind_n and_o pleasure_n to_o man_n for_o such_o a_o thing_n i._n e._n the_o unwritten_a word_n of_o god_n he_o hold_v tradition_n to_o be_v but_o certain_o tradition_n can_v lay_v a_o just_a claim_n to_o such_o a_o interest_n in_o divine_a providence_n as_o the_o scripture_n 1._o for_o first_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v to_o the_o just_a diminution_n of_o oral_a tradition_n there_o be_v a_o providential_a dismission_n of_o it_o and_o choice_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o conveyance_n of_o god_n reveal_v will_n to_o his_o church_n through_o successive_a age_n for_o whenas_o oral_a tradition_n have_v be_v in_o use_n for_o that_o purpose_n before_o the_o flood_n and_o some_o while_n after_o it_o and_o great_a have_v be_v the_o untrustiness_n of_o it_o at_o the_o length_n god_n write_v his_o law_n himself_o and_o command_v what_o be_v write_v to_o be_v keep_v with_o a_o great_a religious_a care_n afterward_o as_o moses_n the_o prophet_n and_o hagiographer_n be_v inspire_v their_o revelation_n be_v write_v so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o church_n edification_n and_o when_o the_o people_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o seduction_n and_o it_o behove_v they_o to_o seek_v to_o their_o god_n for_o instruction_n they_o be_v send_v not_o children_n to_o their_o tradition_v father_n 20._o be_v s._n 19_o 20._o but_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n and_o they_o be_v tell_v that_o those_o who_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o that_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o yes_o and_o when_o the_o church_n be_v general_o corrupt_v and_o therefore_o tradition_n have_v not_o do_v its_o duty_n the_o church_n relief_n be_v not_o from_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o testify_a father_n but_o from_o the_o scripture_n according_a to_o who_o canon_n abuse_n be_v reform_v and_o for_o this_o reformation_n and_o because_o in_o it_o he_o perform_v the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n that_o hilkiah_n the_o priest_n find_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n josiah_n stand_v renown_v in_o sacred_a story_n with_o this_o character_n like_a unto_o he_o there_o be_v no_o king_n before_o he_o that_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o his_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o his_o might_n 25._o 2_o kin._n 23_o 24_o 25._o according_a to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n etc._n etc._n this_o way_n of_o secure_v revelation_n by_o writing_n be_v continue_v under_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o have_v they_o in_o the_o evangelist_n the_o epistle_n the_o act_n and_o the_o revelation_n and_o this_o course_n be_v as_o needful_a under_o the_o gospel_n as_o under_o the_o legal_a oeconomy_n if_o not_o more_o for_o it_o be_v intend_v by_o god_n that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v propagate_v beyond_o the_o narrow_a confine_n of_o judaea_n where_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v lodge_v for_o hundred_o of_o year_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o among_o so_o many_o nation_n of_o such_o different_a complexion_n custom_n and_o interest_n there_o be_v the_o more_o danger_n it_o shall_v be_v disguise_v if_o it_o have_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o frailty_n of_o a_o oral_a tradition_n as_o we_o know_v that_o the_o more_o mouth_n relation_n pass_v through_o the_o more_o subject_n they_o be_v to_o alteration_n from_o their_o primitive_a truth_n through_o the_o ignorance_n mistake_n prejudices_fw-la prepossession_n or_o wilfulness_n of_o the_o relator_n whereas_o a_o write_n be_v preserve_v be_v a_o perpetual_a standard_n by_o which_o to_o correct_v any_o such_o change_n for_o in_o these_o truth_n will_v be_v most_o likely_a still_o to_o appear_v in_o its_o first_o integrity_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v how_o that_o after_o a_o experience_a unsuccessfulness_n of_o oral_a conveyance_n god_n appoint_v another_o way_n and_o so_o order_v it_o that_o law_n and_o gospel_n shall_v be_v write_v now_o if_o after_o and_o notwithstanding_o such_o a_o provision_n yet_o it_o shall_v be_v god_n intent_n that_o oral_a tradition_n only_o shall_v have_v the_o prerogative_n to_o sense_n scripture_n and_o that_o faith_n shall_v be_v last_o resolve_v into_o oral_a tradition_n and_o therefore_o that_o this_o not_o scripture_n shall_v be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n it_o must_v needs_o seem_v strange_a and_o unaccountable_a to_o any_a rational_a christian_a how_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n there_o shall_v be_v so_o many_o and_o such_o high_a 4.12_o high_a ps_n 19.7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o ps_n 119._o passim_fw-la 2_o pet._n 1.19_o 20_o 21._o eph._n 6.17_o heb._n 4.12_o encomium_n of_o they_o that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v bid_v the_o jew_n 5.39_o jew_n joh._n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n shall_v tell_v they_o they_o 22.29_o they_o matth._n 22.29_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n 36._o scripture_n matth._n 22.42_o joh._n 10.34_o 35_o 36._o shall_v dispute_v with_o and_o baffle_v they_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o they_o 27._o they_o luke_n 24.25_o 26_o 27._o confirm_v his_o disciple_n in_o the_o truth_n that_o his_o apostle_n shall_v proceed_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n with_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o 12._o the_o act._n 17.11_o 12._o beraean_n shall_v be_v commend_v for_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whereupon_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v that_o st._n paul_n shall_v mention_v it_o to_o timothy_n 17._o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16_o 17._o as_o a_o encouragement_n or_o engagement_n of_o he_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v learn_v that_o he_o from_o a_o child_n have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v present_o add_v a_o description_n of_o scripture_n than_o which_o a_o more_o full_a one_o sure_a can_v be_v use_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n i_o say_v it_o be_v mighty_a strange_a that_o scripture_n shall_v be_v thus_o magnify_v and_o yet_o none_o of_o all_o this_o shall_v be_v say_v there_o of_o tradition_n nay_o that_o either_o tradition_n shall_v be_v mention_v with_o disgrace_n as_o when_o our_o saviour_n 3._o saviour_n matth._n 15.2_o 3._o condemn_v the_o jew_n tradition_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o st._n paul_n 2.8_o paul_n col._n 2.8_o warn_v the_o colossian_n to_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v they_o after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n or_o where_o the_o word_n be_v find_v yet_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v useful_a to_o our_o adversary_n purpose_n which_o that_o it_o may_v be_v it_o must_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n than_o be_v write_v and_o that_o
be_v great_a enough_o but_o can_v lay_v no_o obligation_n upon_o christian_n the_o result_n of_o the_o discourse_n forego_v concern_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v this_o 1._o see_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v never_o doubt_v of_o much_o less_o reject_v by_o all_o be_v so_o early_o receive_v by_o all_o 2_o see_v the_o jewish_a church_n never_o for_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n admit_v more_o book_n into_o the_o canon_n than_o protestant_n do_v likewise_o that_o the_o christian_a church_n do_v from_o the_o beginning_n distinguish_v between_o the_o canonical_a and_o apocryphal_a book_n as_o have_v be_v the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a member_n of_o it_o in_o its_o several_a age_n forasmuch_o i_o say_v that_o so_o it_o be_v there_o can_v lie_v no_o rational_a objection_n against_o the_o sufficient_a care_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n or_o the_o church_n diligence_n in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n upon_o supposal_n of_o which_o it_o can_v just_o be_v pretend_v that_o christian_n must_v be_v uncertain_a about_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o scripture_n canon_n i_o may_v add_v that_o supposâ—_n there_o be_v a_o much_o more_o considerable_a uncertainty_n concern_v the_o true_o canonical_a book_n of_o scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n than_o there_o be_v yet_o there_o will_v be_v a_o fair_a salvo_n for_o the_o care_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o for_o the_o security_n of_o christian_n necessary_a belief_n and_o practice_n for_o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o if_o 1_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n at_o the_o first_o not_o general_o receive_v be_v still_o as_o controversible_a yet_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v in_o the_o book_n never_o dispute_v of_o enough_o to_o establish_v it_o or_o 2_o be_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o doubtful_a whether_o the_o book_n call_v apocryphal_a be_v not_o as_o true_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o those_o style_v canonical_a perhaps_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n which_o can_v be_v prove_v from_o those_o apocryphal_a book_n contrary_a to_o what_o we_o maintain_v against_o our_o adversary_n but_o this_o be_v supernumerary_n 229._o after_o the_o author_n have_v confute_v by_o several_a testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_n the_o canonicalness_n of_o the_o book_n call_v apocryphal_a he_o add_v etsi_fw-la in_o hac_fw-la re_fw-la longè_fw-la superior_a est_fw-la causa_fw-la nostra_fw-la nullam_fw-la tamen_fw-la satis_fw-la gravem_fw-la causam_fw-la video_fw-la cur_n acriter_fw-la de_fw-la numero_fw-la canonicorum_fw-la librorum_fw-la cum_fw-la pontificiis_fw-la digladiemur_fw-la &_o apocryphos_fw-la quos_fw-la illi_fw-la in_o canonem_fw-la refer_v volunt_fw-la usque_fw-la adeò_fw-la aver_v semmr_n quasi_fw-la fides_n &_o religio_fw-la christiana_n propterea_fw-la vacillatura_fw-la sit_fw-la si_fw-la illi_fw-la in_o canonem_fw-la admittantur_fw-la eisi_fw-la enim_fw-la non_fw-la nego_fw-la esse_fw-la in_o iis_fw-la quaedam_fw-la quae_fw-la vel_fw-la contradictionem_fw-la vel_fw-la falsitatem_fw-la vel_fw-la absurditatem_fw-la manifestariam_fw-la prae_fw-la se_fw-la ferant_fw-la &_o difficulter_n aut_fw-la cum_fw-la iis_fw-la quos_fw-la canonicos_fw-la esse_fw-la utrinque_fw-la in_o confess_v est_fw-la conciliari_fw-la aut_fw-la cum_fw-la historiae_fw-la veritate_fw-la aut_fw-la cum_fw-la recta_fw-la ratione_fw-la in_o gratiam_fw-la reduci_fw-la possunt_fw-la tamen_fw-la non_fw-la modò_fw-la nulla_fw-la esse_fw-la in_fw-la it_o be_v credo_fw-la per_fw-la quae_fw-la dogmatis_fw-la alicujus_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la necessarii_fw-la veritas_fw-la labefactari_fw-la possit_fw-la sed_fw-la &_o non_fw-la pauciora_fw-la esse_fw-la in_o iis_fw-la mihi_fw-la persuadeo_fw-la quae_fw-la convellendis_fw-la pontificiorum_fw-la erroribus_fw-la faciunt_fw-la quam_fw-la quae_fw-la iis_fw-la aut_fw-la fulciendis_fw-la aut_fw-la stabiliendis_fw-la servire_fw-la possunt_fw-la sim._n episcopii_n instit_fw-la theol._n p._n 227._o afterward_o speak_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n ancient_o question_v say_v he_o sive_fw-la admittantur_fw-la sive_fw-la non_fw-la admittantur_fw-la certissimum_fw-la nihilominus_fw-la manet_fw-la caeteris_fw-la qui_fw-la extra_fw-la controversiam_fw-la omnem_fw-la positi_fw-la sunt_fw-la abundè_fw-la satis_fw-la contineri_fw-la universam_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la &_o religionem_fw-la istam_fw-la quam_fw-la revelationem_fw-la tertiam_fw-la intelligit_fw-la religionem_fw-la christianam_fw-la esse_fw-la dicimus_fw-la nullus_fw-la enim_fw-la in_o istis_fw-la omnibus_fw-la controversiis_fw-la est_fw-la apiculus_fw-la qui_fw-la singular_a aliquid_fw-la habet_fw-la inse_v quoth_v in_o aliis_fw-la indubitatis_fw-la desideratur_fw-la imò_fw-la non_fw-la abundè_fw-la iis_fw-la continetur_fw-la ad_fw-la religionis_fw-la &_o doctrinae_fw-la jesus_n christi_fw-la tum_fw-la perfectionem_fw-la tum_fw-la integritatem_fw-la pertinens_fw-la idem_fw-la ibid._n pag._n 229._o and_o may_v be_v untrue_a without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v in_o this_o section_n sect_n iii_o obj._n 3_o whereas_o i_o have_v say_v that_o the_o safe_a descent_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v so_o great_o provide_v for_o because_o they_o be_v treasure_v up_o in_o the_o holy_a write_n it_o may_v be_v perhaps_o reply_v that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v not_o destitute_a of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d advantage_n also_o for_o one_o mean_n which_o bellarmine_n allege_v of_o the_o preservation_n of_o oral_a tradition_n be_v scriptura_fw-la write_v they_o in_o the_o ancient_a record_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o he_o say_v that_o 12._o that_o de_fw-fr verbo_fw-la dei_fw-la non_fw-la scripto_fw-la l._n 4._o c._n 12._o a_o doctrine_n be_v call_v unwritten_a 2._o unwritten_a idâ—m_fw-la ibid_fw-la ch._n 2._o not_o because_o it_o be_v not_o where_o write_v because_o it_o be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o first_o author_n but_o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o adversary_n i_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o talk_v of_o oral_a tradition_n as_o a_o plenipotent_a thing_n which_o be_v a_o support_n to_o itself_o and_o need_v not_o the_o prop_n of_o a_o pen_n be_v itself_o a_o spring_n of_o perpetuity_n to_o itself_o and_o therefore_o that_o the_o be_v write_v must_v be_v a_o accidental_a and_o no_o necessary_a preservative_n of_o it_o this_o sure_a be_v the_o importance_n of_o several_a passage_n concern_v it_o viz._n 115._o viz._n sure_a foot_n pag._n 115._o christian_a tradition_n right_o understand_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n essential_a as_o deliver_v 101._o deliver_v ibid._n pag_n 101._o none_o can_v in_o reason_n oppose_v the_o authority_n of_o father_n or_o council_n against_o tradition_n 103._o tradition_n ibid._n pag._n 103._o no_o authority_n from_o any_o history_n or_o testimonial_a writing_n be_v valid_a against_o the_o force_n of_o tradition_n so_o that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v it_o seem_v so_o far_o from_o a_o want_n of_o assistance_n from_o any_o writing_n whatsoever_o that_o it_o be_v their_o strength_n and_o overrule_v they_o there_o be_v yet_o more_o say_v 56._o say_v ibid._n pag._n 56._o oral_a tradition_n be_v a_o rule_n not_o to_o the_o learned_a only_o but_o also_o to_o the_o unlearned_a to_o any_o vuloar_n enquir_a therefore_o it_o must_v not_o rest_v on_o book_n for_o its_o authenticness_n for_o the_o unlearned_a and_o vulgar_a enquirer_n have_v not_o ability_n to_o read_v to_o examine_v to_o understand_v book_n according_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o 204._o the_o ibid._n pag._n 203_o 204._o present_a church_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v there_o be_v something_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o another_o 15._o another_o enchirid_a of_o faith_n pag._n 14_o 15._o author_n who_o have_v form_v his_o book_n dialogue-wise_a after_o the_o master_n have_v read_v his_o scholar_n a_o lecture_n about_o tradition_n the_o scholar_n ask_v he_o sir_n it_o seem_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a study_n not_o easy_o to_o be_v overcome_v except_o by_o very_o learned_a man_n to_o know_v or_o to_o find_v out_o a_o constant_a tradition_n as_o to_o read_v all_o the_o father_n liturgy_n or_o council_n be_v it_o not_o therefore_o sufficient_a testimony_n of_o this_o if_o the_o present_a catholic_n church_n universal_o witness_v it_o to_o be_v so_o to_o this_o the_o master_n after_o some_o premise_n answer_n it_o must_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n be_v conclude_v the_o testimony_n of_o any_o age_n he_o mean_v any_o present_a age_n to_o be_v sufficient_a and_o after_o a_o while_n he_o close_v thus_o this_o sure_o convince_v the_o testimony_n of_o any_o age_n to_o be_v sufficient_a thus_o whatsoever_o just_a exception_n this_o divinity_n be_v expose_v unto_o yet_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o author_n quote_v that_o there_o be_v some_o such_o as_o i_o have_v to_o do_v with_o in_o this_o work_n who_o maintain_v a_o selfsufficiency_n in_o oral_a tradition_n and_o that_o though_o it_o may_v have_v yet_o it_o can_v sustain_v itself_o without_o the_o aid_n of_o book_n 2._o let_v it_o be_v that_o oral_a tradition_n have_v help_v from_o scripture_n from_o write_v yet_o upon_o a_o scrutiny_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o in_o the_o last_o issue_n this_o relief_n will_v be_v insufficient_a so_o far_o at_o
the_o least_o as_o to_o privilege_v oral_a tradition_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o 1._o be_v their_o writing_n the_o conservatory_n of_o tradition_n write_v by_o person_n move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o not_o if_o not_o and_o i_o suppose_v our_o adversary_n will_v not_o affirm_v they_o be_v then_o these_o writing_n have_v a_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o we_o profess_v to_o be_v the_o canon_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o great_a a_o disadvantage_n as_o must_v be_v between_o book_n write_v by_o they_o who_o can_v not_o err_v and_o those_o write_v by_o they_o who_o may_v err_v from_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o one_o must_v be_v true_a that_o the_o content_n of_o the_o other_o may_v be_v true_a yet_o too_o they_o may_v be_v false_a there_o may_v be_v that_o report_v in_o they_o as_o deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o deliver_v by_o they_o but_o 2._o be_v there_o ecclesiastical_a monument_n of_o unquestionable_a credit_n and_o which_o do_v from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n through_o each_o age_n exacty_n and_o full_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o consentient_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n it_o will_v be_v very_o material_a and_o we_o shall_v much_o rejoice_v in_o it_o but_o the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o for_o some_o while_n there_o be_v very_o few_o if_o any_o writing_n save_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o come_v to_o our_o hand_n justin_n martyr_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o first_o father_n christ_n about_o 150_o year_n after_o christ_n who_o work_n have_v survive_v to_o this_o day_n there_o be_v some_o book_n which_o pretend_v to_o a_o early_a date_n which_o yet_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v supposititious_a some_o of_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o other_o prove_v to_o be_v such_o by_o the_o daille_n the_o cook_n in_o censu_fw-la â_fw-la quorundum_fw-la scriptorum_fw-la d._n james_n bastardy_n of_o false_a father_n daille_n protestant_n for_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n as_o there_o be_v no_o complete_a ecclesiastical_a history_n so_o the_o father_n now_o extant_a be_v but_o few_o and_o their_o work_n too_o be_v calculate_v for_o the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o live_v reach_v not_o the_o controversy_n which_o for_o many_o year_n past_a and_o at_o this_o day_n exercise_n and_o trouble_n christendom_n this_o paucity_n of_o the_o record_n of_o the_o first_o age_n 42._o age_n id_fw-la autem_fw-la esse_fw-la tempus_fw-la quo_fw-la quatuor_fw-la prima_fw-la concilia_fw-la oecumenica_fw-la includantur_fw-la a_o constantino_n imp._n ad_fw-la marcianum_n atque_fw-la hoc_fw-la vel_fw-la propterea_fw-la aequissimum_fw-la esse_fw-la quia_fw-la primorum_fw-la seculorum_fw-la paucissima_fw-la extant_a monumenta_fw-la illius_fw-la vero_fw-la temporis_fw-la quo_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la praecipuè_fw-la florebat_fw-la long_o plurima_fw-la ut_fw-la facile_fw-la ex_fw-la ejus_fw-la aetatis_fw-la patribus_fw-la &_o eorum_fw-la scriptis_fw-la fides_fw-la ac_fw-la disciplina_fw-la veteris_fw-la catholicoe_n possit_fw-la agnosci_fw-la ita_fw-la perron_n sequitur_fw-la responsio_fw-la regis_fw-la hoc_fw-la postulatum_fw-la parùm_fw-la illis_fw-la aequum_fw-la videbitur_fw-la etc._n etc._n apud_fw-la be_v casaubonum_fw-la in_o responsione_n ad_fw-la cardinalis_fw-la perronii_n epistolam_fw-la pag._n 38_o 39_o 40_o 41_o 42._o card._n perron_n acknowledge_v and_o do_v imply_v their_o insufficiency_n for_o settle_v catholic_n faith_n when_o as_o he_o will_v have_v recourse_n make_v for_o this_o purpose_n unto_o the_o four_o and_o 5_o century_n because_o then_o there_o be_v most_o writer_n though_o against_o this_o the_o learned_a be_v casaubon_n except_v and_o just_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o must_v be_v presume_v that_o the_o stream_n of_o tradition_n run_v pure_a near_a to_o its_o fountain_n the_o father_n after_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n do_v often_o mix_v their_o own_o private_a sentiment_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o do_v the_o father_n express_v themselves_o so_o as_o that_o we_o may_v clear_o distinguish_v when_o they_o write_v as_o doctor_n and_o when_o as_o witness_n when_o they_o deliver_v their_o own_o private_a sense_n and_o when_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o of_o the_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o the_o church_n universal_a or_o of_o some_o particular_a church_n some_o who_o have_v diligent_o peruse_v their_o write_n judge_v it_o not_o easy_a to_o find_v any_o such_o constant_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v confess_v by_o 13._o by_o rushworth_n dial_n 3d._n sect._n 13._o a_o romanist_n that_o the_o father_n speak_v sometime_o as_o witness_n of_o what_o the_o church_n hold_v in_o their_o day_n and_o sometime_o as_o doctor_n and_o so_o it_o be_v often_o hard_a to_o distinguish_v how_o they_o deliver_v their_o opinion_n because_o sometime_o they_o press_v scripture_n or_o reason_n as_o doctor_n and_o sometime_o to_o confirm_v a_o know_a truth_n so_o that_o he_o who_o seek_v tradition_n in_o the_o father_n and_o to_o convince_v it_o by_o their_o testimony_n take_v a_o hard_a task_n upon_o he_o if_o he_o go_v rigorous_o to_o work_v and_o have_v a_o cunning_a critic_n to_o his_o adversary_n so_o then_o tradition_n must_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o succour_n from_o the_o father_n write_n i_o conclude_v then_o that_o book_n write_n have_v not_o give_v such_o advantage_n to_o oral_a tradition_n as_o to_o render_v it_o the_o safe_a and_o most_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o divine_a truth_n but_o this_o dignity_n and_o trust_n be_v due_a to_o holy_a scripture_n only_o which_o have_v be_v at_o the_o first_o pen_v by_o person_n assist_v by_o the_o divine_a infallible_a spirit_n be_v stamp_v with_o a_o authority_n transcendent_a to_o all_o humane_a authority_n oral_n or_o write_a which_o have_v be_v witness_v to_o by_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n in_o each_o intermediate_v age_n since_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n general_o agree_v upon_o as_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n by_o christian_n though_o in_o other_o thing_n it_o may_v be_v some_o of_o their_o head_n may_v stand_v as_o opposite_o as_o those_o of_o sampson_n fox_n sect_n iv_o there_o remain_v a_o cavil_v or_o two_o rather_o than_o objection_n which_o shall_v have_v a_o dispatch_v also_o 1._o we_o be_v tell_v that_o by_o desertion_n of_o oral_a tradition_n and_o adherence_n to_o scripture_n we_o do_v cast_v ourselves_o upon_o a_o remediless_a ignorance_n even_o of_o scripture_n 117._o scripture_n sure_o foot_v p._n 117._o tradition_n establish_v the_o church_n be_v provide_v of_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n letter_n by_o so_o as_o to_o arrive_v certain_o at_o christ_n sense_n etc._n etc._n and_o e_fw-la contrà _fw-la 98._o contrà _fw-la ibid._n p._n 98._o without_o tradition_n both_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v uncertain_a and_o subject_a to_o dispute_v again_o 38._o again_o ibid._n p._n 38._o as_o for_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n signisicancy_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o this_o be_v quite_o lose_v to_o all_o in_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o letter_n 2_o it_o be_v suggest_v that_o the_o course_n we_o take_v be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o church_n peace_n 40._o peace_n ibid._n p._n 40._o the_o many_o sect_n into_o which_o our_o miserable_a country_n be_v distract_v issue_n from_o this_o principle_n viz._n the_o make_v scripture_n letter_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o these_o passage_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o author_n will_v have_v it_o that_o protestant_n have_v nothing_o but_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n dead_a character_n to_o live_v upon_o and_o that_o upon_o this_o he_o charge_v their_o utter_a uncertainty_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o their_o distraction_n answ_n but_o protestant_n when_o they_o affirm_v that_o scripture_n be_v the_o safe_a and_o most_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o that_o consequent_o it_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n do_v mean_a scripture_n letter_n and_o sense_n both_o or_o the_o sense_n notify_v by_o the_o word_n and_o letter_n and_o therefore_o the_o author_n may_v have_v spare_v his_o proof_n of_o this_o conclusion_n i._n e._n that_o scripture_n letter_n want_v all_o the_o property_n belong_v to_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v needless_a i_o say_v to_o prove_v this_o to_o protestant_n well_o but_o let_v protestant_n mean_v and_o affirm_v what_o they_o will_v have_v only_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n and_o not_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o because_o they_o admit_v not_o of_o oral_a tradition_n to_o sense_n it_o scripture_n it_o seem_v be_v such_o a_o riddle_n that_o there_o be_v no_o understanding_n it_o except_o we_o plough_v with_o their_o heifer_n and_o likewise_o without_o tradition_n cement_n we_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o piece_n and_o at_o variance_n among_o ourselves_o but_o 1._o