or_o praetorian_a authority_n to_o forgive_v sin_n which_o be_v not_o compatible_a to_o any_o creature_n for_o what_o can_v any_o man_n desire_v more_o have_v to_o be_v put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o be_v final_o acquit_v and_o absolve_v in_o the_o next_o but_o if_o the_o priest_n have_v no_o such_o judicial_a authority_n to_o forgive_v sin_n what_o a_o fatal_a mistake_n be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o rely_v on_o such_o a_o ineffectual_a absolution_n what_o a_o miserable_a surprise_n will_v it_o be_v for_o those_o who_o think_v themselves_o pardon_v by_o the_o priest_n to_o be_v condemn_v by_o christ_n though_o we_o deny_v such_o a_o place_n as_o purgatory_n be_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n as_o good_a a_o argument_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n or_o do_v it_o lessen_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o sinner_n to_o say_v that_o god_n remit_v all_o future_a punishment_n when_o he_o remit_v the_o sin_n but_o if_o the_o hope_n of_o expiate_v their_o sin_n in_o purgatory_n and_o of_o be_v pray_v out_o of_o it_o shall_v embolden_v any_o man_n in_o sin_n what_o a_o disappointment_n will_v it_o be_v to_o find_v their_o purgatory_n to_o be_v hell_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o we_o can_v suffer_v nothing_o by_o deny_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o unless_o the_o causeless_a anathema_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v damn_v we_o but_o the_o hazard_n be_v so_o vast_o great_a on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o mistake_n will_v prove_v so_o fatal_a if_o they_o be_v in_o a_o mistake_n that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n can_v justify_v the_o prudence_n of_o such_o a_o choice_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o such_o fallible_a creature_n as_o we_o own_v ourselves_o to_o be_v to_o venture_v on_o they_o we_o be_v safe_a as_o we_o be_v and_o we_o think_v it_o best_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o so_o though_o we_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v safe_a three_o safe_a i_o say_v we_o be_v in_o reject_v these_o doctrine_n unless_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o by_o reject_v they_o we_o want_v something_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n especial_o wherein_o the_o romanist_n think_v they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o we_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o some_o protestant_n be_v persuade_v to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o that_o of_o rome_n that_o they_o eat_v the_o natural_a flesh_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o receive_v a_o judicial_a pardon_n of_o all_o their_o sin_n by_o the_o absolution_n of_o the_o priest_n which_o we_o confess_v we_o do_v not_o now_o suppose_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o eat_v the_o natural_a flesh_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o christ_n will_v not_o forgive_v any_o man_n who_o be_v not_o before_o forgive_v by_o the_o priest_n yet_o if_o these_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v they_o as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o no_o man_n need_v go_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o they_o if_o the_o word_n of_o consecration_n this_o be_v my_o body_n do_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n transubstantiate_v the_o bread_n into_o the_o natural_a flesh_n of_o christ_n these_o word_n must_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n when_o pronounce_v by_o a_o priest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o give_v we_o his_o natural_a flesh_n to_o eat_v we_o do_v eat_v it_o as_o much_o as_o they_o for_o we_o eat_v the_o consecrate_a element_n which_o be_v whatever_o christ_n intend_v to_o make_v they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o consecration_n for_o our_o not_o believe_v transubstantiation_n can_v hinder_v the_o virtue_n of_o consecration_n if_o christ_n have_v so_o appoint_v it_o for_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o change_v their_o nature_n with_o man_n opinion_n about_o they_o thus_o penitent_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v confess_v their_o sin_n to_o a_o priest_n if_o they_o please_v and_o receive_v absolution_n and_o if_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v a_o judicial_a absolution_n than_o they_o have_v it_o and_o need_v not_o go_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o it_o there_o be_v but_o two_o objection_n that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o this_o either_o that_o we_o have_v no_o true_a priest_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o consecration_n of_o the_o element_n or_o that_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v necessary_a to_o consecration_n and_o nothing_o more_o be_v do_v than_o what_o the_o priest_n intend_v to_o do_v and_o therefore_o no_o priest_n can_v transubstantiate_v but_o he_o who_o intend_v to_o transubstantiate_v 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o if_o there_o be_v no_o true_a priest_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o our_o bishop_n and_o priest_n derive_v their_o succession_n from_o those_o bishop_n who_o receive_v order_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o have_v as_o good_a order_n as_o they_o can_v give_v and_o as_o they_o themselves_o have_v and_o if_o we_o have_v as_o true_a bishop_n and_o priest_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o must_v have_v as_o perfect_a sacrament_n as_o they_o also_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o to_o intend_v to_o do_v what_o the_o church_n do_v and_o why_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o do_v what_o christ_n do_v as_o good_a and_o perfect_a a_o intention_n as_o this_o and_o thus_o we_o all_o intend_v to_o do_v what_o christ_n do_v which_o be_v all_o the_o intention_n that_o can_v be_v necessary_a to_o consecration_n unless_o the_o private_a opinion_n of_o the_o priest_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o institution_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n depend_v upon_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n for_o consecration_n no_o papist_n can_v ever_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o bread_n be_v consecrate_v and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v not_o transubstantiate_v and_o therefore_o i_o think_v they_o may_v compound_v this_o business_n and_o allow_v we_o transubstantiation_n if_o we_o will_v allow_v it_o they_o we_o want_v it_o not_o indeed_o and_o care_v not_o for_o it_o but_o those_o who_o lie_v so_o much_o stress_n upon_o it_o need_v not_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o that_o reason_n at_o least_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o we_o want_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n let_v we_o but_o observe_v the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o we_o need_v not_o fear_n but_o we_o shall_v receive_v all_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n which_o christ_n intend_v to_o convey_v to_o we_o in_o that_o sacrament_n which_o those_o can_v never_o be_v sure_a of_o who_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o institution_n but_o receive_v only_o a_o part_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n instead_o of_o the_o whole_a be_v these_o thing_n well_o consider_v i_o persuade_v myself_o no_o man_n will_v see_v any_o cause_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n where_o he_o have_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n without_o oppress_v his_o faith_n with_o doctrine_n hard_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o endanger_v his_o soul_n by_o doubtful_a and_o suspicious_a practice_n at_o best_a the_o index_n the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n of_o no_o use_n in_o convert_v jew_n or_o pagan_n 2_o faith_n not_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n 3_o though_o some_o passage_n in_o scripture_n be_v difficult_a other_o be_v plain_a 4_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a 5_o whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n 6_o whether_o general_n council_n have_v a_o power_n to_o determine_v matter_n of_o faith_n without_o appeal_n to_o every_o man_n reason_n 8_o 9_o what_o authority_n we_o allow_v to_o council_n 10_o 11_o the_o use_n of_o antiquity_n in_o expound_v scripture_n 12_o the_o church_n of_o england_n way_n of_o resolve_v of_o faith_n 14_o 15_o heretic_n pretence_n to_o scripture_n no_o argument_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o way_n 15_o 16_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretence_n to_o antiquity_n 16_o 17_o what_o course_n people_n must_v take_v who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o controversy_n in_o religion_n 19_o etc._n etc._n the_o ignorance_n of_o common_a people_n only_o a_o pretence_n not_o a_o reason_n for_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n 26_o 27_o a_o visible_a succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n no_o mark_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n 29_o argument_n against_o a_o infallible_a judge_n 32_o 33_o proof_n that_o christ_n never_o intend_v to_o set_v up_o such_o a_o judge_n 39_o certainty_n in_o religion_n may_v be_v have_v without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n 42_o what_o evidence_n require_v in_o faith_n 43_o concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 46_o a_o inquiry_n what_o certainty_n a_o papist_n can_v have_v 5â—_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v guilty_a of_o damnable_a error_n 60_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v authority_n to_o reform_v error_n which_o be_v not_o damnable_a 62_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n 63_o whether_o we_o can_v know_v what_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v canonical_a without_o a_o visible_a judge_n 64_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v one_o 65_o the_o apostolic_a church_n the_o standard_n of_o catholic_n unity_n and_o communion_n 67_o what_o catholic_n communion_n be_v 69_o 70_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v call_v holy_a 72_o the_o church_n of_o england_n not_o guilty_a of_o schism_n 73_o that_o there_o be_v great_a safety_n in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 75_o to_o the_o end_n the_o end_n
council_n convene_v about_o the_o arian_n controversy_n after_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o nicene_n father_n if_o that_o have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o far_a dispute_n and_o appeal_v which_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o the_o christian_n do_v not_o then_o think_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o council_n be_v so_o sacred_a that_o no_o man_n must_v question_v it_o when_o succeed_a council_n examine_v and_o many_o time_n reverse_v the_o decree_n of_o former_a council_n nay_o that_o council_n which_o be_v not_o general_a shall_v make_v bold_a with_o the_o decree_n of_o general_a council_n which_o be_v but_o a_o degree_n remove_v from_o every_o man_n private_a reason_n but_o the_o council_n anathematise_v all_o those_o that_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o decree_n and_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o they_o deny_v all_o christian_n a_o liberty_n of_o examine_v after_o they_o may_v they_o not_o declare_v such_o doctrine_n to_o be_v damnable_a heresy_n and_o reject_v such_o man_n out_o of_o their_o communion_n without_o believe_v their_o decree_n to_o be_v so_o infallible_a and_o sacred_a that_o no_o man_n must_v examine_v they_o do_v not_o the_o protestant_a church_n do_v this_o without_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o absolute_a authority_n over_o man_n faith_n a_o fallible_a man_n who_o be_v certain_o assure_v that_o any_o doctrine_n be_v a_o damnable_a heresy_n may_v declare_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o if_o he_o have_v any_o such_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n he_o may_v cast_v such_o man_n out_o of_o communion_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o a_o anathema_n signify_v and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v do_v and_o yet_o man_n dispute_v on_o and_o judge_v for_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o to_o denounce_v a_o anathema_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o he_o that_o do_v it_o have_v such_o a_o infallible_a and_o uncontrollable_a authority_n as_o must_v silence_v all_o dispute_n and_o captivate_v man_n reason_n and_o understanding_n to_o his_o dictate_v as_o for_o that_o passage_n that_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o then_o think_v a_o man_n safe_a though_o he_o to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o understanding_n do_v expound_v scripture_n if_o he_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n it_o have_v something_o of_o truth_n but_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o sophistry_n in_o it_o it_o be_v so_o far_o true_a that_o a_o man_n who_o embrace_v damnable_a error_n be_v not_o safe_a how_o firm_o soever_o he_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o hazardous_a to_o contradict_v the_o sense_n not_o of_o any_o council_n which_o may_v be_v a_o pack_v conventicle_n of_o heretic_n nor_o of_o any_o particular_a age_n of_o the_o church_n which_o may_v be_v very_o ignorant_a or_o very_o corrupt_a but_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o all_o place_n and_o age_n but_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o present_a purpose_n and_o if_o the_o meaning_n be_v as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o a_o man_n to_o use_v his_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o council_n it_o may_v sometime_o be_v so_o and_o sometime_o not_o as_o the_o council_n be_v and_o whatever_o the_o event_n be_v every_o man_n must_v judge_v of_o that_o it_o may_v prove_v dangerous_a to_o a_o man_n to_o use_v his_o reason_n if_o he_o do_v not_o use_v it_o right_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o it_o but_o every_o man_n must_v use_v his_o reason_n or_o act_v like_o a_o fool._n but_o possible_o it_o will_v be_v ask_v what_o authority_n then_o do_v we_o allow_v to_o council_n and_o i_o shall_v very_o free_o speak_v my_o mind_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o case_n that_o be_v doubtful_a the_o judgement_n of_o so_o many_o wise_a and_o learned_a and_o pious_a man_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o very_a probable_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o decree_n and_o no_o modest_a man_n will_v open_o oppose_v what_o they_o determine_v unless_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v something_o of_o faction_n and_o interest_n at_o the_o bottom_n or_o that_o the_o reason_n whereby_o they_o be_v overrule_v be_v so_o weak_a or_o ludicrous_a as_o to_o render_v their_o judgement_n contemptible_a for_o if_o the_o opinion_n of_o one_o learned_a man_n be_v so_o considerable_a much_o more_o be_v the_o deliberate_a judgement_n of_o so_o many_o great_a and_o good_a man_n second_o the_o authority_n of_o ancient_a council_n be_v very_o considerable_a as_o they_o be_v credible_a witness_n of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o the_o constant_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o precede_a age_n which_o be_v a_o mighty_a satisfaction_n to_o find_v by_o these_o venerable_a record_n that_o what_o we_o now_o believe_v be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n before_o it_o be_v divide_v by_o schism_n and_o faction_n or_o corrupt_v with_o ease_n or_o liberty_n or_o wanton_a dispute_n three_o general_n or_o national_a council_n have_v authority_n to_o determine_v what_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v public_o profess_v and_o teach_v in_o their_o church_n and_o be_v make_v the_o article_n of_o church_n communion_n as_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v if_o there_o be_v any_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v one_o and_o those_o who_o have_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n must_v have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o faith_n but_o then_o this_o authority_n do_v not_o oblige_v any_o man_n to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v and_o to_o receive_v all_o such_o decree_n without_o examination_n but_o only_o if_o we_o will_v live_v in_o communion_n with_o such_o a_o church_n we_o must_v own_v the_o faith_n of_o that_o church_n for_o she_o will_v allow_v none_o to_o communicate_v with_o she_o who_o do_v not_o now_o if_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v pure_a and_o orthodox_n the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o require_v obedience_n and_o conformity_n to_o her_o decree_n and_o constitution_n and_o those_o who_o refuse_v it_o must_v answer_v it_o both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n if_o her_o faith_n be_v corrupt_a she_o abuse_v her_o power_n in_o impose_v it_o on_o christian_n and_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v what_o be_v false_a because_o the_o church_n define_v it_o to_o be_v true_a if_o you_o ask_v who_o judgement_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o every_o private_a christian_n i_o answer_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o necessity_n must_v take_v place_n as_o to_o external_n government_n to_o determine_v what_o shall_v be_v profess_v and_o practise_v in_o her_o communion_n and_o no_o private_a christian_n have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v in_o these_o matter_n but_o when_o the_o question_n be_v what_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n true_a or_o false_a in_o what_o we_o may_v obey_v and_o in_o what_o not_o here_o every_o private_a christian_a who_o will_v not_o believe_v without_o understanding_n nor_o follow_v his_o guide_n blindfold_a must_v judge_v for_o himself_o and_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o his_o soul_n be_v worth_a to_o judge_v right_a for_o if_o he_o reject_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n without_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n he_o be_v a_o heretic_n and_o a_o schismatic_a liable_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o next_o if_o he_o reject_v a_o erroneous_a and_o corrupt_a communion_n he_o incur_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o most_o christian_a kingdom_n be_v attend_v with_o some_o temporal_a inconvenience_n and_o if_o he_o embrace_v it_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n for_o if_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a they_o shall_v both_o fall_v into_o the_o dith_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a limit_n of_o all_o human_a authority_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n below_o this_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n and_o above_o it_o it_o be_v not_o human_a authority_n for_o a_o blind_a obedience_n can_v be_v due_a to_o none_o but_o god_n and_o he_o himself_o seldom_o exact_v it_o if_o we_o will_v grant_v governor_n and_o subject_n to_o be_v man_n who_o have_v the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o state_n the_o case_n of_o authority_n and_o subjection_n otherwise_o than_o thus_o that_o the_o faith_n and_o judgement_n of_o governor_n influence_n and_o direct_v their_o government_n and_o give_v law_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o subject_n and_o the_o private_a judgement_n of_o subject_n direct_v they_o how_o far_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v their_o governor_n and_o god_n himself_o
can_v communicate_v with_o they_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o sinful_a in_o our_o communion_n and_o whatever_o they_o pretend_v they_o can_v never_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n want_v in_o it_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o when_o we_o deny_v communion_n to_o no_o church_n that_o will_v communicate_v with_o we_o and_o require_v no_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n which_o can_v justify_v a_o separation_n from_o we_o let_v they_o tell_v i_o wherein_o our_o schism_n consist_v the_o paper_n i_o can_v think_v those_o glorious_a promise_n sufficient_o fulfil_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o abide_v with_o they_o and_o that_o for_o ever_o answer_n pray_v why_o not_o that_o promise_n of_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n be_v make_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v fulfil_v in_o they_o and_o extend_v to_o no_o other_o in_o that_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n viz._n by_o bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n all_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v say_v to_o they_o which_o can_v belong_v only_o to_o those_o person_n who_o hear_v the_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n of_o christ_n himself_o for_o though_o a_o man_n may_v be_v teach_v what_o he_o never_o know_v before_o yet_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o remember_v what_o he_o never_o hear_v before_o but_o when_o it_o be_v add_v that_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n shall_v abide_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o that_o for_o ever_o must_v be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o a_o infallible_a direction_n and_o their_o for_o ever_o signify_v no_o long_a than_o they_o live_v for_o if_o it_o must_v be_v extend_v to_o all_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n than_o there_o must_v be_v as_o many_o infallible_a judge_n as_o there_o be_v successor_n to_o all_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o several_a church_n found_v by_o they_o which_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o for_o what_o follow_v about_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n i_o have_v already_o give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o for_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n never_o prevail_v while_o there_o be_v a_o church_n which_o profess_v the_o faith_n which_o st._n peter_n then_o profess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o have_v do_v in_o her_o great_a corruption_n except_v pope_n liberius_n his_o subscription_n to_o the_o arian_n confession_n and_o whereas_o the_o paper_n conclude_v with_o a_o desire_n to_o know_v how_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v catholic_n and_o apostolic_a the_o answer_n be_v very_o plain_a because_o her_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n be_v catholic_n and_o apostolic_a the_o conclusion_n a_o address_n to_o waver_a protestant_n show_v what_o little_a reason_n they_o have_v to_o think_v of_o any_o change_n of_o their_o religion_n what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v in_o answer_n to_o these_o paper_n seem_v to_o i_o so_o very_o clear_a and_o plain_a that_o i_o shall_v not_o much_o question_n its_o good_a effect_n even_o upon_o honest_a papist_n will_v they_o impartial_o read_v and_o consider_v it_o much_o more_o upon_o waver_a protestant_n if_o it_o be_v only_o some_o scruple_n not_o interest_n which_o sway_v they_o but_o the_o better_a to_o fix_v such_o people_n and_o that_o in_o the_o modern_a fashionable_a way_n without_o dispute_v all_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n i_o shall_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v how_o much_o more_o certainty_n and_o safety_n they_o have_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o they_o can_v have_v by_o go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o i_o think_v this_o be_v home_n to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v the_o same_o argument_n wherewith_o the_o roman_a priest_n endeavour_v to_o pervert_v our_o people_n and_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o these_o paper_n 1._o first_o then_o i_o observe_v that_o all_o the_o positive_a article_n of_o the_o protestant_a faith_n be_v own_v and_o believe_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o do_v not_o believe_v all_o that_o they_o believe_v but_o yet_o they_o believe_v all_o that_o we_o do_v for_o our_o faith_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n the_o apostle_n the_o nicene_n and_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n own_v as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o though_o we_o do_v not_o build_v our_o certainty_n on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o on_o the_o express_a revelation_n of_o scripture_n which_o contain_v all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o be_v as_o much_o certainty_n as_o we_o desire_v yet_o methinks_v even_o a_o modest_a romanist_n shall_v blush_v to_o charge_v our_o faith_n with_o uncertainty_n when_o our_o faith_n as_o far_o as_o it_o reach_v be_v the_o same_o with_o they_o sure_o they_o must_v grant_v that_o in_o these_o matter_n which_o we_o all_o consent_n in_o our_o faith_n be_v true_a and_o orthodox_n they_o must_v grant_v that_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v sound_a and_o orthodox_n also_o for_o thus_o they_o resolve_v their_o own_o faith_n they_o must_v grant_v that_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n not_o exclude_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o best_a external_n testimony_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n now_o when_o we_o believe_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o expound_v by_o the_o general_n faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n what_o appearance_n of_o uncertainty_n can_v be_v charge_v on_o such_o a_o faith_n we_o reject_v indeed_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n but_o what_o then_o will_v not_o a_o true_a orthodox_n faith_n save_v we_o unless_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o have_v no_o be_v when_o christianity_n be_v first_o plant_v in_o the_o world_n but_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o this_o for_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n because_o he_o can_v believe_v his_o creed_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o then_o i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v what_o that_o uncertainty_n be_v which_o they_o complain_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o if_o the_o positive_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v certain_a as_o it_o must_v be_v if_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o to_o these_o matter_n be_v certain_a why_o do_v they_o leave_v we_o for_o want_v of_o certainty_n which_o be_v now_o the_o popular_a argument_n to_o seduce_v man_n from_o our_o communion_n if_o they_o think_v we_o do_v not_o believe_v enough_o let_v they_o say_v so_o and_o make_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o departure_n from_o we_o but_o if_o as_o far_o as_o our_o faith_n go_v we_o have_v certain_a and_o evident_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n how_o do_v our_o faith_n come_v to_o be_v uncertain_a as_o for_o those_o particular_a doctrine_n which_o be_v in_o dispute_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o grant_v we_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o they_o nay_o more_o than_o that_o we_o say_v no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o they_o how_o confident_a soever_o he_o be_v for_o they_o be_v found_v neither_o on_o reason_n nor_o scripture_n nor_o any_o good_a authority_n for_o we_o do_v not_o take_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v good_a authority_n and_o if_o this_o be_v all_o they_o mean_v by_o our_o uncertainty_n that_o we_o have_v no_o certainty_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o image_n and_o relic_n for_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n for_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n for_o mass_n for_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a for_o a_o judicial_a absolution_n and_o those_o new_a sacrament_n they_o have_v introduce_v into_o the_o church_n we_o ready_o grant_v it_o but_o think_v this_o a_o very_a strange_a reason_n for_o protestant_n to_o desert_n our_o communion_n because_o we_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v false_a we_o do_v not_o only_o confess_v that_o we_o can_v find_v no_o certainty_n for_o these_o thing_n but_o we_o assert_v that_o we_o have_v positive_a and_o certain_a evidence_n against_o they_o and_o those_o who_o have_v
apostle_n even_o st._n peter_n himself_o have_v no_o other_o commission_n but_o to_o teach_v than_o their_o authority_n can_v not_o extend_v far_o than_o their_o teach_v that_o be_v they_o can_v not_o oblige_v man_n to_o believe_v more_o than_o they_o can_v make_v they_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o well_o but_o if_o christ_n have_v not_o appoint_v a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n what_o certainty_n can_v we_o have_v of_o our_o religion_n and_o what_o care_n have_v christ_n take_v of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n these_o be_v two_o point_n which_o must_v be_v consider_v and_o if_o we_o can_v give_v a_o fair_a account_n of_o they_o without_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n there_o will_v be_v so_o little_a need_n of_o such_o a_o judge_n that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o contend_v about_o he_o first_o as_o for_o certainty_n why_o can_v we_o be_v certain_a of_o our_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o matter_n without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n do_v any_o man_n want_v a_o infallible_a judge_n to_o make_v he_o certain_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o plain_a law_n or_o any_o other_o intelligible_a write_n to_o understand_v the_o difference_n between_o true_a and_o false_a reason_n to_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o evidence_n he_o may_v rely_v on_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v do_v in_o a_o remote_a country_n or_o before_o he_o be_v bear_v now_o if_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n than_o certainty_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o infallibility_n because_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a without_o it_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n depend_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o evidence_n what_o we_o have_v certain_a evidence_n for_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o and_o what_o we_o have_v not_o certain_a evidence_n for_o we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a of_o to_o depend_v upon_o authority_n though_o it_o be_v suppose_v infallible_a be_v but_o one_o sort_n of_o evidence_n and_o one_o kind_n of_o certainty_n viz._n the_o certainty_n of_o authority_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v other_o kind_n of_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n for_o our_o religion_n beside_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n than_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a still_o though_o there_o be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n for_o where_o there_o be_v more_o mean_n of_o certainty_n than_o one_o the_o take_v away_o one_o do_v not_o destroy_v all_o certainty_n now_o i_o will_v fain_o see_v that_o man_n who_o will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o we_o have_v no_o possible_a way_n to_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n or_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v but_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n for_o then_o there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n unless_o they_o will_v own_v a_o infallible_a judge_n before_o they_o believe_v christianity_n which_o will_v argue_v great_a good_a nature_n in_o they_o well!_o but_o suppose_v there_o be_v other_o possible_a way_n to_o attain_v a_o certainty_n in_o religion_n yet_o there_o be_v none_o so_o easy_a none_o so_o certain_a as_o a_o infallible_a judge_n which_o deliver_v we_o from_o tedious_a inquiry_n and_o doubtful_a dispute_n and_o make_v all_o man_n orthodox_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o now_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n i_o reject_v a_o infallible_a judge_n because_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a christ_n never_o intend_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n as_o this_o faith_n be_v a_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o understanding_n which_o suppose_v that_o the_o evidence_n be_v not_o irresistible_a for_o it_o be_v no_o virtue_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o sun_n shine_v when_o we_o see_v it_o such_o evidence_n as_o force_n a_o assent_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n consider_v as_o a_o virtue_n which_o be_v a_o free_a and_o voluntary_a assent_n upon_o such_o evidence_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v a_o honest_a man_n but_o not_o to_o compel_v a_o obstinate_a infidel_n or_o heretic_n to_o believe_v of_o this_o nature_n be_v that_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n miracle_n alone_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o do_v not_o prove_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n or_o christ_n for_o then_o all_o man_n who_o see_v his_o miracle_n must_v have_v believe_v he_o as_o they_o do_v moses_n but_o beside_o this_o they_o be_v to_o inquire_v whether_o his_o person_n answer_v the_o character_n the_o prophet_n have_v give_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o whether_o his_o doctrine_n be_v reconcileable_a with_o their_o law_n and_o here_o the_o passion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o lust_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n may_v interpose_v and_o corrupt_v and_o bias_n their_o judgement_n and_o whether_o they_o will_v believe_v or_o will_v not_o believe_v do_v very_o much_o depend_v upon_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o their_o mind_n hence_o our_o saviour_n attribute_n the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n to_o their_o pride_n and_o covetousness_n and_o such_o like_a evil_a cause_n and_o require_v a_o honest_a and_o teachable_a mind_n to_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v man_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n such_o he_o call_v his_o sheep_n you_o believe_v not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o my_o sheep_n as_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o i_o know_v they_o and_o they_o follow_v i_o john_n 10._o 26_o 27._o now_o if_o this_o be_v all_o the_o evidence_n he_o have_v afford_v the_o world_n of_o his_o own_o be_v the_o messiah_n which_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o superstructure_n can_v be_v more_o firm_a and_o certain_a than_o the_o foundation_n be_v and_o therefore_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o evidence_n which_o christ_n think_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n must_v be_v sufficient_a also_o for_o all_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n christ_n have_v no_o disciple_n but_o sincere_a honest_a man_n and_o therefore_o have_v give_v we_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n as_o may_v be_v a_o trial_n of_o our_o honesty_n it_o be_v of_o no_o concernment_n whether_o bad_a man_n be_v infidel_n or_o heretic_n and_o than_o if_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n to_o satisfy_v honest_a man_n it_o be_v enough_o and_o there_o be_v abundant_a evidence_n for_o this_o purpose_n without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o he_o and_o beside_o this_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n not_o only_o to_o work_v faith_n in_o all_o well_o dispose_v mind_n but_o to_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n and_o to_o guide_v they_o in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o mean_n he_o have_v prescribe_v to_o find_v out_o truth_n which_o though_o it_o do_v not_o make_v they_o absolute_o infallible_a which_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o to_o carry_v man_n to_o heaven_n yet_o it_o preserve_v they_o from_o all_o great_a and_o fatal_a mistake_v now_o i_o will_v desire_v any_o man_n to_o tell_v i_o what_o need_v there_o have_v be_v of_o the_o internal_a illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n if_o christ_n have_v provide_v such_o a_o external_a infallible_a mean_n as_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n and_o though_o honest_a man_n be_v not_o infallible_a yet_o they_o have_v this_o security_n as_o to_o their_o speculative_a mistake_v which_o have_v no_o ill_a influence_n upon_o their_o life_n that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n do_v as_o well_o extend_v to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o understanding_n as_o of_o our_o wi_n for_o if_o a_o involuntary_a ignorance_n will_v be_v some_o excuse_n even_o to_o bad_a man_n to_o lessen_v their_o punishment_n much_o more_o may_v we_o presume_v it_o will_v excuse_v good_a men._n to_o demand_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n as_o god_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o give_v we_o do_v great_a mischief_n to_o religion_n for_o this_o make_v some_o man_n atheist_n and_o other_o infidel_n the_o infidel_n think_v that_o see_v there_o be_v not_o evidence_n enough_o for_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o force_v a_o assent_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v it_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n own_v this_o that_o there_o be_v not_o sufficient_a certainty_n without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o hence_o they_o argue_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o that_o the_o pope_n or_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v that_o judge_n now_o let_v the_o infidel_n and_o the_o romanist_n dispute_v it_o out_o which_o of_o these_o two_o be_v the_o best_a consequence_n that_o since_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o our_o religion_n whether_o we_o shall_v