the_o least_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o as_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v chief_o deduce_v from_o the_o gospel_n nay_o the_o very_a institution_n power_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n can_v no_o way_n so_o express_o and_o certain_o be_v know_v as_o from_o the_o gospel_n but_o as_o i_o imagine_v it_o can_v by_o no_o method_n be_v so_o certain_o determine_v whether_o the_o church_n or_o the_o gospel_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n as_o by_o suppose_v this_o case_n when_o the_o church_n define_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n i_o know_v indeed_o that_o this_o can_v be_v this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o belief_n and_o receive_v doctrine_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n not_o of_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o representative_a church_n otherwise_o clemangis_n will_v most_o foolish_o contradict_v himself_o however_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n let_v we_o put_v this_o case_n do_v you_o imagine_v that_o in_o that_o case_n s._n augustin_n will_v have_v reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o adhere_v to_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n no_o sure_o where_o he_o proceed_v at_o large_a to_o urge_v this_o argument_n and_o thereby_o to_o assert_v the_o superiority_n of_o the_o scripture_n authority_n to_o that_o of_o the_o church_n before_o the_o middle_n of_o this_o century_n flourish_v thomas_n waldensis_n provincial_a of_o the_o carmelites_n and_o confessor_n to_o two_o king_n of_o england_n henry_n v._o and_o henry_n vi_o successive_o general_o account_v the_o most_o learned_a english_a man_n of_o his_o age_n and_o the_o great_a champion_n of_o the_o papal_a cause_n against_o the_o lollard_n and_o other_o suppose_a heretic_n of_o his_o time_n against_o who_o he_o write_v a_o large_a and_o elaborate_a work_n which_o be_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n confirm_v and_o approve_v by_o a_o special_a bull_n of_o pope_n martin_n v._o therein_o 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occasion_n of_o this_o place_n maintain_v the_o decree_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n authority_n and_o dignity_n than_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o indeed_o seem_v not_o so_o foolish_a as_o mad_a unless_o such_o a_o one_o will_v say_v philip_n be_v great_a than_o christ_n when_o he_o induce_v nathanael_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v he_o of_o who_o moses_n write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n although_o without_o his_o authority_n or_o admonition_n he_o will_v not_o have_v at_o that_o time_n perceive_v it_o all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n since_o it_o serve_v only_o to_o bear_v testimony_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o law_n be_v of_o less_o dignity_n than_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o must_v necessary_o submit_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n well_o therefore_o do_v s._n thomas_n aquinas_n allegorise_v when_o he_o introduce_v the_o samaritan_n woman_n to_o represent_v the_o universal_a church_n which_o woman_n when_o the_o citizen_n of_o samaria_n hear_v preach_v christ_n they_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v on_o he_o etc._n etc._n this_o passage_n clear_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o opinion_n of_o waldensis_n to_o have_v be_v that_o by_o the_o attestation_n of_o the_o church_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v know_v which_o be_v once_o know_v all_o matter_n of_o belief_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n just_a as_o philip_n induce_v nathanael_n and_o the_o samaritan_n woman_n her_o neighbour_n to_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a person_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o when_o once_o satisfy_v they_o learn_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n or_o article_n of_o faith_n from_o philip_n or_o the_o woman_n but_o receive_v both_o from_o christ_n himself_o and_o therefore_o waldensis_n subjoin_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v far_o superior_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o doctor_n 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attain_v he_o say_v ibid._n it_o may_v be_v obtain_v best_a of_o all_o and_o most_o certain_o from_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n he_o proceed_v to_o prove_v this_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o s._n augustin_n and_o then_o conclude_v see_v four_o way_n of_o come_v to_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n but_o more_o or_o less_o certain_a of_o which_o the_o first_o and_o most_o certain_a be_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o rest_n beget_v only_o a_o historical_a and_o uncertain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n however_o these_o doctor_n already_o mention_v be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o sufficient_o declare_v the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n yet_o the_o practice_n and_o judgement_n of_o general_n council_n will_v give_v we_o great_a assurance_n of_o it_o two_o general_n council_n be_v hold_v at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o this_o age_n the_o one_o at_o basil_n the_o other_o at_o florence_n in_o both_o together_o the_o whole_a western_a 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treatise_n which_o i_o now_o publish_v require_v i_o to_o descend_v low_a and_o demonstrate_v that_o even_o in_o latter_a age_n it_o be_v the_o common_o receive_v opinion_n of_o the_o church_n that_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith._n and_o this_o alone_a will_n as_o evident_o overthrow_v the_o plea_n of_o tradition_n as_o if_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o age_n herein_o be_v demonstrate_v for_o since_o tradition_n be_v the_o perpetual_a succession_n of_o any_o doctrine_n convey_v down_o in_o the_o church_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o present_a time_n if_o this_o succession_n be_v in_o any_o age_n whatsoever_o interrupt_v it_o can_v no_o more_o claim_v the_o title_n of_o tradition_n than_o if_o it_o have_v never_o be_v believe_v so_o that_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n disbelieved_a not_o only_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o article_n from_o 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the_o church_n tradition_n must_v necessary_o ever_o since_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n since_o otherwise_o all_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n must_v indifferent_o be_v admit_v make_v by_o she_o both_o when_o she_o follow_v and_o when_o she_o deviate_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o private_a christian_n must_v be_v subject_v to_o infinite_a uncertainty_n now_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o tradition_n of_o this_o article_n be_v in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n interrupt_v and_o discontinue_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o all_o member_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v then_o agree_v in_o the_o disbelief_n of_o it_o that_o no_o doctor_n shall_v believe_v tradition_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o none_o maintain_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o some_o divine_n of_o great_a name_n who_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v ever_o hold_v in_o great_a esteem_n both_o for_o piety_n and_o learning_n and_o never_o censure_v by_o the_o church_n for_o any_o erroneous_a opinion_n much_o less_o for_o heretic_n that_o some_o such_o i_o say_v disbelieved_a this_o article_n and_o maintain_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith._n for_o if_o any_o such_o be_v than_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n can_v not_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n much_o less_o a_o article_n of_o faith._n that_o there_o be_v such_o doctor_n i_o shall_v immediate_o prove_v by_o produce_v their_o own_o word_n and_o thereby_o demonstrate_v my_o intend_a purpose_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o far_o shall_v therewith_o render_v it_o high_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v the_o general_o receive_v opinion_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n that_o scripture_n not_o tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o all_o those_o argument_n which_o a_o question_n of_o this_o nature_n will_v admit_v i_o mean_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a writer_n and_o public_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o council_n for_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o so_o many_o learned_a person_n esteem_v as_o it_o be_v the_o oracle_n of_o their_o time_n and_o pillar_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v either_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n touch_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o faith_n or_o if_o wilful_o oppose_v it_o shall_v obtain_v or_o conserve_v to_o themselves_o so_o great_a a_o reputation_n or_o that_o the_o general_a council_n of_o that_o time_n shall_v in_o their_o session_n and_o disputation_n permit_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o uncontroverted_a principle_n without_o give_v some_o check_n to_o so_o grand_a a_o error_n that_o the_o church_n therefore_o in_o the_o fifteen_o age_n do_v general_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n may_v be_v evident_o demonstrate_v from_o this_o treatise_n which_o i_o now_o publish_v the_o author_n of_o which_o be_v far_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o learned_a bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o his_o time_n a_o person_n who_o as_o himself_o assure_v we_o have_v spend_v more_o than_o twenty_o year_n in_o write_v controversial_a book_n against_o the_o lollard_n when_o he_o compose_v this_o treatise_n and_o who_o every_o where_o give_v manifest_a proof_n of_o his_o great_a learning_n so_o eminent_a a_o person_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o general_a belief_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o will_v his_o apparent_a zeal_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n permit_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o wilful_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o who_o service_n he_o employ_v the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n or_o that_o when_o he_o so_o zealous_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o lollard_n he_o shall_v himself_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n in_o her_o principal_a article_n and_o therein_o become_v a_o lollard_n since_o therefore_o he_o plain_o assert_n and_o teach_v that_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n this_o undeniable_o prove_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o proposition_n be_v not_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o author_n account_v any_o part_n of_o lollardism_n or_o suppose_a heresy_n but_o rather_o esteem_v a_o article_n of_o catholic_n belief_n at_o least_o a_o article_n which_o may_v be_v free_o dispute_v without_o violate_v the_o definition_n or_o dissent_v from_o the_o universal_a belief_n of_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o our_o author_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o doctor_n of_o his_o time_n disagree_v in_o determine_v whether_o the_o church_n or_o scripture_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v respect_v in_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith._n one_o thing_n may_v be_v object_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o author_n that_o he_o be_v force_v by_o the_o roll_a clergy_n to_o recant_v several_a opinion_n and_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o he_o as_o erroneous_a and_o consequent_o that_o he_o can_v be_v esteem_v a_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n but_o here_o not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o sentence_n of_o two_o or_o three_o partial_a bishop_n for_o no_o more_o condemn_v he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n this_o very_a recantation_n add_v no_o small_a strength_n to_o our_o argument_n for_o when_o the_o malice_n of_o his_o enemy_n oblige_v he_o to_o recant_v all_o those_o doctrine_n which_o they_o esteem_v to_o be_v erroneous_a they_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o his_o have_v assert_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o oblige_v he_o to_o recant_v that_o proposition_n a_o manifest_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o then_o account_v either_o heretical_a or_o erroneous_a or_o contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n since_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v fail_v to_o place_v it_o in_o the_o front_n of_o his_o recantation_n as_o a_o error_n of_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o great_a contagion_n than_o any_o of_o those_o for_o which_o he_o stand_v condemn_v which_o in_o truth_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v heresy_n that_o they_o be_v all_o at_o that_o time_n maintain_v by_o many_o eminent_a divine_n who_o never_o be_v censure_v by_o the_o church_n and_o some_o of_o they_o so_o far_o true_a that_o no_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v at_o this_o day_n deny_v they_o and_o this_o also_o full_o clear_v our_o author_n from_o any_o suspicion_n of_o lollardism_n or_o secret_a inclination_n to_o it_o that_o he_o be_v not_o singular_a herein_o defend_v no_o paradox_n nor_o oppose_v any_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n i_o come_v next_o to_o prove_v the_o
all_o point_n in_o controversy_n between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o lollard_n and_o large_o endeavour_v to_o confute_v the_o latter_a but_o as_o his_o zeal_n induce_v he_o to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n so_o copious_o so_o his_o learning_n enable_v he_o to_o discover_v the_o folly_n and_o gross_a superstition_n practise_v in_o that_o age_n which_o when_o once_o discover_v his_o piety_n inforce_v he_o to_o detest_v religion_n have_v now_o pass_v through_o so_o many_o ignorant_a and_o barbarous_a age_n the_o mean_n of_o greaterknowledge_n have_v be_v so_o studious_o hide_v from_o the_o people_n and_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o laity_n be_v so_o advantageous_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o clergy_n that_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n seem_v to_o be_v whole_o lose_v and_o have_v degenerate_v into_o show_n and_o ceremony_n many_o of_o which_o be_v unlawful_a but_o almost_o all_o unuseful_a and_o not_o only_o this_o fatal_a stupidity_n and_o idle_a superstition_n have_v general_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o all_o remedy_n be_v detest_v and_o all_o artifices_fw-la make_v use_v of_o to_o continue_v the_o disease_n many_o good_a and_o learned_a man_n endeavour_v the_o reformation_n of_o these_o abuse_n without_o depart_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v attend_v herein_o with_o the_o usual_a fate_n of_o the_o opposer_n of_o inveterate_a evil_n who_o seldom_o escape_v the_o persecution_n but_o never_o the_o hatred_n of_o those_o who_o be_v engage_v both_o by_o zeal_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o continuance_n of_o those_o evil_n our_o learned_a bishop_n be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o brave_a and_o generous_a person_n who_o while_o he_o earnest_o invite_v the_o lollard_n into_o the_o communion_n of_o his_o church_n no_o less_o vehement_o oppose_v the_o superstition_n of_o his_o own_o party_n some_o footstep_n and_o mark_n of_o this_o disposition_n may_v be_v find_v in_o this_o treatise_n which_o prove_v his_o integrity_n to_o have_v be_v equal_a to_o his_o zeal_n and_o neither_o inferior_a to_o his_o learning_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o infallibility_n of_o her_o definition_n have_v of_o late_o be_v set_v up_o as_o the_o most_o successful_a engine_n against_o the_o prevail_a growth_n of_o suppose_a heretic_n to_o refute_v the_o argument_n of_o wicleff_n and_o convince_v his_o follower_n with_o solid_a reason_n neither_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o clergy_n nor_o the_o badness_n of_o their_o cause_n do_v then_o permit_v it_o be_v account_v too_o great_a a_o condescension_n in_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o confute_v the_o mistake_v and_o inform_v the_o judgement_n of_o their_o seduce_a people_n yet_o somewhat_o at_o least_o be_v necessary_a to_o dazzle_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o unthinking_a multitude_n and_o at_o once_o convict_v all_o their_o adversary_n of_o the_o charge_n of_o heresy_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o effectual_a to_o this_o end_n than_o the_o pretence_n of_o infallibility_n which_o alone_o may_v satisfy_v the_o scruple_n and_o command_v the_o assent_n of_o credulous_a person_n for_o this_o reason_n ever_o since_o heresy_n begin_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n it_o be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o oppose_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o argument_n and_o reason_n of_o condemn_a heretic_n and_o the_o maintenance_n of_o this_o pretence_n be_v esteem_v the_o great_a bulwark_n of_o the_o church_n however_o our_o bishop_n easy_o discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o these_o pretence_n and_o in_o this_o follow_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a writer_n of_o his_o age_n that_o the_o representative_a church_n or_o general_a council_n be_v not_o only_o fallible_a but_o have_v sometime_o actual_o err_v that_o the_o decree_n and_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o every_o private_a person_n that_o no_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o that_o not_o the_o belief_n and_o acceptation_n of_o the_o church_n cause_v any_o doctrine_n to_o be_v account_v true_a and_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o presuppose_a truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n render_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o rational_a and_o justifiable_a indeed_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n infallibility_n have_v by_o some_o man_n in_o this_o age_n be_v advance_v so_o far_o that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o fatal_a credulity_n or_o no_o less_o fatal_a ignorance_n can_v excuse_v the_o admission_n of_o it_o our_o author_n assure_v we_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o book_n of_o faith_n that_o many_o divine_n in_o his_o time_n argue_v from_o those_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n if_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o that_o which_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v anathema_n that_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o the_o church_n militant_a and_o the_o church_n triumphant_a disagree_v in_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n the_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a be_v rather_o to_o be_v follow_v such_o crude_a position_n may_v raise_v the_o admiration_n of_o fool_n but_o deserve_v the_o indignation_n of_o wise_a men._n our_o author_n choose_v to_o do_v justice_n unto_o truth_n in_o own_v and_o assert_v the_o fallibility_n of_o church_n and_o council_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o quit_v the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n in_o plead_v her_o cause_n and_o confute_v the_o lollard_n this_o therefore_o he_o propose_v in_o a_o more_o plausible_a way_n confess_v the_o church_n may_v err_v and_o that_o even_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n however_o that_o it_o will_v be_v most_o safe_a and_o rational_a for_o ignorant_a layman_n entire_o to_o submit_v their_o judgement_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o clergy_n that_o by_o this_o submission_n indeed_o they_o may_v possible_o be_v lead_v into_o error_n and_o mortal_a heresy_n but_o that_o this_o will_v be_v no_o disadvantage_n to_o they_o since_o in_o that_o case_n god_n will_v reward_v their_o submission_n and_o docility_n although_o to_o they_o the_o occasion_n of_o most_o grievous_a error_n no_o less_o than_o if_o they_o believe_v the_o christian_a faith_n entire_a and_o incorrupted_a and_o will_v even_o bestow_v upon_o they_o the_o crown_n of_o martyrdom_n if_o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o testimony_n of_o their_o error_n and_o since_o in_o that_o age_n the_o laity_n be_v general_o very_o ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o devoid_a of_o all_o sort_n of_o learning_n he_o include_v they_o all_o in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o duty_n and_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o pay_v a_o implicit_a submission_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o clergy_n but_o not_o only_o do_v he_o disow_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o disallow_v and_o condemn_v her_o practice_n of_o burn_a heretic_n he_o desire_v rather_o to_o win_v they_o to_o her_o obedience_n by_o gentle_a method_n and_o think_v it_o more_o noble_a to_o convince_v they_o by_o reason_n and_o argument_n than_o by_o rack_n and_o fire_n this_o moderation_n can_v not_o but_o displease_v his_o fellow_n bishop_n who_o choose_v rather_o at_o that_o time_n to_o satisfy_v their_o malice_n by_o the_o punishment_n than_o serve_v the_o church_n by_o the_o conviction_n of_o suppose_a heretic_n but_o our_o author_n be_v act_v with_o more_o noble_a and_o generous_a principle_n he_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v their_o error_n but_o refuse_v to_o practice_v upon_o their_o life_n and_o which_o perhaps_o be_v no_o small_a part_n of_o his_o crime_n neglect_v to_o thunder_n out_o his_o curse_n against_o they_o and_o scorn_v to_o treat_v they_o with_o opprobrious_a title_n rather_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n he_o give_v to_o they_o a_o honourable_a character_n and_o confess_v they_o to_o have_v be_v general_o person_n of_o good_a life_n and_o exemplary_a conversation_n the_o incredible_a fable_n of_o legend_n and_o incurable_a itch_n of_o lie_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o saint_n and_o patron_n which_o then_o reign_v among_o all_o the_o monastic_a order_n and_o be_v fond_o receive_v by_o the_o credulous_a multitude_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a scandal_n and_o most_o pernicious_a abuse_n in_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n the_o great_a and_o more_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o all_o genuine_a and_o rational_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n have_v general_o give_v place_n to_o fabulous_a legend_n and_o romantic_a story_n fable_n which_o in_o this_o respect_n only_o differ_v from_o those_o of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_a poet_n that_o they_o be_v more_o incredible_a and_o less_o elegant_a these_o our_o learned_a bishop_n fear_v not_o to_o oppose_v and_o disesteem_v arraign_v they_o of_o error_n heresy_n and_o superstition_n proclaim_v their_o falseness_n and_o
church_n be_v principalier_n and_o cheefer_v than_o be_v holi_fw-la writ_n anentis_fw-la eny_z faith_n taugt_v by_o holi_fw-la writ_n and_o that_o for_o viii_o argumentis_fw-la which_o y_o can_v make_v thereto_o wherefore_o y_o donte_n not_o but_o that_o trouble_n and_o discencioun_n schulen_v be_v bitiwixe_v lay_v man_n and_o clerkis_n yhe_n and_o bitwixe_v sum_n clerkis_n and_o othre_o clerkis_n upon_o this_o whether_o holi_fw-la writt_n or_o the_o church_n be_v chefir_n and_o of_o more_o power_n having_fw-mi anentis_fw-la faith_n be_v conteynyd_v in_o holy_a writ_n ni_fw-fr lass_n thanne_v you_o fadir_n answer_n to_o thilk_o viii_o argumentis_fw-la and_o so_o y_o can_v not_o see_v but_o that_o the_o mater_fw-la of_o this_o discencioun_n must_v nedis_n be_v brougte_a forth_o in_o utteraunce_n and_o conicacioun_n soon_o y_o be_o redi_fw-la to_o here_o thy_o viii_o argumentis_fw-la and_o for_o to_o answer_v to_o they_o if_o i_o can_v peradventure_o in_o the_o answer_n to_o they_o schal_n grow_v in_o some_o thing_n wherebi_fw-la schal_n be_v clerid_fw-la what_o comparisoun_n be_v to_o be_v have_v bitwixe_v holi_fw-la writ_n and_o the_o church_n anentis_fw-la all_o faith_n conteynyd_v in_o holi_fw-la writ_n and_o by_o so_o moche_n y_fw-mi be_fw-mi the_o leefir_n for_o to_o here_o thy_o argumentis_fw-la and_o for_o to_o answer_v to_o they_o by_o how_o moche_n thou_o have_v now_o seid_v and_o truth_n be_v that_o the_o treuthe_n which_o be_v now_o occasioun_n of_o the_o comparisoun_n make_v bitwixe_n holi_fw-la writte_n and_o the_o church_n mygte_v not_o be_v leave_v unseid_v and_o untoold_v to_o the_o lay_v peple_n neither_o to_o clerkis_n and_o that_o cause_n bifore_fw-la by_o thou_o alleggid_a fadir_n agens_fw-la this_o which_o you_o hau_o allowid_v bifore_fw-la in_o the_o x._o chapter_n to_o be_v true_a that_o holi_fw-la writ_n be_v such_o a_o ground_n and_o foundement_n of_o our_o cristen_n general_a faith_n that_o noon_n gretter_n or_o bettir_v or_o sure_a to_o we_o ground_n or_o foundament_n be_v for_o our_o cristen_n general_a faith_n write_v in_o holi_fw-la writ_n y_o may_v argue_v by_o viii_o principal_a argumentis_fw-la of_o which_o this_o be_v the_o first_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v seid_v ground_n to_o we_o of_o our_o faith_n without_o which_o thing_n our_o faith_n mygte_n have_v be_v sufficientli_fw-fr groundid_a and_o witnissid_v but_o without_o holi_fw-la scripture_n now_o have_v faith_n mygte_v habe_fw-la be_v to_o we_o sufficient_o groundid_a wherefore_o holi_fw-la scripture_n be_v not_o to_o be_v seid_v ground_n of_o another_o thing_n without_o which_o the_o othre_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o the_o second_o premysse_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v thus_o though_o the_o apostlis_n have_v not_o write_v eny_z word_n yet_o they_o mygten_v have_v taugt_v to_o othre_o clerkis_n and_o lay_v folk_n the_o all_o full_a hool_n faith_n sufficientli_fw-la to_o thbihove_v of_o the_o peple_n as_o to_o there_o thereof_o the_o leern_v report_v and_o remember_v whithe_o clerkis_n and_o lay_v folk_n so_o taugt_v of_o the_o apostlis_n and_o outlyve_v to_o the_o apostlis_n mygten_o have_v taugten_v othere_o clerkis_n and_o lay_v folk_n the_o same_o all_o hool_n faith_n sufficientli_fw-la which_o survive_v and_o outlyve_v her_o techer_n mygte_v have_v taugte_a othere_o folk_n both_o of_o the_o clergy_n and_o of_o the_o layte_n the_o same_o hool_n faith_n sufficientli_fw-la which_o folk_n so_o taugt_v also_o survive_v and_o outlyve_v her_o techer_n mygten_o have_v taugt_v the_o same_o all_o hool_n faith_n sufficientli_fw-la to_o othere_o and_o so_o forth_o into_o this_o present_a day_n without_o eny_z writing_n maad_v deliver_v to_o folk_n upon_o the_o same_o faith_n so_o taugt_v and_o if_o this_o have_v be_v do_v thanne_v the_o faith_n of_o each_o leerner_n have_v be_v sufficientli_fw-la ynoug_n groundid_v in_o her_o techer_n and_o in_o no_o scripture_n thereupon_o maad_a wherefore_o it_o folowith_v that_o scripture_n be_v not_o ne_o be_v not_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n to_o eny_z persoony_n bileeve_v that_o this_o be_v true_a which_o be_v bifore_fw-la takun_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o second_o premysse_o that_o thoug_a the_o apostlis_n have_v not_o write_v eny_z word_n they_o mygten_o have_v taugt_v the_o all_o hool_n full_a faith_n to_o peple_n sufficient_o y_o may_v argue_v thus_o in_o time_n of_o the_o oold_a law_n it_o be_v so_o that_o all_o the_o bileeve_v conteynyd_v in_o thil_o law_n be_v taugt_v by_o mouth_n and_o mass_z leern_v by_o mouth_n for_o why_o exod._n the_o xiii_o chap._n whanne_v it_o be_v seid_v of_o the_o paske_n day_n that_o it_o schulde_v be_v keep_v yeerli_fw-la by_o the_o law_n thanne_v ren_a it_o be_v seid_v ferthe_o anoon_n aftir_v this_o and_o thou_o schalt_v tell_v to_o thy_o soon_o in_o that_o day_n and_o schalt_v seie_v this_o be_v it_o what_o the_o lord_n die_v to_o i_o whanne_v y_o gede_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o it_o schal_n be_v as_o a_o sign_n in_o thy_o honde_n and_o as_o a_o memorial_n bifore_fw-la thy_o igen_n and_o that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v ever_o in_o thy_o mouth_n for_o in_o a_o strong_a honde_n the_o lord_n lead_v thou_o out_o of_o egypt_n etc._n etc._n also_o soon_o aftir_v there_o whanne_v it_o be_v bede_fw-mi that_o the_o peple_n of_o jewis_n schulde_v halowe_v to_o god_n each_o first_o gendrid_a thing_n that_o open_v the_o womb_n among_o the_o son_n of_o israel_n as_o well_o of_o man_n as_o of_o bestis_fw-la thanne_v it_o be_v seid_v anoon_n aftir_v thus_o and_o whanne_v thy_o soon_o schal_n ask_v of_o thou_o to_o morewe_v and_o seie_v what_o be_v this_o thou_o schalt_v answer_v to_o he_o in_o a_o strong_a honde_n the_o lord_n lead_v we_o out_o of_o egypt_n of_o the_o house_n of_o servage_a for_o whanne_v pharaoh_n be_v maad_o hard_o and_o will_v not_o delyver_v we_o the_o lord_n killid_v all_o the_o first_o gendrid_a thing_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n from_o the_o first_o gendrid_a of_o man_n till_o to_o the_o first_o gendrid_a of_o bestis_n therefore_o y_o offer_v to_o the_o lord_n all_o thing_n of_o maul_v kind_a that_o open_v the_o womb_n and_o y_fw-fr agenbie_fw-fr all_fw-ge the_o first_o gendrid_a thingis_fw-la of_o my_o son_n therefore_o it_o schal_n be_v as_o a_o sign_n in_o this_o honde_n and_o as_o a_o thing_n hang_v for_o mind_n bifore_fw-la thy_o igen_n for_o in_o a_o strong_a honde_n he_o lead_v we_o out_o of_o egypt_n also_o lyk_fw-mi sentence_n to_o this_o be_v write_v deutro_n vi_o chap._n of_o the_o paske_n day_n keep_v and_o josue_n iu._n chap._n of_o the_o xii_o stone_n take_v out_o of_o the_o water_n and_o set_v on_o dry_a land_n into_o perpetual_a remembrance_n that_o jordan_n be_v dry_v also_o deutr._n iu._n chap._n it_o be_v seid_v thus_o forgete_n thou_o not_o the_o wordis_fw-la which_o thin_a igen_n sigen_n and_o fall_v thou_o not_o from_o thin_a herte_n in_o alle_fw-mi the_o day_n of_o thy_o lyf_v thou_o schalt_v teach_v though_o to_o thy_o son_n and_o to_o thy_o son_n son_n tell_v thou_o the_o day_n in_o which_o thou_o stodist_n bifore_fw-la thy_o lord_n god_n in_o oreb_n whanne_v the_o lord_n speak_v to_o i_o and_o seid_v etc._n etc._n also_o deutro_n xi_o chap._n it_o be_v seid_v thus_o put_v these_o wordis_fw-la in_o your_o hertis_fw-la and_o soulis_fw-la and_o hang_v you_o the_o wordis_fw-la for_o assign_v in_o hondis_fw-la and_o set_v you_o bitwixe_v your_o igen_n teach_v your_o son_n that_o they_o thenke_n in_o though_o wordis_fw-la whanne_v thou_o sitti_v in_o thy_o house_n and_o goi_v in_o the_o weigh_n and_o liggist_n down_o and_o risi_v thou_o schalt_v write_v though_o wordis_fw-la on_o the_o postis_fw-la and_o gatis_fw-la of_o thy_o house_n that_o the_o day_n of_o thou_o and_o of_o thy_o son_n be_v multiply_v in_o the_o land_n which_o etc._n etc._n wherefore_o by_o like_a skile_n in_o time_n of_o the_o new_a law_n the_o all_o hool_n faith_n mygt_fw-mi have_v be_v taugt_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n fro_o oon_o to_o a_o othre_o into_o this_o present_a day_n sufficientli_fw-la ferthemore_n into_o prof_o or_o into_o confirmacioun_n of_o the_o same_o seid_v second_o premysse_o availith_a this_o that_o we_o see_v in_o sum_n monastery_n the_o kunning_a and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o certeyn_fw-mi usagis_fw-la and_o custom_n be_v have_v forth_o in_o persoones_o of_o the_o monastery_n and_o be_v continue_v both_o in_o know_v and_o in_o fulfil_a sufficientli_n from_o the_o first_o fadir_n of_o the_o monastery_n unto_o this_o present_a day_n and_o that_o without_o eny_z writing_n maad_v upon_o the_o same_o usagis_fw-la but_o by_o discente_fw-la of_o word_n oonli_fw-la fro_o persoone_o into_o persoone_o wherefore_o in_o lyk_fw-mi manner_n the_o kunning_a and_o the_o use_n of_o all_o our_o hool_n faith_n mygte_fw-mi have_v be_v have_v and_o lad_n and_o continue_v sufficientli_n by_o mind_n and_o by_o tech_v of_o mouth_n from_o fadris_n and_o prelatis_n into_o her_o child_n and_o parischen_n
without_o eny_z writing_n to_o be_v maad_v thereupon_o the_o second_o argument_n be_v this_o if_o it_o have_v be_v do_v in_o deed_n as_o be_v next_o above_o argue_v that_o it_o mygte_v so_o have_v be_v do_v that_o be_v to_o seie_v if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o do_v that_o the_o apostlis_n have_fw-mi taugt_v by_o word_n many_o clerkis_n and_o many_o of_o the_o lie_v folk_n the_o hool_n all_o full_a faith_n sufficientli_fw-la these_o clerkis_n and_o laifolk_n survive_v and_o outlyve_v to_o the_o apostlis_n have_fw-mi taugt_v by_o word_n the_o same_o all_o hool_n full_a faith_n to_o othre_o clerkis_n and_o laifolk_n succeed_v aftir_v the_o death_n of_o the_o apostlis_n and_o that_o sufficienli_fw-la and_o so_o forth_o into_o this_o day_n thanne_v the_o faith_n so_o taugt_v by_o word_n and_o so_o descend_v by_o word_n from_o persoony_n into_o persoony_n into_o this_o present_a day_n sufficientli_fw-la have_v be_v sufficientli_fw-la groundid_a in_o the_o clergy_n so_o taugten_v to_o othere_o though_o therewith_o a_o scripture_n have_v be_v maad_a and_o delyver_v forth_o by_o the_o apostlis_n upon_o the_o same_o faith_n â—o_o by_o word_n taugt_v to_o othere_o but_o so_o it_o be_v indeed_o that_o the_o apostlis_n taugten_v othre_o clerkis_n the_o full_a all_o hool_n faith_n by_o word_n sufficientli_fw-la and_o the_o clerkis_n so_o taugt_v of_o the_o apostlis_n sufficientli_fw-fr taugten_v othere_o clerkis_n succeed_v aftir_v they_o the_o same_o all_o hool_n faith_n and_o that_o by_o word_n sufficientli_fw-la and_o so_o forth_o continual_o into_o this_o present_a day_n wherefore_o the_o all_o hool_n full_a faith_n both_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostlis_n and_o alwey_a ever_o sithen_a be_v groundid_a sufficientli_fw-la in_o the_o clergy_n for_o the_o time_n be_v and_o lyve_v and_o by_o the_o manner_n now_o seid_v tech_v and_o delyver_v and_o thanne_v ferth_n it_o folowith_v thus_o if_o the_o clergy_n for_o the_o time_n be_v by_o their_o such_o now_o seid_v tech_v and_o delyver_v be_v and_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o our_o faith_n for_o all_o time_n sithen_v the_o day_n of_o the_o apostâ—lis_n it_o folowith_v at_o the_o least_fw-mi that_fw-mi for_o to_o look_v aftir_n or_o set_v eny_z othere_o thing_n as_o be_v scripture_n every_o othere_o thing_n to_o be_v ground_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n after_o cristis_fw-la tech_v by_o word_n and_o sithen_v the_o tech_n of_o the_o apostlis_n by_o word_n be_v no_o need_n the_o first_o premysse_o of_o this_o secunde_a principal_a argument_n be_v open_a ynoug_a to_o be_v true_a and_o the_o ii_o premysse_o of_o the_o same_o argument_n schal_n be_v prove_v thus_o crist_n bid_v to_o hise_v apostlis_n matth._n the_o last_o ch._n thus_o go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v you_o alle_fw-mi folkis_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o fadir_n and_o of_o the_o soon_o and_o of_o the_o holi_fw-la goost_n tech_v they_o to_o keep_v alle_fw-mi thingis_fw-la whatever_n thingis_fw-la y_fw-fr have_v comaundid_a to_o you_o and_o also_o mark_v the_o last_o chap._n crist_n bede_fw-mi to_o hise_n apostlis_n thus_o go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o prithee_o you_o the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o anoon_n aftir_v it_o be_v seid_v there_o thus_o they_o forsooth_o go_v forth_o prechiden_n every_o where_o but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostlis_n have_fw-mi not_o fulfil_v this_o now_o seid_v comaundement_n maad_v to_o they_o by_o crist_n in_o lass_n than_o they_o have_fw-mi prechid_fw-mi by_o word_n of_o mouth_n sufficientli_fw-la all_o the_o hool_n faith_n necessary_a to_o be_v have_v of_o the_o peple_n for_o why_o all_o the_o hool_n faith_n necessary_a to_o be_v have_v be_v include_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o seie_v in_o the_o message_n of_o god_n which_o message_n god_n send_v into_o the_o world_n wherefore_o sothe_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostlis_n prechiden_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n to_o othere_o clerkis_n and_o folki_v all_o the_o hool_n full_a faith_n sufficient_o and_o so_o the_o secunde_a bifore_fw-la maad_v principal_a premysse_o to_o be_v prove_v be_v true_a the_o iii_o principal_a argument_n be_v this_o if_o the_o apostlis_n have_fw-mi taugt_v many_o clerkis_n and_o many_o of_o the_o laifolk_n the_o hool_n all_o full_a faith_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n principali_fw-la and_o these_o clerkis_n and_o laifolk_n survyve_v and_o outlyve_v to_o the_o apostlis_n have_fw-mi taugt_v by_o word_n principali_fw-la the_o same_o hool_n faith_n to_o othere_o clerkis_n and_o to_o othere_o folk_n aftir_v the_o death_n of_o the_o apostlis_n and_o so_o forth_o into_o this_o day_n thanne_v the_o all_o hool_n faith_n so_o taugt_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n principali_fw-la and_o descend_v by_o word_n principali_fw-la from_o persoony_n into_o persoony_n unto_o this_o present_a day_n have_v be_v principali_fw-la groundid_v in_o the_o clergy_n whilis_fw-la the_o clergy_n so_o taugt_v othere_o thoug_a therewith_o have_v be_v a_o scripture_n maad_v and_o delyver_v forth_o by_o the_o apostlis_n to_o othere_o upon_o the_o same_o faith_n but_o so_o it_o be_v in_o deed_n that_o the_o apostlis_n taugten_v othere_o clerkis_n the_o hool_n full_a faith_n by_o word_n principali_fw-la and_o though_o clerkis_n so_o taugt_v of_o the_o apostlis_n by_o word_n principali_fw-la taugten_o othere_o clerkis_n succeed_v to_o they_o the_o same_o all_o hool_n faith_n and_o that_o by_o word_n principali_fw-la and_o so_o forth_o contynueli_a into_o this_o present_a day_n wherefore_o the_o all_o hool_n faith_n both_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostlis_n and_o alwey_a sithen_a be_v groundid_a principali_fw-la in_o the_o clergy_n for_o the_o time_n be_v and_o lyve_v and_o by_o manner_n now_o seid_v tech_v and_o delyver_v and_o thanne_v ferth_n it_o folowith_v thus_o if_o the_o clergy_n for_o the_o time_n ve_v by_o there_o now_o seid_v such_o tech_v and_o delyver_v be_v and_o be_v the_o principal_a ground_n for_o our_o faith_n for_o all_o time_n aftir_v the_o day_n of_o the_o apostolis_n it_o folowith_v at_o the_o fulle_n that_o to_o look_v aftir_n or_o seche_v aftir_v or_o seie_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o principal_a ground_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o that_o scripture_n schulde_v be_v a_o principal_a ground_n thereof_o or_o more_o necessary_a and_o better_o ground_v of_o the_o same_o faith_n thanne_n be_v the_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n aftir_v the_o day_n of_o the_o apostlis_n be_v waast_a ydel_n vanity_n and_o untrewe_v the_o first_o premysse_o of_o this_o iii_o principal_a argument_n be_v pleyn_n ynoug_a to_o be_v true_a and_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o ii_o premysse_o of_o this_o iii_o principal_a argument_n may_v be_v maad_v the_o same_o argument_n which_o bifore_fw-la be_v maad_v for_o proof_n of_o the_o ii_o premysse_o of_o the_o ii_o principal_a argument_n and_o that_o by_o the_o rehercid_n textis_fw-la of_o matt._n the_o last_o chapter_n and_o mark_v the_o last_o chapter_n the_o iv._o principal_a argument_n be_v this_o the_o church_n of_o crist_n which_o be_v foundid_a on_o earth_n and_o of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o heed_n be_v alwey_a and_o altymes_o oon_o and_o the_o same_o as_o s._n paul_n witnessith_o where_o he_o seith_n that_o to_o man_n to_o have_v by_o the_o law_n oon_fw-fr wyf_n undeptabili_fw-la signify_v crist_n to_o have_v oon_o church_n for_o his_o spouse_n and_o the_o same_o witnessith_v the_o clergy_n by_o the_o profis_n or_o sequencis_fw-la which_o he_o singith_v in_o the_o mass_n of_o dedicacioun_n fee_v day_n and_o in_o the_o viii_o day_n of_o the_o same_o feest_fw-mi and_o this_o same_o be_v comounli_v allegoriesed_a upon_o thilk_o text_n cant._n oon_o be_v mi_fw-mi dove_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostolis_n the_o church_n of_o crist_n in_o earth_n by_o his_o principal_n partly_o which_o be_v the_o clergy_n be_v of_o so_o greet_v worthiness_n and_o auctorite_n and_o dignity_n that_o he_o thanne_v more_o groundid_a the_o faith_n of_o crist_n than_o scripture_n groundid_v faith_n of_o crist_n thanne_n for_o why_o the_o apostlis_n thanne_v be_v the_o clergy_n of_o cristis_fw-la church_n groundid_v more_o cristis_fw-la faith_n than_o there_o write_v maad_a and_o write_v by_o they_o groundid_v as_o thanne_v the_o same_o faith_n in_o as_o moche_v as_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o cause_n do_v not_o so_o moche_v in_o to_o another_o effect_n as_o doith_n the_o cause_n of_o the_o same_o effect_n into_o the_o same_o other_o effect_n aftir_v good_a philosophy_n wherefore_o it_o seem_v follow_v that_o the_o church_n of_o crist_n now_o be_v and_o at_o all_o time_n a_o this_o side_n the_o apostlis_n for_o the_o time_n be_v be_v and_o be_v of_o great_a worthiness_n auctorite_n and_o dignity_n that_o he_o now_o more_o groundith_v the_o faith_n of_o crist_n than_o scripture_n groundith_v now_o the_o same_o faith_n sithen_a oon_n and_o the_o same_o church_n be_v now_o and_o thanne_v and_o therefore_o by_o like_a skile_n