a_o treatise_n touch_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o apostolical_a rule_n how_o to_o judge_v aright_o in_o difference_n which_o concern_v religion_n john_n 7._o v._o 24._o judge_v not_o according_a to_o the_o appearance_n but_o judge_v righteous_a judgement_n publish_a by_o authority_n london_n print_v for_o george_n thomason_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1646._o to_o the_o reverend_n pious_a and_o learned_a assembly_n of_o divine_n convene_v at_o westminster_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o parliament_n for_o consultation_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n reverend_n sir_n consider_v with_o myself_o with_o a_o charitable_a and_o tender_a commiseration_n the_o pestiferous_a and_o pernicious_a heresy_n schism_n division_n and_o sect_n wherewith_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o christian_a both_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n be_v ever_o continual_o infest_a distract_a and_o tear_v in_o 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and_o stick_v unto_o for_o this_o volume_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o mean_v not_o any_o other_o book_n more_o or_o less_o than_o those_o that_o by_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v write_v of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o left_a to_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o from_o it_o be_v spread_v among_o all_o nation_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o darkness_n and_o unfaithful_a heresy_n by_o god_n singular_a providence_n preserve_v and_o in_o their_o original_a tongue_n convey_v unto_o we_o be_v the_o indubitable_a word_n of_o god_n who_o divine_a power_n light_n virtue_n and_o operation_n all_o true_a believer_n feel_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n and_o contain_v though_o not_o the_o decision_n of_o all_o theological_a question_n and_o controversy_n yet_o all_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n necessary_a for_o every_o true_a christian_n salvation_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o church_n or_o they_o that_o have_v the_o charge_n over_o it_o whether_o they_o be_v call_v pope_n cardinal_n bishop_n or_o divine_n and_o teacher_n or_o general_a counsel_n have_v not_o any_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o decide_v determine_v and_o wrest_v the_o doctrine_n to_o their_o arbitrary_a judgement_n and_o pleasure_n but_o only_o a_o ministerial_a function_n to_o teach_v and_o demonstrate_v by_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whither_o and_o how_o they_o be_v decide_v in_o it_o neither_o to_o force_v their_o doubtful_a and_o undecided_a opinion_n upon_o any_o man_n sub_fw-la anathemate_fw-la or_o excommunication_n unless_o he_o shall_v reject_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o any_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o plain_a declaration_n thereof_o or_o cry_v up_o his_o own_o erroneous_a and_o controvert_v opinion_n interpretation_n consequence_n and_o inference_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o disturbance_n and_o distraction_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o this_o be_v that_o the_o papist_n cast_v continual_o into_o the_o lutheran_n and_o reform_a protestant_n tooth_n that_o notwithstanding_o they_o still_o refer_v themselves_o to_o the_o perfect_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o they_o will_v be_v themselves_o infallible_a judge_n by_o obstruct_v and_o impose_v their_o own_o particular_a exposition_n and_o inference_n on_o other_o the_o lutheran_n indeed_o especial_o which_o be_v call_v lutherani_fw-la rigidi_fw-la the_o grosser_n sort_n who_o be_v so_o strict_o addict_v formulae_fw-la concordiae_fw-la saxonicae_fw-la that_o they_o bound_v not_o only_o their_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n unto_o it_o but_o also_o all_o other_o that_o dissent_v from_o they_o in_o their_o particular_a interpretation_n and_o opinion_n principal_o in_o the_o point_n of_o consubstantiation_n and_o omnipresence_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o its_o oral_a manducation_n by_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o deprive_v they_o of_o public_a office_n and_o dignity_n as_o long_o as_o they_o do_v obstinate_o persist_v in_o their_o arrogant_a judge_v and_o condemn_v will_v have_v a_o very_a hard_a task_n to_o clear_v themselves_o of_o this_o charge_n the_o vindication_n of_o the_o protestant_a reform_a church_n how_o that_o they_o only_o depend_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o on_o any_o man_n interpretation_n and_o opinion_n much_o less_o presume_v to_o impose_v they_o on_o other_o as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n but_o impart_v and_o permit_v to_o every_o one_o the_o due_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n without_o transgress_v the_o true_a limit_n and_o rule_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o the_o christian_a charity_n have_v be_v of_o late_a sufficient_o and_o punctual_o for_o the_o true_a and_o better_a information_n of_o they_o that_o be_v misinform_v exhibit_v in_o high_a dutch_a by_o d._n john_n bergius_n chaplain_n to_o his_o highness_n the_o prince_n elector_n of_o brandenbourg_n author_n of_o this_o treatise_n one_o of_o the_o best_a learned_a divine_v germany_n at_o this_o present_a afford_v a_o primitive_a catholic_n christian_n and_o downright_a protestant_n in_o such_o a_o plain_a and_o perspicuous_a way_n that_o even_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o peruse_v great_a volume_n may_v palpable_o see_v and_o perceive_v the_o falsehood_n and_o slander_n that_o be_v lay_v at_o all_o christian_a protestant_n door_n and_o withal_o since_o the_o reform_a protestant_a church_n can_v hope_v for_o any_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n and_o unity_n both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n while_o the_o vehemency_n and_o fierceness_n in_o judge_v and_o condemn_v of_o the_o say_v papist_n and_o lutheran_n be_v not_o appease_v and_o mitigate_v he_o represent_v and_o declare_v to_o they_o a_o infallible_a apostolical_a direction_n and_o rule_n in_o general_n what_o and_o how_o 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all_o christian_n to_o know_v and_o at_o all_o time_n especial_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v unanimous_o receive_v teach_v and_o believe_v by_o all_o true_a christian_n as_o the_o aforementioned_a fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n with_o all_o that_o be_v evident_o and_o undoubted_o depend_v from_o it_o so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v reject_v it_o without_o he_o reject_v also_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n itself_o but_o some_o be_v but_o theological_a doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o all_o christian_n but_o only_o for_o some_o to_o know_v to_o who_o god_n have_v impart_v before_o other_o a_o full_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o more_o excellent_a gift_n and_o charge_n from_o who_o also_o he_o will_v require_v more_o then_o of_o other_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n to_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v be_v much_o require_v luk._n 12.48_o so_o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o one_o to_o know_v and_o to_o believe_v only_o implicit_o in_o the_o principal_a general_n article_n that_o what_o another_o do_v know_v and_o believe_v explicit_o in_o many_o special_a point_n which_o be_v comprehend_v therein_o for_o the_o one_o that_o he_o shall_v believe_v and_o do_v that_o which_o in_o itself_o and_o direct_o be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n for_o the_o other_o that_o which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v consequent_o necessary_a or_o to_o be_v inseparable_o annex_v thereunto_o yea_o for_o one_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v many_o truth_n whereof_o he_o have_v good_a ground_n and_o knowledge_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o nevertheless_o for_o another_o who_o want_v such_o knowledge_n be_v either_o not_o so_o necessary_a or_o not_o so_o profitable_a to_o believe_v without_o ground_n yet_o be_v necessary_a not_o to_o deny_v or_o contradict_v they_o obstinate_o out_o of_o carnal_a affection_n because_o he_o can_v but_o have_v less_o ground_n to_o deny_v they_o and_o rather_o ought_v to_o search_v the_o truth_n diligent_o in_o the_o fear_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v and_o acknowledge_v it_o with_o thankfulness_n when_o it_o be_v demonstrate_v unto_o he_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n otherwise_o the_o obstinate_a deny_v which_o be_v incompatible_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o true_a faith_n and_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o word_n and_o proceed_v mere_o from_o carnal_a affection_n whereby_o the_o understanding_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v darken_v and_o eclipse_v will_v prove_v damnable_a unto_o he_o not_o only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o error_n itself_o but_o rather_o because_o of_o his_o obstinacy_n three_o and_o principal_o we_o must_v discern_v what_o be_v necessary_a or_o not_o necessary_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o reveal_v word_n god_n 3._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o reveal_v word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v and_o to_o do_v which_o word_n though_o proper_o there_o be_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o only_o one_o yet_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o twofold_a manner_n by_o preach_v and_o write_v from_o whence_o we_o must_v distinct_o consider_v whether_o and_o how_o far_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o and_o how_o far_o the_o preach_v and_o ministerial_a word_n or_o the_o tradition_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o teacher_n aught_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o life_n but_o since_o this_o be_v the_o point_n that_o principal_o be_v controvert_v and_o debate_v betwixt_o the_o roman_a catholic_n and_o the_o evangelical_n protestant_n we_o intend_v at_o this_o present_a to_o lay_v down_o the_o groundwork_n of_o that_o which_o be_v undoubted_o agree_v on_o by_o both_o party_n as_o first_o of_o all_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o on_o all_o side_n acknowledge_v and_o receive_v for_o canonical_a be_v the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o perfect_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o life_n and_o that_o consequent_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v teach_v in_o they_o so_o clear_o and_o manifest_o that_o every_o understanding_n christian_n certain_o and_o undoubted_o may_v know_v and_o conceive_v it_o must_v be_v necessary_a for_o all_o unto_o salvation_n so_o that_o though_o they_o do_v not_o know_v explicitè_fw-fr and_o particular_o all_o thing_n yet_o be_v ready_a to_o believe_v and_o receive_v undoubted_o all_o thing_n assoon_o at_o they_o do_v apprehend_v they_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o article_n we_o must_v believe_v unto_o salvation_n be_v brief_o collect_v in_o the_o apostolical_a creed_n into_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v baptize_v and_o receive_v as_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o we_o must_v moral_o do_v be_v exhibit_v in_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n concern_v the_o love_n and_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n but_o what_o we_o must_v ceremonial_o and_o sacramental_o perform_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o holy_a baptism_n and_o the_o bless_a communion_n or_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o two_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n ordain_v by_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o as_o it_o be_v general_o and_o undoubted_o agree_v on_o and_o last_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o desire_v and_o ask_v of_o god_n be_v include_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n in_o which_o five_o fundamental_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n viz._n in_o tribus_fw-la symbolis_fw-la doctrinalibus_fw-la credendorum_fw-la faciendorum_fw-la petendorum_fw-la what_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v to_o do_v and_o to_o ask_v and_o in_o duobus_fw-la symbolis_fw-la sacramentalibus_fw-la regenerationis_fw-la &_o nutritionis_fw-la spiritualis_fw-la how_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v regenerate_v and_o as_o child_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n spiritual_o nourish_v unto_o a_o new_a and_o eternal_a life_n do_v consist_v the_o whole_a catechism_n which_o we_o for_o our_o part_n think_v general_o necessary_a for_o all_o christian_n yet_o all_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o that_o sense_n which_o be_v most_o clear_o teach_v and_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n yea_o also_o whatsoever_o so_o evident_o and_o necessary_o do_v depend_v from_o the_o say_v fundamental_a point_n that_o every_o understanding_n christian_n though_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v the_o divine_a mystery_n by_o his_o natural_a reason_n may_v yet_o certain_o and_o undoubted_o apprehend_v the_o doctrine_n or_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o it_o therefore_o although_o any_o controversy_n shall_v be_v raise_v and_o move_v about_o these_o fundamental_a article_n which_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v not_o be_v sufficient_o declare_v or_o unanimous_o teach_v yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v general_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n for_o all_o christian_n but_o only_o their_o unanimous_a and_o undoubted_a meaning_n moreover_o beside_o that_o what_o direct_o in_o itself_o be_v necessary_a there_o be_v yet_o many_o other_o point_n of_o doctrine_n partly_o theological_a partly_o historical_a and_o partly_o philosophical_a yea_o in_o general_a whatsoever_o be_v clear_o teach_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n though_o its_o consequence_n and_o dependence_n from_o these_o fundamental_a article_n be_v not_o of_o such_o necessity_n and_o therefore_o not_o direct_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v it_o because_o it_o be_v thus_o certain_o and_o clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o example_n that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n suffer_v under_o the_o emperor_n tiberius_n and_o under_o the_o governor_n pontius_n pilate_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n or_o that_o the_o mother_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v call_v mary_n or_o that_o our_o lord_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o three_o and_o not_o the_o four_o day_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v such_o circumstance_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o birth_n and_o death_n of_o christ_n which_o though_o direct_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v and_o know_v unto_o salvation_n yet_o they_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v because_o they_o be_v as_o clear_o and_o express_o set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o article_n themselves_o so_o that_o no_o man_n that_o know_v they_o may_v deny_v or_o make_v a_o scruple_n of_o they_o unless_o he_o will_v also_o deny_v together_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n likewise_o that_o in_o the_o last_o time_n the_o great_a antichrist_n shall_v come_v that_o at_o christ_n come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n not_o all_o man_n shall_v die_v but_o the_o rest_n be_v change_v which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n to_o know_v yet_o it_o be_v
necessary_a for_o he_o to_o believe_v it_o who_o have_v such_o knowledge_n of_o it_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o because_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v promise_v everlasting_a life_n and_o salvation_n to_o all_o they_o which_o true_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v reveal_v and_o manifest_v in_o they_o we_o thereby_o further_o argue_v and_o conclude_v thus_o that_o such_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o necessary_a but_o also_o whole_o sufficient_a unto_o salvation_n so_o that_o no_o other_o singular_a doctrine_n beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n which_o also_o the_o primitive_a church_n both_o in_o its_o doctrine_n and_o universal_a practice_n do_v abundant_o testify_v that_o they_o hold_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n to_o be_v satisfactory_a unto_o salvation_n even_o for_o the_o most-able_a and_o best-learned_n man_n and_o the_o five_o aforesaid_a symbol_n or_o fundamental_a article_n sufficient_a for_o all_o unlearned_a ignorant_a christian_n as_o we_o can_v prove_v it_o by_o many_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n which_o have_v heretofore_o already_o be_v do_v by_o many_o other_o we_o think_v it_o superfluous_a to_o enlarge_v ourselves_o therein_o at_o this_o present_a necessary_a whether_o and_o how_o far_o the_o tradition_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n be_v necessary_a yet_o next_o and_o beside_o the_o scripture_n we_o do_v not_o decline_v and_o reject_v the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n not_o as_o the_o principal_a ground_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o that_o be_v mere_o and_o sole_o ground_v upon_o this_o because_o the_o lord_n say_v it_o but_o not_o upon_o this_o because_o the_o church_n or_o their_o teacher_n say_v it_o but_o as_o requisite_a mean_n whereby_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v and_o teach_v unto_o we_o and_o as_o a_o testimony_n of_o that_o what_o be_v declare_v therein_o wherein_o notwithstanding_o we_o must_v exact_o distinguish_v betwixt_o that_o what_o the_o whole_a universal_a christian_a church_n have_v with_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n teach_v and_o believe_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n at_o all_o time_n especial_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o that_o what_o perhaps_o but_o one_o or_o other_o particular_a church_n have_v teach_v in_o the_o late_a time_n whatsoever_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n especial_o in_o the_o first_o hundred_o year_n immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v unanimous_o teach_v and_o believe_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n that_o same_o be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n and_o testimony_n that_o it_o be_v certain_o and_o undoubted_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o christian_n to_o believe_v and_o receive_v it_o because_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o true_a primitive_a church_n beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v receive_v also_o from_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o at_o least_o in_o all_o necessary_a fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n contrariwise_o whatsoever_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v not_o teach_v that_o same_o be_v a_o evident_a sign_n and_o testimony_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o express_o set_v down_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o all_o christian_n of_o necessity_n shall_v know_v and_o believe_v it_o unto_o salvation_n because_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o best_a christian_n have_v be_v save_v without_o such_o doctrine_n but_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o whatsoever_o it_o have_v teach_v or_o not_o teach_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o only_o by_o those_o who_o be_v well_o verse_v and_o have_v read_v the_o volume_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n which_o even_o very_a few_o of_o the_o teacher_n and_o minister_n be_v able_a to_o do_v wherefore_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n especial_o when_o the_o doctrine_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v draw_v into_o controversy_n aught_o to_o fix_v themselves_o and_o adhere_v close_o to_o the_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o which_o they_o can_v have_v any_o certain_a ground_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o salvation_n for_o whatsoever_o not_o the_o universal_a only_a but_o one_o or_o some_o particular_a church_n have_v believe_v and_o teach_v especial_o in_o the_o late_a time_n whether_o it_o be_v do_v in_o their_o council_n and_o synod_n or_o else_o by_o their_o public_a confession_n or_o other_o writing_n doctrine_n and_o witness_n that_o very_o same_o though_o it_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o the_o belief_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n yet_o it_o can_v oblige_v other_o church_n or_o general_o all_o christian_n nor_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o unto_o salvation_n neither_o ground_n and_o confirm_v their_o faith_n any_o further_a than_o the_o certain_a and_o indubitable_a word_n of_o god_n have_v demonstrate_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o themselves_o have_v receive_v it_o as_o consonant_n and_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n since_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o side_n that_o the_o particular_a church_n may_v err_v in_o their_o own_o particular_a opinion_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a faith_n must_v not_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n but_o mere_o and_o only_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nevertheless_o the_o word_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n do_v bind_v at_o least_o their_o fellow-member_n thus_o far_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o rash_o to_o contradict_v their_o doctrine_n and_o declaration_n unless_o it_o be_v contradict_v by_o a_o more_o evident_a testimony_n of_o god_n word_n and_o by_o a_o unanimous_a doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o otherwise_o this_o will_v prove_v a_o presumptuous_a judge_n or_o at_o least_o a_o unnecessary_a scandalous_a contradict_v we_o hope_v now_o salvation_n why_o not_o a_o certain_a specification_n may_v be_v make_v of_o all_o the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n that_o be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n by_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v it_o do_v plain_o and_o manifest_o appear_v what_o and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v necessary_a and_o not_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n although_o we_o do_v not_o specify_v all_o point_n of_o doctrine_n nor_o precise_o determinate_a what_o and_o how_o much_o may_v be_v necessary_a and_o sufficient_a to_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a which_o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o do_v for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o we_o can_v direct_o know_v how_o far_o the_o capacity_n of_o every_o one_o or_o the_o most_o unlearned_a and_o ignorant_a christian_n and_o how_o far_o god_n mercy_n may_v reach_v and_o extend_v above_o their_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o rash_o to_o condemn_v any_o man_n in_o his_o ignorance_n to_o who_o peradventure_o god_n may_v show_v mercy_n second_o because_o none_o can_v obtain_v a_o true_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n but_o he_o must_v somewhat_o strive_v and_o labour_v for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v increase_v and_o thrive_v therein_o like_a as_o we_o can_v describe_v and_o set_v a_o certain_a measure_n to_o the_o height_n and_o bigness_n of_o a_o young_a child_n because_o yet_o it_o must_v needs_o daily_o grow_v if_o it_o be_v alive_a and_o in_o health_n till_o it_o have_v attain_v his_o full_a and_o perfect_a age_n so_o may_v we_o neither_o circumscribe_v and_o limit_v any_o christian_n knowledge_n within_o a_o certain_a measure_n because_o he_o ought_v to_o grow_v and_o augment_v still_o in_o the_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a till_o he_o be_v come_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n of_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4.13_o three_o because_o we_o can_v fail_v soon_o in_o any_o thing_n then_o when_o we_o presume_v to_o regulate_v and_o measure_v all_o other_o man_n capacity_n by_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n and_o do_v imagine_v that_o what_o peradventure_o we_o think_v to_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o very_o same_o must_v likewise_o be_v as_o clear_a to_o all_o other_o and_o therefore_o as_o certain_a and_o necessary_a for_o all_o which_o be_v also_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a reason_n of_o all_o unseasonable_a judge_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n yea_o the_o source_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o division_n and_o dissension_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n wherefore_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o our_o purpose_n to_o know_v in_o general_a which_o no_o christian_n can_v deny_v that_o all_o and_o only_o that_o be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n what_o necessary_o belong_v to_o the_o save_a faith_n in_o christ_n which_o work_v by_o love_n and_o can_v subsist_v without_o true_a repentance_n
i_o think_v it_o needless_a at_o this_o present_a see_v it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n agree_v on_o in_o thesi_fw-la or_o position_n of_o it_o but_o in_o hypothesi_fw-la or_o application_n of_o it_o each_o one_o favour_v his_o side_n best_o and_o transfer_v the_o fault_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o dissension_n and_o division_n upon_o his_o adversary_n wherefore_o for_o the_o conclusion_n thereof_o we_o must_v apply_v such_o common_a and_o general_a doctrine_n to_o the_o modern_a difference_n and_o controversy_n and_o especial_o to_o the_o three_o dissent_v party_n afore_o mention_v without_o any_o partiality_n and_o passion_n chap._n x._o whether_o or_o how_o far_o the_o protestant_a church_n ought_v or_o be_v bind_v to_o judge_v the_o say_v roman-catholic_n in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n or_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o they_o or_o to_o undergo_v any_o reformation_n among_o all_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o church_n which_o ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n arise_v among_o the_o christian_n we_o shall_v hardly_o find_v any_o one_o which_o have_v be_v foment_v with_o more_o vehemency_n and_o fierceness_n then_o that_o which_o in_o our_o predecessor_n day_n spring_v original_o in_o germany_n and_o afterward_o be_v spread_v over_o all_o europe_n and_o at_o this_o present_a be_v divulge_v witness_v our_o own_o eye_n to_o a_o most_o lamentable_a desolation_n and_o destruction_n of_o christendom_n so_o that_o some_o long_a continuance_n thereof_o which_o be_v fear_v will_v draw_v at_o length_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o all_o western_a church_n like_o punishment_n and_o oppression_n as_o former_o the_o eastern_a suffer_v under_o the_o turk_n tartar_n and_o other_o barbarous_a nation_n unless_o the_o lord_n do_v shorten_v and_o prevent_v they_o by_o the_o day_n of_o his_o apparition_n wherefore_o every_o one_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o be_v careful_a and_o to_o search_v out_o which_o side_n proper_o be_v guilty_a and_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o pernicious_a schism_n that_o we_o may_v know_v to_o which_o to_o give_v assent_n and_o to_o which_o not_o whereby_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o one_o side_n shall_v be_v only_o and_o total_o guilty_a and_o the_o other_o absolute_o innocent_a and_o guiltless_a for_o it_o may_v well_o be_v that_o there_o have_v be_v fault_n on_o both_o side_n either_o in_o the_o excess_n or_o defect_n whereby_o their_o mind_n be_v exasperate_v and_o the_o division_n grow_v to_o such_o a_o high_a pitch_n and_o the_o difference_n and_o disceptation_n in_o church_n be_v much_o like_o the_o war_n or_o judicial_a law-businesse_n where_o many_o time_n the_o most_o just_a and_o equitable_a cause_n be_v very_o ill_o manage_v and_o common_o prolong_v and_o extend_v to_o a_o great_a inconvenience_n if_o not_o to_o the_o utmost_a ruin_n of_o both_o disagree_a party_n but_o since_o indifference_n in_o religion_n especial_o when_o a_o resolute_a schism_n and_o division_n be_v already_o form_v in_o the_o church_n no_o neutrality_n nor_o therefore_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o the_o settlement_n of_o a_o peculiar_a church_n be_v admit_v but_o assent_n be_v to_o be_v give_v either_o to_o one_o or_o the_o other_o side_n in_o the_o save_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n though_o not_o all_o its_o action_n may_v be_v approve_v at_o least_o thus_o far_o must_v be_v determine_v of_o the_o guiltiness_n and_o innocency_n of_o the_o different_a party_n to_o the_o end_n that_o man_n may_v know_v which_o church_n be_v to_o be_v embrace_v and_o which_o not_o which_o subject_n full_o and_o punctual_o to_o handle_v and_o maintain_v will_v require_v a_o peculiar_a book_n in_o regard_n that_o all_o modern_a writing_n whether_o they_o concern_v division_n and_o dissension_n or_o ecclesiastical_a unity_n be_v in_o some_o kind_n direct_v to_o this_o scope_n but_o we_o shall_v here_o be_v constrain_v only_o to_o touch_v it_o in_o a_o short_a and_o compendious_a way_n as_o much_o as_o will_v conduce_v to_o our_o present_a intention_n and_o to_o declare_v it_o brief_o by_o the_o aforementioned_a principle_n and_o first_o whether_o and_o how_o far_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o judge_v their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o they_o or_o to_o reform_v they_o then_o second_o whether_o therefore_o by_o any_o mean_n we_o ought_v to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v the_o person_n or_o whole_a church_n i._o where_o then_o first_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exact_o examine_v church_n how_o far_o the_o protestant_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o romish_a church_n how_o far_o the_o protestant_a church_n have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o roman-catholic_n see_v they_o have_v not_o withdraw_v themselves_o one_o from_o another_o in_o all_o point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n but_o remain_v still_o unite_v in_o many_o great_a and_o weighty_a article_n which_o have_v be_v unanimous_o acknowledge_v of_o both_o side_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o both_o side_n profess_v and_o receive_v the_o whole_a universal_a apostolical_a creed_n whereunto_o we_o be_v baptise_a on_o all_o side_n likewise_o both_o side_n retain_v the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o although_o they_o omit_v in_o their_o catechism_n the_o second_o commandment_n concern_v image_n yet_o they_o retain_v it_o at_o least_o in_o their_o bibles_n so_o that_o we_o remain_v undivided_a at_o least_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n in_o three_o most_o necessary_a symbol_n or_o article_n of_o the_o universal_a christian_a religion_n credendorum_fw-la faciendorum_fw-la petendorum_fw-la what_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v to_o do_v and_o to_o ask_v as_o be_v mention_v heretofore_o and_o notwithstanding_o they_o have_v add_v many_o other_o human_a ceremony_n and_o tradition_n to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v institute_v yet_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v thus_o far_o keep_v the_o true_a baptism_n be_v the_o most_o necessary_a sacrament_n that_o we_o nor_o they_o desire_v to_o rebaptize_v those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o we_o and_o they_o moreover_o they_o receive_v and_o acknowledge_v with_o we_o the_o whole_a sacred_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o indubitable_a word_n of_o god_n who_o interpretation_n and_o meaning_n in_o many_o sound_a doctrine_n yea_o i_o dare_v say_v in_o the_o most_o be_v unqestion_v betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o yea_o likewise_o in_o the_o symbol_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a counsel_n which_o we_o receive_v on_o both_o side_n agreeable_a and_o warrantable_a by_o scripture_n and_o final_o in_o all_o point_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v true_a undoubted_a ancient_a catholic_n we_o remain_v as_o yet_o unite_v with_o they_o against_o all_o other_o erroneous_a sectary_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v before_o wherefore_o we_o can_v nor_o will_v judge_v they_o heretic_n but_o rather_o we_o must_v judge_v and_o determine_v by_o those_o undoubted_a and_o undeniable_a ground_n of_o both_o side_n all_o other_o difference_n in_o doctrine_n that_o be_v leave_v and_o if_o we_o only_o may_v be_v tolerate_v by_o they_o without_o compulsion_n of_o conscience_n we_o nor_o they_o have_v then_o no_o cause_n to_o separate_v and_o withdraw_v ourselves_o one_o from_o another_o and_o we_o will_v sufficient_o find_v in_o the_o say_a article_n whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n ii_o neither_o do_v we_o judge_v and_o condemn_v they_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o general_o and_o on_o all_o side_n acknowledge_v and_o receive_v as_o free_v indifferent_a matter_n which_o neither_o directè_fw-la or_o indirectè_fw-la in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v command_v nor_o forbid_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o do_v but_o rather_o confess_v that_o man_n ought_v herein_o to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o each_o church_n and_o law_n of_o the_o country_n custom_n and_o ceremony_n lest_o because_o of_o unnecessary_a thing_n a_o separation_n and_o scandal_n be_v cause_v according_a to_o augustins_n rule_n quod_fw-la neque_fw-la contra_fw-la fidem_fw-la neque_fw-la contra_fw-la bonos_fw-es more_o be_v injungitur_fw-la indifferenter_fw-la est_fw-la habendum_fw-la &_o pro_fw-la eorum_fw-la inter_fw-la quos_fw-la vivitur_fw-la societate_fw-la servandum_fw-la est_fw-la epist_n 118_o but_o in_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o for_o our_o part_n account_n for_o free_a indifferent_a matter_n but_o they_o for_o necessary_a either_o out_o of_o custom_n or_o because_o of_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o church_n or_o out_o of_o a_o misapprehension_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o for_o example_n in_o fast_n and_o holy_a day_n we_o ought_v to_o judge_v the_o matter_n thus_o far_o lest_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o may_v cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o scandal_n before_o they_o by_o our_o liberty_n and_o knowledge_n in_o their_o pretend_a necessity_n but_o rather_o dispense_v with_o our_o exterior_a liberty_n in_o such_o
of_o monk_n and_o nun_n but_o in_o stead_n thereof_o we_o teach_v that_o the_o revenue_n of_o monastery_n ought_v rather_o to_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o use_n of_o miserable_a poor_a wretch_n that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o work_v or_o employ_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o church_n and_o school_n that_o we_o give_v liberty_n for_o marriage_n both_o to_o ecclesiastic_n and_o laic_n nor_o use_v the_o confirmation_n and_o extreme_a unction_n or_o the_o holy_a order_n for_o make_v minister_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o it_o usual_o be_v among_o they_o that_o we_o permit_v no_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n or_o dominion_n to_o our_o spiritual_a pastor_n nor_o will_v have_v they_o submit_v to_o a_o supreme_a and_o universal_a pope_n neither_o exempt_v they_o from_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o judicature_n of_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o such_o like_a observation_n and_o assertion_n of_o their_o exterior_a worship_n will_v they_o therefore_o i_o say_v judge_n and_o condemn_v we_o as_o heretic_n it_o be_v fit_a then_o to_o prove_v first_o by_o certain_a and_o undeniable_a argument_n and_o warrant_n and_o such_o which_o we_o may_v understand_v and_o satisfy_v our_o conscience_n withal_o that_o the_o say_v point_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n except_o they_o will_v yield_v and_o confess_v that_o they_o do_v condemn_v we_o for_o unnecessary_a thing_n but_o now_o the_o papist_n themselves_o will_v hardly_o affirm_v the_o aforesaid_a point_n the_o image_n the_o invocation_n of_o the_o saint_n the_o indulgence_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v direct_o and_o in_o themselves_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n they_o commend_v and_o extol_v only_o their_o singular_a good_a use_n and_o benefit_n but_o do_v not_o enjoin_v their_o necessity_n or_o in_o case_n they_o will_v in_o one_o or_o other_o point_n as_o in_o the_o auricular_a confession_n adoration_n of_o the_o consecrate_a hostia_fw-la etc._n etc._n intrude_v a_o necessity_n yet_o they_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v so_o upon_o any_o pretence_n nor_o ground_n but_o we_o may_v have_v evident_a proof_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a because_o they_o be_v not_o use_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n likewise_o in_o point_n of_o controversy_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n that_o we_o have_v the_o affiance_n and_o assurance_n to_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v before_o god_n not_o through_o our_o own_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o only_o through_o mere_a mercy_n and_o grace_n by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n in_o the_o only_a perfect_a sacrifice_n of_o propitiation_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o also_o in_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o our_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n we_o ascribe_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o our_o own_o natural_a strength_n of_o freewill_n but_o all_o to_o the_o mere_a grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n without_o which_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a how_o can_v they_o then_o condemn_v we_o as_o heretic_n for_o it_o whereas_o they_o must_v at_o length_n confess_v themselves_o 3._o bellarm._n lib._n 5._o de_fw-la justificat_fw-la cap._n 7._o propos_fw-fr 2_o &_o 3._o this_o to_o be_v the_o safe_a and_o sure_a way_n not_o to_o confide_v and_o trust_v in_o our_o own_o strength_n work_n merit_n but_o only_o in_o god_n mere_a grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o the_o precious_a merit_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n if_o this_o be_v the_o sure_a way_n we_o must_v certain_o and_o necessary_o conclude_v that_o our_o doctrine_n in_o this_o point_n be_v not_o heretical_a nor_o damnable_a and_o their_o doctrine_n of_o own_o merit_n and_o strength_n not_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n but_o rather_o that_o our_o doctrine_n be_v the_o sure_a and_o safe_a whereby_o all_o honour_n and_o praise_n be_v deny_v to_o man_n and_o attribute_v to_o god_n alone_o and_o their_o doctrine_n dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a ascribe_v all_o honour_n to_o man_n and_o deny_v it_o to_o god_n moreover_o that_o we_o can_v be_v induce_v to_o believe_v the_o transformation_n of_o the_o bread_n or_o transubstantiation_n as_o they_o call_v it_o in_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o a_o true_a sacrifice_n though_o without_o blood_n of_o the_o transubstantiated_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n both_o for_o the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a or_o the_o purgatory_n they_o can_v condemn_v we_o for_o unless_o they_o do_v convince_v we_o first_o that_o such_o doctrine_n be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n so_o that_o christ_n sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o the_o spiritual_a eat_v thereof_o profit_v we_o nothing_o and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n can_v cleanse_v we_o from_o sin_n except_o we_o believe_v also_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o mass_n and_o the_o purgatory_n which_o nevertheless_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o assert_v or_o never_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v since_o they_o partly_o confess_v themselves_o that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v assure_v in_o those_o and_o such_o like_a point_n only_o by_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n unless_o the_o declaration_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n have_v give_v to_o they_o satisfaction_n therein_o and_o this_o be_v their_o main_a objection_n church_n whether_o such_o point_n of_o doctrine_n though_o not_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o be_v yet_o necessary_a for_o all_o christian_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o aforementioned_a and_o such_o like_a controversy_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n though_o they_o be_v not_o direct_o and_o in_o themselves_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n yet_o be_v necessary_a even_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o they_o have_v be_v thus_o teach_v and_o ordain_v by_o the_o catholic_a church_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v in_o all_o thing_n but_o here_o we_o ask_v first_o the_o question_n what_o they_o mean_v by_o the_o catholic_a church_n if_o they_o understand_v the_o universal_a christian_a church_n which_o since_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n disperse_v as_o the_o word_n catholic_a do_v imply_v it_o than_o we_o confess_v as_o we_o have_v already_o declare_v it_o heretofore_o that_o whatsoever_o it_o teach_v with_o one_o accord_n as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n to_o be_v undoubted_o necessary_a but_o they_o themselves_o will_v not_o assert_v this_o of_o most_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a point_n and_o though_o they_o shall_v assert_v it_o of_o some_o yet_o can_v they_o not_o prove_v it_o neither_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o by_o the_o true_a and_o undoubted_a write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n whereas_o by_o this_o very_a same_o ground_n we_o can_v rather_o make_v appear_v the_o contrary_a that_o the_o most_o and_o principal_a point_n thereof_o must_v be_v either_o false_a and_o erroneous_a or_o at_o least_o unnecessary_a because_o they_o have_v not_o be_v teach_v thus_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n neither_o have_v the_o primitive_a church_n ever_o presume_v and_o take_v upon_o itself_o such_o a_o power_n as_o if_o it_o may_v or_o shall_v teach_v or_o ordain_v some_o new_a doctrine_n unto_o salvation_n and_o so_o impose_v on_o the_o christian_n a_o heavy_a yoke_n and_o prescribe_v they_o a_o narrow_a way_n to_o salvation_n than_o it_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n whereby_o also_o consequent_o be_v make_v void_a whatsoever_o they_o object_n concern_v the_o unwritten_a word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o able_a to_o produce_v any_o certain_a ground_n or_o warrant_n that_o it_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n although_o otherwise_o we_o do_v not_o absolute_o reject_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o either_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n or_o be_v count_v only_o as_o useful_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n constat_fw-la omnem_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la quae_fw-la cum_fw-la illis_fw-la ecclesiis_fw-la apostolicis_fw-la matricibus_fw-la &_o originalibus_fw-la fidei_fw-la conspiret_fw-la veritati_fw-la deputandam_fw-la id_fw-la sine_fw-la dubio_fw-la tenentem_fw-la quod_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la ab_fw-la apostolis_n apostoli_fw-la à _fw-la christo_fw-la christus_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la suscepit_fw-la reliquam_fw-la verò_fw-la omnem_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la de_fw-la mendacio_fw-la praejudicandam_fw-la tertull._n de_fw-fr praescr_n c._n 21._o exit_fw-la ipso_fw-la ordine_fw-la manifestatur_fw-la id_fw-la esse_fw-la dominicum_fw-la &_o verum_fw-la quod_fw-la sit_fw-la prius_fw-la traditum_fw-la id_fw-la autem_fw-la extraneum_fw-la &_o falsum_fw-la quod_fw-la posterius_fw-la immissum_fw-la id._n 32._o viderint_fw-la qui_fw-la stoicum_fw-la &_o platonicum_n &_o dialecticum_fw-la christianismum_fw-la protulerunt_fw-la nobis_fw-la curiositate_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la opus_fw-la post_fw-la jesum_fw-la christum_fw-la nec_fw-la inquisitione_n post_fw-la evangelium_fw-la cùm_fw-la credimus_fw-la nihil_fw-la desideramus_fw-la ultra_fw-la credere_fw-la hoc_fw-la enim_fw-la prius_fw-la credimus_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la quod_fw-la ultra_fw-la
we_o can_v punctual_o explain_v it_o and_o many_o of_o our_o divine_n have_v already_o abundant_o and_o often_o spend_v their_o study_n and_o labour_n in_o it_o wherefore_o we_o refer_v to_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o all_o christian_a and_o pious_a heart_n whether_o man_n have_v cause_n and_o ground_n to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v we_o as_o heretic_n we_o for_o our_o part_n be_v assure_v that_o what_o have_v not_o be_v for_o the_o first_o christian_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n in_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n without_o which_o so_o many_o thousand_o martyr_n and_o so_o many_o million_o of_o christian_n be_v pious_o depart_v out_o of_o this_o life_n that_o can_v be_v also_o necessary_a for_o we_o in_o these_o last_o time_n and_o we_o may_v live_v and_o die_v as_o religious_a christian_n without_o it_o for_o we_o need_v not_o any_o other_o faith_n or_o religion_n beside_o that_o wherein_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n live_v and_o die_v we_o have_v with_o they_o obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o pet._n 1.1_o the_o old_a commandment_n which_o they_o have_v from_o the_o beginning_n 1_o joh._n 2.7_o the_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o heb._n 2.3_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o tae_n saint_n judas_n vers_fw-la 3._o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_a catholic_a what_o be_v to_o be_v true_a catholic_a or_o the_o universal_a christian_a faith_n which_o have_v be_v at_o all_o time_n especial_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o as_o long_o as_o we_o stand_v fast_o to_o it_o we_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a catholic_a christian_n whereas_o those_o that_o add_v thereunto_o any_o new_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n as_o necessary_a which_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v not_o in_o use_n though_o they_o bear_v and_o boast_v of_o the_o catholic_a name_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o true_a ancient_a catholic_a christian_n but_o new-catholikes_a which_o be_v equivalent_a with_o vn-catholikes_a and_o that_o church_n which_o by_o its_o own_o command_n impose_v such_o doctrine_n and_o tradition_n as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n though_o christ_n have_v not_o command_v but_o rather_o forbid_v they_o by_o his_o apostle_n and_o yet_o will_v condemn_v and_o persecute_v other_o church_n do_v thereby_o discover_v itself_o not_o to_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a but_o rather_o antichristian_a tyrannical_a church_n which_o also_o have_v need_n to_o stand_v in_o fear_n of_o the_o apostolical_a curse_n if_o any_o man_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n than_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1.8_o 9_o and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v add_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n god_n shall_v add_v unto_o he_o the_o plague_n that_o be_v write_v in_o it_o and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v take_v away_o from_o the_o word_n of_o this_o book_n god_n shall_v take_v away_o his_o part_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n rev._n 22.18_o 19_o but_o we_o hope_v that_o all_o understanding_n and_o conscientious_a man_n and_o such_o as_o love_v truth_n and_o peace_n among_o the_o roman_a catholic_n will_v beware_v of_o this_o malediction_n and_o take_v serious_o to_o heart_n this_o declaration_n of_o we_o abstain_v hereafter_o from_o presumptuous_a judge_n and_o condemn_v we_o as_o heretic_n much_o less_o persecute_v we_o with_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o loss_n of_o our_o good_n and_o honour_n as_o hitherto_o they_o have_v do_v which_o certain_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n but_o undoubted_o from_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v that_o arch-lyer_n and_o murderer_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n also_o do_v faithful_o warn_v we_o and_o especial_o the_o roman_a church_n lest_o it_o may_v imagine_v some_o special_a privilege_n before_o other_o those_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n receive_v you_o but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n judge_v not_o their_o thought_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v but_o if_o this_o warning_n will_v do_v no_o good_a to_o they_o certain_o the_o other_o shall_v at_o length_n be_v fulfil_v in_o they_o be_v not_o high_o mind_v but_o fear_n for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n the_o city_n and_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n take_v heed_n lest_o he_o also_o spare_v not_o thou_o behold_v therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n on_o they_o which_o fall_v severity_n but_o towards_o thou_o goodness_n if_o thou_o continue_v in_o his_o goodness_n otherwise_o thou_o also_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o rom._n 11.21_o 22._o chap._n v._o that_o the_o lutheran_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o judge_v the_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v heretical_a what_o we_o have_v speak_v now_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n concern_v its_o judge_n and_o condemn_v we_o the_o same_o we_o may_v partly_o well_o say_v of_o the_o lutheran_n which_o indeed_o together_o with_o we_o have_v protest_v against_o this_o judge_a and_o condemn_v of_o papist_n in_o the_o forename_a point_n of_o controversy_n and_o yet_o no_o less_o although_o in_o few_o point_n from_o whence_o also_o the_o evangelical_n church_n and_o estate_n general_o all_o be_v call_v protestant_n do_v judge_n and_o condemn_v our_o church_n or_o teacher_n as_o heretic_n under_o the_o most-odious_a man_n name_n who_o nevertheless_o rely_v not_o upon_o any_o man_n but_o upon_o the_o nature_n word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o according_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a apostolical_a rule_n we_o may_v make_v appear_v yet_o more_o plain_o then_o to_o the_o papist_n that_o they_o have_v no_o ground_n thus_o to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v we_o and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o worship_n ceremony_n the_o principal_a point_n of_o controversy_n betwixt_o lutheran_n and_o reform_a protestant_n 1._o in_o ceremony_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n what_o concern_v some_o controversy_n about_o ceremony_n both_o of_o their_o and_o our_o worship_v of_o god_n as_o that_o we_o use_v not_o in_o the_o holy_a baptism_n the_o exorcism_n or_o conjure_v of_o the_o devil_n to_o come_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o infant_n or_o young_a child_n because_o we_o do_v not_o hold_v they_o either_o spiritual_o or_o corporal_o possess_v by_o the_o devil_n although_o they_o natural_o be_v bear_v in_o original_a sin_n and_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n to_o cast_v the_o devil_n out_o of_o they_o by_o such_o conjure_n and_o therefore_o do_v just_o abhor_v from_o take_v therein_o god_n holy_a name_n in_o vain_a that_o we_o have_v no_o such_o image_n in_o our_o church_n which_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v abuse_v in_o popery_n unto_o idolatry_n but_o rather_o approve_v and_o justify_v the_o take_n away_o of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v do_v by_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o a_o orderly_a way_n after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o king_n hezekiah_n and_o josiah_n that_o also_o in_o the_o holy_a communion_n we_o use_v not_o the_o hosty_n or_o wafer_n but_o ordinary_a nourish_a bread_n and_o observe_v the_o break_n of_o it_o how_o can_v they_o judge_v we_o therefore_o whereas_o they_o themselves_o hold_v their_o exorcism_n image_n hosty_n not_o even_o absolute_o necessary_a nor_o the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n in_o itself_o erroneous_a but_o only_o to_o be_v adïaphora_fw-it indifferent_a thing_n although_o we_o for_o our_o part_n do_v not_o account_v they_o absolute_o indifferent_a matter_n but_o in_o some_o regard_n necessary_a partly_o because_o of_o god_n command_n partly_o because_o of_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a apostolical_a church_n at_o least_o for_o ourselves_o who_o shall_v sin_v if_o we_o shall_v against_o our_o conscience_n use_v the_o exorcism_n or_o the_o image_n or_o without_o any_o urgent_a cause_n omit_v the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n yet_o since_o we_o judge_v not_o nor_o condemn_v according_a to_o the_o abovementioned_a apostolical_a rule_n those_o that_o do_v not_o judge_v the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n necessary_a but_o give_v way_n to_o their_o pretend_a liberty_n it_o be_v fit_a they_o also_o shall_v not_o condemn_v we_o therein_o but_o to_o impart_v to_o we_o so_o much_o freedom_n that_o we_o may_v herein_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o may_v do_v more_o safe_o and_o without_o any_o sin_n as_o we_o likewise_o permit_v they_o to_o omit_v it_o and_o in_o stead_n thereof_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o papist_n in_o like_a manner_n that_o we_o in_o our_o catechism_n punctual_o retain_v all_o the_o commandment_n as_o they_o be_v set_v down_o exod._n 20._o deut._n 5_o and_o do_v not_o omit_v doctrine_n 2._o in_o the_o doctrine_n
the_o word_n sheol_n and_o hades_n be_v general_o understand_v of_o that_o invisible_a world_n whetherto_o the_o soul_n depart_v out_o of_o this_o world_n and_o be_v attribute_v both_o to_o godly_a and_o wicked_a without_o certain_a determination_n of_o place_n whetherto_o they_o be_v depart_v which_o shall_v be_v manifest_v in_o the_o resurrection_n so_o that_o by_o this_o article_n be_v mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o christ_n soul_n after_o his_o death_n make_v no_o stay_n in_o this_o world_n but_o depart_v like_o other_o man_n soul_n to_o the_o place_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o as_o if_o it_o be_v hold_v of_o the_o bond_n of_o death_n till_o the_o three_o day_n yet_o in_o god_n hand_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o his_o humiliation_n whereas_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o the_o world_n triumph_v over_o he_o as_o over_o a_o dead_a man_n who_o go_v to_o hell_n till_o at_o length_n it_o be_v make_v manifest_a by_o his_o resurrection_n that_o he_o descend_v not_o to_o the_o hell_n of_o the_o damn_a but_o to_o the_o sheol_n or_o grave_a to_o the_o faithful_a patriarch_n as_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o only_o signify_v a_o descend_v or_o go_v down_o beneath_o the_o earth_n but_o a_o depart_n in_o general_n act._n 8._o v._n 5._o and_o 9_o v._o 32._o and_o 11._o v._o 27._o and_o 12._o v._o 19_o and_o 13._o v._o 4._o and_o 15._o v._o 1._o and_o 18._o v._o 5_o 22._o and_o 21._o v._o 10._o and_o 27._o v._o 5._o by_o all_o which_o exposition_n do_v manifest_o appear_v that_o the_o two_o first_o opinion_n maintain_v by_o the_o papist_n neither_o be_v solid_a and_o certain_a nor_o necessary_a the_o other_o which_o partly_o they_o partly_o we_o defend_v as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o doctrine_n in_o itself_o be_v consonant_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o undoubted_o receive_v of_o all_o christian_n though_o the_o controversy_n remain_v still_o which_o of_o they_o draw_v near_a to_o the_o true_a opinion_n of_o this_o article_n in_o the_o creed_n and_o withal_o that_o we_o do_v not_o introduce_v any_o new_a doctrine_n in_o this_o article_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v we_o give_v to_o every_o one_o liberty_n in_o his_o opinion_n except_o in_o that_o which_o be_v agree_v on_o of_o all_o side_n which_o be_v also_o the_o safe_a way_n and_o sufficient_a unto_o salvation_n if_o of_o this_o article_n we_o do_v but_o general_o so_o much_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o christ_n soul_n have_v suffer_v the_o extreme_a distress_n and_o sorrow_n on_o earth_n very_o depart_v to_o the_o dead_a who_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o father_n till_o the_o day_n of_o resurrection_n although_o we_o do_v not_o even_o determine_v the_o place_n that_o it_o descend_v real_o to_o the_o hell_n of_o the_o damn_a or_o to_o a_o certain_a limbus_n beneath_o the_o earth_n before_o it_o enter_v into_o paradise_n which_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n be_v we_o yet_o embrace_v the_o most_o indubitable_a and_o certain_a comfort_n arise_v from_o this_o article_n that_o christ_n by_o such_o departure_n of_o his_o soul_n have_v deliver_v our_o soul_n from_o all_o the_o torment_n and_o pain_n of_o hell_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o confident_o may_v follow_v he_o out_o of_o this_o world_n without_o fear_n of_o hell_n into_o that_o invisible_a world_n whetherto_o the_o lord_n have_v prepare_v the_o way_n by_o his_o decease_a antichrist_n 8._o of_o the_o antichrist_n last_o concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o great_a antichrist_n of_o who_o the_o scripture_n do_v so_o much_o prophesy_v like_a as_o it_o be_v not_o direct_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n to_o know_v that_o such_o a_o antichrist_n be_v to_o come_v although_o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o believe_v it_o for_o they_o that_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o have_v be_v say_v heretofore_o also_o much_o less_o be_v it_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o know_v and_o to_o determine_v who_o be_v that_o great_a antichrist_n except_o unto_o they_o only_o to_o who_o god_n have_v perfect_o reveal_v it_o and_o notwithstanding_o many_o of_o our_o divine_n though_o not_o general_o all_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n that_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n from_o that_o time_n he_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v instead_o of_o christ_n the_o universal_a and_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n over_o all_o emperor_n and_o king_n and_o over_o all_o man_n soul_n which_o have_v be_v special_o observe_v since_o the_o time_n of_o gregory_n the_o seven_o be_v that_o great_a antichrist_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o teach_v it_o even_o as_o a_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o as_o a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o prophetical_a prediction_n which_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o truth_n yea_o partly_o account_v by_o they_o for_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a since_o they_o have_v the_o experience_n by_o the_o event_n history_n and_o writing_n of_o the_o pope_n themselves_o that_o whatsoever_o have_v be_v prophesy_v of_o the_o antichrist_n be_v now_o fulfil_v in_o these_o pope_n and_o although_o this_o opinion_n of_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v thus_o far_o new_a because_o the_o primitive_a church_n can_v know_v no_o certainty_n of_o it_o before_o the_o accomplish_n and_o reveal_v of_o the_o antichrist_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o new_a neither_o whereas_o this_o name_n have_v be_v attribute_v to_o the_o pope_n some_o hundred_o year_n before_o luther_n time_n even_o by_o some_o german_a emperor_n and_o bishop_n and_o among_o other_o by_o the_o emperor_n lewis_n the_o four_o duke_n of_o bavaria_n three_o hundred_o year_n ago_o yea_o when_o before_o 1460_o year_n irenaeus_n out_o of_o the_o revelation_n of_o s._n john_n 13._o v._o 18._o conjecture_v by_o his_o name_n that_o he_o will_v be_v call_v latinus_n that_o be_v to_o say_v roman_a nevertheless_o not_o the_o whole_a roman_a church_n nor_o all_o its_o member_n neither_o all_o their_o doctrine_n and_o rel_n gion_n be_v therefore_o to_o be_v account_v for_o antichristian_a god_n forbid_v but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v leave_v among_o they_o aught_o to_o be_v discern_v from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o temple_n and_o people_n of_o god_n over_o which_o he_o extend_v unjust_o his_o supreme_a jurisdiction_n and_o dominion_n from_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o dependent_n as_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o in_o 2_o thess_n 2._o v._n 4._o revel_v 18._o v._n 4._o but_o if_o the_o pope_n or_o the_o papist_n will_v reject_v or_o confute_v such_o opinion_n of_o the_o protestant_n as_o erroneous_a they_o can_v perform_v it_o better_o than_o by_o the_o deed_n itself_o order_v matter_n in_o this_o manner_n first_o that_o hereafter_o he_o do_v not_o anymore_o exalt_v himself_o over_o the_o god_n on_o earth_n over_o emperor_n and_o king_n to_o depose_v &_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o crown_n and_o discharge_v the_o subject_n from_o their_o oath_n obedience_n and_o subjection_n second_o that_o he_o do_v not_o attribute_v to_o himself_o the_o power_n belong_v only_o to_o christ_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n or_o over_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n by_o add_v thereunto_o and_o diminish_v from_o it_o three_o and_o principal_o that_o he_o do_v not_o antichristianlike_a excommunicate_a and_o persecute_v those_o that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v he_o as_o universal_a and_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n in_o do_v so_o none_o of_o our_o side_n will_v proclaim_v he_o for_o a_o antichrist_n nor_o his_o dependent_n for_o antichristian_a otherwise_o although_o they_o shall_v err_v or_o exceed_v in_o hold_v he_o to_o be_v the_o great_a antichrist_n when_o perhaps_o a_o great_a yet_o be_v to_o come_v yet_o the_o pope_n will_v have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o charge_v they_o therefore_o with_o a_o damnable_a error_n as_o the_o wolf_n the_o sheep_n for_o account_v that_o for_o the_o ravenous_a wolf_n which_o have_v devour_v most_o sheep_n thus_o we_o hope_v by_o these_o eight_o point_n of_o moment_n wherein_o we_o be_v accuse_v of_o new_a doctrine_n be_v apparent_o and_o abundant_o make_v clear_a and_o evident_a which_o also_o we_o can_v as_o easy_o have_v perform_v in_o all_o other_o article_n that_o we_o have_v introduce_v no_o innovation_n of_o doctrine_n but_o rather_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o ancient_a undoubted_a doctrine_n separate_v again_o whatsoever_o have_v be_v add_v to_o the_o universal_a primitive_a christian_a doctrine_n in_o the_o latter_a hundred_o year_n to_o which_o end_n all_o the_o reform_a church_n have_v general_o at_o all_o time_n declare_v themselves_o by_o solemn_a protestation_n that_o they_o will_v hearken_v to_o no_o new_a doctrine_n but_o punctual_o and_o positive_o