on_o who_o decision_n they_o so_o much_o depend_v have_v a_o quite_o different_a notion_n of_o justification_n and_o merit_n that_o council_n after_o some_o month_n debate_n upon_o the_o point_n of_o justification_n at_o last_o come_v to_o a_o decision_n and_o declare_v that_o the_o only_a formal_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n be_v god_n justice_n not_o by_o which_o he_o himself_o be_v just_a but_o by_o which_o he_o make_v we_o just_a wherewith_o be_v endow_v by_o he_o we_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o be_v not_o only_o repute_v but_o be_v make_v true_o just_a receive_v every_o man_n his_o own_o measure_n of_o justice_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n divide_v to_o he_o according_a to_o each_o man_n predisposition_n of_o himself_o and_o co-operation_n and_o withal_o denounce_v a_o flat_a anathema_n to_o all_o those_o who_o shall_v dare_v to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v formal_o justify_v by_o christ_n righteousness_n or_o by_o the_o sole_a imputation_n of_o that_o righteousness_n or_o by_o the_o sole_a remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o not_o by_o our_o inherent_a grace_n diffuse_v into_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n sess_n 6._o can._n 10_o 11._o and_o the_o same_o council_n speak_v of_o the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n say_v if_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o the_o good_a work_n of_o a_o justify_v person_n do_v not_o true_o merit_v the_o increase_n of_o grace_n and_o eternal_a life_n let_v he_o be_v anathema_n sess_n 6_o can._n 32._o now_o one_o will_v think_v the_o choice_n be_v very_o easy_a which_o of_o these_o to_o believe_v whether_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n or_o this_o explainer_n the_o account_n they_o give_v be_v too_o different_a to_o be_v both_o believe_v and_o can_v there_o be_v any_o question_n which_o of_o they_o be_v most_o authoritative_a certain_o our_o explainer_n must_v be_v a_o very_a bold_a person_n who_o in_o defiance_n of_o such_o a_o celebrate_a council_n dare_v deliver_v what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o the_o belief_n of_o roman_a catholic_n in_o this_o point_n and_o he_o must_v look_v upon_o his_o person_n of_o quality_n to_o who_o he_o present_v it_o as_o a_o parcel_n of_o unthinking_a and_o inconsiderate_a animal_n who_o will_v swallow_v any_o thing_n without_o examination_n either_o he_o be_v in_o earnest_n or_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o put_v a_o cheat_n upon_o they_o if_o the_o latter_a he_o plain_o discover_v how_o good_a a_o christian_n and_o how_o true_a a_o catholic_n he_o be_v if_o the_o former_a sure_o he_o do_v not_o well_o consider_v how_o fatal_a the_o consequence_n of_o that_o doctrine_n will_v be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o 1._o if_o this_o be_v real_o the_o faith_n of_o roman_a catholic_n then_o what_o become_v of_o that_o gainful_a trade_n of_o indulgence_n which_o be_v whole_o found_v upon_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o be_v heap_v up_o pile_n of_o satisfaction_n of_o saint_n of_o which_o the_o pope_n only_o keep_v the_o key_n and_o have_v power_n to_o dispense_v they_o where_o he_o list_v there_o be_v a_o time_n indeed_o when_o indulgence_n be_v look_v upon_o to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o mitigation_n or_o relaxation_n upon_o just_a cause_n of_o canonical_a penance_n which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n on_o penitent_a sinner_n according_a to_o their_o several_a degree_n of_o demerit_n but_o this_o be_v a_o doctrine_n out_o of_o date_n with_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n insomuch_o that_o gregory_n de_fw-fr valentia_n say_v that_o this_o opinion_n differ_v not_o from_o that_o of_o the_o heretic_n and_o make_v indulgence_n to_o be_v useless_a and_o dangerous_a thing_n de_fw-fr indulg_n c._n 2._o and_o their_o great_a champion_n bellarmine_n among_o several_a other_o argument_n against_o this_o doctrine_n bring_v this_o for_o one_o that_o if_o this_o be_v so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o indulgence_n but_o 2._o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o profitable_a doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o indulgence_n and_o they_o upon_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o merit_n of_o saint_n be_v keep_v to_o be_v dispense_v by_o the_o pope_n for_o the_o delivery_n of_o soul_n out_o of_o purgatory_n but_o 3._o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o pope_n coffer_n which_o be_v once_o empty_v and_o this_o spring_n dry_v up_o which_o shall_v have_v supply_v they_o can_v have_v no_o prospect_n of_o any_o other_o so_o effectual_a way_n to_o replenish_v they_o again_o have_v our_o explainer_n well_o consider_v these_o ill_a consequence_n of_o his_o explanation_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v think_v of_o it_o more_o than_o once_o before_o he_o have_v expose_v it_o i_o can_v imagine_v what_o shall_v persuade_v he_o to_o such_o a_o explanation_n unless_o he_o have_v obtain_v a_o dispensation_n to_o guild_v his_o bait_n the_o more_o easy_o to_o catch_v what_o he_o angle_v for_o and_o if_o this_o be_v it_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o candour_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o our_o explainer_n and_o a_o mighty_a motive_n to_o his_o person_n of_o quality_n to_o swallow_v all_o that_o shall_v be_v propound_v by_o he_o and_o now_o we_o be_v come_v to_o the_o last_o point_n which_o he_o undertake_v to_o explain_v and_o shall_v examine_v whether_o he_o be_v more_o ingenuous_a in_o that_o than_o he_o have_v be_v in_o the_o other_o the_o explainer_n 4._o we_o firm_o believe_v and_o high_o reverence_v the_o moral_a law_n be_v so_o solemn_o deliver_v to_o moses_n upon_o the_o mount_n exodus_fw-la 20._o matth._n 19_o eccles_n 12_o 13._o so_o express_o confirm_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o contain_v in_o itself_o so_o perfect_a a_o abridgement_n of_o our_o whole_a duty_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man._n which_o moral_a law_n we_o believe_v oblige_v all_o man_n to_o proceed_v with_o faithfulness_n and_o sincerity_n in_o their_o mutual_a contract_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o therefore_o our_o constant_a profession_n be_v that_o we_o be_v most_o strict_o and_o absolute_o bind_v to_o the_o exact_a and_o entire_a performance_n of_o our_o promise_n make_v to_o any_o person_n of_o what_o religion_n soever_o much_o more_o to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o civil_a power_n under_o who_o protection_n we_o live_v who_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o obey_v not_o only_o for_o fear_n but_o conscience_n sake_n and_o to_o who_o we_o will_v most_o faithful_o observe_v our_o promise_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n notwithstanding_o any_o dispensation_n absolution_n or_o other_o proceed_n of_o any_o foreign_a power_n or_o authority_n whatsoever_o wherefore_o we_o utter_o deny_v and_o renounce_v that_o false_a and_o scandalous_a position_n that_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v with_o heretic_n as_o most_o uncharitable_o impute_v to_o our_o practice_n and_o most_o unjust_o pin_v upon_o our_o religion_n these_o we_o sincere_o and_o solemn_o profess_v as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n take_v the_o word_n plain_o and_o simple_o in_o their_o usual_a and_o familiar_a sense_n without_o any_o equivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n whatsoever_o the_o animadverter_n our_o explainer_n will_v have_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o those_o of_o his_o communion_n do_v high_o reverence_v and_o have_v a_o mighty_a regard_n for_o the_o moral_a law_n we_o do_v the_o same_o but_o we_o know_v and_o believe_v the_o second_o commandment_n to_o be_v part_n of_o that_o law_n and_o therefore_o dare_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o image-worship_n which_o perhaps_o the_o explainer_n do_v not_o think_v of_o he_o further_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o believe_v that_o this_o law_n do_v contain_v in_o itself_o a_o perfect_a abridgement_n of_o our_o whole_a duty_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man._n we_o believe_v the_o same_o and_o we_o do_v further_o believe_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o james_n 2.10_o and_o therefore_o we_o dare_v not_o worship_v image_n nor_o give_v divine_a honour_n to_o any_o creature_n nor_o disobey_v magistrate_n nor_o deal_v false_o with_o our_o neighbour_n under_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o nor_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v there_o forbid_a nor_o leave_v undo_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v there_o command_v whether_o the_o explainer_n think_v of_o all_o this_o i_o know_v not_o but_o he_o can_v but_o know_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o of_o his_o communion_n be_v not_o correspondent_a thereunto_o but_o the_o two_o great_a thing_n that_o he_o will_v have_v the_o world_n believe_v of_o they_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o explanation_n be_v these_o
sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o other_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o none_o have_v fail_v of_o their_o duty_n therein_o qu._n 12._o whether_o all_o that_o be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v not_o true_a according_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n so_o deliver_v ans_fw-fr all_o that_o be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v undoubted_o true_a according_a to_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o qu._n 13._o whether_o a_o obstinate_a contradiction_n of_o any_o one_o truth_n thus_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n though_o there_o appear_v no_o necessity_n it_o shall_v have_v be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v not_o injurious_a to_o that_o divine_a authority_n and_o veracity_n and_o which_o unrepented_a of_o shall_v bring_v damnation_n ans_fw-fr a_o obstinate_a contradiction_n of_o any_o one_o plain_a truth_n deliver_v in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v certain_o a_o very_a great_a injury_n to_o divine_a authority_n and_o veracity_n qu._n 14._o when_o difficulty_n do_v arise_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o matter_n of_o faith_n whither_o the_o dicision_n of_o those_o controversy_n be_v carry_v and_o whether_o the_o present_a church_n of_o every_o age_n be_v not_o to_o decide_v it_o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v undoubted_o the_o practice_n and_o be_v most_o rational_a that_o the_o present_a church_n in_o every_o age_n shall_v decide_v such_o controversy_n for_o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o they_o shall_v inquire_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n and_o no_o question_n the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o declare_v matter_n of_o faith_n but_o not_o to_o make_v any_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n qu._n 15._o whether_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v to_o have_v a_o authoritative_a power_n in_o this_o decision_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o universal_o leave_v to_o the_o head_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n assemble_v together_o ans_fw-fr every_o particular_a person_n have_v undoubted_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n allow_v he_o in_o matter_n of_o that_o nature_n but_o the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o decide_v and_o determine_v be_v in_o the_o head_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n assemble_v together_o for_o that_o end_n qu._n 16._o whether_o such_o a_o force_n of_o hope_n or_o fear_n can_v possible_o happen_v at_o once_o upon_o all_o the_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n assemble_v together_o or_o after_o consent_v to_o those_o that_o be_v assemble_v as_o shall_v make_v they_o declare_v that_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n reveal_v by_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o so_o deliver_v to_o they_o to_o have_v be_v the_o ever_o esteem_a sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o perpetual_a tradition_n which_o be_v not_o so_o ans_fw-fr whilst_o man_n be_v man_n they_o will_v be_v liable_a to_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o they_o if_o therefore_o we_o consider_v the_o head_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o such_o we_o can_v allow_v they_o a_o exemption_n therefrom_o and_o consequent_o there_o may_v be_v no_o impossibility_n in_o the_o thing_n propound_v we_o grant_v that_o in_o a_o general_n council_n lawful_o assemble_v we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_v for_o the_o presence_n direction_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n â—…t_v how_o far_o the_o passion_n and_o humour_n of_o man_n may_v frustrate_v our_o hope_n we_o know_v not_o this_o we_o certain_o know_v that_o the_o act_n of_o one_o council_n have_v be_v make_v void_a by_o another_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o one_o of_o they_o do_v declare_v something_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n reveal_v by_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o so_o deliver_v unto_o they_o qu._n 17._o whether_o the_o decision_n of_o such_o assembly_n or_o general_a council_n be_v not_o always_o esteem_v obligatory_a in_o the_o church_n and_o whether_o particular_a person_n or_o church_n obstinate_o gainsay_v such_o decision_n receive_v by_o a_o much_o major_a part_n of_o the_o church_n diffuse_v be_v not_o always_o esteem_v to_o have_v incur_v those_o anathema_n pronounce_v by_o such_o council_n ans_fw-fr if_o those_o assembly_n or_o council_n be_v true_o general_a we_o do_v very_o much_o reverence_v their_o authority_n and_o think_v their_o decision_n to_o be_v obligatory_a but_o we_o do_v not_o think_v all_o to_o be_v such_o that_o be_v call_v so_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v by_o some_o sort_n of_o man_n look_v upon_o as_o a_o general_a council_n and_o all_o their_o religion_n almost_o build_v upon_o the_o authority_n thereof_o and_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o england_n never_o receive_v the_o decision_n of_o that_o council_n nor_o do_v the_o galican_n church_n for_o many_o year_n and_o yet_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o do_v for_o all_o that_o esteem_v themselves_o to_o have_v incur_v the_o anathema_n pronounce_v by_o that_o council_n qu._n 18._o whether_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v not_o in_o all_o age_n practice_n this_o way_n of_o decide_v controversy_n and_o whether_o these_o be_v not_o as_o universal_a a_o tradition_n of_o this_o as_o the_o practice_n be_v universal_a without_o interruption_n ans_fw-fr universal_a practice_n will_v amount_v to_o a_o universal_a tradition_n and_o that_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a weight_n we_o deny_v not_o nor_o shall_v we_o oppose_v the_o same_o course_n now_o provide_v the_o council_n be_v free_a and_o general_a but_o the_o enquirer_n go_v on_o some_o will_v perhaps_o say_v that_o such_o council_n can_v err_v in_o fundamental_o but_o may_v in_o not_o fundamental_o i_o ask_v these_o qu._n what_o be_v fundamental_o and_o what_o not_o ans_fw-fr those_o thing_n which_o be_v essential_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o religion_n may_v proper_o be_v call_v fundamental_a but_o those_o thing_n which_o only_o respect_v order_n and_o decency_n therein_o and_o vary_v according_a to_o time_n and_o place_n and_o be_v alterable_a by_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o see_v cause_v these_o be_v not_o fundamental_a qu._n whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o thing_n fundamental_o to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o to_o every_o particular_a ans_fw-fr there_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n fundamental_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v not_o so_o to_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o that_o church_n but_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v â—…ndamental_a to_o the_o be_v of_o religion_n be_v equal_o so_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o qu._n whether_o a_o obstinate_a denial_n of_o what_o be_v fundamental_a or_o necessary_a to_o the_o universal_a church_n or_o grant_v as_o i_o may_v say_v upon_o what_o be_v fundamental_a by_o a_o particular_a person_n be_v not_o in_o time_n a_o fundamental_a error_n especial_o after_o a_o universal_a declaration_n of_o it_o as_o truth_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ans_fw-fr this_o query_n as_o it_o be_v here_o word_a be_v hardly_o reconcileable_a to_o sense_n but_o i_o suppose_v his_o meaning_n be_v whether_o for_o any_o particular_a person_n obstinate_o to_o deny_v what_o be_v fundamental_a or_o necessary_a to_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o declare_v to_o be_v a_o truth_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o a_o fundamental_a error_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o every_o particular_a christian_n ought_v with_o all_o deference_n to_o submit_v his_o own_o private_a judgement_n to_o the_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o though_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v so_o plain_a to_o he_o yet_o he_o ought_v rather_o to_o suspect_v his_o own_o than_o that_o of_o the_o church_n but_o if_o in_o some_o thing_n he_o can_v be_v satisfy_v and_o therein_o happen_v to_o differ_v from_o the_o church_n provide_v he_o do_v not_o thereby_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v hardly_o amount_v to_o a_o fundamental_a error_n but_o what_o if_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o truth_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n will_v not_o that_o make_v it_o so_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o no_o declaration_n of_o the_o church_n how_o universal_a soever_o it_o be_v can_v make_v that_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o real_o be_v not_o so_o and_o therefore_o in_o that_o case_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o their_o write_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o either_o in_o express_a word_n contain_v therein_o or_o by_o sound_a consequence_n draw_v therefrom_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o comply_v with_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o fundamental_a error_n to_o differ_v therein_o qu._n whether_o the_o universal_a church_n assemble_v in_o a_o general_n council_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v just_o esteem_v the_o decider_n of_o what_o be_v fundamental_a and_o what_o
communion_n so_o sinful_a and_o dangerous_a that_o no_o man_n with_o safety_n to_o his_o soul_n can_v continue_v in_o it_o it_o will_v be_v high_a time_n to_o come_v out_o of_o it_o qu._n whether_o he_o or_o protestant_n at_o present_a do_v pretend_v to_o such_o demonstration_n for_o those_o tenet_n they_o hold_v contrary_a to_o the_o roman_a church_n the_o then_o only_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o west_n that_o no_o understanding_n to_o which_o it_o be_v sufficient_o propose_v can_v in_o the_o least_o doubt_n of_o it_o ans_fw-fr we_o have_v such_o evidence_n for_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o hold_v and_o teach_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o be_v sufficient_o propose_v no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o doubt_v of_o and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o will_v scruple_n without_o reason_n notwithstanding_o the_o clear_a evidence_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v we_o can_v only_o pity_v and_o pray_v for_o they_o qu._n or_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o rather_o say_v that_o be_v fallible_a they_o may_v err_v even_o in_o what_o they_o think_v a_o demonstration_n and_o if_o they_o may_v err_v perhaps_o they_o have_v err_v even_o in_o their_o reformation_n ans_fw-fr we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o infallibility_n nor_o do_v we_o think_v that_o the_o claim_n which_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n make_v to_o it_o be_v any_o more_o than_o a_o groundless_a pretence_n only_o but_o à _fw-la posse_fw-la ad_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la valet_fw-la consequentia_fw-la from_o a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o err_a to_o argue_v a_o certainty_n that_o we_o have_v err_v in_o every_o thing_n we_o have_v do_v be_v a_o argument_n fit_a to_o be_v offer_v to_o child_n then_o men._n qu._n whether_o therefore_o deny_v these_o doctrine_n thus_o deliver_v by_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n as_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n upon_o no_o better_a ground_n than_o these_o perhaps_o they_o may_v be_v true_a and_o perhaps_o not_o be_v not_o a_o put_v one_o self_n into_o the_o danger_n of_o err_v even_o in_o fundamental_o ans_fw-fr we_o deny_v no_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n as_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n nor_o do_v we_o own_o any_o doctrine_n upon_o such_o weak_a ground_n as_o perhaps_o they_o may_v be_v true_a and_o perhaps_o not_o but_o we_o say_v that_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n do_v teach_v such_o doctrine_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o be_v never_o teach_v by_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n nor_o deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o oppose_v ourselves_o against_o they_o and_o think_v we_o have_v great_a reason_n so_o to_o do_v have_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n on_o our_o side_n and_o whilst_o we_o be_v thus_o support_v we_o have_v no_o fear_n of_o err_a in_o fundamental_o query_n of_o religion_n or_o liberty_n who_o this_o enquirer_n be_v as_o i_o be_o at_o present_a ignorant_a so_o be_o i_o not_o much_o concern_v to_o know_v but_o i_o take_v he_o to_o be_v one_o who_o have_v conceive_v a_o mighty_a opinion_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o performance_n he_o think_v that_o by_o these_o query_n he_o have_v strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o protestancy_n as_o he_o and_o those_o of_o his_o persuasion_n call_v it_o i._n e._n reform_a christianity_n that_o he_o have_v give_v it_o a_o fatal_a blow_n a_o mortal_a wound_n and_o leave_v it_o grovel_v in_o the_o dust_n without_o the_o least_o hope_n of_o recovery_n like_o that_o overgrow_a uncircumcised_a philistine_n he_o defi_v the_o army_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o call_v for_o a_o man_n to_o fight_v with_o he_o for_o in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o query_n he_o make_v this_o proud_a and_o confident_a challenge_n if_o any_o give_v answer_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v if_o any_o be_v so_o bold_a and_o dare_a so_o over_o confident_a and_o foolhardy_a as_o to_o undertake_v a_o answer_n to_o these_o query_n it_o be_v desire_v to_o be_v categorical_a and_o short_a without_o any_o discourse_n of_o thing_n not_o demand_v now_o whether_o this_o man_n do_v not_o triumph_v before_o the_o victory_n or_o whether_o those_o query_n be_v so_o unanswerable_a as_o he_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v be_v the_o thing_n under_o consideration_n and_o because_o he_o have_v not_o only_o give_v the_o challenge_n but_o appoint_v the_o weapon_n i_o shall_v neither_o decline_v the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o but_o according_a to_o his_o own_o method_n shall_v undertake_v his_o query_n in_o the_o same_o order_n as_o he_o have_v propound_v they_o qu._n 1._o whether_o the_o flock_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o be_v promise_v grace_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v that_o company_n and_o society_n of_o people_n christen_v in_o his_o name_n who_o by_o order_n of_o government_n rule_n and_o decree_n from_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n be_v unite_v in_o faith_n worship_n discipline_n and_o manner_n of_o life_n call_v religion_n ans_fw-fr the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v either_o militant_a or_o triumphant_a the_o one_o on_o earth_n the_o other_o in_o heaven_n of_o the_o former_a of_o which_o we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v the_o church_n militant_a be_v either_o universal_a or_o particular_a the_o former_a comprehend_v all_o and_o every_o member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n wheresoever_o disperse_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n the_o latter_a comprise_v only_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o christian_n form_v into_o a_o select_a body_n or_o society_n under_o certain_a law_n and_o rule_n not_o differ_v from_o those_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n such_o be_v all_o provincial_a and_o national_a church_n and_o though_o none_o of_o they_o may_v arrogate_v to_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o the_o one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n yet_o none_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o be_v true_a member_n thereof_o this_o i_o have_v premise_v to_o prevent_v confusion_n and_o misunderstanding_n for_o the_o confound_a of_o these_o two_o as_o it_o often_o happen_v in_o discourse_n of_o this_o kind_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o great_a mistake_n those_o of_o the_o romish_a persuasion_n by_o the_o one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n do_v usual_o understand_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o though_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n be_v the_o same_o with_o a_o particular_a universal_a yet_o do_v they_o run_v away_o with_o it_o and_o by_o that_o specious_a and_o gorgeous_a title_n think_v to_o bear_v down_o all_o before_o they_o aloud_o proclaim_v that_o to_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o other_o church_n this_o thus_o premise_v i_o shall_v now_o be_v as_o categorical_a and_o short_a in_o my_o answer_n to_o his_o query_n as_o he_o can_v desire_v viz._n that_o the_o flock_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o company_n or_o society_n of_o people_n christen_v in_o his_o name_n who_o by_o order_n of_o government_n rule_n and_o decree_n from_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n be_v unite_v in_o faith_n worship_n discipline_n and_o manner_n of_o life_n call_v religion_n qu._n 2._o whether_o by_o separation_n or_o excommunication_n from_o that_o society_n and_o unity_n be_v lose_v those_o promise_n ans_fw-fr separation_n and_o excommunication_n be_v two_o thing_n for_o though_o every_o one_o that_o be_v excommunicate_v be_v thereby_o separate_v from_o that_o body_n of_o which_o before_o he_o be_v a_o member_n yet_o a_o man_n may_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n without_o be_v under_o the_o doom_n of_o excommunication_n for_o separation_n may_v be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n whereas_o excommunication_n be_v a_o formal_a and_o judicial_a sentence_n deliver_v by_o a_o lawful_a judge_n authorize_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o church_n to_o pronounce_v the_o same_o by_o virtue_n whereof_o the_o sentence_a person_n be_v divide_v from_o the_o body_n separate_v from_o the_o society_n and_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o god_n church_n the_o case_n thus_o state_v my_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n will_v be_v as_o follow_v viz._n 1._o whosoever_o upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o do_v separate_v himself_o from_o the_o society_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o aposstolical_a church_n do_v in_o so_o do_v cast_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o paternal_a care_n and_o protection_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o church_n for_o his_o mother_n can_v have_v god_n for_o his_o father_n and_o consequent_o can_v have_v no_o pretence_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n here_o or_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o 2._o whosoever_o without_o just_a cause_n do_v separate_v himself_o from_o the_o society_n and_o unity_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o
suspect_v my_o own_o than_o they_o yet_o whatsoever_o testimony_n and_o decree_n be_v propound_v by_o the_o church_n they_o be_v propound_v to_o rational_a man_n and_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v suppose_v that_o man_n ought_v to_o exercise_v that_o reason_n which_o god_n have_v endow_v they_o withal_o in_o judge_v of_o the_o evidence_n upon_o which_o those_o testimony_n and_o decree_n be_v build_v which_o evidence_n if_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v convince_a and_o satisfactory_a they_o can_v command_v their_o own_o belief_n much_o less_o can_v any_o power_n or_o authority_n do_v it_o for_o to_o act_v by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o that_o case_n be_v to_o act_v more_o like_a brute_n than_o men._n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o willing_o own_o that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o credit_n due_a to_o they_o as_o to_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o the_o like_a case_n yet_o can_v we_o not_o grant_v any_o more_o or_o if_o their_o testimony_n and_o decree_n concern_v matter_n of_o fact_n wherein_o our_o obedience_n be_v require_v i._n e._n matter_n of_o discipline_n which_o respect_v the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o religion_n we_o grant_v that_o obedience_n be_v due_a to_o they_o and_o as_o much_o obedience_n as_o be_v due_a to_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o the_o like_a case_n yet_o still_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o the_o subject_a how_o far_o he_o can_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n active_o obey_v and_o when_o and_o where_o he_o be_v to_o exercise_v his_o passive_a obedience_n but_o this_o caution_n ought_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o every_o private_a christian_a that_o by_o a_o imprudent_a management_n of_o his_o different_a sentiment_n he_o do_v not_o disturb_v the_o peace_n nor_o break_v the_o order_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n qu._n 11._o or_o have_v christ_n leave_v such_o liberty_n to_o all_o succeed_a christian_n that_o they_o need_v not_o believe_v credit_n or_o obey_v any_o the_o testimony_n law_n interpretation_n or_o sentence_n give_v by_o any_o supreme_a legal_a governor_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a in_o their_o respective_a council_n further_o than_o every_o particular_a person_n in_o his_o private_a judgement_n shall_v like_v choose_v and_o accept_v of_o ans_fw-fr this_o query_n i_o take_v to_o be_v full_o answer_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o that_o immediate_o precede_v wherein_o the_o case_n be_v plain_o state_v how_o far_o the_o credit_n and_o obedience_n of_o inferior_n be_v due_a to_o the_o sentence_n and_o determination_n of_o their_o superior_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a and_o therefore_o without_o say_v the_o same_o thing_n over_o again_o or_o enlarge_n thereupon_o i_o shall_v refer_v you_o thereunto_o qu._n 12._o whether_o a_o few_o particular_a person_n or_o some_o few_o of_o the_o magistrate_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a for_o discontent_n or_o differ_v in_o judgement_n from_o the_o unite_a body_n of_o the_o rest_n may_v under_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n or_o reformation_n separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o unite_a body_n and_o society_n and_o make_v new_a translation_n and_o interpretation_n of_o write_a law_n different_a from_o the_o former_a and_o by_o force_n and_o persuasion_n draw_v people_n from_o their_o old_a society_n unity_n and_o obedience_n to_o new_a congregation_n institution_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o frame_n opposite_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o former_a ans_fw-fr this_o query_n consist_v of_o several_a part_n and_o therefore_o to_o give_v a_o direct_a and_o apposite_a answer_n thereunto_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o obviate_v the_o several_a part_n thereof_o by_o these_o proposition_n follow_v viz._n 1._o that_o no_o person_n or_o number_n of_o man_n whether_o they_o be_v private_a person_n or_o magistrate_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a aught_o to_o separate_v themselves_o on_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n 2._o that_o discontent_n or_o differ_v in_o judgement_n only_o be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o separation_n from_o any_o particular_a church_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n 3_o that_o a_o bare_a pretence_n of_o conscience_n and_o reformation_n will_v not_o justify_v a_o schism_n nor_o excuse_v those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o schismatical_a separation_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o whole_a community_n be_v far_o more_o valuable_a than_o any_o private_a man_n satisfaction_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v open_a to_o the_o attempt_n of_o any_o schismatical_a pretender_n whatsoever_o 4._o that_o the_o write_v and_o establish_v law_n of_o god_n or_o his_o vicegerent_n upon_o earth_n be_v not_o reversible_a nor_o alterable_a by_o any_o man_n or_o number_n of_o man_n because_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o that_o authority_n by_o which_o at_o first_o they_o be_v establish_v and_o without_o that_o they_o can_v be_v alter_v for_o if_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v say_v st._n paul_n gal._n 1.8_o 5._o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o person_n or_o person_n who_o be_v member_n of_o a_o establish_a church_n either_o by_o force_n or_o persuasion_n to_o draw_v people_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n and_o so_o break_v the_o unity_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n thereof_o or_o by_o any_o artifices_fw-la whatsoever_o either_o to_o undermine_v or_o batter_v down_o the_o rampart_n i._n e._n the_o establish_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o that_o church_n these_o proposition_n put_v together_o may_v suffice_v as_o a_o general_a answer_n to_o this_o query_n but_o now_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n i._n e._n the_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o on_o that_o account_n be_v the_o query_n propound_v and_o this_o i_o shall_v now_o do_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o she_o mighty_o pretend_v to_o it_o be_v not_o that_o one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n that_o she_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o grant_v though_o we_o can_v scarce_o allow_v she_o to_o be_v a_o sound_a member_n thereof_o but_o that_o she_o shall_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n either_o diffusive_a or_o representative_a we_o can_v consent_v nor_o have_v she_o ever_o yet_o or_o ever_o will_v be_v able_a to_o make_v goad_n her_o claim_n thereunto_o 2._o that_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o sinful_a and_o schismatical_a separation_n from_o the_o unite_a body_n of_o the_o one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n we_o affirm_v and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n 1._o because_o she_o usurp_v a_o high_a place_n and_o power_n in_o the_o body_n ecclesiastical_a than_o of_o right_n be_v due_a unto_o she_o thereby_o break_v the_o union_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o because_o she_o have_v voluntary_o divide_v the_o catholic_n church_n both_o in_o faith_n worship_n and_o government_n by_o her_o innovation_n 3._o by_o separate_v both_o by_o her_o doctrine_n and_o censure_n three_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n from_o her_o communion_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o her_o lie_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o christ_n 4._o by_o rebel_a against_o general_a council_n and_o usurp_a a_o authority_n over_o they_o 5._o by_o break_v or_o take_v away_o all_o the_o line_n of_o apostolical_a succession_n except_o their_o own_o and_o appropriate_v all_o original_a jurisdiction_n to_o themselves_o 6._o by_o challenge_v a_o temporal_a power_n over_o prince_n either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o which_o have_v be_v a_o great_a occasion_n not_o only_o of_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n but_o of_o sedition_n and_o rebellion_n in_o the_o state_n all_o which_o instance_n have_v be_v charge_v upon_o and_o make_v good_a against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o our_o writer_n and_o may_v be_v so_o again_o whenever_o we_o be_v call_v to_o it_o 3._o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o we_o that_o have_v separate_v from_o they_o but_o they_o from_o we_o whilst_o we_o adhere_v to_o the_o unite_a body_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n which_o they_o have_v forsake_v 4._o nor_o be_v it_o we_o but_o they_o who_o have_v alter_v the_o write_a and_o establish_v law_n of_o god_n and_o his_o church_n by_o add_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o be_v never_o deliver_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n nor_o teach_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n nor_o comprise_v in_o any_o of_o those_o creed_n receive_v by_o the_o church_n and_o make_v they_o necessary_a condition_n of_o their_o communion_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o supremacy_n and_o infallibility_n of_o indulgence_n and_o purgatory_n of_o transubstantiation_n etc._n etc._n 5._o it_o be_v they_o therefore_o and_o