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
grant_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n yet_o that_o can_v signify_v nothing_o to_o she_o till_o she_o have_v prove_v herself_o to_o be_v that_o catholic_n church_n to_o which_o alone_o those_o promise_n confess_o belong_v thus_o you_o see_v how_o candid_a and_o faithful_a our_o explainer_n have_v be_v in_o this_o first_o point_n and_o now_o let_v we_o examine_v whether_o he_o acquit_v himself_o any_o better_a in_o the_o next_o the_o explainer_n 2._o we_o humble_o believe_v the_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n one_o eternal_a almighty_a and_o incomprehensible_a god_n who_o only_o we_o adore_v and_o worship_n as_o alone_o have_v sovereign_a dominion_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o who_o alone_o 1_o tim._n 1.17_o we_o acknowledge_v as_o due_a from_o man_n and_o angel_n all_o glory_n service_n and_o obedience_n abhor_v from_o our_o heart_n as_o a_o most_o detesta_fw-la bleed_v sacrilege_n to_o give_v our_o creator_n honour_n to_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o we_o solemn_o protest_v that_o by_o the_o prayer_n we_o address_v to_o angel_n one_fw-mi saint_n we_o intend_v no_o other_o than_o humble_o to_o solicit_v their_o assistance_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n as_o we_o desire_v the_o prayer_n of_o one_o another_o here_o upon_o earth_n not_o that_o we_o hope_v any_o thing_n from_o they_o as_o original_a author_n thereof_o but_o from_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o only_a mediator_n and_o redeemer_n neither_o do_v we_o believe_v any_o divinity_n or_o virtue_n to_o be_v in_o image_n for_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v as_o the_o gentile_n do_v their_o idol_n but_o we_o retain_v they_o with_o due_a and_o decent_a respect_n in_o our_o church_n as_o instrument_n which_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n do_v often_o assist_v our_o memory_n and_o excite_v our_o affection_n the_o animadverter_n our_o explainer_n here_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n make_v a_o very_a good_a confession_n of_o faith_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o humble_o believe_v the_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n one_o eternal_a almighty_a and_o incomprehensible_a god_n who_o only_o they_o adore_v and_o worship_n as_o alone_o have_v sovereign_a dominion_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o who_o alone_o 1_o tim._n 1.17_o they_o acknowledge_v as_o due_a from_o man_n and_o angel_n all_o glory_n service_n and_o obedience_n abhor_v from_o their_o heart_n as_o a_o most_o detestable_a sacrilege_n to_o give_v their_o creator_n honour_n to_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o this_o be_v true_a primitive_a christianity_n good_a catholic_n divinity_n without_o any_o mixture_n of_o popery_n and_o be_v it_o not_o great_a pity_n that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v thereto_o or_o mix_v therewith_o to_o spoil_v so_o good_a a_o confession_n thus_o far_o we_o can_v ready_o and_o hearty_o join_v with_o they_o but_o when_o they_o superadd_a article_n of_o their_o own_o such_o as_o be_v never_o deliver_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n nor_o own_a by_o the_o primitive_a catholic_n church_n and_o set_v they_o in_o equal_a place_n with_o those_o of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o primitive_a practice_n then_o we_o can_v keep_v pace_n with_o they_o but_o be_v force_v to_o stay_v behind_o and_o sit_v down_o content_v with_o primitive_a christianity_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o we_o that_o leave_v they_o but_o they_o that_o leave_v we_o and_o consequent_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o separation_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n here_o between_o we_o and_o our_o explainer_n for_o after_o all_o this_o glorious_a profession_n of_o adore_v and_o worship_v the_o one_o eternal_a almighty_a and_o incomprehensible_a god_n and_o he_o only_o and_o abhor_v the_o give_v of_o his_o glory_n to_o any_o creature_n as_o a_o most_o detestable_a sacrilege_n he_o introduce_v prayer_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o or_o beofre_v image_n as_o thing_n equal_o necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v by_o christian_n now_o if_o prayer_n and_o adoration_n be_v act_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o object_n to_o which_o they_o be_v offer_v be_v creature_n than_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o either_o all_o religious_a worship_n be_v not_o due_a to_o god_n alone_o or_o else_o that_o they_o do_v give_v part_n of_o his_o honour_n to_o something_o that_o be_v not_o god_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o he_o endeavour_v to_o palliate_v these_o practice_n with_o some_o pretend_a qualification_n thereby_o to_o shift_v off_o the_o weight_n of_o this_o charge_n which_o lie_v so_o heavy_a upon_o they_o but_o they_o be_v so_o thin_a and_o threedbare_a so_o empty_a and_o insignificant_a and_o have_v be_v so_o miserable_o baffle_v of_o late_a especial_o in_o the_o answer_n to_o a_o papist_n misrepresented_a and_o represent_v as_o also_o in_o two_o other_o little_a treatise_n the_o one_o entitle_v a_o discourse_n concern_v invocation_n of_o saint_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1684_o and_o the_o other_o entitle_v a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o object_n of_o religious_a worship_n etc._n etc._n print_v 1685_o that_o i_o can_v but_o admire_v at_o our_o explainer_n confidence_n to_o produce_v they_o at_o this_o time_n these_o treatise_n be_v or_o upon_o easy_a term_n may_v be_v in_o every_o man_n hand_n and_o there_o be_v therein_o so_o much_o say_v upon_o this_o subject_a and_o so_o much_o to_o the_o purpose_n as_o may_v very_o well_o spare_v i_o the_o labour_n of_o enlarge_n thereupon_o to_o they_o therefore_o i_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n for_o further_a satisfaction_n but_o by_o these_o short_a remark_n which_o i_o have_v make_v upon_o this_o part_n of_o our_o explainer_n confession_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o have_v be_v no_o more_o candid_a and_o ingenuous_a in_o this_o than_o in_o the_o former_a let_v we_o therefore_o try_v he_o in_o the_o next_o the_o explainer_n 3._o we_o firm_o believe_v that_o no_o force_n of_o nature_n or_o dignity_n of_o our_o best_a work_n can_v merit_v our_o justification_n but_o we_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o grace_n through_o the_o redemption_n that_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n rom._n 3.24_o and_o though_o we_o shall_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n in_o a_o godly_a life_n and_o holy_a obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n yet_o our_o hope_n of_o eternal_a glory_n be_v still_o build_v upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n all_o other_o merit_n according_a to_o our_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o action_n do_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o which_o it_o have_v please_v his_o goodness_n to_o promise_v a_o reward_n a_o doctrine_n so_o far_o from_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o it_o be_v their_o principal_a design_n to_o invite_v and_o provoke_v we_o to_o a_o diligent_a observance_n of_o the_o commandment_n by_o promise_a heaven_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o our_o obedience_n 1_o tim._n 4.8_o rom._n 2.6_o rom._n 8.13_o hebr._n 6.10_o nothing_o be_v so_o frequent_o repeat_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o his_o gracious_a promise_n to_o recompense_v with_o everlasting_a glory_n the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o servant_n nor_o be_v the_o bounty_n of_o god_n bare_o according_a to_o our_o work_n but_o high_a and_o plentiful_a even_o beyond_o our_o capacity_n give_v full_a measure_n heap_v up_o and_o press_v down_o and_o run_v over_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o all_o that_o love_v he_o luke_n 6.38_o thus_o we_o believe_v the_o merit_n or_o rewardableness_n of_o holy_a live_n both_o which_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o we_o arise_v not_o from_o the_o self_n value_v even_o of_o our_o best_a action_n as_o they_o be_v cur_n but_o from_o the_o grace_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n and_o for_o ourselves_o we_o sincere_o profess_v when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v command_v we_o we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n luke_o 17.10_o have_v do_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v our_o duty_n so_o that_o our_o boast_n be_v not_o in_o ourselves_o but_o all_o our_o glory_n be_v in_o christ_n the_o animadverter_n if_o this_o be_v real_o the_o faith_n of_o roman_a catholic_n we_o shall_v not_o stick_v to_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v we_o too_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o occasion_n to_o differ_v in_o this_o point_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a our_o so_o near_a a_o agreement_n be_v too_o good_a news_n to_o be_v true_a our_o explainer_n i_o doubt_v have_v either_o mistake_v or_o to_o gain_v a_o proselyte_n or_o for_o some_o other_o end_n which_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o holy_a church_n have_v very_o much_o misrepresent_v the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o own_o church_n in_o this_o point_n for_o sure_o i_o be_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o they_o so_o much_o magnify_v and_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
not_o we_o who_o by_o force_n and_o persuasion_n and_o by_o all_o manner_n of_o artifices_fw-la endeavour_v to_o draw_v people_n from_o the_o unity_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n unto_o new_a congregation_n institution_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o own_o frame_n opposite_a to_o and_o destructive_a of_o the_o former_a like_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n of_o old_a they_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v one_o proselyte_n and_o when_o he_o be_v make_v they_o make_v he_o twofold_a more_o the_o child_n of_o hell_n than_o themselves_o matth._n 23.15_o qu._n 13._o whether_o person_n so_o act_v be_v better_a than_o rebel_n and_o usurper_n or_o such_o as_o simon_n magus_n and_o those_o that_o desert_v the_o apostle_n to_o follow_v he_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v avoid_v as_o person_n separate_v from_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n ans_fw-fr that_o they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o such_o as_o he_o have_v here_o name_v and_o describe_v we_o willing_o grant_v and_o upon_o that_o very_a account_n be_v it_o that_o we_o now_o avoid_v communion_n with_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n thus_o have_v i_o give_v a_o answer_n and_o i_o hope_v a_o sufficient_a one_o to_o these_o inquiry_n and_o that_o short_a without_o enter_v upon_o discourse_n of_o thing_n not_o demand_v or_o at_o least_o not_o employ_v in_o those_o demand_n and_o so_o observe_v the_o method_n propound_v by_o the_o enquirer_n a_o explanation_n of_o roman_a catholick_n belief_n concern_v these_o iu_o point_n their_o church_n worship_n justification_n and_o civil_a government_n as_o it_o be_v present_v to_o some_o person_n of_o quality_n for_o their_o particular_a satisfaction_n these_o be_v four_o great_a point_n and_o if_o well_o and_o true_o explain_v the_o explanation_n of_o they_o may_v be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n but_o if_o otherwise_o if_o he_o only_o guild_v the_o pill_n that_o the_o patient_n may_v be_v more_o easy_o persuade_v to_o swallow_v it_o it_o may_v prove_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n instead_o of_o inform_v it_o may_v debauch_v the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n let_v we_o therefore_o look_v before_o we_o leap_v let_v we_o consider_v well_o whether_o this_o explainer_n have_v be_v honest_a and_o faithful_a in_o his_o explanation_n before_o we_o receive_v all_o he_o say_v for_o gospel_n and_o for_o your_o assistance_n herein_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o his_o own_o word_n then_o animadvert_v thereupon_o and_o when_o that_o be_v do_v present_v you_o with_o both_o for_o your_o better_a satisfaction_n the_o explainer_n 1._o we_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o infallible_a authority_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v therein_o contain_v we_o firm_o assent_v unto_o as_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o author_n of_o all_o truth_n but_o since_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n we_o therefore_o profess_v for_o the_o end_n of_o all_o controversy_n in_o our_o religion_n and_o settle_v of_o peace_n in_o our_o conscience_n to_o submit_v our_o private_a judgement_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o free_a general_a council_n the_o animadverter_n 1._o the_o explainer_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o roman_a catholic_n do_v believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o infallible_a authority_n etc._n etc._n a_o very_a fair_a and_o good_a profession_n wherein_o we_o do_v hearty_o join_v with_o they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a pity_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o secret_a reserve_n to_o spoil_v and_o overthrow_v it_o they_o believe_v this_o but_o be_v this_o all_o they_o believe_v do_v they_o not_o believe_v also_o that_o some_o thing_n which_o before_o the_o church_n definition_n of_o they_o may_v have_v be_v innocent_o disbelieved_a yet_o after_o they_o be_v once_o define_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o church_n to_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o any_o other_o thing_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v they_o not_o believe_v also_o that_o some_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n also_o and_o of_o as_o infallible_a authority_n as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n do_v they_o not_o believe_v tradition_n to_o be_v the_o unwritten_a word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o of_o equal_a infallible_a authority_n with_o the_o write_a word_n if_o they_o do_v than_o the_o explainer_n have_v not_o be_v so_o fair_a and_o candid_a so_o just_a and_o faithful_a as_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v in_o his_o explication_n though_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o the_o truth_n he_o have_v not_o tell_v we_o the_o whole_a truth_n and_o that_o they_o do_v believe_v all_o this_o though_o i_o may_v easy_o produce_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n and_o those_o none_o of_o the_o least_o admire_a of_o their_o own_o author_n yet_o because_o i_o design_v brevity_n i_o shall_v content_v myself_o at_o present_a with_o the_o evidence_n and_o authority_n of_o one_o of_o their_o most_o magnify_a council_n which_o they_o call_v both_o free_a and_o general_a though_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v neither_o and_o that_o be_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o sess_n 4_o 8._o apr._n de_fw-fr canon_n script_n take_v the_o book_n of_o toby_n judith_n ecclesiasticus_fw-la wisdom_n and_o maccabee_n into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n though_o they_o can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o they_o never_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a canon_n nor_o ever_o universal_o receive_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o anathematise_v all_o those_o who_o do_v not_o upon_o this_o declaration_n believe_v they_o to_o be_v canonical_a and_o the_o same_o council_n in_o the_o same_o sess_n profess_v to_o receive_v and_o reverence_v tradition_n with_o no_o less_o pious_a affection_n than_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o not_o in_o matter_n of_o rite_n and_o history_n only_o but_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n also_o now_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o add_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o accuse_v they_o of_o insufficiency_n and_o imperfection_n and_o if_o so_o than_o what_o do_v this_o explainer_n do_v but_o deceive_v those_o person_n of_o quality_n to_o who_o he_o present_v this_o as_o the_o sum_n of_o their_o belief_n but_o the_o explainer_n go_v on_o and_o say_v since_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v by_o the_o way_n only_a remark_n these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o apostle_n indeed_o say_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a but_o not_o impossible_a to_o be_v understand_v for_o if_o man_n will_v use_v the_o mean_n if_o they_o will_v apply_v themselves_o with_o a_o humble_a and_o teachable_a temper_n of_o mind_n diligent_o to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n if_o they_o will_v serious_o meditate_v on_o what_o they_o read_v and_o earnest_o and_o devout_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o the_o assistance_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n therein_o the_o difficulty_n may_v be_v remove_v and_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v right_o to_o understand_v those_o scripture_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o know_v 2._o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o to_o who_o those_o thing_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v viz._n the_o ignorant_a and_o unstable_a so_o that_o the_o difficulty_n seem_v to_o be_v not_o in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o in_o the_o incapacity_n of_o man_n for_o if_o man_n will_v be_v ignorant_a still_o and_o not_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o know_v better_a or_o if_o they_o will_v content_v themselves_o with_o some_o airy_a notion_n which_o float_n and_o fluctuate_v in_o the_o brain_n without_o ever_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o consistency_n not_o only_o some_o but_o all_o thing_n in_o scripture_n and_o even_o the_o clear_a declaration_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o and_o so_o they_o will_v be_v as_o much_o at_o a_o loss_n in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o but_o how_o much_o this_o text_n be_v misunderstand_v and_o misapply_v a_o reverend_n and_o learned_a divine_a of_o our_o church_n in_o a_o treatise_n entitle_v search_v the_o scripture_n have_v plain_o demonstrate_v to_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n but_o let_v we_o see_v what_o inference_n he_o draw_v from_o hence_o therefore_o say_v he_o we_o profess_v for_o the_o end_n of_o all_o controversy_n in_o our_o religion_n and_o settle_v of_o peace_n in_o our_o conscience_n to_o submit_v our_o private_a judgement_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o free_a general_n council_n in_o which_o inference_n i_o can_v but_o remark_n these_o thing_n