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lawful_a and_o also_o very_o useful_a to_o pray_v to_o saint_n depart_v and_o to_o angel_n that_o our_o soul_n after_o death_n before_o they_o enter_v into_o heaven_n be_v to_o pass_v through_o a_o certain_a fire_n and_o there_o to_o endure_v grievous_a torment_n thus_o satisfy_v for_o their_o sin_n that_o one_o neither_o may_v nor_o aught_o to_o receive_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n without_o have_v first_o confess_v himself_o in_o private_a to_o a_o priest_n that_o none_o but_o the_o priest_n himself_o that_o consecrate_v the_o eucharist_n be_v bind_v by_o right_a to_o receive_v it_o in_o both_o kind_n and_o a_o great_a number_n of_o other_o opinion_n which_o their_o adversary_n protest_v plain_o that_o they_o can_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n believe_v and_o these_o point_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o whole_a difference_n betwixt_o they_o the_o one_o party_n pretend_v that_o they_o have_v be_v believe_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n as_o 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clear_v namely_o what_o the_o meaning_n of_o either_o of_o they_o be_v the_o second_o point_n that_o i_o shall_v here_o lay_v down_o for_o a_o foundation_n to_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v no_o less_o evident_a than_o the_o former_a namely_o that_o to_o allow_v a_o sufficiency_n to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o these_o controversy_n we_o must_v necessary_o attribute_v to_o their_o person_n very_o great_a authority_n and_o such_o as_o may_v oblige_v we_o to_o follow_v their_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o this_o authority_n be_v want_v how_o clear_a and_o express_v soever_o their_o opinion_n be_v in_o the_o article_n now_o controvert_v it_o will_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o towards_o their_o decision_n we_o have_v therefore_o here_o two_o thing_n to_o examine_v in_o this_o business_n the_o first_o be_v whether_o or_o not_o we_o may_v be_v able_a now_o certain_o and_o clear_o to_o know_v what_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n 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hitherto_o make_v use_n of_o be_v very_o insufficient_a and_o that_o therefore_o they_o of_o necessity_n ought_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o some_o other_o more_o proper_a and_o solid_a way_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o say_a opinion_n which_o the_o protestant_n will_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n receive_v the_o first_o book_n chap._n i._n reason_n i._o touch_v the_o difficulty_n of_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o father_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o present_a controversy_n in_o religion_n draw_v from_o hence_o namely_o because_o there_o be_v very_o little_a extant_a of_o their_o write_n for_o the_o three_o first_o century_n if_o we_o shall_v in_o this_o particular_a take_v the_o same_o course_n which_o some_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v use_n of_o against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a easy_a matter_n to_o bring_v in_o question_n and_o render_v very_o doubtful_a and_o suspect_v all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n for_o when_o any_o one_o allege_v the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n these_o gentleman_n present_o demand_v how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o know_v that_o any_o such_o book_n be_v true_o write_v by_o those_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n under_o who_o name_n they_o go_v if_o therefore_o in_o like_a manner_n when_o these_o man_n urge_v justin_n irenaeus_n ambrose_n augustine_n and_o the_o like_a one_o shall_v take_v they_o short_a and_o demand_v of_o they_o how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o be_v assure_v that_o these_o father_n be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o write_n which_o at_o this_o day_n go_v under_o their_o name_n it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o will_v find_v a_o hard_a task_n of_o it_o than_o their_o adversary_n in_o justify_v the_o inscription_n of_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a writ_n the_o truth_n whereof_o be_v much_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v demonstrate_v than_o of_o any_o humane_a write_n whatsoever_o but_o i_o pass_v by_o this_o too-artificial_a way_n of_o proceed_v and_o only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v no_o very_o easy_a matter_n to_o find_v out_o by_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n what_o have_v real_o beeen_n their_o opinion_n in_o any_o of_o those_o controversy_n which_o be_v now_o in_o debate_n betwixt_o the_o protestant_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o consideration_n which_o render_v the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o so_o difficult_a be_v many_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o this_o first_o part_n handle_v some_o of_o they_o only_o refer_v the_o rest_n to_o the_o late_a examine_v they_o one_o after_o another_o the_o first_o reason_n therefore_o which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o for_o the_o prove_v of_o this_o difficulty_n be_v the_o little_a we_o have_v extant_a of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n especial_o of_o the_o first_o second_o and_o third_z century_n which_o be_v those_o we_o be_v most_o especial_o to_o regard_v for_o see_v that_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a reason_n that_o move_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o allege_v the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n be_v to_o show_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o tenet_n by_o the_o antiquity_n which_o they_o reckon_v as_o a_o mark_n of_o it_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o most_o ancient_a aught_o to_o be_v the_o most_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v more_o pure_a and_o without_o mixture_n in_o its_o beginning_n and_o infancy_n than_o it_o be_v afterward_o in_o its_o growth_n and_o progress_n it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n to_o contract_v corruption_n more_o or_o less_o according_a as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o remove_v from_o their_o first_o institution_n as_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n in_o state_n law_n art_n and_o language_n the_o natural_a propriety_n of_o
but_o certain_o not_o on_o their_o side_n who_o maintain_v they_o affirmative_o but_o however_o this_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o throughout_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o genuine_a write_n of_o these_o father_n you_o shall_v not_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n express_o urge_v either_o for_o or_o against_o the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o opinion_n i_o shall_v most_o willing_o confess_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o every_o wise_a man_n make_v up_o but_o one_o entire_a body_n the_o part_n whereof_o have_v a_o certain_a correspondence_n and_o relation_n to_o each_o other_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v able_a by_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o deliver_v express_o to_o give_v a_o guess_n what_o his_o opinion_n be_v touch_v other_o thing_n which_o he_o declare_v himself_o not_o at_o all_o in_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n utter_o improbable_a that_o he_o maintain_v any_o one_o position_n which_o shall_v manifest_o clash_v with_o his_o other_o tenet_n or_o that_o he_o reject_v any_o thing_n that_o necessary_o follow_v upon_o they_o but_o beside_o that_o this_o manner_n of_o disputation_n presuppose_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n hang_v all_o close_a together_o no_o one_o position_n contradict_v another_o but_o have_v all_o its_o part_n unite_v and_o depend_v one_o upon_o another_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o altogether_o unquestionable_a as_o we_o shall_v show_v elsewhere_o beside_o all_o this_o i_o say_v it_o require_v also_o a_o sharp_a pierce_a wit_n which_o ready_o and_o clear_o apprehend_v the_o connexion_n of_o each_o several_a point_n a_o excellent_a memory_n to_o retain_v faithful_o whatever_o position_n the_o ancient_n have_v maintain_v and_o a_o solid_a judgement_n free_a from_o all_o pre-occupation_n to_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o tenet_n maintain_v at_o this_o day_n and_o what_o man_n soever_o be_v endue_v with_o all_o these_o quality_n i_o shall_v account_v he_o the_o fit_a man_n to_o make_v profitable_a use_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o likely_a of_o any_o to_o search_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o they_o but_o the_o mischief_n of_o it_o be_v that_o man_n so_o qualify_v be_v very_o rare_a and_o hard_o to_o be_v find_v i_o shall_v add_v here_o other_o that_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v some_o certain_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n this_o whole_a method_n be_v vain_a and_o useless_a as_o be_v also_o that_o which_o make_v use_v of_o argumentation_n and_o reason_n mean_n which_o be_v insufficient_a and_o unable_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o doctor_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o any_o certainty_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n wherein_o their_o opinion_n be_v we_o be_v to_o rely_v upon_o clear_a and_o express_v text_n only_o so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o account_n we_o will_v not_o if_o we_o be_v wife_n believe_v that_o the_o father_n hold_v any_o of_o the_o aforenamed_a point_n unless_o we_o can_v find_v they_o in_o express_a term_n deliver_v in_o their_o write_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o the_o very_a same_o term_n that_o we_o read_v they_o in_o the_o decree_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n see_v then_o that_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o these_o man_n those_o testimony_n only_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v which_o be_v express_v and_o likewise_o that_o of_o these_o point_n now_o controvert_v there_o be_v searce_o any_o thing_n find_v express_o deliver_v by_o the_o father_n we_o may_v in_o my_o opinion_n very_o logical_o and_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v if_o not_o a_o impossible_a yet_o at_o least_o a_o very_a difficult_a thing_n according_a to_o these_o man_n to_o come_v to_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n touch_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o tenet_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n reject_v by_o the_o protestant_n chap._n iii_o reason_n iii_o that_o those_o write_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n be_v not_o all_o true_o such_o but_o a_o great_a part_n of_o they_o supposition_n and_o forge_v either_o long_o since_o or_o of_o late_a time_n i_o come_v now_o to_o more_o important_a consideration_n these_o two_o former_a though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o to_o be_v despise_v or_o neglect_v be_v yet_o but_o trivial_a one_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o which_o follow_v for_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o confusion_n in_o the_o most_o part_n of_o these_o book_n whereof_o we_o speak_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a thing_n true_o to_o find_v out_o who_o be_v their_o author_n and_o what_o the_o mean_v and_o sense_n of_o they_o be_v the_o first_o difficulty_n proceed_v from_o the_o infinite_a number_n of_o forge_v book_n which_o be_v false_o attribute_v to_o the_o ancient_a father_n the_o like_a have_v happen_v also_o in_o all_o sort_n of_o learning_n and_o science_n insomuch_o that_o the_o critic_n at_o this_o day_n be_v sufficient_o trouble_v in_o discover_v both_o in_o philosophy_n and_o humanity_n which_o be_v forge_v and_o supposititious_a piece_n and_o which_o be_v true_a and_o legitimate_a but_o this_o abuse_n have_v not_o reign_v any_o where_o more_o gross_o and_o take_v to_o itself_o more_o liberty_n than_o towards_o the_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n all_o man_n complain_v on_o this_o both_o on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o on_o the_o other_o and_o labour_n all_o they_o can_v to_o deliver_v we_o from_o these_o confusion_n though_o oftentimes_o with_o little_a success_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o eagerness_n of_o their_o passion_n by_o which_o they_o be_v carry_v away_o ordinary_o judge_v of_o book_n according_a to_o their_o own_o interest_n rather_o than_o the_o truth_n and_o reject_v all_o those_o that_o any_o whit_n contradict_v they_o but_o defend_v those_o which_o speak_v of_o their_o side_n how_o good_a or_o bad_a soever_o they_o otherwise_o chance_v to_o be_v so_o that_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n they_o judge_v not_o of_o their_o own_o opinion_n by_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n but_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n by_o their_o own_o opinion_n if_o they_o speak_v with_o we_o it_o be_v then_o cyprian_a and_o chrysostome_n if_o not_o it_o be_v some_o ignorant_a modern_a fellow_n or_o else_o some_o malicious_a person_n who_o will_v fain_o cover_v his_o own_o filthiness_n under_o the_o rich_a garment_n of_o these_o excellent_a person_n now_o if_o it_o be_v passion_n only_o that_o render_v the_o business_n obscure_a we_o shall_v be_v able_a easy_o to_o quit_v our_o hand_n of_o it_o by_o strip_v it_o and_o lay_v it_o open_a to_o the_o world_n and_o all_o moderate_a man_n will_v find_v enough_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o but_o the_o worst_a of_o it_o be_v that_o this_o obscurity_n oftentimes_o fall_v out_o to_o be_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a and_o sometime_o a_o impossible_a thing_n to_o clear_v they_o whether_o it_o be_v 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the_o travel_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o i_o will_v to_o god_n that_o tract_n of_o this_o learned_a prelate_n be_v now_o extant_a if_o it_o be_v it_o will_v perhaps_o do_v we_o good_a service_n in_o discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o very_a many_o ridiculous_a piece_n which_o now_o pass_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o most_o ancient_a christian_n s._n c._n hierome_n reject_v divers_a apocryphal_a book_n which_o be_v publish_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o their_o first_o disciple_n as_o namely_o of_o s._n peter_n of_o barnabas_n and_o other_o the_o gospel_n of_o s._n thomas_n and_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o laodicean_n 6._o be_v put_v in_o the_o same_o rank_n by_o the_o seven_o council_n now_o if_o these_o wretched_a knave_n have_v be_v thus_o saucy_a with_o the_o apostle_n as_o to_o make_v use_n of_o
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have_v they_o be_v now_o live_v now_o to_o render_v they_o the_o more_o acceptable_a they_o have_v use_v those_o art_n upon_o they_o that_o some_o old_a man_n be_v wont_a to_o practice_v they_o have_v new_o colour_v their_o beard_n and_o mustachio_n cut_v off_o the_o rude_a and_o scatter_a hair_n they_o have_v polish_v their_o skin_n and_o give_v it_o a_o fresh_a complexion_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o speak_v with_o a_o new_a voice_n have_v change_v also_o the_o colour_n of_o their_o habit_n insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o we_o oftentimes_o do_v but_o lose_v our_o labour_n when_o we_o search_v in_o these_o disguise_a face_n and_o mouth_n for_o the_o complexion_n and_o language_n of_o true_a antiquity_n a._n thus_o have_v they_o teach_v eusebius_n to_o tell_v we_o in_o his_o chronicon_fw-la that_o the_o fast_a of_o lent_n be_v institute_v by_o telesphorus_n and_o the_o
first_o century_n do_v the_o cardinal_n deny_v his_o sequel_n reply_v among_o other_o thing_n that_o to_o be_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o ancient_n a_o man_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v what_o they_o believe_v but_o also_o to_o believe_v it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n that_o they_o do_v that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o believe_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n what_o they_o believe_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o to_o believe_v as_o profitable_a to_o salvation_n what_o they_o hold_v for_o such_o and_o for_o lawful_a and_o not_o repugnant_a to_o salvation_n what_o they_o hold_v for_o lawful_a and_o not_o repugnant_a to_o salvation_n and_o thus_o he_o go_v on_o and_o give_v we_o a_o long_a and_o exact_a division_n of_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o necessity_n which_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o all_o proposition_n touch_v religion_n i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v that_o this_o occasion_n have_v carry_v on_o this_o 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special_a regard_n which_o it_o always_o have_v unto_o it_o opening_z to_z or_o shut_v the_o door_n against_o man_n first_o of_o all_o according_a to_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o believe_v or_o not_o believe_v second_o according_a to_o the_o different_a manner_n how_o they_o believe_v or_o not_o believe_v they_o for_o it_o excommunicate_v those_o who_o reject_v those_o thing_n that_o it_o hold_v as_o necessary_a and_o so_o likewise_o those_o who_o press_v as_o thing_n necessary_a such_o as_o it_o hold_v for_o thing_n probable_a only_o but_o it_o receive_v with_o all_o the_o sweetness_n that_o may_v be_v all_o those_o who_o either_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o doubt_v of_o or_o indeed_o deny_v those_o thing_n which_o it_o account_v though_o true_a yet_o not_o necessary_o so_o this_o appear_v clear_o 26._o out_o of_o a_o epistle_n write_v by_o irenaeus_n to_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n set_v down_o by_o eusebius_n in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n where_o this_o holy_a man_n testify_v that_o although_o there_o have_v be_v before_o victor_n time_n the_o same_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o asian_a and_o the_o roman_a church_n touch_v the_o celebration_n of_o easter-day_n yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o mutual_a amity_n together_o neither_o be_v any_o of_o the_o asian_a bishop_n ever_o excommunicate_v at_o rome_n for_o their_o dissent_v from_o they_o either_o in_o this_o or_o in_o any_o other_o point_n but_o that_o rather_o on_o the_o contrary_a polycarpus_n come_v to_o rome_n in_o the_o time_n of_o pope_n anicetus_n after_o they_o have_v have_v a_o conference_n touch_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o and_o each_o of_o they_o continue_v still_o firm_a in_o his_o former_a opinion_n yet_o notwithstanding_o do_v they_o not_o forbear_v to_o hold_v fair_a correspondence_n with_o each_o other_o and_o to_o communicate_v together_o anicetus_n also_o out_o of_o the_o respect_n he_o bear_v to_o polycarpus_n allow_v he_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o church_n to_o celebrate_v the_o eucharist_n in_o tertullian_n in_o his_o book_n 1._o de_fw-fr praescriptionibus_fw-la adversus_fw-la haereticos_fw-la require_v only_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o he_o call_v it_o shall_v continue_v in_o its_o proper_a form_n and_o order_n allow_v every_o man_n in_o all_o other_o particular_n to_o make_v what_o inquiry_n and_o discourse_n he_o please_v and_o to_o exercise_v his_o curiosity_n to_o the_o height_n of_o liberty_n which_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n that_o he_o admit_v into_o his_o communion_n all_o those_o who_o not_o contradict_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n broach_v any_o other_o opinion_n if_o so_o be_v they_o hold_v they_o but_o as_o probable_a only_o and_o propose_v not_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o author_n of_o the_o origen_n apology_n of_o origen_n publish_v by_o ruffinus_n under_o the_o name_n of_o pamphilus_n be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n also_o for_o have_v 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that_o they_o suffer_v such_o contradictory_n opinion_n as_o these_o to_o be_v hold_v among_o they_o in_o such_o particular_n as_o consider_v bare_o in_o themselves_o seem_v yet_o to_o be_v of_o very_o great_a importance_n as_o for_o example_n a_o man_n may_v either_o believe_v that_o we_o ougâ—â—_n to_o yield_v to_o the_o cross_a the_o adoration_n of_o latria_n or_o if_o he_o please_v he_o may_v believe_v the_o contrary_a without_o lose_v either_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o salvation_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o if_o you_o but_o consider_v the_o thing_n in_o itself_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o such_o indifferency_n as_o people_n take_v it_o for_o for_o if_o the_o former_a of_o these_o opinion_n be_v indeed_o true_a then_o must_v those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o other_o opinion_n needs_o sin_n very_o grievous_o in_o not_o worship_v a_o subject_a that_o be_v so_o worthy_a of_o adoration_n 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tobit_n the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n ecclesiasticus_fw-la and_o the_o maccabee_n out_o of_o the_o canon_n contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o receive_v they_o in_o rid_v his_o hand_n of_o this_o objection_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n i_o confess_v say_v he_o that_o s._n hierome_n hold_v this_o opinion_n because_o that_o no_o general_n council_n have_v as_o yet_o ordain_v any_o thing_n touch_v these_o book_n see_v therefore_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a both_o from_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o adversary_n and_o also_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o the_o father_n have_v venâ—ed_v in_o their_o write_n very_o many_o of_o their_o own_o particular_a opinion_n digest_v out_o of_o their_o own_o private_a meditation_n and_o which_o they_o have_v not_o learn_v in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o church_n who_o see_v not_o that_o before_o we_o give_v any_o certain_a credit_n unto_o their_o say_n we_o ought_v first_o to_o be_v 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which_o amount_v in_o all_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o the_o number_n of_o twenty_o two_o only_a without_o make_v any_o mention_n at_o all_o of_o those_o other_o book_n which_o cardinal_n perron_n call_v posthumous_n namely_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n the_o maccabee_n judith_n and_o tobit_n all_o the_o canon_n of_o this_o council_n be_v afterward_o insert_v into_o the_o code_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a where_o you_o have_v this_o very_a canon_n also_o num._n 163._o that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v they_o be_v receive_v as_o rule_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o will_v believe_v now_o but_o that_o this_o declaration_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v at_o that_o time_n receive_v by_o all_o christian_a church_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o you_o have_v the_o church_n of_o africa_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o synod_n at_o 47._o carthage_n about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 397._o and_o ordain_v quite_o contrary_a to_o 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what_o the_o church_n believe_v and_o teach_v in_o s._n augustine_n time_n and_o so_o downward_o and_o as_o concern_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n do_v but_o hear_v anastasius_n bibliothecarius_n upon_o the_o vi_o canon_n of_o the_o vii_o general_n council_n which_o enjoin_v all_o metropolitan_o to_o hold_v provincial_a synod_n once_o a_o year_n dignoscitur_fw-la neither_o let_v it_o at_o all_o trouble_n thou_o say_v he_o that_o we_o have_v not_o this_o decree_n see_v that_o there_o be_v some_o other_o find_v among_o the_o canon_n who_o authority_n nevertheless_o we_o not_o admit_v of_o for_o some_o of_o they_o be_v in_o force_n and_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o greek_a church_n and_o other_o again_o in_o certain_a other_o province_n only_o as_o for_o example_n the_o xvi_o and_o xvii_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n be_v observe_v only_o among_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o vi_o and_o the_o viii_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o africa_n be_v receive_v by_o none_o 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that_o according_a to_o this_o account_n before_o you_o can_v make_v use_n of_o any_o opinion_n or_o testimony_n out_o of_o any_o of_o the_o father_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o you_o first_o make_v it_o appear_v not_o only_o that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n but_o you_o must_v further_o also_o clear_o demonstrate_v unto_o we_o what_o church_n opinion_n it_o be_v whether_o of_o the_o church_n universal_a or_o else_o of_o some_o particular_a church_n only_o it_o be_v object_v against_o the_o protestant_n that_o epiphanius_n testify_v 1._o that_o the_o church_n admit_v not_o into_o the_o high_a order_n of_o the_o ministry_n any_o save_v those_o that_o be_v virgin_n or_o profess_a continency_n now_o to_o make_v good_a this_o allegation_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o be_v first_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n he_o there_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o church_n universal_a for_o will_n the_o protestant_a reply_n upon_o you_o as_o laodicea_n have_v 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take_v up_o all_o of_o they_o with_o their_o particular_a charge_n and_o employment_n do_v not_o know_v of_o some_o opinion_n of_o the_o prelate_n of_o their_o age_n or_o that_o either_o their_o modesty_n or_o their_o charity_n or_o the_o little_a eloquence_n and_o repute_v they_o have_v abroad_o may_v have_v make_v they_o conceal_v the_o same_o the_o other_o objection_n be_v draw_v from_o hence_o because_o that_o these_o doctor_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n who_o hold_v some_o opinion_n different_a from_o those_o which_o we_o read_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o father_n do_v not_o publish_v they_o at_o all_o but_o i_o answer_v first_o of_o all_o that_o every_o man_n be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v so_o in_o the_o next_o place_n those_o that_o be_v able_a be_v not_o always_o willing_a to_o do_v so_o divers_a other_o consideration_n may_v perhaps_o also_o have_v hinder_v they_o from_o so_o do_v and_o if_o they_o be_v wise_a and_o pious_a man_n they_o be_v never_o move_v till_o they_o 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castro_n and_o 4._o melchior_n canus_n two_o spanish_a doctor_n for_o as_o much_o therefore_o as_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n save_o that_o which_o be_v true_a it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o we_o neither_o may_v nor_o aught_o to_o believe_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n till_o such_o time_n as_o they_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o have_v be_v certain_o true_a now_o we_o can_v be_v certain_o assure_v of_o this_o by_o their_o single_a authority_n see_v that_o they_o be_v but_o man_n who_o be_v not_o always_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o above_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o some_o other_o guide_n in_o this_o our_o inquiry_n namely_o either_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o of_o reason_n or_o of_o tradition_n or_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o present_a church_n or_o of_o some_o other_o such_o mean_n as_o they_o themselves_o have_v make_v use_n of_o so_o that_o it_o hence_o follow_v that_o their_o 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proportion_n to_o the_o reason_n and_o authority_n whereon_o they_o be_v ground_v only_o they_o have_v this_o advantage_n that_o their_o very_a name_n beget_v in_o we_o a_o readiness_n and_o inclination_n to_o receive_v whatsoever_o come_v from_o they_o while_o we_o think_v it_o very_o improbable_a that_o so_o excellent_a man_n as_o they_o be_v shall_v ever_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a thus_o in_o humane_a science_n the_o say_n of_o a_o aristotle_n be_v of_o a_o far_o different_a value_n from_o that_o of_o any_o other_o philosopher_n of_o less_o account_n because_o that_o all_o man_n be_v beforehand_o possess_v with_o a_o opinion_n that_o this_o great_a philosopher_n will_v not_o maintain_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o consonant_a to_o reason_n but_o this_o be_v prejudice_n only_o for_o if_o upon_o better_a examination_n it_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v otherwise_o his_o bare_a authority_n will_v then_o no_o long_o prevail_v with_o we_o what_o himself_o have_v sometime_o gallant_o say_v will_v then_o here_o take_v place_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sacred_a thing_n always_o to_o prefer_v the_o truth_n 〈◊〉_d before_o friendship_n let_v the_o father_n therefore_o if_o you_o please_v be_v the_o aristotle_n in_o christian_n philosophy_n and_o let_v we_o have_v a_o reverent_a esteem_n of_o they_o and_o their_o write_n as_o they_o deserve_v and_o not_o be_v too_o rash_a in_o conclude_v that_o person_n of_o so_o eminent_a both_o learning_n and_o sanctity_n shall_v maintain_v any_o erroneous_a or_o vain_a opinion_n especial_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n yet_o notwithstanding_o be_v we_o bind_v withal_o to_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v but_o man_n and_o that_o their_o memory_n understanding_n or_o judgement_n may_v sometime_o fail_v they_o and_o therefore_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v their_o write_n by_o those_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o draw_v their_o conclusion_n and_o not_o to_o sit_v down_o 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to_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o set_v down_o here_o the_o whole_a passage_n at_o length_n reprehenditur_fw-la as_o for_o these_o kind_n of_o book_n say_v he_o speak_v of_o those_o book_n which_o we_o write_v not_o with_o authority_n of_o command_v but_o only_o out_o of_o a_o design_n of_o exercise_v ourselves_o to_o benefit_v other_o we_o be_v so_o to_o read_v they_o as_o not_o be_v bind_v necessary_o to_o believe_v they_o but_o as_o have_v a_o liberty_n leave_v we_o of_o judge_v of_o what_o we_o read_v yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o we_o may_v not_o quite_o shut_v out_o these_o book_n and_o deprive_v posterity_n of_o the_o most_o profitable_a labour_n of_o exercise_v their_o language_n and_o style_v in_o the_o handle_n and_o treat_v of_o hard_a question_n we_o make_v a_o distinction_n betwixt_o these_o book_n of_o late_a writer_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o canonical_a authority_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v be_v confirm_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v since_o by_o the_o bishop_n who_o succeed_v they_o and_o the_o church_n which_o have_v be_v propagate_v throughout_o the_o world_n be_v place_v as_o it_o be_v upon_o a_o high_a throne_n there_o to_o be_v reverence_v and_o adore_v by_o every_o faithful_a and_o godly_a understanding_n and_o if_o we_o chance_v here_o to_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n that_o trouble_v we_o and_o seem_v absurd_a we_o must_v not_o say_v that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o truth_n but_o rather_o that_o either_o our_o copy_n be_v false_a or_o the_o interpreter_n be_v mistake_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n or_o else_o that_o we_o understand_v not_o he_o aright_o and_o as_o for_o the_o write_n of_o those_o other_o author_n who_o have_v come_v after_o they_o the_o number_n whereof_o be_v almost_o infinite_a though_o come_v very_o far_o short_a of_o this_o most_o sacred_a excellency_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n a_o man_n may_v sometime_o find_v in_o they_o the_o very_a same_o truth_n though_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n and_o therefore_o if_o by_o chance_n we_o here_o meet_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o seem_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n by_o reason_n perhaps_o of_o our_o not_o understand_v they_o only_o we_o have_v our_o liberty_n either_o in_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o same_o to_o approve_v of_o what_o we_o like_v and_o to_o reject_v that_o which_o we_o conceive_v not_o to_o be_v so_o right_a so_o that_o except_o all_o such_o passage_n be_v make_v good_a either_o by_o some_o certain_a reason_n or_o else_o by_o the_o canonical_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o the_o thing_n assert_v either_o real_o it_o or_o else_o at_o least_o that_o it_o may_v have_v be_v he_o that_o shall_v reject_v or_o not_o assent_v to_o the_o same_o ought_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a to_o be_v reprehend_v 21._o and_o thus_o far_o have_v we_o s._n augustine_n testify_v on_o our_o side_n as_o well_o here_o as_o in_o many_o other_o place_n which_o will_v be_v too_o long_o to_o be_v insert_v here_o that_o those_o opinion_n which_o we_o find_v deliver_v by_o the_o father_n in_o their_o write_n be_v ground_v not_o upon_o their_o bare_a authority_n but_o upon_o their_o reason_n and_o that_o they_o bind_v not_o our_o belief_n otherwise_o than_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v consonant_a either_o to_o the_o scripture_n or_o to_o reason_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o as_o proceed_v from_o person_n that_o be_v not_o infallible_a but_o possible_o may_v have_v err_v so_o that_o it_o appear_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o course_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n observe_v in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o of_o sufficiency_n enough_o for_o the_o discovery_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o we_o be_v now_o in_o doubt_n suppose_v what_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n be_v of_o such_o a_o piece_n of_o scripture_n here_o shall_v you_o present_o have_v the_o judgement_n of_o a_o father_n bring_v upon_o the_o say_a place_n quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n s_o augustine_n give_v we_o who_o will_v have_v we_o examine_v the_o father_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o father_n certain_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o this_o father_n the_o protestant_n though_o a_o passage_n as_o clear_v and_o express_v as_o any_o of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n shall_v be_v bring_v against_o he_o out_o of_o any_o of_o the_o father_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v if_o he_o shall_v answer_v that_o he_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n assent_v unto_o it_o unless_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v first_o prove_v unto_o he_o either_o by_o some_o certain_a reason_n or_o else_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n and_o that_o then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o he_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o assent_v unto_o it_o so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o account_n we_o 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and_o other_o conceive_v not_o themselves_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n lactantius_n victorinus_n severus_n and_o other_o so_o neither_o be_v we_o any_o more_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o they_o for_o their_o posterity_n owe_v they_o no_o more_o respect_n than_o they_o themselves_o owe_v to_o their_o ancestor_n it_o seem_v rather_o that_o in_o reason_n they_o shall_v owe_v they_o less_o because_o that_o look_v how_o far_o distant_a in_o time_n they_o be_v from_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o spring_n and_o original_a of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n so_o much_o do_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n lose_v and_o grow_v less_o if_o antiquity_n as_o we_o will_v have_v it_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o truth_n then_o certain_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a be_v also_o the_o most_o venerable_a and_o the_o most_o considerable_a and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o argument_n but_o this_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o many_o father_n unanimous_o consent_v in_o any_o opinion_n yet_o will_v it_o clear_o serve_v to_o lessen_v the_o same_o but_o there_o be_v yet_o behind_o many_o other_o some_o whereof_o we_o shall_v here_o produce_v we_o have_v hear_v before_o justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n tertullian_n and_o st._n augustine_n affirm_v all_o of_o they_o that_o heaven_n shall_v not_o be_v open_v till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o during_o this_o space_n of_o time_n the_o soul_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v shut_v up_o in_o some_o subterraneous_a place_n except_o some_o small_a number_n of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o go_v immediate_o to_o heaven_n the_o author_n of_o those_o question_n and_o answer_n that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o justin_n martyr_n maintain_v the_o same_o opinion_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o lx_o and_o lxxiv_o question_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o unprofitable_o spend_v both_o time_n and_o paper_n in_o bring_v in_o all_o the_o particular_a passage_n i_o say_v in_o general_n that_o both_o the_o major_a part_n and_o also_o the_o most_o eminent_a person_n among_o the_o ancient_a father_n hold_v this_o opinion_n either_o absolute_o or_o at_o least_o in_o part_n for_o beside_o justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n tertullian_n and_o st._n augustine_n and_o the_o author_n of_o those_o question_n and_o answer_v we_o before_o mention_v which_o be_v a_o very_a ancient_a piece_n indeed_o though_o false_o father_v upon_o justin_n martyr_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o origen_n lactantius_n victorinus_n st._n ambrose_n st._n chrysostome_n theodoret_n oecumenius_n aretas_n prudentius_n theophylact_fw-mi st._n bernard_n and_o among_o the_o pope_n clemens_n romanus_n and_o john_n xxii_o be_v all_o of_o this_o opinion_n as_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o neither_o be_v this_o so_o admirable_a and_o general_a consent_n of_o they_o contradict_v by_o any_o declaration_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o space_n of_o fourteen_o hundred_o year_n neither_o yet_o do_v any_o one_o of_o the_o father_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v discover_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o refute_v this_o error_n as_o dionysius_n alexandrinus_n and_o st._n hierome_n do_v to_o refute_v the_o millenaries_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o father_n be_v either_o utter_o silent_a as_o to_o this_o particular_a and_o so_o by_o this_o their_o silence_n go_v over_o in_o a_o manner_n into_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o major_a part_n or_o else_o content_v themselves_o with_o declare_v sometime_o here_o and_o there_o in_o their_o book_n that_o they_o believe_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n shall_v enjoy_v the_o sight_n of_o god_n till_o the_o resurrection_n never_o formal_o deny_v the_o other_o opinion_n but_o that_o which_o do_v further_o show_v that_o this_o opinion_n be_v both_o very_a ancient_n and_o have_v be_v also_o very_o common_a among_o the_o christian_n be_v because_o that_o even_o at_o this_o day_n it_o be_v believe_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o whole_a greek_a church_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o of_o all_o those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o stand_v to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n who_o have_v reject_v it_o save_v only_o the_o latin_n 584._o who_o have_v express_o also_o establish_v the_o contrary_a at_o the_o council_n of_o florence_n hold_v in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1439._o which_o be_v not_o above_o two_o hundred_o and_o twelve_o year_n ago_o do_v but_o fancy_n now_o to_o yourselves_o a_o vicentius_n lirinensis_n stand_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o this_o council_n and_o lay_v before_o they_o his_o own_o oracle_n before_o mention_v which_o be_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o hold_v for_o most_o certain_o and_o undoubted_o true_a whatsoever_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o the_o ancient_n unanimous_o and_o by_o a_o common_a consent_n and_o do_v but_o think_v whether_o or_o no_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v hiss_v out_o by_o these_o reverend_a father_n as_o one_o that_o make_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v holy_a and_o immutable_a to_o depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n for_o these_o man_n regard_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o the_o multitude_n nor_o the_o antiquity_n nor_o the_o learning_n nor_o the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o author_n of_o this_o foolish_a opinion_n but_o find_v it_o to_o be_v false_a without_o any_o more_o ado_n reject_v it_o as_o they_o think_v they_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o do_v and_o withal_o ordain_v the_o contrary_n now_o i_o be_o very_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o point_n of_o faith_n among_o all_o those_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v have_v the_o protestant_n receive_v for_o which_o there_o can_v be_v allege_v either_o more_o or_o more_o clear_a and_o evident_a testimony_n out_o of_o the_o father_n than_o for_o this_o for_o as_o much_o therefore_o as_o that_o after_o
this_o that_o theodoret_n have_v be_v depose_v from_o his_o bishopric_n for_o have_v maintain_v a_o erroneous_a opinion_n touch_v the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o enough_o of_o this_o i_o will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n fain_o know_v how_o this_o reconciler_n of_o difference_n can_v compose_v that_o debate_n betwixt_o the_o dcxxx_o father_n of_o the_o council_n at_o chalcedon_n and_o leo_n bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o how_o he_o can_v reconcile_v the_o xxviii_o canon_n of_o the_o one_o with_o those_o many_o epistle_n write_v by_o the_o other_o touch_v this_o point_n to_o anatolius_n patriarch_n of_o constantinople_n to_o the_o emperor_n marcianus_n and_o his_o empress_n to_o the_o prelate_n who_o be_v there_o meet_v together_o in_o that_o council_n and_o to_o the_o patriarch_n of_o antioch_n the_o father_n of_o this_o council_n advance_v the_o throne_n of_o the_o patriarch_n of_o constantinople_n above_o those_o of_o alexandria_n and_o of_o antioch_n and_o make_v it_o equal_a even_o with_o that_o of_o rome_n itself_o pope_n leo_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n send_v out_o his_o thunderbolt_n against_o this_o decree_n of_o they_o and_o charge_v they_o as_o guilty_a of_o a_o most_o insufferable_a injury_n offer_v he_o and_o when_o this_o our_o conciliator_n shall_v have_v do_v his_o business_n at_o chalcedon_n if_o he_o please_v he_o may_v pass_v over_o into_o africa_n and_o there_o also_o reconcile_v the_o father_n of_o that_o country_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n the_o former_a of_o these_o forbid_v their_o clergy_n to_o make_v any_o appeal_v to_o rome_n and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o their_o utmost_a endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v their_o proper_a right_n to_o have_v such_o appeal_v bring_v before_o they_o and_o when_o he_o have_v finish_v this_o work_n our_o greek_a may_v then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n try_v to_o remove_v all_o misunderstanding_n betwixt_o the_o father_n of_o the_o council_n of_o francfort_n and_o those_o of_o the_o ii_o council_n of_o nice_a touch_v the_o point_n of_o the_o use_n of_o image_n the_o late_a of_o these_o ordain_v 〈◊〉_d that_o we_o ought_v to_o pay_v unto_o they_o salutation_n and_o adoration_n of_o honour_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o honour_v they_o with_o incense_n and_o light_n and_o the_o other_o as_o every_o man_n know_v have_v not_o only_o reject_v this_o greek_a council_n but_o have_v write_v 〈◊〉_d express_o against_o it_o by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o emperor_n carolus_n magnus_n certain_o he_o that_o shall_v but_o read_v the_o father_n themselves_o will_v easy_o and_o quick_o perceive_v that_o they_o clash_n and_o contradict_v each_o other_o in_o most_o plain_a and_o irreconcilable_a term_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o bring_v they_o honest_o together_o but_o by_o receive_v every_o one_o of_o they_o with_o his_o own_o private_a opinion_n imitate_v herein_o the_o marvellous_a wisdom_n of_o the_o council_n of_o con._n constantinople_n in_o trullo_n which_o receive_v and_o allow_v of_o all_o in_o gross_a without_o distinction_n both_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a code_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a together_o with_o those_o of_o sardica_n carthage_n and_o laodicea_n among_o which_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v find_v strong_a contradiction_n as_o for_o example_n the_o 7._o council_n of_o sardica_n will_v have_v the_o right_n of_o receive_v the_o appeal_n of_o all_o bishop_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n whereas_o 17._o chalcedon_n give_v this_o privilege_n to_o that_o of_o constantinople_n the_o council_n of_o 59_o laodicea_n leave_v out_o of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o maccabee_n ecclesiasticus_fw-la the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n tobit_n and_o judith_n 47._o that_o of_o carthage_n put_v they_o in_o express_o but_o now_o these_o honest_a father_n of_o constantinople_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v give_v content_a to_o all_o the_o world_n 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sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n lest_o otherwise_o by_o misinterpret_v the_o same_o you_o may_v chance_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o of_o these_o two_o precipice_n if_o you_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o father_n in_o this_o case_n you_o shall_v have_v â—93_n some_o of_o they_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o union_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o of_o the_o will_n and_o passim_fw-la other_o again_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o essence_n and_o of_o nature_n so_o likewise_o this_o other_o passage_n in_o the_o same_o evangelist_n 28._o my_o father_n be_v great_a than_o i_o be_v very_o considerable_a also_o in_o the_o question_n touch_v the_o divinity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v 23._o some_o among_o the_o father_n who_o understand_v the_o word_n as_o speak_v indefinite_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n although_o the_o rest_n of_o they_o do_v ordinary_o restrain_v they_o to_o his_o humanity_n these_o word_n also_o of_o st._n john_n 14._o the_o word_n 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that_o a_o man_n may_v safe_o build_v upon_o they_o and_o make_v they_o the_o judge_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o they_o all_o agree_v upon_o as_o far_o as_o i_o have_v either_o read_v or_o know_v as_o any_o man_n may_v see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o calvin_n bucer_n melancthon_n luther_n beza_n and_o the_o rest_n who_o all_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n only_o and_o admit_v not_o of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n as_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n whereon_o to_o build_v any_o article_n of_o their_o belief_n it_o be_v true_a i_o confess_v that_o some_o of_o their_o first_o author_n as_o namely_o bucer_n peter_n martyr_n and_o j._n jewel_n bishop_n of_o salisbury_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n all_o the_o late_a writer_n also_o allege_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n but_o if_o you_o but_o mark_v 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perhaps_o that_o his_o hyperbolical_a way_n of_o expression_n of_o a_o thousand_o augustine_n hieromes_n and_o gregory_n all_o which_o join_v together_o he_o in_o too_o disdainful_a a_o manner_n cast_v down_o beneath_o the_o foot_n of_o one_o single_a pope_n but_o this_o height_n of_o expression_n may_v be_v somewhat_o excuse_v in_o he_o consider_v that_o such_o excess_n as_o these_o be_v very_o ordinary_a with_o all_o high_a and_o free-spirited_n person_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o will_v be_v able_a to_o inform_v we_o more_o true_o and_o clear_o what_o esteem_v they_o have_v of_o antiquity_n for_o if_o we_o ought_v to_o stand_v to_o the_o father_n and_o not_o to_o depart_v from_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o have_v authorize_v nor_o to_o ordain_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o we_o at_o this_o day_n see_v so_o many_o several_a observation_n and_o custom_n which_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o ancient_n now_o quite_o lay_v aside_o and_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o we_o find_v in_o antiquity_n no_o mention_n at_o all_o of_o many_o thing_n which_o be_v now_o in_o great_a request_n among_o we_o there_o be_v as_o it_o be_v three_o principal_a part_n in_o religion_n namely_o point_n of_o belief_n of_o ceremony_n and_o of_o discipline_n we_o shall_v run_v they_o over_o light_o all_o three_o and_o so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a only_o for_o our_o present_a purpose_n that_o so_o we_o may_v let_v the_o world_n see_v that_o in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o three_o part_n they_o have_v both_o abolish_v and_o establish_v very_o many_o thing_n express_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ancient_n as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o we_o have_v former_o give_v the_o reader_n some_o taste_n only_o in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n for_o we_o have_v see_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o beside_o be_v at_o this_o day_n also_o maintain_v by_o the_o greek_a church_n be_v condemn_v not_o much_o above_o two_o hundred_o year_n since_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o the_o council_n of_o florence_n and_o a_o quite_o contrary_a belief_n there_o establish_v as_o a_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o have_v see_v beside_o that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o even_o down_o as_o far_o as_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o six_o century_n after_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o afterward_o be_v that_o the_o eucharist_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o baptism_n and_o that_o consequent_o it_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v administer_v to_o little_a child_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o council_n of_o sit_v trent_n have_v condemn_v this_o opinion_n as_o a_o error_n in_o faith_n withal_o anathematise_v by_o a_o canon_n make_v express_o for_o that_o purpose_n all_o those_o who_o ever_o shall_v maintain_v the_o same_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v say_v they_o whoever_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o eucharist_n be_v necessary_a for_o little_a child_n before_o they_o be_v come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n only_o that_o the_o father_n may_v not_o take_v offence_n hereat_o as_o have_v so_o fearful_a a_o affront_n put_v upon_o they_o these_o man_n have_v endeavour_v to_o persuade_v both_o they_o and_o other_o that_o they_o never_o do_v believe_v that_o which_o themselves_o have_v most_o clear_o and_o in_o express_a term_n protest_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v as_o we_o have_v before_o make_v it_o appear_v which_o be_v to_o double_v the_o injury_n upon_o they_o rather_o than_o to_o make_v they_o any_o reparation_n for_o it_o see_v that_o they_o deal_v with_o they_o now_o not_o as_o heretic_n only_o but_o as_o fool_n also_o who_o a_o man_n may_v at_o pleasure_n persuade_v that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o which_o they_o real_o do_v believe_v we_o have_v abundant_o hear_v out_o of_o st._n hierome_n mouth_n how_o that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o chilast_n be_v of_o old_a maintain_v by_o several_a of_o the_o ancient_a father_n which_o yet_o be_v now_o condemn_v as_o a_o error_n in_o faith_n and_o indeed_o the_o number_n of_o these_o kind_n of_o difference_n in_o opinion_n be_v almost_o infinite_a it_o be_v account_v no_o error_n in_o those_o day_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o father_n down_o to_o the_o son_n according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o generation_n but_o this_o opinion_n will_v now_o be_v account_v a_o heresy_n etc._n the_o ancient_n hold_v that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o oppose_a of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n if_o we_o shall_v bang_n up_o the_o picture_n of_o any_o man_n in_o the_o church_n and_o depingatur_fw-la that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v any_o picture_n in_o our_o church_n that_o that_o which_o we_o worship_v and_o adore_v be_v not_o paint_v upon_o a_o wall_n but_o now_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n have_v ordain_v the_o quite_o contrary_a and_o say_v impertiendam_fw-la that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v and_o to_o keep_v especial_o in_o our_o church_n the_o image_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o virgin_n the_o mother_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o other_o saint_n and_o that_o we_o be_v to_o yield_v unto_o they_o all_o due_a honour_n and_o veneration_n 3._o all_o the_o ancient_a father_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v learn_v out_o of_o their_o write_n believe_v that_o the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n be_v conceive_v in_o original_a sin_n if_o now_o the_o father_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n account_v they_o to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o faith_n what_o move_v they_o then_o to_o imagine_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o maintain_v any_o such_o opinion_n for_o have_v deliver_v their_o definitive_a sentence_n in_o a_o decree_n there_o pass_v to_o this_o purpose_n and_o declare_v that_o this_o sin_n which_o have_v spread_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a mass_n of_o mankind_n by_o propagation_n and_o not_o by_o imitation_n have_v seize_v on_o every_o person_n in_o particular_a genitricem_fw-la they_o at_o length_n conclude_v that_o their_o intention_n be_v not_o to_o comprehend_v within_o this_o number_n the_o bless_a and_o unspotted_a virgin_n mary_n the_o mother_n of_o god_n which_o word_n of_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a so_o to_o expound_v as_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o in_o plain_a term_n give_v the_o lie_n to_o all_o the_o father_n for_o if_o they_o mean_v by_o these_o word_n that_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v conceive_v without_o sin_n they_o flat_o establish_v a_o opinion_n which_o be_v contradictory_n to_o that_o of_o the_o father_n which_o be_v the_o gross_a manner_n of_o give_v they_o the_o lie_v that_o can_v be_v if_o they_o mean_v here_o no_o more_o than_o this_o which_o sense_n yet_o their_o word_n will_v hardly_o be_v ever_o make_v to_o bear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o know_v as_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v conceive_v in_o sin_n they_o however_o honest_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n that_o these_o good_a man_n affirm_v as_o true_a that_o which_o be_v yet_o doubtful_a and_o maintain_v as_o certain_a that_o which_o be_v but_o problematical_a only_o and_o questionable_a the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n which_o be_v insert_v into_o the_o code_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a 163._o put_v not_o into_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n any_o more_o than_o twenty_o two_o book_n only_o exclude_v by_o this_o mean_n out_o of_o this_o number_n the_o book_n of_o tobit_n of_o judith_n the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n ecclesiasticus_fw-la and_o the_o two_o book_n of_o the_o maccabee_n 27._o melito_n bishop_n of_o sardis_n 3._o origen_n 4._o cyril_n of_o jerusalem_n 98._o gregory_n nazianzen_n 2._o s._n hilary_n 162._o and_o epiphanius_n do_v all_o of_o they_o the_o same_o 58._o athanasius_n 552._o ruffinus_n and_o esdr_n s._n hierome_n express_o reject_v these_o very_a book_n and_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o canon_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o aforesaid_a council_n of_o esto_fw-la trent_n anathematize_v all_o those_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v as_o holy_a and_o canonical_a all_o these_o book_n with_o every_o part_n of_o the_o same_o as_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n and_o as_o they_o be_v find_v in_o the_o old_a latin_a edition_n common_o call_v the_o vulgar_a translation_n where_o beside_o the_o affront_n which_o they_o have_v offer_v to_o so_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_n and_o most_o eminent_a among_o the_o father_n and_o indeed_o to_o the_o whole_a primitive_a church_n itself_o which_o receive_v this_o conon_n of_o laodicea_n in_o among_o its_o universal_a rule_n they_o have_v also_o establish_v a_o position_n here_o which_o be_v not_o till_o then_o so_o much_o as_o ever_o hear_v
be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o do_v thus_o have_v manifest_o abolish_v a_o very_a ancient_a custom_n in_o the_o church_n beside_o these_o ceremony_n which_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o father_n in_o baptism_n and_o in_o the_o eucharist_n they_o have_v say_v by_o many_o other_o also_o which_o have_v be_v heretofore_o in_o use_n in_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o the_o fast_n upon_o saturday_n which_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n contrary_a to_o the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n beside_o who_o all_o account_v it_o unlawful_a because_o this_o difference_n in_o practice_n be_v as_o ancient_a as_o 75._o st._n augustine_n time_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o modern_a church_n of_o rome_n i_o shall_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n also_o pass_v by_o that_o which_o etc._n firmilianâ—s_n say_v namely_o how_o that_o in_o his_o time_n that_o be_v to_o say_v about_o two_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n after_o the_o nativity_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n those_o of_o rome_n do_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n observe_v whatsoever_o have_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o they_o do_v in_o vain_a allege_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o ancient_o it_o be_v a_o general_a custom_n throughout_o all_o christendom_n not_o to_o kneel_v neither_o upon_o the_o lord_n day_n nor_o upon_o any_o day_n betwixt_o easter_n day_n and_o whitsunday_n which_o custom_n have_v be_v general_o abolish_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o rome_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o whether_o you_o consider_v the_o antiquity_n or_o whether_o you_o look_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o who_o both_o practise_v this_o themselves_o and_o also_o recommend_v it_o to_o our_o observation_n you_o will_v hardly_o find_v any_o more_o venerable_a custom_n than_o this_o for_o the_o etc._n author_n of_o the_o question_n and_o answer_n attribute_v to_o justin_n martyr_n make_v mention_n of_o this_o custom_n and_o withal_o give_v the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o it_o and_o beside_o prove_v by_o a_o certain_a passage_n which_o he_o produce_v out_o of_o irenaeus_n that_o it_o have_v its_o beginning_n in_o the_o apostolical_a time_n 3._o tertullian_n also_o speak_v of_o it_o and_o both_o opeâ—is_fw-la epiphanius_n and_o 2._o st._n hierome_n reckon_v it_o among_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o than_o all_o this_o the_o sacred_a general_n council_n of_o nice_a authorize_v the_o same_o by_o a_o express_a canon_n make_v to_o that_o purpose_n 〈◊〉_d for_o as_o much_o as_o there_o be_v some_o say_v these_o ccc_o xviii_o venerable_a father_n who_o kneel_v upon_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o upon_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n to_o the_o end_n that_o in_o all_o parish_n or_o as_o we_o now_o speak_v dioceses_n there_o may_v be_v the_o same_o order_n observe_v in_o all_o thing_n this_o holy_a synod_n ordain_v that_o on_o these_o day_n they_o all_o pray_v stand_v and_o this_o ancient_a constitution_n be_v revive_v again_o and_o explain_v in_o the_o 90._o council_n of_o constantinople_n in_o trullo_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o seven_o century_n where_o it_o be_v express_o forbid_v to_o kneel_v during_o the_o space_n of_o those_o twenty_o four_o hour_n that_o pass_v betwixt_o saturday_n evening_n and_o sunday_n evening_n every_o body_n know_v also_o how_o that_o they_o have_v abrogate_a the_o fast_a that_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v observe_v upon_o the_o four_o day_n of_o the_o week_n that_o be_v to_o say_v on_o wednesday_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_n as_o appear_v by_o what_o we_o find_v in_o 5._o ignatius_n in_o ms._n peter_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n and_o a_o martyr_n in_o 〈◊〉_d epiphanius_n 317._o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o other_o by_o the_o same_o liberty_n have_v those_o vigil_n be_v abolish_v which_o be_v ordinary_o keep_v by_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o both_o approve_a and_o defend_v also_o by_o etc._n st._n hierome_n against_o vigilantius_n who_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o though_o his_o opinion_n have_v now_o at_o length_n find_v more_o favour_n in_o the_o world_n than_o st._n hierome_n the_o same_o christi_fw-la father_n in_o another_o place_n deliver_v unto_o we_o for_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n that_o custom_n which_o they_o have_v in_o his_o time_n of_o not_o suffer_v the_o people_n to_o depart_v out_o of_o the_o church_n upon_o easter_n eve_n till_o midnight_n be_v pass_v what_o be_v now_o become_v of_o this_o custom_n which_o be_v not_o only_o a_o ancient_a one_o but_o be_v derive_v also_o from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o if_o you_o dare_v believe_v st._n hierome_n we_o be_v inform_v from_o several_a hand_n that_o that_o command_v of_o abstain_v from_o blood_n and_o from_o thing_n strangle_v be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n observe_v in_o the_o church_n and_o it_o appear_v evident_a enough_o that_o iâ—_n be_v most_o religious_o keep_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n both_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o 38._o tertullian_n and_o of_o 2._o eusebius_n and_o the_o 7._o council_n of_o constantinople_n in_o trullo_n excommunicate_v all_o those_o of_o the_o laity_n and_o depose_v all_o those_o of_o the_o clergy_n that_o shall_v offend_v therein_o and_o 38._o pamelius_n in_o his_o note_n upon_o tertullia_n apologetick_n inform_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o long_o since_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o custom_n be_v first_o lay_v a_o side_n among_o christian_n it_o be_v not_o much_o above_o four_o hundred_o 〈◊〉_d since_o there_o be_v some_o certain_a penalty_n appoint_v for_o those_o that_o shall_v violate_v the_o same_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o for_o all_o its_o antiquity_n and_o universality_n it_o be_v at_o length_n quite_o vanish_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v in_o very_o gentle_a wise_a and_o by_o little_a and_o little_o lay_v it_o asleep_o â—no_o man_n that_o i_o know_v of_o have_v take_v the_o least_o notice_n either_o of_o the_o time_n when_o or_o the_o manner_n how_o this_o be_v do_v only_o this_o we_o all_o see_v plain_o enough_o that_o it_o be_v now_o quite_o out_o of_o use_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o that_o custom_n of_o pray_v for_o the_o saint_n depart_v which_o be_v clear_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_n etc._n we_o pray_v say_v epiphanius_n for_o the_o just_a the_o father_n the_o patriarch_n the_o prophet_n apostle_n evangelist_n martyr_n etc._n etc._n that_o we_o may_v distinguish_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o order_n of_o man_n by_o that_o honour_n which_o we_o pay_v unto_o he_o we_o have_v also_o some_o of_o their_o prayer_n to_o this_o purpose_n yet_o remain_v as_o namely_o in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o etc._n st._n james_n and_o in_o the_o basil_n syriack_n liturgy_n of_o st._n basil_n after_o they_o have_v mention_v the_o patriarch_n the_o prophet_n john_n baptist_n st._n stephen_n the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o saint_n they_o at_o last_o add_v we_o daily_o send_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n unto_o thou_o for_o they_o and_o a_o little_a after_o lord_n remember_v also_o say_v the_o priest_n all_o those_o who_o be_v depart_v this_o life_n and_o the_o orthodox_n bishop_n who_o have_v make_v a_o clear_a and_o open_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n from_o the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o james_n to_o this_o day_n of_o ignatius_n dionysius_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o he_o say_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n remember_v also_o lord_n those_o who_o have_v persevere_v even_o to_o blood_n for_o the_o word_n of_o a_o good_a fear_n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o etc._n st._n chrysostom_n we_o offer_v unto_o thou_o this_o reasonable_a service_n for_o all_o those_o who_o hauâ—_n depart_v in_o thy_o faith_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v utter_o abolish_v this_o custom_n and_o without_o all_o question_n believe_v that_o you_o can_v not_o do_v the_o saint_n a_o great_a injury_n than_o if_o you_o shall_v now_o make_v any_o such_o supplication_n for_o they_o those_o that_o be_v curious_a may_v observe_v many_o other_o the_o like_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o ancient_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o their_o custom_n and_o ceremony_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o whit_n less_o in_o their_o discipline_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o these_o difference_n and_o which_o be_v indeed_o the_o original_a of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o rest_n be_v in_o the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o ecclesiastical_a minister_n which_o be_v the_o true_a basis_n and_o groundwork_n of_o the_o discipline_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n they_o depend_v partly_o on_o the_o people_n and_o not_o whole_o on_o
the_o clergy_n but_o every_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a either_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n or_o else_o have_v leave_v to_o consider_v and_o to_o approve_v of_o those_o that_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o for_o that_o purpose_n est_fw-la pontius_n a_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n say_v that_o st._n cyprian_n be_v yet_o a_o neophyte_n be_v elect_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o pastor_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o bishop_n by_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o people_n st._n cyprian_n also_o tell_v we_o the_o same_o in_o several_a place_n collegio_fw-la in_o his_o lii_o epistle_n speak_v of_o cornelius_n he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v make_v bishop_n of_o rome_n by_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v there_o present_a and_o by_o the_o college_n of_o pastor_n or_o ancient_a bishop_n all_o good_a and_o bious_a man_n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o say_v that_o perspexerit_fw-la it_o be_v the_o people_n in_o who_o the_o power_n chief_o be_v of_o choose_v worthy_a prelate_n or_o refuse_v the_o unworthy_a which_o very_o thing_n say_v he_o we_o see_v be_v derive_v from_o divine_a authority_n that_o a_o bishop_n be_v to_o be_v thosen_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o all_o the_o people_n and_o be_v declare_v either_o worthy_a or_o unworthy_a by_o the_o judgement_n and_o testimony_n of_o all_o therefore_o say_v he_o a_o little_a after_o oughts_z man_n diligent_o to_o retain_v and_o observe_v according_a to_o divine_a tradition_n and_o apostolical_a custom_n that_o which_o be_v also_o observe_v by_o we_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n by_o all_o other_o province_n namely_o that_o for_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_o proceed_v in_o all_o ordination_n the_o neighbour_a bishop_n of_o the_o same_o province_n be_v to_o meet_v together_o at_o that_o place_n where_o a_o bishop_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o the_o election_n of_o the_o say_a bishop_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n of_o that_o place_n who_o full_o know_v every_o man_n life_n and_o by_o their_o long_a conversation_n together_o understand_v what_o their_o behaviour_n have_v be_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o eusebius_n bishop_n of_o nicomedia_n find_v fault_n with_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o athanasius_n reckon_v this_o also_o among_o the_o rest_n c_o that_o it_o have_v be_v perform_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n to_o which_o answer_n be_v make_v again_o by_o the_o d_o council_n of_o alexandria_n that_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o alexandria_n have_v all_o with_o one_o voice_n desire_v he_o for_o their_o bishop_n give_v he_o the_o large_a testimony_n that_o can_v be_v both_o for_o his_o piety_n and_o his_o fitness_n for_o the_o undertake_n that_o charge_n in_o like_a manner_n julius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n among_o other_o fault_n which_o he_o find_v in_o the_o ordination_n of_o gregory_n who_o have_v be_v make_v bishop_n of_o alexandria_n add_v etc._n that_o he_o have_v not_o be_v desire_v by_o the_o people_n and_o it_o appear_v clear_a enough_o both_o out_o of_o 6._o st._n hierome_n and_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o council_n of_o geneâ—_n constantinople_n and_o of_o etc._n chalcedon_n and_o also_o by_o the_o 4._o pontificale_fw-la romanum_fw-la and_o several_a other_o piece_n that_o this_o custom_n continue_v a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v now_o above_o seven_o hundred_o and_o eighty_o year_n since_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n ordain_v in_o the_o viii_o council_n which_o notwithstanding_o have_v be_v always_o unanimous_o and_o constant_o reject_v by_o the_o eastern_a church_n to_o this_o very_a day_n that_o the_o promotion_n and_o consecration_n of_o bishop_n shall_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o election_n and_o order_n of_o the_o college_n of_o bishop_n only_o forbid_v upon_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n all_o lay_v person_n whatsoever_o even_o pontificis_fw-la prince_n themselves_o to_o meddle_v in_o the_o election_n or_o promotion_n of_o any_o patriarch_n metropolitan_a or_o any_o other_o bishop_n whatsoever_o declare_v withal_o that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o lay_v person_n shall_v have_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o to_o do_v in_o these_o matter_n it_o become_v they_o rather_o to_o be_v quiet_a and_o patient_o to_o attend_v till_o such_o time_n as_o the_o election_n of_o the_o bishop_n that_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v be_v regular_o finish_v by_o the_o college_n of_o clergyman_n and_o thus_o have_v they_o by_o this_o one_o canon-shot_a beat_v down_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o always_o allow_v to_o the_o faithful_a people_n some_o share_n in_o the_o election_n of_o their_o pastor_n neither_o have_v this_o custom_n be_v able_a ever_o since_o to_o lift_v up_o its_o head_n again_o the_o people_n be_v as_o every_o man_n know_v now_o more_o than_o ever_o defraud_v of_o this_o their_o right_n and_o have_v not_o the_o least_o share_n in_o the_o election_n not_o of_o pope_n primate_fw-la or_o archbishop_n only_o but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o of_o the_o mean_a bishop_n that_o be_v and_o as_o the_o people_n ancient_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o the_o election_n of_o their_o pastor_n so_o probable_o also_o they_o have_v the_o like_a in_o all_o other_o affair_n of_o importance_n that_o happen_v in_o the_o church_n there_o happen_v in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n a_o very_a great_a persecution_n many_o who_o have_v be_v force_v to_o yield_v by_o the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o pagan_n be_v afterward_o touch_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o fault_n desire_v to_o return_v to_o the_o church_n again_o but_o yet_o to_o avoid_v the_o shame_n and_o the_o length_n and_o rigour_n of_o those_o penance_n which_o be_v usual_o impose_v upon_o all_o such_o offender_n the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o beg_v of_o their_o confessor_n to_o be_v favourable_o deal_v withal_o and_o corrupt_v their_o priest_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v again_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n without_o undergo_a canonical_a penance_n st._n cyprian_n who_o be_v a_o strict_a observer_n of_o discipline_n write_v many_o thing_n against_o this_o abuse_n by_o which_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o the_o people_n have_v their_o right_n also_o in_o the_o hear_n and_o judge_v of_o these_o cause_n for_o in_o his_o x._o epistle_n he_o say_v svam_fw-la that_o those_o priest_n that_o have_v receive_v any_o such_o offender_n rash_o and_o contrary_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v to_o himself_o to_o the_o confessor_n and_o to_o the_o whole_a people_n and_o in_o another_o place_n write_v to_o the_o people_n of_o carthage_n vobis_fw-la when_o the_o lord_n say_v he_o shall_v have_v restore_v peace_n unto_o we_o all_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v all_o return_v to_o the_o church_n again_o we_o shall_v then_o examine_v all_o these_o thing_n praesentibus_fw-la vobis_fw-la &_o judicantibus_fw-la you_o also_o be_v present_a and_o judge_v of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v in_o this_o same_o epistle_n and_o touch_v this_o very_a point_n where_o he_o add_v that_o passage_n which_o we_o have_v before_o produce_v in_o the_o chapter_n touch_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n i_o desire_v they_o say_v he_o that_o they_o will_v patient_o hear_v our_o council_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o end_n that_o when_o many_o of_o we_o bishop_n shall_v have_v meet_v together_o we_o may_v examine_v the_o letter_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o bless_a martyr_n according_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o confessor_n and_o also_o according_a as_o you_o shall_v think_v fit_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o one_o of_o his_o former_a epistle_n he_o protest_v to_o his_o clergy_n gerere_fw-la that_o from_o his_o first_o come_v to_o his_o bishopric_n he_o have_v ever_o resolve_v to_o do_v nothing_o of_o his_o own_o head_n without_o their_o advice_n and_o the_o approbation_n of_o his_o people_n he_o that_o will_v yet_o be_v more_o full_o satisfy_v in_o this_o particular_a may_v read_v the_o carthag_n fourteen_o epistle_n of_o the_o same_o father_n and_o the_o xxviii_o touch_v the_o business_n of_o philumenus_n and_o fortunatus_n two_o subdeacons_n as_o also_o the_o xl._o touch_v the_o business_n of_o felicissimus_n and_o the_o lxvii_o which_o he_o write_v to_o the_o clergy_n and_o people_n of_o spain_n joint_o commend_v they_o for_o have_v depose_v their_o bishop_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o heinous_a crime_n but_o now_o that_o no_o man_n may_v think_v that_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n only_o i_o shall_v here_o take_v occasion_n to_o inform_v the_o reader_n that_o the_o ratioâ—em_fw-la clergy_n of_o
rome_n also_o approve_v of_o this_o resolution_n of_o he_o of_o bring_v to_o trial_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v at_o rest_n this_o whole_a business_n touch_v those_o who_o have_v fall_v during_o the_o persecution_n in_o a_o full_a assembly_n of_o the_o bishop_n priest_n deacon_n and_o confessor_n together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o laity_n who_o have_v continue_v constant_a and_o have_v not_o yield_v to_o idolatry_n and_o that_o which_o in_o my_o judgement_n be_v very_o well_o worth_a our_o observation_n be_v that_o etc._n st._n cyprian_n himself_o write_v to_o cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n sai_z that_o he_o do_v not_o doubt_n but_o that_o according_a to_o that_o mutual_a love_n which_o they_o ought_v and_o pay_v to_o each_o other_o he_o do_v always_o read_v those_o letter_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o he_o to_o the_o most_o flourish_a clergy_n of_o rome_n that_o be_v his_o assistant_n and_o to_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o most_o numerous_a people_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o at_o rome_n also_o the_o people_n have_v their_o vote_n in_o the_o manage_n of_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v here_o to_o add_v any_o more_o to_o show_v how_o much_o the_o authority_n and_o example_n of_o the_o ancient_n in_o this_o particular_a be_v now_o slight_v and_o despise_v it_o be_v evident_a enough_o to_o every_o man_n that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o only_o exclude_v from_o the_o council_n and_o consistory_n of_o the_o bishop_n but_o that_o beside_o that_o man_n will_v now_o be_v take_v forâ—an_n heretic_n that_o shall_v now_o but_o propose_v or_o go_v about_o to_o restore_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o i_o beseech_v you_o now_o do_v but_o a_o little_a fancy_n to_o yourselves_o a_o archbishop_n who_o write_v to_o the_o pope_n shall_v say_v unto_o he_o thus_o most_o dear_a brother_n i_o exhort_v you_o and_o desire_v of_o you_o that_o what_o you_o be_v wont_n honourable_o to_o do_v of_o your_o own_o accord_n you_o will_v now_o do_v it_o at_o my_o request_n namely_o that_o this_o epistle_n may_v be_v read_v to_o the_o flourish_a clergy_n that_o be_v your_o assistant_n there_o and_o also_o to_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o most_o numerous_a people_n shall_v not_o the_o writer_n think_v you_o of_o such_o a_o letter_n as_o this_o be_v laugh_v at_o as_o a_o senseless_a foolish_a fellow_n if_o at_o least_o he_o escape_v so_o and_o meet_v with_o no_o worse_a usage_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o be_v the_o very_a request_n that_o st._n cyprian_n make_v to_o pope_n cornelius_n but_o as_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n have_v deprive_v the_o people_n of_o all_o those_o privilege_n which_o have_v be_v confer_v upon_o they_o by_o antiquity_n as_o well_o in_o the_o election_n of_o prelate_n as_o in_o other_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v it_o most_o evident_a that_o the_o pope_n have_v ingross_v into_o his_o own_o hand_n not_o only_o this_o booty_n which_o they_o have_v robe_v the_o people_n of_o but_o also_o in_o a_o manner_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o power_n as_o well_o that_o which_o they_o heretofore_o enjoy_v according_a to_o the_o ancient_a canon_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n as_o that_o which_o they_o have_v since_o by_o many_o several_a admirable_a mean_n by_o little_a and_o little_o acquire_v in_o the_o space_n of_o some_o whole_a century_n of_o year_n all_o this_o be_v now_o quite_o vanish_v i_o know_v not_o how_o and_o swallow_v up_o by_o rome_n in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n the_o ccc_o xviii_o father_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a ordain_v etc._n that_o every_o bishop_n shall_v be_v create_v by_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o province_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a or_o at_o least_o by_o three_o of_o they_o if_o so_o be_v the_o whole_a number_n can_v not_o so_o convenient_o be_v bring_v together_o yet_o with_o this_o proviso_n that_o the_o absent_a bishop_n be_v consent_v also_o to_o the_o say_a ordination_n and_o that_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o all_o such_o action_n shall_v belong_v to_o the_o metropolitan_a of_o each_o several_a province_n which_o ordinance_n of_o they_o be_v both_o very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o precede_a age_n as_o appear_v by_o that_o lxviii_o epistle_n of_o st._n cyprian_n which_o we_o cite_v a_o little_a before_o and_o be_v also_o observe_v for_o a_o long_a time_n afterward_o by_o the_o age_n follow_v as_o you_o may_v perceive_v by_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o i._o gener._n council_n of_o constantinople_n to_o pope_n damasus_n and_o also_o by_o the_o discourse_n of_o those_o that_o sit_v precedent_n at_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n touch_v the_o right_n of_o the_o patriarch_n of_o constantinople_n in_o his_o own_o diocese_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o whole_a world_n know_v and_o see_v what_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o this_o day_n be_v and_o how_o that_o there_o be_v not_o at_o all_o leave_v to_o the_o metropolitan_o and_o to_o their_o council_n any_o true_a power_n or_o authority_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o bishop_n within_o their_o own_o diocese_n but_o the_o whole_a power_n in_o this_o case_n depend_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o upon_o those_o who_o it_o have_v entrust_v herein_o either_o with_o their_o own_o like_n or_o otherwise_o and_o indeed_o all_o bishop_n be_v to_o make_v their_o acknowledgement_n of_o tenure_n to_o the_o pope_n neither_o may_v they_o exercise_v their_o function_n without_o his_o commission_n which_o they_o shall_v not_o obtain_v neither_o without_o first_o pay_v down_o their_o money_n and_o compound_v for_o their_o first-fruit_n call_v themselves_o also_o in_o their_o title_n thus_o we_o n._n bishop_n of_o n._n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o apostolical_a see_v of_o which_o strange_a custom_n and_o title_n you_o shall_v not_o meet_v with_o the_o least_o trace_v or_o footstep_n throughout_o all_o the_o record_n of_o antiquity_n not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o of_o all_o that_o vast_a number_n of_o bishop_n who_o subscription_n we_o have_v yet_o remain_v partly_o in_o the_o council_n and_o partly_o in_o their_o own_o book_n and_o history_n have_v ever_o thus_o style_v himself_o and_o as_o for_o provincial_a and_o diocesan_n synod_n where_o ancient_o all_o sort_n of_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n be_v hear_v and_o determine_v as_o appear_v both_o by_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n and_o also_o by_o those_o example_n that_o we_o have_v leave_v we_o as_o in_o the_o history_n of_o arius_n and_o of_o eutyches_n who_o be_v both_o anathematise_v the_o one_o in_o the_o synod_n of_o alexandria_n and_o the_o other_o in_o that_o of_o constantinople_n they_o dare_v not_o now_o meddle_v with_o any_o thing_n &c_n except_o some_o small_a petty_a matter_n be_v of_o no_o use_n in_o the_o great_a cause_n save_v only_o to_o inquire_v into_o they_o and_o give_v in_o their_o information_n at_o rome_n neither_o may_v any_o the_o mean_a bishop_n that_o be_v be_v judge_v in_o any_o case_n of_o importance_n and_o which_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o depose_v he_o by_o any_o but_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n his_o metropolitan_a and_o his_o primate_n and_o the_o synod_n of_o his_o province_n and_o that_o of_o his_o diocese_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o the_o ancient_n take_v this_o word_n have_v not_o all_o of_o they_o any_o power_n at_o all_o in_o these_o matter_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a delegation_n and_o have_v then_o only_a power_n to_o draw_v up_o the_o business_n and_o make_v it_o ready_a for_o hear_v and_o so_o to_o send_v it_o to_o rome_n none_o but_o the_o etc._n pope_n alone_o have_v power_n to_o give_v sentence_n in_o such_o case_n as_o it_o be_v express_o ordain_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n i_o shall_v here_o pass_v by_o their_o take_v away_o from_o the_o bishop_n contrary_a to_o the_o canon_n and_o practice_n of_o 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of_o all_o the_o church_n that_o have_v be_v either_o plant_v or_o water_v by_o the_o holy_a apostle_n turn_v over_o all_o their_o record_n evidence_n and_o ancient_a monument_n and_o these_o aeones_n achamot_n and_o barbele_n of_o the_o gnostic_n no_o where_o appear_v 2._o nor_o so_o much_o as_o any_o the_o least_o part_n or_o trace_v of_o they_o he_o conclude_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v never_o deliver_v over_o any_o such_o thing_n to_o their_o disciple_n neither_o by_o write_v nor_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n as_o these_o impostor_n pretend_v they_o have_v for_o certain_o if_o they_o have_v do_v so_o the_o memory_n of_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o utter_o lose_v this_o be_v also_o the_o method_n that_o tertullian_n follow_v in_o his_o disputation_n against_o these_o very_a heretic_n and_o other_o the_o like_a in_o the_o 22_o chapter_n of_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr praescriptionibus_fw-la adversus_fw-la haereticos_fw-la and_o in_o other_o place_n the_o practice_n of_o these_o great_a person_n who_o make_v use_v of_o it_o themselves_o will_v here_o serve_v to_o prove_v unto_o we_o that_o this_o course_n be_v right_o and_o good_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n in_o the_o church_n and_o serve_v as_o a_o out-work_n to_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o repel_v the_o presumption_n of_o those_o who_o will_v forge_v a_o new_a faith_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o those_o who_o broach_n new_a doctrine_n of_o their_o own_o head_n do_v ordinary_o slight_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o those_o very_a heretic_n do_v who_o iraeneus_n confute_v who_o impudent_o accuse_v they_o of_o not_o be_v right_o vocem_fw-la and_o that_o they_o be_v of_o no_o authority_n and_o speak_v in_o very_o ambiguous_a term_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o inform_v a_o man_n of_o the_o truth_n unless_o they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o tradition_n the_o truth_n have_v be_v deliver_v as_o these_o man_n pretend_v not_o in_o write_v but_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o say_v and_o for_o other_o the_o like_a be_v the_o write_n of_o the_o â—athers_n of_o very_o great_a use_n in_o these_o dispute_n and_o i_o conceive_v this_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a end_n for_o which_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v in_o despite_n of_o so_o many_o confusion_n and_o change_n preserve_v so_o many_o of_o they_o safe_a down_o to_o our_o time_n if_o therefore_o the_o protestant_n shall_v propose_v of_o their_o own_o head_n and_o shall_v press_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n any_o positive_a article_n which_o do_v not_o at_o all_o appear_v in_o antiquity_n without_o all_o question_n this_o course_n may_v with_o very_o good_a reason_n be_v make_v use_n of_o against_o them_o but_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o in_o their_o belief_n for_o
they_o maintain_v only_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v either_o express_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o else_o be_v evident_o deduce_v from_o thence_o and_o such_o as_o have_v also_o be_v expound_v the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o and_o interpret_v by_o the_o ancient_n not_o in_o their_o own_o private_a write_n only_a but_o even_o in_o their_o creed_n and_o synodical_a determination_n also_o they_o pretend_v not_o either_o to_o any_o particular_a revelation_n oâ—_n secret_n tradition_n or_o any_o other_o new_a principle_n of_o doctrine_n their_o faith_n be_v ground_v only_o upon_o the_o old_a and_o which_o be_v the_o most_o authentic_a instrument_n of_o christianity_n the_o new_a testament_n only_o in_o their_o exposition_n either_o of_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v or_o other_o passage_n they_o produce_v some_o few_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o find_v in_o the_o father_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o argument_n which_o be_v 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thing_n at_o all_o of_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n as_o it_o will_v be_v a_o most_o absurd_a thing_n to_o maintain_v that_o though_o they_o do_v know_v they_o they_o will_v not_o yet_o speak_v any_o one_o word_n of_o they_o in_o all_o those_o book_n which_o we_o have_v of_o they_o at_o this_o day_n and_o if_o they_o have_v say_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o of_o they_o in_o their_o write_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o suspect_v that_o possible_o those_o passage_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o they_o may_v have_v be_v raze_v out_o or_o corrupt_v and_o alter_v by_o false_a hand_n see_v that_o this_o piece_n of_o knavery_n will_v have_v be_v do_v to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o those_o who_o have_v these_o book_n in_o their_o custody_n we_o have_v rather_o very_o good_a reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o whatsoever_o alteration_n there_o be_v they_o have_v be_v make_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o in_o the_o first_o 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