and_o the_o like_a have_v be_v think_v a_o just_a reason_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n to_o deny_v communion_n to_o all_o those_o church_n which_o reject_v they_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o all_o those_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n till_o now_o who_o never_o own_v nor_o impose_v those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n for_o which_o we_o now_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n which_o upon_o inquiry_n will_v be_v find_v a_o much_o more_o catholic_n communion_n then_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o we_o communicate_v with_o more_o age_n and_o with_o more_o church_n than_o they_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o now_o constitute_v in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o proportion_n be_v no_o old_a than_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o be_v some_o time_n since_o luther_n that_o we_o may_v with_o more_o reason_n ask_v they_o where_o their_o church_n be_v before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n then_o they_o ask_v we_o where_o our_o church_n be_v before_o luther_n we_o find_v our_o church_n in_o its_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n but_o their_o church_n be_v not_o make_v all_o at_o a_o time_n but_o one_o age_n bring_v in_o one_o corruption_n another_o another_o some_o aspire_a pope_n begin_v the_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o other_o church_n and_o other_o keep_v the_o ground_n their_o predecessor_n have_v get_v and_o as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n make_v new_a conquest_n and_o thus_o by_o degree_n it_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o papal_a omnipotency_n some_o think_v monk_n start_v some_o uncouth_a opinion_n which_o be_v toss_v about_o for_o a_o while_n in_o dispute_n and_o if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o advance_v the_o power_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o of_o the_o priest_n they_o begin_v to_o be_v countenance_v at_o rome_n and_o that_o make_v honest_a man_n cautious_a of_o oppose_v and_o then_o they_o grow_v up_o into_o receive_a doctrine_n and_o when_o it_o be_v ripe_a for_o that_o purpose_n they_o be_v dub_v article_n of_o faith_n and_o at_o length_n be_v digest_v into_o method_n and_o order_n refine_a and_o polish_a and_o receive_v their_o last_o authority_n from_o the_o pack_v conventicle_n of_o trent_n and_o will_v any_o man_n call_v this_o catholic_n communion_n the_o divide_v term_n of_o which_o be_v whole_o unknown_a to_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n creep_v in_o by_o degree_n in_o several_a late_a age_n and_o never_o receive_v its_o accomplishment_n and_o perfection_n till_o since_o the_o reformation_n itself_o and_o be_v now_o already_o in_o the_o wane_n and_o almost_o expound_v into_o protestant_a heresy_n at_o least_o so_o they_o will_v persuade_v we_o by_o the_o bp._n of_o meaux_n and_o our_o modern_a representer_n however_o this_o show_n how_o among_o all_o the_o division_n of_o christendom_n we_o can_v prove_v ourselves_o to_o be_v a_o catholic_n church_n and_o in_o catholic_n communion_n which_o be_v all_o that_o we_o at_o present_a be_v concern_v for_o and_o let_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v as_o much_o for_o herself_o if_o she_o can_v upon_o these_o principle_n she_o now_o reject_v we_o it_o be_v plain_a she_o must_v have_v deny_v communion_n to_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v have_v deny_v communion_n to_o she_o and_o what_o be_v become_v then_o of_o her_o catholic_n communion_n which_o shut_v out_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolic_a church_n the_o paper_n and_o how_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n for_o that_o which_o i_o think_v make_v a_o corporation_n become_v a_o body_n of_o man_n be_v the_o obligation_n impose_v on_o those_o who_o live_v in_o that_o corporation_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o peculiar_a law_n and_o government_n there_o establish_v for_o even_o of_o those_o that_o make_v scripture_n their_o rule_n of_o all_o those_o church_n answer_n i_o suppose_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o be_v either_o false_a or_o hasty_o write_v if_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n in_o such_o a_o corporation_n as_o be_v under_o the_o same_o individual_a government_n or_o one_o govern_v head_n who_o must_v give_v law_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n this_o we_o utter_o deny_v and_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v prove_v christ_n at_o first_o commit_v the_o plant_n and_o govern_v his_o church_n to_o twelve_o apostle_n who_o as_o st._n cyprian_n affirm_v have_v all_o equal_a power_n and_o authority_n though_o christ_n name_v peter_n only_o in_o bestow_v the_o apostolical_a power_n not_o to_o give_v peter_n any_o superiority_n over_o the_o rest_n but_o only_o to_o signify_v that_o unity_n and_o harmony_n of_o consent_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o they_o in_o exercise_v the_o apostolical_a power_n that_o they_o be_v all_o to_o act_v as_o one_o man._n the_o apostle_n leave_v their_o power_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o several_a church_n who_o have_v the_o immediate_a inspection_n and_o sovereign_a power_n over_o their_o own_o church_n as_o the_o same_o father_n frequent_o assert_n but_o yet_o be_v to_o govern_v their_o several_a church_n with_o mutual_a advice_n and_o consent_n so_o that_o the_o unity_n of_o particular_a church_n consist_v in_o their_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o their_o bishop_n and_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v without_o necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a reason_n be_v schismatic_n who_o cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o subjection_n of_o one_o church_n to_o another_o but_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o agreement_n and_o concord_n of_o their_o bishop_n in_o own_v each_o other_o church_n and_o maintain_v communion_n with_o they_o upon_o catholic_n principle_n and_o govern_v their_o church_n as_o far_o as_o be_v expedient_a by_o common_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n this_o then_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n let_v we_o brief_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o unite_v particular_a church_n in_o catholic_n communion_n 1._o every_o particular_a church_n which_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o catholic_n faith_n be_v so_o far_o in_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o thus_o we_o own_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o she_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n though_o with_o a_o great_a mixture_n of_o dangerous_a error_n 2._o the_o communion_n of_o particular_a church_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o use_v the_o same_o liturgy_n or_o external_a rite_n of_o worship_n if_o their_o worship_n be_v a_o true_a christian_a worship_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o general_a law_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o every_o church_n have_v authority_n within_o herself_o to_o direct_v and_o model_n she_o own_o worship_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o it_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o receive_v her_o liturgy_n and_o worship_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o may_v use_v she_o own_o without_o be_v charge_v with_o schism_n for_o do_v so_o 3._o every_o catholic_n church_n be_v bind_v to_o receive_v each_o other_o member_n to_o communion_n when_o they_o come_v among_o they_o which_o make_v they_o all_o but_o one_o church_n one_o society_n &_o body_n the_o member_n of_o which_o have_v a_o mutual_a right_n and_o interest_n in_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n not_o to_o adhere_v so_o stiff_o to_o the_o rite_n and_o usage_n of_o our_o own_o particular_a church_n as_o not_o to_o communicate_v with_o other_o church_n who_o use_v different_a rite_n from_o our_o own_o if_o they_o be_v innocent_a thus_o far_o all_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a but_o the_o difficulty_n be_v how_o we_o shall_v maintain_v communion_n with_o those_o church_n which_o teach_v very_o erroneous_a doctrine_n or_o use_v very_o corrupt_a and_o suspect_a kind_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o four_o how_o corrupt_v soever_o any_o church_n be_v if_o she_o still_o retain_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v own_v she_o for_o a_o christian_a church_n though_o a_o corrupt_a one_o which_o be_v one_o degree_n of_o communion_n with_o she_o to_o own_v she_o of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o ourselves_o though_o as_o a_o sick_a or_o rot_a member_n this_o be_v the_o charge_n against_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n not_o only_o that_o they_o
have_v set_v up_o a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a communion_n but_o that_o they_o unchurch_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o therefore_o rebaptise_v those_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o the_o catholic_n communion_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v infidel_n before_o so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n must_v necessary_o be_v schismatical_a because_o she_o unchurche_n all_o other_o church_n but_o herself_o and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o degree_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o with_o christian_a church_n whereas_o we_o own_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a though_o a_o very_a corrupt_a church_n and_o therefore_o maintain_v some_o degree_n of_o communion_n with_o she_o five_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o any_o particular_a church_n do_v teach_v any_o erroneous_a doctrine_n we_o must_v not_o maintain_v communion_n with_o she_o in_o her_o error_n for_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v false_a but_o then_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o error_n for_o a_o church_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o some_o speculative_a error_n which_o may_v do_v no_o great_a hurt_n to_o common_a christianity_n and_o then_o we_o may_v very_o safe_o communicate_v with_o that_o church_n if_o they_o do_v not_o impose_v on_o we_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o error_n which_o few_o church_n do_v but_o upon_o their_o own_o immediate_a member_n except_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o lutheran_n doctrine_n of_o consubstantiation_n be_v as_o false_a and_o groundless_a though_o not_o altogether_o as_o absurd_a as_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n but_o yet_o i_o will_v make_v no_o scruple_n of_o communicate_v with_o a_o lutheran_n church_n where_o i_o may_v do_v it_o without_o profess_v my_o belief_n of_o consubstantiation_n and_o upon_o these_o principle_n the_o lutheran_n and_o calvinist_n church_n may_v communicate_v together_o keep_v their_o private_a opinion_n to_o themselves_o without_o impose_v they_o upon_o each_o other_o but_o if_o any_o church_n which_o profess_v some_o speculative_a error_n will_v not_o admit_v we_o to_o communion_n without_o profess_v the_o same_o error_n we_o must_v own_v they_o for_o true_a church_n still_o and_o profess_v our_o readiness_n to_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n if_o we_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o do_v it_o without_o own_v their_o error_n and_o this_o make_v we_o in_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o actual_o communicate_v be_v none_o of_o our_o fault_n but_o the_o fault_n of_o those_o who_o deny_v it_o if_o the_o error_n be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o mere_o speculative_a but_o corrupt_v their_o worship_n than_o indeed_o we_o must_v not_o only_o disclaim_v their_o error_n but_o we_o must_v not_o join_v in_o those_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v corrupt_v by_o they_o as_o the_o popish_a mass_n be_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n if_o their_o worship_n be_v partly_o pure_a and_o partly_o corrupt_a then_o notwithstanding_o their_o corruption_n we_o must_v be_v ready_a to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o corrupt_v if_o their_o worship_n be_v general_o corrupt_a as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o their_o latin_a service_n and_o mass_n and_o ave-maries_n and_o frequent_a address_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n in_o those_o very_a litany_n wherein_o they_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o christ_n we_o must_v whole_o abstain_v but_o admonish_v and_o pray_v for_o they_o as_o brethren_n and_o exercise_v all_o other_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n if_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o any_o by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v several_a degree_n of_o communion_n between_o distinct_a particular_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o present_o follow_v that_o because_o church_n divide_v communion_n in_o act_n of_o worship_n they_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o same_o body_n the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n whatever_o error_n and_o corruption_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o make_v they_o so_o far_o catholic_n church_n and_o while_o we_o own_v they_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n to_o which_o we_o ourselves_o belong_v though_o we_o do_v not_o communicate_v in_o their_o error_n and_o corruption_n we_o be_v still_o in_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o upon_o these_o principle_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o division_n of_o christian_n there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n still_o to_o which_o all_o church_n belong_v who_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n unless_o any_o exclude_v themselves_o from_o this_o catholic_n unity_n by_o whole_o exclude_v other_o second_o the_o next_o inquiry_n in_o the_o paper_n be_v how_o the_o church_n can_v be_v call_v holy_a if_o for_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n as_o our_o church_n teach_v in_o the_o homily_n against_o idolatry_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o argument_n i_o shall_v not_o transcribe_v the_o word_n now_o suppose_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o have_v for_o some_o century_n be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o image_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n yet_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o holy_a church_n just_a as_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n by_o retain_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o the_o many_o error_n they_o have_v add_v make_v they_o a_o very_a corrupt_a church_n and_o thus_o by_o profess_v the_o holy_a faith_n and_o own_v the_o great_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o holiness_n they_o be_v a_o holy_a church_n though_o their_o holiness_n may_v be_v far_o from_o be_v perfect_a entire_a and_o uncorrupt_a as_o well_o as_o their_o faith_n when_o holiness_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o can_v signify_v internal_a holiness_n and_o sanctification_n for_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n be_v intermix_v in_o the_o church_n and_o if_o the_o church_n must_v be_v holy_a in_o this_o sense_n all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o must_v be_v impeccable_a as_o well_o as_o infallible_a but_o holiness_n signify_v either_o their_o state_n or_o their_o profession_n that_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o so_o his_o holy_a and_o peculiar_a people_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o the_o moysaicall_a covenant_n who_o be_v therefore_o upon_o this_o account_n often_o call_v a_o holy_a nation_n even_o when_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n in_o worship_v the_o golden_a calf_n and_o have_v few_o visible_a mark_n of_o holiness_n in_o their_o life_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o christian_a church_n which_o now_o succeed_v into_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n be_v call_v saint_n the_o elect_a and_o choose_a people_n of_o god_n to_o signify_v that_o now_o god_n own_v none_o for_o his_o people_n but_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o christian_a covenant_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n no_o church_n can_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o holy_a church_n without_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o then_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v holy_a by_o profession_n too_o and_o that_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a manner_n than_o the_o jewish_a church_n because_o she_o profess_v a_o more_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o whatever_o church_n teach_v the_o holy_a command_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o require_v and_o profess_v obedience_n to_o they_o be_v so_o far_o a_o holy_a church_n by_o profession_n though_o she_o may_v teach_v other_o thing_n which_o she_o may_v think_v holy_a but_o indeed_o be_v not_o so_o if_o holiness_n signify_v a_o external_n and_o visible_a relation_n to_o god_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o a_o holy_a religion_n than_o that_o society_n which_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n so_o as_o to_o continue_v a_o covenant_n relation_n to_o christ_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n a_o holy_a church_n whatever_o corruption_n she_o be_v guilty_a of_o either_o in_o faith_n or_o practice_n which_o do_v not_o un-church_n she_o three_o as_o for_o what_o remain_v in_o the_o paper_n it_o have_v be_v answer_v already_o upon_o other_o occasion_n schism_n we_o confess_v be_v a_o damn_v sin_n and_o thank_v god_n that_o we_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o it_o we_o cast_v off_o the_o roman_a yoke_n which_o christ_n never_o lay_v upon_o we_o and_o to_o deliver_v ourselves_o from_o the_o unjust_a usurpation_n of_o foreign_a church_n be_v no_o schism_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v rebellion_n to_o oppose_v the_o invasion_n of_o a_o foreign_a prince_n we_o reform_v our_o own_o communion_n and_o that_o be_v no_o schism_n for_o we_o have_v full_a authority_n to_o do_v it_o and_o our_o reformation_n be_v such_o that_o they_o may_v communicate_v with_o we_o though_o we_o
judge_n between_o they_o and_o by_o his_o providence_n prevent_v or_o overrule_v all_o those_o disorder_n which_o may_v happen_v either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n in_o this_o world_n and_o reward_n or_o punish_v both_o governor_n and_o subject_n according_a to_o their_o desert_n in_o the_o next_o and_o this_o supresede_v all_o far_a dispute_n about_o some_o hard_a case_n or_o the_o sincerity_n or_o insincerity_n of_o governor_n or_o subject_n for_o every_o man_n must_v of_o necessity_n judge_v for_o himself_o and_o god_n will_v govern_v and_o judge_v we_o all_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o government_n of_o ourselves_o the_o paper_n but_o i_o know'tis_o urge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v guide_v by_o antiquity_n for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n but_o every_o one_o know_v that_o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n in_o that_o too_o even_o for_o scholar_n at_o least_o i_o be_o tell_v so_o for_o no_o church_n admit_v of_o all_o that_o be_v ancient_a for_o several_a heresy_n be_v so_o and_o since_o we_o say_v number_n make_v nothing_o for_o truth_n and_o that_o all_o man_n may_v err_v and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a mark_n by_o visible_a succession_n to_o find_v out_o which_o be_v true_a believer_n in_o this_o confusion_n the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v be_v very_o fortunate_a not_o to_o retain_v too_o much_o as_o the_o arian_n and_o macedonian_n etc._n etc._n say_v we_o do_v or_o too_o little_a as_o the_o romanist_n say_v answer_n the_o church_n of_o england_n indeed_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o expound_v scripture_n not_o that_o she_o fetch_v all_o her_o exposition_n from_o ancient_a writer_n but_o that_o she_o take_v care_v not_o to_o expound_v scripture_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o ancient_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n and_o it_o require_v no_o great_a skill_n in_o antiquity_n to_o know_v what_o this_o faith_n be_v which_o we_o repeat_v every_o day_n in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o we_o expound_v scripture_n right_a when_o the_o sense_n we_o give_v of_o it_o be_v what_o the_o word_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o text_n import_n and_o agree_v with_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v we_o no_o ancient_a record_n we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o traditionary_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n where_o the_o tradition_n be_v plain_a and_o clear_a and_o therefore_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v be_v a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o those_o interpretation_n we_o give_v of_o scripture_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o ancient_a belief_n and_o confute_v all_o the_o evasion_n and_o criticism_n of_o heretic_n for_o when_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n may_v with_o some_o art_n be_v expound_v to_o different_a sense_n either_o to_o justify_v some_o new_a or_o ancient_a heresy_n or_o the_o catholic_n faith_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o uniform_a belief_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o be_v the_o best_a judge_n what_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v by_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v and_o though_o there_o be_v indeed_o very_o ancient_a heresy_n yet_o nothing_o be_v plain_a in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n than_o the_o distinction_n between_o those_o ancient_a heresy_n and_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o therefore_o scholar_n can_v easy_o mistake_v they_o and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v unlearned_a that_o short_a and_o ancient_a summary_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n contain_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o expound_v by_o the_o nicene_n father_n in_o their_o creed_n which_o be_v in_o every_o body_n hand_n and_o part_n of_o our_o daily_a or_o weekly_a service_n be_v security_n enough_o against_o all_o fundamental_a mistake_v the_o christian_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v a_o very_a plain_a and_o easy_a resolution_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o for_o the_o positive_a article_n of_o faith_n we_o have_v the_o ancient_a creed_n which_o have_v be_v receive_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o which_o the_o most_o perverse_a heretic_n can_v deny_v to_o have_v be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v these_o mere_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o tradition_n but_o because_o we_o find_v all_o these_o doctrine_n plain_o teach_v in_o scripture_n and_o for_o this_o the_o mean_a christian_n need_v not_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o guide_n but_o have_v liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o exposition_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o which_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o convince_a in_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o a_o honest_a man_n who_o meet_v with_o a_o skilful_a guide_n may_v satisfy_v himself_o about_o it_o and_o see_v with_o his_o own_o eye_n now_o what_o great_a assurance_n can_v we_o have_v in_o this_o case_n than_o the_o harmony_n and_o consent_n of_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n which_o confirm_v and_o justify_v each_o other_o the_o apostle_n no_o doubt_n preach_v and_o write_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o be_v a_o uncorrupt_a tradition_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o that_o be_v a_o true_a exposition_n of_o scripture_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o ancient_a formulary_n of_o faith_n deliver_v down_o to_o we_o by_o a_o unquestionable_a tradition_n from_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o negative_a article_n about_o which_o be_v our_o only_a controversy_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n since_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n have_v teach_v we_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o reject_v all_o such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v not_o plain_o and_o express_o teach_v in_o scripture_n and_o this_o the_o mean_a christian_n with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o guide_n may_v understand_v for_o as_o in_o reason_n it_o must_v be_v when_o man_n will_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o the_o scripture_n proof_n which_o be_v urge_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a doctor_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n for_o their_o peculiar_a doctrine_n which_o we_o reject_v be_v so_o apparent_o unconcluding_a that_o it_o require_v very_o little_a skill_n to_o confute_v they_o and_o though_o this_o be_v reason_n enough_o of_o itself_o to_o reject_v any_o doctrine_n which_o arrogate_v the_o authority_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o teach_v it_o yet_o in_o most_o case_n we_o can_v show_v and_o that_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o mean_a understanding_n which_o be_v honest_a and_o unprejudiced_a that_o such_o doctrine_n be_v either_o in_o express_a word_n or_o by_o plain_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n reject_v and_o condemn_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o not_o to_o be_v teach_v there_o because_o it_o be_v certain_a no_o church_n can_v have_v authority_n to_o teach_v what_o the_o scripture_n condemn_v and_o then_o as_o for_o authority_n we_o appeal_v to_o the_o best_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o three_o first_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o most_o credible_a witness_n which_o be_v all_o the_o authority_n they_o can_v have_v of_o the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o can_v plain_o prove_v from_o those_o venerable_a record_n that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o dispute_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v either_o never_o teach_v or_o actual_o condemn_v by_o those_o primitive_a father_n and_o though_o in_o other_o case_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o prove_v a_o negative_a it_o be_v not_o so_o here_o because_o the_o proof_n lie_v all_o on_o the_o positive_a side_n for_o those_o who_o will_v teach_v such_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n ought_v to_o prove_v they_o for_o without_o such_o a_o proof_n they_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v on_o course_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o can_v confute_v their_o proof_n we_o need_v do_v no_o more_o and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a task_n especial_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o first_o three_o century_n for_o since_o they_o themselves_o be_v now_o ashamed_a of_o the_o counterfeit_a dionysius_n their_o decretal_a epistle_n and_o such_o like_a spurious_a write_n the_o wise_a of_o they_o pretend_v to_o very_o few_o testimony_n from_o the_o first_o writer_n and_o those_o which_o they_o do_v allege_v be_v such_o lame_a one_o as_o need_v very_o little_a confutation_n these_o be_v the_o protestant_a ground_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v
any_o other_o way_n to_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n or_o usefulness_n of_o they_o especial_o if_o beside_o the_o want_n of_o such_o a_o positive_a institution_n we_o have_v plain_a evidence_n against_o they_o and_o such_o as_o every_o man_n may_v understand_v when_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n have_v by_o one_o offer_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v hebr._n 9_o 25_o 26._o &_o 10._o 14_o this_o be_v a_o direct_a proof_n against_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n wherein_o he_o be_v offer_v ten_o thousand_o time_n every_o day_n when_o christ_n be_v the_o priest_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o can_v be_v offer_v by_o none_o but_o himself_o how_o come_v he_o to_o be_v offer_v by_o a_o mass_n priest_n unless_o he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v transubstantiate_v into_o christ_n it_o be_v certain_a there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o popish_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n unless_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v transubstantiate_v into_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o our_o sense_n can_v make_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o transubstantiation_n as_o for_o the_o half-communion_n it_o be_v confess_v that_o christ_n do_v institute_v his_o last_o supper_n in_o both_o kind_n and_o command_v they_o all_o to_o drink_v of_o the_o cup_n and_o this_o may_v satisfy_v any_o man_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v authority_n to_o repeal_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o forbid_v what_o he_o command_v and_o when_o st._n paul_n assure_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n one_o will_v think_v this_o evidence_n enough_o against_o the_o mediation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n when_o they_o can_v show_v one_o word_n for_o it_o for_o as_o for_o their_o distinction_n between_o mediator_n of_o redemption_n and_o pure_a intercession_n they_o can_v show_v it_o in_o scripture_n where_o our_o redeemer_n be_v our_o only_a advocate_n and_o when_o christ_n himself_o enforce_v and_o ratify_v that_o command_n of_o the_o law_n thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v this_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n against_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n since_o they_o have_v nothing_o for_o it_o and_o when_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n in_o scripture_n for_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o practice_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o express_o condemn_v it_o be_v evidence_n enough_o against_o it_o so_o that_o though_o man_n may_v be_v at_o the_o needless_a expense_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o learning_n in_o these_o controversy_n yet_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o learning_n require_v to_o understand_v they_o the_o mean_a man_n may_v judge_v for_o himself_o for_o the_o controversy_n turn_v upon_o so_o plain_a a_o point_n and_o there_o be_v so_o plain_a evidence_n in_o the_o case_n that_o a_o honest_a man_n may_v have_v abundant_a evidence_n and_o satisfaction_n though_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v one_o word_n of_o all_o the_o learning_n which_o be_v lose_v in_o such_o dispute_n the_o paper_n in_o short_a i_o think_v there_o be_v but_o evidence_n or_o authority_n to_o move_v we_o to_o believe_v answer_n this_o be_v certain_o true_a if_o it_o be_v right_o understand_v that_o be_v if_o by_o evidence_n be_v mean_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o by_o authority_n the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o speak_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o credible_a witness_n of_o the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o grant_v that_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v found_v both_o upon_o evidence_n and_o authority_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n and_o then_o the_o only_a fault_n of_o this_o proposition_n be_v that_o evidence_n and_o authority_n be_v oppose_v to_o each_o other_o whereas_o they_o must_v always_o go_v together_o in_o a_o true_a rational_a faith_n but_o if_o by_o evidence_n be_v mean_v all_o the_o argument_n whereby_o we_o can_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n whether_o from_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o scripture_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n and_o by_o authority_n be_v mean_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n as_o it_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o paper_n then_o at_o best_a this_o be_v a_o very_a precarious_a proposition_n without_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o truth_n that_o either_o evidence_n or_o authority_n must_v move_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o be_v that_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v resolve_v either_o into_o evidence_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n for_o how_o be_v this_o prove_v that_o when_o there_o want_v evidence_n for_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o more_o natural_a consequence_n that_o where_o there_o want_v evidence_n we_o must_v not_o believe_v at_o all_o if_o it_o have_v be_v first_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o visible_a judge_n to_o direct_v those_o who_o can_v judge_v for_o themselves_o there_o have_v be_v some_o pretence_n for_o say_v that_o we_o must_v believe_v either_o upon_o evidence_n or_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o judge_n but_o without_o prove_v this_o first_o i_o will_v desire_v any_o man_n to_o prove_v to_o i_o that_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o believe_v what_o i_o have_v no_o evidence_n for_o or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o no_o such_o evidence_n as_o i_o can_v understand_v and_o if_o i_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v without_o evidence_n how_o can_v the_o want_n of_o evidence_n prove_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o visible_a judge_n into_o who_o authority_n i_o must_v resolve_v my_o faith_n the_o paper_n evidence_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n be_v impossible_a but_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o the_o mean_a man_n with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o learned_a and_o faithful_a guide_n may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o know_v but_o suppose_v at_o present_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n can_v do_v this_o yet_o can_v learned_a man_n do_v it_o and_o one_o will_v think_v if_o there_o be_v any_o evidence_n at_o least_o learned_a man_n may_v understand_v it_o for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o evident_a neither_o to_o the_o learned_a nor_o to_o the_o unlearned_a i_o fear_v be_v no_o evidence_n at_o all_o unless_o there_o be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o evidence_n as_o be_v evident_a to_o no_o body_n and_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v bring_v thing_n to_o a_o fine_a pass_n if_o she_o must_v be_v force_v to_o deny_v that_o we_o have_v any_o evidence_n for_o our_o religion_n now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o evidence_n for_o our_o religion_n and_o learned_a man_n may_v understand_v it_o then_o at_o least_o learned_a man_n may_v judge_v for_o themselves_o and_o not_o depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o judge_n and_o thus_o there_o be_v no_o need_n nay_o there_o can_v be_v no_o use_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n for_o the_o learned_a part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o to_o say_v that_o learned_a man_n have_v evidence_n to_o ground_v their_o faith_n on_o and_o yet_o must_v not_o believe_v according_a to_o evidence_n but_o authority_n be_v to_o say_v that_o man_n have_v eye_n but_o must_v not_o use_v they_o to_o see_v their_o own_o way_n but_o must_v follow_v a_o guide_n blindfold_a and_o yet_o if_o learned_a man_n be_v allow_v to_o see_v and_o judge_v for_o themselves_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n will_v signify_v very_o little_a for_o it_o be_v learn_v man_n who_o start_v difficulty_n and_o manage_v dispute_n and_o be_v the_o author_n and_o patron_n of_o heresy_n and_o if_o these_o learned_a man_n who_o may_v and_o must_v judge_v for_o themselves_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o and_o from_o the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n what_o remedy_n be_v there_o nay_o if_o learned_a man_n must_v judge_v for_o themselves_o according_a to_o the_o evidence_n they_o have_v of_o thing_n and_o not_o be_v overrule_v by_o authority_n without_o evidence_n there_o can_v be_v no_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n for_o a_o authority_n which_o may_v be_v contradict_v as_o it_o may_v be_v if_o learned_a man_n must_v judge_v for_o themselves_o can_v be_v no_o authority_n either_o with_o the_o learned_a or_o unlearned_a for_o the_o unlearned_a will_v have_v no_o great_a reverence_n for_o that_o authority_n which_o
as_o well_o as_o bishop_n from_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o believe_v and_o practise_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o through_o all_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o this_o day_n than_o what_o st._n peter_n teach_v they_o though_o this_o will_v not_o make_v they_o the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n yet_o they_o will_v be_v good_a witness_n of_o the_o apostolical_a faith_n and_o there_o will_v be_v great_a reason_n to_o inquire_v what_o their_o faith_n and_o worship_n be_v but_o their_o mere_a succession_n to_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v neither_o diminish_v nor_o add_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o there_o be_v no_o natural_a necessity_n that_o those_o who_o succeed_v shall_v always_o be_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o their_o predecessor_n and_o we_o have_v plain_a evidence_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v in_o several_a age_n make_v new_a and_o strange_a addition_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o their_o succession_n of_o bishop_n without_o a_o succession_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n be_v little_a worth_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o stranger_n still_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretence_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o judge_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o she_o have_v this_o authority_n what_o advantage_n have_v confidence_n above_o modesty_n over_o weak_a mind_n the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v pretend_v this_o with_o as_o much_o reason_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o she_o disow_v infallibility_n lose_v all_o claim_n to_o it_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v to_o infallibility_n it_o seem_v gain_v a_o right_a to_o it_o by_o possession_n and_o usurpation_n but_o the_o argument_n such_o as_o it_o be_v seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n wish_v in_o this_o confusion_n of_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n and_o therefore_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n a_o judge_n be_v very_o useful_a and_o necessary_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v such_o a_o judge_n and_o no_o other_o church_n pretend_v to_o that_o authority_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n therefore_o she_o alone_o be_v that_o judge_n which_o be_v such_o a_o chain_n of_o consequence_n as_o hang_v together_o by_o magic_n for_o they_o have_v no_o natural_a connexion_n if_o we_o do_v think_v a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n useful_a do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v such_o a_o judge_n when_o there_o be_v no_o appearance_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n or_o if_o god_n have_v appoint_v such_o a_o judge_n do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v to_o be_v that_o judge_n when_o she_o can_v show_v no_o commission_n for_o it_o prove_v that_o she_o be_v so_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v whatever_o divine_v they_o be_v if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o who_o wish_v for_o such_o a_o judge_n to_o unite_v the_o whole_a christian_a church_n in_o faith_n and_o worship_n take_v very_o wrong_a measure_n of_o thing_n and_o because_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o this_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o end_v this_o controversy_n i_o shall_v discourse_v particular_o of_o it_o 1._o first_o then_o i_o observe_v that_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n who_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o all_o case_n to_o believe_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o constitution_n of_o human_a nature_n man_n be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o understand_v and_o judge_v for_o himself_o and_o therefore_o to_o submit_v to_o any_o man_n judgement_n how_o infallible_a soever_o he_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v without_o understanding_n and_o judge_v for_o ourselves_o be_v a_o unnatural_a imposition_n upon_o mankind_n this_o destroy_v human_a nature_n and_o transform_v a_o man_n who_o be_v a_o know_v and_o intelligent_a creature_n into_o a_o senseless_a though_o infallible_a machine_n which_o move_v by_o external_a direction_n not_o from_o a_o inward_a principle_n of_o knowledge_n and_o life_n to_o know_v and_o to_o follow_v a_o guide_n without_o any_o knowledge_n or_o judgement_n of_o our_o own_o be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n the_o first_o be_v the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n the_o other_o a_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n without_o understanding_n for_o though_o i_o have_v a_o entire_a system_n of_o true_a proposition_n which_o i_o must_v exercise_v no_o act_n of_o reason_n and_o judgement_n about_o but_o only_o receive_v they_o as_o the_o dictate_v of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n this_o be_v not_o human_a knowledge_n this_o be_v no_o perfection_n of_o human_a understanding_n no_o man_n be_v a_o jot_n the_o wise_a or_o more_o know_v for_o all_o this_o no_o more_o than_o he_o will_v be_v who_o can_v repeat_v all_o the_o proposition_n in_o euclid_n and_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v all_o true_a upon_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o master_n but_o know_v not_o how_o to_o demonstrate_v any_o one_o of_o they_o which_o be_v to_o understand_v nothing_o about_o they_o now_o i_o can_v never_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v destroy_v human_a nature_n by_o suspend_v all_o the_o act_n of_o reason_n and_o judgement_n to_o make_v man_n infallible_a which_o be_v a_o certain_a way_n indeed_o to_o prevent_v error_n to_o let_v man_n know_v and_o judge_v of_o nothing_o that_o they_o may_v not_o mistake_v but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o value_v knowledge_n so_o much_o that_o i_o have_v rather_o venture_v some_o mistake_v than_o forfeit_v my_o understanding_n if_o my_o faith_n must_v be_v resolve_v whole_o into_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n though_o i_o may_v think_v i_o understand_v some_o thing_n yet_o i_o must_v not_o believe_v for_o that_o reason_n for_o than_o i_o must_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o i_o do_v understand_v and_o see_v a_o reason_n for_o which_o make_v every_o man_n his_o own_o judge_n but_o i_o must_v believe_v my_o judge_n with_o or_o without_o understanding_n without_o the_o exercise_n of_o my_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n which_o may_v make_v we_o good_a catholic_n but_o do_v also_o unman_v we_o but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v we_o not_o bind_v to_o believe_v infallible_a teacher_n who_o we_o know_v to_o be_v infallible_a and_o have_v not_o god_n in_o several_a age_n give_v such_o teacher_n to_o the_o world_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o must_v we_o not_o resign_v up_o our_o understanding_n to_o they_o and_o do_v this_o unman_v we_o why_o then_o may_v we_o not_o resign_v up_o our_o understanding_n to_o a_o infallible_a judge_n now_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v have_v we_o live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o any_o other_o infallible_a teacher_n now_o for_o answer_n to_o this_o consider_v second_o that_o no_o infallible_a teacher_n can_v whole_o supersede_n the_o exercise_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n for_o though_o the_o immediate_a authority_n of_o god_n must_v and_o aught_o in_o all_o case_n to_o over-rule_v we_o and_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o rational_a account_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o believe_v god_n who_o be_v eternal_a truth_n yet_o when_o any_o man_n pretend_v to_o teach_v by_o god_n authority_n we_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n judge_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o not_o believe_v every_o one_o who_o pretend_v to_o come_v from_o god_n which_o resolve_v the_o very_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n into_o our_o own_o private_a judgement_n and_o therefore_o by_o this_o rule_n we_o must_v at_o least_o use_v our_o own_o judgement_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o our_o judge_n which_o in_o our_o present_a case_n will_v infer_v the_o use_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n as_o to_o all_o the_o material_a dispute_n in_o religion_n and_o make_v such_o a_o judge_n needless_a when_o we_o have_v find_v he_o of_o which_o more_o present_o nay_o second_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o such_o a_o teacher_n by_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a principle_n of_o knowledge_n for_o let_v a_o man_n pretend_v never_o so_o much_o to_o a_o divine_a authority_n if_o he_o preach_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v he_o no_o not_o though_o he_o shall_v work_v miracle_n for_o we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o come_v from_o god_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a notice_n god_n have_v give_v we_o of_o thing_n and_o as_o god_n can_v contradict_v himself_o so_o we_o can_v never_o be_v sure_a that_o any_o man_n speak_v from_o god_n than_o we_o be_v of_o what_o sense_n and_o reason_n teach_v and_o if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v but_o suffer_v we_o to_o judge_v thus_o far_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o infallible_a demonstration_n
whole_o reject_v it_o or_o set_v up_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n and_o in_o my_o opinion_n the_o infidel_n seem_v to_o have_v the_o better_a of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o immediate_a consequence_n not_o to_o believe_v what_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o but_o i_o can_v see_v no_o connexion_n in_o the_o world_n between_o the_o want_n of_o certainty_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n something_o to_o be_v sure_o must_v come_v between_o to_o unite_v they_o together_o and_o the_o least_o we_o can_v think_v of_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v be_v certain_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o make_v we_o certain_a but_o a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o therefore_o since_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o religion_n without_o such_o a_o judge_n we_o must_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v one_o but_o now_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o want_v evidence_n to_o make_v christianity_n certain_a how_o do_v they_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v be_v certain_a of_o it_o which_o signify_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v be_v certain_a of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o certain_a and_o methinks_v it_o want_v a_o little_a proof_n too_o that_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n be_v the_o only_a possible_a way_n to_o make_v man_n certain_a i_o will_v advise_v all_o papist_n not_o to_o press_v this_o argument_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o religion_n too_o far_o lest_o when_o they_o come_v to_o consider_v it_o thorough_o it_o make_v they_o infidel_n but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v but_o reasonable_a what_o great_a certainty_n can_v they_o desire_v than_o we_o have_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o a_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a write_n which_o all_o honest_a and_o diligent_a inquirer_n at_o least_o with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o guide_n may_v understand_v in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o persuade_v we_o of_o the_o reason_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o pardon_v involuntary_a mistake_v second_o the_o next_o pretence_n for_o a_o infallible_a judge_n be_v unity_n for_o we_o see_v by_o sad_a experience_n that_o while_o every_o man_n judge_n for_o himself_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v divide_v into_o sect_n and_o party_n who_o first_o differ_v in_o their_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o then_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o communion_n and_o thus_o it_o necessary_o must_n and_o will_v be_v till_o all_o submit_v to_o one_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o unite_v in_o one_o visible_a head_n and_o therefore_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o christ_n intend_v that_o all_o his_o disciple_n shall_v live_v in_o unity_n with_o each_o other_o which_o he_o so_o strict_o enjoin_v and_o so_o passionate_o recommend_v we_o must_v conclude_v that_o he_o have_v appoint_v some_o effectual_a mean_n to_o end_v all_o controversy_n and_o to_o unite_v they_o in_o one_o communion_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o infallible_a and_o govern_v head_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o considenr_v 1._o that_o a_o supreme_a visible_a head_n as_o suppose_v the_o pope_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o if_o all_o christian_a church_n live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o they_o will_v be_v one_o church_n though_o they_o be_v all_o equal_a without_o own_v the_o supremacy_n of_o one_o over_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o that_o christ_n institute_v but_o one_o church_n and_o require_v all_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o one_o visible_a head_n because_o they_o may_v be_v one_o without_o such_o a_o head_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v all_o the_o unity_n christ_n intend_v but_o of_o this_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o follow_a paper_n 2._o though_o christ_n have_v make_v unity_n necessary_a with_o the_o necessity_n of_o duty_n it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o he_o have_v appoint_v infallible_a and_o necessary_a mean_n of_o unity_n i_o suppose_v all_o man_n will_v grant_v that_o christ_n have_v make_v holiness_n as_o necessary_a as_o unity_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v appoint_v no_o necessary_a and_o infallible_a mean_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n but_o we_o see_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n suffer_v as_o much_o by_o the_o wickedness_n as_o by_o the_o division_n of_o her_o member_n unity_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o so_o be_v holiness_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o both_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o own_o choice_n and_o liberty_n and_o if_o the_o command_v and_o exhortation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o another_o world_n with_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n will_v not_o make_v man_n do_v their_o duty_n i_o know_v of_o nothing_o else_o that_o can_v and_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o christ_n be_v more_o concern_v for_o the_o unity_n than_o for_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o church_n 3._o for_o three_o i_o think_v it_o a_o great_a mistake_n to_o attribute_v all_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n to_o want_v of_o evidence_n and_o all_o division_n to_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o lust_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o both_o or_o else_o both_o heresy_n and_o schism_n be_v more_o innocent_a thing_n than_o i_o take_v they_o to_o be_v all_o the_o world_n can_v preserve_v man_n who_o have_v any_o interest_n to_o serve_v by_o it_o from_o be_v heretic_n for_o interest_n will_v make_v man_n teach_v heresy_n without_o believe_v they_o or_o believe_v they_o without_o reason_n and_o interest_n and_o faction_n will_v divide_v the_o church_n where_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o of_o which_o the_o donatist_n of_o old_a be_v a_o sad_a example_n and_o there_o be_v a_o present_a and_o sensible_a example_n of_o this_o which_o the_o romanist_n must_v own_v and_o yet_o if_o they_o own_v it_o it_o utter_o destroy_v all_o their_o pretence_n to_o infallibility_n and_o supremacy_n as_o such_o certain_a and_o infallible_a remedy_n for_o heresy_n and_o schism_n for_o they_o must_v say_v as_o they_o do_v that_o christ_n have_v vest_v st._n peter_n and_o his_o successor_n the_o pope_n of_o rome_n with_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o church_n here_o than_o be_v their_o infallible_a cure_n of_o schism_n how_o then_o come_v all_o those_o schism_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n for_o there_o be_v a_o good_a number_n of_o they_o notwithstanding_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n and_o some_o more_o for_o that_o reason_n have_v not_o christ_n appoint_v a_o head_n of_o unity_n yes_o but_o other_o bishop_n and_o church_n will_v submit_v to_o he_o how_o not_o to_o christ_n vicar_n how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v why_o they_o dispute_v his_o authority_n and_o have_v not_o christ_n plain_o give_v he_o this_o authority_n yes_o but_o they_o will_v see_v it_o but_o be_v this_o inculpable_a ignorance_n or_o pride_n and_o faction_n if_o the_o first_o than_o they_o must_v grant_v there_o want_v certain_a evidence_n for_o this_o infallible_a head_n and_o this_o they_o must_v not_o say_v if_o the_o second_o than_o the_o vice_n of_o man_n will_v make_v the_o institution_n of_o a_o supreme_a head_n as_o ineffectual_a to_o prevent_v schism_n as_o the_o command_v of_o our_o saviour_n be_v and_o it_o argue_v a_o good_a degree_n of_o assurance_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o pretend_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a head_n and_o judge_n of_o controversy_n to_o prevent_v heresy_n and_o schism_n when_o though_o they_o say_v that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v such_o a_o head_n and_o judge_n yet_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n for_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v never_o the_o few_o heresy_n nor_o schism_n for_o it_o by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o infallible_a remedy_n against_o they_o well!_o but_o it_o will_v be_v so_o if_o all_o man_n will_v submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o infallible_a judge_n very_o right_a and_o so_o any_o other_o way_n will_v do_v in_o which_o all_o man_n will_v agree_v for_o than_o i_o guess_v they_o will_v be_v all_o of_o a_o mind_n but_o this_o give_v no_o advantage_n to_o a_o infallible_a judge_n above_o any_o other_o mean_n of_o union_n and_o therefore_o the_o necessity_n of_o unity_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n for_o if_o the_o romanist_n be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o christ_n do_v appoint_v such_o a_o judge_n and_o such_o a_o judge_n be_v such_o a_o infallible_a mean_n of_o unity_n
we_o shall_v have_v have_v no_o dispute_n about_o it_o at_o this_o day_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v out_o in_o one_o either_o christ_n have_v appoint_v no_o such_o judge_n or_o this_o can_v prevent_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n 4._o four_o there_o be_v a_o easy_a and_o effectual_a way_n of_o cure_v church_n division_n without_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n nay_o without_o make_v all_o man_n of_o a_o mind_n in_o every_o thing_n which_o must_v never_o be_v expect_v in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o be_v not_o to_o make_v the_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n straight_a and_o narrow_a than_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v essential_a to_o christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n for_o such_o matter_n most_o christian_n agree_v in_o and_o though_o they_o may_v have_v some_o private_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o divide_v communion_n while_o they_o do_v not_o impose_v they_o upon_o the_o faith_n of_o other_o nor_o introduce_v any_o new_a and_o strange_a worship_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o for_o example_n the_o church_n of_o england_n believe_v and_o practice_n whatever_o be_v think_v necessary_a in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o for_o some_o age_n after_o and_o there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o dispute_n about_o these_o matter_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n so_o that_o we_o can_v to_o this_o day_n without_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n maintain_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n upon_o the_o same_o term_n that_o the_o apostolic_a church_n maintain_v communion_n with_o each_o other_o for_o we_o both_o agree_v in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o church_n communion_n so_o that_o the_o schism_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n for_o without_o own_v such_o a_o judge_n we_o agree_v in_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a in_o all_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n require_v to_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o will_v receive_v no_o other_o church_n into_o her_o communion_n without_o own_v her_o sovereign_n and_o supreme_a authority_n nor_o without_o believe_v many_o doctrine_n manifest_o absurd_a in_o themselves_o and_o never_o teach_v in_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o without_o join_v in_o such_o a_o worship_n which_o they_o themselves_o dare_v not_o say_v be_v necessary_a for_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o for_o their_o pray_v to_o saint_n and_o worship_v image_n and_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o which_o we_o think_v be_v sinful_a if_o these_o thing_n be_v remove_v we_o can_v glad_o communicate_v with_o they_o upon_o true_a catholic_n principle_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o judge_n but_o only_o to_o determine_v those_o controversy_n which_o she_o herself_o have_v make_v in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o primitive_a faith_n of_o christian_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o commend_v her_o policy_n that_o she_o will_v allow_v no_o body_n to_o be_v judge_n of_o these_o dispute_n but_o herself_o will_v all_o man_n submit_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o will_v certain_o restore_v peace_n and_o unity_n to_o the_o church_n but_o to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o truth_n and_o hazard_v of_o man_n soul_n and_o we_o must_v not_o purchase_v a_o mere_a external_a unity_n at_o this_o rate_n those_o man_n overvalue_v unity_n who_o part_n with_o truth_n for_o it_o for_o certain_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o more_o considerable_a than_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o faith_n and_o worship_n the_o paper_n these_o reason_n make_v i_o think_v a_o visible_a judge_n absolute_o necessary_a answer_n what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v i_o hope_v may_v occasion_v some_o new_a and_o different_a thought_n of_o this_o matter_n but_o since_o certainty_n be_v the_o great_a and_o prevail_a argument_n let_v we_o turn_v the_o table_n and_o see_v what_o certainty_n a_o roman_n catholic_n have_v his_o faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a and_o infallible_a judge_n this_o i_o confess_v bid_v very_o fair_a for_o he_o that_o follow_v a_o infallible_a guide_n can_v err_v but_o whoever_o consider_v this_o matter_n careful_o will_v find_v all_o this_o talk_n of_o infallibility_n dwindle_v into_o nothing_o for_o first_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n before_o we_o can_v with_o certainty_n and_o assurance_n rely_v on_o he_o we_o must_v certain_o know_v who_o he_o be_v for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o have_v no_o infallible_a judge_n and_o not_o to_o know_v where_o to_o find_v he_o and_o this_o be_v a_o difficulty_n which_o those_o person_n little_o consider_v who_o please_v themselves_o so_o much_o with_o the_o fancy_n of_o infallibility_n for_o 1._o papist_n themselves_o be_v not_o agree_v about_o this_o matter_n some_o will_v have_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v infallible_a as_o peter_n successor_n and_o in_o his_o right_n other_o the_o church_n assemble_v in_o a_o general_n council_n other_o neither_o pope_n nor_o council_n distinct_o and_o separately_z consider_v but_o a_o council_n confirm_v by_o the_o pope_n other_o none_o of_o all_o this_o but_o tradition_n be_v infallible_a infallibility_n they_o all_o agree_v to_o but_o know_v not_o where_o this_o infallibility_n be_v seat_v now_o what_o shall_v a_o doubt_a protestant_n do_v who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v as_o infallible_a as_o any_o of_o they_o do_v he_o know_v where_o to_o find_v this_o infallibility_n may_v he_o not_o as_o easy_o choose_v his_o own_o religion_n and_o what_o church_n he_o will_v live_v in_o communion_n with_o as_o which_o of_o these_o infallible_a judge_n to_o follow_v which_o soever_o of_o these_o he_o reject_v he_o have_v a_o considerable_a party_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n on_o his_o side_n the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o he_o be_v so_o far_o satisfy_v with_o their_o reason_n against_o each_o other_o that_o he_o reject_v they_o all_o and_o he_o have_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o if_o god_n have_v intend_v to_o appoint_v a_o judge_n to_o end_v all_o dispute_n certain_o he_o will_v have_v do_v this_o so_o manifest_o that_o there_o shall_v have_v be_v no_o dispute_n who_o this_o judge_n be_v for_o methinks_v a_o doubtful_a and_o disputable_a judge_n be_v not_o a_o very_a proper_a person_n to_o end_v all_o dispute_n 2._o nay_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o roman_a divine_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o prove_v either_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o judge_n or_o who_o this_o judge_n be_v for_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o judge_n he_o must_v be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o then_o we_o must_v look_v for_o his_o commission_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o know_v what_o the_o gospel_n be_v or_o what_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o it_o but_o from_o the_o infallible_a judge_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v out_o either_o the_o judge_n or_o the_o scripture_n because_o we_o have_v no_o place_n to_o begin_v at_o if_o we_o begin_v with_o the_o judge_n we_o be_v a_o little_a too_o hasty_a because_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o find_v he_o and_o if_o we_o begin_v with_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v as_o bad_a because_o we_o can_v understand_v they_o before_o we_o have_v find_v the_o judge_n so_o that_o we_o must_v take_v one_o of_o they_o for_o grant_v without_o any_o proof_n and_o by_o that_o find_v out_o the_o other_o and_o that_o be_v neither_o better_o nor_o worse_o than_o to_o take_v they_o both_o for_o grant_v which_o be_v a_o admirable_a foundation_n for_o infallibility_n at_o all_o adventure_n to_o choose_v a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o then_o to_o believe_v he_o at_o all_o adventure_n so_o that_o though_o man_n who_o have_v always_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n may_v in_o time_n grow_v very_o confident_a of_o it_o and_o take_v it_o for_o a_o first_o principle_n which_o need_v no_o proof_n yet_o i_o wonder_v how_o any_o protestant_n who_o have_v be_v teach_v otherwise_o and_o if_o he_o act_v wise_o and_o like_o a_o honest_a man_n can_v believe_v it_o till_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o he_o can_v ever_o entertain_v such_o a_o thought_n for_o let_v his_o adversary_n be_v never_o so_o subtle_a if_o he_o resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o see_v prove_v he_o may_v maintain_v his_o ground_n against_o he_o as_o to_o represent_v this_o brief_o in_o a_o dialogue_n between_o a_o papist_n and_o a_o protestant_n papist_n i_o pity_v your_o condition_n sir_n to_o see_v you_o live_v at_o such_o uncertainty_n for_o your_o religion_n and_o
a_o mind_n to_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o must_v go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o enlarge_v and_o improve_v their_o faith_n for_o we_o shall_v never_o believe_v they_o but_o if_o they_o can_v be_v content_v with_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n profess_v we_o have_v as_o much_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n for_o that_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o have_v and_o how_o they_o can_v better_v themselves_o by_o go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o to_o these_o point_n i_o can_v tell_v since_o we_o believe_v as_o orthodox_o as_o they_o second_o as_o for_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o we_o reject_v because_o we_o have_v no_o evidence_n for_o they_o but_o only_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v no_o evidence_n to_o we_o because_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a itself_o we_o think_v ourselves_o much_o safe_o in_o reject_v than_o we_o can_v be_v in_o own_v they_o and_o that_o for_o this_o plain_a reason_n that_o though_o we_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o reject_v such_o doctrine_n as_o we_o be_v very_o certain_a we_o be_v not_o yet_o they_o be_v such_o mistake_v as_o do_v no_o injury_n to_o common_a christianity_n no_o dishonour_n to_o our_o common_a saviour_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v dangerous_a to_o our_o soul_n whereas_o if_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v as_o we_o say_v they_o be_v innovation_n and_o corruption_n of_o christianity_n they_o be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a corruption_n as_o to_o show_v this_o in_o some_o few_o instance_n what_o injury_n be_v it_o to_o christianity_n not_o to_o believe_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o council_n while_o we_o believe_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o be_v infallible_a which_o be_v infallibility_n enough_o to_o direct_v the_o christian_a church_n for_o while_o we_o adhere_v to_o what_o they_o teach_v we_o can_v neither_o believe_v too_o little_a nor_o too_o much_o but_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o stand_v to_o his_o authority_n and_o to_o receive_v all_o his_o dictate_v without_o examination_n and_o how_o dangerous_a be_v this_o if_o he_o shall_v prove_v not_o to_o be_v infallible_a for_o than_o he_o may_v lead_v we_o into_o damnable_a error_n and_o we_o have_v no_o way_n to_o get_v out_o of_o they_o while_o we_o own_o the_o supremacy_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o of_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n under_o christ_n what_o do_v the_o church_n suffer_v by_o deny_v the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o pope_n when_o sovereign_a prince_n and_o bishop_n may_v govern_v their_o several_a church_n as_o well_o or_o better_a without_o he_o this_o indeed_o destroy_v the_o papal_a monarchy_n but_o christ_n be_v king_n still_o and_o the_o church_n be_v never_o the_o worse_a church_n because_o it_o be_v not_o a_o universal_a monarchy_n which_o christ_n never_o intend_v it_o shall_v be_v but_o if_o we_o give_v the_o supremacy_n to_o the_o pope_n and_o he_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o by_o christ_n institution_n this_o be_v a_o invasion_n upon_o the_o right_n of_o all_o the_o christian_a bishop_n in_o the_o world_n make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o govern_v or_o reform_v their_o own_o church_n whatever_o occasion_n there_o be_v without_o leave_n from_o the_o pope_n which_o very_a thing_n have_v hinder_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o these_o last_o age_n when_o it_o have_v be_v so_o earnest_o press_v both_o by_o christian_a prince_n and_o bishop_n of_o that_o communion_n witness_v the_o managemént_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n nay_o this_o be_v a_o invasion_n on_o the_o right_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n to_o set_v a_o superior_a over_o they_o in_o their_o own_o dominion_n who_o can_v command_v their_o subject_n with_o a_o more_o sacred_a authority_n and_o how_o fatal_a this_o may_v prove_v to_o prince_n and_o what_o a_o snare_n and_o temptation_n to_o subject_n some_o example_n of_o former_a age_n may_v satisfy_v we_o suppose_v we_o shall_v be_v mistake_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o pray_v to_o saint_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o want_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n by_o not_o do_v it_o and_o certain_o our_o saviour_n can_v think_v it_o any_o injury_n to_o his_o mediation_n that_o we_o so_o whole_o rely_v upon_o his_o intercession_n that_o we_o desire_v no_o other_o advocate_n and_o that_o we_o be_v so_o jealous_a of_o his_o glory_n that_o we_o will_v not_o admit_v the_o most_o glorious_a saint_n to_o the_o least_o partnership_n with_o he_o and_o this_o will_v make_v he_o our_o advocate_n in_o deed_n when_o he_o see_v we_o will_v have_v no_o other_o but_o if_o he_o be_v our_o only_a mediator_n and_o advocate_n by_o god_n appointment_n and_o his_o own_o purchase_n let_v those_o who_o unnecessary_o apply_v themselves_o to_o so_o many_o other_o mediator_n consider_v how_o our_o only_a mediator_n will_v like_v it_o suppose_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o worship_n god_n or_o christ_n by_o image_n which_o we_o think_v express_o forbid_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n yet_o will_v they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o affront_n or_o injury_n to_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n to_o worship_v he_o without_o image_n if_o that_o lovely_a idea_n we_o have_v of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n if_o the_o remembrance_n of_o what_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o make_v we_o true_o and_o sincere_o and_o passionate_o devout_a what_o need_n have_v we_o of_o a_o image_n which_o be_v pretend_v only_o to_o be_v a_o help_n to_o devotion_n and_o therefore_o of_o no_o use_n to_o those_o who_o can_v be_v devout_a without_o it_o but_o he_o who_o consider_v what_o god_n jealousy_n mean_v must_v needs_o think_v it_o dangerous_a to_o worship_v the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o saint_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v be_v forbid_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o all_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v never_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o though_o latin_a prayer_n be_v lawful_a in_o english_a congregation_n who_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o yet_o be_v it_o unlawful_a to_o pray_v in_o english_a be_v it_o any_o dishonour_n to_o god_n any_o injury_n to_o religion_n that_o man_n pray_v with_o their_o understanding_n if_o true_a worship_n begin_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o our_o understanding_n must_v govern_v our_o affection_n i_o shall_v fear_v that_o to_o pray_v without_o understanding_n what_o i_o pray_v will_v not_o be_v accept_v by_o that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n and_o must_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o christ_n once_a offering_n himself_o upon_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o sufficient_a sacrifice_n propitiation_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n what_o injury_n do_v we_o to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n though_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v offer_v again_o every_o day_n in_o ten_o thousand_o mass_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o in_o the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o eat_v the_o sacramental_a body_n and_o drink_v the_o sacramental_a blood_n of_o christ_n which_o by_o his_o own_o institution_n do_v as_o real_o and_o effectual_o convey_v to_o we_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n as_o if_o we_o can_v eat_v his_o natural_a flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n what_o injury_n do_v the_o church_n suffer_v by_o deny_v transubstantiation_n and_o if_o when_o we_o approach_v his_o holy_a table_n we_o worship_v christ_n in_o heaven_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n be_v not_o this_o as_o true_a a_o honour_n to_o our_o saviour_n as_o to_o worship_v he_o under_o the_o species_n of_o bread_n but_o if_o transubstantiation_n be_v false_a what_o a_o hazard_n do_v that_o man_n run_v who_o worship_v a_o piece_n of_o bread_n which_o the_o most_o learned_a romanist_n themselves_o grant_v to_o be_v idolatry_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o christ_n alone_o have_v a_o judicial_a power_n to_o forgive_v sin_n and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o ministerial_a authority_n to_o take_v in_o or_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o only_a state_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o ministerial_a remit_v or_o retain_v of_o sin_n and_o sufficient_a to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v not_o this_o as_o much_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n as_o any_o christian_a have_v need_n of_o though_o we_o deny_v that_o the_o priest_n have_v a_o judicial_a
or_o praetorian_a authority_n to_o forgive_v sin_n which_o be_v not_o compatible_a to_o any_o creature_n for_o what_o can_v any_o man_n desire_v more_o have_v to_o be_v put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o be_v final_o acquit_v and_o absolve_v in_o the_o next_o but_o if_o the_o priest_n have_v no_o such_o judicial_a authority_n to_o forgive_v sin_n what_o a_o fatal_a mistake_n be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o rely_v on_o such_o a_o ineffectual_a absolution_n what_o a_o miserable_a surprise_n will_v it_o be_v for_o those_o who_o think_v themselves_o pardon_v by_o the_o priest_n to_o be_v condemn_v by_o christ_n though_o we_o deny_v such_o a_o place_n as_o purgatory_n be_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n as_o good_a a_o argument_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n or_o do_v it_o lessen_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o sinner_n to_o say_v that_o god_n remit_v all_o future_a punishment_n when_o he_o remit_v the_o sin_n but_o if_o the_o hope_n of_o expiate_v their_o sin_n in_o purgatory_n and_o of_o be_v pray_v out_o of_o it_o shall_v embolden_v any_o man_n in_o sin_n what_o a_o disappointment_n will_v it_o be_v to_o find_v their_o purgatory_n to_o be_v hell_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o we_o can_v suffer_v nothing_o by_o deny_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o unless_o the_o causeless_a anathema_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v damn_v we_o but_o the_o hazard_n be_v so_o vast_o great_a on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o mistake_n will_v prove_v so_o fatal_a if_o they_o be_v in_o a_o mistake_n that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n can_v justify_v the_o prudence_n of_o such_o a_o choice_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o such_o fallible_a creature_n as_o we_o own_v ourselves_o to_o be_v to_o venture_v on_o they_o we_o be_v safe_a as_o we_o be_v and_o we_o think_v it_o best_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o so_o though_o we_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v safe_a three_o safe_a i_o say_v we_o be_v in_o reject_v these_o doctrine_n unless_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o by_o reject_v they_o we_o want_v something_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n especial_o wherein_o the_o romanist_n think_v they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o we_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o some_o protestant_n be_v persuade_v to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o that_o of_o rome_n that_o they_o eat_v the_o natural_a flesh_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o receive_v a_o judicial_a pardon_n of_o all_o their_o sin_n by_o the_o absolution_n of_o the_o priest_n which_o we_o confess_v we_o do_v not_o now_o suppose_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o eat_v the_o natural_a flesh_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o christ_n will_v not_o forgive_v any_o man_n who_o be_v not_o before_o forgive_v by_o the_o priest_n yet_o if_o these_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v they_o as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o no_o man_n need_v go_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o they_o if_o the_o word_n of_o consecration_n this_o be_v my_o body_n do_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n transubstantiate_v the_o bread_n into_o the_o natural_a flesh_n of_o christ_n these_o word_n must_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n when_o pronounce_v by_o a_o priest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o give_v we_o his_o natural_a flesh_n to_o eat_v we_o do_v eat_v it_o as_o much_o as_o they_o for_o we_o eat_v the_o consecrate_a element_n which_o be_v whatever_o christ_n intend_v to_o make_v they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o consecration_n for_o our_o not_o believe_v transubstantiation_n can_v hinder_v the_o virtue_n of_o consecration_n if_o christ_n have_v so_o appoint_v it_o for_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o change_v their_o nature_n with_o man_n opinion_n about_o they_o thus_o penitent_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v confess_v their_o sin_n to_o a_o priest_n if_o they_o please_v and_o receive_v absolution_n and_o if_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v a_o judicial_a absolution_n than_o they_o have_v it_o and_o need_v not_o go_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o it_o there_o be_v but_o two_o objection_n that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o this_o either_o that_o we_o have_v no_o true_a priest_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o consecration_n of_o the_o element_n or_o that_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v necessary_a to_o consecration_n and_o nothing_o more_o be_v do_v than_o what_o the_o priest_n intend_v to_o do_v and_o therefore_o no_o priest_n can_v transubstantiate_v but_o he_o who_o intend_v to_o transubstantiate_v 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o if_o there_o be_v no_o true_a priest_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o our_o bishop_n and_o priest_n derive_v their_o succession_n from_o those_o bishop_n who_o receive_v order_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o have_v as_o good_a order_n as_o they_o can_v give_v and_o as_o they_o themselves_o have_v and_o if_o we_o have_v as_o true_a bishop_n and_o priest_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o must_v have_v as_o perfect_a sacrament_n as_o they_o also_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o to_o intend_v to_o do_v what_o the_o church_n do_v and_o why_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o do_v what_o christ_n do_v as_o good_a and_o perfect_a a_o intention_n as_o this_o and_o thus_o we_o all_o intend_v to_o do_v what_o christ_n do_v which_o be_v all_o the_o intention_n that_o can_v be_v necessary_a to_o consecration_n unless_o the_o private_a opinion_n of_o the_o priest_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o institution_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n depend_v upon_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n for_o consecration_n no_o papist_n can_v ever_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o bread_n be_v consecrate_v and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v not_o transubstantiate_v and_o therefore_o i_o think_v they_o may_v compound_v this_o business_n and_o allow_v we_o transubstantiation_n if_o we_o will_v allow_v it_o they_o we_o want_v it_o not_o indeed_o and_o care_v not_o for_o it_o but_o those_o who_o lie_v so_o much_o stress_n upon_o it_o need_v not_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o that_o reason_n at_o least_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o we_o want_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n let_v we_o but_o observe_v the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o we_o need_v not_o fear_n but_o we_o shall_v receive_v all_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n which_o christ_n intend_v to_o convey_v to_o we_o in_o that_o sacrament_n which_o those_o can_v never_o be_v sure_a of_o who_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o institution_n but_o receive_v only_o a_o part_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n instead_o of_o the_o whole_a be_v these_o thing_n well_o consider_v i_o persuade_v myself_o no_o man_n will_v see_v any_o cause_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n where_o he_o have_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n without_o oppress_v his_o faith_n with_o doctrine_n hard_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o endanger_v his_o soul_n by_o doubtful_a and_o suspicious_a practice_n at_o best_a the_o index_n the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n of_o no_o use_n in_o convert_v jew_n or_o pagan_n 2_o faith_n not_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n 3_o though_o some_o passage_n in_o scripture_n be_v difficult_a other_o be_v plain_a 4_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a 5_o whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n 6_o whether_o general_n council_n have_v a_o power_n to_o determine_v matter_n of_o faith_n without_o appeal_n to_o every_o man_n reason_n 8_o 9_o what_o authority_n we_o allow_v to_o council_n 10_o 11_o the_o use_n of_o antiquity_n in_o expound_v scripture_n 12_o the_o church_n of_o england_n way_n of_o resolve_v of_o faith_n 14_o 15_o heretic_n pretence_n to_o scripture_n no_o argument_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o way_n 15_o 16_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretence_n to_o antiquity_n 16_o 17_o what_o course_n people_n must_v take_v who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o controversy_n in_o religion_n 19_o etc._n etc._n the_o ignorance_n of_o common_a people_n only_o a_o pretence_n not_o a_o reason_n for_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n 26_o 27_o a_o visible_a succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n no_o mark_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n 29_o argument_n against_o a_o infallible_a judge_n 32_o 33_o proof_n that_o christ_n never_o intend_v to_o set_v up_o such_o a_o judge_n 39_o certainty_n in_o religion_n may_v be_v have_v without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n 42_o what_o evidence_n require_v in_o faith_n 43_o concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 46_o a_o inquiry_n what_o certainty_n a_o papist_n can_v have_v 5â—_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v guilty_a of_o damnable_a error_n 60_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v authority_n to_o reform_v error_n which_o be_v not_o damnable_a 62_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n 63_o whether_o we_o can_v know_v what_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v canonical_a without_o a_o visible_a judge_n 64_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v one_o 65_o the_o apostolic_a church_n the_o standard_n of_o catholic_n unity_n and_o communion_n 67_o what_o catholic_n communion_n be_v 69_o 70_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v call_v holy_a 72_o the_o church_n of_o england_n not_o guilty_a of_o schism_n 73_o that_o there_o be_v great_a safety_n in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 75_o to_o the_o end_n the_o end_n