Selected quad for the lemma: church_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
church_n day_n indulgence_n remission_n 4,546 5 11.4935 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A33817 A Collection of discourses lately written by some divines of the Church of England against the errours and corruptions of the church of Rome to which is prefix'd a catalogue of the several discourses. 1687 (1687) Wing C5141; ESTC R10140 460,949 658

There are 26 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

from_o what_o have_v be_v now_o say_v that_o there_o be_v so_o little_a credit_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o roman_a church_n only_o we_o can_v receive_v those_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o that_o church_n now_o press_v upon_o our_o belief_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o tradition_n for_o instance_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o other_o church_n that_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o monarch_n or_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n that_o all_o scripture_n must_v be_v expound_v according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o church_n that_o there_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o seven_o sacrament_n neither_o more_o nor_o less_o institute_v by_o our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o there_o be_v a_o proper_a and_o propiciatory_a sacrifice_n offer_v in_o the_o mass_n for_o the_o quick_a and_o dead_a the_o same_o that_o christ_n offer_v on_o the_o cross_n in_o short_a the_o half_a communion_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o article_n of_o their_o new_a faith_n in_o the_o creed_n publish_v by_o pope_n pius_n iu._n which_o be_v tradition_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n alone_o not_o of_o the_o universal_a and_o rely_v sole_o upon_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o therefore_o we_o refuse_v they_o and_o in_o our_o dispute_n about_o tradition_n we_o mean_v these_o thing_n which_o we_o reject_v because_o they_o have_v no_o foundation_n either_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o in_o universal_a tradition_n but_o depend_v as_o i_o say_v upon_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o that_o church_n which_o witness_n in_o its_o own_o behalf_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v pretend_v to_o make_v the_o better_a show_n all_o resolve_n at_o last_o into_o that_o as_o i_o intimate_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n scripture_n and_o tradition_n can_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o for_o they_o without_o their_o church_n definition_n though_o their_o whole_a infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n seem_v to_o be_v make_v up_o of_o those_o three_o yet_o in_o truth_n the_o last_o of_o these_o alone_a the_o church_n definition_n be_v the_o whole_a rule_n and_o the_o very_a bottom_n upon_o which_o their_o faith_n stand_v for_o what_o be_v tradition_n be_v no_o more_o apparent_a than_o what_o be_v scripture_n according_a to_o their_o principle_n without_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n which_o pretend_v a_o unlimited_a power_n to_o supply_v the_o defect_n even_o of_o tradition_n itself_o in_o short_a as_o tradition_n among_o they_o be_v take_v in_o to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o scripture_n so_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n be_v take_v in_o to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o tradition_n but_o this_o authority_n undermine_v they_o both_o because_o neither_o scripture_n nor_o tradition_n signify_v any_o thing_n without_o their_o church_n authority_n which_o therefore_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o be_v they_o believe_v themselves_o to_o which_o absurdity_n they_o be_v drive_v because_o it_o be_v make_v evident_a by_o we_o that_o there_o have_v be_v great_a diversity_n of_o tradition_n and_o many_o change_n and_o alteration_n make_v even_o in_o thing_n call_v apostolical_a etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n but_o to_o fly_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o present_a church_n to_o determine_v what_o be_v tradition_n apostolical_a and_o what_o be_v not_o by_o which_o judgement_n all_o mankind_n must_v be_v govern_v that_o be_v we_o must_v believe_v they_o and_o they_o believe_v themselves_o which_o they_o will_v have_v do_v well_o to_o have_v say_v in_o one_o word_n without_o put_v we_o to_o the_o trouble_n of_o seek_v for_o tradition_n in_o book_n and_o in_o other_o church_n but_o they_o will_v willing_o colour_v their_o pretence_n by_o as_o many_o fair_a word_n as_o possible_a and_o so_o make_v mention_n of_o scripture_n tradition_n antiquity_n which_o when_o we_o have_v examine_v they_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o they_o but_o take_v fanctuary_n in_o their_o own_o authority_n say_v they_o be_v the_o sole_a judge_n what_o be_v scripture_n and_o what_o tradition_n and_o what_o antiquity_n nay_o have_v a_o power_n to_o declare_v any_o new_a point_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o church_n never_o hear_v of_o before_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salmeron_n and_o other_o of_o his_o fellow_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n admit_v of_o addition_n in_o essential_a thing_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o such_o as_o be_v then_o necessary_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o believer_n by_o which_o mean_v we_o can_v never_o know_v when_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v be_v perfect_v but_o their_o church_n may_v bring_v in_o tradition_n by_o its_o sole_a authority_n without_o end_n nay_o some_o among_o they_o have_v be_v content_v to_o resolve_v all_o their_o faith_n into_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o present_a roman_a bishop_n according_a to_o that_o famous_a say_n of_o cornelius_n mussus_n promote_v by_o paul_n the_o three_o to_o a_o bishopric_n upon_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n to_o confess_v the_o truth_n ingenuous_o i_o will_v give_v great_a credit_n to_o one_o pope_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o touch_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n then_o to_o a_o thousand_o hierom_n augustine_n gregory_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o richard_n scotus_n &c._n &c._n for_o i_o believe_v and_o know_v that_o the_o pope_n can_v err_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o contemptuous_a speech_n he_o will_v never_o have_v utter_v to_o the_o discredit_n of_o those_o great-man_n who_o they_o pretend_v to_o reverence_v if_o he_o have_v not_o know_v more_o certain_o that_o the_o tradition_n which_o run_v among_o the_o ancient_a father_n be_v against_o they_o than_o he_o can_v know_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v infallible_a there_o be_v no_o tradition_n i_o be_o sure_a for_o that_o nor_o for_o abundance_n of_o other_o thing_n which_o rest_n mere_o upon_o their_o own_o credit_n as_o be_v fair_o acknowledge_v in_o two_o great_a article_n of_o their_o present_a creed_n by_o our_o countryman_n bishop_n fisher_n with_o who_o word_n i_o conclude_v this_o particular_a many_o perhaps_o have_v the_o less_o confidence_n in_o indulgence_n because_o their_o use_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v new_a in_o the_o church_n and_o very_o late_o find_v among_o christian_n to_o who_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v certain_o by_o who_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v first_o deliver_v for_o the_o ancient_n make_v no_o mention_n or_o very_o rare_a of_o purgatory_n and_o the_o greek_n to_o this_o very_a day_n do_v not_o believe_v it_o nor_o be_v the_o belief_n either_o of_o purgatory_n or_o of_o indulgence_n so_o necessary_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o it_o be_v new_a and_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v no_o care_n about_o purgatory_n no_o body_n seek_v for_o indulgence_n for_o all_o their_o esteem_n depend_v upon_o that_o if_o you_o take_v away_o purgatory_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v indulgence_n since_o therefore_o purgatory_n be_v so_o late_o know_v and_o receive_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o can_v wonder_v that_o there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o indulgence_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o be_v a_o full_a confession_n what_o kind_n of_o tradition_n that_o church_n commend_v unto_o we_o thing_n late_o invent_v their_o own_o private_a opinion_n of_o which_o the_o ancient_a christian_n know_v nothing_o in_o one_o word_n their_o tradition_n be_v no_o tradition_n in_o that_o sense_n wherein_o the_o church_n always_o understand_v it_o iu._n and_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o they_o must_v be_v apply_v to_o other_o particular_a church_n though_o some_o have_v be_v more_o sincere_a than_o they_o none_o of_o they_o have_v any_o authority_n to_o commend_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n unto_o posterity_n which_o have_v not_o be_v commend_v to_o they_o by_o all_o forego_n age_n derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n for_o vincentius_n his_o rule_n be_v to_o guide_v we_o all_o in_o this_o that_o be_v catholic_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v receive_v which_o have_v be_v hold_v by_o all_o and_o in_o all_o church_n and_o at_o all_o time_n v._o which_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o another_o thing_n to_o be_v brief_o touch_v that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n contain_v in_o the_o confession_n or_o register_n of_o particular_a church_n in_o these_o day_n wherein_o we_o live_v be_v not_o receive_v by_o we_o nor_o allow_v to_o have_v the_o same_o authority_n which_o such_o tradition_n have_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o nicene_n council_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o heresy_n the_o joint_a consent_n i_o mean_v of_o so_o many_o bishop_n as_o be_v there_o assemble_v and_o the_o unanimous_a confession_n of_o so_o many_o several_a church_n of_o several_a province_n as_o be_v there_o deliver_v have_v not_o
imprimatur_fw-la february_n 15_o 1686._o jo._n edinburgh_n a_o collection_n of_o discourse_n late_o write_v by_o some_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n against_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o which_o be_v prefix_v a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o several_a discourse_n edinburgh_n reprint_v by_o john_n reid_n for_o thomas_n brown_n gideon_n schaw_n alexander_n ogston_n and_o george_n mosman_n stationer_n to_o be_v sell_v at_o their_o shop_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1687_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o discourse_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n i._o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o guide_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n with_o respect_n especial_o to_o the_o romish_a pretence_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v infallible_a page_n 1_o ii_o the_o protestant_n resolution_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o answer_n to_o three_o question_n first_o how_o far_o we_o must_v depend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n second_o whither_o a_o visible_a succession_n from_o christ_n to_o this_o day_n make_v a_o church_n which_o have_v this_o succession_n a_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n and_o whither_o no_o church_n which_o have_v not_o this_o succession_n can_v teach_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n three_o whither_o the_o church_n of_o england_n can_v make_v out_o such_o a_o visible_a succession_n page_n 31_o iii_o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n make_v by_o the_o papist_n ask_v of_o we_o the_o question_n where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n page_n 57_o iu._n a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v page_n 82_o v._o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n maintain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n page_n 117_o vi_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o object_n of_o religious_a worship_n or_o a_o scripture_n proof_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o giung_a any_o religious_a worship_n to_o any_o other_o be_v beside_o the_o one_o supreme_a god._n page_n 158_o vii_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a service_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n page_n 212_o viii_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n especial_o as_o compare_v with_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o which_o be_v show_v that_o what_o ever_o the_o romanist_n pretend_v there_o be_v not_o so_o true_a devotion_n among_o they_o nor_o such_o a_o rational_a provision_n for_o it_o nor_o encouragement_n to_o it_o as_o in_o the_o church_n establish_v by_o law_n among_o we_o page_n 250_o ix_o a_o discourse_n concern_v invocation_n of_o saint_n page_n 295_o x._o a_o discourse_n against_o transubstantiation_n page_n 345_o xi_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n as_o it_o be_v teach_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n wherein_o a_o answer_n be_v give_v to_o t._n g._n on_o that_o subject_n and_o to_o monsuer_fw-mi boileau_n late_a book_n the_o adoratione_n eucharistiae_fw-la paris_n 1685._o page_n 375_o xii_o a_o discourse_n against_o purgatory_n page_n 421_o xiii_o a_o discourse_n concern_v auricular_a confession_n as_o it_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o a_o postscript_n on_o occasion_n of_o a_o book_n late_o print_v in_o france_n call_v historia_n confessionis_fw-la auricularis_fw-la page_n 447._o finis_fw-la a_o discourse_n concern_v a_o guide_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v the_o resolution_n of_o the_o follow_a query_n whither_o a_o man_n who_o live_v where_o christianity_n be_v question_n the_o question_n profess_v and_o refuse_v to_o submit_v his_o judgement_n to_o the_o infallibility_n of_o any_o guide_n on_o earth_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o church_n or_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v notwithstanding_o that_o refusal_n sufficient_a mean_n still_o leave_v he_o whereby_o he_o may_v arrive_v at_o certainty_n in_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v general_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o christian_a man._n satisfaction_n in_o this_o inquiry_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n for_o question_n the_o moment_n of_o this_o question_n it_o relate_v to_o our_o great_a end_n and_o to_o the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o it_o and_o it_o near_o concern_v both_o the_o romanist_n and_o the_o reform_a if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o guide_n the_o estate_n of_o the_o romanist_n be_v extreme_o dangerous_a for_o then_o the_o blind_a take_v the_o blind_a for_o their_o unerring_a leader_n and_o be_v once_o mislead_v they_o wander_v on_o without_o correct_v their_o error_n have_v take_v up_o this_o first_o as_o their_o fix_a principle_n that_o their_o guide_n can_v mistake_v the_o way_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o god_n have_v set_v up_o in_o his_o church_n a_o light_n so_o very_o clear_a and_o steady_a as_o be_v pretend_v the_o reform_a be_v guilty_a of_o great_a presumption_n and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o great_a uncertainty_n by_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o it_o now_o there_o lie_v before_o man_n a_o double_a temptation_n to_o a_o belief_n question_n the_o temptation_n to_o believe_v the_o affirmative_a part_n of_o this_o question_n of_o the_o be_v of_o such_o a_o guide_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n sloth_n and_o vicious_a humility_n of_o mind_n sloth_n incline_v man_n rather_o to_o take_v up_o in_o a_o implicit_a faith_n then_o to_o give_v themselves_o the_o trouble_n of_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o thing_n for_o there_o be_v less_o pain_n in_o credulity_n then_o in_o bend_v of_o the_o head_n by_o long_a and_o strict_a attention_n and_o severe_a study_n also_o there_o be_v a_o show_n of_o humility_n in_o the_o deference_n which_o our_o understanding_n pay_v unto_o authority_n especial_o to_o that_o which_o pretend_v to_o be_v under_o christ_n supreme_a on_o earth_n although_o in_o the_o pay_n of_o it_o without_o good_a reason_n fi●st_v understand_v man_n be_v not_o humble_a but_o slavish_a but_o these_o temptation_n prevail_v not_o upon_o honest_a and_o considerate_a mind_n which_o inquire_v without_o prejudice_n query_n the_o true_a resolution_n of_o the_o query_n after_o truth_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o powerful_a evidence_n of_o it_o such_o will_v resolve_v the_o question_n in_o the_o affirmative_a and_o they_o may_v reasonable_o so_o do_v by_o consider_v these_o proposition_n which_o i_o shall_v treat_v of_o in_o their_o order_n first_o the_o christian_a church_n never_o yet_o want_v nor_o shall_v it_o ever_o want_n either_o the_o doctrine_n of_o necessary_a faith_n or_o the_o belief_n and_o profession_n of_o they_o second_o wheresoever_o god_n require_v the_o belief_n of_o they_o he_o give_v mean_n sufficient_a for_o information_n and_o unerring_a assent_n three_o whatsoever_o th●se_a mean_n be_v every_o man_n be_v personal_a reason_n give_v to_o the_o mind_n that_o last_o weigh_v which_o turn_v deliberation_n into_o faith_n four_o the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o towards_o necessary_a faith_n and_o the_o ce●●ain●y_n of_o it_o be_v n●t_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o infallible_a guide_n on_o earth_n yet_o five_o all_o 〈…〉_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v in_o our_o pursuance_n of_o the_o 〈…〉_o in_o the_o find_n out_o or_o ●●ating_v of_o which_o it_o be_v a_o very_a 〈…〉_o six_o by_o the_o 〈…〉_o to_o we_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o 〈…〉_o ●●ans_n sufficient_a to_o lead_v we_o to_o certainty_n 〈…〉_o to_o ●i●e_o eternal_a first_o 〈…〉_o and_o profession_n of_o the_o n●●ess●r_n 〈…〉_o faith_n be_v annex_v ay_o prop._n ay_o 〈…〉_o the_o chri●●●●●_n church_n there_o ●●_o but_o 〈…〉_o and_o acc●●●ing_n ●●_o he_o say_n of_o leo_n the_o great_a 2d_o great_a nisi_fw-la 〈…〉_o fides_n non_fw-la est_fw-la ●_o m_o ser._n 2d_o if_o 〈…〉_o at_o all_o for_o it_o can_v be_v contrary_a ●●_o it_o se●●_n and_o though_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d ●et_a man_n o●_n di●●ering_v creeds●ret_a ●ret_z 〈…〉_o it_o as_o the_o merchant_n of_o relief_n in_o the_o church_n of_o 〈◊〉_d show_n in_o several_a place_n the_o one_o ●●amless_a coat_n of_o christ_n relig._n christ_n ●ee_o ferrand_n l._n 1._o c._n 1._o sect_n 4._o disquis_fw-la relig._n this_o one_o faith_n never_o do_v nor_o ever_o shall_v in_o all_o place_n fail_v the_o apostle_n be_v themselves_o without_o error_n both_o in_o their_o own_o assent_n to_o the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o in_o the_o delivery_n of_o they_o they_o hear_v the_o oracle_n of_o christ_n from_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o they_o be_v witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o they_o speak_v 20._o speak_v act._n 4._o 19_o 20._o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o they_o give_v to_o the_o world_n assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o
the_o meaning_n themselves_o they_o give_v they_o light_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o do_v not_o require_v they_o to_o take_v it_o upon_o trust_n they_o endeavour_v to_o open_v their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v themselves_z understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o if_o they_o can_v themselves_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n it_o will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n to_o they_o in_o their_o life_n for_o they_o then_o believe_v in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a truth_n but_o what_o truth_n it_o be_v or_o for_o what_o end_v it_o be_v necessary_a they_o apprehend_v not_o a_o foolish_a master_n in_o the_o mathematics_n may_v require_v his_o scholar_n to_o take_v it_o upon_o his_o word_n that_o a_o problem_n be_v demonstrate_v but_o a_o w●se_n and_o useful_a teacher_n will_v give_v they_o light_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o demonstration_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o they_o themselves_o shall_v at_o last_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v true_o perform_v and_o till_o they_o can_v do_v this_o they_o be_v not_o instruct_v st._n hierom_n relate_v it_o in_o praise_n of_o marcelia_n a_o roman_a lady_n 99_o lady_n s._n hieron_n in_o praef_n ad_fw-la comment_n in_o epist_n ad_fw-la galat_n ut_fw-la sentirem_fw-la i_o non_fw-la tam_fw-la discipulam_fw-la habere_fw-la quam_fw-la judicem_fw-la v._o psal_n ●19_n 99_o that_o she_o will_v not_o receive_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o after_o the_o pythagorean_n manner_n or_o upon_o bare_a authority_n she_o will_v with_o such_o care_n examine_v all_o thing_n that_o she_o seem_v to_o he_o not_o so_o much_o his_o scholar_n as_o his_o judge_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v great_a depth_n and_o obscure_a mystery_n in_o the_o holy_a bible_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a fa●th_n be_v to_o the_o sincere_a and_o industrious_a and_o such_o as_o wait_v on_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n sufficient_o plain_a but_o to_o the_o idle_a the_o prejudice_v the_o captious_a light_v itself_o be_v darkness_n the_o romanist_n affright_v with_o this_o pretence_n of_o obscurity_n and_o profoundness_n as_o if_o we_o must_v not_o adventure_v into_o any_o part_n of_o the_o water_n because_o in_o some_o place_n we_o may_v go_v beyond_o our_o depth_n if_o there_o be_v hard_a and_o difficult_a place_n which_o the_o unstable_a wrist_n who_o require_v their_o meanness_n to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o that_o for_o which_o they_o may_v perceive_v themselves_o to_o be_v insufficient_a but_o whilst_o st._n peter_n speak_v of_o some_o few_o place_n in_o st._n paul_n writing_n which_o be_v obscure_a he_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n suppose_v many_o other_o to_o be_v plain_a enough_o for_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o unlearned_a and_o if_o they_o be_v evil_a man_n though_o very_o learned_a they_o will_v wrest_v the_o plain_a place_n and_o as_o some_o do_v in_o st._n hieroms_n trahunt_fw-la hieroms_n s._n hieron_n in_o ep._n ad_fw-la paulin._n ad_fw-la sensum_fw-la suum_fw-la incongrua_fw-la aptant_fw-la testimonia_fw-la et_fw-la ad_fw-la voluntatem_fw-la svam_fw-la s_o scripturam_fw-la repugnantem_fw-la trahunt_fw-la day_n they_o will_v draw_v violent_o to_o their_o private_a sense_n a_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v incongruous_o and_o with_o reluctance_n apply_v to_o it_o it_o be_v true_a all_o sect_n of_o christian_n cite_v the_o scripture_n but_o that_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o obscurity_n of_o those_o sacred_a writing_n it_o rather_o show_v the_o partiality_n boldness_n and_o sophistry_n of_o those_o who_o allege_v they_o all_o law_n be_v obscure_a if_o this_o argument_n have_v force_n in_o it_o for_o every_o man_n in_o his_o own_o case_n have_v the_o law_n on_o his_o side_n man_n take_v up_o their_o opinion_n and_o heresy_n from_o other_o reason_n and_o then_o because_o the_o name_n of_o scripture_n be_v venerable_a they_o rake_v into_o the_o several_a book_n of_o it_o and_o they_o bend_v and_o torture_v place_n and_o force_v they_o on_o their_o side_n by_o unnatural_a construction_n so_o do_v the_o socinian_o produce_v all_o nicety_n of_o grammar_n and_o criticism_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n yet_o the_o guide_n in_o controversy_n etc._n controversy_n r._n h._n guide_n etc._n etc._n disc_n 4._o p._n 375_o 376_o 377_o 378._o etc._n etc._n use_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n against_o the_o plainness_n of_o this_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o socinian_o cite_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o favour_n of_o their_o heresy_n but_o be_v not_o this_o argument_n two-edged_a and_o will_v it_o not_o cut_v as_o well_o on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o do_v execution_n against_o the_o word_n of_o father_n and_o council_n and_o the_o apostolical_a creed_n itself_o for_o the_o socinian_o those_o especial_o who_o be_v turn_v arian_n since_o petavius_n have_v furnish_v they_o with_o quotation_n will_v cite_v the_o writing_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o slichtingius_n a_o mere_a socinian_n etc._n socinian_n v._o confess_v fid_fw-we christ_n ed._n nom_fw-fr eccl._n polon_n etc._n etc._n have_v expound_v every_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n in_o a_o sense_n agreeable_a to_o the_o heresy_n of_o his_o master_n but_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a in_o necessary_a matter_n what_o remedy_n will_v be_v administer_v by_o the_o roman_a church_n they_o can_v offer_v to_o we_o any_o ancient_n infallible_a exposition_n what_o the_o ancients_n have_v say_v the_o reform_a general_o understand_v much_o better_a than_o pope_n among_o who_o there_o have_v be_v some_o who_o can_v scarce_o read_v the_o holy_a gospel_n in_o latin_n for_o the_o father_n of_o the_o early_a age_n they_o be_v more_o busy_v in_o write_v against_o heresy_n then_o in_o explain_v of_o scripture_n nor_o to_o this_o day_n have_v the_o roman_a church_n give_v any_o authentic_a collection_n of_o exposition_n either_o of_o the_o ancient_n or_o of_o her_o own_o and_o if_o we_o must_v go_v to_o any_o church_n for_o a_o comment_n on_o the_o scripture_n let_v the_o roman_a be_v one_o of_o our_o last_o refuge_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o key_n the_o papalin_n use_v be_v the_o worldly_a polity_n of_o that_o church_n and_o as_o they_o like_v so_o they_o interpret_v have_v not_o they_o govern_v themselves_o by_o this_o art_n we_o shall_v not_o have_v find_v in_o the_o writing_n of_o their_o pope_n and_o in_o the_o very_a ca●●●_n law_n itself_o those_o word_n which_o be_v speak_v to_o jeremiah_n expound_v of_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n 1570._o rome_n v._o innoc._n 3._o in_o decret_a greg._n l._n 1._o tit_n 33._o c._n 6._o greg._n ep_v 12_o extrav_fw-mi de_fw-fr major_n &_o obed._n 1._o p._n pi._n 5._o in_o bulla_n cont._n r._n eliz._n in_o camd._n annal_n a._n 1570._o i_o have_v set_v thou_o over_o king_n to_o root_v out_o to_o pluck_v up_o and_o to_o destroy_v 10._o destroy_v jerem._n 1._o 10._o the_o donatist_n find_v their_o church_n in_o these_o word_n of_o the_o canticle_n tell_v i_o thou_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v where_o thou_o feed_v where_o thou_o make_v thy_o flock_n to_o rest_v at_o noon_n for_o they_o expound_v this_o as_o it_o 〈◊〉_d they_o best_o of_o the_o flock_n of_o their_o 〈◊〉_d the_o southern_a country_n of_o africa_n such_o ex●●unders_n of_o scripture_n be_v those_o popish_a writer_n who_o interpret_v feed_v my_o sheep_n of_o the_o universal_a monarchy_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o conclude_v that_o a_o past●r_n must_v drive_v away_o wolf_n or_o depose_v prince_n hu●●ul_a to_o the_o church_n but_o the_o strain_n of_o such_o metaphorical_a expression_n as_o a_o excellent_a person_n 315._o person_n d._n falkner_n in_o christ_n loy_n p._n 315._o say_v prove_v only_o that_o they_o want_v better_a proof_n and_o by_o a_o like_a way_n of_o interpretation_n from_o the_o same_o text_n it_o may_v be_v conclude_v that_o all_o christian_n be_v fool_n because_o sheep_n be_v silly_a creature_n no_o exposition_n be_v more_o beside_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n or_o more_o ridiculous_a than_o some_o of_o those_o which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o those_o who_o compose_v they_o appear_v to_o have_v look_v asquint_o on_o the_o scripture_n for_o whilst_o they_o look_v on_o they_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v look_v another_o way_n i_o will_v instance_n only_o in_o a_o few_o of_o those_o many_o absurd_a exposition_n with_o which_o the_o roman_a breviary_n abound_v the_o word_n of_o the_o angel_n to_o the_o holy_a virgin_n a_o sword_n shall_v go_v through_o thy_o own_o soul_n also_o be_v 175._o be_v domin_n infr●_fw-la octau._n nati_n v._o in_o 2._o nocturno_fw-la lect._n 8._o p._n 175._o interpret_v of_o that_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_a sword_n and_o this_o sense_n be_v design_v as_o a_o evasion_n of_o their_o reason_n who_o from_o that_o text_n conclude_v concern_v the_o bless_a virgin_n
that_o she_o die_v and_o be_v not_o miraculous_o assume_v the_o ascension_n of_o elias_n be_v thus_o expound_v 443._o expound_v dom._n infrâ_fw-la oct._n asc_n in_o 3._o noct._n p._n 443._o he_o be_v take_v up_o into_o the_o aerial_a not_o the_o aetherial_a heaven_n from_o whence_o he_o be_v drop_v in_o a_o obscure_a place_n on_o earth_n there_o to_o remain_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o to_o expire_v with_o it_o they_o say_v 447._o say_v infra_fw-la oct._n asc_n 3_o noct._n lect._n 8._o p._n 447._o of_o job_n that_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o bird_n and_o of_o her_o path_n in_o the_o air_n he_o by_o a_o figure_n call_v christ_n a_o bird_n and_o by_o the_o motion_n of_o it_o in_o the_o air_n figure_v also_o our_o lord_n ascension_n we_o may_v perceive_v by_o these_o few_o instance_n what_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v like_a to_o be_v give_v whilst_o a_o pope_n have_v the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n in_o his_o keep_n three_o if_o man_n will_v use_v the_o church_n as_o their_o iii_o assert_v iii_o ministerial_a guide_n and_o admit_v of_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v they_o will_v agree_v in_o the_o proper_a mean_n to_o the_o bless_a end_n of_o unity_n in_o the_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o persuasion_n of_o st._n austin_n who_o thus_o appli_v himself_o to_o maximinus_n 3._o maximinus_n s._n aug_n count_v max._n l._n 3._o neither_o ought_v i_o at_o this_o time_n to_o allege_v the_o council_n of_o nice_a nor_o you_o that_o of_o ariminum_n for_o neither_o be_o i_o bind_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o one_o nor_o you_o to_o that_o of_o the_o other_o let_v we_o both_o dispute_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v witness_n common_a to_o both_o of_o we_o whilst_o the_o romanist_n ascribe_v the_o difference_n which_o arise_v among_o the_o reform_a to_o their_o want_n of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n and_o to_o their_o different_a interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o unskilful_o derive_v effect_n from_o cause_n which_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a parent_n of_o they_o there_o be_v say_v st._n austin_n one_o mother_n of_o all_o strife_n and_o she_o be_v pride_n neither_o do_v the_o scripture_n divide_v we_o nor_o do_v the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o judge_n unite_v they_o their_o union_n such_o as_o it_o be_v arise_v from_o the_o mighty_a force_n of_o their_o external_a polity_n and_o they_o speak_v not_o different_o because_o they_o dare_v not_o and_o the_o strength_n of_o that_o polity_n arise_v at_o first_o from_o rome_n not_o as_o the_o chair_n of_o st._n peter_n but_o as_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o empire_n our_o division_n like_o they_o arise_v as_o all_o war_n do_v be_v they_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a from_o the_o unruly_a lust_n and_o passion_n of_o men._n and_o from_o these_o likewise_o arise_v general_o the_o misinterpretation_n of_o plain_a law_n and_o rule_n the_o sense_n of_o which_o must_v be_v make_v to_o chime_v according_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o prejudice_v man_n or_o else_o they_o will_v not_o give_v attention_n to_o they_o if_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n be_v mortify_v all_o christian_n agree_v in_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o not_o of_o any_o live_a guide_n and_o the_o word_n of_o one_o be_v as_o intelligible_a as_o those_o of_o the_o other_o all_o may_v agree_v in_o one_o creed_n and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o those_o unnecessary_a controversy_n which_o entangle_v truth_n and_o extinguish_v charity_n finis_fw-la the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o answer_n to_o three_o question_n i._o how_o far_o we_o must_v depend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n ii_o whither_o a_o visible_a succession_n from_o christ_n to_o this_o day_n make_v a_o church_n which_o have_v this_o succession_n a_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n and_o whither_o no_o church_n which_o have_v not_o this_o succession_n can_v teach_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n iii_o whither_o the_o church_n of_o england_n can_v make_v out_o such_o a_o visible_a succession_n london_n print_v and_o edinburgh_n reprint_v by_o j._n reid_n for_o t_o brown_n g_o schaw_n a_o ogston_n and_o g_o mosman_n stationer_n in_o edinburgh_n to_o be_v sell_v at_o their_o shop_n 1686._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n these_o paper_n which_o be_v here_o present_v to_o thou_o be_v write_v for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o private_a person_n and_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o some_o friend_n be_v now_o make_v public_a we_o find_v how_o busy_a the_o romish_a emissary_n be_v to_o corrupt_v our_o people_n and_o think_v ourselves_o equal_o concern_v to_o antiaote_v they_o against_o pop●●y_n and_o phanaticism_n two_o extreme_n equal_o dangerous_a to_o the_o government_n of_o church_n and_o state_n in_o these_o kingdom_n both_o in_o their_o principle_n and_o practice_n and_o both_o of_o they_o very_o great_a corruption_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o very_o dangerous_a to_o man_n soul_n some_o of_o our_o clergy_n have_v already_o be_v so_o charitable_a to_o our_o dissenter_n as_o to_o warn_v they_o of_o their_o danger_n and_o by_o the_o strength_n and_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o mistake_n and_o i_o pray_v god_n forgive_v those_o man_n and_o turn_v their_o heart_n who_o will_v not_o contribute_v so_o much_o to_o their_o own_o conviction_n and_o satisfaction_n as_o diligent_o and_o impartial_o to_o read_v and_o consider_v what_o be_v so_o charitable_o offer_v to_o they_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n may_v excuse_v man_n wh●_n have_v no_o opportunity_n of_o know_v better_a but_o such_o wilful_a and_o resolve_a ignorance_n which_o bar_v up_o man_n mi●ds_n against_o all_o mean_n of_o better_a information_n will_v as_o soon_o damn_v they_o as_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n and_o now_o it_o may_v just_o be_v think_v want_n of_o charity_n to_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n shall_v we_o take_v no_o care_n at_o all_o of_o they_o nay_o want_v of_o charity_n to_o those_o of_o our_o own_o communion_n and_o to_o dissenter_n themselves_o who_o be_v daily_o assault_v by_o the_o busy_a factor_n for_o rome_n for_o the_o dispute_n against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o well_o as_o against_o dissenter_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n too_o learned_a and_o too_o voluminous_a for_o the_o instruction_n of_o ordinary_a people_n and_o therefore_o some_o short_a and_o plain_a discourse_n about_o the_o principal_a matter_n in_o dispute_n between_o we_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n we_o can_v take_v to_o confirm_v man_n in_o their_o religion_n and_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o crafty_a insinuation_n of_o such_o as_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v some_o few_o attempt_n which_o have_v be_v already_o make_v of_o that_o kind_n give_v i_o some_o hope_n that_o several_a other_o tract_n will_v follow_v that_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o god_n shall_v please_v ever_o to_o permit_v such_o a_o thing_n whither_o by_o popery_n or_o phanaticism_n may_v not_o be_v charge_v upon_o our_o neglect_n to_o instruct_v people_n better_o some_o person_n it_o seem_v who_o talon_n lie_v more_o in_o censure_v what_o other_o do_v then_o in_o do_v any_o good_a themselves_o be_v please_v to_o put_v some_o sinister_a construction_n on_o this_o design_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o design_n any_o thing_n so_o well_o but_o man_n of_o ill_a mind_n who_o know_v not_o what_o it_o mean_v to_o do_v good_a for_o good_n sake_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o find_v some_o bad_a name_n for_o it_o some_o guess_n that_o we_o now_o write_v against_o popery_n only_o to_o play_v a_o aftergame_n and_o to_o regain_v the_o favour_n and_o good_a opinion_n of_o dissenter_n which_o we_o have_v lose_v by_o write_v against_o they_o but_o i_o know_v not_o that_o any_o man_n have_v lose_v their_o favour_n by_o it_o nor_o that_o any_o man_n value_v their_o favour_n for_o any_o other_o reason_n then_o to_o have_v the_o great_a advantage_n of_o do_v they_o good_a if_o so_o good_a a_o work_n as_o confute_v the_o error_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v give_v the_o dissenter_n such_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o we_o as_o to_o make_v they_o more_o impartial_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v write_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o know_v ●●_o reason_n any_o man_n have_v to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_v it_o though_o it_o be_v part_n of_o his_o design_n but_o whither_o it_o be_v or_o not_o be_v more_o than_o i_o know_v i_o dare_v undertake_v for_o those_o person_n i_o be_o acquaint_v with_o that_o they_o neither_o value_v the_o favour_n nor_o fear_v the_o displeasure_n either_o of_o fanatic_n
or_o papist_n but_o yet_o hearty_o desire_v to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o both_o but_o there_o be_v a_o more_o mischievous_a suggestion_n than_o this_o that_o the_o design_n of_o such_o paper_n be_v only_o to_o raise_v a_o new_a cry_n and_o noise_n about_o popery_n and_o to_o alarm_n the_o people_n and_o disturb_v the_o government_n with_o new_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n true_o if_o i_o think_v this_o will_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o i_o will_v burn_v my_o paper_n present_o for_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v get_v nothing_o by_o a_o tumultuary_a and_o clamorous_a zeal_n against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o i_o have_v much_o rather_o suffer_v under_o popery_n then_o contribute_v any_o thing_n towards_o raise_v a_o popular_a fury_n to_o keep_v it_o out_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o as_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o popery_n as_o we_o be_v to_o phanaticism_n and_o desire_v that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v know_v i●_n but_o we_o will_v never_o rebel_n nor_o countenance_v any_o rebellion_n against_o our_o lawful_a sovereign_n to_o keep_v out_o either_o we_o leave_v such_o principle_n and_o practice_n to_o papist_n and_o fanatic_n but_o when_o we_o find_v our_o people_n assault_v by_o the_o agent_n of_o rome_n and_o do_v not_o think_v ourselves_o secure_a from_o popish_a design_n we_o think_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o give_v they_o the_o best_a instruction_n we_o can_v to_o preserve_v they_o from_o such_o error_n as_o we_o believe_v will_v destroy_v their_o soul_n and_o can_v but_o wonder_n that_o any_o man_n who_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o take_v care_n of_o soul_n as_o we_o be_v shall_v think_v this_o a_o needless_a or_o a_o scandalous_a undertake_n i_o wish_v such_o man_n will_v speak_v out_o and_o tell_v we_o plain_o what_o they_o think_v of_o popery_n themselves_o if_o they_o think_v this_o design_n not_o well_o manage_v by_o those_o who_o undertake_v it_o it_o will_v more_o become_v they_o to_o commend_v the_o design_n and_o do_v it_o better_v themselves_o i_o know_v no_o man_n but_o will_v very_o glad_o be_v excuse_v as_o have_v other_o work_n enough_o to_o employ_v his_o time_n but_o yet_o i_o have_v rather_o spend_v my_o vacant_a minute_n this_o way_n then_o in_o censure_v the_o good_a that_o other_o man_n do_v while_o i_o do_v none_o myself_o the_o word_n of_o the_o paper_n which_o be_v send_v to_o i_o be_v these_o it_o be_v my_o opinion_n that_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o our_o legislator_n have_v leave_v to_o we_o a_o mean_n of_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o church_n now_o i_o judge_v this_o church_n must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n by_o its_o continual_a visible_a succession_n from_o christ_n till_o our_o day_n but_o i_o doubt_v whither_o or_o no_o the_o protestant_a church_n can_v make_v out_o this_o continual_a visible_a succession_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v inform_v answer_n that_o christ_n have_v lest_o a_o mean_n of_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o ready_o grant_v or_o else_o it_o have_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o have_v leave_v we_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o latter_a clause_n be_v very_o ambiguous_a for_o the_o meaning_n may_v either_o be_v that_o we_o may_v understand_v by_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o church_n or_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o must_v understand_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o first_o be_v a_o true_a protestant_a principle_n and_o therefore_o i_o presume_v not_o intend_v by_o this_o objector_n for_o how_o we_o shall_v know_v that_o there_o be_v any_o church_n without_o the_o information_n we_o receive_v by_o the_o scripture_n i_o can_v divine_v and_o yet_o we_o may_v as_o easy_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n as_o we_o can_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n without_o the_o scripture_n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o mean_n of_o know_v either_o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n or_o what_o this_o church_n be_v or_o what_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n church_n but_o by_o revelation_n and_o we_o have_v no_o other_o revelation_n of_o this_o but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o for_o the_o second_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n very_o true_a in_o some_o sense_n very_o false_a 1._o it_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n true_a and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o sober_a protestant_n as_o 1._o if_o by_o the_o church_n we_o understand_v the_o universal_a church_n of_o all_o age_n as_o we_o receive_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o hand_v down_o by_o they_o to_o our_o time_n so_o what_o ever_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n have_v be_v universal_o receive_v by_o they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o near_o they_o be_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o more_o likely_a they_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o their_o write_n be_v instruct_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o and_o thus_o we_o have_v a_o certain_a rule_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o all_o dangerous_a error_n in_o expound_v scripture_n for_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v as_o plain_o contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o first_o father_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o unanimous_o assert_v by_o they_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o though_o we_o have_v not_o a_o traditionary_a exposition_n of_o every_o particular_a text_n of_o scripture_n yet_o we_o have_v of_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o must_v never_o expound_v scripture_n so_o as_o to_o contradict_v the_o know_a and_o avow_a sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o this_o course_n the_o church_n of_o england_n take_v she_o receive_v the_o definition_n of_o the_o four_o first_o general_n council_n and_o require_v her_o bishop_n and_o clorgy_n to_o expound_v the_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o profess_a doctrine_n of_o those_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o we_o ought_v to_o pay_v great_a deference_n to_o and_o not_o light_o and_o want_v only_o oppose_v the_o judgement_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n wherein_o we_o live_v when_o her_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n do_v not_o evident_o and_o notorious_o contradict_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n especial_o of_o the_o first_o and_o best_a age_n of_o it_o for_o it_o do_v not_o become_v private_a man_n to_o oppose_v their_o sentiment_n and_o opinion_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o in_o such_o plain_a case_n as_o every_o honest_a man_n may_v be_v presume_v a_o very_a competent_a judge_n in_o the_o matter_n and_o no_o church_n nor_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n have_v such_o authority_n that_o we_o must_v renounce_v our_o sense_n and_o deny_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n to_o follow_v they_o with_o a_o blind_a and_o implicit_a faith_n and_o thus_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v a_o mean_n for_o the_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o though_o we_o may_v mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o some_o particular_a text_n which_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o even_o infallible_a council_n may_v do_v who_o though_o they_o be_v infallible_a in_o their_o conclusion_n yet_o be_v not_o always_o so_o in_o the_o argument_n or_o medium_n whither_o draw_v from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n whereby_o they_o prove_v they_o yet_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o dangerous_a mistake_n while_o we_o make_v the_o catholic_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n our_o rule_n and_o in_o other_o matter_n follow_v the_o judgement_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v which_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o good_a government_n in_o the_o church_n 2._o but_o then_o this_o be_v very_o false_a if_o we_o mean_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n on_o if_o by_o the_o church_n we_o understand_v any_o particular_a church_n as_o i_o suppose_v this_o person_n do_v the_o roman_n catholic_n that_o be_v the_o particular_a universal_a church_n of_o rome_n or_o if_o we_o mean_v the_o church_n of_o the_o present_a age_n or_o by_o mean_n understand_v such_o a_o decretory_a sentence_n as_o must_v determine_v our_o faith_n and_o command_v out_o assent_n that_o we_o must_v seek_v
for_o no_o other_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o expound_v scripture_n i_o shall_v discourse_v something_o brief_o of_o each_o of_o these_o 1._o to_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v very_o false_a and_o absurd_a for_o 1._o this_o suppose_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v a_o very_a unintelligible_a book_n which_o be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o which_o it_o be_v indict_v that_o he_o either_o can_v not_o or_o will_v not_o speak_v intelligible_o to_o the_o world_n 2._o this_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o those_o exhortation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o study_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v make_v to_o private_a man_n and_o therefore_o necessary_o suppose_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o other_o writing_n be_v by_o conside_v the_o propriety_n of_o the_o word_n and_o ●●nguage_n wherein_o they_o be_v write_v the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o place_n and_o such_o other_o mean_n as_o honest_a and_o studious_a inquirer_n use_v to_o find_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o any_o other_o book_n 3._o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o unintelligible_a that_o a_o honest_a man_n can_v find_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o without_o the_o infallible_a interpretation_n of_o the_o church_n i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v whither_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v intelligible_o to_o their_o hearer_n if_o they_o do_v not_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v they_o preach_v at_o all_o by_o what_o mean_n be_v man_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n if_o they_o do_v how_o come_v these_o sermon_n to_o be_v so_o unintelligible_a now_o they_o be_v write_v which_o be_v so_o intelligible_a when_o they_o be_v speak_v for_o the_o gospel_n contain_v a_o plain_a history_n of_o what_o christ_n do_v and_o of_o what_o he_o say_v and_o the_o apostle_n write_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n when_o they_o be_v absent_a which_o they_o preach_v to_o they_o when_o they_o be_v present_a and_o we_o reasonable_o suppose_v that_o they_o as_o much_o design_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v understand_v what_o they_o write_v as_o what_o they_o preach_v and_o therefore_o that_o they_o general_o use_v the_o same_o form_n of_o word_n in_o their_o write_v and_o in_o their_o preach_a and_o this_o make_v it_o a_o great_a riddle_n how_o one_o shall_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o the_o other_o signify_v nothing_o without_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n 4._o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o themselves_o unintelligible_a i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v how_o the_o church_n come_v to_o understand_v they_o if_o by_o any_o humane_a mean_n together_o with_o the_o ordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n than_o they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o then_o why_o may_v not_o every_o christian_a in_o proportion_n to_o his_o skill_n in_o language_v and_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n and_o discourse_n understand_v they_o also_o if_o the_o church_n can_v understand_v the_o scripture_n by_o any_o humane_a mean_n but_o only_o by_o inspiration_n for_o there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la between_o these_o two_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o scripture_n write_v for_o we_o may_v as_o well_o have_v learn_v the_o will_n of_o god_n from_o the_o church_n without_o the_o scripture_n as_o with_o they_o god_n can_v have_v immediate_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o the_o church_n without_o a_o write_a rule_n as_o well_o as_o reveal_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o write_a rule_n which_o it_o seem_v have_v no_o signification_n at_o all_o till_o the_o church_n by_o inspiration_n give_v a_o orthodox_n meaning_n to_o it_o 5._o and_o i●_n we_o can_v understand_v the_o scripture_n till_o the_o church_n expound_v they_o to_o we_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v which_o be_v the_o church_n and_o that_o this_o church_n be_v such_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v know_v only_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v only_o by_o the_o church_n if_o we_o will_v know_v the_o church_n we_o must_v first_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o will_v understand_v the_o scripture_n we_o must_v first_o know_v the_o church_n and_o when_o both_o must_v be_v know_v first_o or_o we_o can_v know_v neither_o it_o be_v impossible_a in_o this_o way_n either_o to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n or_o find_v out_o the_o church_n for_o suppose_v the_o church_n do_v expound_v scripture_n by_o inspiration_n how_o shall_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o do_v so_o must_v we_o believe_v every_o man_n or_o every_o church_n which_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n this_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o apostle_n rule_n not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n how_o then_o shall_v they_o be_v try_v i_o know_v but_o two_o way_n either_o by_o miracle_n or_o by_o scripture_n miracle_n be_v now_o cease_v unless_o we_o will_v believe_v some_o fabulous_a legend_n which_o all_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o if_o there_o be_v real_a miracle_n wrought_v they_o be_v of_o no_o authority_n against_o a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n if_o then_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o these_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n by_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n now_o leave_v then_o there_o be_v a_o way_n of_o understand_v the_o scripture_n without_o this_o revelation_n for_o if_o we_o must_v understand_v the_o scripture_n by_o revelation_n and_o revelation_n by_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v get_v into_o a_o new_a circle_n and_o can_v understand_v neither_o obj._n but_o do_v we_o not_o see_v how_o many_o schism_n and_o heresy_n have_v be_v occasion_v by_o suffer_v every_o one_o to_o expound_v scripture_n for_o himself_o how_o many_o division_n and_o subdivision_n be_v there_o among_o protestant_n who_o agree_v in_o little_a else_o beside_o their_o opposition_n to_o popery_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o cure_v this_o without_o a_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture●_n be_v it_o not_o a_o contradiction_n to_o common_a experience_n to_o say_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o certain_a when_o so_o few_o man_n can_v agree_v what_o it_o be_v ans_fw-fr 1._o yes_o we_o do_v see_v this_o and_o lament_v it_o and_o be_v behold_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o her_o emissary_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n for_o it_o but_o yet_o we_o know_v thus_o it_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o well_o as_o now_o and_o we_o take_v the_o same_o way_n to_o confute_v these_o heresy_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o primitive_a father_n do_v by_o appeal_n to_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v the_o best_a way_n any_o church_n can_v take_v when_o there_o be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n and_o if_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v know_v any_o such_o infallible_a judge_n they_o will_v certain_o have_v appeal_v to_o he_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o and_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a that_o any_o error_n or_o heresy_n shall_v for_o any_o long_a time_n together_o have_v disturb_v the_o church_n but_o we_o hear_v nothing_o of_o he_o for_o many_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n but_o the_o ancient_a father_n take_v the_o same_o way_n to_o confute_v the_o heresy_n of_o their_o day_n which_o we_o do_v now_o which_o be_v a_o good_a proable_a argument_n that_o they_o know_v no_o better_o and_o the_o present_a division_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v no_o great_a argument_n against_o we_o than_o the_o ancient_a heresy_n be_v against_o the_o primitive_a church_n or_o then_o the_o protestant_a heresy_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v they_o be_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o what_o advantage_n have_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n upon_o this_o account_n above_o any_o other_o profession_n of_o christian_n those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n thus_o it_o be_v among_o we_o and_o it_o be_v no_o better_o among_o they_o for_o we_o be_v no_o more_o of_o their_o mind_n than_o they_o be_v of_o we_o nay_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o pretence_n to_o infallibility_n most_o of_o the_o dispute_n which_o divide_v the_o protestant_a church_n be_v as_o fair_o dispute_v among_o themselves_o witness_v the_o famous_a controversy_n between_o the_o jansenist_n and_o molinist_n which_o their_o infallible_a judge_n never_o think_v fit_a to_o determine_v to_o this_o day_n they_o live_v indeed_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o
rule_n whereby_o our_o church_n be_v reform_v and_o to_o which_o we_o appeal_v there_o be_v but_o three_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o christian_n either_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n or_o the_o external_a order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o administration_n of_o religious_a office_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n all_o those_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man_n they_o be_v so_o plain_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o no_o honest_a man_n can_v mistake_v they_o i_o suppose_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o will_v not_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v any_o need_n of_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n to_o teach_v man_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o love_v god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n those_o which_o be_v fundamental_a to_o the_o christian_n religion_n and_o which_o every_o christian_a ought_v to_o believe_v be_v so_o plain_a in_o scripture_n that_o every_o honest_a and_o unprejudiced_a man_n may_v understand_v they_o but_o however_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o we_o govern_v ourselves_o in_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n of_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o safe_a rule_n we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o nothing_o and_o what_o the_o catholic_a faith_n be_v we_o learn_v from_o those_o short_a summary_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v universal_o own_v by_o all_o catholic_a church_n for_o what_o we_o now_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n be_v very_o ancient_o receive_v in_o all_o church_n with_o some_o little_a variety_n indeed_o of_o word_n and_o phrase_n but_o without_o any_o difference_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o catholic_a faith_n be_v not_o only_o preserve_v in_o such_o short_a summary_n and_o creed_n which_o be_v as_o liable_a to_o be_v pervert_v by_o heretic_n as_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o but_o be_v more_o large_o explain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o though_o this_o will_v not_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v every_o phrase_n and_o expression_n of_o scripture_n but_o we_o must_v use_v other_o mean_n to_o do_v that_o as_o skill_n in_o the_o original_a language_n a_o knowledge_n of_o ancient_a custom_n and_o ancient_a dispute_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n frequent_o aflude_v a_o consideration_n of_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o place_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o catholic_a faith_n receive_v and_o own_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v so_o far_o a_o rule_n as_o it_o direct_v we_o to_o expound_v scripture_n to_o a_o true_a catholic_a sense_n as_o st._n paul_n command_v the_o roman_n that_o those_o who_o prophesy_v shall_v prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n rom._n 12._o 6._o kat_n '_o analogian_n pisteos_fw-la according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v that_o in_o the_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o shall_v expound_v they_o to_o a_o christian_n sense_n according_a to_o those_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_n faith_n which_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n for_o expound_v the_o old_a testament_n which_o contain_v the_o type_n and_o figure_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o gospel-state_n and_o thus_o in_o expound_v the_o new_a testament_n now_o it_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v we_o must_v prohpesie_v according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n or_o as_o he_o command_v timothy_n in_o his_o preach_v hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v from_o i_o 2._o tim._n 1._o 13._o it_o seem_v the_o apostle_n have_v give_v he_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n according_a to_o which_o he_o be_v to_o direct_v his_o preach_a whither_o this_o refer_v to_o a_o short_a summary_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o our_o creed_n be_v i_o can_v say_v though_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a it_o may_v but_o it_o be_v plain_a we_o have_v a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n deliver_v to_o we_o by_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o contain_v the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o far_o a_o rule_n to_o we_o in_o expound_v scripture_n as_o never_o to_o contradict_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o for_o that_o be_v to_o contradict_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o when_o one_o great_a article_n of_o this_o faith_n concern_v the_o eternal_a godhead_n of_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v corrupt_v by_o arius_n a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n it_o give_v a_o occasion_n for_o a_o full_a declaration_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n about_o it_o and_o though_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o controversy_n be_v very_o fatal_a to_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o happy_a that_o it_o break_v out_o in_o such_o a_o age_n when_o it_o can_v be_v determine_v with_o great_a certainty_n and_o great_a authority_n than_o it_o can_v have_v be_v in_o any_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n by_o man_n who_o be_v venerable_a for_o their_o age_n for_o their_o wisdom_n for_o their_o piety_n for_o their_o undaunted_a confession_n under_o heathen_a and_o persecuring_a emperor_n who_o know_v what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v before_o this_o controversy_n break_v out_o and_o before_o external_n prosperity_n have_v through_o ease_n and_o wantonness_n corrupt_v the_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o christian_n 3._o as_o for_o matter_n of_o external_n order_n discipline_n and_o government_n the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o best_a and_o safe_a comment_n on_o these_o general_a rule_n and_o direction_n we_o have_v lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o but_o the_o apostle_n do_v appoint_v governor_n and_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o they_o what_o these_o be_v the_o christian_n of_o those_o day_n see_v with_o their_o eye_n ●_o in_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n in_o those_o epistle_n which_o they_o write_v to_o their_o several_a church_n do_v not_o give_v they_o so_o punctual_a and_o particular_a a_o account_n of_o those_o matter_n which_o they_o so_o well_o know_v before_o but_o as_o occasion_n serve_v make_v only_o some_o accidental_a mention_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o in_o such_o general_a term_n as_o be_v well_o enough_o understand_v by_o they_o who_o know_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o age_n but_o it_o may_v be_v can_v mere_o by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o word_n which_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o several_a sense_n be_v so_o certain_o and_o demonstrative_o determine_v to_o any_o one_o sense_n by_o we_o who_o do_v not_o see_v what_o be_v do_v in_o those_o day_n as_o to_o avoid_v all_o possible_a cavil_n of_o contentious_a man_n this_o have_v occasion_v those_o dispute_n concern_v infant_n baptism_n the_o several_a order_n and_o degree_n of_o church_n governor_n the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o like_a those_o who_o live_v in_o those_o day_n and_o see_v what_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o these_o matter_n can_v not_o doubt_v of_o these_o thing_n think_v it_o be_v not_o in_o express_a word_n say_v that_o infant_n shall_v be_v baptize_v with_o their_o parent_n or_o that_o bishop_n be_v a_o superior_a order_n to_o presbyter_n and_o presbyter_n to_o deacon_n or_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o institute_v and_o appoint_v some_o significant_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n for_o the_o more_o decent_a and_o orderly_a administration_n of_o religious_a office_n but_o because_o there_o be_v not_o a_o precise_a and_o punctual_a account_n give_v of_o these_o matter_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o then_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v obvious_a to_o their_o very_a sense_n some_o perverse_a and_o unreasonable_a disputer_n who_o obstinate_o reject_v all_o other_o evidence_n will_v judge_v of_o these_o thing_n just_a as_o they_o please_v themselves_o and_o alter_v their_o opinion_n and_o fancy_n as_o often_o as_o they_o please_v but_o now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o certain_a way_n to_o know_v what_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o these_o case_n this_o be_v the_o best_a comment_n we_o can_v possible_o have_v on_o such_o text_n as_o be_v not_o sufficient_o plain_a and_o express_v without_o it_o now_o i_o think_v any_o reasonable_a man_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o succeed_a age_n especial_o while_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v fresh_a and_o the_o church_n
govern_v by_o apostolical_a man_n when_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suspect_v any_o deviation_n from_o the_o primitive_a practice_n and_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n own_v in_o such_o matter_n and_o by_o which_o she_o reject_v and_o confute_v both_o the_o innovation_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o wild_a pretence_n of_o phanaticism_n so_o that_o we_o do_v in_o the_o most_o proper_a sense_n own_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o expound_v scripture_n we_o do_v not_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o expound_v scripture_n by_o a_o private_a spirit_n as_o our_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n reproach_n we_o we_o adhere_v to_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n on_o one_o side_n and_o the_o fanatic_n on_o the_o other_o have_v forsake_v and_o though_o we_o reject_v the_o new_a invention_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n yet_o we_o be_v no_o friend_n at_o all_o to_o scepticism_n but_o can_v give_v a_o more_o rational_a account_n of_o our_o faith_n than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v have_v we_o no_o other_o way_n of_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o by_o propriety_n of_o the_o language_n and_o the_o grammatical_a construction_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o text_n their_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n on_o what_o go_v before_o and_o what_o follow_v and_o such_o like_a mean_n as_o we_o use_v for_o the_o understanding_n any_o other_o book_n of_o humane_a composition_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o honest_a and_o diligent_a inquirer_n may_v discover_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n in_o all_o the_o great_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o yet_o this_o alone_a be_v a_o more_o uncertain_a way_n and_o liable_a to_o the_o abuse_n of_o heretic_n and_o impostor_n the_o socinian_o be_v a_o famous_a example_n what_o wit_n and_o criticism_n will_v do_v to_o pervert_v the_o plain_v text_n and_o some_o other_o sectary_n be_v as_o plain_v a_o demonstration_n what_o w●rk_n dullness_n and_o stupidity_n and_o enthusiasm_n will_v make_v with_o scripture_n but_o when_o we_o have_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o a_o ancient_a and_o venerable_a summary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o have_v be_v the_o common_a faith_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n to_o be_v our_o rule_n in_o expound_v scripture_n though_o we_o may_v after_o all_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o some_o particular_a text_n yet_o we_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o great_a and_o dangerous_a mistake_n this_o use_n the_o church_n of_o england_n make_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o expound_v scripture_n that_o she_o religious_o maintain_v the_o ancient_a catholic_n faith_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o man_n to_o expound_v scripture_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o ancient_a faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o though_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n of_o understand_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n yet_o we_o can_v affirm_v this_o of_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o of_o the_o church_n of_o any_o particular_a age_n except_v the_o apostolic_a age_n or_o those_o age_n which_o immediate_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n notwithstanding_o this_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v be_v no_o good_a expositor_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o she_o usurp_v the_o name_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o presume_v herself_o to_o be_v the_o head_n and_o fountain_n of_o catholic_a unity_n yet_o she_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o church_n of_o france_n aind_v holland_n be_v and_o have_v no_o more_o right_a to_o impose_v her_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n upon_o other_o church_n than_o they_o have_v to_o impose_v upon_o she_o if_o there_o happen_v any_o controversy_n between_o they_o it_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o either_o church_n can_v decide_v it_o but_o this_o must_v be_v do_v by_o a_o appeal_n to_o scripture_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o it_o for_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o sovereign_n and_o absolute_a judge_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o those_o church_n which_o be_v found_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o receive_v the_o faith_n immediate_o from_o they_o and_o be_v afterward_o sore_o some_o age_n govern_v by_o apostolical_a man_n or_o those_o who_o be_v teach_v by_o they_o and_o converse_v with_o they_o be_v the_o best_a witness_n what_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v and_o therefore_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a what_o the_o faith_n of_o these_o primitive_a church_n be_v they_o be_v the_o best_a guide_n for_o the_o expound_v scripture_n so_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o expound_v scripture_n be_v only_o the_o authority_n of_o witness_n it_o can_v reach_v no_o far_o than_o those_o age_n which_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v authentic_a and_o credible_a witness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o extend_v it_o to_o the_o four_o first_o general_a council_n it_o be_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v do_v it_o with_o any_o pretence_n of_o reason_n and_o thus_o far_o the_o church_n of_o england_n own_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o command_v her_o minister_n to_o expound_v the_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o catholic_n faith_n own_a and_o profess_v in_o those_o day_n but_o as_o for_o the_o late_a age_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v remove_v too_o far_o from_o the_o apostle_n day_n to_o be_v witness_n of_o their_o doctrine_n they_o have_v no_o more_o authority_n in_o this_o matter_n than_o we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n nor_o have_v one_o church_n any_o more_o authority_n than_o another_o 3._o and_o therefore_o if_o by_o the_o church_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o know_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v understand_v the_o judgement_n and_o sentence_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n that_o we_o must_v seek_v no_o far_o for_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n than_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o expound_v scripture_n this_o also_o be_v absolute_o false_a and_o absurd_a this_o be_v more_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n assume_v to_o themselves_o while_o they_o be_v on_o earth_n they_o be_v indeed_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n but_o yet_o they_o never_o bear_v down_o their_o hearer_n mere_o with_o their_o authority_n but_o expound_v the_o scripture_n and_o apply_v ancient_a prophecy_n to_o their_o event_n and_o take_v the_o vail_n off_o of_o moses_n face_n and_o show_v they_o the_o gospel_n state_n conceal_v under_o those_o type_n and_o figure_n they_o confirm_v their_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n of_o their_o hearer_n whither_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o christ_n command_v the_o jew_n nor_o mere_o to_o take_v his_o own_o word_n and_o to_o rely_v on_o his_o authority_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v but_o to_o study_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v for_o this_o generous_a temper_n of_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n for_o they_o daily_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v whither_o the_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n preach_v be_v to_o be_v find_v there_o or_o not_o now_o i_o think_v no_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v more_o infallible_a than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o certain_o ought_v not_o to_o assume_v more_o to_o themselves_o than_o they_o do_v and_o if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o any_o other_o church_n will_v convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n convince_v their_o hearer_n that_o be_v by_o enlighten_v our_o understanding_n and_o convince_a our_o judgement_n by_o proper_a argument_n we_o will_v glad_o learn_v of_o they_o this_o course_n the_o primitive_a christian_n take_v as_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n against_o jew_n and_o heretic_n they_o argue_v from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o to_o prove_v what_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n i●_n they_o appeal_v indeed_o sometime_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n not_o as_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o scripture_n but_o as_o the_o best_a witness_n of_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n thus_o
tertulli●●_n argue_v against_o heretic_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr praescriplionibus_fw-la ●●t_n when_o they_o reason_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n they_o never_o direct_v we_o to_o any_o infallible_a judge_n but_o use_v such_o argument_n as_o they_o think_v proper_a to_o convince_v gainsayers_a nay_o this_o be_v the_o way_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o the_o ancient_a council_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n meet_v together_o for_o common_a counsel_n and_o advice_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o authority_n they_o consider_v what_o be_v '_o most_o for_o the_o public_a benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o determine_v they_o by_o their_o authority_n not_o as_o infallible_a judge_n but_o as_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o dispute_v of_o faith_n they_o reason_n from_o scripture_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n not_o from_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o what_o upon_o a_o serious_a debate_n and_o inquiry_n they_o find_v to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o former_a age_n that_o they_o determine_v and_o decree_v to_o be_v receive_v in_o all_o church_n as_o the_o catholic_a faith_n that_o this_o be_v so_o be_v evident_a from_o all_o the_o history_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o celebrate_v council_n which_o any_o man_n may_v consult_v who_o please_v now_o i_o will_v ask_v some_o few_o question_n about_o this_o matter_n 1._o whither-these_a council_n take_v a_o sure_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o find_v out_o truth_n if_o they_o do_v not_o what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o determine_v right_a if_o they_o do_v than_o we_o may_v use_v the_o same_o way_n which_o they_o do_v for_o that_o which_o be_v a_o good_a way_n in_o one_o age_n be_v so_o in_o another_o and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n because_o we_o have_v other_o certain_a way_n of_o do_v this_o the_o same_o which_o all_o the_o ancient_a council_n observe_v 2._o i_o will_v know_v whither_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o every_o christian_n to_o receive_v the_o decree_n and_o determination_n of_o these_o council_n upon_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o authority_n which_o move_v the_o father_n assemble_v in_o council_n to_o make_v these_o decree_n whither_o for_o instance_n we_o must_v not_o believe_v the_o eternal_a godhead_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o substance_n with_o his_o father_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o nicene_n father_n believe_v this_o and_o require_v all_o christian_n to_o believe_v it_o if_o we_o must_v than_o scripture_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n not_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o general_a council_n or_o any_o infallible_a judge_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o the_o nicene_n father_n who_o be_v the_o first_o that_o meet_v in_o a_o general_n council_n can_v not_o believe_v this_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o general_n council_n much_o less_o upon_o their_o own_o authority_n unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o they_o first_o decree_v this_o than_o believe_v it_o because_o they_o themselves_o decree_v it_o if_o scripture_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n antecedent_o to_o the_o determination_n of_o a_o general_n council_n or_o any_o other_o pretend_v infallible_a judge_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o our_o faith_n than_o the_o whole_a christian_n world_n before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a which_o be_v the_o first_o general_a council_n have_v no_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o their_o faith_n for_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a bishop_n or_o church_n in_o those_o day_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n we_o protestant_n have_v the_o same_o way_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n have_v the_o same_o reason_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o the_o nicene_n father_n themselves_o have_v or_o which_o any_o christan_n can_v have_v before_o there_o be_v any_o general_a council_n and_o if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o think_v this_o enough_o we_o can_v help_v that_o we_o be_v abundant_o satisfy_v with_o it_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o general_a council_n in_o those_o day_n be_v deserve_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a not_o as_o a_o infallible_a judge_n which_o they_o never_o pretend_v to_o but_o as_o the_o most_o certain_a mean_n they_o can_v possible_o have_v to_o understand_v what_o be_v and_o in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n they_o meet_v together_o not_o to_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n which_o no_o council_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o have_v any_o authority_n to_o do_v but_o to_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o true_o ancient_a and._n apostolic_a faith_n and_o to_o put_v it_o into_o such_o word_n as_o may_v plain_o express_v the_o catholic_a sense_n and_o meet_v with_o the_o distemper_n of_o that_o age._n for_o this_o end_n grave_a and_o reverend_a bishop_n assemble_v from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o christian_n world_n not_o mere_o to_o give_v their_o private_a opinion_n of_o thing_n but_o to_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o receive_a doctrine_n o●_n those_o church_n over_o which_o they_o preside_v and_o i_o know_v no_o better_a argument_n of_o a_o apostolic_a tradition_n than_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o church_n as_o remote_a from_o each_o other_o as_o east_n and_o west_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o several_a apostle_n and_o differ_v very_o much_o from_o each_o other_o in_o some_o external_n rite_n and_o usage_n but_o yet_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a authority_n of_o those_o ancient_a council_n that_o they_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o understand_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n this_o be_v the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o nicene_n father_n themselves_o have_v no_o other_o way_n nor_o pretend_v to_o any_o other_o nay_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o as_o much_o as_o she_o talk_v of_o infallibility_n make_v very_o little_a use_n of_o it_o she_o have_v never_o give_v we_o a_o infallible_a comment_n on_o scripture_n but_o suffer_v her_o doctor_n to_o write_v as_o fallible_a comment_n and_o in_o many_o thing_n as_o contrary_a to_o each_o other_o as_o any_o protestant_a divine_n do_v and_o i_o can_v imagine_v what_o good_a infallibility_n do_v if_o a_o infallible_a church_n have_v no_o better_a mean_n of_o understand_a scripture_n than_o the_o comment_n of_o fallible_a man_n that_o be_v no_o better_a mean_n then_o every_o fallible_a church_n have_v for_o no_o man_n can_v understand_v the_o scripture_n ever_o the_o better_a for_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a unless_o this_o infallible_a church_n improve_v this_o glorious_a talon_n of_o infallibility_n in_o expound_v scripture_n which_o she_o have_v not_o do_v to_o this_o day_n and_o i_o believe_v never_o will_v indeed_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o infallibility_n as_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n either_o in_o the_o refolution_n of_o faith_n or_o in_o confute_v heretic_n who_o deny_v this_o infallibility_n and_o then_o i_o can_v imagine_v what_o it_o be_v good_a for_o but_o to_o multiply_v dispute_n instead_o of_o end_v they_o as_o for_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n suppose_v i_o ask_v a_o papist_n why_o he_o believe_v such_o article_n as_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a to_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n if_o he_o answer_v as_o he_o must_v do_v because_o he_o be_v teach_v so_o by_o the_o church_n which_o be_v infallible_a my_o next_o question_n be_v how_o he_o know_v the_o church_n to_o be_v infallible_a if_o he_o say_v he_o learn_v this_o from_o scripture_n i_o ask_v he_o how_o he_o come_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o how_o he_o know_v that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o if_o he_o know_v this_o by_o the_o infallible_a interpretation_n of_o the_o church_n than_o he_o run_v round_o in_o a_o circle_n and_o know_v the_o scripture_n by_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n by_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o if_o he_o can_v find_v out_o the_o church_n infallibility_n by_o the_o scripture_n without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n than_o it_o seem_v the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v without_o the_o infallible_a interpretation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o man_n can_v find_v out_o infallibility_n in_o scripture_n without_o the_o church_n i_o be_o confident_a they_o may_v find_v out_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o scripture_n as_o well_o without_o the_o church_n infallibility_n for_o there_o i●_n no_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n so_o hard_o to_o be_v
same_o doctrine_n which_o she_o do_v and_o she_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o just_a prejudice_n against_o any_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n if_o they_o contradict_v the_o common_a faith_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v fair_o capable_a of_o different_a sense_n she_o choose_v that_o sense_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a with_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o shall_v any_o doctrine_n be_v impose_v upon_o she_o as_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n or_o which_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o it_o as_o the_o new_a trent_n creed_n be_v whatever_o pretence_n there_o be_v for_o the_o antiquity_n of_o such_o doctrine_n she_o utter_o reject_v they_o she_o will_v not_o put_v out_o her_o eye_n to_o follow_v any_o other_o guide_n and_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n she_o need_v not_o reject_v any_o true_o catholic_n doctrine_n in_o this_o way_n we_o still_o retain_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o be_v great_o confirm_v in_o it_o from_o that_o admirable_a consent_n there_o be_v between_o the_o scripture_n as_o expound_v by_o we_o and_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v ancient_o own_v and_o receive_v by_o all_o christian_n have_v thus_o show_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o scripture_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n contain_v in_o this_o paper_n that_o this_o church_n must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n by_o its_o continual_a visible_a succession_n from_o christ_n till_o our_o day_n now_o these_o few_o word_n contain_v a_o great_a many_o and_o very_o great_a mistake_n the_o subject_n of_o the_o inquiry_n be_v how_o we_o may_v find_v out_o such_o a_o church_n who_o word_n we_o may_v safe_o take_v for_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n now_o 1._o the_o author_n of_o this_o paper_n whither_o ignorant_o or_o design_o i_o know_v not_o alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v a_o unerring_a and_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n which_o will_v be_v very_o well_o worth_a find_n he_o tell_v we_o how_o we_o may_v know_v a_o true_a church_n now_o i_o take_v a_o true_a church_n and_o and_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v very_o different_a thing_n a_o church_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o not_o a_o sound_n orthodox_n and_o catholic_n church_n for_o a_o true_a church_n be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o have_v all_o thing_n necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o the_o be_v and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n this_o a_o church_n may_v have_v and_o superadd_a other_o thing_n which_o be_v destructive_a of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o very_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a mistake_n as_o we_o believe_v and_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o r●me_n have_v do_v and_o yet_o we_o acknowledge_v she_o a_o true_a church_n because_o she_o retain_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n though_o miserable_o corrupt_v by_o addition_n of_o her_o own_o as_o a_o man_n be_v a_o true_a man_n though_o he_o be_v sick_a of_o a_o mortal_a disease_n now_o if_o a_o true_a church_n may_v corrupt_v the_o christian_a faith_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o rely_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o every_o true_a church_n for_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n 2._o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o by_o a_o true_a church_n he_o mean_v a_o infallible_a church_n who_o authority_n we_o may_v safe_o rely_v on_o in_o expound_v scripture_n this_o church_n he_o say_v be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o a_o continual_a visible_a succession_n from_o christ_n till_o our_o day_n now_o if_o this_o visible_a uninterrupted_a succession_n be_v the_o mark_n of_o such_o a_o true_a church_n as_o be_v a_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n then_o 1._o the_o greek_a church_n be_v a_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n for_o she_o have_v as_o visible_a uninterrupted_a a_o succession_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o this_o day_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v and_o so_o we_o have_v two_o infallible_a church_n not_o to_o instance_n in_o any_o more_o at_o present_a who_o have_v as_o good_a a_o succession_n as_o either_o of_o they_o which_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o each_o other_o and_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v in_o this_o case_n must_v we_o believe_v contradiction_n or_o must_v we_o disbelieve_v infallible_a church_n 3._o if_o a_o visible_a succession_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n make_v a●y_a church_n a_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n than_o all_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v infallible_a all_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o equal_o visible_a succession_n from_o christ_n those_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n may_v be_v presume_v as_o infallible_a while_o the_o apostle_n be_v present_a with_o they_o as_o they_o be_v afterward_o and_o those_o church_n which_o succeed_v these_o apostolical_a church_n at_o the_o distance_n of_o a_o age_n or_o two_o may_v be_v suppose_v as_o infallible_a as_o any_o church_n of_o this_o age_n be_v for_o if_o a_o visible_a succession_n from_o christ_n make_v a_o church_n infallible_a why_o shall_v not_o a_o succession_n of_o a_o hundred_o or_o two_o hundred_o year_n make_v they_o as_o infallible_a as_o a_o succession_n of_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n unless_o they_o think_v that_o infallibility_n increase_v with_o the_o age_n of_o the_o church_n which_o i_o can_v wish_v true_a but_o we_o see_v very_o little_a sign_n of_o it_o now_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n all_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v a_o continual_a visible_a succession_n from_o apostolical_a church_n through_o all_o age_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n must_v be_v infallible_a for_o if_o a_o continual_a visible_a succession_n confer_v infallibility_n and_o be_v the_o mark_n whereby_o we_o must_v know_v it_o than_o every_o church_n which_o ever_o have_v or_o have_v to_o this_o day_n this_o visible_a succession_n must_v have_v infallibility_n also_o which_o it_o seem_v be_v entail_v on_o succession_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v find_v out_o a_o world_n of_o infallibility_n and_o it_o be_v wonderful_a how_o any_o apostolical_a church_n come_v to_o be_v overrun_v with_o so_o many_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o to_o grow_v so_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a as_o to_o provoke_v god_n to_o root_v they_o up_o if_o every_o apostolical_a church_n be_v infallible_a i_o can_v imagine_v how_o whole_a church_n which_o visible_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v infect_v with_o heresy_n for_o if_o infallibility_n itself_o will_v not_o secure_v a_o church_n from_o heresy_n the_o lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o 3._o this_o mark_n he_o give_v how_o to_o find_v out_o such_o a_o true_a church_n at_o be_v a_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n viz._n a_o continual_a visible_a succession_n from_o christ_n till_o this_o day_n include_v another_o great_a mistake_n for_o it_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o church_n now_o in_o be_v on_o who_o authority_n we_o must_v rely_v for_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o use_n of_o a_o visible_a succession_n to_o this_o day_n in_o this_o controversy_n if_o as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a we_o must_v rely_v only_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n not_o of_o the_o church_n of_o this_o present_a age_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o not_o as_o a_o infallible_a judge_n bu●_n as_o the_o most_o authentic_a witness_n of_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n than_o we_o can_v find_v out_o this_o church_n by_o a_o visible_a succession_n to_o this_o day_n but_o by_o examine_v the_o ancient_a record_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n where_o we_o shall_v find_v what_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n be_v which_o be_v the_o safe_a rule_n to_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n though_o there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o this_o day_n which_o can_v prove_v a_o continual_a visible_a succession_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n yet_o while_o we_o have_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o record_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n we_o have_v very_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o understanding_n the_o true_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n so_o that_o of_o whatever_o use_v this_o talk_n of_o a_o continual_a visible_a succession_n may_v be_v in_o other_o case_n it_o be_v whole_o impertinent_a in_o this_o a_o church_n which_o can_v prove_v such_o a_o continual_a visible_a succession_n which_o be_v not_o found_v by_o any_o apostle_n
or_o apostolical_a man_n or_o have_v lose_v the_o memory_n or_o record_n of_o its_o first_o plantation_n may_v yet_o have_v very_o certain_a mean_n of_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a church_n and_o a_o church_n which_o have_v the_o most_o visible_a uninterrupted_a succession_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n may_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n that_o she_o may_v be_v very_o corrupt_a and_o erroneous_a herself_o if_o she_o forsake_v the_o apostolical_a tradition_n contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o expound_v by_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o church_n as_o we_o know_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v do_v which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o infallible_a church_n that_o we_o believe_v she_o to_o be_v the_o most_o corrupt_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o i_o think_v we_o be_v prepare_v to_o venture_v upon_o the_o last_o clause_n of_o this_o paper_n wherein_o the_o whole_a force_n of_o the_o argument_n such_o as_o it_o be_v be_v turn_v upon_o the_o poor_a protestant_a church_n but_o i_o doubt_v say_v the_o author_n of_o this_o paper_n whither_o or_o no_o the_o protestant_a church_n can_v make_v out_o this_o continual_a visible_a succession_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v inform_v the_o sting_n of_o which_o argument_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o we_o protestant_n have_v no_o certain_a way_n of_o know_v the_o true_a se●nse_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n because_o we_o can_v prove_v the_o continual_a visible_a succession_n of_o our_o church_n from_o christ_n unto_o this_o day_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o have_v this_o visible_a succession_n and_o receive_v all_o her_o dictate_v as_o infallible_a oracle_n but_o for_o answer_n to_o this_o consider_v 1._o that_o suppose_v the_o protestant_a church_n can_v not_o make_v out_o such_o a_o continual_a visible_a succession_n yet_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n very_o well_o without_o it_o and_o need_v not_o go_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o expound_v scripture_n for_o we_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v at_o large_a have_v he_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v be_v no_o church_n for_o want_v of_o a_o visible_a succession_n of_o church_n officer_n or_o that_o our_o religion_n be_v a_o novelty_n which_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n before_o luther_n this_o have_v be_v something_o more_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o to_o pretend_v that_o we_o can_v understand_v the_o scripture_n for_o want_v of_o a_o visible_a succession_n be_v such_o a_o loose_a and_o inconsequent_a way_n of_o reason_v as_o a_o poor_a fallible_a protestant_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o 2._o but_o pray_v why_o can_v the_o protestant_n church_n of_o england_n prove_v she_o continual_a visible_a succession_n from_o christ_n till_o this_o day_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n here_o be_v a_o christian_a church_n plant_v in_o this_o nation_n as_o very_o good_a historian_n say_v as_o early_o as_o at_o rome_n and_o it_o have_v continue_v here_o ever_o since_o to_o this_o day_n when_o austin_n the_o monk_n come_v over_o to_o england_n he_o find_v here_o a_o company_n of_o resolute_a british_a bishop_n and_o monk_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o usurpation_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o english_a and_o british_a church_n under_o several_a change_n and_o alteration_n have_v continue_v to_o this_o day_n with_o a_o visible_a succession_n of_o christian_a bishop_n and_o what_o better_a succession_n can_v rome_n show_v than_o this_o i_o suppose_v no_o roman_a catholic_n will_v disow_v the_o succession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n till_o the_o reformation_n and_o i_o pray_v how_o come_v we_o to_o lose_v our_o succession_n then_o do_v the_o reformation_n of_o those_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n which_o have_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n unchurch_n we_o just_o as_o much_o as_o a_o man_n cease_v to_o be_v the_o same_o man_n when_o he_o be_v cure_v of_o some_o mortal_a disease_n do_v not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n consist_v of_o the_o same_o person_n before_o the_o reformation_n and_o after_o a_o great_a many_o indeed_o disow_v the_o reformation_n but_o be_v not_o all_o those_o person_n who_o be_v so_o active_a and_o zealous_a in_o the_o reformation_n former_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n and_o do_v they_o lose_v their_o succession_n too_o when_o they_o become_v reformer_n when_o a_o church_n consist_v of_o the_o same_o bishop_n priest_n and_o people_n which_o she_o have_v before_o though_o she_o have_v not_o all_o the_o same_o that_o she_o have_v when_o she_o retain_v the_o same_o ancient_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a faith_n which_o she_o do_v before_o only_o renounce_v some_o error_n and_o innovation_n which_o she_o own_v before_o how_o do_v this_o forfeit_a her_o succession_n the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o very_a same_o church_n now_o since_o the_o reformation_n which_o she_o be_v before_o and_o therefore_o have_v the_o very_a same_o succession_n though_o not_o the_o same_o error_n to_o this_o day_n that_o ever_o she_o have_v and_o that_o i_o think_v be_v as_o good_a a_o succession_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o case_n of_o succession_n either_o a_o succession_n of_o church_n officer_n or_o a_o succession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o as_o for_o a_o succession_n of_o church_n officer_n we_o have_v the_o same_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v those_o english_a bishop_n who_o embrace_v the_o reformation_n receive_v their_o order_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v as_o good_a order_n as_o any_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o these_o be_v the_o person_n who_o consecrate_a other_o bishop_n and_o so_o in_o succession_n to_o this_o day_n for_o as_o for_o the_o story_n of_o the_o nagshead_n ordination_n that_o be_v so_o transparent_a a_o forgery_n invent_v many_o year_n after_o to_o reproach_n the_o reformation_n that_o i_o presume_v no_o sober_a roman_a catholic_n will_v insist_v on_o it_o but_o we_o be_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n and_o this_o forfeit_v our_o order_n and_o our_o succession_n together_o but_o 1._o this_o charge_n ought_v first_o to_o be_v prove_v against_o we_o that_o we_o be_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n we_o deny_v and_o abhor_v both_o the_o name_n and_o thing_n and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n as_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o be_v not_o and_z as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v never_o prove_v we_o to_o be_v then_o according_a to_o their_o own_o confession_n our_o order_n must_v be_v good_a 2._o however_o be_v we_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_n or_o what_o ever_o they_o please_v to_o call_v we_o how_o do_v this_o destroy_v our_o order_n and_o succession_n the_o catholic_n church_n will_v not_o allow_v in_o former_a age_n that_o heresy_n or_o schism_n destroy_v the_o validity_n of_o order_n st._n i_o dispute_v against_o this_o at_o large_a in_o his_o book_n contra_fw-la luciferianos_fw-la and_o st._n austin_n allow_v the_o donatists_n bishop_n to_o have_v valid_a order_n though_o they_o be_v schismatic_n and_o therefore_o that_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v by_o they_o be_v valid_a and_o indeed_o if_o heresy_n will_v destroy_v order_n and_o succession_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v be_v as_o much_o to_o seek_v for_o their_o order_n and_o succession_n as_o we_o be_v which_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n have_v have_v several_a heretical_a pope_n and_o no_o body_n know_v how_o many_o bishop_n ordain_v by_o they_o 2._o as_o for_o succession_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v as_o considerable_a to_o the_o full_a as_o succession_n of_o order_n the_o great_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o plain_o contain_v in_o scripture_n but_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o we_o through_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o in_o her_o great_a degeneracy_n do_v own_o all_o that_o we_o do_v in_o pure_a matter_n of_o faith_n when_o we_o reform_v the_o church_n we_o do_v not_o make_v a_o new_a religion_n but_o only_o separate_v the_o old_a faith_n from_o new_a and_o corrupt_a addition_n and_o therefore_o the_o quarrel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o we_o be_v not_o that_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v but_o that_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v all_o that_o they_o will_v have_v we_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v true_o primitive_a and_o catholic_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n own_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o
except_v the_o dispute_n between_o the_o latin_a and_o greek_a church_n about_o the_o filioque_fw-la or_o the_o holy_a spirit_n proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n receive_v by_o all_o catholic_a church_n to_o this_o day_n which_o be_v as_o complete_a and_o perfect_a succession_n as_o any_o doctrine_n can_v have_v therefore_o when_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n ask_v we_o where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n we_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v all_o the_o world_n over_o all_o catholic_n church_n believe_v what_o we_o do_v though_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v all_o that_o they_o do_v they_o themselves_o do_v and_o do_v to_o this_o day_n own_o our_o creed_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n except_v such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v direct_o oppose_v to_o their_o innovation_n so_o that_o we_o be_v on_o a_o ●ure_a foundation_n our_o faith_n have_v be_v receive_v in_o the_o catholic_a church_n in_o all_o age_n but_o now_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v show_v such_o a_o succession_n for_o her_o new_a doctrine_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v unknown_a to_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o many_o age_n which_o be_v reject_v by_o many_o flourish_a church_n since_o the_o first_o appearance_n of_o they_o which_o never_o have_v a_o quiet_a possession_n in_o her_o own_o communion_n and_o be_v never_o form_v into_o article_n of_o faith_n till_o the_o pack_v conventicle_n of_o trent_n this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o paper_n and_o it_o pity_v i_o to_o see_v so_o many_o well-meaning_a person_n abuse_v with_o such_o transparent_a sophistry_n finis_fw-la a_o discourse_n about_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n make_v by_o the_o papist_n ask_v of_o we_o the_o question_n where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n london_n print_v and_o edinburgh_n reprint_v by_o j._n reid_n for_o t._n brown_n and_o g._n schaw_n and_o a._n ogston_n and_o g._n mosman_n stationer_n in_o the_o parliament_n closs_n 1686._o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n make_v by_o the_o papist_n etc._n etc._n the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v once_o by_o the_o way_n of_o trust_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n unto_o the_o saint_n man_n of_o care_n and_o honesty_n and_o who_o shall_v preserve_v it_o in_o its_o first_o purity_n and_o spiritual_a intention_n only_o to_o prescribe_v method_n unto_o man_n by_o faith_n and_o a_o honest_a conversation_n how_o they_o may_v arrive_v at_o heaven_n that_o this_o religion_n may_v make_v a_o deep_a impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n and_o memory_n and_o be_v more_o faithful_o keep_v it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o plain_a and_o significant_a term_n and_o reduce_v into_o 20._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 13_o 14._o rom._n 6._o 17._o 1._o tim._n 6._o 20._o short_a summary_n call_v a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n that_o good_a thing_n that_o form_n of_o doctrine_n a_o depositum_fw-la or_o trust_v and_o by_o the_o church_n afterward_o a_o creed_n that_o it_o may_v be_v believe_v and_o value_v it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n confirm_v with_o variety_n of_o the_o best_a of_o argument_n miracle_n prophecy_n innocent_a carriage_n and_o death_n of_o its_o numerous_a disciple_n and_o severe_a curse_n denounce_v against_o any_o that_o shall_v add_v to_o or_o take_v from_o it_o till_o 18._o gal._n 1._o 8._o 9_o rev._n 22._o 18._o their_o great_a master_n and_o its_o author_n jesus_n shall_v come_v from_o heaven_n again_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o by_o the_o malice_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o design_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n the_o ignorance_n and_o negligence_n of_o some_o the_o cunning_a and_o industry_n of_o other_o this_o plain_a and_o simple_a religion_n begin_v by_o degree_n to_o be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o mixture_n of_o philosophy_n and_o niceness_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o stat_n craft_n and_o policy_n by_o idle_a tradition_n and_o invention_n by_o the_o melancholy_a of_o some_o and_o the_o gaiety_n of_o other_o and_o the_o natural_a face_n of_o it_o be_v so_o strange_o change_v that_o it_o seem_v another_o gospel_n and_o you_o may_v seek_v christianity_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o yet_o scarce_o find_v it_o many_o kingdom_n and_o people_n be_v to_o blame_v in_o this_o be_v teacherous_a to_o their_o master_n and_o false_a to_o their_o trust_n suffer_v so_o pure_a and_o chaste_a a_o religion_n to_o be_v corrupt_v 2_o 2._o cor._n 11._o 2_o or_o steal_v away_o but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n seem_v the_o most_o guilty_a of_o they_o all_o especial_o upon_o her_o own_o ground_n her_o bishop_n be_v the_o infallible_a vicar_n of_o jesus_n to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n once_o indeed_o renown_v etc._n cyp._n epist_n ox._n edit_n p._n 5._o 6._o rom_n 18._o platina_n vit●_n bon_n 7._o p._n 159._o vide_fw-la quaeso_fw-la quantum_fw-la degeneraverint_fw-la etc._n etc._n for_o her_o faith_n and_o pious_a governor_n but_o now_o as_o famous_a for_o their_o degeneracy_n as_o well_o in_o religion_n as_o in_o their_o life_n who_o ambition_n or_o interest_n prostitute_v the_o faith_n to_o those_o design_n and_o make_v it_o earthly_a and_o sensual_a or_o their_o negligence_n and_o stupidity_n suffer_v the_o enemy_n in_o the_o night_n of_o ignorance_n to_o sow_v the_o tare_n which_o so_o grow_v up_o and_o choke_v the_o wheat_n that_o faith_n be_v turn_v into_o fable_n and_o lie_n foppery_n and_o superstition_n be_v nicknamed_a devotion_n ridiculous_a gesture_n and_o habit_n pass_v for_o repentance_n and_o mortification_n the_o bible_n be_v shut_v up_o and_o contemn_v and_o the_o legend_n open_v and_o praise_v honest_a and_o good_a man_n be_v butcher_v and_o unknown_a person_n and_o malefactor_n canonize_v saint_n with_o their_o picture_n and_o relic_n be_v make_v rival_n to_o christ_n in_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n good_a work_n be_v spoil_v by_o merit_n and_o arrogance_n or_o do_v by_o way_n of_o composition_n for_o vice_n the_o fear_n of_o hell_n be_v abate_v by_o the_o invention_n of_o purgatory_n christ_n be_v fetch_v from_o glory_n by_o the_o magic_n of_o a_o priest_n and_o put_v into_o a_o wafer_n or_o into_o a_o more_o sordid_a place_n riddle_n and_o quirk_n of_o their_o school_n be_v make_v article_n of_o faith_n in_o short_a old_a truth_n be_v root_v up_o and_o new_a error_n graft_v on_o they_o power_n and_o profit_n be_v style_v the_o church_n the_o court_n of_o rome_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o temple_n and_o call_v the_o holy_a of_o holies_n such_o error_n as_o these_o in_o the_o christian_n faith_n come_v from_o rome_n and_o infect_v our_o ancient_a british_a church_n not_o at_o first_o plant_v by_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o romish_a bishop_n of_o old_a but_o corrupt_v by_o their_o late_a emissary_n and_o last_v a_o long_a time_n among_o we_o be_v support_v by_o power_n twist_v with_o interest_n suitable_a to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n incorporate_v into_o the_o government_n have_v put_v out_o man_n reason_n to_o try_v and_o discern_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n and_o at_o length_n become_v fashionable_a legal_a terrible_a with_o fire_n and_o censure_n which_o make_v we_o sick_a unto_o death_n absolute_a almost_o and_o beyond_o recovery_n such_o be_v our_o condition_n here_o of_o slavery_n and_o ignorance_n but_o it_o please_v he_o that_o dwell_v between_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n to_o dispel_v our_o darkness_n and_o restore_v the_o ancient_a light_n of_o primitive_a christianity_n his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n improve_n the_o passion_n and_o inclination_n of_o some_o in_o temporal_a change_n and_o concern_v to_o spiritual_a purpose_n encourage_v the_o secret_a groan_n and_o desire_n of_o other_o put_v many_o more_o upon_o search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o infuse_v courage_n for_o it_o at_o length_n come_v to_o a_o resolution_n of_o argue_v and_o debate_v the_o error_n of_o the_o romish_a faith_n and_o manner_n of_o reform_v the_o abuse_n in_o discipline_n and_o devotion_n and_o to_o call_v back_o true_a christianity_n again_o and_o be_v dispossess_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o rome_n which_o oft_o tear_v they_o and_o rend_v they_o till_o they_o foam_v again_o be_v now_o clothe_v and_o in_o their_o wit_n once_o more_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o friend_n of_o rome_n call_v we_o heretic_n schismatic_n and_o innovator_n discharge_v censure_n and_o excommunication_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n against_o we_o be_v full_a of_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n and_o to_o show_v a_o little_a wit_n in_o their_o anger_n and_o pretend_a reason_n pert_o ask_v the_o question_n where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n this_o be_v the_o common_a and_o trite_a objection_n against_o our_o religion_n very_o frequent_v not_o only_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o their_o smith_n bellarmine_n campian_n smith_n more_o ordinary_a
way_n or_o other_o be_v necessary_o include_v in_o that_o belief_n and_o think_v that_o he_o make_v sincere_a and_o sound_a disciple_n if_o they_o believe_v what_o he_o preach_v only_o jesus_n and_o the_o resurrection_n in_o their_o full_a compass_n and_o latitude_n though_o we_o believe_v all_o this_o in_o a_o more_o express_a and_o explicit_a sense_n all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n or_o the_o two_o other_o creed_n draw_v up_o by_o the_o church_n to_o explain_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o some_o article_n and_o to_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o heretic_n yet_o the_o first_o christian_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o we_o shall_v be_v damn_v they_o shall_v be_v the_o elect_a and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n we_o must_v be_v reprobate_n and_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n or_o let_v rome_n show_v her_o wont_a charity_n and_o say_v she_o doubt_v also_o of_o their_o salvation_n or_o do_v christ_n connive_v at_o that_o time_n of_o ignorance_n or_o have_v he_o as_o a_o lawgiver_n forget_v to_o declare_v some_o part_n of_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o upon_o better_a remembrance_n after_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n suggest_v it_o to_o his_o careful_a vicar_n or_o do_v christ_n know_v their_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o that_o they_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o at_o that_o time_n therefore_o delay_v the_o discovery_n so_o long_o or_o do_v these_o new_a article_n lie_v hide_v so_o long_o conceal_v by_o his_o apostle_n or_o bury_v by_o some_o lewd_a heretic_n in_o the_o rubbish_n of_o those_o church_n they_o pull_v down_o but_o afterward_o find_v as_o they_o say_v the_o cross_n be_v and_o now_o store_v to_o light_n or_o be_v these_o new_a article_n some_o way_n or_o other_o contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n which_o we_o believe_v and_o by_o easy_a and_o natural_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o they_o some_o such_o fine_a reason_n as_o these_o must_v be_v pretend_v otherwise_o we_o can_v safe_o conclude_v that_o our_o church_n be_v true_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a though_o she_o disow_v the_o late_a invention_n of_o the_o romish_a bishop_n and_o be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n by_o her_o first_o feature_n and_o complexion_n though_o she_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o new_a italian_a dress_n for_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n the_o house_n of_o god_n irregular_a in_o its_o build_n want_v of_o beam_n and_o pillar_n the_o essential_o of_o religion_n till_o rome_n curious_a and_o careful_a builder_n cast_v it_o into_o a_o new_a model_n and_o complete_v it_o 2._o this_o question_n suppose_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n ought_v always_o to_o be_v visible_a which_o be_v not_o so_o strict_o true_a for_o visible_a or_o invisible_a make_v not_o two_o church_n but_o different_a state_n condition_n or_o respect_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o it_o be_v design_v by_o christ_n that_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o church_n shall_v make_v a_o outward_a and_o vissible_a profession_n of_o it_o by_o their_o religious_a assembly_n and_o worship_n by_o their_o sacrament_n discipline_n and_o government_n whereby_o be_v unite_v among_o themselves_o and_o to_o christ_n their_o head_n they_o shall_v constitute_v one_o body_n call_v the_o catholic_n church_n in_o who_o communion_n they_o must_v live_v and_o die_v but_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o number_n of_o christian_a people_n so_o profess_v and_o own_v the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n be_v lesser_a or_o great_a more_o conspicuous_a or_o obscure_a as_o persecution_n or_o heresy_n grow_v and_o prevail_v among_o they_o which_o like_o rage_a plague_n waste_v whole_a country_n destroy_v some_o pervert_v other_o and_o make_v many_o fly_n into_o remote_a kingdom_n and_o only_o some_o scatter_a and_o solitary_a christian_n live_v in_o cave_n and_o wilderness_n remain_v behind_o or_o only_o the_o face_n of_o a_o distress_a christian_a church_n as_o it_o happen_v to_o the_o seven_o asian_n and_o african_a church_n which_o now_o labour_n under_o a_o mahometan_a pride_n and_o superstition_n but_o as_o it_o lose_v in_o one_o country_n it_o gain_v in_o another_o the_o jewish_a persecution_n and_o other_o drive_v several_a colony_n of_o christian_n into_o remote_a country_n where_o they_o spread_v and_o enlarge_v their_o religion_n and_o many_o time_n the_o distress_n or_o triumph_v of_o the_o church_n follow_v the_o change_n and_o revolution_n in_o the_o civil_a state_n suffer_v or_o flourish_v with_o it_o and_o often_o the_o abuse_n of_o religion_n prostitute_v of_o it_o to_o hypocrisy_n and_o secular_a end_n the_o wicked_a life_n of_o its_o disciple_n or_o want_v of_o courage_n or_o resolution_n in_o its_o defence_n have_v tempt_v providence_n to_o permit_v pestilent_a heresy_n worse_o than_o that_o in_o these_o northern_a part_n to_o prevail_v and_o paganism_n to_o return_v again_o but_o still_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n be_v firm_a and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n do_v not_o prevail_v against_o she_o and_o though_o he_o be_v force_v sometime_o to_o travel_v from_o country_n to_o country_n and_o look●_n small_a and_o obscure_a in_o the_o number_n of_o her_o follower_n yet_o still_o some_o or_o other_o part_n and_o corner_n of_o the_o world_n and_o true_a and_o zealous_a christian_n in_o they_o make_v up_o the_o little_a flock_n and_o shall_v never_o faill_v while_o the_o world_n endure_v popery_n like_o the_o egyptian_a darkness_n have_v overspread_v this_o and_o other_o nation_n yet_o here_o and_o there_o be_v as_o the_o israelite_n that_o have_v light_a in_o his_o dwelling_n and_o a_o counter-charm_n against_o the_o enchantment_n of_o egypt_n the_o gospel_n that_o at_o length_n do_v prevail_v against_o corruption_n and_o make_v its_o follower_n visible_a and_o numerous_a they_o ask_v we_o where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n as_o though_o it_o be_v not_o because_o it_o do_v not_o visible_o appear_v or_o no_o where_o in_o the_o world_n because_o not_o here_o in_o england_n or_o in_o other_o part_n where_o popery_n do_v domineer_v and_o the_o romish_a faction_n be_v all_o and_o whole_a christianity_n in_o the_o world_n the_o catholic_n church_n which_o imply_v contradiction_n and_o absurdity_n christianity_n here_o indeed_o be_v obscure_v and_o like_o the_o sun_n under_o the_o cloud_n but_o still_o the_o sun_n be_v the_o same_o and_o at_o length_n conquer_v the_o mist_n it_o be_v a_o fine_a question_n to_o ask_v where_o be_v the_o sun_n before_o noon_n day_n we_o will_v suppose_v her_o follower_n to_o be_v few_o yet_o christ_n be_v true_a though_o other_o be_v liar_n for_o he_o never_o promise_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n shall_v be_v always_o famous_a for_o their_o number_n or_o that_o multitude_n shall_v always_o follow_v truth_n nor_o ever_o direct_v man_n to_o follow_v the_o multitude_n in_o search_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v find_v otherways_o not_o by_o vote_n and_o poll_n for_o she_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n ask_v the_o question_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v again_o whither_o at_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n or_o at_o the_o judgement_n day_n whereof_o the_o other_o be_v a_o type_n and_o prefiguration_n whither_o he_o shall_v find_v faith_n on_o earth_n or_o no_o do_v not_o the_o prophet_n ●_o luk._n 1●_n ●_o sad_o complain_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o jotham_n ahaz_n and_o hezekiah_n king_n of_o judah_n that_o the_o good_a man_n be_v perish_v out_o 2_o mich_n 7._o 2_o of_o the_o land_n and_o there_o be_v none_o righteous_a among_o man_n they_o can_v not_o then_o reckon_v up_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n twelve_o thousand_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v true_a faith_n and_o a_o church_n of_o god_n though_o little_a and_o obscure_a do_v not_o king_n david_n cry_v 1._o psal_n 12._o 1._o out_o help_v lord_n for_o the_o godly_a man_n cease_v for_o the_o faithful_a faill_n from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n corruption_n in_o faith_n and_o manner_n usual_o go_v together_o and_o elijah_n tell_v a_o sad_a story_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o 10_o 1_o kin._n 19_o 10_o have_v break_v their_o covenant_n and_o destroy_v the_o altar_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o he_o only_o be_v leave_v alive_a that_o they_o seek_v his_o life_n also_o god_n tell_v he_o that_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o he_o have_v seven_o 18._o vers_fw-la 18._o thousand_o knee_n that_o have_v not_o bow_v to_o baal_n still_o there_o be_v a_o small_a church_n not_o infect_v with_o idolatry_n though_o obscure_a and_o unknown_a to_o elijah_n have_v not_o some_o of_o the_o romish_a writer_n tell_v we_o that_o at_o christ_n passion_n the_o church_n be_v only_o leave_v in_o the_o virgin_n mary_n all_o then_o forsake_v christ_n but_o the_o holy_a mother_n the_o shepherd_n be_v smite_v and_o the_o sheep_n disperse_v
saint_n mention_v by_o st._n judas_n be_v not_o entire_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o we_o must_v seek_v for_o the_o rest_n in_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o tradition_n say_v they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o same_o religious_a reverence_n that_o we_o do_v the_o holy_a scripture_n now_o though_o this_o be_v not_o real_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o heart_n as_o will_v appear_v before_o i_o have_v do_v but_o they_o final_o rest_v for_o their_o satisfaction_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n somewhere_o else_o yet_o this_o be_v plausible_o pretend_v by_o they_o in_o their_o own_o justification_n that_o they_o follow_v tradition_n and_o in_o their_o accusation_n of_o we_o that_o we_o foresake_n tradition_n i_o shall_v brief_o let_v all_o our_o people_n see_v who_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v what_o they_o be_v to_o judge_v and_o say_v in_o this_o business_n of_o tradition_n about_o which_o a_o great_a noise_n be_v make_v as_o if_o we_o dare_v not_o stand_v to_o it_o and_o as_o if_o they_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n steadfast_o keep_v it_o without_o any_o variation_n neither_o of_o which_o be_v true_a i_o shall_v plain_o show_v in_o this_o short_a discourse_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n which_o for_o clearness_n sake_n shall_v begin_v with_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n tradition_n which_o in_o english_a be_v no_o more_o than_o deliver_v unto_o another_o and_o by_o a_o figure_n signify_v the_o matter_n which_o be_v deliver_v and_o among_o christian_n the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o religion_n deliver_v to_o we_o and_o there_o be_v two_o way_n of_o deliver_v doctrine_n to_o we_o either_o by_o writing_n or_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n it_o signify_v either_o of_o they_o indifferent_o the_o scripture_n as_o you_o shall_v see_v present_o be_v tradition_n but_o custom_n have_v determine_v this_o word_n to_o the_o last_o of_o these_o way_n and_o distinguish_v tradition_n from_o scripture_n or_o writing_n at_o least_o from_o the_o holy_a write_n and_o make_v it_o signify_v that_o which_o be_v not_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o write_n for_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v tradition_n also_o and_o the_o very_a first_o tradition_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o true_a and_o legitimate_a antiquity_n yet_o in_o common_a language_n tradition_n now_o be_v such_o ancient_a doctrine_n as_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o some_o other_o way_n whither_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o or_o by_o humane_a write_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o authority_n with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n how_o to_o judge_v of_o they_o now_o there_o be_v no_o better_a way_n to_o judge_v aright_o of_o such_o tradition_n then_o by_o consider_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o the_o author_n of_o they_o whence_o they_o come_v second_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o three_o their_o authority_n four_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o come_v to_o know_v they_o derive_v themselves_o from_o such_o author_n as_o they_o pretend_v unto_o and_o consequent_o have_v any_o authority_n to_o demand_v admission_n into_o our_o belief_n 1._o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o every_o body_n know_v and_o confess_v that_o all_o tradition_n suppose_v some_o author_n from_o who_o they_o original_o come_v and_o who_o be_v the_o diliverer_n of_o those_o doctrine_n to_o christian_a people_n who_o be_v tell_v by_o the_o present_a church_n or_o any_o person_n in_o it_o that_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v though_o not_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o they_o be_v tradition_n aught_o in_o conscience_n to_o inquire_v from_o who_o those_o tradition_n come_v or_o who_o first_o deliver_v they_o by_o which_o mean_n they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v what_o credit_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o when_o it_o be_v once_o clear_v to_o they_o from_o what_o author_n they_o real_o come_v now_o whatsoever_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o christianity_n come_v either_o from_o christ_n or_o from_o his_o apostle_n or_o from_o the_o church_n either_o in_o general_n or_o in_o part_n or_o from_o private_a doctor_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o now_o call_v a_o tradition_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o proceed_v from_o one_o or_o from_o all_o of_o these_o four_o original_n 2._o and_o the_o matter_n which_o they_o deliver_v to_o we_o which_o be_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v be_v either_o concern_v that_o faith_n and_o godly_a life_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n or_o concern_v opinion_n rite_n ceremony_n custom_n and_o thing_n belong_v to_o order_n both_o which_o as_o i_o say_v may_v be_v convey_v either_o by_o writing_n or_o without_o write_v by_o the_o divine_a write_n or_o by_o humane_a write_n though_o these_o two_o way_n be_v not_o alike_o certain_a 3._o now_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o every_o understanding_n that_o thing_n of_o both_o sort_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o have_v their_o authority_n from_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o author_n from_o whence_o they_o first_o come_v if_o that_o be_v divine_a their_o authority_n be_v divine_a if_o it_o be_v only_o humane_a their_o authority_n can_v be_v no_o more_o and_o among_o humane_a author_n if_o their_o credit_n be_v great_a the_o authority_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v it_o great_a if_o it_o be_v little_a its_o authority_n be_v little_a and_o according_o must_v be_v accept_v with_o great_a or_o lesser_a reverence_n upon_o which_o score_n whatsoever_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o come_v from_o christ_n it_o have_v the_o high_a authority_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o absolute_a submission_n to_o it_o because_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o likewise_o whatsoever_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o name_n have_v the_o same_o authority_n they_o be_v his_o minister_n send_v by_o he_o as_o he_o be_v by_o god_n the_o father_n and_o endue_v with_o a_o divine_a power_n which_o attest_v unto_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n whatsoever_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o church_n have_v the_o same_o authority_n which_o the_o church_n have_v which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o equal_a to_o the_o forego_n the_o church_n have_v no_o such_o divine_a power_n nor_o infallible_a judgement_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v yet_o be_v of_o such_o weight_n and_o moment_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v reverence_v next_o to_o they_o i_o mean_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v also_o to_o be_v of_o great_a or_o lesser_a authority_n as_o it_o be_v near_a or_o far_o off_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n what_o be_v deliver_v by_o their_o immediate_a follower_n aught_o to_o weigh_v so_o much_o with_o we_o as_o to_o have_v the_o great_a humane_a authority_n and_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o little_o less_o than_o divine_a the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o next_o generation_n be_v a_o authority_n approach_v as_o near_o to_o the_o former_a as_o the_o age_n do_v one_o to_o another_o but_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o latter_a time_n have_v less_o humane_a authority_n though_o pretend_v to_o come_v but_o without_o proof_n from_o more_o early_a day_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n at_o all_o if_o it_o contradict_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n when_o it_o be_v capable_a to_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o apostle_n as_o for_o particular_a church_n their_o authority_n ought_v to_o be_v reverence_v by_o every_o member_n of_o they_o when_o they_o profess_v to_o deliver_v sincere_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o when_o they_o determine_v as_o they_o have_v power_n to_o do_v controversy_n of_o faith_n or_o decree_v rite_n and_o ceremony_n not_o contrary_a to_o god_n word_n in_o which_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o acquiesce_v but_o we_o can_v say_v the_o same_o of_o that_o which_o come_v from_o any_o private_a doctor_n in_o the_o church_n modern_a or_o ancient_a which_o can_v have_v no_o great_a authority_n than_o he_o himself_o be_v of_o but_o be_v more_o or_o less_o credible_a according_a as_o he_o be_v more_o or_o less_o diligent_a know_v and_o strict_o religious_a 4._o but_o to_o all_o this_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o do_v sufficient_o appear_v that_o such_o doctrine_n do_v real_o come_v from_o those_o author_n who_o tradition_n they_o pretend_v to_o be_v this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o the_o only_a thing_n about_o which_o there_o be_v any_o question_n among_o sober_a and_o judicious_a person_n how_o to_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o deliver_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n do_v certain_o come_v for_o instance_n from_o christ_n or_o his_o holy_a apostle_n for_o in_o this_o all_o christian_n be_v
the_o holy_a scripture_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o pagan_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o christian_n as_o man_n that_o be_v content_a to_o part_v with_o their_o religion_n for_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n but_o that_o they_o think_v christian_a religion_n to_o be_v therein_o contain_v and_o to_o be_v betray_v by_o those_o who_o deliver_v they_o to_o be_v burn_v by_o which_o i_o have_v prove_v more_o than_o i_o intend_v in_o this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n concern_v our_o salvation_n be_v contain_v which_o be_v the_o true_a question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome●_n not_o whither_o the_o scripture_n be_v deliver_v to_o we_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o no_o in_o this_o our_o people_n ought_v to_o tell_v they_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v but_o whither_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o we_o as_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god._n and_o from_o that_o argument_n now_o mention_v and_o many_o more_o we_o conclude_v that_o universal_a tradition_n have_v direct_v we_o unto_o these_o book_n and_o no_o other_o they_o direct_v we_o sufficient_o without_o any_o other_o doctrine_n unto_o god_n and_o to_o our_o everlasting_a rest_n and_o if_o they_o urge_v you_o far_o and_o say_v that_o the_o very_a credit_n of_o the_o scripture_n depend_v upon_o tradition_n tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v a_o speech_n not_o to_o be_v endure_v if_o they_o mean_v thereby_o that_o it_o give_v the_o scripture_n its_o authority_n and_o if_o they_o mean_v less_o we_o be_v agree_v as_o have_v be_v already_o say_v for_o it_o be_v to_o say_v that_o man_n give_v authority_n to_o god_n word_n whereas_o in_o truth_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o therefore_o of_o divine_a authority_n because_o the_o church_n have_v deliver_v they_o so_o to_o be_v but_o the_o church_n have_v deliver_v they_o so_o to_o be_v because_o it_o know_v they_o to_o be_v of_o such_o authority_n and_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v conceive_v or_o teach_v otherwise_o of_o these_o write_n then_o as_o of_o the_o undoubted_a oracle_n of_o god_n she_o will_v have_v err_v damnable_o in_o such_o a_o tradition_n i_o shall_v sum_v up_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o second_o particular_a in_o a_o few_o word_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n at_o first_o teach_v the_o church_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n but_o afterward_o that_o which_o they_o preach_v be_v by_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o writing_n and_o deliver_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o irenaeus_n have_v say_v in_o express_a word_n l._n 3._o c._n 1._o speak_v of_o they_o by_o who_o the_o gospel_n come_v unto_o all_o nation_n which_o they_o then_o preach_v but_o afterward_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n deliver_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v in_o time_n to_o come_v the_o foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o our_o faith_n iii_o and_o far_o we_o likewise_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o we_o even_o from_o the_o apostle_n day_n in_o other_o way_n or_o form_n beside_o the_o scripture_n for_o instance_n in_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n in_o the_o creed_n in_o the_o prayer_n and_o hymn_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o may_v call_v tradition_n if_o we_o please_v but_o they_o bring_v down_o to_o we_o no_o new_a doctrine_n but_o only_o deliver_v in_o a_o abridgement_n the_o same_o christianity_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n upon_o this_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o i_o shall_v enlarge_v but_o i_o proceed_v far_o to_o affirm_v iv_o that_o we_o reverent_o receive_v also_o the_o unanimous_a tradition_n or_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n which_o determine_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o make_v it_o more_o clear_a and_o unquestionable_a in_o any_o point_n of_o faith_n wherein_o we_o can_v find_v it_o have_v declare_v its_o sense_n for_o we_o look_v upon_o this_o tradition_n as_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o scripture_n unfold_v not_o a_o new_a thing_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o scripture_n explain_v and_o make_v more_o evident_a and_o thus_o some_o part_n of_o the_o nicene_n creed_n may_v be_v call_v a_o tradition_n as_o it_o have_v express_o deliver_v unto_o we_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n concern_v that_o great_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god._n which_o they_o teach_v we_o be_v always_o thus_o understand_v the_o son_n of_o god_n beget_v of_o his_o father_n before_o all_o world_n and_o of_o the_o same_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n but_o this_o tradition_n suppose_v the_o scripture_n for_o its_o ground_n and_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o father_n assemble_v at_o nice_a believe_v to_o be_v contain_v there_o and_o be_v first_o fetch_v from_o thence_o for_o we_o find_v in_o theodoret_n l._n 1._o c._n 6._o that_o the_o famous_a emperor_n constantine_n admonish_v those_o father_n in_o all_o their_o question_n and_o debate_n to_o consult_v only_o with_o these_o heavenly_a inspire_a write_n because_o the_o evangelical_n and_o apostolical_a book_n and_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o old_a prophet_n do_v evident_o instruct_v we_o what_o to_o thi●k_v in_o divine_a matter_n this_o be_v so_o clear_a a_o testimony_n that_o in_o those_o day_n they_o make_v this_o complete_a rule_n of_o their_o faith_n whereby_o they_o end_v controversy_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o in_o several_a other_o synod_n we_o find_v they_o be_v wont_a to_o lay_v the_o bible_n before_o they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nicene_n creed_n but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o bible_n that_o cardinal_n bellarmine_n have_v nothing_o to_o reply_v to_o it_o but_o this_o constantine_n be_v indeed_o a_o great_a emperor_n but_o no_o great_a doctor_n which_o be_v rather_o a_o scoff_n than_o a_o answer_n and_o cast_v a_o scorn_n not_o only_o upon_o he_o but_o upon_o the_o great_a council_n who_o as_o the_o same_o theodoret_n witness_v assent_v unto_o that_o speech_n of_o constantine_n so_o it_o there_o follow_v in_o these_o word_n that_o most_o of_o the_o synod_n be_v obedient_a to_o what_o he_o have_v discourse_v and_o embrace_v both_o mutual_a concord_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o according_o st._n hilary_n a_o little_a after_o extol_v his_o son_n constantius_n for_o this_o that_o he_o adhere_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o blame_v he_o only_o for_o not_o attend_v to_o the_o true_a catholic_n sense_n of_o they_o his_o word_n be_v these_o in_o his_o little_a book_n which_o he_o deliver_v to_o constantius_n i_o true_o admire_v thou_o o_o lord_n constantius_n the_o emperor_n who_o desire_v a_o faith_n according_a to_o what_o be_v write_v they_o pretend_v to_o no_o other_o in_o those_o day_n but_o as_o he_o speak_v a_o little_a after_o look_v upon_o he_o that_o refuse_v this_o as_o antichrist_n it_o be_v only_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v their_o faith_n out_o of_o god_n book_n not_o mere_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o they_o but_o according_a to_o their_o true_a meaning_n because_o many_o speak_v scripture_n without_o scripture_n and_o pretend_v to_o faith_n without_o faith_n as_o his_o word_n be_v and_o herein_o catholic_n and_o constant_a tradition_n be_v to_o guide_v they_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a to_o what_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v receive_v and_o hold_v from_o the_o beginning_n can_v not_o in_o reason_n be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o scripture_n which_o be_v allege_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o church_n pretend_v to_o no_o more_o than_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o the_o receive_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o bottom_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v this_o faith_n thus_o i_o observe_v hegesippus_n say_v in_o euseb_n his_o history_n l._n 4._o c._n 22._o that_o when_o he_o be_v at_o rome_n he_o meet_v with_o a_o great_a many_o bishop_n and_o that_o he_o receive_v the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n from_o they_o all_o and_o then_o a_o little_a after_o tell_v we_o what_o that_o be_v and_o whence_o they_o derive_v it_o say_v that_o in_o every_o succession_n of_o bishop_n and_o i●_n every_o city_n so_o they_o hold_v as_o the_o law_n preach_v and_o as_o the_o prophet_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o particular_a with_o a_o pregnant_a passage_n which_o i_o remember_v in_o a_o famous_a divine_a of_o our_o church_n dr._n jackson_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n chap._n 22._o who_o write_v
our_o church_n for_o a_o certain_a truth_n which_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o many_o of_o our_o writer_n who_o have_v show_v that_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n universal_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o st._n bawl_v 1._o cor._n 4._o 7._o not_o to_o think_v above_o that_o which_o be_v write_v i_o will_v mention_v only_o these_o memorable_a word_n of_o tertullian_n who_o be_v as_o earnest_a a_o advocate_n as_o any_o for_o ritual_a tradition_n but_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o hermogenes_n in_o a_o question_n of_o faith_n whither_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v make_v of_o nothing_o urge_v he_o in_o this_o manner_n i_o have_v not_o where_o yet_o read_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v out_o of_o a_o subject_a matter_n if_o it_o be_v write_v let_v those_o of_o hermogenes_n his_o shop_n show_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o write_v let_v they_o fear_v th●●_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v allot_v to_o such_o ●●_o add_v or_o take_v away_o the_o very_a same_o answer_n shall_v our_o people_n make_v to_o those_o that_o will_v have_v they_o receive_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o deliver_v to_o they_o by_o this_o true_o apostolical_a church_n wherein_o we_o live_v if_o it_o he_o write_v let_v we_o see_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o take_v heed_n how_o you_o add_v to_o the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god._n we_o receive_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n so_o they_o themselves_o tell_v we_o and_o so_o run_v the_o true_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o you_o of_o the_o romish_a persuasion_n have_v forsake_v but_o we_o adhere_v unto_o 3_o and_o we_o have_v this_o far_a reason_n so_o to_o do_v because_o if_o part_n of_o god_n word_n have_v be_v write_v and_o part_v unwritten_a we_o can_v but_o believe_v there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o care_n take_v in_o the_o write_a word_n not_o only_o to_o let_v we_o know_v so_o much_o but_o also_o inform_v we_o whither_o we_o shall_v resort_v to_o find_v it_o and_o how_o we_o shall_v know_v it_o if_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o notice_n nor_o any_o such_o direction_n leave_v we_o nor_o can_v any_o man_n give_v we_o any_o certain_a rule_n to_o follow_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o only_o this_o to_o examine_v all_o tradition_n by_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o supreme_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o a●mit_v only_o such_o as_o be_v conformable_a thereunto_o 4._o for_o which_o we_o have_v still_o this_o far_a reason_n that_o no_o soon_o be_v they_o that_o first_o deliver_v and_o receive_v the_o holy_a scripture_n go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o we_o find_v man_n begin_v to_o add_v their_o own_o fancy_n unto_o the_o catholic_n truth_n which_o make_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o keep_v to_o the_o tradition_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n all_o other_o grow_v uncertain_a this_o be_v observe_v by_o hegesippus_n himself_o in_o euseb_n l._n 3._o c._n 32_o that_o the_o church_n remain_v a_o chaste_a virgin_n and_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n till_o the_o sacred_a choir_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o next_o generation_n of_o they_o who_o have_v have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v their_o auditonr_n be_v extinct_a and_o then_o there_o begin_v a_o plain_a conspiracy_n of_o impious_a atheistical_a error_n by_o the_o fraud_n of_o teacher_n who_o deliver_v other_o doctrine_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n saint_n paul_n fear_v even_o in_o his_o own_o life_n time_n about_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o cor_fw-la 1._o 3._o lest_o the_o devil_n like_o a_o wily_a serpent_n shall_v beguile_v they_o and_o corrupt_v their_o mind_n from_o the_o original_a simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n wherein_o they_o be_v first_o instruct_v and_o if_o it_o be_v attempt_v then_o it_o be_v less_o difficult_a and_o therefore_o more_o endeavour_v afterward_o as_o shall_v appear_v anon_o by_o plain_a history_n which_o tell_v how_o several_a person_n pretend_v they_o receive_v this_o and_o that_o from_o a_o apostle_n some_o of_o which_o tradition_n be_v present_o reject_v other_o receive_v and_o afterward_o find_v to_o be_v imposture_n which_o show_v there_o be_v so_o much_o false_a deal_n in_o the_o case_n that_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o man_n to_o know_v what_o be_v true_o apostolical_a in_o those_o day_n if_o it_o come_v to_o they_o this_o way_n only_o and_o therefore_o impossible_a to_o be_v discern_v by_o we_o now_o at_o this_o great_a distance_n of_o time_n from_o the_o apostle_n who_o we_o know_v deliver_v the_o true_a faith_n but_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o rely_v upon_o mere_a tradition_n without_o scripture_n for_o any_o part_n of_o that_o faith_n when_o we_o see_v what_o cheat_n be_v put_v upon_o man_n by_o that_o mean_n even_o then_o when_o they_o have_v better_a help_n to_o detect_v they_o then_o we_o have_v it_o be_v true_a the_o father_n sometime_o urge_v tradition_n a_o as_o proof_n of_o what_o they_o say_v but_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o present_o communicate_v among_o some_o barbarous_a nation_n and_o there_o be_v some_o heretic_n also_o who_o either_o deny_v the_o scripture_n or_o some_o part_n of_o they_o and_o in_o these_o case_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o appeal_v to_o the_o tradition_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o convince_v they_o by_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v every_o where_n by_o all_o the_o bishop_n but_o that_o mark_v this_o i_o pray_v you_o of_o which_o they_o convince_v they_o by_o this_o argument_n be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o scripture_n 5._o with_o which_o we_o can_v suffer_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v equal_v in_o authority_n unless_o we_o will_v see_v it_o confirm_v by_o the_o same_o or_o equal_a testimony_n this_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o all_o why_o we_o can_v admit_v any_o unwritten_a tradition_n to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v because_o we_o can_v find_v any_o truth_n so_o deliver_v to_o we_o as_o those_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o come_v to_o we_o with_o as_o full_a a_o testimony_n as_o can_v be_v desire_v of_o their_o divine_a original_a but_o so_o do_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v now_o obtrude_v on_o we_o by_o the_o romish_a church_n under_o the_o name_n of_o tradition_n or_o unwritten_a word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v the_o very_a first_o copy_n and_o authentic_a write_n of_o those_o book_n call_v the_o new_a testament_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n own_o hand_n to_o they_o and_o those_o book_n confirm_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o they_o be_v both_o deliver_v to_o posterity_n by_o that_o primitive_a church_n witness_v from_o who_o they_o receive_v they_o who_o careful_o keep_v they_o as_o the_o most_o precious_a treasure_n so_o that_o this_o write_a word_n have_v have_v the_o general_a approbation_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o every_o age_n until_o this_o day_n witness_v that_o it_o be_v divine_a and_o it_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a business_n of_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o expound_v this_o word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o people_n and_o their_o book_n be_v full_a of_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n all_o agree_v in_o substance_n with_o what_o we_o now_o read_v in_o they_o nay_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n such_o as_o celsus_n porphyry_n julian_n never_o question_v but_o these_o be_v the_o write_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o author_n and_o which_o they_o deliver_v beside_o the_o mark_v they_o have_v in_o themselves_o of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n which_o indite_v they_o they_o all_o tend_v to_o breed_v and_o preserve_v in_o man_n a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v they_o true_o virtuous_a not_o one_o word_n of_o which_o can_v be_v say_v for_o any_o of_o those_o unwritten_a tradition_n which_o the_o roman_a church_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n word_n for_o we_o have_v no_o testimony_n of_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o do_v the_o primitive_a church_n affirm_v she_o receive_v they_o from_o the_o apostle_n as_o she_o do_v the_o write_a word_n nor_o have_v they_o the_o perpetual_a consent_n and_o general_a approbation_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n ever_o since_o nor_o be_v they_o frequent_o quote_v as_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v upon_o all_o occasion_n by_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v they_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v constant_o teach_v the_o people_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o notice_n take_v of_o they_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o assault_n be_v all_o against_o the_o scripture_n in_o short_a they_o be_v
land_n be_v a_o holy_a land_n god_n peculiar_a inheritance_n which_o he_o give_v by_o promise_n to_o their_o father_n and_o the_o temple_n be_v his_o house_n where_o he_o dwell_v among_o they_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o any_o other_o god_n may_v be_v worship_v by_o such_o a_o people_n in_o such_o a_o land_n and_o in_o such_o a_o house_n as_o god_n have_v appropriate_v to_o himself_o 3._o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a that_o we_o have_v no_o approve_a example_n under_o the_o law_n of_o any_o worship_n pay_v to_o saint_n or_o angel_n or_o any_o other_o be_v but_o god_n alone_o we_o have_v too_o many_o sad_a example_n of_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o jew_n both_o in_o worship_v the_o molten_n calf_n which_o aaron_n make_v and_o jeroboam'_v calf_n and_o baalim_n and_o other_o heathen_a god_n but_o have_v it_o be_v allow_v by_o their_o law_n to_o have_v pay_v any_o inferior_a degree_n of_o religious_a worship_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n which_o be_v now_o assert_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o mankind_n it_o be_v a_o very_a strange_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v one_o example_n of_o it_o throughout_o the_o scripture_n nor_o any_o authentic_a record_n among_o the_o jewish_a writer_n all_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n be_v direct_v to_o god_n alone_o and_o yet_o we_o can_v think_v but_o such_o a_o devout_a man_n will_v have_v bestow_v some_o hymn_n upon_o his_o patron_n and_o tutelar_a saint_n have_v he_o worship_v any_o such_o as_o well_o as_o the_o papists_n do_v now_o this_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n see_v and_o acknowledge_v and_o thinksshe_n answer_v too_o when_o she_o give_v we_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o can_v not_o be_v so_o under_o the_o law_n because_o those_o old_a testament-saint_n be_v not_o then_o admit_v into_o heaven_n to_o the_o immediate_a vision_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n heaven-gate_n be_v not_o open_v till_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o those_o bless_a spirit_n be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o be_v our_o intercessor_n and_o mediator_n till_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o heaven_n but_o now_o saint_n and_o martyr_n ascend_v direct_o into_o heaven_n and_o reign_v with_o christ_n in_o glory_n and_o it_o seem_v share_v with_o he_o in_o his_o peculiar_a worship_n and_o glory_n too_o now_o 1._o whither_o this_o be_v so_o or_o not_o the_o scripture_n assign_v no_o such_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v likely_a there_o may_v be_v other_o reason_n and_o i_o think_v i_o have_v make_v it_o very_o plain_a that_o there_o be_v we_o be_v not_o inquire_v for_o what_o reason_n the_o jewish_a church_n do_v not_o worship_v saint_n and_o angel_n but_o whither_o they_o do_v worship_v they_o or_o not_o and_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o never_o do_v so_o that_o we_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n for_o this_o during_o all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o be_v all_o we_o intend_v to_o prove_v by_o this_o argument_n 2._o but_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o good_a reason_n why_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o worship_v angel_n under_o the_o law_n for_o certain_o angel_n be_v as_o much_o in_o heaven_n then_o as_o they_o be_v now_o whatever_o saint_n be_v they_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o the_o constant_a attendant_n and_o retinue_n of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a minister_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v as_o capable_a of_o divine_a worship_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n as_o they_o be_v now_o nay_o i_o think_v a_o little_a more_o for_o the_o law_n itself_o be_v give_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n and_o their_o appearance_n be_v more_o frequent_a and_o familiar_a and_o the_o world_n seem_v to_o be_v more_o under_o the_o government_n of_o angel_n then_o than_o it_o be_v now_o since_o christ_n be_v make_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o exalt_v above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o therefore_o sometime_o the_o advocate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v some_o little_a offer_n to_o prove_v the_o worship_n of_o angel_n in_o those_o day_n to_o this_o purpose_n they_o allege_v that_o form_n of_o benediction_n which_o jacob_n use_v in_o blessing_n the_o son_n of_o josheph_n the_o 16._o gen._n 44._o 16._o angel_n which_o redeem_v i_o from_o all_o evil_a bless_v the_o lad_n but_o 1._o this_o be_v not_o a_o direct_a prayer_n to_o the_o angel_n but_o only_o his_o commit_n of_o they_o to_o the_o care_n and_o patronage_n of_o that_o angel_n with_o a_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o if_o he_o by_o experience_n have_v find_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v his_o angel_n to_o defend_v and_o protect_v he_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o the_o same_o angel_n may_v protect_v his_o posterity_n 2._o but_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n this_o be_v not_o create_v angel_n and_o spirit_n but_o the_o son_n and_o word_n of_o god_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o presence_n who_o be_v so_o often_o in_o scripture_n style_v jehovah_n a_o name_n which_o can_v belong_v to_o no_o create_a spirit_n and_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o make_v it_o high_o probable_a that_o this_o be_v that_o angel_n who_o redeem_v jacob_n out_o of_o all_o his_o trouble_n but_o it_o be_v strange_a if_o angel_n be_v worship_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o shall_v have_v no_o clear_a and_o plain_a evidence_n of_o it_o than_o such_o a_o single_a text_n which_o be_v never_o expound_v either_o by_o any_o jewish_a or_o christian_a writer_n to_o this_o sense_n till_o of_o late_a day_n and_o here_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o their_o oath_n to_o expound_v scripture_n according_a to_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n sect_n iii_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o gospel_n consider_v whither_o chr●●●_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v make_v any_o alteration_n in_o the_o object_n ●f_o our_o worship_n let_v we_o now_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o consider_v 3_o sect._n 3_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o examine_v what_o they_o teach_v we_o concern_v the_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v make_v no_o change_n in_o the_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n will_v appear_v from_o these_o consideration_n 1._o that_o they_o can_v not_o do_v it_o have_v they_o ever_o attempt_v to_o set_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o any_o other_o being_n beside_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n the_o lord_n jehovah_n the_o jew_n be_v express_o command_v by_o their_o law_n not_o to_o believe_v they_o nor_o hearken_v to_o they_o whatever_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n they_o have_v wrought_v if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o 5._o deut._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o sign_n or_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o wonder_v come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v unto_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n or_o that_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o to_o know_v whither_o you_o love_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul_n you_o shall_v walk_v after_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o fear_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o obey_v his_o voice_n and_o you_o shall_v serve_v he_o and_o cleave_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o prophet_n or_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o law_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n very_o matterial_a to_o be_v obser_v in_o this_o present_a dispute_n 1._o when_o they_o be_v forbid_v to_o hearken_v to_o any_o prophet_n who_o seduce_v they_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o any_o other_o god_n this_o must_v be_v extend_v to_o all_o those_o instance_n of_o idolatrous_a worship_n which_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n whatever_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o one_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a be_v the_o lord_n jehovah_n and_o therefore_o whither_o these_o prophet_n seduce_v they_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o other_o god_n or_o persuade_v they_o to_o worship_v other_o god_n beside_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n whither_o they_o be_v any_o of_o those_o god_n which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n worship_v by_o other_o nation_n or_o any_o other_o god_n who_o the_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o people_n shall_v create_v in_o after_o
this_o be_v not_o do_v why_o we_o be_v not_o direct_v to_o pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o image_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o argument_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o alteration_n make_v in_o the_o object_n of_o worship_n without_o a_o express_a law_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o alteration_n make_v because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o law_n in_o the_o gospel_n the_o jew_n be_v express_o command_v to_o worship_v no_o other_o be_v but_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v which_o law_n appropriate_v all_o the_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n to_o one_o god_n and_o therefore_o all_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o law_n as_o to_o be_v sure_o all_o natural_a jew_n be_v can_v not_o without_o the_o guilt_n of_o idolatry_n give_v any_o religious_a worship_n to_o any_o other_o be_v till_o this_o law_n be_v express_o repeat_v and_o express_v leave_v give_v to_o worship_v some_o other_o divine_a being_n beside_o the_o supreme_a god_n so_o that_o at_o least_o our_o saviour_n himself_o while_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n and_o subject_n to_o the_o law_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o all_o believe_a jew_n be_v oblige_v by_o this_o law_n to_o worship_v none_o but_o god_n unless_o we_o can_v show_v where_o christ_n by_o his_o legislative_a authority_n or_o his_o apostle_n by_o commission_n from_o he_o have_v express_o repeal_v this_o law_n nay_o indeed_o unless_o we_o can_v show_v that_o christ_n himself_o repeal_v this_o law_n and_o teach_v the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n 20_o mat._n 28._o 20_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o can_v have_v no_o authority_n to_o do_v it_o for_o their_o commission_n be_v only_o to_o teach_v what_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o which_o though_o it_o do_v not_o extend_v to_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n and_o the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n yet_o it_o do_v as_o to_o all_o essential_o of_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o i_o think_v the_o right_a object_n of_o worship_n be_v the_o most_o essential_a thing_n in_o religious_a worship_n from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o at_o least_o all_o the_o jewish_a christian_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o this_o day_n can_v worship_v saint_n and_o angel_n without_o idolatry_n because_o the_o law_n which_o be_v give_v to_o they_o and_o never_o yet_o repeal_v command_v they_o to_o worship_v none_o but_o god_n and_o if_o gentile_n convert_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o jewish_a christian_a church_n and_o christ_n have_v but_o one_o church_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n they_o must_v also_o be_v oblige_v by_o all_o those_o law_n which_o be_v then_o and_o be_v still_o obligatory_a to_o all_o believe_a jew_n and_o therefore_o gentile_a as_o well_o as_o jewish_a christian_n be_v still_o bind_v to_o worship_v none_o but_o god_n now_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o prove_v that_o a_o express_a law_n can_v be_v repeal_v only_o by_o a_o express_a law_n that_o law_n which_o command_v we_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o he_o only_o must_v continue_v in_o full_a force_n till_o god_n do_v as_o express_o declare_v that_o he_o allow_v we_o to_o pay_v some_o degree_n of_o religious_a worship_n to_o other_o being_n beside_o himself_o when_o a_o lawgiver_n have_v declare_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n by_o a_o law_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o subject_n shall_v be_v allow_v to_o guess_v at_o his_o mind_n and_o dispute_v away_o a_o express_a law_n by_o some_o surmise_n and_o consequence_n how_o probable_a soever_o they_o may_v appear_v for_o at_o this_o rate_n a_o law_n signify_v nothing_o if_o we_o may_v guess_v at_o the_o will_n of_o our_o lawgiver_n without_o and_o against_o a_o express_a law_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o the_o advocate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o they_o be_v not_o usual_o guilty_a of_o too_o much_o modesty_n ever_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o pretend_v a_o express_a law_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o image_n etc._n etc._n and_o though_o they_o sometime_o allege_v scripture_n to_o prove_v this_o by_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v direct_a proof_n but_o only_o attempt_v to_o prove_v some_o other_o doctrine_n from_o scripture_n from_o which_o they_o think_v they_o may_v prove_v by_o some_o probable_a consequence_n that_o which_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o plain_o teach_v nay_o the_o contrary_a to_o which_o be_v express_o teach_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o this_o may_v be_v allow_v i_o know_v no_o law_n of_o god_n so_o plain_a and_o express_v but_o a_o witty_a man_n may_v find_v way_n to_o escape_v the_o obligation_n of_o it_o this_o be_v a_o consideration_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v discourse_v more_o particular_o of_o it_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n express_o command_v we_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o he_o only_o our_o saviour_n christ_n own_v and_o confirm_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o law_n in_o the_o gospel_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n notwithstanding_o this_o law_n give_v religious_a worship_n to_o creature_n the_o question_n than_o be_v how_o she_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o this_o law_n since_o it_o be_v not_o where_o express_o repeal_v and_o she_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v now_o the_o patron_n of_o creature-worship_n think_v to_o justify_v themselves_o from_o the_o breach_n of_o this_o law_n these_o three_o way_n 1._o by_o consequence_n draw_v as_o they_o pretend_v from_o other_o scripture-doctrine_n 2._o by_o distinction_n and_o 3._o by_o authority_n let_v we_o then_o examine_v whither_o all_o this_o have_v any_o force_n against_o a_o express_a law_n which_o be_v never_o express_o repeal_v 1._o by_o consequence_n draw_v as_o they_o pretend_v from_o other_o scripture-doctrine_n and_o i_o shall_v discourse_v this_o with_o a_o particular_a reference_n to_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n for_o when_o they_o will_v prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o pray_v to_o saint_n they_o allege_v no_o direct_a proof_n of_o this_o from_o scripture●_n but_o because_o they_o must_v make_v a_o show_n of_o say_v something_o from_o scripture_n when_o they_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o heretic_n as_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o no_o less_o authority_n they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v something_o else_o from_o scripture_n from_o whence_o they_o think_v by_o a_o easy_a consequence_n they_o can_v prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o pray_v to_o saint_n thus_o they_o very_o easy_o prove_v that_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o and_o to_o desire_v each_o other_o prayer_n while_o we_o be_v on_o earth_n and_o from_o hence_o they_o present_o conclude_v that_o we_o may_v as_o lawful_o pray_v to_o saint_n in_o heaven_n to_o pray_v for_o we_o as_o beg_v and_o desire_v their_o prayer_n while_o they_o be_v one_o earth_n and_o to_o confirm_v this_o they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o some_o extraordinary_a saint_n who_o merit_n be_v very_o great_a do_v direct_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n unto_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o a_o participation_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o hence_o they_o conclude_v that_o they_o have_v authority_n and_o power_n to_o help_v we_o and_o to_o intercede_v for_o we_o and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o advance_v above_o we_o in_o this_o mortal_a state_n that_o they_o deserve_v some_o kind_n of_o religious_a honour_n and_o worship_n from_o we_o as_o be_v dii_fw-la per_fw-la participationem_fw-la god_n by_o participation_n that_o be_v by_o partake_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o glory_n by_o their_o advancement_n to_o heaven_n and_o if_o after_o all_o this_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n do_v pray_v and_o intercede_v for_o we_o on_o earth_n they_o think_v the_o demonstration_n be_v complete_a and_o perfect_a that_o therefore_o invocat_n therefore_o bonum_fw-la atque_fw-la utile_fw-la esse_fw-la suppliciter_fw-la sanctos_fw-la invocare_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la beneficia_fw-la impetranda_fw-la a_o deo_fw-la per_fw-la filium_fw-la ej_fw-la we_o jesum_fw-la christum_fw-la dominum_fw-la nostrum_fw-la qui_fw-la solus_fw-la noster_fw-la redemptor_n &_o salvator_n est_fw-la ad_fw-la eorum_fw-la orationes_fw-la opem_fw-la auxlium_fw-la que_fw-la confugere_fw-la conc._n trin._n 16._o 25._o the_o invocat_n it_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a as_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n word_n it_o humble_o to_o invock_n the_o saint_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o suplicant_n and_o to_o ●●y_v to_o their_o prayer_n and_o help_n and_o aid_n to_o obtain_v blessing_n of_o god_n by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n who_o be_v our_o only_a not_o intercessor_n and_o advocate_n but_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n now_o how_o they_o prove_v all_o this_o be_v not_o my_o business_n at_o present_a to_o inquire_v but_o my_o inquiry_n be_v whither_o such_o argument_n as_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o oppose_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o express_a law_n and_o if_o
prohibit_v the_o worship_n of_o all_o those_o god_n which_o be_v then_o worship_v in_o the_o world_n will_v any_o one_o in_o they_o wit_n hence_o conclude_v that_o if_o the_o folly_n and_o superstition_n of_o man_n shall_v set_v up_o a_o new_a race_n and_o generation_n of_o god_n in_o after_o age_n that_o the_o worship_n of_o these_o new_a god_n be_v not_o as_o well_o forbid_v by_o this_o general_a law_n as_o the_o worship_n of_o those_o god_n which_o be_v worship_v at_o that_o time_n when_o this_o law_n be_v give_v if_o this_o be_v true_a possible_o pagan_a rome_n itself_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o idolatry_n for_o most_o if_o not_o all_o of_o their_o god_n may_v be_v of_o a_o late_a date_n than_o the_o give_v the_o law_n 3._o now_o since_o no_o such_o distinction_n as_o these_o appear_v in_o scripture_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v justify_v the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n which_o be_v so_o express_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n if_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v distinct_a being_n from_o the_o supreme_a god_n for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o the_o supreme_a god_n we_o must_v not_o worship_v they_o for_o we_o must_v worship_v none_o but_o god_n no_o distinction_n can_v justify_v we_o in_o this_o case_n but_o such_o as_o god_n himself_o make_v for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o distinguish_v away_o any_o law_n of_o god_n humane_a law_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o distinction_n but_o such_o as_o they_o make_v themselves_o for_o a_o distinction_n do_v either_o confine_n and_o straighten_v or_o enlarge_v the_o law_n and_o he_o who_o have_v power_n to_o distinguish_v upon_o a_o law_n have_v so_o far_o power_n to_o make_v it_o if_o the_o law_n say_v that_o we_o shall_v worship_v no_o other_o be_v beside_o god_n and_o we_o have_v power_n if_o we_o have_v but_o wit_n enough_o to_o invent_v some_o new_a distinction_n between_o the_o worship_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a spirit_n between_o supreme_a and_o subordinate_a absolute_a and_o relative_a worship_n this_o make_v a_o new_a law_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o say_v thou_o shall_v worship_v god_n only_o and_o quite_o contrary_a to_o say_v thou_o shall_v worship_v god_n only_o and_o good_a spirit_n god_n with_o a_o supreme_a and_o absolute_a good_a spirit_n with_o a_o subordinate_a and_o relative_a worship_n this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o we_o must_v admit_v of_o no_o distinction_n upon_o a_o divine_a law_n but_o what_o the_o scripture_n itself_o own_v and_o therefore_o since_o those_o distinction_n with_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n justify_v her_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n they_o have_v no_o authority_n against_o a_o express_a law_n 3._o the_o next_o course_n the_o papist_n take_v to_o justify_v their_o creature-worship_n in_o contradiction_n to_o that_o law_n which_o express_o command_v we_o to_o worship_v none_o but_o god_n be_v a_o appeal_n to_o such_o authority_n as_o they_o think_v sufficient_a to_o decide_v this_o matter_n now_o i_o shall_v not_o say_v much_o to_o this_o for_o i_o believe_v all_o mankind_n will_v acknowledge_v that_o no_o authority_n less_o than_o divine_a can_v repeal_v a_o divine_a law_n and_o therefore_o unless_o god_n himself_o or_o such_o person_n as_o act_v by_o a_o divine_a authority_n have_v repeal_v this_o law_n no_o other_o authority_n can_v do_v it_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v not_o repeal_v this_o law_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o after_o age_n have_v any_o authority_n to_o repeal_v this_o law_n i_o desire_v they_o to_o prove_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o essential_o of_o faith_n and_o worship_n be_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o lawgiver_n but_o of_o witness_n the_o church_n never_o pretend_v in_o former_a age_n to_o make_v or_o to_o repeal_v any_o divine_a law_n but_o to_o declare_v and_o testify_v what_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n be_v and_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o think_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v any_o such_o authority_n for_o then_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o little_a purpose_n if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o make_v a_o new_a gospel_n of_o it_o when_o they_o please_v but_o indeed_o can_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v teach_v the_o christian_n of_o that_o age_n and_o the_o church_n in_o those_o age_n which_o immediate_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n do_v practice_v the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n we_o shall_v have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o we_o and_o not_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o law_n which_o command_v we_o to_o worship_v none_o but_o god_n but_o then_o none_o can_v be_v admit_v as_o competent_a witness_n of_o this_o matter_n but_o those_o who_o do_v immediate_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n or_o converse_v with_o apostolical_a man_n and_o church_n and_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n there_o be_v no_o appearance_n of_o creature-worship_n in_o those_o age_n we_o dare_v appeal_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o father_n and_o council_n for_o above_o three_o hundred_o year_n and_o those_o who_o come_v after_o come_v a_o little_a too_o late_o to_o be_v witness_n of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o apostolic_a church_n especial_o when_o all_o the_o intermediate_v age_n know_v nothing_o of_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o fill_v up_o this_o discourse_n with_o particular_a ●itations_n which_o learned_a man_n know_v where_o to_o find_v since_o the_o roman_a doctor_n can_v find_v nothing_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o first_o father_n to_o justify_v the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o protestant_a writer_n find_v a_o great_a deal_n in_o those_o age_n against_o it_o indeed_o at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o four_o century_n some_o of_o the_o father_n use_v some_o rhetorical_a apostrophe_n to_o the_o saint_n and_o martyr_n in_o in_o their_o oration_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n interpret_v to_o be_v prayer_n to_o they_o but_o though_o other_o challenge_n see_v bishop_n usher_n answer_v to_o the_o jesuit_n challenge_n learned_a man_n have_v vindicate_v those_o passage_n so_o far_o as_o to_o show_v the_o vast_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o solemn_a and_o formal_a invocation_n which_o be_v not_o my_o business_n at_o this_o time_n yet_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n very_o well_o worth_a our_o observation_n towards_o the_o true_a state_v of_o this_o matter_n as_o 1._o that_o these_o father_n come_v too_o late_o to_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o apostolical_a practice_n which_o they_o can_v know_v no_o otherwise_o than_o we_o may_v know_v it_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n viz._n by_o the_o testimony_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n till_o that_o time_n this_o be_v no_o where_n pretend_v by_o they_o that_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o they_o can_v have_v no_o proof_n of_o this_o unless_o they_o have_v better_a record_n of_o former_a time_n than_o we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n and_o such_o as_o contradict_v all_o the_o record_n which_o we_o now_o have_v of_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a church_n and_o i_o believe_v few_o man_n will_v be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o assert_v this_o and_o i_o think_v there_o shall_v be_v as_o few_o who_o be_v so_o credulous_a as_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o man_n live_v who_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v it_o 2._o nay_o the_o particular_a say_n of_o these_o father_n by_o which_o the_o romanist_n prove_v the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o that_o age_n they_o no_o where_n say_v that_o it_o be_v and_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o by_o any_o other_o record_n let_v they_o show_v i_o any_o council_n before_o or_o in_o those_o time_n when_o these_o father_n live_v that_o be_v in_o the_o four_o century_n which_o decree_v the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n let_v they_o produce_v any_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n in_o in_o those_o day_n which_o allow_v this_o worship_n and_o if_o no_o such_o thing_n appear_v those_o man_n must_v be_v very_o well_o prepare_v to_o believe_v this_o who_o will_v without_o any_o other_o evidence_n judge_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n only_o from_o some_o extravagant_a slight_n of_o poet_n and_o orator_n and_o if_o even_o in_o those_o day_n the_o worship_n of_o saint_n be_v not_o receive_v into_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o church_n methinks_v we_o may_v as_o well_o live_v without_o it_o still_o and_o they_o must_v either_o grant_v
tongue_n understand_v and_o speak_v by_o none_o in_o a_o nation_n or_o so_o few_o as_o be_v next_o to_o none_o and_o which_o if_o use_v in_o divine_a office_n will_v be_v whole_o unintelligible_a such_o be_v persic_a and_o indian_a with_o we_o the_o use_n of_o all_o this_o niceness_n be_v partly_o to_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o partly_o to_o prevent_v many_o of_o the_o objection_n which_o the_o case_n be_v cumber_v with_o and_o without_o the_o observe_n of_o which_o the_o dispute_n will_v be_v turn_v from_o the_o point_n that_o be_v controvert_v to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o as_o it_o happen_v for_o the_o most_o part_n among_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o undertake_v the_o management_n of_o this_o cause_n who_o do_v either_o distinguish_v where_o they_o be_v not_o to_o distinguish_v or_o do_v not_o distinguish_v where_o they_o shall_v distinguish_v for_o sometime_o they_o oppose_v the_o dialect_n of_o a_o tongue_n to_o that_o tongue_n of_o which_o they_o be_v the_o dialect_v at_o other_o time_n they_o oppose_v the_o common_a tongue_n to_o the_o vulgar_a sometime_o they_o confound_v the_o learned_a tongue_n with_o the_o common_a and_o then_o again_o oppose_v the_o learned_a and_o utter_o unknown_a as_o if_o these_o two_o be_v of_o as_o different_a kind_n as_o know_v and_o unknown_a to_o give_v a_o instance_n of_o each_o of_o these_o eccl_n ledesma_n c._n 9_o n._n 4_o 5._o 9_o c._n 20._o n._n 2._o sanders_n orat_fw-la de_fw-fr ling._n offic._n eccl_n do_v they_o undertake_v to_o show_v how_o unfit_a and_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o translate_v the_o service_n or_o scripture_n into_o a_o vulgar_a tongue_n they_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o out_o by_o show_v how_o unfit_a it_o be_v to_o think_v of_o translate_n and_o how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o expect_v they_o shall_v be_v translate_v into_o the_o several_a dialect_n of_o each_o tongue_n will_v they_o far_o show_v that_o the_o divine_a office_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o of_o old_a so_o translate_v they_o attempt_v to_o prove_v it_o from_o their_o not_o have_v be_v translate_v into_o different_a dialect_n as_o if_o the_o dialect_v of_o a_o tongue_n differ_v as_o much_o from_o each_o other_o and_o all_o from_o the_o main_a tongue_n of_o a_o nation_n as_o a_o learned_a tongue_n differ_v from_o the_o vulgar_a which_o be_v to_o speak_v charitable_o for_o want_v of_o observe_v that_o the_o dialect_n be_v but_o several_a mode_n of_o speak_v the_o same_o tongue_n and_o that_o ordinary_o there_o be_v some_o common_a standard_n which_o as_o i_o have_v say_v overrule_v the_o rest_n and_o i●_n a_o guide_n common_a to_o all_o as_o here_o in_o england_n notwithstanding_o there_o be_v several_a dialect_n and_o that_o there_o be_v one_o in_o scotland_n differ_v much_o from_o they_o all_o yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o translation_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o one_o service_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o be_v full_o if_o not_o equal_o understand_v by_o all_o farthermore_o will_v they_o prove_v that_o ancient_o the_o christian_a church_n use_v not_o a_o vulgar_a tongue_n in_o divine_a 6._o l●desma_n c._n 9_o n._n 6._o service_n they_o present_o multiply_v authority_n to_o show_v that_o in_o many_o place_n they_o use_v greek_a and_o latin_a and_o that_o greek_a and_o latin_a be_v oftentimes_o 51._o lik●●●●_n de_fw-mi ss_z in_o vulg_n non_fw-fr vert_fw-fr p._n 51._o not_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n where_o they_o be_v so_o use_v as_o if_o the_o common_a tongue_n for_o such_o be_v those_o two_o in_o elder_a in_o time_n where_o they_o be_v not_o the_o vulgar_a be_v oppose_v to_o the_o vulgar_a as_o much_o as_o unknown_a be_v to_o known●_n and_o each_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o other_o 15._o bellarm._n de_fw-fr verbo_fw-la l._n 2._o c._n 15._o thus_o they_o tell_v we_o from_o s._n jerom_n that_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n in_o galatia_n be_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o treviri_n in_o germany_n and_o yet_o there_o and_o in_o the_o neighbour_a country_n they_o have_v the_o scripture_n if_o not_o their_o divine_a service_n in_o greek_a not_o observe_v that_o greek_a be_v the_o common_a tongue_n of_o those_o part_n and_o that_o both_o that_o and_o a_o vulgar_a be_v there_o free_o and_o general_o speak_v as_o greek_a and_o latin_a as_o well_o as_o the_o gallic_a tongue_n be_v so_o frequent_a in_o massilia_n that_o it_o be_v call_v trilinguis_fw-la as_o s._n jerome_n show_v in_o the_o same_o dissertation_n of_o he_o so_o that_o these_o two_o the_o common_a and_o vulgar_a be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v inconsistent_a that_o notwithstanding_o the_o bold_a say_n of_o our_o countryman_n sanders_n that_o the_o common_a people_n understand_v nothing_o but_o their_o mother_n tongue_n the_o experience_n of_o antea_fw-la orat._n ut_fw-la antea_fw-la all_o age_n as_o well_o as_o our_o own_o show_n that_o they_o be_v frequent_o meet_v together_o but_o to_o proceed_v will_v they_o demonstrate_v that_o they_o do_v and_o may_v lawful_o use_v the_o latin_a now_o in_o divine_a service_n they_o attempt_v with_o great_a industry_n to_o prove_v that_o both_o that_o and_o the_o greek_a be_v ancient_o 9_o ledesma_n c._n 9_o n._n 1._o c._n 27._o n._n 9_o use_v therein_o and_o so_o they_o confound_v the_o learned_a and_o the_o common_a tongue_n and_o compare_v those_o time_n and_o place_n in_o which_o the_o latin_a and_o greek_a be_v common_o know_v and_o understand_v with_o our_o time_n and_o place_n in_o which_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v understand_v but_o by_o the_o learned_a last_o will_v they_o show_v that_o s._n paul_n in_o 1_o corinthia●s_n 16._o ledesma_n c._n 27._o n._n 9_o sanders_n orat_fw-la bellarm._n de_fw-fr verb._n l._n 2._o c._n 16._o 14._o do_v not_o oppose_v service_n in_o latin_a they_o undertake_v to_o show_v that_o he_o oppose_v no_o other_o service_n then_o what_o be_v altogether_o unknown_a and_o no_o body_n understand_v as_o persic_a and_o arabic_a and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o condemn_v a_o learned_a tongue_n thereby_o suppose_v the_o learned_a tongue_n and_o tongue_n altogether_o unknown_a to_o be_v different_a in_o kind_n whereas_o they_o only_o differ_v so_o that_o the_o one_o be_v rare_o understand_v and_o by_o very_a few_o in_o comparison_n and_o other_o be_v understand_v by_o none_o now_o in_o all_o this_o they_o say_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o if_o they_o plead_v for_o their_o latin_a service_n as_o greek_n be_v in_o galatia_n and_o latin_a in_o africa_n who_o be_v their_o adversary_n for_o these_o tongue_n be_v as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o those_o and_o the_o like_a place_n as_o well_o or_o little_o less_o speak_v and_o understand_v then_o the_o vulgar_a and_o mother_n tongue_n and_o the_o protestant_n do_v not_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o have_v the_o common_a service_n in_o a_o tongue_n which_o be_v common_o understand_v though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n of_o the_o nation_n especial_o in_o maritime_a and_o provincial_a country_n where_o there_o be_v a_o concourse_n of_o diverse_a nation_n and_o where_o either_o these_o several_a language_n be_v understand_v or_o there_o be_v a_o componnd_a language_n that_o serve_v for_o all_o as_o the_o lingua_n franca_n before_o speak_v of_o but_o if_o they_o plead_v for_o latin_a as_o it_o be_v now_o when_o a_o dead_a and_o learned_a tongue_n that_o be_v where_o it_o be_v not_o know_v at_o all_o as_o in_o the_o west-indies_n where_o yet_o it_o be_v as_o much_o use_v by_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n in_o mass_n as_o in_o europe_n or_o where_o it_o be_v not_o know_v to_o the_o vulgar_a people_n as_o it_o be_v with_o we_o and_o every_o where_o else_o than_o they_o speak_v to_o the_o purpose_n for_o that_o the_o reform_a do_v oppose_v but_o then_o the_o way_n of_o argue_v hitherto_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o they_o in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v no_o more_o to_o the_o purpose_n then_o if_o they_o will_v undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v at_o this_o day_n a_o famous_a university_n at_o athens_n and_o that_o latin_a be_v the_o vulgar_a tongue_n now_o at_o rome_n because_o these_o be_v so_o former_o so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v know_v where_o the_o controversy_n lie_v and_o what_o be_v contend_v for_o and_o against_o we_o must_v restore_v thing_n to_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o i_o think_v all_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o issue_n by_o put_v and_o resolve_v this_o plain_a question_n viz._n sect_n ii_o qu._n whither_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o expedient_a to_o use_v such_o a_o tongue_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o be_v not_o vulgar_o or_o common_o understand_v by_o the_o people_n according_a to_o the_o way_n at_o this_o day_n require_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n if_o we_o
lay_v for_o it_o in_o man_n mind_n or_o constant_a provision_n make_v for_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o it_o all_o necessary_a encouragement_n give_v to_o it_o and_o a_o suitable_a strict_a and_o regular_a practice_n of_o it_o observable_a among_o they_o and_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o insist_v on_o by_o we_o which_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n boast_v of_o as_o serve_v to_o some_o or_o all_o of_o these_o purpose_n which_o i_o shall_v represent_v as_o fair_o as_o i_o can_v that_o we_o may_v see_v what_o there_o be_v in_o that_o church_n that_o do_v answer_v such_o great_a pretence_n for_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n oftentimes_o instead_o of_o dispute_n endeavour_v to_o work_v on_o our_o people_n and_o too_o often_o prevail_v by_o appeal_n to_o matter_n of_o practice_n visible_a to_o every_o one_o eye_n a_o argument_n to_o which_o man_n need_v not_o use_v their_o reason_n but_o their_o sense_n and_o this_o will_n say_v they_o sufficient_o convince_v any_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o way_n for_o here_o be_v several_a thing_n use_v as_o instance_n and_o expression_n of_o devotion_n very_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o suitable_a to_o a_o good_a christian_a temper_n which_o be_v either_o not_o at_o all_o use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o at_o least_o not_o in_o that_o degree_n and_o measure_n and_o yet_o all_o those_o that_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n say_v they_o be_v use_v among_o we_o for_o we_o not_o only_o enjoin_v and_o practice_v constant_a use_n of_o prayer_n public_a and_o private_a together_o with_o read_v and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o whatever_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o we_o have_v beside_o several_a thing_n which_o be_v as_o well_o proper_a expression_n of_o devotion_n as_o help_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v not_o use_v among_o the_o protestant_n the_o principal_a thing_n which_o they_o urge_v be_v such_o as_o these_o 1._o they_o blame_v the_o reformation_n in_o general_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o the_o want_n of_o monastery_n and_o such_o other_o religious_a house_n which_o be_v so_o numerous_a in_o the_o popish_a country_n where_o holy_a man_n and_o woman_n be_v shut_v up_o and_o have_v bid_v adieu_o to_o the_o world_n live_v as_o in_o heaven_n in_o constant_a exercise_n of_o praise_v of_o god_n night_n and_o day_n and_o of_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o the_o church_n and_o state_n and_o particular_a christian_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o and_o who_o be_v not_o only_o so_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o constancy_n of_o their_o prayer_n but_o also_o by_o their_o example_n put_v other_o in_o mind_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o do_v likewise_o and_o by_o the_o severity_n of_o their_o life_n as_o to_o diet_n garb_n and_o other_o circumstance_n live_v in_o a_o constant_a practice_n of_o that_o self-denial_n which_o be_v command_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v so_o practise_v by_o holy_a man_n almost_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v constant_a preacher_n of_o holiness_n and_o mortification_n who_o though_o they_o do_v indeed_o stay_v here_o in_o the_o world_n below_o yet_o converse_v not_o in_o it_o but_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n out_o of_o it_o and_o live_v above_o it_o 2._o they_o sometime_o also_o boast_v of_o the_o extraordinary_a charity_n and_o liberality_n to_o all_o good_a and_o holy_a use_v press_v and_o practise_v among_o they_o which_o be_v but_o spare_o use_v say_v they_o among_o the_o protestant_n especial_o their_o excessive_a expense_n and_o cost_n in_o building_n and_o endow_v monastery_n erect_v church_n chapel_n and_o cross_n their_o so_o pompous_a adorn_v the_o place_n dedicate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n beside_o their_o charitable_a assistance_n and_o relief_n which_o they_o afford_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o live_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o charity_n be_v a_o certaint_n evidence_n as_o well_o as_o a_o great_a branch_n and_o duty_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o devotion_n 3._o sometime_o they_o glory_v in_o the_o great_a number_n of_o saint_n commemorate_a in_o their_o church_n and_o die_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o and_o urge_v they_o as_o a_o forcible_a example_n to_o other_o and_o a_o mighty_a incentive_a to_o devotion_n they_o think_v also_o it_o redound_v much_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o commendation_n of_o their_o church_n to_o have_v have_v such_o glorious_a member_n of_o it_o and_o twit_v we_o as_o they_o think_v severe_o when_o they_o ask_v we_o what_o saint_n we_o have_v of_o our_o church_n and_o wonder_v especial_o that_o we_o shall_v observe_v so_o few_o festival_n and_o holiday_n whereas_o the_o very_a many_o day_n set_v apart_o in_o their_o church_n in_o memory_n of_o their_o several_a saint_n they_o think_v not_o only_o afford_v proper_a occasion_n for_o all_o act_n of_o religion_n but_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o their_o being_n less_o addict_v to_o this_o world_n when_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o their_o time_n be_v spend_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o that_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o their_o business_n and_o employment_n 4._o they_o urge_v also_o the_o multitude_n of_o picture_n and_o image_n of_o several_a famous_a man_n and_o woman_n who_o have_v in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n serve_v and_o please_v god_n and_o be_v instrumental_a in_o convert_v the_o world_n as_o very_o proper_a assistance_n of_o a_o man_n devotion_n instruct_v some_o they_o be_v the_o book_n of_o the_o unlearned_a and_o sensible_o affect_v and_o allure_a all_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o person_n who_o they_o represent_v 5._o sometime_o they_o commend_v their_o church_n for_o the_o fast_n and_o other_o act_n of_o severity_n and_o mortification_n use_v not_o only_o by_o the_o monk_n and_o regulars_n but_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o church_n on_o set_a day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o season_n of_o the_o year_n as_o well_o as_o such_o austerity_n as_o be_v enjoin_v by_o their_o confessor_n by_o way_n of_o penance_n their_o go_v barefoot_a and_o bare_a head_a in_o procession_n their_o whip_n and_o lash_v themselves_o their_o draw_a great_a chain_n and_o weight_n after_o they_o as_o great_a and_o proper_a instance_n of_o self-denial_n and_o devotion_n 6._o they_o place_v also_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o religion_n in_o pilgrimage_n which_o the_o more_o devout_a sort_n take_v and_o spend_v their_o estate_n and_o sometime_o their_o life_n in_o to_o jerusalem_n rome_n loretto_n mount-ferrdt_a to_o st._n thomas_n at_z canterbury_z st._n winefrid_n well_o or_o some_o such_o other_o place_n where_o some_o extraordinary_a person_n have_v live_v or_o some_o strange_a relic_n be_v leave_v or_o where_o they_o reckon_v god_n have_v on_o some_o occasion_n or_o other_o wonderful_o manifest_v himself_o and_o they_o reckon_v that_o the_o very_a visit_n or_o kiss_v these_o be_v either_o a_o argument_n of_o true_o devout_a mind_n or_o that_o which_o will_v make_v they_o so_o and_o their_o manual_n or_o book_n which_o their_o priest_n give_v into_o the_o people_n hand_n do_v not_o fail_v by_o all_o the_o art_n imaginable_a to_o endeavour_v to_o screw_v up_o man_n devotion_n even_o to_o rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n in_o commendation_n of_o these_o practice_n and_o order_n even_o as_o if_o they_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a religion_n and_o devotion_n without_o these_o and_o that_o where_o there_o be_v these_o thing_n practise_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o the_o mind_n be_v affect_v as_o it_o ought_v &_o piety_n flourish_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o beside_o these_o matter_n of_o practice_n their_o be_v also_o several_a doctrine_n and_o opinion_n peculiar_a to_o themselves_o which_o they_o reckon_v do_v natural_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o true_a devotion_n as_o 7._o their_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o intercession_n of_o saint_n for_o we_o and_o the_o advantage_n of_o invocation_n or_o prayer_n to_o they_o and_o that_o we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n want_v one_o of_o the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n that_o can_v be_v who_o neither_o own_a nor_o make_v use_n of_o these_o help_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o can_v have_v such_o hope_n of_o success_n and_o blessing_n as_o they_o have_v 8._o their_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n and_o supererogation_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n in_o their_o esteem_n for_o the_o more_o worth_a you_o suppose_v in_o any_o action_n the_o great_a encouragement_n be_v there_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o sure_o it_o must_v be_v a_o most_o irresistible_a motive_n to_o
be_v to_o all_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o a_o miracle_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o and_o can_v be_v no_o testimony_n or_o proof_n of_o any_o thing_n because_o itself_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o another_o miracle_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o it_o and_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v wrought_v and_o neither_o in_o scripture_n nor_o in_o profane_a author_n nor_o in_o common_a use_n of_o speech_n be_v any_o thing_n call_v a_o miracle_n but_o what_o fall_v under_o the_o notice_n of_o our_o sense_n a_o miracle_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o supernatural_a effect_n evident_a to_o sense_n the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n whereof_o be_v to_o be_v a_o sensible_a proof_n and_o conviction_n to_o we_o of_o something_o that_o we_o do_v not_o see_v and_o for_o want_v of_o this_o condition_n transubstantiation_n if_o it_o be_v true_a will_v be_v no_o miracle_n it_o will_v indeed_o be_v very_o supernatural_a but_o for_o all_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o sign_n or_o miracle_n for_o a_o sign_n or_o miracle_n be_v always_o a_o thing_n sensible_a otherwise_o i●_n can_v be_v no_o sign_n now_o that_o such_o a_o change_n as_o be_v pretend_v in_o transubstantiation_n shall_v real_o be_v wrought_v and_o yet_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o sign_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o wonderful_a but_o not_o to_o sense_n for_o our_o sense_n perceive_v no_o change_n the_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o the_o sacrament_n to_o all_o our_o sense_n remain_v just_a as_o they_o be_v before_o and_o that_o a_o thing_n shall_v remain_v to_o all_o appearance_n just_a as_o it_o be_v have_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o wonder_n in_o it_o we_o wonder_v indeed_o when_o we_o see_v a_o strange_a thing_n do_v but_o no_o man_n wonder_n when_o he_o see_v nothing_o do_v so_o that_o transubstantiation_n if_o they_o will_v needs_o have_v it_o a_o miracle_n be_v such_o a_o miracle_n as_o any_o man_n may_v work_v that_o have_v but_o the_o confidence_n to_o face_n man_n down_o that_o he_o work_v it_o and_o the_o fortune_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v magnify_v their_o priest_n upon_o account_n of_o this_o miracle_n which_o they_o say_v they_o can_v work_v every_o day_n and_o every_o hour_n yet_o i_o can_v understand_v ●he_n reason_n of_o it_o for_o when_o this_o great_a work_n as_o they_o call_v it_o be_v do_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o appear_v to_o be_v do_v than_o it_o there_o be_v no_o miracle_n now_o such_o a_o miracle_n as_o to_o all_o appearance_n be_v no_o miracle_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o a_o protestant_a minister_n as_o well_o as_o a_o popish_a priest_n may_v not_o work_v as_o often_o as_o he_o please_v or_o if_o he_o can_v bu●_n have_v the_o patience_n to_o let_v it_o alone_o it_o will_v work_v itself_o for_o sure_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n be_v easy_a than_o to_o let_v a_o thing_n be_v as_o it_o be_v and_o by_o speak_v a_o few_o word_n over_o it_o to_o make_v it_o just_a what_o be_v before_o every_o man_n every_o day_n may_v work_v ten_o thousand_o such_o miracle_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v dispatch_v the_o first_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n which_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o pretend_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o this_o doctrine_n and_o to_o show_v the_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o they_o i_o come_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o produce_v our_o objection_n against_o ii_o ii_o it_o which_o will_v be_v of_o so_o much_o the_o great_a force_n because_o i_o have_v already_o show_v this_o doctrine_n to_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o divine_a warrant_n and_o authority_n &_o of_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o ground_n sufficient_a in_o reason_n to_o justify_v it_o so_o that_o i_o do_v not_o now_o object_n against_o a_o doctrine_n which_o have_v a_o fair_a probability_n of_o divine_a revelation_n on_o its_o side_n for_o that_o will_v weigh_v down_o all_o objection_n which_o do_v not_o plain_o overthrow_v the_o probability_n and_o credit_n of_o its_o divine_a revelation_n but_o i_o object_n against_o a_o doctrine_n by_o the_o mere_a will_n and_o tyranny_n of_o man_n impose_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o christian_n without_o any_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n and_o against_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n and_o sense_n the_o objection_n i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o head_n first_o the_o infinite_a scandal_n of_o this_o doctrine_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o second_o the_o monstrous_a and_o insupportable_a absurdity_n of_o it_o first_o the_o infinite_a scandal_n of_o this_o doctrine_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o four_o account_n 1._o of_o the_o stupidity_n of_o this_o doctrine_n 2._o the_o real_a barbarousness_n of_o this_o sacrament_n and_o rite_n of_o our_o religion_n upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n 3._o of_o the_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a consequence_n of_o it_o 4._o of_o the_o danger_n of_o idolatry_n which_o they_o be_v certain_o guilty_a of_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v not_o true_a 1._o upon_o account_n of_o the_o stupidity_n of_o this_o doctrine_n i_o remember_v that_o tully_n who_o be_v a_o man_n of_o very_o good_a sense_n instance_v in_o the_o conceit_n of_o eat_v god_n as_o the_o extremity_n of_o madness_n and_o so_o stupid_a a_o apprehension_n as_o he_o think_v no_o man_n be_v ever_o guilty_a of_o 3._o of_o de_fw-fr nat._n deorum_fw-la l._n 3._o when_o we_o call_v say_v he_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n ceres_n and_o wine_n bacchus_n we_o use_v but_o the_o common_a language_n but_o do_v you_o think_v any_o man_n so_o mad_a as_o to_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v eat_v to_o be_v god_n it_o seem_v he_o can_v not_o believe_v that_o so_o extravagant_a a_o folly_n have_v ever_o enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o be_v a_o very_a severe_a say_n of_o averro_n the_o arabian_a philosopher_n who_o live_v after_o this_o doctrine_n be_v entertain_v among_o christian_n and_o ought_v to_o make_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n blush_n if_o she_o can_v 1._o can_v diony_n carthus_n in_o 4._o do_v 10._o art_n 1._o i_o have_v travel_v say_v he_o over_o the_o world_n and_o have_v find_v divers_a sect_n but_o so_o sottish_a a_o sect_n or_o law_n i_o never_o find_v as_o be_v the_o sect._n of_o the_o christian_n because_o with_o their_o own_o tooth_n they_o devour_v their_o god_n who_o they_o worship_v it_o be_v great_a stupidity_n in_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o say_v come_v let_v we_o make_v we_o god_n but_o it_o be_v civil_o say_v of_o they_o let_v we_o make_v god_n that_o may_v go_v before_o we_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o say_v let_v we_o make_v a_o god_n that_o we_o may_v eat_v he_o so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o can_v but_o wonder_v that_o they_o shall_v choose_v thus_o to_o expose_v faith_n to_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o reason_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o plain_a truth_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v never_o so_o horrible_o expose_v to_o the_o scorn_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n as_o it_o have_v be_v by_o this_o most_o absurd_a and_o senseless_a doctrine_n but_o thus_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o 10._o that_o 2_o thess_n 2._o 10._o the_o man_n of_o sin_n shall_v come_v with_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a miracle_n and_o with_o all_o deceiveableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n with_o all_o the_o legerdemain_n and_o juggle_a trick_n of_o falsehood_n and_o imposture_n among_o which_o this_o of_o transubstantiation_n which_o they_o call_v a_o miracle_n and_o we_o a_o cheat_n be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o in_o all_o probability_n those_o common_a juggle_a word_n of_o hocus_fw-la pocus_fw-la be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o corruption_n of_o hoc_fw-la est_fw-la corpus_fw-la by_o way_n of_o ridiculous_a imitation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o their_o trick_n of_o transubstantiation_n into_o such_o contempt_n by_o this_o foolish_a doctrine_n and_o pretend_a miracle_n of_o they_o have_v they_o bring_v the_o mos●_n sacred_a and_o venerable_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n 2._o it_o be_v very_o scandalous_a likewise_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o real_a barbarousness_n of_o this_o sacrament_n and_o rite_n of_o our_o religion_n upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n literal_o to_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o to_o drink_v his_o blood_n st._n austin_n as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o declare_v to_o be_v a_o great_a impiety_n and_o the_o impiety_n and_o barbarousness_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o in_o truth_n extenuate_v but_o only_o the_o appearance_n of_o it_o by_o its_o be_v do_v under_o the_o species_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n for_o the_o thing_n they_o acknowledge_v be_v real_o do_v and_o they_o believe_v that_o they_o
te_fw-la vivere_fw-la &_o te_fw-la illi_fw-la semper_fw-la dulce_fw-la sapere_fw-la rythmus_n st._n thom._n ad_fw-la eucharist_n in_o missal_n sacrament_n which_o be_v before_o they_o prayer_n they_o call_v they_o to_o the_o eucharist_n sacramento_n eucharist_n laus_fw-la sacratissimo_fw-la sacramento_n and_o it_o be_v become_v a_o common_a form_n of_o doxology_n among_o they_o instead_o of_o say_v praise_v be_v give_v to_o god_n to_o say_v praise_v be_v give_v to_o the_o most_o holy_a sacrament_n breviar_n sacrament_n ad_fw-la sacram_fw-la eucharistiam_fw-la rithmus_n rom._n breviar_n as_o it_o be_v in_o one_o of_o their_o author_n instead_o of_o you_o shall_v pray_v to_o god_n you_o shall_v pray_v to_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n ay_o e._n to_o the_o sacrament_n hist_o sacrament_n orlandinus_n hist_o sander_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n dom._n lord_n corpore_fw-la &_o sangiac_a christi_fw-la sub_fw-la speciebus_fw-la panis_fw-la &_o vini_fw-la omnis_fw-la honour_n laus_n &_o gratiarum_fw-la actio_fw-la in_o secula_fw-la seculerum_fw-la sanderus_n de_fw-fr caena_fw-la dom._n instead_o of_o glory_n be_v to_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n turn_v it_o thus_o to_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o saviour_n under_o the_o species_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o evermore_o as_o if_o it_o be_v another_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a godhead_n this_o adoration_n be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o time_n of_o communion_n when_o it_o be_v proper_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o sacrament_n but_o at_o other_o time_n out_o of_o it_o when_o ever_o it_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o altar_n with_o the_o candle_n burn_v and_o the_o incense_n smoke_v before_o it_o or_o hang_v up_o in_o its_o rich_a shrine_n and_o tabernacle_n with_o a_o canopy_n of_o state_n over_o it_o and_o not_o only_o in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v sanctify_v they_o say_v by_o this_o sacrament_n as_o by_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n himself_o 5._o himself_o bellarm._n the_o sanct_a c._n 5._o but_o when_o it_o be_v carry_v through_o the_o street_n in_o a_o solemn_a and_o pompous_a procession_n as_o it_o be_v before_o the_o pope_n when_o he_o go_v abroad_o just_a as_o the_o persian_a fire_n be_v before_o the_o emperor_n 3._o emperor_n curt._n l_o 3._o s._n 3._o mere_o by_o way_n of_o state_n or_o for_o a_o superstitious_a end_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o guard_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o company_n of_o his_o god_n 19_o god_n ad_fw-la capit_fw-la be_v illius_fw-la sacri_fw-la custodiam_fw-la praesidialem_fw-la &_o patronalem_fw-la perron_n de_fw-fr euch._n l._n 3._o c._n 19_o in_o all_o these_o time_n it_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o adore_v by_o all_o person_n as_o it_o pass_v by_o as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v by_o they_o be_v like_o moses_n to_o make_v haste_n and_o bow_v their_o head_n to_o the_o earth_n and_o worship_n ●_o worship_n exod._n 34._o ●_o but_o above_o all_o upon_o that_o high_a day_n which_o they_o have_v dedicate_v to_o this_o sacrament_n as_o if_o it_o be_v some_o new_a deity_n the_o festum_fw-la dei_fw-la as_o they_o call_v it_o the_o feast_n of_o god_n or_o the_o festum_fw-la corporis_fw-la christi_fw-la the_o feast_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o to_o call_v the_o sacrament_n god_n be_v a_o general_a expression_n among_o they_o as_o when_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n to_o say_v i_o have_v receive_v my_o maker_n to_o day_n and_o the_o person_n who_o in_o great_a church_n be_v ●o_o carry_v the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o numerous_a communicant_n be_v call_v bajulus_fw-la dei_fw-la the_o porter_n or_o carrier_n of_o god_n and_o they_o always_o account_v and_o so_o always_o reverence_v it_o as_o boileau_n false_o say_v veteres_n say_v eucharistiam_fw-la pro_fw-la praesente_fw-la numine_fw-la ●emper_fw-la habuisse_fw-la veteres_n the_o ancient_n do_v as_o a_o present_a numen_fw-la and_o deity_n this_o feast_n be_v appoint_v by_o pope_n vrban_n the_o four_o about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o twelve_o century_n and_o again_o by_o ●lement_n the_o five_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 13_o as_o be_v own_v by_o themselves_o upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o vision_n to_o one_o juliana_n who_o see_v a_o crack_n in_o the_o moon_n that_o signify_v it_o seem_v a_o great_a ●efect_n in_o the_o church_n for_o want_v of_o this_o solemnity_n such_o be_v the_o rise_n of_o this_o great_a festival_n 1230._o festival_n bzovii_n annal_n in_o contin_n baron_fw-fr anno_fw-la dom._n 1230._o and_o so_o late_o be_v its_o institution_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o which_o alone_a and_o in_o no_o other_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v observe_v to_o this_o day_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a practice_n of_o the_o adoration_n to_o the_o host_n be_v novel_a and_o unknown_a to_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o to_o the_o ancient_a writer_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v evident_a against_o that_o bold_a and_o impudent_a canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o be_v the_o first_o council_n that_o command_v it_o in_o these_o word_n 13._o word_n siquis_fw-la dixerit_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la hoc_fw-la sacramentum_fw-la peculiari_fw-la festivia_fw-la celebritate_fw-la venerandum_fw-la neque_fw-la in_o processionibus_fw-la secundum_fw-la laudabilem_fw-la &_o vniversalem_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la sanctae_fw-la ritum_fw-la &_o consuetudinem_fw-la sole●niter_fw-la circumgesland●●_n vel_fw-la ●on_n publicae_fw-la ut_fw-la adoretur_fw-la populo_fw-la proponendum_fw-la &_o ejus_fw-la adoratoresesse_v idololatr_n as_o anathema_n sit_v council_n trident._n can._n 6._o sess_n 13._o if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o to_o be_v worship_v by_o a_o peculiar_a festival_n nor_o to_o be_v solemn_o carry_v about_o in_o procession_n according_a to_o the_o laudable_a and_o universal_a manner_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o holy_a church_n nor_o to_o be_v public_o propose_v to_o the_o people_n that_o it_o may_v be_v adore_v by_o they_o and_o that_o the_o worshipper_n of_o it_o be_v idolater_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v to_o confront_v this_o insolent_a pretence_n of_o they_o that_o it_o be_v a_o universal_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n thus_o to_o carry_v the_o sacrament_n in_o procession_n the_o ingenuous_a confession_n of_o their_o own_o cassander_n be_v sufficient_a the_o custom_n say_v he_o consult_v he_o consuetudo_fw-la quae_fw-la panis_fw-la e●charistiae_n in_fw-la publica_fw-la pompa_fw-la conspicuus_fw-la circumferetur_fw-la ac_fw-la passim_fw-la omnium_fw-la oculis_fw-la ingeritur_fw-la praeter_fw-la veterum_fw-la morem_fw-la ac_fw-la mentem_fw-la ha●d_a ita_fw-la longo_fw-la tempore_fw-la inducta_fw-la &_o recepta_fw-la videtur_fw-la illi_fw-la enim_fw-la hoc_fw-la mysterium_fw-la in_o tanta_fw-la religione_fw-la ac_fw-la veneratione_n habuerunt_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la modo_fw-la ad_fw-la ejus_fw-la perceptionem_fw-la sed_fw-la ne_fw-la inspectionem_fw-la quidem_fw-la admitterent_fw-la nisi_fw-la fideles_fw-la quos_fw-la christi_fw-la membra_fw-la &_o tanta_fw-la participatione_fw-la dignosesse_v existimarent_fw-la quare_fw-la ante_fw-la consecrationem_fw-la catecbumeni_fw-la energumeni_fw-la poenite●tes_fw-la denique_fw-la non_fw-la communicantes_fw-la diaconi_fw-la voce_fw-la &_o osliariorum_n ministerio_fw-la secludeb_fw-mi antur_fw-la cassand_n consult_v of_o carry_v about_o the_o sacramental_a bread_n in_o public_a pomp_n to_o be_v see_v and_o expose_v to_o all_o eye_n be_v contrary_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v late_o bring_v in_o and_o receive_v for_o they_o have_v this_o mystery_n in_o such_o religious_a veneration_n that_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v any_o not_o only_o to_o the_o partake_n but_o not_o to_o the_o sight_n of_o it_o but_o the_o faithful_a who_o they_o account_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o worthy_a to_o partake_v of_o such_o a_o mystery_n wherefore_o all_o those_o who_o be_v but_o catechumeni_fw-la or_o be_v energumeni_fw-la or_o penetent_n and_o not_o communicant_o be_v always_o put_v out_o and_o dismiss_v at_o the_o celebration_n of_o it_o whither_o they_o be_v idolater_n for_o adore_v the_o sacrament_n i_o have_v consider_v already_o and_o their_o practice_n join_v with_o their_o doctrine_n make_v it_o more_o evident_a i_o shall_v now_o prove_v that_o this_o adoration_n of_o they_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o use_v by_o christ_n or_o the_o apostle_n nor_o by_o the_o primitive_a church_n nor_o be_v true_o mean_v and_o design_v by_o those_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n which_o they_o produce_v for_o it_o and_o upon_o a_o general_a view_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a thing_n that_o tend_v most_o shameful_o to_o reproach_n and_o expose_v christianity_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o use_v or_o command_v by_o christ_n or_o the_o apostle_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o account_n that_o all_o the_o evangelist_n give_v we_o of_o christ_n celebrate_v this_o sacrament_n with_o his_o apostle_n where_o be_v only_a mention_n of_o their_o take_n and_o eat_v the_o bread_n and_o drink_v the_o wine_n after_o it_o be_v bless_v by_o
it_o be_v confident_o assert_v can_v not_o fail_v to_o sway_v very_o much_o with_o all_o wise_a man_n and_o will_v undoubted_o prevail_v with_o all_o devout_a person_n who_o be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o the_o secret_a to_o go_v over_o to_o they_o but_o if_o contrariwise_o it_o appear_v upon_o search_n that_o their_o pretension_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v false_a and_o groundless_a and_o that_o the_o method_n of_o administer_a consolation_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o that_o church_n be_v as_o well_o unsafe_a and_o deceitful_a as_o singular_a and_o unnecessary_a then_o the_o same_o prudence_n and_o sincerity_n will_v oblige_v a_o man_n to_o suspect_v that_o communion_n instead_o of_o become_v a_o proselyte_n to_o it_o and_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o aforesaid_a boasting_n as_o the_o effect_n either_o of_o design_a imposture_n or_o at_o the_o least_o of_o ignorance_n and_o delusion_n among_o other_o thing_n that_o church_n high_o value_v itself_o upon_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o as_o deep_o blame_v and_o condemn_v the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o other_o reform_a church_n for_o their_o defect_n in_o and_o neglect_v of_o so_o important_a and_o comfortable_a a_o office_n and_o under_o that_o specious_a pretext_n her_o emissary_n who_o be_v w●nt_v according_a to_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o creep_v into_o house_n and_o lead_v captive_n silly_a woman_n etc._n etc._n insinuate_v themselves_o into_o such_o of_o the_o people_n as_o have_v more_o zeal_n than_o knowledge_n and_o now_o and_o then_o wheadle_n some_o of_o they_o over_o into_o their_o society_n to_o that_o purpose_n they_o will_v not_o only_a harangue_n they_o with_o fine_a story_n of_o the_o ease_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o ancient_n and_o usesull_n rite_n but_o will_v also_o preach_v to_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o as_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o important_a in_o its_o kind_n as_o baptism_n or_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o that_o confession_n to_o a_o priest_n and_o his_o absolution_n thereupon_o obtain_v be_v the_o only_a mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o procure_n of_o pardon_n of_o all_o mortal_a sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n as_o for_o original_a sin_n or_o whatsoever_o 2_o council_n trid._n sess_v 14_o c._n 2_o actual_a transgression_n may_v have_v be_v commit_v before_o baptism_n all_o those_o they_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v wash_v away_o in_o that_o sacred_a laver._n and_o for_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n or_o venial_a sin_n these_o may_v be_v do_v away_o by_o several_a easy_a method_n by_o contrition_n alone_o say_v some_o nay_o by_o attrition_n alone_o say_z other_o by_o habitual_a grace_n say_v a_o specie_fw-la vid._n becan_n tract_n de_fw-fr sacramentis_fw-la in_o specie_fw-la three_o etc._n etc._n but_o for_o mortal_a sin_n commit_v after_o a_o man_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n for_o these_o there_o be_v no_o other_o door_n of_o mercy_n but_o the_o priest_n lip_n nor_o have_v god_n appoint_v or_o will_v admit_v of_o any_o other_o way_n of_o reconciliation_n than_o this_o of_o confession_n to_o a_o priest_n and_o his_o absolution_n this_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n therefore_o be_v call_v by_o they_o secunda_fw-la tabula_fw-la post_fw-la naufragium_fw-la the_o peculiar_a refuge_n of_o a_o lapse_v christian_a the_o only_a sanctuary_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n the_o sole_a mean_n of_o restore_v such_o a_o person_n to_o peace_n of_o conscience_n the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o withal_o this_o method_n be_v hold_v to_o be_v so_o sovereign_a and_o effectual_a a_o remedy_n that_o it_o cure_v toties_fw-la quoties_fw-la and_o whatever_o a_o man_n miscarriage_n have_v be_v and_o how_o often_o soever_o repeat_v if_o he_o do_v but_o as_o often_o resort_v to_o it_o he_o shall_v return_v as_o pure_a and_o clean_a as_o when_o he_o first_o come_v from_o the_o font._n this_o ready_a and_o easy_a way_n say_v they_o have_v god_n allow_v man_n of_o quit_v all_o score_n with_o himself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o which_o they_o may_v have_v perfect_a peace_n in_o their_o conscience_n and_o may_v think_v of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n without_o horror_n have_v their_o case_n decide_v before_o hand_n by_o god_n deputy_n the_o priest_n and_o their_o pardon_n ready_a to_o produce_v and_o plead_v at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o christ_n what_o a_o mighty_a defect_n be_v it_o therefore_o in_o the_o protestant_a church_n who_o want_v this_o sacrament_n want_v the_o principal_a ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o who_o will_v not_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o society_n of_o that_o church_n where_o this_o great_a case_n be_v so_o abundant_o provide_v for_o for_o if_o all_o this_o be_v true_a he_o must_v be_v extreme_o foolhardy_a and_o deserve_v to_o perish_v who_o will_v not_o be_v of_o that_o communion_n from_o whence_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v so_o very_o easy_a and_o obvious_a no_o wonder_n therefore_o i_o say_v if_o not_o only_o the_o loose_a and_o vicious_a be_v fond_a of_o this_o communion_n where_o they_o may_v sin_v and_o confess_v and_o confess_v and_o sin_v again_o without_o any_o great_a danger_n but_o it_o will_v be_v strange_a if_o the_o more_o virtuous_a and_o prudent_a also_o do_v not_o out_o of_o more_o caution_n think_v it_o become_v they_o to_o comply_v with_o his_o expedient_a for_o as_o much_o as_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o understand_v himself_o but_o must_v be_v conscious_a of_o have_v commit_v sin_n since_o his_o baptism_n and_o then_o for_o fear_v some_o of_o they_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o a_o mortal_a nature_n it_o will_v be_v his_o safe_a course_n to_o betake_v himself_o to_o this_o refuge_n and_o consequent_o he_o will_v easy_o be_v draw_v to_o that_o church_n where_o the_o only_a remedy_n of_o his_o disease_n be_v to_o be_v have_v but_o the_o best_a of_o it_o be_v these_o thing_n be_v soon_o say_v then_o prove_v and_o more_o easy_o fancy_v by_o silly_a people_n then_o believe_v by_o those_o of_o discretion_n and_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v no_o culpable_a defect_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n that_o they_o trust_v not_o to_o this_o remedy_n in_o so_o great_a a_o case_n and_o as_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o particular_a though_o she_o have_v no_o fondness_n for_o mountebank_n medicine_n as_o observe_v they_o to_o be_v seldom_o successful_a yet_o she_o be_v not_o want_v in_o her_o care_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o under_o her_o guidance_n but_o express_v as_o much_o tenderness_n of_o their_o peace_n and_o comfort_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v pretend_v to_o indeed_o she_o have_v not_o set_v up_o a_o confessor_n chair_n in_o every_o parish_n nor_o much_o less_o place_v the_o priest_n in_o the_o seat_n of_o god_n almighty_n as_o think_v it_o safe_o at_o least_o in_o ordinary_a case_n to_o remit_v man_n to_o the_o text_n of_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o public_a ministry_n thereof_o for_o resolution_n of_o conscience_n then_o to_o the_o secret_a oracle_n of_o a_o priest_n in_o a_o corner_n and_o advise_v they_o rather_o to_o observe_v what_o god_n himself_o declare_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o guilt_n of_o sin_n the_o aggravation_n or_o abatement_n of_o it_o and_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o pardon_n than_o what_o a_o priest_n pronounce_v but_o however_o this_o course_n do_v not_o please_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o reason_n best_o know_v to_o themselves_o which_o if_o we_o may_v guess_v at_o the_o main_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o let_v man_n be_v their_o own_o carver_n but_o lead_v they_o like_o child_n by_o the_o hand_n my_o meaning_n be_v they_o keep_v people_n as_o much_o in_o ignorance_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o can_v lock_v that_o up_o from_o they_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n now_o if_o they_o may_v not_o be_v trust_v with_o those_o sacred_a record_n so_o as_o to_o inform_v themselves_o of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o condition_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o salvation_n it_o be_v then_o but_o reasonable_a that_o the_o priest_n shall_v judge_v for_o they_o and_o that_o they_o await_v their_o doom_n from_o his_o mouth_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o see_v why_o in_o a_o protestant_a church_n where_o the_o whole_a religion_n be_v in_o the_o mother_n tongue_n the_o old_a and_o especial_o the_o new_a testament_n constant_o and_o conscientious_o expound_v and_o the_o people_n allow_v to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o see_v whither_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o no_o i_o see_v not_o i_o say_v why_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o priest_n may_v not_o in_o great_a measure_n be_v excuse_v the_o trouble_n of_o attend_v secret_a confession_n without_o danger_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n but_o beside_o
penitential_a confession_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o his_o apology_n more_o plain_o coimus_fw-la in_o caetum_fw-la etc._n etc._n ibidem_fw-la exhortationes_fw-la castigationes_fw-la &_o censura_fw-la divina_fw-la nam_fw-la &_o judicatur_fw-la magno_fw-la cum_fw-la pondere_fw-la ut_fw-la apud_fw-la certos_fw-la de_fw-la dei_fw-la conspectu_fw-la summumque_fw-la futuri_fw-la judicii_fw-la praejudicium_fw-la est_fw-la si_fw-la quis_fw-la ita_fw-la deliquerit_fw-la ut_fw-la a_o communione_fw-la etc._n etc._n religetur_fw-la we_o have_v say_v he_o in_o our_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n a_o spiritual_a judicature_n and_o with_o great_a gravity_n censure_v offender_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o for_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o beatus_fw-la rhenanus_fw-la one_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n poeitent_a beatus_fw-la rhenan_n in_o praef_n ad_fw-la tertull_n de_fw-fr poeitent_a and_o of_o great_a insight_n into_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n who_o give_v we_o this_o account_n of_o tertullian_n and_o his_o time_n nihil_fw-la illum_fw-la de_fw-la clancularia_fw-la illa_fw-la poenitentia_fw-la loqui_fw-la quae_fw-la id_fw-la temporis_fw-la penitus_fw-la ignorabatur_fw-la there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o secret_a or_o clancular_a confession_n in_o use_n in_o tertullian_n time_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o so_o much_o as_o know_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o those_o day_n 5._o to_o go_v a_o little_a low_o such_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o proceed_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n as_o he_o himself_o describe_v it_o the_o sinner_n by_o outward_a 15._o st._n syprian_n lib._n 3._o eph._n 15._o gesture_n and_o token_n show_v himself_o to_o be_v sorrowful_a and_o penitent_a for_o his_o sin_n and_o then_o make_v humble_a confession_n thereof_o before_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o desire_v all_o the_o brethren_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o which_o do_v the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o he_o and_o so_o reconcile_v he_o so_o it_o be_v also_o in_o origen_n time_n and_o once_o for_o all_o to_o deliver_v the_o custom_n of_o 37._o origen_n in_o ps_n 37._o the_o church_n in_o those_o time_n touch_v this_o particular_a i_o will_v add_v the_o word_n of_o the_o historian_n rei_fw-la ad_fw-la terram_fw-la se_fw-la pronos_fw-la abjiciunt_fw-la etc._n etc._n they_o that_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o to_o 16._o sozomen_fw-fr l._n 7._o cap._n 16._o have_v offend_v fall_v down_o flat_a upon_o the_o ground_n with_o weep_v and_o lamentation_n in_o the_o church_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o bishop_n run_v to_o they_o with_o tear_n in_o his_o eye_n and_o fall_v down_o to_o the_o ground_n also_o in_o token_n of_o sorrow_n and_o compassion_n and_o the_o whole_a congregation_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n sympathize_v with_o both_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o tear_n etc._n etc._n 6._o if_o we_o go_v low_a yet_o to_o the_o time_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o st._n austin_n we_o etc._n st._n chrysost_o ad_fw-la hebr_n homil._n 31._o id._n in_o serm._n de_fw-fr confess_v &_o poenit_fw-la etc._n etc._n find_v those_o holy_a man_n speak_v very_o slight_o of_o confession_n to_o man_n so_o little_o do_v they_o think_v of_o auricular_a confession_n be_v a_o sacrament_n st._n augustine_n judgement_n in_o the_o case_n we_o have_v hear_v before_o in_o the_o ten_o book_n of_o his_o confession_n and_o three_o chapter_n and_o for_o the_o other_o the_o testimony_n out_o of_o he_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o can_v think_v it_o necessary_a to_o transcribe_v they_o and_o for_o st._n jerom_n who_o live_v about_o the_o same_o time_n i_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o repeat_v the_o account_n of_o erasmus_n who_o be_v very_o conversant_a in_o his_o write_n and_o indeed_o of_o all_o the_o other_o father_n and_o who_o have_v no_o other_o fault_n i_o know_v but_o that_o he_o do_v use_v mordaci_fw-la rodere_fw-la vero_fw-la to_o be_v too_o great_a a_o telltruth_n which_o sure_o will_v not_o invalidate_v his_o testimony_n his_o word_n be_v these_o apparet_fw-la tempore_fw-la hier●●●●●_n nondum_fw-la institutam_fw-la fuisse_fw-la secretam_fw-la admissor●m_fw-la confessionem_fw-la 〈◊〉_d in_o hoc_fw-la labuntur_fw-la theologi_fw-la quidam_fw-la parum_fw-la attenti_fw-la quod_fw-la quae_fw-la veteres_fw-la soribunt_fw-la de_fw-la publica_fw-la &_o generali_fw-la confession_n ea_fw-la trabunt_fw-la ad_fw-la occultam_fw-la &_o long_o diversi_fw-la generis_fw-la i._n e._n it_o be_v evident_a say_v he_o that_o in_o st._n jerom_n time_n which_o be_v about_o four_o hundred_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o secret_a confession_n in_o use_n but_o the_o mistake_n be_v that_o some_o few_o latter_a and_o inconsiderate_a divine_n have_v take_v the_o instance_n of_o general_a and_o public_a confession_n then_o practise_v for_o argument_n of_o that_o auricular_a confession_n which_o be_v now_o use_v though_o quite_o of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o it_o thus_o we_o have_v trace_v the_o current_n of_o antiquity_n for_o four_o or_o five_o hundred_o year_n to_o search_v for_o the_o head_n of_o this_o nilus_n the_o source_n and_o rise_v of_o that_o kind_n of_o confession_n which_o be_v so_o high_o magnify_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o hitherto_o we_o have_v find_v nothing_o of_o it_o and_o this_o methinks_v shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o stagger_v a_o impartial_a inquirer_n at_o least_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o so_o short_a a_o treanse_n as_o this_o be_v intend_v to_o be_v and_o may_v satisfy_v the_o unprejudicat_fw-la that_o there_o be_v little_a of_o antiquity_n to_o favour_v this_o rite_n as_o there_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n to_o be_v plead_v for_o it_o but_o yet_o i_o know_v on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o the_o romanist_n pretend_v to_o bring_v abundance_n of_o testimony_n for_o it_o and_o bellarmine_n particular_o go_v from_o century_n to_o century_n with_o his_o citation_n to_o prescribe_v for_o the_o constant_a and_o uninterupted_a use_n of_o it_o but_o i_o do_v sincere_o think_v that_o these_o four_o follow_v short_a observation_n will_v inablea_v man_n to_o answer_v they_o all_o 1._o i_o observe_v that_o whereas_o this_o word_n exomologesis_fw-la be_v common_o use_v by_o diverse_a of_o the_o father_n as_o the_o phrase_n whereby_o they_o intend_v to_o express_v the_o whole_a nature_n of_o repentance_n in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o branch_n of_o it_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o passage_n i_o cite_v out_o of_o tertullian_n de_fw-fr poenit._n even_o now_o and_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o bellarmine_n himself_o nevertheless_o mere_o because_o that_o word_n signify_v confession_n proper_o and_o nothing_o else_o these_o romish_a sophister_n where_o they_o find_v this_o word_n exomologesis_fw-la force_v it_o into_o a_o argument_n for_o that_o confession_n which_o they_o contend_v for_o and_o so_o several_a discourse_n of_o the_o father_n concern_v repentance_n in_o general_n be_v make_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o exhortation_n to_o or_o encomium_n of_o confession_n in_o particular_a and_o that_o must_v be_v nothing_o else_o neither_o but_o auricular_a confession_n though_o thing_n in_o question_n a_o cast_n of_o his_o skill_n in_o this_o way_n bellarmine_n give_v we_o in_o irenaeus_n the_o very_a first_o author_n he_o cite_v for_o auricular_a confession_n in_o the_o last_o quote_v book_n and_o chapter_n of_o his_o write_n de_fw-fr sacramentis_fw-la 2._o whereas_o the_o novatian_o exclude_v all_o hope_n of_o repentance_n or_o pardon_n for_o sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n but_o the_o true_a church_n contrariwise_o admit_v to_o hope_n of_o pardon_n upon_o their_o repentance_n upon_o this_o occasion_n when_o some_o of_o the_o father_n just_o magnify_v the_o advantage_n and_o comfortableness_n of_o the_o true_a church_n above_o the_o schismatical_a as_o that_o it_o set_v open_v a_o door_n of_o hope_n to_o those_o who_o coness_v their_o sin_n and_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o ministry_n hence_o hese_fw-mi witty_a man_n will_v persuade_v the_o world_n that_o every_o true_a church_n have_v a_o confessor_n chair_n and_o such_o a_o formal_a way_n of_o pardon_v as_o they_o now_o practice_v at_o rome_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o remission_n of_o sin_n where_o there_o be_v no_o auricular_a confession_n and_o as_o if_o all_o that_o exclude_v the_o latter_a reject_v the_o former_a too_o and_o be_v no_o better_o than_o novatian_a heretic_n when_o as_o in_o truth_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v exercise_v in_o all_o the_o minstry_n of_o the_o church_n and_o 8._o bella●m_fw-la de_fw-fr poenit._n lib._n 3._o c._n 8._o she_o pardon_n and_o retain_v sin_n otherwise_o then_o by_o the_o oracle_n of_o a_o particular_a confessor_n as_o we_o have_v see_v already_o this_o piece_n of_o juggle_v the_o same_o bellarmine_n be_v also_o guilty_a of_o in_o his_o citation_n of_o lactantius_n 3._o whereas_o the_o ancient_a writer_n be_v much_o in_o the_o commendation_n of_o confession_n of_o sin_n whither_o it_o be_v to_o god_n or_o to_o the_o church_n but_o general_o intend_v that_o which_o be_v public_a
the_o same_o church_n notwithstanding_o these_o dispute_n because_o it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n to_o leave_v it_o but_o they_o be_v more_o beholden_a to_o the_o inquisition_n then_o to_o infallibility_n for_o this_o unity_n 2._o how_o do_v these_o division_n and_o heresy_n which_o disturb_v the_o church_n prove_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o his_o religion_n if_o we_o can_v certain_o know_v what_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v notwithstanding_o there_o be_v many_o different_a opinion_n about_o it_o than_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o we_o if_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n which_o other_o deny_v dispute_n or_o doubt_v of_o then_o how_o can_v any_o papist_n be_v certain_a that_o his_o church_n be_v infallible_a for_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n deny_v this_o and_o scorn_v their_o pretension_n to_o it_o i_o may_v indeed_o safe_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n who_o i_o be_o infallible_o assure_v to_o be_v infallible_a how_o many_o contrary_a opinion_n soever_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o when_o infallibility_n itself_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o dispute_n and_o i_o have_v no_o infallible_a way_n to_o know_v whither_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n or_o where_o this_o infallibility_n be_v seat_v if_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o certainty_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o i_o be_o not_o and_o can_v be_v infallible_o assure_v of_o than_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a demonstration_n against_o infallibility_n itself_o unless_o we_o will_v take_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n word_n for_o her_o own_o infallibility_n we_o can_v have_v the_o decision_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o she_o will_v allow_v no_o other_o infallible_a judge_n but_o herself_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v so_o absurd_a a_o way_n that_o it_o suppose_v that_o we_o believe_v and_o that_o we_o disbelieve_v the_o same_o thing_n at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o unless_o we_o beforehand_o believe_v the_o church_n to_o be_v infallible_a her_o say_n so_o be_v no_o infallible_a proof_n that_o she_o be_v infallible_a and_o yet_o the_o very_a demand_n of_o a_o proof_n suppose_v that_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o it_o that_o we_o doubt_v of_o it_o or_o disbelieve_v it_o when_o we_o ask_v the_o church_n whither_o she_o be_v infallible_a it_o suppose_v that_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o it_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v need_v no_o proof_n and_o when_o we_o believe_v the_o church_n to_o be_v infallible_a because_o she_o say_v so_o it_o suppose_v that_o we_o do_v beforehand_o believe_v that_o she_o be_v infallible_a otherwise_o her_o say_n so_o be_v no_o proof_n the_o great_a champion_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n never_o pretend_v that_o they_o can_v produce_v any_o infallible_a proof_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n cardinal_n bellarmine_n attempt_v no_o more_o then_o to_o allege_v some_o motive_n of_o credibility_n to_o make_v the_o thing_n probable_a and_o to_o incline_v man_n to_o believe_v it_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n than_o we_o be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o if_o a_o papist_n have_v only_o some_o motive_n of_o credibility_n to_o believe_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n he_o can_v have_v no_o great_a probability_n that_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a church_n now_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n what_o a_o totter_a foundation_n some_o high_a probability_n though_o they_o amount_v to_o a_o moral_a assurance_n be_v for_o the_o belief_n of_o infallibility_n which_o be_v to_o put_v more_o in_o the_o conclusion_n then_o there_o be_v in_o the_o premise_n the_o only_a use_n i_o shall_v make_v of_o it_o at_o present_a be_v this_o that_o we_o can_v at_o least_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o papist_n be_v that_o their_o church_n be_v infallible_a for_o they_o can_v be_v no_o more_o infallible_o assure_v of_o this_o than_o we_o be_v of_o our_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n prove_v that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a what_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o argument_n prove_v that_o they_o can_v be_v certain_a that_o their_o church_n be_v infallible_a because_o this_o be_v not_o only_o doubt_v but_o absolute_o deny_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o be_v never_o think_v of_o by_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o it_o so_o this_o argument_n prove_v too_o much_o and_o recoil_v upon_o themselves_o like_o a_o gun_n which_o be_v overcharge_v and_o if_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n they_o will_v grant_v that_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o confident_o deny_v and_o dispute_v by_o other_o then_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n in_o the_o church_n be_v no_o argument_n that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o our_o religion_n but_o only_o teach_v we_o great_a caution_n and_o diligence_n and_o honesty_n in_o our_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n 3._o these_o division_n and_o heresy_n that_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v no_o better_a argument_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n than_o the_o diversity_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v christian_n great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v jew_n or_o pagan_n or_o mahumetanes_n still_o and_o this_o be_v as_o good_a a_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o religion_n as_o the_o different_a party_n and_o profession_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a what_o the_o true_a christian_a church_n nor_o what_o true_a christianity_n be_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o design_v to_o offer_v any_o force_n or_o violence_n to_o man_n faith_n or_o understanding_n no_o more_o then_o to_o their_o will_n be_v there_o such_o a_o irresistible_a and_o compulsory_a evidence_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o wherever_o it_o be_v preach_v it_o shall_v be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n though_o never_o so_o wicked_a and_o ill_o dispose_v to_o continue_v a_o infidel_n or_o to_o prove_v a_o heretic_n faith_n will_v be_v no_o great_a a_o virtue_n then_o force_v obedience_n and_o compliance_n be_v the_o gospel_n have_v evidence_n enough_o to_o convince_v honest_a mind_n and_o be_v plain_a enough_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o those_o who_o be_v honest_a and_o teachable_a and_o therefore_o have_v its_o effect_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v curable_a which_o be_v all_o that_o it_o be_v design_v for_o those_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v may_v continue_v infidel_n and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o understand_v may_v fall_v into_o error_n and_o believe_v a_o lie_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v evidence_n enough_o to_o convince_v and_o plainness_n enough_o to_o instruct_v well_o dispose_v mind_n and_o certainty_n enough_o in_o each_o to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n the_o sum_n be_v this_o though_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o very_a good_a mean_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o the_o only_a mean_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o very_a intelligible_a book_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n who_o never_o hear_v of_o a_o church_n shall_v have_v the_o use_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o a_o language_n which_o he_o understand_v by_o a_o diligent_a read_n of_o it_o he_o may_v understand_v enough_o to_o be_v save_v 2._o if_o by_o church_n be_v mean_v any_o particular_a church_n as_o suppose_v the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n or_o the_o church_n of_o the_o present_a age_n it_o be_v absolute_o false_a to_o say_v that_o the_o church_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v always_o a_o sure_a and_o safe_a mean_n of_o understand_v the_o scripture_n what_o have_v be_v universal_o believe_v by_o all_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n or_o at_o least_o by_o all_o church_n of_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v near_a the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o may_v be_v presume_v best_a to_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o great_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v a_o very_a safe_a rule_n for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o those_o primitive_a apostolic_a church_n in_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n before_o they_o be_v corrupt_v by_o worldly_a ambition_n and_o secular_a interest_n be_v a_o very_a safe_a rule_n for_o our_o practice_n also_o and_o this_o be_v the_o