Selected quad for the lemma: doctrine_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
doctrine_n age_n church_n tradition_n 3,033 5 9.4226 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59812 A discourse concerning a judge of controversies in matters of religion being an answer to some papers asserting the necessity of such a judge : with an address to wavering protestants, shewing what little reason they have to think of any change of their religion : written for the private satisfaction of some scrupulous persons, and now published for common use : with a preface concerning the nature of certainty and infallibility. Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1686 (1686) Wing S3285; ESTC R8167 73,491 104

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passage_n that_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o then_o think_v a_o man_n safe_a though_o he_o to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o understanding_n do_v expound_v scripture_n if_o he_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n it_o have_v something_o of_o truth_n but_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o sophistry_n in_o it_o it_o be_v so_o far_o true_a that_o a_o man_n who_o embrace_v damnable_a error_n be_v not_o safe_a how_o firm_o soever_o he_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o hazardous_a to_o contradict_v the_o sense_n not_o of_o any_o council_n which_o may_v be_v a_o pack_v conventicle_n of_o heretic_n nor_o of_o any_o particular_a age_n of_o the_o church_n which_o may_v be_v very_o ignorant_a or_o very_o corrupt_a but_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o all_o place_n and_o age_n but_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o present_a purpose_n and_o if_o the_o meaning_n be_v as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o a_o man_n to_o use_v his_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o council_n it_o may_v sometime_o be_v so_o and_o sometime_o not_o as_o the_o council_n be_v and_o whatever_o the_o event_n be_v every_o man_n must_v judge_v of_o that_o it_o may_v prove_v dangerous_a to_o a_o man_n to_o use_v his_o reason_n if_o he_o do_v not_o use_v it_o right_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o it_o but_o every_o man_n must_v use_v his_o reason_n or_o act_v like_o a_o fool._n but_o possible_o it_o will_v be_v ask_v what_o authority_n then_o do_v we_o allow_v to_o council_n and_o i_o shall_v very_o free_o speak_v my_o mind_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o case_n that_o be_v doubtful_a the_o judgement_n of_o so_o many_o wise_a and_o learned_a and_o pious_a man_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o very_a probable_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o decree_n and_o no_o modest_a man_n will_v open_o oppose_v what_o they_o determine_v unless_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v something_o of_o faction_n and_o interest_n at_o the_o bottom_n or_o that_o the_o reason_n whereby_o they_o be_v overrule_v be_v so_o weak_a or_o ludicrous_a as_o to_o render_v their_o judgement_n contemptible_a for_o if_o the_o opinion_n of_o one_o learned_a man_n be_v so_o considerable_a much_o more_o be_v the_o deliberate_a judgement_n of_o so_o many_o great_a and_o good_a man_n second_o the_o authority_n of_o ancient_a council_n be_v very_o considerable_a as_o they_o be_v credible_a witness_n of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o the_o constant_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o precede_a age_n which_o be_v a_o mighty_a satisfaction_n to_o find_v by_o these_o venerable_a record_n that_o what_o we_o now_o believe_v be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n before_o it_o be_v divide_v by_o schism_n and_o faction_n or_o corrupt_v with_o ease_n or_o liberty_n or_o wanton_a dispute_n three_o general_n or_o national_a council_n have_v authority_n to_o determine_v what_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v public_o profess_v and_o teach_v in_o their_o church_n and_o be_v make_v the_o article_n of_o church_n communion_n as_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v if_o there_o be_v any_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v one_o and_o those_o who_o have_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n must_v have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o faith_n but_o then_o this_o authority_n do_v not_o oblige_v any_o man_n to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v and_o to_o receive_v all_o such_o decree_n without_o examination_n but_o only_o if_o we_o will_v live_v in_o communion_n with_o such_o a_o church_n we_o must_v own_v the_o faith_n of_o that_o church_n for_o she_o will_v allow_v none_o to_o communicate_v with_o she_o who_o do_v not_o now_o if_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v pure_a and_o orthodox_n the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o require_v obedience_n and_o conformity_n to_o her_o decree_n and_o constitution_n and_o those_o who_o refuse_v it_o must_v answer_v it_o both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n if_o her_o faith_n be_v corrupt_a she_o abuse_v her_o power_n in_o impose_v it_o on_o christian_n and_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v what_o be_v false_a because_o the_o church_n define_v it_o to_o be_v true_a if_o you_o ask_v who_o judgement_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o every_o private_a christian_n i_o answer_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o necessity_n must_v take_v place_n as_o to_o external_n government_n to_o determine_v what_o shall_v be_v profess_v and_o practise_v in_o her_o communion_n and_o no_o private_a christian_n have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v in_o these_o matter_n but_o when_o the_o question_n be_v what_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n true_a or_o false_a in_o what_o we_o may_v obey_v and_o in_o what_o not_o here_o every_o private_a christian_a who_o will_v not_o believe_v without_o understanding_n nor_o follow_v his_o guide_n blindfold_a must_v judge_v for_o himself_o and_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o his_o soul_n be_v worth_a to_o judge_v right_a for_o if_o he_o reject_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n without_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n he_o be_v a_o heretic_n and_o a_o schismatic_a liable_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o next_o if_o he_o reject_v a_o erroneous_a and_o corrupt_a communion_n he_o incur_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o most_o christian_a kingdom_n be_v attend_v with_o some_o temporal_a inconvenience_n and_o if_o he_o embrace_v it_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n for_o if_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a they_o shall_v both_o fall_v into_o the_o dith_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a limit_n of_o all_o human_a authority_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n below_o this_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n and_o above_o it_o it_o be_v not_o human_a authority_n for_o a_o blind_a obedience_n can_v be_v due_a to_o none_o but_o god_n and_o he_o himself_o seldom_o exact_v it_o if_o we_o will_v grant_v governor_n and_o subject_n to_o be_v man_n who_o have_v the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o state_n the_o case_n of_o authority_n and_o subjection_n otherwise_o than_o thus_o that_o the_o faith_n and_o judgement_n of_o governor_n influence_n and_o direct_v their_o government_n and_o give_v law_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o subject_n and_o the_o private_a judgement_n of_o subject_n direct_v they_o how_o far_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v their_o governor_n and_o god_n himself_o
this_o to_o the_o purpose_n when_o the_o scripture_n express_o condemn_v the_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o give_v religious_a worship_n to_o any_o other_o be_v but_o to_o god_n only_o and_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n say_v nothing_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o that_o st._n paul_n dispute_v design_o against_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n institute_v his_o supper_n in_o both_o kind_n and_o command_v they_o to_o drink_v of_o the_o consecrate_a cup_n as_o well_o as_o to_o eat_v the_o bread_n though_o i_o have_v a_o great_a reverence_n for_o antiquity_n yet_o if_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o day_n pronounce_v a_o anathema_n against_o angel_n themselves_o who_o shall_v preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n we_o may_v safe_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o church_n that_o shall_v contradict_v the_o express_a command_n and_o institution_n of_o christ._n to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n be_v antiquity_n our_o only_a guide_n and_o rule_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n i_o ready_o grant_v it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a uncertain_a rule_n and_o such_o as_o neither_o the_o learned_a nor_o the_o unlearned_a can_v build_v their_o faith_n on_o for_o there_o have_v be_v great_a variety_n of_o opinion_n and_o practice_n in_o other_o age_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o since_o the_o four_o century_n from_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n principal_o date_n their_o antiquity_n as_o well_o as_o in_o our_o own_o which_o show_v what_o a_o uncertain_a foundation_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v for_o her_o faith_n as_o for_o all_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n wherein_o she_o differ_v from_o we_o which_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n and_o at_o best_a a_o very_a uncertain_a one_o in_o very_o late_a antiquity_n but_o this_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o who_o prefer_v scripture_n antiquity_n before_o all_o other_o and_o own_o no_o antiquity_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o we_o neither_o retain_v too_o much_o nor_o too_o little_a because_o we_o teach_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v the_o paper_n but_o it_o be_v reply_v the_o church_n of_o england_n give_v leave_v even_o to_o woman_n to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o teach_v but_o certain_o this_o be_v a_o compliment_n they_o be_v incapable_a of_o examination_n neither_o indeed_o be_v statesman_n lawyer_n the_o busy_a nor_o the_o stupid_o ignorant_a for_o if_o we_o will_v be_v judge_n ourselves_o of_o these_o matter_n what_o life_n or_o capacity_n be_v sufficient_a for_o in_o justice_n if_o i_o examine_v i_o ought_v to_o hear_v all_o the_o several_a pretender_n to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n who_o make_v it_o their_o rule_n of_o faith_n so_o to_o examine_v those_o text_n that_o make_v against_o we_o as_o well_o as_o those_o for_o we_o and_o the_o several_a expositor_n for_o in_o affair_n of_o much_o less_o importance_n people_n be_v think_v foolish_a and_o partial_a let_v one_o party_n tell_v his_o story_n to_o a_o seem_a demonstration_n not_o to_o preserve_v another_o ear_n for_o the_o other_o side_n before_o he_o determine_v if_o he_o must_v judge_v at_o all_o answer_n the_o lightness_n of_o this_o expression_n of_o compliment_a do_v not_o savour_n of_o a_o serious_a mind_n in_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a importance_n do_v our_o saviour_n then_o compliment_v his_o hearer_n when_o he_o command_v they_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o he_o have_v woman_n and_o very_o busy_a people_n who_o hear_v his_o sermon_n the_o poor_a and_o the_o ignorant_a and_o the_o despise_a people_n publican_n and_o sinner_n receive_v the_o gospel_n which_o do_v not_o so_o much_o require_v great_a leisure_n and_o capacity_n for_o study_n as_o a_o honest_a teachable_a mind_n and_o i_o confess_v i_o think_v it_o a_o great_a reproach_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o make_v it_o so_o much_o a_o art_n and_o a_o mystery_n that_o none_o but_o great_a scholar_n can_v understand_v it_o scholar_n indeed_o have_v make_v a_o art_n and_o a_o mere_a dispute_v art_n of_o it_o and_o heretic_n who_o have_v corrupt_v the_o gospel_n have_v endeavour_v by_o perverse_a comment_n to_o make_v plain_a place_n obscure_a and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v more_o countenance_v this_o pretence_n than_o any_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o frighten_v people_n from_o read_v that_o book_n which_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v against_o popery_n and_o after_o all_o their_o talk_n of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o scripture_n their_o deny_v the_o people_n the_o free_a use_n of_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a confession_n that_o they_o think_v it_o too_o plain_a against_o themselves_o so_o plain_a that_o every_o ordinary_a christian_n will_v be_v able_a to_o see_v it_o but_o if_o so_o very_a few_o people_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o dispute_n in_o religion_n what_o course_n shall_v woman_n and_o other_o person_n who_o the_o paper_n make_v such_o incompetent_a judge_n take_v suppose_v they_o have_v be_v educate_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o be_v now_o assault_v by_o popish_a priest_n to_o go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n must_v they_o make_v this_o change_n with_o reason_n or_o without_o it_o must_v they_o judge_v for_o themselves_o or_o forsake_v one_o church_n and_o choose_v another_o without_o judgement_n or_o can_v woman_n or_o busy_a or_o ignorant_a people_n more_o easy_o find_v out_o the_o true_a church_n and_o the_o infallible_a judge_n than_o they_o can_v read_v in_o scripture_n that_o they_o must_v worship_v none_o but_o god_n that_o they_o must_v not_o worship_v image_n and_o picture_n that_o they_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n and_o celebrate_v the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n by_o drink_v of_o the_o cup_n as_o well_o as_o by_o eat_v the_o bread_n whoever_o venture_v to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v baptize_v and_o educate_v i_o be_o sure_a aught_o to_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v whether_o he_o be_v or_o no_o and_o those_o who_o confess_v they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v aught_o to_o be_v keep_v where_o they_o be_v for_o it_o be_v safe_a to_o continue_v in_o a_o church_n without_o judgement_n than_o to_o forsake_v it_o without_o reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o the_o first_o case_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o our_o birth_n and_o education_n will_v make_v some_o apology_n for_o our_o involuntary_a mistake_v but_o if_o we_o wanton_o leave_v one_o church_n and_o go_v to_o another_o without_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o either_o the_o act_n be_v whole_o our_o own_o choice_n and_o if_o we_o leave_v a_o better_a for_o a_o worse_o we_o must_v take_v what_o follow_v and_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o most_o improper_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v use_v by_o one_o who_o be_v waver_v between_o two_o church_n for_o if_o he_o must_v not_o use_v his_o own_o private_a judgement_n i_o can_v guess_v how_o he_o shall_v either_o choose_v or_o refuse_v those_o who_o challenge_v a_o liberty_n of_o judge_v for_o themselves_o which_o be_v the_o undoubted_a right_n of_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n may_v change_v as_o they_o see_v reason_n and_o at_o their_o own_o peril_n if_o they_o choose_v wrong_v but_o those_o who_o disclaim_v all_o right_a and_o capacity_n of_o judge_v must_v continue_v as_o they_o be_v and_o take_v their_o chance_n for_o they_o may_v as_o well_o choose_v their_o faith_n as_o their_o guide_n who_o they_o will_v in_o all_o thing_n believe_v but_o still_o the_o force_n of_o the_o objection_n be_v not_o answer_v that_o he_o who_o will_v judge_v must_v judge_v upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v able_a to_o know_v and_o answer_v whatever_o be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a which_o the_o great_a number_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o woman_n be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v but_o if_o this_o be_v true_a the_o great_a number_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o woman_n must_v never_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o that_o christ_n come_v from_o god_n to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n for_o there_o be_v very_o few_o of_o they_o that_o ever_o hear_v or_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v the_o ten_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n against_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o talk_v of_o authority_n or_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o these_o matter_n for_o we_o must_v first_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o christ_n come_v from_o god_n before_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o they_o have_v appoint_v a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n so_o that_o
and_o the_o like_a have_v be_v think_v a_o just_a reason_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n to_o deny_v communion_n to_o all_o those_o church_n which_o reject_v they_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o all_o those_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n till_o now_o who_o never_o own_v nor_o impose_v those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n for_o which_o we_o now_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n which_o upon_o inquiry_n will_v be_v find_v a_o much_o more_o catholic_n communion_n then_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o we_o communicate_v with_o more_o age_n and_o with_o more_o church_n than_o they_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o now_o constitute_v in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o proportion_n be_v no_o old_a than_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o be_v some_o time_n since_o luther_n that_o we_o may_v with_o more_o reason_n ask_v they_o where_o their_o church_n be_v before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n then_o they_o ask_v we_o where_o our_o church_n be_v before_o luther_n we_o find_v our_o church_n in_o its_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n but_o their_o church_n be_v not_o make_v all_o at_o a_o time_n but_o one_o age_n bring_v in_o one_o corruption_n another_o another_o some_o aspire_a pope_n begin_v the_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o other_o church_n and_o other_o keep_v the_o ground_n their_o predecessor_n have_v get_v and_o as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n make_v new_a conquest_n and_o thus_o by_o degree_n it_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o papal_a omnipotency_n some_o think_v monk_n start_v some_o uncouth_a opinion_n which_o be_v toss_v about_o for_o a_o while_n in_o dispute_n and_o if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o advance_v the_o power_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o of_o the_o priest_n they_o begin_v to_o be_v countenance_v at_o rome_n and_o that_o make_v honest_a man_n cautious_a of_o oppose_v and_o then_o 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catholic_n church_n and_o in_o catholic_n communion_n which_o be_v all_o that_o we_o at_o present_a be_v concern_v for_o and_o let_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v as_o much_o for_o herself_o if_o she_o can_v upon_o these_o principle_n she_o now_o reject_v we_o it_o be_v plain_a she_o must_v have_v deny_v communion_n to_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v have_v deny_v communion_n to_o she_o and_o what_o be_v become_v then_o of_o her_o catholic_n communion_n which_o shut_v out_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolic_a church_n the_o paper_n and_o how_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n for_o that_o which_o i_o think_v make_v a_o corporation_n become_v a_o body_n of_o man_n be_v the_o obligation_n impose_v on_o those_o who_o live_v in_o that_o corporation_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o peculiar_a law_n and_o government_n there_o establish_v for_o even_o of_o those_o that_o make_v scripture_n their_o rule_n of_o all_o those_o church_n answer_n i_o suppose_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o be_v either_o false_a or_o hasty_o write_v if_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n in_o such_o a_o corporation_n as_o be_v under_o the_o same_o individual_a government_n or_o one_o govern_v head_n who_o must_v give_v law_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n this_o we_o utter_o deny_v and_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v prove_v christ_n at_o first_o commit_v the_o plant_n and_o govern_v his_o church_n to_o twelve_o apostle_n who_o as_o st._n cyprian_n affirm_v have_v all_o equal_a power_n and_o authority_n though_o christ_n name_v peter_n only_o in_o bestow_v the_o apostolical_a power_n not_o to_o give_v peter_n any_o superiority_n over_o the_o rest_n but_o only_o to_o signify_v that_o unity_n and_o harmony_n of_o consent_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o they_o in_o exercise_v the_o apostolical_a power_n that_o they_o be_v all_o to_o act_v as_o one_o man._n the_o apostle_n leave_v their_o power_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o several_a church_n who_o have_v the_o immediate_a inspection_n and_o sovereign_a power_n over_o their_o own_o church_n as_o the_o same_o father_n frequent_o assert_n but_o yet_o be_v to_o govern_v their_o several_a church_n with_o mutual_a advice_n and_o consent_n so_o that_o the_o unity_n of_o particular_a church_n consist_v in_o their_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o their_o bishop_n and_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v without_o necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a reason_n be_v schismatic_n who_o cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o subjection_n of_o one_o church_n to_o another_o but_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o agreement_n and_o concord_n of_o their_o bishop_n in_o own_v each_o other_o church_n and_o maintain_v communion_n with_o they_o upon_o catholic_n principle_n and_o govern_v their_o church_n as_o far_o as_o be_v expedient_a by_o common_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n this_o then_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n let_v we_o brief_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o unite_v particular_a church_n in_o catholic_n communion_n 1._o every_o particular_a church_n which_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o catholic_n faith_n be_v so_o far_o in_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o thus_o we_o own_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o she_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n though_o with_o a_o great_a mixture_n of_o dangerous_a error_n 2._o the_o communion_n of_o particular_a church_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o use_v the_o same_o liturgy_n or_o external_a rite_n of_o worship_n if_o their_o worship_n be_v a_o true_a christian_a worship_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o general_a law_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o every_o church_n have_v authority_n within_o herself_o to_o direct_v and_o model_n she_o own_o worship_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o it_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o receive_v her_o liturgy_n and_o worship_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o may_v use_v she_o own_o without_o be_v charge_v with_o schism_n for_o do_v so_o 3._o every_o catholic_n church_n be_v bind_v to_o receive_v each_o other_o member_n to_o communion_n when_o they_o come_v among_o they_o which_o make_v they_o all_o but_o one_o church_n one_o society_n &_o body_n the_o member_n of_o which_o have_v a_o mutual_a right_n and_o interest_n in_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n not_o to_o adhere_v so_o stiff_o to_o the_o rite_n and_o usage_n of_o our_o own_o particular_a church_n as_o not_o to_o communicate_v with_o other_o church_n who_o use_v different_a rite_n from_o our_o own_o if_o they_o be_v innocent_a thus_o far_o all_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a but_o the_o difficulty_n be_v how_o we_o shall_v maintain_v communion_n with_o those_o church_n which_o teach_v very_o erroneous_a doctrine_n or_o use_v very_o corrupt_a and_o suspect_a kind_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o four_o how_o corrupt_v soever_o any_o church_n be_v if_o she_o still_o retain_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v own_v she_o for_o a_o christian_a church_n though_o a_o corrupt_a one_o which_o be_v one_o degree_n of_o communion_n with_o she_o to_o own_v she_o of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o ourselves_o though_o as_o a_o sick_a or_o rot_a member_n this_o be_v the_o charge_n against_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n not_o only_o that_o they_o
can_v communicate_v with_o they_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o sinful_a in_o our_o communion_n and_o whatever_o they_o pretend_v they_o can_v never_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n want_v in_o it_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o when_o we_o deny_v communion_n to_o no_o church_n that_o will_v communicate_v with_o we_o and_o require_v no_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n which_o can_v justify_v a_o separation_n from_o we_o let_v they_o tell_v i_o wherein_o our_o schism_n consist_v the_o paper_n i_o can_v think_v those_o glorious_a promise_n sufficient_o fulfil_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o abide_v with_o they_o and_o that_o for_o ever_o answer_n pray_v why_o not_o that_o promise_n of_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n be_v make_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v fulfil_v in_o they_o and_o extend_v to_o no_o other_o in_o that_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n viz._n by_o bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n all_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v say_v to_o they_o which_o can_v belong_v only_o to_o those_o person_n who_o hear_v the_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n of_o christ_n himself_o for_o though_o a_o man_n may_v be_v teach_v what_o he_o never_o know_v before_o yet_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o remember_v what_o he_o never_o hear_v before_o but_o when_o it_o be_v add_v that_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n shall_v abide_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o that_o for_o ever_o must_v be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o a_o infallible_a direction_n and_o their_o for_o ever_o signify_v no_o long_a than_o they_o live_v for_o if_o it_o must_v be_v extend_v to_o all_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n than_o there_o must_v be_v as_o many_o infallible_a judge_n as_o there_o be_v successor_n to_o all_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o several_a church_n found_v by_o they_o which_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o for_o what_o follow_v about_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n i_o have_v already_o give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o for_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n never_o prevail_v while_o there_o be_v a_o church_n which_o profess_v the_o faith_n which_o st._n peter_n then_o profess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o have_v do_v in_o her_o great_a corruption_n except_v pope_n liberius_n his_o subscription_n to_o the_o arian_n confession_n and_o whereas_o the_o paper_n conclude_v with_o a_o desire_n to_o know_v how_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v catholic_n and_o apostolic_a the_o answer_n be_v very_o plain_a because_o her_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n be_v catholic_n and_o apostolic_a the_o conclusion_n a_o address_n to_o waver_a protestant_n show_v what_o little_a reason_n they_o have_v to_o think_v of_o any_o change_n of_o their_o religion_n what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v in_o answer_n to_o these_o paper_n seem_v to_o i_o so_o very_o clear_a and_o plain_a that_o i_o shall_v not_o much_o question_n its_o good_a effect_n even_o upon_o honest_a papist_n will_v they_o impartial_o read_v and_o consider_v it_o much_o more_o upon_o waver_a protestant_n if_o it_o be_v only_o some_o scruple_n not_o interest_n which_o sway_v they_o but_o the_o better_a to_o fix_v such_o people_n and_o that_o in_o the_o modern_a fashionable_a way_n without_o dispute_v all_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n i_o shall_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v how_o much_o more_o certainty_n and_o safety_n they_o have_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o they_o can_v have_v by_o go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o i_o think_v this_o be_v home_n to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v the_o same_o argument_n wherewith_o the_o roman_a priest_n endeavour_v to_o pervert_v our_o people_n and_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o these_o paper_n 1._o first_o then_o i_o observe_v that_o all_o the_o positive_a article_n of_o the_o protestant_a faith_n be_v own_v and_o believe_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o do_v not_o believe_v all_o that_o they_o believe_v but_o yet_o they_o believe_v all_o that_o we_o do_v for_o our_o faith_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n the_o apostle_n the_o nicene_n and_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n own_v as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o though_o we_o do_v not_o build_v our_o certainty_n on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o on_o the_o express_a revelation_n of_o scripture_n which_o contain_v all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o be_v as_o much_o certainty_n as_o we_o desire_v yet_o methinks_v even_o a_o modest_a romanist_n shall_v blush_v to_o charge_v our_o faith_n with_o uncertainty_n when_o our_o faith_n as_o far_o as_o it_o reach_v be_v the_o same_o with_o they_o sure_o they_o must_v grant_v that_o in_o these_o matter_n which_o we_o all_o consent_n in_o our_o faith_n be_v true_a and_o orthodox_n they_o must_v grant_v that_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v sound_a and_o orthodox_n also_o for_o thus_o they_o resolve_v their_o own_o faith_n they_o must_v grant_v that_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n not_o exclude_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o best_a external_n testimony_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n now_o when_o we_o believe_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o expound_v by_o the_o general_n faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n what_o appearance_n of_o uncertainty_n can_v be_v charge_v on_o such_o a_o faith_n we_o reject_v indeed_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n but_o what_o then_o will_v not_o a_o true_a orthodox_n faith_n save_v we_o unless_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o have_v no_o be_v when_o christianity_n be_v first_o plant_v in_o the_o world_n but_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o this_o for_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n because_o he_o can_v believe_v his_o creed_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o then_o i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v what_o that_o uncertainty_n be_v which_o they_o complain_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o if_o the_o positive_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v certain_a as_o it_o must_v be_v if_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o to_o these_o matter_n be_v certain_a why_o do_v 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