not_o ans_fw-fr when_o the_o universal_a church_n by_o her_o proper_a representative_n be_v lawful_o assemble_v in_o a_o council_n true_o general_n that_o council_n without_o all_o dispute_n will_v be_v a_o very_a proper_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v fundamental_a and_o what_o not_o but_o this_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v pray_v than_o hope_v for_o qu._n whether_o a_o obstinate_a denial_n of_o any_o one_o truth_n deliver_v by_o jesus_n christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n though_o the_o delivery_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n may_v not_o be_v call_v a_o fundamental_a error_n see_v it_o bring_v the_o rest_n he_o deliver_v in_o question_n as_o also_o his_o veracity_n ans_fw-fr the_o denial_n of_o any_o one_o truth_n deliver_v by_o jesus_n christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n be_v a_o very_a great_a fault_n and_o if_o that_o denial_n be_v obstinate_o continue_v in_o after_o plain_a conviction_n that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a error_n qu._n whether_o therefore_o the_o denial_n of_o any_o one_o truth_n deliver_v to_o we_o by_o a_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n as_o teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n will_v not_o be_v a_o fundamental_a error_n ans_fw-fr there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o a_o thing_n deliver_v as_o teach_v and_o plain_o teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o we_o meet_v with_o many_o thing_n deliver_v as_o teach_v by_o they_o and_o tradition_n pretend_v for_o they_o which_o real_o and_o in_o truth_n be_v never_o teach_v by_o they_o or_o either_o of_o they_o ae_v to_o deny_v such_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o fundamental_a error_n that_o it_o be_v no_o error_n at_o all_o there_o be_v also_o a_o great_a difference_n between_o tradition_n if_o by_o tradition_n he_o mean_v the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o grant_v that_o to_o deny_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v plain_o and_o clear_o teach_v therein_o be_v a_o very_a great_a error_n but_o if_o by_o tradition_n he_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v mere_o humane_a and_o not_o clear_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o think_v we_o ought_v to_o reject_v such_o how_o uninterrupted_a soever_o they_o be_v for_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n than_o have_v be_v preach_v let_v he_o he_o accurse_a say_v st._n paul_n qu._n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n whether_o the_o teach_n of_o any_o doctrine_n only_o pious_o believe_v but_o sufficient_o know_v not_o to_o have_v be_v express_o or_o by_o a_o natural_a consequence_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o which_o may_v upon_o that_o account_n be_v false_a not_o have_v divine_a revelation_n which_o alone_o be_v infallible_a for_o its_o ground_n whether_o i_o say_v the_o teach_v such_o a_o doctrine_n so_o know_v as_o one_o that_o be_v deliver_v by_o christ_n when_o they_o know_v it_o be_v not_o will_v not_o be_v a_o fundamental_a error_n ans_fw-fr whosoever_o teach_v such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v mention_v in_o this_o query_n and_o in_o that_o manner_n be_v high_o guilty_a and_o when_o the_o enquirer_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v more_o particular_a and_o produce_v his_o instance_n he_o may_v expect_v a_o more_o particular_a answer_n and_o perhaps_o be_v tell_v at_o who_o door_n this_o charge_n will_v lie_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n this_o general_a answer_n may_v suffice_v qu._n whether_o christ_n have_v take_v care_n as_o some_o grant_n that_o his_o church_n shall_v not_o err_v in_o fundamental_o have_v not_o consequent_o take_v care_n that_o she_o shall_v not_o teach_v any_o one_o doctrine_n as_o deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o consequent_o of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o teach_v by_o he_o and_o consequent_o may_v be_v a_o error_n ans_fw-fr christ_n have_v take_v all_o care_n possible_a to_o secure_v his_o church_n from_o error_n and_o have_v give_v she_o his_o gracious_a promise_n to_o be_v with_o she_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o church_n be_v compose_v of_o man_n and_o such_o as_o be_v fallible_a the_o security_n be_v not_o promise_v to_o particular_n particular_a person_n and_o particular_a church_n too_o we_o know_v not_o only_o may_v but_o have_v gross_o err_v the_o security_n therefore_o be_v only_o promise_v to_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o that_o he_o may_v expect_v a_o more_o direct_a answer_n to_o his_o query_n qu._n whether_o those_o doctrine_n or_o most_o of_o they_o controvert_v now_o by_o protestant_n have_v not_o be_v teach_v and_o believe_v in_o the_o church_n as_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o christ_n long_o before_o luther_n yea_o and_o deliver_v in_o the_o most_o general_a council_n those_o age_n will_v permit_v and_o accept_v of_o by_o the_o church_n diffusive_a none_o that_o we_o know_v of_o dissent_v but_o those_o condemn_v in_o those_o council_n for_o heretic_n and_o who_o heresy_n expire_v almost_o with_o themselves_o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v now_o plain_a that_o this_o enquirer_n by_o the_o church_n and_o universal_a church_n so_o often_o mention_v by_o he_o do_v all_o along_o mean_a the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o comply_v with_o he_o in_o that_o though_o we_o own_o that_o church_n to_o be_v a_o member_n yet_o we_o can_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o if_o by_o the_o decision_n and_o declaration_n of_o the_o church_n he_o mean_v the_o determination_n of_o that_o church_n they_o be_v no_o further_o obligatory_a than_o to_o her_o own_o member_n nor_o many_o of_o they_o to_o they_o neither_o if_o strict_o inquire_v into_o as_o for_o luther_n we_o do_v not_o receive_v our_o religion_n from_o he_o but_o from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o for_o any_o doctrine_n now_o controvert_v we_o be_v content_a to_o have_v the_o same_o determine_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o four_o first_o general_n council_n as_o for_o the_o council_n our_o enquirer_n hint_n at_o we_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v true_o general_n or_o that_o all_o their_o decision_n be_v ever_o accept_v of_o by_o the_o church_n diffusive_a and_o he_o can_v but_o know_v that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o not_o only_o person_n but_o whole_a church_n which_o do_v dissent_v from_o they_o qu._n whether_o there_o be_v from_o the_o first_o 400_o year_n till_o the_o time_n of_o luther_n any_o know_a body_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n declare_v a_o dissent_n in_o any_o age_n from_o those_o doctrine_n and_o oppose_v those_o council_n and_o whether_o the_o greek_a church_n do_v not_o and_o do_v to_o this_o very_a day_n consent_n with_o this_o western_a church_n in_o most_o point_n now_o controvert_v by_o protestant_n ans_fw-fr this_o query_n be_v preposterous_o put_v for_o how_o shall_v any_o body_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o the_o first_o 400_o year_n oppose_v themselves_o to_o those_o council_n which_o be_v not_o then_o in_o be_v nor_o hear_v of_o till_o many_o hundred_o year_n afterward_o but_o that_o the_o father_n in_o those_o first_o age_n do_v teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n we_o now_o do_v we_o appeal_v to_o the_o record_n of_o those_o time_n and_o that_o those_o after-council_n by_o he_o mention_v be_v dissenter_n from_o those_o of_o the_o first_o age_n we_o be_v content_v to_o be_v try_v by_o compare_v the_o act_n of_o both_o together_o and_o that_o the_o greek_a church_n do_v or_o now_o do_v agree_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o all_o or_o most_o of_o those_o point_n now_o in_o difference_n between_o she_o and_o we_o we_o utter_o deny_v and_o challenge_v he_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o qu._n whether_o luther_n the_o first_o author_n of_o protestancy_n do_v not_o separate_v himself_o from_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n at_o that_o time_n spread_v over_o the_o west_n contradict_v all_o the_o prelate_n and_o pastor_n then_o live_v in_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o that_o church_n and_o the_o general_a council_n receive_v as_o such_o by_o the_o forego_n age_n ans_fw-fr as_o for_o the_o name_n of_o protestant_n and_o papist_n i_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o name_n of_o distinction_n not_o of_o religion_n the_o religion_n we_o both_o own_o be_v christian_a this_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v from_o luther_n nor_o they_o from_o ignatius_n loyala_n st._n francis_n or_o any_o such_o but_o both_o of_o we_o from_o jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a question_n be_v whether_o they_o or_o we_o hold_v that_o religion_n in_o great_a purity_n it_o be_v true_a that_o luther_n in_o his_o time_n do_v more_o narrow_o look_v into_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n declare_v against_o they_o and_o on_o that_o account_n separate_v from_o her_o communion_n and_o for_o any_o thing_n yet_o appear_v may_v be_v very_o well_o justify_v in_o so_o do_v for_o if_o any_o church_n shall_v make_v term_n of_o her_o
communion_n so_o sinful_a and_o dangerous_a that_o no_o man_n with_o safety_n to_o his_o soul_n can_v continue_v in_o it_o it_o will_v be_v high_a time_n to_o come_v out_o of_o it_o qu._n whether_o he_o or_o protestant_n at_o present_a do_v pretend_v to_o such_o demonstration_n for_o those_o tenet_n they_o hold_v contrary_a to_o the_o roman_a church_n the_o then_o only_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o west_n that_o no_o understanding_n to_o which_o it_o be_v sufficient_o propose_v can_v in_o the_o least_o doubt_n of_o it_o ans_fw-fr we_o have_v such_o evidence_n for_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o hold_v and_o teach_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o be_v sufficient_o propose_v no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o doubt_v of_o and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o will_v scruple_n without_o reason_n notwithstanding_o the_o clear_a evidence_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v we_o can_v only_o pity_v and_o pray_v for_o they_o qu._n or_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o rather_o say_v that_o be_v fallible_a they_o may_v err_v even_o in_o what_o they_o think_v a_o demonstration_n and_o if_o they_o may_v err_v perhaps_o they_o have_v err_v even_o in_o their_o reformation_n ans_fw-fr we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o infallibility_n nor_o do_v we_o think_v that_o the_o claim_n which_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n make_v to_o it_o be_v any_o more_o than_o a_o groundless_a pretence_n only_o but_o à _fw-la posse_fw-la ad_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la valet_fw-la consequentia_fw-la from_o a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o err_a to_o argue_v a_o certainty_n that_o we_o have_v err_v in_o every_o thing_n we_o have_v do_v be_v a_o argument_n fit_a to_o be_v offer_v to_o child_n then_o men._n qu._n whether_o therefore_o deny_v these_o doctrine_n thus_o deliver_v by_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n as_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n upon_o no_o better_a ground_n than_o these_o perhaps_o they_o may_v be_v true_a and_o perhaps_o not_o be_v not_o a_o put_v one_o self_n into_o the_o danger_n of_o err_v even_o in_o fundamental_o ans_fw-fr we_o deny_v no_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n as_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n nor_o do_v we_o own_o any_o doctrine_n upon_o such_o weak_a ground_n as_o perhaps_o they_o may_v be_v true_a and_o perhaps_o not_o but_o we_o say_v that_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n do_v teach_v such_o doctrine_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o be_v never_o teach_v by_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n nor_o deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o oppose_v ourselves_o against_o they_o and_o think_v we_o have_v great_a reason_n so_o to_o do_v have_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n on_o our_o side_n and_o whilst_o we_o be_v thus_o support_v we_o have_v no_o fear_n of_o err_a in_o fundamental_o query_n of_o religion_n or_o liberty_n who_o this_o enquirer_n be_v as_o i_o be_o at_o present_a ignorant_a so_o be_o i_o not_o much_o concern_v to_o know_v but_o i_o take_v he_o to_o be_v one_o who_o have_v conceive_v a_o mighty_a opinion_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o performance_n he_o think_v that_o by_o these_o query_n he_o have_v strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o protestancy_n as_o he_o and_o those_o of_o his_o persuasion_n call_v it_o i._n e._n reform_a christianity_n that_o he_o have_v give_v it_o a_o fatal_a blow_n a_o mortal_a wound_n and_o leave_v it_o grovel_v in_o the_o dust_n without_o the_o least_o hope_n of_o recovery_n like_o that_o overgrow_a uncircumcised_a philistine_n he_o defi_v the_o army_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o call_v for_o a_o man_n to_o fight_v with_o he_o for_o in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o query_n he_o make_v this_o proud_a and_o confident_a challenge_n if_o any_o give_v answer_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v if_o any_o be_v so_o bold_a and_o dare_a so_o over_o confident_a and_o foolhardy_a as_o to_o undertake_v a_o answer_n to_o these_o query_n it_o be_v desire_v to_o be_v categorical_a and_o short_a without_o any_o discourse_n of_o thing_n not_o demand_v now_o whether_o this_o man_n do_v not_o triumph_v before_o the_o victory_n or_o whether_o those_o query_n be_v so_o unanswerable_a as_o he_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v be_v the_o thing_n under_o consideration_n and_o because_o he_o have_v not_o only_o give_v the_o challenge_n but_o appoint_v the_o weapon_n i_o shall_v neither_o decline_v the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o but_o according_a to_o his_o own_o method_n shall_v undertake_v his_o query_n in_o the_o same_o order_n as_o he_o have_v propound_v they_o qu._n 1._o whether_o the_o flock_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o be_v promise_v grace_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v that_o company_n and_o society_n of_o people_n christen_v in_o his_o name_n who_o by_o order_n of_o government_n rule_n and_o decree_n from_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n be_v unite_v in_o faith_n worship_n discipline_n and_o manner_n of_o life_n call_v religion_n ans_fw-fr the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v either_o militant_a or_o triumphant_a the_o one_o on_o earth_n the_o other_o in_o heaven_n of_o the_o former_a of_o which_o we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v the_o church_n militant_a be_v either_o universal_a or_o particular_a the_o former_a comprehend_v all_o and_o every_o member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n wheresoever_o disperse_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n the_o latter_a comprise_v only_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o christian_n form_v into_o a_o select_a body_n or_o society_n under_o certain_a law_n and_o rule_n not_o differ_v from_o those_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n such_o be_v all_o provincial_a and_o national_a church_n and_o though_o none_o of_o they_o may_v arrogate_v to_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o the_o one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n yet_o none_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o be_v true_a member_n thereof_o this_o i_o have_v premise_v to_o prevent_v confusion_n and_o misunderstanding_n for_o the_o confound_a of_o these_o two_o as_o it_o often_o happen_v in_o discourse_n of_o this_o kind_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o great_a mistake_n those_o of_o the_o romish_a persuasion_n by_o the_o one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n do_v usual_o understand_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o though_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n be_v the_o same_o with_o a_o particular_a universal_a yet_o do_v they_o run_v away_o with_o it_o and_o by_o that_o specious_a and_o gorgeous_a title_n think_v to_o bear_v down_o all_o before_o they_o aloud_o proclaim_v that_o to_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o other_o church_n this_o thus_o premise_v i_o shall_v now_o be_v as_o categorical_a and_o short_a in_o my_o answer_n to_o his_o query_n as_o he_o can_v desire_v viz._n that_o the_o flock_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o company_n or_o society_n of_o people_n christen_v in_o his_o name_n who_o by_o order_n of_o government_n rule_n and_o decree_n from_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n be_v unite_v in_o faith_n worship_n discipline_n and_o manner_n of_o life_n call_v religion_n qu._n 2._o whether_o by_o separation_n or_o excommunication_n from_o that_o society_n and_o unity_n be_v lose_v those_o promise_n ans_fw-fr separation_n and_o excommunication_n be_v two_o thing_n for_o though_o every_o one_o that_o be_v excommunicate_v be_v thereby_o separate_v from_o that_o body_n of_o which_o before_o he_o be_v a_o member_n yet_o a_o man_n may_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n without_o be_v under_o the_o doom_n of_o excommunication_n for_o separation_n may_v be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n whereas_o excommunication_n be_v a_o formal_a and_o judicial_a sentence_n deliver_v by_o a_o lawful_a judge_n authorize_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o church_n to_o pronounce_v the_o same_o by_o virtue_n whereof_o the_o sentence_a person_n be_v divide_v from_o the_o body_n separate_v from_o the_o society_n and_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o god_n church_n the_o case_n thus_o state_v my_o answer_n to_o this_o query_n will_v be_v as_o follow_v viz._n 1._o whosoever_o upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o do_v separate_v himself_o from_o the_o society_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o aposstolical_a church_n do_v in_o so_o do_v cast_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o paternal_a care_n and_o protection_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o church_n for_o his_o mother_n can_v have_v god_n for_o his_o father_n and_o consequent_o can_v have_v no_o pretence_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n here_o or_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o 2._o whosoever_o without_o just_a cause_n do_v separate_v himself_o from_o the_o society_n and_o unity_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o
in_o all_o age_n be_v in_o order_n choose_v and_o authorize_v as_o pastor_n and_o church_n magistrate_n to_o preserve_v teach_v and_o promulgate_v those_o bind_a rule_n to_o all_o nation_n ans_fw-fr that_o the_o bless_a jesus_n out_o of_o his_o abundant_a care_n and_o goodness_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o that_o great_a work_n which_o he_o have_v begin_v for_o the_o promote_a of_o that_o holy_a religion_n which_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o the_o well_o order_v of_o that_o church_n which_o he_o have_v found_v do_v appoint_v certain_a order_n of_o man_n and_o endow_v they_o with_o gift_n which_o may_v qualify_v they_o for_o their_o several_a employment_n we_o do_v very_o believe_v for_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o say_v he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n eph._n 4.11_o but_o that_o he_o ever_o institute_v any_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church-magistrate_n i_o never_o read_v yet_o if_o by_o his_o church-magistrate_n he_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o st._n paul_n do_v by_o government_n we_o shall_v not_o quarrel_v with_o he_o about_o the_o word_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o these_o officer_n to_o preserve_v those_o law_n and_o rule_n which_o he_o leave_v and_o to_o teach_v and_o promulgate_v they_o to_o all_o nation_n we_o ready_o grant_v but_o than_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o those_o who_o either_o add_v thereto_o or_o diminish_v therefrom_o who_o either_o alter_v those_o bind_a law_n and_o rule_n or_o make_v new_a one_o of_o their_o own_o and_o impose_v they_o upon_o other_o as_o if_o they_o be_v of_o equal_a force_n and_o authority_n with_o those_o deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o can_v easy_o give_v instance_n to_o show_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v guilty_a both_o way_n but_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o transgress_v the_o method_n which_o the_o enquirer_n have_v propound_v by_o enter_v upon_o discourse_n of_o thing_n not_o demand_v qu._n 7._o be_v they_o clergyman_n or_o layman_n by_o who_o immediate_o they_o be_v choose_v and_o authorize_v in_o those_o high_a function_n ans_fw-fr we_o do_v very_o believe_v be_v well_o assure_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n and_o by_o the_o usage_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n that_o it_o only_o appertain_v to_o clergyman_n by_o the_o solemn_a imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o set_v apart_z other_o to_o those_o sacred_a function_n and_o that_o they_o have_v sufficient_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o authorise_v they_o to_o perform_v those_o holy_a office_n i_o never_o hear_v this_o deny_v by_o any_o of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o therefore_o this_o enquirer_n might_n if_o he_o have_v so_o please_v have_v spare_v this_o query_n qu._n 8._o be_v all_o christian_n in_o succeed_a age_n bind_v to_o believe_v what_o those_o succeed_a pastor_n or_o supreme_a church-magistrate_n teach_v they_o as_o bind_v law_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o the_o write_n by_o they_o collect_v preserve_v and_o deliver_v in_o a_o different_a language_n from_o the_o original_a be_v the_o true_a copy_n of_o original_a apostolic_a write_n and_o that_o the_o sentence_n interpretation_n and_o use_n thereof_o deliver_v by_o they_o in_o supreme_a council_n for_o unity_n and_o peace_n and_o to_o prevent_v schism_n and_o error_n be_v rule_n which_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o follow_v ans_fw-fr this_o query_n be_v a_o song_n of_o three_o part_n to_o answer_v all_o which_o direct_o i_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o take_v it_o in_o piece_n and_o consider_v the_o part_n several_o and_o though_o the_o answer_n thereunto_o will_v very_o well_o admit_v and_o do_v almost_o necessary_o require_v a_o long_a discourse_n yet_o i_o remember_v the_o enquirer_n have_v confine_v i_o to_o a_o method_n which_o i_o have_v promise_v to_o observe_v and_o therefore_o in_o my_o answer_n thereunto_o i_o shall_v be_v as_o short_a as_o possible_a without_o enter_v upon_o discourse_n of_o thing_n not_o demand_v qu._n 1._o be_v all_o christian_n in_o succeed_a age_n bind_v to_o believe_v what_o those_o succeed_a pastor_n or_o supreme_a church-magistrate_n teach_v they_o as_o bind_v law_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ans_fw-fr whatever_o have_v be_v teach_v as_o a_o bind_a law_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o all_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v for_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n matt._n 28.20_o and_o to_o build_v it_o upon_o a_o rock_n so_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o matt._n 16.18_o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o guide_v it_o into_o all_o truth_n joh._n 16.13_o the_o universal_a church_n therefore_o be_v thus_o secure_v from_o error_n we_o have_v no_o apprehension_n of_o be_v deceive_v thereby_o but_o though_o we_o owe_v this_o deference_n to_o the_o one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n and_o the_o unite_a body_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n thereof_o yet_o no_o particular_a church_n nor_o any_o particular_a pastor_n or_o governor_n thereof_o nor_o any_o number_n of_o they_o less_o than_o the_o whole_a have_v any_o reason_n to_o claim_v the_o same_o for_o whilst_o man_n be_v man_n they_o be_v and_o will_v be_v fallible_a and_o be_v so_o they_o may_v and_o oftentimes_o do_v err_v and_o though_o the_o whole_a body_n can_v yet_o any_o particular_a member_n may_v be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o greedy_o to_o swallow_v all_o that_o be_v teach_v by_o they_o but_o to_o examine_v well_o what_o they_o teach_v before_o we_o give_v our_o assent_n thereunto_o otherwise_o we_o may_v easy_o be_v impose_v upon_o qu._n 2._o be_v all_o christian_n in_o succeed_a age_n bind_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o writing_n collect_v by_o those_o succeed_a pastor_n or_o supreme_a church-magistrate_n and_o by_o they_o preserve_v and_o deliver_v in_o a_o different_a language_n from_o the_o original_a be_v the_o true_a copy_n of_o original_a apostolic_a write_n ans_fw-fr that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v faithful_o collect_v and_o preserve_v by_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o copy_n hand_v down_o to_o we_o though_o in_o a_o language_n different_a from_o the_o original_a be_v true_a copy_n we_o do_v not_o at_o all_o doubt_n for_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o the_o universal_a church_n shall_v conspire_v together_o to_o impose_v a_o falsehood_n upon_o posterity_n but_o that_o these_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o believe_v not_o only_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o for_o several_a other_o reason_n as_o this_o gent._n can_v but_o know_v if_o he_o have_v be_v conversant_a in_o our_o write_n which_o reason_n may_v here_o fit_o be_v produce_v if_o i_o be_v not_o confine_v by_o the_o enquirer_n to_o a_o short_a method_n and_o have_v promise_v to_o observe_v the_o same_o i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o add_v that_o if_o by_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v he_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v a_o bind_a law_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o for_o this_o reason_n we_o shall_v believe_v those_o copy_n to_o be_v true_a we_o deny_v it_o because_o we_o can_v find_v any_o such_o law_n deliver_v by_o they_o but_o if_o by_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v he_o only_o mean_v that_o consider_v by_o who_o they_o be_v hand_v to_o we_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o they_o we_o ready_o comply_v with_o he_o qu._n 3._o be_v all_o christian_n in_o succeed_a age_n bind_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o sentence_n interpretation_n and_o use_n of_o those_o write_n deliver_v by_o those_o pastor_n or_o supreme_a church-magistrate_n in_o supreme_a council_n for_o unity_n and_o peace_n and_o to_o prevent_v schism_n and_o error_n be_v rule_n which_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o follow_v ans_fw-fr what_o this_o enquirer_n mean_v by_o supreme_a church-magistrate_n and_o supreme_a council_n be_v somewhat_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v for_o to_o constitute_v two_o supremes_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o body_n will_v make_v it_o look_v a_o little_a monstrous_a if_o by_o the_o council_n be_v supreme_a he_o mean_v that_o be_v above_o the_o supreme_a church-magistrate_n i._n e._n the_o pope_n for_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o he_o intend_v he_o all_o along_o by_o that_o
suspect_v my_o own_o than_o they_o yet_o whatsoever_o testimony_n and_o decree_n be_v propound_v by_o the_o church_n they_o be_v propound_v to_o rational_a man_n and_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v suppose_v that_o man_n ought_v to_o exercise_v that_o reason_n which_o god_n have_v endow_v they_o withal_o in_o judge_v of_o the_o evidence_n upon_o which_o those_o testimony_n and_o decree_n be_v build_v which_o evidence_n if_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v convince_a and_o satisfactory_a they_o can_v command_v their_o own_o belief_n much_o less_o can_v any_o power_n or_o authority_n do_v it_o for_o to_o act_v by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o that_o case_n be_v to_o act_v more_o like_a brute_n than_o men._n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o willing_o own_o that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o credit_n due_a to_o they_o as_o to_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o the_o like_a case_n yet_o can_v we_o not_o grant_v any_o more_o or_o if_o their_o testimony_n and_o decree_n concern_v matter_n of_o fact_n wherein_o our_o obedience_n be_v require_v i._n e._n matter_n of_o discipline_n which_o respect_v the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o religion_n we_o grant_v that_o obedience_n be_v due_a to_o they_o and_o as_o much_o obedience_n as_o be_v due_a to_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o the_o like_a case_n yet_o still_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o the_o subject_a how_o far_o he_o can_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n active_o obey_v and_o when_o and_o where_o he_o be_v to_o exercise_v his_o passive_a obedience_n but_o this_o caution_n ought_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o every_o private_a christian_a that_o by_o a_o imprudent_a management_n of_o his_o different_a sentiment_n he_o do_v not_o disturb_v the_o peace_n nor_o break_v the_o order_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n qu._n 11._o or_o have_v christ_n leave_v such_o liberty_n to_o all_o succeed_a christian_n that_o they_o need_v not_o believe_v credit_n or_o obey_v any_o the_o testimony_n law_n interpretation_n or_o sentence_n give_v by_o any_o supreme_a legal_a governor_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a in_o their_o respective_a council_n further_o than_o every_o particular_a person_n in_o his_o private_a judgement_n shall_v like_v choose_v and_o accept_v of_o ans_fw-fr this_o query_n i_o take_v to_o be_v full_o answer_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o that_o immediate_o precede_v wherein_o the_o case_n be_v plain_o state_v how_o far_o the_o credit_n and_o obedience_n of_o inferior_n be_v due_a to_o the_o sentence_n and_o determination_n of_o their_o superior_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a and_o therefore_o without_o say_v the_o same_o thing_n over_o again_o or_o enlarge_n thereupon_o i_o shall_v refer_v you_o thereunto_o qu._n 12._o whether_o a_o few_o particular_a person_n or_o some_o few_o of_o the_o magistrate_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a for_o discontent_n or_o differ_v in_o judgement_n from_o the_o unite_a body_n of_o the_o rest_n may_v under_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n or_o reformation_n separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o unite_a body_n and_o society_n and_o make_v new_a translation_n and_o interpretation_n of_o write_a law_n different_a from_o the_o former_a and_o by_o force_n and_o persuasion_n draw_v people_n from_o their_o old_a society_n unity_n and_o obedience_n to_o new_a congregation_n institution_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o frame_n opposite_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o former_a ans_fw-fr this_o query_n consist_v of_o several_a part_n and_o therefore_o to_o give_v a_o direct_a and_o apposite_a answer_n thereunto_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o obviate_v the_o several_a part_n thereof_o by_o these_o proposition_n follow_v viz._n 1._o that_o no_o person_n or_o number_n of_o man_n whether_o they_o be_v private_a person_n or_o magistrate_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a aught_o to_o separate_v themselves_o on_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n 2._o that_o discontent_n or_o differ_v in_o judgement_n only_o be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o separation_n from_o any_o particular_a church_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n 3_o that_o a_o bare_a pretence_n of_o conscience_n and_o reformation_n will_v not_o justify_v a_o schism_n nor_o excuse_v those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o schismatical_a separation_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o whole_a community_n be_v far_o more_o valuable_a than_o any_o private_a man_n satisfaction_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v open_a to_o the_o attempt_n of_o any_o schismatical_a pretender_n whatsoever_o 4._o that_o the_o write_v and_o establish_v law_n of_o god_n or_o his_o vicegerent_n upon_o earth_n be_v not_o reversible_a nor_o alterable_a by_o any_o man_n or_o number_n of_o man_n because_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o that_o authority_n by_o which_o at_o first_o they_o be_v establish_v and_o without_o that_o they_o can_v be_v alter_v for_o if_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v say_v st._n paul_n gal._n 1.8_o 5._o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o person_n or_o person_n who_o be_v member_n of_o a_o establish_a church_n either_o by_o force_n or_o persuasion_n to_o draw_v people_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n and_o so_o break_v the_o unity_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n thereof_o or_o by_o any_o artifices_fw-la whatsoever_o either_o to_o undermine_v or_o batter_v down_o the_o rampart_n i._n e._n the_o establish_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o that_o church_n these_o proposition_n put_v together_o may_v suffice_v as_o a_o general_a answer_n to_o this_o query_n but_o now_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n i._n e._n the_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o on_o that_o account_n be_v the_o query_n propound_v and_o this_o i_o shall_v now_o do_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o she_o mighty_o pretend_v to_o it_o be_v not_o that_o one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n that_o she_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o grant_v though_o we_o can_v scarce_o allow_v she_o to_o be_v a_o sound_a member_n thereof_o but_o that_o she_o shall_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n either_o diffusive_a or_o representative_a we_o can_v consent_v nor_o have_v she_o ever_o yet_o or_o ever_o will_v be_v able_a to_o make_v goad_n her_o claim_n thereunto_o 2._o that_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o sinful_a and_o schismatical_a separation_n from_o the_o unite_a body_n of_o the_o one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n we_o affirm_v and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n 1._o because_o she_o usurp_v a_o high_a place_n and_o power_n in_o the_o body_n ecclesiastical_a than_o of_o right_n be_v due_a unto_o she_o thereby_o break_v the_o union_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o because_o she_o have_v voluntary_o divide_v the_o catholic_n church_n both_o in_o faith_n worship_n and_o government_n by_o her_o innovation_n 3._o by_o separate_v both_o by_o her_o doctrine_n and_o censure_n three_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n from_o her_o communion_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o her_o lie_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o christ_n 4._o by_o rebel_a against_o general_a council_n and_o usurp_a a_o authority_n over_o they_o 5._o by_o break_v or_o take_v away_o all_o the_o line_n of_o apostolical_a succession_n except_o their_o own_o and_o appropriate_v all_o original_a jurisdiction_n to_o themselves_o 6._o by_o challenge_v a_o temporal_a power_n over_o prince_n either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o which_o have_v be_v a_o great_a occasion_n not_o only_o of_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n but_o of_o sedition_n and_o rebellion_n in_o the_o state_n all_o which_o instance_n have_v be_v charge_v upon_o and_o make_v good_a against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o our_o writer_n and_o may_v be_v so_o again_o whenever_o we_o be_v call_v to_o it_o 3._o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o we_o that_o have_v separate_v from_o they_o but_o they_o from_o we_o whilst_o we_o adhere_v to_o the_o unite_a body_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n which_o they_o have_v forsake_v 4._o nor_o be_v it_o we_o but_o they_o who_o have_v alter_v the_o write_a and_o establish_v law_n of_o god_n and_o his_o church_n by_o add_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o be_v never_o deliver_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n nor_o teach_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n nor_o comprise_v in_o any_o of_o those_o creed_n receive_v by_o the_o church_n and_o make_v they_o necessary_a condition_n of_o their_o communion_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o supremacy_n and_o infallibility_n of_o indulgence_n and_o purgatory_n of_o transubstantiation_n etc._n etc._n 5._o it_o be_v they_o therefore_o and_o
some_o query_n to_o protestant_n answer_v and_o a_o explanation_n of_o the_o roman_a catholick_n belief_n in_o four_o great_a point_n consider_v i._o concern_v their_o church_n ii_o their_o worship_n iii_o justification_n iu._n civil_a government_n imprimatur_fw-la exit_fw-la aedib_n lambeth_n mar._n 4._o 1685._o guil._n needham_n rr_z mo_z in_o christo_n p._n ac_fw-la d._n d._n wilhelmo_n archiepisc_n cantuar._n a_o sacr._n dome_a london_n print_v by_o j._n h._n for_o luke_n meredith_n at_o the_o king_n head_n at_o the_o west_n end_v of_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdclxxxvi_o to_o the_o reader_n not_o many_o day_n since_o i_o have_v some_o paper_n put_v into_o my_o hand_n which_o so_o soon_o as_o i_o have_v a_o opportunity_n i_o open_v and_o peruse_v the_o first_o i_o find_v entitle_v some_o query_n to_o protestant_n the_o next_o query_n of_o religion_n or_o liberty_n and_o the_o last_o a_o explanation_n of_o roman_a catholick_n belief_n concern_v these_o 4_o point_n their_o church_n worship_n justification_n and_o civil_a government_n as_o it_o be_v present_v to_o some_o person_n of_o quality_n for_o their_o particular_a satisfaction_n by_o these_o paper_n i_o find_v that_o the_o roman_a emissary_n be_v very_o busy_a compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o gain_v proselyte_n and_o because_o they_o have_v have_v no_o good_a luck_n by_o open_a and_o fair_a deal_n they_o now_o take_v another_o course_n they_o creep_v into_o house_n and_o private_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o the_o acquaintance_n of_o unwary_a people_n which_o when_o they_o have_v once_o do_v they_o begin_v their_o work_n which_o be_v by_o puzzel_a question_n and_o false_a representation_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o unfix_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o then_o take_v occasion_n of_o their_o unsetledness_n to_o draw_v they_o over_o to_o their_o party_n now_o see_v our_o adversary_n be_v so_o diligent_a certain_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o be_v very_o watchful_a and_o by_o all_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o countermine_v their_o cunning_a craftiness_n and_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o their_o device_n upon_o this_o consideration_n i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v no_o disservice_n either_o to_o private_a christian_n or_o the_o church_n of_o which_o i_o be_o a_o member_n to_o take_v these_o paper_n into_o consideration_n and_o by_o shsw_n answer_n to_o the_o query_n and_o a_o brief_a animadversion_n upon_o the_o explanation_n to_o put_v weapon_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o other_o wherewith_o they_o may_v defend_v themselves_o against_o their_o assault_n this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o these_o few_o follow_a sheet_n wherein_o i_o have_v study_v nothing_o more_o than_o brevity_n and_o plainness_n to_o the_o first_o paper_n of_o query_n i_o have_v give_v very_o short_a answer_n but_o i_o hope_v both_o plain_a and_o full_a to_o the_o second_o because_o the_o query_n seem_v to_o be_v contrive_v with_o more_o art_n and_o cunning_a my_o answer_n thereunto_o be_v somewhat_o more_o large_a but_o i_o hope_v not_o too_o long_o and_o upon_o the_o explanation_n of_o their_o belief_n in_o those_o 4_o great_a point_n i_o have_v make_v such_o animadversion_n as_o i_o hope_v may_v satisfy_v any_o one_o that_o the_o explainer_n have_v not_o deal_v so_o fair_o nor_o so_o ingenuous_o with_o his_o person_n of_o quality_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v whether_o what_o be_v here_o do_v will_v answer_v the_o design_n of_o do_v it_o or_o no_o i_o know_v not_o but_o hope_v by_o god_n blessing_n it_o may_v in_o confidence_n therefore_o of_o the_o divine_a blessing_n and_o assistance_n i_o now_o reader_n commit_v it_o into_o thy_o hand_n desire_v only_o this_o favour_n that_o to_o the_o read_n of_o it_o thou_o will_v bring_v a_o humble_a and_o teachable_a temper_n of_o mind_n which_o if_o thou_o do_v i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n serviceable_a to_o thou_o at_o this_o time_n which_o if_o it_o be_v may_v god_n have_v the_o glory_n and_o thou_o the_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o this_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v the_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o thy_o faithful_a friend_n and_o fellow_n christian_n some_o query_n to_o protestant_n answer_v qu._n 1._o whither_o divine_a revelation_n be_v not_o the_o entire_a object_n of_o faith_n which_o faith_n be_v but_o one_o &_o c_o eph._n 4.4_o ans_fw-fr divine_a revelation_n be_v both_o the_o rule_n and_o object_n of_o faith_n which_o faith_n be_v but_o one_o qu._n 2._o whether_o faith_n must_v not_o give_v a_o undoubted_a assent_n to_o all_o thing_n reveal_v jam._n 2.18_o ans_fw-fr if_o the_o revelation_n be_v divine_a there_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v qu._n 3._o whether_o these_o revelation_n do_v not_o contain_v in_o they_o many_o mystery_n transcend_v the_o natural_a reach_n of_o humane_a wit_n or_o industry_n 1_o cor._n 1.10_o matth._n 16.17_o ans_fw-fr there_o be_v many_o mystery_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v above_o the_o natural_a reach_n of_o humane_a wit_n and_o industry_n above_o reason_n but_o not_o contrary_a to_o reason_n qu._n 4._o whether_o it_o do_v not_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o provide_v man_n some_o way_n or_o mean_n whereby_o he_o may_v arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o mystery_n ans_fw-fr divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v not_o be_v want_v in_o the_o provision_n of_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o man_n may_v arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o mystery_n so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o his_o happiness_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o qu._n 5._o whether_o these_o mean_n must_v not_o be_v visible_a and_o apparent_a to_o all_o proportionable_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o joh._n 9.14_o mat._n 11.25_o 1_o joh._n 5.22_o ans_fw-fr the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n be_v visible_a or_o invisible_a they_o be_v proportion_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a they_o shall_v be_v visible_a to_o all_o qu._n 6._o whether_o these_o mystery_n be_v not_o teach_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o his_o apostle_n ans_fw-fr whatever_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o divine_a revelation_n be_v certain_o teach_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o apostle_n for_o he_o make_v know_v unto_o they_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n qu._n 7._o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n teach_v these_o doctrine_n in_o almost_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n before_o the_o scripture_n be_v all_o of_o they_o write_v or_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v their_o writing_n or_o collect_v into_o one_o body_n ans_fw-fr the_o apostle_n be_v faithful_a steward_n and_o do_v dispense_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n faithful_o and_o sincere_o in_o all_o place_n where_o they_o come_v even_o before_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v all_o write_v or_o collect_v into_o one_o body_n qu._n 8._o when_o they_o begin_v to_o write_v the_o scripture_n do_v they_o profess_v that_o they_o write_v in_o they_o all_o and_o every_o truth_n which_o have_v be_v deliver_v unto_o they_o or_o do_v they_o only_o write_v they_o upon_o emergent_a occasion_n ans_fw-fr all_o and_o every_o truth_n necessary_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n be_v faithful_o and_o full_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o be_v the_o design_n of_o they_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v anxious_a or_o solicitous_a about_o any_o more_o qu._n 9_o be_v all_o divine_a truth_n necessary_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o confound_a of_o error_n design_o and_o express_o deliver_v in_o they_o ans_fw-fr the_o scripture_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o instruct_v all_o man_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v secure_v their_o salvation_n and_o preserve_v they_o from_o error_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v essential_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v or_o good_a government_n of_o a_o church_n may_v there_o be_v find_v but_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v accidental_o necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o time_n and_o place_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n of_o governor_n qu._n 10._o be_v not_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o this_o write_a word_n deliver_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o the_o apostle_n successor_n ans_fw-fr the_o apostle_n do_v explain_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n to_o all_o to_o who_o they_o preach_v and_o the_o write_a word_n be_v design_v not_o only_o for_o the_o learned_a but_o unlearned_a be_v set_v down_o in_o such_o intelligible_a word_n as_o may_v comport_v with_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o qu._n 11._o be_v not_o those_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n oblige_v under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o deliver_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n to_o their_o successor_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o our_o day_n or_o at_o least_o not_o contrary_a sense_n ans_fw-fr the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o age_n be_v undoubted_o oblige_v to_o deliver_v the_o true_a
not_o we_o who_o by_o force_n and_o persuasion_n and_o by_o all_o manner_n of_o artifices_fw-la endeavour_v to_o draw_v people_n from_o the_o unity_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n unto_o new_a congregation_n institution_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o own_o frame_n opposite_a to_o and_o destructive_a of_o the_o former_a like_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n of_o old_a they_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v one_o proselyte_n and_o when_o he_o be_v make_v they_o make_v he_o twofold_a more_o the_o child_n of_o hell_n than_o themselves_o matth._n 23.15_o qu._n 13._o whether_o person_n so_o act_v be_v better_a than_o rebel_n and_o usurper_n or_o such_o as_o simon_n magus_n and_o those_o that_o desert_v the_o apostle_n to_o follow_v he_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v avoid_v as_o person_n separate_v from_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n ans_fw-fr that_o they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o such_o as_o he_o have_v here_o name_v and_o describe_v we_o willing_o grant_v and_o upon_o that_o very_a account_n be_v it_o that_o we_o now_o avoid_v communion_n with_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n thus_o have_v i_o give_v a_o answer_n and_o i_o hope_v a_o sufficient_a one_o to_o these_o inquiry_n and_o that_o short_a without_o enter_v upon_o discourse_n of_o thing_n not_o demand_v or_o at_o least_o not_o employ_v in_o those_o demand_n and_o so_o observe_v the_o method_n propound_v by_o the_o enquirer_n a_o explanation_n of_o roman_a catholick_n belief_n concern_v these_o iu_o point_n their_o church_n worship_n justification_n and_o civil_a government_n as_o it_o be_v present_v to_o some_o person_n of_o quality_n for_o their_o particular_a satisfaction_n these_o be_v four_o great_a point_n and_o if_o well_o and_o true_o explain_v the_o explanation_n of_o they_o may_v be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n but_o if_o otherwise_o if_o he_o only_o guild_v the_o pill_n that_o the_o patient_n may_v be_v more_o easy_o persuade_v to_o swallow_v it_o it_o may_v prove_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n instead_o of_o inform_v it_o may_v debauch_v the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n let_v we_o therefore_o look_v before_o we_o leap_v let_v we_o consider_v well_o whether_o this_o explainer_n have_v be_v honest_a and_o faithful_a in_o his_o explanation_n before_o we_o receive_v all_o he_o say_v for_o gospel_n and_o for_o your_o assistance_n herein_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o his_o own_o word_n then_o animadvert_v thereupon_o and_o when_o that_o be_v do_v present_v you_o with_o both_o for_o your_o better_a satisfaction_n the_o explainer_n 1._o we_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o infallible_a authority_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v therein_o contain_v we_o firm_o assent_v unto_o as_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o author_n of_o all_o truth_n but_o since_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n we_o therefore_o profess_v for_o the_o end_n of_o all_o controversy_n in_o our_o religion_n and_o settle_v of_o peace_n in_o our_o conscience_n to_o submit_v our_o private_a judgement_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o free_a general_a council_n the_o animadverter_n 1._o the_o explainer_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o roman_a catholic_n do_v believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o infallible_a authority_n etc._n etc._n a_o very_a fair_a and_o good_a profession_n wherein_o we_o do_v hearty_o join_v with_o they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a pity_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o secret_a reserve_n to_o spoil_v and_o overthrow_v it_o they_o believe_v this_o but_o be_v this_o all_o they_o believe_v do_v they_o not_o believe_v also_o that_o some_o thing_n which_o before_o the_o church_n definition_n of_o they_o may_v have_v be_v innocent_o disbelieved_a yet_o after_o they_o be_v once_o define_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o church_n to_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o any_o other_o thing_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v they_o not_o believe_v also_o that_o some_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n also_o and_o of_o as_o infallible_a authority_n as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n do_v they_o not_o believe_v tradition_n to_o be_v the_o unwritten_a word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o of_o equal_a infallible_a authority_n with_o the_o write_a word_n if_o they_o do_v than_o the_o explainer_n have_v not_o be_v so_o fair_a and_o candid_a so_o just_a and_o faithful_a as_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v in_o his_o explication_n though_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o the_o truth_n he_o have_v not_o tell_v we_o the_o whole_a truth_n and_o that_o they_o do_v believe_v all_o this_o though_o i_o may_v easy_o produce_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n and_o those_o none_o of_o the_o least_o admire_a of_o their_o own_o author_n yet_o because_o i_o design_v brevity_n i_o shall_v content_v myself_o at_o present_a with_o the_o evidence_n and_o authority_n of_o one_o of_o their_o most_o magnify_a council_n which_o they_o call_v both_o free_a and_o general_a though_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v neither_o and_o that_o be_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o sess_n 4_o 8._o apr._n de_fw-fr canon_n script_n take_v the_o book_n of_o toby_n judith_n ecclesiasticus_fw-la wisdom_n and_o maccabee_n into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n though_o they_o can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o they_o never_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a canon_n nor_o ever_o universal_o receive_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o anathematise_v all_o those_o who_o do_v not_o upon_o this_o declaration_n believe_v they_o to_o be_v canonical_a and_o the_o same_o council_n in_o the_o same_o sess_n profess_v to_o receive_v and_o reverence_v tradition_n with_o no_o less_o pious_a affection_n than_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o not_o in_o matter_n of_o rite_n and_o history_n only_o but_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n also_o now_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o add_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o accuse_v they_o of_o insufficiency_n and_o imperfection_n and_o if_o so_o than_o what_o do_v this_o explainer_n do_v but_o deceive_v those_o person_n of_o quality_n to_o who_o he_o present_v this_o as_o the_o sum_n of_o their_o belief_n but_o the_o explainer_n go_v on_o and_o say_v since_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v by_o the_o way_n only_a remark_n these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o apostle_n indeed_o say_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a but_o not_o impossible_a to_o be_v understand_v for_o if_o man_n will_v use_v the_o mean_n if_o they_o will_v apply_v themselves_o with_o a_o humble_a and_o teachable_a temper_n of_o mind_n diligent_o to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n if_o they_o will_v serious_o meditate_v on_o what_o they_o read_v and_o earnest_o and_o devout_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o the_o assistance_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n therein_o the_o difficulty_n may_v be_v remove_v and_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v right_o to_o understand_v those_o scripture_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o know_v 2._o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o to_o who_o those_o thing_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v viz._n the_o ignorant_a and_o unstable_a so_o that_o the_o difficulty_n seem_v to_o be_v not_o in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o in_o the_o incapacity_n of_o man_n for_o if_o man_n will_v be_v ignorant_a still_o and_o not_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o know_v better_a or_o if_o they_o will_v content_v themselves_o with_o some_o airy_a notion_n which_o float_n and_o fluctuate_v in_o the_o brain_n without_o ever_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o consistency_n not_o only_o some_o but_o all_o thing_n in_o scripture_n and_o even_o the_o clear_a declaration_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o and_o so_o they_o will_v be_v as_o much_o at_o a_o loss_n in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o but_o how_o much_o this_o text_n be_v misunderstand_v and_o misapply_v a_o reverend_n and_o learned_a divine_a of_o our_o church_n in_o a_o treatise_n entitle_v search_v the_o scripture_n have_v plain_o demonstrate_v to_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n but_o let_v we_o see_v what_o inference_n he_o draw_v from_o hence_o therefore_o say_v he_o we_o profess_v for_o the_o end_n of_o all_o controversy_n in_o our_o religion_n and_o settle_v of_o peace_n in_o our_o conscience_n to_o submit_v our_o private_a judgement_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o free_a general_n council_n in_o which_o inference_n i_o can_v but_o remark_n these_o thing_n