the_o protestant_a religion_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n purge_v from_o the_o corruption_n and_o innovation_n of_o popery_n now_o it_o will_v be_v very_o pleasant_a to_o hear_v a_o popish_a priest_n in_o a_o dispute_n with_o turk_n or_o pagan_n about_o christianity_n urge_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o instruct_v a_o infidel_n who_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o judge_n what_o christian_a religion_n be_v and_o to_o convince_v he_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o by_o reason_n and_o scripture_n either_o this_o be_v a_o good_a way_n or_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a foundation_n for_o christianity_n and_o let_v any_o man_n show_v i_o a_o reason_n why_o christian_n may_v not_o understand_v their_o religion_n the_o same_o way_n that_o heathen_n must_v be_v teach_v it_o this_o be_v the_o way_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n take_v with_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o take_v with_o they_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o write_a law_n which_o no_o authority_n can_v contradict_v and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o only_o work_v miracle_n but_o appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n both_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o person_n his_o miracle_n and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o his_o own_o liberty_n to_o judge_v for_o himself_o what_o he_o must_v believe_v which_o show_v that_o miracle_n themselves_o be_v no_o authority_n against_o a_o write_a law_n for_o then_o the_o jew_n can_v have_v have_v no_o pretence_n for_o their_o infidelity_n and_o there_o have_v be_v no_o reason_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o have_v dispute_v with_o they_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o heathen_n have_v no_o stand_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o miracle_n be_v sufficient_a to_o confirm_v that_o testimony_n the_o apostle_n give_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o preach_v and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v mere_o for_o the_o miracle_n sake_n be_v convince_v by_o reason_n and_o argument_n for_o thus_o st._n paul_n dispute_v with_o the_o philosopher_n at_o athens_n as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o jew_n and_o thus_o the_o primitive_a doctor_n deal_v with_o the_o infidel_n in_o their_o day_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o those_o many_o excellent_a apology_n they_o write_v in_o defence_n of_o christianity_n but_o then_o those_o who_o do_v believe_v at_o first_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o miracle_n be_v particular_o instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n out_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n which_o though_o they_o be_v original_o give_v to_o the_o jew_n yet_o be_v the_o venerable_a record_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v recourse_n in_o expound_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n thus_o christianity_n be_v teach_v at_o first_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o solid_a foundation_n the_o christian_a faith_n have_v none_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n though_o they_o be_v infallible_a make_v their_o own_o infallibility_n the_o only_a reason_n of_o man_n faith_n but_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n which_o they_o expound_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o honest_a and_o teachable_a mind_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v upon_o these_o term_n they_o must_v continue_v infidel_n and_o that_o this_o way_n of_o resolve_v faith_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n be_v not_o know_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o yet_o methinks_v st._n peter_n authority_n if_o he_o have_v any_o such_o authority_n shall_v have_v be_v better_o know_v in_o those_o day_n than_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n of_o time_n be_v evident_a from_o those_o early_a heresy_n which_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n for_o let_v any_o reasonable_a man_n tell_v i_o how_o it_o be_v possible_a there_o ever_o shall_v have_v be_v any_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n if_o all_o christian_n have_v receive_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n together_o with_o their_o christianity_n man_n may_v have_v renounce_v christianity_n and_o the_o visible_a judge_n together_o but_o have_v they_o then_o acknowledge_v a_o visible_a judge_n it_o have_v be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o pretend_v to_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o to_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o infallible_a chair_n have_v there_o be_v a_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n know_v to_o all_o christian_n it_o have_v be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v ever_o have_v be_v any_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n as_o those_o man_n must_v grant_v who_o think_v it_o necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o visible_a judge_n to_o make_v all_o man_n of_o a_o mind_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o rise_n and_o growth_n of_o heresy_n which_o must_v suppose_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n will_v do_v this_o or_o else_o this_o argument_n can_v prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n if_o then_o the_o appointment_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n will_v certain_o prevent_v all_o heresy_n and_o yet_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n there_o have_v be_v heresy_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n there_o be_v no_o visible_a judge_n in_o those_o day_n well_o but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n how_o shall_v we_o arrive_v at_o any_o certainty_n in_o our_o religion_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o a_o demonstration_n not_o plain_a even_o in_o what_o we_o dare_v not_o disow_v to_o be_v fundamental_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n now_o 1._o suppose_v there_o be_v some_o difficult_a passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o obvious_a to_o every_o common_a understanding_n can_v we_o not_o therefore_o understand_v what_o be_v plain_a because_o something_n be_v difficult_a can_v any_o thing_n be_v plain_a than_o the_o first_o and_o second_o commandment_n not_o to_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o any_o be_v but_o the_o supreme_a god_n and_o not_o to_o worship_n god_n by_o image_n and_o picture_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v plain_a than_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o both_o kind_n than_o st._n paul_n discourse_n against_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v plain_a than_o what_o be_v evident_a to_o our_o very_a sense_n that_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v not_o transubstantiate_v into_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n man_n who_o will_v believe_v contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o scripture_n contrary_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o certain_o ought_v to_o be_v consult_v in_o expound_v scripture_n who_o will_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o in_o it_o or_o that_o not_o to_o be_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v there_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v never_o write_v to_o prove_v what_o they_o will_v have_v prove_v but_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v very_o plain_a to_o man_n who_o only_o inquire_v what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v without_o force_v such_o sense_n upon_o it_o as_o it_o do_v not_o teach_v those_o who_o will_v prove_v that_o from_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o in_o it_o to_o be_v sure_o must_v prove_v it_o very_o obscure_o and_o then_o to_o excuse_v the_o obscurity_n of_o their_o exposition_n charge_v the_o scripture_n with_o obscurity_n though_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o equal_o plain_a in_o scripture_n yet_o all_o man_n may_v understand_v what_o be_v plain_a and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a perverseness_n to_o say_v nothing_o be_v plain_a in_o scripture_n because_o some_o thing_n be_v not_o plain_a or_o that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o plain_a text_n because_o there_o be_v some_o obscure_a text_n second_o i_o do_v affirm_v that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v be_v plain_a in_o scripture_n for_o else_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o we_o must_v believe_v it_o or_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o then_o by_o plain_a i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o every_o man_n and_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o man_n who_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v skill_n and_o ability_n to_o do_v it_o and_o may_v be_v make_v plain_a to_o every_o man_n who_o have_v the_o common_a understanding_n of_o a_o man_n without_o any_o bias_n and_o interest_n who_o will_v attend_v to_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o this_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o call_v it_o plain_a if_o learned_a man_n by_o study_n and_o industry_n can_v understand_v it_o and_o if_o the_o unlearned_a may_v
council_n convene_v about_o the_o arian_n controversy_n after_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o nicene_n father_n if_o that_o have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o far_a dispute_n and_o appeal_v which_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o the_o christian_n do_v not_o then_o think_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o council_n be_v so_o sacred_a that_o no_o man_n must_v question_v it_o when_o succeed_a council_n examine_v and_o many_o time_n reverse_v the_o decree_n of_o former_a council_n nay_o that_o council_n which_o be_v not_o general_a shall_v make_v bold_a with_o the_o decree_n of_o general_a council_n which_o be_v but_o a_o degree_n remove_v from_o every_o man_n private_a reason_n but_o the_o council_n anathematise_v all_o those_o that_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o decree_n and_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o they_o deny_v all_o christian_n a_o liberty_n of_o examine_v after_o they_o may_v they_o not_o declare_v such_o doctrine_n to_o be_v damnable_a heresy_n and_o reject_v such_o man_n out_o of_o their_o communion_n without_o believe_v their_o decree_n to_o be_v so_o infallible_a and_o sacred_a that_o no_o man_n must_v examine_v they_o do_v not_o the_o protestant_a church_n do_v this_o without_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o absolute_a authority_n over_o man_n faith_n a_o fallible_a man_n who_o be_v certain_o assure_v that_o any_o doctrine_n be_v a_o damnable_a heresy_n may_v declare_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o if_o he_o have_v any_o such_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n he_o may_v cast_v such_o man_n out_o of_o communion_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o a_o anathema_n signify_v and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v do_v and_o yet_o man_n dispute_v on_o and_o judge_v for_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o to_o denounce_v a_o anathema_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o he_o that_o do_v it_o have_v such_o a_o infallible_a and_o uncontrollable_a authority_n as_o must_v silence_v all_o dispute_n and_o captivate_v man_n reason_n and_o understanding_n to_o his_o dictate_v as_o for_o that_o 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
as_o they_o do_v and_o not_o believe_v any_o pretence_n of_o infallibility_n against_o my_o own_o sense_n and_o reason_n i_o can_v compare_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n unless_o i_o understand_v they_o both_o and_o i_o can_v understand_v and_o judge_v only_o with_o my_o own_o understanding_n and_o if_o i_o must_v have_v do_v thus_o though_o i_o have_v live_v in_o our_o saviour_n day_n sure_o i_o must_v do_v so_o now_o whatever_o infallible_a teacher_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o i_o think_v be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o such_o infallible_a judge_n who_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o believe_v pure_o upon_o his_o own_o authority_n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o this_o prove_v too_o much_o and_o undermine_v even_o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o manner_n for_o it_o seem_v though_o we_o pretend_v to_o own_o their_o infallibility_n yet_o we_o must_v examine_v their_o doctrine_n by_o the_o law_n and_o not_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v infallible_a till_o we_o have_v set_v in_o judgement_n on_o their_o doctrine_n and_o approve_v it_o as_o agreeable_a to_o a_o more_o infallible_a rule_n and_o thus_o we_o believe_v their_o infallibility_n because_o we_o like_v their_o doctrine_n not_o believe_v their_o doctrine_n because_o they_o be_v infallible_a now_o there_o be_v so_o much_o truth_n in_o this_o objection_n that_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v teacher_n come_v from_o god_n unless_o i_o be_v satisfy_v that_o they_o teach_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o any_o former_a revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o will_n for_o god_n can_v contradict_v himself_o and_o therefore_o whoever_o contradict_v what_o god_n have_v before_o teach_v can_v be_v no_o true_a prophet_n and_o therefore_o though_o miracle_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o give_v authority_n to_o moses_n who_o be_v the_o first_o prophet_n by_o who_o god_n make_v a_o public_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n yet_o miracle_n alone_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o give_v authority_n to_o any_o succeed_a prophet_n but_o their_o doctrine_n also_o must_v be_v examine_v by_o its_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n for_o though_o miracle_n give_v they_o authority_n to_o make_v new_a revelation_n yet_o not_o to_o contradict_v the_o old_a so_o that_o to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o the_o law_n so_o far_o as_o to_o see_v that_o they_o do_v not_o contradict_v it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o examine_v whether_o they_o be_v true_a prophet_n or_o not_o as_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o do_v before_o they_o believe_v any_o pretender_n to_o prophecy_n but_o when_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o do_v not_o contradict_v the_o law_n than_o that_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endow_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v then_o in_o every_o thing_n else_o upon_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o thus_o we_o own_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o be_v infallible_a teacher_n and_o consequent_o receive_v the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n because_o they_o be_v man_n endow_v with_o supernatural_a power_n and_o do_v not_o in_o their_o preach_a contradict_v any_o former_a revelation_n of_o god_n will._n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o we_o do_v or_o need_v affirm_v to_o destroy_v the_o pretence_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n for_o if_o i_o must_v still_o judge_v for_o myself_o whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o contradict_v the_o law_n than_o i_o must_v judge_v for_o myself_o both_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n or_o else_o i_o can_v judge_v whether_o they_o agree_v or_o disagree_v and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n to_o who_o i_o must_v submit_v my_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o this_o inquiry_n for_o that_o be_v to_o own_o their_o infallibility_n before_o i_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v infallible_a or_o not_o though_o i_o must_v believe_v whatever_o a_o infallible_a judge_n teach_v yet_o i_o must_v not_o believe_v he_o till_o i_o know_v he_o to_o be_v infallible_a and_o i_o shall_v think_v no_o pretender_n to_o infallibility_n shall_v exempt_v himself_o from_o such_o a_o trial_n as_o all_o prophet_n after_o moses_n even_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n themselves_o submit_v to_o that_o be_v to_o have_v their_o doctrine_n try_v by_o a_o stand_a revelation_n now_o suppose_v the_o pope_n or_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o set_v up_o for_o this_o infallible_a judicature_n before_o i_o can_v own_v their_o infallibility_n i_o must_v at_o least_o examine_v whether_o what_o they_o teach_v do_v not_o contradict_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n for_o thus_o i_o may_v and_o must_v examine_v the_o gospel_n itself_o and_o if_o in_o any_o one_o thing_n they_o plain_o and_o direct_o contradict_v the_o law_n i_o have_v nothing_o more_o to_o do_v with_o their_o infallibility_n for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v infallible_a who_o mistake_v in_o any_o one_o thing_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n then_o teach_v that_o we_o may_v give_v religious_a worship_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o image_n have_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n in_o my_o hand_n i_o turn_v to_o it_o and_o according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o understanding_n i_o find_v this_o worship_n express_o forbid_v in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o commandment_n no_o say_v they_o this_o be_v your_o mistake_n we_o be_v the_o infallible_a judge_n and_o you_o must_v not_o trust_v your_o own_o understanding_n but_o take_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n in_o it_o by_o your_o favour_n gentleman_n say_v i_o you_o be_v a_o little_a too_o hasty_a with_o your_o infallibility_n when_o i_o be_o satisfy_v you_o be_v infallible_a i_o will_v trust_v you_o but_o i_o be_o now_o inquire_v whether_o you_o be_v infallible_a or_o not_o and_o therefore_o as_o yet_o we_o be_v upon_o even_a ground_n and_o i_o must_v trust_v my_o own_o judgement_n till_o i_o find_v one_o more_o infallible_a now_o i_o say_v you_o contradict_v the_o first_o and_o second_o commandment_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o infallible_a and_o you_o will_v prove_v that_o you_o do_v not_o contradict_v these_o commandment_n from_o your_o pretend_a infallibility_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n yet_o in_o question_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n permit_v man_n to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o whether_o they_o contradict_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o therefore_o suffer_v they_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n too_o and_o so_o must_v you_o do_v also_o unless_o you_o pretend_v a_o exemption_n from_o all_o trial_n and_o examination_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n never_o pretend_v to_o this_o show_v that_o even_o to_o this_o day_n no_o pretence_n of_o infallibility_n can_v exempt_v man_n from_o have_v their_o doctrine_n try_v by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o gospel_n itself_o may_v still_o be_v thus_o try_v and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o infallible_a judge_n as_o have_v any_o authority_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o sense_n they_o put_v upon_o the_o law_n contrary_a to_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o reason_n for_o then_o such_o a_o judge_n as_o this_o can_v not_o be_v try_v by_o the_o law_n for_o if_o he_o alone_o have_v authority_n to_o interpret_v the_o law_n no_o body_n can_v try_v he_o but_o himself_o and_o this_o plain_a instance_n i_o have_v give_v of_o their_o contradict_v the_o first_o and_o second_o commandment_n utter_o overthrow_v their_o infallibility_n till_o they_o can_v prove_v not_o by_o their_o pretend_a infallibility_n but_o by_o plain_a reason_n and_o argument_n that_o they_o do_v not_o contradict_v they_o and_o we_o desire_v no_o more_o than_o to_o set_v aside_o their_o plea_n of_o infallibility_n and_o we_o will_v reason_v the_o case_n with_o they_o when_o they_o please_v and_o beside_o this_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n this_o argument_n reach_v much_o far_o for_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n must_v be_v try_v by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n because_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o authority_n against_o a_o stand_a revelation_n then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n whoever_o shall_v now_o set_v up_o for_o a_o infallible_a guide_n his_o doctrine_n must_v be_v examine_v by_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n which_o be_v now_o a_o infallible_a rule_n to_o we_o and_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n may_v be_v examine_v by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o succeed_a bishop_n must_v be_v try_v by_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 they_o leave_v we_o for_o want_v of_o certainty_n which_o be_v now_o the_o popular_a argument_n to_o seduce_v man_n from_o our_o communion_n if_o they_o think_v we_o do_v not_o believe_v enough_o let_v they_o say_v so_o and_o make_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o departure_n from_o we_o but_o if_o as_o far_o as_o our_o faith_n go_v we_o have_v certain_a and_o evident_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n how_o do_v our_o faith_n come_v to_o be_v uncertain_a as_o for_o those_o particular_a doctrine_n which_o be_v in_o dispute_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o grant_v we_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o they_o nay_o more_o than_o that_o we_o say_v no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o they_o how_o confident_a soever_o he_o be_v for_o they_o be_v found_v neither_o on_o reason_n nor_o scripture_n nor_o any_o good_a authority_n for_o we_o do_v not_o take_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v good_a authority_n and_o if_o this_o be_v all_o they_o mean_v by_o our_o uncertainty_n that_o we_o have_v no_o certainty_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o image_n and_o relic_n for_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n for_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n for_o mass_n for_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a for_o a_o judicial_a absolution_n and_o those_o new_a sacrament_n they_o have_v introduce_v into_o the_o church_n we_o ready_o grant_v it_o but_o think_v this_o a_o very_a strange_a reason_n for_o protestant_n to_o desert_n our_o communion_n because_o we_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v false_a we_o do_v not_o only_o confess_v that_o we_o can_v find_v no_o certainty_n for_o these_o thing_n but_o we_o assert_v that_o we_o have_v positive_a and_o certain_a evidence_n against_o they_o and_o those_o who_o have_v
judge_n between_o they_o and_o by_o his_o providence_n prevent_v or_o overrule_v all_o those_o disorder_n which_o may_v happen_v either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n in_o this_o world_n and_o reward_n or_o punish_v both_o governor_n and_o subject_n according_a to_o their_o desert_n in_o the_o next_o and_o this_o supresede_v all_o far_a dispute_n about_o some_o hard_a case_n or_o the_o sincerity_n or_o insincerity_n of_o governor_n or_o subject_n for_o every_o man_n must_v of_o necessity_n judge_v for_o himself_o and_o god_n will_v govern_v and_o judge_v we_o all_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o government_n of_o ourselves_o the_o paper_n but_o i_o know'tis_o urge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v guide_v by_o antiquity_n for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n but_o every_o one_o know_v that_o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n in_o that_o too_o even_o for_o scholar_n at_o least_o i_o be_o tell_v so_o for_o no_o church_n admit_v of_o all_o that_o be_v ancient_a for_o several_a heresy_n be_v so_o and_o since_o we_o say_v number_n make_v nothing_o for_o truth_n and_o that_o all_o man_n may_v err_v and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a mark_n by_o visible_a succession_n to_o find_v out_o which_o be_v true_a believer_n in_o this_o confusion_n the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v be_v very_o fortunate_a not_o to_o retain_v too_o much_o as_o the_o arian_n and_o macedonian_n etc._n etc._n say_v we_o do_v or_o too_o little_a as_o the_o romanist_n say_v answer_n the_o church_n of_o england_n indeed_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o expound_v scripture_n not_o that_o she_o fetch_v all_o her_o exposition_n from_o ancient_a writer_n but_o that_o she_o take_v care_v not_o to_o expound_v scripture_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o ancient_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n and_o it_o require_v no_o great_a skill_n in_o antiquity_n to_o know_v what_o this_o faith_n be_v which_o we_o repeat_v every_o day_n in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o we_o expound_v scripture_n right_a when_o the_o sense_n we_o give_v of_o it_o be_v what_o the_o word_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o text_n import_n and_o agree_v with_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v we_o no_o ancient_a record_n we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o traditionary_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n where_o the_o tradition_n be_v plain_a and_o clear_a and_o therefore_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v be_v a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o those_o interpretation_n we_o give_v of_o scripture_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o ancient_a belief_n and_o confute_v all_o the_o evasion_n and_o criticism_n of_o heretic_n for_o when_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n may_v with_o some_o art_n be_v expound_v to_o different_a sense_n either_o to_o justify_v some_o new_a or_o ancient_a heresy_n or_o the_o catholic_n faith_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o uniform_a belief_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o be_v the_o best_a judge_n what_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v by_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v and_o though_o there_o be_v indeed_o very_o ancient_a heresy_n yet_o nothing_o be_v plain_a in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n than_o the_o distinction_n between_o those_o ancient_a heresy_n and_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o therefore_o scholar_n can_v easy_o mistake_v they_o and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v unlearned_a that_o short_a and_o ancient_a summary_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n contain_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o expound_v by_o the_o nicene_n father_n in_o their_o creed_n which_o be_v in_o every_o body_n hand_n and_o part_n of_o our_o daily_a or_o weekly_a service_n be_v security_n enough_o against_o all_o fundamental_a mistake_v the_o christian_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v a_o very_a plain_a and_o easy_a resolution_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o for_o the_o positive_a article_n of_o faith_n we_o have_v the_o ancient_a creed_n which_o have_v be_v receive_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o which_o the_o most_o perverse_a heretic_n can_v deny_v to_o have_v be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v these_o mere_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o tradition_n but_o because_o we_o find_v all_o these_o doctrine_n plain_o teach_v in_o scripture_n and_o for_o this_o the_o mean_a christian_n need_v not_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o guide_n but_o have_v liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o exposition_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o which_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o convince_a in_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o a_o honest_a man_n who_o meet_v with_o a_o skilful_a guide_n may_v satisfy_v himself_o about_o it_o and_o see_v with_o his_o own_o eye_n now_o what_o great_a assurance_n can_v we_o have_v in_o this_o case_n than_o the_o harmony_n and_o consent_n of_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n which_o confirm_v and_o justify_v each_o other_o the_o apostle_n no_o doubt_n preach_v and_o write_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o be_v a_o uncorrupt_a tradition_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o that_o be_v a_o true_a exposition_n of_o scripture_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o ancient_a formulary_n of_o faith_n deliver_v down_o to_o we_o by_o a_o unquestionable_a tradition_n from_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o negative_a article_n about_o which_o be_v our_o only_a controversy_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n since_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n have_v teach_v we_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o reject_v all_o such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v not_o plain_o and_o express_o teach_v in_o scripture_n and_o this_o the_o mean_a christian_n with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o guide_n may_v understand_v for_o as_o in_o reason_n it_o must_v be_v when_o man_n will_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o the_o scripture_n proof_n which_o be_v urge_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a doctor_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n for_o their_o peculiar_a doctrine_n which_o we_o reject_v be_v so_o apparent_o unconcluding_a that_o it_o require_v very_o little_a skill_n to_o confute_v they_o and_o though_o this_o be_v reason_n enough_o of_o itself_o to_o reject_v any_o doctrine_n which_o arrogate_v the_o authority_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o teach_v it_o yet_o in_o most_o case_n we_o can_v show_v and_o that_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o mean_a understanding_n which_o be_v honest_a and_o unprejudiced_a that_o such_o doctrine_n be_v either_o in_o express_a word_n or_o by_o plain_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n reject_v and_o condemn_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o not_o to_o be_v teach_v there_o because_o it_o be_v certain_a no_o church_n can_v have_v authority_n to_o teach_v what_o the_o scripture_n condemn_v and_o then_o as_o for_o authority_n we_o appeal_v to_o the_o best_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o three_o first_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o most_o credible_a witness_n which_o be_v all_o the_o authority_n they_o can_v have_v of_o the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o can_v plain_o prove_v from_o those_o venerable_a record_n that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o dispute_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v either_o never_o teach_v or_o actual_o condemn_v by_o those_o primitive_a father_n and_o though_o in_o other_o case_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o prove_v a_o negative_a it_o be_v not_o so_o here_o because_o the_o proof_n lie_v all_o on_o the_o positive_a side_n for_o those_o who_o will_v teach_v such_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n ought_v to_o prove_v they_o for_o without_o such_o a_o proof_n they_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v on_o course_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o can_v confute_v their_o proof_n we_o need_v do_v no_o more_o and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a task_n especial_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o first_o three_o century_n for_o since_o they_o themselves_o be_v now_o ashamed_a of_o the_o counterfeit_a dionysius_n their_o decretal_a epistle_n and_o such_o like_a spurious_a write_n the_o wise_a of_o they_o pretend_v to_o very_o few_o testimony_n from_o the_o first_o writer_n and_o those_o which_o they_o do_v allege_v be_v such_o lame_a one_o as_o need_v very_o little_a confutation_n these_o be_v the_o protestant_a ground_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v
against_o her_o infallibility_n however_o this_o show_n that_o the_o most_o infallible_a teacher_n can_v destroy_v our_o natural_a liberty_n of_o judge_v for_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o see_v that_o it_o contradict_v neither_o which_o be_v the_o only_a natural_a principle_n of_o knowledge_n we_o have_v which_o be_v therefore_o to_o exercise_v all_o the_o reason_n and_o judgement_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o and_o three_o though_o we_o must_v receive_v all_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a truth_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n yet_o we_o must_v own_v our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n to_o understand_v the_o revelation_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v otherwise_o for_o whoever_o it_o be_v that_o speak_v to_o we_o whether_o god_n by_o a_o immediate_a voice_n from_o heaven_n or_o a_o prophet_n inspire_v by_o god_n we_o have_v no_o way_n to_o understand_v what_o be_v say_v but_o by_o our_o own_o natural_a faculty_n and_o therefore_o must_v judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o be_v say_v just_a as_o we_o do_v at_o other_o time_n when_o any_o man_n speak_v to_o we_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o present_a to_o hear_v the_o prophet_n speak_v but_o have_v his_o revelation_n deliver_v to_o we_o in_o writing_n we_o must_v take_v the_o same_o course_n to_o understand_v such_o a_o divine_a book_n as_o we_o do_v any_o other_o human_a write_n if_o there_o be_v any_o difficulty_n in_o it_o we_o must_v seek_v for_o some_o body_n to_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v it_o but_o still_o we_o must_v understand_v for_o ourselves_o for_o no_o body_n else_o can_v understand_v for_o we_o and_o if_o we_o must_v understand_v we_o must_v judge_v for_o ourselves_o too_o this_o be_v all_o that_o we_o demand_v or_o desire_n a_o liberty_n to_o understand_v and_o judge_v what_o god_n will_v have_v we_o believe_v and_o do_v and_o this_o the_o most_o infallible_a teacher_n can_v deprive_v we_o of_o no_o more_o than_o he_o can_v oblige_v we_o to_o see_v and_o hear_v with_o other_o man_n eye_n and_o ear_n when_o god_n have_v give_v we_o eye_n and_o ear_n of_o our_o own_o and_o four_o where_o there_o be_v a_o stand_a revelation_n we_o must_v then_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o succeed_a prophet_n how_o infallible_a soever_o they_o be_v by_o its_o conformity_n to_o the_o precede_a revelation_n we_o must_v never_o suppose_v that_o god_n can_v contradict_v himself_o and_o therefore_o though_o he_o may_v improve_v a_o former_a revelation_n by_o new_a and_o more_o perfect_a discovery_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o contradict_v it_o and_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o no_o true_a prophet_n can_v contradict_v a_o true_a revelation_n but_o though_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n may_v give_v authority_n to_o a_o new_a prophet_n to_o expound_v a_o former_a revelation_n and_o to_o improve_v it_o yet_o we_o must_v be_v well_o satisfy_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o new_a prophet_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o old_a revelation_n which_o make_v we_o judge_n of_o the_o sense_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a revelation_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o can_v understand_v their_o agreement_n unless_o we_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o both_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n when_o they_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v the_o stand_a revelation_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o try_v all_o prophet_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o isaiah_n 8._o 20._o and_o therefore_o though_o christ_n wrought_v more_o and_o great_a miracle_n than_o ever_o moses_n do_v this_o alone_o have_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v he_o have_v not_o his_o person_n answer_v the_o type_n and_o prediction_n of_o the_o law_n and_o his_o doctrine_n be_v not_o the_o destruction_n but_o the_o improvement_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n to_o this_o trial_n he_o submit_v himself_o and_o his_o doctrine_n appeal_v to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n require_v they_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o john_n 5._o 39_o and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a which_o one_o will_v have_v think_v have_v be_v sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o have_v confirm_v his_o divine_a authority_n yet_o he_o prove_v from_o scripture_n that_o thus_o christ_n ought_v to_o suffer_v and_o to_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n and_o beginning_n at_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n he_o expound_v unto_o they_o the_o two_o disciple_n go_v to_o emaus_n the_o thing_n concern_v himself_o luke_n 24._o 26_o 27._o and_o this_o course_n the_o apostle_n take_v in_o their_o sermon_n st._n peter_n do_v not_o only_o testify_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o eye-witness_n that_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o prove_v that_o david_n himself_o have_v prophesy_v of_o this_o act_v 2._o 22_o etc._n etc._n thus_o st._n paul_n dispute_v with_o the_o jew_n at_o rome_n to_o who_o he_o expound_v and_o testify_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n persuade_v they_o concern_v jesus_n both_o out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n from_o morning_n till_o evening_n act_v 28._o 23._o thus_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v one_o entire_a dispute_n about_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o justification_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n from_o the_o type_n and_o prediction_n of_o the_o law_n itself_o so_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v certain_o as_o infallible_a teacher_n as_o everwere_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o bear_v man_n down_o mere_o by_o their_o infallible_a authority_n but_o appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o every_o man_n own_o judgement_n of_o they_o and_o god_n have_v order_v it_o so_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o for_o he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o stand_a revelation_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o new_a prophet_n whatever_o they_o be_v but_o if_o they_o must_v have_v rely_v on_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o such_o prophet_n who_o they_o be_v to_o try_v by_o this_o revelation_n for_o the_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o it_o this_o have_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o take_v their_o own_o word_n without_o any_o trial_n now_o if_o christ_n himself_o never_o pretend_v to_o any_o such_o authority_n that_o all_o man_n shall_v believe_v he_o upon_o his_o own_o word_n without_o examine_v his_o doctrine_n by_o the_o scripture_n or_o exercise_v their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n can_v we_o think_v that_o he_o shall_v give_v any_o such_o authority_n to_o st._n peter_n nay_o when_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o st._n peter_n never_o have_v any_o such_o authority_n and_o never_o can_v exercise_v it_o how_o can_v st._n peter_n successor_n have_v that_o in_o his_o right_n which_o he_o never_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v himself_o for_o though_o he_o be_v a_o infallible_a teacher_n yet_o every_o man_n have_v a_o liberty_n to_o examine_v what_o he_o teach_v and_o to_o judge_v of_o it_o by_o its_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o you_o i_o say_v can_v not_o christ_n appoint_v a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o his_o church_n to_o decide_v all_o dispute_n and_o to_o prevent_v heresy_n and_o schism_n that_o christ_n have_v not_o do_v this_o i_o shall_v take_v for_o grant_v till_o i_o see_v some_o better_a proof_n of_o it_o than_o i_o have_v yet_o meet_v with_o and_o i_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o think_v such_o a_o judge_n can_v not_o be_v appoint_v who_o we_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o rely_v on_o with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n without_o examination_n or_o any_o use_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n and_o that_o be_v because_o it_o be_v impracticable_a to_o appoint_v a_o judge_n upon_o who_o bare_a authority_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n itself_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o assume_v to_o themselves_o to_o be_v such_o judge_n in_o their_o day_n for_o there_o lay_v a_o appeal_n from_o they_o to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v and_o so_o there_o do_v to_o this_o day_n and_o if_o i_o must_v not_o take_v any_o man_n word_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o must_v not_o take_v his_o word_n neither_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n in_o christianity_n if_o i_o may_v to_o this_o day_n examine_v the_o gospel_n by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o our_o saviour_n day_n than_o i_o must_v judge_v for_o myself_o too_o
we_o shall_v have_v have_v no_o dispute_n about_o it_o at_o this_o day_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v out_o in_o one_o either_o christ_n have_v appoint_v no_o such_o judge_n or_o this_o can_v prevent_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n 4._o four_o there_o be_v a_o easy_a and_o effectual_a way_n of_o cure_v church_n division_n without_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n nay_o without_o make_v all_o man_n of_o a_o mind_n in_o every_o thing_n which_o must_v never_o be_v expect_v in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o be_v not_o to_o make_v the_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n straight_a and_o narrow_a than_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v essential_a to_o christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n for_o such_o matter_n most_o christian_n agree_v in_o and_o though_o they_o may_v have_v some_o private_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o divide_v communion_n while_o they_o do_v not_o impose_v they_o upon_o the_o faith_n of_o other_o nor_o introduce_v any_o new_a and_o strange_a worship_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o for_o example_n the_o church_n of_o england_n believe_v and_o practice_n whatever_o be_v think_v necessary_a in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o for_o some_o age_n after_o and_o there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o dispute_n about_o these_o matter_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n so_o that_o we_o can_v to_o this_o day_n without_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n maintain_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n upon_o the_o same_o term_n that_o the_o apostolic_a church_n maintain_v communion_n with_o each_o other_o for_o we_o both_o agree_v in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o church_n communion_n so_o that_o the_o schism_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n for_o without_o own_v such_o a_o judge_n we_o agree_v in_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a in_o all_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n require_v to_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o will_v receive_v no_o other_o church_n into_o her_o communion_n without_o own_v her_o sovereign_n and_o supreme_a authority_n nor_o without_o believe_v many_o doctrine_n manifest_o absurd_a in_o themselves_o and_o never_o teach_v in_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o without_o join_v in_o such_o a_o worship_n which_o they_o themselves_o dare_v not_o say_v be_v necessary_a for_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o for_o their_o pray_v to_o saint_n and_o worship_v image_n and_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o which_o we_o think_v be_v sinful_a if_o these_o thing_n be_v remove_v we_o can_v glad_o communicate_v with_o they_o upon_o true_a catholic_n principle_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o judge_n but_o only_o to_o determine_v those_o controversy_n which_o she_o herself_o have_v make_v in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o primitive_a faith_n of_o christian_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o commend_v her_o policy_n that_o she_o will_v allow_v no_o body_n to_o be_v judge_n of_o these_o dispute_n but_o herself_o will_v all_o man_n submit_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o will_v certain_o restore_v peace_n and_o unity_n to_o the_o church_n but_o to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o truth_n and_o hazard_v of_o man_n soul_n and_o we_o must_v not_o purchase_v a_o mere_a external_a unity_n at_o this_o rate_n those_o man_n overvalue_v unity_n who_o part_n with_o truth_n for_o it_o for_o certain_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o more_o considerable_a than_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o faith_n and_o worship_n the_o paper_n these_o reason_n make_v i_o think_v a_o visible_a judge_n absolute_o necessary_a answer_n what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v i_o hope_v may_v occasion_v some_o new_a and_o different_a thought_n of_o this_o matter_n but_o since_o certainty_n be_v the_o great_a and_o prevail_a argument_n let_v we_o turn_v the_o table_n and_o see_v what_o certainty_n a_o roman_n catholic_n have_v his_o faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a and_o infallible_a judge_n this_o i_o confess_v bid_v very_o fair_a for_o he_o that_o follow_v a_o infallible_a guide_n can_v err_v but_o whoever_o consider_v this_o matter_n careful_o will_v find_v all_o this_o talk_n of_o infallibility_n dwindle_v into_o nothing_o for_o first_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n before_o we_o can_v with_o certainty_n and_o assurance_n rely_v on_o he_o we_o must_v certain_o know_v who_o he_o be_v for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o have_v no_o infallible_a judge_n and_o not_o to_o know_v where_o to_o find_v he_o and_o this_o be_v a_o difficulty_n which_o those_o person_n little_o consider_v who_o please_v themselves_o so_o much_o with_o the_o fancy_n of_o infallibility_n for_o 1._o papist_n themselves_o be_v not_o agree_v about_o this_o matter_n some_o will_v have_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v infallible_a as_o peter_n successor_n and_o in_o his_o right_n other_o the_o church_n assemble_v in_o a_o general_n council_n other_o neither_o pope_n nor_o council_n distinct_o and_o separately_z consider_v but_o a_o council_n confirm_v by_o the_o pope_n other_o none_o of_o all_o this_o but_o tradition_n be_v infallible_a infallibility_n they_o all_o agree_v to_o but_o know_v not_o where_o this_o infallibility_n be_v seat_v now_o what_o shall_v a_o doubt_a protestant_n do_v who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v as_o infallible_a as_o any_o of_o they_o do_v he_o know_v where_o to_o find_v this_o infallibility_n may_v he_o not_o as_o easy_o choose_v his_o own_o religion_n and_o what_o church_n he_o will_v live_v in_o communion_n with_o as_o which_o of_o these_o infallible_a judge_n to_o follow_v which_o soever_o of_o these_o he_o reject_v he_o have_v a_o considerable_a party_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n on_o his_o side_n the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o he_o be_v so_o far_o satisfy_v with_o their_o reason_n against_o each_o other_o that_o he_o reject_v they_o all_o and_o he_o have_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o if_o god_n have_v intend_v to_o appoint_v a_o judge_n to_o end_v all_o dispute_n certain_o he_o will_v have_v do_v this_o so_o manifest_o that_o there_o shall_v have_v be_v no_o dispute_n who_o this_o judge_n be_v for_o methinks_v a_o doubtful_a and_o disputable_a judge_n be_v not_o a_o very_a proper_a person_n to_o end_v all_o dispute_n 2._o nay_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o roman_a divine_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o prove_v either_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o judge_n or_o who_o this_o judge_n be_v for_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o judge_n he_o must_v be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o then_o we_o must_v look_v for_o his_o commission_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o know_v what_o the_o gospel_n be_v or_o what_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o it_o but_o from_o the_o infallible_a judge_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v out_o either_o the_o judge_n or_o the_o scripture_n because_o we_o have_v no_o place_n to_o begin_v at_o if_o we_o begin_v with_o the_o judge_n we_o be_v a_o little_a too_o hasty_a because_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o find_v he_o and_o if_o we_o begin_v with_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v as_o bad_a because_o we_o can_v understand_v they_o before_o we_o have_v find_v the_o judge_n so_o that_o we_o must_v take_v one_o of_o they_o for_o grant_v without_o any_o proof_n and_o by_o that_o find_v out_o the_o other_o and_o that_o be_v neither_o better_o nor_o worse_o than_o to_o take_v they_o both_o for_o grant_v which_o be_v a_o admirable_a foundation_n for_o infallibility_n at_o all_o adventure_n to_o choose_v a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o then_o to_o believe_v he_o at_o all_o adventure_n so_o that_o though_o man_n who_o have_v always_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n may_v in_o time_n grow_v very_o confident_a of_o it_o and_o take_v it_o for_o a_o first_o principle_n which_o need_v no_o proof_n yet_o i_o wonder_v how_o any_o protestant_n who_o have_v be_v teach_v otherwise_o and_o if_o he_o act_v wise_o and_o like_o a_o honest_a man_n can_v believe_v it_o till_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o he_o can_v ever_o entertain_v such_o a_o thought_n for_o let_v his_o adversary_n be_v never_o so_o subtle_a if_o he_o resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o see_v prove_v he_o may_v maintain_v his_o ground_n against_o he_o as_o to_o represent_v this_o brief_o in_o a_o dialogue_n between_o a_o papist_n and_o a_o protestant_n papist_n i_o pity_v your_o condition_n sir_n to_o see_v you_o live_v at_o such_o uncertainty_n for_o your_o religion_n and_o
obstinate_o refuse_v to_o consult_v that_o live_a oracle_n and_o infallible_a judge_n who_o god_n have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n to_o decide_v all_o controversy_n in_o faith_n and_o worship_n protest_v sir_n i_o thank_v you_o for_o your_o charity_n and_o though_o i_o do_v not_o find_v myself_o so_o uncertain_a as_o i_o perceive_v you_o think_v i_o be_o yet_o i_o shall_v be_v glad_a of_o such_o a_o infallible_a guide_n as_o you_o talk_v of_o if_o i_o know_v where_o to_o find_v he_o pap._n he_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o that_o be_v the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n there_o be_v st._n peter_n chair_n who_o christ_n make_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o his_o church_n who_o he_o command_v to_o feed_v his_o lamb_n and_o his_o sheep_n that_o rock_n on_o who_o christ_n promise_v to_o build_v his_o church_n and_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o in_o communion_n with_o this_o church_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o supreme_a pastor_n of_o it_o you_o can_v err_v prot._n but_o pray_v how_o shall_v i_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o pap._n do_v you_o ask_v that_o now_o when_o i_o have_v refer_v you_o to_o such_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o prot._n will_v you_o allow_v i_o then_o to_o interpret_v these_o text_n according_a to_o my_o own_o private_a judgement_n and_o why_o then_o may_v i_o not_o use_v my_o judgement_n in_o other_o matter_n for_o i_o think_v all_o the_o article_n of_o my_o creed_n be_v as_o plain_a in_o scripture_n as_o that_o the_o pope_n or_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o supreme_a infallible_a judge_n and_o indeed_o if_o i_o must_v stand_v to_o my_o own_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o can_v find_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o these_o text_n you_o have_v allege_v pap._n your_o own_o judgement_n no_o by_o no_o mean_n this_o cause_v all_o the_o heresy_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n will_v presume_v to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o prot._n what_o course_n must_v i_o take_v then_o pap._n you_o must_v stand_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n which_o can_v err_v and_o whatever_o heretic_n say_v she_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o these_o text_n prove_v the_o church_n infallibility_n prot._n hold_v sir_n what_o be_v it_o we_o be_v to_o prove_v pap._n that_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a prot._n and_o this_o i_o must_v prove_v from_o scripture_n pap._n yes_o prot._n and_o must_v not_o rely_v on_o my_o own_o judgement_n neither_o for_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o on_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o church_n pap._n right_n this_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_n way_n prot._n that_o be_v i_o must_v take_v the_o church_n word_n that_o she_o be_v infallible_a pap._n no_o you_o must_v believe_v the_o scripture_n which_o say_v so_o prot._n but_o i_o must_v believe_v the_o scripture_n not_o because_o i_o understand_v this_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o because_o the_o church_n so_o expound_v it_o pap._n right_n for_o heretic_n expound_v it_o otherwise_o prot._n and_o what_o be_v this_o then_o but_o to_o take_v the_o church_n word_n for_o her_o own_o infallibility_n what_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o take_v the_o church_n word_n at_o the_o first_o or_o second_o rebound_v to_o believe_v it_o because_o she_o say_v it_o herself_o or_o to_o believe_v it_o because_o she_o make_v the_o scripture_n say_v it_o and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v all_o you_o have_v to_o say_v i_o must_v even_o keep_v where_o i_o be_o and_o rather_o content_v myself_o without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n than_o please_v myself_o with_o a_o mere_a imagination_n of_o infallibility_n without_o any_o foundation_n to_o rely_v on_o three_o and_o therefore_o the_o most_o learned_a advocate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v force_v to_o grant_v that_o we_o have_v no_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o infallibility_n for_o we_o can_v be_v infallible_o certain_a which_o the_o true_a church_n be_v the_o only_a way_n they_o pretend_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a church_n be_v by_o mark_n and_o note_n of_o a_o church_n which_o they_o say_v indeed_o have_v a_o moral_a certainty_n though_o they_o be_v not_o infallible_a for_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n they_o must_v not_o allow_v of_o any_o infallibility_n without_o the_o sentence_n and_o definition_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n for_o than_o protestant_n may_v set_v up_o for_o infallibility_n without_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n and_o therefore_o since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n to_o determine_v who_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n they_o must_v content_v themselves_o in_o this_o matter_n with_o moral_a certainty_n and_o this_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o even_o level_a with_o poor_a fallible_a protestant_n they_o deal_v very_o hardly_o with_o we_o if_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o we_o may_v have_v at_o least_o as_o much_o certainty_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o it_o as_o they_o can_v have_v of_o the_o note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n which_o must_v be_v own_v for_o the_o infallible_a judge_n and_o if_o they_o be_v modest_a and_o understand_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o thankful_a to_o we_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v they_o as_o much_o and_o may_v not_o we_o then_o be_v as_o infallible_a as_o they_o for_o indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o moral_a certainty_n shall_v grow_v up_o into_o infallibility_n as_o for_o instance_n no_o man_n can_v be_v more_o certain_a of_o the_o decision_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n than_o he_o be_v of_o his_o infallibility_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o judge_n he_o can_v have_v a_o infallible_a certainty_n that_o he_o define_v infallible_o and_o thus_o the_o whole_a faith_n of_o a_o papist_n after_o all_o their_o brag_n of_o infallibility_n be_v resolve_v into_o moral_a certainty_n just_a as_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o protestant_n be_v only_o not_o with_o so_o much_o reason_n let_v we_o take_v any_o one_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n wherein_o papist_n and_o protestant_n agree_v and_o see_v how_o much_o great_a assurance_n papist_n have_v of_o it_o than_o protestant_n as_o suppose_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n a_o protestant_n believe_v this_o because_o he_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n that_o we_o can_v have_v for_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o inspire_a man_n and_o that_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n in_o their_o most_o plain_a and_o obvious_a acceptation_n signify_v this_o and_o therefore_o that_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o be_v infallible_a teacher_n so_o that_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v into_o the_o infallibility_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n of_o which_o sense_n and_o reason_n can_v give_v we_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n a_o papist_n believe_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n because_o the_o church_n which_o be_v infallible_a teach_v so_o and_o he_o find_v out_o the_o true_a church_n by_o some_o note_n and_o mark_n of_o a_o church_n which_o he_o think_v moral_o certain_a and_o when_o he_o have_v find_v the_o true_a church_n conclude_v she_o to_o be_v infallible_a without_o more_o ado_n now_o if_o the_o infallibility_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v as_o good_a a_o reason_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n or_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o if_o we_o have_v as_o good_a evidence_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v by_o inspire_a man_n and_o that_o such_o word_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o prove_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o they_o have_v of_o their_o mark_n and_o note_n whereby_o they_o find_v out_o the_o true_a church_n than_o we_o have_v to_o the_o full_a as_o much_o certainty_n and_o infallibility_n as_o they_o have_v they_o have_v but_o a_o moral_a evidence_n at_o best_a of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n and_o therefore_o be_v but_o moral_o certain_a what_o their_o church_n teach_v right_a and_o therefore_o if_o we_o have_v as_o much_o certainty_n as_o they_o have_v and_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v have_v no_o more_o our_o faith_n be_v build_v upon_o as_o sure_a a_o foundation_n as_o they_o without_o make_v a_o noise_n with_o infallibility_n which_o at_o last_o dwindle_n into_o some_o arbitrary_a note_n and_o mark_n of_o a_o church_n and_o yet_o four_o not_o to_o trouble_v ourselves_o at_o present_a with_o all_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n which_o cardinal_n bellarmine_n and_o
other_o give_v of_o a_o true_a church_n there_o be_v one_o mark_v without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v certain_a which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o that_o be_v that_o she_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ._n for_o this_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o church_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n without_o it_o all_o other_o mark_n may_v deceive_v we_o for_o whatever_o other_o mark_n there_o be_v if_o there_o be_v not_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n there_o can_v be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n be_v break_v and_o divide_v into_o different_a and_o opposite_a communion_n whoever_o will_v find_v out_o the_o true_a church_n must_v examine_v her_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n bellarmine_n himself_o make_v the_o holiness_n of_o doctrine_n one_o essential_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o truth_n be_v antecedent_n to_o holiness_n and_o equal_o essential_a now_o this_o be_v such_o a_o mark_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n as_o make_v her_o infallibility_n useless_a when_o we_o have_v find_v she_o for_o we_o must_v understand_v the_o true_a religion_n before_o we_o can_v know_v the_o true_a church_n and_o can_v be_v no_o more_o certain_a which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n than_o we_o be_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o therefore_o can_v resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n because_o we_o can_v know_v the_o true_a church_n only_o by_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o therefore_o must_v have_v some_o other_o mean_n of_o find_v out_o the_o true_a faith_n antecedent_n to_o the_o church_n authority_n for_o that_o which_o be_v a_o mark_n to_o know_v something_o else_o by_o must_v be_v first_o know_v itself_o so_o that_o whereas_o the_o church_n authority_n be_v think_v so_o compendious_a a_o way_n to_o make_v man_n infallible_o certain_a of_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o deliver_v they_o from_o those_o uncertain_a dispute_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o can_v be_v certain_a which_o the_o true_a church_n be_v on_o who_o authority_n we_o must_v rely_v till_o we_o have_v examine_v that_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n which_o divide_v the_o christian_a church_n and_o have_v satisfy_v ourselves_o on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v this_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o appeal_v to_o a_o judge_n unless_o we_o will_v undo_v all_o we_o have_v do_v before_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o seek_v again_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o what_o advantage_n then_o have_v the_o papist_n above_o the_o protestant_n in_o the_o point_n of_o certainty_n when_o they_o can_v know_v which_o be_v that_o church_n which_o they_o may_v safe_o trust_v without_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o her_o religion_n and_o judge_v for_o themselves_o just_a as_o we_o do_v we_o be_v concern_v indeed_o to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_n church_n not_o that_o we_o must_v receive_v our_o faith_n upon_o her_o authority_n for_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n we_o must_v know_v the_o true_a faith_n before_o we_o can_v know_v the_o true_a church_n but_o because_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ._n five_o and_o yet_o if_o they_o can_v find_v the_o church_n without_o all_o this_o trouble_n and_o protestant_a uncertainty_n wherever_o they_o place_v their_o infallibility_n whether_o in_o the_o pope_n or_o council_n according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n they_o can_v have_v so_o much_o as_o a_o moral_a certainty_n of_o it_o as_o for_o the_o pope_n though_o for_o argument_n sake_n we_o shall_v grant_v a_o true_a pope_n to_o be_v infallible_a yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a pope_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n teach_v that_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o sacrament_n that_o though_o he_o perform_v all_o the_o external_a part_n of_o it_o yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o apply_v the_o sacrament_n to_o such_o person_n it_o be_v not_o apply_v now_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n who_o can_v tell_v whether_o this_o present_a pope_n be_v ever_o baptise_a or_o ordain_v priest_n or_o bishop_n for_o if_o the_o priest_n or_o bishop_n that_o do_v this_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o do_v it_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o true_a pope_n that_o he_o be_v no_o christian._n nay_o if_o the_o priest_n and_o bishop_n which_o baptise_a and_o ordain_v he_o do_v intend_v to_o apply_v the_o sacrament_n to_o he_o yet_o if_o those_o who_o baptise_a and_o ordain_v they_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o do_v it_o than_o they_o be_v no_o christian_n nor_o bishop_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o confer_v order_n on_o he_o and_o so_o upward_o still_o which_o reduce_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n in_o the_o world_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o know_v any_o man_n private_a intention_n when_o neither_o word_n nor_o action_n shall_v be_v allow_v a_o sufficient_a declaration_n of_o it_o and_o beside_o this_o if_o a_o pope_n be_v simoniacal_o promote_v or_o ordain_v by_o a_o simoniacal_a pope_n here_o be_v a_o invalidity_n in_o his_o order_n and_o then_o what_o become_v of_o his_o infallibility_n nay_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o that_o long_a papal_a schism_n when_o there_o be_v three_o pope_n together_o john_n 23._o gregory_n 12._o and_o benedict_n 13._o who_o be_v all_o depose_v by_o the_o council_n of_o constance_n and_o martin_n 5._o choose_v be_v there_o never_o a_o true_a pope_n among_o all_o the_o three_o if_o there_o be_v what_o authority_n then_o have_v the_o council_n to_o depose_v they_o all_o and_o choose_v a_o four_o and_o who_o know_v to_o this_o day_n from_o whence_o the_o succeed_a pope_n have_v derive_v their_o succession_n which_o may_v very_o much_o call_v the_o popedom_n and_o infallibility_n into_o question_n and_o then_o as_o for_o council_n which_o consist_v of_o bishop_n there_o be_v the_o same_o incertainty_n about_o they_o whether_o they_o be_v true_a bishop_n or_o not_o as_o there_o be_v about_o the_o pope_n and_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v so_o many_o dispute_n what_o make_v a_o general_n council_n when_o it_o be_v regular_o call_v and_o when_o they_o act_n conciliaritèr_fw-la in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o a_o council_n ought_v to_o act_v to_o procure_v the_o infallible_a direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o give_v authority_n to_o their_o decree_n that_o if_o woman_n and_o busy_a people_n can_v understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v much_o less_o able_a to_o understand_v what_o council_n they_o may_v safe_o rely_v on_o but_o suppose_v we_o do_v know_v who_o this_o infallible_a judge_n be_v whether_o pope_n or_o council_n and_o this_o judge_n shall_v give_v we_o a_o infallible_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o a_o infallible_a decision_n of_o all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n never_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o do_v yet_o and_o i_o believe_v never_o will_v witness_v those_o many_o fierce_a dispute_n which_o be_v among_o man_n of_o their_o own_o communion_n and_o i_o think_v no_o man_n be_v ever_o the_o more_o infallible_a for_o a_o judge_n who_o will_v not_o exercise_v his_o infallibility_n yet_o if_o this_o judge_n shall_v infallible_o determine_v all_o the_o controversy_n in_o religion_n we_o must_v either_o hear_v it_o from_o his_o own_o mouth_n or_o receive_v it_o in_o write_v or_o take_v it_o upon_o the_o report_n of_o other_o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o there_o be_v not_o one_o in_o the_o world_n at_o this_o day_n that_o be_v present_a at_o the_o debate_n of_o any_o general_a council_n or_o hear_v they_o pronounce_v their_o decree_n and_o definition_n and_o i_o believe_v as_o few_o ever_o hear_v the_o pope_n determine_v any_o question_n ex_fw-la cathedrâ_fw-la which_o what_o it_o mean_v either_o they_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v or_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o tell_v we_o as_o for_o write_v when_o we_o see_v the_o decree_n of_o a_o council_n write_v we_o can_v have_v only_o a_o moral_a assurance_n that_o these_o be_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n and_o when_o we_o have_v they_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v much_o more_o obscure_a and_o subject_a to_o as_o many_o different_a interpretation_n as_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o better_a assurance_n what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o council_n than_o what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o experience_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o the_o roman_a doctor_n differ_v as_o much_o about_o as_o protestant_n do_v about_o the_o
be_v the_o meaning_n of_o some_o particular_a phrase_n in_o this_o obscure_a text_n so_o much_o be_v very_o plain_a in_o it_o that_o man_n who_o build_v hay_n and_o stubble_n upon_o the_o foundation_n i._n e._n who_o believe_v in_o christ_n though_o with_o a_o mixture_n of_o many_o vain_a and_o hurtful_a superstition_n shall_v yet_o if_o their_o life_n be_v holy_a and_o virtuous_a be_v save_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n though_o with_o some_o loss_n and_o hazard_n which_o make_v the_o case_n of_o honest_a man_n who_o live_v in_o very_o corrupt_a communion_n not_o perfect_o hopeless_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o we_o grant_v that_o salvation_n may_v be_v have_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o any_o man_n to_o choose_v the_o communion_n of_o a_o corrupt_a church_n because_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n in_o it_o however_o this_o show_v what_o a_o great_a mistake_n this_o paper_n be_v guilty_a of_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o best_a christian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o believe_v such_o damnable_a doctrine_n can_v be_v save_v only_o by_o ignorance_n which_o most_o protestant_n divine_v believe_v the_o pagan_n themselves_o may_v be_v for_o though_o invincible_a ignorance_n be_v a_o equal_a excuse_n for_o pagan_n and_o christian_n yet_o when_o this_o excuse_n be_v allow_v pagan_n have_v not_o such_o a_o right_a to_o salvation_n as_o christian_n have_v ignorance_n may_v excuse_v but_o can_v save_v it_o be_v only_a faith_n in_o christ_n save_v we_o which_o corrupt_a christian_n have_v and_o pagan_n have_v not_o which_o be_v a_o essential_a difference_n second_o suppose_v the_o error_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o damnable_a why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n reform_v such_o error_n as_o be_v not_o damnable_a suppose_v they_o only_o obscure_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n mediation_n and_o be_v dangerous_a temptation_n to_o sin_n or_o hinder_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n or_o betray_v man_n to_o false_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o damnable_a why_o may_v not_o such_o error_n as_o these_o be_v reform_v if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v convince_v that_o she_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o error_n ought_v she_o not_o to_o reform_v herself_o and_o be_v not_o every_o church_n in_o duty_n bind_v to_o preserve_v her_o faith_n and_o worship_n as_o pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a as_o she_o can_v and_o why_o then_o be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n bind_v to_o do_v so_o if_o indeed_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v a_o supreme_a power_n over_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v without_o her_o approbation_n and_o order_n than_o we_o will_v grant_v that_o in_o case_n of_o tolerable_a error_n such_o a_o dependent_a church_n can_v not_o reform_v itself_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o its_o superior_a as_o no_o private_a christian_n can_v reform_v the_o church_n wherein_o he_o live_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o but_o we_o say_v that_o every_o national_a church_n have_v the_o supreme_a independent_a power_n within_o herself_o and_o therefore_o may_v correct_v any_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o her_o communion_n without_o ask_v leave_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n or_o any_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o justify_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o she_o reform_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v erroneous_a though_o the_o error_n be_v not_o damnable_a for_o all_o error_n ought_v to_o be_v reform_v when_o they_o be_v know_v if_o the_o reformer_n have_v just_a authority_n to_o do_v it_o and_o such_o error_n as_o be_v damnable_a will_v justify_v any_o man_n to_o reform_v himself_o and_o all_o that_o he_o can_v convince_v of_o such_o error_n for_o every_o man_n have_v authority_n to_o save_v his_o soul_n three_o if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v guilty_a of_o damnable_a error_n how_o do_v christ_n perform_v his_o promise_n to_o his_o church_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o now_o the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o objection_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o sound_n of_o those_o phrase_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n by_o which_o some_o understand_v that_o the_o devil_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n for_o if_o he_o can_v do_v that_o then_o say_v they_o he_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v only_o destruction_n for_o hades_n be_v proper_o the_o state_n of_o dead_a man_n who_o be_v lay_v underground_o and_o appear_v no_o more_o in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o when_o our_o saviour_n promise_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hades_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n profess_v that_o faith_n which_o here_o peter_n have_v profess_v and_o whereon_o christ_n promise_v to_o build_v his_o church_n viz._n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o such_o a_o church_n there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n ever_o since_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o it_o be_v such_o a_o church_n but_o that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v overrun_v with_o great_a and_o damn_v error_n be_v evident_a from_o st._n paul_n prediction_n of_o the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o late_a day_n when_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v reveal_v the_o son_n of_o perdition_n who_o as_o god_n sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n show_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v god_n 2_o thess._n 2._o 3_o 4._o for_o whosoever_o this_o man_n of_o sin_n be_v he_o sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o while_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n sit_v in_o the_o church_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o he_o bring_v some_o damn_v error_n with_o he_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n even_o when_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n sit_v there_o four_o as_o for_o the_o last_o thing_n mention_v it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reformation_n who_o do_v not_o own_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o though_o they_o may_v have_v error_n of_o their_o own_o yet_o not_o of_o such_o fatal_a consequence_n but_o if_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v be_v equal_o corrupt_v at_o that_o time_n it_o have_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o we_o for_o corruption_n ought_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o we_o have_v authority_n to_o reform_v ourselves_o and_o as_o for_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o other_o pure_a church_n we_o do_v so_o we_o own_o all_o pure_a church_n nay_o be_v ready_a to_o communicate_v with_o church_n which_o have_v some_o corruption_n in_o their_o constitution_n if_o they_o be_v tolerable_a and_o do_v not_o render_v their_o communion_n sinful_a which_o be_v all_o the_o obligation_n we_o have_v to_o communicate_v with_o any_o church_n for_o if_o by_o communion_n they_o mean_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v put_v ourselves_o under_o the_o government_n and_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o church_n which_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o think_v no_o church_n in_o communion_n with_o she_o without_o submit_v to_o her_o authority_n we_o beg_v their_o pardon_n for_o that_o we_o will_v communicate_v with_o other_o church_n as_o friend_n and_o equal_n and_o brethren_n but_o not_o as_o subject_n second_o the_o next_o argument_n for_o a_o visible_a judge_n which_o the_o paper_n insist_o on_o be_v that_o without_o such_o a_o judge_n we_o can_v know_v that_o every_o particular_a book_n of_o scripture_n be_v canonical_a and_o here_o be_v a_o great_a many_o objection_n start_v against_o the_o authority_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o canon_n which_o much_o more_o become_v sceptic_n and_o infidel_n than_o christian_n of_o any_o communion_n i_o do_v not_o think_v they_o worth_a transcribe_v for_o this_o argument_n may_v be_v answer_v without_o answer_v these_o objection_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o answer_v as_o we_o for_o those_o who_o original_o make_v these_o objection_n will_v not_o be_v put_v off_o with_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o judge_n without_o a_o rational_a solution_n of_o these_o difficulty_n and_o those_o who_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o answer_n can_v be_v give_v to_o they_o but_o to_o resolve_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o canon_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o judge_n without_o any_o other_o reason_n give_v up_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n to_o infidel_n who_o despise_v the_o vain_a
have_v set_v up_o a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a communion_n but_o that_o they_o unchurch_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o therefore_o rebaptise_v those_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o the_o catholic_n communion_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v infidel_n before_o so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n must_v necessary_o be_v schismatical_a because_o she_o unchurche_n all_o other_o church_n but_o herself_o and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o degree_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o with_o christian_a church_n whereas_o we_o own_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a though_o a_o very_a corrupt_a church_n and_o therefore_o maintain_v some_o degree_n of_o communion_n with_o she_o five_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o any_o particular_a church_n do_v teach_v any_o erroneous_a doctrine_n we_o must_v not_o maintain_v communion_n with_o she_o in_o her_o error_n for_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v false_a but_o then_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o error_n for_o a_o church_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o some_o speculative_a error_n which_o may_v do_v no_o great_a hurt_n to_o common_a christianity_n and_o then_o we_o may_v very_o safe_o communicate_v with_o that_o church_n if_o they_o do_v not_o impose_v on_o we_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o error_n which_o few_o church_n do_v but_o upon_o their_o own_o immediate_a member_n except_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o lutheran_n doctrine_n of_o consubstantiation_n be_v as_o false_a and_o groundless_a though_o not_o altogether_o as_o absurd_a as_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n but_o yet_o i_o will_v make_v no_o scruple_n of_o communicate_v with_o a_o lutheran_n church_n where_o i_o may_v do_v it_o without_o profess_v my_o belief_n of_o consubstantiation_n and_o upon_o these_o principle_n the_o lutheran_n and_o calvinist_n church_n may_v communicate_v together_o keep_v their_o private_a opinion_n to_o themselves_o without_o impose_v they_o upon_o each_o other_o but_o if_o any_o church_n which_o profess_v some_o speculative_a error_n will_v not_o admit_v we_o to_o communion_n without_o profess_v the_o same_o error_n we_o must_v own_v they_o for_o true_a church_n still_o and_o profess_v our_o readiness_n to_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n if_o we_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o do_v it_o without_o own_v their_o error_n and_o this_o make_v we_o in_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o actual_o communicate_v be_v none_o of_o our_o fault_n but_o the_o fault_n of_o those_o who_o deny_v it_o if_o the_o error_n be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o mere_o speculative_a but_o corrupt_v their_o worship_n than_o indeed_o we_o must_v not_o only_o disclaim_v their_o error_n but_o we_o must_v not_o join_v in_o those_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v corrupt_v by_o they_o as_o the_o popish_a mass_n be_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n if_o their_o worship_n be_v partly_o pure_a and_o partly_o corrupt_a then_o notwithstanding_o their_o corruption_n we_o must_v be_v ready_a to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o corrupt_v if_o their_o worship_n be_v general_o corrupt_a as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o their_o latin_a service_n and_o mass_n and_o ave-maries_n and_o frequent_a address_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n in_o those_o very_a litany_n wherein_o they_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o christ_n we_o must_v whole_o abstain_v but_o admonish_v and_o pray_v for_o they_o as_o brethren_n and_o exercise_v all_o other_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n if_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o any_o by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v several_a degree_n of_o communion_n between_o distinct_a particular_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o present_o follow_v that_o because_o church_n divide_v communion_n in_o act_n of_o worship_n they_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o same_o body_n the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n whatever_o error_n and_o corruption_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o make_v they_o so_o far_o catholic_n church_n and_o while_o we_o own_v they_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n to_o which_o we_o ourselves_o belong_v though_o we_o do_v not_o communicate_v in_o their_o error_n and_o corruption_n we_o be_v still_o in_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o upon_o these_o principle_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o division_n of_o christian_n there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n still_o to_o which_o all_o church_n belong_v who_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n unless_o any_o exclude_v themselves_o from_o this_o catholic_n unity_n by_o whole_o exclude_v other_o second_o the_o next_o inquiry_n in_o the_o paper_n be_v how_o the_o church_n can_v be_v call_v holy_a if_o for_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n as_o our_o church_n teach_v in_o the_o homily_n against_o idolatry_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o argument_n i_o shall_v not_o transcribe_v the_o word_n now_o suppose_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o have_v for_o some_o century_n be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o image_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n yet_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o holy_a church_n just_a as_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n by_o retain_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o the_o many_o error_n they_o have_v add_v make_v they_o a_o very_a corrupt_a church_n and_o thus_o by_o profess_v the_o holy_a faith_n and_o own_v the_o great_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o holiness_n they_o be_v a_o holy_a church_n though_o their_o holiness_n may_v be_v far_o from_o be_v perfect_a entire_a and_o uncorrupt_a as_o well_o as_o their_o faith_n when_o holiness_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o can_v signify_v internal_a holiness_n and_o sanctification_n for_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n be_v intermix_v in_o the_o church_n and_o if_o the_o church_n must_v be_v holy_a in_o this_o sense_n all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o must_v be_v impeccable_a as_o well_o as_o infallible_a but_o holiness_n signify_v either_o their_o state_n or_o their_o profession_n that_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o so_o his_o holy_a and_o peculiar_a people_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o the_o moysaicall_a covenant_n who_o be_v therefore_o upon_o this_o account_n often_o call_v a_o holy_a nation_n even_o when_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n in_o worship_v the_o golden_a calf_n and_o have_v few_o visible_a mark_n of_o holiness_n in_o their_o life_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o christian_a church_n which_o now_o succeed_v into_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n be_v call_v saint_n the_o elect_a and_o choose_a people_n of_o god_n to_o signify_v that_o now_o god_n own_v none_o for_o his_o people_n but_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o christian_a covenant_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n no_o church_n can_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o holy_a church_n without_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o then_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v holy_a by_o profession_n too_o and_o that_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a manner_n than_o the_o jewish_a church_n because_o she_o profess_v a_o more_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o whatever_o church_n teach_v the_o holy_a command_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o require_v and_o profess_v obedience_n to_o they_o be_v so_o far_o a_o holy_a church_n by_o profession_n though_o she_o may_v teach_v other_o thing_n which_o she_o may_v think_v holy_a but_o indeed_o be_v not_o so_o if_o holiness_n signify_v a_o external_n and_o visible_a relation_n to_o god_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o a_o holy_a religion_n than_o that_o society_n which_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n so_o as_o to_o continue_v a_o covenant_n relation_n to_o christ_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n a_o holy_a church_n whatever_o corruption_n she_o be_v guilty_a of_o either_o in_o faith_n or_o practice_n which_o do_v not_o un-church_n she_o three_o as_o for_o what_o remain_v in_o the_o paper_n it_o have_v be_v answer_v already_o upon_o other_o occasion_n schism_n we_o confess_v be_v a_o damn_v sin_n and_o thank_v god_n that_o we_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o it_o we_o cast_v off_o the_o roman_a yoke_n which_o christ_n never_o lay_v upon_o we_o and_o to_o deliver_v ourselves_o from_o the_o unjust_a usurpation_n of_o foreign_a church_n be_v no_o schism_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v rebellion_n to_o oppose_v the_o invasion_n of_o a_o foreign_a prince_n we_o reform_v our_o own_o communion_n and_o that_o be_v no_o schism_n for_o we_o have_v full_a authority_n to_o do_v it_o and_o our_o reformation_n be_v such_o that_o they_o may_v communicate_v with_o we_o though_o we_o
a_o mind_n to_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o must_v go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o enlarge_v and_o improve_v their_o faith_n for_o we_o shall_v never_o believe_v they_o but_o if_o they_o can_v be_v content_v with_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n profess_v we_o have_v as_o much_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n for_o that_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o have_v and_o how_o they_o can_v better_v themselves_o by_o go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o to_o these_o point_n i_o can_v tell_v since_o we_o believe_v as_o orthodox_o as_o they_o second_o as_o for_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o we_o reject_v because_o we_o have_v no_o evidence_n for_o they_o but_o only_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v no_o evidence_n to_o we_o because_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a itself_o we_o think_v ourselves_o much_o safe_o in_o reject_v than_o we_o can_v be_v in_o own_v they_o and_o that_o for_o this_o plain_a reason_n that_o though_o we_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o reject_v such_o doctrine_n as_o we_o be_v very_o certain_a we_o be_v not_o yet_o they_o be_v such_o mistake_v as_o do_v no_o injury_n to_o common_a christianity_n no_o dishonour_n to_o our_o common_a saviour_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v dangerous_a to_o our_o soul_n whereas_o if_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v as_o we_o say_v they_o be_v innovation_n and_o corruption_n of_o christianity_n they_o be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a corruption_n as_o to_o show_v this_o in_o some_o few_o instance_n what_o injury_n be_v it_o to_o christianity_n not_o to_o believe_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o council_n while_o we_o believe_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o be_v infallible_a which_o be_v infallibility_n enough_o to_o direct_v the_o christian_a church_n for_o while_o we_o adhere_v to_o what_o they_o teach_v we_o can_v neither_o believe_v too_o little_a nor_o too_o much_o but_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o stand_v to_o his_o authority_n and_o to_o receive_v all_o his_o dictate_v without_o examination_n and_o how_o dangerous_a be_v this_o if_o he_o shall_v prove_v not_o to_o be_v infallible_a for_o than_o he_o may_v lead_v we_o into_o damnable_a error_n and_o we_o have_v no_o way_n to_o get_v out_o of_o they_o while_o we_o own_o the_o supremacy_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o of_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n under_o christ_n what_o do_v the_o church_n suffer_v by_o deny_v the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o pope_n when_o sovereign_a prince_n and_o bishop_n may_v govern_v their_o several_a church_n as_o well_o or_o better_a without_o he_o this_o indeed_o destroy_v the_o papal_a monarchy_n but_o christ_n be_v king_n still_o and_o the_o church_n be_v never_o the_o worse_a church_n because_o it_o be_v not_o a_o universal_a monarchy_n which_o christ_n never_o intend_v it_o shall_v be_v but_o if_o we_o give_v the_o supremacy_n to_o the_o pope_n and_o he_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o by_o christ_n institution_n this_o be_v a_o invasion_n upon_o the_o right_n of_o all_o the_o christian_a bishop_n in_o the_o world_n make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o govern_v or_o reform_v their_o own_o church_n whatever_o occasion_n there_o be_v without_o leave_n from_o the_o pope_n which_o very_a thing_n have_v hinder_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o these_o last_o age_n when_o it_o have_v be_v so_o earnest_o press_v both_o by_o christian_a prince_n and_o bishop_n of_o that_o communion_n witness_v the_o managemént_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n nay_o this_o be_v a_o invasion_n on_o the_o right_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n to_o set_v a_o superior_a over_o they_o in_o their_o own_o dominion_n who_o can_v command_v their_o subject_n with_o a_o more_o sacred_a authority_n and_o how_o fatal_a this_o may_v prove_v to_o prince_n and_o what_o a_o snare_n and_o temptation_n to_o subject_n some_o example_n of_o former_a age_n may_v satisfy_v we_o suppose_v we_o shall_v be_v mistake_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o pray_v to_o saint_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o want_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n by_o not_o do_v it_o and_o certain_o our_o saviour_n can_v think_v it_o any_o injury_n to_o his_o mediation_n that_o we_o so_o whole_o rely_v upon_o his_o intercession_n that_o we_o desire_v no_o other_o advocate_n and_o that_o we_o be_v so_o jealous_a of_o his_o glory_n that_o we_o will_v not_o admit_v the_o most_o glorious_a saint_n to_o the_o least_o partnership_n with_o he_o and_o this_o will_v make_v he_o our_o advocate_n in_o deed_n when_o he_o see_v we_o will_v have_v no_o other_o but_o if_o he_o be_v our_o only_a mediator_n and_o advocate_n by_o god_n appointment_n and_o his_o own_o purchase_n let_v those_o who_o unnecessary_o apply_v themselves_o to_o so_o many_o other_o mediator_n consider_v how_o our_o only_a mediator_n will_v like_v it_o suppose_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o worship_n god_n or_o christ_n by_o image_n which_o we_o think_v express_o forbid_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n yet_o will_v they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o affront_n or_o injury_n to_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n to_o worship_v he_o without_o image_n if_o that_o lovely_a idea_n we_o have_v of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n if_o the_o remembrance_n of_o what_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o make_v we_o true_o and_o sincere_o and_o passionate_o devout_a what_o need_n have_v we_o of_o a_o image_n which_o be_v pretend_v only_o to_o be_v a_o help_n to_o devotion_n and_o therefore_o of_o no_o use_n to_o those_o who_o can_v be_v devout_a without_o it_o but_o he_o who_o consider_v what_o god_n jealousy_n mean_v must_v needs_o think_v it_o dangerous_a to_o worship_v the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o saint_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v be_v forbid_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o all_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v never_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o though_o latin_a prayer_n be_v lawful_a in_o english_a congregation_n who_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o yet_o be_v it_o unlawful_a to_o pray_v in_o english_a be_v it_o any_o dishonour_n to_o god_n any_o injury_n to_o religion_n that_o man_n pray_v with_o their_o understanding_n if_o true_a worship_n begin_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o our_o understanding_n must_v govern_v our_o affection_n i_o shall_v fear_v that_o to_o pray_v without_o understanding_n what_o i_o pray_v will_v not_o be_v accept_v by_o that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n and_o must_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o christ_n once_a offering_n himself_o upon_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o sufficient_a sacrifice_n propitiation_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n what_o injury_n do_v we_o to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n though_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v offer_v again_o every_o day_n in_o ten_o thousand_o mass_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o in_o the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o eat_v the_o sacramental_a body_n and_o drink_v the_o sacramental_a blood_n of_o christ_n which_o by_o his_o own_o institution_n do_v as_o real_o and_o effectual_o convey_v to_o we_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n as_o if_o we_o can_v eat_v his_o natural_a flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n what_o injury_n do_v the_o church_n suffer_v by_o deny_v transubstantiation_n and_o if_o when_o we_o approach_v his_o holy_a table_n we_o worship_v christ_n in_o heaven_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n be_v not_o this_o as_o true_a a_o honour_n to_o our_o saviour_n as_o to_o worship_v he_o under_o the_o species_n of_o bread_n but_o if_o transubstantiation_n be_v false_a what_o a_o hazard_n do_v that_o man_n run_v who_o worship_v a_o piece_n of_o bread_n which_o the_o most_o learned_a romanist_n themselves_o grant_v to_o be_v idolatry_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o christ_n alone_o have_v a_o judicial_a power_n to_o forgive_v sin_n and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o ministerial_a authority_n to_o take_v in_o or_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o only_a state_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o ministerial_a remit_v or_o retain_v of_o sin_n and_o sufficient_a to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v not_o this_o as_o much_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n as_o any_o christian_a have_v need_n of_o though_o we_o deny_v that_o the_o priest_n have_v a_o judicial_a
or_o praetorian_a authority_n to_o forgive_v sin_n which_o be_v not_o compatible_a to_o any_o creature_n for_o what_o can_v any_o man_n desire_v more_o have_v to_o be_v put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o be_v final_o acquit_v and_o absolve_v in_o the_o next_o but_o if_o the_o priest_n have_v no_o such_o judicial_a authority_n to_o forgive_v sin_n what_o a_o fatal_a mistake_n be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o rely_v on_o such_o a_o ineffectual_a absolution_n what_o a_o miserable_a surprise_n will_v it_o be_v for_o those_o who_o think_v themselves_o pardon_v by_o the_o priest_n to_o be_v condemn_v by_o christ_n though_o we_o deny_v such_o a_o place_n as_o purgatory_n be_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n as_o good_a a_o argument_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n or_o do_v it_o lessen_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o sinner_n to_o say_v that_o god_n remit_v all_o future_a punishment_n when_o he_o remit_v the_o sin_n but_o if_o the_o hope_n of_o expiate_v their_o sin_n in_o purgatory_n and_o of_o be_v pray_v out_o of_o it_o shall_v embolden_v any_o man_n in_o sin_n what_o a_o disappointment_n will_v it_o be_v to_o find_v their_o purgatory_n to_o be_v hell_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o we_o can_v suffer_v nothing_o by_o deny_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o unless_o the_o causeless_a anathema_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v damn_v we_o but_o the_o hazard_n be_v so_o vast_o great_a on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o mistake_n will_v prove_v so_o fatal_a if_o they_o be_v in_o a_o mistake_n that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n can_v justify_v the_o prudence_n of_o such_o a_o choice_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o such_o fallible_a creature_n as_o we_o own_v ourselves_o to_o be_v to_o venture_v on_o they_o we_o be_v safe_a as_o we_o be_v and_o we_o think_v it_o best_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o so_o though_o we_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v safe_a three_o safe_a i_o say_v we_o be_v in_o reject_v these_o doctrine_n unless_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o by_o reject_v they_o we_o want_v something_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n especial_o wherein_o the_o romanist_n think_v they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o we_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o some_o protestant_n be_v persuade_v to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o that_o of_o rome_n that_o they_o eat_v the_o natural_a flesh_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o receive_v a_o judicial_a pardon_n of_o all_o their_o sin_n by_o the_o absolution_n of_o the_o priest_n which_o we_o confess_v we_o do_v not_o now_o suppose_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o eat_v the_o natural_a flesh_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o christ_n will_v not_o forgive_v any_o man_n who_o be_v not_o before_o forgive_v by_o the_o priest_n yet_o if_o these_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v they_o as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o no_o man_n need_v go_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o they_o if_o the_o word_n of_o consecration_n this_o be_v my_o body_n do_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n transubstantiate_v the_o bread_n into_o the_o natural_a flesh_n of_o christ_n these_o word_n must_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n when_o pronounce_v by_o a_o priest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o give_v we_o his_o natural_a flesh_n to_o eat_v we_o do_v eat_v it_o as_o much_o as_o they_o for_o we_o eat_v the_o consecrate_a element_n which_o be_v whatever_o christ_n intend_v to_o make_v they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o consecration_n for_o our_o not_o believe_v transubstantiation_n can_v hinder_v the_o virtue_n of_o consecration_n if_o christ_n have_v so_o appoint_v it_o for_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o change_v their_o nature_n with_o man_n opinion_n about_o they_o thus_o penitent_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v confess_v their_o sin_n to_o a_o priest_n if_o they_o please_v and_o receive_v absolution_n and_o if_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v a_o judicial_a absolution_n than_o they_o have_v it_o and_o need_v not_o go_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o it_o there_o be_v but_o two_o objection_n that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o this_o either_o that_o we_o have_v no_o true_a priest_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o consecration_n of_o the_o element_n or_o that_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v necessary_a to_o consecration_n and_o nothing_o more_o be_v do_v than_o what_o the_o priest_n intend_v to_o do_v and_o therefore_o no_o priest_n can_v transubstantiate_v but_o he_o who_o intend_v to_o transubstantiate_v 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o if_o there_o be_v no_o true_a priest_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o our_o bishop_n and_o priest_n derive_v their_o succession_n from_o those_o bishop_n who_o receive_v order_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o have_v as_o good_a order_n as_o they_o can_v give_v and_o as_o they_o themselves_o have_v and_o if_o we_o have_v as_o true_a bishop_n and_o priest_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o must_v have_v as_o perfect_a sacrament_n as_o they_o also_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o to_o intend_v to_o do_v what_o the_o church_n do_v and_o why_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o do_v what_o christ_n do_v as_o good_a and_o perfect_a a_o intention_n as_o this_o and_o thus_o we_o all_o intend_v to_o do_v what_o christ_n do_v which_o be_v all_o the_o intention_n that_o can_v be_v necessary_a to_o consecration_n unless_o the_o private_a opinion_n of_o the_o priest_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o institution_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n depend_v upon_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n for_o consecration_n no_o papist_n can_v ever_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o bread_n be_v consecrate_v and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v not_o transubstantiate_v and_o therefore_o i_o think_v they_o may_v compound_v this_o business_n and_o allow_v we_o transubstantiation_n if_o we_o will_v allow_v it_o they_o we_o want_v it_o not_o indeed_o and_o care_v not_o for_o it_o but_o those_o who_o lie_v so_o much_o stress_n upon_o it_o need_v not_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o that_o reason_n at_o least_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o we_o want_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n let_v we_o but_o observe_v the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o we_o need_v not_o fear_n but_o we_o shall_v receive_v all_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n which_o christ_n intend_v to_o convey_v to_o we_o in_o that_o sacrament_n which_o those_o can_v never_o be_v sure_a of_o who_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o institution_n but_o receive_v only_o a_o part_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n instead_o of_o the_o whole_a be_v these_o thing_n well_o consider_v i_o persuade_v myself_o no_o man_n will_v see_v any_o cause_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n where_o he_o have_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n without_o oppress_v his_o faith_n with_o doctrine_n hard_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o endanger_v his_o soul_n by_o doubtful_a and_o suspicious_a practice_n at_o best_a the_o index_n the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n of_o no_o use_n in_o convert_v jew_n or_o pagan_n 2_o faith_n not_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n 3_o though_o some_o passage_n in_o scripture_n be_v difficult_a other_o be_v plain_a 4_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a 5_o whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n 6_o whether_o general_n council_n have_v a_o power_n to_o determine_v matter_n of_o faith_n without_o appeal_n to_o every_o man_n reason_n 8_o 9_o what_o authority_n we_o allow_v to_o council_n 10_o 11_o the_o use_n of_o antiquity_n in_o expound_v scripture_n 12_o the_o church_n of_o england_n way_n of_o resolve_v of_o faith_n 14_o 15_o heretic_n pretence_n to_o scripture_n no_o argument_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o way_n 15_o 16_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretence_n to_o antiquity_n 16_o 17_o what_o course_n people_n must_v take_v who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o controversy_n in_o religion_n 19_o etc._n etc._n the_o ignorance_n of_o common_a people_n only_o a_o pretence_n not_o a_o reason_n for_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n 26_o 27_o a_o visible_a succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n no_o mark_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n 29_o argument_n against_o a_o infallible_a judge_n 32_o 33_o proof_n that_o christ_n never_o intend_v to_o set_v up_o such_o a_o judge_n 39_o certainty_n in_o religion_n may_v be_v have_v without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n 42_o what_o evidence_n require_v in_o faith_n 43_o concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 46_o a_o inquiry_n what_o certainty_n a_o papist_n can_v have_v 5â—_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v guilty_a of_o damnable_a error_n 60_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v authority_n to_o reform_v error_n which_o be_v not_o damnable_a 62_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n 63_o whether_o we_o can_v know_v what_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v canonical_a without_o a_o visible_a judge_n 64_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v one_o 65_o the_o apostolic_a church_n the_o standard_n of_o catholic_n unity_n and_o communion_n 67_o what_o catholic_n communion_n be_v 69_o 70_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v call_v holy_a 72_o the_o church_n of_o england_n not_o guilty_a of_o schism_n 73_o that_o there_o be_v great_a safety_n in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 75_o to_o the_o end_n the_o end_n
be_v teach_v to_o understand_v it_o thus_o mathematical_a demonstration_n be_v certain_o plain_a for_o if_o a_o demonstration_n be_v not_o plain_a nothing_o be_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o every_o man_n can_v understand_v they_o without_o a_o teacher_n but_o since_o those_o who_o do_v study_v mathematics_n can_v understand_v they_o and_o any_o man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n who_o will_v attend_v to_o the_o instruction_n of_o a_o skilful_a master_n may_v understand_v they_o we_o may_v call_v they_o plain_a though_o they_o be_v not_o obvious_a at_o the_o first_o sight_n for_o this_o purpose_n christ_n appoint_v a_o order_n of_o man_n in_o his_o church_n who_o business_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o study_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o to_o teach_v other_o not_o to_o impose_v on_o their_o faith_n by_o their_o mere_a authority_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v express_o warn_v we_o against_o to_o call_v no_o man_n master_n upon_o earth_n and_o which_o st._n paul_n express_o disclaim_v be_v lord_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o to_o open_v their_o understanding_n and_o by_o easy_a step_n to_o lead_v they_o into_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n thus_o he_o teach_v his_o disciple_n himself_o as_o appear_v from_o all_o his_o sermon_n thus_o the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o christian_n of_o their_o day_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a teach_n i_o know_v of_o for_o to_o teach_v man_n to_o believe_v without_o understanding_n be_v to_o teach_v they_o to_o believe_v they_o know_v not_o what_o nor_o why_o but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o plain_a in_o scripture_n a_o assertion_n which_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a fundamental_o of_o religion_n and_o justify_v all_o the_o ancient_a heresy_n which_o can_v never_o be_v confute_v but_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n for_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o there_o how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n how_o can_v any_o man_n tell_v it_o be_v there_o when_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v there_o the_o primitive_a father_n who_o oppose_v those_o ancient_a heretic_n write_v great_a volume_n to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o i_o presume_v do_v think_v it_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n this_o be_v a_o doctrine_n which_o can_v be_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n if_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a in_o scripture_n it_o be_v plain_a no_o where_o and_o so_o not_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n unless_o they_o can_v show_v we_o another_o revelation_n beside_o and_o above_o the_o scripture_n the_o only_a argument_n the_o paper_n urge_v to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n not_o to_o be_v plain_a in_o scripture_n be_v that_o some_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n some_o believe_v the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o to_o be_v a_o separate_a person_n but_o only_o a_o attribute_n of_o god_n that_o be_v whatever_o some_o man_n deny_v be_v not_o plain_a and_o therefore_o christianity_n itself_o be_v not_o plain_a because_o jew_n and_o turk_n and_o heathen_n deny_v it_o be_v the_o form_n of_o baptism_n plain_o contain_v in_o scripture_n to_o baptise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o yet_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n who_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n will_v not_o use_v this_o form_n which_o be_v as_o good_a a_o argument_n that_o this_o form_n be_v not_o plain_a as_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o and_o indeed_o if_o one_o be_v plain_a the_o other_o must_v be_v unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o we_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n that_o be_v into_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o creature_n the_o paper_n and_o i_o think_v the_o assemble_v those_o council_n we_o receive_v as_o general_n show_v that_o their_o opposer_n be_v considerable_a answer_n how_o considerable_a for_o number_n or_o interest_n or_o zeal_n or_o authority_n they_o be_v inferior_a upon_o all_o these_o account_n to_o the_o general_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o number_n of_o infidel_n be_v as_o good_a a_o argument_n against_o christianity_n as_o the_o number_n of_o heretic_n against_o any_o one_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o this_o be_v a_o fatal_a instance_n to_o the_o popish_a as_o well_o as_o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n and_o somewhat_o worse_o for_o the_o scripture_n never_o comply_v with_o heretic_n but_o the_o pretend_a visible_a judge_n do_v when_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n subscribe_v the_o arian_n confession_n but_o what_o course_n do_v these_o nicene_n father_n take_v to_o confute_v the_o heresy_n of_o arius_n do_v they_o not_o allege_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o it_o consult_v their_o write_n and_o see_v what_o their_o reason_n be_v and_o when_o such_o a_o venerable_a council_n think_v the_o scripture_n clear_a and_o plain_a in_o this_o point_n be_v the_o dissent_n of_o heretic_n a_o great_a argument_n that_o they_o be_v not_o plain_a than_o the_o determination_n of_o such_o a_o council_n that_o they_o be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v a_o good_a confirmation_n that_o they_o expound_v scripture_n right_a but_o have_v it_o be_v possible_a that_o there_o shall_v have_v be_v a_o traditional_a article_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n say_v nothing_o of_o mere_a unscriptural_a tradition_n can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o we_o can_v not_o be_v sure_o what_o the_o original_a of_o such_o a_o tradition_n be_v for_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n give_v we_o the_o most_o certain_a account_n what_o their_o faith_n be_v and_o how_o ancient_a soever_o any_o other_o doctrine_n may_v be_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v it_o come_v from_o the_o apostle_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o paper_n and_o that_o those_o good_a father_n do_v not_o think_v after_o their_o witness_v out_o of_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n the_o belief_n hand_v down_o to_o they_o from_o father_n to_o son_n that_o the_o christian_n have_v so_o much_o as_o a_o liberty_n of_o examine_v after_o they_o since_o they_o positive_o anathematise_v all_o those_o that_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o decree_n for_o which_o if_o they_o have_v no_o authority_n the_o primitive_a father_n be_v the_o great_a tyrant_n in_o the_o world_n to_o refuse_v the_o bless_a mean_n of_o salvation_n to_o those_o that_o for_o aught_o appear_v be_v as_o sincere_a as_o themselves_o and_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n make_v scripture_n their_o rule_n as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v this_o i_o do_v not_o allege_v that_o i_o know_v of_o any_o true_o general_n council_n we_o reject_v but_o this_o appear_v to_o i_o that_o in_o the_o best_a of_o time_n there_o be_v think_v a_o power_n leave_v in_o the_o church_n without_o appeal_n to_o every_o man_n reason_n and_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_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 answer_n this_o paragraph_n be_v design_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o general_a council_n to_o determine_v controversy_n of_o faith_n without_o appeal_n to_o every_o man_n reason_n and_o that_o the_o father_n assemble_v in_o those_o first_o council_n do_v believe_v they_o have_v such_o a_o power_n that_o when_o once_o they_o have_v determine_v what_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v no_o man_n may_v examine_v after_o they_o now_o whatever_o the_o father_n of_o the_o council_n believe_v of_o themselves_o it_o be_v plain_a other_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v it_o the_o heretic_n who_o they_o condemn_v do_v not_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o council_n which_o yet_o they_o will_v certain_o have_v do_v have_v it_o be_v the_o general_a belief_n of_o christian_n in_o that_o age_n that_o the_o decree_n of_o general_a council_n be_v final_a and_o conclusive_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o man_n and_o to_o be_v examine_v by_o none_o for_o the_o most_o obstinate_a heretic_n can_v never_o have_v outface_v such_o a_o prejudice_n as_o this_o after_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a the_o father_n do_v appeal_v to_o man_n private_a reason_n if_o write_v book_n in_o justification_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v such_o a_o appeal_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o write_n of_o athanasius_n hilary_n s._n augustine_n and_o other_o nay_o it_o be_v strange_a there_o shall_v be_v so_o many_o other_o
apostle_n even_o st._n peter_n himself_o have_v no_o other_o commission_n but_o to_o teach_v than_o their_o authority_n can_v not_o extend_v far_o than_o their_o teach_v that_o be_v they_o can_v not_o oblige_v man_n to_o believe_v more_o than_o they_o can_v make_v they_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o well_o but_o if_o christ_n have_v not_o appoint_v a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n what_o certainty_n can_v we_o have_v of_o our_o religion_n and_o what_o care_n have_v christ_n take_v of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n these_o be_v two_o point_n which_o must_v be_v consider_v and_o if_o we_o can_v give_v a_o fair_a account_n of_o they_o without_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n there_o will_v be_v so_o little_a need_n of_o such_o a_o judge_n that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o contend_v about_o he_o first_o as_o for_o certainty_n why_o can_v we_o be_v certain_a of_o our_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o matter_n without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n do_v any_o man_n want_v a_o infallible_a judge_n to_o make_v he_o certain_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o plain_a law_n or_o any_o other_o intelligible_a write_n to_o understand_v the_o difference_n between_o true_a and_o false_a reason_n to_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o evidence_n he_o may_v rely_v on_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v do_v in_o a_o remote_a country_n or_o before_o he_o be_v bear_v now_o if_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n than_o certainty_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o infallibility_n because_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a without_o it_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n depend_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o evidence_n what_o we_o have_v certain_a evidence_n for_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o and_o what_o we_o have_v not_o certain_a evidence_n for_o we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a of_o to_o depend_v upon_o authority_n though_o it_o be_v suppose_v infallible_a be_v but_o one_o sort_n of_o evidence_n and_o one_o kind_n of_o certainty_n viz._n the_o certainty_n of_o authority_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v other_o kind_n of_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n for_o our_o religion_n beside_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n than_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a still_o though_o there_o be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n for_o where_o there_o be_v more_o mean_n of_o certainty_n than_o one_o the_o take_v away_o one_o do_v not_o destroy_v all_o certainty_n now_o i_o will_v fain_o see_v that_o man_n who_o will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o we_o have_v no_o possible_a way_n to_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n or_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v but_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n for_o then_o there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n unless_o they_o will_v own_v a_o infallible_a judge_n before_o they_o believe_v christianity_n which_o will_v argue_v great_a good_a nature_n in_o they_o well!_o but_o suppose_v there_o be_v other_o possible_a way_n to_o attain_v a_o certainty_n in_o religion_n yet_o there_o be_v none_o so_o easy_a none_o so_o certain_a as_o a_o infallible_a judge_n which_o deliver_v we_o from_o tedious_a inquiry_n and_o doubtful_a dispute_n and_o make_v all_o man_n orthodox_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o now_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n i_o reject_v a_o infallible_a judge_n because_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a christ_n never_o intend_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n as_o this_o faith_n be_v a_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o understanding_n which_o suppose_v that_o the_o evidence_n be_v not_o irresistible_a for_o it_o be_v no_o virtue_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o sun_n shine_v when_o we_o see_v it_o such_o evidence_n as_o force_n a_o assent_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n consider_v as_o a_o virtue_n which_o be_v a_o free_a and_o voluntary_a assent_n upon_o such_o evidence_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v a_o honest_a man_n but_o not_o to_o compel_v a_o obstinate_a infidel_n or_o heretic_n to_o believe_v of_o this_o nature_n be_v that_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n miracle_n alone_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o do_v not_o prove_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n or_o christ_n for_o then_o all_o man_n who_o see_v his_o miracle_n must_v have_v believe_v he_o as_o they_o do_v moses_n but_o beside_o this_o they_o be_v to_o inquire_v whether_o his_o person_n answer_v the_o character_n the_o prophet_n have_v give_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o whether_o his_o doctrine_n be_v reconcileable_a with_o their_o law_n and_o here_o the_o passion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o lust_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n may_v interpose_v and_o corrupt_v and_o bias_n their_o judgement_n and_o whether_o they_o will_v believe_v or_o will_v not_o believe_v do_v very_o much_o depend_v upon_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o their_o mind_n hence_o our_o saviour_n attribute_n the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n to_o their_o pride_n and_o covetousness_n and_o such_o like_a evil_a cause_n and_o require_v a_o honest_a and_o teachable_a mind_n to_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v man_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n such_o he_o call_v his_o sheep_n you_o believe_v not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o my_o sheep_n as_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o i_o know_v they_o and_o they_o follow_v i_o john_n 10._o 26_o 27._o now_o if_o this_o be_v all_o the_o evidence_n he_o have_v afford_v the_o world_n of_o his_o own_o be_v the_o messiah_n which_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o superstructure_n can_v be_v more_o firm_a and_o certain_a than_o the_o foundation_n be_v and_o therefore_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o evidence_n which_o christ_n think_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n must_v be_v sufficient_a also_o for_o all_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n christ_n have_v no_o disciple_n but_o sincere_a honest_a man_n and_o therefore_o have_v give_v we_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n as_o may_v be_v a_o trial_n of_o our_o honesty_n it_o be_v of_o no_o concernment_n whether_o bad_a man_n be_v infidel_n or_o heretic_n and_o than_o if_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n to_o satisfy_v honest_a man_n it_o be_v enough_o and_o there_o be_v abundant_a evidence_n for_o this_o purpose_n without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o he_o and_o beside_o this_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n not_o only_o to_o work_v faith_n in_o all_o well_o dispose_v mind_n but_o to_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n and_o to_o guide_v they_o in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o mean_n he_o have_v prescribe_v to_o find_v out_o truth_n which_o though_o it_o do_v not_o make_v they_o absolute_o infallible_a which_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o to_o carry_v man_n to_o heaven_n yet_o it_o preserve_v they_o from_o all_o great_a and_o fatal_a mistake_v now_o i_o will_v desire_v any_o man_n to_o tell_v i_o what_o need_v there_o have_v be_v of_o the_o internal_a illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n if_o christ_n have_v provide_v such_o a_o external_a infallible_a mean_n as_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n and_o though_o honest_a man_n be_v not_o infallible_a yet_o they_o have_v this_o security_n as_o to_o their_o speculative_a mistake_v which_o have_v no_o ill_a influence_n upon_o their_o life_n that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n do_v as_o well_o extend_v to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o understanding_n as_o of_o our_o wi_n for_o if_o a_o involuntary_a ignorance_n will_v be_v some_o excuse_n even_o to_o bad_a man_n to_o lessen_v their_o punishment_n much_o more_o may_v we_o presume_v it_o will_v excuse_v good_a men._n to_o demand_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n as_o god_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o give_v we_o do_v great_a mischief_n to_o religion_n for_o this_o make_v some_o man_n atheist_n and_o other_o infidel_n the_o infidel_n think_v that_o see_v there_o be_v not_o evidence_n enough_o for_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o force_v a_o assent_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v it_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n own_v this_o that_o there_o be_v not_o sufficient_a certainty_n without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o hence_o they_o argue_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o that_o the_o pope_n or_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v that_o judge_n now_o let_v the_o infidel_n and_o the_o romanist_n dispute_v it_o out_o which_o of_o these_o two_o be_v the_o best_a consequence_n that_o since_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o our_o religion_n whether_o we_o shall_v