constantinople_n under_o theodosius_n the_o emperor_n by_o which_o enlargement_n all_o good_a christian_a people_n be_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o catholic_n doctrine_n declare_v so_o to_o be_v according_a to_o scripture_n and_o universal_a tradition_n by_o these_o mighty_a argument_n they_o convince_v the_o heretic_n and_o just_o subject_v they_o to_o the_o punishment_n which_o their_o refractoriness_n and_o guilt_n deserve_v they_o settle_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o secure_v the_o faith_n from_o the_o like_a assault_n in_o aftertime_n their_o creed_n be_v the_o test_n by_o which_o they_o discern_v truth_n from_o heresy_n and_o it_o be_v receive_v and_o acknowledge_v as_o such_o 268._o by_o all_o the_o orthodox_n christian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o greece_n the_o lesser_a asia_n syria_n and_o egypt_n and_o teach_v the_o catechumeni_fw-la as_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a 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heretical_a dissenter_n who_o be_v a_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a party_n at_o first_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o rest_n the_o christian_a church_n be_v style_v 〈◊〉_d catholic_n or_o universal_a just_a as_o the_o great_a ocean_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o though_o it_o receive_v particular_a denomination_n from_o the_o several_a shore_n which_o it_o wash_v as_o the_o british_a cantabrian_a atlantic_a and_o the_o like_a and_o not_o from_o any_o pretend_a subjection_n to_o one_o sovereign_a pastor_n and_o the_o word_n catholic_n become_v another_o name_n for_o orthodox_n and_o the_o bishop_n afterward_o subscribe_v themselves_o bishop_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o such_o a_o place_n as_o found_v on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n universal_o receive_v throughout_o the_o world_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n in_o communion_n with_o all_o christian_n upon_o these_o two_o supposition_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o follow_a proposition_n that_o 1._o diversity_n of_o opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n of_o less_o moment_n do_v not_o interrupt_v and_o dissolve_v the_o unity_n of_o faith_n opinion_n arise_v either_o from_o want_n of_o evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o cause_v a_o fluctuation_n and_o unsettlement_n in_o the_o mind_n as_o not_o know_v where_o to_o fix_v and_o rest_v to_o which_o we_o yield_v a_o waver_a kind_n of_o assent_n more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o great_a or_o lesser_a degree_n of_o probability_n or_o else_o from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o understanding_n which_o not_o be_v able_a to_o take_v a_o comprehensive_a view_n of_o thing_n and_o resolve_v they_o into_o their_o first_o principle_n and_o original_a cause_n or_o for_o want_v of_o a_o sure_a foundation_n whether_o of_o nature_n or_o reason_n or_o authority_n or_o revelation_n take_v up_o with_o argument_n and_o motive_n of_o assent_n which_o fall_v short_a of_o certainty_n and_o which_o can_v quiet_v the_o mind_n and_o secure_v it_o from_o all_o suspicion_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o contrary_n and_o indeed_o consider_v the_o great_a variety_n of_o man_n temper_n and_o complexion_n education_n and_o interest_n and_o the_o great_a or_o lesser_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n industry_n curiosity_n and_o the_o like_a there_o be_v a_o moral_a impossibility_n that_o opinion_n shall_v be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o where_o god_n have_v leave_v a_o liberty_n no_o power_n upon_o earth_n can_v oblige_v the_o conscience_n and_o understanding_n to_o admit_v they_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o opinion_n that_o be_v either_o as_o true_a in_o their_o kind_n but_o far_o from_o the_o infallibility_n of_o divine_a revelation_n or_o as_o piè_fw-la credibilia_fw-la or_o as_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o agreement_n and_o uniformity_n in_o judgement_n to_o prevent_v schism_n and_o confusion_n so_o as_o yet_o no_o one_o particular_a church_n shall_v prescribe_v to_o another_o but_o leave_v each_o to_o its_o liberty_n of_o secure_v their_o peace_n and_o quiet_a by_o what_o confession_n they_o judge_v best_a for_o that_o end_n and_o nothing_o be_v impose_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n which_o thwart_v the_o ancient_a christian_a doctrine_n and_o the_o catholic_n tradition_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o all_o truth_n be_v not_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v with_o the_o same_o firmness_n of_o assent_n for_o several_a proposition_n may_v be_v true_a and_o useful_a and_o yet_o not_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o the_o faith_n the_o ignorance_n or_o disbelief_n of_o which_o do_v not_o throw_v a_o man_n out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n the_o neglect_n of_o this_o distinction_n have_v be_v one_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o trouble_n and_o turmoil_n of_o christendom_n whilst_o fierce_a and_o eager_a disputant_n have_v be_v engage_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o several_a tenant_n which_o have_v no_o necessary_a dependence_n on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o which_o be_v not_o determine_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o difficulty_n
apostle_n st._n paul_n say_v if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v rom._n 8._o 9_o where_o this_o article_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a suppose_v the_o rest_n and_o be_v here_o express_o mention_v as_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n mission_n and_o doctrine_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a grievous_a error_n to_o fancy_n that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o mere_a indifference_n what_o our_o belief_n be_v in_o particular_a and_o that_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o we_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n without_o oblige_v ourselves_o to_o believe_v all_o the_o just_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o that_o proposition_n mere_o because_o that_o one_o single_a act_n of_o faith_n qualify_v the_o first_o convert_v for_o baptism_n when_o that_o only_o be_v mention_v as_o the_o foundation_n and_o basis_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o do_v necessary_o include_v all_o the_o other_o doctrinal_a point_n that_o depend_v upon_o it_o 3._o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o profess_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n as_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o as_o out_o of_o they_o it_o be_v brief_o sum_v up_o in_o the_o creed_n the_o explication_n which_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v make_v of_o that_o rule_n so_o that_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n after_o this_o acknowledgement_n it_o be_v unjust_a to_o demand_v a_o more_o particular_a and_o distinct_a account_n or_o catalogue_n of_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n that_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o age_n which_o be_v so_o in_o the_o first_o so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o believe_v less_o and_o to_o reject_v any_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o teach_v the_o contrary_a be_v just_o chargeable_a with_o the_o guilt_n of_o heresy_n and_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o wariness_n but_o of_o pride_n and_o obstinacy_n the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o believe_v the_o testimony_n that_o he_o have_v give_v of_o his_o son_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o divine_a authority_n on_o which_o they_o be_v found_v be_v sufficient_a argument_n to_o move_v we_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o though_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v so_o far_o above_o our_o comprehension_n they_o be_v mystery_n and_o necessary_o must_v be_v such_o and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v adore_v and_o submit_v to_o with_o that_o humility_n that_o befit_v creature_n conscious_a of_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o faileurs_fw-fr and_o of_o the_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a majesty_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o if_o this_o trouble_v they_o they_o may_v as_o well_o murmur_v and_o quarrel_n and_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n as_o obscure_v and_o un-intelligible_a there_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v all_o who_o will_v be_v content_a with_o just_a proof_n of_o it_o though_o not_o to_o take_v away_o all_o possible_a doubt_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o must_v side_n with_o the_o follower_n of_o epicurus_n in_o their_o idle_a and_o foolish_a and_o impious_a attempt_n to_o raze_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o extinguish_v and_o destroy_v all_o religion_n out_o of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v not_o impose_v upon_o they_o or_o do_v violence_n to_o their_o reason_n as_o they_o object_n only_o upon_o this_o pretence_n because_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o as_o evident_a and_o clear_a to_o their_o understanding_n as_o visible_a object_n be_v to_o the_o eye_n in_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a light_n for_o than_o they_o will_v cease_v to_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o lose_v their_o name_n and_o fall_v under_o the_o comprehension_n of_o science_n and_o indeed_o so_o long_o as_o they_o retain_v this_o unreasonable_a principle_n that_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v by_o the_o narrow_a rule_n of_o philosophy_n and_o natural_a reason_n which_o can_v be_v no_o proper_a medium_n of_o prove_v thing_n only_o knowable_a by_o revelation_n they_o may_v well_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o power_n to_o change_v their_o opinion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o bring_v their_o understanding_n to_o admit_v they_o but_o can_v they_o hope_v that_o this_o shall_v justify_v their_o pertinaciousness_n and_o excuse_v they_o at_o god_n tribunal_n be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o unjust_a prejudices_fw-la which_o they_o entertain_v arise_v from_o a_o perverse_a will_n and_o from_o obstinacy_n and_o pride_n and_o peevishness_n and_o not_o from_o any_o dissatisfactoriness_n at_o the_o inevidence_n and_o incertainty_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o motive_n of_o their_o credibility_n it_o be_v only_a god_n who_o can_v convince_v such_o man_n by_o the_o mighty_a influence_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o remove_v these_o prejudices_fw-la which_o obstruct_v the_o reception_n of_o his_o truth_n to_o who_o mercy_n we_o leave_v they_o for_o we_o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o our_o profession_n of_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o god_n be_v faithful_a who_o have_v call_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n if_o you_o understand_v aright_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o you_o to_o be_v debauch_v and_o pervert_v either_o by_o socinian_n or_o jesuit_n or_o sectary_n all_o their_o pretend_a demonstration_n for_o error_n and_o delusion_n be_v usual_o very_o bold_a and_o confident_a be_v mere_a sophism_n and_o argument_n of_o deceit_n trick_n and_o artifices_fw-la of_o wit_n without_o any_o foundation_n of_o true_a reason_n in_o the_o one_o or_o of_o scripture_n or_o apostolical_a tradition_n in_o the_o other_o if_o as_o i_o say_v before_o the_o primitive_a christian_n go_v to_o heaven_n you_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o same_o hope_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o you_o add_v to_o a_o sound_a faith_n the_o practice_n of_o a_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a and_o true_o christian_a life_n and_o if_o you_o perform_v the_o vow_n you_o make_v at_o your_o baptism_n and_o renew_v every_o time_n you_o receive_v the_o most_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o so_o adorn_v the_o primitive_a faith_n with_o primitive_a purity_n and_o holiness_n appendix_n concern_v the_o apostle_n creed_n this_o form_n of_o faith_n be_v call_v by_o 1._o irenaeus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o invariable_a rule_n of_o faith_n receive_v and_o open_o profess_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o new_a convert_n at_o his_o baptism_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o in_o several_a other_o place_n he_o refer_v not_o only_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o general_n but_o to_o a_o fix_a and_o know_v rule_n of_o it_o as_o lib._n 1._o cap._n 19_o cum_fw-la teneamus_fw-la autem_fw-la nos_fw-la regulam_fw-la veritatis_fw-la and_o lib._n 2._o cap._n 43._o nusquam_fw-la transferentes_fw-la regulam_fw-la neque_fw-la errantes_fw-la ab_fw-la artifice_n neque_fw-la abjicientes_fw-la fidem_fw-la this_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v call_v somewhere_o by_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o little_a body_n or_o system_v of_o article_n contain_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n tertullian_n do_v also_o often_o mention_v the_o regula_fw-la fidei_fw-la as_o a_o thing_n every_o where_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v as_o in_o his_o book_n against_o hermogenes_n in_o the_o beginning_n the_o prescript_n cap._n 13._o apol._n cap._n 47._o and_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr velandis_fw-la virginibus_fw-la in_o the_o beginning_n regula_n quidem_fw-la fidei_fw-la una_fw-la omnino_fw-la est_fw-la soia_fw-la immobilis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o irreformabilis_fw-la and_o be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o he_o call_v soon_o after_o lex_fw-la fidei_fw-la or_o the_o unalterable_a law_n of_o faith_n which_o admit_v of_o no_o change_n whereas_o the_o church_n have_v a_o power_n in_o matter_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o external_a behaviour_n to_o make_v what_o alteration_n shall_v be_v judge_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o piety_n prudence_n decency_n and_o to_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n of_o place_n and_o time_n and_o other_o accident_n hâc_fw-la lege_fw-la fidei_fw-la manente_fw-la cetera_fw-la jam_fw-la disciplinae_fw-la &_o conversationis_fw-la admittunt_fw-la novitatem_fw-la correction_n operante_fw-la scilicet_fw-la &_o persiciente_a usque_fw-la in_o finem_fw-la gratiâ_fw-la dei_fw-la thus_o in_o general_a there_o be_v a_o explicit_a rule_n of_o faith_n
foolish_a and_o idle_a presumption_n to_o think_v otherwise_o and_o particular_o that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n lie_v out_o of_o our_o reach_n and_o ken_n appear_v by_o this_o unhappy_a proof_n that_o upon_o their_o first_o publication_n at_o that_o time_n when_o all_o the_o treasury_n and_o hide_a recess_n of_o nature_n be_v throw_v open_a and_o lay_v common_a when_o nothing_o seem_v to_o escape_v the_o curiosity_n of_o bold_a and_o industrious_a enquirer_n and_o when_o the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n seem_v to_o exalt_v reason_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n and_o degree_n of_o perfection_n that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o they_o stand_v amaze_v at_o the_o strangeness_n of_o this_o new_a doctrine_n not_o agree_v with_o their_o principle_n and_o no_o way_n to_o be_v accommodate_v to_o any_o of_o those_o numerous_a hypothesis_n which_o they_o have_v take_v up_o and_o from_o this_o amazement_n they_o soon_o advance_v to_o a_o downright_a and_o violent_a opposition_n 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seem_v to_o thwart_v and_o cross_v and_o contradict_v those_o foolish_a idea_n and_o childish_a fancy_n wherewith_o they_o have_v so_o long_o please_v themselves_o the_o world_n be_v now_o to_o be_v instruct_v with_o a_o better_a and_o more_o heavenly_a doctrine_n and_o all_o just_a motive_n of_o persuasion_n be_v use_v and_o propose_v to_o satisfy_v their_o reason_n and_o to_o work_v they_o up_o to_o a_o full_a belief_n of_o it_o enough_o to_o lay_v the_o whole_a blame_n of_o their_o infidelity_n upon_o themselves_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v by_o christ_n in_o plain_a and_o easy_a proposition_n without_o the_o least_o ambiguity_n and_o the_o authority_n wherewith_o they_o be_v propose_v render_v they_o infallible_a for_o how_o can_v they_o well_o doubt_v of_o or_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n which_o they_o see_v attest_v and_o confirm_v by_o omnipotence_n the_o ground_n then_o of_o our_o faith_n be_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n by_o christ._n my_o doctrine_n be_v not_o i_o say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o his_o that_o send_v i_o st._n john_n 7._o 16._o and_o he_o that_o send_v i_o be_v true_a and_o i_o speak_v to_o the_o world_n those_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o he_o st._n john_n 8._o 26._o and_o as_o my_o father_n have_v teach_v i_o i_o speak_v these_o thing_n v_o 28._o all_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o my_o father_n i_o have_v make_v know_v unto_o you_o chap._n 15._o v._n 15._o and_o i_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o word_n which_o thou_o give_v i_o and_o they_o have_v receive_v they_o chap._n 17._o v._n 8._o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n he_o it_o be_v who_o commissioned_n his_o apostle_n to_o publish_v the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o first_o teach_v from_o he_o and_o in_o his_o name_n to_o go_v about_o the_o world_n and_o make_v proselyte_n to_o his_o religion_n and_o proclaim_v the_o save_v virtue_n and_o merit_n of_o his_o cross_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o what_o one_o of_o the_o number_n say_v concern_v the_o institution_n and_o celebration_n of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 23._o i_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o which_o i_o have_v deliver_v to_o you_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o the_o whole_a complexion_n and_o comprehension_n of_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v their_o profession_n wheresoever_o they_o go_v there_o be_v no_o mixture_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o invention_n in_o the_o case_n 1._o they_o be_v infallible_o secure_v from_o the_o least_o error_n in_o their_o doctrine_n by_o the_o guidance_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n which_o they_o have_v hear_v which_o they_o have_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o which_o they_o have_v look_v upon_o and_o their_o hand_n have_v handle_v concern_v the_o world_n of_o life_n they_o declare_v and_o nothing_o else_o 47._o that_o be_v they_o speak_v nothing_o concern_v christ_n either_o his_o person_n or_o his_o doctrine_n but_o what_o they_o be_v infallible_o assure_v of_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v christ_n say_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v his_o will_n and_o what_o they_o have_v see_v he_o do_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n be_v thus_o establish_v i_o shall_v hence_o deduce_v these_o follow_a conclusion_n 1._o that_o no_o doctrine_n can_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v propose_v as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o christ_n have_v reveal_v and_o what_o the_o apostle_n from_o he_o have_v declare_v in_o their_o preach_v and_o in_o their_o write_n 2._o that_o since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o seal_v up_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n no_o new_a doctrine_n can_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v add_v as_o essential_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n much_o less_o of_o any_o particular_a church_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o to_o lay_v down_o any_o doctrine_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n but_o what_o be_v express_o reveal_v or_o clear_o deduce_v out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n 1._o that_o no_o doctrine_n can_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v propose_v as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o christ_n have_v reveal_v and_o what_o the_o apostle_n from_o he_o have_v declare_v in_o their_o preach_v and_o in_o their_o write_n all_o article_n of_o faith_n rely_v upon_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n by_o christ_n as_o we_o can_v deny_v such_o a_o testimony_n which_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o son_n without_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n as_o st._n john_n speak_v first_o epist._n 5_o chap._n 10_o ver_fw-la so_o nothing_o more_o can_v be_v require_v of_o we_o than_o to_o believe_v that_o and_o that_o only_a as_o necessary_a and_o with_o a_o divine_a faith_n which_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v 10._o 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a_o doctrine_n propose_v to_o we_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v it_o any_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n preserve_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v the_o apostle_n teach_v it_o their_o first_o convert_v be_v it_o agreeable_a to_o or_o found_v upon_o true_a apostolic_a tradition_n be_v this_o tradition_n uninterrupted_n and_o derive_v down_o pure_a from_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v it_o receive_v universal_o by_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o christian_n in_o their_o time_n be_v it_o any_o where_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o their_o write_n either_o in_o express_a term_n or_o by_o a_o just_a and_o clear_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n for_o though_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v preach_v and_o receive_v before_o any_o word_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v pen_v yet_o to_o say_v the_o apostle_n teach_v many_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o they_o do_v not_o put_v down_o 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to_o be_v expect_v only_o a_o deliver_n down_o of_o the_o same_o apostolical_a doctrine_n to_o after-age_n in_o which_o the_o faith_n nay_o the_o curiosity_n of_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o acquiesce_v 3._o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n much_o less_o of_o any_o particular_a church_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o to_o lay_v down_o any_o doctrine_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n but_o what_o be_v express_o reveal_v or_o clear_o deduce_v out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n for_o if_o so_o they_o must_v pretend_v to_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o produce_v clear_a and_o convictive_a evidence_n of_o such_o revelation_n to_o make_v they_o credible_a and_o lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o receive_v their_o proposition_n under_o the_o grievous_a penalty_n of_o otherwise_o disobey_v the_o voice_n and_o will_n of_o god_n this_o dotage_n indeed_o montanus_n and_o such_o kind_n of_o enthusiast_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o but_o their_o pretension_n be_v reject_v as_o dream_n of_o folly_n arise_v from_o misinterpretation_n of_o scripture_n as_o if_o there_o be_v to_o be_v new_a revelation_n make_v in_o aftertime_n by_o way_n of_o super-addition_n and_o supplement_n into_o which_o error_n they_o be_v lead_v by_o their_o pride_n and_o conceitedness_n and_o a_o ill_a habit_n and_o temper_n of_o body_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o praescription_n of_o the_o precedent_a age_n be_v just_o object_v against_o they_o commonitorium_fw-la all_o that_o the_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v only_o this_o not_o to_o define_v and_o make_v a_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o to_o declare_v what_o before_o be_v reveal_v and_o acknowledge_v though_o not_o so_o clear_o understand_v till_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o time_n make_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o church_n in_o a_o general_a council_n to_o interpose_v her_o authority_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o controversy_n of_o faith_n and_o where_o this_o pretence_n be_v true_a her_o authority_n ought_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o and_o her_o proposal_n embrace_v that_o be_v if_o the_o doctrine_n propose_v be_v the_o just_a and_o natural_a result_n of_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n express_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o understand_v in_o that_o manner_n and_o acknowledge_v as_o such_o by_o the_o first_o christian_n contemporary_n and_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o constant_o receive_v from_o that_o time_n downward_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o opposition_n of_o a_o few_o after_o the_o first_o and_o general_a reception_n of_o a_o necessary_a truth_n be_v not_o considerable_a who_o through_o prejudice_n or_o out_o of_o design_n to_o raise_v trouble_n in_o the_o church_n or_o out_o of_o ambition_n to_o be_v the_o chief_n of_o a_o faction_n or_o through_o a_o pretend_a dissatisfaction_n at_o the_o mysteriousness_n of_o it_o or_o through_o wantonness_n of_o wit_n and_o humour_n have_v be_v so_o obstinate_a as_o not_o only_o to_o refuse_v to_o make_v the_o same_o acknowledgement_n but_o to_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a with_o violence_n to_o all_o which_o that_o be_v to_o scripture_n apostolic_a tradition_n and_o universal_a consent_n the_o father_n assemble_v in_o the_o four_o first_o general_n council_n have_v regard_n in_o their_o determination_n against_o the_o heretic_n of_o their_o time_n they_o only_o fix_v what_o be_v catholic_n doctrine_n and_o what_o be_v believe_v in_o the_o age_n before_o they_o be_v bear_v they_o found_v their_o declaration_n upon_o scripture_n and_o universal_a tradition_n and_o to_o silence_v all_o dispute_n and_o to_o prevent_v schism_n and_o to_o direct_v their_o own_o and_o aftertime_n in_o the_o belief_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o faith_n they_o reduce_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o as_o it_o lie_v scatter_v in_o several_a part_n of_o scripture_n into_o a_o form_n of_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a word_n and_o enlarge_v themselves_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v anon_o 26._o it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o which_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o to_o we_o all_o the_o anathema_n be_v found_v upon_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n gal._n 1._o 8_o 9_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o what_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v if_o any_o man_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v and_o if_o there_o can_v be_v another_o gospel_n there_o can_v be_v another_o faith_n the_o gospel_n be_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n by_o christ_n and_o that_o revelation_n full_a and_o make_v but_o once_o in_o
the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n whatever_o therefore_o the_o church_n believe_v or_o propose_v to_o be_v believe_v must_v necessary_o be_v found_v upon_o such_o a_o revelation_n and_o consequent_o that_o doctrine_n if_o it_o be_v of_o faith_n must_v original_o derive_v from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o what_o he_o and_o they_o from_o he_o have_v deliver_v and_o consequent_o one_o and_o the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o that_o be_v in_o all_o age_n now_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o this_o faith_n and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v i_o shall_v inquire_v in_o the_o next_o place_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o proposition_n that_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n only_o respect_v the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o i_o will_v premise_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o form_n of_o word_n contain_v a_o brief_a summary_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v presuppose_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o most_o probable_o may_v be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o st._n paul_n advise_v timothy_n to_o hold_v fast_o 2_o epist._n 1._o 13._o and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o good_a depositum_fw-la or_o doctrine_n commit_v to_o his_o trust_n which_o undoubted_o refer_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n pure_o and_o abstract_o consider_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o which_o he_o be_v precise_o to_o adhere_v against_o all_o the_o noise_n and_o clamour_n of_o vain_a and_o idly-curious_a talker_n and_o the_o contradiction_n of_o the_o gnostic_n the_o heretic_n of_o that_o age_n who_o not_o content_a with_o the_o express_a and_o plain_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n pretend_v to_o high_a and_o great_a degree_n and_o measure_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 20._o o_o timothy_n keep_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o thy_o trust_n avoid_v profane_a and_o vain_a babble_n and_o opposition_n of_o science_n false_o so_o call_v it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n if_o there_o be_v no_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o countenance_n and_o make_v out_o the_o supposition_n that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o new_a convert_v put_v the_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n together_o into_o certain_a head_n of_o discourse_n and_o that_o to_o these_o they_o shall_v refer_v as_o to_o a_o rule_n gal._n 6._o 16._o phil._n 3._o 16._o as_o to_o a_o form_n of_o doctrine_n rom._n 6._o 17._o as_o to_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n heb._n 5._o 12._o as_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n heb._n 6._o 1._o and_o as_o to_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n judas_n v._n 3._o all_o which_o several_a circumlocution_n be_v expressive_a of_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o suppose_v those_o doctrine_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v universal_o teach_v and_o as_o universal_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v but_o appendix_n whether_o this_o form_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n which_o undoubted_o in_o the_o main_n be_v very_o ancient_a and_o most_o probable_o as_o ancient_a as_o their_o time_n the_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n indeed_o to_o serve_v and_o maintain_v the_o interest_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n against_o the_o innovation_n and_o assault_n of_o heresy_n add_v several_a clause_n and_o expression_n to_o it_o be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v dispute_v at_o large_a but_o however_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o long_o before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o council_n at_o nice_a there_o be_v a_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o use_n among_o christian_n as_o the_o standard_n of_o catholic_n verity_n as_o be_v demonstrable_a from_o the_o testimony_n of_o irenoeus_n tertullian_n and_o other_o which_o creed_n rufinus_n though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o variation_n of_o expression_n in_o it_o that_o be_v excludi_fw-la may_v be_v more_o contract_v or_o enlarge_v at_o different_a time_n yet_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a as_o to_o the_o sense_n and_o word_v too_o of_o most_o of_o the_o article_n be_v of_o general_a usage_n and_o of_o great_a authority_n derive_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o from_o the_o canon_n or_o decree_n of_o any_o council_n it_o may_v more_o than_o probable_o be_v suppose_v from_o the_o spread_a and_o universal_a reception_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o east_n and_o west_n and_o from_o the_o general_a silence_n of_o its_o first_o establishment_n that_o it_o be_v deliver_v down_o from_o the_o very_a first_o age_n as_o have_v the_o apostle_n for_o its_o author_n against_o this_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o if_o such_o a_o creed_n have_v be_v extant_a at_o that_o time_n the_o same_o respect_n and_o reverence_n will_v have_v be_v give_v to_o it_o as_o to_o their_o other_o write_n and_o consequent_o that_o there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o addition_n nor_o alteration_n of_o it_o much_o less_o any_o new_a form_n as_o the_o nicene_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v frame_v and_o introduce_v as_o if_o the_o other_o have_v be_v defective_a it_o may_v be_v full_o and_o satisfactory_o reply_v that_o whosoever_o consider_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o southern_a part_n of_o the_o empire_n 4._o that_o be_v in_o egypt_n and_o libya_n and_o thebais_n under_o constantine_n how_o it_o be_v rend_v and_o tear_v and_o the_o dissolution_n of_o its_o very_a be_v threaten_v by_o the_o new_a and_o blasphemous_a opinion_n of_o arius_n and_o his_o numerous_a follower_n he_o will_v quick_o find_v that_o the_o father_n who_o be_v convene_v at_o nice_a to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o those_o commotion_n and_o allay_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o tempest_n which_o begin_v to_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o government_n as_o well_o as_o of_o religion_n lay_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o fence_v about_o the_o hitherto_o uncontradict_v and_o establish_v doctrine_n of_o christianity_n with_o a_o large_a and_o more_o explicit_a form_n of_o word_n retain_v for_o the_o most_o part_n though_o with_o some_o little_a interpolation_n refer_v to_o the_o arian_n controversy_n which_o they_o hope_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o way_n the_o old_a form_n which_o eusebius_n bishop_n of_o coesarea_n in_o palestine_n present_v the_o emperor_n and_o that_o council_n as_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o the_o bishop_n his_o predecessor_n and_o which_o himself_o and_o the_o catechumeni_fw-la be_v first_o teach_v and_o profess_v at_o their_o baptism_n and_o by_o these_o mean_n 〈◊〉_d add_v a_o commentary_n and_o explication_n of_o what_o be_v more_o close_o couch_v in_o the_o apostolical_a form_n which_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o alter_v but_o to_o draw_v forth_o in_o its_o full_a meaning_n and_o consequence_n for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o the_o arian_n to_o say_v which_o be_v the_o plea_n of_o the_o socinian_o at_o this_o day_n that_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o subscribe_v to_o it_o unless_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o will_v admit_v the_o full_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o several_a proposition_n that_o be_v necessary_o include_v in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v and_o have_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n from_o the_o first_o time_n of_o christianity_n for_o if_o they_o pretend_v to_o say_v they_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n in_o a_o private_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o his_o godhead_n that_o be_v if_o they_o will_v not_o for_o all_o this_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v god_n beget_v of_o his_o father_n before_o all_o world_n but_o fancy_n there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o he_o be_v not_o and_o so_o make_v he_o a_o creature_n though_o the_o most_o glorious_a and_o perfect_a of_o all_o the_o creation_n and_o so_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o destroy_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n to_o make_v a_o mock-profession_n of_o faith_n to_o retain_v the_o apostle_n word_n only_o and_o deny_v in_o the_o mean_a while_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v intend_v to_o establish_v and_o so_o afterward_o when_o the_o heresy_n of_o macedonius_n break_v out_o threaten_v new_a trouble_n and_o distract_n the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n with_o their_o blasphemous_a novelty_n annexit_fw-la the_o article_n concern_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v enlarge_v by_o the_o assessor_n of_o the_o first_o general_n council_n hold_v at_o
in_o the_o right_n if_o a_o good_a life_n for_o that_o be_v a_o fundamental_a and_o most_o necessary_a point_n of_o christianity_n and_o without_o which_o all_o our_o belief_n be_v it_o never_o so_o orthodox_n will_v signify_v nothing_o add_v to_o a_o entire_a and_o find_v faith_n carry_v they_o to_o heaven_n we_o may_v be_v secure_a it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o follow_v they_o and_o tread_v in_o their_o step_n we_o retain_v the_o same_o faith_n the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n conform_v itself_o to_o their_o practice_n and_o example_n our_o church_n have_v be_v the_o great_a eyesore_a of_o rome_n ever_o since_o and_o especial_o of_o late_a when_o they_o have_v such_o mighty_a hope_n of_o prevail_a to_o which_o the_o froward_a and_o perverse_a humour_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n and_o chief_o the_o presbyterian_a faction_n the_o original_a and_o source_n of_o all_o our_o church-division_n have_v give_v so_o great_a advantage_n so_o that_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a king_n james_n of_o bless_a memory_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o prophet_n in_o this_o too_o that_o if_o ever_o the_o pope_n be_v bring_v into_o england_n it_o will_v be_v upon_o the_o back_n of_o a_o puritan_n as_o well_o as_o in_o that_o remarkable_a say_n no_o bishop_n no_o king_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v most_o sad_o justify_v and_o make_v out_o in_o the_o late_a most_o bloody_a and_o unnatural_a war_n and_o by_o the_o most_o horrid_a murder_n of_o the_o best_a of_o prince_n charles_n the_o martyr_n who_o righteous_a soul_n must_v needs_o be_v trouble_v if_o any_o thing_n of_o pity_n which_o be_v a_o troublesome_a passion_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o reach_v the_o bless_a at_o our_o present_a distraction_n and_o the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o they_o they_o envy_v her_o beauty_n and_o order_n the_o discreet_a piety_n of_o her_o service_n and_o the_o regularity_n and_o exactness_n of_o her_o discipline_n and_o the_o apostolicalness_n of_o her_o government_n and_o the_o flourish_a of_o her_o university_n this_o make_v they_o rage_n and_o swell_v and_o for_o want_v of_o better_a proof_n and_o argument_n accuse_v and_o arraign_v as_o guilty_a of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o innovation_n the_o pure_a and_o most_o apostolical_a church_n of_o the_o world_n but_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fright_v out_o of_o their_o sense_n and_o out_o of_o their_o religion_n with_o hard_a and_o big_a word_n and_o with_o reproachful_a language_n the_o dissolute_a and_o debauch_a may_v easy_o be_v reconcile_v as_o the_o new_a word_n be_v to_o a_o religion_n that_o be_v so_o favourable_a to_o they_o and_o give_v they_o hope_n of_o go_v to_o heaven_n after_o a_o careless_a and_o wretched_a life_n if_o upon_o a_o sick_a bed_n they_o begin_v to_o be_v afraid_a and_o profess_v a_o little_a sorrow_n and_o can_v but_o send_v for_o a_o priest_n and_o be_v absolve_v and_o the_o ignorant_a and_o weak_a may_v be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o little_a trick_n and_o piece_n of_o sophistry_n and_o cheat_v and_o trapan_v out_o of_o a_o church_n the_o doctrine_n of_o which_o they_o do_v not_o thorough_o understand_v for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o one_o who_o understand_v aright_o the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n upon_o which_o this_o national_a church_n proceed_v ever_o to_o renounce_v her_o communion_n unless_o he_o first_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o his_o honesty_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o conscience_n and_o be_v sway_v whole_o by_o worldly_a respect_n and_o interest_n but_o we_o need_v value_v their_o censure_n the_o less_o not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v unjust_a and_o uncharitable_a but_o because_o they_o involve_v the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o the_o same_o guilt_n with_o we_o and_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v not_o own_o that_o grand_a fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o roman_a faith_n the_o pope_n jurisdiction_n and_o be_v content_a to_o receive_v their_o christianity_n from_o rome_n and_o acknowledge_v all_o her_o determination_n to_o be_v true_o and_o real_o as_o they_o in_o the_o ordinary_a court-stile_n call_v they_o apostolical_a let_v we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n justify_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n by_o the_o strictness_n and_o exemplariness_n of_o our_o life_n as_o well_o as_o by_o argument_n and_o discourse_n of_o reason_n let_v we_o reform_v ourselves_o not_o only_o from_o the_o error_n and_o superstition_n but_o from_o the_o vice_n that_o be_v too_o common_o practise_v in_o catholic_n country_n as_o they_o call_v they_o though_o thanks_o be_v to_o the_o great_a industry_n and_o kindness_n and_o charity_n of_o their_o missionary_n of_o late_a they_o will_v be_v content_a i_o will_v not_o say_v though_o perhaps_o i_o may_v just_o enough_o make_v it_o their_o business_n that_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n and_o debauchery_n shall_v overspread_v the_o land_n rather_o than_o that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n shall_v be_v any_o more_o in_o remembrance_n in_o time_n of_o such_o defection_n to_o socinianism_n and_o popery_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o to_o fanaticism_n on_o the_o other_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v no_o way_n bias_v or_o wrought_v upon_o to_o desert_n the_o purity_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v teach_v in_o this_o church_n in_o any_o one_o point_n of_o it_o and_o withal_o let_v we_o serious_o consider_v and_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o believe_v it_o with_o our_o heart_n unless_o we_o make_v open_a and_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o with_o our_o mouth_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o three_o proposition_n that_o all_o who_o be_v baptise_a and_o consequent_o be_v by_o this_o sacrament_n of_o initiation_n admit_v and_o receive_v into_o the_o communion_n and_o society_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o make_v profession_n of_o this_o faith_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n it_o be_v the_o undoubted_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n that_o the_o candidate_n of_o baptism_n shall_v make_v profession_n of_o that_o faith_n into_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a some_o previous_a time_n be_v allow_v for_o their_o instruction_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o as_o mention_v rufinus_n a_o presbyter_n of_o aquileia_n who_o live_v almost_o 1300_o year_n since_o in_o his_o exposition_n upon_o the_o creed_n assure_v we_o for_o his_o own_o time_n and_o say_v it_o be_v then_o a_o ancient_a custom_n and_o so_o may_v be_v just_o refer_v to_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v indeed_o that_o st._n luke_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o this_o account_n only_o in_o general_n that_o the_o new_a convert_v be_v require_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o prison-keeper_n convert_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o st._n paul_n act_v 16._o 31._o and_o that_o after_o st._n philip_n have_v convince_v the_o eunuch_n by_o preach_v to_o he_o jesus_n and_o explain_v the_o prophecy_n which_o foretold_v he_o so_o as_o that_o he_o desire_v to_o become_v a_o proselyte_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o have_v hitherto_o be_v of_o moses_n a_o devotion_n to_o who_o law_n have_v bring_v he_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v also_o far_o acquaint_v he_o that_o if_o his_o request_n to_o be_v baptise_a be_v more_o than_o a_o compliment_n or_o curiosity_n if_o it_o be_v real_a and_o sincere_a if_o his_o faith_n proceed_v from_o a_o through_o conviction_n of_o mind_n he_o be_v qualify_v for_o baptism_n and_o not_o otherwise_o if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v the_o eunuch_n make_v no_o other_o confession_n but_o this_o i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n act_v 8._o 37._o large_a but_o than_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o this_o one_o proposition_n the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o creed_n be_v virtual_o contain_v and_o that_o it_o draw_v necessary_o all_o the_o other_o along_o with_o it_o and_o that_o this_o general_a belief_n be_v deduce_v into_o its_o several_n afterward_o and_o that_o for_o a_o more_o explicit_a and_o particular_a enumeration_n of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o be_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o apostolical_a write_n in_o which_o they_o confirm_v the_o new_a christian_n in_o the_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o believe_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o which_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o 1._o divine_a faith_n in_o general_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o christian_a and_o that_o without_o it_o we_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o make_v know_v can_v pretend_v either_o to_o christianity_n or_o to_o any_o hope_n of_o salvation_n for_o as_o the_o
and_o the_o various_a apprehension_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n not_o like_a ever_o to_o be_v full_o and_o satisfactory_o decide_v and_o which_o indeed_o be_v but_o nicety_n and_o trifle_a subtlety_n in_o comparison_n while_o they_o put_v a_o great_a value_n upon_o they_o than_o the_o nature_n and_o matter_n of_o they_o will_v bear_v and_o whilst_o they_o sacrifice_v unity_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o grand_a and_o real_a concern_v of_o religion_n to_o passion_n and_o humour_n 3._o much_o less_o be_v doubtful_a consequence_n and_o philosophical_a opinion_n to_o be_v admit_v and_o reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o fundamental_o at_o first_o certain_o and_o for_o several_a age_n together_o there_o be_v no_o great_a subtlety_n require_v in_o order_n to_o be_v a_o good_a christian._n the_o institution_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o laborious_a and_o perplex_v nothing_o be_v require_v but_o a_o firm_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o a_o few_o proposition_n who_o matter_n indeed_o be_v mysterious_a but_o what_o have_v the_o high_a ground_n of_o credibility_n to_o make_v the_o assent_n to_o they_o just_a and_o rational_a but_o when_o once_o a_o bold_a curiosity_n and_o a_o unlawful_a and_o a_o over-affected_n subtlety_n make_v man_n depart_v 7._o from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n instead_o of_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o discipline_n become_v a_o art_n of_o dispute_v and_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n no_o long_o make_v the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n but_o every_o man_n particular_a reason_n though_o never_o so_o much_o bias_v and_o pervert_v by_o the_o prepossession_n of_o fancy_n and_o by_o the_o heat_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o passion_n then_o article_n of_o faith_n begin_v to_o multiply_v and_o every_o nicety_n and_o far-fetched_a consequence_n be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n and_o magisterial_o impose_v and_o the_o philosophy_n of_o aristotle_n and_o plato_n be_v bring_v in_o to_o their_o assistance_n till_o the_o substance_n of_o christianity_n be_v even_o lose_v in_o the_o quarrel_n and_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o it_o undermine_v and_o faith_n swallow_v up_o in_o wantonness_n of_o wit_n and_o peace_n shut_v out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o faction_n and_o schism_n the_o result_n be_v that_o they_o be_v the_o worse_a christian_n more_o talkative_a and_o curious_a perhaps_o but_o less_o strict_a and_o religious_a and_o charitable_a nay_o less_o know_v than_o they_o be_v before_o they_o let_v loose_v the_o reins_o to_o their_o fancy_n and_o leap_v over_o those_o boundary_n which_o god_n and_o the_o church_n have_v set_v 4._o whatsoever_o be_v not_o fundamental_a in_o the_o apostle_n time_n can_v be_v so_o now_o if_o it_o be_v a_o true_a way_n of_o define_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o as_o such_o impose_v by_o they_o upon_o their_o proselyte_n without_o the_o embrace_v of_o which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v christian_n and_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n which_o they_o leave_v behind_o they_o either_o express_o or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n then_o the_o contrary_a also_o that_o be_v whatsoever_o be_v not_o find_v in_o their_o write_n either_o direct_o or_o by_o just_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n and_o be_v not_o propose_v to_o the_o first_o believer_n can_v be_v fundamental_a and_o consequent_o no_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v any_o doctrine_n but_o what_o be_v then_o reveal_v and_o afterward_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o whatever_o proposal_n be_v make_v by_o the_o church_n be_v no_o far_a to_o be_v believe_v than_o as_o it_o be_v consonant_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o declaration_n not_o be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o as_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o scripture_n and_o apostolical_a authority_n how_o have_v the_o peace_n of_o christendom_n be_v still_o preserve_v if_o these_o rule_n have_v be_v follow_v and_o keep_v in_o after-age_n that_o be_v if_o new_a opinion_n whereof_o some_o be_v very_o dangerous_a to_o which_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o stranger_n for_o several_a century_n of_o year_n and_o all_o uncertain_a at_o the_o best_a if_o mere_a fancy_n to_o which_o superstition_n and_o ignorance_n have_v give_v birth_n and_o if_o the_o nicety_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o school_n and_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v thorough_o know_v and_o matter_n of_o mere_a speculation_n that_o tend_v to_o the_o disservice_n of_o religion_n and_o do_v not_o slow_a in_o the_o least_o from_o its_o principle_n have_v not_o be_v adopt_a article_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n all_o which_o we_o just_o object_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o make_v necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n how_o may_v we_o have_v adorse_v before_o the_o same_o altar_n and_o go_v together_o to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o friend_n and_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o they_o have_v not_o determine_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o bring_v in_o a_o new_a doctrine_n which_o contradict_v the_o whole_a circle_n of_o science_n and_o the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o tie_v all_o other_o to_o believe_v a_o unnatural_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o institution_n make_o the_o difference_n irreconcilable_a by_o their_o trent_n canon_n and_o shut_v out_o all_o possible_a hope_n of_o peace_n till_o god_n shall_v open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o christian_a prince_n of_o that_o communion_n to_o see_v the_o fallacy_n and_o cheat_n of_o the_o court_n and_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o call_v a_o free_a and_o true_o general_n council_n to_o debate_v the_o difference_n which_o be_v now_o on_o foot_n to_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o christianity_n upon_o the_o principle_n of_o scripture_n primitive_a antiquity_n and_o genuine_a apostolical_a tradition_n and_o which_o consideration_n of_o worldly_a interest_n and_o grandeur_n keep_v up_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n leave_v to_o restore_v unity_n to_o the_o divide_a catholic_n church_n it_o be_v the_o glory_n as_o well_o as_o happiness_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o the_o rite_n she_o use_v in_o her_o religious_a worship_n be_v decent_a and_o solemn_a and_o every_o way_n serve_v the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n that_o her_o government_n be_v apostolical_a that_o her_o establish_a liturgy_n be_v according_a to_o the_o primitive_a standard_n and_o which_o no_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n can_v just_o be_v offend_v at_o unless_o perchance_o he_o think_v this_o a_o just_a reason_n because_o it_o be_v a_o set_a form_n that_o she_o hold_v nothing_o as_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o faith_n but_o what_o be_v hold_v so_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o can_v be_v prove_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n that_o she_o reject_v no_o tradition_n that_o can_v prove_v itself_o to_o be_v apostolical_a that_o she_o receive_v the_o article_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n hold_v ancient_o for_o such_o in_o their_o receive_a sense_n and_o as_o they_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o three_o creed_n and_o admit_v all_o who_o receive_v they_o into_o her_o communion_n that_o her_o determination_n of_o opinion_n in_o her_o article_n be_v modest_a and_o far_o from_o the_o high-flown_a pretence_n of_o infallibility_n and_o design_v as_o a_o instrument_n of_o union_n that_o she_o be_v willing_a to_o communicate_v with_o christian_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o where_o the_o term_n of_o the_o communion_n be_v lawful_a so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n without_o prejudice_n to_o truth_n and_o the_o fundamental_o of_o church_n government_n confirm_v by_o universal_a practice_n and_o canon_n of_o council_n and_o without_o violate_v the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o well_o as_o her_o own_o in_o particular_a let_v the_o romanist_n single_a out_o any_o one_o of_o her_o profess_a tenant_n which_o she_o hold_v as_o essential_a to_o faith_n and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o exact_o agreeable_a to_o the_o first_o antiquity_n they_o can_v deny_v that_o she_o hold_v nothing_o amiss_o herein_o only_o they_o pretend_v that_o she_o do_v not_o hold_n enough_o that_o be_v that_o we_o reject_v transubstantiation_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n worship_v of_o image_n that_o we_o do_v not_o admit_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v the_o visible_a head_n and_o monarch_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o be_v mere_a fancy_n and_o usurpation_n but_o if_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v