Selected quad for the lemma: faith_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
faith_n catholic_n church_n visible_a 4,689 5 9.3932 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A34972 I. Question: Why are you a Catholic? The answer follows. II. Question: But why are you a Protestant? An answer attempted (in vain) / written by the Reverend Father S.C. Monk of the Holy Order of St. Benedict ... Cressy, Serenus, 1605-1674.; Cressy, Serenus, 1605-1674. Why are you a Catholic? 1686 (1686) Wing C6900; ESTC R1035 63,222 76

There are 9 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

to_o be_v holy_a when_o it_o teach_v truth_n and_o holiness_n so_o be_v the_o universal_a church_n holy_a and_o so_o be_v every_o member_n in_o its_o communion_n since_o that_o which_o make_v it_o a_o member_n in_o its_o communion_n be_v its_o agreement_n with_o the_o whole_a in_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o it_o both_o regard_v faith_n and_o manner_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o to_o ascribe_v error_n and_o corruption_n to_o any_o church_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o for_o such_o pretend_a error_n to_o break_v off_o communion_n with_o it_o be_v to_o do_v the_o same_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o consequent_o to_o contradict_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n now_o that_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o english-church_n be_v manifest_a for_o since_o all_o christian_n be_v under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n oblige_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o universal_a church_n by_o be_v obedient_a to_o its_o law_n and_o governor_n as_o also_o to_o believe_v that_o this_o universal_a church_n be_v at_o this_o day_n extant_a where_o can_v a_o english_a protestant_a hope_n to_o find_v this_o church_n if_o not_o in_o the_o roman_a communion_n in_o the_o greek-church_n he_o will_v find_v the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o in_o the_o roman_a he_o call_v dangerous_a error_n as_o beside_o the_o confession_n hereof_o by_o several_a protestant_a author_n former_o have_v be_v of_o late_a beyond_o all_o gainsay_n evidence_v by_o the_o indefatigable_a industry_n of_o 233._o monsieur_n arnaud_n in_o his_o two_o late_a reply_v to_o claude_n a_o calvinist_n minister_n from_o the_o authentic_a testimonial_n and_o declaration_n 4768._o both_o of_o several_a late_a synod_n and_o of_o many_o ecclesiastical_a person_n of_o eminency_n both_o in_o the_o present_a greek_a and_o other_o eastern_a church_n and_o beside_o these_o he_o will_v find_v other_o doctrine_n which_o we_o all_o condemn_v as_o heresy_n then_o for_o pretend_a corruption_n in_o practice_n the_o same_o practice_n which_o he_o style_v superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a principal_o touch_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n he_o will_v find_v in_o the_o greek_a church_n far_o more_o distasteful_a to_o he_o and_o as_o for_o other_o eastern_a sect_n beside_o the_o same_o practice_n he_o will_v find_v himself_o oblige_v if_o in_o communion_n with_o any_o of_o they_o to_o assent_v to_o ancient_n universal_o condemn_v heresy_n nestorianism_n eutychianism_n monothelitism_n etc._n etc._n §._o 26._o prot._n but_o no_o doubt_n god_n have_v his_o elect_a servant_n among_o they_o all_o who_o be_v true_o orthodox_n as_o we_o be_v with_o who_o we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v unite_v in_o spirit_n cath._n true_o sir_n this_o be_v a_o mere_a pitiful_a dream_n to_o talk_v of_o communion_n in_o spirit_n with_o hide_a christian_n to_o you_o invisible_a as_o you_o be_v also_o to_o they_o this_o render_v all_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n touch_v the_o church_n visibility_n and_o unity_n utter_o impertinent_a yea_o this_o evacuate_v the_o prediction_n of_o all_o god_n ancient_a prophet_n foretell_v the_o extent_n glory_n and_o victory_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o it_o make_v void_a the_o promise_v of_o our_o saviour_n touch_v his_o church_n what_o meaning_n therefore_o can_v you_o frame_v to_o yourself_o when_o you_o say_v you_o acknowledge_v a_o perpetual_o existent_a catholic_a church_n and_o a_o necessity_n impose_v on_o all_o christian_n to_o live_v in_o her_o communion_n §._o 27._o pr._n we_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o in_o communion_n with_o all_o christian_a society_n as_o far_o as_o they_o teach_v truth_n and_o practice_v according_a to_o christ_n law_n cath._n so_o you_o may_v be_v say_v to_o communicate_v with_o jew_n turk_n and_o insidel_n for_o some_o truth_n be_v teach_v by_o all_o these_o and_o some_o of_o their_o practice_n be_v lawful_a but_o be_v this_o such_o a_o communion_n as_o the_o church_n catholic_n ancient_o or_o as_o the_o first_o four_o general_n council_n require_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o at_o the_o time_n of_o your_o first_o separation_n there_o be_v not_o one_o society_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n to_o who_o profession_n of_o faith_n you_o will_v subscribe_v in_o who_o religious_a worship_n you_o will_v join_v and_o by_o who_o law_n you_o will_v be_v govern_v so_o that_o all_o christian_n then_o live_v and_o visible_a in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o you_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n and_o you_o the_o very_a same_o to_o they_o be_v your_o first_o reformer_n in_o communion_n with_o they_o certain_o you_o will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o roman_a grecian_a and_o oriental_a church_n though_o they_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o you_o teach_v some_o truth_n and_o sometime_o practice_v virtue_n do_v live_v in_o your_o communion_n that_o be_v that_o person_n mutual_o excommunicate_v one_o another_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n live_v in_o one_o communion_n or_o that_o pastor_n live_v in_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o renounce_v obedience_n to_o they_o and_o abhor_v the_o faith_n teach_v by_o they_o §._o 28._o p._n why_o sir_n will_v you_o have_v we_o allow_v such_o a_o way_n of_o communion_n as_o you_o seem_v to_o understand_v to_o society_n which_o we_o firm_o believe_v do_v teach_v damnable_a error_n and_o enjoin_v idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a practice_n cath._n no_o sir_n by_o no_o mean_n but_o since_o there_o be_v on_o earth_n a_o visible_o holy_a catholic_a church_n place_v as_o a_o city_n upon_o a_o hill_n with_o which_o you_o must_v under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n communicate_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o christian_n do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o four_o general_n council_n i_o adjure_v you_o not_o to_o rest_v where_o you_o now_o be_v in_o schism_n from_o all_o visible_a church_n precede_v your_o separation_n but_o to_o find_v she_o out_o and_o have_v find_v she_o out_o to_o depose_v a_o overween_a conceit_n of_o your_o own_o ability_n to_o censure_n and_o condemn_v her_o doctrine_n and_o with_o christian_a humility_n to_o submit_v yourself_o entire_o to_o her_o guidance_n by_o which_o mean_v you_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v rest_n of_o mind_n §._o 29._o prot._n this_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o task_n too_o hard_o to_o be_v undertake_v cath._n that_o which_o make_v it_o seem_v so_o hard_a to_o you_o be_v perhaps_o a_o secret_a whisper_n of_o nature_n and_o self-love_n tell_v you_o that_o this_o may_v expose_v you_o to_o many_o worldly_a disadvantage_n or_o if_o not_o this_o a_o strong_a prejudice_n by_o education_n deep_o imprint_v in_o your_o mind_n against_o the_o roman_a church_n the_o condemn_a and_o revile_v of_o which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o most_o book_n you_o read_v and_o of_o most_o of_o the_o discourse_n and_o sermon_n you_o hear_v i_o name_v the_o roman_a church_n because_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o if_o you_o shall_v happen_v to_o entertain_v any_o doubt_n of_o the_o security_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o protestant_a religion_n it_o will_v not_o be_v the_o grecian_a nor_o any_o of_o the_o other_o oriental_a church_n who_o religion_n you_o will_v put_v in_o the_o scale_n against_o it_o but_o only_o the_o roman_n from_o whence_o you_o have_v your_o christianity_n your_o church_n her_o subsistence_n and_o within_o the_o limit_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o who_o patriarch_n you_o live_v do_v i_o not_o judge_v aright_o prot._n yes_o §._o 30._o cath._n then_o sir_n though_o at_o present_v you_o shall_v have_v no_o doubt_n of_o any_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o your_o church_n or_o rather_o in_o it_o for_o yourself_o will_v not_o allow_v she_o the_o title_n of_o a_o authentic_a teacher_n neither_o do_v she_o challenge_v it_o yet_o since_o you_o have_v voluntary_o fix_v yourself_o in_o such_o a_o church_n which_o not_o pretend_v to_o a_o infallible_a direction_n from_o god_n can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n tell_v you_o that_o you_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o believe_v any_o one_o of_o her_o doctrine_n nor_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n for_o you_o to_o leave_v her_o communion_n and_o to_o choose_v that_o of_o any_o other_o society_n which_o you_o may_v like_v better_o for_o then_o all_o christian_n shall_v as_o well_o as_o you_o be_v oblige_v to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o english_a church_n only_o endeavour_v i_o beseech_v you_o with_o a_o mind_n as_o disinterest_v as_o may_v be_v to_o hearken_v to_o what_o may_v be_v allege_v for_o the_o right_n which_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v to_o challenge_v your_o obedience_n so_o as_o that_o the_o refusal_n of_o such_o obedience_n will_v be_v a_o heinous_a sin_n for_o this_o right_n indeed_o she_o challenge_v and_o she_o alone_o no_o other_o ancient_a church_n have_v and_o no_o par_fw-fr ticular_a sect_n do_v or_o can_v pretend_v to_o it_o prot._n i_o be_o content_a §._o 31._o cath._n first_o then_o consider_v that_o
✚_o i._n question_n why_o be_v you_o a_o catholic_a the_o answer_n follow_v ii_o question_n but_o why_o be_v you_o a_o protestant_n a_o answer_n attempt_v in_o vain_a 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o reverence_n written_a by_o the_o reverend_a father_n s._n c._n monk_n of_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o st._n benedict_n and_o of_o the_o english_a congregation_n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n mdclxxxvi_o ✚_o to_o the_o christian_a reader_n it_o be_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o desire_n of_o a_o honourable_a friend_n that_o this_o follow_a discourse_n be_v write_v that_o it_o be_v confine_v to_o such_o narrow_a lound_n and_o that_o it_o be_v now_o publish_v he_o think_v it_o requisite_a that_o such_o catholic_n as_o be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o read_v volume_n of_o controversy_n shall_v be_v instruct_v how_o to_o give_v a_o rational_a account_n to_o modern_a sectary_n why_o they_o be_v catholic_o and_o he_o think_v also_o that_o to_o justify_v such_o their_o profession_n a_o long_a discourse_n will_v not_o be_v necessary_a this_o occasion_v the_o follow_a answer_n to_o the_o question_v propose_v in_o the_o title_n which_o answer_n if_o rational_a and_o satisfactory_a will_v prevent_v or_o rather_o determine_v all_o other_o particular_a question_n about_o religion_n the_o debate_n of_o which_o furnish_v the_o world_n with_o book_n to_o fill_v great_a library_n but_o what_o fate_n soever_o shall_v befall_v this_o answer_n in_o the_o esteem_n of_o reader_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o method_n of_o it_o be_v unquestionable_o useful_a by_o which_o be_v show_v that_o the_o controversy_n about_o the_o church_n be_v first_o of_o all_o to_o be_v serious_o debate_v because_o what_o party_n soever_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o give_v convince_a proof_n that_o their_o church_n be_v the_o same_o or_o a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n which_o we_o believe_v in_o the_o creed_n shall_v thereby_o evince_v that_o all_o accusation_n lay_v against_o she_o be_v false_a and_o groundless_a and_o all_o separation_n from_o her_o damnable_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o examine_v the_o tenet_n of_o a_o church_n already_o prejudge_v to_o be_v a_o false_a church_n that_o be_v to_o want_v the_o inseparable_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n signify_v by_o these_o word_n in_o our_o creed_n one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n denote_v unity_n of_o faith_n sanctity_n of_o discipline_n universality_n and_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o teacher_n and_o governor_n from_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v necessary_a sign_n of_o a_o true_a church_n now_o for_o as_o much_o as_o regard_v the_o follow_a discourse_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o undertake_v a_o reply_n to_o it_o he_o may_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o unless_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v quarrel_n useless_a and_o endless_a the_o only_a proper_a reply_n will_v be_v his_o answer_n to_o another_o like_a question_n which_o he_o may_v suppose_v to_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o by_o a_o catholic_a viz._n how_o can_v a_o protestant_n think_v himself_o safe_a in_o a_o congregation_n which_o never_o be_v incorporate_v in_o any_o church_n whatsoever_o existent_n before_o the_o pretend_v reformation_n this_o question_n if_o serious_o and_o rational_o resolve_v and_o especial_o if_o the_o resolution_n of_o it_o be_v justify_v by_o authority_n of_o by_o we_o all_o approve_a ancient_a catholic_n doctor_n it_o will_v then_o only_o be_v esteem_v of_o considerable_a force_n against_o this_o follow_a answer_n to_o the_o question_n why_o be_v you_o a_o catholic_a now_o in_o this_o renew_a impression_n the_o author_n think_v expedient_a that_o such_o a_o second_o question_n shall_v be_v propose_v as_o by_o a_o catholic_a to_o a_o protestant_n demand_v reciprocal_o of_o he_o why_o be_v you_o a_o protestant_n to_o which_o question_n a_o answer_n be_v frame_v the_o most_o suitable_a to_o protestant_n ground_n that_o the_o author_n can_v devise_v he_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o this_o fashion_n of_o write_v controversy_n dialogue-wise_a be_v oft_o obnoxious_a to_o exception_n and_o not_o unjust_a suspicion_n of_o partiality_n and_o prevarication_n for_o indeed_o we_o sometime_o see_v dialogue_n in_o which_o the_o author_n who_o may_v make_v their_o pretend_a adversary_n to_o speak_v as_o they_o themselves_o please_v do_v put_v foolish_a answer_n into_o their_o mouth_n and_o then_o laugh_v at_o they_o presume_v thereby_o to_o have_v gain_v a_o victory_n but_o such_o a_o poor_a shift_n as_o this_o the_o author_n protest_v against_o the_o allegation_n against_o the_o roman_a church_n bring_v in_o by_o the_o protestant_n be_v in_o the_o author_n opinion_n the_o most_o considerable_a that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o protestant_a controvertist_n which_o allegation_n he_o be_v permit_v also_o to_o deliver_v in_o a_o style_n for_o its_o sharpness_n become_v a_o protestant_n now_o a_o la_fw-fr mode_n true_a it_o be_v the_o author_n can_v not_o possible_o make_v he_o answer_v pertinent_o and_o direct_o to_o the_o question_n but_o who_o fault_n be_v that_o no_o such_o answer_n with_o tolerable_a satisfaction_n as_o far_o as_o the_o author_n can_v inform_v himself_o can_v be_v find_v in_o rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la now_o if_o any_o protestant_a reader_n shall_v dislike_v the_o author_n introduce_v his_o protestant_a sometime_o relent_v or_o convince_v that_o some_o catholic_a doctrine_n be_v too_o oft_o false_o and_o malicious_o represent_v by_o adversary_n the_o author_n excuse_n must_v be_v that_o he_o have_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n demonstrate_v so_o much_o his_o duty_n be_v to_o show_v his_o adversary_n a_o rational_a honest_a man_n that_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o reason_n and_o indeed_o with_o no_o other_o be_v he_o willing_a to_o treat_v however_o if_o this_o do_v not_o content_v the_o reader_n he_o may_v do_v well_o to_o frame_v a_o better_a protestant_a answer_n to_o the_o general_a question_n why_o be_v you_o a_o protestant_n but_o except_o such_o his_o answer_n be_v indeed_o precise_o pertinent_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o clear_v his_o church_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n either_o by_o show_v that_o she_o be_v indeed_o a_o true_a member_n incorporate_v into_o the_o body_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n believe_v in_o our_o common_a creed_n or_o that_o she_o be_v innocent_a and_o not_o chargeable_a with_o schism_n though_o she_o be_v not_o yea_o abhor_v to_o be_v so_o incorporate_v he_o will_v do_v much_o better_a to_o save_v his_o labour_n no_o other_o answer_n can_v be_v pertinent_a no_o excursion_n into_o invective_n against_o any_o other_o church_n or_o church_n will_v be_v at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n except_o therefore_o the_o pretend_a answer_n be_v qualify_v as_o have_v be_v say_v he_o must_v give_v the_o present_a author_n leave_v to_o protest_v against_o it_o as_o no_o answer_n at_o all_o notwithstanding_o which_o protestation_n the_o protestant_n may_v and_o probable_o will_v take_v leave_n to_o think_v and_o proclaim_v it_o unanswerable_a now_o the_o rather_o to_o invite_v he_o to_o undertake_v such_o a_o just_a though_o unusual_a and_o hitherto_o unpractised_a a_o task_n the_o author_n do_v here_o free_o acknowledge_v that_o be_v a_o principal_a end_n of_o his_o write_n and_o publish_v this_o discourse_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o world_n have_v be_v too_o long_o and_o too_o much_o abuse_v with_o impertinency_n and_o malicious_a buffo●ries_n to_o the_o pervert_n of_o soul_n increase_n of_o atheism_n and_o shame_n of_o our_o nation_n another_o considerable_a motive_n also_o of_o compose_v this_o short_a discourse_n be_v a_o desire_n in_o the_o author_n to_o take_v occasion_n to_o deliver_v brief_o the_o catholic_a church_n doctrine_n as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o free_v from_o the_o curious_a fancy_n of_o schoolman_n and_o misprision_n of_o sectary_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n ✚_o why_o be_v you_o a_o catholic_a a_o dialogue_n between_o a_o protestant_n and_o a_o catholic_a §._o 1._o protestant_n why_o be_v you_o a_o catholic_a catholic_n because_o i_o be_o a_o christian_n and_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n the_o apostle_n creed_n be_o oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n prot._n do_v not_o you_o believe_v that_o article_n before_o you_o be_v a_o catholic_a cath._n i_o think_v indeed_o at_o that_o time_n that_o i_o have_v believe_v it_o but_o i_o have_v find_v since_o that_o i_o only_o think_v so_o prot._n it_o seem_v then_o you_o do_v not_o think_v that_o i_o believe_v this_o article_n as_o well_o as_o you_o cath._n i_o be_o sure_a that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o article_n you_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o be_v
ability_n or_o blind_a passion_n against_o all_o guide_n establish_v in_o god_n church_n if_o divine_a revelation_n consent_n of_o antiquity_n manifest_a reason_n and_o even_o experience_n by_o outward_a sensation_n may_v be_v fit_a to_o guide_v i_o i_o must_v not_o be_v a_o protestant_n i_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o roman_n catholic_n for_o divine_a revelation_n interpret_v also_o by_o consent_n of_o father_n and_o council_n inform_v i_o that_o christ_n have_v establish_v on_o earth_n a_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v one_o holy_a and_o catholic_n the_o common_a mother_n and_o only_o authentic_a teacher_n of_o all_o christian_n that_o this_o church_n shall_v remain_v such_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o whosoever_o be_v not_o a_o true_a faithful_a member_n of_o this_o church_n be_v thereby_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o shall_v be_v eternal_o separate_v from_o he_o again_o evident_a reason_n show_v that_o no_o person_n or_o society_n can_v be_v esteem_v a_o member_n of_o any_o church_n any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o believe_v its_o doctrine_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o its_o law_n and_o government_n in_o the_o three_o place_n the_o testimony_n of_o our_o sense_n assure_v we_o that_o not_o any_o of_o our_o modern_a sect_n do_v assent_v to_o the_o doctrine_n or_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o law_n of_o any_o church_n at_o all_o and_o consequent_o not_o of_o the_o catholic_a church_n which_o have_v a_o be_v at_o their_o first_o pretend_v reformation_n therefore_o upon_o these_o ground_n it_o evident_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o say_a sect_n be_v manifest_o guilty_a of_o schism_n moreover_o since_o the_o roman_a be_v that_o church_n of_o which_o the_o first_o reformer_n once_o be_v member_n and_o by_o reform_v make_v a_o separation_n from_o it_o and_o since_o the_o same_o church_n do_v constant_o profess_v the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o be_v once_o hold_v by_o the_o universal_a body_n of_o orthodox_n christian_n and_o again_o since_o there_o be_v not_o any_o visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n to_o which_o all_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n assign_v in_o scripture_n and_o by_o the_o holy_a father_n can_v be_v so_o apply_v and_o whereto_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v so_o perfect_o accomplish_v as_o the_o roman_a it_o will_v evident_o follow_v that_o the_o present_a roman_n catholic_n church_n ought_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o one_o holy_a catholic_a church_n which_o we_o confess_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o by_o consequence_n whatsoever_o doctrine_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o faith_n profess_v in_o this_o church_n be_v teach_v by_o protestant_n they_o be_v thereby_o without_o any_o particular_a discussion_n legitimate_o prejudge_v to_o be_v formal_a heresy_n now_o heresy_n and_o schism_n be_v by_o all_o even_o by_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n themselves_o acknowledge_v most_o dreadful_o waste_v crime_n of_o which_o i_o can_v possible_o be_v guilty_a whilst_o i_o adhere_v to_o the_o roman_a catholic_a church_n nor_o avoid_v the_o guilt_n of_o they_o by_o forsake_v its_o communion_n i_o conceive_v i_o have_v without_o any_o necessity_n of_o engage_v in_o particular_a dispute_n give_v you_o rational_a ground_n enable_v i_o to_o afford_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o the_o question_n first_o propose_v by_o you_o viz._n why_o be_v you_o a_o catholic_a §._o 40._o and_o for_o a_o conclusion_n sir_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o tell_v you_o that_o it_o will_v be_v utter_o in_o vain_a for_o you_o to_o attempt_v the_o avoid_n of_o the_o stigmata_fw-la brand_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n by_o enter_v into_o a_o endless_a dispute_n about_o particular_a controversy_n to_o be_v state_v out_o of_o book_n for_o till_o you_o be_v able_a to_o show_v a_o present_a visible_a orthodox_n church_n the_o governor_n and_o teacher_n whereof_o be_v derive_v by_o a_o continual_a succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n which_o church_n in_o all_o those_o point_n for_o which_o you_o have_v separate_v from_o the_o roman_a teach_v as_o you_o do_v and_o either_o govern_v you_o or_o be_v govern_v by_o you_o till_o this_o i_o say_v be_v do_v your_o busy_a yourself_o about_o particular_a dispute_n will_v never_o produce_v to_o you_o peace_n of_o mind_n but_o rather_o increase_v in_o you_o pride_n and_o malice_n against_o other_o your_o first_o most_o necessary_a care_n therefore_o must_v be_v to_o establish_v yourself_o in_o such_o a_o church_n as_o can_v oblige_v you_o to_o believe_v she_o for_o by_o no_o other_o way_n can_v you_o nor_o your_o teacher_n avoid_v self-condemnation_n as_o manifest_a innovator_n there_o be_v certain_a illustrious_a mark_n assign_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o father_n to_o distinguish_v the_o true_a catholic_a church_n from_o congregation_n of_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n such_o be_v unity_n succession_n universality_n convert_v of_o nation_n miracle_n etc._n etc._n and_o these_o be_v such_o mark_n as_o be_v perceptible_a by_o the_o mean_a capacity_n to_o the_o end_n that_o none_o shall_v be_v excuse_v if_o they_o mistake_v the_o church_n now_o not_o one_o of_o these_o so_o visible_a mark_n belong_v to_o you_o and_o not_o one_o but_o belong_v to_o the_o roman_a catholic_a church_n §._o 41._o when_o you_o be_v urge_v to_o show_v some_o sign_n or_o mark_n which_o may_v invite_v any_o to_o join_v with_o you_o all_o you_o can_v say_v be_v that_o you_o teach_v 2._o truth_n and_o that_o you_o due_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n that_o be_v you_o will_v prove_v yourselves_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n because_o you_o say_v you_o be_v a_o true_a church_n for_o not_o the_o mark_n but_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o church_n consist_v in_o teach_v truth_n etc._n etc._n but_o mark_n of_o his_o church_n easy_o observable_a by_o all_o man_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o lead_v the_o simple_a as_o well_o as_o the_o learned_a to_o discover_v that_o church_n which_o only_o teach_v truth_n and_o due_o administer_v his_o sacrament_n not_o any_o such_o mark_n do_v you_o pretend_v to_o show_v and_o as_o for_o this_o your_o miscall_v single_a mark_n the_o unlearned_a can_v possible_o judge_v whether_o you_o do_v indeed_o teach_v truth_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o learned_a must_v have_v spend_v their_o whole_a life_n before_o they_o can_v be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o judge_n and_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v convince_v that_o you_o do_v teach_v truth_n etc._n etc._n yet_o till_o you_o can_v further_o demonstrate_v that_o you_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o schism_n but_o that_o you_o communicate_v with_o that_o one_o holy_a catholic_a church_n which_o you_o believe_v in_o the_o creed_n it_o will_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o truth_n pretend_v to_o be_v teach_v by_o you_o be_v a_o damnable_a sin_n in_o they_o to_o communicate_v with_o you_o these_o thing_n consider_v since_o i_o be_o confident_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o you_o to_o clear_v this_o point_n i_o believe_v you_o will_v find_v a_o insuperable_a difficulty_n to_o prepare_v according_a to_o the_o method_n observe_v here_o a_o tolerable_a general_a answer_n sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v your_o church_n in_o case_n i_o shall_v by_o way_n of_o exchange_n propose_v to_o you_o this_o question_n why_o be_v you_o a_o protestant_n prot._n judge_v not_o sir_n too_o hasty_o perhaps_o at_o our_o next_o meeting_n you_o will_v hear_v more_o than_o you_o now_o expect_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o thank_v you_o for_o your_o charity_n and_o god_n willing_a i_o will_v serious_o reflect_v on_o what_o have_v be_v say_v cath._n farewell_o sir_n and_o if_o you_o think_v good_a cast_v your_o eye_n upon_o this_o little_a bundle_n of_o citation_n out_o of_o several_a ancient_a holy_a father_n of_o the_o church_n who_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o upon_o the_o very_a same_o ground_n which_o have_v be_v here_o discourse_v on_o they_o be_v good_a christian_n and_o catholic_n prot._n if_o they_o tell_v i_o so_o i_o shall_v not_o easy_o contemn_v what_o they_o tell_v i_o farewell_o ✚_o ¶_o testimony_n of_o holy_a father_n regard_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n 42._o §._o 1._o of_o the_o church_n prepetual_a existence_n visibility_n etc._n etc._n obscurius_fw-la dixerunt_fw-la prophetae●de_fw-la christo_fw-la quam_fw-la de_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la puto_fw-la 2d_o propterea_fw-la the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v more_o obscure_o concern_v christ_n than_o concern_v the_o church_n the_o reason_n hereof_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v because_o they_o foresee_v in_o spirit_n that_o man_n will_v make_v division_n and_o party_n and_o that_o they_o will_v not_o much_o dispute_n about_o christ_n himself_o but_o that_o they_o will_v raise_v great_a contention_n about_o the_o church_n therefore_o that_o be_v more_o plain_o foretell_v and_o more_o open_o prophesy_v concern_v which_o great_a contention_n will_v in_o succeed_a time_n
require_v belief_n of_o they_o we_o can_v assent_v to_o they_o without_o render_v ourselves_o guilty_a of_o apparent_a contradict_a scripture_n general_o in_o they_o all_o and_o no_o less_o than_o the_o heinous_a crime_n of_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n in_o several_a of_o they_o cath._n i_o do_v not_o much_o wonder_n to_o hear_v from_o you_o so_o a_o cruel_a a_o censure_n of_o our_o catholic_a belief_n yea_o perhaps_o i_o shall_v myself_o join_v with_o you_o in_o the_o like_a if_o i_o shall_v take_v a_o prospect_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o same_o false_a light_n that_o i_o perceive_v you_o have_v do_v prot._n why_o sir_n from_o whence_o shall_v i_o receive_v light_a to_o discover_v what_o you_o teach_v but_o from_o our_o controvertist_n §._o 52._o cath._n i_o do_v not_o at_o all_o doubt_n from_o whence_o that_o which_o you_o call_v light_n come_v and_o therefore_o permit_v i_o to_o tell_v you_o that_o if_o you_o frame_v your_o judgement_n touch_v the_o faith_n of_o catholic_n by_o what_o you_o find_v common_o in_o controvertist_n you_o will_v condemn_v you_o know_v not_o what_o nor_o who_o prot._n this_o be_v strange_a do_v none_o of_o our_o controvertist_n understand_v what_o your_o church_n teach_v §._o 53._o cath._n what_o and_o how_o much_o they_o understand_v i_o can_v define_v but_o this_o i_o may_v with_o confidence_n say_v that_o general_o judge_v of_o your_o controvertist_n not_o a_o twenty_o part_n of_o one_o of_o their_o volume_n contain_v a_o examination_n of_o the_o necessary_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n which_o faith_n notwithstanding_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v confute_v in_o every_o page_n prot._n notwithstanding_o what_o you_o say_v yet_o your_o controvertist_n also_o in_o answer_v our_o book_n do_v take_v on_o they_o to_o defend_v whatsoever_o we_o oppose_v as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o your_o church_n cath._n it_o be_v too_o true_a indeed_o of_o some_o of_o they_o who_o deserve_v much_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o give_v thereby_o occasion_n to_o our_o adversary_n to_o multiply_v unnecessary_a debate_n by_o a_o partial_a esteem_n of_o their_o own_o private_a adopt_a opinion_n of_o their_o peculiar_a interpretation_n of_o the_o church_n doctrine_n their_o probable_a addition_n to_o they_o and_o inference_n from_o they_o all_o which_o they_o be_v desirous_a shall_v pass_v for_o point_n of_o catholic_a faith_n beside_o this_o several_a schoolman_n there_o be_v who_o end_n of_o write_v be_v to_o boast_v their_o wit_n and_o subtilty_n who_o will_v penetrate_v into_o all_o thing_n no_o mystery_n shall_v be_v incomprehensible_a to_o their_o philosophy_n and_o who_o think_v it_o a_o great_a mastery_n to_o advance_v position_n border_v on_o the_o very_a brink_n of_o heresy_n speculative_a or_o moral_a and_o then_o by_o some_o nice_a distinction_n to_o prove_v they_o if_o not_o orthodox_n at_o least_o not_o deserve_v the_o utmost_a censure_n and_o of_o these_o man_n rashness_n protestant_n ofttimes_o take_v advantage_n and_o zealous_o oppose_v they_o as_o if_o the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o make_v good_a their_o airy_a speculation_n §._o 54._o prot._n what_o expedient_a then_o do_v you_o propose_v to_o i_o by_o which_o i_o may_v be_v certain_o inform_v of_o your_o church_n doctrine_n cath._n the_o way_n be_v plain_a easy_a and_o short_a if_o you_o will_v look_v before_o you_o and_o not_o wilful_o go_v out_o of_o it_o prot._n i_o pray_v you_o put_v i_o into_o that_o way_n cath._n the_o way_n be_v to_o examine_v candid_o and_o serious_o the_o church_n own_o decision_n only_o which_o if_o you_o do_v you_o will_v find_v how_o little_o she_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o accusation_n you_o lay_v against_o she_o prot._n if_o this_o prove_v true_a sure_o our_o modern_a controvertist_n have_v a_o dreadful_a account_n to_o make_v to_o god_n who_o seem_v studious_o to_o design_n the_o widen_v of_o the_o breach_n among_o christian_n cath._n that_o what_o i_o say_v be_v true_a i_o dare_v take_v the_o confidence_n to_o make_v yourself_o the_o judge_n and_o this_o i_o undertake_v to_o demonstrate_v through_o all_o the_o controvert_v point_n before_o mention_v by_o you_o not_o by_o dispute_v allege_v proof_n or_o answer_v objection_n but_o only_o by_o represent_v to_o you_o in_o a_o simple_a manner_n the_o pure_a naked_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o relation_n to_o all_o these_o point_n prot._n i_o be_o likewise_o sufficient_o averse_a from_o clamorous_a dispute_n which_o common_o be_v only_a prize_n of_o a_o quick_a fancy_n or_o voluble_a tongue_n and_o fomentor_n of_o unruly_a passion_n therefore_o i_o expect_v what_o you_o intend_v to_o say_v §._o 55._o cath._n before_o i_o begin_v i_o have_v a_o few_o request_n in_o my_o judgement_n not_o unreasonable_a to_o make_v to_o you_o the_o first_o be_v 1._o that_o have_v suppose_v that_o upon_o a_o true_a or_o false_a belief_n eternity_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n depend_v you_o will_v force_v your_o imagination_n to_o put_v yourself_o in_o that_o state_n in_o which_o your_o first_o reformer_n real_o be_v immediate_o before_o they_o break_v from_o the_o church_n obedience_n and_o communion_n and_o suppose_v that_o you_o be_v earnest_o tempt_v by_o they_o also_o to_o forsake_v it_o by_o adhere_v to_o a_o new-begun_a society_n never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n before_o upon_o a_o pretence_n that_o the_o church_n in_o which_o you_o live_v and_o which_o you_o as_o yet_o esteem_v to_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_a church_n teach_v most_o pernicious_a error_n superstition_n and_o idolatrous_a practice_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o which_o pretence_n your_o tempter_n now_o declare_v enemy_n will_v needs_o be_v the_o judge_n prot._n this_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o perform_v §._o 56._o 2._o cath._n my_o second_o request_n be_v that_o you_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o catholic_a faith_n once_o decide_v by_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o plain_a literal_a sense_n and_o in_o the_o latitude_n of_o the_o church_n expression_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o when_o they_o be_v several_o restrain_v to_o different_a particular_a sense_n by_o interpretation_n of_o catholic_a writer_n such_o interpretation_n be_v not_o necessary_o to_o be_v admit_v by_o you_o and_o much_o less_o be_v other_o doctrine_n by_o inference_n draw_v from_o they_o to_o be_v esteem_v point_n of_o catholic_a faith_n but_o only_a opinion_n of_o particular_a divine_n which_o do_v not_o oblige_v to_o assent_v prot._n this_o aught_o in_o reason_n to_o be_v acknowlege_v §._o 57_o 3._o cath._n my_o three_o and_o last_o request_n be_v that_o when_o your_o tempter_n shall_v tell_v you_o that_o the_o catholic_a church_n teach_v dostrin_n contrary_a to_o scripture_n you_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o unless_o such_o a_o pretend_a contrariety_n can_v be_v evident_o demonstrate_v to_o you_o you_o ought_v not_o for_o that_o cause_n to_o forsake_v the_o church_n communion_n for_o undoubted_o where_o her_o doctrine_n seem_v only_o probable_o contrary_a to_o some_o text_n of_o scripture_n her_o authority_n be_v such_o as_o to_o oblige_v you_o to_o belive_o that_o her_o sense_n ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o that_o of_o her_o enemy_n who_o be_v desstitute_v of_o all_o authority_n and_o it_o will_v be_v madness_n to_o transgress_v the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o peaceful_a obedience_n and_o of_o avoid_v schism_n upon_o a_o probable_a hope_n of_o find_v some_o truth_n elsewhere_o prot._n reason_n require_v that_o this_o also_o be_v grant_v §._o 58._o cath._n these_o concession_n therefore_o be_v presuppose_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o what_o you_o say_v at_o the_o entrance_n into_o this_o our_o discourse_n viz._n that_o this_o may_v be_v with_o full_a assurance_n assert_v that_o you_o can_v assent_v to_o any_o of_o those_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o reject_v by_o your_o party_n without_o render_v yourself_o guilty_a of_o apparent_a contradict_a scripture_n prot._n i_o remember_v this_o well_o but_o how_o will_v you_o disprove_v i_o cath._n if_o this_o persuasion_n of_o you_o be_v well_o ground_v it_o will_v be_v not_o only_o in_o vain_a but_o unlawful_a for_o i_o to_o seek_v to_o withdraw_v you_o from_o it_o but_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n assure_v that_o what_o you_o say_v be_v apparent_a be_v only_o so_o in_o a_o false_a appearance_n to_o your_o mind_n prepossess_v i_o hope_v i_o may_v without_o vanity_n promise_v to_o demonstrate_v to_o you_o that_o you_o only_o think_v a_o this_o without_o ground_n that_o you_o be_v assure_v prot._n you_o make_v large_a promise_n to_o yourself_o which_o i_o believe_v will_v have_v small_a effect_n upon_o i_o cath._n sir_n truth_n and_o a_o good_a intention_n make_v i_o confident_a that_o divine_a grace_n which_o be_v omnipotent_a will_v accompany_v they_o whereas_o therefore_o you_o say_v that_o roman_a doctrine_n be_v apparent_o or_o evident_o contrary_a
to_o scripture_n i_o desire_v you_o to_o take_v into_o consideration_n that_o the_o same_o roman_a church_n at_o the_o same_o time_n both_o propose_v the_o belief_n of_o those_o doctrine_n to_o your_o first_o reformer_n and_o also_o give_v they_o the_o scripture_n testify_v that_o they_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n therefore_o certain_o it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v evident_a to_o she_o that_o her_o doctrine_n do_v evident_o contradict_v divine_a revelation_n now_o you_o will_v not_o sure_o deny_v but_o that_o in_o the_o catholic_a church_n there_o be_v man_n as_o learned_a and_o those_o in_o a_o far_o great_a number_n than_o among_o protestant_n man_n i_o say_v who_o also_o make_v the_o scripture_n their_o principal_a study_n and_o have_v publish_v almost_o innumerable_a commentary_n on_o they_o again_o man_n of_o who_o a_o great_a number_n live_v sequester_v from_o the_o world_n in_o a_o assiduous_a practice_n of_o spiritual_a prayer_n and_o therefore_o not_o likely_a to_o have_v their_o judgement_n pervert_v by_o worldly_a interest_n yet_o not_o any_o one_o of_o these_o do_v see_v or_o but_o suspect_n that_o the_o faith_n they_o profess_v be_v contradict_v by_o god_n word_n on_o the_o contrary_a they_o invincible_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o church_n have_v be_v as_o the_o only_a depository_n of_o scripture_n so_o likewise_o of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o how_o come_v then_o that_o to_o be_v evident_a to_o you_o which_o be_v invisible_a to_o they_o which_o way_n go_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o inhabit_v a_o debauch_a incestuous_a friar_n or_o a_o stigmatise_v pichard_n upon_o who_o credit_n doubtless_o you_o have_v take_v up_o your_o evidence_n if_o they_o can_v have_v show_v you_o in_o scripture_n such_o passage_n as_o these_o the_o pope_n be_v not_o the_o supreme_a bishop_n and_o visible_a head_n of_o the_o church_n bread_n by_o sanctification_n do_v not_o become_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o confess_v our_o sin_n to_o priest_n purgatory_n be_v a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n it_o be_v a_o injury_n to_o christ_n to_o desire_v saint_n but_o none_o to_o desire_v sinner_n to_o pray_v for_o we_o etc._n etc._n such_o say_n indeed_o as_o these_o may_v have_v justify_v your_o charge_n against_o the_o church_n that_o she_o contradict_v scripture_n but_o where_o be_v such_o say_n to_o be_v find_v except_o it_o be_v in_o the_o heretical_a write_n of_o your_o reformer_n on_o the_o contrary_a some_o point_n contradictory_n to_o those_o be_v find_v literal_o contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o to_o elude_v they_o you_o be_v foce_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o figurative_a sense_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n by_o which_o we_o receive_v the_o scripture_n itself_o yea_o by_o the_o holy_a father_n justify_v as_o consonant_n to_o scripture_n and_o however_o i_o suppose_v you_o will_v not_o say_v that_o silence_n be_v equivolent_a to_o express_v contradiction_n the_o utmost_a that_o you_o can_v say_v be_v that_o perhaps_o you_o can_v produce_v now_o and_o then_o some_o scatter_a text_n of_o scripture_n from_o which_o you_o can_v make_v a_o show_n of_o argue_v against_o some_o tenet_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n but_o what_o will_v that_o avail_v you_o since_o probability_n as_o have_v be_v say_v will_v not_o excuse_v you_o for_o omit_v a_o necessary_a duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o incur_v the_o horrible_a guilt_n of_o schism_n where_o now_o do_v you_o see_v a_o evidence_n that_o the_o church_n contradict_v scripture_n prot._n i_o shall_v be_v better_o enable_v to_o give_v a_o resolution_n in_o this_o point_n when_o according_a to_o your_o promise_n you_o shall_v have_v give_v i_o a_o account_n of_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o your_o church_n in_o the_o point_v controvert_v between_o we_o §._o 60._o cath._n that_o promise_n i_o will_v now_o with_o god_n assistance_n discharge_v through_o all_o the_o point_n mention_v by_o you_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o first_o as_o touch_v the_o two_o first_o point_n viz._n 1._o the_o church_n authority_n 2._o the_o pope_n universal_a jurisdiction_n etc._n etc._n enough_o have_v be_v say_v in_o our_o former_a discourse_n yet_o for_o your_o further_a satisfaction_n i_o will_v enlarge_v myself_o a_o little_a more_o take_v therefore_o into_o your_o consideration_n that_o it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a truth_n agree_v on_o by_o all_o catholic_n that_o the_o only_a object_n of_o catholic_a faith_n be_v such_o divine_a truth_n as_o be_v reveal_v in_o god_n word_n and_o also_o propose_v to_o all_o by_o the_o catholic_a church_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o divine_a faith_n now_o this_o general_a ground_n be_v presuppose_v in_o case_n any_o controversy_n shall_v arise_v touch_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o divine_a truth_n reveal_v it_o be_v unquestionable_o necessary_a that_o some_o mean_n shall_v be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o determine_v such_o controversy_n and_o to_o prevent_v a_o dissipation_n of_o his_o church_n by_o heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o what_o other_o mean_a can_v be_v imagine_v efficacious_a hereto_o than_o what_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o practise_v even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o this_o declare_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n that_o no_o man_n trust_v to_o his_o own_o prudence_n or_o skill_n shall_v presume_v to_o interpret_v holy_a scripture_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o manner_n pertain_v to_o 4._o edification_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n wrest_v it_o to_o his_o own_o sense_n against_o that_o sense_n which_o our_o holy_a mother_n the_o church_n do_v or_o have_v hold_v to_o who_o it_o belong_v to_o judge_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n or_o also_o against_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o father_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o roman_a catholic_a church_n teach_v concern_v her_o authority_n of_o interpret_n controvert_v text_n of_o scripture_n no_o more_o than_o this_o be_v any_o catholic_a oblige_v to_o believe_v now_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o your_o conscience_n whether_o you_o can_v think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o you_o to_o break_v from_o her_o communion_n upon_o this_o quarrel_n because_o she_o judge_v more_o fit_a that_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o teacher_n and_o governor_n appoint_v by_o god_n in_o she_o shall_v prevail_v against_o your_o single_a judgement_n or_o that_o of_o a_o few_o apostat-minister_n especial_o consider_v the_o promise_n make_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o lawful_a successor_n that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v remain_v with_o they_o and_o direct_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o as_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n that_o be_v say_v the_o father_n 18._o heresy_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o they_o prot._n i_o see_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o contradict_v this_o §._o 61._o cath._n let_v we_o next_o proceed_v to_o what_o the_o church_n have_v determine_v touch_v the_o privilege_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o prime_a pastor_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n thus_o than_o we_o read_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n collect_v by_o the_o 4._o pope_n himself_o out_o of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n i_o acknowledge_v the_o holy_a catholic_a and_o apostolic_a roman_a church_n to_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n and_o i_o promise_v true_a obedience_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n successor_n of_o st._n peter_n prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o vicar_n of_o jesus_n christ._n here_o the_o see_v apostolic_a being_n acknowledge_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n and_o the_o pope_n vicar_n of_o christ_n his_o universal_a jurisdiction_n be_v therein_o acknowledge_v which_o jurisdiction_n or_o authority_n we_o be_v not_o to_o suppose_v to_o be_v arbitrary_a and_o unlimited_a but_o as_o we_o read_v in_o a_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o florence_n consent_v to_o by_o f●r_n the_o emperor_n patriarch_n and_o other_o bishop_n of_o greece_n to_o be_v exercise_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n after_o the_o manner_n as_o be_v also_o contain_v in_o the_o gest_n of_o ecumenical_a council_n and_o sacred_a canon_n and_o such_o a_o primacy_n invest_v with_o authority_n as_o this_o the_o general_n council_n of_o chalcedon_n admit_v by_o protestant_n do_v acknowledge_v in_o he_o which_o be_v also_o attest_v by_o tradition_n and_o practice_n from_o the_o beginning_n §._o 62._o now_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o stand_a authority_n in_o god_n church_n be_v thus_o ground_v the_o absolute_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a authority_n against_o which_o can_v lie_v no_o appeal_n be_v confess_o reside_a in_o a_o lawful_a general_n council_n by_o which_o all_o debate_n whatsoever_o may_v be_v determine_v all_o necessary_a law_n enact_v etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o infinite_a difficulty_n especial_o since_o the_o division_n of_o
remit_v and_o who_o soever_o sin_n 16._o you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v as_o likewise_o to_o the_o precept_n to_o saint_n james_n confess_v your_o sin_n one_o to_o another_o which_o text_n have_v be_v always_o interpret_v by_o the_o holy_a father_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n the_o universal_a practice_n likewise_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n conformable_a hereto_o add_v a_o considerable_a weight_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o a_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v by_o divine_a institution_n for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o by_o any_o humane_a invention_n a_o duty_n so_o burdensome_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o to_o our_o natural_a pride_n can_v have_v be_v introduce_v general_o into_o the_o church_n without_o spare_v the_o awful_a majesty_n of_o king_n and_o modesty_n of_o queen_n by_o a_o unarmed_a ecclesiastical_a power_n the_o pope_n himself_o also_o owe_v such_o submission_n to_o a_o simple_a priest_n §._o 79._o the_o ground_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o sacrament_n be_v because_o those_o who_o by_o baptism_n have_v submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n authority_n afterward_o do_v violate_v the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n aught_o to_o undergo_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o same_o church_n in_o the_o tribunal_n of_o penance_n where_o she_o exercise_v the_o power_n give_v she_o of_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n now_o such_o judgement_n be_v esteem_v as_o give_v by_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o by_o who_o and_o in_o who_o place_n his_o priest_n be_v appoint_v judge_n it_o be_v this_o invisible_a high_a priest_n who_o after_o confession_n sorrow_n and_o satisfaction_n interior_o absolve_v the_o penitent_a whilst_o the_o priest_n exercise_v the_o exterior_a ministry_n as_o a_o subordinate_a judge_n without_o who_o concurrence_n sin_n shall_v not_o be_v remit_v §._o 80._o as_o for_o satisfaction_n impose_v after_o confession_n they_o according_a 14._o to_o the_o church_n expression_n regard_v only_o temporal_a pain_n due_a to_o our_o sin_n she_o do_v not_o teach_v that_o we_o can_v satisfy_v god_n for_o the_o guilt_n even_o of_o venial_a sin_n or_o for_o eternal_a pain_n moreover_o she_o declare_v that_o these_o satisfaction_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o do_v no_o way_n obscure_v the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n death_n for_o christ_n by_o his_o death_n have_v so_o satisfy_v for_o our_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v god_n pleasure_n his_o satisfaction_n shall_v not_o produce_v its_o full_a effect_n till_o it_o be_v by_o we_o particular_o apply_v in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o sacrament_n and_o work_n worthy_a of_o penance_n to_o which_o work_v his_o merit_n be_v link_v and_o not_o otherwise_o our_o satisfaction_n will_v be_v accept_v by_o he_o through_o his_o pure_a grace_n and_o mercy_n the_o lutheran_n who_o seem_v so_o only_o to_o rely_v on_o christ_n passion_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n doubt_v not_o yet_o to_o profess_v that_o a_o previous_a faith_n be_v necessary_a thereto_o for_o such_o as_o be_v come_v to_o the_o age_n of_o discretion_n and_o baptism_n for_o infant_n the_o difference_n then_o between_o we_o be_v that_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o a_o dead_a faith_n and_o we_o by_o a_o live_n now_o therefore_o advise_v with_o yourself_o whether_o you_o will_v forsake_v god_n church_n rather_o than_o submit_v yourself_o to_o a_o duty_n without_o which_o that_o eminent_a privilege_n give_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o his_o minister_n for_o the_o general_a good_a of_o his_o people_n of_o remit_v sin_n become_v vain_a and_o of_o no_o effect_n prot._n i_o will_v serious_o think_v on_o this_o and_o now_o expect_v what_o you_o will_v say_v concern_v the_o other_o article_n 9_o of_o indulgence_n §._o 81._o cath._n i_o will_v if_o you_o think_v good_a in_o the_o next_o place_n treat_v of_o the_o point_n touch_v indulgence_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o affinity_n to_o the_o former_a prot._n i_o leave_v the_o method_n to_o your_o own_o choice_n cath._n concern_v indulgence_n then_o the_o church_n have_v thus_o deliver_v her_o 2d_o sense_n since_o the_o power_n of_o give_v indulgence_n have_v be_v bestow_v on_o the_o church_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o she_o have_v make_v use_n of_o this_o power_n divine_o leave_v she_o from_o ancient_a time_n the_o holy_a synod_n teach_v and_o commend_v the_o use_n of_o indulgence_n as_o very_o beneficial_a to_o all_o christian_a people_n and_o approve_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o other_o holy_a synod_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v retain_v in_o the_o church_n and_o denounce_v anathema_n against_o those_o who_o assert_v that_o they_o be_v unprofitable_a or_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o power_n of_o give_v they_o in_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o the_o synod_n admonish_v that_o the_o grant_n of_o they_o be_v do_v with_o great_a moderation_n according_a to_o the_o ancient_a and_o approve_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n for_o fear_v least_o by_o two_o great_a a_o remissness_n ecclesiastical_a discipline_n be_v weaken_v thus_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o church_n and_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o point_n of_o catholic_a faith_n which_o take_v simple_o according_a to_o the_o church_n own_o expression_n be_v more_o evident_a as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o less_o offensive_a as_o to_o the_o use_n then_o be_v this_o touch_v indulgence_n yet_o after_o all_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o point_n so_o embroil_v by_o controvertist_n dispute_v for_o and_o against_o inference_n and_o interpretation_n make_v by_o several_a schoolman_n which_o have_v occasion_v most_o horrible_a scandal_n by_o abuse_n commit_v in_o practice_n this_o have_v be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o luther_n revolt_a and_o schism_n §._o 82._o now_o forasmuch_o as_o regard_v the_o proper_a necessary_a sense_n of_o this_o canon_n those_o very_a schoolman_n who_o advance_v the_o virtue_n of_o indulgence_n vasquez_n much_o beyond_o what_o will_v be_v allow_v by_o many_o very_a learned_a catholic_n yet_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n by_o her_o decision_n oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v as_o of_o faith_n only_o this_o viz._n that_o only_o such_o a_o power_n of_o confer_v indulgence_n have_v be_v leave_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o his_o church_n as_o from_o ancient_a time_n have_v be_v practise_v and_o approve_v by_o former_a synod_n intend_v those_o that_o be_v usual_o cite_v to_o that_o purpose_n as_o the_o first_o of_o nicaea_n can._n 11._o of_o neocaesare_n can._n 3._o of_o laodicea_n can._n 1._o and_o 2._o the_o four_o of_o carthage_n cap._n 75._o and_o of_o agdes_n can._n 6._o in_o all_o which_o synod_n we_o only_o find_v this_o that_o it_o be_v always_o lawful_a and_o usual_a for_o bishop_n to_o remit_v to_o their_o penitent_n some_o part_n of_o those_o canonical_a penance_n which_o be_v inflict_v for_o certain_a crime_n in_o case_n the_o life_n and_o laudable_a conversation_n of_o the_o penitent_n do_v seem_v to_o deserve_v so_o great_a a_o favour_n or_o if_o by_o such_o indulgence_n they_o think_v requisite_a to_o encourage_v weak_a christian_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o faith_n hence_o appear_v that_o whatsoever_o beyond_o this_o we_o read_v in_o the_o catholic_a writer_n as_o thouch_v the_o remission_n of_o any_o pane_n due_a to_o sin_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n or_o after_o death_n in_o purgatory_n or_o touch_v certain_a clause_n in_o the_o bull_n of_o some_o pope_n or_o touch_v the_o church_n treasure_n consist_v of_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n alone_o as_o some_o or_o of_o the_o merit_n of_o saint_n join_v to_o those_o of_o christ_n as_o other_o conceive_v etc._n etc._n not_o any_o of_o these_o be_v necessary_a point_n of_o catholic_a faith_n thus_o in_o effect_n the_o catholic_a church_n require_v no_o more_o to_o be_v assent_v to_o but_o what_o be_v teach_v and_o practise_v by_o every_o congregation_n of_o christian_n upon_o earth_n all_o sect_n even_o fanatic_o and_o quaker_n denounce_v censure_n against_o delinquent_n must_v all_o those_o censure_n always_o have_v their_o full_a effect_n be_v no_o mercy_n to_o be_v extend_v to_o humble_a contrite_a penitent_n shall_v no_o difference_n be_v make_v between_o sinner_n convert_v and_o those_o that_o be_v remorseless_a this_o be_v contrary_a to_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o mankind_n therefore_o sure_o you_o will_v not_o forsake_v the_o catholic_a church_n for_o allow_v that_o which_o all_o christian_n esteem_v necessary_a §._o 83._o prot._n if_o this_o be_v all_o that_o the_o roman_a church_n teach_v concern_v indulgence_n they_o be_v much_o to_o blame_v who_o condemn_v she_o but_o the_o general_a practice_n therein_o contradict_v you_o do_v we_o not_o see_v the_o virtue_n of_o indulgence_n extend_v to_o the_o other_o world_n do_v we_o not_o see_v in_o the_o tenor_n of_o promulgated_a plenary_a indulgence_n all_o sinner_n promise_v
fruition_n of_o glory_n promise_v they_o so_o that_o all_o thing_n remain_v in_o suspense_n until_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o judgement_n now_o this_o so_o tedious_a suspension_n and_o anxious_a expectation_n of_o a_o object_n vehement_o desire_v must_v needs_o be_v more_o grievous_a than_o a_o short_a suffering_n in_o purgatory_n where_o probable_o such_o a_o delay_a expectation_n make_v the_o principal_a torment_n and_o where_o perhaps_o the_o suffering_n of_o many_o less_o imperfect_a soul_n may_v be_v less_o torment_a than_o some_o pain_n suffer_v in_o this_o life_n yet_o because_o calvin_n will_v not_o call_v this_o his_o fancy_a place_n purgatory_n he_o be_v orthodox_n and_o the_o church_n only_o erroneous_a he_o be_v orthodox_n teach_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o man_n can_v have_v the_o conscience_n to_o forsake_v the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v her_o doctrine_n abroad_o in_o a_o shismatioal_n congregation_n prot._n such_o partiality_n true_o i_o can_v approve_v cath._n these_o be_v the_o catholic_a doctrine_n mention_v by_o you_o as_o evident_o contradict_v scripture_n and_o invent_v to_o promote_v ambition_n and_o avarice_n in_o the_o catholic_a clergy_n and_o beside_o these_o other_o point_n of_o controversy_n there_o be_v which_o though_o not_o charge_v with_o such_o a_o imputation_n yet_o be_v esteem_v by_o you_o of_o moment_n sufficient_a to_o drive_v you_o out_o of_o god_n church_n do_v you_o think_v good_a that_o we_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o these_o also_o prot._n yes_o 14._o of_o celibacy_n of_o priest_n §._o 104._o cath._n the_o first_o than_o that_o i_o will_v mention_v shall_v be_v the_o church_n ordinance_n touch_v celibacy_n of_o priest_n it_o be_v confess_v by_o we_o that_o this_o be_v only_o a_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n it_o be_v also_o confess_v by_o the_o most_o eminent_a among_o you_o that_o if_o your_o clergy_n will_v submit_v to_o such_o a_o constitution_n ecclesiastical_a affair_n will_v be_v better_o order_v if_o they_o say_v that_o all_o man_n have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o continence_n they_o may_v be_v tell_v that_o in_o case_n any_o one_o of_o they_o want_v this_o gift_n why_o do_v he_o intrude_v himself_o into_o the_o office_n of_o a_o spiritual_a pastor_n who_o compel_v he_o thereto_o yet_o withal_o the_o same_o person_n in_o his_o young_a day_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o continence_n whilst_o he_o enjoin_v a_o subsistence_n by_o a_o fellowship_n in_o the_o university_n do_v then_o his_o approach_v to_o the_o altar_n expel_v that_o gift_n or_o do_v ordination_n make_v a_o wife_n necessary_a in_o these_o latter_a day_n only_o whereas_o never_o any_o former_a christian_a church_n not_o in_o greece_n itself_o will_v permit_v any_o person_n after_o make_v a_o priest_n to_o marry_v even_o those_o very_a council_n forbid_v this_o which_o permit_v marry_v man_n to_o receive_v priesthood_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v among_o they_o a_o want_n of_o this_o gift_n of_o continence_n it_o be_v their_o own_o fault_n general_o speak_v they_o want_v it_o because_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o enjoy_v it_o and_o will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o prayer_n reading_n abstinence_n solitude_n and_o other_o mean_v proper_a to_o continue_v it_o and_o will_v you_o sir_n leave_v god_n church_n because_o those_o who_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o take_v care_n of_o your_o soul_n have_v not_o neither_o desire_n to_o have_v wife_n prot._n go_v on_o to_o the_o next_o point_n 15._o of_o abstinence_n from_o flesh_n enjoin_v in_o fast_v §._o 105._o cath._n as_o not_o in_o the_o former_a constitution_n so_o neither_o in_o this_o by_o which_o the_o church_n command_v abstinence_n from_o flesh_n on_o day_n of_o fast_v can_v you_o have_v any_o pretention_n to_o impute_v to_o our_o church_n as_o we_o may_v to_o you_o that_o she_o favour_v carnal_a affection_n in_o the_o former_a her_o clergy_n impose_v on_o themselves_o alone_o the_o burden_n of_o renounce_v all_o even_o otherwise_o lawful_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o flesh_n and_o for_o this_o you_o who_o be_v nothing_o concern_v will_v be_v angry_a and_o forsake_v a_o church_n because_o mortification_n be_v practise_v by_o the_o pastor_n in_o it_o in_o this_o latter_a ordinance_n she_o indeed_o i_o mean_v her_o clergy_n restrain_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o appetite_n of_o the_o laity_n but_o they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n favour_n themselves_o if_o it_o be_v not_o good_a for_o our_o soul_n to_o abate_v the_o intemperance_n of_o our_o body_n ecclesiastic_o will_v not_o afflict_v themselves_o by_o practise_v it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v good_a laic_n be_v too_o blame_v to_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o §._o 106._o however_o i_o can_v judge_v you_o so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o join_v with_o your_o hotheaded_a controvertist_n and_o preacher_n who_o for_o these_o two_o ordinance_n sake_n impute_v to_o our_o church_n the_o teach_n of_o the_o doctrine_n 1._o of_o devil_n in_o forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n since_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o these_o heretic_n of_o who_o saint_n paul_n prophesy_v and_o which_o appear_v short_o after_o in_o the_o church_n uttter_o condemn_v marriage_n in_o all_o as_o a_o abomination_n in_o itself_o and_o teach_v that_o all_o creature_n have_v life_n be_v compose_v of_o particle_n of_o the_o evil_a deity_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v have_v in_o execration_n now_o sir_n can_v you_o observe_v any_o affinity_n between_o these_o doctrine_n and_o those_o of_o the_o catholic_a church_n teach_v that_o marriage_n be_v honourable_a in_o all_o who_o be_v call_v to_o it_o but_o yet_o that_o virginity_n especial_o in_o person_n consecrate_v to_o god_n be_v better_a and_o again_o that_o all_o god_n creature_n be_v good_a and_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n but_o yet_o on_o some_o few_o day_n when_o we_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o our_o soul_n to_o subdue_v our_o carnal_a lust_n ferment_v in_o our_o body_n it_o be_v expedient_a to_o abstain_v from_o some_o more_o nourish_a meat_n though_o otherwise_o in_o themselves_o lawful_a and_o good_a prot._n i_o be_o sufficient_o persuade_v saint_n paul_n never_o intend_v you_o in_o that_o prophecy_n and_o now_o sir_n it_o will_v not_o be_v necessary_a you_o shall_v trouble_v yourself_o about_o any_o other_o point_v debate_v among_o we_o none_o of_o which_o as_o neither_o indeed_o the_o two_o last_o be_v of_o such_o moment_n as_o to_o oblige_v any_o one_o to_o break_v from_o any_o church_n communion_n at_o all_o since_o all_o the_o doubt_n concern_v they_o consist_v in_o this_o whether_o a_o single_a christian_a may_v safe_o judge_v himself_o wise_a and_o holy_a than_o the_o church_n cath._n god_n almighty_n establish_v in_o your_o heart_n a_o love_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o now_o for_o a_o farewell_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o add_v a_o few_o consideration_n touch_v the_o general_a argument_n of_o both_o our_o discourse_n prot._n i_o give_v it_o willing_o §._o 107._o cath._n then_o sir_n you_o may_v remember_v how_o at_o our_o last_o meeting_n i_o tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a artifice_n of_o your_o controvertist_n when_o they_o be_v charge_v with_o schism_n to_o delay_v the_o examination_n of_o that_o most_o important_a point_n till_o the_o greek_a calends_o that_o be_v till_o all_o other_o particular_a controversy_n be_v debate_v to_o their_o satisfaction_n which_o will_v never_o be_v but_o now_o i_o must_v alter_v the_o expression_n and_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o voluntary_a artifice_n as_o pure_a necessity_n that_o put_v they_o and_o you_o upon_o that_o unreasonable_a method_n §._o 108._o when_o a_o catholic_a be_v examine_v why_o he_o be_v so_o a_o answer_n be_v ready_o suggest_v to_o he_o that_o it_o concern_v the_o safety_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o church_n which_o from_o his_o creed_n he_o learn_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o catholic_n and_o that_o the_o roman_a be_v such_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n by_o which_o the_o only_a true_a church_n be_v characterise_v in_o scripture_n he_o answer_v direct_o to_o the_o question_n without_o compare_v particular_a tenant_n of_o his_o church_n with_o those_o of_o other_o divide_a congregation_n which_o require_v much_o study_n and_o learning_n beyond_o the_o ability_n of_o ordinary_a catholic_n whereas_o the_o most_o simple_a be_v unquestionable_o persuade_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n and_o that_o keep_v they_o safe_a in_o it_o against_o all_o the_o captious_a objection_n of_o sectary_n endeavour_v to_o shake_v their_o faith_n in_o particular_a doctrine_n the_o justify_n of_o which_o they_o leave_v to_o their_o teacher_n and_o governor_n §._o 109._o but_o a_o protestant_n be_v examine_v why_o for_o example_n he_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o never_o enter_v into_o his_o
wilful_o misinterpret_v scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n especial_o in_o point_n fundamental_a which_o be_v so_o clear_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n that_o no_o sober_a enquirer_n can_v be_v mistake_v in_o they_o cath._n well_o sir_n i_o have_v at_o present_a do_v ask_v question_n and_o now_o better_a enable_v by_o what_o you_o have_v say_v will_v endeavour_v to_o give_v you_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o the_o question_v you_o propose_v in_o the_o begin_n viz._n why_o be_v you_o a_o catholic_n §._o 11._o first_o then_o sir_n i_o be_o a_o catholic_n because_o i_o believe_v that_o christ_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v infinite_o both_o good_a wise_a and_o omnipotent_a his_o goodness_n incline_v he_o to_o come_v down_o into_o this_o world_n to_o save_v mankind_n by_o establish_v a_o church_n upon_o earth_n which_o shall_v remain_v till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o which_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n shall_v be_v so_o teach_v as_o not_o only_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a but_o the_o poor_a simple_a and_o ignorant_a also_o shall_v by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n now_o his_o goodness_n have_v design_v this_o his_o wisdom_n enable_v he_o to_o appoint_v way_n and_o mean_v proper_a to_o effect_v that_o his_o bless_a design_n and_o omnipotence_n to_o make_v those_o mean_v successful_a §_o 12._o the_o general_a efficacious_a mean_n to_o accomplish_v this_o be_v first_o the_o reveal_n his_o whole_a will_n to_o his_o church_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v sufficient_o do_v in_o holy_a scripture_n as_o to_o all_o point_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n though_o in_o all_o those_o point_v not_o so_o clear_o to_o every_o one_o that_o without_o a_o teacher_n their_o sense_n may_v not_o be_v mistake_v neither_o do_v scripture_n make_v a_o express_a discernment_n of_o what_o point_n be_v necessary_a and_o second_o the_o assist_v of_o this_o his_o church_n with_o fidelity_n and_o a_o constant_a performance_n of_o her_o duty_n in_o declare_v all_o necessary_a divine_a truth_n manifest_v to_o she_o to_o her_o subject_n with_o a_o command_n that_o all_o christian_n shall_v obey_v and_o submit_v to_o what_o she_o shall_v teach_v or_o enjoin_v they_o god_n have_v thus_o reveal_v his_o whole_a will_n to_o his_o one_o catholic_n church_n it_o necessary_o and_o evident_o follow_v 1._o that_o ignorance_n or_o error_n in_o any_o point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v damnable_a 2._o that_o a_o separation_n from_o this_o one_o church_n be_v damnable_a also_o upon_o what_o pretence_n soever_o the_o separation_n be_v make_v §._o 13._o now_o to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n thus_o threaten_v by_o error_n or_o schism_n only_o one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n be_v possible_a 1._o by_o one_o own_o light_n to_o penetrate_v into_o all_o mystery_n so_o as_o to_o be_v most_o firm_o assure_v of_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o all_o necessary_a verity_n reveal_v by_o god_n in_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o or_o out_o of_o a_o distrust_n of_o our_o own_o ability_n to_o submit_v our_o reason_n and_o internal_a assent_n to_o authority_n the_o former_a of_o these_o way_n all_o sect_n divide_v from_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o among_o themselves_o do_v uniform_o take_v be_v force_v hereto_o by_o deny_v any_o visible_a society_n of_o man_n to_o have_v any_o authority_n oblige_v the_o conscience_n of_o their_o subject_n and_o by_o consequence_n they_o have_v all_o if_o any_o a_o equal_a title_n that_o be_v indeed_o equal_o none_o at_o all_o to_o challenge_v belief_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o neither_o can_v they_o rational_o without_o desert_v their_o common_a ground_n condemn_v or_o excommunicate_a one_o another_o the_o latter_a way_n we_o catholic_n only_o take_v and_o as_o we_o think_v prudent_o and_o sure_o §._o 14._o for_o sir_n i_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v what_o a_o busy_a laborious_a task_n you_o have_v undertake_v by_o be_v a_o protestant_n of_o what_o sect_n among_o they_o soever_o you_o be_v before_o you_o can_v promise_v to_o yourself_o any_o rest_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o peculiar_a fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o your_o sect_n your_o conscience_n must_v satisfy_v you_o that_o you_o have_v not_o embrace_v a_o religion_n by_o hazard_n but_o after_o a_o diligent_a sincere_a and_o effectual_a examination_n of_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n not_o only_o of_o catholic_n submit_v to_o authority_n but_o also_o of_o other_o sectary_n who_o proceed_v your_o way_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n by_o a_o private_a light_n do_v condemn_v your_o doctrine_n or_o who_o doctrine_n you_o condemn_v to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o this_o how_o many_o volume_n of_o controversy_n be_v you_o oblige_v to_o read_v and_o examine_v beside_o this_o it_o will_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o you_o be_v perfect_o study_v in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n with_o the_o best_a commentary_n on_o they_o both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a since_o you_o ground_n your_o religion_n upon_o a_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o perhaps_o not_o any_o of_o they_o will_v allow_v and_o then_o in_o equity_n you_o be_v to_o examine_v their_o reason_n for_o it_o now_o what_o one_o man_n age_n will_v suffice_v for_o all_o this_o business_n though_o but_o in_o one_o or_o two_o point_n controvert_v and_o though_o the_o party_n be_v learn_v and_o have_v never_o so_o much_o leisure_n what_o then_o shall_v ignorant_a person_n do_v who_o yet_o make_v up_o the_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n what_o shall_v tradesman_n and_o day-labourer_n do_v who_o can_v scarce_o allow_v from_o their_o necessary_a vocation_n any_o time_n at_o all_o daily_a even_o to_o say_v their_o prayer_n yet_o it_o concern_v all_o these_o upon_o the_o venture_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n not_o to_o forsake_v or_o embrace_v a_o religion_n without_o a_o sufficient_a examination_n make_v by_o themselves_o of_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o since_o they_o be_v tell_v and_o believe_v it_o that_o they_o must_v trust_v to_o themselves_o only_o because_o no_o external_a authority_n upon_o earth_n can_v require_v from_o they_o a_o submission_n of_o their_o judgement_n inasmuch_o as_o according_a to_o their_o general_a fundamental_a position_n no_o authority_n be_v infallible_a §._o 15._o now_o whereas_o you_o say_v that_o all_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o clear_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n that_o no_o sober_a enquirer_n can_v be_v mistake_v in_o they_o if_o this_o be_v true_a yet_o since_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o you_o yourselves_o do_v clear_o express_v which_o and_o how_o many_o doctrine_n be_v fundamental_a every_o tittle_n of_o scripture_n must_v be_v read_v and_o examine_v by_o every_o one_o of_o you_o for_o fear_v a_o necessary_a doctrine_n shall_v chance_v to_o escape_v you_o but_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o groundlesness_n of_o that_o your_o assertion_n i_o desire_v you_o to_o reflect_v on_o the_o prodigious_a multiplicity_n of_o sect_n swarm_v in_o this_o age_n all_o which_o ground_n their_o belief_n upon_o pretend_a clear_a text_n of_o scripture_n alone_o you_o will_v then_o scarce_o find_v one_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n exempt_v from_o their_o dispute_n there_o be_v not_o want_v who_o deny_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o divinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o our_o lord_n the_o divine_a personality_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n some_o absolute_o deny_v freewill_n whilst_o other_o exalt_v the_o power_n of_o it_o so_o high_a as_o to_o affirm_v divine_a grace_n unnecessary_a to_o its_o best_a operation_n some_o affirm_v our_o nature_n to_o be_v so_o incurable_o pollute_v by_o original_a sin_n as_o that_o all_o the_o best_a action_n of_o the_o regenerate_v be_v mortal_a sin_n other_o will_v acknowledge_v no_o original_a sin_n at_o all_o some_o affirm_v baptism_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n even_o of_o infant_n other_o reject_v infant-baptism_n and_o calvinist_n assert_v that_o infant_n without_o baptism_n be_v sanctify_v by_o their_o parent_n faith_n and_o that_o some_o infant_n die_v though_o baptize_v may_v be_v damn_v some_o believe_v man_n soul_n to_o be_v mortal_a and_o that_o it_o perish_v with_o the_o body_n not_o have_v any_o knowledge_n or_o sentiment_n after_o death_n some_o confine_n god_n to_o a_o determinate_a place_n in_o heaven_n and_o also_o deny_v his_o prescience_n of_o future_a contingent_n last_o some_o deny_v a_o eternity_n of_o torment_n in_o hell_n sure_o you_o will_v not_o deny_v most_o of_o these_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o our_o faith_n yet_o all_o who_o maintain_v these_o tenet_n and_o all_o sectary_n who_o contradict_v they_o do_v ground_n themselves_o upon_o express_a scripture_n which_o to_o you_o seem_v so_o clear_a you_o can_v be_v more_o confident_a that_o you_o have_v light_a on_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n than_o they_o of_o a_o
contrary_a sense_n and_o only_a self-love_n and_o selfe-esteem_a determine_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o can_v it_o then_o be_v prudence_n in_o any_o man_n to_o hazard_v eternity_n upon_o his_o own_o sense_n of_o scripture_n the_o half_a of_o which_o perhaps_o he_o never_o read_v common_o a_o text_n or_o two_o conclude_v every_o point_n controvert_v when_o perhaps_o there_o be_v twenty_o text_n unconsidered_a by_o the_o person_n which_o will_v rectify_v the_o sense_n he_o give_v to_o the_o former_a be_v that_o guide_n to_o be_v trust_v which_o have_v seduce_v such_o infinite_a multitude_n oppose_v calumniate_a and_o hate_v one_o another_o all_o mankind_n may_v be_v witness_n that_o this_o private_a light_n have_v hitherto_o never_o be_v able_a to_o confute_v or_o undecieve_v one_o sect._n in_o a_o word_n be_v it_o not_o in_o effect_n a_o injurious_a blaspheme_n of_o the_o goodness_n wisdom_n and_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n to_o affirm_v that_o he_o have_v oblige_v under_o penalty_n of_o damnation_n all_o christian_n to_o unity_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o necessary_a doctrine_n and_o also_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o conserve_v his_o church_n in_o this_o unity_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o affirm_v withal_o that_o the_o only_a mean_n appoint_v by_o he_o to_o produce_v this_o unity_n shall_v be_v a_o certain_a mean_n of_o destroy_a unity_n and_o which_o if_o make_v use_v of_o by_o all_o christian_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n will_v be_v too_o strong_a for_o he_o so_o that_o there_o will_v scarce_o be_v leave_v a_o church_n upon_o earth_n §._o 16._o true_o sir_n i_o do_v not_o know_v through_o what_o spectacle_n you_o look_v upon_o this_o principle_n of_o protestancy_n which_o have_v be_v indeed_o the_o constant_a principle_n of_o all_o ancient-herities_a but_o to_o i_o it_o appear_v most_o horrible_o ghastly_a and_o only_o fit_a to_o be_v acknowledge_v the_o invention_n of_o lucifer_n the_o foul_a spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o contention_n who_o present_v to_o unwary_a christian_n once_o more_o this_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n to_o be_v aspire_v to_o by_o our_o own_o endeavour_n and_o contrary_a to_o god_n appointment_n since_o therefore_o as_o have_v be_v say_v there_o be_v but_o those_o two_o way_n to_o arrive_v at_o the_o knowleg_n of_o divine_a mystery_n contain_v in_o scripture_n yet_o so_o contain_v as_o that_o the_o text_n in_o which_o they_o be_v contain_v be_v subject_a to_o be_v miss-understood_a viz._n first_o a_o man_n be_v own_o private_a reason_n and_o second_o authority_n of_o superior_n by_o god_n appointment_n place_v in_o his_o church_n all_o the_o reason_n i_o have_v enforce_v i_o to_o choose_v this_o latter_a way_n because_o thereby_o i_o shall_v avoid_v inconstancy_n otherwise_o unavoidable_a as_o i_o be_o teach_v by_o st._n paul_n who_o say_v eph._n 4._o 11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n that_o therefore_o god_n place_v in_o his_o church_n apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n a_o succession_n of_o which_o be_v to_o last_v till_o we_o all_o meet_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n this_o almighty_a god_n do_v say_v he_o to_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v like_o child_n waver_v and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n through_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o cunning_a of_o such_o as_o will_v circumvent_v we_o with_o error_n the_o only_a remedy_n whereof_o in_o the_o apostle_n judgement_n be_v submission_n to_o authority_n to_o which_o submission_n also_o i_o be_o oblige_v by_o a_o express_a command_n of_o god_n obedite_fw-la praepositis_fw-la vestris_fw-la etc._n etc._n heb._n 13._o 17._o obey_v they_o that_o be_v set_v over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v account_n and_o reason_n thus_o divine_o enlighten_v oblige_v i_o to_o submit_v to_o authority_n i_o shall_v renounce_v the_o same_o reason_n utter_o if_o i_o shall_v not_o prefer_v that_o society_n which_o by_o a_o evident_a succession_n from_o the_o foresay_a apostle_n and_o pastor_n make_v the_o best_a claim_n thereto_o yea_o which_o alone_o claim_v a_o authority_n oblige_v the_o conscience_n and_o that_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n the_o authority_n whereof_o be_v evident_o the_o great_a in_o the_o world_n for_o though_o all_o divide_a sect_n preume_n to_o contend_v with_o she_o for_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n challenge_v that_o to_o themselves_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o of_o they_o which_o dare_v assume_v to_o themselves_o that_o eminence_n of_o authority_n which_o manifest_o appear_v in_o she_o and_o you_o may_v know_v this_o catholio_n church_n from_o other_o because_o it_o only_o challenge_v a_o universal_a and_o absolute_a not_o conditional_a obedience_n and_o you_o may_v know_v the_o son_n of_o it_o by_o their_o profess_v to_o give_v to_o the_o church_n authority_n such_o obedience_n §._o 17._o now_o sir_n consider_v how_o agreeable_a to_o god_n goodness_n and_o wisdom_n how_o suitable_a to_o humane_a capacity_n how_o helpful_a to_o man_n necessity_n be_v this_o way_n of_o ground_v our_o faith_n on_o god_n word_n as_o interpret_v by_o the_o catholic_a church_n the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o maintain_v dispute_n yet_o god_n love_v the_o poor_a and_o ignorant_a at_o least_o as_o well_o as_o he_o do_v the_o rich_a and_o learned_a and_o take_v care_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o happiness_n without_o learning_n sharpness_n of_o wit_n curiosity_n and_o study_v of_o knowledge_n consequent_o he_o have_v chalk_v out_o a_o way_n to_o heaven_n in_o which_o the_o ignorant_a and_o simple_n may_v walk_v secure_o and_o in_o what_o other_o way_n can_v these_o walk_v but_o in_o that_o of_o obedience_n to_o authority_n this_o doubtless_o be_v that_o way_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n isa._n 35._o 8._o saying_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o high_a way_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v call_v a_o holy_a way_n no_o pollute_a person_n shall_v pass_v through_o it_o this_o shall_v be_v to_o christian_n a_o straight_a way_n so_o that_o fool_n shall_v not_o err_v in_o it_o now_o have_v sectary_n find_v out_o this_o straight_a way_n in_o which_o fool_n can_v err_v sectary_n i_o say_v who_o have_v frame_v a_o confuse_a labyrinth_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o cross_a path_n and_o wind_n where_o every_o one_o wander_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o dark_a lantern_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o either_o stumble_v into_o or_o fantastical_o choose_v such_o a_o path_n as_o at_o the_o present_a please_v he_o best_o and_o leave_v it_o also_o when_o he_o think_v good_a not_o take_v direction_n from_o any_o other_o or_o not_o much_o care_v for_o such_o direction_n by_o this_o mean_n we_o see_v how_o that_o not_o only_a fool_n and_o ignorant_a but_o even_o the_o most_o judicious_a among_o sectary_n follow_v their_o own_o light_n do_v walk_v all_o their_o life_n in_o quite_o contrary_a way_n yet_o all_o believe_a that_o god_n by_o the_o scripture_n direct_v they_o §._o 18._o manifest_a therefore_o it_o be_v that_o god_n way_n be_v only_o one_o holy_a straight_a highway_n not_o any_o sectary_n but_o all_o and_o only_a catholic_n have_v be_v by_o almighty_a god_n bring_v into_o it_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o distrust_v the_o dim_a light_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n for_o discern_v the_o verity_n of_o faith_n contest_v borrow_v the_o church_n light_n thus_o exercise_v christian_a humility_n in_o not_o presume_v upon_o their_o own_o ability_n and_o christian_a obedience_n in_o submit_v to_o the_o guidance_n of_o those_o teacher_n and_o governor_n who_o god_n have_v place_v over_o they_o and_o who_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o soul_n these_o heavenly_a virtue_n be_v and_o have_v always_o be_v equal_o practise_v by_o both_o ignorant_a catholic_n out_o of_o necessity_n and_o by_o the_o most_o learned_a out_o of_o duty_n yea_o those_o glorious_a light_n of_o god_n church_n the_o holy_a father_n and_o ancient_a doctor_n though_o they_o be_v father_n and_o doctor_n to_o other_o yet_o to_o the_o church_n herself_o they_o be_v humble_a child_n and_o disciple_n learn_v only_o from_o she_o and_o teach_v other_o only_a what_o they_o have_v learn_v from_o she_o this_o sure_o be_v a_o straight_a highway_n and_o a_o holy_a way_n too_o and_o while_o the_o most_o simple_a among_o catholic_n walk_v in_o this_o way_n they_o have_v a_o incomparable_a advantage_n in_o light_n above_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o those_o which_o trust_v to_o their_o private_a light_n for_o they_o be_v guide_v by_o all_o the_o light_n that_o be_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o those_o which_o god_n have_v constitute_v teacher_n in_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o