shall_v mistake_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o secure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o with_o honest_a and_o upright_a heart_n continue_v to_o inquire_v after_o the_o truth_n design_v nothing_o else_o that_o error_n shall_v not_o prejudice_v we_o but_o god_n will_v either_o discover_v to_o we_o his_o mind_n or_o not_o condemn_v we_o for_o our_o error_n of_o weakness_n not_o of_o wilfulness_n sect_n xx._n the_o vanity_n of_o their_o appeal_n to_o tradition_n as_o for_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n by_o tradition_n they_o may_v be_v pretend_v and_o talk_v of_o but_o can_v be_v produce_v in_o most_o place_n where_o we_o be_v desirous_a of_o that_o help_n which_o we_o glad_o receive_v when_o we_o can_v have_v it_o by_o a_o true_o universal_a consent_n but_o as_o for_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n they_o do_v not_o absolute_o agree_v with_o each_o other_o in_o their_o exposition_n of_o those_o text_n upon_o which_o controversy_n of_o great_a moment_n be_v now_o ground_v nay_o they_o oft_o time_n propound_v divers_a interpretation_n alike_o probable_a and_o sometime_o plain_o intimate_v their_o doubtfulness_n and_o make_v but_o imperfect_a conjecture_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o intend_v to_o excite_v posterity_n to_o seek_v for_o further_a resolution_n therefore_o we_o shall_v not_o dissent_v from_o they_o though_o we_o do_v not_o assent_v to_o all_o their_o particular_a interpretation_n nay_o we_o can_v more_o dissent_v from_o they_o than_o by_o follow_v their_o interpretation_n on_o such_o strict_a term_n as_o the_o romanist_n will_v bind_v we_o all_o to_o do_v when_o they_o seem_v to_o make_v for_o their_o advantage_n for_o then_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o surmise_n or_o conjecture_v of_o any_o one_o father_n but_o must_v suffice_v against_o the_o joint_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o which_o rule_n of_o serve_v their_o interest_n they_o be_v so_o true_a that_o they_o stick_v not_o to_o reject_v any_o interpretation_n of_o the_o father_n when_o they_o think_v good_a and_o which_o be_v more_o to_o prefer_v their_o own_o exposition_n before_o they_o and_o so_o they_o do_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o all_o other_o tradition_n though_o call_v apostolical_a for_o instance_n the_o threefold_a immersion_n in_o baptism_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v flow_v from_o a_o apostolical_a canon_n be_v long_o ago_o abolish_v say_v their_o canus_n by_o a_o contrary_a custom_n and_o so_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o give_v the_o communion_n to_o infant_n which_o prevail_v say_v their_o maldonate_fw-it for_o 600._o year_n in_o the_o church_n not_o only_o antiquate_v by_o they_o but_o decree_v to_o be_v unlawful_a which_o clear_o show_v that_o they_o may_v if_o they_o please_v make_v a_o end_n of_o all_o the_o controversy_n that_o trouble_v the_o church_n without_o any_o disparagement_n but_o rather_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o its_o authority_n for_o challenge_v a_o power_n to_o alter_v even_o the_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o take_v away_o the_o cup_n from_o the_o people_n in_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o much_o more_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n what_o need_v all_o this_o stir_n about_o apostolical_a tradition_n or_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o may_v lay_v aside_o at_o their_o pleasure_n and_o have_v lay_v aside_o as_o appear_v by_o many_o other_o instance_n beside_o those_o now_o name_v that_o may_v be_v give_v of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o direction_n of_o every_o honest_a heart_a man_n to_o know_v which_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n can_v be_v and_o may_v be_v undoubted_o rely_v on_o that_o nothing_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n than_o this_o that_o the_o doctor_n of_o it_o declare_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v full_a and_o perspicuous_a in_o all_o needful_a matter_n and_o therefore_o there_o need_v no_o other_o tradition_n but_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o satisfy_v we_o abundant_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v universal_o receive_v sect_n xxi_o and_o their_o guilt_n in_o what_o they_o say_v about_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o can_v therefore_o be_v a_o great_a demonstration_n of_o their_o guilt_n than_o this_o that_o notwithstanding_o such_o evident_a testimony_n from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o the_o concurrent_a stream_n of_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o christ_n church_n they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o avoid_v this_o trial_n by_o the_o scripture_n to_o say_v so_o many_o scandalous_a thing_n as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o disparagement_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n many_o of_o they_o be_v common_o know_v and_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o repeat_v the_o rest_n but_o only_o say_v this_o great_a truth_n that_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o their_o church_n such_o as_o it_o be_v receive_v all_o its_o authority_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o the_o scripture_n from_o it_o for_o we_o can_v have_v no_o notion_n as_o be_v say_v before_o of_o a_o church_n or_o of_o its_o authority_n but_o from_o the_o scripture_n which_o therefore_o must_v be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o that_o which_o receive_v authority_n from_o they_o and_o be_v first_o suppose_v to_o be_v infallible_a before_o they_o can_v make_v we_o believe_v any_o thing_n else_o be_v so_o for_o we_o must_v be_v secure_a of_o the_o proof_n before_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o thing_n prove_v by_o it_o otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o proof_n but_o leave_v we_o as_o much_o in_o doubt_n as_o we_o be_v before_o it_o be_v allege_v if_o they_o say_v and_o what_o else_o can_v be_v say_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o must_v indeed_o learn_v their_o church_n infallibility_n from_o the_o scripture_n but_o then_o learn_v the_o rest_n from_o their_o church_n mark_v i_o beseech_v you_o what_o follow_v then_o it_o be_v manifest_a first_o that_o they_o themselves_o make_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o one_o article_n at_o least_o concern_v the_o catholic_n church_n infallibility_n which_o we_o must_v therefore_o believe_v and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n because_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o first_o infallible_o believe_v do_v teach_v and_o prove_v it_o whence_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o private_a man_n may_v and_o must_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n without_o the_o help_n of_o their_o church_n authority_n before_o they_o can_v believe_v any_o thing_n else_o because_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n for_o their_o belief_n of_o that_o infallibility_n which_o their_o church_n pretend_v which_o to_o they_o be_v the_o general_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o from_o thence_o it_o follow_v further_o that_o the_o scripture_n which_o to_o we_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n aught_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o they_o to_o be_v more_o than_o so_o even_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o what_o reason_n can_v any_o man_n allege_v why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o immediate_a rule_n of_o faith_n without_o send_v we_o elsewhere_o to_o seek_v it_o in_o all_o other_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n as_o well_o as_o in_o that_o of_o their_o pretend_a infallible_a church_n we_o may_v appeal_v to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n angel_n and_o man_n to_o witness_v between_o we_o and_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o a_o worthy_a champion_n of_o our_o cause_n do_v long_o ago_o whether_o the_o article_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n his_o death_n passion_n burial_n resurrection_n ascension_n intercession_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o life_n everlasting_a etc._n etc._n be_v not_o much_o more_o plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o any_o man_n apprehension_n whatsoever_o than_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n be_v in_o such_o word_n as_o these_o thou_o be_v peter_n etc._n etc._n feed_v my_o sheep_n or_o any_o other_o from_o whence_o they_o challenge_v it_o and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v require_v to_o learn_v these_o or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o christian_a faith_n mere_o from_o their_o church_n when_o we_o learn_v they_o so_o easy_o by_o the_o scripture_n in_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v more_o clear_o deliver_v than_o any_o thing_n we_o read_v about_o their_o church_n let_v no_o man_n doubt_v but_o if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v teach_v we_o that_o article_n of_o the_o church_n infallibility_n immediate_o by_o the_o scripture_n without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o church_n infallible_a authority_n as_o they_o themselves_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v because_o else_o the_o church_n can_v have_v no_o authority_n then_o he_o will_v immediate_o teach_v we_o by_o the_o same_o scripture_n any_o other_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n
sight_n the_o distinction_n of_o meat_n the_o sabbath_n and_o feast-day_n be_v but_o type_n and_o shadow_n of_o thing_n which_o exist_v in_o christ_n and_o in_o christian_n in_o like_a manner_n by_o occasion_n of_o mahumetism_n these_o admonition_n be_v give_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n foretell_v that_o after_o his_o time_n there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n which_o shall_v lie_v and_o say_v they_o be_v send_v of_o god_n but_o suppose_v that_o a_o angel_n shall_v come_v from_o heaven_n yet_o we_o may_v not_o receive_v or_o entertain_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v leave_v we_o confirm_v by_o so_o many_o testimony_n for_o god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v unto_o the_o godly_a that_o live_v in_o time_n past_a have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n the_o lord_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o substance_n by_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v that_o ever_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v who_o uphold_v and_o govern_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o power_n and_o have_v purge_v our_o sin_n be_v now_o set_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o have_v obtain_v a_o dignity_n above_o angel_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v expect_v more_o magnificent_a than_o this_o lawgiver_n upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n christian_n be_v remember_v that_o the_o weapon_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o their_o christian_a warfare_n be_v not_o such_o as_o mahumet_n use_v but_o spiritual_a able_a to_o cast_v down_o strong_a hold_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n for_o our_o buckler_n we_o have_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o may_v repel_v the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o a_o breastplate_n we_o have_v righteousness_n or_o integrity_n of_o life_n the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v a_o helmet_n which_o may_v cover_v the_o weak_a part_n and_o for_o a_o sword_n we_o have_v word_n deliver_v from_o god_n which_o pierce_v into_o the_o most_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o this_o follow_v the_o exhortation_n to_o mutual_a concord_n which_o christ_n at_o his_o departure_n so_o solemn_o and_o with_o such_o earnestness_n commend_v unto_o his_o disciple_n there_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v many_o master_n and_o doctor_n among_o we_o but_o we_o must_v have_v one_o master_n even_o jesus_n christ_n all_o christian_n be_v baptize_v unto_o one_o name_n wherefore_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o sect_n or_o division_n among_o they_o for_o the_o cure_n and_o remedy_n of_o which_o evil_n those_o apostolical_a say_n be_v suggest_v as_o let_v no_o man_n think_v more_o high_o of_o himself_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v but_o let_v man_n be_v wise_a with_o sobriety_n according_a as_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o faith_n if_o any_o do_v not_o so_o well_o conceive_v and_o right_o understand_v all_o thing_n as_o they_o ought_v than_o their_o weakness_n must_v be_v bear_v with_o that_o so_o without_o any_o brawling_n or_o fall_n out_o they_o may_v be_v sweet_o unite_v and_o knit_v together_o with_o we_o if_o any_o do_v excel_v the_o rest_n in_o understanding_n it_o be_v but_o meet_v also_o that_o they_o surpass_v they_o in_o love_n in_o holy_a affection_n and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v they_o good_a and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o in_o some_o point_n be_v of_o different_a opinion_n from_o such_o as_o hold_v the_o truth_n god_n leisure_n must_v be_v wait_v for_o until_o it_o please_v he_o to_o reveal_v the_o same_o truth_n that_o yet_o lie_v hide_v from_o they_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v agree_v upon_o must_v be_v steadfast_o keep_v and_o due_o practise_v we_o know_v now_o in_o part_n only_o but_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v when_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v know_v most_o plain_o and_o after_o a_o perspicuous_a manner_n this_o also_o i_o beg_v of_o every_o one_o that_o they_o do_v not_o unprofitable_o detain_v the_o talon_n commit_v to_o they_o upon_o trust_n but_o that_o they_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a to_o win_v other_o unto_o christ_n for_o which_o purpose_n we_o must_v not_o only_o use_v good_a exhortation_n and_o wholesome_a speech_n but_o also_o the_o example_n of_o good_a life_n that_o so_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o master_n may_v appear_v by_o his_o servant_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o law_n by_o our_o landable_a action_n last_o my_o discourse_n return_v thither_o where_o it_o begin_v i_o entreat_v such_o reader_n as_o be_v my_o countryman_n that_o if_o hereby_o they_o reap_v any_o good_a they_o will_v give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o it_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v less_o please_v to_o they_o they_o will_v have_v a_o regard_n both_o to_o the_o common_a infirmity_n of_o man_n nature_n that_o be_v prone_a to_o error_n and_o to_o the_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o this_o work_n be_v rather_o hasty_o bring_v forth_o than_o elaborate_o compose_v the_o seven_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n against_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n the_o seven_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o a_o introduction_n show_v what_o make_v the_o addition_n of_o another_o book_n necessary_a if_o those_o apostolical_a exhortation_n which_o conclude_v the_o last_o book_n have_v be_v careful_o follow_v there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o say_v any_o more_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o man_n mind_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o the_o unhappy_a difference_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n and_o which_o be_v maintain_v with_o unspeakable_a animosity_n and_o hatred_n nay_o with_o anathema_n also_o which_o one_o part_n pronounce_v against_o the_o rest_n have_v make_v many_o man_n doubtful_a which_o of_o these_o hold_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n for_o which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o most_o earnest_o to_o contend_v and_o in_o this_o doubtfulness_n there_o be_v some_o who_o embrace_v none_o at_o all_o for_o we_o see_v the_o eastern_a church_n disjoint_v from_o the_o western_a and_o the_o western_a divide_v into_o three_o great_a part_n every_o one_o of_o which_o condemn_v the_o other_o two_o and_o all_o of_o they_o be_v subdivide_v into_o several_a little_a party_n by_o variety_n of_o opinion_n for_o which_o they_o contend_v with_o the_o same_o zeal_n that_o they_o do_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v thereby_o disgrace_v and_o repute_v by_o some_o to_o be_v of_o no_o great_a certainty_n than_o those_o dubious_a opinion_n sect_n ii_o division_n among_o christian_n no_o such_o objection_n against_o christianity_n as_o be_v imagine_v but_o to_o a_o consider_v man_n this_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n but_o rather_o confirm_v he_o more_o in_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n which_o every_o one_o of_o we_o ought_v to_o preserve_v with_o the_o great_a care_n as_o a_o most_o inestimable_a treasure_n for_o as_o this_o be_v common_a to_o every_o religion_n to_o have_v many_o dispute_v about_o it_o and_o different_a opinion_n in_o it_o and_o as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n foretell_v there_o will_v many_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a apostle_n and_o false_a prophet_n arise_v as_o be_v say_v before_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o forego_n book_n who_o will_v lie_v and_o say_v they_o be_v send_v when_o they_o be_v not_o introduce_v false_a doctrine_n and_o call_v they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o as_o they_o give_v we_o a_o good_a reason_n also_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o that_o man_n probity_n and_o sincerity_n may_v be_v try_v and_o bring_v hereby_o to_o the_o touchstone_n and_o that_o their_o diligence_n and_o care_n in_o preserve_a themselves_o may_v be_v exercise_v so_o bless_a be_v our_o lord_n the_o true_a christian_a religion_n be_v still_o retain_v and_o keep_v entire_a every_o where_n by_o all_o these_o disagree_a party_n notwithstanding_o the_o fierce_a quarrel_n they_o have_v one_o with_o another_o as_o appear_v by_o this_o which_o be_v a_o short_a easy_a and_o certain_a way_n to_o our_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o the_o faith_n into_o which_o they_o be_v all_o baptize_v be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o without_o any_o variation_n that_o be_v they_o all_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n at_o the_o very_a same_o gate_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o term_n and_o condition_n neither_o more_o nor_o less_o be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v a_o title_n give_v they_o if_o they_o live_v according_a to_o this_o faith_n unto_o eternal_a salvation_n sect_n iii_o as_o appear_v even_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o have_v give_v the_o great_a scandal_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o which_o
now_o make_v the_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n require_v nothing_o more_o at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o those_o that_o be_v by_o baptism_n receive_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o only_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o creed_n common_o call_v the_o apostle_n this_o creed_n be_v recite_v there_o by_o the_o priest_n and_o this_o alone_a when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o font_n and_o he_o interrogate_v the_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v if_o they_o be_v adult_n or_o their_o undertaker_n if_o they_o be_v infant_n about_o no_o other_o belief_n upon_o the_o profession_n of_o which_o he_o bid_v they_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o celestial_a blessing_n from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v a_o part_n with_o he_o and_o with_o his_o saint_n and_o have_v again_o examine_v adult_n person_n ask_v they_o do_v you_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n etc._n etc._n and_o mention_v no_o other_o article_n of_o faith_n he_o baptise_n they_o and_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v regenerate_v and_o to_o have_v remission_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o so_o do_v we_o do_v here_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o different_a practice_n in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o every_o where_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o consent_v to_o this_o creed_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o brief_a explication_n what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy-ghost_n in_o who_o name_n we_o be_v baptize_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n beyond_o this_o which_o we_o be_v necessary_o bind_v to_o believe_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v then_o propound_v when_o we_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n for_o baptism_n give_v we_o a_o right_a and_o title_n to_o salvation_n if_o we_o do_v not_o forfeit_v it_o afterward_o by_o apostasy_n or_o by_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o this_o faith_n with_o a_o promise_n to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o give_v we_o a_o right_a to_o baptism_n herein_o indeed_o the_o roman_a church_n contradict_v itself_o in_o decree_a many_o other_o article_n of_o belief_n without_o which_o it_o declare_v man_n can_v be_v save_v and_o yet_o receive_v man_n at_o baptism_n into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n without_o demand_v their_o consent_n to_o any_o such_o article_n but_o so_o they_o do_v in_o many_o other_o thing_n and_o can_v avoid_v it_o while_o they_o forsake_v the_o ancient_a universal_a rule_n and_o set_v up_o their_o own_o private_a authority_n to_o impose_v what_o they_o please_v under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n sect_n iu._n but_o both_o contradict_v itself_o and_o depart_v from_o the_o ancient_n and_o true_o catholic_n church_n for_o that_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o will_v now_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o believe_v be_v ancient_o exact_v it_o appear_v most_o manifest_o by_o irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n to_o name_n not_o other_o in_o several_a place_n who_o call_v the_o creed_n now_o mention_v the_o rule_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o church_n throughout_o all_o the_o world_n say_v irenaeus_n though_o it_o be_v disperse_v to_o the_o most_o extreme_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o disciple_n and_o believe_v as_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o soul_n and_o one_o heart_n in_o so_o many_o man_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a consent_n preach_v and_o teach_v and_o deliver_v these_o thing_n as_o have_v but_o one_o mouth_n for_o though_o there_o be_v divers_a language_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o one_o and_o the_o same_o tradition_n prevail_v every_o where_n for_o neither_o the_o church_n in_o germany_n believe_v otherways_o or_o deliver_v any_o thing_n else_o nor_o they_o in_o spain_n nor_o they_o in_o france_n nor_o they_o in_o the_o east_n nor_o they_o in_o egypt_n nor_o they_o in_o libya_n nor_o they_o that_o be_v found_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o world_n but_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o truth_n enlighten_v all_o man_n who_o will_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o neither_o he_o who_o be_v most_o eloquent_a among_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n preach_v any_o thing_n different_a for_o no_o man_n be_v above_o his_o master_n nor_o do_v he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o speech_n lessen_v in_o the_o least_o this_o tradition_n for_o there_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o faith_n he_o that_o have_v most_o to_o say_n can_v enlarge_v it_o nor_o he_o that_o have_v least_o diminish_v it_o thus_o they_o declare_v their_o mind_n in_o those_o early_a day_n when_o there_o be_v no_o catholic_n man_n or_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n require_v to_o believe_v any_o of_o those_o doctrine_n now_o in_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o set_v down_o in_o the_o creed_n of_o pope_n pius_n iv_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o they_o all_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o simple_a belief_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v in_o their_o creed_n the_o great_a man_n in_o the_o church_n deliver_v no_o more_o nor_o the_o mean_a saying_n less_o and_o with_o this_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n satisfy_v themselves_o in_o time_n succeed_v as_o appear_v by_o this_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o st._n hilary_n in_o his_o little_a book_n which_o he_o himself_o deliver_v to_o the_o emperor_n constantius_n where_o he_o thus_o complain_v faith_n be_v now_o inquire_v after_o as_o if_o we_o have_v none_o faith_n must_v be_v set_v down_o in_o write_v as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o heart_n be_v regenerate_v by_o faith_n we_o be_v now_o teach_v what_o to_o believe_v as_o if_o that_o regeneration_n can_v have_v be_v without_o faith_n we_o learn_v christ_n after_o baptism_n as_o if_o there_o can_v have_v be_v any_o baptism_n without_o faith_n in_o christ_n sect_n v._o christianity_n therefore_o be_v not_o there_o in_o its_o purity_n but_o much_o corrupt_v which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o sincere_o preserve_v in_o that_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o withhold_v we_o from_o join_v with_o they_o in_o impose_v thus_o upon_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o thereby_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n and_o turn_v man_n away_o from_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o palpable_a falsity_n and_o absurd_a mixture_n which_o be_v bring_v into_o it_o and_o that_o as_o necessary_a part_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o adulterate_n of_o which_o we_o ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o consent_v but_o maintain_v it_o in_o that_o purity_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v it_o to_o their_o successor_n as_o we_o find_v it_o set_v down_o in_o the_o work_v of_o a_o great_a many_o follow_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o name_n i_o forbear_v but_o be_v ready_a at_o hand_n to_o make_v good_a what_o i_o quote_v just_a now_o out_o of_o irenaeus_n who_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o a_o sincere_a christian_a who_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o epiphanius_n recite_v his_o word_n which_o be_v then_o extant_a in_o greek_a that_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o receive_v in_o baptism_n firm_a and_o unmoveable_a he_o can_v be_v a_o heretic_n who_o thus_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n wherein_o the_o nicene_n creed_n not_o add_v any_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o declare_v what_o be_v believe_v from_o the_o beginning_n have_v explain_v the_o word_n but_o they_o be_v schismatic_n who_o call_v he_o so_o and_o will_v not_o admit_v he_o into_o their_o communion_n unless_o he_o consent_v to_o other_o thing_n and_o hold_v they_o to_o be_v equal_o certain_a and_o necessary_a with_o the_o ancient_a rule_n of_o faith_n sect_n vi_o answer_n to_o a_o evasion_n from_o the_o force_n of_o the_o forego_n argument_n to_o pretend_v that_o all_o those_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o now_o impose_v though_o not_o express_o mention_v in_o the_o creed_n yet_o be_v contain_v in_o one_o article_n of_o it_o viz._n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o make_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creed_n unnecessary_a and_o to_o establish_v this_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o for_o if_o by_o believe_v the_o catholic_n church_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v as_o they_o will_v have_v we_o whatsoever_o the_o catholic_n church_n propound_v than_o it_o have_v be_v enough_o to_o have_v say_v to_o those_o catechuman_n that_o come_v for_o baptism_n do_v you_o believe_v in_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n and_o to_o add_v any_o more_o have_v be_v utter_o superfluous_a but_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o further_a appear_v in_o that_o
none_o of_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n who_o have_v expound_v the_o creed_n and_o there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o have_v give_v any_o such_o sense_n of_o that_o article_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n nay_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o most_o ancient_a form_n of_o faith_n nor_o do_v the_o church_n true_o catholic_n teach_v any_o thing_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o creed_n for_o we_o do_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n believe_v the_o catholic_n church_n but_o not_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n which_o their_o creed_n will_v have_v to_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n because_o to_o omit_v many_o other_o absurdity_n which_o be_v in_o it_o there_o be_v a_o catholic_n church_n before_o there_o be_v a_o roman_a and_o to_o say_v that_o they_o believe_v the_o catholic_n church_n mean_v thereby_o the_o roman_a be_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o say_v they_o believe_v themselves_o sect_n vii_o their_o absurd_a explication_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n nothing_o therefore_o can_v be_v further_o from_o the_o truth_n than_o that_o explication_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o roman_a catechism_n publish_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o pope_n pius_n iv_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n wherein_o the_o catechumen_n be_v teach_v to_o believe_v and_o profess_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v one_o not_o only_o because_o of_o one_o faith_n and_o other_o reason_n mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n ephes_n four_o and_o because_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o one_o invisible_a governor_n which_o be_v christ_n but_o because_o it_o be_v subject_a also_o to_o one_o visible_a governor_n who_o hold_v the_o roman_a chair_n the_o legitimate_a successor_n of_o st._n peter_n concern_v who_o it_o be_v the_o unanimous_a opinion_n of_o all_o the_o father_n that_o this_o visible_a head_n be_v necessary_a to_o constitute_v and_o conserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o this_o head_n or_o pastor_n christ_n have_v give_v the_o authority_n of_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o whole_a church_n as_o the_o vicar_n and_o minister_n of_o his_o power_n thus_o that_o catechism_n teach_v in_o the_o first_o part_n the_o ix_o article_n n._n 11_o 12_o 13._o which_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v confute_v by_o the_o plain_a demonstration_n now_o mention_v that_o christ_n have_v a_o catholic_n church_n which_o have_v unity_n in_o itself_o when_o there_o be_v no_o roman_a church_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o constant_a doctrine_n not_o only_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o of_o all_o the_o father_n who_o consent_n they_o false_o boast_v of_o and_o of_o many_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o of_o council_n also_o both_o general_n and_o particular_a even_o of_o the_o council_n of_o lateran_n and_o trent_n which_o by_o approve_v the_o five_o first_o general_n council_n who_o condemn_v this_o supremacy_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n do_v in_o effect_n condemn_v it_o themselves_o sect_n viii_o which_o forbid_v we_o to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o upon_o such_o term_n to_o that_o church_n than_o we_o ought_v to_o adhere_v which_o have_v keep_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n simple_a and_o unmixed_a with_o humane_a invention_n which_o if_o we_o admit_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n we_o betray_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v false_a and_o unjust_a to_o innumerable_a christian_a brethren_n who_o by_o baptism_n be_v admit_v into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n but_o hereby_o unmerciful_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o have_v that_o faith_n which_o make_v they_o true_a member_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o great_a crime_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o may_v suffice_v instead_o of_o all_o other_o demonstration_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v corrupt_v themselves_o and_o depart_v from_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n for_o this_o very_a article_n alone_o which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n but_o by_o union_n with_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n and_o that_o by_o subjection_n to_o it_o thrust_v out_o of_o heaven_n not_o only_o the_o ancient_a christian_a pious_a emperor_n who_o refuse_v such_o subjection_n but_o many_o of_o their_o ancient_a pope_n who_o acknowledge_v their_o subjection_n be_v due_a to_o the_o christian_a emperor_n together_o with_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n and_o father_n assemble_v in_o many_o council_n and_o the_o most_o famous_a christian_a church_n the_o most_o glorious_a martyr_n and_o saint_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o best_a time_n of_o christianity_n have_v know_v and_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o after_o age_n the_o present_a christian_n of_o greece_n russia_n armenia_n syria_n ethiopia_n who_o by_o this_o article_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o catholic_n roman_n church_n be_v all_o exclude_v from_o christian_a communion_n and_o must_v perish_v everlasting_o for_o bellonius_fw-la say_v that_o in_o his_o travel_n he_o meet_v with_o nine_o sort_n of_o christian_n at_o jerusalem_n eight_o of_o which_o nine_o know_v nothing_o of_o this_o universal_a bishop_n or_o do_v not_o regard_v he_o and_o of_o the_o nine_o there_o be_v scarce_o half_a that_o acknowledge_v his_o authority_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v man_n among_o they_o of_o no_o mean_a note_n and_o number_n who_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o declaration_n when_o he_o will_v determine_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v of_o faith_n we_o all_o ought_v to_o receive_v and_o though_o we_o be_v assure_v as_o much_o as_o be_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o st._n peter_n that_o christ_n never_o give_v he_o much_o less_o his_o successor_n any_o authority_n at_o all_o over_o his_o whole_a church_n yet_o now_o to_o deny_v the_o pope_n supremacy_n be_v such_o a_o heresy_n that_o let_v a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o orthodox_n in_o all_o other_o point_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v he_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n witness_v our_o king_n henry_n viii_o who_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o his_o kingdom_n give_v away_o for_o no_o other_o fault_n by_o a_o bull_n of_o paul_n the_o three_o who_o affirm_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o bull_n that_o herein_o he_o act_v by_o divine_a authority_n which_o according_a as_o god_n say_v in_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n have_v set_v he_o over_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n to_o root_v up_o and_o destroy_v as_o well_o as_o to_o build_v and_o plant_v have_v the_o supreme_a power_n over_o all_o king_n and_o people_n throughout_o the_o whole_a earth_n which_o certain_o be_v such_o new_a language_n never_o know_v in_o the_o church_n for_o many_o age_n that_o they_o who_o be_v not_o convince_v thereby_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v their_o eye_n blind_v with_o the_o worldly_a splendour_n of_o it_o sect_n ix_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n not_o to_o slight_v episcopal_a authority_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o enormous_a power_n which_o they_o have_v usurp_v be_v a_o very_a strong_a proof_n of_o the_o high_a authority_n of_o christian_a bishop_n in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o great_a reverence_n that_o be_v pay_v to_o they_o by_o christian_a people_n who_o otherways_o will_v never_o have_v thus_o submit_v to_o their_o will_n and_o pleasure_n have_v not_o the_o obedience_n which_o they_o have_v be_v wont_a always_o to_o yield_v to_o their_o authority_n dispose_v they_o to_o be_v bring_v by_o little_a and_o little_a under_o a_o absolute_a subjection_n nor_o will_v there_o have_v be_v reason_n for_o those_o caution_n which_o st._n peter_n give_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o god_n church_n not_o at_o rome_n but_o elsewhere_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 2_o 3._o not_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v invest_v with_o a_o power_n which_o all_o christian_n reverence_v so_o much_o that_o it_o may_v more_o easy_o be_v abuse_v than_o contemn_v and_o soon_o persuade_v people_n to_o follow_v they_o with_o a_o blind_a obedience_n than_o to_o slight_v their_o judgement_n and_o refuse_v to_o conform_v to_o their_o injunction_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o now_o despise_v all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n we_o may_v be_v sure_o they_o have_v swerve_v from_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o they_o also_o be_v altogether_o inexcusable_a who_o shake_v off_o the_o episcopal_a government_n and_o refuse_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o it_o under_o a_o pretence_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o equality_n among_o christ_n
minister_n which_o as_o it_o be_v against_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o many_o age_n from_o the_o beginning_n so_o direct_o oppose_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n who_o set_v his_o apostle_n in_o a_o superiority_n to_o the_o lxx_o as_o his_o apostle_n set_v such_o man_n as_o timothy_n and_o titus_n in_o a_o superiority_n over_o the_o presbytery_n of_o those_o church_n which_o they_o can_v no_o long_o attend_v themselves_o sect_n x._o argument_n enough_o in_o the_o forego_n book_n to_o prove_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n not_o to_o be_v sincere_o preserve_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n one_o be_v their_o way_n of_o worship_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o show_v how_o much_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v deviate_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o consider_v particular_o the_o falsity_n of_o every_o one_o of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v add_v to_o the_o ancient_a creed_n but_o it_o will_v be_v more_o proper_a in_o so_o short_a a_o treatise_n as_o this_o only_o to_o bring_v to_o the_o reader_n mind_v some_o principle_n in_o the_o forego_n book_n which_o direct_v we_o as_o plain_o to_o reject_v popery_n and_o upon_o the_o very_a same_o ground_n as_o those_o false_a religion_n for_o who_o confutation_n he_o allege_v they_o and_o first_o let_v the_o reader_n again_o weigh_v his_o argument_n against_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o pagan_n and_o he_o will_v find_v they_o in_o several_a thing_n as_o strong_a against_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n who_o practice_n it_o will_v hereby_o appear_v be_v no_o less_o faulty_a than_o their_o faith_n as_o for_o example_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n for_o the_o former_a they_o shall_v not_o only_o as_o he_o discourse_v there_o book_n iv_o in_o their_o very_a worship_n make_v a_o evident_a difference_n between_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o those_o angel_n to_o who_o they_o commend_v themselves_o which_o they_o do_v not_o do_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o quite_o contrary_a in_o the_o external_a act_n of_o adoration_n have_v none_o that_o be_v appropriate_v to_o god_n alone_o but_o be_v all_o common_a to_o he_o with_o other_o as_o adoration_n invocation_n burn_v incense_n nay_o offering_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n in_o their_o honour_n and_o make_v vow_n to_o they_o but_o be_v satisfy_v also_o what_o order_n there_o be_v among_o the_o angel_n what_o good_a may_v be_v expect_v from_o each_o of_o they_o and_o what_o honour_n the_o most_o high_a god_n be_v willing_a shall_v be_v bestow_v upon_o every_o one_o of_o they_o all_o which_o being_n want_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o reveal_v about_o such_o matter_n it_o be_v plain_a from_o thence_o how_o uncertain_a that_o religion_n be_v and_o how_o much_o safe_o it_o will_v be_v for_o they_o to_o betake_v themselves_o as_o we_o do_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o almighty_a god_n alone_o especial_o for_o that_o to_o whosoever_o he_o be_v favourable_a to_o they_o the_o holy_a angel_n must_v needs_o be_v kind_a and_o serviceable_a though_o no_o petition_n be_v make_v to_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o high_a who_o have_v reveal_v this_o to_o we_o that_o he_o have_v make_v they_o all_o subject_n to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v send_v forth_o by_o he_o for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o number_n of_o which_o they_o above_o all_o other_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_v to_o be_v who_o have_v so_o great_a a_o respect_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o confidence_n in_o his_o goodness_n that_o for_o fear_n of_o offend_v he_o they_o dare_v worship_n none_o but_o himself_o alone_o rest_v assure_v he_o will_v deal_v well_o with_o they_o even_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o they_o have_v such_o a_o regard_n to_o he_o as_o not_o to_o presume_v without_o his_o warrant_n and_o authority_n so_o much_o as_o to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o he_o by_o any_o angel_n in_o heaven_n though_o 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the_o divinity_n they_o worship_v also_o which_o be_v still_o worse_o such_o for_o saint_n as_o never_o be_v in_o be_v and_o other_o who_o saintship_n there_o be_v too_o much_o reason_n to_o question_n be_v apparent_o guilty_a of_o such_o crime_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o it_o for_o instance_n our_o thomas_n à _fw-la becket_n by_o who_o blood_n they_o have_v pray_v our_o lord_n christ_n that_o they_o may_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o do_v still_o pray_v upon_o decemb._n 29._o that_o they_o who_o implore_v his_o help_n may_v have_v the_o save_a effect_n of_o his_o petition_n who_o our_o forefather_n even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n look_v upon_o as_o a_o perjure_a person_n and_o as_o a_o traitor_n be_v not_o only_o call_v so_o by_o the_o king_n but_o in_o parliament_n accuse_v of_o treason_n the_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o other_o be_v present_a and_o the_o bishop_n of_o winchester_n pronounce_v the_o sentence_n against_o he_o in_o short_a the_o devotion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v so_o like_o the_o ancient_a idolatry_n that_o the_o cunning_a man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v find_v any_o difference_n without_o a_o great_a many_o nice_a and_o subtle_a distinction_n which_o in_o practice_n make_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o sect_n xi_o another_o be_v the_o way_n of_o promote_a their_o religion_n there_o be_v this_o argument_n also_o against_o it_o as_o grotius_n speak_v of_o paganism_n book_n 4._o sect._n 10._o take_v from_o the_o religion_n itself_o that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o support_v by_o humane_a power_n or_o policy_n immediate_o it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n for_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o wise_a man_n of_o our_o own_o get_v and_o increase_v its_o absolute_a authority_n over_o man_n conscience_n by_o obtrude_a on_o the_o world_n supposititious_a write_n and_o corrupt_v the_o monument_n of_o former_a time_n by_o false_a miracle_n and_o forge_v false_a story_n by_o war_n also_o and_o persecution_n by_o massacre_n treason_n and_o rebellion_n in_o short_a by_o all_o manner_n of_o carnal_a mean_n whether_o violent_a or_o fraudulent_a so_o take_v away_o these_o support_n and_o that_o religion_n can_v stand_v by_o its_o own_o strength_n and_o true_o his_o reason_n in_o the_o three_o section_n of_o the_o same_o book_n against_o the_o paganish_a worship_n that_o it_o be_v from_o evil_a spirit_n because_o they_o instigate_v their_o worshipper_n to_o destroy_v they_o that_o worship_v one_o god_n hold_v good_a still_o if_o there_o be_v any_o force_n in_o it_o to_o prove_v the_o roman_a church_n not_o to_o be_v act_v by_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n because_o they_o will_v not_o let_v those_o live_v have_v they_o sufficient_a power_n who_o worship_n only_o one_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o belief_n before_o mention_v into_o which_o they_o be_v baptise_a not_o presume_v to_o superadd_a any_o thing_n else_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o while_o they_o have_v be_v most_o cruel_a to_o those_o who_o for_o fear_n of_o offend_a god_n dare_v not_o allow_v the_o worship_n they_o give_v to_o saint_n which_o they_o think_v belong_v to_o he_o alone_o nor_o fall_v down_o before_o the_o sacrament_n and_o adore_v it_o as_o very_o god_n himself_o they_o have_v tolerate_v such_o without_o any_o censure_n who_o have_v raise_v st._n francis_n into_o a_o equality_n with_o if_o not_o superiority_n unto_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o make_v the_o bless_a virgin_n a_o kind_n of_o goddess_n nay_o call_v the_o pope_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o lord_n give_v he_o such_o a_o power_n over_o all_o king_n and_o kingdom_n as_o sober_a man_n among_o themselves_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o which_o be_v just_a after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o
which_o be_v plain_o and_o perspicuous_o enough_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n without_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o church_n infallible_a authority_n which_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o teach_v but_o by_o place_n far_o more_o doubtful_a sect_n xxii_o it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n therefore_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o scripture_n to_o this_o rule_n then_o let_v we_o stick_v keep_v those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n always_o in_o mind_n iii._o joh._n 21_o 22._o he_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v but_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n let_v that_o be_v his_o guide_n who_o will_v not_o go_v astray_o in_o dangerous_a path_n into_o which_o he_o can_v fall_v who_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n wherein_o all_o necessary_a truth_n be_v set_v down_o as_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o best_a doctor_n unanimous_o agree_v we_o be_v certain_a every_o way_n by_o believe_v they_o to_o believe_v all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o if_o our_o life_n be_v according_o without_o which_o they_o tell_v we_o our_o belief_n will_v be_v vain_a it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v fail_v of_o everlasting_a salvation_n to_o these_o alone_a as_o st._n austin_n speak_v for_o himself_o in_o his_o book_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n we_o owe_v a_o absolute_a consent_n without_o refuse_v any_o thing_n they_o propound_v to_o we_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v as_o his_o word_n be_v in_o his_o cxii_o epistle_n that_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o perspicuous_a authority_n of_o the_o divine_a scripture_n those_o viz._n which_o be_v canonical_a in_o the_o church_n it_o must_v be_v believe_v without_o any_o doubt_n but_o as_o for_o any_o other_o witness_n or_o testimony_n to_o which_o thou_o be_v persuade_v to_o give_v credit_n thou_o may_v believe_v they_o or_o not_o believe_v they_o according_a as_o thou_o perceive_v they_o to_o deserve_v or_o not_o deserve_v to_o be_v rely_v on_o a_o great_a reverence_n be_v due_a to_o the_o church_n and_o its_o testimony_n though_o less_o to_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n than_o other_o because_o it_o have_v so_o gross_o abuse_v the_o world_n by_o false_a record_n and_o forge_a miracle_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n yet_o only_o as_o to_o a_o humane_a testimony_n which_o can_v equal_v that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n sect_n xxiii_o which_o have_v more_o manifest_a note_n of_o certainty_n than_o the_o church_n for_o if_o we_o take_v their_o own_o way_n and_o method_n to_o assure_v our_o mind_n that_o we_o follow_v a_o infallible_a guide_n there_o be_v no_o note_n which_o they_o give_v of_o the_o true_a church_n which_o they_o say_v aught_o to_o be_v our_o guide_n but_o plead_v far_o more_o strong_o for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o we_o shall_v rather_o follow_v they_o and_o give_v a_o undoubted_a credit_n to_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o run_v over_o all_o those_o note_n nor_o examine_v the_o certainty_n of_o they_o but_o only_o brief_o name_v some_o of_o they_o and_o show_v that_o if_o they_o prove_v any_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n above_o the_o church_n first_o they_o say_v the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v venerable_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v regard_v but_o as_o that_o name_n be_v not_o proper_a to_o they_o alone_o so_o if_o there_o be_v any_o power_n in_o name_n to_o make_v we_o respect_v any_o thing_n what_o more_o awful_a than_o the_o name_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o be_v always_o give_v to_o these_o book_n to_o which_o we_o advise_v all_o christian_n to_o adhere_v the_o next_o note_n which_o be_v antiquity_n be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o scripture_n also_o which_o more_o just_o claim_v to_o be_v ancient_a than_o all_o other_o book_n which_o pretend_v to_o any_o divinity_n than_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v claim_v to_o be_v ancient_a than_o all_o other_o society_n which_o call_v themselves_o by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n nay_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o must_v be_v suppose_v as_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v before_o the_o church_n which_o be_v make_v by_o belief_n and_o profession_n of_o that_o doctrine_n and_o the_o old_a testament_n certain_o write_v long_o before_o the_o church_n be_v make_v catholic_n as_o for_o unity_n in_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o comparable_a to_o the_o scripture_n who_o agreement_n and_o consent_n of_o part_n be_v admirable_a and_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o sure_a bond_n of_o true_a catholic_n unity_n it_o be_v as_o manifest_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o and_o preserve_v we_o in_o it_o if_o we_o adhere_v to_o they_o by_o keep_v we_o close_o to_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o have_v usurp_v the_o name_n of_o catholic_n make_v this_o bless_a unity_n impossible_a for_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n to_o it_o either_o that_o we_o all_o agree_v in_o our_o opinion_n about_o religion_n or_o that_o while_o we_o differ_v it_o be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o communion_n they_o have_v make_v the_o latter_a as_o impossible_a as_o the_o former_a because_o they_o make_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o communion_n and_o salvation_n to_o believe_v in_o every_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o holiness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o doctrine_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o church_n speak_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n sanctity_n of_o the_o author_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o can_v be_v know_v but_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o glory_n of_o miracle_n the_o light_n of_o prophecy_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o touch_v upon_o one_o more_o the_o amplitude_n and_o universality_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o make_v their_o boast_n but_o herein_o the_o scripture_n most_o evident_o excel_v their_o authority_n be_v there_o sacred_a where_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o note_n these_o be_v be_v not_o know_v or_o not_o regard_v for_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n of_o whatsoever_o sect_n they_o be_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n whereas_o they_o alone_o say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n all_o christian_n beside_o who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o pretence_n of_o they_o absolute_o deny_v it_o and_o maintain_v the_o divinity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n against_o all_o their_o cavil_n sect_n xxiv_o the_o great_a encouragement_n we_o have_v to_o do_v so_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n then_o we_o follow_v the_o sure_a guide_n by_o their_o own_o confession_n for_o first_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o be_v certain_o lead_v by_o god_n but_o by_o follow_v the_o church_n we_o be_v only_o lead_v by_o men._n and_o consequent_o the_o faith_n we_o build_v upon_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o divine_a faith_n but_o the_o faith_n we_o build_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n mere_o can_v be_v no_o more_o than_o humane_a for_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_o and_o ample_o prove_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n by_o all_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v allege_v in_o the_o three_o book_n of_o this_o work_n the_o like_a to_o which_o can_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n which_o can_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v that_o god_n have_v bid_v we_o believe_v it_o but_o by_o send_v we_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o whence_o it_o derive_v all_o its_o authority_n which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o here_o i_o will_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o transcribe_v part_n of_o the_o discourse_n of_o a_o great_a man_n on_o this_o subject_a with_o some_o addition_n that_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o follow_v that_o which_o they_o themselves_o be_v force_v to_o follow_v as_o be_v note_v before_o and_o on_o which_o they_o entire_o depend_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o their_o own_o authority_n on_o which_o they_o will_v have_v we_o entire_o depend_v who_o have_v reason_n rather_o to_o rely_v on_o that_o which_o they_o rely_v and_o in_o so_o do_v tacit_o confess_v the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o that_o they_o be_v sure_a of_o their_o truth_n than_o of_o the_o church_n infallibility_n and_o three_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o follow_v that_o which_o must_v be_v true_a if_o their_o church_n which_o they_o will_v have_v we_o follow_v have_v any_o truth_n in_o it_o for_o their_o church_n can_v but_o give_v attestation_n to_o they_o whereas_o if_o we_o follow_v their_o church_n we_o must_v follow_v that_o which_o
deliver_v from_o the_o heavy_a yoke_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o lay_v upon_o they_o but_o if_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v full_a of_o all_o goodness_n easy_o permit_v they_o to_o follow_v what_o course_n of_o life_n they_o please_v in_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n provide_v they_o will_v not_o impose_v the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v they_o upon_o other_o sect_n xxv_o conclusion_n of_o all_o upon_o these_o term_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o agree_v with_o they_o and_o i_o conclude_v all_o with_o this_o memorable_a proposal_n which_o erasmus_n make_v in_o a_o letter_n to_o johannes_n slechta_n a_o friend_n of_o he_o in_o bohemia_n at_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n md_o xix_o this_o will_v reconcile_v people_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n if_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o particular_o define_v and_o make_v a_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o will_v have_v to_o belong_v to_o it_o but_o those_o only_o which_o be_v evident_o express_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o without_o which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v any_o way_n to_o be_v save_v to_o this_o purpose_n a_o few_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a and_o a_o few_o thing_n may_v be_v soon_o persuade_v than_o a_o great_a many_o now_o out_o of_o one_o article_n we_o make_v six_o hundred_o some_o of_o which_o be_v such_o that_o without_o endanger_n piety_n we_o may_v either_o be_v ignorant_a or_o doubt_v of_o they_o and_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n that_o what_o be_v once_o define_v we_o hold_v tooth_n and_o nail_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n part_n with_o it_o but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o sum_n of_o christian_a philosophy_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o we_o understand_v all_o our_o hope_n to_o be_v place_v in_o god_n who_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n by_o his_o son_n jesus_n by_o who_o death_n we_o be_v redeem_v into_o who_o body_n we_o be_v plant_v by_o baptism_n that_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o lust_n of_o this_o world_n we_o may_v live_v according_a to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o example_n not_o only_o abstain_v from_o all_o evil_a but_o endeavour_v to_o deserve_v well_o of_o every_o body_n assd_v that_o if_o any_o adversity_n happen_v we_o bear_v it_o courageous_o in_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n which_o without_o all_o doubt_n wait_v for_o all_o pious_a person_n at_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o we_o make_v such_o progress_n from_o virtue_n to_o virtue_n as_o notwithstanding_o to_o arrogate_v nothing_o to_o ourselves_o but_o to_o ascribe_v all_o the_o good_a that_o be_v in_o we_o or_o that_o we_o can_v do_v unto_o god._n these_o thing_n chief_o be_v to_o be_v inculcate_v and_o beat_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o that_o they_o become_v as_o it_o be_v their_o nature_n but_o if_o any_o will_v search_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o abstruse_a about_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o hypostasis_fw-la of_o christ_n or_o the_o sacrament_n that_o they_o may_v raise_v their_o mind_n the_o high_a and_o draw_v they_o from_o thing_n here_o below_o let_v they_o do_v so_o provide_v that_o every_o body_n be_v not_o compely_v present_o to_o believe_v what_o seem_v good_a to_o this_o or_o that_o person_n for_o as_o out_o of_o large_a deed_n arise_v soon_o lawsuit_n so_o be_v difference_n beget_v by_o very_a many_o definition_n and_o let_v we_o not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o answer_v to_o some_o thing_n god_n know_v how_o it_o may_v be_v do_v it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v do_v i_o know_v that_o christ_n pure_a body_n and_o blood_n be_v to_o be_v pure_o receive_v by_o those_o that_o be_v pure_a and_o that_o he_o will_v have_v this_o to_o be_v a_o most_o holy_a token_n and_o pledge_n both_o of_o his_o love_n to_o we_o and_o of_o our_o christian_a concord_n among_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v examine_v myself_o and_o make_v a_o strict_a search_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o i_o that_o ill_o agree_v with_o christ_n whether_o any_o discord_n with_o my_o neighbour_n but_o how_o the_o ten_o predicament_n be_v there_o how_o the_o bread_n be_v transubstantiate_v by_o the_o mystical_a word_n or_o as_o he_o explain_v himself_o in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o book_n upon_o lxxxiv_o psal_n how_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v there_o whether_o under_o the_o substance_n of_o bread_n or_o under_o the_o species_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n and_o such_o like_a do_v not_o much_o conduce_v in_o my_o judgement_n to_o proficiency_n in_o piety_n etc._n etc._n by_o these_o and_o other_o such_o innumerable_a disputation_n in_o which_o some_o triumph_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v call_v away_o from_o those_o thing_n which_o alone_o be_v to_o the_o purpose_n to_o conclude_v it_o will_v be_v of_o great_a moment_n to_o establish_v the_o concord_n of_o the_o world_n if_o all_o secular_a prince_n and_o especial_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n will_v abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o tyranny_n and_o of_o covetousness_n for_o man_n easy_o start_v back_o when_o they_o see_v slavery_n be_v prepare_v for_o they_o when_o they_o see_v they_o be_v not_o invite_v to_o piety_n but_o inveigle_v to_o be_v make_v a_o prey_n if_o they_o perceive_v we_o to_o be_v harmless_a to_o be_v beneficent_a they_o will_v most_o easy_o credit_v we_o and_o intrust_v themselves_o with_o we_o thus_o he._n it_o will_v not_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o make_v a_o long_a book_n on_o this_o subject_a but_o this_o be_v sufficient_a as_o grotius_n speak_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o convince_v those_o who_o understanding_n be_v right_o dispose_v and_o be_v not_o pertinacious_o set_v against_o all_o further_a information_n but_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v find_v of_o force_n enough_o to_o convince_v a_o froward_a will_n and_o persuade_v perverse_a affection_n which_o make_v man_n uncapable_a of_o moral_a truth_n most_o of_o all_o of_o divine_a which_o will_v not_o enter_v as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v into_o a_o malicious_a soul_n nor_o dwell_v in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v subject_a unto_o sin_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o discipline_n will_v flee_v deceit_n and_o remove_v from_o thought_n that_o be_v without_o understanding_n and_o will_v not_o abide_v when_o unrighteousness_n come_v in_o the_o end_n a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o principal_a thing_n handle_v in_o this_o work_n according_a to_o the_o several_a section_n of_o each_o book_n the_o content_n of_o the_o first_o book_n the_o preface_n show_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o work_n sect._n i._o prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n p._n 1_o sect._n ii_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n p._n 5_o sect._n iii_o that_o all_o perfection_n be_v in_o god_n p._n 7_o sect._n iu_o god_n be_v infinite_a p._n 8_o sect._n v._n that_o god_n be_v eternal_a omnipotent_a omniscient_a and_o absolute_o good_a p._n 9_o sect._n vi_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n &_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n ib._n sect._n vii_o answer_v to_o that_o objection_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o evil_a p._n 15_o sect._n viii_o against_o the_o opinion_n of_o two_o principle_n or_o cause_n of_o thing_n p._n 16_o sect._n ix_o that_o god_n do_v govern_v the_o whole_a world_n p._n 17_o sect._n x._o yea_o sublunary_a thing_n p._n 18_o sect._n xi_o this_o be_v further_a prove_v by_o the_o preservation_n of_o empire_n p._n 19_o sect._n xii_o and_o by_o miracle_n p._n 21_o sect._n xiii_o special_o among_o the_o jew_n whereunto_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a continuance_n of_o their_o religion_n p._n 22_o sect._n fourteen_o also_o by_o the_o truth_n and_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n his_o story_n p._n 24_o sect._n xv._o and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o many_o gentile_n p._n 25_o sect._n xvi_o the_o same_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o oracle_n and_o prediction_n p._n 34_o sect._n xvii_o the_o objection_n be_v answer_v why_o miracle_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v see_v p._n 36_o sect._n xviii_o and_o that_o now_o there_o be_v such_o liberty_n in_o offend_v p._n 37_o sect._n xix_o insomuch_o that_o good_a man_n be_v oppress_v p._n 39_o sect._n xx._n the_o same_o argument_n be_v retort_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o soul_n survive_v the_o body_n p._n 40_o sect._n xxi_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o tradition_n ib._n sect._n xxii_o against_o which_o no_o contrary_a reason_n can_v be_v bring_v p._n 41_o sect._n xxiii_o many_o reason_n may_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o p._n 44_o sect._n xxiv_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o end_n of_o all_o shall_v be_v man_n happiness_n after_o this_o life_n p._n 45_o sect._n xxv_o which_o to_o obtain_v man_n must_v get_v the_o true_a religion_n ib._n the_o content_n of_o the_o second_o book_n sect._n i._o to_o prove_v the_o