point_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o ceremony_n to_o be_v ereoneous_a and_o false_a and_o if_o not_o direct_o yet_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o some_o article_n of_o faith_n nevertheless_o if_o but_o they_o who_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n yet_o of_o such_o consequence_n account_v their_o own_o opinion_n agreeable_a to_o scripture_n may_v not_o impose_v they_o or_o they_o as_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o let_v we_o enjoy_v therein_o our_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n if_o they_o also_o will_v leave_v to_o our_o freedom_n such_o ceremony_n of_o they_o as_o they_o themselves_o will_v have_v hold_v as_o free_v indifferent_a thing_n and_o consequent_o will_v tolerate_v and_o receive_v we_o and_o our_o teacher_n as_o true_a christian_n or_o at_o least_o as_o weak_a brethren_n in_o faith_n though_o we_o can_v assent_v to_o their_o own_o peculiar_a opinion_n as_o some_o peaceable_a divine_n among_o they_o paulus_n eberus_n david_n chytraeus_n christopherus_n donaver_n nicolaus_n hemmingius_n and_o principal_o philippus_n melanchton_n beside_o many_o other_o of_o his_o follower_n yea_o whole_a congregation_n and_o church_n especial_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o poland_n and_o great_a duchy_n of_o lithuania_n a_o great_a while_n since_o have_v declare_v themselves_o we_o shall_v then_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o yea_o we_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v blame_v and_o shall_v be_v schismatic_n indeed_o if_o we_o of_o our_o own_o accord_n shall_v withdraw_v and_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o they_o because_o of_o such_o different_a opinion_n and_o ceremony_n of_o who_o we_o yet_o acknowledge_v and_o confess_v that_o for_o the_o rest_n if_o they_o do_v not_o make_v their_o own_o opinion_n to_o be_v necessary_a fundamental_a point_n they_o retain_v with_o we_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o christ_n save_a doctrine_n and_o be_v exempt_v in_o their_o religion_n from_o a_o public_a and_o manifest_a idolatry_n and_o for_o these_o reason_n have_v our_o church_n and_o divine_n at_o all_o time_n most_o faithful_o earnest_o and_o zealous_o seek_v to_o procure_v and_o settle_v a_o christian_a reconcilement_n and_o unity_n as_o former_o in_o luther_n time_n in_o the_o conference_n at_o marpurg_n an._n 1529_o in_o the_o concordia_fw-la at_o wittenberg_n anno_fw-la 1536._o and_o in_o late_a year_n the_o palatine_a and_o other_o in_o their_o declaration_n for_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n which_o also_o be_v reassume_v in_o the_o conference_n at_o leiprig_n anno_fw-la 1631._o as_o likewise_o at_o those_o present_a time_n many_o eminent_a divine_n beyond_o sea_n in_o england_n france_n and_o scotland_n who_o opinion_n and_o assistance_n therein_o as_o that_o reverend_a and_o worthy_a man_n mr._n john_n duray_n have_v solicit_v with_o a_o singular_a industry_n and_o zeal_n to_o a_o peaceable_a unity_n and_o reconcilement_n faithful_o and_o sincere_o wish_v &_o advise_v in_o their_o public_a write_n such_o a_o unanimity_n &_o uniformity_n among_o the_o church_n in_o germany_n whence_o it_o sufficient_o appear_v that_o we_o for_o our_o part_n be_v not_o incline_v to_o judge_v and_o to_o condemn_v the_o lutheran_n or_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o division_n and_o separation_n from_o they_o which_o have_v last_v already_o above_o a_o hundred_o year_n again_o it_o be_v know_v and_o manifest_a on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o the_o lutheran_n on_o their_o part_n will_v hearken_v and_o condescend_v not_o only_o to_o no_o absolute_a agreement_n and_o reconcilement_n but_o also_o to_o no_o christian_a and_o brotherly_a toleration_n or_o moderation_n in_o this_o unhappy_a ecclesiastical_a difference_n because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o doctor_n and_o divine_n upom_n who_o also_o many_o layman_n depend_v especial_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n though_o with_o indiscretion_n and_o defend_v their_o zeal_n maintain_v their_o different_a and_o controvert_v opinion_n not_o only_o as_o agreeable_a with_o scripture_n but_o impose_v they_o also_o as_o necessary_a ground_n and_o principal_a article_n of_o christian_a faith_n without_o which_o man_n may_v not_o be_v count_v true_a christian_n nor_o be_v save_v and_o so_o in_o some_o manner_n falsify_v therewith_o the_o groundwork_n itself_o by_o their_o own_o additional_a opinion_n which_o they_o lie_v for_o a_o by-ground_n of_o salvation_n and_o will_v not_o let_v we_o effectual_o enjoy_v our_o liberty_n in_o such_o ceremony_n which_o they_o themselves_o call_v adiaphora_fw-it free_z indifferent_a thing_n nor_o consequent_o receive_v we_o or_o our_o teacher_n as_o fellow-christians_a unless_o we_o acknowledge_v and_o profess_v with_o they_o the_o omnipresence_n of_o christ_n body_n the_o carnal_a eat_n thereof_o in_o the_o bread_n and_o other_o such_o like_a point_n of_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o their_o formula_fw-la concordiae_fw-la much_o less_o admit_v we_o to_o the_o ministry_n but_o most_o vehement_o condemn_v we_o as_o the_o worst_a heretic_n who_o do_v ovorthrow_v the_o foundation_n and_o exclude_v we_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n yea_o in_o many_o place_n exclude_v we_o from_o civil_a society_n from_o dignity_n and_o office_n from_o senate_n from_o privilege_n of_o the_o city_n from_o marriage_n and_o from_o honourable_a burial_n moreover_o they_o yet_o daily_o and_o most_o spiteful_o pervert_v calumniate_v and_o slander_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o continual_o and_o most_o unjust_o without_o the_o least_o ground_n against_o our_o own_o so_o often_o reiterated_a declaration_n charge_v it_o with_o dreadful_a and_o abominable_a blasphemy_n which_o neither_o luther_n himself_o nor_o other_o his_o ancient_a follower_n ever_o do_v and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o they_o may_v pretend_v so_o much_o more_o cause_n for_o to_o condemn_v and_o reject_v we_o divine_v what_o be_v most_o reprovable_a in_o lutheran_n divine_v and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o find_v in_o the_o say_a lutheran_n most_o reprovable_a and_o damnable_a not_o simple_o the_o erroneous_a doctrine_n in_o itself_o but_o that_o they_o make_v it_o a_o necessary_a fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o of_o their_o own_o particular_a opinion_n make_v article_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o they_o therefore_o so_o uncharitable_o and_o un-christian_a like_o judge_n and_o condemn_v we_o lutheran_n why_o the_o reform_a must_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o lutheran_n whereby_o also_o every_o one_o may_v evident_o see_v that_o we_o therefore_o have_v not_o only_o good_a reason_n but_o be_v of_o necessity_n constrain_v to_o separate_v ourselves_o in_o our_o religion_n from_o those_o who_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n tolerate_v we_o nor_o receive_v we_o as_o christian_n lest_o we_o profess_v and_o addict_v ourselves_o against_o conscience_n to_o such_o doctrine_n and_o acknowledge_v they_o as_o necessary_a article_n of_o save_a faith_n whereof_o we_o have_v not_o only_o no_o certain_a warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o conscience_n of_o their_o repugnancy_n to_o it_o wherewith_o we_o will_v give_v a_o dangerous_a scandal_n and_o offence_n first_o to_o our_o own_o conscience_n by_o deny_v the_o know_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o then_o to_o other_o fellow_n christian_n as_o well_o to_o the_o true-beleever_n who_o with_o we_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v by_o our_o example_n proceed_v against_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o err_a that_o they_o may_v be_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v by_o our_o example_n in_o their_o error_n and_o here_o again_o we_o be_v not_o those_o that_o separate_v themselves_o from_o they_o but_o they_o be_v those_o that_o separate_a and_o reject_v we_o and_o yet_o not_o because_o of_o the_o manifest_a word_n of_o god_n as_o they_o pretend_v but_o because_o of_o their_o own_o opinion_n interpretation_n inference_n formaâ—ls_n and_o expression_n whereby_o they_o put_v a_o very_a dangerous_a stumble_a block_n and_o occasion_n to_o fall_v both_o in_o our_o and_o their_o own_o way_n yea_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o universal_a christian_a church_n and_o though_o they_o proceed_v not_o against_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n yet_o they_o be_v against_o the_o ground_n of_o christian_a charity_n especial_o whereas_o also_o the_o christian_a unity_n or_o brotherly_a toleration_n which_o have_v be_v of_o our_o side_n offer_v to_o they_o at_o several_a time_n both_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o in_o writring_n not_o only_o hitherto_o have_v be_v utter_o refuse_v by_o they_o but_o also_o by_o many_o misinterpret_v to_o the_o worst_a revile_v slander_v so_o that_o the_o most_o pernicious_a schism_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o grow_v thereby_o more_o dangerous_a &_o lamentable_a which_o all_o we_o ought_v to_o bear_v yet_o with_o a_o christian_a patience_n commit_v it_o to_o the_o sovereign_n and_o high_a judge_n and_o therefore_o not_o omit_v to_o seek_v and_o maintain_v the_o unity_n of_o spirit_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o they_o that_o be_v peaceable_o affect_v church_n some_o lutheran_n divine_n be_v
necessary_a for_o he_o to_o believe_v it_o who_o have_v such_o knowledge_n of_o it_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o because_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v promise_v everlasting_a life_n and_o salvation_n to_o all_o they_o which_o true_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v reveal_v and_o manifest_v in_o they_o we_o thereby_o further_o argue_v and_o conclude_v thus_o that_o such_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o necessary_a but_o also_o whole_o sufficient_a unto_o salvation_n so_o that_o no_o other_o singular_a doctrine_n beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n which_o also_o the_o primitive_a church_n both_o in_o its_o doctrine_n and_o universal_a practice_n do_v abundant_o testify_v that_o they_o hold_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n to_o be_v satisfactory_a unto_o salvation_n even_o for_o the_o most-able_a and_o best-learned_n man_n and_o the_o five_o aforesaid_a symbol_n or_o fundamental_a article_n sufficient_a for_o all_o unlearned_a ignorant_a christian_n as_o we_o can_v prove_v it_o by_o many_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n which_o have_v heretofore_o already_o be_v do_v by_o many_o other_o we_o think_v it_o superfluous_a to_o enlarge_v ourselves_o therein_o at_o this_o present_a necessary_a whether_o and_o how_o far_o the_o tradition_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n be_v necessary_a yet_o next_o and_o beside_o the_o scripture_n we_o do_v not_o decline_v and_o reject_v the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n not_o as_o the_o principal_a ground_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o that_o be_v mere_o and_o sole_o ground_v upon_o this_o because_o the_o lord_n say_v it_o but_o not_o upon_o this_o because_o the_o church_n or_o their_o teacher_n say_v it_o but_o as_o requisite_a mean_n whereby_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v and_o teach_v unto_o we_o and_o as_o a_o testimony_n of_o that_o what_o be_v declare_v therein_o wherein_o notwithstanding_o we_o must_v exact_o distinguish_v betwixt_o that_o what_o the_o whole_a universal_a christian_a church_n have_v with_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n teach_v and_o believe_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n at_o all_o time_n especial_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o that_o what_o perhaps_o but_o one_o or_o other_o particular_a church_n have_v teach_v in_o the_o late_a time_n whatsoever_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n especial_o in_o the_o first_o hundred_o year_n immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v unanimous_o teach_v and_o believe_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n that_o same_o be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n and_o testimony_n that_o it_o be_v certain_o and_o undoubted_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o christian_n to_o believe_v and_o receive_v it_o because_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o true_a primitive_a church_n beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v receive_v also_o from_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o at_o least_o in_o all_o necessary_a fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n contrariwise_o whatsoever_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v not_o teach_v that_o same_o be_v a_o evident_a sign_n and_o testimony_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o express_o set_v down_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o all_o christian_n of_o necessity_n shall_v know_v and_o believe_v it_o unto_o salvation_n because_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o best_a christian_n have_v be_v save_v without_o such_o doctrine_n but_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o whatsoever_o it_o have_v teach_v or_o not_o teach_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o only_o by_o those_o who_o be_v well_o verse_v and_o have_v read_v the_o volume_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n which_o even_o very_a few_o of_o the_o teacher_n and_o minister_n be_v able_a to_o do_v wherefore_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n especial_o when_o the_o doctrine_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v draw_v into_o controversy_n aught_o to_o fix_v themselves_o and_o adhere_v close_o to_o the_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o which_o they_o can_v have_v any_o certain_a ground_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o salvation_n for_o whatsoever_o not_o the_o universal_a only_a but_o one_o or_o some_o particular_a church_n have_v believe_v and_o teach_v especial_o in_o the_o late_a time_n whether_o it_o be_v do_v in_o their_o council_n and_o synod_n or_o else_o by_o their_o public_a confession_n or_o other_o writing_n doctrine_n and_o witness_n that_o very_o same_o though_o it_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o the_o belief_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n yet_o it_o can_v oblige_v other_o church_n or_o general_o all_o christian_n nor_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o unto_o salvation_n neither_o ground_n and_o confirm_v their_o faith_n any_o further_a than_o the_o certain_a and_o indubitable_a word_n of_o god_n have_v demonstrate_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o themselves_o have_v receive_v it_o as_o consonant_n and_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n since_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o side_n that_o the_o particular_a church_n may_v err_v in_o their_o own_o particular_a opinion_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a faith_n must_v not_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n but_o mere_o and_o only_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nevertheless_o the_o word_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n do_v bind_v at_o least_o their_o fellow-member_n thus_o far_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o rash_o to_o contradict_v their_o doctrine_n and_o declaration_n unless_o it_o be_v contradict_v by_o a_o more_o evident_a testimony_n of_o god_n word_n and_o by_o a_o unanimous_a doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o otherwise_o this_o will_v prove_v a_o presumptuous_a judge_n or_o at_o least_o a_o unnecessary_a scandalous_a contradict_v we_o hope_v now_o salvation_n why_o not_o a_o certain_a specification_n may_v be_v make_v of_o all_o the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n that_o be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n by_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v it_o do_v plain_o and_o manifest_o appear_v what_o and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v necessary_a and_o not_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n although_o we_o do_v not_o specify_v all_o point_n of_o doctrine_n nor_o precise_o determinate_a what_o and_o how_o much_o may_v be_v necessary_a and_o sufficient_a to_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a which_o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o do_v for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o we_o can_v direct_o know_v how_o far_o the_o capacity_n of_o every_o one_o or_o the_o most_o unlearned_a and_o ignorant_a christian_n and_o how_o far_o god_n mercy_n may_v reach_v and_o extend_v above_o their_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o rash_o to_o condemn_v any_o man_n in_o his_o ignorance_n to_o who_o peradventure_o god_n may_v show_v mercy_n second_o because_o none_o can_v obtain_v a_o true_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n but_o he_o must_v somewhat_o strive_v and_o labour_v for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v increase_v and_o thrive_v therein_o like_a as_o we_o can_v describe_v and_o set_v a_o certain_a measure_n to_o the_o height_n and_o bigness_n of_o a_o young_a child_n because_o yet_o it_o must_v needs_o daily_o grow_v if_o it_o be_v alive_a and_o in_o health_n till_o it_o have_v attain_v his_o full_a and_o perfect_a age_n so_o may_v we_o neither_o circumscribe_v and_o limit_v any_o christian_n knowledge_n within_o a_o certain_a measure_n because_o he_o ought_v to_o grow_v and_o augment_v still_o in_o the_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a till_o he_o be_v come_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n of_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4.13_o three_o because_o we_o can_v fail_v soon_o in_o any_o thing_n then_o when_o we_o presume_v to_o regulate_v and_o measure_v all_o other_o man_n capacity_n by_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n and_o do_v imagine_v that_o what_o peradventure_o we_o think_v to_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o very_o same_o must_v likewise_o be_v as_o clear_a to_o all_o other_o and_o therefore_o as_o certain_a and_o necessary_a for_o all_o which_o be_v also_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a reason_n of_o all_o unseasonable_a judge_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n yea_o the_o source_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o division_n and_o dissension_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n wherefore_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o our_o purpose_n to_o know_v in_o general_a which_o no_o christian_n can_v deny_v that_o all_o and_o only_o that_o be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n what_o necessary_o belong_v to_o the_o save_a faith_n in_o christ_n which_o work_v by_o love_n and_o can_v subsist_v without_o true_a repentance_n
and_o conversion_n from_o sin_n and_o without_o new_a obedience_n to_o christ_n commandment_n which_o all_o be_v so_o plain_o and_o express_o teach_v in_o the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n especial_o in_o the_o five_o aforemention_v principal_a point_n that_o every_o christian_a may_v sufficient_o understand_v they_o unto_o his_o salvation_n and_o have_v be_v unanimous_o profess_v in_o the_o primitive_a apostolic_a church_n but_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o so_o clear_o and_o express_o teach_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o a_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n towards_o christ_n nor_o have_v be_v understand_v and_o teach_v out_o of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o very_o same_o though_o it_o depend_v from_o it_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v true_a doctrine_n and_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v necessary_a for_o they_o who_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o as_o yet_o and_o retain_v only_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n itself_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o love_n towards_o christ_n at_o least_o so_o long_o till_o god_n enlighten_v and_o bring_v their_o understanding_n to_o a_o full_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n ought_v daily_o to_o search_v into_o whereby_o we_o do_v conclude_v further_a that_o we_o ought_v also_o not_o to_o judge_v one_o another_o according_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o doctrine_n especial_o when_o the_o other_o may_v produce_v motive_n and_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o such_o which_o be_v take_v not_o from_o natural_a reason_n but_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o bind_v not_o only_o his_o understanding_n but_o also_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o can_v receive_v such_o doctrine_n for_o fear_n of_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o his_o word_n but_o must_v at_o least_o doubt_n of_o they_o for_o in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o must_v say_v whosoever_o doubt_v if_o he_o eat_v if_o he_o receive_v they_o be_v damn_v by_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o rather_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n in_o such_o controversy_n of_o doctrine_n we_o must_v receive_v he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v let_v we_o therefore_o not_o judge_v one_o another_o any_o more_o but_o judge_v this_o rather_o that_o no_o man_n put_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o offence_n of_o conscience_n in_o his_o brother_n way_n chap._n iu._n that_o the_o roman_a catholic_a church_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o judge_n and_o condemn_v the_o protestant_n reform_v evangelical_n church_n as_o heretical_a have_v lay_v this_o ground_n we_o may_v easy_o and_o as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o one_o conscience_n unto_o salvation_n deliver_v our_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n concern_v the_o modern_a difference_n and_o dissension_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o among_o the_o christian_n that_o make_v on_o all_o side_n profession_n of_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v foment_v and_o aggravate_v mere_o out_o of_o a_o unseasonable_a and_o uncharitable_a judge_v and_o condemn_v with_o such_o vehemency_n and_o bitterness_n yea_o with_o such_o great_a effusion_n of_o blood_n and_o lamentable_a devastation_n of_o country_n that_o never_o the_o like_a be_v hear_v of_o any_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n at_o this_o present_a i_o will_v make_v but_o a_o short_a application_n to_o the_o three_o principal_a divide_v and_o dissent_v church_n church_n difference_n betwixt_o the_o roman_a catholic_n lutheran_n and_o reform_a church_n which_o be_v disperse_v in_o the_o occidental_a christian_a world_n throughout_o whole_a province_n and_o kingdom_n as_o first_o the_o say_v roman_a catholic_n or_o papist_n so_o call_v who_o beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o especial_o upon_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o general_o be_v altogether_o subject_v and_o depend_v on_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n as_o be_v their_o supreme_a head_n and_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n as_o the_o church_n in_o italy_n spain_n and_o the_o great_a part_n in_o france_n germany_n and_o poland_n then_o the_o protestant_a evangelical_n lutheran_n as_o they_o themselves_o will_v be_v call_v who_o beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n profess_v confessionem_fw-la agustanam_n &_o saxonicam_fw-la formulam_fw-la concordiae_fw-la as_o their_o symbolical_a and_o universal_a book_n of_o doctrine_n not_o that_o they_o ground_n principal_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n upon_o they_o but_o that_o they_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o they_o conformable_a to_o scripture_n and_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n as_o in_o germany_n especial_o in_o high_a and_o low_a saxony_n some_o church_n in_o swaben_n francony_a westphaly_n hessen_n etc._n etc._n and_o without_o germany_n the_o church_n in_o denmark_n sweden_n and_o prussia_n although_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n perceive_v betwixt_o they_o because_o some_o have_v not_o receive_v hitherto_o as_o yet_o the_o say_v formulam_fw-la saxonicam_fw-la and_o some_o of_o they_o have_v collect_v their_o own_o peculiar_a corpora_fw-la doctrinae_fw-la confession_n and_o book_n of_o doctrine_n three_o those_o evangelical_n christian_n protestant_n who_o because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v bind_v and_o tie_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o it_o be_v luther_n calvin_n zuinglius_fw-la or_o any_o other_o doctrine_n or_o book_n and_o therefore_o not_o be_v name_v by_o any_o man_n name_n but_o have_v purge_v and_o reform_v their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n from_o the_o abuse_n of_o popery_n only_o according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n be_v common_o call_v reform_v by_o some_o papist_n they_o be_v call_v biblist_n or_o scripture-man_n of_o which_o name_n they_o need_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a because_o they_o be_v ground_v on_o and_o refer_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o holy_a bible_n as_o the_o church_n in_o england_n scotland_n helvetia_n the_o unite_a province_n of_o the_o low-countries_n all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o france_n with_o some_o particular_a church_n in_o germany_n poland_n hungary_n etc._n etc._n which_o though_o they_o have_v collect_v and_o frame_v also_o their_o peculiar_a confession_n yet_o not_o with_o the_o intent_n to_o bind_v other_o christian_n conscience_n even_o to_o their_o word_n but_o only_o to_o testify_v their_o unanimous_a consent_n and_o uniformity_n first_o and_o principal_o in_o the_o necessary_a fundamental_a point_n of_o salvation_n out_o of_o the_o manifest_a word_n of_o god_n then_o secondary_o in_o the_o confutation_n and_o reject_v of_o the_o erroneous_a by-doctrine_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o popish_a church_n which_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v è_fw-la diametro_fw-la opposite_a to_o it_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n and_o withal_o to_o decline_v and_o refute_v all_o sort_n of_o calumny_n and_o slander_n of_o their_o adversary_n wherefore_o also_o they_o by_o a_o special_a confession_n of_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o confession_n of_o other_o especial_o that_o of_o augspourg_n though_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n in_o word_n remain_v much_o less_o do_v presume_v to_o condemn_v other_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n because_o of_o some_o different_a opinion_n or_o ceremony_n if_o only_o they_o do_v agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n withhold_v themselves_o from_o condemn_v other_o and_o even_o for_o these_o very_a same_o reason_n have_v i_o hitherto_o addict_v myself_o to_o the_o confession_n of_o these_o reform_a church_n and_o be_o resolve_v with_o god_n assistance_n to_o persevere_v in_o it_o even_o unto_o death_n not_o only_o because_o i_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o controvert_v point_n the_o doctrine_n of_o these_o church_n i_o say_v their_o own_o doctrine_n which_o they_o themselves_o unanimous_o profess_v to_o be_v consonant_n and_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n but_o especial_o because_o beside_o the_o indubitable_a universal_a fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o with_o one_o consent_n receive_v they_o do_v not_o maintain_v or_o impose_v upon_o other_o any_o other_o doctrine_n as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n which_o in_o itself_o and_o by_o god_n command_n be_v not_o but_o impart_v and_o permit_v to_o every_o one_o the_o due_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o also_o do_v neither_o deny_v pervert_v or_o mutilate_v any_o part_n or_o article_n of_o the_o true_a gospel_n of_o christ_n nor_o introduce_v any_o other_o by-gospel_n or_o by-article_n or_o judge_n or_o condemn_v other_o for_o it_o whereas_o other_o church_n principal_o the_o papist_n and_o partly_o the_o lutheran_n if_o they_o do_v not_o quite_o deny_v any_o necessary_a point_n of_o true_a
christianity_n yet_o do_v very_o much_o transgress_v the_o true_a limit_n and_o rule_n both_o of_o god_n truth_n and_o christian_a charity_n see_v they_o add_v many_o of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o impose_v they_o upon_o other_o as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n or_o judge_n and_o condemn_v they_o therein_o as_o heretic_n which_o nevertheless_o in_o themselves_o and_o by_o god_n command_n be_v not_o necessary_a yea_o false_a and_o not_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o there_o be_v some_o such_o sort_n of_o people_n find_v in_o our_o church_n which_o be_v too_o too_o zealous_a and_o obstinate_a in_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o undertake_v to_o judge_v other_o who_o will_v not_o altogether_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o they_o which_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o unanimous_a doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o whole_a universal_a church_n but_o that_o we_o may_v well_o know_v which_o of_o these_o three_o divide_v and_o dissent_v church_n judge_v the_o other_o or_o be_v judge_v by_o they_o aright_o or_o wrong_n i_o will_v first_o declare_v but_o brief_o and_o only_o as_o much_o as_o may_v conduce_v to_o the_o information_n of_o the_o unlearned_a whether_o the_o other_o two_o the_o roman_a catholic_n and_o the_o lutheran_n have_v any_o sufficient_a and_o wellgrounded_n reason_n to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v our_o reform_a church_n as_o heretical_a then_o shall_v i_o take_v a_o opportunity_n to_o show_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o apostolical_a direction_n whether_o and_o how_o far_o our_o church_n ought_v to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v the_o other_o two_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o lutheran_n that_o the_o romish_a church_n have_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v our_o reform_a or_o lutherane_n church_n as_o far_o as_o they_o agree_v with_o we_o to_o be_v heretical_a we_o make_v it_o good_a by_o reason_v thus_o because_o they_o can_v accuse_v we_o or_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o our_o church_n either_o deny_v any_o article_n of_o the_o ancient_n apostolic_a catholic_a faith_n or_o do_v introduce_v and_o condescend_v to_o any_o false_a heretical_a point_n but_o they_o do_v condemn_v we_o mere_o for_o this_o because_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v some_o article_n of_o their_o modern_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n which_o they_o cry_v up_o for_o universal_a or_o catholical_a and_o yet_o either_o be_v not_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n as_o they_o must_v confess_v themselves_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o or_o false_a erroneous_a and_o superstitious_a as_o we_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o our_o own_o conscience_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n although_o they_o charge_v and_o accuse_v we_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o new_a protestant_n calumny_n and_o slander_n of_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o evangelical_n protestant_n un-catholike_a false_a and_o partly_o heretical_a damnable_a blasphemous_a doctrine_n as_o that_o we_o make_v god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n that_o we_o do_v deny_v all_o freewill_n of_o man_n even_o after_o his_o regeneration_n that_o according_a to_o our_o doctrine_n it_o be_v impossible_a even_o to_o the_o believer_n to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o by_o faith_n only_o we_o may_v be_v save_v and_o justify_v though_o we_o live_v never_o so_o sinful_o that_o all_o sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v we_o if_o we_o do_v but_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v forgive_v though_o we_o do_v still_o continue_v in_o they_o that_o the_o justification_n be_v wrought_v mere_o by_o a_o external_a imputation_n without_o internal_a renovation_n and_o sanctification_n that_o repentance_n and_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o new_a obedience_n and_o good_a work_n be_v quite_o unnecessary_a that_o we_o reject_v all_o fast_n all_o vow_n and_o church-discipline_n dignity_n order_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n annihilate_v the_o sacrament_n or_o hold_v they_o to_o be_v but_o naked_a bare_a sign_n blaspheme_n and_o despise_v the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n and_o suchlike_a point_n against_o which_o our_o church_n have_v always_o solemn_o protest_v both_o in_o their_o confession_n and_o apology_n that_o such_o be_v not_o their_o faith_n and_o opinion_n but_o that_o all_o these_o be_v but_o mere_a slander_n detraction_n and_o misconstruction_n whereupon_o they_o have_v declare_v themselves_o with_o one_o accord_n that_o they_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v nor_o hearken_v to_o any_o new_a doctrine_n but_o only_o adhere_v close_o to_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a apostolic_a church_n as_o it_o be_v principal_o ground_v upon_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v the_o main_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o as_o it_o have_v be_v declare_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o all_o sect_n and_o heresy_n with_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n especial_o in_o the_o general_n christian_n synod_n of_o nicene_n ephesus_n chalcedone_n and_o constantinople_n who_o universal_a confession_n of_o faith_n they_o unanimous_o maintain_v of_o which_o the_o romish_a church_n itself_o confess_v in_o the_o last_o council_n of_o trent_n council_n trid._n sess_v 3._o to_o be_v the_o buckler_n and_o shield_n against_o all_o heresy_n the_o principle_n whereunto_o necessary_o he_o must_v agree_v that_o will_v profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n yea_o the_o solid_a and_o sole_a foundation_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v wherefore_o our_o church_n can_v just_o be_v charge_v with_o any_o new_a heretical_a doctrine_n because_o though_o one_o of_o our_o divine_n shall_v defend_v any_o new_a opinion_n or_o exposition_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o bind_v themselves_o to_o it_o much_o less_o enforce_v it_o upon_o other_o as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n but_o give_v way_n to_o be_v examine_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o square_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o now_o for_o all_o this_o the_o roman_a catholic_n persist_v to_o condemn_v our_o church_n as_o heretical_a because_o we_o will_v not_o receive_v beside_o such_o ancient_a true_a catholic_a christian_n faith_n all_o their_o modern_a new-fangled_a doctrine_n and_o tradition_n which_o they_o have_v since_o add_v and_o invent_v in_o their_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o other_o popish_a council_n of_o late_a time_n or_o in_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o pope_n it_o behove_v they_o first_o to_o prove_v and_o show_v firm_a and_o certain_a ground_n that_o those_o doctrine_n of_o they_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n protestant_n principal_a controversy_n betwixt_o the_o roman_a catholic_n and_o evangelical_n protestant_n for_o example_n will_v they_o condemn_v we_o in_o our_o exterior_a service_n or_o worship_n and_o ceremony_n because_o we_o have_v no_o image_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o bless_a trinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n of_o the_o saint_n decease_v nor_o do_v adore_v they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o pray_v and_o call_v on_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n especial_o the_o virgin_n mary_n yea_o that_o we_o do_v not_o dig_v and_o take_v their_o bone_n or_o other_o relic_n out_o of_o their_o grave_n and_o worship_n they_o nor_o pay_v vow_n or_o make_v pilgrimage_n to_o they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o buy_v or_o purchase_v the_o pope_n indulgency_n celebrate_v no_o mass_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o dead_a nor_o make_v any_o distinction_n of_o meat_n on_o certain_a day_n or_o a_o general_a weekly_a fast_a neither_o admit_v of_o any_o auricular_a confession_n to_o the_o priest_n of_o every_o particular_a sin_n that_o we_o do_v not_o administer_v the_o holy_a communion_n under_o one_o but_o both_o kind_n or_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n both_o to_o lay_v and_o clergyman_n nor_o celebrate_v any_o mass_n without_o communicant_n neither_o make_v use_v of_o the_o rest_n of_o ceremony_n which_o they_o against_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o christ_n have_v forge_v for_o their_o sacrifice_n of_o mass_n especial_o the_o adoration_n of_o the_o consecrate_a hostia_fw-la in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n that_o we_o do_v not_o observe_v their_o great_a feast_n call_v corpus_n christi-day_n and_o the_o holy_a day_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o we_o perform_v our_o whole_a public_a service_n not_o in_o the_o latin_a tongue_n which_o be_v unknown_a to_o the_o laic_n but_o in_o the_o know_a mother-tongue_n nor_o forbid_v to_o any_o layman_n the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n in_o his_o mother-tongue_n but_o exhort_v rather_o every_o one_o in_o general_n unto_o it_o that_o we_o tell_v not_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n on_o bead_n by_o fifty_n and_o hundred_o use_v not_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o the_o holy_a water_n nor_o wear_v about_o we_o agnus_n dei_fw-la or_o such_o like_a consecrate_a relic_n that_o we_o allow_v not_o of_o the_o order_n
of_o monk_n and_o nun_n but_o in_o stead_n thereof_o we_o teach_v that_o the_o revenue_n of_o monastery_n ought_v rather_o to_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o use_n of_o miserable_a poor_a wretch_n that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o work_v or_o employ_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o church_n and_o school_n that_o we_o give_v liberty_n for_o marriage_n both_o to_o ecclesiastic_n and_o laic_n nor_o use_v the_o confirmation_n and_o extreme_a unction_n or_o the_o holy_a order_n for_o make_v minister_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o it_o usual_o be_v among_o they_o that_o we_o permit_v no_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n or_o dominion_n to_o our_o spiritual_a pastor_n nor_o will_v have_v they_o submit_v to_o a_o supreme_a and_o universal_a pope_n neither_o exempt_v they_o from_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o judicature_n of_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o such_o like_a observation_n and_o assertion_n of_o their_o exterior_a worship_n will_v they_o therefore_o i_o say_v judge_n and_o condemn_v we_o as_o heretic_n it_o be_v fit_a then_o to_o prove_v first_o by_o certain_a and_o undeniable_a argument_n and_o warrant_n and_o such_o which_o we_o may_v understand_v and_o satisfy_v our_o conscience_n withal_o that_o the_o say_v point_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n except_o they_o will_v yield_v and_o confess_v that_o they_o do_v condemn_v we_o for_o unnecessary_a thing_n but_o now_o the_o papist_n themselves_o will_v hardly_o affirm_v the_o aforesaid_a point_n the_o image_n the_o invocation_n of_o the_o saint_n the_o indulgence_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v direct_o and_o in_o themselves_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n they_o commend_v and_o extol_v only_o their_o singular_a good_a use_n and_o benefit_n but_o do_v not_o enjoin_v their_o necessity_n or_o in_o case_n they_o will_v in_o one_o or_o other_o point_n as_o in_o the_o auricular_a confession_n adoration_n of_o the_o consecrate_a hostia_fw-la etc._n etc._n intrude_v a_o necessity_n yet_o they_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v so_o upon_o any_o pretence_n nor_o ground_n but_o we_o may_v have_v evident_a proof_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a because_o they_o be_v not_o use_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n likewise_o in_o point_n of_o controversy_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n that_o we_o have_v the_o affiance_n and_o assurance_n to_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v before_o god_n not_o through_o our_o own_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o only_o through_o mere_a mercy_n and_o grace_n by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n in_o the_o only_a perfect_a sacrifice_n of_o propitiation_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o also_o in_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o our_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n we_o ascribe_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o our_o own_o natural_a strength_n of_o freewill_n but_o all_o to_o the_o mere_a grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n without_o which_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a how_o can_v they_o then_o condemn_v we_o as_o heretic_n for_o it_o whereas_o they_o must_v at_o length_n confess_v themselves_o 3._o bellarm._n lib._n 5._o de_fw-la justificat_fw-la cap._n 7._o propos_fw-fr 2_o &_o 3._o this_o to_o be_v the_o safe_a and_o sure_a way_n not_o to_o confide_v and_o trust_v in_o our_o own_o strength_n work_n merit_n but_o only_o in_o god_n mere_a grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o the_o precious_a merit_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n if_o this_o be_v the_o sure_a way_n we_o must_v certain_o and_o necessary_o conclude_v that_o our_o doctrine_n in_o this_o point_n be_v not_o heretical_a nor_o damnable_a and_o their_o doctrine_n of_o own_o merit_n and_o strength_n not_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n but_o rather_o that_o our_o doctrine_n be_v the_o sure_a and_o safe_a whereby_o all_o honour_n and_o praise_n be_v deny_v to_o man_n and_o attribute_v to_o god_n alone_o and_o their_o doctrine_n dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a ascribe_v all_o honour_n to_o man_n and_o deny_v it_o to_o god_n moreover_o that_o we_o can_v be_v induce_v to_o believe_v the_o transformation_n of_o the_o bread_n or_o transubstantiation_n as_o they_o call_v it_o in_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o a_o true_a sacrifice_n though_o without_o blood_n of_o the_o transubstantiated_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n both_o for_o the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a or_o the_o purgatory_n they_o can_v condemn_v we_o for_o unless_o they_o do_v convince_v we_o first_o that_o such_o doctrine_n be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n so_o that_o christ_n sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o the_o spiritual_a eat_v thereof_o profit_v we_o nothing_o and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n can_v cleanse_v we_o from_o sin_n except_o we_o believe_v also_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o mass_n and_o the_o purgatory_n which_o nevertheless_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o assert_v or_o never_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v since_o they_o partly_o confess_v themselves_o that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v assure_v in_o those_o and_o such_o like_a point_n only_o by_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n unless_o the_o declaration_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n have_v give_v to_o they_o satisfaction_n therein_o and_o this_o be_v their_o main_a objection_n church_n whether_o such_o point_n of_o doctrine_n though_o not_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o be_v yet_o necessary_a for_o all_o christian_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o aforementioned_a and_o such_o like_a controversy_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n though_o they_o be_v not_o direct_o and_o in_o themselves_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n yet_o be_v necessary_a even_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o they_o have_v be_v thus_o teach_v and_o ordain_v by_o the_o catholic_a church_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v in_o all_o thing_n but_o here_o we_o ask_v first_o the_o question_n what_o they_o mean_v by_o the_o catholic_a church_n if_o they_o understand_v the_o universal_a christian_a church_n which_o since_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n disperse_v as_o the_o word_n catholic_a do_v imply_v it_o than_o we_o confess_v as_o we_o have_v already_o declare_v it_o heretofore_o that_o whatsoever_o it_o teach_v with_o one_o accord_n as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n to_o be_v undoubted_o necessary_a but_o they_o themselves_o will_v not_o assert_v this_o of_o most_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a point_n and_o though_o they_o shall_v assert_v it_o of_o some_o yet_o can_v they_o not_o prove_v it_o neither_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o by_o the_o true_a and_o undoubted_a write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n whereas_o by_o this_o very_a same_o ground_n we_o can_v rather_o make_v appear_v the_o contrary_a that_o the_o most_o and_o principal_a point_n thereof_o must_v be_v either_o false_a and_o erroneous_a or_o at_o least_o unnecessary_a because_o they_o have_v not_o be_v teach_v thus_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n neither_o have_v the_o primitive_a church_n ever_o presume_v and_o take_v upon_o itself_o such_o a_o power_n as_o if_o it_o may_v or_o shall_v teach_v or_o ordain_v some_o new_a doctrine_n unto_o salvation_n and_o so_o impose_v on_o the_o christian_n a_o heavy_a yoke_n and_o prescribe_v they_o a_o narrow_a way_n to_o salvation_n than_o it_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n whereby_o also_o consequent_o be_v make_v void_a whatsoever_o they_o object_n concern_v the_o unwritten_a word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o able_a to_o produce_v any_o certain_a ground_n or_o warrant_n that_o it_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n although_o otherwise_o we_o do_v not_o absolute_o reject_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o either_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n or_o be_v count_v only_o as_o useful_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n constat_fw-la omnem_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la quae_fw-la cum_fw-la illis_fw-la ecclesiis_fw-la apostolicis_fw-la matricibus_fw-la &_o originalibus_fw-la fidei_fw-la conspiret_fw-la veritati_fw-la deputandam_fw-la id_fw-la sine_fw-la dubio_fw-la tenentem_fw-la quod_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la ab_fw-la apostolis_n apostoli_fw-la à _fw-la christo_fw-la christus_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la suscepit_fw-la reliquam_fw-la verò_fw-la omnem_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la de_fw-la mendacio_fw-la praejudicandam_fw-la tertull._n de_fw-fr praescr_n c._n 21._o exit_fw-la ipso_fw-la ordine_fw-la manifestatur_fw-la id_fw-la esse_fw-la dominicum_fw-la &_o verum_fw-la quod_fw-la sit_fw-la prius_fw-la traditum_fw-la id_fw-la autem_fw-la extraneum_fw-la &_o falsum_fw-la quod_fw-la posterius_fw-la immissum_fw-la id._n 32._o viderint_fw-la qui_fw-la stoicum_fw-la &_o platonicum_n &_o dialecticum_fw-la christianismum_fw-la protulerunt_fw-la nobis_fw-la curiositate_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la opus_fw-la post_fw-la jesum_fw-la christum_fw-la nec_fw-la inquisitione_n post_fw-la evangelium_fw-la cùm_fw-la credimus_fw-la nihil_fw-la desideramus_fw-la ultra_fw-la credere_fw-la hoc_fw-la enim_fw-la prius_fw-la credimus_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la quod_fw-la ultra_fw-la
of_o they_o that_o hate_v and_o abhor_v reconciliation_n may_v without_o any_o difficulty_n be_v unite_v nay_o be_v already_o unite_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o evident_a word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o universal_a save_a faith_n and_o sincere_a love_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n who_o also_o upon_o this_o only_a solid_a and_o firm_a ground_n of_o the_o universal_a save_a truth_n and_o unity_n may_v in_o safenesse_n quiet_a and_o pacify_v their_o own_o conscience_n among_o so_o many_o division_n and_o seduce_v spirit_n and_o withal_o declare_v themselves_o upon_o good_a ground_n against_o all_o different_a dissent_v party_n and_o yet_o show_v themselves_o peaceable_a and_o without_o scandal_n chap._n vii_o that_o even_o these_o be_v the_o safe_a mean_n to_o restrain_v all_o erroneous_a sect_n there_o may_v be_v several_a objection_n make_v against_o this_o our_o declaration_n doctrine_n the_o first_o objection_n against_o the_o aforementioned_a doctrine_n as_o first_o that_o in_o this_o manner_n a_o great_a gap_n will_v be_v open_v to_o all_o sect_n arrian_n photinian_o socinian_o weigelian_o anabaptist_n arminian_o or_o of_o what_o name_n soever_o who_o though_o they_o refer_v themselves_o on_o all_o side_n to_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o obscure_a and_o pervert_v the_o plain_a and_o most_o evident_a place_n of_o it_o so_o that_o at_o length_n we_o shall_v retain_v nothing_o but_o the_o bare_a word_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o they_o also_o without_o controversy_n and_o dispute_n but_o if_o we_o do_v serious_o consider_v the_o matter_n this_o will_v be_v rather_o the_o only_a true_a sure_a easy_a and_o most_o efficacious_a mean_v not_o only_o to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o true_a believer_n but_o also_o to_o silence_n and_o restrain_v all_o erroneous_a sect_n yea_o to_o cut_v of_o all_o occasion_n lest_o they_o disturb_v seduce_v or_o tear_v the_o church_n of_o god_n any_o more_o by_o their_o perverse_a interpretation_n and_o opinion_n namely_o first_o that_o we_o know_v that_o their_o own_o particular_a interpretation_n &_o inference_n must_v not_o be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n because_o they_o do_v either_o assert_v &_o affirm_v some_o new_a doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o so_o manifest_o and_o express_o assert_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o deny_v some_o what_o which_o be_v not_o so_o plain_o deny_v therein_o that_o both_o we_o and_o other_o christian_n can_v in_o conscience_n acknowledge_v and_o receive_v the_o same_o or_o the_o primitive_a undoubted_a true-beleeving_a church_n can_v have_v unanimous_o receive_v such_o a_o meaning_n &_o sense_n thereof_o which_o be_v a_o certain_a &_o infallible_a sign_n that_o it_o must_v be_v either_o a_o false_a pervert_v or_o at_o least_o a_o unnecessary_a interpretation_n or_o meaning_n and_o that_o we_o therefore_o may_v reject_v it_o as_o unnecessary_a with_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o they_o may_v not_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n disturb_v the_o church_n of_o god_n with_o such_o unnecessary_a new_a doctrine_n second_o when_o they_o cry_v up_o such_o interpretation_n and_o opinion_n of_o they_o though_o we_o certain_o know_v they_o not_o to_o be_v necessary_a not_o only_o for_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o god_n commandment_n and_o their_o own_o word_n for_o mere_a word_n of_o god_n then_o we_o know_v further_o undoubted_o that_o they_o be_v just_o such_o prophet_n as_o god_n have_v warn_v we_o from_o who_o shall_v presume_v to_o speak_v in_o his_o name_n that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o command_v they_o to_o speak_v deut._n 18.19_o 20._o who_o shall_v say_v the_o lord_n speak_v thus_o when_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v it_o exod._n 13._o especial_o when_o they_o be_v so_o obstinate_a in_o their_o opinion_n that_o they_o judge_v and_o condemn_v other_o for_o the_o same_o or_o revile_v and_o blaspheme_v the_o contrary_a doctrine_n or_o otherwise_o know_o purposely_o and_o wilful_o draw_v thereby_o some_o distraction_n and_o division_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o which_o reason_n we_o have_v good_a cause_n to_o shun_v and_o eschew_v they_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n tit._n 1.10_o 2_o tim._n 3.6_o to_o avoid_v they_o rom._n 16.17_o to_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o they_o and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o they_o 2_o thes_n 3.6.14_o 2_o joh._n 10._o who_o by_o judgeing_a other_o and_o cause_v therewith_o division_n and_o sect_n separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o assembly_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d judas_n 19_o and_o also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v condemn_v of_o themselves_o tit._n 3.11_o who_o also_o ought_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o meekness_n of_o spirit_n and_o convince_v by_o sound_a better_a sure_a and_o plain_a interpretation_n and_o inference_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o sometime_o sharp_o rebuke_v tit._n 1.9_o 10.13_o 2_o tim._n 2.24_o 25._o and_o to_o restrain_v they_o with_o all_o other_o spiritual_a mean_n that_o christ_n have_v ordain_v lest_o they_o may_v prejudicate_v and_o hurt_v the_o christian_a church_n by_o their_o seduction_n and_o spread_v far_o their_o leaven_n and_o sow_v tare_n three_o how_o much_o more_o when_o they_o by_o their_o own_o interpretation_n and_o conclusion_n in_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n do_v not_o only_o affirm_v or_o deny_v some_o what_o which_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o express_o affirm_v or_o deny_v but_o also_o do_v affirm_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o evident_o and_o express_o deny_v therein_o or_o deny_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o express_o affirm_v therein_o that_o all_o learned_a christian_n who_o will_v but_o understand_v they_o and_o not_o out_o of_o carnal_a affection_n stick_v unto_o they_o may_v comprehend_v they_o without_o any_o difficulty_n nay_o it_o be_v evident_a and_o palpable_a to_o every_o one_o that_o those_o interpretation_n and_o opinion_n of_o they_o be_v but_o mere_o strain_v and_o spin_v out_o of_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o not_o ground_v upon_o the_o text_n and_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o or_o equivalent_a place_n of_o it_o especial_o the_o true_a primitive_a undoubted_a church_n have_v with_o one_o accord_n teach_v absolute_o the_o contrary_a those_o if_o they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n obtrude_v and_o urge_v their_o own_o force_a interpretation_n or_o rather_o perversion_n of_o the_o scripture_n both_o without_o and_o against_o the_o manifest_a word_n of_o god_n as_o necessary_a as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o thereby_o deny_v or_o pervert_v the_o true_a necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o precept_n of_o god_n and_o that_o obstinate_o as_o have_v be_v mention_v before_o they_o be_v not_o only_o like_a to_o those_o prophet_n who_o presume_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o command_v they_o to_o speak_v but_o also_o like_o they_o that_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o other_o god_n deut._n 18.20_o because_o they_o will_v thrust_v as_o out_o of_o the_o way_n which_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n have_v command_v to_o walk_v in_o deut._n 13.25_o from_o who_o he_o have_v warn_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v nor_o hearken_v unto_o their_o word_n though_o they_o show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n deut._n 13.1_o 2._o matth._n 24.24_o 25._o whereby_o i_o hope_v every_o one_o may_v see_v that_o by_o the_o often-mentioned_n ground_n of_o the_o manifest_a scripture_n not_o only_o no_o occasion_n be_v give_v to_o the_o erroneous_a sect_n but_o rather_o the_o sectary_n mouth_n may_v be_v stop_v with_o much_o facility_n and_o safety_n and_o with_o more_o efficacy_n then_o by_o many_o subtle_a and_o endless_a altercation_n and_o dispute_n or_o by_o all-excommunication_n and_o persecution_n of_o heretic_n although_o we_o do_v disapprove_v also_o this_o to_o be_v use_v against_o manifest_a obstinate_a blasphemer_n as_o servetus_n be_v who_o vomit_v such_o terrible_a and_o horrid_a blasphemy_n and_o contumelious_a word_n against_o the_o holy_a and_o bless_a trinity_n that_o they_o be_v noways_o to_o be_v suffer_v among_o christian_n or_o when_o they_o under_o the_o colour_n of_o religion_n plot_n tumult_n and_o insurrection_n against_o legal_a magistrate_n as_o former_o munzerus_n and_o the_o anabaptist_n at_o munster_n do_v which_o be_v not_o justifiable_a though_o it_o happen_v for_o true_a religion_n much_o less_o for_o erroneous_a doctrine_n sake_n but_o those_o that_o peaceable_o and_o close_o adhere_v to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o maintain_v and_o introduce_v singular_a by-interpretation_n and_o opinion_n of_o they_o as_o have_v be_v tell_v those_o i_o say_v though_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v we_o or_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n true_a interpretation_n and_o expression_n we_o can_v nor_o will_v therefore_o judge_v as_o heretic_n but_o aught_o to_o tolerate_v and_o receive_v as_o weak_a brethren_n in_o faith_n
as_o it_o have_v be_v say_v many_o time_n heretofore_o which_o we_o may_v illustrate_v with_o one_o or_o two_o example_n as_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o john_n which_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o write_n and_o doctrine_n be_v descend_v and_o convey_v to_o we_o whereof_o no_o doubt_n but_o it_o have_v together_o with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n receive_v also_o from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o at_o least_o in_o the_o principal_a necessary_a point_n of_o which_o this_o si_fw-mi one_o have_v unanimous_o and_o undoubted_o interpret_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o the_o substantial_a word_n with_o the_o father_n if_o the_o modern_a socinian_o interpret_v it_o of_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v deny_v the_o article_n of_o christ_n godhead_n we_o right_o reject_v such_o interpretation_n not_o only_o as_o not_o necessary_a but_o as_o false_a and_o heretical_a not_o that_o it_o be_v only_o contrary_a to_o our_o interpretation_n but_o that_o it_o be_v so_o manifest_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o saint_n john_n that_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v with_o one_o consent_n teach_v the_o contrary_a insomuch_o also_o that_o none_o of_o the_o ancient_a arrian_n or_o photinian_o to_o our_o and_o all_o modern_a socinian_o knowledge_n ever_o thus_o understand_v or_o expound_v it_o but_o socinus_n be_v the_o first_o man_n as_o he_o himself_o must_v confess_v that_o spin_v this_o interpretation_n out_o of_o his_o own_o head_n wherein_o at_o first_o his_o own_o brethren_n have_v partly_o contradict_v he_o yet_o since_o that_o time_n have_v he_o together_o with_o his_o follower_n prefer_v it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o undeniable_a word_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o a_o most_o necessary_a interpretation_n before_o the_o word_n of_o saint_n john_n and_o the_o uniform_a meaning_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o may_v not_o be_v do_v without_o great_a presumption_n nor_o if_o it_o be_v obstinate_o urge_v without_o damnable_a heresy_n principal_o in_o such_o a_o deep_a important_a and_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v account_v not_o only_o by_o we_o but_o the_o true_a primitive_a church_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o they_o in_o such_o profound_a and_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n do_v adhere_v positive_o and_o close_o without_o mutilation_n and_o contention_n to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o add_v thereunto_o their_o own_o interpretation_n and_o inference_n of_o their_o reason_n beyond_o and_o against_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n we_o shall_v then_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o judge_v they_o so_o sharp_o though_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v or_o use_v all_o our_o exposition_n or_o humane_a expression_n likewise_o when_o socinus_n and_o his_o follower_n do_v wrest_v and_o pervert_v so_o many_o manifest_a place_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o christ_n death_n that_o he_o die_v for_o the_o propitiation_n satisfaction_n and_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o this_o sense_n as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o appease_v god_n wrath_n against_o we_o or_o which_o be_v as_o much_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o appease_v god_n wrath_n or_o purchase_v propitiation_n and_o forgiveness_n but_o that_o he_o die_v mere_o to_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o example_n convert_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o to_o pacify_v our_o heart_n towards_o he_o and_o account_v their_o own_o interpretation_n as_o worthy_a and_o necessary_a as_o god_n word_n itself_o so_o that_o they_o grievous_o slight_a and_o revile_v the_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o reconciliation_n of_o god_n wrath_n against_o we_o and_o the_o satisfaction_n for_o our_o sin_n which_o nevertheless_o be_v so_o manifest_o and_o evident_o teach_v by_o so_o many_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o universal_a christian_a church_n have_v profess_v it_o with_o one_o accord_n at_o all_o time_n and_o ever_o therefore_o hold_v jesus_n christ_n for_o its_o only_a highpriest_n mediator_n and_o saviour_n insomuch_o that_o even_o the_o great_a papist_n though_o they_o supply_v by_o way_n of_o concomitancy_n the_o merit_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o intercession_n and_o merit_n of_o other_o saint_n and_o their_o own_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n the_o daily_a sacrifice_n of_o mass_n indulgence_n purgatory_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n yet_o have_v not_o deny_v the_o propitiation_n by_o christ_n merit_n and_o satisfaction_n nor_o any_o other_o sectary_n as_o far_o as_o we_o know_v nor_o pelagius_n himself_o have_v direct_o oppose_v it_o except_o only_a socinus_n and_o perhaps_o before_o he_o adailerdus_n whereas_o socinus_n himself_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o mediator_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n moses_n have_v in_o some_o manner_n appease_v by_o his_o intercession_n as_o aaron_n and_o some_o other_o high-priest_n by_o their_o sacrifice_n god_n wrath_n against_o his_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o yet_o will_v deny_v such_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n to_o the_o most-perfect_a obedience_n sacrifice_n and_o intercession_n of_o our_o mediator_n and_o high-priest_n jesus_n christ_n who_o see_v not_o then_o that_o they_o intend_v arrogant_o to_o prefer_v their_o own_o singular_a interpretation_n before_o the_o manifest_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o universal_a christian_a church_n and_o thereby_o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n shake_v and_o subvert_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o chief_a consolation_n in_o jesus_n christ_n doctrine_n the_o second_o objection_n against_o the_o aforesaid_a doctrine_n in_o the_o second_o place_n may_v be_v object_v against_o the_o aforesaid_a ground_n of_o save_v truth_n and_o unity_n that_o nevertheless_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n have_v condemn_v many_o sect_n not_o only_o for_o not_o receive_v the_o plain_a word_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o also_o for_o refuse_v the_o interpretation_n and_o word_n of_o the_o church_n for_o example_n the_o ancient_a arrian_n in_o the_o council_n of_o nicen_n and_o other_o 8._o chap._n 8._o for_o not_o receive_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d consubstantial_a allege_v that_o such_o a_o word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o we_o answer_v to_o this_o that_o they_o be_v not_o condemn_v even_o for_o this_o bare_a word_n but_o rather_o because_o of_o their_o peculiar_a arrian_n phrase_n and_o expression_n and_o exposition_n concern_v the_o create_a divinity_n of_o christ_n against_o who_o the_o orthodoxal_a and_o true-beleeving_a church_n do_v very_o earnest_o insist_v upon_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o though_o not_o in_o the_o letter_n yet_o it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n more_o plain_o and_o evident_o and_o more_o conformable_o to_o the_o unanimous_a understanding_n and_o mean_v which_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n profess_v concern_v the_o eternal_a godhead_n of_o christ_n not_o that_o it_o be_v direct_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n but_o conducible_a to_o the_o confutation_n of_o the_o ambiguous_a term_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o arrian_n otherwise_o there_o have_v be_v in_o those_o time_n true-beleeving_a bishop_n who_o though_o they_o have_v reject_v the_o arrian_n heresy_n concern_v the_o create_a divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o doubt_v of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v literal_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v therefore_o not_o condemn_v but_o tolerate_v as_o weak_a in_o faith_n this_o very_a same_o we_o may_v say_v of_o all_o other_o ancient_a sectary_n macedonius_n nestorius_n eutiche_n pelagius_n which_o be_v at_o all_o time_n condemn_v for_o their_o singular_a new_a fangle_a interpretation_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o unanimous_a meaning_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o three_o or_o four_o hundred_o year_n chap._n viii_o that_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n no_o new_a doctrine_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v teach_v in_o the_o three_o place_n it_o will_v be_v object_v doctrine_n the_o three_o objection_n against_o the_o aformentioned_a doctrine_n that_o we_o ourselves_o defend_v many_o doctrine_n as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n which_o yet_o neither_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_o express_v nor_o unanimous_o teach_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n i_o will_v give_v but_o a_o touch_n in_o some_o few_o but_o principal_a instance_n that_o we_o deny_v the_o free_a will_n in_o man_n the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n which_o point_n be_v with_o one_o consent_n assert_v of_o all_o ancient_a father_n almost_o that_o we_o teach_v the_o justification_n ex_fw-la solâ_fw-la fide_fw-la only_o by_o faith_n that_o we_o hold_v the_o