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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
ground_n believe_v church_n doctrine_n 1,773 5 6.7675 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A70901 The pillar and ground of truth a treatise shewing that the Roman Chvrch falsly claims to be that church, and the pillar of that truth, mentioned by S. Paul in his First epistle to Timothy, Chap. III. vers. 15, which is explained in three parts. Patrick, Simon, 1626-1707.; Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1687 (1687) Wing P833; ESTC R12795 90,521 140

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almighty_a against_o every_o such_o refractory_a opposer_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o he_o shall_v obey_v there_o be_v no_o exception_n from_o this_o rule_n for_o as_o it_o there_o follow_v v._o 11._o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o god._n will_v to_o god_n they_o will_v serious_o lay_v this_o to_o heart_n who_o now_o seem_v to_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o truth_n and_o for_o a_o right_a faith_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o deceive_v by_o this_o warm_a zeal_n as_o to_o miss_v the_o end_n of_o faith_n the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n which_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v obtain_v no_o not_o by_o faith_n itself_o without_o a_o holy_a life_n part_n ii_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o who_o this_o office_n belong_v have_v show_v with_o some_o care_n what_o the_o truth_n be_v of_o which_o s._n paul_n speak_v which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o propound_v the_o two_o next_o may_v be_v explain_v together_o with_o less_o pain_n viz._n what_o and_o who_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o these_o great_a truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o that_o will_v be_v save_v i._o and_o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v have_v we_o by_o a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n to_o understand_v that_o which_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o upon_o who_o credit_n and_o authority_n all_o christian_a truth_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n depend_v for_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n be_v this_o pillar_n and_o presume_v also_o that_o they_o only_o be_v the_o church_n they_o thence_o infer_v that_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o no_o truth_n but_o from_o they_o and_o that_o they_o give_v authority_n and_o certainty_n to_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o likewise_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n i._n e._n they_o declare_v to_o be_v truth_n be_v therefore_o to_o be_v receive_v insomuch_o that_o if_o they_o make_v any_o new_a article_n or_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o give_v a_o full_a assent_n to_o they_o because_o all_o truth_n depend_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o church_n this_o sound_v strange_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o those_o that_o be_v not_o accustom_v to_o such_o language_n and_o may_v be_v think_v perhaps_o a_o misrepresentation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n but_o ●●●larmine_fw-la to_o name_n no_o more_o vouch_v this_o to_o be_v the_o catholic_a sense_n of_o this_o place_n and_o from_o the_o word_n pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n prove_v that_o the_o church_n can_v err_v either_o in_o believe_v or_o in_o teach_v 2._o teach_v l._n ii_o the_o council_n 〈◊〉_d c._n 2._o and_o again_o that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n approve_v be_v true_a and_o whatsoever_o it_o disapprove_v be_v false_a 14._o false_a l._n iii_o the_o 〈◊〉_d milit._n c._n 14._o but_o this_o only_a show_n that_o they_o be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o find_v proof_n for_o their_o high_a pretence_n for_o it_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o process_n of_o this_o discourse_n first_o that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v the_o word_n pillar_n and_o ground_n have_v respect_n to_o the_o church_n and_o not_o rather_o to_o timothy_n for_o which_o there_o be_v good_a authority_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n i_o shall_v let_v the_o authority_n alone_o till_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o only_a note_n second_o that_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n not_o to_o refer_v this_o to_o the_o church_n for_o have_v call_v the_o church_n a_o house_n it_o do_v not_o seem_v a_o congruous_a speech_n immediate_o to_o call_v the_o same_o church_n a_o pillar_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o call_v timothy_n a_o pillar_n in_o that_o house_n and_o to_o wish_v he_o to_o behave_v himself_o therein_o like_o other_o great_a person_n to_o who_o in_o other_o place_n he_o give_v the_o name_n of_o pillar_n but_o three_o if_o it_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o church_n it_o no_o more_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o any_o other_o church_n and_o immediate_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n in_o which_o timothy_n preside_v which_o church_n of_o ephesus_n ult_n ephesus_n council_n floreat_n 〈◊〉_d ult_n with_o other_o church_n of_o the_o east_n condemn_v this_o headship_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v a_o sovereignty_n over_o our_o faith._n and_o further_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v four_o that_o the_o apostle_n respect_v the_o church_n universal_a and_o likewise_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o bind_v in_o duty_n to_o be_v but_o also_o actual_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n yet_o last_o it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o any_o other_o truth_n but_o those_o grand_a fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n those_o catholic_a doctrine_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o which_o bless_a be_v god_n be_v maintain_v in_o every_o church_n to_o this_o day_n not_o of_o all_o truth_n whatsoever_o much_o less_o of_o a_o absolute_a freedom_n from_o all_o manner_n of_o error_n for_o let_v these_o thing_n alone_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v mean_v by_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n if_o it_o refer_v to_o the_o church_n as_o i_o be_o content_a to_o admit_v not_o that_o the_o church_n as_o they_o absurd_o affirm_v be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n upon_o which_o it_o rely_v but_o that_o it_o firm_o retain_v uphold_v and_o profess_v the_o christian_a truth_n against_o all_o the_o force_n violence_n and_o opposition_n of_o earth_n and_o hell_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n that_o endeavour_n to_o overthrow_v it_o that_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a import_n of_o the_o phrase_n i_o will_v manifest_v first_o from_o the_o propriety_n of_o the_o word_n second_o from_o clear_a reason_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i._n first_o from_o the_o propriety_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o greek_a language_n in_o which_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d frequent_o signify_v such_o a_o pillar_n as_o stand_v before_o their_o common_a hall_n and_o court_n of_o judicature_n upon_o which_o the_o decree_n and_o order_n of_o the_o court_n be_v wont_a to_o hang_v or_o be_v fix_v unto_o which_o tertullian_n allude_v when_o speak_v of_o a_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n in_o the_o place_n above_o name_v 18._o name_v l._n the_o resurrect_a carnis_fw-la c._n 18._o he_o say_v vnum_fw-la opinor_fw-la apud_fw-la omnes_fw-la edictum_fw-la dei_fw-la pendet_fw-la i_o suppose_v one_o edict_n of_o god_n hang_v up_o among_o all_o viz._n to_o be_v read_v by_o they_o have_v just_o ask_v before_o quonam_fw-la titulo_fw-la spes_fw-la ista_fw-la proscripta_fw-la est_fw-la by_o what_o title_n this_o hope_n viz._n of_o the_o resurrection_n be_v propose_v and_o hold_v forth_o to_o all_o and_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ground_n signify_v not_o the_o foundation_n but_o the_o seat_n where_o any_o thing_n be_v place_v so_o as_o to_o be_v settle_v and_o lay_v up_o to_o remain_v and_o abide_v there_o and_o at_o the_o most_o can_v mean_v no_o more_o than_o the_o stay_n or_o establishment_n the_o seat_n or_o settlement_n of_o truth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d oecumenius_n render_v it_o the_o confirmation_n of_o truth_n or_o if_o we_o will_v have_v these_o word_n allude_v to_o a_o building_n because_o the_o church_n be_v here_o call_v the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o elsewhere_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o same_o they_o signify_v no_o more_o but_o supporter_n and_o upholder_n without_o which_o the_o edifice_n will_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o the_o most_o we_o can_v make_v of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n sustain_v and_o keep_v it_o from_o sink_v or_o fall_v as_o a_o pillar_n firm_o settle_v upon_o a_o basis_n sustain_v and_o uphold_v the_o fabric_n lay_v upon_o it_o this_o consist_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v distinct_o though_o but_o brief_o mention_n for_o the_o reader_n be_v clear_a information_n in_o this_o matter_n first_o the_o church_n be_v that_o body_n of_o man_n which_o preserve_v and_o keep_v which_o maintain_v and_o hold_v up_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o god_n have_v commit_v to_o its_o care_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o divine_a oracle_n deliver_v in_o old_a time_n and_o as_o the_o church_n will_v answer_v it_o to_o god_n and_o not_o be_v guilty_a of_o betray_v its_o trust_n it_o must_v constant_o preserve_v the_o truth_n commit_v to_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lose_v and_o do_v not_o perish_v this_o may_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o that_o the_o church_n
be_v the_o keeper_n and_o conservator_n of_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a truth_n contain_v therein_o and_o that_o by_o faithful_a keep_v they_o it_o uphold_v and_o support_v the_o truth_n as_o a_o pillar_n do_v the_o building_n which_o rest_v upon_o it_o but_o this_o be_v sufficient_o include_v in_o what_o follow_v second_o the_o church_n be_v not_o only_o to_o preserve_v the_o truth_n but_o to_o profess_v it_o and_o to_o give_v attestation_n to_o it_o that_o be_v to_o bear_v witness_n that_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o this_o alone_a which_o he_o have_v reveal_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n by_o which_o mean_v it_o do_v not_o only_o hold_v up_o the_o truth_n but_o hold_v it_o out_o to_o other_o as_o the_o sacred_a edict_n or_o decree_n of_o god_n which_o all_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o observe_v and_o so_o three_o it_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o promote_v and_o propagate_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o let_v it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o a_o build_n do_v when_o the_o pillar_n that_o support_v it_o be_v remove_v in_o brief_a as_o heretical_a church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o stay_v of_o falsehood_n they_o maintain_v and_o defend_v it_o they_o testify_v to_o it_o and_o endeavour_v to_o continue_v it_o and_o leave_v it_o to_o posterity_n just_o so_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n it_o profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n it_o maintain_v it_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o persecution_n trouble_n loss_n torment_n whereby_o its_o enemy_n will_v shake_v the_o constancy_n of_o those_o who_o maintain_v the_o truth_n they_o testify_v to_o it_o and_o declare_v to_o future_a generation_n that_o this_o as_o s._n peter_n speak_v be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o we_o stand_v this_o be_v the_o first_o consideration_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o these_o word_n ii_o the_o second_o be_v as_o strong_a for_o plain_a reason_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o this_o not_o the_o other_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o the_o church_n that_o be_v can_v be_v the_o very_a foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o truth_n be_v build_v not_o that_o which_o give_v it_o authority_n and_o make_v it_o to_o be_v truth_n for_o the_o quite_o contrary_a be_v declare_v by_o truth_n itself_o that_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o church_n be_v build_v and_o which_o make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o church_n so_o s._n paul_n instruct_v this_o very_a church_n of_o ephesus_n who_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n in_o who_o all_o the_o build_n fit_o frame_v together_o grow_v into_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o who_o you_o also_o be_v build_v together_o for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n ii_o ephes_n 18_o 19_o 20._o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n because_o it_o hold_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v and_o so_o a_o great_a number_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n expound_v those_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o s._n peter_n thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i._n e._n upon_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o thou_o have_v make_v upon_o that_o truth_n thou_o have_v confess_v i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n matth._n xvi_o we_o can_v own_v no_o society_n of_o man_n to_o be_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n unless_o they_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o the_o true_a faith_n must_v be_v know_v before_o we_o can_v know_v whether_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o no_o who_o call_v themselves_o by_o that_o name_n and_o consequent_o they_o do_v not_o give_v authority_n to_o the_o truth_n but_o the_o truth_n to_o they_o because_o the_o truth_n must_v be_v suppose_v before_o they_o can_v have_v any_o authority_n observe_v the_o above_o recite_v word_n i_o beseech_v you_o which_o say_v the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n upon_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o they_o in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v a_o church_n by_o hold_v and_o believe_v this_o for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v a_o company_n of_o man_n to_o be_v a_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n tell_v i_o why_o the_o mahometan_n be_v not_o his_o church_n they_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v some_o belief_n and_o have_v some_o truth_n and_o devotion_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o law_n as_o well_o as_o we_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n therefore_o the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v the_o truth_n but_o the_o truth_n make_v the_o church_n the_o truth_n do_v not_o rely_v upon_o the_o church_n because_o it_o be_v before_o the_o church_n which_o rely_v upon_o it_o which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o in_o after_o age_n as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v if_o i_o intend_v to_o write_v a_o great_a book_n i_o will_v content_v myself_o with_o two_o testimony_n in_o ancient_a time_n the_o one_o be_v of_o s._n chrysostome_n who_o thus_o expound_v these_o very_a word_n the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n not_o like_o that_o judaical_a temple_n say_v he_o for_o this_o be_v it_o which_o keep_v together_o and_o contain_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o preach_v or_o doctrine_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o truth_n be_v both_o the_o pillar_n and_o the_o ground_n or_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n the_o other_o be_v s._n austin_n in_o his_o three_o book_n upon_o the_o creed_n to_o the_o catechuman_n ix_o catechuman_n tom._n ix_o which_o begin_v thus_o you_o know_v this_o viz._n the_o creed_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o cathlique_a faith_n upon_o which_o the_o edifice_n of_o the_o church_n arise_v be_v build_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o with_o this_o of_o gabriel_n biel_n in_o latter_a age_n 3._o age_n l._n 3_o in_o sentent_fw-fr dist_n 25._o dub._n 3._o catholic_a truth_n without_o any_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n immutable_a and_o immutable_o true_a and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v account_v unchangeable_o catholic_n which_o bring_v to_o mind_v another_o remarkable_a say_n of_o s._n austin_n who_o after_o he_o have_v produce_v in_o his_o first_o and_o second_o book_n against_o julian_n the_o pelagian_a the_o testimony_n of_o xi_o great_a doctor_n viz._n irenaeus_n cyprian_n reticius_n olympius_n hilarius_n ambrose_n innocentius_n where_o by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v observable_a he_o mention_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n only_o as_o one_o of_o the_o eminent_a bishop_n not_o as_o head_n of_o they_o all_o gregory_n nyssen_n basil_n of_o caesarea_n john_n chrysostom_n hierom_n make_v this_o reflection_n upon_o their_o consent_n which_o he_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n qui_fw-la tamen_fw-la veritati_fw-la auctoritatem_fw-la non_fw-la svo_fw-la tribuêre_fw-la consensu_fw-la etc._n etc._n who_o notwithstanding_o do_v not_o give_v authority_n to_o the_o truth_n by_o their_o consent_n but_o receive_v testimony_n and_o glory_n by_o partake_v of_o the_o truth_n they_o endeavour_v indeed_o to_o put_v by_o such_o evident_a conviction_n as_o this_o by_o a_o little_a distinction_n that_o though_o in_o itself_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o truth_n yet_o in_o respect_n to_o we_o the_o truth_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o church_n which_o appear_v already_o to_o be_v a_o vain_a conceit_n unto_o those_o who_o consider_v that_o the_o church_n can_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o truth_n to_o we_o unless_o we_o first_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o endue_v with_o this_o privilege_n from_o god_n to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o truth_n in_o this_o sense_n which_o i_o be_o now_o confute_v but_o whence_o shall_v we_o know_v this_o if_o it_o be_v say_v from_o the_o truth_n which_o it_o profess_v then_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o we_o for_o we_o must_v know_v the_o truth_n before_o we_o can_v know_v that_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n which_o call_v itself_o the_o foundation_n if_o we_o say_v from_o the_o church_n then_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o itself_o and_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n because_o it_o say_v it_o be_v which_o be_v so_o absurd_a and_o dangerous_a that_o the_o mahometan_n as_o i_o say_v will_v be_v as_o true_a a_o church_n as_o any_o else_o they_o may_v bold_o put_v
great_a circumspection_n and_o discretion_n there_o i_o do_v not_o love_v to_o use_v such_o word_n but_o there_o be_v no_o other_o i_o can_v find_v so_o apt_a to_o represent_v the_o gross_a absurdity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o give_v infallible_a interpretation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n from_o the_o universal_a bishop_n the_o grand_a and_o only_a oracle_n of_o christendom_n as_o they_o will_v have_v he_o esteem_v or_o from_o such_o council_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v general_n and_o can_v obtain_v their_o approbation_n you_o see_v what_o godly_a one_o we_o be_v like_a to_o have_v if_o we_o give_v up_o our_o faith_n to_o they_o how_o they_o will_v pervert_v the_o plain_a word_n of_o god_n to_o serve_v their_o own_o interest_n and_o wrest_v they_o from_o their_o natural_a and_o easy_a sense_n to_o another_o which_o be_v so_o force_v that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o rude_a but_o will_v ready_o discern_v the_o absurdness_n of_o it_o if_o he_o be_v permit_v to_o read_v and_o do_v consider_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o their_o great_a cardinal_n bellarmine_n allege_v these_o very_a word_n to_o prove_v that_o general_a council_n confirm_v by_o the_o pope_n can_v err_v 2da_fw-la err_v lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr contil._n auctoritate_fw-la c._n 2._o class_n 2da_fw-la nay_o that_o particular_a council_n approve_v by_o the_o pope_n have_v the_o same_o privilege_n denique_fw-la privilege_n ib._n cap._n 6._o denique_fw-la where_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o the_o weak_a understanding_n that_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o christian_n that_o be_v at_o ephesus_n unite_v to_o their_o pastor_n without_o which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v a_o society_n or_o company_n be_v the_o church_n here_o speak_v of_o and_o therefore_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n if_o this_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n and_o not_o mere_o some_o particular_a person_n in_o that_o church_n much_o less_o a_o general_n council_n of_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o world_n and_o least_o of_o all_o one_o bishop_n in_o who_o timothy_n can_v not_o be_v say_v in_o any_o sense_n to_o be_v as_o he_o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v in_o that_o church_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n viz._n in_o that_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a governor_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world._n for_o this_o be_v not_o a_o office_n appropriate_v to_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o to_o every_o single_a church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o here_o it_o will_v be_v very_o profitable_a i_o think_v to_o note_v these_o six_o thing_n for_o the_o full_a explication_n of_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n i._o the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v that_o which_o i_o now_o mention_v that_o every_o particular_a church_n one_o as_o well_o and_o as_o much_o as_o another_o be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n in_o that_o sense_n which_o i_o have_v declare_v this_o be_v not_o a_o prerogative_n which_o belong_v to_o some_o one_o church_n but_o a_o privilege_n appertain_v to_o the_o universal_a and_o to_o every_o particular_a as_o a_o part_n of_o it_o for_o if_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n be_v a_o pillar_n of_o truth_n as_o s._n paul_n here_o affirm_v then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o church_n of_o antioch_n the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v the_o same_o authority_n for_o that_o which_o make_v any_o one_o of_o they_o a_o church_n make_v the_o other_o so_o viz._n the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n there_o profess_v and_o union_n with_o their_o pastor_n for_o the_o divine_a service_n and_o therefore_o that_o honour_n or_o office_n which_o belong_v to_o one_o of_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n belong_v to_o another_o because_o they_o be_v but_o so_o many_o member_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o body_n that_o be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o their_o several_a country_n wherein_o they_o be_v plant_v have_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o they_o which_o they_o be_v to_o maintain_v and_o support_v unto_o the_o very_a death_n and_o endeavour_v that_o every_o one_o who_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n may_v by_o their_o mean_n know_v and_o believe_v they_o and_o according_o every_o church_n have_v contribute_v unto_o this_o and_o no_o one_o church_n can_v ever_o with_o any_o reason_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o sole_a supporter_n or_o defender_n of_o the_o christian_a truth_n of_o which_o there_o be_v this_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o then_o the_o church_n be_v most_o of_o all_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n or_o buttress_n as_o some_o translate_v it_o of_o truth_n when_o it_o be_v assault_v by_o heresy_n and_o not_o only_o beat_v they_o off_o but_o beat_v they_o down_o and_o suppress_v they_o now_o all_o heresy_n be_v not_o quash_v and_o confound_v by_o s._n peter_n and_o his_o successor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o by_o other_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o their_o successor_n in_o other_o church_n this_o be_v demonstrate_v by_o a_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n etc._n communion_n joh._n launoii_n epist_n pars_fw-la quinta_fw-la antonio_n varillao_n p._n 35._o etc._n etc._n by_o xii_o famous_a instance_n out_o of_o a_o far_o great_a number_n s._n john_n for_o example_n not_o peter_n or_o any_o of_o his_o successor_n strike_v down_o the_o nicolaitan_n s._n paul_n the_o nazarene_o and_o cerinthian_n s._n luke_n the_o ebionite_n as_o he_o prove_v out_o of_o good_a author_n particular_o hyginus_n who_o relate_v how_o the_o bishop_n of_o other_o see_v not_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n quash_v the_o ptolemaite_n the_o noetian_o and_o divers_a other_o heretic_n as_o the_o synod_n of_o antioch_n do_v paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la 22._o samosatenus_fw-la enseb_n l._n vii_o eccles_n hist_o c._n 22._o and_o the_o first_o general_n council_n of_o constantinople_n where_o damasus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o present_a either_o by_o himself_o or_o his_o legate_n do_v eunomius_n and_o other_o heretic_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o will_v have_v observe_v ii_o that_o every_o eminent_a pastor_n in_o the_o church_n who_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n as_o s._n paul_n speak_v in_o this_o epistle_n v._o 17._o have_v these_o very_a title_n ancient_o bestow_v upon_o he_o of_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n because_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o principal_a trustee_n with_o who_o the_o faith_n be_v deposit_v as_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o irenaeus_n before_o mention_v and_o many_o other_o ancient_a writer_n and_o in_o s._n paul_n word_n to_o timothy_n when_o he_o bid_v he_o to_o keep_v the_o depositum_fw-la he_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o and_o commit_v the_o same_o to_o other_o faithful_a or_o trusty_a person_n who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v it_o to_o other_o 2_o tim._n i._o 14._o ii_o 2._o and_o because_o they_o be_v principal_a instrument_n in_o defend_v the_o truth_n against_o opposer_n in_o propagate_a the_o christian_a faith_n to_o those_o who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o in_o preserve_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v entertain_v by_o their_o constant_a instruction_n and_o zealous_a exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v nay_o we_o shall_v rare_o if_o at_o all_o find_v any_o bishop_n of_o rome_n call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n but_o several_a other_o bishop_n be_v frequent_o call_v by_o this_o name_n s._n basil_n for_o instance_n ii_o instance_n epist_n lxii_o tom._n ii_o write_v of_o the_o bishop_n of_o neocaesarea_n new_o dead_a bewail_v his_o loss_n very_o much_o because_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ornament_n of_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n here_o in_o this_o place_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o strong_a and_o firm_a establishment_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n etc._n etc._n and_o upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ancyra_n lxvii_o ancyra_n epist_n lxvii_o who_o bishop_n be_v call_v athanasius_n it_o appear_v by_o some_o of_o the_o forego_n epistle_n he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o man_n be_v fall_v who_o be_v indeed_o a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o church_n and_o complain_v in_o another_o epistle_n lxx_o epistle_n epist_n lxx_o of_o the_o miserable_a estate_n of_o their_o church_n he_o say_v among_o other_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v disperse_v the_o bishop_n he_o mean_v be_v banish_v from_o their_o flock_n which_o
defect_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v thing_n unwritten_a to_o become_v matter_n of_o faith._n which_o be_v such_o a_o unbounded_a prerogative_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o new_a faith_n as_o often_o as_o they_o please_v to_o pretend_v a_o tradition_n for_o it_o though_o they_o can_v prove_v it_o for_o we_o must_v rest_v in_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n which_o affirm_v it_o and_o that_o against_o the_o very_a scripture_n it_o self_n which_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o against_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o i_o have_v show_v forbid_v the_o produce_v of_o any_o other_o faith_n but_o that_o which_o be_v evident_o deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n there_o 3._o we_o can_v allow_v the_o church_n a_o infallible_a authority_n that_o be_v such_o a_o assistance_n in_o her_o doctrine_n and_o proposal_n that_o she_o can_v err_v in_o any_o thing_n she_o define_v in_o controversy_n indeed_o arise_v about_o matter_n of_o faith_n we_o own_o and_o reverence_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n xx._n church_n artic._n xx._n so_o as_o not_o to_o contest_v the_o public_a judgement_n but_o to_o prefer_v it_o before_o our_o own_o private_a conceit_n in_o doubtful_a thing_n but_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o proceed_v in_o its_o determination_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n so_o we_o think_v it_o possible_a it_o may_v mistake_v in_o the_o application_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o blind_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o its_o authority_n without_o all_o regard_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n unto_o which_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o respect_n in_o all_o its_o determination_n no_o that_o be_v another_o proud_a pretence_n of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n that_o they_o can_v mistake_v in_o their_o definition_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v submit_v unto_o they_o without_o examination_n from_o whence_o this_o intolerable_a mischief_n have_v ensue_v that_o it_o have_v make_v they_o both_o insensible_a of_o their_o error_n and_o careless_a to_o seek_v any_o cure_n of_o they_o nay_o utter_o incapable_a of_o a_o remedy_n for_o as_o one_o of_o our_o own_o divine_n excellent_o speak_v 5._o speak_v dr._n petter_n answer_n to_o charity_n mistake_v sect._n 5._o who_o word_n those_o be_v this_o conceit_n of_o their_o infallibility_n be_v to_o they_o both_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o that_o which_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a and_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o that_o which_o be_v most_o unanswerable_a to_o this_o they_o retreat_n upon_o all_o occasion_n when_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o maintain_v their_o ground_n they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o defend_v their_o error_n when_o they_o be_v plain_o set_v before_o their_o eye_n but_o to_o tell_v we_o confident_o they_o can_v err_v which_o be_v a_o very_a strange_a boldness_n for_o we_o demonstrate_v in_o manay_n instance_n that_o they_o have_v err_v err_v most_o gross_o particular_o in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v add_v new_a article_n to_o the_o old_a creed_n to_o be_v believe_v under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n and_o add_v a_o new_a canon_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o old_a testament_n against_o the_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o record_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n that_o the_o book_n they_o have_v new_o receive_v be_v never_o acknowledge_v for_o canonical_a scripture_n if_o by_o the_o church_n indeed_o they_o will_v understand_v the_o church_n true_o catholic_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o time_n place_n and_o age_n and_o if_o by_o matter_n of_o faith_n they_o will_v understand_v those_o grand_a article_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o if_o by_o be_v infallible_a they_o will_v understand_v not_o a_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o err_v which_o humane_a nature_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o but_o not_o actual_a error_n there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o make_v any_o question_n but_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a that_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n have_v not_o err_v nor_o shall_v not_o err_v in_o the_o whole_a faith_n or_o in_o any_o necessary_a part_n thereof_o for_o such_o error_n will_v cut_v man_n off_o from_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o so_o leave_v he_o no_o church_n at_o all_o which_o be_v impossible_a it_o have_v be_v the_o very_a scope_n of_o first_o my_o discourse_n to_o show_v that_o the_o church_n have_v always_o keep_v the_o great_a fundamental_a truth_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o not_o err_v in_o they_o but_o transmit_v they_o down_o to_o we_o whole_a and_o undefiled_a till_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n corrupt_v the_o faith_n by_o their_o error_n which_o they_o have_v mix_v with_o it_o for_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n such_o as_o that_o of_o rome_n be_v we_o can_v allow_v this_o privilege_n of_o not_o err_v because_o we_o know_v they_o have_v err_v even_o in_o fundamental_a truth_n and_o thereby_o cease_v to_o be_v church_n witness_v those_o glorious_a church_n to_o which_o christ_n himself_o send_v his_o letter_n by_o s._n john_n the_o apostle_n these_o prerogative_n therefore_o not_o belong_v to_o any_o church_n every_o one_o must_v be_v content_a with_o those_o two_o office_n before_o mention_v which_o be_v sufficient_a first_o the_o office_n of_o a_o witness_n testify_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n unto_o its_o member_n second_o of_o god_n instrument_n by_o who_o ministry_n in_o open_v expound_v and_o urge_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o holy_a ghost_n beget_v a_o divine_a faith_n in_o we_o and_o by_o perform_v these_o office_n it_o support_v and_o continue_v and_o propagate_v the_o truth_n and_o so_o may_v be_v call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n thereof_o the_o meaning_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v now_o distinct_o set_v before_o the_o reader_n eye_n that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o four_o and_o last_o thing_n propound_v in_o the_o beginning_n iv_o how_o the_o church_n may_v appropriate_v to_o itself_o this_o title_n 1._o first_o every_o church_n and_o every_o person_n in_o it_o especial_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n officio_fw-la by_o duty_n and_o office_n whereby_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o keep_v maintain_v and_o uphold_v the_o truth_n this_o always_o be_v and_o always_o will_v be_v incumbent_a on_o they_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o fill_v up_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o attribute_n as_o these_o which_o do_v not_o always_o note_v performance_n of_o duty_n but_o only_a obligation_n to_o it_o as_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n you_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o do_v not_o signify_v that_o they_o be_v necessary_o so_o for_o he_o suppose_v immediate_o the_o salt_n may_v lose_v its_o savour_n but_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o will_v be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o tread_v under_o foot_n matth._n v._o 13._o 2._o but_o second_o the_o first_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v actu_fw-la &_o effectu_fw-la actual_o and_o effectual_o the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v they_o faithful_o discharge_v this_o office_n and_o perform_v their_o duty_n constant_o maintain_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n for_o the_o apostle_n be_v a_o part_n of_o those_o church_n who_o god_n lead_v into_o all_o truth_n which_o they_o teach_v sincere_o and_o entire_o while_o they_o live_v and_o do_v at_o this_o day_n instruct_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o whole_a truth_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n 3._o but_o we_o can_v say_v the_o same_o of_o all_o succeed_a church_n that_o they_o do_v faithful_o perform_v this_o office_n though_o in_o duty_n they_o also_o be_v bind_v so_o to_o do_v no_o some_o of_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v pillar_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o let_v it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n we_o have_v strange_a instance_n of_o it_o with_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o fill_v these_o paper_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n which_o show_v we_o that_o if_o we_o take_v not_o heed_n to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o we_o have_v no_o security_n that_o we_o or_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n shall_v continue_v firm_a and_o steadfast_a supporter_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o pillar_n themselves_o may_v decay_v and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o well_o look_v after_o will_v go_v to_o ruin_n and_o fall_v to_o the_o earth_n 4._o even_o this_o very_a church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n while_o timothy_n preside_v in_o it_o afterward_o begin_v before_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v dead_a to_o remit_v its_o first_o love_n and_o zeal_n for_o
show_v that_o the_o ancient_a christian_n look_v upon_o the_o church_n as_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n no_o other_o way_n but_o as_o it_o profess_v preach_v establish_v and_o keep_v up_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o apostle_n record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n unto_o all_o which_o they_o indifferent_o apply_v these_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n which_o be_v think_v immediate_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n which_o support_v the_o truth_n deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o christ_n and_o from_o his_o apostle_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o creed_n also_o which_o be_v a_o comprehensive_a breviary_n of_o the_o great_a scripture_n doctrine_n be_v wont_a to_o have_v the_o same_o attribute_n give_v to_o it_o particular_o by_o epiphanius_n 19_o epiphanius_n in_o exposit_n fidei_fw-la cathol_n n._n 19_o who_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o pillar_n as_o the_o greek_a word_n signify_v in_o good_a author_n or_o prop_v of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n our_o life_n our_o hope_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o immortality_n and_o by_o s._n austin_n 1._o austin_n de_fw-fr symbolo_fw-la ad_fw-la catechum_fw-la l._n iii_o c._n 1._o who_o tell_v the_o catechuman_n in_o his_o exposition_n of_o the_o creed_n to_o they_o that_o it_o be_v fidei_fw-la catholicae_fw-la fundamentum_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o foundation_n of_o the_o catholic_a faith_n upon_o which_o the_o edifice_n of_o the_o church_n arise_v build_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n which_o have_v make_v some_o learned_a man_n capellus_n man_n jo._n camer_n jac._n capellus_n refer_v these_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n not_o to_o what_o go_v before_o but_o to_o the_o word_n follow_v make_v a_o full_a stop_n at_o god_n and_o then_o begin_v a_o new_a sentence_n in_o this_o manner_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n etc._n etc._n which_o read_v be_v countenance_v by_o a_o greek_a edition_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n at_o basil_n 1540_o where_o the_o word_n be_v so_o point_v as_o if_o the_o sense_n be_v this_o god_n incarnate_a and_o the_o great_a truth_n depend_v thereupon_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n thou_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o creed_n that_o be_v be_v the_o very_a foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v know_v call_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o their_o religion_n the_o foundation_n of_o the_o foundation_n the_o pillar_n of_o wisdom_n as_o maimon_n speak_v when_o he_o treat_v of_o this_o matter_n stick_v close_o therefore_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o these_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o christianity_n it_o appear_v by_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v by_o which_o the_o church_n maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o truth_n uphold_v the_o church_n and_o we_o defend_v both_o hold_v this_o fast_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o and_o likewise_o lie_v up_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o your_o heart_n that_o it_o may_v settle_v there_o and_o take_v root_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n that_o your_o end_n may_v be_v everlasting_a life_n make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n your_o rule_n and_o trust_v to_o they_o according_a to_o what_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n say_v of_o its_o ancient_a book_n ecclus_n xxxiii_o 3._o a_o man_n of_o understanding_n trust_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o law_n be_v faithful_a to_o he_o as_o a_o oracle_n or_o as_o the_o ask_n of_o urim_n that_o be_v here_o he_o may_v inquire_v and_o have_v a_o certain_a answer_n which_o will_v not_o deceive_v he_o show_v yourselves_o such_o man_n of_o understanding_n as_o to_o inquire_v no_o where_n else_o and_o if_o any_o church_n or_o person_n will_v have_v you_o inquire_v of_o they_o only_o take_v that_o for_o a_o undoubted_a proof_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v if_o they_o will_v not_o guide_v you_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o be_v by_o christ_n the_o way_n as_o you_o have_v see_v who_o have_v show_v we_o no_o where_o else_o that_o we_o know_v of_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v if_o they_o will_v have_v you_o follow_v their_o ungrounded_a tradition_n whereby_o they_o will_v enlarge_v your_o creed_n beyond_o the_o ancient_a bound_n know_v that_o you_o ought_v not_o to_o follow_v they_o nor_o be_v lead_v by_o they_o for_o such_o may_v soon_o cease_v to_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o supporter_n of_o the_o truth_n because_o they_o leave_v that_o whereby_o they_o shall_v support_v it_o and_o place_n themselves_o who_o they_o call_v the_o church_n in_o the_o stead_n of_o it_o a_o evident_a sign_n they_o be_v not_o what_o they_o pretend_v for_o the_o church_n itself_o ought_v to_o be_v demonstrate_v by_o the_o scripture_n so_o s._n austin_n xvi_o austin_n l._n de_fw-fr unitate_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la cap._n xvi_o tell_v the_o donatist_n in_o those_o know_a word_n which_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v preserve_v in_o remembrance_n set_v aside_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o which_o he_o have_v say_v they_o can_v likewise_o allege_v let_v they_o demonstrate_v their_o church_n if_o they_o can_v not_o in_o the_o discourse_n and_o rumour_n of_o the_o african_n not_o in_o the_o council_n of_o their_o bishop_n not_o in_o the_o letter_n of_o any_o disputer_n whatsoever_o not_o in_o sign_n and_o fallacious_a wonder_n for_o we_o be_v prepare_v and_o render_v cautious_a against_o these_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o in_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o song_n of_o the_o psalm_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o shepherd_z himself_z i._n e._n christ_n in_o the_o preach_n and_o labour_n of_o the_o evangelist_n that_o be_v in_o all_o the_o canonical_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n let_v this_o be_v do_v so_o as_o not_o to_o gather_v and_o relate_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v obscure_o or_o ambiguous_o or_o figurative_o speak_v there_o which_o every_o one_o may_v interpret_v as_o he_o please_v according_a to_o his_o own_o sense_n for_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v right_o understand_v and_o expound_v unless_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o clear_o speak_v be_v first_o hold_v by_o a_o firm_a faith._n this_o be_v the_o very_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o teach_v all_o her_o member_n first_o to_o hold_v by_o a_o firm_a faith_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o by_o they_o to_o understand_v and_o expound_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o obscure_o deliver_v believe_v nothing_o to_o be_v necessary_a which_o be_v not_o read_v therein_o nor_o may_v be_v prove_v thereby_o nor_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n and_o decree_n of_o any_o church_n unless_o it_o may_v be_v declare_v that_o they_o be_v take_v from_o thence_o for_o haec_fw-la sunt_fw-la causae_fw-la nostrae_fw-la documenta_fw-la haec_fw-la fundamenta_fw-la haec_fw-la firmamenta_fw-la as_o he_o there_o speak_v you_o hear_v before_o these_o be_v the_o proof_n of_o our_o cause_n these_o be_v its_o foundation_n these_o be_v its_o support_n and_o therefore_o as_o he_o also_o speak_v in_o another_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n ecclesiae_fw-la book_n cap._n iii_o de_fw-la unitate_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la which_o he_o begin_v thus_o let_v we_o not_o hear_v such_o speech_n as_o these_o these_o thing_n say_v i_o those_o thing_n say_v thou_o but_o let_v we_o hear_v these_o thing_n say_v the_o lord_n these_o be_v certain_o book_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o who_o authority_n we_o both_o consent_n we_o both_o believe_v we_o both_o obey_v there_o let_v we_o seek_v the_o church_n there_o let_v we_o discuss_v our_o cause_n and_o let_v we_o not_o so_o much_o as_o think_v of_o look_v after_o any_o other_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o those_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n which_o our_o church_n firm_o believe_v in_o the_o three_o creed_n nice-creed_n athanasius_n and_o that_o common_o call_v the_o apostle_n viii_o apostle_n article_n viii_o because_o they_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o most_o certain_a warrant_n of_o holy_a scripture_n for_o after_o the_o faith_n confess_v and_o swear_v in_o baptism_n as_o s._n hilary_n august_n hilary_n ad_fw-la constantium_fw-la august_n speak_v we_o ought_v not_o quicquam_fw-la aliud_fw-la vel_fw-la ambigere_fw-la vel_fw-la innovare_fw-la either_o to_o doubt_v or_o innovate_v any_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v absurd_a that_o be_v to_o doubt_v whether_o this_o be_v sufficient_a or_o to_o add_v any_o other_o to_o it_o as_o if_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o so_o he_o interpret_v it_o a_o little_a after_o faith_n be_v still_o inquire_v after_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o faith_n already_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v write_v as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o
exalt_v himself_o when_o he_o get_v it_o declare_v in_o the_o lateran_n council_n that_o he_o be_v above_o a_o general_n council_n and_o the_o universal_a church_n xi_o church_n sess_n xi_o be_v blasphemous_o call_v by_o his_o flatterer_n the_o spouse_n of_o the_o church_n the_o lion_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n from_o which_o very_a phrase_n of_o spouse_n no_o less_o man_n than_o bellarmine_n 17._o bellarmine_n l._n ii_o the_o council_n auctor_fw-la c._n 17._o himself_o labour_v to_o prove_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v absolute_o above_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o above_o a_o general_n council_n because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n that_o the_o wife_n shall_v be_v above_o the_o husband_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o think_v of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v infallible_a that_o it_o have_v err_v more_o than_o any_o other_o church_n 6._o but_o though_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n either_o to_o that_o or_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n of_o be_v preserve_v from_o error_n yet_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o some_o part_n or_o other_o of_o it_o we_o be_v sure_o will_v always_o be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o whole_a truth_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n because_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o that_o be_v the_o church_n shall_v be_v perpetual_a which_o it_o can_v be_v unless_o it_o hold_v the_o truth_n entire_o it_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n its_o head._n and_o thus_o one_o of_o their_o own_o cardinal_n 〈◊〉_d cardinal_n 〈…〉_o de_fw-fr 〈◊〉_d l._n ii_o c._n 〈◊〉_d l._n iii_o 〈◊〉_d understand_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n with_o which_o they_o now_o make_v so_o much_o noise_n when_o we_o say_v the_o church_n can_v err_v in_o faith_n or_o manner_n it_o must_v be_v thus_o take_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n that_o god_n do_v so_o assist_v his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o true_a faith_n shall_v never_o fail_v out_o of_o the_o same_o for_o to_o the_o world_n end_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o time_n wherein_o some_o though_o all_o shall_v not_o have_v true_a faith_n work_v by_o love._n unto_o this_o exposition_n we_o hearty_o submit_v but_o that_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n or_o indeed_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n can_v degenerate_v and_o depart_v from_o the_o right_a faith_n we_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v but_o think_v ourselves_o bind_v by_o the_o most_o sacred_a tie_n to_o oppose_v these_o arrogant_a pretence_n that_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n they_o be_v no_o more_o the_o church_n than_o any_o other_o company_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n nor_o so_o much_o neither_o for_o there_o be_v true_a believer_n than_o they_o i_o have_v prove_v also_o that_o other_o church_n have_v err_v and_o therefore_o so_o may_v they_o nay_o they_o have_v err_v and_o that_o so_o gross_o as_o to_o be_v able_a by_o no_o other_o mean_n to_o maintain_v their_o error_n but_o by_o pretend_v they_o can_v err_v and_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n be_v so_o forgetful_a of_o these_o thing_n as_o to_o trust_v they_o to_o be_v his_o guide_n fancy_v they_o can_v mislead_v he_o they_o have_v mislead_v those_o that_o rely_v upon_o they_o and_o have_v lead_v they_o into_o a_o maze_n or_o labyrinth_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o find_v their_o way_n and_o know_v what_o be_v the_o truth_n for_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v they_o their_o church_n can_v err_v they_o be_v not_o agree_v nor_o ever_o will_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o the_o church_n whether_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_a people_n which_o be_v the_o new_a heresy_n among_o they_o as_o some_o of_o themselves_o call_v it_o or_o a_o general_n council_n which_o the_o learn_a and_o best_a man_n among_o they_o maintain_v or_o the_o pope_n who_o have_v a_o great_a many_o on_o his_o side_n but_o they_o can_v agree_v about_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o definition_n whether_o alone_o or_o in_o a_o general_n council_n nor_o about_o the_o time_n whether_o at_o any_o time_n or_o only_o when_o he_o resolve_v to_o publish_v doctrine_n as_o matter_n of_o faith_n nor_o about_o the_o matter_n whether_o all_o thing_n even_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o only_a matter_n of_o faith_n and_o after_o all_o no_o body_n can_v tell_v when_o there_o be_v a_o true_a pope_n so_o that_o all_o their_o faith_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o they_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n they_o believe_v because_o they_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o very_a ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o be_v their_o church_n these_o thing_n i_o have_v only_o brief_o touch_v which_o be_v more_o large_o handle_v in_o other_o book_n that_o the_o reader_n may_v be_v sensible_a how_o happy_a they_o be_v who_o be_v free_v from_o these_o imposture_n and_o that_o our_o people_n may_v know_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o church_n of_o england_n whereof_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o be_v member_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o treatise_n with_o six_o consideration_n more_o whereby_o the_o whole_a i_o hope_v will_v be_v make_v more_o useful_a i._n first_o i_o desire_v every_o one_o to_o consider_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o this_o church_n in_o which_o we_o be_v be_v certain_o as_o much_o a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n as_o any_o other_o nay_o more_o than_o many_o other_o church_n for_o we_o open_o profess_v and_o recite_v twice_o a_o day_n in_o our_o own_o language_n that_o every_o one_o may_v understand_v it_o the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n comprise_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n with_o the_o explication_n of_o some_o part_n of_o this_o faith_n by_o the_o nicene_n father_n once_o every_o week_n or_o more_o and_o a_o more_o distinct_a explication_n of_o the_o same_o article_n 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augustam_fw-la leo_n epist_n ad_fw-la pulcheriam_fw-la augustam_fw-la the_o great_a may_v be_v add_v the_o short_a and_o perfect_a confession_n of_o the_o catholic_a symbol_n or_o creed_n itself_o which_o be_v seal_v in_o as_o many_o sentence_n as_o there_o be_v apostle_n i._n e._n xii_o article_n be_v so_o instruct_v with_o celestial_a munition_n or_o defence_n that_o all_o the_o opinion_n of_o heretic_n with_o this_o sword_n alone_o may_v be_v cut_v in_o piece_n ii_o and_o therefore_o second_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v bind_v ●nless_a we_o will_v betray_v our_o trust_n and_o as_o we_o will_v answer_v it_o to_o our_o lord_n christ_n the_o author_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o hold_v fast_o this_o faith_n to_o preserve_v it_o entire_a and_o to_o defend_v it_o not_o suffer_v any_o of_o it_o to_o be_v lose_v or_o any_o addition_n to_o be_v make_v to_o it_o as_o if_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n take_v fast_o hold_v of_o instruction_n of_o those_o great_a substantial_a 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depend_v on_o that_o which_o be_v far_o more_o uncertain_a than_o the_o meaning_n of_o any_o place_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v there_o be_v no_o firm_a ground_n for_o we_o to_o stand_v upon_o but_o only_o this_o which_o all_o acknowledge_v be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n and_o deliver_v that_o which_o have_v be_v ever_o account_v the_o substance_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o such_o word_n as_o every_o one_o may_v understand_v they_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v as_o i_o have_v say_v the_o very_a foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o church_n be_v build_v which_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n as_o it_o defend_v the_o truth_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o the_o scripture_n against_o all_o heretic_n and_o other_o opposer_n and_o as_o it_o establish_v and_o support_v it_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o this_o mean_n that_o it_o may_v be_v continue_v to_o posterity_n this_o must_v be_v add_v for_o the_o explication_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v that_o the_o church_n and_o every_o person_n in_o it_o great_a or_o small_a be_v pillar_n not_o by_o themselves_o but_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o we_o know_v those_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o salvation_n as_o irenaeus_n 1._o irenaeus_n adu._n hereses_n l._n iii_o c._n 1._o begin_v his_o three_o book_n by_o no_o other_o person_n than_o those_o by_o who_o the_o gospel_n come_v to_o we_o which_o then_o true_o they_o preach_v but_o afterward_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n fundamentum_fw-la &_o columnam_fw-la fidei_fw-la nostrae_fw-la futurum_fw-la to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o our_o faith._n upon_o these_o our_o faith_n rest_v and_o rely_n so_o that_o they_o who_o take_v the_o scripture_n from_o you_o take_v away_o the_o foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o alone_a they_o contain_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n who_o himself_n be_v the_o first_o foundation_n and_o chief_a pillar_n of_o all_o epiphanius_n 35._o epiphanius_n heres_fw-la lxix_o n●m_fw-la 35._o apply_v these_o word_n to_o he_o when_o he_o say_v our_o lord_n be_v call_v the_o door_n because_o by_o he_o we_o enter_v in_o and_o the_o way_n because_o by_o he_o we_o walk_v and_o the_o pillar_n because_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o very_a word_n of_o s._n paul_n in_o this_o place_n the_o ground_n or_o settlement_n and_o stay_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n s._n cyril_n veritate_fw-la cyril_n l._n iii_o the_o adoral_n in_o sp._n &_o veritate_fw-la of_o alexandria_n say_v the_o pillar_n of_o a_o cloud_n and_o the_o pillar_n of_o fire_n each_o of_o they_o represent_v christ_n because_o first_o of_o all_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o then_o because_o he_o can_v be_v shake_v or_o disturb_v etc._n etc._n which_o he_o repeat_v again_o upon_o another_o occasion_n speak_v of_o the_o pillar_n which_o support_v the_o curtain_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v say_v he_o ix_o he_o ib._n lib._n ix_o in_o each_o pillar_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n the_o prop_n of_o the_o church_n the_o ground_n of_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o paul._n and_o in_o the_o next_o book_n x._o book_n l._n x._o speak_v of_o the_o four_o pillar_n which_o support_v the_o veil_n before_o the_o holy_a place_n he_o say_v that_o veil_n be_v a_o figure_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v lift_v up_o on_o high_a by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v the_o four_o evangelist_n be_v typify_v by_o those_o four_o pillar_n be_v equal_o eminent_a and_o precious_a more_o valuable_a than_o gold_n and_o silver_n which_o