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ground_n believe_v church_n infallible_a 3,076 5 10.3460 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
B26348 The prodigal return'd home, or, The motives of the conversion to the Catholick faith of E.L., Master of Arts in the University of Cambridge E. L. (E. Lydeott) 1684 (1684) Wing L3525 135,459 418

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the_o church_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o any_o ambiguity_n do_v demonstrate_v to_o the_o end_n that_o because_o the_o scripture_n can_v deceive_v we_o whosoever_o be_v afraid_a to_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o obscurity_n of_o any_o question_n may_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o church_n judgement_n concern_v it_o which_o church_n the_o holy_a scripture_n demonstrate_v without_o any_o ambiguity_n two_o thing_n be_v suitable_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n which_o be_v clear_a from_o hence_o first_o that_o though_o we_o may_v sometime_o doubt_v what_o be_v truth_n yet_o we_o can_v never_o doubt_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n demonstrate_v to_o we_o by_o the_o scripture_n upon_o who_o judgement_n while_o we_o rely_v we_o be_v secure_a from_o hold_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o write_a word_n commend_v to_o we_o her_o authority_n second_o that_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v infallible_a and_o can_v deceive_v we_o yet_o if_o we_o will_v not_o deceive_v 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isaiae_n s._n hilar._n in_o lib._n ad_fw-la constantinum_n origenes_n hom._n 31._o in_o exodum_fw-la etc._n etc._n father_n and_o church-history_n sufficient_o testify_v alas_o poor_a soul_n that_o have_v such_o a_o guide_n to_o carry_v the_o light_n which_o must_v direct_v they_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n if_o they_o make_v their_o light_a darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n when_o their_o guide_n mislead_v they_o what_o remedy_n be_v there_o left_a to_o recall_v they_o into_o the_o path_n which_o lead_v to_o heaven_n the_o catholic_n church_n indeed_o be_v enrich_v with_o so_o great_a a_o privilege_n by_o christ_n our_o saviour_n that_o she_o can_v err_v in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o have_v be_v manifest_v in_o the_o precedent_a motive_n by_o reason_n father_n council_n scripture_n tradition_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n who_o we_o may_v as_o undoubted_o believe_v in_o deliver_v to_o we_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o letter_n and_o upon_o who_o
the_o ancient_a church_n now_o the_o place_n a_o sacred_a writ_n by_o which_o the_o ancient_a father_n usual_o prove_v their_o belief_n in_o this_o point_n be_v principal_o two_o our_o saviour_n 18._o mat._n 16._o 18._o word_n to_o st._n peter_n i_o say_v unto_o thou_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n the_o other_o john_n the_o 21._o 15_o 16_o 17._o verse_n jesus_n say_v to_o simon_n peter_n simon_n son_n of_o jona_n love_v thou_o i_o more_o than_o these_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o yea_o lord_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o love_v thou_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o feed_v my_o lamb_n he_o say_v to_o he_o the_o second_o time_n simon_n son_n of_o jona_n love_v thou_o i_o he_o say_v to_o he_o yea_o lord_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o love_v thou_o he_o say_v to_o he_o again_o feed_v my_o lamb_n he_o say_v to_o he_o the_o three_o time_n simon_n son_n of_o ionas_n love_v thou_o i_o peter_n be_v sorry_a that_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o the_o three_o time_n love_v thou_o i_o and_o say_v unto_o he_o lord_z thou_o know_v all_o thing_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o love_v thou_o jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o feed_v my_o sheep_n these_o i_o say_v be_v the_o principal_a scripture_n which_o the_o ancient_a father_n make_v use_v of_o to_o prove_v st._n peter_n supreme_a jurisdiction_n in_o god_n church_n and_o his_o successor_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o may_v be_v see_v by_o most_o of_o the_o testimony_n before_o allege_v and_o may_v be_v show_v by_o many_o more_o i_o shall_v produce_v but_o two_o or_o three_o ecce_fw-la clavis_fw-la regni_fw-la caelestis_fw-la etc._n etc._n behold_v peter_n receive_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v be_v give_v to_o he_o the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v commit_v to_o he_o be_v 32._o l._n 4._o ep._n ep._n 32._o st._n gregory_n word_n relate_v to_o these_o text_n and_o vindicate_v the_o primacy_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o his_o successor_n the_o pope_n of_o rome_n as_o may_v be_v see_v at_o large_a in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o emperor_n maritius_n petra_n dicitur_fw-la petrus_n etc._n etc._n peter_n 47._o ser._n 47._o be_v call_v a_o rock_n say_v st._n ambrose_n because_o as_o a_o stone_n immovable_a he_o bear_v up_o the_o compact_a body_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a fabric_n though_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o the_o ancient_a father_n sometime_o take_v this_o rock_n to_o be_v st._n peter_n faith_n whereof_o he_o have_v then_o new_o make_v confession_n however_o more_o unanimous_o they_o expound_v this_o rock_n to_o be_v st._n peter_n person_n as_o head_n and_o pastor_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a but_o never_o understand_v it_o of_o st._n peter_n faith_n as_o separate_v from_o his_o person_n so_o the_o rhemish_a testament_n madonate_fw-it etc._n etc._n upon_o the_o place_n do_v assure_v we_o as_o for_o the_o text_n in_o st._n john_n hear_v j●●●●_n dr_n 〈◊〉_d s._n j●●●●_n eusebius_n emissenus_fw-la expound_v it_o our_o lord_n first_o commit_v his_o lamb_n and_o then_o his_o sheep_n to_o peter_n because_o he_o make_v he_o not_o only_o a_o pastor_n but_o the_o pastor_n of_o pastor_n he_o be_v therefore_o the_o pastor_n of_o all_o for_o beside_o lamb_n and_o sheep_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o church_n and_o though_o protestant_n will_v not_o see_v it_o yet_o st._n gregory_n say_v it_o be_v plain_a to_o all_o that_o read_v the_o gospel_n that_o from_o our_o lord_n own_o mouth_n the_o charge_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v deliver_v to_o peter_n prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n insomuch_o that_o as_o maldonate_fw-it have_v observe_v upon_o the_o place_n there_o be_v never_o any_o father_n greek_z or_o latin_a who_o ever_o understand_v or_o expound_v it_o in_o a_o contrary_a sense_n so_o then_o scripture-ground_n the_o ancient_a father_n have_v for_o their_o belief_n in_o this_o point_n upon_o which_o scripture_n notwithstanding_o they_o do_v not_o rely_v as_o bare_o consider_v in_o themselves_o but_o as_o so_o expound_v by_o the_o universal_a practice_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n the_o only_a infallible_a interpreter_n of_o the_o write_a word_n and_o unerring_a rule_n of_o catholic_n faith_n which_o be_v apply_v to_o these_o sacred_a text_n make_v they_o speak_v clear_o our_o belief_n to_o any_o impartial_a understanding_n and_o therefore_o consider_v the_o father_n faith_n and_o practice_n they_o can_v not_o be_v liable_a from_o they_o to_o other_o interpretation_n of_o which_o this_o be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n in_o that_o they_o first_o of_o all_o begin_v to_o expound_v they_o otherwise_o who_o deny_v st._n peter_n and_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n which_o yet_o they_o can_v do_v without_o much_o injury_n to_o the_o sacred_a text_n upon_o their_o own_o ground_n for_o if_o abstract_v from_o church-tradition_n and_o practice_n they_o be_v with_o all_o their_o circumstance_n impartial_o weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o reason_n they_o very_o much_o declare_v a_o peculiar_a power_n entrust_v to_o st._n peter_n in_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o church_n not_o at_o all_o impart_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o here_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n make_v to_o st._n peter_n alone_o though_o the_o rest_n be_v present_a i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v etc._n etc._n and_o this_o singular_a promise_n be_v usher_v in_o with_o singular_a circumstance_n all_o relate_v sole_o to_o st._n peter_n for_o upon_o our_o saviour_n interrogation_n peter_n make_v a_o express_a confession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o these_o word_n thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n our_o lord_n give_v he_o in_o particular_a a_o solemn_a benediction_n say_v bless_v be_v thou_o simon_n bar-jona_n and_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o thou_o be_v peter_n et_fw-la supra_fw-la hanc_fw-la petram_fw-la allude_v to_o his_o name_n the_o very_a name_n our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v he_o when_o he_o choose_v he_o to_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o 42._o 1_o joh._n 42._o have_v immediate_o before_o call_v he_o simon_n he_o now_o call_v he_o peter_n which_o signify_v a_o rock_n of_o which_o no_o reason_n can_v well_o be_v give_v but_o that_o the_o allusion_n to_o this_o name_n of_o he_o by_o the_o next_o word_n may_v let_v he_o and_o the_o rest_n understand_v that_o he_o be_v the_o person_n design_v upon_o who_o as_o upon_o a_o rock_n the_o church_n shall_v be_v found_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o then_o follow_v i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n now_o put_v they_o together_o and_o sum_n they_o up_o bless_v be_v thou_o simon_n i_o say_v unto_o thou_o thou_o be_v peter_n et_fw-la super_fw-la hanc_fw-la petram_fw-la i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n etc._n etc._n doubtless_o all_o these_o particularity_n concern_v peter_n and_o none_o else_o of_o the_o apostle_n though_o all_o be_v present_a must_v in_o all_o reason_n amount_v to_o thus_o much_o that_o st_n peter_n be_v to_o be_v invest_v with_o some_o eminent_a authority_n over_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o as_o st._n peter_n have_v good_a ground_n from_o these_o particularise_v circumstance_n sole_o relate_v to_o himself_o upon_o so_o solemn_a a_o promise_n to_o believe_v and_o expect_v that_o it_o will_v be_v fullfil_v when_o the_o time_n design_v for_o it_o by_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v full_o come_v by_o the_o collation_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a power_n peculiar_a to_o himself_o 21._o joh._n 21._o so_o we_o find_v in_o the_o other_o forequote_v text_n that_o truth_n itself_o be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n express_o and_o by_o name_n entrust_v to_o st._n peter_n the_o charge_n and_o government_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n by_o a_o commission_n repeat_v thrice_o for_o the_o great_a certainty_n that_o the_o promise_v before_o make_v be_v hereby_o fullfil_v and_o withal_o to_o leave_v a_o great_a impression_n in_o his_o mind_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o difficulty_n of_o the_o supreme_a office_n and_o pastorship_n wherewith_o he_o only_o now_o actual_o be_v invest_v it_o be_v frivolous_a to_o say_v they_o be_v but_o admonitory_a expression_n to_o mind_n st._n peter_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o apostle_n when_o the_o word_n carry_v as_o much_o in_o their_o face_n a_o authoritative_a commission_n as_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n speak_v elsewhere_o to_o all_o the_o apostle_n
1_o a_o introduction_n pag._n 1._o sect._n 2._o a_o prepatory_a discourse_n to_o church-tradition_n and_o what_o it_o be_v pag._n 6._o sect._n 3_o universal_a tradition_n demonstrate_v infallible_a pag._n 12._o sect._n 4._o universal_a tradition_n the_o church_n rule_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o age_n pag._n 22._o sect._n 5._o tradition_n assert_v against_o protestant_n by_o scripture_n and_o the_o notable_a advantage_n thereof_o above_o writing_n pag._n 32._o sect._n 6._o a_o introductive_a discourse_n concern_v the_o judiciary_n power_n of_o the_o church_n pag._n 49._o sect._n 7._o that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a visible_a judge_n to_o decide_v controversy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n institute_v by_o christ_n infallible_a in_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n with_o a_o oblige_a power_n to_o belief_n and_o obedience_n under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n make_v apparent_a from_o scripture_n some_o reason_n thereof_o pag._n 51._o sect._n 8._o the_o church_n authority_n or_o infallibility_n teach_v and_o assert_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n pag._n 63._o sect._n 9_o the_o say_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n clear_v and_o demonstrate_v by_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o age_n pag._n 63._o sect._n 10._o a_o further_a declaration_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n or_o infallibility_n in_o general_a council_n from_o antiquity_n pag._n 84._o the_o second_o motive_n show_v the_o protestant_a faith_n without_o foundation_n sect._n 1_o a_o introduction_n to_o the_o follow_a discourse_n pag._n 97._o sect._n 2._o heretic_n from_o the_o beginning_n be_v accustom_v to_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n as_o the_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o they_o will_v be_v judge_v the_o catholic_n church_n always_o believe_v and_o practise_v the_o contrary_a pag._n 101._o sect._n 3_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o english_a protestant_n doctrine_n how_o and_o why_o they_o make_v scripture_n the_o only_a rule_n and_o judge_n of_o faith_n sect._n 4._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o the_o sole_a and_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n pag._n 125._o sect._n 5._o that_o divine_a scripture_n be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v a_o judge_n to_o determine_v controversy_n in_o religion_n pag._n 132._o sect._n 6._o that_o private_a reason_n in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o the_o interpreter_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n to_o rely_v upon_o for_o our_o salvation_n pag._n 148._o sect._n 7._o a_o answer_n to_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a place_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o which_o protestant_n rely_v for_o their_o rule_n and_o judge_n of_o faith_n pag._n 188._o the_o three_o motive_n show_v the_o heretical_a schism_n of_o the_o english_a protestant_a church_n sect._n 1_o the_o nature_n of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n declare_v from_o scripture_n and_o the_o ancient_a father_n pag._n 188._o 2._o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o england_n be_v notorious_o guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n by_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o roman_a pag._n 203._o sect._n 3_o wherein_o the_o protestant_n plea_n that_o they_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n but_o be_v forcible_o cast_v out_o from_o her_o communion_n and_o therefore_o the_o schism_n not_o imputable_a to_o they_o etc._n etc._n pag._n 212._o sect._n 4._o wherein_o be_v show_v the_o emptiness_n of_o the_o plea_n that_o they_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o universal_a but_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o rome_n pag._n 217._o sect._n 5._o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o word_n catholic_n to_o its_o notion_n as_o use_v by_o the_o church_n pag._n 224._o sect._n 6._o wherein_o the_o protestant_n plea_n of_o pretend_a error_n to_o justify_v their_o separation_n from_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v confute_v pag._n 252._o sect._n 7._o wherein_o the_o protestant_n plea_n that_o the_o popesvuniversal_a pastorship_n be_v a_o usurp_a power_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o without_o schism_n may_v be_v forsake_v be_v refute_v pag._n 273._o sect._n 8._o wherein_o the_o pope_n universal_a jurisdiction_n in_o god_n church_n be_v further_a manifest_v and_o make_v good_a from_o council_n and_o the_o ancient_a father_n ground_v on_o scripture_n pag._n 282._o the_o four_o motive_n show_v miracle_n wrought_v in_o the_o true_a church_n sect._n 1_o a_o preliminary_a discourse_n pag._n 209._o sect._n 2._o that_o miracle_n be_v always_o vouchsafe_v to_o the_o true_a church_n pag._n 316._o sect._n 3_o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a miracle_n be_v declare_v pag._n 322._o sect._n 4._o some_o reason_n of_o god_n proceed_v in_o this_o manner_n pag._n 331._o sect._n 5._o some_o undoubted_a and_o most_o famous_a miracle_n relate_v to_o the_o present_a controversy_n between_o we_o and_o protestant_n pag._n 340._o the_o five_o motive_n show_v the_o eminent_a sanctity_n teach_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n sect._n 1_o a_o introduction_n pag._n 367._o sect._n 2._o a_o further_a declaration_n of_o the_o sanctity_n teach_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n pag._n 371._o 3._o a_o further_a prosecution_n of_o this_o motive_n from_o the_o new_a doctrine_n and_o profane_a practice_n of_o heretical_a communion_n pag._n 379._o the_o conclusion_n pag._n 393._o errata_fw-la page_n 38._o l._n 27._o r._n fallible_a p._n 44._o l._n 12._o r._n other_o p._n 63._o l._n 3._o r._n catholic_n church_n p._n 73._o l._n 3._o r._n parish_n p._n 75._o l._n 10_o deal_n in_o council_n p._n 78._o l._n 26._o r._n loud_o p._n 82._o l._n 15._o r._n mean_a p._n 86._o l._n 2._o deal_n of_o l._n 3_o deal_n that_o p._n 89_o l._n 10._o r._n nonnunquam_fw-la p._n 90._o l._n 14._o r._n by_o general_n p._n 112._o l._n 13._o deal_n or_o p._n 119._o l._n 20._o r._n a_o too_o notorious_a imposition_n p._n 122._o l._n 2._o deal_n of_o p._n 127._o l._n 24._o r._n be_v p._n 148._o l._n 3._o r._n absurdness_n p._n 149._o l._n 21._o deal_n the_o p._n 151._o l._n 1._o r._n authoritative_o p._n 165._o l._n 22._o deal_n the_o p._n 176._o l._n 14._o r._n deceive_v l._n 15._o r._n obscure_a p._n 178._o l._n 20_o r_o who_o p._n 182._o l._n 6._o r._n put_v he_o in_o mind_n p._n 188._o l._n 3_o r._n vers●_n p._n 192._o l._n 11._o r._n but_o p._n 216._o l._n 15._o r._n from_o christ_n p._n 218._o l._n 3_o deal_n a_o p_o 223._o l._n 10._o r._n their_o p._n 230._o l._n 4._o r._n reason_n thus_o satisfy_v p._n 241._o l._n 23._o r._n danger_n p._n 267._o l._n 14._o r._n maze_n p._n 277._o l._n 21._o r._n the_o least_o p._n 294._o l._n 25._o del●_n it_o p._n 303._o l._n 18._o r._n by_o the_o divine_a p._n 329._o l._n 15_o r._n possible_a not_o only_o to_o p._n 333_o l_o 22._o r._n if_o incredulous_a p._n 342._o l._n 21._o r._n on_o bereng●riu●_n p._n 352._o l_o 3._o r._n say_v p._n 354._o l._n 23._o r._n apposite_a p._n 357._o l._n 13._o r._n purify_v p._n 303._o l_o 15._o r._n case_n p._n 379._o l._n 3._o r._n declaim_v p._n 386._o l._n 1._o r._n of_o a_o schismatic_n p._n 395._o l._n 1._o r._n prosperity_n p._n 398._o l._n 8._o r._n unwilling_a the_o first_o motive_n sect_n i._o that_o the_o two_o chief_a extern_a ground_n or_o motive_n of_o credibility_n lead_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v the_o world_n be_v universal_a tradition_n and_o church_n authority_n god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v unto_o the_o father_n by_o his_o prophet_n last_o of_o all_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n so_o that_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n not_o only_o as_o a_o saviour_n to_o lay_v down_o his_o own_o life_n for_o our_o redemption_n and_o suffer_v for_o we_o but_o also_o as_o a_o lawgiver_n to_o instruct_v we_o what_o we_o must_v believe_v and_o do_v for_o his_o sake_n and_o our_o own_o good_a if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v before_o this_o last_o and_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o all_o supernatural_a mean_n to_o attain_v to_o life_n deliver_v to_o the_o world_n by_o christ_n the_o jew_n be_v the_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n their_o synagogue_n the_o true_a church_n and_o their_o ceremonial_a right_n the_o true_a worship_n institute_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o continue_v in_o force_n during_o that_o pedagogie_n but_o the_o eternal_a sun_n of_o righteousness_n appear_v those_o shadow_n be_v in_o he_o fulfil_v and_o so_o vanish_v to_o give_v place_n unto_o the_o gospel_n who_o glorious_a beam_n be_v to_o enlighten_v those_o that_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n to_o the_o uttermost_a corner_n of_o the_o earth_n hereupon_o there_o be_v a_o change_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o translation_n of_o the_o priesthood_n also_o the_o time_n be_v now_o come_v foretell_v by_o malachy_n that_o from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o go_v down_o thereof_o god_n name_n shall_v be_v great_a
that_o what_o she_o teach_v as_o of_o faith_n she_o so_o receive_v from_o the_o age_n immediate_o forego_v and_o so_o from_o age_n to_o age_n from_o million_o of_o son_n to_o their_o father_n up_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o sacred_a mouth_n of_o christ_n himself_o from_o church-tradition_n thus_o explain_v brief_o may_v be_v draw_v those_o position_n first_o that_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n comprise_v all_o point_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n second_o that_o all_o such_o point_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n from_o believe_a father_n to_o their_o child_n by_o a_o uninterrupted_n succession_n without_o diminution_n or_o addition_n and_o shall_v so_o continue_v for_o ever_o which_o involve_v these_o two_o proposition_n that_o nothing_o come_v to_o we_o upon_o the_o tenure_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o be_v of_o tradition_n yea_o though_o contain_v in_o scripture_n see_v we_o only_o be_v ascertain_v what_o book_n the_o apostle_n write_v and_o what_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o by_o tradition_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o new_a point_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n quoad_fw-la substantiam_fw-la as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v reveal_v the_o present_a church_n only_o believe_v what_o it_o receive_v from_o precedent_a age_n which_o assertion_n whosoever_o oppose_v contradict_v not_o i_o but_o the_o sublime_a angelical_a doctor_n st._n thomas_n express_o teach_v that_o in_o doctrina_fw-la christi_fw-la &_o apostolorum_fw-la &c._n &c._n 22ae_fw-la 1_o q._n be_v 10._o ad_fw-la 1am_fw-la &_o 2am_n et_fw-la in_o 1a_fw-la par_fw-fr q._n 32._o be_v 4._o corp_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o truth_n of_o faith_n be_v sufficient_o unfold_v but_o because_o perverse_a man_n pervert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o doctrine_n and_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 2_o ep._n of_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o last_o chap._n therefore_o the_o explication_n of_o faith_n be_v necessary_a against_o arise_v error_n in_o aftertime_n not_o contain_v another_o faith_n but_o the_o same_o more_o clear_v three_o that_o this_o universal_a tradition_n or_o hand_v of_o christian_a doctrine_n by_o oral_n teach_v and_o visible_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v and_o be_v the_o constant_a rule_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o after_o as_o before_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o church_n the_o first_o thesis_n or_o position_n though_o it_o have_v be_v deny_v by_o some_o heretic_n as_o namely_o the_o montanist_n yet_o be_v not_o controvert_v between_o we_o and_o protestant_n the_o proof_n lie_v upon_o the_o second_o which_o be_v demonstrate_v the_o three_o will_v follow_v of_o itself_o and_o can_v be_v deny_v with_o show_n of_o reason_n sect_n iii_o the_o clearness_n and_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n in_o deliver_v matter_n of_o faith_n no_o other_o extern_a prudential_a evidence_n or_o assurance_n in_o matter_n of_o divine_a faith_n who_o efficient_a cause_n be_v divine_a grace_n be_v necessary_o require_v than_o a_o moral_a certainty_n that_o what_o be_v propose_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o of_o faith_n be_v the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n which_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o assurance_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v have_v among_o protestant_n who_o build_v their_o new_a church_n upon_o their_o own_o confuse_a and_o unsteady_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n but_o be_v manifest_o to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o communion_n of_o christian_n viz._n the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o ground_n its_o faith_n as_o to_o such_o evidence_n upon_o universal_a tradition_n a_o principle_n not_o well_o liable_a to_o error_n and_o therefore_o can_v rational_o be_v expect_v to_o fail_v those_o who_o rely_v upon_o it_o as_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v thus_o 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thing_n be_v by_o this_o mean_n sufficient_o provide_v for_o the_o constitute_n and_o govern_v of_o the_o church_n now_o though_o the_o apostle_n be_v many_o yet_o be_v all_o teach_v by_o the_o same_o master_n impower_v by_o the_o same_o commission_n and_o guide_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n do_v bring_v up_o their_o disciple_n in_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n to_o continue_v for_o ever_o so_o that_o all_o particular_a church_n though_o of_o different_a ●_z and_o language_n found_v by_o several_a instructer_n and_o so_o far_o distant_a from_o one_o another_o yet_o do_v harmonious_o meet_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o point_v traditionary_a whatsoever_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o they_o only_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o these_o only_o teach_v they_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o christ_n and_o be_v infallible_o direct_v in_o by_o the_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n among_o which_o apostolical_a doctrine_n one_o main_a article_n be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o world_n end_n a_o universal_a visible_a body_n of_o pastor_n and_o people_n term_v a_o catholic_n church_n divine_o assist_v and_o authorise_a to_o preserve_v teach_v and_o hand_n down_o to_o posterity_n without_o error_n all_o truth_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n this_o catholic_n church_n thus_o found_v practise_v and_o teach_v their_o child_n what_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v by_o her_o authorative_n rule_n of_o tradition_n all_o such_o for_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_o who_o teach_v any_o contrary_a doctrine_n and_o divide_v from_o they_o by_o this_o easy_a method_n all_o critical_a disputation_n about_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v cut_v off_o have_v only_o to_o inquire_v what_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o practise_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o to_o receive_v all_o doctrine_n witness_v for_o such_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o 15._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o present_a church_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o consequent_o infallible_a in_o her_o attestation_n who_o leave_v this_o rule_n must_v needs_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o error_n but_o how_o those_o who_o stick_v close_o to_o so_o safe_a a_o principle_n shall_v fail_v be_v moral_o inconceivable_a for_o such_o traditionary_a doctrine_n abstract_v from_o authority_n can_v loose_v but_o gather_v strength_n by_o time_n because_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n increaf_a and_o deliver_v to_o their_o child_n all_o point_n of_o faith_n as_o they_o receive_v they_o the_o tradition_n become_v more_o famous_a and_o universal_a carry_v along_o with_o it_o a_o great_a evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o moral_a impossibility_n to_o be_v deceive_v unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n so_o diffuse_v and_o numerous_a can_v forget_v to_o day_n what_o they_o believe_v and_o act_v yesterday_o and_o so_o ignorant_o mistake_v or_o know_o conspire_v together_o to_o teach_v their_o child_n to_o receive_v any_o doctrine_n as_o original_o proceed_v from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o yet_o they_o never_o have_v from_o their_o immediate_a forefather_n upon_o that_o tenure_n questionless_a that_o such_o a_o body_n of_o christian_n shall_v be_v wrought_v upon_o wilful_o to_o damn_v their_o own_o and_o other_o soul_n by_o attempt_v to_o gull_v the_o world_n to_o their_o face_n in_o a_o business_n of_o no_o less_o than_o eternal_a interest_n or_o that_o in_o thing_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n so_o visible_a so_o easy_o contradict_v they_o shall_v prevail_v to_o introduce_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o noonday_n lye_n be_v sure_o to_o be_v rank_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o impossibility_n and_o whososever_v see_v it_o not_o as_o such_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o all_o the_o hellibore_n in_o anticyra_n will_v cure_v he_o for_o where_o can_v one_o pick_v a_o hole_n in_o the_o everlasting_a coat_n of_o universal_a
tradition_n to_o make_v a_o way_n for_o error_n or_o heresy_n to_o creep_v in_o at_o do_v it_o not_o shine_v bright_a in_o the_o visible_a practice_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n scatter_v over_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o continual_o expose_v to_o all_o man_n eye_n and_o ear_n that_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v how_o doctrine_n so_o deliver_v shall_v be_v innovate_v without_o discovery_n and_o opposition_n or_o perish_v unless_o with_o the_o ruin_n of_o christianity_n if_o protestant_n consider_v this_o aright_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o bless_a eucharist_n by_o a_o real_a change_n of_o the_o consecrate_a element_n subjection_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n under_o christ_n invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n the_o sacred_a use_n of_o image_n veneration_n of_o relic_n private_a confession_n to_o a_o priest_n indulgence_n extreme_a unction_n purgatory_n prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a to_o be_v apostolical_a doctrine_n be_v hand_v traditional_o to_o we_o from_o age_n to_o age_n by_o a_o universal_a and_o more_o visible_a practice_n than_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o which_o yet_o they_o receive_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o same_o authority_n neither_o can_v they_o demand_v of_o we_o a_o far_a proof_n of_o what_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o in_o its_o very_a face_n a_o evidence_n of_o credibility_n beyond_o all_o exception_n nor_o ask_v of_o we_o in_o what_o secret_a repositary_n of_o the_o church_n these_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v preserve_v when_o they_o may_v in_o a_o manner_n as_o rational_o demand_v whether_o it_o be_v day_n when_o the_o sun_n be_v in_o the_o meridian_n of_o our_o horizon_n in_o vain_a therefore_o do_v protestant_n pretend_v innovation_n in_o faith_n to_o justify_v their_o separation_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o let_v they_o choose_v what_o age_n they_o will_v this_o principle_n be_v equal_o sure_a rational_o evident_a alike_o in_o all_o and_o as_o firm_o establish_v now_o in_o the_o attestation_n of_o the_o present_a church_n or_o in_o the_o day_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o eight_o when_o the_o fatal_a defection_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o england_n first_o begin_v or_o in_o the_o six_o or_o five_o or_o four_o century_n for_o they_o can_v agree_v about_o the_o time_n a●_n in_o the_o very_a next_o age_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n and_o consequent_o all_o traditionary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n teach_v and_o attest_v by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o any_o age_n the_o self_n same_o fo●_n substance_n which_o be_v at_o first_o deliver'●_n to_o the_o saint_n without_o increase_n or_o di●minution_n universal_a tradition_n and_o innovation_n in_o faith_n be_v in_o a_o manne●_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o incompatible_a and_o wha●_n argument_n soever_o the_o protestant_n produce_v to_o the_o contrary_a in_o their_o controversal_a skirmish_n be_v mere_o the_o play_v of_o wit_n against_o pure_a evidence_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v serious_o endeavour_v by_o elaborate_v argument_n to_o persuade_v we_o real_o that_o there_o be_v neve●_n such_o a_o man_n as_o king_n henry_n the_o 8_o king_n of_o england_n will_v we_o not_o think_v he_o fool_n or_o madman_n for_o his_o pain_n see_v that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a million_o of_o person_n not_o only_o in_o our_o own_o three_o kingdom_n but_o in_o other_o nation_n of_o credit_n and_o reputation_n without_o any_o cause_n sufficient_a to_o produce_v such_o a_o effect_n must_v conspire_v to_o be_v notorious_a liar_n and_o natural_a reason_n tell_v we_o if_o the_o first_o reporter_n have_v not_o relate_v it_o of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n with_o undeniable_a evidence_n it_o will_v never_o have_v obtain_v to_o pass_v so_o constant_o and_o uncontrollable_o as_o it_o do_v without_o the_o least_o doubt_n or_o question_n and_o yet_o thus_o have_v protestant_n lose_v the_o immemorial_n possession_n of_o their_o ancient_a faith_n and_o mislead_v with_o mere_a sophism_n will_v not_o believe_v those_o point_n to_o have_v be_v hand_v to_o we_o by_o tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v attest_v for_o such_o by_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o people_n of_o several_a nation_n in_o their_o respective_a age_n to_o this_o present_a with_o a_o far_o more_o transcendent_a evidence_n of_o credibility_n than_o the_o former_a instance_n notwithstanding_o such_o be_v the_o blindness_n of_o some_o man_n understanding_n or_o rather_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n that_o as_o the_o scripture_n say_v matth._n 13._o v._n 14._o see_v they_o will_v not_o perceive_v and_o hear_v they_o will_v not_o understand_v that_o they_o may_v be_v heal_v though_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n plain_a certain_a and_o expose_v to_o all_o man_n view_n in_o such_o visible_a character_n of_o public_a practice_n that_o who_o run_v may_v read_v as_o well_o the_o unlearned_a as_o the_o great_a scholar_n and_o upon_o which_o the_o pope_n and_o peasant_n depend_v alike_o for_o their_o salvation_n wherefore_o to_o contract_v this_o argument_n see_v such_o vast_a multitude_n of_o several_a nation_n can_v mistake_v in_o what_o have_v be_v a_o thousand_o time_n over_o and_o over_o inculcate_v unto_o they_o clear_v to_o their_o judgement_n and_o root_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o continual_a practice_n see_v that_o a_o world_n of_o believer_n can_v conspire_v together_o to_o damn_v themselves_o and_o cousin_n their_o posterity_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a moment_n whereof_o man_n be_v most_o tender_a and_o tenacious_a see_v mankind_n can_v give_v credit_n and_o entertainment_n to_o any_o doctrine_n to_o which_o their_o daily_a religious_a worship_n give_v the_o lie_n and_o can_v be_v accept_v without_o the_o destruction_n of_o some_o evident_a principle_n of_o which_o they_o be_v in_o present_a possession_n as_o divine_a and_o apostolical_a unless_o such_o a_o doctrine_n bring_v with_o it_o a_o manifest_a demonstration_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v in_o any_o point_n of_o faith_n controvert_v between_o protestant_n and_o catholic_n see_v these_o be_v the_o safe_a and_o sure_a ground_n of_o universal_a tradition_n true_o methinks_v whosoever_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v it_o for_o a_o rule_n or_o evidence_n sufficient_a in_o point_n of_o faith_n but_o desire_v a_o more_o certain_a or_o manifest_a conduct_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o doctrine_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v the_o world_n or_o who_o be_v satisfy_v with_o less_o that_o be_v with_o a_o rule_n which_o may_v easy_o deceive_v he_o in_o a_o business_n of_o eternal_a interest_n serious_o such_o person_n seem_v to_o i_o not_o impartial_a searcher_n and_o if_o ever_o it_o please_v god_n to_o clear_v up_o their_o understanding_n in_o divine_a matter_n they_o will_v confess_v it_o sect_n iv_o universal_a tradition_n the_o church_n rule_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o age_n do_v not_o protestant_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n pretend_v to_o antiquity_n as_o on_o their_o side_n against_o the_o catholic_n in_o this_o controversy_n about_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n any_o far_a discourse_n of_o this_o subject_a for_o the_o present_a have_v not_o be_v necessary_a but_o because_o such_o be_v their_o claim_n i_o shall_v take_v some_o pain_n to_o show_v the_o injustice_n of_o it_o and_o let_v the_o reader_n see_v that_o as_o well_o in_o this_o as_o other_o point_n they_o who_o be_v our_o enemy_n have_v no_o friend_n of_o the_o father_n to_o maintain_v they_o in_o their_o opposition_n but_o be_v equal_o contradictor_n of_o they_o and_o we_o yet_o before_o i_o shall_v urge_v authority_n i_o shall_v press_v they_o with_o reason_n the_o apostle_n have_v among_o other_o necessary_a point_n of_o christian_a faith_n root_v this_o doctrine_n in_o their_o disciple_n heart_n to_o believe_v only_o what_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o and_o also_o guard_v it_o with_o the_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n of_o excommunication_n 9_o gal._n 1._o 8_o 9_o even_o against_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n that_o shall_v presume_v to_o teach_v otherwise_o because_o of_o point_n necessary_a what_o be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o ground_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v most_o careful_o to_o be_v preserve_v one_o will_v think_v understand_v head_n can_v not_o doubt_v that_o the_o fathful_a be_v to_o receive_v and_o hold_v their_o faith_n upon_o the_o same_o tenure_n of_o tradition_n to_o the_o world_n end_n as_o attè_v to_o they_o by_o the_o public_a voice_n of_o the_o present_a church_n yet_o question_v it_o be_v and_o contradict_v also_o by_o english_a protestant_n but_o doubtless_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v as_o they_o ought_v first_o that_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o this_o belief_n upon_o the_o tenure_n of_o universal_a tradition_n unless_o they_o can_v demonstrate_v such_o a_o tenure_n actual_o
to_o have_v fail_v in_o this_o particular_a must_v needs_o acknowledge_v this_o point_n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v apostolical_a second_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o see_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o tradition_n be_v at_o first_o the_o usual_a mean_n of_o plant_v and_o conserve_n the_o law_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v convert_v before_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o church_n so_o that_o when_o any_o false_a teacher_n do_v arise_v they_o of_o necessity_n have_v recourse_n to_o tradition_n whether_o they_o have_v be_v so_o teach_v and_o not_o to_o scripture_n whether_o it_o be_v so_o write_v be_v impossible_a to_o rule_v before_o it_o have_v a_o be_v i_o say_v this_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o rational_a account_n to_o intelligent_a person_n why_o a_o immutable_a faith_n shall_v have_v a_o mutable_a rule_n and_o a_o stand_a edifice_n shall_v have_v 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st._n aug._n eont_a ep._n fund_z vinc._n lyri_n in_o com._n that_o we_o find_v tertullian_n and_o other_o ancient_n affirm_v that_o no_o good_a can_v be_v do_v with_o heretic_n by_o dispute_v out_o scripture_n to_o reduce_v they_o to_o truth_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o take_v their_o word_n our_o own_o experience_n be_v a_o evidence_n beyond_o all_o exception_n last_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o as_o in_o natural_a science_n there_o be_v some_o prima_fw-la principia_fw-la fundamental_a axiom_n which_o need_v no_o proof_n into_o which_o all_o conclusion_n right_o from_o they_o deduce_v be_v reducible_a so_o in_o supernatural_a revelation_n there_o must_v be_v some_o self-evident_a principle_n a_o rule_n of_o faith_n into_o which_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v resolvable_a have_v itself_o no_o need_n of_o further_a probation_n as_o to_o such_o evidence_n or_o else_o we_o run_v in_o a_o circle_n not_o have_v any_o satisfactory_a ground_n upon_o which_o we_o may_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n rely_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o believe_v now_o scripture_n be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v such_o a_o principle_n it_o depend_v manifest_o as_o protestant_n themselves_o acknowledge_v on_o tradition_n by_o which_o we_o only_o come_v certain_o to_o know_v and_o accept_v it_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o necessary_a point_n and_o consequent_o the_o ground_n or_o evidence_n of_o what_o we_o believe_v upon_o scripture-authority_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o tradition_n make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n infallible_a but_o that_o thereby_o we_o be_v rational_o assure_v what_o be_v scripture_n and_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o which_o otherwise_o be_v subject_a to_o perpetual_a quarrel_n of_o dissent_v mind_n for_o my_o part_n i_o see_v not_o how_o protestant_n can_v answer_v this_o argument_n for_o they_o acknowledge_v tradition_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o contend_v for_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n tradition_n must_v necessary_o be_v the_o prime_a rule_n that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o rule_n and_o antecedent_n ground_n of_o their_o foundation_n and_o so_o by_o unavoidable_a consequence_n all_o their_o faith_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o tradition_n see_v it_o clear_a by_o a_o parallel_n we_o catholic_n rely_v upon_o the_o church_n for_o point_n of_o faith_n will_v protestant_n therefore_o say_v that_o we_o rely_v not_o upon_o tradition_n for_o in_o rely_v upon_o the_o church_n we_o rely_v also_o upon_o what_o the_o church_n rely_v which_o in_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v tradition_n we_o rely_v upon_o the_o church_n immediate_o as_o a_o infallible_a guide_n we_o rely_v upon_o tradition_n as_o a_o extern_a evidence_n it_o be_v easy_o applicable_a to_o protestant_n receive_v the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o tradition_n who_o while_o they_o shun_v it_o as_o a_o stone_n of_o offence_n fall_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o rock_n of_o foundation_n and_o true_o till_o they_o show_v we_o some_o other_o self-evident_a principle_n which_o can_v assure_v we_o what_o doctrine_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v the_o world_n we_o must_v believe_v and_o maintain_v universal_a tradition_n to_o be_v the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o sense_n hitherto_o explain_v thus_o they_o may_v be_v satisfy_v with_o reason_n in_o this_o controversy_n but_o because_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v move_v more_o with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n than_o our_o argument_n they_o shall_v hear_v they_o speak_v and_o true_o one_o will_v think_v plain_a enough_o to_o their_o condemnation_n witness_v st._n iraeneus_n a_o anti-protestant_n certain_o while_o he_o teach_v 4._o teach_v lib._n 3._o cont_n haer._n c._n 4._o what_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o scripture_n ought_v we_o not_o to_o have_v follow_v the_o rule_n of_o tradition_n which_o they_o deliver_v to_o those_o to_o who_o they_o commit_v the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o because_o they_o have_v leave_v scripture_n the_o order_n of_o tradition_n be_v by_o they_o evacuate_v but_o that_o reveal_v truth_n depend_v on_o tradition_n only_o be_v as_o divine_a and_o certain_a as_o if_o no_o scripture_n have_v be_v leave_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n or_o else_o we_o make_v the_o saint_n while_o he_o be_v show_v the_o excellent_a use_n and_o necessity_n of_o church-tradition_n so_o incongruous_a as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o at_o all_o but_o argument_n may_v be_v spare_v when_o the_o follow_a instance_n of_o nation_n believe_v by_o tradition_n only_o without_o scripture_n make_v his_o meaning_n evident_a before_o he_o in_o the_o front_n of_o the_o second_o age_n b._n ignatius_n st._n john_n disciple_n exhort_v the_o church_n to_o hold_v themselves_o inseparable_o to_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o 35._o *_o hist_o eccl._n l._n 3._o c._n 35._o apostle_n as_o eusebius_n testify_v have_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v only_o scripture_n as_o protestant_n contend_v can_v he_o have_v give_v such_o advice_n yea_o it_o inevitable_o imply_v tradition_n to_o be_v the_o sure_a ground_n to_o rely_v upon_o for_o christian_a doctrine_n do_v origen_n assert_v scripture_n or_o tradition_n for_o a_o rule_n while_o he_o teach_v matt_n teach_v in_o tract_n 27._o in_o c_o 23._o s._n matt_n that_o in_o our_o understand_a scripture_n we_o must_v not_o depart_v from_o the_o first_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n nor_o believe_v otherwise_o then_o as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v by_o succession_n deliver_v to_o we_o and_o elsewhere_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o only_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v 〈◊〉_d *_o in_o praef._n lib._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o truth_n which_o in_o nothing_o disagree_v from_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n what_o more_o full_a
their_o side_n to_o prohibit_v catholic_n to_o speak_v for_o themselves_o in_o any_o public_a defence_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o delude_v vulgar_a apprehension_n with_o this_o plausible_a sophism_n the_o papist_n refuse_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o thing_n whosoever_o lay_v together_o and_o serious_o ponder_v as_o i_o do_v can_v but_o discover_v that_o the_o english_a protestant_a reformer_n do_v not_o receive_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o have_v be_v the_o square_n of_o christian_a belief_n in_o all_o age_n and_o be_v to_o continue_v so_o for_o ever_o but_o invent_v or_o rather_o assume_v from_o their_o predecessor_n the_o ancient_a heretic_n a_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o church_n they_o be_v set_v up_o whereby_o they_o think_v their_o new_a doctrine_n may_v with_o most_o likelihood_n be_v maintain_v and_o find_v no_o better_o expedient_a then_o by_o deny_v a_o authorise_a visible_a judge_n to_o pronounce_v a_o 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interpreter_n yet_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o reason_n or_o revelation_n for_o beside_o these_o three_o i_o know_v not_o any_o i_o say_v they_o must_v either_o let_v private_a reason_n make_v this_o declaration_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n by_o her_o innate_a light_n or_o fly_v to_o revelation_n and_o pretend_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n infallible_o declare_v by_o a_o divine_a light_n his_o meaning_n to_o they_o this_o late_a way_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v lay_v claim_n to_o by_o the_o calvinistical_a party_n and_o those_o strange_a brood_n of_o other_o english_a sectary_n who_o have_v nothing_o but_o scripture_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o their_o mouth_n upon_o who_o in_o a_o most_o prodigious_a manner_n they_o father_n all_o their_o blasphemy_n to_o the_o shame_n of_o christian_n but_o it_o be_v reject_v by_o all_o protestant_n in_o any_o degree_n rational_a as_o mere_o fanatical_a and_o invincible_o convict_v of_o imposture_n by_o the_o manifest_a contradiction_n of_o several_a pretender_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o can_v the_o holy_a ghost_n reveal_v to_o the_o calvinist_n that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o presbytery_n have_v a_o divine_a right_n from_o scripture_n and_o by_o the_o same_o divine_a unction_n teach_v the_o independent_o that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o write_a word_n etc._n etc._n private_a reason_n therefore_o be_v only_o leave_v they_o to_o resolve_v their_o faith_n into_o and_o rely_v upon_o in_o their_o inquire_v after_o and_o belief_n of_o supernatural_a truth_n and_o those_o sublime_a mystery_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o nature_n have_v not_o sufficient_a light_n to_o advance_v herself_o by_o her_o sole_a native_a power_n beside_o those_o mist_n of_o passion_n or_o prejudice_n or_o education_n or_o interest_n to_o which_o we_o be_v daily_o liable_a and_o which_o must_v needs_o make_v this_o way_n more_o dark_a and_o difficult_a in_o order_n to_o 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unreasonable_o and_o without_o ground_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v appear_v in_o the_o follow_a section_n sect_n iv_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o the_o sole_a and_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n to_o evidence_n the_o groundlessness_n of_o this_o main_a foundation_n of_o the_o english_a protestant_a church_n as_o declare_v and_o explicate_v in_o the_o precedent_a section_n with_o full_a satisfaction_n i_o conceive_v it_o lie_v upon_o i_o principal_o to_o make_v three_o thing_n good_a against_o they_o first_o that_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o sole_a and_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n second_o that_o it_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o common_a tenet_n of_o modern_a heretic_n and_o three_o that_o admit_v it_o for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o in_o part_n it_o be_v private_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o interpreter_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n thereof_o for_o every_o christian_n to_o rely_v upon_o for_o his_o salvation_n in_o clear_v the_o first_o point_n i_o need_v not_o labour_n much_o have_v already_o by_o convince_a argument_n establish_v in_o the_o four_o and_o 5_o section_n of_o the_o first_o motive_n the_o catholic_n rule_n of_o faith_n universal_a tradition_n whither_o i_o desire_v my_o reader_n to_o return_v for_o satisfaction_n and_o which_o stand_v firm_a the_o protestant_n rule_v of_o scripture_n only_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o well_o a_o ruine_a as_o ruinous_a principle_n and_o fall_v to_o nothing_o yet_o that_o discourse_n be_v more_o general_a i_o shall_v here_o descend_v to_o some_o particular_n to_o make_v it_o visible_a to_o very_o ordinary_a capacity_n that_o scripture_n do_v not_o contain_v full_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n nor_o be_v clear_o evident_a without_o dispute_n in_o all_o point_v necessary_a therein_o contain_v and_o consequent_o can_v be_v the_o sole_a and_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n want_v those_o two_o most_o 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believe_v by_o every_o christian_a if_o they_o say_v this_o objection_n be_v not_o pertinent_a because_o whosoever_o make_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n the_o sole_a and_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n must_v necessary_o pre-suppose_a the_o belief_n of_o scripture_n found_v upon_o some_o other_o principle_n i_o reply_v it_o be_v impertinent_a to_o say_v so_o because_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o pre-supposition_n of_o some_o fundamental_a point_n be_v a_o sufficient_a conviction_n that_o the_o rule_n they_o have_v choose_v can_v be_v complete_a and_o perfect_a as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o fundamental_a point_n presupposed_a independent_a on_o scripture_n but_o scripture_n depend_v on_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o ground_n quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la to_o we_o of_o all_o thing_n believe_v in_o it_o which_o ground_n or_o antecedent_n principle_n upon_o which_o they_o as_o well_o as_o we_o build_v their_o belief_n of_o such_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o universal_a
rely_v we_o have_v only_o a_o firm_a and_o rational_a belief_n of_o reveal_v verity_n constant_a and_o immovable_a among_o all_o the_o change_n of_o sect_n and_o heretic_n true_a it_o be_v in_o every_o act_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v use_v of_o reason_n whether_o it_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n reveal_v or_o the_o church_n propose_v for_o we_o captivate_v our_o understanding_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n because_o we_o judge_v nothing_o more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o believe_v god_n and_o we_o secure_o rely_v upon_o his_o church_n who_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o assist_v with_o infallibility_n in_o such_o proposal_n but_o shall_v we_o say_v therefore_o that_o reason_n be_v the_o prime_n intrinsical_a motive_n of_o faith_n and_o into_o which_o it_o final_o be_v resolve_v nothing_o less_o for_o this_o discourse_n and_o approbation_n of_o reason_n be_v but_o necessary_o previous_a and_o antecedent_n to_o our_o deliberate_a and_o rational_a act_n of_o faith_n 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a_o protestant_n because_o my_o reason_n tell_v i_o it_o be_v reveal_v and_o will_v allow_v no_o other_o judge_n of_o this_o revelation_n i_o believe_v this_o say_v a_o catholic_n because_o a_o infallible_a authority_n assure_v i_o i●_n be_v reveal_v and_o my_o reason_n tell_v i_o there_o be_v no_o other_o sufficient_a ground_n or_o evidence_n for_o divine_a faith_n and_o therefore_o give_v up_o my_o private_a judgement_n to_o the_o church_n and_o which_o of_o these_o principle_n be_v more_o safe_a and_o rational_a let_v reason_n judge_v three_o i_o demand_v of_o these_o rationalist_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o heresy_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o it_o be_v oportet_fw-la esse_fw-la haereses_fw-la 19_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 19_o etc._n etc._n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n st._n paul_n have_v say_v it_o and_o that_o be_v sufficient_a and_o as_o for_o what_o it_o be_v it_o be_v well_o know_v the_o church_n have_v always_o teach_v that_o heresy_n be_v the_o voluntary_a election_n of_o some_o private_a opinion_n contradict_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o heretic_n who_o neglect_v the_o church_n authority_n with_o a_o stubborn_a mind_n defend_v wicked_a opinion_n but_o if_o we_o shall_v admit_v their_o new_a definition_n that_o heresy_n be_v to_o contradict_v any_o fundamental_a point_n express_o contain_v in_o scripture_n in_o my_o poor_a judgement_n according_a to_o such_o a_o definition_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o heresy_n or_o heretic_n but_o both_o arian_n anabaptist_n fanatic_n etc._n etc._n be_v as_o good_a catholic_n as_o any_o christian_n of_o the_o world_n for_o if_o private_a reason_n be_v the_o only_a judge_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o every_o one_o to_o rely_v upon_o these_o and_o all_o other_o condemn_v heretic_n the_o montanist_n except_v rely_v upon_o the_o write_a word_n as_o interpret_v by_o reason_n with_o sober_a enquiry_n and_o real_a endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o truth_n can_v just_o be_v so_o repute_v the_o arian_n have_v so_o much_o reason_n and_o scripture_n too_o in_o the_o bare_a letter_n on_o their_o side_n that_o take_v away_o the_o church_n infallibility_n and_o universal_a tradition_n interpret_n and_o deliver_v to_o we_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o the_o controversy_n will_v never_o be_v decide_v all_o place_n will_v swarm_v with_o nestorian_n eutychian_o anti-trinitarians_a barengarians_n anabaptist_n etc._n etc._n neither_o can_v we_o condemn_v they_o if_o this_o principle_n be_v good_a for_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o follow_v scripture_n as_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o private_a reason_n or_o spirit_n dictate_v to_o they_o let_v they_o not_o say_v that_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v just_o condemn_v for_o contradict_v express_a scripture_n against_o their_o knowledge_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n for_o they_o must_v remember_v first_o that_o themselves_o do_v not_o condemn_v the_o anabaptist_n upon_o only_a scripture_n ground_n second_o that_o it_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v that_o all_o fundamental_a point_n be_v not_o so_o express_v in_o scripture_n as_o they_o imagine_v and_o three_o that_o it_o be_v most_o uncharitable_a to_o say_v that_o all_o those_o who_o they_o condemn_v for_o heretic_n do_v against_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n contradict_v the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n and_o run_v headlong_o to_o hell_n with_o their_o eye_n open_a can_v we_o possible_o imagine_v that_o among_o so_o many_o million_o of_o arian_n there_o be_v not_o one_o single_a person_n have_v any_o conscience_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o many_o heretic_n have_v and_o do_v live_v virtuous_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n for_o who_o know_v not_o that_o satan_n sometime_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o while_o they_o profess_v and_o protest_v that_o if_o it_o be_v once_o make_v apparent_a to_o they_o that_o their_o tenet_n be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o will_v not_o one_o minute_n persist_v in_o they_o we_o judge_v it_o uncharitable_a to_o affirm_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o protestation_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o real_a though_o misguide_v zeal_n they_o all_o wilful_o sin_n against_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o their_o conscience_n we_o catholic_n indeed_o assert_v that_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o credibility_n be_v produce_v by_o we_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o heretical_a opinion_n and_o dangerous_a state_n without_o repentance_n but_o withal_o we_o say_v that_o god_n in_o his_o just_a judgement_n which_o be_v inscrutable_a suffer_v they_o through_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n in_o that_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n be_v veil_v from_o their_o eye_n by_o passion_n or_o prejudice_n or_o worldly_a interest_n while_o they_o so_o continue_v and_o we_o pray_v for_o they_o in_o hope_n that_o the_o father_n of_o infinite_a mercy_n will_v in_o his_o good_a time_n discover_v truth_n unto_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o home_o unto_o his_o church_n but_o for_o these_o rationalist_n to_o damn_v all_o those_o who_o they_o esteem_v heretic_n as_o contradictor_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o their_o conscience_n and_o knowledge_n be_v a_o censure_n most_o unreasonable_a and_o little_o beseem_v such_o who_o life_n be_v not_o so_o gospellike_a but_o that_o many_o sectary_n who_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o fundamental_o may_v just_o be_v repute_v at_o least_o as_o conscientious_a and_o in_o charity_n can_v be_v think_v otherwise_o all_o which_o due_o consider_v plain_o prove_v that_o they_o must_v either_o change_v their_o judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n or_o give_v we_o some_o new_a rule_n to_o discover_v heresy_n and_o withal_o that_o if_o they_o will_v stick_v close_o to_o this_o principle_n they_o must_v maintain_v that_o all_o the_o general_a council_n of_o the_o church_n even_o that_o celebrate_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v mere_a tyrannical_a usurpation_n in_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o believe_v and_o practice_n according_a to_o their_o decree_n whatever_o their_o private_a reason_n can_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_n four_o in_o vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n have_v jesus_n christ_n institute_v authoritative_a overseer_n and_o governor_n in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o perfect_a etc._n eph._n 4._o 11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n if_o every_o one_o must_v acknowledge_v no_o visible_a authority_n upon_o earth_n to_o have_v any_o oblige_a power_n over_o he_o in_o doctrine_n appertain_v to_o god_n but_o be_v his_o own_o teacher_n in_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o private_a reason_n five_o if_o every_o one_o be_v send_v to_o scripture_n to_o compose_v a_o creed_n for_o himself_o
the_o prodigal_n return_v home_o or_o the_o motive_n of_o the_o conversion_n to_o the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o e._n l._n master_n of_o art_n in_o the_o university_n of_o cambridge_n et_fw-la tu_fw-la conversus_fw-la confirma_fw-la fratres_fw-la tuos_fw-la luc._n 22._o 32._o print_v anno_fw-la domini_fw-la 1684._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o protestant_a reader_n whensoever_o it_o please_v the_o almighty_a goodness_n to_o enlighten_v with_o the_o glorious_a beam_n of_o divine_a truth_n those_o who_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n in_o so_o powerful_a a_o manner_n as_o that_o forsake_v the_o perplex_a labyrinth_n of_o error_n they_o betake_v themselves_o for_o repose_n and_o safety_n into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n it_o be_v satan_n policy_n by_o his_o agent_n to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o the_o motive_n of_o their_o conversion_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o carnal_a lest_o other_o shall_v follow_v their_o example_n herein_o i_o have_v be_v as_o deep_o censure_v as_o other_o to_o who_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v the_o like_a extraordinary_a mercy_n yet_o true_o whatever_o calumny_n have_v hereupon_o be_v cast_v upon_o i_o by_o some_o who_o have_v imbitter_v spirit_n and_o heart_n swell_v with_o rancour_n against_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o much_o as_o concern_v myself_o i_o shall_v for_o many_o reason_n bave_n content_o sit_v down_o in_o silence_n rejoice_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n if_o the_o good_a of_o those_o upon_o who_o my_o conversion_n may_v have_v most_o influence_n have_v not_o in_o charity_n oblige_v i_o to_o refuse_v no_o pain_n that_o may_v afford_v they_o help_v or_o satisfaction_n in_o a_o business_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n and_o concernment_n this_o be_v the_o press_a consideration_n which_o at_o last_o prevail_v with_o i_o to_o give_v these_o motive_n of_o my_o conversion_n a_o public_a be_v and_o common_a air_n to_o breath_n in_o that_o their_o own_o eye_n may_v be_v judge_n what_o just_a cause_n i_o have_v to_o change_v my_o religion_n and_o how_o much_o reason_n there_o be_v for_o they_o to_o follow_v i_o of_o which_o i_o conceive_v great_a hope_n when_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v impossible_a for_o any_o prudential_a man_n who_o serious_o enter_v into_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o christian_a belief_n with_o a_o soul_n whole_o divest_v of_o all_o prejudices_fw-la and_o self-interest_n whatsoever_o earnest_o implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n and_o direction_n i_o say_v it_o seem_v to_o i_o impossible_a for_o any_o prudential_a man_n in_o these_o circumstance_n not_o at_o last_o to_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o catholic_n religion_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o only_a high-road_n to_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n he_o will_v hear_v a_o divine_a voice_n whisper_v 16._o jerim_n 16._o 16._o to_o he_o this_o be_v the_o old_a path_n walk_v in_o it_o and_o thou_o shall_v find_v rest_n unto_o thy_o soul_n thus_o by_o god_n blessing_n i_o seek_v and_o this_o rest_n at_o last_o i_o find_v and_o never_o find_v it_o till_o after_o much_o pain_n and_o study_n after_o many_o prayer_n and_o tear_n after_o many_o fast_n and_o watch_n after_o many_o toss_n and_o turn_n after_o many_o sad_a delay_n and_o expostulation_n after_o many_o conflict_n and_o agony_n in_o spirit_n my_o resolution_n by_o the_o powerful_a working_n of_o grace_n on_o my_o soul_n break_v through_o all_o difficulty_n do_v effectual_o bring_v i_o into_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o which_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v any_o delusion_n when_o my_o most_o serious_a reflection_n pass_v d_o judgement_n on_o it_o see_v this_o happy_a change_n be_v not_o wrought_v in_o i_o by_o any_o humane_a persuasion_n but_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n do_v by_o his_o immediate_a inspiration_n begin_v this_o work_n of_o mercy_n on_o my_o soul_n when_o have_v no_o thought_n at_o all_o of_o become_v a_o roman_n catholic_n and_o find_v much_o bitterness_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o worldly_a vanity_n i_o be_v earnest_o seek_v of_o god_n what_o course_n i_o may_v best_o take_v how_o to_o please_v he_o and_o save_v my_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n but_o to_o prevent_v all_o fear_n of_o enthusiasm_n pretend_a illumination_n and_o false_a light_n wherewith_o many_o poor_a soul_n in_o our_o nation_n be_v so_o miserable_o mislead_v god_n who_o be_v as_o well_o essential_a reason_n as_o goodness_n do_v not_o only_o move_v my_o will_n but_o also_o rational_o convince_v my_o understanding_n that_o all_o communion_n profess_v christ_n beside_o the_o roman_a be_v more_o or_o less_o erroneous_a and_o she_o only_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n according_a to_o the_o constant_a notion_n of_o antiquity_n out_o of_o which_o ordinary_o salvation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v and_o therefore_o i_o must_v fly_v to_o she_o as_o to_o the_o save_a ark_n that_o i_o may_v not_o perish_v in_o the_o deluge_n of_o my_o sin_n so_o then_o this_o change_n in_o i_o be_v not_o a_o passionate_a distortion_n of_o a_o interest_v will_n push_v forward_o the_o blind_a understanding_n to_o fix_v sudden_o and_o adhere_v pertinacious_o to_o more_o than_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n do_v clear_a up_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o undoubted_o mutatio_fw-la dexterae_fw-la excelsi_fw-la the_o work_n of_o god_n wrought_v in_o my_o heart_n by_o convince_a argument_n as_o the_o follow_a motive_n do_v sufficient_o evidence_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v to_o satisfy_v the_o inclination_n of_o sensual_a nature_n when_o i_o be_v to_o forsake_v my_o relation_n my_o friend_n my_o temporal_a revenue_n and_o preferment_n and_o all_o worldly_a contentment_n to_o take_v up_o my_o cross_n and_o follow_v jesus_n by_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o perpetual_a practice_n of_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n and_o happy_a be_v he_o who_o have_v rather_o have_v a_o cross_n with_o christ_n than_o a_o crown_n without_o he_o thus_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n be_v gracious_o please_v by_o a_o efficacious_a call_n to_o bring_v his_o prodigal_a son_n home_o for_o his_o church_n be_v his_o house_n where_o he_o dwell_v among_o his_o saint_n on_o earth_n with_o his_o special_a presence_n to_o govern_v and_o provide_v for_o they_o all_o thing_n conduce_v to_o their_o happiness_n from_o which_o household_n of_o faith_n i_o be_v a_o alien_n while_o i_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n which_o stand_v this_o joint_v from_o catholic_n unity_n by_o a_o schism_n too_o notorious_a to_o be_v justify_v and_o until_o we_o like_o true_a penitent_n return_v unto_o our_o mother_n church_n which_o make_v we_o christian_n we_o like_v prodigal_n feed_v on_o rattle_a husk_n of_o formal_a devotion_n without_o any_o substantial_a nourishment_n to_o our_o soul_n miserable_o misspend_v our_o precious_a time_n on_o which_o inevitable_o depend_v eternity_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v by_o way_n of_o preface_n for_o a_o introduction_n the_o door_n be_v open_a enter_z and_o view_v well_o the_o motive_n and_o the_o eternal_a sun_n of_o righteousness_n who_o be_v the_o true_a light_n of_o the_o world_n open_v thy_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o guide_v thy_o foot_n into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n yet_o before_o the_o lecture_n i_o think_v good_a to_o advise_v whosoever_o shall_v peruse_v these_o paper_n that_o bear_v be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o variety_n of_o argument_n which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o more_o judicious_a controvertist_n but_o a_o true_a narrative_n of_o what_o principal_a motive_n prevail_v with_o i_o to_o forsake_v protestanism_n and_o yield_v myself_o into_o the_o arm_n of_o our_o mother_n church_n and_o yet_o methinks_v they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v the_o able_a head_n if_o they_o have_v but_o heart_n resolve_v to_o yield_v to_o truth_n i_o must_v likewise_o tell_v thou_o good_a reader_n that_o these_o motive_n have_v long_o since_o see_v the_o light_n if_o some_o accidental_a occasion_n have_v not_o retard_v their_o birth_n into_o the_o world_n however_o though_o they_o lose_v their_o choice_a season_n of_o publication_n which_o be_v when_o such_o conversion_n be_v most_o fresh_a in_o memory_n yet_o it_o be_v think_v fit_a by_o person_n as_o well_o judicious_a as_o zealous_a that_o they_o shall_v by_o no_o mean_n live_v any_o long_o in_o obscurity_n but_o be_v set_v upon_o a_o candlestick_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o give_v light_n to_o other_o and_o i_o do_v acquiesae_fw-la in_o their_o judgement_n and_o be_v content_a to_o have_v they_o publish_v for_o the_o common_a good_a read_v they_o impartial_o consider_v they_o serious_o and_o practice_n faithful_o what_o god_n shall_v inspire_v into_o thy_o soul_n and_o remember_v in_o thy_o devotion_n thou_o in_o jesus_n christ_n e._n l._n the_o first_o motive_n contain_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n sect._n