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ground_n church_n faith_n infallible_a 3,632 5 9.8838 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A48243 The letter writ by the last Assembly General of the Clergy of France to the Protestants, inviting them to return to their communion together with the methods proposed by them for their conviction / translated into English, and examined by Gilbert Burnet. Burnet, Gilbert, 1643-1715.; Catholic Church. Assemblée générale du clergé de France. 1683 (1683) Wing L1759; ESTC R2185 82,200 210

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if_o their_o absolution_n be_v think_v to_o have_v any_o other_o virtue_n in_o it_o than_o a_o give_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n with_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o term_n upon_o which_o god_n pardon_v sinner_n if_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o which_o so_o much_o depend_v according_a to_o their_o principle_n be_v so_o entire_o in_o the_o priest_n power_n that_o he_o can_v defeat_v it_o when_o he_o please_v with_o a_o cross_a intention_n so_o that_o all_o man_n hope_n of_o another_o state_n shall_v depend_v on_o the_o priest_n good_a disposition_n to_o they_o by_o which_o every_o man_n must_v know_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o purchase_v their_o favour_n at_o any_o rate_n if_o likewise_o they_o pretend_v to_o a_o immunity_n from_o the_o secular_a judge_n and_o do_v all_o enter_v into_o oath_n which_o centre_n in_o he_o who_o they_o acknowledge_v their_o common_a head_n who_o authority_n they_o have_v advance_v above_o all_o the_o power_n on_o earth_n so_o 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covenant_n be_v ground_v we_o can_v receive_v a_o idolater_n though_o we_o do_v admit_v such_o as_o be_v in_o error_n that_o produce_v no_o other_o effect_n but_o mistake_v apprehension_n and_o judgement_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o say_v that_o if_o the_o presence_n be_v acknowledge_v adoration_n ought_v to_o follow_v for_o we_o will_v excommunicate_v none_o for_o a_o consequence_n be_v it_o never_o so_o well_o deduce_v so_o long_o as_o they_o hold_v not_o that_o consequence_n and_o if_o calvin_n argue_v as_o he_o do_v from_o that_o absurdity_n it_o be_v not_o that_o he_o think_v they_o ought_v to_o adore_v because_o they_o believe_v consubstantiation_n but_o rather_o to_o let_v they_o see_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o believe_v it_o since_o they_o do_v not_o adore_v it_o and_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v the_o argument_n be_v not_o unanswerable_a for_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o as_o prince_n when_o ●●ey_n be_v in_o any_o place_n incognito_o even_o though_o they_o be_v know_v yet_o their_o be_v incognito_o show_v that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v that_o respect_v pay_v they_o which_o be_v otherwise_o due_a to_o they_o so_o that_o christ_n be_v present_a in_o a_o invisible_a manner_n be_v not_o to_o be_v adore_v i_o shall_v not_o determine_v whether_o the_o argument_n or_o the_o answer_n be_v strong_a yet_o this_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o upon_o so_o dubious_a a_o consequence_n it_o be_v a_o very_a unreasonable_a cruelty_n to_o deny_v the_o hold_a communion_n with_o those_o that_o believe_v such_o a_o presence_n though_o we_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o those_o that_o join_v adoration_n to_o it_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n to_o be_v make_v between_o the_o receive_a man_n that_o hold_v erroneous_a tenet_n to_o our_o communion_n that_o we_o believe_v be_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a and_o the_o join_v ourselves_o to_o a_o communion_n in_o which_o we_o must_v profess_v those_o very_a error_n which_o we_o condemn_v and_o by_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n must_v testify_v before_o god_n and_o the_o world_n that_o we_o believe_v that_o which_o inward_o and_o in_o our_o conscience_n we_o think_v false_a the_o former_a be_v only_o a_o tolerate_n or_o connive_v at_o the_o error_n of_o other_o without_o any_o sort_n of_o approbation_n of_o they_o whereas_o the_o other_o be_v the_o full_a and_o most_o public_a contradiction_n to_o our_o conscience_n that_o be_v possible_a 3._o as_o long_o as_o any_o error_n do_v not_o strike_v against_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o own_o that_o we_o will_v bear_v with_o they_o at_o least_o not_o oblige_v other_o especial_o the_o laity_n in_o who_o there_o be_v not_o that_o danger_n of_o spread_v they_o to_o renounce_v they_o before_o we_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o sacrament_n but_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v very_o different_a among_o who_o this_o opinion_n be_v but_o one_o of_o very_a many_o opinion_n that_o we_o think_v reverse_v the_o whole_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n of_o which_o some_o short_a hint_n be_v give_v in_o the_o remark_n upon_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o assembly_n general_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a inference_n to_o conclude_v because_o that_o we_o think_v a_o man_n can_v be_v save_v that_o believe_v the_o corporal_a presence_n therefore_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o to_o separate_v from_o their_o communion_n we_o may_v think_v man_n may_v be_v save_v though_o they_o be_v in_o some_o error_n that_o in_o we_o be_v damnable_a after_o the_o illumination_n we_o have_v have_v especial_o if_o we_o shall_v profess_v that_o we_o believe_v they_o when_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o can_v continue_v in_o their_o communion_n without_o profess_v that_o we_o believe_v those_o error_n they_o be_v to_o blame_v for_o impose_v they_o on_o we_o and_o not_o we_o for_o separate_v from_o they_o when_o they_o have_v impose_v they_o 5._o that_o which_o the_o african_a father_n object_v to_o the_o donatist_n be_v very_o pertinent_o urge_v against_o they_o who_o ground_v their_o separation_n only_o upon_o this_o that_o there_o be_v some_o corrupt_a member_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v very_o just_o cast_v back_o on_o they_o upon_o their_o receive_v the_o maximianist_n who_o they_o have_v former_o condemn_v as_o schismatic_n to_o their_o communion_n but_o it_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o we_o who_o have_v not_o separate_v from_o their_o church_n upon_o any_o such_o personal_a account_n therefore_o since_o the_o chief_a ground_n of_o our_o separation_n be_v the_o corruption_n in_o their_o worship_n and_o our_o be_v oblige_v to_o bear_v a_o share_n in_o those_o corruption_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o our_o receive_n to_o our_o communion_n those_o who_o have_v not_o corrupt_v their_o worship_n and_o come_v to_o join_v with_o we_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o that_o dispute_n between_o the_o african_a father_n and_o the_o donatist_n 6._o there_o be_v one_o thing_n in_o the_o method_n which_o we_o free_o confess_v to_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o controvert_v point_n that_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v believe_v than_o this_o of_o the_o real_a presence_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o since_o it_o have_v the_o strong_a evidence_n both_o of_o sense_n and_o reason_n against_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v believe_v it_o be_v very_o severe_a to_o prosecute_v those_o who_o can_v bring_v themselves_o to_o believe_v it_o in_o so_o extreme_a a_o manner_n as_o that_o church_n have_v do_v and_o still_o do_v upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n this_o method_n be_v so_o weak_a in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o that_o its_o be_v set_v first_o give_v no_o great_a hope_n of_o any_o thing_n extraordinary_a to_o follow_v the_o second_o method_n be_v to_o lay_v this_o before_o they_o that_o according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o their_o own_o confession_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n that_o be_v needful_a we_o ought_v always_o to_o choose_v the_o sure_a side_n now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o according_a to_o that_o decree_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o charenton_n it_o be_v indifferent_a to_o they_o whether_o one_o believe_v the_o real_a presence_n or_o whether_o they_o believe_v it_o not_o and_o we_o hold_v it_o necessary_a to_o believe_v it_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o sure_a side_n to_o believe_v it_o and_o if_o they_o can_v but_o disengage_v themselves_o a_o little_a from_o their_o prejudices_fw-la they_o will_v follow_v this_o way_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o other_o point_n in_o dispute_n mestresat_fw-la the_o minister_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o the_o church_n say_v that_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v only_o those_o that_o be_v so_o express_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n that_o no_o doubt_n can_v be_v make_v of_o they_o such_o as_o be_v the_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v obscure_a say_v he_o than_o i_o assert_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a and_o therefore_o one_o may_v be_v a_o very_a good_a christian_n without_o it_o and_o may_v have_v both_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o point_n in_o dispute_n which_o they_o maintain_v against_o we_o be_v not_o so_o clear_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o one_o can_v doubt_v concern_v they_o since_o we_o maintain_v on_o good_a ground_n that_o they_o be_v not_o there_o so_o that_o according_a to_o their_o own_o doctrine_n one_o can_v disbelieve_v they_o without_o endanger_v his_o salvation_n but_o we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a under_o the_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o will_v take_v the_o sure_a side_n they_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o we_o remark_n 1._o it_o be_v something_o odd_a to_o see_v so_o great_a a_o body_n use_v this_o logic_n that_o because_o we_o think_v a_o error_n be_v not_o damnable_a and_o such_o as_o oblige_v we_o to_o excommunicate_v all_o that_o hold_v it_o therefore_o we_o think_v it_o indifferent_a to_o believe_v it_o or_o not_o we_o judge_v it_o a_o error_n and_o while_o we_o think_v it_o so_o it_o be_v a_o lie_n for_o we_o to_o say_v that_o we_o do_v believe_v it_o and_o this_o especial_o in_o such_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v gross_o idolatrous_a by_o their_o own_o confession_n while_o we_o hold_v this_o persuasion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a that_o we_o know_v nothing_o more_o damnable_a for_o this_o be_v to_o lie_v every_o day_n to_o god_n and_o the_o world_n and_o to_o commit_v idolatry_n in_o a_o manner_n more_o absurd_a than_o the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n have_v be_v
and_o they_o be_v the_o affirmative_a and_o since_o all_o negative_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n prove_v themselves_o it_o fall_v to_o their_o share_n to_o prove_v those_o addition_n which_o they_o have_v make_v to_o our_o faith_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n 3._o though_o this_o be_v a_o sure_a maxim_n yet_o our_o plea_n be_v strong_a for_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n teach_v by_o they_o against_o the_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n as_o their_o worship_a image_n their_o no●_n drink_v all_o of_o the_o cup_n their_o worship_v of_o angel_n their_o not_o worship_v god_n in_o a_o tongue_n which_o the_o unlearned_a understand_v and_o to_o which_o they_o can_v say_v amen_n their_o set_n up_o more_o mediato●●_n between_o god_n and_o we_o than_o one_o whereas_o s._n paul_n exhort_v we_o to_o make_v prayer●_n to_o god_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v one_o mediator_n which_o show_v that_o he_o speak_v there_o his_o single_a intercession_n with_o god_n on_o our_o behalf_n 4._o we_o do_v not_o only_o build_v our_o doctrine_n upon_o some_o few_o passage_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o which_o perhaps_o a_o critical_a writer_n may_v easy_o raise_v much_o dust_n but_o upon_o that_o in_o which_o we_o can_v be_v so_o easy_o mistake_v which_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n and_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n which_o we_o believe_v be_v reverse_v in_o their_o church_n by_o the_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n that_o be_v in_o it_o 5._o as_o for_o the_o particular_n which_o they_o call_v on_o we_o to_o prove_v as_o they_o be_v very_o few_o so_o scarce_o any_o of_o they_o be_v of_o the_o great_a consequence_n the_o first_o be_v a_o speculative_a point_n about_o which_o we_o will_v never_o have_v break_v communion_n with_o they_o for_o the_o second_o that_o we_o receive_v christ_n only_o by_o faith_n if_o the_o three_o be_v true_a that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v still_o bread_n then_o that_o must_v be_v also_o true_a now_o s._n paul_n call_v it_o so_o four_o several_a time_n as_o also_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o cup_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n as_o for_o our_o deny_v purgatory_n it_o be_v a_o negative_a and_o they_o must_v prove_v it_o nor_o shall_v we_o have_v break_a communion_n for_o their_o opinion_n concern_v it_o if_o they_o have_v not_o add_v to_o that_o the_o redeem_n soul_n out_o of_o it_o with_o mass_n by_o which_o the_o worship_n be_v corrupt_v contrary_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o for_o the_o last_o in_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o many_o of_o they_o assert_v it_o we_o do_v not_o raise_v any_o controversy_n about_o it_o for_o we_o know_v that_o god_n reward_v our_o good_a work_n or_o rather_o crown_v his_o own_o grace_n in_o we_o the_o five_o method_n be_v the_o peaceable_a method_n and_o without_o dispute_v found_v on_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n which_o all_o the_o pretend_a reform_a church_n of_o france_n have_v receive_v and_o which_o have_v define_v according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o when_o there_o be_v a_o dispute_n concern_v any_o controvert_v article_n between_o two_o party_n that_o be_v both_o within_o the_o true_a church_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o that_o he_o who_o refuse_v to_o submit_v himself_o become_v guilty_a of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n now_o if_o we_o will_v run_v back_o to_o the_o time_n in_o which_o the_o dispute_n begin_v concern_v any_o article_n for_o instance_n that_o of_o the_o real_a presence_n both_o the_o party_n in_o th●_n debate_n as_o well_o the_o ancestor_n of_o those_o of_o the_o p._n r._n religion_n as_o we_o be_v in_o th●_n same_o church_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o before_o the_o separation_n which_o be_v not_o then_o make_v then_o their_o ancestor_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v separate_v from_o she_o on_o no_o other_o account_n but_o because_o she_o have_v condemn_v their_o sentiment_n be_v schismatic_n and_o heretic_n and_o those_o who_o at_o this_o day_n succeed_v they_o be_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n guilty_a since_o they_o follow_v their_o opinion_n and_o to_o this_o they_o can_v make_v no_o other_o answer_n but_o that_o which_o the_o heretic_n that_o have_v be_v condemn_v in_o all_o age_n may_v have_v make_v this_o method_n be_v prove_v in_o all_o its_o part_n in_o the_o little_a treatise_n that_o have_v be_v make_v about_o it_o remark_n it_o be_v not_o unwise_o do_v to_o call_v this_o a_o method_n that_o be_v to_o pass_v without_o dispute_n for_o it_o will_v not_o bear_v one_o and_o 1._o there_o be_v this_o difference_n between_o the_o principle_n of_o protestant_n and_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o whereas_o the_o latter_a be_v bind_v to_o justify_v whatever_o have_v be_v decree_v in_o a_o general_n council_n as_o a_o rule_n either_o of_o faith_n or_o manner_n the_o sormer_n be_v not_o so_o tie_v and_o much_o less_o be_v they_o bind_v by_o the_o decision_n of_o a_o national_a council_n though_o never_o so_o solemn_a it_o be_v natural_a for_o all_o judicatories_n to_o raise_v their_o own_o authority_n as_o high_a as_o they_o can_v and_o so_o if_o any_o synod_n have_v make_v any_o such_o declaration_n it_o lie_v on_o they_o to_o justify_v it_o but_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o who_o have_v separate_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o it_o 2._o the_o principle_n of_o protestant_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o majority_n even_o in_o a_o general_n council_n be_v that_o when_o any_o doctrine_n be_v establish_v or_o condemn_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n those_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o do_v think_v ●hat_n the_o council_n misunderstand_v the_o scripture_n be_v bind_v to_o suspect_v themselves_o a_o little_a and_o to_o review_v the_o matter_n with_o great_a application_n and_o not_o to_o adhere_v to_o their_o former_a opinion_n out_o of_o pride_n or_o obstinacy_n they_o be_v also_o bind_v to_o consider_v well_o of_o their_o opinion_n though_o they_o appear_v still_o to_o be_v true_a yet_o if_o ●hey_n be_v of_o that_o importance_n that_o the_o publish_v they_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o unless_o it_o be_v so_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v rend_v by_o they_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v require_v to_o profess_v that_o they_o believe_v opinion_n which_o they_o think_v false_a if_o t●ey_n be_v never_o so_o inconsiderable_a no_o man_n ought_v to_o go_v against_o his_o conscience_n but_o if_o a_o man_n after_o his_o strict_a inquiry_n be_v still_o persuade_v that_o a_o council_n have_v decree_v against_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o point_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o he_o must_v prefer_v god_n to_o man_n and_o follow_v the_o sound_a though_o it_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o much_o lesser_a party_n and_o if_o any_o company_n or_o synod_n of_o protestant_n have_v decree_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o this_o in_o so_o far_o they_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o protestant_a principle_n 3._o difference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v also_o between_o heresy_n and_o schism_n in_o a_o legal_a and_o a_o vulgar_a sense_n and_o what_o be_v true_o such_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n the_o sentence_n of_o a_o supreme_a court_n from_o which_o there_o lie_v no_o appeal_n make_v one_o legal_o a_o criminal_a but_o if_o he_o be_v innocent_a he_o be_v not_o the_o less_o innocent_a because_o a_o hard_a sentence_n be_v pass_v against_o he_o so_o heresy_n and_o schism_n may_v take_v their_o denomination_n from_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o national_a or_o general_a council_n but_o in_o that_o which_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o word_n that_o make_v they_o criminal_a heresy_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o obstinate_a persist_v in_o error_n contrary_a to_o divine_a revelation_n after_o one_o have_v have_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o schism_n be_v a_o ill_a ground_a separation_n from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n so_o it_o must_v be_v the_o divine_a revelation_n and_o not_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o synod_n that_o can_v prove_v one_o who_o hold_v contrary_a opinion_n to_o be_v a_o heretic_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o separation_n must_v be_v likewise_o examine_v before_o one_o can_v be_v conclude_v a_o schismatic_a 4._o though_o the_o conclusion_n and_o definition_n make_v by_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n be_v perhaps_o general_o receive_v in_o france_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o bind_v they_o up_o to_o subscribe_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v assert_v in_o that_o synod_n nor_o do_v they_o find_v their_o assent_n to_o those_o opinion_n on_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o synod_n but_o upon_o the_o
evidence_n of_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n from_o which_o they_o deduce_v they_o 5._o since_o those_o of_o that_o communion_n object_n a_o national_a synod_n to_o the_o protestant_n this_o may_v be_v turn_v back_o on_o they_o with_o great_a advantage_n in_o some_o point_n establish_v by_o council_n which_o they_o esteem_v not_o only_a general_n but_o infallible_a in_o the_o three_o council_n of_o the_o lateran_n it_o be_v decree_v that_o all_o prince_n who_o favour_a heretic_n do_v forfeit_v their_o right_n and_o a_o plenary_a indulgence_n be_v grant_v to_o all_o that_o fight_v against_o they_o in_o the_o four_o council_n at_o the_o same_o place_n it_o be_v decree_v that_o the_o pope_n may_v not_o only_o declare_v this_o forfeiture_n but_o absolve_v the_o subject_n from_o their_o oath_n of_o obedience_n and_o transfer_v their_o dominion_n upon_o other_o in_o the_o first_o council_n at_o lion_n they_o join_v with_o the_o pope_n in_o thunder_v the_o sentence_n of_o deposition_n against_o the_o emperor_n frederick_n the_o first_o which_o in_o the_o preamble_n be_v ground_v on_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n of_o which_o if_o they_o be_v the_o infallible_a expositor_n than_o this_o power_n be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o last_o p●ace_n the_o council_n of_o constance_n decree_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o safe-conduct_a be_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v to_o a_o heretic_n that_o have_v come_v to_o the_o place_n of_o judgement_n rely_v on_o it_o even_o though_o he_o will_v not_o have_v come_v without_o it_o when_o cruelty_n rebellion_n and_o treachery_n be_v thus_o decree_v in_o court_n which_o among_o they_o be_v of_o so_o sacred_a a_o authority_n it_o be_v visible_a how_o much_o gre●ter_a advantage_n we_o have_v of_o they_o in_o this_o point_n than_o any_o they_o can_v pretend_v against_o we_o 6._o for_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n i_o will_v not_o undertake_v the_o apology_n neither_o for_o their_o decree_n nor_o for_o their_o assertion_n and_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o say_v that_o how_o true_a soever_o many_o of_o their_o conclusion_n may_v be_v yet_o the_o define_n such_o mysterious_a matter_n as_o the_o order_n of_o the_o divine_a decree_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n grace_n on_o the_o will_n of_o man_n in_o so_o positive_a a_o manner_n and_o the_o impose_v their_o assertion_n on_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o their_o communion_n be_v that_o which_o many_o as_o sincere_a protestant_n as_o any_o be_v have_v ever_o dislike_v and_o condemn_v as_o a_o weaken_v the_o union_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n and_o a_o assume_v too_o much_o of_o that_o authority_n which_o we_o condemn_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o though_o they_o suppose_v that_o they_o make_v their_o definition_n upon_o the_o ground_n of_o scripture_n so_o that_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v mere_o declarative_a yet_o the_o question_n will_v still_o recur_v whether_o they_o understand_v the_o passage_n which_o they_o build_v on_o right_a or_o not_o and_o if_o they_o understand_v they_o wrong_n then_o according_a to_o protestant_a principle_n their_o decree_n have_v no_o such_o bind_a authority_n that_o the_o recede_v from_o they_o can_v make_v one_o guilty_a either_o of_o heresy_n or_o schism_n the_o six_o method_n be_v to_o show_v they_o that_o the_o roman_a church_n or_o that_o church_n which_o acknowledge_v the_o pope_n or_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n the_o successor_n of_o s._n peter_n to_o be_v her_o head_n all_o the_o world_n over_o be_v the_o true_a church_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o beside_o she_o that_o have_v that_o undoubted_a mark_n which_o be_v a_o perpetual_a visibility_n without_o interruption_n since_o christ_n time_n to_o this_o day_n this_o be_v a_o method_n common_a to_o all_o the_o catholic_n and_o be_v very_o well_o and_o brief_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o little_a treatise_n of_o the_o true_a church_n join_v to_o that_o of_o the_o peaceable_a method_n this_o be_v that_o of_o which_o s._n austin_n make_v most_o frequent_a use_n against_o the_o donatist_n and_o chief_o in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o his_o epistle_n of_o which_o the_o most_o remarkable_a passage_n relate_v to_o this_o matter_n be_v gather_v together_o by_o the_o late_a archbishop_n of_o roven_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o apology_n for_o the_o gospel_n in_o which_o he_o handle_v this_o matter_n excellent_o well_o one_o may_v add_v to_o this_o method_n the_o maxim_n of_o which_o tertullian_n make_v use_v in_o his_o treatise_n of_o prescription_n against_o the_o heretic_n and_o also_o vincentius_n lyrinensis_n in_o his_o advice_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o those_o two_o treatise_n may_v satisfy_v any_o that_o will_v read_v they_o without_o prepossession_n in_o order_n to_o their_o form_v a_o just_a judgement_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o all_o those_o society_n that_o will_v usurp_v that_o name_n remark_n this_o method_n be_v so_o common_a that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n in_o any_o sort_n to_o give_v mr._n maimbourg_n the_o honour_n of_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o the_o assembly_n intend_v to_o do_v he_o this_o public_a honour_n to_o balance_v his_o disgrace_n at_o rome_n but_o let_v we_o examine_v it_o 1._o this_o assert_n that_o no_o other_o church_n have_v a_o perpetual_a succession_n without_o interruption_n but_o that_o which_o derive_v it_o from_o rome_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o what_o every_o one_o know_v that_o mr._n maimbourg_n be_v certain_o inspire_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o order_n when_o he_o write_v it_o do_v not_o all_o the_o greek_a church_n and_o all_o the_o church_n that_o have_v their_o ordination_n from_o they_o all_o from_o the_o northern_a empire_n of_o muscovy_n to_o the_o southern_a of_o the_o abassine_n together_o with_o all_o those_o in_o the_o east_n derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n by_o a_o uninterrupted_a series_n for_o till_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v prove_v which_o be_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n their_o be_v declare_v schismatic_n or_o heretic_n by_o it_o do_v not_o interrupt_v this_o succession_n 2._o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v the_o same_o succession_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v in_o gregory_n the_o great_a be_v time_n to_o wave_v the_o more_o ancient_a pretension_n of_o the_o british_a church_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o this_o church_n be_v bind_v by_o one_o of_o their_o sponsion_n make_v at_o their_o consecration_n according_a to_o the_o roman_a pontifical_a to_o instruct_v their_o flock_n in_o the_o true_a faith_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o make_v good_a this_o promise_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v pretend_v that_o they_o have_v thereupon_o forfeit_v their_o order_n and_o by_o consequence_n their_o succession_n 3._o the_o succession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v uninterrupted_a if_o either_o heresy_n or_o schism_n can_v cut_v it_o off_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o felix_n liberius_n and_o honorius_n to_o name_v no_o more_o be_v heretic_n and_o if_o ordination_n by_o schismatic_n or_o unlawful_a usurper_n be_v to_o be_v annul_v which_o be_v judge_v in_o the_o case_n of_o photius_n and_o be_v often_o practise_v at_o rome_n than_o the_o many_o schism_n and_o unjust_a usurpation_n that_o have_v be_v in_o that_o see_v will_v make_v the_o succession_n of_o their_o order_n the_o most_o disputable_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v especial_o during_o that_o schism_n that_o last_v almost_o forty_o year_n all_o the_o church_n of_o that_o communion_n have_v derive_v their_o order_n from_o one_o or_o other_o of_o the_o pope_n and_o if_o the_o pope_n at_o avignon_n be_v the_o usurper_n then_o let_v the_o gallican_n church_n see_v how_o they_o can_v justify_v the_o series_n of_o their_o ordination_n to_o all_o which_o may_v be_v add_v the_o impossibility_n of_o prove_v a_o true_a succession_n in_o order_n if_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrament_n depend_v on_o the_o intention_n of_o he_o who_o officiate_n since_o secret_a intention_n be_v only_o know_v to_o god_n 4._o the_o ground_n on_o which_o the_o donatist_n separate_v from_o the_o orthodox_n church_n be_v at_o first_o found_v on_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v of_o the_o pretend_a irregularity_n of_o those_o who_o ordain_v cecilian_n which_o they_o afterward_o defend_v upon_o this_o that_o the_o church_n can_v be_v only_o compose_v of_o good_a man_n and_o that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v of_o no_o virtue_n when_o dispense_v by_o ill_a hand_n all_o that_o s._n austin_n say_v be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o this_o hypothesis_n against_o which_o he_o argue_v and_o it_o be_v once_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o corrupt_v neither_o in_o doctrine_n nor_o worship_n we_o be_v very_o ready_a
to_o subscribe_v to_o every_o expression_n of_o he_o and_o do_v free_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o make_v a_o rent_n in_o a_o church_n that_o be_v pure_a both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n upon_o any_o particular_a or_o personal_a account_n be_v a_o sin_n that_o can_v be_v sufficient_o detest_v and_o condemn_v i_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a discussion_n of_o every_o passage_n of_o s._n augustine_n but_o if_o in_o some_o he_o seem_v to_o go_v too_o far_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v only_o offer_v two_o general_a consideration_n concern_v these_o the_o first_o be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n with_o lawyer_n that_o general_a word_n in_o law_n be_v to_o be_v restrict_v to_o the_o preamble_n and_o chief_a design_n of_o these_o law_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a of_o law_n that_o be_v common_o pen_v with_o more_o coldness_n and_o upon_o great_a deliberation_n it_o be_v much_o more_o applicable_a to_o warm_a discourse_n where_o the_o heat_n of_o contradiction_n and_o the_o zeal_n of_o a_o writer_n make_v that_o thing_n be_v of●en_o aggravate_v and_o carry_v too_o far_o but_o still_o all_o those_o expression_n be_v to_o ●e_v mollify_v and_o restrict_v to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o debate_n therefore_o those_o expression_n of_o s._n augustine_n suppose_v that_o the_o church_n be_v still_o sound_a in_o her_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o that_o hypothesis_n the_o second_o be_v that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o urge_v these_o passage_n on_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o s._n a●stin_n in_o the_o dispute_v about_o grace_n and_o original_a sin_n be_v carry_v too_o far_o though_o those_o be_v the_o subject_n on_o which_o he_o employ_v his_o late_a year_n with_o the_o great_a application_n if_o then_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o he_o write_v too_o warm_o against_o the_o pelagian_n and_o in_o that_o heat_n advance_v some_o proposition_n that_o need_v a_o fair_a construction_n be_v it_o unreasonable_a for_o we_o to_o say_v that_o he_o may_v have_v do_v the_o same_o write_v against_o the_o donatist_n 5._o as_o for_o tertullian_n he_o that_o may_v have_v converse_v with_o many_o that_o can_v have_v know_v s._n pol●carp_n who_o be_v both_o instruct_v and_o ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o he_o may_v have_v be_v the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o conveyance_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o the_o apostle_n have_v leave_v in_o write_v can_v reasonable_o argue_v as_o he_o do_v against_o the_o heretic_n but_o certain_o no_o man_n that_o consider_v the_o distance_n we_o live_v at_o from_o those_o age_n and_o the_o many_o accident_n that_o have_v so_o often_o change_v the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n can_v think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o argue_v upon_o that_o ground_n now_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o bring_v many_o citatious_a out_o of_o that_o very_a book_n of_o tertullia_n to_o show_v that_o he_o ground_v his_o faith_n only_o on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n how_o much_o soever_o he_o may_v argue_v from_o other_o topic_n against_o the_o heretic_n of_o his_o time_n who_o indeed_o be_v bring_v in_o a_o new_a gospel_n into_o the_o world_n we_o willing_o receive_v the_o character_n that_o vincentius_n lyrinensis_n give_v of_o tradition_n that_o what_o the_o church_n have_v at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n receive_v be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o join_v issue_n upon_o this_o and_o when_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o church_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n have_v teach_v the_o worship_v of_o image_n the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n the_o adore_v the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o divide_n of_o it_o with_o many_o more_o particular_n we_o will_v yield_v the_o whole_a cause_n and_o confess_v that_o we_o have_v make_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n the_o seven_o method_n be_v to_o let_v they_o see_v that_o those_o who_o at_o first_o pretend_v to_o reform_v the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v among_o we_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o mission_n either_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a to_o bring_v we_o any_o other_o doctrine_n but_o that_o which_o be_v then_o teach_v and_o that_o by_o consequence_n none_o ought_v to_o believe_v they_o since_o they_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o preach_v as_o they_o do_v how_o can_v they_o preach_v if_o they_o be_v not_o send_v this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a method_n that_o put_v the_o minister_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o prove_v their_o mission_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o they_o can_v never_o do_v this_o cut_v off_o all_o dispute_n and_o be_v one_o of_o the_o method_n of_o cardinal_n richelieu_n remark_n 1._o if_o the_o first_o reformer_n have_v deliver_v a_o new_a doctrine_n which_o be_v never_o former_o teach_v it_o have_v be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o have_v have_v a_o very_a extraordinary_a mission_n and_o to_o have_v confirm_v it_o by_o very_o extraordinary_a 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up_o by_o the_o earth_n ibid._n so_o that_o by_o this_o diversity_n of_o the_o punishment_n one_o may_v know_v that_o schism_n be_v a_o great_a crime_n than_o idolatry_n we_o may_v likewise_o see_v how_o upon_o the_o same_o subject_n he_o exhort_v the_o donatist_n to_o renounce_v their_o wicked_a schism_n in_o his_o ●71_n epistle_n in_o which_o among_o other_o thing_n he_o have_v those_o excellent_a word_n 171._o why_o will_v you_o tear_v the_o lord_n garment_n and_o why_o will_v you_o not_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n leave_v that_o coat_n of_o charity_n entire_a that_o be_v all_o weave_v of_o one_o thread_n which_o even_o his_o persecutor_n themselves_o will_v not_o rend_v and_o a_o little_a after_o this_o you_o pretend_v that_o you_o will_v avoid_v that_o cockle_n that_o as_o you_o allege_v be_v mix_v among_o we_o and_o that_o before_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n whereas_o indeed_o it_o be_v you_o yourselves_o that_o be_v this_o cockle_n for_o if_o you_o be_v the_o good_a 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true_a than_o our_o separation_n from_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a a_o duty_n as_o be_v the_o preserve_n of_o our_o life_n from_o poison_n or_o infectious_a disease_n 4._o the_o true_a scope_n of_o that_o parable_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o reproof_n to_o the_o violence_n of_o such_o churchman_n as_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o condemn_v and_o pluck_v up_o every_o thing_n that_o they_o think_v to_o be_v cockle_n and_o when_o the_o declare_v what_o be_v cockle_n be_v lodge_v with_o they_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o count_v every_o thing_n such_o that_o do_v not_o please_v they_o and_o then_o that_o same_o heat_n that_o make_v they_o judge_v those_o opinion_n to_o be_v cockle_n set_v they_o on_o to_o root_v they_o out_o with_o such_o violence_n that_o much_o good_a wheat_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v pluck_v up_o therefore_o to_o repress_v this_o our_o saviour_n command_v they_o under_o that_o figure_n to_o let_v both_o grow_v till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v not_o to_o proceed_v to_o extremity_n and_o to_o rigorous_a method_n but_o to_o leave_v that_o to_o god_n who_o will_v judge_v all_o at_o the_o last_o day_n if_o this_o be_v well_o consider_v it_o will_v put_v a_o effectual_a stop_n to_o that_o spirit_n of_o persecution_n which_o ferment_n so_o violent_o in_o that_o church_n the_o language_n of_o which_o be_v always_o this_o let_v u●_n go_v and_o pluck_v up_o the_o tare_n or_o that_o of_o the_o two_o disciple_n who_o will_v have_v call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n and_o because_o heaven_n will_v not_o answer_v such_o bloody_a demand_n they_o try_v to_o raise_v such_o fire_n on_o earth_n as_o may_v burn_v up_o those_o who_o they_o call_v the_o tare_n not_o know_v what_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n be_v and_o that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o and_o forget_v that_o our_o saviour_n command_v they_o to_o let_v the_o tare_n grow_v till_o the_o harvest_n but_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o mischief_n that_o follow_v the_o humour_n of_o expound_v the_o scripture_n fanciful_o that_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o clear_a text_n be_v neglect_v while_o force_v and_o allegorical_a exposition_n be_v pursue_v 5._o when_o it_o be_v clear_o prove_v that_o the_o majority_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a than_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v that_o all_o separation_n from_o they_o be_v simple_o unlawful_a but_o till_o that_o be_v do_v we_o can_v no_o more_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n when_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o withdraw_v from_o such_o false_a teacher_n as_o corrupt_v it_o then_o it_o be_v for_o common_a subject_n to_o refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o subordinate_a magistrate_n when_o they_o clear_o perceive_v that_o they_o have_v revolt_v from_o their_o duty_n to_o their_o supreme_a authority_n and_o since_o we_o be_v warn_v to_o beware_v of_o false_a teacher_n we_o know_v no_o other_o way_n to_o judge_v of_o they_o but_o the_o compare_v their_o doctrine_n with_o that_o which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n the_o fourteen_o method_n be_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o former_a in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o must_v ask_v the_o calvinist_n upon_o all_o their_o article_n that_o which_o apparuit_fw-la s._n austin_n ask_v of_o the_o donatist_n when_o the_o church_n reconcile_v to_o her self_o heretic_n that_o be_v penitent_a without_o rebaptising_a they_o for_o example_n whether_o be_v the_o church_n still_o a_o true_a church_n or_o not_o when_o before_o the_o schism_n be_v make_v jesus_n christ_n be_v adore_v in_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n if_o she_o be_v the_o true_a church_n than_o none_o ought_v to_o have_v separate_v from_o she_o for_o any_o practice_n that_o be_v authorize_v by_o she_o 2._o if_o she_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n from_o whence_o come_v calvin_n out_o of_o what_o soil_n do_v he_o grow_v or_o out_o of_o what_o sea_n be_v he_o cast_v or_o from_o which_o of_o the_o heaven_n do_v he_o fall_v from_o whence_o be_v these_o reformer_n come_v from_o who_o have_v they_o receive_v their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o authority_n to_o preach_v it_o ibid._n let_v those_o who_o follow_v they_o consider_v well_o where_o they_o be_v since_o they_o can_v mount_v no_o high_o than_o to_o those_o for_o their_o original_a for_o we_o we_o be_v secure_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n in_o which_o that_o be_v to_o this_o day_n universal_o practise_v that_o be_v also_o practise_v before_o agripinus_n be_v time_n and_o also_o in_o the_o interval_n between_o cyprian_a and_o agripinus_n and_o afterward_o he_o subjoin_v these_o excellent_a word_n that_o be_v decisive_n ibid._n but_o neither_o do_v agripinus_n nor_o cyprian_a nor_o those_o that_o have_v follow_v they_o though_o they_o
have_v opinion_n different_a from_o other_o separate_z themselves_z from_o they_o but_o remain_v in_o the_o communion_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o those_o from_o who_o they_o differ_v that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o wait_v till_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v decide_v the_o difference_n and_o after_o he_o have_v resume_v a_o little_a of_o what_o he_o have_v former_o say_v he_o conclude_v thus_o bapti●mo_n if_o then_o the_o church_n be_v lose_v for_o hold_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o heretic_n be_v good_a they_o can_v show_v the_o original_a of_o their_o communion_n but_o if_o the_o true_a church_n do_v still_o subsist_v they_o can_v justify_v their_o separation_n nor_o the_o schism_n that_o they_o have_v make_v one_o may_v say_v all_o this_o against_o the_o waldenses_n the_o lutheran_n the_o calvinist_n and_o the_o other_o heretic_n who_o can_v mount_v high_a than_o to_o waldo_n to_o luther_n to_o calvin_n or_o their_o other_o head_n this_o method_n of_o s._n augustine_n be_v most_o excellent_a but_o if_o our_o brethren_n the_o pretend_a reform_a will_v defend_v themselves_o by_o say_v as_o in_o effect_n they_o do_v say_v in_o some_o of_o their_o book_n that_o it_o be_v not_o they_o who_o make_v the_o separation_n but_o rather_o that_o it_o come_v from_o we_o and_o that_o we_o have_v cut_v they_o off_o from_o our_o communion_n to_o this_o it_o must_v be_v answer_v that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o separation_n the_o one_o be_v criminal_a the_o other_o be_v judicial_a in_o the_o first_o one_o separate_v himself_o from_o his_o pastor_n by_o a_o manifest_a disobedience_n in_o the_o second_o the_o pastor_n separate_v he_o from_o the_o flock_n who_o be_v make_v a_o party_n and_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n the_o one_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o the_o other_o be_v the_o punishment_n the_o one_o be_v a_o voluntary_a departure_n the_o other_o be_v the_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o a_o sentence_n even_o as_o the_o judge_n pronounce_v a_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n against_o one_o that_o have_v kill_v himself_o the_o proof_n of_o those_o two_o different_a separation_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o thirty_o eight_o letter_n of_o s._n cyprian_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o one_o augendus_n who_o have_v go_v over_o to_o the_o party_n of_o felicissimus_n the_o deacon_n and_o it_o appear_v that_o that_o great_a saint_n have_v suspend_v and_o excommunicate_v he_o for_o have_v withdraw_v himself_o from_o his_o obedience_n and_o for_o have_v engage_v other_o in_o the_o same_o separation_n 76._o let_v every_o one_o say_v he_o that_o have_v folfollowed_a his_o opinion_n and_o faction_n know_v that_o he_o shall_v communicate_v no_o more_o with_o we_o in_o the_o church_n since_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n he_o have_v choose_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n in_o his_o seventy_o six_o epistle_n he_o say_v the_o same_o thing_n of_o novatian_n and_o those_o who_o have_v join_v with_o he_o in_o his_o revolt_n because_o they_o leave_v the_o church_n by_o their_o rebellion_n and_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v endeavour_v to_o establish_v their_o authority_n and_o to_o assume_v a_o supreme_a jurisdiction_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o usurp_v power_n to_o baptise_v and_o to_o offer_v sacrifice_n this_o distinction_n be_v also_o clear_o state_v in_o the_o four_o action_n of_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n where_o those_o two_o ancient_a canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n that_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o canon_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v cite_v the_o first_o be_v concern_v those_o that_o be_v separate_v the_o other_o be_v concern_v those_o who_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n do_v separate_v themselves_o the_o greek_a be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d age_n it_o be_v think_v proper_a for_o this_o purpose_n to_o transcribe_v here_o those_o two_o canon_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n with_o regard_n to_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n who_o she_o throw_v out_o of_o her_o bosom_n and_o who_o have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o she_o these_o canon_n be_v the_o four_o and_o five_o of_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n and_o the_o twenty_o seven_o and_o thirty_o of_o the_o apostolic_a canon_n and_o the_o pretend_a reform_a can_v reject_v their_o authority_n since_o they_o observe_v among_o themselves_o the_o same_o discipline_n when_o any_o particular_a person_n whether_o minister_n or_o other_o of_o their_o communion_n will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o decision_n of_o their_o synod_n remark_n 1._o for_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o this_o method_n the_o reform_a be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o it_o for_o they_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v still_o a_o true_a church_n and_o that_o her_o baptism_n and_o ordination_n be_v valid_a and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v repeat_v and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v very_o pertinent_a to_o urge_v the_o donatist_n as_o s._n austin_n do_v who_o hold_v that_o the_o sacrament_n in_o a_o ill_a man_n hand_n have_v no_o virtue_n at_o all_o and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v every_o where_o fail_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n but_o that_o which_o be_v among_o they_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v foreign_a to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o we_o do_v free_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o such_o a_o matter_n as_o the_o rebaptising_a heretic_n it_o have_v be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n to_o have_v break_a communion_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o yet_o upon_o this_o very_a head_n p._n s●ephen_n do_v excommunicate_v s._n cyprian_a who_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o do_v not_o depart_v from_o his_o former_a opinion_n or_o practice_n so_o here_o be_v such_o a_o schism_n as_o they_o object_n to_o we_o s._n cyprian_n think_v the_o rebaptise_v heretic_n be_v well_o ground_v stephen_n think_v otherwise_o and_o do_v excommunicate_v he_o if_o upon_o that_o a_o last_a schism_n have_v follow_v in_o the_o church_n s._n cyprian_n may_v have_v be_v hold_v the_o fountain_n of_o it_o by_o those_o who_o condemn_v his_o opinion_n but_o if_o his_o opinion_n be_v true_a he_o can_v be_v no_o schismatic_a so_o we_o desire_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o separation_n may_v be_v examine_v if_o they_o will_v not_o bear_v such_o a_o superstructure_n we_o confess_v we_o deserve_v the_o severe_a censure_n possible_a but_o if_o they_o be_v solid_a than_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o rent_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n must_v lie_v somewhere_o else_o than_o on_o we_o 3._o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o separation_n which_o be_v here_o very_o well_o distinguish_v and_o without_o seek_v for_o any_o proof_n in_o so_o clear_a a_o matter_n we_o confess_v that_o when_o any_o separate_v himself_o from_o the_o church_n upon_o any_o unjustifiable_a account_n those_o canon_n and_o the_o high_a severity_n of_o church-censure_n ought_v to_o be_v apply_v ●o_o they_o but_o all_o this_o be_v upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o departure_n be_v ill_o ground_v and_o therefore_o all_o those_o rule_n that_o have_v be_v ●aid_v down_o in_o general_a against_o heresy_n and_o schism_n must_v still_o suppose_v the_o church_n to_o ●e_v pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a 4._o it_o be_v plain_a by_o these_o very_a canon_n how_o much_o that_o power_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v and_o be_v abuse_v the_o council_n of_o antioch_n be_v compose_v of_o the_o favourer_n of_o arius_n depose_v athanasius_n and_o resolve_v to_o silence_v he_o and_o such_o other_o churchman_n as_o receive_v the_o nicene_n doctrine_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o withstand_v their_o design_n and_o therefore_o they_o make_v those_o canon_n according_a to_o former_a custom_n which_o in_o the_o stile_n of_o that_o age_n be_v call_v the_o canon_n or_o rule_n for_o none_o that_o have_v consider_v thing_n will_v believe_v that_o the_o canon_n that_o be_v call_v apostolical_a be_v make_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o chief_a design_n be_v level_v against_o athanasius_n and_o the_o orthodox_n party_n but_o at_o that_o same_o time_n as_o the_o orthodox_n in_o the_o east_n do_v not_o submit_v to_o this_o so_o nei●her_n do_v the_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d the_o west_n take_v any_o notice_n of_o it_o an●_n chrysostome_n who_o be_v breed_v up_o at_o a●tioch_n and_o so_o can_v not_o but_o know_v in_o what_o esteem_n those_o canon_n be_v hold_v do_v not_o look_v on_o himself_o as_o bind_v by_o they_o an●_n make_v no_o account_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v object_v to_o he_o thus_o though_o i●_n general_a these_o be_v goo●_n rule_n and_o such_o a●_n ought_v to_o be_v obey_v where_o the_o synod_n or_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o abuse_v their_o power_n yet_o
which_o we_o have_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v among_o those_o church_n such_o as_o the_o adore_v the_o consecrate_a element_n the_o deny_v the_o wine_n to_o the_o people_n the_o say_n mass_n for_o redeem_v soul_n out_o of_o purgatory_n the_o have_v image_n for_o the_o trinity_n the_o immediate_a invocation_n of_o saint_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o those_o blessing_n which_o we_o receive_v only_o from_o god_n beside_o a_o infinite_a variety_n of_o other_o thing_n not_o to_o mention_v their_o deny_v the_o pope_n authority_n and_o to_o turn_v this_o argument_n on_o they_o those_o part_n of_o their_o worship_n in_o which_o they_o differ_v so_o much_o from_o the_o eastern_a church_n do_v afford_v we_o very_o good_a argument_n to_o evince_v that_o they_o be_v innovation_n bring_v in_o since_o these_o age_n in_o which_o those_o church_n hold_v communion_n with_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o do_v prove_v that_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o separation_n they_o be_v not_o introduce_v in_o the_o western_a church_n for_o when_o we_o find_v such_o a_o keenness_n of_o dispute_n concern_v one_o of_o the_o most_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o whether_o the_o sacrament_n shall_v be_v of_o leaven_a or_o unleavened_a bread_n can_v we_o think_v that_o if_o the_o latin_n have_v then_o worship_v the_o sacrament_n they_o have_v not_o much_o rather_o have_v object_v to_o the_o greek_n their_o irreverence_n upon_o so_o high_a a_o occasion_n than_o have_v insist_v on_o the_o matter_n of_o unleavened_a bread_n as_o for_o the_o conclusion_n we_o do_v acknowledge_v it_o be_v such_o as_o become_v a_o assembly_n of_o bishop_n but_o whether_o it_o become_v man_n of_o their_o character_n of_o their_o birth_n and_o of_o their_o quality_n to_o pretend_v to_o such_o gentleness_n and_o meekness_n when_o all_o the_o world_n see_v such_o notorious_a proof_n give_v to_o the_o contrary_a i_o shall_v not_o determine_v but_o will_v leave_v it_o to_o their_o own_o second_o thought_n to_o consider_v better_o of_o it_o we_o find_v both_o the_o king_n and_o the_o clergy_n of_o france_n express_v great_a tenderness_n towards_o the_o person_n of_o those_o they_o call_v heretic_n togetherwith_o their_o resolution_n of_o gain_v they_o only_o by_o the_o method_n of_o persuasion_n and_o charity_n and_o yet_o the_o contrary_n be_v practise_v in_o so_o many_o part_n of_o france_n that_o consider_v the_o exact_a obedience_n that_o the_o inferior_a officer_n pay_v to_o the_o order_n that_o be_v send_v they_o from_o the_o court_n we_o must_v conclude_v these_o order_n be_v procure_v from_o the_o king_n without_o his_o be_v right_o inform_v concern_v they_o and_o since_o we_o must_v either_o doubt_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o king_n declaration_n or_o of_o the_o assembly_n we_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o take_v it_o ill_o if_o we_o pay_v that_o reverence_n to_o a_o crown_a head_n and_o to_o so_o illustrious_a a_o monarch_n as_o to_o prefer_v he_o in_o the_o competition_n between_o his_o credit_n and_o they_o and_o they_o must_v forgive_v we_o if_o we_o stand_v in_o some_o doubt_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o this_o declaration_n till_o we_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o by_o more_o infallible_a proof_n than_o word_n or_o general_a protestation_n the_o conclusion_n thus_o i_o have_v make_v such_o remark_n on_o these_o method_n as_o seem_v both_o just_a and_o solid_a i_o have_v advance_v no_o assertion_n either_o of_o fact_n or_o right_o concern_v which_o i_o be_o not_o well_o assure_v and_o which_o i_o can_v justify_v by_o a_o much_o large_a series_n of_o proof_n than_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o bring_v into_o a_o discourse_n which_o i_o intend_v shall_v be_v as_o short_a as_o be_v possible_a but_o if_o that_o be_v necessary_a and_o i_o be_o call_v on_o to_o do_v it_o i_o shall_v not_o decline_v it_o i_o have_v with_o great_a care_n avoid_v the_o say_v any_o thing_n mere_o for_o contention_n sake_n or_o to_o make_v up_o a_o muster_n of_o many_o particular_n for_o i_o look_v on_o that_o way_n in_o which_o many_o write_v for_o a_o cause_n as_o some_o advocate_n plead_v for_o their_o client_n by_o allege_v every_o thing_n that_o may_v make_v a_o show_n or_o bias_n a_o unwary_a hearer_n as_o very_o unbecoming_a the_o profession_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o the_o cause_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o assert_v and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n that_o show_v a_o man_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n he_o maintain_v more_o evident_o than_o a_o sincere_a way_n of_o defend_v it_o for_o great_a subtlety_n and_o deep_a fetch_n do_v natural_o incline_v a_o reader_n to_o suspect_v that_o the_o writer_n be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o cause_n and_o be_v therefore_o resolve_v to_o supply_v those_o defect_n by_o the_o quickness_n and_o nimbleness_n of_o his_o part_n but_o have_v now_o say_v what_o i_o think_v sufficient_a in_o the_o way_n of_o remark_n 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employ_v than_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o priest_n have_v be_v often_o guilty_a of_o the_o base_a imposture_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a indication_n that_o any_o sort_n of_o they_o that_o make_v this_o the_o first_o and_o grand_a principle_n which_o they_o infuse_v into_o their_o follower_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v every_o thing_n that_o the_o majority_n of_o themselves_o decree_n and_o do_v therefore_o recommend_v ignorance_n and_o implicit_a obedience_n to_o their_o people_n and_o keep_v the_o scripture_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n all_o they_o can_v and_o wrap_v up_o their_o worship_n in_o a_o language_n not_o understand_v by_o the_o vulgar_a be_v not_o to_o be_v too_o easy_o believe_v but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v just_o suspect_v of_o have_v no_o sincere_a design_n since_o truth_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o light_n and_o religion_n be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o to_o raise_v our_o understanding_n 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that_o of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o s._n peter_n jeremiah_n the_o prophet_n be_v set_v over_o kingdom_n to_o root_v out_o to_o pluck_v up_o and_o destroy_v and_o that_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v give_v to_o chr●st_v and_o his_o bid_n his_o disciple_n to_o buy_v a_o sword_n we_o must_v look_v on_o this_o as_o the_o declare_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o it_o must_v either_o be_v confess_v that_o they_o be_v not_o faithful_a conveyor_n of_o it_o or_o that_o this_o be_v true_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o have_v be_v do_v so_o often_o these_o last_o six_o hundred_o year_n that_o it_o be_v a_o needless_a impose_v on_o the_o reader_n patience_n to_o go_v about_o the_o prove_v it_o the_o three_o indication_n of_o tradition_n be_v the_o declaration_n make_v by_o synod_n but_o chief_o by_o general_a council_n i_o need_v not_o here_o mention_v the_o many_o roman_a synod_n that_o have_v concur_v with_o the_o pope_n in_o the_o deposition_n which_o they_o thunder_v out_o against_o king_n or_o emperor_n since_o we_o have_v great_a authority_n confirm_v it_o 28._o the_o three_o council_n of_o lateran_n declare_v that_o all_o prince_n that_o favour_a heresy_n fall_v from_o their_o dominion_n and_o they_o grant_v a_o plenary_a indulgence_n to_o all_o that_o fight_v against_o they_o 3._o the_o four_o council_n of_o the_o lateran_n vest_v the_o pope_n with_o the_o power_n of_o give_v away_o their_o dominion_n if_o they_o continue_v for_o a_o year_n obstinate_a in_o that_o their_o merciful_a disposition_n of_o not_o extirpate_v heretic_n the_o first_o council_n of_o lion_n concur_v with_o the_o pope_n in_o the_o deposition_n of_o the_o emperor_n frederick_n the_o second_o which_o be_v ground_v in_o the_o preamble_n on_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v give_v to_o s._n peter_n after_o these_o come_v the_o council_n of_o constance_n 19_o and_o they_o reckon_v themselves_o superior_a to_o the_o pope_n look_v on_o this_o as_o a_o power_n inherent_a in_o the_o church_n and_o so_o assume_v it_o to_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o put_v this_o sanction_n in_o many_o of_o their_o decree_n particular_o in_o that_o for_o maintain_v the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o passport_n they_o grant_v which_o have_v be_v often_o add_v in_o the_o bull_n that_o confirm_v the_o foundation_n of_o monastery_n that_o if_o any_o whether_o he_o be_v emperor_n king_n or_o of_o what_o dignity_n soever_o he_o may_v be_v oppose_v their_o order_n he_o shall_v thereby_o forfeit_v his_o dignity_n the_o council_n of_o sienna_n confirm_v all_o decree_n against_o heretic_n and_o the_o favourer_n of_o they_o that_o have_v be_v make_v in_o any_o former_a council_n and_o by_o consequence_n those_o of_o the_o three_o and_o four_o council_n in_o the_o lateran_n the_o council_n of_o basil_n put_v
as_o that_o without_o which_o we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o faith_n but_o if_o this_o be_v true_a then_o into_o what_o desperate_a scruple_n must_v all_o man_n fall_v for_o the_o resolution_n of_o their_o faith_n turn_v to_o that_o which_o can_v never_o be_v so_o much_o as_o make_v probable_a much_o less_o certain_a the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n depend_v on_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n none_o can_v know_v who_o be_v true_o baptise_a or_o ordain_v and_o who_o be_v not_o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v much_o doubt_v but_o that_o many_o profane_a priest_n may_v have_v in_o a_o sort_n of_o wanton_a malice_n put_v their_o intention_n on_o purpose_n cross_v to_o the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o impiety_n of_o a_o atheistical_a churchman_n be_v the_o most_o extravagant_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o this_o what_o evidence_n can_v they_o give_v of_o the_o canonical_a ordination_n of_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n the_o first_o link_n of_o that_o chain_n be_v so_o entangle_v that_o it_o be_v no_o small_a difficulty_n to_o find_v out_o who_o first_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n and_o it_o be_v not_o certain_o know_v who_o suceee_v they_o afterward_o for_o some_o few_o catalogue_n gather_v up_o perhaps_o from_o report_n by_o historian_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o violent_a presumption_n if_o we_o consider_v succession_n only_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o order_n in_o which_o we_o go_v on_o without_o scrupulosity_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v a_o reasonable_a man_n but_o if_o we_o think_v it_o indispensable_a both_o for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrament_n than_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v any_o certainty_n of_o faith_n all_o must_v be_v sound_v on_o conjecture_n or_o probability_n at_o most_o it_o be_v but_o of_o late_a that_o formal_a instrument_n be_v make_v of_o ordination_n or_o that_o those_o be_v careful_o preserve_v and_o 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