the_o two_o pretend_v pope_n be_v true_o choose_v it_o must_v also_o be_v clear_v in_o what_o form_n he_o be_v to_o proceed_v when_o infallibility_n accompany_v his_o decision_n whether_o he_o may_v proceed_v upon_o his_o own_o sense_n or_o with_o the_o advice_n of_o other_o and_o who_o these_o must_v be_v and_o what_o solemnity_n in_o the_o publication_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v he_o speak_v ex_fw-la cathedra_fw-la here_o a_o great_a variety_n of_o difficulty_n arise_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o clear_v to_o we_o before_o we_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o so_o great_a a_o point_n as_o his_o infallibility_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v these_o thing_n make_v out_o by_o a_o divine_a authority_n for_o if_o christ_n have_v make_v a_o special_a grant_n of_o infallibility_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n no_o form_n nor_o rule_n invent_v by_o man_n can_v limit_v that_o these_o may_v be_v rule_v agree_v on_o as_o fit_a to_o be_v observe_v but_o after_o all_o if_o a_o pope_n be_v infallible_a by_o a_o commission_n from_o jesus_n christ_n he_o must_v be_v believe_v infallible_a though_o he_o shall_v break_v through_o all_o those_o form_n that_o man_n have_v only_o invent_v it_o remain_v then_o that_o we_o consider_v those_o proof_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o confirm_v this_o since_o without_o very_o good_a one_o it_o be_v extreme_a unreasonable_a to_o urge_v such_o a_o point_n or_o to_o expect_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v submit_v to_o here_o all_o that_o be_v say_v former_o against_o prove_v this_o matter_n from_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v remember_v but_o wave_v that_o in_o this_o place_n the_o passage_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v formal_a for_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v bring_v to_o support_v the_o papal_a authority_n for_o if_o great_a power_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v any_o where_o else_o than_o they_o must_v be_v find_v in_o he_o he_o be_v the_o church-representative_a but_o this_o be_v a_o absurd_a imagination_n unless_o they_o can_v show_v we_o that_o god_n have_v lodge_v that_o representation_n in_o that_o see_n as_o for_o that_o of_o 18._o st._n matthew_n 17._o for_o tell_v the_o church_n and_o that_o such_o as_o do_v not_o hear_v it_o shall_v be_v to_o we_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o these_o word_n bare_o in_o themselves_o and_o as_o separate_v from_o all_o that_o go_v before_o seem_v to_o speak_v out_o all_o that_o they_o plead_v for_o but_o when_o the_o occasion_n of_o they_o and_o the_o manner_n that_o govern_v they_o be_v consider_v nothing_o be_v plain_a that_o our_o saviour_n be_v here_o speak_v only_o of_o such_o quarrelling_n and_o difference_n as_o may_v happen_v to_o fall_v out_o among_o christian_n who_o be_v by_o these_o word_n oblige_v to_o try_v all_o amicable_a way_n of_o settle_v they_o first_o by_o private_a endeavour_n then_o by_o the_o interposition_n of_o friend_n and_o final_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o body_n or_o church_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v prevail_v on_o by_o those_o method_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v no_o true_a christian_n but_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o heathen_n or_o as_o very_o bad_a man_n they_o may_v upon_o that_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o prosecute_v afterward_o in_o civil_a court_n since_o they_o have_v no_o right_a any_o more_o to_o the_o tenderness_n and_o charity_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o exposition_n have_v a_o fair_a appearance_n and_o look_n like_o be_v true_a to_o say_v no_o more_o at_o present_a for_o that_o be_v enough_o according_a to_o what_o be_v former_o lay_v down_o since_o the_o proof_n of_o such_o a_o matter_n as_o this_o be_v aught_o to_o be_v full_a and_o home_o this_o seem_v to_o look_v more_o favourable_a towards_o the_o way_n of_o the_o congregational_a church_n in_o which_o the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o the_o brotherhood_n govern_v all_o their_o concern_v but_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o by_o a_o hint_n seem_v to_o favour_v the_o pretension_n either_o of_o pope_n or_o council_n that_o character_n of_o the_o church_n give_v by_o st._n paul_n that_o it_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n be_v a_o figurative_a form_n of_o speech_n 3.15_o upon_o which_o it_o be_v never_o safe_a to_o build_v much_o less_o to_o lay_v so_o much_o weight_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v a_o description_n that_o the_o jew_n give_v to_o their_o synagogue_n and_o be_v by_o st._n paul_n apply_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o it_o be_v visible_a that_o it_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n it_o be_v only_o a_o enforce_v consideration_n to_o oblige_v timothy_n to_o a_o great_a caution_n in_o his_o behaviour_n there_o it_o have_v visible_o a_o relation_n to_o inscription_n that_o be_v make_v on_o pillar_n but_o what_o ever_o be_v the_o strict_a importance_n of_o the_o phrase_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o phrase_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v bear_v that_o which_o be_v raise_v upon_o it_o some_o reflection_n have_v be_v already_o make_v on_o those_o promise_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o apostle_n that_o the_o spirit_n shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n which_o plain_o relate_v to_o the_o infallible_a conduct_n under_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v put_v but_o from_o these_o word_n themselves_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o infer_v that_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o descend_v to_o any_o after_o they_o they_o relate_v to_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n so_o if_o they_o prove_v any_o thing_n they_o prove_v too_o much_o that_o the_o church_n must_v still_o have_v in_o it_o a_o successive_a inspiration_n it_o be_v urge_v that_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n lead_v we_o to_o conclude_v that_o this_o promise_n be_v still_o to_o continue_v though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o the_o church_n but_o all_o such_o argument_n be_v only_o conjectural_a inference_n and_o be_v at_o best_a but_o probability_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o argue_v from_o they_o and_o therefore_o this_o can_v signify_v nothing_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o which_o st._n matthew_n conclude_v his_o gospel_n lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n infer_v no_o infallibility_n 20._o but_o import_v only_o a_o promise_n of_o assistance_n and_o protection_n which_o be_v a_o necessary_a encouragement_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v send_v out_o upon_o so_o hard_a and_o laborious_a as_o well_o as_o dangerous_a commission_n in_o both_o testament_n by_o god_n be_v with_o any_o by_o his_o walk_n with_o they_o his_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o 5._o his_o never_o leave_v they_o nor_o forsake_v they_o no_o more_o be_v mean_v but_o that_o he_o watch_v over_o they_o that_o he_o direct_v assist_v and_o protect_v they_o and_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o all_o this_o and_o infallibility_n it_o can_v prove_v nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n so_o that_o in_o conclusion_n the_o whole_a matter_n must_v turn_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o st._n peter_n for_o these_o do_v not_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n but_o seem_v to_o belong_v particular_o to_o he_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o hint_n give_v to_o lead_v we_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o his_o successor_n nor_o do_v he_o give_v any_o himself_n when_o he_o be_v write_v his_o second_o epistle_n not_o long_o before_o his_o death_n since_o he_o mention_n a_o revelation_n that_o he_o have_v of_o its_o be_v near_o he_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o in_o those_o last_o warning_n against_o the_o corrupter_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n give_v so_o much_o as_o a_o remote_a intimation_n of_o any_o authority_n that_o he_o be_v to_o leave_v behind_o he_o for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o preserve_v it_o pure_a both_o from_o error_n and_o immorality_n nor_o be_v these_o word_n of_o christ_n so_o much_o as_o pretend_v for_o many_o age_n to_o import_v any_o authority_n or_o infallibility_n lodge_v with_o st._n peter_n successor_n i_o do_v not_o now_o question_v his_o be_v at_o rome_n though_o that_o matter_n be_v real_o so_o doubtful_a that_o even_o there_o we_o be_v far_o from_o any_o degree_n so_o much_o as_o of_o human_a certainty_n but_o to_o go_v on_o with_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_n st._n peter_n there_o be_v one_o great_a presumption_n that_o lie_v against_o any_o pecular_a authority_n give_v to_o he_o by_o they_o since_o we_o see_v not_o the_o least_o appearance_n either_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o epistle_n of_o any_o peculiar_a appeal_n or_o reference_n make_v to_o he_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o seem_v to_o be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o his_o
four_o discourse_n deliver_v to_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o sarum_n concern_v i._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n ii_o the_o divinity_n and_o death_n of_o christ._n iii_o the_o infallibility_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n iv._o the_o obligation_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n gilbert_n lord_n bishop_n of_o sarum_n london_n print_v for_o richard_n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxciv_o imprimatur_fw-la jo._n cant_n jan._n 22._o 1693_o 4._o to_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o sarum_n my_o reverend_n and_o dear_a brethren_n these_o discourse_n be_v at_o first_o prepare_v for_o you_o and_o be_v deliver_v to_o you_o among_o a_o great_a many_o more_o on_o other_o subject_n on_o several_a occasion_n they_o be_v so_o well_o receive_v by_o you_o that_o many_o of_o you_o desire_v that_o you_o may_v have_v they_o copy_v out_o for_o a_o more_o last_a use_n this_o have_v set_v i_o on_o publish_v these_o that_o follow_v they_o relate_v to_o four_o different_a sort_n of_o man_n with_o who_o you_o may_v be_v engage_v the_o first_o be_v against_o atheist_n and_o libertine_n who_o grow_v to_o be_v so_o bold_a and_o insolent_a that_o it_o be_v of_o the_o last_o importance_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v well_o furnish_v with_o answer_n to_o those_o objection_n with_o which_o they_o make_v the_o great_a noise_n this_o be_v the_o pest_n of_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o the_o most_o dangerous_a as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o contagious_a of_o all_o other_o it_o strike_v at_o all_o and_o corrupt_v the_o whole_a man_n as_o well_o as_o it_o dissolve_v all_o the_o bound_n of_o nature_n and_o society_n this_o promise_v such_o a_o indemnity_n and_o give_v so_o entire_a a_o liberty_n that_o deprave_a inclination_n and_o affection_n will_v be_v always_o of_o its_o side_n and_o it_o have_v some_o specious_a thing_n to_o allege_v the_o novelty_n and_o boldness_n of_o which_o make_v they_o pass_v for_o wit_n and_o good_a humour_n which_o will_v be_v always_o take_v to_o those_o who_o want_n and_o desire_n support_v and_o excuse_n for_o sin_n upon_o all_o these_o account_n and_o chief_o upon_o the_o fatal_a progress_n which_o this_o blasphemous_a spirit_n of_o infidelity_n have_v make_v among_o we_o it_o become_v we_o to_o consider_v these_o matter_n well_o that_o we_o may_v be_v thorough_o acquaint_v with_o all_o those_o depth_n of_o satan_n and_o know_v what_o to_o answer_v to_o all_o those_o false_a show_n of_o wit_n or_o reason_n as_o wall_n as_o to_o the_o more_o petulant_a demand_n by_o which_o that_o profane_a crew_n study_v to_o undermine_v and_o beat_v down_o all_o religion_n one_o of_o their_o common_a topic_n be_v the_o decry_v all_o mystery_n and_o in_o this_o they_o fall_v in_o to_o the_o same_o opposition_n with_o the_o socinian_o though_o upon_o very_o different_a design_n for_o the_o socinian_o run_v down_o all_o mystery_n and_o think_v they_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o those_o passage_n of_o scripture_n by_o which_o they_o be_v common_o prove_v have_v another_o meaning_n whereas_o libertine_n do_v it_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o be_v indeed_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o they_o hope_v that_o they_o will_v gain_v their_o main_a end_n of_o decry_v all_o reveal_v religion_n if_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la be_v once_o form_v against_o mystery_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n consider_v as_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n i_o must_v also_o do_v this_o right_n to_o the_o socinian_o as_o to_o own_o that_o their_o rule_n and_o morality_n be_v exact_a and_o severe_a that_o they_o be_v general_o man_n of_o probity_n justice_n and_o charity_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o much_o in_o earnest_n in_o press_v the_o obligation_n to_o very_o high_a degree_n of_o virtue_n yet_o their_o deny_v all_o secret_a assistance_n must_v cut_v off_o the_o exercise_n of_o many_o devotion_n that_o give_v a_o softness_n and_o tenderness_n to_o the_o mind_n which_o if_o once_o extinguish_v it_o must_v of_o necessity_n draw_v after_o it_o a_o dry_a flatness_n over_o all_o a_o man_n thought_n and_o power_n their_o deny_v the_o certainty_n of_o god_n foresee_v all_o future_a event_n that_o depend_v upon_o the_o freedom_n of_o a_o man_n will_n must_v very_o much_o weaken_v our_o confidence_n in_o god_n our_o patience_n under_o all_o misfortune_n and_o our_o expectation_n of_o a_o deliverance_n in_o due_a time_n their_o notion_n of_o another_o state_n do_v also_o take_v off_o much_o of_o the_o terror_n under_o which_o bad_a man_n ought_v to_o be_v keep_v and_o lessen_v the_o joy_n of_o good_a man_n on_o all_o these_o account_n their_o opinion_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o practice_n but_o with_o â—â—lation_n to_o the_o great_a article_n of_o christianity_n concern_v the_o person_n and_o suffering_n of_o jesus_n christ_n their_o doctrine_n give_v so_o different_a a_o view_n of_o this_o religion_n in_o its_o most_o important_a head_n that_o either_o we_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o most_o irreligious_a profanation_n in_o esteem_v one_o to_o be_v god_n and_o give_v he_o all_o the_o acknowledgement_n and_o adoration_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o great_a and_o eternal_a god_n who_o yet_o be_v a_o mere_a creature_n or_o they_o must_v be_v no_o less_o guilty_a who_o if_o he_o be_v the_o great_a and_o the_o true_a god_n do_v look_v on_o he_o only_o as_o a_o creature_n and_o yet_o offer_v he_o all_o divine_a honour_n and_o worship_n and_o if_o his_o death_n be_v only_o a_o pattern_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o than_o a_o true_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n than_o we_o who_o look_v on_o it_o as_o our_o propitiation_n and_o redemption_n who_o claim_n and_o trust_v to_o it_o as_o our_o ransom_n and_o atonement_n do_v very_o impious_o raise_v its_o value_n beyond_o the_o truth_n and_o fix_v our_o confidence_n with_o relation_n to_o our_o peace_n with_o god_n upon_o a_o false_a foundation_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o god_n have_v set_v forth_o his_o death_n as_o a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n than_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o black_a ingratitude_n and_o of_o defeat_v the_o chief_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o so_o far_o detract_v from_o its_o value_n as_o to_o reckon_v it_o only_o a_o pattern_n of_o die_v a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o necessary_a preliminary_n to_o a_o resurrection_n upon_o all_o these_o account_v it_o be_v that_o i_o can_v never_o understand_v the_o pacificatory_a doctrine_n of_o those_o who_o think_v that_o these_o be_v question_n in_o which_o a_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n may_v well_o be_v endure_v without_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n or_o break_v communion_n about_o thâ—m_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o necessary_a for_o i_o to_o give_v you_o a_o full_a and_o clear_a instruction_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o 3d._a discourse_n relate_v to_o that_o upon_o which_o the_o whole_a cause_n of_o popery_n turn_v for_o if_o they_o be_v infallible_a it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o dispute_v about_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o if_o they_o be_v fallible_a their_o pretend_v to_o infallibility_n be_v of_o itself_o a_o just_a prejudice_n against_o their_o whole_a church_n and_o against_o all_o their_o other_o doctrine_n when_o they_o claim_v to_o so_o high_a a_o authority_n without_o good_a ground_n since_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o most_o important_a part_n of_o all_o our_o controversy_n with_o that_o church_n and_o since_o it_o be_v that_o to_o which_o they_o always_o turn_v themselves_o by_o which_o they_o gain_v prosclite_n and_o establish_v their_o own_o votary_n and_o set_v they_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o convistion_n the_o understanding_n of_o this_o matter_n in_o its_o full_a extent_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a necessary_a piece_n of_o study_n we_o be_v apt_a upon_o a_o little_a interval_n of_o quiet_a to_o forget_v the_o practice_n of_o that_o church_n and_o because_o we_o do_v not_o think_v of_o they_o we_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o fancy_v that_o they_o think_v as_o little_a of_o we_o but_o they_o do_v still_o pursue_v their_o point_n with_o a_o unwearied_a diligence_n they_o never_o give_v over_o but_o when_o one_o design_n fail_v they_o either_o study_v to_o retrieve_v it_o or_o to_o set_v another_o on_o foot_n with_o a_o industry_n that_o ought_v to_o awaken_v we_o and_o keep_v we_o always_o on_o our_o guard_n the_o number_n of_o their_o emissary_n be_v great_a and_o their_o zeal_n be_v ever_o warm_a and_o active_a therefore_o we_o must_v never_o lose_v sight_n of_o they_o and_o
respect_n as_o bad_a as_o ever_o this_o indeed_o be_v so_o slight_a a_o thing_n that_o a_o great_a disparagement_n can_v the_o offer_v to_o our_o religion_n nor_o can_v a_o great_a strengthen_n of_o sin_n be_v contrive_v than_o the_o give_v any_o sort_n of_o encouragement_n to_o it_o for_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o mischievous_a of_o all_o those_o practical_a error_n which_o have_v corrupt_v religion_n these_o be_v the_o most_o important_a part_n of_o our_o whole_a commission_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o state_n they_o first_o aright_o in_o our_o own_o thought_n that_o so_o we_o ourselves_o may_v be_v full_o possess_v with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v sink_v deep_a into_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o show_v their_o efficacy_n in_o the_o reform_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o life_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o open_v they_o to_o other_o with_o more_o clearness_n and_o with_o better_a advantage_n when_o our_o heart_n be_v inflame_v with_o a_o overcome_a sense_n of_o the_o love_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n if_o the_o condition_n of_o this_o new_a covenant_n be_v deep_o impress_v on_o our_o thought_n than_o we_o shall_v publish_v they_o with_o more_o life_n and_o joy_n to_o other_o and_o we_o may_v then_o look_v for_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n on_o ourselves_o and_o on_o our_o labour_n discourse_n iii_o concern_v the_o infallibility_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n after_o we_o be_v well_o settle_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n our_o next_o enquiry_n must_v natural_o be_v into_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o be_v right_o instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o other_o part_n of_o this_o religion_n and_o that_o chief_o in_o one_o great_a point_n whether_o we_o ought_v to_o employ_v our_o own_o faculty_n in_o search_v into_o this_o and_o particular_o into_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o book_n in_o which_o it_o be_v contain_v or_o whether_o we_o must_v take_v it_o from_o oral_a tradition_n and_o submit_v to_o any_o man_n or_o body_n of_o man_n as_o the_o infallible_a depositary_n and_o declarer_n of_o this_o tradition_n in_o this_o single_a point_n consist_v the_o essence_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n while_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v complete_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o examine_v these_o with_o the_o best_a help_n and_o all_o the_o skill_n and_o application_n of_o which_o he_o be_v capable_a and_o that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n only_o as_o appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o may_v reject_v all_o other_o that_o be_v not_o found_v upon_o that_o authority_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n build_v be_v this_o that_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v their_o doctrine_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n to_o the_o several_a church_n as_o the_o sacred_a depositum_fw-la of_o the_o faith_n that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v occasional_o not_o with_o intent_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o standard_n of_o this_o religion_n that_o we_o have_v these_o book_n and_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v divine_a only_o from_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o her_o testimony_n that_o the_o church_n with_o the_o book_n give_v we_o likewise_o the_o sense_n and_o exposition_n of_o they_o they_o be_v dark_a in_o many_o place_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o traditional_a conveyance_n and_o the_o solemn_a decision_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v infallible_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o as_o such_o otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n of_o controversy_n while_o every_o man_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o expound_v the_o scripture_n which_o must_v needs_o fill_v man_n mind_n with_o curiosity_n and_o pride_n as_o well_o as_o the_o world_n with_o heresy_n and_o sect_n that_o be_v unavoidable_a unless_o there_o be_v a_o live_a speak_a judge_n this_o they_o also_o prove_v from_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n such_o as_o christ_n word_n to_o st._n peter_n upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n 3.16_o and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o unto_o thou_o will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n tell_v the_o church_n i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o spirit_n shall_v lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n this_o be_v their_o doctrine_n and_o these_o be_v their_o chief_a argument_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v there_o be_v no_o point_n in_o divinity_n that_o we_o shall_v more_o clear_o understand_v than_o this_o for_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o of_o great_a consequence_n and_o be_v that_o which_o determine_v all_o the_o rest_n if_o it_o be_v true_a it_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o other_o controversy_n and_o if_o it_o be_v false_a it_o leave_v we_o at_o liberty_n to_o examine_v every_o thing_n and_o give_v we_o the_o just_a and_o high_a prejudices_fw-la possible_a against_o that_o church_n that_o pretend_v to_o it_o without_o just_a ground_n it_o be_v also_o that_o which_o of_o all_o other_o the_o missionary_n of_o that_o church_n understand_v the_o best_a and_o manage_v the_o most_o dextrous_o they_o be_v much_o practise_v to_o it_o and_o they_o begin_v and_o end_v all_o their_o practice_n with_o this_o which_o have_v fair_a appearance_n and_o will_v bear_v a_o great_a deal_n both_o of_o popular_a eloquence_n and_o plausible_a logic_n so_o if_o man_n be_v not_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o well_o fortify_v and_o as_o ready_a on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o argument_n they_o will_v be_v much_o entangle_v as_o often_o as_o they_o have_v occasion_n to_o deal_v with_o any_o of_o that_o church_n there_o be_v not_o indeed_o any_o one_o point_n that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o have_v be_v open_v and_o examine_v both_o with_o that_o beauty_n and_o force_n that_o be_v in_o chillingworth_n unvaluable_a book_n upon_o this_o subject_a few_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n have_v ever_o be_v handle_v so_o near_o a_o mathematical_a evidence_n as_o he_o have_v pursue_v this_o argument_n and_o his_o book_n be_v write_v with_o such_o a_o thread_n of_o wit_n and_o reason_n that_o i_o be_o confident_a few_o can_v enter_v upon_o it_o without_o go_v through_o with_o it_o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v in_o as_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o be_v possible_a to_o set_v this_o matter_n in_o its_o true_a light_n we_o must_v then_o begin_v with_o this_o that_o the_o freedom_n of_o a_o man_n thought_n and_o understanding_n be_v the_o most_o essential_a piece_n of_o his_o liberty_n and_o that_o in_o which_o natural_o he_o can_v the_o least_o bear_v to_o be_v limit_v therefore_o any_o restraint_n that_o be_v lay_v upon_o he_o in_o this_o must_v be_v well_o and_o full_o prove_v otherwise_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o god_n can_v never_o intend_v to_o bring_v we_o under_o the_o yoke_n in_o so_o sensible_a and_o so_o valuable_a a_o thing_n without_o give_v clear_a and_o evident_a warrant_n for_o it_o and_o as_o every_o invasion_n on_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o human_a nature_n aught_o to_o be_v well_o make_v out_o so_o every_o privilege_n which_o any_o person_n claim_v against_o the_o common_a fate_n of_o mankind_n aught_o to_o be_v also_o full_o prove_v before_o other_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o it_o we_o perceive_v in_o ourselves_o and_o we_o see_v in_o all_o other_o such_o a_o feebleness_n of_o understanding_n such_o a_o easiness_n to_o go_v too_o quick_a and_o judge_v too_o fast_o and_o such_o a_o narrow_a compass_n of_o knowledge_n that_o as_o we_o see_v all_o mankind_n be_v apt_a to_o mistake_v thing_n so_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o any_o one_o be_v exempt_v from_o this_o but_o as_o there_o be_v evident_a authority_n to_o prove_v it_o since_o then_o this_o be_v a_o privilege_n in_o those_o that_o have_v it_o as_o well_o as_o a_o imposition_n on_o those_o that_o have_v it_o not_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v offer_v at_o or_o obtrude_v on_o the_o world_n without_o a_o full_a proof_n probability_n force_a inference_n or_o even_o disputable_a proof_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o here_o since_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o if_o god_n have_v intend_v to_o put_v any_o such_o thing_n upon_o we_o he_o will_v have_v do_v it_o in_o so_o plain_a and_o uncontested_a a_o way_n that_o there_o shall_v have_v be_v no_o room_n to_o have_v doubt_v of_o it_o beside_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o do_v natural_o give_v jealousy_n and_o offer_v specious_a ground_n of_o mistrust_n aught_o to_o be_v very_o clear_a since_o
of_o their_o law_n or_o the_o conveyer_n of_o their_o tradition_n to_o they_o must_v he_o set_v up_o his_o skill_n and_o reason_n above_o they_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o if_o this_o reason_v be_v true_a it_o be_v found_v on_o maxim_n that_o be_v equal_o true_a at_o all_o time_n than_o it_o be_v as_o true_a at_o that_o time_n as_o it_o be_v now_o it_o be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o say_v that_o the_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v give_v they_o such_o power_n that_o the_o people_n be_v upon_o that_o account_n bind_v to_o believe_v they_o rather_o than_o their_o teacher_n for_o one_o part_n of_o the_o debate_n be_v both_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o the_o consequence_n that_o arise_v from_o they_o so_o the_o appeal_n according_a to_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v do_v still_o lie_v to_o their_o sanhedrim_n in_o a_o word_n in_o such_o matter_n every_o man_n must_v judge_v for_o himself_o and_o every_o man_n must_v answer_v to_o god_n for_o the_o judgement_n that_o he_o have_v make_v he_o judge_v for_o no_o body_n else_o but_o for_o himself_o he_o and_o he_o only_o can_v be_v the_o judge_n and_o if_o he_o use_v a_o due_a degree_n of_o industry_n and_o free_v himself_o from_o every_o corrupt_a bias_n from_o pride_n vainglory_n and_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n or_o the_o pursue_v any_o ill_a end_n under_o those_o appearance_n of_o search_v for_o truth_n and_o the_o adhere_n to_o it_o he_o be_v do_v the_o best_a thing_n which_o according_a to_o that_o nature_n of_o which_o god_n have_v make_v he_o he_o can_v do_v and_o so_o he_o may_v reasenable_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v succeed_v in_o it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o pride_n in_o this_o for_o a_o man_n to_o think_v according_a to_o his_o own_o understanding_n no_o more_o than_o to_o see_v with_o his_o own_o eye_n his_o humility_n ought_v to_o make_v he_o slow_a and_o cautious_a modest_a and_o fearful_a but_o no_o humility_n can_v oblige_v he_o to_o think_v otherwise_o than_o he_o feel_v he_o must_v needs_o think_v among_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n heresy_n or_o sect_n be_v reckon_v as_o one_o sort_n and_o species_n now_o by_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o appetite_n of_o a_o vicious_a and_o deprave_a nature_n the_o meaning_n therefore_o of_o reckon_a heresy_n among_o these_o be_v this_o 20._o that_o when_o a_o man_n out_o of_o a_o bad_a disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o on_o ill_a design_n choose_v to_o to_o be_v of_o a_o party_n he_o than_o be_v a_o heretic_n but_o he_o that_o in_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n go_v into_o persuasion_n from_o a_o overcome_a sense_n of_o their_o truth_n can_v be_v one_o because_o he_o do_v not_o choose_v his_o persuasion_n out_o of_o a_o previous_a ill_a design_n but_o be_v of_o it_o not_o out_o of_o choice_n but_o necessity_n since_o his_o understanding_n in_o which_o those_o matter_n may_v be_v various_o represent_v offer_v they_o so_o to_o he_o that_o he_o must_v believe_v they_o to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o which_o he_o apprehend_v they_o if_o upon_o this_o principle_n there_o happen_v to_o be_v many_o sect_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o woe_n that_o christ_n leave_v upon_o the_o world_n by_o reason_n of_o offence_n and_o scandal_n for_o he_o forsaw_v that_o they_o must_v needs_o come_v god_n have_v make_v this_o present_a scene_n of_o life_n to_o be_v neither_o regular_a nor_o secure_a the_o strange_a folly_n and_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n must_v have_v their_o influence_n on_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o they_o have_v on_o all_o other_o thing_n god_n have_v reserve_v a_o fullness_n of_o light_n and_o of_o unerring_a knowledge_n to_o another_o state_n here_o we_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a but_o have_v light_n enough_o if_o we_o have_v honest_a mind_n to_o use_v and_o improve_v it_o aright_o to_o guide_v we_o thither_o and_o that_o be_v the_o utmost_a share_n that_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v design_v for_o we_o in_o this_o life_n we_o must_v therefore_o be_v content_v and_o make_v the_o most_o of_o it_o that_o we_o can_v i_o go_v next_o to_o show_v that_o the_o same_o difficulty_n if_o not_o great_a one_o he_o upon_o those_o who_o build_v on_o infallibility_n for_o before_o they_o can_v arrive_v at_o the_o use_n of_o it_o they_o must_v have_v well_o examine_v and_o be_v full_o assure_v of_o two_o thing_n either_o of_o which_o have_v great_a difficulty_n in_o it_o than_o all_o those_o put_v together_o with_o which_o they_o press_v we_o first_o they_o must_v be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infallibility_n in_o the_o church_n and_o next_o they_o must_v know_v to_o which_o of_o those_o many_o church_n into_o which_o christendom_n be_v divide_v this_o infallibility_n be_v fasten_v unless_o the_o design_n be_v to_o make_v all_o man_n take_v their_o religion_n implicit_o from_o their_o forefather_n these_o thing_n must_v be_v well_o consider_v if_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o adhere_v blind_o to_o the_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o be_v breed_v then_o jew_n heathan_n and_o mahometan_n must_v continue_v still_o where_o they_o be_v if_o this_o have_v be_v the_o maxim_n of_o all_o time_n christianity_n have_v never_o get_v into_o the_o world_n if_o then_o man_n be_v allow_v to_o examine_v thing_n they_o must_v have_v very_o good_a reason_n give_v they_o for_o it_o before_o they_o can_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infallibility_n among_o man_n their_o own_o reason_n and_o observation_n offer_v so_o much_o against_o it_o that_o without_o very_o clear_a ground_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o receive_v it_o now_o the_o reason_n to_o persuade_v it_o must_v be_v draw_v either_o from_o scripture_n or_o from_o outward_a visible_a character_n that_o evidence_n it_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v urge_v by_o these_o man_n because_o the_o scripture_n as_o they_o teach_v have_v their_o authority_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v first_o prove_v for_o the_o church_n can_v give_v a_o authority_n to_o a_o book_n and_o then_o prove_v its_o own_o authority_n by_o that_o book_n this_o be_v plain_o to_o prove_v the_o church_n by_o her_o own_o testimony_n which_o be_v manifest_o absurd_a it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o she_o affirm_v it_o immediate_o or_o if_o she_o affirm_v it_o by_o affirm_v a_o book_n in_o which_o it_o be_v contain_v here_o a_o circle_n be_v make_v to_o run_v for_o ever_o round_o in_o why_o do_v you_o believe_v the_o church_n because_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v it_o and_o why_o do_v you_o believe_v the_o scripture_n because_o the_o church_n affirm_v they_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o they_o may_v urge_v the_o scripture_n for_o this_o very_o pertinent_o against_o we_o who_o acknowledge_v their_o authority_n but_o i_o be_o now_o consider_v upon_o what_o ground_n a_o man_n be_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o state_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o resolve_v it_o into_o principle_n in_o this_o a_o order_n must_v be_v fix_v and_o in_o the_o progress_n of_o it_o every_o step_n that_o be_v make_v must_v be_v prove_v without_o any_o relation_n to_o that_o which_o be_v afterward_o to_o be_v prove_v out_o of_o that_o and_o therefore_o either_o the_o church_n or_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v first_o prove_v and_o then_o other_o thing_n must_v be_v prove_v out_o of_o that_o which_o be_v once_o fix_v and_o make_v good_a but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n if_o we_o shall_v suffer_v they_o to_o bring_v proof_n from_o scripture_n how_o shall_v it_o he_o prove_v that_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o be_v that_o which_o make_v for_o infallibility_n other_o sense_n may_v be_v give_v to_o they_o which_o may_v both_o agree_v to_o the_o grammatical_a construction_n of_o the_o word_n to_o the_o contexture_n of_o the_o discourse_n and_o to_o the_o phraseology_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o shall_v then_o decide_v this_o matter_n it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o prove_v what_o be_v their_o true_a sense_n by_o the_o exposition_n that_o any_o church_n put_v on_o those_o passage_n in_o her_o own_o favour_n that_o be_v to_o make_v she_o both_o judge_n and_o party_n in_o too_o gross_a a_o manner_n therefore_o at_o least_o thâ—se_a passage_n and_o all_o that_o relate_v to_o they_o must_v fall_v under_o the_o private_a judgement_n and_o in_o these_o instance_n every_o man_n must_v be_v suffer_v to_o expound_v the_o scripture_n for_o himself_o for_o he_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o any_o exposition_n of_o they_o but_o that_o which_o satisfy_v his_o own_o reason_n and_o if_o this_o step_n be_v once_o admit_v than_o it_o will_v appear_v as_o reasonable_a to_o leave_v a_o man_n all_o over_o to_o the_o use_n of_o his_o
faculty_n since_o these_o passage_n and_o that_o which_o necessary_o relate_v to_o they_o will_v lead_v a_o man_n into_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o hard_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n if_o this_o method_n be_v let_v go_v they_o must_v prove_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n by_o argument_n draw_v from_o some_o other_o visible_a character_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v to_o be_v convince_v that_o god_n have_v make_v her_o infallible_a if_o there_o be_v such_o eminent_a one_o as_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n miracle_n or_o prophecy_n that_o do_v visible_o attest_v this_o here_o be_v a_o proof_n that_o be_v solid_a indeed_o it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o by_o which_o we_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o then_o these_o miracle_n must_v be_v as_o unconte_o and_o evident_o prove_v they_o must_v also_o belong_v to_o this_o point_n that_o be_v they_o must_v be_v miracle_n public_o do_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o assertion_n but_o to_o this_o appeal_n they_o will_v not_o stand_v what_o use_v soever_o they_o may_v make_v of_o it_o to_o amuse_v the_o weak_a and_o the_o more_o credulous_a the_o character_n of_o a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v neither_o a_o easy_a nor_o a_o sure_a one_o since_o other_o church_n who_o they_o condemn_v have_v it_o likewise_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v search_v into_o by_o a_o private_a man_n unless_o he_o will_v go_v into_o that_o sea_n of_o examine_v the_o history_n the_o record_n and_o succession_n of_o church_n this_o be_v a_o enquiry_n that_o have_v in_o it_o difficulty_n vast_o great_a and_o more_o insuperable_a than_o all_o those_o that_o they_o can_v object_v to_o we_o if_o they_o will_v appeal_v to_o the_o vast_a extent_n of_o a_o church_n that_o so_o many_o nation_n and_o society_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o be_v of_o one_o communion_n this_o will_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o dangerous_a point_n for_o in_o the_o state_n in_o which_o we_o see_v mankind_n number_n make_v a_o very_a bad_a argument_n it_o be_v to_o risk_v the_o christian_a religion_n too_o much_o to_o venture_v on_o a_o poll_n with_o the_o mahometan_n in_o some_o age_n the_o semi-arrians_a have_v the_o better_a at_o number_n and_o it_o be_v a_o question_n if_o at_o this_o day_n those_o that_o be_v within_o or_o without_o the_o roman_a communion_n make_v the_o great_a body_n nor_o must_v a_o man_n be_v put_v to_o choose_v his_o religion_n by_o such_o a_o laborious_a and_o uncertain_a way_n of_o calculation_n to_o plead_v a_o continuance_n in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n that_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o put_v the_o matter_n upon_o a_o more_o desperate_a issue_n for_o as_o no_o man_n can_v hope_v to_o see_v to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o so_o it_o let_v a_o man_n in_o into_o all_o controversy_n when_o he_o be_v to_o compare_v the_o present_a doctrine_n with_o that_o which_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n let_v then_o any_o character_n be_v assign_v that_o shall_v oblige_v a_o man_n to_o believe_v the_o church_n infallible_a and_o it_o will_v soon_o appear_v very_o evident_o that_o the_o search_n into_o that_o must_v put_v the_o world_n on_o more_o difficult_a inquiry_n than_o any_o of_o those_o that_o we_o be_v press_v with_o and_o that_o in_o the_o issue_n of_o the_o whole_a the_o determination_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o a_o private_a judgement_n another_o difficulty_n follow_v close_o upon_o this_o which_o be_v in_o what_o church_n this_o infallibility_n be_v to_o be_v find_v suppose_v a_o man_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o greek_a church_n at_o any_o time_n since_o the_o ix_o century_n how_o shall_v he_o know_v that_o he_o must_v seek_v the_o infallibility_n in_o the_o roman_a communion_n and_o that_o he_o can_v find_v it_o in_o his_o own_o he_o plain_o see_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n begin_v in_o the_o eastern_a part_n and_o by_o every_o step_n that_o he_o make_v into_o history_n he_o clear_o discern_v that_o it_o flourish_v for_o many_o age_n most_o eminent_o there_o but_o now_o that_o there_o be_v a_o breach_n between_o they_o and_o the_o latin_n he_o can_v judge_v to_o which_o communion_n he_o be_v to_o adhere_v without_o he_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n for_o both_o have_v the_o outward_a character_n of_o a_o succession_n of_o martyr_n and_o bishop_n of_o number_n and_o a_o appearance_n of_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o the_o greek_n have_v the_o advantage_n in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o they_o have_v more_o apostolical_a church_n i_o mean_v found_v by_o the_o apostle_n than_o the_o latin_n and_o they_o have_v stick_v more_o firm_o with_o few_o addition_n and_o innovation_n to_o their_o ancient_a ritual_n than_o the_o latin_n have_v do_v how_o can_v he_o then_o decide_v this_o matter_n without_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o difference_n and_o make_v a_o private_a judgement_n upon_o a_o private_a examination_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o other_o authority_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o present_v depress_v and_o ignorant_a state_n of_o those_o church_n make_v it_o now_o very_o sensible_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o infallibility_n among_o the_o eastern_n to_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v answer_v that_o i_o have_v put_v the_o case_n all-along_a from_o the_o 9th_o century_n downward_o in_o many_o of_o those_o age_n the_o greek_n be_v under_o as_o good_a circumstance_n and_o have_v as_o fair_a a_o appearance_n as_o the_o latin_n have_v if_o not_o better_o for_o the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n in_o the_o next_o century_n the_o 10_o and_o 11_o be_v not_o very_o favourable_a even_o by_o the_o representation_n that_o their_o own_o writer_n have_v make_v of_o they_o and_o if_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o a_o church_n by_o outward_a character_n it_o may_v be_v urge_v with_o great_a show_n of_o reason_n that_o a_o church_n which_o under_o all_o its_o poverty_n and_o persecution_n do_v still_o adhere_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v so_o peculiar_a a_o character_n of_o bear_v the_o cross_n and_o of_o live_v in_o a_o constant_a state_n of_o suffering_n that_o if_o infallibility_n be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o a_o favour_n and_o privilege_n from_o god_n and_o not_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o human_a learning_n and_o other_o advantage_n i_o shall_v soon_o believe_v the_o greek_a church_n infallible_a than_o any_o other_o now_o in_o the_o world_n but_o when_o these_o difficulty_n be_v all_o get_v over_o there_o remain_v yet_o new_a and_o great_a one_o suppose_v one_o be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n he_o must_v know_v where_o to_o find_v it_o without_o this_o it_o be_v of_o no_o more_o use_n to_o he_o than_o if_o one_o shall_v tell_v a_o hungry_a man_n that_o there_o be_v food_n enough_o for_o he_o without_o direct_v he_o where_o to_o seek_v for_o it_o he_o must_v starve_v after_o all_o that_o general_a information_n if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o more_o particular_a direction_n and_o therefore_o it_o seem_v very_o absurd_a to_o affirm_v that_o the_o believe_v of_o infallibility_n be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o that_o the_o proper_a subject_n in_o who_o it_o rest_v be_v not_o likewise_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o general_a tenet_n of_o the_o whole_a roman_a communion_n who_o that_o they_o may_v maintain_v their_o union_n notwithstanding_o their_o difference_n in_o this_o do_v all_o agree_v in_o say_v that_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o infallibility_n be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n this_o destroy_v the_o whole_a pretention_n for_o all_o the_o absurdity_n of_o no_o end_n of_o controversy_n of_o private_a judgement_n and_o every_o man_n expound_v the_o scripture_n do_v return_v here_o and_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o infallibility_n be_v defeat_v for_o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o this_o in_o any_o one_o instance_n or_o to_o receive_v any_o proposition_n as_o come_v from_o a_o infailible_n authority_n if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v who_o have_v it_o thus_o according_a to_o that_o maxim_n of_o natural_a logic_n that_o a_o conclusion_n can_v have_v no_o certainty_n beyond_o that_o which_o be_v in_o both_o the_o premise_n if_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a with_o who_o the_o infallibility_n dwell_v as_o well_o as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o infallibility_n in_o the_o church_n all_o the_o noise_n about_o it_o will_v be_v quite_o defeat_v and_o of_o no_o use_n if_o a_o man_n have_v many_o medecine_n of_o which_o one_o be_v a_o infallible_a cure_n of_o such_o or_o such_o disease_n can_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o he_o will_v communicate_v these_o to_o the_o world_n and_o tell_v that_o one_o of_o they_o
world_n in_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v authorize_v to_o dissolve_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n and_o to_o confirm_v such_o part_n of_o they_o as_o be_v moral_a and_o perpetual_o bind_v which_o the_o apostle_n shall_v do_v with_o such_o visible_a character_n of_o a_o divine_a authority_n empower_v and_o conduct_v they_o in_o it_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v very_o evident_a that_o what_o they_o do_v on_o earth_n be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n these_o word_n thus_o understand_v carry_v in_o they_o a_o plain_a sense_n which_o agree_v well_o with_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v their_o sense_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o here_o peculiar_o give_v to_o st._n peter_n as_o for_o our_o saviour_n pray_v for_o st._n peter_n that_o his_o faith_n may_v not_o fail_v and_o his_o restore_v he_o to_o his_o apostolate_a by_o a_o threefold_a charge_n 32._o feed_v my_o sheep_n or_o lamb_n it_o have_v such_o a_o visible_a relation_n to_o his_o fall_n and_o threefold_a denial_n that_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o enlarge_v on_o 15._o or_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o other_o signification_n and_o can_v be_v carry_v further_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v go_v through_o all_o that_o be_v bring_v from_o the_o scripture_n for_o assert_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o particular_a of_o the_o pope_n and_o have_v i_o hope_v full_o show_v that_o they_o can_v bear_v that_o sense_n but_o that_o they_o must_v genuine_o bear_v a_o plain_o different_a sense_n which_o do_v no_o way_n differ_v from_o our_o doctrine_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o clear_v all_o this_o for_o though_o as_o be_v before_o make_v out_o it_o be_v no_o proper_a way_n for_o they_o to_o resolve_v their_o faith_n by_o passage_n out_o of_o scripture_n yet_o these_o be_v very_o good_a objection_n to_o we_o who_o upon_o other_o reason_n do_v submit_v to_o their_o authority_n there_o remain_v but_o one_o thing_n now_o to_o be_v clear_v which_o be_v this_o if_o the_o church_n be_v not_o infallible_a it_o do_v not_o easy_o appear_v what_o certainty_n we_o can_v have_v concern_v the_o scripture_n since_o we_o believe_v they_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o we_o have_v no_o other_o knowledge_n concern_v they_o but_o what_o have_v be_v hand_v down_o to_o we_o by_o tradition_n if_o therefore_o this_o be_v fallible_a we_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o our_o persuasion_n even_o concern_v they_o but_o here_o a_o great_a difference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v between_o the_o carry_v down_o a_o book_n to_o we_o and_o the_o oral_a deliver_v of_o a_o doctrine_n it_o be_v almost_o as_o hard_o to_o suppose_v how_o the_o one_o can_v sail_v as_o how_o the_o other_o shall_v not_o fail_v the_o book_n be_v in_o many_o hand_n spread_v over_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o read_v in_o all_o their_o assembly_n make_v this_o to_o be_v a_o very_a different_a thing_n from_o discourse_n that_o be_v in_o the_o air_n and_o to_o which_o every_o man_n that_o report_v they_o be_v apt_a to_o give_v his_o own_o cue_n a_o great_a difference_n be_v also_o to_o be_v make_v between_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o witness_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o judge_n if_o in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n council_n have_v examine_v controvert_v write_n and_o have_v upon_o that_o past_a sentence_n this_o have_v be_v in_o deed_n a_o judge_v the_o matter_n but_o no_o such_o thing_n ever_o be_v the_o codex_fw-la of_o the_o scripture_n be_v settle_v some_o age_n before_o any_o provincial_a council_n give_v out_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n which_o they_o hold_v as_o canonical_a for_o no_o ancient_a general_n council_n ever_o do_v it_o and_o though_o the_o canonical_a epistle_n of_o which_o there_o not_o be_v such_o a_o certain_a standard_n they_o not_o be_v address_v to_o any_o particular_a body_n that_o have_v preserve_v the_o original_n be_v not_o so_o early_a nor_o so_o universal_o receive_v as_o the_o other_o be_v yet_o the_o matter_n be_v settle_v without_o any_o authoritative_a judgement_n only_o by_o examine_v original_n and_o such_o other_o method_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n can_v only_o be_v make_v out_o but_o this_o matter_n have_v be_v so_o full_o consider_v and_o state_v in_o another_o discourse_n i_o shall_v dwell_v no_o long_o on_o it_o in_o this_o as_o for_o the_o authority_n which_o be_v bring_v from_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o tradition_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o though_o the_o word_n tradition_n as_o it_o be_v now_o use_v in_o book_n of_o controversy_n import_v a_o sense_n opposite_a to_o that_o which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o tradition_n be_v of_o its_o own_o signification_n a_o general_a word_n that_o import_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v deliver_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o book_n in_o which_o it_o be_v contain_v be_v natural_o call_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n say_v by_o ancient_n to_o magnify_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o way_n of_o appeal_n to_o it_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o this_o matter_n beside_o when_o man_n be_v so_o near_o the_o apostolical_a age_n that_o they_o can_v name_v the_o person_n from_o who_o they_o have_v such_o or_o such_o hint_n who_o have_v receive_v they_o from_o the_o apostle_n or_o from_o apostolical_a man_n tradition_n be_v of_o another_o sort_n of_o authority_n and_o may_v have_v be_v much_o more_o safe_o appeal_v to_o than_o at_o the_o distance_n of_o so_o many_o age_n therefore_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v bring_v either_o from_o irenaeus_n or_o tertullian_n that_o sound_v this_o way_n here_o be_v a_o plain_a difference_n to_o be_v observe_v between_o their_o age_n and_o we_o which_o do_v total_o diversify_v it_o but_o to_o convince_v the_o world_n how_o early_a tradition_n may_v either_o vary_v or_o misrepresent_v matter_n let_v the_o tradition_n not_o only_o in_o but_o before_o st._n irenaeus_n time_n concern_v the_o observation_n of_o easter_n be_v consider_v which_o go_v up_o as_o high_a as_o st._n polycarps_n time_n we_o find_v that_o as_o the_o several_a church_n adhere_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o apostle_n that_o found_v they_o so_o they_o have_v quite_o forget_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o seem_v these_o various_a observation_n be_v found_v since_o though_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o those_o who_o keep_v easter_n on_o the_o jewish_a day_n do_v it_o that_o by_o their_o condescendence_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o that_o matter_n they_o may_v gain_v upon_o they_o and_o soften_v their_o prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o their_o successor_n think_v of_o that_o at_o all_o for_o they_o vouch_v their_o custom_n and_o resolve_v to_o adhere_v to_o it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n mention_v on_o either_o side_n that_o give_v we_o the_o account_n of_o those_o early_a but_o different_a observation_n if_o then_o tradition_n fail_v so_o near_o its_o fountain_n we_o may_v easy_o judge_v what_o account_n we_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o it_o at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n many_o thing_n be_v bring_v with_o great_a pomp_n out_o of_o st._n augustine_n write_n magnify_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o term_n which_o after_o all_o the_o allowance_n that_o be_v to_o be_v make_v for_o his_o diffuse_v and_o african_a eloquence_n can_v hardly_o be_v justify_v yet_o when_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o he_o write_v against_o the_o donatist_n who_o have_v break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v the_o ordainer_n of_o cecilian_a which_o have_v be_v as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o fact_n often_o judge_v against_o they_o and_o yet_o as_o they_o have_v distract_v the_o whole_a african_a church_n so_o they_o be_v man_n of_o fierce_a and_o implacable_a temper_n that_o break_v out_o daily_o into_o act_n of_o great_a fury_n and_o violence_n and_o have_v set_v up_o a_o principle_n that_o must_v for_o ever_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o union_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v that_o the_o virtue_n of_o all_o the_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n of_o sacrament_n and_o ordinance_n depend_v upon_o the_o personal_a worth_n of_o he_o that_o officiate_v so_o that_o his_o error_n or_o vice_n do_v make_v void_a all_o that_o past_a through_o his_o hand_n now_o when_o so_o warm_a a_o man_n as_o st._n austin_n have_v so_o bad_a a_o principle_n and_o so_o ill_a a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n in_o view_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o he_o bring_v out_o all_o that_o he_o can_v think_v on_o upon_o the_o subject_n so_o
all_o the_o great_a body_n of_o those_o who_o divide_v from_o our_o constitution_n have_v some_o ritual_n of_o their_o own_o so_o the_o dispute_n in_o this_o must_v only_o be_v concern_v the_o degree_n and_o extent_n of_o this_o power_n for_o if_o any_o authority_n be_v allow_v it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o fix_v any_o other_o bound_n to_o it_o but_o this_o that_o it_o must_v not_o invade_v the_o divine_a authority_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n beyond_o the_o rule_n and_o limit_n set_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o there_o be_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n the_o ground_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v must_v carry_v it_o to_o every_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v unlawful_a bare_a unfitness_n though_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o consideration_n of_o great_a weight_n when_o such_o thing_n be_v deliberate_v about_o yet_o when_o they_o be_v once_o conclude_v can_v be_v no_o reason_n for_o disobey_v they_o since_o the_o fitness_n of_o order_n and_o the_o decency_n of_o unity_n and_o obedience_n be_v certain_o of_o much_o more_o value_n than_o any_o special_a unfitness_n that_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o any_o particular_a instance_n so_o that_o one_o of_o these_o two_o must_v be_v admit_v either_o that_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v no_o sort_n of_o authority_n even_o in_o the_o small_a circumstance_n but_o be_v limit_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o can_v only_o execute_v they_o strict_o and_o not_o go_v beyond_o they_o in_o a_o title_n or_o this_o authority_n must_v go_v to_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a on_o that_o i_o will_v dwell_v no_o long_o here_o the_o full_a discussion_n of_o this_o matter_n belong_v to_o another_o discourse_n it_o be_v a_o natural_a consequence_n of_o the_o authority_n give_v to_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o have_v declare_v and_o fix_v their_o doctrine_n and_o have_v settle_v rule_n for_o their_o ritual_n may_v excommunicate_v such_o as_o either_o do_v not_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o be_v a_o main_a part_n of_o their_o doctrine_n or_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o constitution_n of_o their_o society_n excommunication_n in_o the_o strictness_n of_o thing_n be_v only_o the_o church_n refuse_v to_o receive_v a_o person_n into_o her_o communion_n now_o as_o every_o private_a man_n be_v the_o master_n of_o his_o own_o action_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o every_o body_n of_o man_n must_v also_o be_v the_o master_n of_o they_o and_o thus_o though_o excommunication_n in_o some_o respect_n be_v declaratory_a it_o be_v a_o solemn_a denunciation_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o person_n who_o live_v in_o a_o open_a violation_n of_o some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o its_o law_n so_o it_o be_v also_o a_o authoritative_a act_n by_o which_o a_o church_n refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o such_o a_o person_n in_o this_o it_o be_v true_a church_n ought_v to_o make_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o large_a and_o extensive_a as_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o order_n but_o after_o all_o they_o have_v a_o power_n over_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o action_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v likewise_o clothe_v with_o a_o power_n to_o communicate_v with_o other_o person_n or_o not_o to_o do_v it_o as_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n in_o which_o great_a difference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v between_o this_o power_n in_o itself_o and_o the_o use_n and_o management_n of_o it_o for_o any_o abuse_n whether_o true_a or_o only_o pretend_v though_o they_o may_v well_o be_v urge_v to_o procure_v a_o proper_a reformation_n of_o they_o yet_o can_v be_v allege_v against_o the_o power_n itself_o which_o be_v both_o just_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v not_o so_o very_o clear_a to_o state_n the_o subordination_n in_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v put_v under_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o how_o far_o all_o act_n of_o church_n power_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n and_o policy_n of_o those_o state_n to_o which_o the_o several_a church_n do_v belong_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v a_o christian_a or_o not_o do_v not_o at_o all_o alter_v the_o case_n that_o have_v only_o a_o relation_n to_o his_o own_o salvation_n for_o his_o authority_n be_v the_o same_o whatever_o his_o belief_n may_v be_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n his_o design_n to_o protect_v or_o to_o destroy_v religion_n alter_v the_o case_n more_o sensible_o for_o the_o regard_v to_o that_o protection_n and_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n that_o follow_v upon_o it_o together_o with_o the_o breach_n and_o disorder_n that_o may_v follow_v upon_o a_o ill_a understanding_n between_o church_n and_o state_n be_v matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o mere_a prudence_n which_o may_v give_v perhaps_o too_o strong_a a_o bias_n to_o carnal_a fear_n and_o policy_n but_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n which_o oblige_v the_o church_n to_o study_v to_o preserve_v that_o order_n and_o protection_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a blessing_n of_o the_o society_n and_o a_o main_a instrument_n of_o do_v much_o good_a great_a difference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v between_o a_o authority_n that_o act_n with_o a_o visible_a design_n to_o destroy_v religion_n and_o another_o that_o intend_v to_o protect_v it_o but_o that_o err_v in_o its_o conduct_n and_o do_v often_o restrain_v the_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o impose_v hard_a and_o uneasy_a thing_n certain_o in_o the_o latter_a much_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v with_o that_o may_v be_v otherwise_o uneasy_a because_o the_o main_n be_v still_o safe_a and_o private_a slip_n when_o endure_v and_o submit_v to_o can_v never_o be_v compare_v to_o those_o public_a disorder_n that_o a_o rigid_a maintain_n of_o that_o which_o be_v perhaps_o in_o itself_o good_a must_v occasion_n but_o when_o the_o design_n be_v plain_a and_o that_o the_o conduct_v of_o the_o civil_a power_n go_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o any_o main_a article_n of_o it_o than_o the_o body_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o state_n ought_v to_o fortify_v themselves_o by_o maintain_v their_o order_n and_o their_o other_o rule_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o preservation_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n have_v any_o authority_n to_o act_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o state_n but_o mere_o in_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o religion_n that_o she_o profess_v be_v plain_a and_o positive_a so_o that_o the_o question_n come_v to_o be_v real_o this_o whether_o be_v it_o better_a to_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n there_o the_o rule_n be_v clear_a and_o the_o decision_n be_v soon_o make_v so_o when_o the_o church_n act_v mere_o in_o obedience_n to_o rule_n and_o law_n lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n such_o as_o in_o declare_v the_o doctrine_n in_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n and_o maintain_v the_o settle_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n she_o be_v upon_o a_o sure_a bottom_n and_o must_v cast_v herself_o upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n whatever_o may_v happen_v and_o still_o obey_v god_n but_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o have_v arisen_a out_o of_o ancient_a custom_n and_o canon_n in_o every_o thing_n where_o she_o have_v not_o a_o law_n of_o god_n to_o support_v she_o i_o do_v not_o see_v any_o power_n she_o have_v to_o act_v in_o opposition_n to_o law_n and_o to_o the_o supreme_a civil_a authority_n in_o this_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v no_o small_a argument_n who_o be_v sanhedrin_n that_o be_v a_o civil_a court_n and_o the_o head_n of_o their_o state_n do_v give_v rule_n and_o order_n which_o their_o priest_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v when_o not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o be_v sure_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o it_o be_v never_o censure_v nor_o reprove_v by_o he_o nor_o by_o the_o apostle_n the_o argument_n be_v also_o strong_a that_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o time_n that_o she_o first_o have_v the_o protection_n of_o the_o civil_a authority_n till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o papal_a domination_n in_o which_o we_o find_v the_o emperor_n all_o along_o make_v law_n concern_v all_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n we_o find_v they_o receive_v appeal_n in_o all_o church_n matter_n which_o they_o appoint_v such_o bishop_n as_o happen_v to_o be_v about_o their_o court_n to_o examine_v this_o be_v like_o our_o court_n of_o delegate_n for_o the_o bishop_n who_o judge_v those_o matter_n do_v not_o act_v according_a to_o canon_n or_o by_o the_o ecclesiastical_a