rely_v we_o have_v only_o a_o firm_a and_o rational_a belief_n of_o reveal_v verity_n constant_a and_o immovable_a among_o all_o the_o change_n of_o sect_n and_o heretic_n true_a it_o be_v in_o every_o act_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v use_v of_o reason_n whether_o it_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n reveal_v or_o the_o church_n propose_v for_o we_o captivate_v our_o understanding_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n because_o we_o judge_v nothing_o more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o believe_v god_n and_o we_o secure_o rely_v upon_o his_o church_n who_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o assist_v with_o infallibility_n in_o such_o proposal_n but_o shall_v we_o say_v therefore_o that_o reason_n be_v the_o prime_n intrinsical_a motive_n of_o faith_n and_o into_o which_o it_o final_o be_v resolve_v nothing_o less_o for_o this_o discourse_n and_o approbation_n of_o reason_n be_v but_o necessary_o previous_a and_o antecedent_n to_o our_o deliberate_a and_o rational_a act_n of_o faith_n the_o act_n themselves_o be_v act_n of_o the_o understanding_n not_o discourse_v but_o pure_o assent_v which_o assent_n be_v not_o for_o reason_n sake_n but_o for_o authority_n be_v the_o last_o resolution_n into_o the_o judgement_n of_o private_a reason_n faith_n can_v not_o be_v divine_a or_o supernatural_a reason_n indeed_o produce_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o in_o catholic_n as_o protestant_n but_o with_o a_o vast_a difference_n for_o a_o protestant_n believe_v such_o a_o truth_n to_o be_v from_o god_n rely_v upon_o his_o reason_n only_o that_o it_o be_v reveal_v and_o this_o assent_n be_v not_o rational_a because_o his_o ground_n be_v deceitful_a but_o in_o a_o catholic_n reason_n act_v only_o so_o far_o in_o point_n of_o belief_n as_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o authority_n declare_v such_o truth_n to_o be_v sufficient_o reveal_v by_o almighty_a god_n which_o he_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n suspect_v to_o be_v fallible_a in_o such_o declaration_n i_o believe_v this_o say_v a_o protestant_n because_o my_o reason_n tell_v i_o it_o be_v reveal_v and_o will_v allow_v no_o other_o judge_n of_o this_o revelation_n i_o believe_v this_o say_v a_o catholic_n because_o a_o infallible_a authority_n assure_v i_o iâ—_n be_v reveal_v and_o my_o reason_n tell_v i_o there_o be_v no_o other_o sufficient_a ground_n or_o evidence_n for_o divine_a faith_n and_o therefore_o give_v up_o my_o private_a judgement_n to_o the_o church_n and_o which_o of_o these_o principle_n be_v more_o safe_a and_o rational_a let_v reason_n judge_v three_o i_o demand_v of_o these_o rationalist_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o heresy_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o it_o be_v oportet_fw-la esse_fw-la haereses_fw-la 19_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 19_o etc._n etc._n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n st._n paul_n have_v say_v it_o and_o that_o be_v sufficient_a and_o as_o for_o what_o it_o be_v it_o be_v well_o know_v the_o church_n have_v always_o teach_v that_o heresy_n be_v the_o voluntary_a election_n of_o some_o private_a opinion_n contradict_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o heretic_n who_o neglect_v the_o church_n authority_n with_o a_o stubborn_a mind_n defend_v wicked_a opinion_n but_o if_o we_o shall_v admit_v their_o new_a definition_n that_o heresy_n be_v to_o contradict_v any_o fundamental_a point_n express_o contain_v in_o scripture_n in_o my_o poor_a judgement_n according_a to_o such_o a_o definition_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o heresy_n or_o heretic_n but_o both_o arian_n anabaptist_n fanatic_n etc._n etc._n be_v as_o good_a catholic_n as_o any_o christian_n of_o the_o world_n for_o if_o private_a reason_n be_v the_o only_a judge_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o every_o one_o to_o rely_v upon_o these_o and_o all_o other_o condemn_v heretic_n the_o montanist_n except_v rely_v upon_o the_o write_a word_n as_o interpret_v by_o reason_n with_o sober_a enquiry_n and_o real_a endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o truth_n can_v just_o be_v so_o repute_v the_o arian_n have_v so_o much_o reason_n and_o scripture_n too_o in_o the_o bare_a letter_n on_o their_o side_n that_o take_v away_o the_o church_n infallibility_n and_o universal_a tradition_n interpret_n and_o deliver_v to_o we_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o the_o controversy_n will_v never_o be_v decide_v all_o place_n will_v swarm_v with_o nestorian_n eutychian_o anti-trinitarians_a barengarians_n anabaptist_n etc._n etc._n neither_o can_v we_o condemn_v they_o if_o this_o principle_n be_v good_a for_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o follow_v scripture_n as_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o private_a reason_n or_o spirit_n dictate_v to_o they_o let_v they_o not_o say_v that_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v just_o condemn_v for_o contradict_v express_a scripture_n against_o their_o knowledge_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n for_o they_o must_v remember_v first_o that_o themselves_o do_v not_o condemn_v the_o anabaptist_n upon_o only_a scripture_n ground_n second_o that_o it_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v that_o all_o fundamental_a point_n be_v not_o so_o express_v in_o scripture_n as_o they_o imagine_v and_o three_o that_o it_o be_v most_o uncharitable_a to_o say_v that_o all_o those_o who_o they_o condemn_v for_o heretic_n do_v against_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n contradict_v the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n and_o run_v headlong_o to_o hell_n with_o their_o eye_n open_a can_v we_o possible_o imagine_v that_o among_o so_o many_o million_o of_o arian_n there_o be_v not_o one_o single_a person_n have_v any_o conscience_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o many_o heretic_n have_v and_o do_v live_v virtuous_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n for_o who_o know_v not_o that_o satan_n sometime_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o while_o they_o profess_v and_o protest_v that_o if_o it_o be_v once_o make_v apparent_a to_o they_o that_o their_o tenet_n be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o will_v not_o one_o minute_n persist_v in_o they_o we_o judge_v it_o uncharitable_a to_o affirm_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o protestation_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o real_a though_o misguide_v zeal_n they_o all_o wilful_o sin_n against_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o their_o conscience_n we_o catholic_n indeed_o assert_v that_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o credibility_n be_v produce_v by_o we_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o heretical_a opinion_n and_o dangerous_a state_n without_o repentance_n but_o withal_o we_o say_v that_o god_n in_o his_o just_a judgement_n which_o be_v inscrutable_a suffer_v they_o through_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n in_o that_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n be_v veil_v from_o their_o eye_n by_o passion_n or_o prejudice_n or_o worldly_a interest_n while_o they_o so_o continue_v and_o we_o pray_v for_o they_o in_o hope_n that_o the_o father_n of_o infinite_a mercy_n will_v in_o his_o good_a time_n discover_v truth_n unto_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o home_o unto_o his_o church_n but_o for_o these_o rationalist_n to_o damn_v all_o those_o who_o they_o esteem_v heretic_n as_o contradictor_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o their_o conscience_n and_o knowledge_n be_v a_o censure_n most_o unreasonable_a and_o little_o beseem_v such_o who_o life_n be_v not_o so_o gospellike_a but_o that_o many_o sectary_n who_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o fundamental_o may_v just_o be_v repute_v at_o least_o as_o conscientious_a and_o in_o charity_n can_v be_v think_v otherwise_o all_o which_o due_o consider_v plain_o prove_v that_o they_o must_v either_o change_v their_o judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n or_o give_v we_o some_o new_a rule_n to_o discover_v heresy_n and_o withal_o that_o if_o they_o will_v stick_v close_o to_o this_o principle_n they_o must_v maintain_v that_o all_o the_o general_a council_n of_o the_o church_n even_o that_o celebrate_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v mere_a tyrannical_a usurpation_n in_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o believe_v and_o practice_n according_a to_o their_o decree_n whatever_o their_o private_a reason_n can_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_n four_o in_o vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n have_v jesus_n christ_n institute_v authoritative_a overseer_n and_o governor_n in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o perfect_a etc._n eph._n 4._o 11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n if_o every_o one_o must_v acknowledge_v no_o visible_a authority_n upon_o earth_n to_o have_v any_o oblige_a power_n over_o he_o in_o doctrine_n appertain_v to_o god_n but_o be_v his_o own_o teacher_n in_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o private_a reason_n five_o if_o every_o one_o be_v send_v to_o scripture_n to_o compose_v a_o creed_n for_o himself_o
that_o what_o she_o teach_v as_o of_o faith_n she_o so_o receive_v from_o the_o age_n immediate_o forego_v and_o so_o from_o age_n to_o age_n from_o million_o of_o son_n to_o their_o father_n up_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o sacred_a mouth_n of_o christ_n himself_o from_o church-tradition_n thus_o explain_v brief_o may_v be_v draw_v those_o position_n first_o that_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n comprise_v all_o point_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n second_o that_o all_o such_o point_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n from_o believe_a father_n to_o their_o child_n by_o a_o uninterrupted_n succession_n without_o diminution_n or_o addition_n and_o shall_v so_o continue_v for_o ever_o which_o involve_v these_o two_o proposition_n that_o nothing_o come_v to_o we_o upon_o the_o tenure_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o be_v of_o tradition_n yea_o though_o contain_v in_o scripture_n see_v we_o only_o be_v ascertain_v what_o book_n the_o apostle_n write_v and_o what_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o by_o tradition_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o new_a point_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n quoad_fw-la substantiam_fw-la as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v reveal_v the_o present_a church_n only_o believe_v what_o it_o receive_v from_o precedent_a age_n which_o assertion_n whosoever_o oppose_v contradict_v not_o i_o but_o the_o sublime_a angelical_a doctor_n st._n thomas_n express_o teach_v that_o in_o doctrina_fw-la christi_fw-la &_o apostolorum_fw-la &c._n &c._n 22ae_fw-la 1_o q._n be_v 10._o ad_fw-la 1am_fw-la &_o 2am_n et_fw-la in_o 1a_fw-la par_fw-fr q._n 32._o be_v 4._o corp_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o truth_n of_o faith_n be_v sufficient_o unfold_v but_o because_o perverse_a man_n pervert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o doctrine_n and_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 2_o ep._n of_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o last_o chap._n therefore_o the_o explication_n of_o faith_n be_v necessary_a against_o arise_v error_n in_o aftertime_n not_o contain_v another_o faith_n but_o the_o same_o more_o clear_v three_o that_o this_o universal_a tradition_n or_o hand_v of_o christian_a doctrine_n by_o oral_n teach_v and_o visible_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v and_o be_v the_o constant_a rule_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o after_o as_o before_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o church_n the_o first_o thesis_n or_o position_n though_o it_o have_v be_v deny_v by_o some_o heretic_n as_o namely_o the_o montanist_n yet_o be_v not_o controvert_v between_o we_o and_o protestant_n the_o proof_n lie_v upon_o the_o second_o which_o be_v demonstrate_v the_o three_o will_v follow_v of_o itself_o and_o can_v be_v deny_v with_o show_n of_o reason_n sect_n iii_o the_o clearness_n and_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n in_o deliver_v matter_n of_o faith_n no_o other_o extern_a prudential_a evidence_n or_o assurance_n in_o matter_n of_o divine_a faith_n who_o efficient_a cause_n be_v divine_a grace_n be_v necessary_o require_v than_o a_o moral_a certainty_n that_o what_o be_v propose_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o of_o faith_n be_v the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n which_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o assurance_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v have_v among_o protestant_n who_o build_v their_o new_a church_n upon_o their_o own_o confuse_a and_o unsteady_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n but_o be_v manifest_o to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o communion_n of_o christian_n viz._n the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o ground_n its_o faith_n as_o to_o such_o evidence_n upon_o universal_a tradition_n a_o principle_n not_o well_o liable_a to_o error_n and_o therefore_o can_v rational_o be_v expect_v to_o fail_v those_o who_o rely_v upon_o it_o as_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v thus_o christian_n religion_n be_v supernatural_a descend_v from_o heaven_n to_o we_o by_o revelation_n that_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v learn_v but_o from_o almighty_a god_n and_o his_o missioner_n namely_o from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o so_o successive_o from_o they_o bring_v down_o to_o we_o by_o church-profession_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n be_v commissionated_a by_o he_o to_o who_o be_v give_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n deliver_v to_o the_o world_n whole_o and_o entire_o the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n make_v so_o long_o stay_v in_o those_o place_n principal_o in_o which_o by_o mutual_a consent_n they_o have_v choose_v to_o plant_v the_o gospel_n till_o by_o often_o inculcation_n it_o be_v write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o by_o practice_n so_o confirm_v and_o clear_v to_o their_o judgement_n that_o rational_o they_o can_v not_o mistake_v or_o doubt_n concern_v any_o point_n so_o deliver_v all_o thing_n be_v by_o this_o mean_n sufficient_o provide_v for_o the_o constitute_n and_o govern_v of_o the_o church_n now_o though_o the_o apostle_n be_v many_o yet_o be_v all_o teach_v by_o the_o same_o master_n impower_v by_o the_o same_o commission_n and_o guide_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n do_v bring_v up_o their_o disciple_n in_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n to_o continue_v for_o ever_o so_o that_o all_o particular_a church_n though_o of_o different_a â—_z and_o language_n found_v by_o several_a instructer_n and_o so_o far_o distant_a from_o one_o another_o yet_o do_v harmonious_o meet_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o point_v traditionary_a whatsoever_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o they_o only_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o these_o only_o teach_v they_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o christ_n and_o be_v infallible_o direct_v in_o by_o the_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n among_o which_o apostolical_a doctrine_n one_o main_a article_n be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o world_n end_n a_o universal_a visible_a body_n of_o pastor_n and_o people_n term_v a_o catholic_n church_n divine_o assist_v and_o authorise_a to_o preserve_v teach_v and_o hand_n down_o to_o posterity_n without_o error_n all_o truth_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n this_o catholic_n church_n thus_o found_v practise_v and_o teach_v their_o child_n what_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v by_o her_o authorative_n rule_n of_o tradition_n all_o such_o for_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_o who_o teach_v any_o contrary_a doctrine_n and_o divide_v from_o they_o by_o this_o easy_a method_n all_o critical_a disputation_n about_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v cut_v off_o have_v only_o to_o inquire_v what_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o practise_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o to_o receive_v all_o doctrine_n witness_v for_o such_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o 15._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o present_a church_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o consequent_o infallible_a in_o her_o attestation_n who_o leave_v this_o rule_n must_v needs_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o error_n but_o how_o those_o who_o stick_v close_o to_o so_o safe_a a_o principle_n shall_v fail_v be_v moral_o inconceivable_a for_o such_o traditionary_a doctrine_n abstract_v from_o authority_n can_v loose_v but_o gather_v strength_n by_o time_n because_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n increaf_a and_o deliver_v to_o their_o child_n all_o point_n of_o faith_n as_o they_o receive_v they_o the_o tradition_n become_v more_o famous_a and_o universal_a carry_v along_o with_o it_o a_o great_a evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o moral_a impossibility_n to_o be_v deceive_v unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n so_o diffuse_v and_o numerous_a can_v forget_v to_o day_n what_o they_o believe_v and_o act_v yesterday_o and_o so_o ignorant_o mistake_v or_o know_o conspire_v together_o to_o teach_v their_o child_n to_o receive_v any_o doctrine_n as_o original_o proceed_v from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o yet_o they_o never_o have_v from_o their_o immediate_a forefather_n upon_o that_o tenure_n questionless_a that_o such_o a_o body_n of_o christian_n shall_v be_v wrought_v upon_o wilful_o to_o damn_v their_o own_o and_o other_o soul_n by_o attempt_v to_o gull_v the_o world_n to_o their_o face_n in_o a_o business_n of_o no_o less_o than_o eternal_a interest_n or_o that_o in_o thing_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n so_o visible_a so_o easy_o contradict_v they_o shall_v prevail_v to_o introduce_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o noonday_n lye_n be_v sure_o to_o be_v rank_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o impossibility_n and_o whososever_v see_v it_o not_o as_o such_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o all_o the_o hellibore_n in_o anticyra_n will_v cure_v he_o for_o where_o can_v one_o pick_v a_o hole_n in_o the_o everlasting_a coat_n of_o universal_a
tradition_n to_o make_v a_o way_n for_o error_n or_o heresy_n to_o creep_v in_o at_o do_v it_o not_o shine_v bright_a in_o the_o visible_a practice_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n scatter_v over_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o continual_o expose_v to_o all_o man_n eye_n and_o ear_n that_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v how_o doctrine_n so_o deliver_v shall_v be_v innovate_v without_o discovery_n and_o opposition_n or_o perish_v unless_o with_o the_o ruin_n of_o christianity_n if_o protestant_n consider_v this_o aright_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o bless_a eucharist_n by_o a_o real_a change_n of_o the_o consecrate_a element_n subjection_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n under_o christ_n invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n the_o sacred_a use_n of_o image_n veneration_n of_o relic_n private_a confession_n to_o a_o priest_n indulgence_n extreme_a unction_n purgatory_n prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a to_o be_v apostolical_a doctrine_n be_v hand_v traditional_o to_o we_o from_o age_n to_o age_n by_o a_o universal_a and_o more_o visible_a practice_n than_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o which_o yet_o they_o receive_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o same_o authority_n neither_o can_v they_o demand_v of_o we_o a_o far_a proof_n of_o what_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o in_o its_o very_a face_n a_o evidence_n of_o credibility_n beyond_o all_o exception_n nor_o ask_v of_o we_o in_o what_o secret_a repositary_n of_o the_o church_n these_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v preserve_v when_o they_o may_v in_o a_o manner_n as_o rational_o demand_v whether_o it_o be_v day_n when_o the_o sun_n be_v in_o the_o meridian_n of_o our_o horizon_n in_o vain_a therefore_o do_v protestant_n pretend_v innovation_n in_o faith_n to_o justify_v their_o separation_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o let_v they_o choose_v what_o age_n they_o will_v this_o principle_n be_v equal_o sure_a rational_o evident_a alike_o in_o all_o and_o as_o firm_o establish_v now_o in_o the_o attestation_n of_o the_o present_a church_n or_o in_o the_o day_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o eight_o when_o the_o fatal_a defection_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o england_n first_o begin_v or_o in_o the_o six_o or_o five_o or_o four_o century_n for_o they_o can_v agree_v about_o the_o time_n aâ—_n in_o the_o very_a next_o age_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n and_o consequent_o all_o traditionary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n teach_v and_o attest_v by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o any_o age_n the_o self_n same_o foâ—_n substance_n which_o be_v at_o first_o deliver'â—_n to_o the_o saint_n without_o increase_n or_o diâ—minution_n universal_a tradition_n and_o innovation_n in_o faith_n be_v in_o a_o manneâ—_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o incompatible_a and_o whaâ—_n argument_n soever_o the_o protestant_n produce_v to_o the_o contrary_a in_o their_o controversal_a skirmish_n be_v mere_o the_o play_v of_o wit_n against_o pure_a evidence_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v serious_o endeavour_v by_o elaborate_v argument_n to_o persuade_v we_o real_o that_o there_o be_v neveâ—_n such_o a_o man_n as_o king_n henry_n the_o 8_o king_n of_o england_n will_v we_o not_o think_v he_o fool_n or_o madman_n for_o his_o pain_n see_v that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a million_o of_o person_n not_o only_o in_o our_o own_o three_o kingdom_n but_o in_o other_o nation_n of_o credit_n and_o reputation_n without_o any_o cause_n sufficient_a to_o produce_v such_o a_o effect_n must_v conspire_v to_o be_v notorious_a liar_n and_o natural_a reason_n tell_v we_o if_o the_o first_o reporter_n have_v not_o relate_v it_o of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n with_o undeniable_a evidence_n it_o will_v never_o have_v obtain_v to_o pass_v so_o constant_o and_o uncontrollable_o as_o it_o do_v without_o the_o least_o doubt_n or_o question_n and_o yet_o thus_o have_v protestant_n lose_v the_o immemorial_n possession_n of_o their_o ancient_a faith_n and_o mislead_v with_o mere_a sophism_n will_v not_o believe_v those_o point_n to_o have_v be_v hand_v to_o we_o by_o tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v attest_v for_o such_o by_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o people_n of_o several_a nation_n in_o their_o respective_a age_n to_o this_o present_a with_o a_o far_o more_o transcendent_a evidence_n of_o credibility_n than_o the_o former_a instance_n notwithstanding_o such_o be_v the_o blindness_n of_o some_o man_n understanding_n or_o rather_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n that_o as_o the_o scripture_n say_v matth._n 13._o v._n 14._o see_v they_o will_v not_o perceive_v and_o hear_v they_o will_v not_o understand_v that_o they_o may_v be_v heal_v though_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n plain_a certain_a and_o expose_v to_o all_o man_n view_n in_o such_o visible_a character_n of_o public_a practice_n that_o who_o run_v may_v read_v as_o well_o the_o unlearned_a as_o the_o great_a scholar_n and_o upon_o which_o the_o pope_n and_o peasant_n depend_v alike_o for_o their_o salvation_n wherefore_o to_o contract_v this_o argument_n see_v such_o vast_a multitude_n of_o several_a nation_n can_v mistake_v in_o what_o have_v be_v a_o thousand_o time_n over_o and_o over_o inculcate_v unto_o they_o clear_v to_o their_o judgement_n and_o root_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o continual_a practice_n see_v that_o a_o world_n of_o believer_n can_v conspire_v together_o to_o damn_v themselves_o and_o cousin_n their_o posterity_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a moment_n whereof_o man_n be_v most_o tender_a and_o tenacious_a see_v mankind_n can_v give_v credit_n and_o entertainment_n to_o any_o doctrine_n to_o which_o their_o daily_a religious_a worship_n give_v the_o lie_n and_o can_v be_v accept_v without_o the_o destruction_n of_o some_o evident_a principle_n of_o which_o they_o be_v in_o present_a possession_n as_o divine_a and_o apostolical_a unless_o such_o a_o doctrine_n bring_v with_o it_o a_o manifest_a demonstration_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v in_o any_o point_n of_o faith_n controvert_v between_o protestant_n and_o catholic_n see_v these_o be_v the_o safe_a and_o sure_a ground_n of_o universal_a tradition_n true_o methinks_v whosoever_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v it_o for_o a_o rule_n or_o evidence_n sufficient_a in_o point_n of_o faith_n but_o desire_v a_o more_o certain_a or_o manifest_a conduct_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o doctrine_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v the_o world_n or_o who_o be_v satisfy_v with_o less_o that_o be_v with_o a_o rule_n which_o may_v easy_o deceive_v he_o in_o a_o business_n of_o eternal_a interest_n serious_o such_o person_n seem_v to_o i_o not_o impartial_a searcher_n and_o if_o ever_o it_o please_v god_n to_o clear_v up_o their_o understanding_n in_o divine_a matter_n they_o will_v confess_v it_o sect_n iv_o universal_a tradition_n the_o church_n rule_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o age_n do_v not_o protestant_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n pretend_v to_o antiquity_n as_o on_o their_o side_n against_o the_o catholic_n in_o this_o controversy_n about_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n any_o far_a discourse_n of_o this_o subject_a for_o the_o present_a have_v not_o be_v necessary_a but_o because_o such_o be_v their_o claim_n i_o shall_v take_v some_o pain_n to_o show_v the_o injustice_n of_o it_o and_o let_v the_o reader_n see_v that_o as_o well_o in_o this_o as_o other_o point_n they_o who_o be_v our_o enemy_n have_v no_o friend_n of_o the_o father_n to_o maintain_v they_o in_o their_o opposition_n but_o be_v equal_o contradictor_n of_o they_o and_o we_o yet_o before_o i_o shall_v urge_v authority_n i_o shall_v press_v they_o with_o reason_n the_o apostle_n have_v among_o other_o necessary_a point_n of_o christian_a faith_n root_v this_o doctrine_n in_o their_o disciple_n heart_n to_o believe_v only_o what_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o and_o also_o guard_v it_o with_o the_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n of_o excommunication_n 9_o gal._n 1._o 8_o 9_o even_o against_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n that_o shall_v presume_v to_o teach_v otherwise_o because_o of_o point_n necessary_a what_o be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o ground_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v most_o careful_o to_o be_v preserve_v one_o will_v think_v understand_v head_n can_v not_o doubt_v that_o the_o fathful_a be_v to_o receive_v and_o hold_v their_o faith_n upon_o the_o same_o tenure_n of_o tradition_n to_o the_o world_n end_n as_o attè_v to_o they_o by_o the_o public_a voice_n of_o the_o present_a church_n yet_o question_v it_o be_v and_o contradict_v also_o by_o english_a protestant_n but_o doubtless_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v as_o they_o ought_v first_o that_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o this_o belief_n upon_o the_o tenure_n of_o universal_a tradition_n unless_o they_o can_v demonstrate_v such_o a_o tenure_n actual_o
be_v manifest_v in_o the_o precedent_a section_n and_o for_o further_a confirmation_n i_o here_o ask_v whether_o hoc_fw-la est_fw-la copus_n meum_fw-la hic_fw-la est_fw-la sanguis_fw-la meus_fw-la be_v not_o plain_a word_n without_o any_o ambiguity_n in_o their_o grammatical_a construction_n we_o catholic_n indeed_o teach_v by_o the_o universal_a tradition_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n doubt_v not_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o but_o can_v lutheran_n calvinist_n and_o english_a protestant_n maintain_v their_o meaning_n to_o be_v clear_a and_o perspicuous_a among_o who_o above_o forty_o several_a interpretation_n some_o flat_o repugnant_a to_o each_o other_o be_v find_v about_o they_o can_v such_o variety_n and_o contrariety_n proceed_v but_o from_o obscurity_n either_o from_o that_o or_o else_o some_o of_o they_o must_v wilful_o contradict_v scripture_n and_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o maintain_v a_o dangerous_a doctrine_n against_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n but_o who_o those_o be_v i_o leave_v they_o to_o wrangle_v upon_o their_o own_o ground_n eternal_o among_o themselves_o in_o the_o interim_n i_o be_o sure_a upon_o catholic_n principle_n they_o all_o stand_v unanswerable_o convict_v of_o wilful_a heresy_n beside_o christ_n real_a descent_n into_o hell_n be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n yet_o the_o calvinist_n deny_v it_o against_o scripture_n act_v 2._o v._o 27_o and_o 31._o as_o plain_a 31._o act_n 2._o 27_o 31._o in_o our_o judgement_n and_o so_o think_v the_o english_a protestant_n also_o as_o the_o apostle_n creed_n they_o bring_v no_o other_o scripture_n for_o their_o negative_a but_o flat_o deny_v this_o place_n to_o be_v evident_a and_o conclude_a now_o what_o must_v be_v do_v to_o end_v this_o controversy_n in_o a_o fundamental_a point_n the_o clear_a text_n scripture_n afford_v be_v already_o produce_v to_o give_v they_o satisfaction_n it_o be_v unsuccessful_a and_o they_o raise_v cloud_n of_o new_a invent_v interpretation_n to_o hide_v it_o from_o their_o own_o and_o other_o eye_n can_v scripture_n now_o judge_v and_o conclude_v this_o controversy_n moreover_o the_o lutheran_n and_o english_a protestant_n agree_v with_o catholic_n in_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o baptism_n to_o salvation_n ground_v themselves_o on_o that_o of_o st._n john_n except_o 5._o joh._n 3._o 5._o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o calvinist_n hold_v the_o contrary_a and_o by_o no_o mean_n will_v allow_v water_n there_o mention_v to_o be_v take_v literal_o for_o natural_a water_n but_o drink_v it_o all_o up_o with_o a_o dry_a metaphor_n how_o can_v they_o convince_v they_o if_o scripture_n alone_o be_v judge_n if_o with_o we_o they_o urge_v they_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o father_n universal_a tradition_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n so_o interpret_n these_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o controversy_n be_v at_o a_o end_n or_o if_o calvinist_n will_v be_v yet_o contend_v they_o can_v speak_v nothing_o solid_a or_o rational_a in_o their_o own_o defence_n to_o all_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o judicious_a and_o acute_a observation_n of_o a_o able_a controvertist_n that_o though_o 137._o apology_n for_o tradit_fw-la p._n 137._o one_o intent_n and_o end_n of_o writing_n st._n john_n '_o s_o gospel_n be_v to_o show_v the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o arian_n afterward_o deny_v yet_o the_o design_n prove_v so_o unsuccessful_a that_o never_o any_o heresy_n be_v more_o powerful_a and_o spread_a than_o that_o which_o oppose_v the_o truth_n intend_v by_o his_o book_n so_o he_o yea_o and_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a the_o arian_n at_o this_o day_n do_v make_v more_o use_n of_o that_o gospel_n than_o any_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n to_o beat_v down_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n a_o manifest_a argument_n that_o scripture_n be_v never_o intend_v by_o the_o author_n of_o those_o sacred_a oracle_n for_o the_o final_a decision_n of_o controvert_v point_n but_o for_o something_o else_o proper_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o dead_a writing_n however_o we_o make_v no_o question_n but_o all_o catholic_n doctrine_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o bible_n by_o rational_a deduction_n with_o infinite_a advantage_n above_o what_o our_o adversary_n can_v produce_v for_o their_o defence_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n as_o have_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v by_o able_a controvertist_n before_o any_o impartial_a and_o understand_a judge_n more_o need_v not_o be_v say_v in_o a_o matter_n condemn_v by_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n sect_n vi_o that_o private_a reason_n in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o the_o interpreter_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o every_o christian_n to_o rely_v upon_o for_o his_o salvation_n some_o english_a protestant_n of_o critical_a head_n to_o qualify_v the_o absurdance_n of_o the_o former_a thesis_n still_o hold_v close_o to_o the_o write_a word_n for_o a_o complete_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n make_v private_a reason_n the_o interpreter_n and_o judge_n for_o every_o christian_a a_o principle_n which_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v plausible_a and_o gain_v follower_n because_o it_o make_v every_o one_o svi_fw-la juris_fw-la independent_a and_o his_o own_o master_n a_o thing_n so_o desirable_a and_o sweet_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yet_o no_o less_o than_o the_o other_o do_v it_o contradict_v the_o whole_a christian_a world_n always_o teach_v ut_fw-la scripturas_fw-la ipsas_fw-la sic_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la sensum_fw-la pure_a &_o imperturbate_n solum_fw-la ad_fw-la nos_fw-la traditionis_fw-la alneo_fw-la deferri_fw-la that_o the_o pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v depend_v upon_o tradition_n as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o account_v it_o a_o giddy_a spirit_n of_o heretical_a rashness_n scripturae_fw-la interpretationem_fw-la ex_fw-la proprio_fw-la ingenio_fw-la petere_fw-la to_o refuse_v to_o give_v ear_n to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o give_v ear_n to_o the_o whisper_n of_o private_a reason_n which_o be_v so_o exterminate_v a_o principle_n and_o destructive_a of_o religion_n that_o it_o do_v not_o ruin_v this_o or_o that_o or_o some_o few_o catholic_n truth_n but_o like_o a_o general_a deluge_n with_o a_o irresistible_a torrent_n sweep_v away_o the_o church_n itself_o by_o overthrow_v the_o unity_n in_o faith_n the_o life_n and_o soul_n and_o essence_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o subject_n will_v afford_v a_o large_a field_n of_o discourse_n but_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o brevity_n and_o i_o hope_v other_o also_o whosoever_o shall_v desire_v more_o ample_a satisfaction_n i_o refer_v he_o to_o the_o exomologesis_fw-la of_o mr._n cressy_n where_o it_o be_v solid_o confute_v in_o answer_n to_o mr._n chillingworth_n the_o great_a patron_n and_o first_o public_a assertor_n of_o it_o with_o approbation_n the_o principal_a argument_n which_o convince_v i_o for_o i_o be_v one_o of_o those_o very_a unreasonable_a rationalist_n when_o i_o be_v a_o protestant_n and_o with_o which_o i_o rest_v full_o satisfy_v be_v these_o follow_v first_o if_o private_a reason_n be_v the_o only_a interpreter_n and_o judge_n of_o scripture_n for_o every_o christian_a i_o desire_v those_o who_o be_v mind_v to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o those_o place_n of_o sacred_a writ_n which_o in_o my_o poor_a judgement_n can_v stand_v with_o their_o position_n st._n peter_n teach_v we_o etc._n 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o 20_o etc._n etc._n that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy-ghost_n that_o be_v as_o the_o sacred_a penman_n of_o god_n word_n write_v by_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n be_v his_o public_a instrument_n to_o reveal_v the_o divine_a verity_n to_o the_o world_n so_o those_o sacred_a oracle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v interpret_v authorative_n by_o the_o private_a reason_n and_o will_n of_o man_n but_o their_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n if_o call_v in_o question_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v from_o the_o governor_n 4._o concilium_fw-la trid._n sesse_n 4._o of_o the_o church_n who_o god_n have_v authorise_a to_o declare_v his_o will_n unto_o his_o people_n of_o which_o he_o give_v a_o convince_a reason_n in_o his_o 3d._a chap._n tell_v 17._o 2_o pet._n 3._o 15_o 16_o 17._o we_o that_o in_o his_o dear_a brother_n paul_n epistle_n be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrest_v as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n this_o be_v not_o compatible_a to_o the_o definitive_a sentence_n of_o a_o judge_n in_o any_o controversy_n which_o must_v be_v so_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a that_o the_o most_o unlearned_a or_o refractory_a can_v doubt_v or_o mistake_v after_o pronunciation_n neither_o
tradition_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n not_o they_o but_o this_o can_v only_o true_o and_o rational_o be_v assert_v for_o a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a rule_n comprehend_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n hand_v they_o down_o from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o to_o we_o now_o live_v as_o the_o reveal_v truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o believe_v as_o such_o by_o all_o respective_a age_n upon_o that_o tenure_n among_o which_o truth_n so_o attest_v that_o such_o write_n be_v the_o undoubted_a word_n os_fw-la god_n be_v a_o principal_a one_o and_o believe_v because_o so_o attest_v but_o all_o other_o traditionary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n have_v the_o same_o convince_a proof_n that_o they_o come_v from_o heaven_n whatever_o of_o they_o be_v occasional_o commit_v to_o write_v afterward_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v still_o to_o be_v believe_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n viz._n tradition_n and_o church_n authority_n the_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n as_o well_o for_o the_o sense_n as_o letter_n depend_v thereon_o again_o i_o demand_v of_o english_a protestant_n by_o what_o authority_n they_o condemn_v the_o anabaptist_n to_o be_v heretic_n whether_o by_o scripture_n or_o tradition_n if_o they_o say_v by_o scripture_n they_o must_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o tell_v that_o st._n austin_n with_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n who_o tell_v they_o very_o plain_o that_o consuetudo_fw-la matris_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o donat._n l._n 4._o cont_n donat._n custom_n of_o the_o church_n our_o mother_n in_o baprize_v child_n be_v in_o no_o sort_n to_o be_v despise_v nor_o by_o any_o mean_n think_v superfluous_a nor_o at_o all_o to_o be_v believe_v except_o it_o be_v a_o apostolical_a tradition_n but_o if_o they_o value_v not_o antiquity_n and_o presume_v the_o father_n be_v but_o schoolboy_n to_o they_o in_o the_o understanding_n of_o sacred_a writ_n let_v they_o produce_v any_o one_o text_n for_o infant-baptism_n so_o clear_o prove_v it_o that_o the_o contradictor_n must_v be_v unavoidable_o convince_v and_o leave_v confound_v without_o any_o shadow_n of_o reply_n before_o thorough_o know_v and_o expert_a judge_n in_o such_o controversy_n and_o will_v confess_v the_o father_n be_v but_o dull_a and_o heavy_a man_n compare_v to_o their_o quick_a and_o more_o deep-sighted_n judgement_n in_o dive_v into_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o rest_v satisfy_v that_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o only_a scripture_n anabaptist_n may_v be_v condemn_v fisher_n in_o his_o reply_n fisher_n for_o heretic_n i_o remember_v bishop_n land_n much_o press_v that_o place_n in_o the_o act_n to_o be_v convince_a for_o infant_n baptism_n repent_v and_o be_v baptise_a 39_o act._n 2._o 38_o 39_o every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o promise_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n yet_o not_o without_o the_o help_n of_o tradition_n enlighten_v and_o exalt_v it_o to_o that_o force_n and_o efficacy_n but_o dr._n hammond_n quaeres_fw-la in_o his_o ans_fw-fr to_o 6._o quaeres_fw-la a_o great_a scripturist_n and_o defender_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n confess_v it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o conclude_a for_o it_o without_o more_o ado_n the_o truth_n be_v do_v not_o church-tradition_n shine_v bright_a in_o universal_a practice_n decide_v the_o controversy_n they_o can_v not_o satisfactory_o answer_v those_o text_n of_o scripture_n wherewith_o the_o anabaptist_n confront_v those_o other_o produce_v by_o they_o nor_o just_o enroll_v they_o in_o the_o black_a book_n of_o heretic_n do_v not_o this_o manifest_o destroy_v their_o main_a foundation_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_a and_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n beside_o it_o be_v not_o a_o heretical_a practice_n to_o rebaptise_a those_o who_o have_v be_v baptise_a by_o heretic_n observe_v the_o true_a form_n of_o baptism_n can_v they_o evince_v it_o for_o such_o by_o any_o scripture_n st._n austin_n tell_v they_o that_o custom_n which_o be_v oppose_v to_o cyprian_a 23._o l._n 2._o de_fw-fr bap._n cont_n donat._n ca._n 7_o &_o l._n 5._o c._n 23._o be_v to_o be_v believe_v to_o have_v take_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o he_o believe_v it_o for_o such_o moreover_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n be_v not_o express_o deliver_v in_o holy_a writ_n nor_o the_o number_n of_o the_o sacrament_n nor_o yet_o the_o word_n sacrament_n in_o the_o scripture_n apply_v at_o all_o to_o those_o they_o acknowledge_v for_o such_o at_o least_o general_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o for_o all_o these_o we_o be_v behold_v to_o the_o practice_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o far_a yet_o let_v they_o show_v any_o precept_n in_o scripture_n for_o the_o abolish_n of_o the_o jewish_a sabbath_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n in_o its_o stead_n a_o point_n doubtless_o necessary_a for_o christian_n however_o as_o apply_v to_o multitude_n in_o church-communion_n here_o also_o they_o be_v force_v to_o leave_v scripture_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o tradition_n for_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o sabbaterians_n moreover_o will_v they_o willing_o part_v with_o the_o apostle_n creed_n the_o observation_n of_o lent_n which_o their_o lent_n in_o his_o sermon_n upon_o lent_n bishop_n andrews_n contend_v to_o be_v apostolical_a and_o see_v all_o christian_a festival_n trample_v under_o the_o profane_a foot_n of_o furious_a fanatic_n with_o most_o janua_n ep._n 118._o ad_fw-la janua_n insolent_a madness_n as_o st._n austin_n call_v it_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o go_v if_o scripture_n must_v hold_v they_o up_o without_o tradition_n in_o a_o word_n the_o great_a champion_n of_o the_o english_a protestant_a church_n in_o these_o late_a year_n especial_o perceive_v by_o sad_a experience_n the_o under_o sectary_n who_o be_v spawn_v from_o they_o to_o endanger_v and_o at_o last_o for_o a_o time_n whole_o to_o destroy_v their_o new_a form_n of_o belief_n and_o worship_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o principle_n of_o only-scripture_n do_v now_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o sword_n and_o buckler_n of_o tradition_n to_o defend_v and_o justify_v themselves_o against_o their_o treacherous_a brethren_n and_o thus_o although_o they_o fly_v to_o our_o rule_n of_o faith_n universal_a tradition_n for_o conviction_n of_o their_o adversary_n in_o some_o point_n by_o themselves_o account_v necessary_a yet_o they_o will_v needs_o have_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_a and_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n doubtless_o it_o have_v be_v more_o safe_a and_o ingenuous_a to_o have_v acknowledge_v with_o the_o ancient_a father_n traditionary_a doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o complete_a the_o rule_n of_o christian_a belief_n but_o contradict_v antiquity_n by_o contract_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n into_o scripture_n alone_o they_o have_v likewise_o contradict_v themselves_o the_o inevitable_a fate_n of_o all_o truthopposer_n second_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o clear_o evident_a without_o dispute_n in_o all_o point_v necessary_a contain_v in_o they_o and_o consequent_o no_o complete_a nor_o certain_a rule_n of_o themselves_o as_o the_o common_a experience_n of_o all_o age_n make_v good_a can_v any_o say_v the_o consubstantiality_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o the_o father_n be_v in_o evident_a or_o express_a term_n in_o sacred_a scripture_n yea_o or_o so_o contain_v in_o it_o by_o inevitable_a consequence_n as_o to_o destroy_v all_o probability_n in_o the_o text_n bring_v for_o the_o contrary_a by_o contradictor_n then_o certain_o the_o arian_n who_o have_v as_o subtle_a head_n and_o able_a brain_n as_o any_o protestant_n to_o understand_v the_o logic_n of_o their_o adversary_n be_v mad_a man_n to_o appeal_v from_o council_n and_o tradition_n to_o the_o write_a word_n they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o without_o the_o tradition_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n deliver_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n they_o can_v handsome_o enough_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o all_o argument_n may_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o bare_a and_o dead_a word_n of_o scripture_n though_o stretch_v upon_o the_o tenter_n of_o most_o rigorous_a criticism_n yea_o they_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v text_n for_o they_o more_o evident_o assert_v the_o inferiority_n of_o the_o son_n and_o appropriate_v the_o divine_a nature_n to_o the_o father_n only_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o confidence_n in_o appeal_n to_o the_o write_a word_n to_o be_v try_v thereby_o without_o tradition_n and_o yet_o the_o protestant_n condemn_v the_o arian_n for_o heretic_n and_o just_o too_o but_o how_o they_o can_v do_v it_o rational_o upon_o their_o own_o principle_n i_o confess_v surpass_v my_o understanding_n true_a it_o be_v add_v to_o scripture_n the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o authoritative_a sentence_n of_o a_o approve_a general_n council_n so_o interpret_n it_o and_o the_o case_n be_v clear_a but_o these_o
be_v this_o difficulty_n in_o matter_n of_o no_o moment_n but_o in_o point_n necessary_a where_o soul_n do_v perish_v through_o misbelief_n we_o find_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o philip_n the_o deacon_n draw_v near_o to_o the_o chariot_n of_o the_o devout_a eunuch_n and_o hear_v he_o read_v etc._n act_n 8._o 30_o 31_o etc._n etc._n the_o prophet_n isaias_n say_v understand_v thou_o what_o thou_o read_v and_o he_o say_v how_o can_v i_o except_v some_o man_n guide_v i_o he_o have_v not_o learn_v the_o principle_n of_o their_o rationalist_n to_o bid_v the_o holy_a man_n spare_v his_o pain_n of_o exposition_n or_o if_o he_o will_v be_v do_v that_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v one_o word_n he_o speak_v for_o truth_n till_o his_o own_o reason_n make_v it_o authentic_a for_o this_o wild_a doctrine_n free_v every_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o eternity_n from_o all_o authority_n of_o humane_a teacher_n though_o of_o divine_a institution_n so_o that_o be_v we_o jew_n or_o heathen_n or_o in_o what_o church_n soever_o we_o have_v be_v baptise_a we_o must_v stand_v to_o no_o creed_n believe_v no_o catechism_n or_o abridgement_n of_o point_n necessary_a though_o confirm_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n rely_v on_o no_o instructor_n but_o believe_v and_o practise_v the_o quite_o contrary_a if_o our_o private_a reason_n judge_n it_o to_o be_v contain_v in_o sacred_a scripture_n doubtless_o if_o his_o judgement_n have_v be_v preposess_v with_o this_o proud_a arrogant_a principle_n philip_n have_v preach_v in_o vain_a nor_o have_v he_o believe_v unto_o salvation_n but_o will_v have_v dismiss_v the_o evangelist_n with_o some_o such_o word_n as_o these_o i_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o save_v my_o soul_n and_o therefore_o have_v give_v you_o a_o hear_n but_o all_o this_o be_v nothing_o yet_o to_o i_o i_o will_v search_v the_o scripture_n far_a to_o see_v what_o i_o must_v believe_v and_o when_o i_o have_v make_v my_o creed_n i_o will_v send_v for_o you_o to_o baptise_v i_o which_o plain_o contradict_v the_o method_n of_o save_a instruction_n deliver_v by_o the_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o gentile_n in_o that_o famous_a climax_n how_o shall_v they_o call_v 15._o rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o on_o he_o in_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n a_o preacher_n with_o mission_n and_o commission_n from_o jesus_n christ_n but_o no_o place_n be_v more_o convince_a than_o that_o 15._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o to_o timothy_n the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o the_o church_n how_o then_o must_v every_o one_o build_v upon_o his_o private_a reason_n for_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n st._n paul_n be_v a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o missioner_n then_o be_v those_o who_o teach_v the_o contrary_a last_o i_o desire_v they_o to_o reconcile_v this_o article_n of_o our_o ancient_a creed_n i_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n with_o their_o novel_a doctrine_n the_o caetholick_a church_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o my_o faith_n i_o believe_v my_o own_o reason_n and_o nothing_o else_o in_o give_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n to_o i_o for_o my_o part_n it_o be_v clear_a to_o i_o from_o the_o write_a word_n that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o promise_n of_o infallibility_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o there_o be_v a_o command_n from_o christ_n lay_v upon_o every_o one_o to_o hear_v her_o voice_n under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n and_o that_o otherwise_o the_o above_o name_v article_n will_v not_o have_v be_v insert_v into_o the_o apostle_n creed_n as_o a_o fundamental_a point_n i_o can_v see_v no_o safety_n or_o certainty_n in_o matter_n of_o eternal_a interest_n but_o by_o whole_o renounce_v my_o most_o weak_a deceitful_a self_n and_o deliver_v up_o myself_o entire_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o be_v teach_v by_o she_o what_o i_o must_v believe_v and_o do_v to_o be_v save_v nor_o find_v i_o any_o thing_n more_o reasonable_a then_o to_o captivate_v my_o understanding_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n when_o the_o god_n of_o reason_n do_v require_v it_o at_o our_o hand_n second_o to_o make_v every_o one_o a_o interpreter_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o holy_a scripture_n for_o himself_o unappealable_o by_o reason_n seem_v evident_o to_o i_o to_o deprive_v we_o of_o the_o only_a rational_a and_o solid_a mean_n which_o be_v require_v to_o produce_v a_o well_o ground_a faith_n of_o supernatural_a verity_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o thus_o i_o manifest_v supernatural_a faith_n be_v a_o assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o thing_n reveal_v mere_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o relator_n without_o any_o far_a dispute_n when_o once_o we_o have_v a_o assurance_n that_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o two_o thing_n must_v necessary_o concur_v in_o all_o mediate_a production_n to_o beget_v this_o act_n firm_o and_o rational_o in_o any_o soul_n namely_o it_v divine_a revelation_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v which_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n into_o which_o it_o be_v ultimate_o resolve_v and_o two_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n or_o moral_a evidence_n that_o such_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o mediation_n or_o intervention_n of_o which_o the_o understanding_n elevate_v by_o grace_n proceed_v to_o the_o foresay_a assent_n now_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o object_n of_o supernatural_a and_o divine_a faith_n but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_a word_n it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a and_o naked_a letter_n but_o scripture_n right_o understand_v that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o infallible_a verity_n except_o therefore_o we_o have_v some_o medium_fw-la or_o mean_n to_o convey_v assure_o to_o our_o understanding_n the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n our_o faith_n can_v but_o halt_v and_o totter_v when_o we_o can_v rational_o afford_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o reveal_v and_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v whither_o we_o right_o understand_v that_o scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o revelation_n and_o certain_o this_o cause_n of_o suspicion_n will_v be_v ever_o just_a while_o private_a reason_n be_v the_o interpreter_n and_o judge_n of_o holy_a writ_n when_o abundant_a experience_n tell_v we_o nothing_o be_v more_o fallible_a nothing_o more_o deceitful_a nothing_o soon_o bribe_v with_o pride_n or_o passion_n or_o prejudice_n or_o education_n or_o interest_n to_o make_v word_n speak_v what_o never_o the_o author_n intend_v by_o they_o insomuch_o that_o hardly_o any_o fundamental_a point_n deliver_v in_o scripture_n but_o have_v be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o still_o be_v by_o too_o many_o protest_v withal_o their_o sincerity_n and_o endeavour_n to_o attain_v to_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n to_o which_o they_o appeal_v as_o their_o judge_n and_o protector_n in_o those_o wilful_a and_o irrational_a proceed_n neither_o indeed_o have_v heresy_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n but_o from_o scripture_n misinterpret_v by_o private_a reason_n as_o the_o etc._n the_o non_fw-la aliunde_fw-la natae_fw-la sunt_fw-la haeredes_fw-la nisi_fw-la quod_fw-la scripturae_fw-la bene_fw-la intelliguntur_fw-la non_fw-la benè_fw-la st._n aug._n tract_n 18_o in_o jeab_n er_fw-mi de_fw-fr gen._n ad_fw-la lit._n l._n 7_o ca._n 9_o non_fw-la ob_fw-la aliud_fw-la siunt_fw-la haeretici_fw-la nisi_fw-la quod_fw-la scripturas_fw-la non_fw-la recte_fw-la intelligentes_fw-la svas_fw-la falsas_fw-la opiniones_fw-la contra_fw-la earum_fw-la veritatem_fw-la pertinaciter_fw-la asserunt_fw-la &_o alii_fw-la passiom_n s._n ambr._n in_o titi._n vincentius_n lyrin_n ca._n 36._o s._n irenaeus_n l._n 1._o c._n 1._o s._n hier._n ad_fw-la ca._n 23._o isaiae_n s._n hilar._n in_o lib._n ad_fw-la constantinum_n origenes_n hom._n 31._o in_o exodum_fw-la etc._n etc._n father_n and_o church-history_n sufficient_o testify_v alas_o poor_a soul_n that_o have_v such_o a_o guide_n to_o carry_v the_o light_n which_o must_v direct_v they_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n if_o they_o make_v their_o light_a darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n when_o their_o guide_n mislead_v they_o what_o remedy_n be_v there_o left_a to_o recall_v they_o into_o the_o path_n which_o lead_v to_o heaven_n the_o catholic_n church_n indeed_o be_v enrich_v with_o so_o great_a a_o privilege_n by_o christ_n our_o saviour_n that_o she_o can_v err_v in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o have_v be_v manifest_v in_o the_o precedent_a motive_n by_o reason_n father_n council_n scripture_n tradition_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n who_o we_o may_v as_o undoubted_o believe_v in_o deliver_v to_o we_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o letter_n and_o upon_o who_o
the_o ancient_a church_n now_o the_o place_n a_o sacred_a writ_n by_o which_o the_o ancient_a father_n usual_o prove_v their_o belief_n in_o this_o point_n be_v principal_o two_o our_o saviour_n 18._o mat._n 16._o 18._o word_n to_o st._n peter_n i_o say_v unto_o thou_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n the_o other_o john_n the_o 21._o 15_o 16_o 17._o verse_n jesus_n say_v to_o simon_n peter_n simon_n son_n of_o jona_n love_v thou_o i_o more_o than_o these_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o yea_o lord_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o love_v thou_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o feed_v my_o lamb_n he_o say_v to_o he_o the_o second_o time_n simon_n son_n of_o jona_n love_v thou_o i_o he_o say_v to_o he_o yea_o lord_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o love_v thou_o he_o say_v to_o he_o again_o feed_v my_o lamb_n he_o say_v to_o he_o the_o three_o time_n simon_n son_n of_o ionas_n love_v thou_o i_o peter_n be_v sorry_a that_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o the_o three_o time_n love_v thou_o i_o and_o say_v unto_o he_o lord_z thou_o know_v all_o thing_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o love_v thou_o jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o feed_v my_o sheep_n these_o i_o say_v be_v the_o principal_a scripture_n which_o the_o ancient_a father_n make_v use_v of_o to_o prove_v st._n peter_n supreme_a jurisdiction_n in_o god_n church_n and_o his_o successor_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o may_v be_v see_v by_o most_o of_o the_o testimony_n before_o allege_v and_o may_v be_v show_v by_o many_o more_o i_o shall_v produce_v but_o two_o or_o three_o ecce_fw-la clavis_fw-la regni_fw-la caelestis_fw-la etc._n etc._n behold_v peter_n receive_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v be_v give_v to_o he_o the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v commit_v to_o he_o be_v 32._o l._n 4._o ep._n ep._n 32._o st._n gregory_n word_n relate_v to_o these_o text_n and_o vindicate_v the_o primacy_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o his_o successor_n the_o pope_n of_o rome_n as_o may_v be_v see_v at_o large_a in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o emperor_n maritius_n petra_n dicitur_fw-la petrus_n etc._n etc._n peter_n 47._o ser._n 47._o be_v call_v a_o rock_n say_v st._n ambrose_n because_o as_o a_o stone_n immovable_a he_o bear_v up_o the_o compact_a body_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a fabric_n though_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o the_o ancient_a father_n sometime_o take_v this_o rock_n to_o be_v st._n peter_n faith_n whereof_o he_o have_v then_o new_o make_v confession_n however_o more_o unanimous_o they_o expound_v this_o rock_n to_o be_v st._n peter_n person_n as_o head_n and_o pastor_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a but_o never_o understand_v it_o of_o st._n peter_n faith_n as_o separate_v from_o his_o person_n so_o the_o rhemish_a testament_n madonate_fw-it etc._n etc._n upon_o the_o place_n do_v assure_v we_o as_o for_o the_o text_n in_o st._n john_n hear_v jâ—â—â—â—_n dr_n 〈◊〉_d s._n jâ—â—â—â—_n eusebius_n emissenus_fw-la expound_v it_o our_o lord_n first_o commit_v his_o lamb_n and_o then_o his_o sheep_n to_o peter_n because_o he_o make_v he_o not_o only_o a_o pastor_n but_o the_o pastor_n of_o pastor_n he_o be_v therefore_o the_o pastor_n of_o all_o for_o beside_o lamb_n and_o sheep_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o church_n and_o though_o protestant_n will_v not_o see_v it_o yet_o st._n gregory_n say_v it_o be_v plain_a to_o all_o that_o read_v the_o gospel_n that_o from_o our_o lord_n own_o mouth_n the_o charge_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v deliver_v to_o peter_n prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n insomuch_o that_o as_o maldonate_fw-it have_v observe_v upon_o the_o place_n there_o be_v never_o any_o father_n greek_z or_o latin_a who_o ever_o understand_v or_o expound_v it_o in_o a_o contrary_a sense_n so_o then_o scripture-ground_n the_o ancient_a father_n have_v for_o their_o belief_n in_o this_o point_n upon_o which_o scripture_n notwithstanding_o they_o do_v not_o rely_v as_o bare_o consider_v in_o themselves_o but_o as_o so_o expound_v by_o the_o universal_a practice_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n the_o only_a infallible_a interpreter_n of_o the_o write_a word_n and_o unerring_a rule_n of_o catholic_n faith_n which_o be_v apply_v to_o these_o sacred_a text_n make_v they_o speak_v clear_o our_o belief_n to_o any_o impartial_a understanding_n and_o therefore_o consider_v the_o father_n faith_n and_o practice_n they_o can_v not_o be_v liable_a from_o they_o to_o other_o interpretation_n of_o which_o this_o be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n in_o that_o they_o first_o of_o all_o begin_v to_o expound_v they_o otherwise_o who_o deny_v st._n peter_n and_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n which_o yet_o they_o can_v do_v without_o much_o injury_n to_o the_o sacred_a text_n upon_o their_o own_o ground_n for_o if_o abstract_v from_o church-tradition_n and_o practice_n they_o be_v with_o all_o their_o circumstance_n impartial_o weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o reason_n they_o very_o much_o declare_v a_o peculiar_a power_n entrust_v to_o st._n peter_n in_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o church_n not_o at_o all_o impart_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o here_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n make_v to_o st._n peter_n alone_o though_o the_o rest_n be_v present_a i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v etc._n etc._n and_o this_o singular_a promise_n be_v usher_v in_o with_o singular_a circumstance_n all_o relate_v sole_o to_o st._n peter_n for_o upon_o our_o saviour_n interrogation_n peter_n make_v a_o express_a confession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o these_o word_n thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n our_o lord_n give_v he_o in_o particular_a a_o solemn_a benediction_n say_v bless_v be_v thou_o simon_n bar-jona_n and_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o thou_o be_v peter_n et_fw-la supra_fw-la hanc_fw-la petram_fw-la allude_v to_o his_o name_n the_o very_a name_n our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v he_o when_o he_o choose_v he_o to_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o 42._o 1_o joh._n 42._o have_v immediate_o before_o call_v he_o simon_n he_o now_o call_v he_o peter_n which_o signify_v a_o rock_n of_o which_o no_o reason_n can_v well_o be_v give_v but_o that_o the_o allusion_n to_o this_o name_n of_o he_o by_o the_o next_o word_n may_v let_v he_o and_o the_o rest_n understand_v that_o he_o be_v the_o person_n design_v upon_o who_o as_o upon_o a_o rock_n the_o church_n shall_v be_v found_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o then_o follow_v i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n now_o put_v they_o together_o and_o sum_n they_o up_o bless_v be_v thou_o simon_n i_o say_v unto_o thou_o thou_o be_v peter_n et_fw-la super_fw-la hanc_fw-la petram_fw-la i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n etc._n etc._n doubtless_o all_o these_o particularity_n concern_v peter_n and_o none_o else_o of_o the_o apostle_n though_o all_o be_v present_a must_v in_o all_o reason_n amount_v to_o thus_o much_o that_o st_n peter_n be_v to_o be_v invest_v with_o some_o eminent_a authority_n over_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o as_o st._n peter_n have_v good_a ground_n from_o these_o particularise_v circumstance_n sole_o relate_v to_o himself_o upon_o so_o solemn_a a_o promise_n to_o believe_v and_o expect_v that_o it_o will_v be_v fullfil_v when_o the_o time_n design_v for_o it_o by_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v full_o come_v by_o the_o collation_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a power_n peculiar_a to_o himself_o 21._o joh._n 21._o so_o we_o find_v in_o the_o other_o forequote_v text_n that_o truth_n itself_o be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n express_o and_o by_o name_n entrust_v to_o st._n peter_n the_o charge_n and_o government_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n by_o a_o commission_n repeat_v thrice_o for_o the_o great_a certainty_n that_o the_o promise_v before_o make_v be_v hereby_o fullfil_v and_o withal_o to_o leave_v a_o great_a impression_n in_o his_o mind_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o difficulty_n of_o the_o supreme_a office_n and_o pastorship_n wherewith_o he_o only_o now_o actual_o be_v invest_v it_o be_v frivolous_a to_o say_v they_o be_v but_o admonitory_a expression_n to_o mind_n st._n peter_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o apostle_n when_o the_o word_n carry_v as_o much_o in_o their_o face_n a_o authoritative_a commission_n as_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n speak_v elsewhere_o to_o all_o the_o apostle_n