his_o own_o opinion_n and_o observation_n as_o apostolical_a and_o which_o have_v not_o use_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o gain_v they_o the_o repute_v of_o be_v universal_a s._n hierome_n allow_v every_o particular_a province_n full_a liberty_n to_o do_v herein_o as_o they_o please_v arbitretur_fw-la let_v every_o province_n say_v he_o abound_v in_o its_o own_o sense_n and_o let_v they_o account_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o their_o ancestor_n as_o of_o apostolical_a law_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o he_o speak_v in_o this_o place_n only_o of_o certain_a observation_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a but_o yet_o that_o which_o he_o have_v permit_v they_o in_o these_o matter_n they_o have_v practise_v in_o all_o other_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o trouble_v myself_o to_o produce_v any_o other_o reason_n to_o prove_v the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o inquiry_n because_o i_o shall_v then_o be_v force_v to_o repeat_v a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o deliver_v for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n to_o attain_v to_o any_o certain_a knowledge_n what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n be_v as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o how_o much_o more_o difficult_a a_o thing_n will_v it_o be_v to_o discover_v whether_o their_o opinion_n be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n wherein_o they_o live_v or_o else_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a in_o their_o age_n the_o same_o thing_n which_o cause_n obscurity_n in_o the_o one_o have_v as_o much_o or_o rather_o more_o reason_n of_o do_v the_o like_a in_o the_o other_o and_o if_o you_o will_v full_o understand_v how_o painful_a a_o undertake_n this_o be_v do_v but_o read_v the_o disputation_n of_o the_o learned_a of_o both_o party_n touch_v this_o point_n where_o you_o shall_v meet_v with_o so_o many_o doubt_n and_o contradiction_n and_o such_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n that_o you_o will_v easy_o conclude_v that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v withal_o throughout_o the_o whole_a study_n of_o antiquity_n chap._n xi_o reason_n xi_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v exact_o what_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n either_o universal_a or_o particular_a have_v be_v touch_v any_o of_o those_o point_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n controvert_v among_o we_o before_o we_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n it_o seem_v not_o impertinent_a to_o give_v the_o reader_n this_o last_o advertisement_n and_o to_o let_v he_o know_v that_o though_o all_o these_o difficulty_n here_o before_o represent_v be_v remove_v yet_o notwithstanding_o will_v it_o still_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v certain_o out_o of_o the_o father_n what_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a ancient_a church_n whether_o you_o mean_v the_o church_n universal_a or_o but_o any_o considerable_a part_n thereof_o have_v be_v touch_v the_o difference_n which_o be_v now_o on_o foot_n in_o religion_n now_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n appear_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v first_o of_o all_o explain_v the_o term_n we_o understand_v common_o by_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o these_o disputation_n either_o all_o those_o person_n in_o general_n who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o the_o say_a church_n of_o what_o condition_n or_o quality_n soever_o they_o be_v or_o else_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n the_o collective_a body_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o and_o who_o be_v representative_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o clergy_n so_o that_o whether_o you_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n universal_a or_o of_o some_o particular_a church_n as_o for_o example_n that_o of_o spain_n or_o of_o carthage_n this_o term_n may_v be_v take_v in_o either_o of_o these_o two_o sense_n for_o by_o the_o church_n universal_a we_o understand_v either_o all_o those_o person_n in_o general_n who_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o laity_n or_o of_o the_o clergy_n or_o else_o those_o person_n only_o who_o be_v ecclesiastici_fw-la or_o churchman_n as_o we_o now_o call_v they_o for_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n all_o christian_n that_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n be_v call_v ecclesiastici_fw-la in_o like_a manner_n by_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n be_v mean_v either_o general_o all_o the_o faithful_a that_o live_v in_o the_o particular_a communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o carthage_n or_o else_o particular_o and_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n the_o bishop_n of_o carthage_n with_o his_o whole_a clergy_n now_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o man_n but_o will_v easy_o grant_v i_o that_o if_o we_o take_v the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v by_o way_n of_o testimony_n give_v of_o the_o same_o what_o the_o sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o it_o have_v be_v in_o each_o several_a age_n touch_v all_o the_o point_n of_o christian_a religion_n we_o may_v indeed_o collect_v by_o way_n of_o discourse_n what_o have_v be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o there_o be_v some_o certain_a article_n the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v necessary_o requisite_a for_o the_o render_v a_o man_n such_o a_o one_o whosoever_o right_o understand_v which_o these_o article_n be_v he_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o the_o true_a church_n whether_o universal_a or_o particular_a have_v believe_v the_o same_o but_o now_o in_o the_o first_o place_n this_o do_v not_o extend_v to_o all_o the_o point_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o only_o to_o those_o which_o be_v necessary_a beside_o which_o there_o be_v divers_a other_o concern_v which_o we_o may_v have_v not_o only_o different_a but_o even_o contrary_a judgement_n too_o and_o yet_o not_o thereby_o hazard_v the_o loss_n either_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o our_o inheritance_n of_o everlasting_a salvation_n so_o then_o this_o ratiocination_n conclude_v not_o save_v only_o of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o as_o for_o those_o who_o make_v but_o a_o outward_a profession_n only_o of_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v there_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n no_o more_o necessity_n of_o their_o embrace_v those_o belief_n which_o be_v requisite_a for_o that_o end_n they_o may_v under_o this_o mask_n hide_v all_o manner_n of_o opinion_n how_o impious_a soever_o they_o be_v last_o that_o which_o make_v most_o for_o our_o purpose_n be_v that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v acquire_v by_o discourse_n whereas_o we_o speak_v here_o of_o such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o be_v collect_v by_o the_o hear_n of_o several_a witness_n who_o give_v in_o their_o testimony_n touch_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o will_v know_v now_o the_o father_n have_v write_v with_o a_o purpose_n of_o inform_v we_o not_o what_o each_o particular_a man_n believe_v in_o their_o time_n but_o rather_o what_o they_o think_v fit_a that_o all_o man_n shall_v have_v believe_v we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o certain_o they_o have_v not_o tell_v we_o all_o that_o they_o know_v touch_v this_o particular_a and_o consequent_o therefore_o partly_o their_o charity_n and_o partly_o also_o their_o prudence_n may_v have_v cause_v they_o to_o pass_v by_o in_o silence_n all_o such_o opinion_n either_o of_o whole_a company_n or_o of_o particular_a person_n as_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v not_o so_o consonant_a to_o the_o truth_n but_o suppose_v that_o they_o have_v not_o any_o of_o these_o consideration_n and_o that_o they_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o give_v we_o a_o just_a account_n each_o man_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o his_o particular_a church_n wherein_o he_o live_v it_o be_v evident_a however_o that_o they_o can_v never_o have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v attainend_n to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o their_o design_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v learn_v what_o the_o opinion_n of_o every_o single_a person_n be_v among_o so_o vast_a a_o multitude_n which_o consist_v of_o so_o many_o several_a person_n who_o be_v of_o so_o different_a both_o capacity_n and_o disposition_n who_o will_v believe_v that_o s._n cyprian_n for_o example_n know_v all_o the_o several_a opinion_n of_o each_o particular_a person_n in_o his_o diocese_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o same_o who_o can_v imagine_v but_o that_o among_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o people_n as_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o his_o church_n there_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v very_o many_o who_o differ_v in_o opinion_n from_o he_o in_o divers_a point_n of_o religion_n even_o
from_o the_o controversy_n now_o in_o hand_n p._n 8._o iii_o the_o write_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o all_o true_o such_o but_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o they_o supposititious_a and_o forge_v either_o long_o since_o or_o of_o late_a time_n p._n 11._o iv._o those_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n which_o be_v legitimate_a have_v be_v in_o many_o place_n corrupt_v by_o time_n ignorance_n and_o fraud_n both_o pious_a and_o malicious_a both_o in_o the_o former_a and_o late_a age_n p._n 34._o v._o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o language_n and_o idiom_n they_o write_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o write_n which_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n encumber_v with_o figure_n and_o rhetorical_a flourish_v and_o nice_a logical_a subtlety_n and_o the_o like_a and_o also_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o term_n which_o they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n usedin_a a_o far_o different_a sense_n from_o what_o they_o now_o bear_v p._n 69._o vi_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o a_o opinion_n clear_o deliver_v in_o the_o write_n of_o any_o of_o the_o father_n we_o must_v not_o from_o hence_o conclude_v that_o the_o say_a father_n hold_v that_o opinion_n see_v that_o we_o often_o find_v they_o speak_v those_o thing_n which_o themselves_o have_v not_o believe_v whether_o it_o be_v when_o they_o report_v the_o opinion_n of_o some_o other_o without_o name_v the_o person_n as_o they_o frequent_o do_v in_o their_o commentary_n or_o in_o dispute_v against_o a_o adversary_n in_o which_o kind_n of_o write_v they_o take_v liberty_n to_o say_v one_o thing_n and_o believe_v another_o or_o whether_o it_o be_v that_o they_o conceal_v their_o own_o private_a opinion_n purposely_o as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o their_o homily_n mere_o in_o compliance_n to_o such_o a_o part_n of_o their_o auditory_a p._n 100_o vii_o suppose_v that_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o a_o father_n have_v clear_o deliver_v his_o opinion_n in_o any_o point_n we_o ought_v notwithstanding_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o time_n wherein_o he_o write_v that_o opinion_n of_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v before_o or_o after_o he_o arrive_v to_o ripeness_n of_o judgement_n for_o we_o see_v that_o they_o have_v sometime_o retract_v in_o their_o old_a age_n what_o they_o have_v write_v when_o they_o be_v young_a p._n 117._o viii_o but_o suppose_v that_o a_o father_n have_v constant_o hold_v one_o opinion_n it_o will_v nevertheless_o concern_v we_o to_o inquire_v how_o he_o hold_v it_o and_o in_o what_o degree_n of_o belief_n whether_o as_o necessary_a or_o probable_a only_o and_o then_o again_o in_o what_o degree_n of_o necessity_n or_o of_o probability_n he_o place_v it_o belief_n be_v not_o all_o equal_o either_o necessary_a or_o probable_a p._n 123._o ix_o after_o all_o this_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v whether_o or_o no_o he_o deliver_v this_o as_o his_o own_o particular_a opinion_n only_o for_o this_o can_v necessary_o bind_v our_o faith_n or_o whether_o he_o deliver_v it_o as_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n p._n 136._o x._o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o inquire_v whether_o he_o deliver_v it_o for_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a or_o of_o some_o particular_a church_n only_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o major_a part_n have_v not_o always_o notwithstanding_o be_v receive_v by_o some_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o church_n p._n â—4â—_n xi_o and_o after_o all_o this_o whether_o you_o take_v the_o church_n for_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o christian_n or_o only_o for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o clergy_n or_o pastor_n it_o be_v notwithstanding_o impossible_a to_o know_v what_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o any_o age_n have_v be_v for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o frequent_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o opinion_n of_o these_o man_n who_o have_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n have_v not_o only_o not_o be_v receive_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_n have_v also_o be_v oppose_v and_o contradict_v by_o thâ—se_a member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n who_o have_v not_o at_o all_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n who_o notwithstanding_o both_o for_o their_o learning_n and_o piety_n deserve_v perhaps_o to_o have_v have_v as_o much_o or_o more_o esteem_n and_o authority_n than_o the_o other_o p._n 151._o the_o second_o book_n the_o second_o reason_n namely_o that_o neither_o the_o testimony_n nor_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o father_n be_v altogether_o infallible_a be_v prove_v by_o these_o follow_a consideration_n p._n 1._o ii_o the_o father_n themselves_o witness_v against_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v absolute_o and_o upon_o their_o own_o bare_a word_n p._n 11._o iii_o it_o appear_v plain_o by_o their_o manner_n of_o write_v that_o they_o never_o intend_v that_o their_o write_n shall_v be_v our_o judge_n p._n 40._o iv._o they_o have_v err_v in_o divers_a point_n not_o only_o single_o but_o also_o many_o of_o they_o together_o p._n 60._o v._o they_o have_v very_o much_o contradict_v one_o the_o other_o and_o have_v maintain_v different_a opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n p._n 112._o vi_o last_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n neither_o party_n allow_v they_o for_o judge_n but_o reject_v they_o bold_o and_o without_o any_o scruple_n both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o maintain_v divers_a thing_n which_o the_o father_n be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o reject_v other_o which_o be_v maintain_v by_o they_o the_o protestant_n in_o those_o thing_n where_o the_o father_n have_v go_v either_o against_o or_o beside_o the_o scripture_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o they_o oppose_v against_o they_o the_o resolution_n of_o their_o pope_n or_o of_o council_n see_v therefore_o that_o both_o party_n attribute_v the_o supreme_a authority_n to_o some_o other_o judge_n the_o father_n though_o perhaps_o their_o resolution_n shall_v be_v ground_v on_o divine_a authority_n can_v never_o be_v able_a notwithstanding_o to_o clear_v their_o difference_n and_o to_o reconcile_v the_o two_o party_n p._n 126._o so_o that_o it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o our_o controversy_n be_v to_o be_v decide_v by_o some_o other_o mean_n than_o that_o of_o their_o write_n and_o that_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v the_o same_o method_n in_o religion_n that_o we_o do_v in_o all_o other_o science_n make_v use_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o all_o agree_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o those_o wherein_o we_o differ_v compare_v exact_o the_o conclusion_n of_o both_o party_n with_o their_o principle_n which_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o grant_v by_o both_o side_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o reason_n or_o divine_a revelation_n and_o as_o for_o the_o father_n we_o ought_v to_o read_v they_o careful_o and_o heedful_o and_o especial_o without_o any_o prejudication_n on_o either_o side_n search_v their_o write_n for_o their_o opinion_n and_o not_o for_o our_o own_o argue_v negative_o concern_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o find_v not_o in_o they_o rather_o than_o affirmative_o that_o be_v to_o say_v hold_v all_o those_o article_n for_o suspect_v which_o be_v not_o find_v in_o they_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o improbable_a that_o those_o worthy_n of_o the_o church_n be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o of_o the_o necessary_a and_o principal_a point_n of_o faith_n but_o yet_o not_o present_o receive_v for_o a_o infallible_a truth_n whatsoever_o be_v find_v in_o they_o for_o as_o much_o as_o be_v but_o man_n though_o saint_n they_o may_v sometime_o have_v err_v either_o out_o of_o pure_a ignorance_n or_o else_o perhaps_o out_o of_o passion_n which_o they_o have_v not_o be_v always_o whole_o free_a from_o as_o appear_z clear_o by_o those_o book_n of_o they_o which_o be_v leave_v we_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n faulkland_n lord_n digby_n doctor_n taylor_n doctor_n rivet_n concern_v this_o learned_a book_n reader_n the_o translation_n of_o this_o tract_n have_v be_v oft_o attempt_v and_o often_o deâ—â—â—ed_v by_o many_o noble_a personage_n of_o this_o and_o other_o nation_n among_o other_o by_o sir_n lucius_n cary_n late_a lord_n viscount_n faulkland_n who_o with_o his_o dear_a friend_n mr._n chillingworth_n make_v very_o much_o use_v of_o it_o in_o all_o their_o write_n against_o the_o romanist_n but_o the_o paper_n of_o that_o learned_a nobleman_n wherein_o this_o translation_n be_v half_o finish_v be_v long_o since_o involve_v in_o the_o common_a loss_n those_o few_o which_o have_v escape_v it_o and_o the_o press_n make_v a_o very_a honourable_a mention_n of_o this_o monsieur_n who_o acquaintance_n the_o say_a lord_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v be_v worth_a a_o voyage_n to_o paris_n pag._n 202._o of_o his_o reply_n he_o have_v these_o word_n this_o observation_n of_o i_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o consideration_n of_o
its_o opinion_n public_o touch_v the_o point_n at_o this_o day_n controvert_v it_o be_v as_o impossible_a that_o many_o together_o that_o live_v in_o the_o same_o time_n shall_v represent_v it_o unto_o we_o as_o that_o one_o single_a person_n shall_v how_o can_v they_o possible_o have_v see_v that_o which_o lie_v as_o yet_o conceal_v how_o can_v they_o possible_o measure_v their_o belief_n by_o such_o a_o rule_n as_o be_v not_o yet_o visible_a to_o the_o world_n the_o chiliast_n allege_v the_o testimony_n not_o of_o one_o not_o of_o two_o but_o of_o a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o the_o most_o ancient_a among_o the_o father_n who_o be_v all_o of_o their_o opinion_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o the_o answer_n that_o be_v ordinary_o make_v to_o the_o objection_n be_v that_o the_o church_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o declare_v its_o sense_n touch_v this_o point_n the_o testimony_n of_o these_o man_n bind_v we_o not_o to_o believe_v the_o same_o which_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n that_o a_o great_a number_n in_o this_o case_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o a_o small_a in_o the_o represent_v unto_o we_o what_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o either_o by_o some_o general_a council_n or_o else_o by_o some_o other_o public_a way_n it_o must_v have_v declare_v its_o judgement_n touch_v any_o question_n in_o debate_n that_o so_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o the_o father_n have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n or_o no._n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o account_n we_o be_v to_o raise_v up_o again_o the_o whole_a ancient_a church_n and_o to_o call_v it_o to_o account_v touch_v every_o of_o these_o particular_a point_n now_o debate_v touch_v which_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n be_v allege_v it_o be_v impossible_a otherwise_o to_o give_v any_o certain_a judgement_n whether_o that_o which_o they_o say_v be_v their_o own_o private_a or_o else_o the_o public_a opinion_n that_o be_v to_o say_v whether_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o not_o so_o that_o any_o man_n that_o be_v but_o of_o the_o mean_a judgement_n may_v easy_o perceive_v how_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o difficult_a but_o also_o almost_o a_o impossible_a thing_n to_o gather_v out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n so_o much_o light_n as_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v have_v for_o our_o satisfaction_n in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n chap._n x._o reason_n 10._o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n to_o know_v whether_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n touch_v the_o controversy_n of_o these_o time_n be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n universal_a or_o but_o by_o some_o part_n of_o it_o only_o which_o yet_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v know_v before_o we_o can_v make_v use_n of_o any_o allegation_n out_o of_o they_o but_o suppose_v that_o a_o father_n relieve_v we_o in_o this_o difficult_a or_o rather_o impossible_a business_n shall_v tell_v we_o in_o express_a term_n that_o what_o he_o propose_v be_v the_o sense_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n yet_o will_v not_o this_o quite_o deliver_v we_o out_o of_o the_o doubtful_a condition_n we_o be_v in_o for_o beside_o that_o their_o word_n be_v many_o time_n in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o liable_a to_o exception_n suppose_v that_o it_o be_v certain_o and_o undoubted_o so_o yet_o will_v it_o concern_v we_o then_o to_o examine_v what_o that_o church_n be_v whereof_o he_o speak_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o church_n universal_a or_o only_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v that_o of_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o that_o of_o some_o city_n province_n or_o country_n only_o now_o that_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a importance_n be_v evident_a from_o hence_o because_o that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a in_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v account_v infallible_a and_o necessary_o true_a whereas_o those_o of_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o so_o but_o be_v confess_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n so_o that_o the_o question_n be_v here_o touch_v the_o faith_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ground_v upon_o any_o thing_n save_o what_o be_v infallible_o true_a it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o know_v what_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a have_v be_v see_v the_o opinion_n of_o no_o particular_a church_n can_v do_v we_o any_o service_n in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o this_o distinction_n be_v also_o otherwise_o very_o necessary_a appear_v evident_o by_o this_o because_o that_o the_o opinion_n and_o custom_n which_o have_v be_v common_o receive_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christendom_n have_v not_o always_o present_o take_v place_n in_o each_o particular_a church_n and_o again_o those_o which_o have_v be_v receive_v in_o some_o certain_a particular_a church_n have_v not_o be_v entertain_v by_o all_o the_o rest_n thus_o we_o find_v in_o story_n that_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n minor_a keep_v the_o feast_n of_o easter_n upon_o a_o different_a day_n from_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o christendom_n and_o although_o the_o business_n itself_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o no_o very_a great_a importance_n yet_o do_v it_o nevertheless_o cause_v a_o world_n of_o stir_n in_o the_o church_n victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n by_o reason_n of_o this_o little_a difference_n excommunicate_v all_o asia_n minor_fw-la now_o each_o party_n here_o allege_v their_o reason_n graec._n and_o apostolical_a tradition_n for_o what_o they_o do_v speak_v with_o so_o great_a confidence_n in_o the_o justification_n of_o their_o own_o opinion_n as_o that_o hear_v they_o several_o a_o man_n will_v very_o believe_v that_o each_o of_o their_o opinion_n be_v the_o very_a sense_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v but_o the_o opinion_n of_o one_o part_n of_o it_o only_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christendom_n hold_v the_o baptism_n of_o heretic_n to_o be_v good_a and_o effectual_a firmil_n and_o receive_v all_o those_o who_o forsake_v their_o heresy_n desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n without_o rebaptising_a they_o as_o appear_v out_o of_o st._n cyprian_n who_o confess_v that_o this_o have_v also_o be_v the_o custom_n former_o even_o in_o the_o african_a church_n themselves_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o est_fw-la firmilianus_n archbishop_n of_o caesaria_n in_o cappadocia_n testify_v that_o the_o church_n of_o cappadocia_n have_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n believe_v and_o practise_v the_o contrary_a and_o have_v also_o in_o his_o time_n so_o declare_v and_o ordain_v together_o with_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n and_o cilicia_n in_o a_o full_a synod_n hold_v at_o the_o city_n iconium_n and_o about_o the_o same_o time_n also_o st._n cyprian_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o africa_n fall_v upon_o the_o same_o business_n and_o embrace_v this_o opinion_n of_o rebaptisation_a of_o heretic_n the_o act_n of_o the_o council_n hold_v at_o carthage_n be_v yet_o extant_a where_o you_o have_v 87_o bishop_n who_o with_o one_o unanimous_a consent_n establish_v the_o same_o the_o custom_n at_o rome_n in_o tertullia_n time_n be_v to_o receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n all_o fornicator_n and_o adulterer_n after_o some_o certain_a penance_n which_o they_o enjoin_v they_o tertullian_n who_o be_v a_o montanist_n exclaim_v fearful_o against_o this_o custom_n and_o write_v a_o book_n express_o against_o it_o which_o be_v also_o extant_a among_o his_o work_n at_o this_o day_n who_o now_o that_o shall_v read_v this_o piece_n of_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o all_o catholic_n that_o such_o sinner_n be_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o penance_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o a_o certain_a epistle_n of_o st._n cyprian_n anton._n that_o even_o some_o of_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n of_o africa_n be_v of_o the_o contrary_a persuasion_n and_o the_o jesuit_n petavius_n be_v further_o of_o opinion_n that_o this_o indulgency_n be_v not_o allow_v nor_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o spain_n till_o a_o long_a time_n after_o and_o that_o the_o ancient_a rigour_n which_o exclude_v for_o ever_o such_o offender_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o practice_n among_o they_o till_o the_o time_n of_o pacianus_n bishop_n of_o barcelona_n who_o leave_v not_o any_o hope_n of_o ecclesiastical_a absolution_n either_o to_o idolater_n murderer_n or_o adulterer_n 163._o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o his_o exhortation_n to_o repentance_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 364._o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n ordain_v that_o none_o but_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n shall_v be_v read_v in_o church_n give_v we_o withal_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o say_a book_n
at_o this_o very_a day_n that_o we_o may_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o look_v so_o high_a we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o there_o be_v scarce_o that_o parish_n to_o be_v find_v how_o small_a soever_o it_o be_v where_o there_o be_v not_o particular_a person_n that_o maintain_v in_o many_o point_n of_o religion_n different_a opinion_n from_o those_o of_o their_o minister_n but_o if_o we_o take_v a_o whole_a diocese_n together_o and_o pass_v by_o all_o those_o who_o trouble_v themselves_o not_o at_o all_o with_o the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o want_n of_o year_n or_o their_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n or_o their_o malice_n and_o take_v notice_n only_o of_o the_o rest_n divide_v they_o according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o opinion_n i_o be_o very_o persuade_v that_o that_o part_n which_o shall_v agree_v in_o all_o point_n with_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o diocese_n will_v many_o time_n be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o least_o let_v a_o bishop_n preach_v or_o write_v what_o he_o will_v touch_v the_o point_n which_o be_v now_o in_o controversy_n he_o will_v very_o hardly_o represent_v unto_o you_o the_o judgement_n of_o half_a the_o people_n of_o his_o diocese_n now_o we_o must_v conceive_v that_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o world_n of_o old_a be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o it_o be_v at_o this_o present_a day_n and_o therefore_o also_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n the_o liberty_n of_o embrace_v what_o opinion_n a_o man_n please_v be_v much_o great_a then_o than_o it_o be_v now_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o exercise_v its_o power_n then_o throughout_o christendom_n so_o absolute_o as_o it_o do_v now_o adays_o neither_o do_v the_o pastor_n or_o the_o prince_n use_v that_o severity_n and_o rigour_n which_o be_v now_o every_o where_o practise_v in_o our_o day_n for_o the_o repress_v this_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n we_o must_v therefore_o necessary_o believe_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v in_o those_o day_n altogether_o as_o different_a if_o not_o much_o more_o than_o they_o be_v now_o whence_o it_o will_v also_o follow_v that_o even_o the_o doctor_n themselves_o who_o live_v in_o those_o time_n can_v not_o know_v all_o the_o different_a opinion_n of_o man_n much_o less_o can_v they_o represent_v they_o unto_o we_o in_o their_o write_n but_o we_o shall_v not_o stand_v any_o longet_n upon_o a_o thing_n that_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v we_o but_o shall_v rather_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o which_o every_o one_o no_o doubt_n will_v be_v ready_a here_o to_o reply_v upon_o we_o touch_v this_o particular_a namely_o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o opinion_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n of_o all_o particular_a person_n which_o be_v almost_o infinite_a in_o number_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n very_o â—ill_o ground_v and_o uncertain_a but_o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o know_v what_o the_o belief_n have_v be_v of_o the_o pastor_n and_o those_o that_o have_v be_v set_v over_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o church_n take_v in_o the_o latter_a sense_n but_o yet_o i_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o this_o rule_n be_v so_o absolute_o right_a as_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o walk_v by_o it_o for_o if_o we_o be_v to_o take_v the_o church_n for_o the_o rule_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o the_o author_n of_o this_o reply_n pretend_v we_o ought_v to_o do_v the_o people_n in_o my_o judgement_n ought_v not_o then_o to_o be_v here_o exclude_v and_o pass_v by_o as_o a_o thing_n of_o no_o consideration_n i_o confess_v the_o opinion_n of_o particular_a person_n be_v very_o different_a one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o some_o of_o they_o be_v very_o mean_a and_o sometime_o also_o be_v none_o at_o all_o but_o yet_o possible_o this_o reason_n may_v chance_v to_o exclude_v even_o a_o good_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n also_o from_o the_o authority_n which_o they_o lay_v claim_v to_o in_o this_o particular_a be_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o both_o ignorance_n and_o malice_n have_v oftentimes_o as_o great_a a_o share_n here_o proportionable_o as_o they_o have_v among_o the_o very_a people_n itself_o who_o see_v not_o that_o if_o we_o must_v have_v regard_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n there_o be_v sometime_o find_v even_o among_o the_o plain_a ordinary_a sort_n of_o christian_n in_o a_o church_n those_o that_o be_v more_o considerable_a both_o for_o their_o learning_n and_o piety_n than_o the_o pastor_n themselves_o reservavit_fw-la one_o of_o those_o father_n of_o who_o we_o now_o discourse_v have_v inform_v we_o that_o many_o time_n the_o clergy_n have_v err_v the_o bishop_n have_v waver_v in_o his_o opinion_n the_o rich_a man_n have_v adhere_v in_o their_o judgement_n to_o the_o earthly_a prince_n of_o this_o world_n meanwhile_n the_o people_n alone_o preserve_v the_o faith_n entire_a see_v therefore_o that_o it_o may_v sometime_o happen_v and_o that_o it_o have_v also_o many_o time_n happen_v that_o the_o clergy_n have_v hold_v erroneous_a opinion_n while_o the_o people_n only_o hold_v the_o true_a it_o be_v very_o evident_a in_o my_o judgement_n that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o people_n in_o these_o case_n ought_v not_o whole_o to_o be_v neglect_v and_o true_o s._n cyprian_n tell_v we_o in_o divers_a place_n that_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n have_v the_o people_n in_o very_o great_a esteem_n no_o business_n of_o any_o importance_n be_v then_o transact_v without_o communicate_v the_o same_o to_o the_o people_n as_o may_v be_v see_v by_o any_o one_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o this_o father_n insomuch_o that_o parte_fw-la the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n also_o be_v present_a at_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n where_o the_o question_n touch_v the_o baptism_n of_o heretic_n be_v debate_v whereof_o we_o have_v already_o speak_v somewhat_o a_o little_a before_o but_o because_o this_o point_n be_v still_o controvert_v i_o shall_v let_v it_o alone_o for_o this_o time_n let_v we_o therefore_o grant_v since_o our_o adversary_n will_v needs_o have_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a in_o this_o case_n to_o know_v what_o the_o belief_n be_v of_o the_o church_n take_v in_o the_o late_a and_o strict_a sense_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o clergy_n for_o even_o this_o way_n it_o be_v evident_a enough_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a if_o not_o a_o impossible_a thing_n true_o to_o discover_v what_o it_o have_v be_v in_o each_o several_a age._n for_o there_o be_v no_o less_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n among_o the_o clergy_n than_o there_o be_v among_o the_o people_n and_o many_o time_n too_o there_o be_v much_o more_o the_o be_v conversant_a in_o book_n ordinary_o reduce_v thing_n into_o nice_a subtlety_n and_o give_v occasion_n of_o raise_v divers_a opinion_n upon_o the_o same_o who_o be_v he_o that_o will_v undertake_v to_o give_v we_o a_o account_n what_o the_o opinion_n be_v of_o all_o the_o clergy_n of_o one_o city_n only_o i_o do_v not_o say_v of_o a_o kingdom_n or_o of_o all_o christendom_n touch_v all_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n who_o will_v be_v able_a to_o perform_v this_o if_o he_o shall_v undertake_v it_o never_o be_v there_o more_o exact_a care_n take_v for_o the_o conservation_n of_o uniformity_n in_o judgement_n among_o christian_n than_o be_v now_o at_o this_o day_n when_o there_o be_v use_v make_v not_o only_o of_o the_o censure_n and_o thunderbolt_n of_o the_o church_n but_o even_o of_o the_o fire_n and_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n also_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o how_o many_o ecclesiastical_a person_n be_v there_o to_o be_v find_v even_o in_o those_o very_a place_n where_o these_o rigorous_a course_n be_v observe_v with_o the_o great_a strictness_n even_o at_o rome_n itself_o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o pope_n own_o bosom_n who_o differ_v 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what_o degree_n of_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o hold_v each_o particular_a point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o their_o leave_v we_o in_o doubt_n whether_o what_o they_o teach_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n or_o their_o own_o private_a opinion_n only_o and_o whither_o if_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v of_o the_o church_n universal_a or_o of_o some_o particular_a church_n only_o now_o the_o least_o of_o these_o objection_n be_v sufficient_a to_o render_v their_o testimony_n invalid_a and_o again_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o it_o may_v be_v of_o force_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o be_v clear_o and_o evident_o free_a from_o all_o these_o defect_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o question_n be_v here_o touch_v the_o christian_a faith_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v ground_v on_o nothing_o save_o what_o be_v sure_a and_o firm_a whosoever_o therefore_o will_v make_v use_n of_o any_o passage_n out_o of_o a_o father_n he_o be_v bind_v first_o to_o make_v it_o 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that_o such_o testimony_n be_v as_o obscure_a as_o the_o controvert_v opinion_n themselves_o notwithstanding_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v think_v too_o hasty_o and_o upon_o too_o light_a ground_n to_o reject_v this_o way_n of_o proceed_v we_o will_v pass_v by_o all_o that_o obscurity_n that_o be_v find_v touch_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o discover_v what_o the_o opinion_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o father_n have_v be_v touch_v the_o aforesaid_a point_n we_o will_v now_o in_o this_o second_o book_n consider_v whether_o or_o no_o their_o authority_n be_v such_o as_o that_o we_o ought_v or_o may_v without_o further_a examination_n believe_v on_o their_o score_n what_o we_o know_v they_o certain_o to_o have_v believe_v and_o to_o hold_v it_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n that_o they_o do_v there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o passage_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o one_o you_o have_v they_o 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give_v touch_v the_o faith_n hold_v by_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v all_o they_o bring_v for_o certain_a truth_n or_o not_o but_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o though_o they_o shall_v deserve_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o for_o such_o yet_o nevertheless_o will_v they_o stand_v we_o in_o very_o little_a stead_n as_o to_o the_o business_n now_o in_o hand_n the_o reason_n which_o move_v i_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v because_o i_o observe_v that_o those_o very_a man_n who_o be_v the_o great_a admirer_n of_o the_o father_n do_v yet_o confess_v that_o although_o they_o err_v very_o little_a or_o not_o at_o all_o in_o matter_n of_o right_n yet_o nevertheless_o they_o be_v often_o out_o and_o have_v their_o fail_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n because_o that_o right_o be_v a_o universal_a thing_n which_o be_v every_o way_n uniform_a and_o all_o of_o one_o sort_n whereas_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v mix_v and_o as_o it_o be_v enchase_v with_o divers_a particular_a circumstance_n which_o may_v very_o easy_o escape_v the_o knowledge_n of_o or_o at_o least_o be_v not_o so_o right_o understand_v by_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o pierce_a wit_n now_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n belief_n in_o every_o particular_a age_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o not_o of_o right_a and_o a_o point_n of_o history_n and_o not_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o it_o follow_v hence_o that_o possible_o the_o father_n may_v have_v err_v in_o give_v we_o a_o account_n hereof_o and_o that_o therefore_o their_o testimony_n in_o such_o case_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o as_o infallible_o true_a neither_o yet_o may_v we_o be_v think_v hereby_o to_o accuse_v the_o father_n of_o falshood_n for_o how_o often_o do_v the_o honest_a person_n that_o be_v innocent_o testify_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o think_v they_o have_v see_v which_o it_o afterward_o appear_v that_o they_o see_v not_o at_o all_o for_o goodness_n render_v not_o man_n infallible_a the_o father_n therefore_o be_v but_o man_n may_v both_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o such_o thing_n and_o may_v consequent_o also_o deceive_v those_o who_o have_v confide_v in_o they_o though_o innocent_o and_o without_o any_o design_n of_o do_v so_o but_o beside_o all_o this_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v whole_o free_a from_o passion_n neither_o and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o know_v that_o passion_n very_o oâ—ten_o disguise_v thing_n and_o maâ—â—â—h_v they_o appear_v even_o to_o the_o honest_a man_n that_o may_v be_v much_o otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v insomuch_o that_o sometime_o they_o be_v affectionate_o carry_v away_o with_o one_o opinion_n and_o do_v as_o much_o abhor_v another_o which_o secret_a passion_n may_v easy_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o the_o church_n hold_v that_o opinion_n which_o they_o themselves_o be_v most_o take_v with_o and_o that_o it_o reject_v that_o which_o they_o themselves_o dislike_v especial_o if_o there_o be_v but_o the_o least_o appearance_n or_o shadow_n of_o reason_n to_o incline_v they_o to_o this_o belief_n for_o man_n be_v very_o easy_o persuade_v to_o believe_v what_o they_o desire_v i_o conceive_v we_o may_v hereto_o impute_v that_o testimony_n of_o s._n hierome_n where_o he_o affirm_v cessat_fw-la that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n hold_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immediate_o create_v by_o god_n at_o the_o instant_n of_o their_o entrance_n into_o the_o body_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o doubt_n which_o s._n augustine_n be_v in_o touch_v this_o particular_a and_o his_o incline_n manifest_o to_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n which_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v propagate_v together_o with_o the_o body_n and_o descend_v down_o
the_o clergy_n but_o every_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a either_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n or_o else_o have_v leave_v to_o consider_v and_o to_o approve_v of_o those_o that_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o for_o that_o purpose_n est_fw-la pontius_n a_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n say_v that_o st._n cyprian_n be_v yet_o a_o neophyte_n be_v elect_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o pastor_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o bishop_n by_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o people_n st._n cyprian_n also_o tell_v we_o the_o same_o in_o several_a place_n collegio_fw-la in_o his_o lii_o epistle_n speak_v of_o cornelius_n he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v make_v bishop_n of_o rome_n by_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v there_o present_a and_o by_o the_o college_n of_o pastor_n or_o ancient_a bishop_n all_o good_a and_o bious_a man_n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o say_v that_o perspexerit_fw-la it_o be_v the_o people_n in_o who_o the_o power_n chief_o be_v of_o choose_v worthy_a prelate_n or_o refuse_v the_o unworthy_a which_o very_o thing_n say_v he_o we_o see_v be_v derive_v from_o divine_a authority_n that_o a_o bishop_n be_v to_o be_v thosen_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o all_o the_o people_n and_o be_v declare_v either_o worthy_a or_o unworthy_a by_o the_o judgement_n and_o testimony_n of_o all_o therefore_o say_v he_o a_o little_a after_o oughts_z man_n diligent_o to_o retain_v and_o observe_v according_a to_o divine_a tradition_n and_o apostolical_a custom_n that_o which_o be_v also_o observe_v by_o we_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n by_o all_o other_o province_n namely_o that_o for_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_o proceed_v in_o all_o ordination_n the_o neighbour_a bishop_n of_o the_o same_o province_n be_v to_o meet_v together_o at_o that_o place_n where_o a_o bishop_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o the_o election_n of_o the_o say_a bishop_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n of_o that_o place_n who_o full_o know_v every_o man_n life_n and_o by_o their_o long_a conversation_n together_o understand_v what_o their_o behaviour_n have_v be_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o eusebius_n bishop_n of_o nicomedia_n find_v fault_n with_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o athanasius_n reckon_v this_o also_o among_o the_o rest_n c_o that_o it_o have_v be_v perform_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n to_o which_o answer_n be_v make_v again_o by_o the_o d_o council_n of_o alexandria_n that_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o alexandria_n have_v all_o with_o one_o voice_n desire_v he_o for_o their_o bishop_n give_v he_o the_o large_a testimony_n that_o can_v be_v both_o for_o his_o piety_n and_o his_o fitness_n for_o the_o undertake_n that_o charge_n in_o like_a manner_n julius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n among_o other_o fault_n which_o he_o find_v in_o the_o ordination_n of_o gregory_n who_o have_v be_v make_v bishop_n of_o alexandria_n add_v etc._n that_o he_o have_v not_o be_v desire_v by_o the_o people_n and_o it_o appear_v clear_a enough_o both_o out_o of_o 6._o st._n hierome_n and_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o council_n of_o geneâ—_n constantinople_n and_o of_o etc._n chalcedon_n and_o also_o by_o the_o 4._o pontificale_fw-la romanum_fw-la and_o several_a other_o piece_n that_o this_o custom_n continue_v a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v now_o above_o seven_o hundred_o and_o eighty_o year_n since_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n ordain_v in_o the_o viii_o council_n which_o notwithstanding_o have_v be_v always_o unanimous_o and_o constant_o reject_v by_o the_o eastern_a church_n to_o this_o very_a day_n that_o the_o promotion_n and_o consecration_n of_o bishop_n shall_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o election_n and_o order_n of_o the_o college_n of_o bishop_n only_o forbid_v upon_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n all_o lay_v person_n whatsoever_o even_o pontificis_fw-la prince_n themselves_o to_o meddle_v in_o the_o election_n or_o promotion_n of_o any_o patriarch_n metropolitan_a or_o any_o other_o bishop_n whatsoever_o declare_v withal_o that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o lay_v person_n shall_v have_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o to_o do_v in_o these_o matter_n it_o become_v they_o rather_o to_o be_v quiet_a and_o patient_o to_o attend_v till_o such_o time_n as_o the_o election_n of_o the_o bishop_n that_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v be_v regular_o finish_v by_o the_o college_n of_o clergyman_n and_o thus_o have_v they_o by_o this_o one_o canon-shot_a beat_v down_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o always_o allow_v to_o the_o faithful_a people_n some_o share_n in_o the_o election_n of_o their_o pastor_n neither_o have_v this_o custom_n be_v able_a ever_o since_o to_o lift_v up_o its_o head_n again_o the_o people_n be_v as_o every_o man_n know_v now_o more_o than_o ever_o defraud_v of_o this_o their_o right_n and_o have_v not_o the_o least_o share_n in_o the_o election_n not_o of_o pope_n primate_fw-la or_o archbishop_n only_o but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o of_o the_o mean_a bishop_n that_o be_v and_o as_o the_o people_n ancient_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o the_o election_n of_o their_o pastor_n so_o probable_o also_o they_o have_v the_o like_a in_o all_o other_o affair_n of_o importance_n that_o happen_v in_o the_o church_n there_o happen_v in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n a_o very_a great_a persecution_n many_o who_o have_v be_v force_v to_o yield_v by_o the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o pagan_n be_v afterward_o touch_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o fault_n desire_v to_o return_v to_o the_o church_n again_o but_o yet_o to_o avoid_v the_o shame_n and_o the_o length_n and_o rigour_n of_o those_o penance_n which_o be_v usual_o impose_v upon_o all_o such_o offender_n the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o beg_v of_o their_o confessor_n to_o be_v favourable_o deal_v withal_o and_o corrupt_v their_o priest_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v again_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n without_o undergo_a canonical_a penance_n st._n cyprian_n who_o be_v a_o strict_a observer_n of_o discipline_n write_v many_o thing_n against_o this_o abuse_n by_o which_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o the_o people_n have_v their_o right_n also_o in_o the_o hear_n and_o judge_v of_o these_o cause_n for_o in_o his_o x._o epistle_n he_o say_v svam_fw-la that_o those_o priest_n that_o have_v receive_v any_o such_o offender_n rash_o and_o contrary_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v to_o himself_o to_o the_o confessor_n and_o to_o the_o whole_a people_n and_o in_o another_o place_n write_v to_o the_o people_n of_o carthage_n vobis_fw-la when_o the_o lord_n say_v he_o shall_v have_v restore_v peace_n unto_o we_o all_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v all_o return_v to_o the_o church_n again_o we_o shall_v then_o examine_v all_o these_o thing_n praesentibus_fw-la vobis_fw-la &_o judicantibus_fw-la you_o also_o be_v present_a and_o judge_v of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v in_o this_o same_o epistle_n and_o touch_v this_o very_a point_n where_o he_o add_v that_o passage_n which_o we_o have_v before_o produce_v in_o the_o chapter_n touch_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n i_o desire_v they_o say_v he_o that_o they_o will_v patient_o hear_v our_o council_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o end_n that_o when_o many_o of_o we_o bishop_n shall_v have_v meet_v together_o we_o may_v examine_v the_o letter_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o bless_a martyr_n according_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o confessor_n and_o also_o according_a as_o you_o shall_v think_v fit_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o one_o of_o his_o former_a epistle_n he_o protest_v to_o his_o clergy_n gerere_fw-la that_o from_o his_o first_o come_v to_o his_o bishopric_n he_o have_v ever_o resolve_v to_o do_v nothing_o of_o his_o own_o head_n without_o their_o advice_n and_o the_o approbation_n of_o his_o people_n he_o that_o will_v yet_o be_v more_o full_o satisfy_v in_o this_o particular_a may_v read_v the_o carthag_n fourteen_o epistle_n of_o the_o same_o father_n and_o the_o xxviii_o touch_v the_o business_n of_o philumenus_n and_o fortunatus_n two_o subdeacons_n as_o also_o the_o xl._o touch_v the_o business_n of_o felicissimus_n and_o the_o lxvii_o which_o he_o write_v to_o the_o clergy_n and_o people_n of_o spain_n joint_o commend_v they_o for_o have_v depose_v their_o bishop_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o heinous_a crime_n but_o now_o that_o no_o man_n may_v think_v that_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n only_o i_o shall_v here_o take_v occasion_n to_o inform_v the_o reader_n that_o the_o ratioâ—em_fw-la clergy_n of_o
as_o appear_v plain_o by_o the_o great_a account_n he_o make_v of_o ruffinus_n a_o priest_n of_o aquileia_n who_o be_v the_o grand_a patriarch_n of_o the_o pelagian_n say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n tacit_o also_o tax_v s._n hierome_n his_o adversary_n and_o call_v he_o a_o malicious_a slanderer_n as_o also_o by_o the_o judgement_n which_o he_o give_v of_o s._n augustine_n who_o be_v flagellum_fw-la pelagianorum_n the_o scourge_n of_o the_o pelagian_n pass_v this_o insolent_a censure_n upon_o he_o and_o say_v supra_fw-la that_o in_o speak_v so_o much_o it_o have_v happen_v to_o he_o what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v say_v by_o solomon_n to_o wit_n 19_o that_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o word_n there_o want_v not_o sin_n so_o that_o i_o can_v sufficient_o wonder_v at_o the_o boldness_n of_o cardinal_n perron_n who_o when_o he_o have_v any_o occasion_n of_o allege_v this_o author_n ordinary_o call_v he_o saint_n vincent_n de_fw-fr lerin_n saint_n vincent_n of_o lerius_fw-la thus_o by_o a_o very_a ill_a example_n passim_fw-la canonise_a a_o person_n who_o be_v strong_o suspect_v to_o have_v be_v a_o heretic_n since_o therefore_o he_o be_v such_o a_o one_o why_o shall_v any_o one_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o he_o shall_v so_o much_o cry_v up_o the_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o know_v that_o the_o pelagian_n and_o semipelagian_o have_v the_o better_a of_o it_o by_o the_o cite_n their_o authority_n and_o labour_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o bear_v down_o s._n augustine_n name_n and_o all_o this_o forsooth_o only_o by_o reason_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o father_n who_o live_v before_o pelagius_n his_o time_n have_v deliver_v themselves_o with_o less_o caution_n than_o they_o may_v have_v do_v touch_v those_o point_n which_o be_v by_o he_o afterward_o bring_v into_o question_n and_o many_o time_n too_o in_o such_o strange_a expression_n as_o will_v very_o hardly_o be_v reconcile_v to_o any_o orthodox_n sense_n yet_o notwithstanding_o shall_v we_o allow_v this_o vincentius_n to_o have_v be_v a_o person_n who_o be_v thus_o qualify_v and_o to_o have_v have_v all_o those_o condition_n which_o he_o require_v in_o a_o man_n to_o render_v he_o capable_a of_o be_v hearken_v to_o in_o this_o particular_a what_o weight_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v ought_v this_o proposal_n of_o he_o to_o carry_v with_o it_o which_o yet_o be_v not_o find_v any_o where_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o any_o of_o all_o those_o father_n who_o go_v before_o he_o who_o be_v also_o so_o strong_o contradict_v both_o by_o s._n augustine_n and_o s._n hierome_n as_o we_o have_v see_v in_o those_o passage_n before_o allege_v out_o of_o they_o and_o who_o beside_o be_v full_a of_o obscllre_a passage_n and_o inexplicable_a ambiguity_n supra_fw-la so_o that_o hoâ—â—_n learned_a and_o holy_a a_o man_n soever_o he_o may_v be_v wheâ—heâ—_n he_o be_v a_o bishop_n confessor_n or_o martyr_n which_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o this_o proposal_n of_o his_o according_a to_o his_o own_o maxim_n ought_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o public_a determination_n and_o to_o be_v account_v of_o only_a as_o his_o own_o particular_a private_a opinion_n let_v we_o therefore_o in_o this_o business_n rather_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o s._n augustine_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o evident_a reason_n a_o person_n who_o authority_n whenever_o it_o shall_v be_v question_v will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v incomparable_o great_a than_o vincentius_n lirinensis_n his_o and_o let_v we_o not_o henceforth_o give_v any_o credit_n to_o any_o say_n or_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n save_v only_o such_o the_o truth_n whereof_o they_o shall_v have_v make_v appear_v evident_o unto_o we_o either_o by_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o scripture_n or_o else_o by_o some_o probable_a reason_n chap._n iii_o reason_n iii_o that_o the_o father_n have_v write_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o when_o they_o write_v they_o have_v no_o intention_n of_o be_v our_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n some_o few_o example_n of_o their_o mistake_v and_o oversight_n whosoever_o will_v but_o take_v the_o pain_n diligent_o to_o consider_v the_o father_n manner_n of_o write_v he_o will_v not_o desire_v any_o other_o testimony_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o truth_n for_o the_o very_a form_n of_o their_o write_n witness_v clear_o enough_o that_o in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o they_o have_v no_o intention_n of_o deliver_v such_o definitive_a sentence_n as_o be_v to_o be_v oblige_v mere_o by_o the_o single_a authority_n of_o the_o mouth_n which_o utter_v they_o but_o their_o purpose_n only_o be_v rather_o to_o communicate_v unto_o we_o their_o own_o meditation_n upon_o divers_a point_n of_o our_o religion_n leave_v we_o free_a to_o our_o own_o liberty_n of_o examine_v they_o and_o to_o approve_v or_o reject_v the_o same_o according_a as_o we_o see_v good_a and_o thus_o have_v s._n hierome_n express_o deliver_v his_o mind_n as_o we_o show_v before_o where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o commentary_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o certain_o if_o they_o have_v have_v any_o other_o design_n or_o intention_n they_o will_v never_o have_v trouble_v themselves_o as_o they_o ordinary_o do_v in_o gather_v together_o the_o several_a opinion_n of_o other_o men._n this_o diligence_n i_o confess_v be_v laudable_a in_o a_o teacher_n but_o it_o will_v be_v very_o ridiculous_a in_o a_o judge_n their_o style_n also_o shall_v then_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o kind_n than_o now_o it_o be_v and_o those_o obscurity_n which_o we_o have_v observe_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n proceed_v either_o from_o the_o rhetorical_a ornament_n or_o the_o logical_a subtlety_n which_o they_o make_v use_v of_o shall_v have_v no_o place_n here_o for_o what_o use_n will_v there_o be_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n in_o pronounce_v a_o sentence_n of_o judgement_n or_o indeed_o in_o give_v one_o bare_a testimony_n only_o to_o any_o thing_n but_o that_o which_o make_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o our_o assertion_n more_o clear_o to_o appear_v than_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v the_o little_a care_n and_o diligence_n that_o they_o take_v in_o compose_v the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o write_n of_o they_o which_o we_o now_o will_v so_o very_o fain_o have_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o these_o man_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o such_o exquisite_a sanctity_n have_v have_v any_o intention_n of_o prescribe_v to_o posterity_n a_o true_a and_o perfect_a tenor_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v it_o probable_a that_o they_o will_v have_v go_v careless_o to_o work_v in_o a_o business_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n will_v they_o not_o rather_o have_v go_v upon_o it_o with_o their_o eye_n open_v their_o judgement_n settle_v their_o thought_n fix_v and_o every_o faculty_n of_o their_o soul_n attentive_o bend_v upon_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n for_o fear_n lest_o that_o in_o a_o business_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n as_o this_o something_o may_v chance_v to_o fall_v from_o they_o not_o so_o become_v their_o own_o wisdom_n or_o so_o suitable_a to_o the_o people_n advantage_n a_o judge_n that_o have_v but_o never_o so_o little_a conscience_n will_v not_o otherwise_o give_v sentence_n concern_v the_o ox_n the_o field_n and_o the_o gutter_n of_o titius_n and_o moevius_n how_o much_o more_o be_v the_o same_o gravity_n and_o deliberation_n requisite_a here_o where_o the_o question_n be_v touch_v the_o faith_n the_o soul_n and_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o all_o mankind_n it_o be_v clear_o therefore_o the_o great_a injury_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v to_o these_o holy_a person_n to_o imagine_v that_o they_o will_v have_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o have_v pass_v judgement_n in_o so_o weighty_a a_o cause_n as_o this_o but_o with_o the_o great_a care_n and_o attention_n that_o can_v be_v now_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o in_o very_a many_o of_o those_o write_n of_o they_o which_o have_v come_v down_o to_o our_o hand_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o much_o negligence_n or_o to_o speak_v a_o little_a more_o tender_o of_o the_o business_n security_n at_o least_o both_o in_o the_o invention_n method_n and_o elocution_n if_o therefore_o we_o tender_v the_o reputation_n either_o of_o their_o honesty_n or_o wisdom_n we_o ought_v rather_o to_o say_v that_o their_o design_n in_o these_o book_n of_o they_o be_v not_o to_o pronounce_v definitive_o upon_o this_o particular_a neither_o be_v their_o write_n judiciary_n sentence_n or_o final_a judgement_n but_o be_v rather_o discourse_n of_o a_o far_o different_a nature_n occasion_v by_o divers_a emergent_a occurrence_n and_o be_v more_o or_o less_o elaborate_a according_a
we_o that_o be_v true_a christian_n we_o know_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o the_o saint_n shall_v spend_v a_o thousand_o year_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o shall_v be_v rebuilt_a enrich_v and_o enlarge_v as_o the_o prophet_n assure_v we_o ezechiel_n isaiah_n and_o other_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n he_o cit_v that_o which_o be_v write_v isaiah_n chap._n 65._o and_o beside_o that_o other_o passage_n in_o the_o revelation_n where_o it_o be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d that_o those_o which_o have_v believe_v in_o christ_n shall_v live_v and_o reign_v with_o he_o a_o thousand_o year_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o after_o this_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o general_n and_o final_a resurrection_n and_o judgement_n in_o which_o word_n you_o see_v plain_o that_o he_o hold_v with_o the_o chiliast_n that_o the_o saint_n shall_v reign_v a_o thousand_o year_n in_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o resurrection_n be_v perfect_o accomplish_v which_o be_v a_o opinion_n that_o be_v at_o this_o day_n condemn_v as_o erroneous_a by_o the_o whole_a western_a church_n both_o on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o on_o the_o other_o he_o seem_v in_o another_o place_n to_o have_v hold_v that_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n be_v finite_a and_o be_v not_o present_a in_o all_o place_n where_o he_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v against_o a_o jew_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o father_n etc._n who_o rain_v fire_n and_o brimstone_n upon_o sodom_n because_o that_o he_o can_v not_o then_o have_v be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o heaven_n that_o which_o he_o have_v deliver_v concern_v the_o angel_n be_v altogether_o as_o senseless_a though_o not_o so_o dangerous_a namely_o 〈◊〉_d that_o god_n have_v in_o the_o beginning_n commit_v unto_o they_o the_o care_n and_o providence_n over_o man_n and_o all_o sublunary_a thing_n they_o have_v break_v this_o order_n by_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o love_n of_o woman_n by_o company_v with_o who_o have_v be_v also_o bear_v child_n which_o be_v those_o we_o now_o call_v demon_n or_o devil_n i_o know_v not_o neither_o whether_o he_o will_v be_v able_a easy_o to_o bring_v any_o one_o over_o to_o that_o other_o opinion_n of_o he_o where_o he_o say_v that_o etc._n all_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n have_v fall_v under_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a spirit_n which_o be_v such_o as_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o python_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v now_o ready_a to_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n 〈◊〉_d recommend_v his_o spirit_n to_o god_n i_o pray_v you_o tell_v i_o out_o of_o what_o part_n of_o god_n word_n he_o learn_v this_o doctrine_n which_o he_o deliver_v in_o his_o second_o apology_n where_o he_o say_v etc._n that_o all_o those_o who_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n be_v christian_n notwithstanding_o that_o they_o may_v have_v be_v account_v as_o atheist_n such_o as_o among_o the_o greek_n be_v socrates_n heraclitus_n and_o the_o like_a and_o among_o the_o barbarian_n abraham_n and_o azarias_n repeat_v the_o same_o doctrine_n within_o a_o few_o line_n afterward_o and_o say_v that_o 〈◊〉_d all_o those_o who_o live_v or_o do_v now_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n be_v christian_n and_o be_v in_o a_o assure_a quiet_a condition_n irenaeus_n bishop_n of_o lion_n who_o live_v very_o near_o his_o time_n be_v also_o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n with_o justin_n touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o it_o be_v once_o depart_v out_o of_o the_o body_n till_o the_o hour_n of_o judgement_n for_o towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o excellent_a book_n of_o he_o which_o he_o write_v against_o heresy_n after_o that_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v descend_v into_o hell_n and_o have_v be_v in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o dead_a be_v which_o place_n he_o oppose_v to_o the_o light_n of_o this_o world_n he_o further_o add_v that_o etc._n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o the_o love_n of_o who_o he_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n shall_v go_v also_o into_o a_o certain_a invisible_a place_n which_o be_v provide_v for_o they_o by_o god_n there_o to_o expect_v the_o resurrection_n and_o shall_v afterward_o resume_v their_o body_n and_o be_v raise_v up_o again_o in_o all_o perfection_n that_o be_v to_o say_v corporal_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o our_o saviour_n be_v raise_v up_o again_o and_o so_o shall_v they_o come_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o this_o opinion_n he_o oppose_v against_o that_o of_o the_o valentinian_o and_o gnostic_n which_o he_o have_v before_o produce_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o chapter_n of_o he_o who_o hold_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n immediate_o after_o they_o be_v depart_v out_o of_o the_o body_n be_v carry_v up_o above_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n and_o go_v to_o that_o mother_n or_o that_o father_n which_o these_o heretic_n have_v fancy_v to_o themselves_o which_o opinion_n of_o they_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n reject_v by_o justin_n martyr_n 307._o in_o the_o passage_n a_o little_a before_o allege_v out_o of_o his_o book_n against_o tryphon_n whence_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o we_o may_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o produce_v any_o other_o proof_n that_o justin_n and_o irenaeus_n be_v both_o of_o the_o same_o belief_n touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o death_n but_o to_o return_v to_o irenaeus_n in_o his_o second_o book_n against_o heretic_n 39_o he_o maintain_v very_o stiff_o that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v above_o forty_o year_n of_o age_n when_o he_o suffer_v death_n for_o we_o bring_v in_o in_o defence_n of_o this_o opinion_n of_o he_o which_o so_o manifest_o contradict_v the_o evangelical_n history_n certain_a probability_n only_o as_o namely_o that_o our_o saviour_n pass_v through_o all_o age_n as_o be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o sanctify_v and_o save_v people_n of_o all_o age_n urge_v also_o those_o word_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o our_o saviour_n thou_o be_v not_o yet_o fifty_o year_n old_a 57_o and_o have_v thou_o see_v abraham_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o say_v that_o s._n john_n have_v deliver_v it_o by_o tradition_n to_o the_o priest_n of_o asia_n that_o christ_n be_v somewhat_o ancient_a when_o he_o begin_v to_o preach_v be_v then_o about_o the_o age_n of_o forty_o or_o fifty_o year_n this_o fancy_n of_o his_o appease_v so_o ridioulous_a to_o cardinal_n baronius_n 137._o as_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o the_o copy_n of_o this_o father_n and_o the_o contexture_n which_o appear_v evident_o to_o be_v his_o together_o with_o the_o vein_n and_o mark_n of_o his_o fancy_n and_o style_n he_o have_v yet_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v that_o this_o whole_a passage_n have_v be_v soi_v into_o the_o text_n of_o irenaeus_n either_o by_o some_o ignorant_a or_o some_o malicious_a person_n and_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v irenaeus_n his_o own_o but_o it_o seem_v that_o he_o have_v no_o great_a reason_n for_o this_o his_o suspicion_n as_o the_o jesuit_n 143._o petavius_n have_v clear_o make_v it_o appear_v in_o his_o note_n upon_o epiphaniuâ—_n however_o you_o may_v hence_o perceive_v that_o baronius_n think_v that_o very_a possible_a which_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n namely_o that_o there_o may_v possible_o have_v be_v very_o many_o and_o great_a alteration_n and_o corruption_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o first_o age_n by_o many_o passage_n and_o clause_n have_v be_v either_o insert_v into_o they_o or_o else_o maliclous_o raze_v out_o of_o they_o the_o same_o cognoscantur_fw-la irenaeus_n hold_v and_o endeavour_n to_o prove_v in_o the_o same_o book_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n after_o death_n retain_v the_o character_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o figure_n of_o the_o body_n to_o which_o they_o be_v former_o unite_v and_o that_o they_o represent_v the_o shape_n of_o the_o say_a body_n so_o as_o to_o make_v man_n take_v they_o for_o the_o same_o i_o shall_v here_o pass_v by_o that_o which_o he_o 49._o say_v in_o the_o 49_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n namely_o that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n do_v not_o at_o all_o know_v when_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n shall_v be_v neither_o according_a to_o the_o one_o nor_o according_a to_o the_o other_o of_o his_o nature_n although_o these_o word_n of_o his_o look_n as_o if_o they_o will_v very_o hardly_o be_v reconcile_v to_o any_o good_a fence_n neither_o shall_v i_o yet_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o both_o he_o and_o justin_n martyr_n have_v in_o divers_a place_n so_o rash_o deliver_v touch_v the_o strength_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o the_o business_n of_o
rome_n also_o approve_v of_o this_o resolution_n of_o he_o of_o bring_v to_o trial_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v at_o rest_n this_o whole_a business_n touch_v those_o who_o have_v fall_v during_o the_o persecution_n in_o a_o full_a assembly_n of_o the_o bishop_n priest_n deacon_n and_o confessor_n together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o laity_n who_o have_v continue_v constant_a and_o have_v not_o yield_v to_o idolatry_n and_o that_o which_o in_o my_o judgement_n be_v very_o well_o worth_a our_o observation_n be_v that_o etc._n st._n cyprian_n himself_o write_v to_o cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n sai_z that_o he_o do_v not_o doubt_n but_o that_o according_a to_o that_o mutual_a love_n which_o they_o ought_v and_o pay_v to_o each_o other_o he_o do_v always_o read_v those_o letter_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o he_o to_o the_o most_o flourish_a clergy_n of_o rome_n that_o be_v his_o assistant_n and_o to_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o most_o numerous_a people_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o at_o rome_n also_o the_o people_n have_v their_o vote_n in_o the_o manage_n of_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v here_o to_o add_v any_o more_o to_o show_v how_o much_o the_o authority_n and_o example_n of_o the_o ancient_n in_o this_o particular_a be_v now_o slight_v and_o despise_v it_o be_v evident_a enough_o to_o every_o man_n that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o only_o exclude_v from_o the_o council_n and_o consistory_n of_o the_o bishop_n but_o that_o beside_o that_o man_n will_v now_o be_v take_v forâ—an_n heretic_n that_o shall_v now_o but_o propose_v or_o go_v about_o to_o restore_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o i_o beseech_v you_o now_o do_v but_o a_o little_a fancy_n to_o yourselves_o a_o archbishop_n who_o write_v to_o the_o pope_n shall_v say_v unto_o he_o thus_o most_o dear_a brother_n i_o exhort_v you_o and_o desire_v of_o you_o that_o what_o you_o be_v wont_n honourable_o to_o do_v of_o your_o own_o accord_n you_o will_v now_o do_v it_o at_o my_o request_n namely_o that_o this_o epistle_n may_v be_v read_v to_o the_o flourish_a clergy_n that_o be_v your_o assistant_n there_o and_o also_o to_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o most_o numerous_a people_n shall_v not_o the_o writer_n think_v you_o of_o such_o a_o letter_n as_o this_o be_v laugh_v at_o as_o a_o senseless_a foolish_a fellow_n if_o at_o least_o he_o escape_v so_o and_o meet_v with_o no_o worse_a usage_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o be_v the_o very_a request_n that_o st._n cyprian_n make_v to_o pope_n cornelius_n but_o as_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n have_v deprive_v the_o people_n of_o all_o those_o privilege_n which_o have_v be_v confer_v upon_o they_o by_o antiquity_n as_o well_o in_o the_o election_n of_o prelate_n as_o in_o other_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v it_o most_o evident_a that_o the_o pope_n have_v ingross_v into_o his_o own_o hand_n not_o only_o this_o booty_n which_o they_o have_v robe_v the_o people_n of_o but_o also_o in_o a_o manner_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o power_n as_o well_o that_o which_o they_o heretofore_o enjoy_v according_a to_o the_o ancient_a canon_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n as_o that_o which_o they_o have_v since_o by_o many_o several_a admirable_a mean_n by_o little_a and_o little_o acquire_v in_o the_o space_n of_o some_o whole_a century_n of_o year_n all_o this_o be_v now_o quite_o vanish_v i_o know_v not_o how_o and_o swallow_v up_o by_o rome_n in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n the_o ccc_o xviii_o father_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a ordain_v etc._n that_o every_o bishop_n shall_v be_v create_v by_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o province_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a or_o at_o least_o by_o three_o of_o they_o if_o so_o be_v the_o whole_a number_n can_v not_o so_o convenient_o be_v bring_v together_o yet_o with_o this_o proviso_n that_o the_o absent_a bishop_n be_v consent_v also_o to_o the_o say_a ordination_n and_o that_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o all_o such_o action_n shall_v belong_v to_o the_o metropolitan_a of_o each_o several_a province_n which_o ordinance_n of_o they_o be_v both_o very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o precede_a age_n as_o appear_v by_o that_o lxviii_o epistle_n of_o st._n cyprian_n which_o we_o cite_v a_o little_a before_o and_o be_v also_o observe_v for_o a_o long_a time_n afterward_o by_o the_o age_n follow_v as_o you_o may_v perceive_v by_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o i._o gener._n council_n of_o constantinople_n to_o pope_n damasus_n and_o also_o by_o the_o discourse_n of_o those_o that_o sit_v precedent_n at_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n touch_v the_o right_n of_o the_o patriarch_n of_o constantinople_n in_o his_o own_o diocese_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o whole_a world_n know_v and_o see_v what_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o this_o day_n be_v and_o how_o that_o there_o be_v not_o at_o all_o leave_v to_o the_o metropolitan_o and_o to_o their_o council_n any_o true_a power_n or_o authority_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o bishop_n within_o their_o own_o diocese_n but_o the_o whole_a power_n in_o this_o case_n depend_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o upon_o those_o who_o it_o have_v entrust_v herein_o either_o with_o their_o own_o like_n or_o otherwise_o and_o indeed_o all_o bishop_n be_v to_o make_v their_o acknowledgement_n of_o tenure_n to_o the_o pope_n neither_o may_v they_o exercise_v their_o function_n without_o his_o commission_n which_o they_o shall_v not_o obtain_v neither_o without_o first_o pay_v down_o their_o money_n and_o compound_v for_o their_o first-fruit_n call_v themselves_o also_o in_o their_o title_n thus_o we_o n._n bishop_n of_o n._n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o apostolical_a see_v of_o which_o strange_a custom_n and_o title_n you_o shall_v not_o meet_v with_o the_o least_o trace_v or_o footstep_n throughout_o all_o the_o record_n of_o antiquity_n not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o of_o all_o that_o vast_a number_n of_o bishop_n who_o subscription_n we_o have_v yet_o remain_v partly_o in_o the_o council_n and_o partly_o in_o their_o own_o book_n and_o history_n have_v ever_o thus_o style_v himself_o and_o as_o for_o provincial_a and_o diocesan_n synod_n where_o ancient_o all_o sort_n of_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n be_v hear_v and_o determine_v as_o appear_v both_o by_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n and_o also_o by_o those_o example_n that_o we_o have_v leave_v we_o as_o in_o the_o history_n of_o arius_n and_o of_o eutyches_n who_o be_v both_o anathematise_v the_o one_o in_o the_o synod_n of_o alexandria_n and_o the_o other_o in_o that_o of_o constantinople_n they_o dare_v not_o now_o meddle_v with_o any_o thing_n &c_n except_o some_o small_a petty_a matter_n be_v of_o no_o use_n in_o the_o great_a cause_n save_v only_o to_o inquire_v into_o they_o and_o give_v in_o their_o information_n at_o rome_n neither_o may_v any_o the_o mean_a bishop_n that_o be_v be_v judge_v in_o any_o case_n of_o importance_n and_o which_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o depose_v he_o by_o any_o but_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n his_o metropolitan_a and_o his_o primate_n and_o the_o synod_n of_o his_o province_n and_o that_o of_o his_o diocese_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o the_o ancient_n take_v this_o word_n have_v not_o all_o of_o they_o any_o power_n at_o all_o in_o these_o matter_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a delegation_n and_o have_v then_o only_a power_n to_o draw_v up_o the_o business_n and_o make_v it_o ready_a for_o hear_v and_o so_o to_o send_v it_o to_o rome_n none_o but_o the_o etc._n pope_n alone_o have_v power_n to_o give_v sentence_n in_o such_o case_n as_o it_o be_v express_o ordain_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n i_o shall_v here_o pass_v by_o their_o take_v away_o from_o the_o bishop_n contrary_a to_o the_o canon_n and_o practice_n of_o antiquity_n all_o jurisdiction_n and_o power_n over_o a_o good_a part_n of_o the_o monastery_n and_o other_o company_n of_o religious_a person_n both_o secular_o and_o regulars_n within_o their_o diocese_n their_o assume_v whole_o to_o themselves_o the_o power_n of_o absolve_v and_o of_o dispense_v in_o several_a case_n which_o they_o call_v reserve_v case_n whereas_o in_o ancient_a time_n this_o authority_n belong_v equal_o to_o all_o bishop_n as_o also_o their_o give_v of_o indulgence_n and_o their_o proclaim_n of_o jubilee_n a_o thing_n which_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o any_o of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o as_o for_o the_o discipline_n which_o be_v ancient_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n towards_o penitentiaries_n whether_o in_o the_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o offence_n or_o else_o in_o the_o receive_v they_o again_o into_o the_o communion_n