in_o the_o scripture_n but_o these_o fellow_n ought_v to_o know_v that_o this_o sentence_n give_v forth_o by_o the_o logician_n have_v place_n in_o final_a cause_n for_o if_o a_o man_n for_o health_n sake_n use_v a_o medicine_n he_o rather_o desire_v health_n than_o the_o medicine_n but_o that_o manner_n of_o reason_v be_v not_o effectual_a in_o efficient_a cause_n except_o the_o whole_a and_o total_a cause_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o argument_n for_o although_o man_n which_o drink_v wine_n unmeasurable_o become_v drink_v we_o can_v thereupon_o conclude_v that_o the_o wine_n be_v rather_o drink_v than_o the_o man_n because_o all_o the_o cause_n of_o drunkenness_n be_v not_o in_o the_o wine_n for_o it_o be_v require_v also_o that_o it_o be_v concoct_v in_o the_o belly_n and_o that_o the_o vapour_n be_v send_v up_o which_o may_v trouble_v the_o brain_n molo_n the_o rhetorician_n instruct_v cicero_n in_o orator_n art_n and_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o conclude_v thereby_o that_o molo_n be_v more_o skilful_a in_o that_o science_n than_o be_v cicero_n because_o the_o master_n be_v not_o the_o whole_a cause_n of_o learning_n for_o wit_n study_n and_o diligence_n be_v also_o require_v for_o the_o attain_v thereof_o even_o so_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o total_a and_o whole_a efficient_a cause_n of_o that_o credit_n and_o authority_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v among_o the_o faithful_a god_n himself_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o they_o with_o so_o great_a authority_n that_o their_o certainty_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o inward_a persuasion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o late_o we_o show_v the_o testimony_n of_o man_n which_o be_v set_v forth_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o scripture_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a if_o they_o follow_v that_o chief_a and_o sovereign_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o second_v help_n of_o our_o weakness_n wherefore_o augustine_n write_v wise_o except_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n move_v i_o also_o for_o he_o say_v not_o simple_o move_v i_o and_o even_o as_o augustine_n among_o other_o thing_n move_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n witness_v that_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n â—han_o the_o manichee_n so_o ought_v we_o all_o by_o good_a reason_n to_o be_v move_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o church_n to_o believe_v the_o divine_a preach_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o shine_v now_o again_o among_o we_o and_o of_o christ_n who_o the_o church_n command_v we_o always_o to_o believe_v rather_o than_o the_o device_n and_o decree_n of_o all_o pope_n and_o all_o their_o partaker_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v plain_o that_o this_o say_n of_o augustine_n with_o they_o wrongful_o wrest_v for_o themselves_o make_v also_o against_o they_o as_o before_o we_o have_v prove_v the_o xvij_o chapter_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o interpretation_n church_n fourthly_o the_o true_a understanding_n or_o interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n for_o she_o hold_v the_o foundation_n and_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o interpretation_n but_o sometime_o pure_o and_o some_o time_n unpure_o according_a to_o this_o gift_n the_o church_n in_o time_n past_o determine_v &_o define_v most_o chief_a most_o grave_a &_o most_o hard_a controversy_n of_o doctrine_n forth_o of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o church_n as_o say_v irenaeus_n do_v always_o preach_v the_o truth_n 5._o &_o be_v the_o seavenfold_a lamp_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bear_v christ_n his_o light_n 1.12_o so_o much_o the_o less_o be_v those_o wanton_a wit_n to_o be_v bear_v with_o which_o do_v despise_v the_o catholic_a understanding_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o counsel_n without_o difference_n and_o devise_v new_a opinion_n wicked_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n therefore_o for_o so_o much_o as_o the_o gift_n of_o interpretation_n be_v in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o hear_v the_o church_n teach_v when_o she_o do_v either_o interpret_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o hold_v forth_o the_o torch_n to_o put_v away_o the_o darkness_n bring_v into_o holy_a scripture_n by_o heretic_n or_o else_o propose_v those_o thing_n which_o although_o they_o be_v not_o set_v forth_o in_o express_a word_n be_v yet_o prove_v by_o compare_v of_o place_n with_o place_n so_o do_v the_o godly_a receive_v most_o willing_o all_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o nice_a of_o constantinople_n of_o ephesus_n and_o of_o chalcedon_n but_o this_o gift_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o certain_a person_n and_o place_n be_v at_o sometime_o in_o more_o at_o sometime_o in_o few_o sometime_o better_o know_v and_o more_o pure_a sometime_o less_o know_v and_o not_o so_o pure_a even_o as_o say_v paul_n 3.12_o that_o some_o build_v on_o the_o foundation_n hay_n and_o stubble_n and_o two_o thing_n namely_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n true_o agree_v &_o the_o catholic_a consent_n will_v show_v who_o they_o be_v which_o have_v this_o gift_n consent_n and_o the_o catholic_a consent_n be_v the_o agreement_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o all_o whosoever_o agree_v with_o their_o testimony_n in_o judgement_n and_o signification_n but_o because_o this_o gift_n be_v not_o always_o manifest_a enough_o and_o pure_a in_o the_o church_n many_o caution_n be_v needful_a the_o same_o also_o teach_v that_o prophecy_n 12.6_o that_o be_v to_o say_v interpretation_n ought_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n and_o measure_n of_o faith_n rom._n twelve_o therefore_o interpretation_n must_v be_v examine_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n whether_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n whether_o they_o consent_v with_o the_o scripture_n give_v from_o god_n for_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v affirm_v without_o god_n his_o word_n the_o vain_a name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o father_n &_o of_o counsel_n be_v pretend_v to_o no_o purpose_n 1.8_o wherein_o the_o angel_n may_v not_o be_v hear_v neither_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o speak_v but_o to_o hear_v her_o husband_n speak_v accord_v to_o this_o say_n of_o the_o psalm_n harken_v oh_o daughter_n 45.11_o and_o consider_v incline_v thine_o ear_n and_o the_o father_n of_o the_o right_a faith_n will_v not_o have_v their_o write_n to_o be_v read_v with_o any_o other_o condition_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v correct_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o god_n his_o write_a word_n as_o in_o the_o apt_a place_n we_o have_v teach_v it_o be_v not_o the_o part_n of_o counsel_n to_o set_v forth_o a_o new_a word_n or_o doctrine_n but_o to_o maintain_v the_o word_n or_o doctrine_n receive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n against_o heretic_n which_o withstand_v it_o the_o synod_n which_o have_v do_v otherwise_o be_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a 1.1_o which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o avoid_v that_o we_o may_v be_v bless_v to_o be_v brief_a so_o far_o forth_o do_v the_o church_n hold_v the_o true_a understanding_n as_o it_o do_v carry_v with_o she_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n without_o this_o light_n it_o have_v stubble_n and_o superstitious_a constitution_n and_o this_o may_v not_o be_v affirm_v tyrant_n that_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o scripture_n be_v in_o subjection_n to_o they_o which_o be_v willing_a to_o rule_v like_o tyrant_n and_o not_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o to_o have_v god_n word_n subject_a to_o their_o decree_n for_o these_o fellow_n carry_v not_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n but_o darken_v the_o clear_a light_n by_o their_o device_n yea_o rather_o choke_v up_o god_n truth_n with_o their_o most_o gross_a darkness_n these_o stately_a man_n be_v the_o wicked_a depraver_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o do_v not_o apply_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o scripture_n but_o draw_v and_o pervert_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o their_o will._n and_o what_o manner_n of_o interpreter_n they_o be_v 14.23_o a_o man_n may_v easy_o perceive_v by_o these_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v allege_v christ_n reach_v forth_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o supper_n say_v drink_v you_o all_o of_o it_o mark_n add_v and_o they_o all_o drink_v of_o it_o but_o they_o in_o their_o interpretation_n say_v not_o all_o but_o the_o priest_n only_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n pronounce_v that_o wedlock_n be_v honourable_a among_o all_o man_n they_o say_v 13.4_o not_o in_o all_o man_n but_o in_o leie_n man_n only_o paul_n say_v if_o they_o can_v abstain_v 7.9_o let_v they_o marry_v but_o these_o fellow_n by_o their_o ordinance_n and_o exposition_n exclude_v a_o good_a part_n of_o the_o world_n from_o marriage_n christ_n say_v to_o his_o apostle_n the_o king_n of_o nation_n be_v lord_n over_o they_o 22.25_o but_o you_o
shall_v not_o be_v so_o but_o they_o will_v have_v we_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o most_o manifest_a meaning_n of_o the_o place_n and_o to_o receive_v i_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o interpretation_n the_o law_n of_o god_n forbid_v the_o set_n up_o of_o image_n to_o be_v worship_v but_o they_o will_v have_v image_n to_o be_v 20.4.5_o and_o to_o be_v worship_v in_o temple_n and_o in_o oratory_n paul_n say_v 9_o let_v no_o man_n judge_v you_o in_o meat_n or_o in_o drink_n and_o yet_o they_o bring_v in_o the_o superstitious_a choice_n of_o meat_n 2.16_o so_o that_o they_o account_v it_o a_o offence_n more_o heinous_a than_o adultery_n to_o eat_v flesh_n on_o the_o friday_n or_o in_o lent._n the_o scripture_n decree_v 9_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o work_v but_o they_o by_o their_o exposition_n contend_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o work_v i_o beseech_v you_o be_v this_o to_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n or_o to_o shift_v they_o of_o what_o man_n be_v there_o so_o blind_a which_o see_v and_o perceive_v not_o that_o â—heir_a gloss_n be_v altogether_o clean_o contrary_a to_o the_o text_n they_o have_v adjudge_v his_o power_n of_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n â—o_o be_v as_o it_o be_v their_o own_o of_o right_n and_o â—o_o they_o only_o appertain_v that_o they_o â—ay_v at_o their_o pleasure_n bring_v into_o the_o church_n strange_a judgement_n and_o unknown_a doctrine_n and_o that_o they_o may_v as_o shall_v seem_v best_a unto_o they_o fight_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o their_o right_n of_o authentical_a interpretation_n will_v take_v away_o all_o scruple_n neither_o can_v there_o be_v any_o testimony_n object_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v it_o never_o so_o clear_a be_v it_o never_o so_o strong_a but_o they_o will_v by_o one_o mean_n or_o by_o a_o other_o shift_v it_o of_o for_o they_o will_v very_o easy_o escape_v by_o one_o cavil_n or_o a_o other_o because_o against_o all_o contrary_a reason_n this_o shall_v be_v a_o brazen_a wall_n rome_n thus_o the_o church_n judge_v if_o any_o man_n have_v say_v they_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n touch_v any_o place_n of_o scripture_n although_o he_o neither_o know_v nor_o understand_v whether_o it_o do_v or_o how_o it_o may_v agree_v with_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n yet_o have_v he_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n now_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n shall_v be_v 22.38_o behold_v here_o be_v two_o sword_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v the_o administration_n of_o either_o sword_n both_o of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o politic_a elizeus_fw-la by_o a_o miracle_n make_v bitter_a water_n sweet_a 2.21_o by_o cast_v salt_n into_o they_o that_o be_v there_o must_v be_v in_o the_o church_n exorcise_v water_n and_o hallow_a salt_n who_o efficacy_n we_o must_v believe_v to_o be_v of_o great_a force_n against_o the_o devil_n and_o against_o sin_n 11.24_o this_o do_v in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o i_o that_o be_v priest_n must_v offer_v in_o the_o mass_n the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a if_o thou_o reclaim_v that_o these_o be_v corruption_n not_o interpretation_n thou_o shall_v hear_v they_o say_v the_o church_n so_o understand_v these_o place_n and_o will_v thou_o reject_v the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o no_o man_n may_v presume_v to_o gainsay_v this_o dictatourlike_a &_o pretorlike_a power_n of_o interpret_n which_o doubt_v not_o thus_o to_o pervert_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n according_a to_o their_o own_o opinion_n the_o priest_n scribe_n 5.16_o &_o pharisee_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o time_n past_o deal_v none_o otherwise_o but_o christ_n that_o true_a priest_n have_v confute_v their_o wicked_a and_o perverse_a interpretation_n god_n command_v in_o the_o law_n honour_n thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n but_o the_o priest_n move_v through_o covetousness_n set_v this_o commandment_n at_o large_a and_o weaken_v it_o by_o absolve_a the_o child_n from_o the_o burden_n of_o nourish_v their_o parent_n persuade_v they_o to_o offer_v dainty_a and_o fat_a oblation_n which_o may_v profit_v their_o parent_n more_o than_o food_n the_o lord_n have_v gainsay_v they_o and_o witness_v that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_o be_v corrupt_v and_o make_v of_o none_o effect_v by_o this_o crafty_a interpretation_n 22._o they_o do_v also_o dispense_v with_o oath_n and_o teach_v that_o some_o oath_n be_v strong_a &_o some_o weak_a and_o here_o the_o lord_n oppose_v himself_o also_o against_o their_o false_a exposition_n and_o confute_v their_o interpretation_n they_o teach_v also_o that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v fulfil_v by_o outward_a discipline_n end_n if_o man_n do_v conform_v themselves_o thereunto_o by_o outward_a work_v only_o but_o christ_n lay_v away_o their_o peevish_a gloss_n have_v declare_v that_o the_o law_n do_v not_o only_o require_v outward_a work_n but_o also_o godly_a and_o holy_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n therefore_o let_v the_o law_n of_o prove_v interpretation_n remain_v inviolate_a neither_o must_v we_o yield_v to_o all_o manner_n interpretation_n without_o judgement_n for_o the_o church_n have_v the_o right_a and_o liberty_n to_o judge_v jovinianun_n as_o say_v paul_n let_v the_o other_o judge_n my_o purpose_n be_v say_v jerome_n not_o to_o draw_v the_o scripture_n to_o my_o will_n but_o to_o say_v that_o which_o i_o understand_v the_o scripture_n will_v for_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o commentatour_n to_o expound_v not_o what_o he_o will_v himself_o but_o what_o he_o mean_v who_o he_o do_v interpret_v otherwise_o if_o he_o shall_v speak_v contrary_a thing_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o interpreter_n but_o his_o adversary_n who_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o expound_v true_o wheresoever_o i_o do_v not_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n but_o speak_v free_o of_o my_o own_o judgement_n let_v he_o reprove_v i_o that_o will._n thus_o much_o have_v jerome_n certain_o you_o shall_v never_o find_v in_o the_o father_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v hereby_o to_o be_v understand_v because_o this_o or_o that_o council_n do_v thus_o or_o thus_o interpret_v they_o christ_n and_o augustine_n in_o his_o book_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n do_v set_v forth_o very_a many_o way_n of_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o do_v he_o never_o bind_v we_o either_o to_o counsel_n or_o to_o the_o church_n the_o xviij_o chapter_n of_o the_o say_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n 17.18_o let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n they_o which_o seek_v a_o certain_a lordlike_o government_n of_o all_o religion_n under_o the_o counterfeit_a colour_n of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o see_v little_a aid_n or_o none_o in_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o before_o we_o the_o mask_a vizard_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o gorgon_n head_n that_o we_o be_v amaze_v therewith_o may_v rash_o embrace_v all_o manner_n of_o decree_n all_o kind_n of_o tradition_n and_o interpretation_n which_o please_v they_o only_o without_o examination_n without_o inquisition_n and_o without_o doubt_n therefore_o that_o they_o may_v call_v we_o back_o from_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n they_o say_v that_o christ_n say_v if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n scripture_n and_o a_o publican_n although_o christ_n in_o that_o place_n entreat_v not_o of_o the_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n but_o only_o of_o brotherly_a correction_n yet_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o she_o judge_v answer_v and_o speak_v forth_o of_o god_o his_o word_n but_o if_o she_o utter_v the_o device_n of_o man_n and_o tradition_n only_o we_o ought_v to_o pass_v by_o she_o with_o deaf_a ear_n especial_o when_o she_o propose_v thing_n contrary_a to_o god_o his_o word_n for_o this_o say_n of_o paul_n stand_v fast_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n 1.8_o preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v hieronymâ—_n and_o the_o say_n of_o jerome_n be_v that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n against_o the_o which_o if_o counsel_n decree_v any_o thing_n i_o count_v it_o wickedness_n to_o be_v brief_a we_o do_v enclose_v the_o church_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v set_v before_o her_o eye_n as_o a_o sure_a and_o certain_a rule_n neither_o can_v the_o church_n in_o so_o great_a variety_n and_o multitude_n of_o sect_n and_o heresy_n condemn_v one_o a_o other_o be_v declare_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n because_o man_n be_v every_o where_o &_o because_o every_o one_o will_v swear_v that_o the_o church_n be_v with_o they_o 14.23_o as_o late_o
be_v that_o worthy_a wisdom_n which_o hitherto_o have_v fill_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o blind_a jew_n with_o most_o foolish_a knowledge_n and_o have_v cause_v worthy_a man_n otherwise_o in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o great_a multitude_n follow_v they_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o sure_a way_n to_o examine_v all_o tradition_n by_o what_o title_n so_o ever_o they_o be_v commend_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n that_o that_o which_o have_v not_o authority_n by_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v by_o the_o same_o facility_n contemn_v whereby_o it_o be_v prove_v hieronymus_n as_o hierome_n his_o say_n well_o warn_v us._n 23._o for_o the_o counsel_n of_o chrysostom_n be_v wise_a which_o say_v therefore_o the_o lord_n know_v that_o there_o will_v come_v such_o a_o confusion_n in_o the_o last_o day_n do_v command_v that_o the_o christian_n which_o be_v in_o christianity_n willing_a to_o receive_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n shall_v run_v to_o nothing_o but_o to_o the_o scripture_n otherwise_o if_o they_o shall_v regard_v any_o thing_n else_o they_o shall_v be_v offend_v and_o perish_v again_o jerome_n say_v the_o sword_n of_o god_o strike_v other_o thing_n aggaei_n which_o man_n find_v and_o devise_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n without_o the_o authority_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o though_o they_o come_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o every_o doubtful_a matter_n we_o must_v fly_v to_o the_o scripture_n which_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o the_o chief_a judge_n in_o every_o controversy_n of_o divinity_n to_o who_o sentence_n all_o tradition_n all_o church_n all_o counsel_n all_o device_n of_o man_n ought_v to_o stand_v and_o from_o the_o which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o appeal_v to_o any_o other_o nor_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o give_v ourselves_o greedy_o to_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n for_o he_o which_o hear_v the_o scripture_n hear_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o reverence_v he_o and_o contrary_o he_o which_o despise_v the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o judgement_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n &_o will_v not_o quiet_v himself_o therewith_o despise_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o use_v himself_o more_o reproachful_o against_o he_o than_o can_v be_v utter_v and_o he_o which_o will_v not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v lead_v as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n by_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o scripture_n forth_o of_o the_o thorn_n and_o brier_n of_o doubt_n error_n superstition_n corruption_n abuse_n be_v very_o well_o worthy_a to_o wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n he_o know_v not_o whither_o &_o to_o stray_v perpetual_o the_o conclusion_n church_n i_o have_v prove_v by_o a_o very_a large_a and_o contentious_a disputation_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v god_n his_o word_n wherein_o be_v enclose_v a_o full_a and_o a_o perfect_a sum_n of_o heavenly_a wisdom_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o thing_n needful_a to_o be_v know_v god_n will_v not_o have_v omit_v it_o since_o his_o will_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o thereby_o not_o to_o the_o half_n but_o full_o whatsoever_o his_o pleasure_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v know_v and_o which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v profitable_a for_o we_o this_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o the_o lively_a faith_n this_o be_v the_o sure_a bulwark_n against_o the_o deceit_n of_o error_n forth_o of_o this_o ought_v heresy_n to_o be_v confute_v forth_o of_o this_o ought_v doctrine_n chief_o to_o be_v discern_v forth_o of_o this_o ought_v definition_n of_o faith_n and_o assertion_n to_o be_v take_v the_o scripture_n be_v of_o most_o clear_a and_o peerless_a authority_n so_o that_o all_o godly_a and_o faithful_a understanding_n ought_v to_o serve_v it_o and_o it_o be_v the_o catholic_a consent_n of_o the_o father_n yea_o and_o of_o all_o the_o church_n that_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o church_n all_o counsel_n although_o they_o be_v general_a all_o tradition_n decree_n device_n write_n of_o all_o man_n although_o they_o excel_v in_o learning_n and_o holiness_n the_o church_n do_v so_o reverence_n and_o adore_v the_o fullness_n perfectness_n and_o soundness_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o she_o do_v accurse_v as_o wicked_a and_o false_a witness_n of_o god_n as_o detestable_a author_n of_o offence_n heresy_n and_o dissension_n as_o proud_a vain_a and_o fall_v from_o the_o faith_n so_o many_o as_o do_v preach_v beyond_o the_o scripture_n yea_o and_o she_o suspect_v every_o revelation_n every_o prophecy_n every_o tradition_n to_o be_v brief_a every_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o ground_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o high_a perfection_n of_o the_o chief_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o depend_v of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o any_o testimony_n of_o man_n but_o chief_o of_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o allow_v of_o this_o doctrine_n go_v before_o the_o church_n which_o be_v call_v spring_v and_o increase_v by_o the_o word_n and_o which_o be_v stay_v up_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n as_o by_o a_o ground_n work_n or_o prop_v although_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v then_o of_o some_o weight_n when_o as_o it_o consent_v and_o agree_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n both_o for_o this_o purpose_n that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v believe_v and_o also_o for_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v well_o understand_v but_o the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v new_a article_n of_o the_o faith_n or_o a_o new_a interpretation_n but_o be_v a_o witness_n and_o a_o restorer_n of_o the_o true_a and_o incorrupt_a meaning_n deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o carry_v before_o her_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n to_o put_v away_o the_o darkness_n bring_v into_o the_o scripture_n by_o heretic_n and_o this_o be_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n always_o to_o confirm_v by_o scripture_n whatsoever_o she_o appoint_v for_o she_o do_v reverent_o acknowledge_v that_o her_o authority_n do_v stay_v itself_o by_o the_o word_n and_o do_v depend_v of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o plain_a sure_a and_o infallible_a note_n of_o the_o church_n for_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o no_o where_o else_o in_o so_o great_a variety_n of_o sect_n and_o repugnancy_n of_o opinion_n be_v the_o church_n to_o be_v seek_v know_v and_o prove_v and_o by_o it_o to_o be_v esteem_v where_o the_o scripture_n be_v hear_v there_o be_v the_o church_n there_o do_v the_o sheep_n know_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o shepherd_n and_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n be_v bury_v the_o church_n vanish_v forthwith_o from_o man_n eye_n neither_o do_v the_o church_n reign_n over_o our_o faith_n neither_o do_v she_o require_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o she_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o when_o as_o she_o do_v confess_v that_o she_o receive_v her_o authority_n and_o credit_n from_o the_o scripture_n only_o she_o submit_v herself_o obedient_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n therefore_o whatsoever_o she_o affirm_v or_o deny_v whatsoever_o she_o appoint_v or_o command_v or_o disappoint_v or_o forbid_v she_o will_v have_v it_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o she_o bring_v forth_o therein_o not_o her_o own_o or_o any_o other_o man_n or_o creature_n but_o the_o word_n and_o sense_n of_o god_n but_o of_o christ_n therefore_o the_o church_n do_v not_o err_v for_o she_o follow_v she_o own_o judgement_n in_o nothing_o but_o every_o where_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n obey_v god_n word_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o darkness_n no_o error_n and_o if_o she_o do_v otherwise_o this_o say_n of_o scripture_n be_v true_a 3.15_o let_v every_o man_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o god_n only_o true_a in_o deed_n the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n because_o she_o be_v keeper_n of_o sound_n doctrine_n and_o publish_v it_o to_o they_o which_o come_v after_o lest_o it_o shall_v fail_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v the_o holy_a and_o divine_a scripture_n which_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n do_v allow_v and_o approve_v but_o this_o consent_n and_o this_o approbation_n be_v not_o the_o devise_n of_o man_n but_o a_o necessary_a confession_n and_o a_o testification_n express_v by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o do_v not_o bring_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o
will_v you_o examine_v your_o doctrine_n and_o tradition_n by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v you_o so_o mad_a and_o blind_a that_o you_o will_v never_o confess_v and_o reverence_v with_o the_o catholic_a church_n of_o god_n the_o fullness_n the_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v you_o still_o be_v turn_v from_o the_o most_o pure_a wheat_n of_o god_n his_o word_n to_o the_o chaff_n and_o cod_n of_o tradition_n the_o xxij_o chapter_n a_o perfect_a proof_n of_o those_o tradition_n which_o be_v in_o deed_n the_o apostle_n forth_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n most_o ancient_a writer_n and_o near_o to_o the_o apostle_n time_n do_v most_o plain_o prove_v unto_o we_o what_o tradition_n be_v most_o ancient_a and_o the_o apostle_n in_o deed_n for_o they_o when_o as_o they_o do_v contend_v with_o heretic_n about_o doctrine_n do_v allege_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v by_o the_o authority_n thereof_o confirm_v their_o cause_n and_o do_v with_o great_a honour_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o same_o but_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o consider_v by_o what_o occasion_n for_o what_o cause_n in_o what_o sort_n and_o with_o what_o moderateness_n they_o do_v it_o for_o so_o shall_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n have_v no_o doctrine_n by_o tradition_n no_o mystery_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o be_v ground_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v irenaeus_n have_v to_o deal_v with_o most_o wicked_a heretic_n which_o be_v neither_o move_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n therefore_o they_o do_v either_o sly_o shift_v off_o 2._o or_o impudent_o refuse_v what_o so_o ever_o be_v object_v if_o they_o be_v overthrow_v and_o convict_v by_o the_o scripture_n they_o do_v debase_v their_o authority_n yea_o they_o do_v accuse_v they_o as_o not_o authentical_a or_o as_o have_v a_o obscure_a and_o a_o uncertain_a meaning_n or_o as_o insufficient_a but_o they_o brag_v that_o they_o have_v by_o tradition_n wisdom_n more_o high_a than_o the_o apostle_n and_o more_o perfect_a if_o they_o be_v call_v back_o to_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o the_o church_n do_v not_o keep_v the_o pure_a doctrine_n which_o receive_v it_o corrupt_v and_o sower_v with_o leaven_n not_o only_o of_o the_o disciple_n but_o also_o of_o the_o lord_n himself_o and_o therefore_o they_o boast_v that_o they_o be_v the_o corrector_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o say_v irenaeus_n hereunto_o 1._o we_o have_v say_v he_o the_o dispensation_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o none_o other_o than_o the_o apostle_n which_o what_o they_o publish_v by_o preach_v afterward_o they_o deliver_v unto_o we_o in_o writing_n to_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o our_o faith_n afterward_o he_o urge_v this_o part_n also_o that_o all_o church_n teach_v and_o instruct_v by_o the_o apostle_n do_v embrace_v the_o unity_n of_o faith_n ground_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o so_o that_o he_o confute_v the_o dote_a opinion_n of_o heretic_n by_o the_o scripture_n as_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a wisdom_n tertullian_n also_o strive_v with_o the_o like_a monster_n haeritic_n their_o usual_a manner_n be_v to_o escape_v by_o subtle_a shift_n if_o they_o be_v press_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o do_v either_o refuse_v they_o or_o if_o they_o do_v receive_v they_o they_o do_v pervert_v they_o by_o put_v to_o and_o take_v away_o for_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o own_o purpose_n or_o else_o corrupt_v they_o by_o their_o perverse_a interpretation_n therefore_o because_o tertullian_n can_v not_o well_o go_v forward_o against_o such_o mangle_n of_o the_o scripture_n he_o do_v his_o diligence_n to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n certain_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o scripture_n among_o the_o simple_a and_o weak_a by_o this_o note_n also_o that_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v it_o by_o lively_a voice_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n wherefore_o because_o in_o these_o disputation_n the_o heretic_n refuse_v the_o scripture_n as_o not_o in_o all_o point_n to_o be_v receive_v and_o as_o though_o they_o be_v of_o a_o obscure_a and_o doubtful_a meaning_n by_o who_o only_o the_o truth_n can_v not_o be_v know_v except_o one_o know_v the_o tradition_n both_o the_o side_n appeal_v to_o the_o tradition_n and_o because_o both_o the_o party_n brag_v of_o tradition_n this_o question_n be_v dispute_v of_o which_o be_v the_o true_a tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n apostle_n irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n prove_v that_o that_o be_v the_o true_a tradition_n only_o which_o christ_n receive_v of_o god_n and_o deliver_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o which_o the_o apostle_n again_o deliver_v to_o the_o church_n and_o which_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n and_o do_v this_o tradition_n contain_v a_o doctrine_n contrary_n to_o that_o which_o be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n no._n for_o for_o this_o cause_n they_o do_v condemn_v those_o tradition_n which_o the_o heretic_n brag_v of_o as_o erroneous_a and_o forge_a therefore_o what_o do_v the_o tradition_n allege_v in_o disputation_n against_o the_o heretic_n contain_v no_o doctrine_n contrary_a and_o disagreeable_a to_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o self_n same_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o do_v as_o it_o be_v comprehend_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o the_o scripture_n for_o both_o of_o they_o do_v show_v what_o that_o tradition_n be_v which_o the_o church_n receive_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o also_o keep_v sincere_a and_o they_o be_v the_o same_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o the_o apostle_n creed_n do_v contain_v and_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o they_o be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o scripture_n by_o many_o manifest_a testimony_n they_o do_v not_o then_o prove_v any_o other_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n beside_o those_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o they_o show_v and_o prove_v by_o tradition_n the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n which_o be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o what_o need_v that_o forsooth_o that_o they_o may_v prove_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o true_a apostolical_a tradition_n with_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v teach_v and_o that_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n receive_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o one_o and_o this_o be_v diligent_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o our_o position_n of_o the_o authority_n perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v most_o strong_o maintain_v by_o this_o disputation_n of_o irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n and_o also_o that_o the_o disputation_n of_o the_o papist_n touch_v tradition_n which_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o no_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n be_v refute_v for_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o scripture_n prove_v the_o consent_n so_o that_o the_o tradition_n be_v not_o opposite_a against_o the_o scripture_n as_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v either_o false_a or_o doubtful_a or_o unperfect_a as_o the_o heretic_n quarele_v but_o the_o truth_n the_o authority_n the_o certainty_n and_o absolute_a perfectness_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v prove_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o tradition_n wherefore_o when_o as_o there_o be_v tradition_n propose_v which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o which_o can_v be_v show_v and_o prove_v forth_o of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o those_o tradition_n be_v not_o the_o apostle_n these_o be_v sure_a and_o sound_o reason_n which_o can_v not_o be_v overthrow_v with_o any_o subtle_a shift_n of_o sophister_n now_o if_o you_o ask_v which_o that_o true_a ancient_a and_o apostolic_a tradition_n be_v it_o be_v not_o needful_a to_o search_v it_o without_o the_o scripture_n for_o irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n in_o that_o disputation_n whereof_o we_o speak_v speak_v not_o only_o general_o but_o declare_v special_o evident_o &_o in_o express_a word_n what_o that_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v let_v we_o then_o hear_v irenaeus_n expound_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o the_o church_n have_v receive_v it_o from_o the_o apostle_n tradition_n keep_v the_o church_n say_v he_o be_v sow_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n receive_v both_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o their_o disciple_n that_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o one_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_a which_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o sea_n and_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o they_o and_o in_o one_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_o incarnate_a for_o our_o salvation_n &_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o preach_v by_o the_o prophet_n the_o
henricus_fw-la bullingerus_n a_o most_o godly_a and_o learned_a discourse_n of_o the_o worthiness_n authority_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n also_o of_o the_o clearness_n and_o plainness_n of_o the_o same_o and_o of_o the_o true_a use_n thereof_o wherein_o be_v discuss_v this_o famous_a question_n whether_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n have_v authority_n from_o the_o church_n or_o rather_o the_o church_n receive_v authority_n from_o the_o scripture_n by_o occasion_n whereof_o be_v touch_v the_o dignity_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n touch_v tradition_n with_o answer_n to_o all_o objection_n translate_v out_o of_o latin_a into_o english_a by_o john_n tomky_v and_o dedicate_v to_o the_o right_n honourable_a sir_n richard_n pipe_n knight_n lord_n maior_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n psal._n 119._o part_n 13._o ver_fw-la 4._o i_o be_o wise_a than_o the_o age_a because_o i_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n print_a at_o london_n for_o william_n ponnsonby_n 1579._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a and_o worthy_a magistrate_n sir_n richard_n pipe_n knight_n lord_n mayor_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n health_n and_o peace_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n for_o ever_o there_o have_v be_v no_o age_n right_o honourable_a which_o have_v more_o plentiful_o taste_v of_o god_n his_o singular_a benefit_n and_o special_a grace_n than_o this_o our_o age_n wherein_o he_o have_v cause_v his_o unspeakable_a mercy_n of_o the_o light_n of_o his_o gospel_n to_o shine_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n that_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v lighten_v thereby_o to_o receive_v forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n offer_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o son_n christ_n our_o only_a perfect_a &_o sufficient_a saviour_n to_o our_o endless_a comfort_n and_o that_o our_o footesteeppe_n may_v be_v direct_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n to_o the_o glorify_v of_o his_o holy_a name_n neither_o have_v he_o deal_v more_o gracious_o with_o any_o nation_n then_o with_o this_o our_o realm_n of_o england_n wherein_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n live_v safe_a from_o the_o foreign_a enemy_n and_o free_a from_o persecution_n at_o home_n as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o city_n of_o refuge_n and_o a_o privilege_a sanctuary_n when_o as_o our_o neighbour_n round_o about_o we_o taste_n either_o of_o the_o one_o or_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o the_o other_o and_o this_o have_v he_o bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n queen_n elizabeth_n our_o most_o victorious_a deborah_n who_o by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o her_o lord_n our_o god_n have_v worthy_o triumph_v over_o idolatry_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o spiritual_a tyranny_n whereby_o the_o conscience_n of_o her_o subject_n be_v more_o grievous_o afflict_v than_o be_v the_o ancient_a israelite_n by_o the_o nine_o hundred_o iron_n charret_n of_o cruel_a captain_n sysara_n god_n grant_v that_o she_o may_v judge_v we_o double_v the_o year_n which_o deborah_n judge_v israel_n and_o that_o her_o hand_n may_v still_o prosper_v and_o prevail_v against_o that_o roomish_a jabin_n until_o he_o be_v utter_o destroy_v and_o yet_o all_o these_o his_o gracious_a gift_n so_o abundant_o bestow_v upon_o we_o notwithstanding_o such_o be_v the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o unthankfulness_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o in_o some_o pure_a religion_n be_v despise_v the_o stink_a root_n of_o superstition_n remain_v still_o and_o in_o other_o in_o stead_n of_o godly_a life_n which_o be_v the_o true_a fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v spring_v up_o the_o sharp_a briar_n of_o atheism_n even_o of_o the_o want_n of_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o shire_n no_o city_n no_o town_n almost_o no_o household_n but_o it_o be_v either_o poison_v with_o the_o one_o or_o overgrow_v with_o the_o other_o if_o not_o full_o fraught_v with_o both_o and_o therefore_o may_v the_o godly_a well_o say_v with_o david_n 120.4_o woe_n be_v i_o that_o i_o be_o constrain_v to_o dwell_v with_o mesech_n and_o to_o have_v my_o habitation_n among_o the_o tent_n of_o cedar_n one_o chief_a cause_n of_o the_o great_a increase_n of_o these_o two_o grievous_a sin_n be_v the_o sinister_a opinion_n diverse_o conceive_v touch_v god_n his_o word_n when_o as_o the_o superstitious_a think_v it_o not_o sufficient_a to_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o wicked_a worldling_n so_o little_o esteem_v it_o that_o they_o make_v a_o jest_n of_o it_o if_o this_o crooked_a opinion_n of_o both_o these_o kind_n of_o man_n may_v be_v so_o streighten_v that_o they_o will_v at_o the_o last_o read_v and_o hear_v god_n his_o word_n with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o plain_a direction_n of_o life_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o these_o two_o naughty_a tree_n superstition_n and_o atheism_n will_v be_v in_o short_a time_n if_o not_o pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n forth_o of_o the_o lord_n garden_n yet_o at_o the_o least_o so_o snagged_a and_o mangled_a that_o the_o pleasant_a tree_n thereof_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o godly_a shall_v have_v the_o more_o room_n to_o spread_v abroad_o their_o fruitful_a branch_n neither_o may_v we_o look_v to_o see_v this_o happy_a change_n in_o man_n before_o god_n his_o word_n to_o be_v read_v and_o hear_v with_o confidence_n and_o follow_v with_o diligence_n for_o if_o the_o earth_n be_v it_o never_o so_o fat_a it_o can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n before_o it_o have_v receive_v seed_n much_o less_o can_v man_n be_v by_o nature_n barren_a ground_n bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n before_o he_o have_v receive_v into_o his_o heart_n god_n word_n which_o be_v the_o incorruptible_a seed_n whereby_o we_o be_v bear_v anew_o and_o as_o we_o rest_v in_o hope_n after_o the_o seed_n be_v throw_v into_o the_o ground_n that_o god_n will_v send_v down_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n to_o water_v the_o same_o that_o it_o may_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o due_a season_n so_o if_o man_n will_v receive_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n word_n into_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v hope_v that_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n will_v cause_v it_o to_o take_v root_n and_o will_v with_o the_o dew_n of_o his_o grace_n so_o water_n it_o that_o the_o barren_a soil_n will_v become_v good_a ground_n and_o the_o noisome_a shrub_n become_v pleasant_a tree_n yield_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n to_o god_o his_o glory_n in_o due_a season_n i_o need_v not_o further_o to_o commend_v this_o book_n consider_v that_o master_n bullinger_n have_v already_o commend_v it_o in_o his_o epistle_n follow_v neither_o shall_v the_o reader_n repent_v he_o of_o his_o labour_n if_o it_o shall_v please_v he_o with_o diligence_n to_o peruse_v it_o over_o and_o because_o your_o lordship_n have_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o my_o maintenance_n in_o study_n whereby_o i_o have_v obtain_v that_o simple_a talon_n which_o god_o have_v bestow_v upon_o mâ—_z i_o esteem_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o bestow_v upon_o you_o this_o my_o travail_n as_o a_o pledge_n of_o my_o grateful_a mind_n toward_o you_o and_o some_o part_n of_o discharge_n of_o my_o duty_n towards_o my_o country_n i_o trust_v you_o will_v receive_v it_o with_o such_o a_o affection_n as_o i_o do_v offer_v it_o and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o come_v from_o your_o poor_a country_n man_n and_o be_v translate_v in_o the_o town_n where_o your_o lordship_n be_v bear_v chief_o to_o profit_v the_o neighbour_n thereunto_o adjoin_v god_n keep_v your_o honour_n in_o good_a health_n and_o guide_v you_o with_o his_o heavenly_a wisdom_n in_o the_o well_o order_v of_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a affair_n unto_o your_o office_n incident_a from_o my_o house_n in_o bilston_n the_o 10._o of_o february_n 1579._o your_o lordship_n at_o commandment_n john_n tomkis_n henry_n bullinger_n miniâ—â—er_v of_o the_o church_n of_o zurich_n to_o the_o gentle_a reader_n wish_v grace_n and_o peace_n from_o the_o lord_n this_o book_n be_v bring_v i_o gentle_a reader_n from_o a_o far_o distant_a &_o famous_a city_n certain_a week_n past_a without_o the_o sender_n and_o author_n name_n this_o â—s_v his_o only_a request_n that_o if_o this_o book_n â—ight_n be_v think_v worthy_a to_o be_v set_v forth_o may_v be_v deliver_v to_o the_o diligent_a man_n â—_o christopher_n froschoverus_n to_o be_v print_v 〈◊〉_d he_o the_o title_n of_o the_o book_n be_v this_o a_o discourse_n whether_o the_o holy_a scripture_n â—ave_n authority_n from_o the_o church_n or_o â—â—ther_n the_o church_n receive_v authority_n â—â—om_o the_o holy_a scripture_n collect_v by_o a_o â—uer_n of_o godliness_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o â—nlearned_a and_o simple_a be_v much_o delight_v â—ith_n this_o
be_v necessary_a for_o we_o reginas_fw-la to_o follow_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o in_o nothing_o to_o depart_v from_o their_o determination_n 1._o ambrose_n de_fw-fr officiis_fw-la lib._n 1._o say_v we_o may_v use_v as_o we_o will_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o find_v not_o in_o holy_a scripture_n 86._o in_o the_o commentary_n upon_o the_o 86._o psalm_n which_o be_v set_v forth_o in_o hierom_n his_o name_n we_o read_v these_o word_n verity_n the_o lord_n shall_v rehearse_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o his_o people_n and_o of_o the_o prince_n which_o be_v in_o she_o how_o shall_v the_o lord_n rehearse_v it_o not_o by_o word_n but_o by_o write_v by_o who_o writing_n by_o the_o write_n of_o his_o people_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v read_v to_o all_o people_n that_o be_v that_o all_o may_v understand_v it_o plato_n write_v not_o to_o the_o people_n but_o to_o a_o few_o for_o scant_o three_o man_n understand_v he_o but_o these_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o prince_n of_o christ_n write_v not_o for_o a_o few_o but_o for_o all_o the_o people_n not_o that_o a_o few_o may_v understand_v but_o that_o all_o may_v understand_v and_o he_o say_v by_o the_o write_n of_o his_o prince_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o evangelist_n of_o they_o which_o be_v in_o she_o see_v what_o he_o say_v which_o be_v not_o which_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n only_o except_v what_o thing_n else_o soever_o shall_v be_v say_v afterward_o may_v be_v cut_v off_o and_o not_o have_v authority_n therefore_o although_o any_o one_o be_v holy_a after_o the_o apostle_n although_o he_o be_v eloquent_a let_v he_o not_o have_v authority_n because_o the_o lord_n rehearse_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o his_o people_n and_o of_o the_o prince_n 17._o which_o be_v in_o she_o cyrill_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v origen_n in_o leviticum_fw-la cap._n 5._o say_v if_o thou_o can_v not_o finish_v all_o the_o flesh_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n the_o second_o day_n thou_o shall_v eat_v none_o of_o it_o the_o third_o day_n etc_n etc_n i_o say_v he_o do_v suppose_v 〈◊〉_d that_o by_o this_o space_n of_o two_o day_n may_v be_v understand_v the_o two_o testament_n wherein_o every_o word_n which_o pertain_v to_o god_o may_v be_v seek_v for_o and_o discuss_v and_o all_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n may_v be_v learn_v forth_o of_o they_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n over_o the_o which_o holy_a scripture_n can_v determine_v that_o none_o other_o third_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v bring_v in_o for_o authority_n of_o the_o knowledge_n i_o can_v bring_v more_o such_o like_a say_n forth_o of_o the_o father_n but_o i_o trust_v i_o have_v thorough_o satisfy_v the_o indifferent_a reader_n with_o these_o therefore_o all_o the_o say_n scripture_n and_o write_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o try_v by_o the_o law_n and_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n write_n as_o in_o the_o most_o certain_a balance_n and_o so_o have_v the_o most_o holy_a father_n judge_v one_o and_o all_o for_o great_a be_v the_o authority_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n then_o of_o any_o man_n of_o any_o bishop_n of_o any_o synod_n yea_o or_o of_o all_o the_o church_n neither_o can_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n although_o it_o be_v gather_v together_o whole_o into_o one_o place_n forth_o of_o all_o her_o member_n which_o ever_o be_v or_o be_v or_o in_o year_n to_o come_v shall_v be_v deserve_v credit_n in_o any_o thing_n without_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n panormitanus_fw-la so_o that_o panormitane_n say_v neither_o foolish_o nor_o false_o more_o credit_n be_v to_o be_v yield_v to_o one_o lay_v man_n allege_v the_o scripture_n then_o to_o a_o general_a council_n represent_v the_o universal_a church_n if_o it_o bring_v no_o scripture_n gâ—rson_n unto_o who_o john_n gerson_n agree_v when_o as_o he_o say_v that_o the_o consent_n and_o voice_n of_o one_o learned_a man_n allege_v the_o scripture_n fit_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o a_o general_a council_n and_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o nicen_n synod_n which_o have_v receive_v the_o superstitious_a law_n of_o the_o single_a life_n of_o priest_n have_v not_o paphnutius_fw-la only_a withstand_v it_o 22._o therefore_o if_o the_o disputation_n of_o the_o father_n or_o their_o sentence_n or_o their_o exposition_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v disagree_v with_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o any_o shall_v object_n their_o authority_n unto_o we_o for_o if_o the_o contention_n be_v touch_v learning_n holiness_n and_o ancientness_n the_o prophet_n faith_n and_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n be_v more_o learned_a more_o holy_a and_o more_o ancient_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o cause_n why_o any_o shall_v object_v unto_o we_o the_o consent_n of_o many_o church_n in_o this_o or_o that_o opinion_n for_o the_o consent_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o apostle_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o patriarch_n in_o sincere_a religion_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a sense_n of_o religion_n reveal_v manifest_o to_o we_o by_o the_o scripture_n be_v more_o to_o be_v esteem_v from_o who_o godly_a and_o religious_a judgement_n we_o must_v never_o depart_v but_o if_o any_o reckon_v up_o many_o and_o whole_a kingdom_n which_o have_v be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o opinion_n we_o oppose_v against_o he_o the_o labour_v of_o paul_n one_o holy_a apostle_n 1â—_o who_o fill_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n with_o the_o simple_a sense_n of_o the_o gospel_n even_o from_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o coast_n round_o about_o unto_o illiricum_n 3._o and_o forsomuch_o as_o by_o augustine_n his_o authority_n general_a counsel_n must_v be_v sometime_o correct_v by_o the_o late_a and_o those_o assembly_n which_o be_v to_o be_v correct_v must_v needs_o be_v in_o error_n it_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o counsel_n stay_v itself_o by_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n unto_o the_o which_o only_a god_o his_o will_n be_v that_o this_o happiness_n be_v peculiar_a that_o in_o it_o there_o be_v none_o error_n the_o ix_o chapter_n that_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n have_v the_o chief_a perfection_n of_o her_o authority_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o herself_o and_o contrary_o that_o the_o church_n receive_v her_o authority_n from_o the_o scripture_n authority_n hitherto_o we_o have_v yield_v many_o reason_n for_o the_o most_o excellent_a authority_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n now_o the_o question_n be_v from_o whence_o the_o scripture_n have_v or_o receive_v this_o most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_v authority_n or_o by_o who_o the_o canon_n be_v make_v whereunto_o the_o canonical_a book_n pertain_v the_o papist_n say_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v her_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o though_o the_o word_n of_o god_o 40.8_o which_o endure_v for_o ever_o be_v subject_n to_o man_n decree_n or_o as_o though_o god_o his_o truth_n shall_v entreat_v man_n to_o authorise_v it_o it_o be_v not_o so_o the_o word_n of_o god_o be_v of_o itself_o most_o sure_o and_o need_v not_o the_o prop_v up_o of_o man_n but_o hold_v up_o all_o thing_n 2.4.35_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o but_o my_o word_n shall_v in_o no_o wise_a pass_n away_o the_o scripture_n receive_v her_o strength_n or_o authority_n chief_o from_o god_o from_o who_o it_o be_v reveil_v that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o it_o come_v not_o by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n 1.21_o but_o that_o the_o man_n of_o god_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n both_o speak_v and_o write_v who_o be_v choose_v and_o elect_v for_o this_o office_n god_o adorn_v with_o many_o and_o sundry_a miracle_n and_o divine_a testimony_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o but_o that_o those_o thing_n be_v give_v from_o god_o by_o inspiration_n which_o they_o write_v and_o set_v down_o and_o the_o self_n same_o spirit_n which_o have_v cause_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v write_v assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n and_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_o do_v herein_o witness_v to_o our_o spirit_n &_o seal_v up_o the_o scripture_n in_o our_o heart_n the_o faithful_a soul_n do_v marvelous_o rejoice_v and_o be_v great_o confirm_v therefore_o we_o be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o now_o believe_v either_o through_o our_o own_o judgement_n or_o through_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o god_n but_o do_v most_o certain_o persuade_v ourselves_o above_o man_n judgement_n none_o otherwise_o then_o if_o we_o
forth_o of_o augustine_n and_o chrysostom_n we_o have_v declare_v what_o say_v you_o to_o this_o that_o the_o same_o christ_n the_o lord_n will_v hereby_o chief_o have_v his_o disciple_n and_o so_o consequent_o and_o undoubted_o his_o church_n also_o know_v and_o esteem_v if_o they_o keep_v his_o say_n faithful_o and_o observe_v they_o and_o do_v plain_o witness_v 14.24_o that_o they_o be_v cast_v off_o which_o will_v not_o keep_v his_o doctrine_n and_o follow_v it_o as_o for_o this_o power_n above_o the_o scripture_n which_o these_o fellow_n claim_v unto_o themselves_o by_o their_o subtle_a sophistry_n the_o ancient_a father_n never_o know_v nor_o seek_v as_o late_o we_o have_v show_v constantine_n the_o emperor_n command_v the_o father_n 7._o when_o as_o they_o be_v assemble_v in_o the_o nicene_n council_n that_o they_o shall_v define_v the_o controversy_n of_o the_o one_o and_o self_n same_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n forth_o of_o the_o prophetical_a and_o apostolical_a scripture_n and_o yet_o none_o withstand_v he_o there_o say_v that_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o discuss_v the_o controversy_n by_o her_o own_o absolute_a authority_n because_o she_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o scripture_n but_o have_v they_o rather_o in_o subjection_n unto_o she_o neither_o do_v they_o complain_v that_o the_o emperor_n do_v any_o whit_n at_o all_o debase_v the_o church_n when_o as_o he_o make_v her_o subject_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o how_o will_v these_o man_n bring_v the_o scripture_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o authority_n judgement_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n see_v christ_n our_o lord_n do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v judge_v of_o his_o doctrine_n but_o pronounce_v rather_o that_o his_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v judge_v of_o all_o mankind_n in_o general_n and_o thus_o may_v we_o understand_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o man_n with_o what_o title_n soever_o or_o prerogative_n they_o be_v adorn_v but_o all_o mankind_n to_o be_v 12.28_o judge_v by_o he_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o word_n the_o xix_o chapter_n of_o the_o say_n of_o paul_n 3.15_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n truth_n and_o that_o it_o can_v not_o err_v the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o of_o the_o church_n of_o any_o one_o time_n or_o place_n but_o of_o the_o catholic_a church_n of_o all_o time_n and_o place_n which_o also_o contain_v the_o prophet_n and_o all_o the_o apostle_n with_o all_o their_o doctrine_n and_o christ_n the_o lord_n himself_o as_o the_o chief_a and_o everlasting_a head_n and_o therefore_o her_o only_a head_n this_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n work_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n doctrine_n wherefore_o we_o also_o follow_v augustine_n do_v confess_v that_o we_o be_v move_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o church_n which_o also_o before_o we_o say_v rather_o to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n than_o the_o pope_n and_o their_o decree_n and_o all_o their_o counsel_n but_o the_o church_n of_o any_o one_o time_n or_o place_n especial_o after_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o she_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o she_o preach_v it_o retain_v it_o &_o conserve_v it_o and_o not_o because_o she_o strengthen_v it_o be_v weak_a or_o make_v it_o to_o be_v of_o authority_n be_v unconstant_a much_o less_o because_o she_o usurp_v unto_o herself_o a_o censours_n rod_n over_o it_o or_o set_v down_o any_o thing_n concern_v it_o after_o her_o own_o judgement_n therefore_o as_o she_o speak_v forth_o of_o god_n his_o word_n she_o err_v not_o err_v neither_o can_v she_o err_v but_o either_o speak_n or_o do_v without_o it_o she_o not_o only_o can_v err_v but_o do_v err_v but_o these_o man_n whilst_o they_o cloak_v their_o tyranny_n with_o the_o beautiful_a title_n of_o the_o church_n fain_o unto_o we_o a_o church_n which_o although_o it_o ordain_v any_o thing_n beside_o or_o against_o god_n his_o word_n yet_o err_v not_o and_o therefore_o will_v they_o that_o she_o shall_v rather_o be_v believe_v than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o whilst_o they_o stay_v themselves_o upon_o this_o opinion_n they_o differ_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v from_o the_o old_a father_n and_o from_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n for_o the_o father_n in_o their_o counsel_n do_v always_o confirm_v their_o decree_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o although_o they_o yield_v no_o small_a honour_n to_o counsel_n yet_o â—n_v the_o great_a controversy_n they_o do_v not_o â—o_o much_o appeal_v unto_o counsel_n as_o to_o god_n â—is_fw-la oracle_n which_o be_v the_o scripture_n hereof_o augustine_n be_v witness_n which_o will_v not_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o council_n 6._o and_o this_o which_o hilary_n write_v long_o ago_o may_v much_o more_o true_o be_v apply_v to_o our_o time_n for_o the_o grievous_a and_o perilous_a error_n in_o many_o and_o the_o fall_n of_o many_o although_o it_o do_v understand_v itself_o yet_o through_o shame_n to_o rise_v presume_v authority_n to_o itself_o have_v this_o impudency_n of_o the_o number_n that_o whereas_o it_o err_v it_o will_v have_v it_o esteem_v wisdom_n and_o where_o as_o it_o err_v with_o many_o it_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v the_o underderstanding_n of_o the_o truth_n while_o less_o error_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n the_o xx_o chapter_n of_o the_o say_n of_o paul_n brethren_n stand_v fast_o 2.15_o and_o hold_v the_o ordinance_n which_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v whether_o it_o be_v by_o our_o preach_n or_o by_o our_o epistle_n i_o have_v almost_o pass_v over_o the_o place_n of_o paul_n which_o the_o defendour_n of_o superstition_n object_n unto_o we_o as_o a_o most_o strong_a and_o a_o unanswearable_a argument_n and_o it_o be_v thus_o 2.15_o 2._o these_o 2._o vers_fw-la 15._o therefore_o brethren_n stand_v fast_o and_o hold_v the_o ordinance_n which_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v whether_o it_o be_v by_o our_o preach_n or_o by_o our_o epistle_n by_o this_o place_n it_o be_v manifest_a say_v they_o that_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v hold_v be_v not_o comprehend_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o that_o those_o thing_n also_o which_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n with_o lively_a voice_n be_v come_v unto_o we_o by_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o like_a reverence_n and_o affection_n of_o godliness_n but_o when_o as_o they_o can_v not_o prove_v that_o those_o tradition_n which_o they_o defend_v be_v paul_n they_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v laugh_v at_o and_o very_o foolish_a whilst_o they_o will_v hold_v up_o their_o stink_a pillar_n of_o their_o superstition_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o when_o paul_n write_v this_o epistle_n papist_n the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o yet_o make_v which_o when_o it_o be_v once_o make_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o we_o have_v late_o teach_v after_o the_o make_v thereof_o we_o make_v man_n the_o author_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v not_o without_o the_o great_a reproach_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n wherefore_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o must_v consider_v with_o great_a heed_n that_o which_o paul_n write_v about_o the_o end_n of_o his_o life_n concern_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n .17_o when_o as_o he_o say_v all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n &_o be_v profitable_a to_o doctrine_n to_o reprove_v to_o correction_n to_o instruction_n which_o be_v in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a instruct_v to_o all_o good_a work_v for_o if_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n instruct_v perfect_v and_o thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n than_o do_v it_o not_o leave_v he_o to_o be_v instruct_v to_o be_v make_v perfect_a and_o to_o be_v thorough_o furnish_v by_o tradition_n in_o any_o good_a work_n wherefore_o so_o oft_o as_o they_o bring_v in_o a_o work_n which_o they_o contend_v to_o be_v good_a or_o any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v which_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v forth_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o have_v rather_o say_v that_o that_o which_o they_o bring_v in_o be_v not_o good_a or_o profitable_a then_o to_o pronounce_v otherwise_o of_o the_o most_o excellent_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o apostle_n have_v appoint_v concern_v the_o same_o what_o say_v you_o to_o this_o moreover_o that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v whether_o it_o be_v by_o preach_v or_o by_o epistle_n be_v not_o contrary_a not_o
church_n be_v great_a or_o of_o like_a credit_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o church_n of_o the_o wicked_a church_n which_o not_o only_o hear_v not_o god_n his_o word_n but_o most_o cruel_o persecute_v and_o kill_v they_o which_o believe_v the_o gospel_n &_o beside_o this_o be_v ground_v whole_o upon_o man_n tradition_n declare_v manifest_o that_o she_o be_v of_o he_o of_o who_o it_o be_v write_v 8.44_o you_o be_v of_o your_o father_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o your_o father_n will_v you_o do_v he_o be_v a_o murderer_n from_o the_o beginning_n &_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n because_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o he_o for_o she_o be_v know_v what_o she_o be_v by_o the_o fruit_n of_o her_o herodlike_a cruelty_n vanity_n bewitch_n and_o corruption_n but_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n hear_v the_o voice_n of_o her_o bridegroom_n and_o submit_v herself_o to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v meet_v her_o chastity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v withdraw_v from_o the_o singleness_n of_o christ_n as_o paul_n witness_v 11.3_o therefore_o she_o err_v not_o which_o follow_v god_n his_o truth_n for_o a_o rule_n from_o the_o which_o if_o she_o depart_v she_o be_v no_o long_o a_o spouse_n but_o become_v a_o harlot_n therefore_o he_o which_o judge_v that_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o revolt_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v hear_v without_o choice_n &_o any_o exception_n compel_v the_o faithful_a christ_n be_v deny_v and_o god_n truth_n forsake_v often_o time_n to_o stick_v fast_o to_o iniquity_n so_o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o such_o a_o church_n can_v in_o no_o respect_n be_v a_o most_o exact_a rule_n of_o faith_n 3.15.16.17_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v plain_o of_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o man_n which_o bestow_v his_o diligent_a travail_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n become_v learn_v to_o salvation_n which_o be_v prepare_v after_o this_o life_n then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v to_o say_v perfect_a last_o furnish_v instruct_v and_o as_o ambrose_n yield_v it_o ambrose_n thorough_o appoint_v and_o provide_v to_o every_o good_a work_n thou_o have_v here_o gentle_a reader_n a_o treatise_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o church_n pen_v by_o i_o very_o gross_o and_o almost_o rude_o which_o god_n grant_v it_o may_v recompense_v the_o largeness_n thereof_o with_o due_a commodity_n and_o profit_n i_o can_v excuse_v the_o infancy_n and_o the_o disorder_a indite_v thereof_o but_o that_o i_o fear_v to_o enlarge_v it_o by_o excuse_v the_o same_o therefore_o i_o beseech_v the_o learned_a ear_n to_o pardon_v my_o barren_a want_n of_o eloquence_n &_o the_o rudeness_n of_o my_o style_n for_o i_o have_v not_o write_v these_o thing_n for_o the_o learned_a but_o be_v myself_o rude_a &_o simple_a for_o the_o rude_a &_o simple_a the_o lord_n jesus_n break_v in_o piece_n the_o most_o hurtful_a cord_n of_o contention_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o true_a concord_n and_o pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n and_o put_v away_o from_o all_o we_o which_o profess_v his_o name_n the_o offence_n of_o dissension_n among_o we_o that_o we_o may_v all_o speak_v one_o thing_n and_o be_v join_v together_o with_o one_o mind_n and_o judgement_n in_o he_o to_o who_o be_v praise_n honour_n and_o glory_n for_o evermore_o amen_n finis_fw-la certain_a addition_n by_o the_o translator_n 16._o avgustine_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o 16._o chapter_n urge_v the_o donatist_n say_v let_v they_o show_v none_o otherwise_o but_o by_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o scripture_n whether_o they_o have_v the_o church_n for_o neither_o do_v we_o say_v that_o we_o ought_v hereupon_o to_o be_v believe_v because_o we_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n because_o melenitanus_n optatus_n or_o ambrose_n of_o milan_n or_o other_o innumerable_a bishop_n of_o our_o fellowship_n commend_v that_o church_n which_o we_o have_v or_o because_o it_o be_v preach_v by_o the_o counsel_n of_o our_o fellow_n in_o office_n or_o because_o so_o great_a miracle_n either_o of_o hear_n or_o of_o healing_n be_v wrought_v through_o out_o all_o the_o world_n in_o holy_a place_n which_o our_o fellowship_n do_v frequent_a or_o that_o man_n ought_v to_o depart_v from_o donatus_n his_o side_n because_o such_o a_o one_o see_v a_o dream_n and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v ravish_v in_o the_o spirit_n hear_v a_o voice_n whatsoever_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v do_v in_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v therefore_o approve_v because_o they_o be_v do_v in_o the_o catholic_a church_n the_o catholic_a church_n be_v not_o therefore_o make_v know_v because_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o she_o the_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o when_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a 20.27_o and_o offer_v his_o body_n to_o be_v behold_v with_o his_o disciple_n eye_n and_o to_o be_v touch_v with_o their_o hand_n yet_o least_o they_o shall_v think_v that_o they_o be_v any_o whit_n deceive_v or_o delude_v judge_v that_o they_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v confirm_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n &_o psalm_n 24.26_o show_v that_o those_o thing_n be_v fulfil_v concern_v he_o which_o have_v be_v foretell_v so_o long_o before_o so_o do_v he_o commend_v his_o church_n also_o say_v that_o repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o his_o name_n etc_n etc_n he_o have_v witness_v that_o this_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o psalm_n this_o do_v we_o hold_v be_v commend_v by_o his_o mouth_n these_o be_v the_o document_n of_o our_o cause_n these_o be_v the_o foundation_n these_o be_v the_o confirmation_n we_o read_v in_o the_o 17.11_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o certain_a which_o believe_v that_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o what_o scripture_n i_o pray_v you_o but_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n hereunto_o be_v add_v the_o gospel_n the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o john_n search_v all_o these_o and_o pick_v out_o some_o manifest_a proof_n whereby_o you_o may_v show_v that_o either_o the_o church_n remain_v only_o in_o africa_n or_o that_o she_o shall_v come_v forth_o of_o africa_n but_o bring_v forth_o somewhat_o which_o need_v not_o a_o interpreter_n nor_o whereby_o you_o may_v be_v convict_v that_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o a_o other_o matter_n &_o that_o you_o go_v about_o to_o wrest_v it_o to_o your_o own_o sense_n alexandrum_fw-la hierome_n to_o mimerius_n and_o alexander_n say_v neither_o according_a to_o the_o scholar_n of_o pythagoras_n be_v the_o prejudicial_a opinion_n of_o the_o teacher_n to_o be_v weigh_v but_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n but_o if_o any_o of_o a_o contrary_a faction_n murmur_n say_v why_o shall_v i_o read_v their_o exclamation_n unto_o who_o opinion_n i_o do_v not_o assent_v let_v he_o know_v that_o i_o do_v willing_o hear_v this_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n examine_v all_o thing_n 5.21_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a ▪_o and_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n say_v try_v you_o the_o coin_n so_o well_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o counterfeit_a money_n and_o have_v not_o caesar_n his_o image_n neither_o be_v sign_v with_o the_o common_a coin_n it_o may_v be_v reprove_v and_o that_o that_o money_n which_o do_v represent_v the_o face_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o clear_a light_n may_v be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o purse_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o a_o little_a after_o he_o say_v my_o purpose_n be_v to_o read_v the_o ancient_a writer_n to_o try_v all_o thing_n to_o hold_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v good_a and_o not_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n psal._n 120.4_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n irenaeus_n adversus_fw-la haeres_fw-la lib._n 3._o ca._n 4_o rom._n 10.15_o what_o the_o adversary_n gather_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n august_n contra_fw-la epist._n manichaeorum_fw-la fundament_n cap._n 5._o many_o thing_n say_v the_o adversary_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v which_o be_v not_o write_v mat._n 18.17_o 1._o tim._n 3.15_o io._n 16.7_o &_o 13._o hierem._n 31.33_o matth._n 28.19_o mark._n 16.15_o against_o the_o person_n of_o the_o adversary_n why_o they_o do_v attribute_v so_o much_o to_o the_o church_n and_o derogate_v from_o the_o scripture_n they_o do_v imitate_v herein_o the_o old_a heretic_n irenaeus_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 2._o augustin_n de_fw-fr haerisib_n ad_fw-la quod_fw-la vult_fw-la deum_fw-la tertul._n lib._n the_o haeresib_n philaster_n lib._n 1._o euseb_n historia_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la lib._n 4._o cap._n 29._o it_o be_v a_o pernicious_a error_n to_o contend_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v