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immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n love_v praise_v adore_a and_o perfect_o resign_v itself_o to_o the_o
measure_n be_v attribute_v to_o my_o education_n in_o a_o church_n which_o challenge_v to_o itself_o a_o privilege_n beyond_o all_o other_o sect_n from_o a_o succession_n of_o bishop_n or_o to_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n and_o authority_n which_o convince_v i_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o succession_n however_o it_o come_v i_o find_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o suffer_v myself_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v a_o government_n condemnable_a or_o that_o a_o legitimate_a succession_n of_o holy_a order_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n or_o last_o that_o the_o supereminence_n of_o episcopacy_n above_o priesthood_n the_o appropriate_a thereto_o of_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n confirmation_n and_o give_v suffrage_n in_o counsel_n be_v a_o usurpation_n crepe_v into_o the_o church_n immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o contrary_a to_o their_o intention_n consider_v that_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v extreme_o and_o punctual_o scrupulous_a in_o maintain_v the_o very_a phrase_n of_o traditionary_a doctrine_n and_o form_n of_o customapractise_n in_o so_o much_o as_o when_o the_o least_o innovation_n in_o either_o be_v discover_v all_o man_n conspire_v to_o condemn_v the_o innovatour_n witness_v the_o controversy_n about_o easter_n rebaptization_n of_o heretic_n etc._n etc._n be_v it_o imaginable_a think_v i_o that_o those_o first_o bishop_n who_o even_o by_o their_o officer_n be_v more_o peculiarly_a canditati_fw-la martyrii_fw-la shall_v so_o sudden_o degenerate_a from_o the_o apostolical_a spirit_n of_o humility_n as_o universal_o to_o conspire_v to_o set_v up_o that_o pretend_a tyranny_n over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o suppose_v that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o such_o dire_a persecution_n they_o have_v the_o will_n and_o leisure_n to_o design_n such_o ambitious_a project_n be_v it_o credible_a that_o the_o whole_a ardour_n of_o bâ—esbyters_n will_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o their_o privilege_n and_o officer_n so_o very_o late_o bequeath_v they_o by_o christ_n and_o confer_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o this_o universal_o through_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o not_o one_o single_a presbyter_n appear_v that_o shall_v protest_v against_o such_o a_o usurpation_n certain_o it_o be_v much_o more_o probable_a that_o luther_n and_o calvin_n be_v either_o deceiver_n or_o deceive_v then_o that_o all_o primitive_a bishop_n be_v tyrant_n and_o all_o primitive_a priest_n fool_n or_o rather_o betrayer_n of_o that_o power_n and_o duty_n leave_v and_o enjoin_v they_o by_o the_o apostle_n 5._o but_o though_o i_o can_v have_v digest_v this_o what_o art_n or_o violence_n can_v i_o make_v use_n of_o against_o my_o own_o reason_n and_o conscience_n to_o persuade_v myself_o to_o live_v in_o a_o church_n in_o which_o there_o be_v neither_o bishop_n nor_o priest_n but_o a_o new_a order_n and_o title_n of_o 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in_o ephes._n suppose_v you_o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o say_v they_o be_v orthodox_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n ordination_n be_v lose_v and_o perish_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o rest_n this_o be_v not_o make_v good_a for_o we_o ought_v no_o less_o to_o contend_v for_o it_o then_o for_o the_o faith_n itself_o 2._o witness_v hereto_o s._n ireneus_fw-la lib._n 4._o cap._n 45._o where_o be_v it_o then_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v find_v such_o pastor_n s._n paul_n teach_v we_o when_o he_o say_v god_n have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n first_o of_o all_o apostle_n secondary_o prophet_n in_o the_o three_o place_n doctor_n there_o then_o where_o the_o gift_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v place_v in_o the_o same_o place_n must_v we_o seek_v for_o the_o truth_n among_o who_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n be_v maintain_v in_o its_o integrity_n witness_v s._n cyprian_n in_o ep_n ad_fw-la magnum_fw-la whereas_o some_o 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who_o despise_v the_o evangelicall_n and_o apostolical_a tradition_n succeed_v to_o no_o person_n have_v be_v ordain_v by_o himself_o and_o again_o how_o can_v he_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o true_a pastor_n who_o the_o true_a pastor_n be_v alive_a and_o by_o a_o successive_a ordination_n preside_v in_o the_o church_n without_o succeed_v to_o any_o one_o begin_v from_o himself_o and_o again_o ep._n ad_fw-la flor._n christ_n say_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o to_o all_o prelate_n who_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n by_o a_o substitute_n ordination_n vicariâ_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la he_o that_o bear_v you_o hear_v i_o witness_n s._n athanasius_n the_o synod_n how_o can_v they_o be_v bishop_n if_o they_o have_v receive_v their_o ordination_n from_o heretic_n even_o by_o their_o own_o accusation_n last_o to_o omit_v infinite_a passage_n in_o tertullian_n s._n augustin_n opâ—atus_n &c_n &c_n witness_v s._n hierome_n who_o speak_v of_o h_n lary_n the_o deacon_n author_n of_o one_o 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prejudice_n yea_o that_o it_o
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epistle_n of_o s._n paul_n to_o the_o laodicean_n and_o that_o most_o ancient_a gospel_n in_o hebrew_n secundum_fw-la nazaraeos_fw-la be_v at_o this_o day_n utter_o lose_v not_o to_o speak_v of_o several_a book_n mention_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n not_o now_o to_o be_v hear_v of_o 4._o well_o but_o how_o casual_a soever_o book_n may_v prove_v to_o be_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o hitherto_o appear_v how_o oral_a tradition_n and_o practice_n can_v demonstrate_v itself_o a_o way_n more_o secure_a and_o free_a from_o hazard_n than_o they_o i_o will_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o resolve_v this_o seem_a difficulty_n by_o ask_v these_o question_n can_v any_o one_o reasonable_o say_v that_o for_o example_n the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n death_n for_o mankind_n commemorate_a in_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n &_o of_o his_o real_a unfigurative_a presence_n there_o have_v be_v or_o can_v possible_o have_v be_v more_o secure_o propagate_v and_o more_o clear_o and_o intelligible_o deliver_v to_o posterity_n in_o book_n write_v which_o may_v be_v lose_v and_o will_v be_v corrupt_v by_o some_o transcriber_n and_o every_o transcriber_n copy_n be_v as_o authentic_a as_o any_o other_o or_o as_o they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o tradition_n and_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o a_o continual_a visible_a celabrate_n of_o those_o divine_a mystery_n where_o every_o action_n they_o do_v perform_v publish_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o believe_v where_o their_o thanksgiving_n for_o christ_n passion_n daily_o renew_v the_o memory_n manner_n and_o end_n of_o it_o where_o their_o prostration_n and_o adoration_n demonstrate_v their_o assurance_n of_o his_o real_a presence_n where_o every_o man_n say_v amen_o at_o the_o priest_n pronounce_v corpus_n domini_fw-la nostri_fw-la jesus_n christi_fw-la express_v their_o confession_n of_o that_o presence_n with_o exclusion_n of_o all_o trope_n and_o metaphor_n in_o the_o business_n again_o be_v not_o the_o true_a inward_a sense_n of_o these_o christian_a doctrine_n convey_v more_o intelligible_o and_o represent_v more_o exact_o lively_a and_o natural_o by_o such_o practice_n and_o solemn_a spectacle_n than_o by_o bare_a word_n though_o they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o eleare_v and_o of_o never_o so_o study_v a_o perspicuity_n with_o relation_n to_o which_o express_v impossible_a to_o be_v mistake_v way_n of_o propagate_a the_o mystery_n of_o christian_a belief_n and_o reflect_v in_o his_o mind_n thereupon_o s._n paul_n in_o all_o probability_n thus_o reprove_v the_o galatian_n for_o their_o inconstancy_n in_o these_o word_n of_o wonder_n and_o indignation_n gal._n c._n 3_o v._n 1._o o_o insensatigalatae_n o_o foolish_a galatian_n who_o have_v bewitch_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n before_o who_o eye_n jesus_n christ_n have_v be_v lively_a represent_v be_v crucify_a among_o you_o as_o think_v that_o nothing_o of_o less_o power_n than_o a_o charm_n can_v
and_o practice_n to_o be_v by_o all_o man_n in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n solemn_o either_o see_v or_o practise_v and_o these_o with_o prescribe_a form_n posture_n and_o action_n on_o purpose_n that_o the_o weighty_a passage_n of_o his_o act_n or_o suffering_n shall_v continual_o be_v celebrate_v in_o the_o world_n leave_v a_o impossibility_n of_o their_o be_v forget_v without_o a_o deluge_n nay_o last_o to_o secuâ—e_v all_o man_n from_o the_o least_o apprehension_n do_v he_o engage_v a_o omnipotent_a power_n to_o perform_v a_o promise_n that_o those_o order_n ceremony_n and_o law_n shall_v continue_v to_o the_o world_n end_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n itself_o not_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v do_v by_o will._n the_o conqueror_n or_o any_o other_o but_o our_o lord_n to_o propagate_v his_o memory_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o defect_n we_o be_v most_o assure_v of_o the_o tradition_n that_o such_o a_o person_n there_o be_v that_o he_o conquer_v england_n bring_v in_o new_a law_n custom_n etc._n etc._n what_o shall_v we_o then_o say_v of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o present_a church_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o christian_a religion_n even_o while_o we_o consider_v the_o church_n only_o as_o a_o bare_a witness_n or_o proponent_n of_o such_o thing_n to_o we_o be_v any_o confirmation_n strong_a than_o all_o this_o requisite_a to_o beget_v a_o assurance_n in_o we_o yea_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o more_o secure_a order_n can_v have_v be_v take_v then_o that_o which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v use_v to_o make_v that_o which_o be_v pass_v now_o above_o sixteen_o age_n to_o remain_v always_o as_o it_o be_v visible_a before_o our_o eye_n chap._n xxv_o the_o reason_n of_o consider_v this_o double_a capacity_n in_o the_o church_n certainty_n of_o belief_n compare_v with_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n 1._o the_o reason_n why_o i_o inquire_v into_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o universal_a tradition_n propose_v by_o the_o church_n consider_v antecedent_o to_o her_o authority_n be_v because_o i_o find_v it_o necessary_a as_o to_o myself_o for_o a_o distinct_a understanding_n the_o resolution_n of_o catholic_a faith_n that_o ground_n of_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n shall_v first_o be_v lay_v before_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n interpose_v to_o oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v christian_a doctrine_n for_o the_o prime_a author_n sake_n final_o which_o be_v god_n 2._o since_o than_o tradition_n in_o general_n be_v in_o itself_o credible_a and_o some_o tradition_n certain_a and_o above_o all_o other_o that_o ever_o be_v or_o i_o believe_v can_v possible_o be_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n universal_o believe_v and_o all_o rite_n universal_o practise_v and_o among_o they_o this_o particular_a tradition_n of_o a_o oblige_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o most_o certain_a we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o belief_n and_o assent_n thereto_o approach_v the_o near_a to_o knowledge_n of_o sense_n that_o belief_n possible_o can_v do_v but_o it_o be_v impossible_a ordinary_o speak_v that_o it_o shall_v arrive_v to_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o assurance_n that_o sense_n cum_fw-la debitis_fw-la circumstantiis_fw-la may_v have_v by_o which_o mean_v it_o become_v meritorious_a that_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o reward_n which_o i_o conceive_v experimental_a immediate_a knowledge_n be_v not_o and_o hereupon_o it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n tell_v s._n thomas_n who_o will_v not_o give_v credit_n to_o any_o report_n concern_v his_o resurrection_n till_o his_o eye_n see_v he_o and_o hand_n feel_v he_o thomas_z because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o thou_o have_v believe_v bless_a be_v those_o who_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v john_n 20._o 29._o but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v if_o manifest_a vision_n take_v away_o meritoriousnesse_n by_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o apparent_a certitude_n as_o enforce_v the_o understanding_n to_o assent_v why_o shall_v faith_n which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v build_v upon_o ground_n demonstrable_o certain_a though_o indeed_o not_o in_o the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o experimental_a knowledge_n have_v blessedness_n annex_v to_o it_o i_o answer_v the_o reason_n seem_v to_o be_v 1_o because_o before_o a_o man_n arrive_v to_o a_o assurance_n in_o faith_n there_o be_v require_v a_o great_a exercise_n of_o his_o understanding_n to_o search_v all_o the_o argument_n conduce_v to_o a_o firm_a ground_v of_o his_o belief_n which_o can_v be_v do_v unless_o there_o be_v in_o those_o person_n inquire_v some_o degree_n of_o love_n to_o the_o thing_n inquire_v after_o which_o travel_n proceed_v from_o love_n be_v a_o thing_n proper_a to_o be_v reward_v 2._o add_v to_o this_o that_o such_o person_n after_o such_o a_o love_n and_o inquiry_n proceed_v from_o that_o love_n will_v be_v force_v to_o submit_v and_o captivate_v their_o understanding_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o many_o mystery_n infinite_o beyond_o the_o natural_a capacity_n of_o their_o comprehension_n a_o thing_n extreme_o acceptable_a to_o god_n 3._o and_o this_o be_v the_o state_n requisite_a in_o christian_n endue_v with_o ability_n and_o learning_n in_o the_o church_n especial_o the_o teacher_n and_o governor_n and_o however_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a in_o general_a for_o the_o settle_n of_o a_o church_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v mean_n of_o assurance_n of_o tradition_n praerequire_v to_o supernatural_a faith_n because_o discourse_v man_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v propossess_v with_o prejudice_n or_o a_o contrary_a belief_n will_v hardly_o or_o never_o be_v bring_v without_o it_o to_o captivate_v their_o understanding_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n but_o as_o for_o silly_a ignorant_a christian_n to_o who_o god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v a_o certainty_n of_o adherence_n beyond_o a_o certainty_n of_o evidence_n as_o m._n chillingworth_n say_v and_o who_o seem_v rather_o to_o believe_v with_o their_o will_n than_o their_o understanding_n a_o immediate_a and_o simple_a captivate_v of_o their_o mind_n to_o christian_a verity_n without_o search_a argument_n of_o assurance_n may_v be_v conceive_v acceptable_a to_o god_n suppose_v notwithstanding_o that_o they_o live_v in_o a_o church_n where_o it_o may_v be_v make_v appear_v that_o what_o they_o believe_v be_v not_o a_o lie_n nor_o a_o doubtful_a truth_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a certain_a and_o infallible_a to_o which_o purpose_n s._n augustine_n cont_n ep._n fund_z c._n 4_o say_v as_o for_o the_o other_o râ—ut_o of_o common_a people_n it_o be_v not_o the_o sharpness_n of_o their_o understanding_n but_o the_o simplicity_n of_o believe_v that_o make_v they_o secure_a and_o again_o if_o christ_n be_v dead_a only_o for_o those_o who_o be_v enable_v by_o a_o certain_a comprehension_n to_o discern_v these_o thing_n we_o do_v labour_n in_o the_o church_n almost_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o the_o calvinist_n minister_n &c._n &c._n who_o profess_v a_o undervalue_a of_o tradition_n in_o comparison_n of_o pretend_a inward_a revelation_n and_o assurance_n from_o god_n spirit_n and_o who_o teach_v their_o follower_n to_o hate_v the_o very_a name_n of_o tradition_n may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v what_o will_v become_v of_o they_o and_o their_o faith_n of_o scripture_n in_o general_a when_o they_o shall_v begin_v to_o doubt_v that_o such_o pretension_n be_v either_o apparent_o false_a or_o at_o least_o impossible_a to_o be_v prove_v or_o however_o no_o argument_n at_o all_o to_o persuade_v a_o three_o person_n 4._o last_o it_o be_v observeableâ—_n that_o such_o tradition_n as_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v always_o capable_a of_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v certain_a yet_o be_v evident_o so_o the_o near_o they_o come_v to_o their_o fountain_n or_o time_n whence_o they_o take_v their_o original_n and_o therefore_o for_o example_n though_o at_o the_o beginning_n the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o stupendous_a manneâ—_n of_o deliver_v the_o law_n in_o the_o wilderness_n yet_o their_o successor_n immediate_o after_o that_o generation_n be_v dead_a fall_v into_o idolatry_n and_o infidelity_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v not_o because_o they_o want_v mean_n assure_v themselves_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o their_o law_n and_o the_o curse_n attend_v the_o breach_n of_o it_o but_o because_o of_o this_o there_o be_v requisite_a some_o meditation_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o beside_o those_o curse_n be_v future_a and_o therefore_o present_a temptation_n of_o fleshly_a and_o secular_a lust_n present_o enjoy_v by_o they_o have_v so_o much_o power_n over_o they_o as_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o negligence_n or_o busy_v their_o understanding_n and_o in_o a_o presumpâ—â—ion_n that_o those_o curse_n which_o be_v future_a might_n perhaps_o never_o happen_v or_o not_o upon_o themselves_o in_o person_n or_o however_o by_o a_o repentance_n some_o time_n or_o other_o may_v be_v
not_o only_o to_o receive_v the_o scripture_n from_o she_o as_o a_o depositary_a of_o they_o but_o the_o true_a interpretation_n likewise_o of_o they_o preserve_v by_o she_o together_o with_o all_o other_o tradition_n as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o substance_n of_o christian_a religion_n this_o authority_n seem_v to_o be_v ground_v especial_o upon_o the_o promise_n of_o indefectibility_n a_o indefectibility_n i_o mean_v of_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o one_o body_n compose_v of_o part_n rule_v and_o obey_v teacher_n and_o person_n instruct_v as_o s._n paul_n describe_v the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n eph._n 4._o not_o as_o mr._n chillingworth_n who_o will_v make_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n to_o be_v no_o more_o but_o that_o till_o his_o second_o come_v his_o gospel_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o utter_o root_v out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o somewhere_o or_o other_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o that_o shall_v profess_v it_o 2._o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n the_o church_n be_v assure_v 1._o not_o to_o be_v deprive_v neither_o of_o any_o necessary_a truth_n nor_o of_o lawful_a pastor_n to_o teach_v those_o necessary_a truth_n when_o i_o say_v necessary_a i_o mean_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o every_o single_a person_n consider_v in_o any_o circumstance_n exigence_n or_o extremity_n as_o mr._n chillingworth_n and_o doctor_n potter_n etc._n etc._n through_o their_o whole_a book_n understand_v it_o whether_o mistake_v their_o adversary_n or_o no_o i_o think_v it_o unnecessary_a to_o trouble_v myself_o to_o examine_v but_o i_o be_o sure_a without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o establish_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n which_o remain_v untouched_a though_o all_o the_o inference_n which_o they_o will_v make_v from_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n necessary_a be_v allow_v they_o but_o i_o mean_a truth_n necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o glorious_a visible_a church_n which_o must_v be_v furnish_v with_o a_o world_n of_o doctrine_n and_o order_n which_o to_o all_o single_a person_n be_v far_o from_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o know_v much_o less_o to_o person_n want_v ability_n or_o mean_n or_o time_n to_o be_v instruct_v 2._o she_o be_v secure_v from_o schism_n or_o heresy_n for_o remain_v to_o the_o world_n end_n one_o holy_a catholic_a church_n as_o we_o profess_v in_o the_o creed_n how_o can_v she_o be_v divide_v from_o herself_o either_o in_o faith_n or_o charity_n for_o unless_o all_o bishop_n in_o counsel_n ecumenical_a and_o indeed_o all_o christian_n shall_v conspire_v to_o renounce_v that_o truth_n to_o day_n which_o they_o believe_v yesterday_o how_o can_v novelty_n or_o heresy_n enter_v universal_o into_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o tradition_n 3._o concern_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o authority_n the_o principal_a subject_n be_v indeed_o the_o governor_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n with_o who_o christ_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o adequate_a subject_n be_v all_o catholic_a christian_n as_o well_o instructer_n as_o instruct_v since_o tradition_n be_v continue_v by_o they_o both_o shine_v in_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v and_o receive_v in_o devotion_n exercise_v and_o in_o outward_a practice_n and_o ceremony_n celebrate_v by_o all_o christian_n 4_o now_o of_o this_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v general_o speak_v two_o act_n 1._o a_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o doctrine_n to_o be_v true_a and_o necessary_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o those_o practice_n necessary_o to_o be_v conform_v to_o which_o be_v teach_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o all_o this_o upon_o penalty_n of_o be_v account_v heretic_n that_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o by_o consequence_n divide_v from_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n which_o inspire_v life_n into_o it_o here_o and_o will_v glorify_v it_o hereafter_o 2._o a_o coërzion_n or_o infliction_n of_o spiritual_a penalty_n and_o censure_n as_o suspension_n deprivation_n excommunication_n etc._n etc._n on_o those_o that_o persist_v stubborn_o in_o oppose_v those_o truth_n and_o practice_n and_o this_o belong_v to_o the_o teacher_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o their_o several_a quality_n for_o every_o parish_n priest_n have_v some_o degree_n of_o this_o coercive_a power_n over_o his_o stock_n every_o bishop_n over_o both_o priest_n and_o several_a congregation_n within_o his_o diocese_n have_v more_o every_o metropolitan_a a_o yet_o large_a power_n a_o provincial_n synod_n above_o a_o single_a bishop_n or_o metropolitan_a etc._n etc._n and_o in_o conclusion_n the_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a tribunal_n be_v a_o synod_n occumenicall_a lawful_o call_v 33._o confirm_v and_o some_o add_v universal_o receive_v by_o all_o catholic_a church_n that_o be_v by_o their_o prelate_n from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n for_o if_o there_o be_v all_o authority_n will_v be_v vain_a enjoy_v the_o name_n but_o without_o any_o effect_n or_o use_v at_o all_o as_o shall_v be_v show_v hereafter_o 5._o concern_v the_o former_a act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n viz._n a_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n under_o pain_n of_o heresy_n to_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n antecedent_o to_o a_o general_a council_n appear_v by_o this_o namely_o that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n very_o many_o heresy_n take_v notice_n of_o acknowledge_v for_o such_o by_o all_o catholic_n and_o dissipate_v before_o any_o general_a council_n have_v be_v call_v as_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n &_o s._n epiphanius_n will_v assure_v we_o and_o this_o be_v ground_v â—_o upon_o evident_a reason_n for_o what_o be_v heresy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o a_o relinquish_a of_o a_o former_a receive_v opinion_n or_o practice_n and_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o particular_a new_a one_o a_o act_v this_o be_v which_o imply_v a_o extreme_a contempt_n of_o the_o whole_a mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o prefer_n one_o own_o single_a judgement_n or_o wilfulness_n before_o whatsoever_o else_o be_v prudent_a or_o sacred_a in_o the_o world_n 2_o upon_o express_a scripture_n for_o s._n paul_n command_v the_o thessalonian_n and_o s._n john_n all_o christian_n to_o abstain_v from_o the_o conversation_n of_o and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o bid_v god_n speed_n to_o all_o disordinate_a walker_n swerve_v from_o the_o rule_n establish_v and_o all_o introducer_n of_o novelty_n in_o the_o church_n yea_o s._n paul_n say_v that_o a_o heretic_n even_o before_o the_o bishop_n censure_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d condemn_v by_o himself_o that_o be_v as_o several_a father_n expound_v it_o voluntary_o and_o by_o himself_o separate_v from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o faithful_a so_o that_o the_o solemn_a excommunication_n of_o the_o bishop_n against_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v only_o a_o ratify_n of_o that_o man_n censure_n against_o himself_o for_o i_o conceive_v it_o can_v hardly_o be_v affirm_v of_o all_o heretic_n in_o general_a that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d self-condemned_n that_o be_v profess_v and_o maintain_v error_n against_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o knowledge_n 6._o now_o this_o authority_n reside_v in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n i_o must_v add_v of_o the_o present_a catholic_a church_n have_v be_v in_o all_o time_n preserve_v so_o inviolable_a that_o beside_o the_o forecited_n testimony_n of_o the_o father_n this_o observation_n will_v sufficient_o justify_v it_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v never_o in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o far_o as_o i_o have_v be_v able_a to_o inform_v myself_o any_o one_o single_a person_n esteem_v a_o catholic_a that_o ever_o either_o speak_v against_o or_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n censure_v or_o seem_v to_o render_v suspicious_a any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_v universal_o believe_v or_o receive_v by_o the_o catholic_a church_n during_o the_o time_n that_o he_o live_v many_o father_n have_v be_v very_o bold_a and_o eager_a against_o abuse_n and_o error_n particular_a some_o of_o they_o perhaps_o too_o large_o disperse_v but_o never_o any_o of_o they_o whether_o private_a person_n or_o governor_n learned_a or_o unlearned_a tax_v the_o church_n either_o of_o error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o of_o superstition_n profaneness_n or_o any_o other_o enormity_n in_o practice_n many_o of_o they_o have_v earnest_o call_v for_o a_o free_a council_n to_o reform_v particular_a disorder_n and_o error_n in_o the_o life_n and_o write_n of_o both_o clergy_n and_o laity_n sometime_o not_o spare_v pope_n themselves_o but_o never_o to_o have_v the_o church_n itself_o to_o alter_v any_o of_o her_o doctrine_n or_o to_o change_v any_o of_o her_o practice_n
of_o late_a begin_v to_o challenge_v to_o the_o end_n to_o excuse_v their_o church_n from_o the_o title_n of_o schism_n for_o withdraw_a itself_o from_o the_o pope_n jurisdiction_n be_v just_a and_o legal_a yet_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v themselves_o for_o disbelieve_v what_o they_o together_o with_o all_o the_o other_o western_a church_n so_o many_o age_n agree_v to_o have_v be_v true_a or_o for_o deny_v the_o title_n of_o ecumenical_a head_n to_o the_o pope_n let_v it_o be_v suppose_v therefore_o what_o some_o of_o they_o allege_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o such_o a_o king_n of_o england_n as_o henry_n the_o viii_o with_o the_o force_a consent_n of_o his_o clergy_n to_o erect_v the_o english_a church_n into_o a_o patriarchate_n as_o justinian_n the_o emperor_n do_v justinianaea_n prima_fw-la or_o that_o england_n be_v a_o island_n like_o cyprus_n may_v have_v the_o privilege_n to_o be_v independent_a of_o any_o patriarch_n all_o that_o will_v follow_v thereon_o will_v be_v only_o that_o the_o pope_n as_o patriarch_n of_o the_o west_n shall_v by_o this_o mean_n be_v deprive_v of_o some_o patriarchall_a jurisdiction_n investiture_n right_n of_o appeal_n etc._n etc._n which_o have_v ancient_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v withdraw_v from_o he_o by_o the_o african_a church_n etc._n etc._n yet_o what_o be_v this_o to_o his_o title_n of_o s._n peter_n successor_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n or_o be_v justinianaea_n or_o the_o isle_n of_o cyprus_n so_o independent_a in_o matter_n of_o point_n of_o faith_n or_o public_a practice_n on_o the_o pope_n or_o other_o patriarch_n or_o however_o on_o a_o general_n council_n as_o that_o they_o can_v dejure_v alter_v any_o thing_n establish_v by_o universal_a authority_n can_v they_o renverse_v decision_n of_o ecumenical_a counsel_n or_o do_v they_o ever_o usurp_v such_o a_o authority_n to_o themselves_o as_o to_o impute_v superstition_n idolatry_n profaneness_n heresy_n etc._n etc._n to_o all_o other_o church_n under_o a_o show_n of_o reformation_n ruine_v the_o whole_a order_n of_o discipline_n and_o belief_n confess_o continue_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n till_o they_o can_v produce_v example_n of_o a_o authority_n of_o reformation_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n assume_v by_o any_o catholic_a prince_n or_o particular_a kingdom_n the_o other_o pretend_v right_o of_o exemption_n from_o jurisdiction_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o excuse_v they_o that_o it_o will_v make_v it_o apparent_a to_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v mere_o their_o prince_n lust_n ambition_n and_o unquenchable_a thirst_n after_o ecclesiastical_a revenue_n that_o first_o put_v the_o thought_n of_o reformation_n into_o their_o head_n and_o that_o upon_o as_o just_a ground_n they_o may_v expect_v from_o other_o a_o reformation_n of_o their_o reformation_n which_o will_v perhaps_o prove_v more_o durable_a when_o those_o bait_n shall_v be_v utter_o take_v away_o which_o first_o whetn_v their_o wit_n to_o contrive_v that_o project_n of_o a_o reformation_n 11._o for_o my_o own_o part_n therefore_o see_v these_o several_a conclusion_n concern_v the_o catholic_a church_n indefectibility_n authority_n unity_n and_o visibility_n so_o unanimous_o attest_v confirm_v and_o make_v use_v of_o by_o all_o antiquity_n with_o so_o good_a success_n against_o all_o manner_n of_o ancient_a heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_n perceive_v no_o such_o method_n practise_v by_o protestant_n dispute_v with_o one_o another_o no_o mention_n in_o any_o of_o their_o write_n or_o argument_n from_o christ_n promise_n to_o the_o church_n but_o only_o presumptuous_a boasting_n of_o great_a sagacity_n and_o cunning_a to_o wrest_v scripture_n to_o their_o several_a purpose_n without_o the_o least_o success_n of_o unity_n with_o one_o another_o yea_o to_o the_o utter_a despair_n thereof_o have_v shut_v my_o eye_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o worldly_a end_n and_o design_n yea_o resolve_v to_o follow_v truth_n whither_o soever_o it_o will_v lead_v i_o though_o quite_o out_o of_o sight_n of_o country_n friend_n or_o estate_n at_o length_n by_o the_o merciful_a goodness_n of_o god_n i_o find_v myself_o in_o inward_a safety_n and_o repose_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o city_n set_v â—pon_o a_o hill_n who_o builder_n and_o maker_n be_v god_n who_o foundation_n be_v emeraud_n and_o saphire_n and_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n a_o city_n that_o be_v at_o unity_n within_o itself_o as_o be_v order_v and_o polish_a by_o the_o spirit_n of_o unity_n itself_o a_o city_n not_o enlighten_v with_o the_o meteor_n or_o comet_n of_o a_o private_a spirit_n or_o changeable_a humane_a reason_n but_o with_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o light_n of_o the_o lamb_n last_o a_o city_n that_o for_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n together_o have_v resist_v all_o the_o tempest_n that_o the_o fury_n of_o man_n or_o malice_n of_o hell_n can_v raise_v against_o it_o and_o if_o christ_n promise_n may_v be_v trust_v to_o and_o his_o omnipotence_n be_v rely_v upon_o shall_v continue_v so_o till_o his_o second_o come_v to_o he_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n sect_n iii_o contain_v a_o brief_a state_v of_o certain_a particular_a point_n of_o controversy_n etc._n etc._n chap._n i._n the_o question_n of_o the_o church_n be_v decide_v decide_v all_o other_o controversy_n how_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a that_o error_n shall_v have_v creep_v into_o the_o public_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o what_o force_n objection_n out_o of_o scripture_n or_o father_n be_v against_o the_o church_n 1._o after_o that_o almighty_a god_n have_v change_v that_o which_o be_v to_o i_o a_o stone_n of_o offence_n into_o a_o rock_n of_o foundation_n make_v i_o to_o find_v repose_n of_o mind_n in_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o church_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o my_o former_a misapprehension_n i_o careful_o avoid_v as_o if_o the_o great_a danger_n that_o a_o christian_n can_v be_v capable_a of_o have_v be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n or_o as_o if_o the_o harken_v to_o the_o church_n have_v be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v a_o man_n worse_o than_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n i_o then_o find_v a_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o speech_n of_o s._n hierome_n cont_n lucifer_n viz._n that_o the_o sun_n of_o the_o church_n present_o dry_v up_o all_o rivulet_n of_o error_n and_o dispell_n all_o the_o mist_n of_o natural_a reason_n as_o likewise_o of_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n quicredit_n intelliget_fw-la i._n e._n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v understand_v for_o be_v arrive_v to_o the_o top_n of_o that_o mountain_n upon_o which_o god_n have_v build_v his_o church_n i_o find_v clear_a weather_n on_o all_o hand_n i_o find_v that_o there_o remain_v nothing_o for_o i_o to_o do_v afterward_o but_o to_o hearken_v to_o and_o obey_v she_o that_o both_o scripture_n and_o father_n and_o now_o my_o own_o reason_n teach_v i_o be_v only_o worthy_a to_o be_v obey_v and_o therefore_o the_o truth_n be_v here_o shall_v be_v a_o end_n of_o my_o exomologesis_fw-la or_o account_v of_o my_o inward_a dispute_n about_o controversy_n concern_v religion_n which_o quick_o cease_v after_o that_o i_o leave_v off_o to_o be_v my_o own_o guide_n and_o teacher_n 2._o notwithstanding_o among_o the_o particular_a controversy_n in_o debate_n between_o the_o roman_a catholic_n and_o other_o sect_n i_o will_v select_v especial_o six_o of_o the_o most_o principal_a on_o purpose_n to_o show_v that_o if_o any_o regard_n have_v be_v have_v either_o to_o the_o authority_n or_o peace_n of_o god_n church_n there_o will_v never_o have_v be_v any_o difference_n about_o they_o and_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n even_o of_o moderate_a protestant_n the_o difference_n be_v indeed_o of_o so_o small_a weight_n that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v among_o they_o but_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o charity_n or_o if_o schism_n have_v not_o be_v esteem_v by_o they_o a_o virtue_n they_o will_v never_o have_v make_v such_o fatal_a and_o deadly_a division_n upon_o pretence_n so_o unconsiderable_a 3._o they_o indeed_o lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n novelty_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o yet_o catholic_n even_o out_o of_o those_o few_o that_o remain_v of_o the_o most_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a author_n show_v clear_a proof_n of_o these_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o desire_v no_o more_o of_o they_o then_o that_o they_o will_v speak_v in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n they_o accuse_v she_o of_o impiety_n and_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n yet_o catholic_n show_v they_o that_o the_o most_o holy_a learned_a saint_n and_o martyr_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o god_n church_n practise_v and_o maintain_v such_o pretend_a superstition_n etc._n etc._n they_o