minuâ—_n probi_fw-la bell._n prafat_n can_v but_o force_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o be_v liable_a to_o error_n but_o in_o his_o political_a or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o his_o ecclesiastical_a capacity_n as_o he_o be_v the_o pretend_a head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o vest_v with_o all_o those_o immunity_n and_o privilege_n which_o his_o favourer_n suppose_v to_o be_v due_a unto_o the_o universal_a bishop_n 2._o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o mean_v not_o the_o diffuse_a and_o scatter_a body_n of_o the_o papist_n but_o according_a to_o their_o own_o sense_n how_o absurd_a and_o insignificant_a soever_o the_o bishop_n and_o doctor_n of_o their_o church_n assemble_v together_o in_o a_o council_n where_o they_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o meet_v with_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o opportunity_n for_o the_o disquisition_n and_o search_n of_o truth_n 3._o by_o infallible_a i_o mean_v to_o have_v a_o certain_a fixed_z and_o unerring_a judgement_n in_o religious_a matter_n which_o thing_n alone_o do_v proper_o belong_v to_o the_o determination_n and_o cognizance_n of_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o church_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o question_n thus_o explain_v in_o as_o great_a a_o latitude_n as_o any_o papist_n can_v possible_o understand_v it_o in_o i_o deny_v the_o pope_n whether_o consider_v as_o apart_o from_o or_o conjoin_v with_o as_o a_o part_n of_o a_o council_n to_o be_v infallible_a for_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o assertion_n though_o i_o may_v find_v out_o great_a variety_n of_o argument_n from_o the_o express_a and_o direct_a contradiction_n which_o have_v be_v among_o the_o pope_n themselves_o some_o reverse_v that_o which_o other_o have_v ratify_v and_o other_o establish_v that_o which_o their_o predecessor_n under_o the_o severe_a penalty_n have_v forbid_v yet_o since_o the_o proper_a and_o direct_a way_n of_o argue_v lie_v in_o show_v the_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o pope_n infallibility_n that_o be_v the_o method_n which_o i_o purpose_v altogether_o to_o insist_v on_o for_o since_o this_o great_a and_o so_o much_o admire_v diana_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n a_o thing_n to_o be_v discern_v by_o its_o own_o light_n and_o to_o be_v credit_v mere_o for_o itself_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v when_o it_o bear_v witness_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n and_o beside_o it_o be_v general_o deny_v by_o all_o the_o protestant_n who_o make_v the_o error_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o ground_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o they_o hence_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v tame_o give_v up_o out_o assent_v to_o believe_v this_o infallibility_n unless_o there_o be_v some_o evident_a and_o conclude_a reason_n to_o enforce_v it_o from_o we_o if_o therefore_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o whatever_o bellarmine_n and_o when_o i_o mention_v he_o i_o mean_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o whole_a popish_a party_n have_v say_v be_v altogether_o impertinent_a and_o unconcluding_a indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o plain_a beg_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n my_o deduction_n from_o thence_o will_v be_v infallible_a viz._n that_o we_o have_v as_o yet_o no_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o pope_n infallibility_n to_o clear_v up_o this_o the_o best_a way_n will_v be_v to_o take_v a_o short_a view_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o bellarmine_n allege_v in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr pontifice_fw-la romano_n and_o they_o be_v brief_o these_o three_o 1._o some_o text_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n 2._o some_o analogical_a inference_n out_o of_o the_o old_a 3._o some_o absurdity_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o will_v follow_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v we_o not_o allow_v the_o pope_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v infallible_a 1._o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o bellarmine_n and_o all_o writer_n since_o he_o do_v urge_v to_o prove_v the_o pope_n infallibility_n by_o be_v these_o three_o mat._n 16.18_o 19_o luk._n 22.31_o 32._o job_n 21.15_o 17._o from_o which_o they_o draw_v these_o three_o conclusion_n 1._o that_o in_o those_o forementioned_a place_n our_o saviour_n do_v confer_v upon_o peter_n some_o special_a privilege_n above_o and_o beyond_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o be_v 1._o supremacy_n in_o matthew_n 2._o infallibility_n in_o luke_n 3._o universal_a episcopacy_n in_o john_n 2._o they_o assume_v that_o whatever_o be_v bestow_v upon_o peter_n be_v not_o confine_v unto_o his_o person_n but_o be_v promise_v likewise_o unto_o his_o successor_n since_o what_o be_v grant_v unto_o peter_n be_v give_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o die_v with_o he_o 3._o they_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o the_o pope_n be_v peter_n successor_n both_o in_o the_o bishopric_n of_o rome_n and_o also_o in_o all_o his_o other_o privilege_n and_o for_o the_o last_o they_o allege_v nothing_o but_o the_o credit_n of_o that_o which_o they_o call_v apostolical_a tradition_n whether_o or_o no_o these_o deduction_n be_v clear_a in_o the_o text_n or_o violent_o hale_v and_o wrest_v from_o they_o with_o so_o much_o impudent_a and_o shameless_a sophistry_n as_o a_o wise_a and_o disinterest_v person_n will_v blush_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o will_v best_o appear_v by_o examine_v the_o place_n themselves_o and_o if_o when_o they_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o rack_n they_o can_v be_v force_v to_o confess_v so_o much_o as_o bellarmine_n and_o the_o pope_n parasite_n conclude_v from_o they_o i_o shall_v then_o consent_v to_o dethrone_v scripture_n from_o its_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n but_o till_o then_o i_o must_v take_v leave_n to_o think_v that_o that_o church_n do_v very_o wise_o which_o make_v ignorance_n and_o implicit_a faith_n the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n for_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o overawe_v and_o religious_a stupidity_n will_v make_v any_o man_n submit_v unto_o such_o impossible_a and_o far_o fetch_v interpretation_n 1._o the_o place_n in_o mat._n 16.18_o 19_o run_v thus_o and_o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o i._n e._n to_o peter_n bless_v be_v thou_o simon_n barjona_n for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v this_o to_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o i_o say_v also_o unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n which_o place_n they_o thus_o interpret_v 1._o by_o the_o rock_n upon_o which_o christ_n say_v he_o will_v build_v his_o church_n be_v mean_v the_o person_n of_o peter_n and_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o he_o signify_v say_v they_o that_o the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v to_o he_o and_o thus_o they_o understand_v likewise_o his_o have_v of_o the_o key_n 2._o by_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o loose_v they_o understand_v the_o power_n of_o command_v and_o punish_v of_o make_v and_o repeal_n law_n with_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o belong_v to_o a_o sovereign_n and_o legislative_a power_n 3._o they_o tell_v we_o that_o whatever_o peter_n have_v here_o be_v likewise_o grant_v to_o the_o pope_n who_o be_v his_o successor_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v the_o rock_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v toss_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o be_v infallible_a but_o i_o answer_v 1._o upon_o supposition_n that_o peter_n here_o be_v constitute_v as_o they_o call_v he_o head_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n yet_o how_o will_v this_o personal_a privilege_n any_o more_o belong_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n if_o he_o be_v peter_n successor_n than_o what_o our_o saviour_n elsewhere_o say_v to_o peter_n why_o do_v thou_o doubt_v o_o thou_o of_o little_a faith_n do_v note_v the_o pope_n uncertainty_n and_o instability_n in_o believe_v or_o 14.31_o mat._n 14.31_o what_o our_o saviour_n present_o after_o speak_v get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n do_v signify_v that_o every_o pope_n be_v a_o incarnate_a devil_n or_o to_o take_v the_o mild_a interpretation_n a_o adversary_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n for_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o the_o pope_n may_v not_o as_o well_o succeed_v in_o peter_n personal_a defect_n as_o into_o his_o privilege_n since_o the_o scripture_n be_v utter_o silent_a either_o that_o he_o have_v or_o that_o he_o be_v to_o have_v a_o successor_n in_o either_o but_o 2._o i_o deny_v the_o supposition_n upon_o
their_o present_a peaceableness_n may_v just_o be_v attribute_v mere_o to_o their_o want_n of_o strength_n which_o bellarmine_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o say_v be_v the_o sole_a cause_n why_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v comment_n to_o suffer_v without_o resistance_n from_o which_o position_n what_o can_v follow_v but_o that_o it_o concern_v the_o wisdom_n and_o policy_n of_o every_o state_n to_o keep_v those_o under_o who_o as_o to_o tempor_n all_o subjection_n it_o can_v confide_v in_o but_o can_v our_o papist_n in_o england_n give_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o hearty_a disow_v such_o a_o irreligious_a tenet_n yet_o there_o be_v another_o thing_n practise_v by_o they_o which_o make_v it_o high_o questionable_a whether_o a_o kingdom_n profess_v christianity_n ought_v to_o tolerate_v they_o in_o and_o that_o be_v their_o worship_n of_o image_n which_o be_v a_o sin_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a letter_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o so_o repugnant_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n of_o all_o sober_a man_n that_o god_n punish_v it_o severe_o even_o in_o the_o heathen_a chaldaean_n 50.38_o jer._n 50.38_o as_o well_o as_o in_o his_o own_o people_n the_o jew_n but_o bate_v these_o two_o indefensible_a crime_n rather_o than_o error_n their_o other_o opinion_n of_o merit_n purgatory_n transubstantiation_n etc._n etc._n may_v for_o aught_o i_o see_v be_v charitable_o bear_v with_o since_o in_o themselves_o they_o create_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o public_a peace_n which_o even_o christian_n magistrate_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v magistrate_n ought_v principal_o if_o not_o sole_o to_o provide_v for_o if_o any_o think_v that_o such_o indulgence_n like_o warm_a air_n will_v ripen_v these_o monstrous_a birth_n too_o fast_o and_o prove_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o increase_v popery_n they_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a either_o how_o that_o religion_n first_o begin_v or_o by_o what_o art_n it_o be_v still_o uphold_v for_o till_o the_o world_n be_v asleep_a in_o sensuality_n and_o blind_v with_o ignorance_n the_o enemy_n can_v not_o sow_v these_o tare_n and_o have_v they_o not_o afterward_o maintain_v by_o force_n what_o they_o gain_v by_o fraud_n those_o tare_n can_v never_o have_v prosper_v into_o so_o large_a a_o harvest_n in_o opposition_n therefore_o to_o that_o conspiracy_n of_o ignorance_n and_o malice_n which_o go_v to_o compound_v the_o roman_a religion_n i_o shall_v not_o scruple_n to_o say_v that_o if_o his_o majesty_n who_o god_n i_o doubt_v not_o have_v design_v for_o some_o such_o great_a and_o generous_a work_n as_o now_o i_o mention_v be_v please_v still_o to_o continue_v to_o countenance_v the_o free_a preach_a and_o read_v of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o disallow_v the_o impose_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o either_o be_v contrary_a to_o or_o beside_o it_o it_o will_v then_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o popery_n to_o prevail_v as_o for_o dust_n to_o resist_v the_o wind_n or_o for_o airy_a cloud_n to_o eclipse_v the_o sun_n the_o error_n of_o popery_n for_o want_v of_o divine_a warrant_n have_v in_o they_o such_o a_o fundamental_a and_o inherent_a weakness_n that_o unless_o they_o be_v uphold_v by_o a_o coercive_a power_n they_o will_v sink_v and_o fall_v of_o themselves_o as_o thin_a and_o emty_a vapour_n if_o they_o have_v but_o room_n enough_o in_o the_o air_n will_v disperse_v themselves_o without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o wind_n to_o scatter_v they_o to_o endeavour_v therefore_o the_o weaken_n of_o popery_n by_o any_o thing_n which_o look_v like_o persecution_n do_v indeed_o give_v it_o strength_n and_o reputation_n as_o if_o it_o have_v reason_n on_o its_o side_n and_o therefore_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o force_n to_o suppress_v it_o and_o beside_o it_o only_o fill_v the_o church_n with_o hypocrite_n instead_o of_o convert_v who_o by_o mingle_v with_o and_o mask_v themselves_o under_o the_o name_n of_o protestant_n do_v what_o they_o can_v secret_o to_o dispirit_v and_o undermine_v our_o religion_n the_o power_n of_o which_o they_o never_o feel_v since_o they_o be_v only_o fright_v to_o the_o embrace_v of_o it_o but_o perhaps_o i_o need_v not_o plead_v so_o zealous_o for_o the_o not_o persecute_v of_o popery_n when_o too_o many_o of_o our_o unwary_a gentry_n begin_v already_o to_o be_v take_v with_o the_o outward_a pomp_n of_o it_o and_o some_o that_o yet_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o our_o church_n and_o those_o of_o good_a note_n too_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o plead_v for_o something_o more_o than_o its_o toleration_n measure_n mr_n thorndike_n just_a weight_n and_o measure_n since_o by_o tell_v we_o in_o print_n that_o the_o pope_n be_v not_o anti-christ_n that_o papist_n be_v not_o idolater_n nay_o by_o affirm_v that_o all_o be_v schismatickes_n who_o upon_o that_o score_n do_v refuse_v communion_n with_o they_o they_o not_o only_o blemish_v the_o virtue_n and_o piety_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n who_o all_o build_v upon_o that_o foundation_n but_o likewise_o show_v how_o willing_a they_o be_v upon_o any_o term_n how_o wretched_a and_o unworthy_a soever_o to_o return_v into_o egypt_n and_o bring_v we_o to_o our_o brick_n and_o bondage_n again_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o intent_n of_o some_o i_o can_v imagine_v what_o mean_v the_o cry_v up_o of_o that_o great_a diana_n of_o the_o papist_n the_o church_n authority_n and_o make_v that_o the_o sole_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n the_o preach_v up_o of_o lent_n suprà _fw-la dr_n gunning_n upon_o mat._n 9_o the_o lend_v fast_o eliz._n 5._o mr_n thorndike_n ut_fw-la suprà _fw-la and_o other_o political_a fish-day_n as_o religious_a fast_n and_o of_o apostolical_a institution_n quite_o contrary_a both_o to_o express_v scripture_n and_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n the_o insinuate_a that_o we_o may_v lawful_o pray_v for_o the_o dead_a and_o likewise_o expect_v some_o benefit_n by_o their_o prayer_n which_o in_o time_n may_v easy_o be_v improve_v to_o our_o pray_v unto_o they_o these_o with_o some_o other_o opinion_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n so_o far_o degenerate_v from_o our_o primitive_a protestancy_n do_v show_v that_o if_o the_o age_n be_v willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v there_o be_v not_o want_v learned_a man_n who_o be_v willing_a enough_o to_o deceive_v they_o the_o design_n therefore_o of_o this_o small_a treatise_n be_v not_o only_o to_o depose_v the_o pope_n from_o his_o usurp_a title_n of_o infallibility_n but_o to_o keep_v all_o person_n else_o whether_o church_n or_o church_n ruler_n from_o take_v the_o chair_n and_o succeed_a into_o his_o room_n for_o since_o our_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v every_o believer_n reason_n to_o judge_n with_o and_o a_o rule_n to_o judge_v by_o since_o over_o and_o above_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o spirit_n to_o all_o that_o ask_v it_o which_o serve_v to_o assist_v the_o one_o and_o to_o explain_v the_o other_o he_o have_v thereby_o appoint_v every_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o godliness_n to_o be_v a_o judge_n for_o himself_o though_o not_o of_o another_o and_o he_o who_o use_v those_o mean_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v leave_v and_o seek_v to_o he_o in_o they_o may_v infallible_o be_v assure_v that_o though_o in_o some_o thing_n he_o may_v err_v as_o a_o man_n yet_o he_o shall_v never_o final_o miscarry_v whereas_o he_o that_o lean_v upon_o a_o church_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o can_v be_v sure_a that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v since_o any_o number_n of_o man_n be_v as_o fallible_a in_o their_o judgement_n as_o one_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v all_o swear_v as_o in_o the_o papacy_n to_o uphold_v the_o authority_n and_o to_o defend_v the_o dictate_v of_o one_o this_o consideration_n alone_o will_v i_o hope_v prevail_v with_o all_o impartial_a and_o disinterest_v person_n to_o take_v the_o safe_a side_n and_o with_o david_n to_o choose_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n who_o word_n due_o search_v into_o never_o deceive_v any_o rather_o than_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n who_o be_v blind_a themselves_o do_v first_o take_v care_n to_o blind_a their_o follower_n and_o then_o lead_v they_o into_o a_o ditch_n edward_n bagshaw_n drury-lane_n april_n 16._o 1662._o the_o great_a question_n about_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n quest_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o sufficient_a ground_n from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o pope_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v infallible_a for_o the_o better_a understanding_n and_o clear_a state_v of_o this_o great_a question_n i_o will_v premise_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o by_o the_o pope_n i_o mean_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n not_o in_o his_o personal_a capacity_n as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n for_o so_o the_o prodigious_a and_o monstrous_a life_n of_o many_o of_o their_o pope_n which_o be_v obvious_a in_o story_n prafat_n multi_fw-la pontifices_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la
which_o all_o this_o babel_n be_v build_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v confer_v any_o preeminence_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n upon_o peter_n above_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n because_o 1._o these_o word_n upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n can_v without_o blasphemy_n be_v affirm_v of_o the_o person_n of_o peter_n who_o himself_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n christ_n and_o be_v not_o the_o foundation_n but_o only_o a_o workman_n at_o the_o building_n indeed_o in_o the_o figurative_a description_n of_o new_a jerusalem_n 21.14_o rev._n 21.14_o which_o john_n make_v in_o his_o vision_n he_o compare_v it_o to_o a_o city_n which_o have_v twelve_o foundation_n upon_o which_o be_v write_v the_o name_n of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n 21._o rev._n 21._o so_o that_o if_o the_o papist_n will_v needs_o call_v peter_n a_o foundation_n i_o hope_v they_o will_v take_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v sharer_n with_o he_o in_o that_o title_n but_o since_o the_o whole_a description_n in_o john_n city_n and_o all_o be_v only_o figurative_a and_o metaphorical_a the_o foundation_n there_o mention_v must_v be_v like_o the_o city_n i._n e._n so_o call_v not_o in_o a_o real_a but_o only_o metaphorical_a acception_n for_o to_o speak_v proper_o as_o paul_n do_v no_o other_o foundation_n can_v any_o man_n lay_v 3.11_o 1_o cor._n 3.11_o than_o what_o be_v already_o lay_v and_o that_o be_v 2._o eph._n 2._o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o we_o be_v build_v upon_o their_o person_n but_o upon_o their_o doctrine_n the_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o peter_n confession_n upon_o which_o rock_n our_o saviour_n have_v so_o build_v his_o church_n that_o the_o gate_n or_o power_n of_o hell_n however_o they_o may_v rage_v and_o strive_v to_o ruin_v it_o yet_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v 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in_o that_o part_n of_o his_o commission_n which_o concern_v his_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o gentile_n and_o therefore_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o a_o particular_a visiton_n more_o full_o to_o inform_v he_o of_o it_o and_o afterward_o at_o antioch_n we_o read_v that_o he_o be_v of_o so_o inconstant_a and_o unequal_a a_o carriage_n in_o that_o great_a point_n of_o christian_a liberty_n comply_v herein_o more_o than_o he_o ought_v 2._o gal._n 2._o with_o the_o jewish_a rigour_n and_o austerity_n that_o paul_n be_v force_v open_o to_o reprove_v he_o for_o it_o and_o so_o prevent_v the_o contagion_n of_o his_o ill_a example_n so_o that_o if_o he_o who_o in_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n stile_n be_v call_v prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n be_v thus_o subject_a to_o error_n and_o fallibility_n i_o wonder_v with_o what_o face_n the_o pope_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o be_v peter_n suceessour_n can_v plead_v any_o exemption_n 3._o these_o word_n i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n do_v not_o denote_v any_o peculiar_a power_n that_o peter_n have_v over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o then_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v afterward_o that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o fierce_a contention_n among_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v great_a which_o our_o saviour_n at_o two_o several_a time_n silence_n not_o by_o command_v they_o to_o obey_v peter_n as_o their_z chief_z but_o by_o utter_a prohibit_v any_o desire_n of_o sovereignty_n if_o they_o answer_v we_o as_o bellarmine_n do_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o clear_o understand_v that_o peter_n be_v to_o be_v supreme_a head_n till_o after_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n which_o by_o the_o way_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o bold_a play_v with_o sacred_a scripture_n then_o i_o demand_v far_o when_o there_o be_v a_o new_a apostle_n to_o be_v choose_v into_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n why_o do_v not_o peter_n by_o his_o sole_a authority_n 1._o act._n 1._o design_v he_o or_o at_o least_o when_o the_o multitude_n of_o disciple_n for_o so_o we_o read_v that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o choice_n have_v appoint_v two_o why_o do_v they_o not_o present_v they_o both_o unto_o peter_n that_o he_o may_v choose_v one_o rather_o than_o suffer_v the_o matter_n to_o be_v decide_v by_o lot_n sure_a have_v peter_n have_v any_o paramount_n and_o extraordinary_a power_n and_o withal_o a_o peculiar_a infallible_a spirit_n he_o can_v not_o have_v better_o exert_v it_o than_o in_o that_o emergency_n for_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o so_o concern_v a_o business_n first_o to_o permit_v all_o the_o multitude_n to_o have_v a_o voice_n in_o choose_v a_o apostle_n for_o if_o our_o modern_a argument_n be_v good_a he_o may_v just_o fear_v that_o they_o be_v for_o the_o great_a part_n unlearned_a will_v choose_v one_o like_o themselves_o and_o so_o prejudice_v the_o reputation_n of_o apostolical_a authority_n and_o afterward_o to_o leave_v the_o matter_n unto_o the_o uncertain_a casualty_n of_o a_o lot_n whereas_o the_o choice_n seem_v proper_o to_o belong_v to_o peter_n jurisdiction_n this_o argue_v either_o that_o his_o power_n or_o his_o care_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o little_a of_o which_o last_o i_o hope_v the_o papist_n do_v not_o doubt_v and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o deny_v the_o former_a for_o what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o to_o tempt_v god_n to_o have_v recourse_n unto_o cast_v of_o lot_n when_o a_o way_n of_o choice_n more_o prudent_a and_o infallible_a by_o refer_v the_o business_n to_o peter_n single_a decision_n be_v open_v for_o they_o but_o it_o seem_v the_o apostle_n understand_v nothing_o of_o peter_n supremacy_n either_o then_o or_o afterward_o when_o they_o go_v to_o choose_v deacon_n which_o by_o all_o the_o apostle_n peter_n not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o particular_o mention_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o mulitude_n and_o after_o the_o choice_n imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v perform_v not_o by_o peter_n alone_o but_o as_o the_o text_n express_o say_v by_o all_o the_o apostle_n will_v they_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n below_o he_o 6._o act._n 6._o and_o that_o it_o do_v not_o become_v peter_n authority_n to_o interest_n himself_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o petty_a concernment_n this_o plea_n be_v take_v from_o they_o because_o we_o read_v that_o the_o twelve_o and_o among_o they_o sure_a peter_n be_v one_o do_v not_o think_v it_o below_o they_o and_o beside_o it_o will_v appear_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o conceited_a and_o useless_a authority_n which_o they_o ascribe_v to_o peter_n which_o in_o matter_n neither_o of_o the_o great_a such_o as_o be_v the_o choice_n of_o a_o apostle_n nor_o of_o the_o least_o moment_n such_o as_o be_v the_o choice_n of_o a_o deacon_n will_v ever_o so_o particular_o exert_v itself_o that_o we_o may_v once_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o prerogative_n but_o what_o kind_n of_o equality_n peter_n stand_v in_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o show_v 8._o act._n 8._o in_o submit_v to_o be_v send_v with_o john_n unto_o samaria_n to_o finish_v that_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o philip_n have_v begin_v there_o for_o sure_a our_o saviour_n argument_n be_v infallible_a 15._o joh_n 15._o that_o he_o who_o be_v send_v be_v not_o great_a than_o he_o who_o send_v he_o and_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o strange_a boldness_n i_o believe_v the_o pope_n will_v call_v it_o by_o a_o worse_a name_n in_o his_o cardinal_n shall_v the_o apostle_n have_v thus_o presume_v to_o send_v their_o prince_n have_v he_o indeed_o be_v so_o constitute_v over_o they_o yet_o further_o when_o there_o be_v a_o question_n start_v about_o the_o use_n of_o jewish_a ceremony_n and_o a_o synod_n convene_v about_o
it_o 15._o act._n 15._o why_o do_v not_o peter_n then_o preside_v as_o chief_a why_o do_v he_o suffer_v the_o business_n to_o be_v dispute_v after_o he_o have_v declare_v his_o own_o judgement_n why_o do_v james_n who_o speak_v after_o he_o give_v he_o no_o more_o honourable_a stile_n then_o plain_a simeon_n and_o seem_v himself_o in_o say_v my_o sentence_n be_v to_o give_v the_o whole_a solution_n of_o the_o query_n as_o also_o the_o form_n of_o the_o future_a decree_n without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o peter_n decision_n whence_o come_v it_o that_o after_o a_o strict_a debate_n the_o result_n be_v in_o the_o council_n it_o please_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o superscription_n of_o the_o letter_n run_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o brethren_n and_o the_o decree_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o without_o any_o mention_n of_o peter_n at_o all_o who_o supremacy_n and_o infallibility_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v thus_o silent_o pass_v over_o that_o the_o church_n afterward_o may_v know_v whether_o to_o to_o have_v recourse_n for_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o scruple_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o we_o hear_v no_o news_n of_o peter_n after_o but_o the_o story_n be_v continue_v whole_o about_o paul_n as_o if_o the_o primacy_n have_v be_v transfer_v to_o he_o sure_o the_o holy_a penman_n who_o mention_n so_o many_o of_o paul_n travel_n that_o be_v of_o far_o less_o moment_n will_v not_o have_v omit_v peter_n journey_n to_o rome_n his_o sit_a bishop_n there_o for_o eighteen_o year_n and_o fix_v the_o succession_n and_o infallibility_n to_o boot_v upon_o that_o see_v have_v he_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o afterward_o when_o paul_n meet_v peter_n at_o antioch_n 2._o gal._n 2._o why_o do_v he_o not_o veil_v to_o he_o but_o irreverent_o stand_v upon_o his_o term_n and_o open_o reprove_v he_o last_o for_o instance_n be_v infinite_a in_o this_o kind_n why_o do_v that_o bless_a apostle_n peter_n himself_o 5._o 1_o pet._n 5._o disclaim_v any_o such_o kind_n of_o jurisdiction_n still_v himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o fellow-eld_a and_o utter_o forbid_v any_o pretension_n of_o lordship_n and_o sovereignty_n even_o over_o the_o flock_n they_o feed_v much_o more_o over_o their_o fellow_n minister_n certain_o none_n of_o these_o thing_n can_v consist_v with_o that_o grant_n which_o bellarmine_n fond_o suppose_v be_v here_o make_v to_o peter_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v that_o the_o word_n have_v another_o interpretation_n which_o be_v plain_o this_o our_o saviour_n ask_v his_o disciple_n what_o man_n think_v of_o he_o and_o who_o they_o take_v he_o to_o be_v after_o he_o have_v hear_v the_o various_a opinion_n of_o other_o he_o continue_v to_o ask_v they_o they_o whereupon_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n reply_v thou_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o article_n that_o then_o be_v oppugn_v our_o saviour_n pronounce_v he_o bless_v for_o it_o not_o as_o if_o other_o believer_n be_v not_o equal_o bless_v and_o do_v not_o obtain_v this_o faith_n by_o revelation_n too_o for_o so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v express_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12._o that_o none_o can_v call_v jesus_n lord_n i._n e._n christ_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o those_o word_n be_v speak_v exclusive_o as_o to_o any_o outward_a mean_n whereby_o he_o may_v attain_v that_o knowledge_n for_o that_o no_o less_o power_n than_o the_o immediate_a action_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v make_v a_o man_n to_o believe_v on_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o evident_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o exceed_v all_o create_a ability_n but_o likewise_o from_o those_o perpetual_a contradiction_n and_o doubt_n which_o beleiver_n themselves_o have_v before_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v explain_v and_o solve_v they_o the_o promise_n therefore_o which_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o peter_n of_o give_v he_o the_o key_n etc._n etc._n concern_v all_o the_o apostle_n since_o they_o be_v believer_n and_o disciple_n as_o well_o as_o he_o and_o so_o our_o saviour_n enlarge_v it_o after_o his_o resurrection_n in_o that_o general_a commission_n who_o sin_n soever_o you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v i_o e._n by_o your_o preach_v who_o you_o do_v declare_v to_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n if_o they_o repent_v not_o and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n their_o sin_n be_v retain_v i_o e._n bind_v and_o tie_v fast_o to_o they_o for_o god_n will_v never_o pardon_v such_o but_o other_o that_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n be_v remit_v i_o e._n loose_v and_o absolve_v so_o that_o the_o result_n of_o all_o be_v this_o from_o this_o place_n can_v be_v infer_v either_o 1._o that_o peter_n be_v that_o rock_n upon_o which_o christ_n will_v build_v his_o church_n but_o rather_o christ_n himself_o confess_v by_o peter_n or_o 2._o that_o peter_n here_o have_v any_o preeminence_n of_o power_n authority_n and_o infallibility_n above_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o receive_v this_o promise_n only_o as_o a_o prolocutor_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o who_o name_n he_o speak_v and_o they_o be_v afterward_o join_v all_o equal_o in_o the_o same_o commission_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v deduce_v 3._o that_o the_o pope_n who_o be_v not_o once_o mention_v be_v peter_n sucessour_n or_o have_v the_o least_o pretention_n to_o claim_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o unless_o it_o be_v his_o error_n and_o fallibility_n 2._o the_o second_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v bring_v for_o the_o patronage_n of_o peter_n first_o and_o then_o of_o the_o pope_n infallibility_n be_v that_o which_o if_o they_o have_v search_v the_o whole_a scripture_n they_o can_v not_o have_v find_v one_o that_o do_v more_o direct_o make_v against_o it_o the_o place_n be_v luc._n 22.31_o 32._o simon_n simon_n behold_v satan_n have_v desire_v to_o have_v you_o that_o he_o may_v sift_v you_o as_o wheat_n but_o i_o have_v pray_v for_o thou_o that_o thy_o faith_n fail_v not_o and_o when_o thou_o be_v convert_v strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n here_o though_o by_o a_o most_o miserable_a instance_n we_o find_v how_o frail_a and_o fallible_a peter_n be_v yet_o bellarmine_n draw_v from_o hence_o two_o privilege_n that_o be_v confer_v upon_o peter_n 1._o that_o peter_n may_v never_o fall_v from_o the_o faith_n how_o much_o soever_o he_o be_v tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n 2._o that_o none_o of_o his_o successor_n shall_v ever_o teach_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o grant_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o prayer_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o peter_n recover_v his_o station_n again_o after_o so_o great_a a_o shake_n but_o withal_o i_o add_v that_o this_o be_v no_o peculiar_a privilege_n to_o peter_n but_o in_o common_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n as_o be_v more_o clear_a in_o joh._n 17._o v._n 9_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o peter_n be_v particular_o speak_v to_o be_v because_o our_o saviour_n foresee_v he_o shall_v more_o foul_o miscarry_v and_o therefore_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o this_o cordial_n to_o relieve_v he_o but_o the_o second_o be_v so_o little_a to_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o text_n viz_o that_o the_o pope_n as_o peter_n successor_n shall_v never_o teach_v false_a doctrine_n that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o extreme_a vanity_n in_o i_o to_o go_v about_o to_o confute_v it_o only_o one_o fetch_v of_o bellarmine_n be_v not_o to_o be_v omit_v when_o we_o object_n that_o if_o this_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o peter_n successor_n than_o it_o must_v presuppose_v that_o all_o the_o pope_n who_o will_v needs_o intrude_v into_o that_o title_n must_v first_o deny_v christ_n and_o after_o that_o be_v convert_v before_o they_o can_v strengthen_v their_o brethren_n or_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n themselves_o to_o this_o bellarmine_n reply_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o signify_v peter_n be_v turn_v from_o sin_n but_o his_o turn_a himself_o to_o the_o weak_a brethren_n to_o discourse_v with_o they_o which_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o so_o merry_a sophistry_n that_o it_o only_o serve_v to_o show_v the_o wretched_a boldness_n of_o partial_a and_o self-designing_a man_n when_o they_o make_v use_v of_o scripture_n to_o shore_n up_o and_o to_o underprop_v their_o ill_n get_v greatness_n the_o plain_a place_n than_o shall_v not_o escape_v their_o perverse_a and_o irregular_a fancy_n as_o this_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o gracious_a promise_n make_v of_o peter_n recovery_n and_o conversion_n be_v make_v to_o signify_v just_a nothing_o but_o the_o impiety_n of_o those_o man_n who_o dare_v thus_o abuse_v it_o 3._o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n which_o be_v urge_v in_o this_o controverfie_v and_o
believe_v they_o be_v i_o must_v affirm_v that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v own_v by_o any_o of_o they_o for_o many_o century_n that_o we_o have_v upon_o record_n many_o pregnant_a instance_n which_o do_v evince_v that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o dream_n of_o it_o to_o draw_v up_o which_o i_o shall_v select_v only_o two_o or_o three_o famous_a case_n which_o bellarmine_n be_v please_v to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o 1._o 25._o euseb_n l_o b._n 5._o c._n 23_o 24_o 25._o the_o first_o instance_n shall_v be_v from_o that_o doughty_a dispute_n which_o be_v raise_v about_o the_o year_n 160._o concern_v the_o day_n when_o easter_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n keep_v easter-day_n precise_o upon_o the_o 14_o of_o march_n at_o which_o time_n the_o jew_n do_v solemnize_v their_o passeover_n but_o the_o western_a church_n after_o many_o meeting_n to_o settle_v this_o weighty_a controversy_n do_v agree_v that_o the_o day_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n shall_v be_v celebrate_v only_o upon_o the_o lord_n day_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o asian_a bishop_n notwithstanding_o this_o decree_n do_v persist_v in_o their_o former_a custom_n in_o which_o they_o be_v defend_v by_o polycrates_n who_o allege_v that_o philip_n the_o evangelist_n john_n the_o apostle_n and_o many_o other_o do_v transmit_v that_o traditional_a observance_n to_o they_o upon_o this_o victor_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n in_o great_a heat_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 6._o socrat_n lib._n 6._o say_v my_o author_n do_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o excommunicate_v all_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n but_o be_v sharp_o write_v against_o for_o it_o and_o stiff_o oppose_v in_o it_o he_o be_v force_v to_o revoke_v his_o sentence_n which_o story_n may_v afford_v we_o very_o many_o observation_n as_o 1._o that_o superstition_n and_o needless_a observation_n of_o day_n 2._o that_o imposition_n and_o abridge_n of_o christian_a liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a 3._o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n usurpation_n and_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o his_o proper_a jurisdiction_n do_v begin_v to_o work_v very_o early_o but_o i_o wave_v these_o and_o only_a note_n that_o have_v the_o church_n of_o afia_n then_o think_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v infallible_a they_o will_v not_o so_o peremptory_o in_o so_o small_a a_o thing_n as_o the_o retain_v of_o a_o old_a custom_n have_v refuse_v to_o submit_v unto_o his_o judgement_n 2._o my_o second_o instance_n shall_v be_v from_o that_o controversy_n which_o for_o many_o year_n be_v very_o eager_o manage_v viz._n whether_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v baptism_n from_o heretic_n upon_o their_o return_n to_o the_o church_n fam._n cyprian_a epis_fw-la 92._o edit_fw-la fam._n shall_v be_v baptise_a again_z or_o not_o cyprian_a and_o all_o the_o african_a bishop_n maintain_v the_o necessity_n of_o rebaptising_a and_o in_o their_o letter_n to_o stephen_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n after_o they_o have_v at_o large_a give_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o opinion_n they_o conclude_v so_o much_o dear_a brother_n have_v we_o inform_v you_o of_o not_o doubt_v because_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o religion_n but_o such_o thing_n will_v please_v you_o which_o be_v both_o religious_a and_o true_a but_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o some_o be_v very_o unwilling_a to_o lay_v down_o any_o opinion_n which_o they_o have_v once_o take_v up_o but_o preserve_v that_o mutual_a agreement_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o brethren_n they_o retain_v the_o custom_n which_o they_o have_v once_o be_v use_v to_o in_o which_o matter_n we_o neither_o force_v nor_o give_v a_o law_n to_o any_o since_o in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n prapositus_fw-la prapositus_fw-la every_o governor_n have_v absolute_a power_n of_o his_o own_o will_n as_o be_v to_o give_v unto_o god_n alone_o a_o reason_n of_o his_o act_n from_o which_o passage_n write_v by_o cyprian_a and_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o africh_n who_o mer_o together_o in_o a_o council_n for_o that_o purpose_n it_o sufficient_o appear_v 1._o that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n infallibility_n since_o they_o profess_v to_o retain_v their_o own_o judgement_n without_o subscribe_v to_o his_o 2._o that_o in_o the_o outward_a regimen_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n every_o bishop_n have_v equal_a power_n and_o ought_v not_o authoritative_o to_o prescribe_v and_o impose_v law_n upon_o another_o 73._o ibid._n ep._n 73._o as_o the_o same_o cyprian_a in_o another_o letter_n these_o thing_n say_v he_o according_a to_o my_o weak_a ability_n have_v i_o write_v not_o impose_v upon_o or_o pre-judging_a any_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o every_o bishop_n to_o do_v as_o he_o think_v fit_a since_o he_o have_v free_a power_n of_o his_o own_o will._n and_o afterward_o when_o stephen_n have_v declare_v his_o judgement_n that_o he_o will_v have_v none_o baptize_v again_o whatever_o heresy_n they_o come_v from_o but_o that_o the_o ancient_a custom_n shall_v be_v preserve_v whereby_o such_o convert_v be_v admit_v into_o church_n communion_n mere_o by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n scripsit_fw-la ibid._n ep._n 74._o inter_fw-la catera_fw-la vel_fw-la superba_fw-la vel_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la non_fw-la pertinentia_fw-la vel_fw-la sibi_fw-la ipsi_fw-la contraria_fw-la quae_fw-la improvidè_fw-la atque_fw-la imperitè_fw-fr scripsit_fw-la cyprian_a in_o stead_n of_o yield_v to_o his_o determination_n do_v tax_v his_o letter_n of_o pride_n folly_n and_o impertinence_n and_o in_o answer_n to_o those_o word_n of_o he_o wherein_o stephen_n command_v that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v vary_v from_o the_o accustom_a tradition_n whence_o say_v he_o be_v that_o tradition_n do_v it_o descend_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o gospel_n do_v it_o come_v from_o the_o command_v and_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o god_n testify_v in_o his_o command_n both_o to_o joshua_n and_o other_o that_o those_o thing_n only_o shall_v be_v do_v which_o be_v write_v and_o our_o lord_n christ_n when_o he_o send_v his_o apostle_n into_o the_o world_n command_v they_o to_o baptise_v and_o to_o teach_v all_o nation_n that_o they_o may_v observe_v and_o do_v all_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v if_o therefore_o any_o such_o custom_n mean_v that_o of_o stephen_n be_v contain_v either_o in_o the_o gospel_n or_o in_o the_o epistle_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n then_o let_v sach_v a_o holy_a and_o divine_a tradition_n be_v observe_v but_o what_o obstinacy_n what_o presumption_n be_v it_o to_o prefer_v humane_a tradition_n before_o a_o divine_a appointment_n what_o folly_n be_v it_o not_o to_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v angry_a as_o often_o as_o humane_a tradition_n do_v lessen_v and_o discountenance_v divine_a precept_n as_o he_o testify_v by_o the_o prophet_n isay_n and_o our_o saviour_n likewise_o in_o his_o gospel_n rebuke_v and_o chide_v the_o pharisee_n you_o reject_v the_o command_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v keep_v your_o own_o tradition_n of_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v mindful_a he_o likewise_o advise_v and_o instruct_v we_o say_v if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o and_o rest_n not_o in_o the_o sound_a word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o his_o doctrine_n he_o be_v puff_v up_o know_v nothing_o from_o such_o turn_n aside_o neither_o ought_v custom_n which_o have_v privy_o creep_v in_o among_o some_o to_o hinder_v truth_n from_o prevail_v for_o custom_n without_o truth_n est_fw-la consuetudo_fw-la sine_fw-la veritate_fw-la vetustas_fw-la erroris_fw-la est_fw-la be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o antiquity_n of_o error_n and_o it_o arise_v only_o from_o pride_n and_o presumption_n that_o one_o be_v apt_a to_o defend_v his_o own_o practice_n how_o false_a and_o erroneous_a soever_o rather_o than_o consent_v to_o that_o which_o be_v true_a and_o right_a in_o another_o for_o which_o reason_n the_o apostle_n paul_n write_v to_o timothy_n 〈◊〉_d docibilem_fw-la gr._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d advise_v a_o bishop_n not_o to_o be_v contentious_a but_o meek_a and_o apt_a to_o teach_v but_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o teach_v who_o be_v gentle_a and_o endue_v with_o patience_n to_o learn_v for_o a_o bishop_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o teach_v but_o to_o learn_v since_o he_o teach_v best_o who_o continual_o grow_v and_o profit_v by_o learning_n which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n likewise_o declare_v when_o he_o admonish_v that_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o another_o which_o sit_v by_o the_o first_o shall_v hold_v his_o peace_n religious_a and_o sincere_a mind_n be_v always_o prepare_v to_o lay_v aside_o error_n and_o to_o search_v for_o truth_n for_o if_o we_o return_v unto_o the_o head_n and_o original_a of_o divine_a tradition_n hamane_a error_n cease_v and_o when_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o heavenly_a appointment_n be_v once_o thorough_o discern_v whatever_o
saviour_n say_v shall_v be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n for_o say_v he_o where_o two_o or_o three_o not_o bishop_n but_o believer_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o i._n e._n when_o any_o number_n of_o believer_n how_o small_a soever_o though_o but_o two_o or_o three_o be_v meet_v for_o those_o holy_a end_n of_o discipline_n and_o in_o those_o way_n which_o i_o by_o my_o command_n have_v warrant_v i_o will_v be_v with_o they_o to_o assist_v and_o to_o guide_v their_o counsel_n and_o to_o execute_v their_o sentence_n 49._o chap._n 49._o according_o we_o find_v in_o tertullian_n apology_n that_o in_o all_o christian_a meeting_n upon_o the_o lordsday_n together_o with_o prayer_n and_o preach_v there_o be_v likewise_o censura_fw-la divina_fw-la i._n e._n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n pronounce_v against_o all_o refractory_a and_o stubborn_a sinner_n according_a to_o this_o our_o saviour_n institution_n if_o any_o object_n that_o if_o christ_n will_v be_v with_o two_o or_o three_o then_o in_o all_o probabily_n he_o will_v be_v with_o a_o council_n of_o many_o hundred_o much_o more_o i_o answer_v no_o doubt_n he_o will_v if_o they_o meet_v in_o his_o name_n i._n e._n according_a to_o his_o command_n and_o institution_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o assembly_n though_o of_o never_o so_o many_o thousand_o but_o the_o end_n and_o manner_n of_o assemble_v which_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o assistance_n and_o when_o i_o can_v see_v such_o a_o council_n which_o profess_v sole_o to_o follow_v scripture_n according_a to_o that_o sense_n which_o not_o the_o fancy_n of_o man_n whether_o father_n or_o counsel_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n enlighten_v their_o understanding_n do_v give_v unto_o it_o i_o shall_v then_o with_o all_o reverence_n embrace_v their_o decree_n for_o i_o know_v that_o such_o a_o council_n can_v err_v because_o they_o will_v command_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v already_o command_v by_o god_n which_o every_o true_a christian_n ought_v to_o obey_v without_o the_o sanction_n of_o any_o other_o authority_n but_o such_o a_o council_n as_o this_o i_o be_o hopeless_a of_o ever_o see_v under_o the_o papecy_n since_o all_o their_o meeting_n for_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n have_v be_v design_v not_o to_o search_v but_o to_o smother_v scripture_n and_o to_o emprison_v that_o light_n which_o if_o look_v into_o will_v detect_v and_o manifest_v their_o error_n so_o that_o they_o come_v together_o not_o in_o christ_n but_o in_o the_o pope_n name_n or_o rather_o in_o the_o name_n of_o that_o god_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o who_o kingdom_n be_v found_v and_o uphold_v by_o the_o artifice_n and_o cunning_n of_o their_o teacher_n and_o by_o the_o ignorance_n and_o implicit_a faith_n of_o their_o hearer_n fallere_fw-la &_o falli_fw-la to_o deceive_v and_o to_o be_v deceive_v be_v the_o best_a motto_n which_o can_v be_v set_v upon_o all_o the_o church-doore_n in_o the_o papal_a territory_n but_o heaven_n be_v a_o place_n of_o light_n and_o the_o true_a church_n be_v full_a of_o knowledge_n because_o 〈◊〉_d be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n not_o to_o obey_v or_o to_o believe_v in_o 〈◊〉_d but_o in_o he_o alone_o 2._o that_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o will_v send_v the_o spirit_n 16._o john_n 14._o etc._n etc._n 16._o which_o shall_v lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n be_v speak_v personal_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o word_n 15._o act._n 15._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o to_o we_o be_v speak_v by_o they_o after_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o promise_n so_o that_o without_o great_a presumption_n they_o can_v be_v wrest_v to_o any_o other_o nor_o such_o wrest_n without_o great_a vanity_n be_v confute_v since_o bare_o to_o deny_v ungrounded_a supposition_n be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n if_o any_o ask_v i_o since_o neither_o the_o pope_n nor_o a_o council_n be_v infallible_a as_o have_v no_o peculiar_a promise_n for_o that_o purpose_n then_o how_o shall_v the_o church_n determine_v controversy_n or_o how_o shall_v heresy_n be_v suppress_v i_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v clear_a and_o the_o heresy_n be_v notorious_a than_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v power_n within_o itself_o to_o excommunicate_v all_o obstinate_a heretic_n but_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v either_o dubious_a or_o silent_a 3.15_o phil._n 3.15_o there_o charitable_o to_o bear_v with_o dissenter_n and_o to_o wait_v till_o god_n shall_v reveal_v it_o to_o they_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o win_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a method_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v take_v for_o three_o hundred_o year_n together_o to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v no_o communion_n with_o such_o as_o hold_v manifest_a and_o destructive_a error_n and_o in_o thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n these_o will_n at_o last_o be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o safe_a way_n of_o god_n whereas_o to_o pretend_v to_o infallibility_n in_o determine_v or_o to_o practice_v tyranny_n in_o impose_v these_o be_v only_o the_o way_n of_o ambitious_a and_o self-seeking_a man_n find_v out_o not_o so_o much_o to_o promote_v truth_n which_o stand_v not_o in_o need_n of_o such_o art_n as_o to_o augment_v a_o party_n which_o make_v all_o article_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v mere_o like_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o a_o land_n where_o most_o voice_n do_v carry_v the_o cause_n such_o a_o kind_n of_o universality_n as_o this_o true_a piety_n never_o have_v and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o be_v sorry_a that_o popery_n do_v make_v its_o boast_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v with_o as_o much_o brevity_n and_o plainness_n as_o the_o subject_n will_v bear_v inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n whereupon_o the_o pope_n infallibility_n be_v say_v to_o be_v ground_v and_o after_o the_o most_o impartial_a search_n can_v pronounce_v of_o they_o all_o mene_n tekell_n that_o be_v weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n they_o be_v find_v too_o light_a neither_o have_v i_o divert_v myself_o in_o confute_v their_o worship_n of_o image_n their_o blasphemous_a figment_n of_o transubstantiation_n their_o mingle_n of_o work_n in_o justification_n their_o invocation_n of_o angel_n 2.19_o col._n 2.19_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v not_o to_o hold_v the_o head_n i._n e._n to_o err_v fundamental_o their_o forbid_v of_o marriage_n and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n which_o he_o who_o prophesy_v of_o they_o 4.1_o 1_o tim._n 4.1_o call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n i_o have_v omit_v likewise_o their_o furious_a and_o bloody_a tenet_n of_o persecute_v and_o kill_v all_o who_o do_v not_o worship_v the_o image_n of_o that_o beast_n which_o they_o have_v erect_v 13.15_o rev._n 13.15_o for_o these_o thing_n how_o plain_o soever_o the_o scripture_n speak_v against_o they_o will_v not_o much_o concern_v they_o to_o answer_v as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v fence_v about_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o infallibility_n whereby_o they_o be_v privilege_v to_o put_v what_o sense_n upon_o scripture_n they_o please_v but_o if_o the_o christian_a reader_n find_v that_o conceit_n to_o be_v clear_o disprove_v than_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v make_v use_n of_o the_o other_o argument_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o that_o we_o have_v but_o too_o much_o reason_n to_o suspect_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v that_o antichrist_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o lawless_a one_o who_o sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o declare_v that_o he_o be_v god_n for_o in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o temple_n or_o house_n of_o god_n for_o any_o man_n to_o make_v law_n which_o do_v oblige_v the_o conscience_n for_o a_o sinful_a man_n to_o style_v himself_o the_o head_n and_o bridegroom_n of_o the_o church_n and_o above_o all_o to_o affirm_v that_o he_o be_v infallible_a this_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v god_n and_o therein_o to_o fulfil_v the_o most_o clear_a prediction_n that_o can_v be_v concern_v the_o man_n of_o sin_n who_o way_n of_o rise_v be_v to_o be_v by_o the_o deceiveablenesse_n of_o unrighteousness_n and_o his_o dominion_n to_o be_v establish_v by_o miracle_n and_o lie_a wonder_n which_o no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n do_v more_o confident_o boast_v of_o than_o the_o roman_a and_o therefore_o till_o her_o unhappy_a and_o much_o mistake_v follower_n have_v clear_v that_o she_o be_v not_o antichristian_a we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o she_o be_v a_o true_a church_n much_o less_o to_o think_v that_o she_o be_v infallible_a finis_fw-la