the_o papist_n do_v call_v the_o godhead_n by_o and_o concern_v the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o be_v there_o say_v thou_o be_v one_o with_o the_o papist_n in_o thy_o doctrine_n in_o this_o thing_n who_o in_o one_o of_o their_o creed_n do_v affirm_v that_o christ_n be_v god_n beget_v before_o all_o world_n when_o he_o be_v beget_v as_o to_o his_o sonship_n and_o manhood_n and_o in_o time_n bring_v forth_o and_o manifest_v among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n thus_o the_o most_o excellent_a truth_n may_v be_v misrepresent_v under_o odious_a name_n and_o by_o erroneous_a person_n be_v call_v popish_a 7._o second_o their_o disparage_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n the_o scripture_n contain_v the_o prophetical_a and_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o this_o doctrine_n be_v so_o certain_a and_o full_a that_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n s._n paul_n denounce_v he_o to_o be_v accurse_v but_o their_o deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o they_o admit_v they_o to_o contain_v truth_n and_o their_o set_n up_o the_o light_n within_o they_o as_o their_o great_a rule_n both_o which_o be_v do_v frequent_o in_o their_o write_n and_o conference_n be_v that_o which_o tend_v to_o undermine_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a write_n and_o to_o substitute_v another_o rule_n which_o be_v very_o defective_a various_a and_o uncertain_a and_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v man_n as_o they_o true_o be_v the_o light_n within_o they_o be_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o natural_a conscience_n with_o those_o improvement_n of_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n which_o the_o christian_a revelation_n have_v make_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o sentiment_n of_o man_n now_o though_o this_o be_v very_o considerable_a and_o needful_a to_o be_v attend_v to_o yet_o to_o make_v this_o and_o not_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o main_a rule_n and_o guide_n in_o matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n be_v to_o prefer_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n with_o the_o advantage_n it_o have_v from_o christian_a converse_n and_o oral_a tradition_n or_o the_o delivery_n of_o truth_n from_o one_o to_o another_o according_a to_o the_o thought_n opinion_n and_o judgement_n of_o man_n though_o mix_v with_o many_o error_n and_o much_o uncertainty_n before_o the_o infallible_a and_o unerring_a direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o divine_a scripture_n and_o while_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n disparage_v the_o scripture_n in_o prefer_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o the_o romish_a church_n do_v much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n this_o position_n of_o this_o novel_a sect_n be_v rather_o more_o unaccountable_a than_o either_o of_o those_o other_o practice_n for_o though_o they_o establish_v mistake_v false_a and_o erroneous_a rule_n yet_o the_o thing_n dictate_v thereby_o be_v approve_v by_o the_o joint_a consideration_n of_o many_o select_a man_n who_o they_o esteem_v man_n of_o great_a understanding_n while_o this_o way_n direct_v every_o man_n how_o corrupt_a and_o erroneous_a soever_o his_o mind_n may_v be_v to_o set_v up_o his_o own_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n and_o guide_n and_o this_o must_v suppose_v every_o man_n own_o conception_n to_o be_v infallible_a though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o or_o to_o the_o divine_a revelation_n 8._o but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o follower_n of_o this_o sect_n according_a to_o the_o pretence_n of_o many_o of_o they_o the_o light_n within_o they_o must_v have_v chief_a respect_n to_o some_o enthusiastic_a motion_n and_o impulse_n such_o thing_n be_v pretend_v to_o by_o the_o 10._o the_o theod._n hist_o eccl._n l._n 4._o c._n 10._o messalian_o and_o other_o heretic_n of_o old_a but_o beside_o what_o may_v be_v say_v against_o such_o pretence_n in_o general_a the_o manifest_a falsehood_n of_o they_o be_v in_o these_o particular_a case_n apparent_a from_o the_o plain_a error_n they_o assert_v contrary_a to_o the_o sure_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o set_v up_o any_o enthusiastic_a rule_n of_o religion_n include_v a_o disparage_v the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o be_v the_o right_a instruction_n in_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v ordinary_o also_o blasphemous_a against_o god_n in_o false_o make_v he_o the_o author_n of_o such_o error_n by_o vain_o pretend_v inspiration_n which_o be_v evident_o contrary_a to_o what_o he_o have_v true_o reveal_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n 9_o three_o their_o disow_a christ_n special_a institution_n to_o wit_n the_o establish_v the_o communion_n of_o his_o true_a catholic_n church_n and_o his_o ministry_n and_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n their_o disregard_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o their_o frequent_a reproach_n against_o it_o and_o the_o minister_n thereof_o be_v very_o notorious_a but_o i_o shall_v here_o chief_o insist_v on_o what_o concern_v the_o sacrament_n which_o holy_a institution_n they_o general_o disuse_n and_o against_o the_o use_n of_o these_o their_o teacher_n have_v both_o speak_v and_o write_v now_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o evil_a and_o of_o such_o dangerous_a consequence_n that_o beside_o the_o disobedience_n to_o what_o our_o lord_n have_v constitute_v and_o command_v by_o his_o plain_a precept_n they_o hereby_o reject_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o gospel_n appoint_v to_o be_v eminent_a mean_n of_o communion_n and_o union_n with_o the_o church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n such_o thing_n be_v both_o the_o sacrament_n both_o that_o of_o baptism_n and_o that_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o chap._n 10.16_o 17._o and_o this_o union_n and_o communion_n according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n be_v necessary_a to_o membership_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o disow_a and_o reject_v these_o thing_n be_v the_o refuse_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o convey_v the_o blessing_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o particular_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o such_o person_n who_o by_o perform_v the_o other_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v due_o qualify_v for_o the_o receive_v the_o same_o in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o administration_n act._n 22.16_o mat._n 26.28_o our_o lord_n appoint_v baptism_n to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o obtain_v salvation_n mar._n 16.16_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptise_a shall_v be_v save_v and_o the_o ancient_a christian_n have_v such_o a_o high_a esteem_n thereof_o that_o tertullian_n begin_v his_o book_n de_fw-fr baptismo_fw-la on_o this_o manner_n foelix_fw-la sacramentum_fw-la aquae_fw-la quia_fw-la ablutis_fw-la delictis_fw-la pristinae_fw-la caecitatis_fw-la in_fw-la vitam_fw-la aeternam_fw-la liberamur_fw-la happy_a sacrament_n of_o baptism_n because_o the_o fault_n of_o our_o former_a blindness_n be_v wash_v away_o we_o be_v set_v free_a unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o our_o lord_n have_v declare_v that_o except_o we_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n we_o have_v no_o life_n in_o we_o joh._n 6.53_o and_o have_v appoint_v the_o holy_a communion_n to_o be_v a_o eminent_a and_o peculiar_a way_n of_o eat_v his_o body_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n and_o what_o then_o can_v be_v say_v for_o they_o who_o gross_o neglect_v and_o especial_o for_o they_o who_o declare_v against_o and_o total_o reject_v these_o sacred_a institution_n and_o if_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n be_v so_o high_o displease_v with_o he_o who_o neglect_a circumcision_n as_o to_o denounce_v he_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n gen._n 17.14_o and_o declare_v that_o they_o who_o attend_v not_o on_o the_o passeover_n shall_v bear_v their_o sin_n num._n 9.13_o he_o can_v be_v please_v with_o the_o violate_v those_o institution_n which_o be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o under_o the_o gospel_n 10._o four_o the_o doctrine_n of_o perfection_n as_o hold_v by_o they_o who_o declare_v themselves_o thorough_o free_a from_o sin_n for_o this_o undermine_v all_o penitential_a exercise_n which_o take_v in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a life_n and_o make_v void_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n for_o it_o together_o with_o prayer_n and_o application_n to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n for_o remission_n and_o a_o diligent_a care_n of_o amendment_n we_o acknowledge_v and_o assert_v that_o every_o pious_a christian_a do_v overcome_v the_o power_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o he_o do_v not_o serve_v it_o but_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n this_o be_v such_o a_o life_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v much_o of_o the_o excellency_n and_o real_a holiness_n and_o purity_n thereof_o
because_o such_o adversary_n the_o church_n will_v have_v and_o the_o high_a advantage_n they_o can_v have_v against_o the_o church_n be_v to_o show_v her_o rule_n uncertain_a but_o this_o only_a prove_n that_o enough_o may_v be_v say_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o vindicate_v it_o against_o all_o such_o adversary_n which_o be_v indeed_o true_a yea_o and_o more_o than_o this_o that_o enough_o may_v be_v say_v to_o convince_v they_o if_o they_o will_v attend_v to_o it_o and_o be_v not_o obstinate_a and_o however_o to_o satisfy_v all_o unprejudiced_a man_n that_o these_o obstinate_a adversary_n be_v in_o error_n and_o may_v be_v confute_v but_o more_o than_o this_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a to_o provide_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o obstinate_a if_o porphyry_n celsus_n or_o julian_n be_v not_o convince_v shall_v any_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v want_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o his_o church_n but_o indeed_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o such_o heathen_a adversary_n must_v be_v procure_v not_o only_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o will_v show_v what_o be_v deliver_v by_o jesus_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n but_o also_o from_o other_o argument_n and_o testimonial_a evidence_n not_o only_o to_o prove_v that_o this_o rule_n be_v deliver_v by_o jesus_n but_o also_o to_o show_v the_o thing_n so_o deliver_v to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o true_a the_o six_o and_o seven_o property_n that_o it_o be_v certain_a in_o itself_o and_o ascertainable_a to_o we_o i_o do_v admit_v and_o indeed_o these_o two_o property_n if_o by_o ascertainable_a to_o we_o we_o understand_v that_o we_o may_v be_v sufficient_o certain_a concern_v the_o rule_n and_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o include_v all_o the_o former_a so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v true_o applicable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o to_o be_v certain_a and_o ascertainable_a to_o we_o include_v so_o much_o of_o his_o two_o first_o property_n as_o belong_v to_o this_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v it_o be_v evidenceable_a to_o all_o both_o as_o to_o its_o be_v and_o its_o roll_a power_n see_v to_o be_v evidenceable_a and_o to_o be_v ascertainable_a be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n yea_o if_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o it_o be_v certain_o thus_o ascertainable_a or_o evidenceable_a to_o we_o his_o three_o four_o and_o five_o property_n will_v be_v the_o consequent_a effect_n hereof_o so_o far_o as_o they_o of_o right_o appertain_v to_o this_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v where_o there_o appear_v certainty_n ascertainable_a it_o will_v have_v these_o effect_n it_o will_v justify_v they_o who_o most_o steadfast_o and_o undoubting_o rely_v on_o it_o and_o will_v satisfy_v inquisitive_a dissenter_n and_o rational_a doubter_n and_o will_v be_v able_a to_o convince_v the_o most_o acute_a adversary_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o his_o seven_o property_n be_v needless_o and_o without_o sufficient_a distinction_n multiply_v and_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v well_o reducible_a to_o the_o two_o last_o to_o which_o if_o we_o add_v what_o i_o before_o observe_v concern_v this_o rule_n that_o it_o must_v be_v the_o best_a guide_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n we_o have_v then_o three_o property_n which_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o wit_n its_o certainty_n its_o evidenceableness_n and_o its_o fullness_n exactness_n and_o compleatness_n as_o to_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n but_o since_o his_o discourse_n i_o now_o examine_v be_v order_v according_a to_o his_o seven_o property_n save_v that_o he_o himself_o disc_n 2._o confound_v or_o at_o least_o conjoyn_v the_o two_o former_a it_o be_v necessary_a for_o i_o to_o follow_v he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o to_o examine_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o what_o we_o have_v find_v to_o belong_v to_o it_o in_o all_o these_o property_n answer_v to_o disc_n 2._o show_v that_o the_o two_o first_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v agree_v to_o scripture_n our_o next_o work_n be_v to_o examine_v by_o these_o mark_n what_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v he_o tell_v we_o §_o 1._o that_o the_o own_a pretender_n to_o it_o be_v only_o two_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n but_o withal_o insinuate_v that_o protestant_n do_v indeed_o make_v private_a spirit_n private_a reason_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o father_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n because_o these_o be_v they_o which_o do_v ascertain_v they_o of_o scripture_n sense_n now_o we_o protestant_n do_v own_o scripture_n as_o our_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v sure_o deliver_v to_o we_o by_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o do_v assert_v that_o what_o ever_o property_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v true_o and_o full_o applicable_a to_o the_o scripture_n but_o unwritten_a tradition_n we_o reject_v from_o be_v this_o rule_n know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a and_o infallible_a delivery_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n thereby_o nor_o do_v we_o any_o way_n make_v either_o private_a reason_n or_o a_o private_a spirit_n whether_o he_o mean_v a_o enthusiastic_a spirit_n which_o protestant_n disclaim_v or_o the_o same_o thing_n with_o private_a reason_n or_o testimony_n of_o father_n our_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o protestant_n shall_v try_v any_o doctrine_n by_o any_o of_o these_o immediate_o without_o refer_v they_o to_o scripture_n they_o will_v as_o to_o that_o doctrine_n make_v they_o their_o rule_n but_o this_o no_o protestant_n will_v do_v in_o matter_n of_o mere_a belief_n or_o supernatural_a revelation_n but_o if_o they_o make_v use_v of_o their_o reason_n to_o apprehend_v the_o word_n phrase_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v more_o fit_o judge_n what_o the_o scripture_n will_v determine_v as_o to_o any_o matter_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v no_o more_o to_o make_v this_o a_o rule_n than_o a_o artist_n who_o measure_v any_o material_n by_o a_o exact_a know_a rule_n can_v be_v say_v to_o make_v his_o eye_n his_o rule_n because_o he_o judge_n by_o his_o eye_n how_o his_o rule_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o thing_n measure_v but_o in_o case_n he_o shall_v make_v use_n only_o of_o his_o eye_n without_o any_o other_o rule_n then_o only_o can_v his_o eye_n be_v call_v his_o rule_n indeed_o the_o follower_n of_o tradition_n and_o all_o rational_a man_n may_v as_o well_o be_v charge_v with_o make_v private_a reason_n their_o rule_n as_o the_o follower_n of_o scripture_n since_o by_o reason_n they_o be_v ascertain_v of_o tradition_n sense_n for_o they_o make_v use_v of_o reason_n to_o judge_v what_o the_o word_n signify_v which_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o and_o what_o ground_n they_o have_v to_o receive_v they_o else_o can_v not_o their_o assent_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o this_o author_n acknowledge_v it_o must_v be_v rational_a disc_n 1._o §_o 14._o unless_o he_o can_v imagine_v a_o man_n to_o give_v a_o rational_a assent_n which_o be_v not_o direct_v by_o reason_n nor_o can_v we_o be_v say_v to_o make_v the_o testimony_n of_o father_n our_o rule_n though_o in_o plain_a truth_n we_o value_v they_o own_v the_o same_o truth_n which_o we_o embrace_v as_o deliver_v by_o the_o rule_n in_o some_o more_o difficult_a scripture_n we_o make_v use_v of_o they_o to_o satisfy_v our_o reason_n by_o their_o reason_n and_o evidence_n and_o this_o be_v to_o use_v they_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n we_o use_v our_o reason_n in_o other_o place_n difficult_a we_o make_v use_v of_o their_o authority_n as_o a_o probable_a motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o incline_v to_o a_o sense_n by_o they_o deliver_v if_o it_o be_v not_o contradict_v by_o great_a authority_n or_o reason_n but_o in_o this_o case_n where_o there_o be_v no_o other_o evidence_n we_o do_v not_o urge_v such_o a_o interpretation_n or_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o such_o a_o scripture_n necessary_a to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n but_o allow_v it_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n probable_a and_o to_o be_v assent_v to_o as_o the_o authority_n shall_v require_v §_o 2._o he_o note_v that_o when_o we_o make_v scripture_n our_o rule_n we_o must_v understand_v not_o scripture_n sense_v but_o to_o be_v sense_v that_o be_v their_o character_n in_o a_o book_n with_o their_o aptness_n to_o signify_v i_o answer_v we_o assert_v the_o write_a word_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o word_n therein_o contain_v do_v manifest_v their_o own_o sense_n be_v in_o themselves_o in_o all_o thing_n fit_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v sufficient_o intelligible_a by_o man_n who_o god_n have_v endue_v with_o reason_n and_o understanding_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v write_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n do_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n declare_v god_n meaning_n in_o what_o he_o reveal_v which_o be_v the_o
letter_n be_v barbarian_n as_o to_o our_o speech_n cap._n 5._o he_o say_v tradition_n be_v thus_o in_o the_o church_n let_v we_o come_v to_o that_o proof_n which_o be_v from_o scripture_n and_o so_o spend_v several_a chapter_n in_o show_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n out_o of_o scripture_n from_o what_o have_v be_v observe_v it_o be_v evident_a 1._o that_o the_o heretic_n irenaeus_n deal_v with_o be_v in_o some_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o discourser_n that_o be_v only_o for_o their_o own_o tradition_n and_o will_v neither_o be_v try_v by_o scripture_n nor_o any_o other_o tradition_n but_o what_o be_v among_o themselves_o as_o our_o discourser_n will_v disow_v trial_n by_o scripture_n and_o by_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o father_n write_n or_o council_n cor._n 14._o and_o from_o all_o other_o church_n but_o the_o roman_a church_n cor._n 13_o 17._o 2._o that_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o so_o much_o insist_v upon_o tradition_n be_v because_o these_o heretic_n as_o they_o deny_v scripture_n so_o they_o pretend_v to_o the_o best_a tradition_n which_o way_n of_o his_o argue_v speak_v not_o tradition_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o considerable_a use_n in_o this_o case_n even_o as_o if_o we_o shall_v dispute_v with_o a_o pagan_a who_o own_v not_o christian_n revelation_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n the_o use_v rational_a argument_n against_o he_o will_v show_v that_o we_o count_v they_o very_o useful_a in_o this_o case_n but_o will_v not_o conclude_v that_o we_o own_o reason_n and_o not_o revelation_n for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n so_o if_o a_o christian_a shall_v urge_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o sufficient_a and_o certain_a against_o the_o jew_n it_o will_v be_v a_o vain_a consequence_n to_o infer_v that_o he_o make_v this_o only_a and_o not_o the_o new_a testament-revelation_n the_o rule_n of_o his_o christian_n faith_n 3._o that_o irenaeus_n do_v not_o think_v the_o 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in_o the_o world_n yet_o the_o virtue_n of_o tradition_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o that_o be_v the_o church_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n believe_v and_o deliver_v the_o same_o faith_n he_o speak_v this_o against_o those_o heretic_n about_o those_o great_a article_n of_o faith_n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n as_o himself_o express_v lib._n 1._o c._n 2._o and_o lib._n 3._o c._n 3._o for_o even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o irenaeus_n there_o be_v not_o in_o all_o the_o world_n a_o agreement_n in_o all_o doctrine_n since_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o irenaeus_n do_v not_o agree_v in_o this_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n for_o their_o different_a observation_n of_o easter_n eus_n hist_o eccl._n lib._n 5._o c._n 6._o now_o be_v this_o any_o consequence_n that_o doctrine_n which_o teach_v one_o god_n etc._n etc._n against_o those_o heretic_n be_v general_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n till_o irenaeus_n his_o time_n which_o be_v not_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n therefore_o all_o doctrine_n must_v certain_o be_v preserve_v without_o corruption_n in_o the_o church_n delivery_n above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n though_o we_o certain_o know_v that_o beside_o protestant_n other_o church_n do_v not_o now_o deliver_v the_o same_o thing_n 5._o when_o he_o say_v ought_v we_o not_o to_o have_v follow_v tradition_n if_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o the_o scripture_n he_o say_v not_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v so_o now_o they_o have_v leave_v they_o but_o rather_o in_o these_o word_n intimate_v the_o contrary_a but_o now_o more_o direct_o to_o see_v his_o opinion_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n consider_v these_o word_n of_o he_o lib._n 3._o c._n 1._o the_o gospel_n they_o then_o preach_v they_o after_o deliver_v to_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o then_o show_v how_o the_o evangelist_n have_v deliver_v to_o we_o by_o write_v say_v if_o any_o man_n assent_v not_o to_o they_o he_o despise_v even_o christ_n the_o lord_n and_o the_o father_n and_o be_v condemn_v of_o himself_o and_o resist_v his_o own_o salvation_n lib._n 2._o c._n 46._o wherefore_o since_o the_o holy_a scripture_n both_o prophetical_a and_o evangelical_n clear_o and_o without_o ambiguity_n and_o as_o they_o may_v of_o all_o be_v hear_v declare_v etc._n etc._n they_o appear_v very_o dull_a who_o blind_a their_o eye_n at_o such_o a_o clear_a discovery_n and_o will_v not_o see_v the_o light_n of_o preach_v c._n 41._o have_v therefore_o the_o truth_n itself_o for_o our_o rule_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n be_v open_o manifest_a we_o ought_v not_o to_o reject_v the_o firm_a and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o god_n if_o we_o can_v find_v the_o solution_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o scripture_n we_o must_v believe_v god_n in_o these_o thing_n know_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v perfect_a be_v speak_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n lib._n 4._o c._n 66._o read_v more_o diligent_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v give_v we_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o read_v more_o diligent_o the_o prophet_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v every_o action_n and_o every_o doctrine_n and_o every_o passion_n of_o our_o lord_n set_v forth_o in_o they_o lib._n 3._o c._n 11._o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o firmament_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n wherefore_o it_o be_v consequent_a that_o it_o have_v four_o pillar_n he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o fourfold_a gospel_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o one_o spirit_n if_o then_o according_a to_o irenaeus_n man_n may_v believe_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o they_o that_o seek_v may_v find_v all_o doctrine_n in_o it_o which_o be_v there_o clear_a and_o manifest_a be_v not_o this_o enough_o to_o show_v he_o make_v it_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n if_o not_o we_o have_v observe_v he_o call_v it_o by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o rule_n also_o and_o declare_v that_o none_o but_o the_o barbarous_a nation_n do_v then_o receive_v the_o faith_n in_o a_o unwritten_a way_n sect_n xi_o what_o be_v own_v by_o origen_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o first_o in_o his_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o prooem_n have_v observe_v that_o some_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n differ_v in_o so_o great_a thing_n as_o concern_v god_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o which_o word_n he_o manifest_o refer_v to_o such_o heretic_n as_o irenaeus_n before_o he_o treat_v of_o such_o be_v montanist_n valentinian_o marcionist_n etc._n etc._n he_o begin_v to_o lay_v a_o rule_n he_o will_v proceed_v by_o in_o the_o word_n refer_v to_o by_o this_o author_n let_v the_o ecclesiastical_a preach_v deliver_v from_o the_o apostle_n by_o order_n of_o succession_n and_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n to_o this_o time_n be_v preserve_v that_o only_a truth_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v which_o in_o nothing_o differ_v from_o the_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n this_o be_v his_o rule_n he_o will_v proceed_v by_o in_o these_o book_n by_o which_o in_o opposition_n to_o those_o heretic_n he_o mean_v the_o church_n delivery_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v chief_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o shall_v evidence_n first_o because_o he_o use_v promiscuous_o the_o phrase_n of_o ecclesiastical_a preach_a and_o scripture_n frequent_o in_o this_o prooem_n and_o except_v against_o the_o book_n call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o peter_n as_o be_v no_o part_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o same_o prooem_n declare_v that_o therefore_o he_o who_o will_v treat_v of_o these_o thing_n to_o know_v what_o be_v truth_n in_o
deity_n as_o to_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v incorporeal_a it_o be_v observe_v by_o 13._o by_o cont._n cell_n l._n 1._o p._n 13._o origen_n that_o numenius_n a_o pythagorean_n philosopher_n have_v enumerate_v those_o gentile_a nation_n who_o assert_v god_n to_o be_v a_o incorporeal_a be_v and_o that_o great_a expression_n of_o euripides_n be_v very_o plain_a wherein_o he_o call_v god_n one_o who_o see_v all_o thing_n but_o himself_o be_v invisible_a gent._n invisible_a cl._n alex._n adm._n ad_fw-la gent._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o agreeable_a to_o this_o be_v the_o expression_n of_o orpheus_n that_o no_o mortal_a see_v god_n but_o he_o see_v all_o 4._o church_n no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o primitive_a christian_n not_o only_o have_v no_o image_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v from_o various_a expression_n of_o origen_n minutius_n felix_n and_o other_o writer_n of_o those_o age_n but_o they_o also_o great_o condemn_v any_o such_o thing_n the_o ancient_a council_n of_o 36._o of_o conc._n elib_n c._n 36._o elvira_n take_v care_n ne_fw-la quod_fw-la colitur_fw-la &_o adoratur_fw-la in_fw-la parietibus_fw-la depingatur_fw-la that_o that_o be_v which_o be_v worship_v and_o adore_v shall_v not_o be_v paint_v upon_o wall_n which_o word_n must_v needs_o forbid_v and_o condemn_v the_o make_n image_n of_o god_n and_o eusebius_n speak_v of_o represent_v the_o divine_a be_v by_o dead_a matter_n say_v 7._o say_v praep._n evang._n l._n 3._o c._n 7._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o can_v offer_v more_o violence_n to_o reason_n and_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n as_o be_v rational_a immaterial_a immortal_a and_o not_o subject_a to_o hurt_v and_o force_n and_o that_o no_o figure_n or_o image_n can_v be_v make_v of_o this_o he_o add_v 10._o add_v ibid._n c._n 10._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o can_v be_v so_o mad_a as_o to_o think_v that_o the_o most_o high_a god_n may_v be_v 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either_o worship_n or_o keep_v the_o image_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n or_o of_o the_o father_n or_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o say_v he_o when_o the_o father_n be_v paint_v as_o the_o ancient_a of_o day_n this_o be_v not_o the_o image_n of_o the_o father_n but_o a_o representation_n of_o the_o vision_n of_o daniel_n or_o of_o s._n john_n and_o the_o dove_n that_o be_v paint_v be_v not_o the_o image_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o of_o that_o dove_n in_o which_o at_o jordan_n the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n speak_v a_o english_a catechism_n say_v to_o be_v print_v at_o douai_n but_o though_o these_o writer_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o defend_v but_o will_v rather_o conceal_v what_o be_v allow_v by_o their_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o frequent_a use_n of_o the_o picture_n of_o the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n all_o together_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o decipher_n of_o these_o vision_n will_v not_o admit_v that_o account_n they_o give_v thereof_o 6._o whereof_o 8._o whereof_o de_fw-fr eccles_n triumph_n c._n 8._o bellarmine_n who_o as_o i_o above_o show_v free_o acknowledge_v the_o practice_n of_o make_v image_n of_o god_n do_v as_o plain_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v allowable_a licet_fw-la pingere_fw-la imaginem_fw-la dei_fw-la patris_fw-la etc._n etc._n it_o be_v lawful_a to_o paint_v the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o father_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o old_a man_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o dove_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n of_o sess_n 25._o image_n of_o god_n approve_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n trent_n which_o in_o its_o last_o session_n couch_v several_a thing_n under_o few_o word_n express_v its_o allowance_n of_o the_o picture_v god_n when_o it_o order_v the_o people_n to_o be_v teach_v that_o the_o divinity_n be_v not_o to_o that_o purpose_n represent_v in_o a_o figure_n as_o if_o it_o can_v be_v see_v by_o bodily_a eye_n or_o can_v be_v express_v by_o colour_n and_o figure_n 7._o but_o such_o representation_n be_v whole_o unlike_a to_o the_o infinite_a and_o immense_a divine_a nature_n nature_n they_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o which_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o wisdom_n power_n goodness_n truth_n and_o purity_n and_o other_o such_o like_a and_o where_o these_o spiritual_a excellency_n be_v in_o a_o considerable_a degree_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o true_a partake_n of_o the_o divine_a image_n and_o a_o likeness_n to_o god_n but_o the_o resemble_v he_o by_o a_o corporeal_a image_n be_v the_o make_v a_o false_a and_o a_o low_a and_o mean_a representation_n of_o god_n which_o abate_v that_o high_a reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o his_o majesty_n and_o what_o finite_a material_a thing_n can_v be_v think_v like_o to_o he_o who_o be_v so_o infinite_o above_o all_o thing_n of_o who_o the_o prophet_n esay_n say_v isaiah_n 40.18_o to_o who_o will_v you_o liken_v god_n or_o what_o likeness_n will_v you_o compare_v unto_o he_o and_o if_o a_o man_n will_v think_v himself_o injure_v if_o he_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o shape_n or_o form_n of_o another_o be_v far_o inferior_a to_o his_o nature_n how_o great_a a_o offence_n may_v it_o well_o be_v to_o the_o glorious_a god_n to_o be_v picture_v against_o his_o express_a command_n in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o old_a man_n 8._o the_o praecepto_fw-la the_o catech._n ad_fw-la paroch_n de_fw-fr decal_n pr._n praecepto_fw-la roman_a catechism_n observe_v two_o way_n whereby_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n be_v great_o offend_v by_o image_n the_o one_o if_o idol_n and_o image_n be_v worship_v as_o god_n and_o the_o other_o if_o any_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o form_n or_o shape_n of_o the_o divinity_n as_o if_o it_o can_v be_v see_v by_o bodily_a eye_n and_o prove_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o such_o a_o figure_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v be_v make_v nor_o may_v be_v lawful_o attempt_v and_o it_o further_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n to_o the_o intent_n he_o may_v whole_o take_v away_o idolatry_n imaginem_fw-la divinitatis_fw-la ex_fw-la quavis_fw-la materia_fw-la fieri_fw-la prohibuit_fw-la do_v forbid_v the_o image_n of_o the_o deity_n to_o be_v make_v of_o any_o matter_n whatsoever_o and_o that_o the_o wise_a lawgiver_n do_v enjoin_v ne_fw-la divinitatis_fw-la imaginem_fw-la fingerent_fw-la that_o they_o may_v not_o frame_v a_o image_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o give_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n to_o a_o creature_n but_o after_o all_o this_o it_o require_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v think_v there_o be_v any_o offence_n against_o religion_n when_o any_o person_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n be_v express_v by_o certain_a sign_n or_o figure_n under_o which_o they_o appear_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o in_o the_o new_a and_o it_o be_v there_o say_v that_o this_o be_v do_v to_o declare_v their_o property_n or_o action_n as_o according_a to_o the_o vision_n of_o daniel_n the_o representation_n of_o the_o ancient_a of_o day_n with_o the_o book_n open_a show_v the_o eternity_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n 9_o god_n and_o unfit_a to_o represent_v the_o attribute_n of_o god_n but_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n be_v so_o infinite_a and_o spiritual_a that_o they_o be_v as_o uncapable_a of_o be_v represent_v by_o a_o image_n as_o his_o nature_n be_v and_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o old_a man_n do_v direct_o express_v nothing_o of_o wisdom_n or_o eternity_n and_o such_o conception_n as_o may_v be_v suggest_v by_o the_o sight_n of_o such_o a_o picture_n be_v very_o imperfect_a and_o below_o the_o divine_a excellency_n since_o such_o a_o be_v as_o be_v so_o represent_v be_v infirm_a and_o decay_a and_o become_v unfit_a for_o action_n and_o can_v see_v but_o a_o little_a way_n before_o he_o and_o also_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o be_v stain_v and_o infect_v with_o sin_n and_o if_o such_o pretend_a
do_v own_o himself_n to_o be_v the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o as_o irenaeus_n relate_v 20._o relate_v iren._n adv_o haeres_fw-la l._n 1._o c._n 20._o that_o it_o be_v he_o who_o appear_v as_o the_o son_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o descend_v as_o the_o father_n in_o samaria_n and_o come_v as_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o other_o nation_n and_o they_o who_o be_v his_o follower_n both_o in_o samaria_n rome_n and_o other_o nation_n do_v worship_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o chief_a god_n as_o 1._o as_o justin_n apol._n 1._o justin_n martyr_n affirm_v and_o gr_n and_o eus_n hist_o eccl._n l._n 2._o c._n 13._o gr_n eusebius_n from_o he_o now_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o the_o gnostic_n shall_v own_v the_o true_a god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o god_n beside_o he_o and_o shall_v therefore_o design_v to_o give_v divine_a honour_n to_o he_o alone_o but_o shall_v be_v persuade_v that_o he_o be_v incarnate_a in_o simon_n magus_n and_o thereupon_o shall_v worship_v he_o with_o divine_a honour_n this_o can_v not_o excuse_v they_o herein_o from_o be_v idolater_n and_o whereas_o montanus_n and_o the_o propagator_n of_o his_o heresy_n do_v declare_v he_o to_o be_v the_o paraclete_n as_o be_v oft_o express_v in_o tertullian_n and_o be_v affirm_v also_o by_o divers_a catholic_n writer_n as_o 14._o as_o hist_o eccl._n l._n 5._o c._n 14._o eusebius_n 1._o eusebius_n basil_n ad_fw-la amphil._n c._n 1._o basil_n and_o other_o or_o as_o vero_fw-la as_o de_fw-fr consec_n do_v 4._o c._n he_o vero_fw-la gregory_n express_v it_o that_o he_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o any_o of_o his_o follower_n profess_v divine_a worship_n to_o be_v due_a only_o to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n shall_v upon_o a_o presumptive_a delusion_n believe_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v embody_a in_o montanus_n and_o thereupon_o yield_v to_o he_o that_o divine_a worship_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o can_v not_o excuse_v they_o from_o idolatry_n 29._o heinous_a assert_v 2._o all_o idolatry_n be_v not_o equal_o heinous_a assert_v 2._o in_o idolatry_n which_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n a_o great_a and_o grievous_a sin_n all_o the_o act_n and_o kind_n thereof_o in_o misplace_v proper_a divine_a worship_n be_v not_o equal_o heinous_a and_o abominable_a there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n from_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o person_n whence_o act_n procede_v from_o sudden_a surprise_n from_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n or_o from_o great_a fear_n be_v not_o of_o so_o high_a a_o guilt_n as_o those_o which_o proceed_v from_o carelessness_n of_o duty_n neglect_v of_o instruction_n or_o contempt_n of_o god_n or_o wilful_a enmity_n against_o the_o true_a religion_n there_o be_v also_o difference_n in_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o i_o mention_v n._n 27._o as_o also_o from_o the_o plyableness_n of_o temper_n to_o be_v draw_v from_o they_o and_o the_o resolve_a obstinacy_n of_o persist_v in_o they_o and_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n also_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o object_n to_o which_o divine_a worship_n be_v give_v whence_o the_o worship_v of_o baal_n or_o the_o god_n of_o other_o nation_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v more_o heinous_a than_o the_o idolatry_n of_o jeroboam_n calf_n because_o it_o include_v a_o profess_a depart_v from_o the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o worship_v of_o simon_n magus_n be_v the_o more_o abominable_a as_o include_v a_o follow_v he_o and_o consequent_o reject_v the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o calf_n be_v not_o of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n nor_o do_v it_o utter_o exclude_v the_o ten_o tribe_n from_o all_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n though_o even_o this_o will_v exclude_v those_o person_n who_o design_o espouse_v it_o or_o who_o perverse_o or_o negligent_o join_v in_o it_o from_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n 30._o assert_v 3._o all_o misplace_v divine_a honour_n upon_o a_o undue_a object_n which_o be_v idolatry_n be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n evil_a assert_v 3._o all_o sort_n thereof_o be_v great_o evil_a to_o suppose_v that_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n shall_v be_v any_o sufficient_a plea_n or_o excuse_n be_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n as_o if_o even_o under_o the_o christian_a revelation_n he_o have_v not_o sufficient_o direct_v man_n in_o so_o important_a a_o duty_n as_o to_o know_v the_o object_n of_o divine_a adoration_n or_o who_o we_o be_v to_o worship_n and_o how_o little_a any_o misunderstanding_n upon_o the_o ground_n lay_v down_o by_o the_o romanist_n be_v like_a in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v available_a for_o their_o excuse_n i_o shall_v manifest_v by_o propose_v another_o case_n which_o may_v well_o be_v esteem_v parallel_n hereunto_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v concern_v the_o eucharistical_a bread_n this_o be_v my_o body_n so_o there_o be_v a_o great_a plenty_n of_o expression_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v as_o plausible_a to_o confer_v divine_a honour_n upon_o pious_a christian_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n parallel_v the_o remish_a adoration_n of_o the_o host_n parallel_v to_o be_v renew_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o that_o god_n dwell_v in_o they_o and_o that_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o they_o and_o be_v in_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o his_o body_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o of_o his_o bone_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o they_o he_o say_v to_o saul_n why_o persecute_v thou_o i_o and_o he_o will_v say_v to_o other_o i_o be_v a_o hunger_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o meat_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o they_o now_o if_o from_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n shall_v give_v divine_a worship_n to_o every_o saint_n in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o fond_a notion_n of_o some_o fanatic_a head_n that_o they_o be_v god_v with_o god_n and_o chri_v with_o christ_n and_o consequent_o to_o those_o in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o to_o those_o on_o earth_n and_o thereby_o multiply_v the_o object_n of_o divine_a adoration_n real_o beyond_o all_o the_o polytheism_n of_o the_o gentile_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v account_v this_o abominable_a idolatry_n nor_o will_v they_o think_v it_o sufficient_a here_o to_o be_v pretend_v that_o these_o worshipper_n own_o only_a one_o true_a god_n and_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o the_o saint_n only_o because_o they_o believe_v they_o to_o receive_v a_o new_a divine_a nature_n in_o become_a saint_n and_o to_o put_v on_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v change_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o that_o one_o god_n and_o though_o this_o may_v seem_v as_o contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n as_o transubstantiation_n do_v they_o therefore_o believe_v it_o because_o god_n have_v say_v it_o if_o their_o manifest_o mistake_a sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v allow_v and_o they_o can_v confident_o rely_v on_o his_o word_n and_o if_o we_o compare_v these_o two_o together_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v very_o excellent_a but_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o confer_v upon_o they_o but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o pious_a christian_a be_v so_o much_o advance_v above_o that_o of_o the_o sacramental_a element_n that_o that_o must_v be_v confess_v to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v affirm_v by_o bishop_n bilson_n 713._o bilson_n differ_v of_o christ_n subject_a &_o unchr_n rebel_n part._n 4._o p._n 713._o that_o christian_a man_n be_v member_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n be_v not_o christ_n abide_v in_o they_o and_o they_o in_o he_o in_o the_o bread_n he_o do_v not_o he_o will_v raise_v they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n the_o bread_n he_o will_v not_o they_o shall_v reign_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o the_o bread_n shall_v not_o but_o these_o and_o such_o like_a word_n we_o mention_v not_o as_o have_v any_o low_a thought_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n but_o as_o own_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o sacramental_a element_n remain_v in_o their_o create_a substance_n and_o even_o these_o we_o due_o reverence_v as_o set_v apart_o to_o a_o holy_a use_n and_o purpose_n but_o we_o most_o high_o value_v the_o great_a blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spiritual_a presence_n of_o christ_n which_o though_o it_o be_v tender_v in_o the_o sacramental_a element_n yet_o be_v the_o invisible_a grace_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o visible_a sign_n thereof_o to_o this_o we_o have_v our_o eye_n chief_o in_o the_o sacrament_n according_a to_o that_o ancient_a admonition_n dom._n admonition_n cyp._n de_fw-fr orat._n dom._n sursum_fw-la
doctrine_n of_o faith_n as_o word_n write_v and_o speak_v by_o man_n declare_v their_o sense_n and_o meaning_n to_o one_o another_o and_o thus_o we_o own_v they_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n §_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o he_o frame_v six_o objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_o evidenceable_a to_o the_o vulgar_a which_o exclude_v his_o two_o first_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n first_o they_o can_v be_v certain_a by_o self-evidence_n that_o this_o be_v god_n word_n which_o can_v be_v discover_v but_o by_o deep_a speculation_n nor_o can_v this_o be_v conclude_v till_o all_o seem_a contradiction_n be_v solve_v §_o 3._o second_o nor_o can_v they_o know_v how_o many_o book_n be_v divine_o inspire_v either_o by_o self-evidence_n or_o by_o any_o skill_n they_o be_v possess_v of_o §_o 4._o three_o nor_o be_v it_o evidenceable_a to_o their_o capacity_n that_o the_o original_n be_v any_o where_o preserve_v entire_a nor_o can_v they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o skill_v of_o other_o by_o which_o they_o know_v it_o §_o 5._o four_o nor_o can_v they_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v right_o translate_v for_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o honesty_n and_o skill_n of_o the_o translator_n §_o 6._o five_o if_o it_o be_v most_o true_o translate_v yet_o innumerable_a copy_n before_o print_v and_o since_o printer_n and_o corrector_n of_o the_o press_n be_v to_o be_v rely_v on_o by_o which_o mean_v they_o can_v have_v no_o evidence_n of_o the_o right_a letter_n of_o scripture_n §_o 7._o last_o still_o they_o be_v far_o to_o seek_v unless_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o the_o numerous_a commentator_n and_o infinite_a dispute_n about_o concern_v point_n and_o christ_n divinity_n show_v not_o to_o be_v the_o task_n of_o the_o vulgar_a §_o 8._o ad_fw-la §_o 3._o to_o the_o first_o objection_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_o evidenceable_a even_o to_o the_o vulgar_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o though_o the_o self-evidence_n of_o this_o or_o what_o may_v be_v gather_v by_o inspection_n into_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v very_o considerable_a as_o to_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o scripture_n by_o observe_v that_o it_o contain_v powerful_a and_o heavenly_a doctrine_n suitable_a to_o god_n and_o great_a prophecy_n wonderful_o fulfil_v yet_o as_o to_o the_o writing_n which_o contain_v these_o truth_n we_o have_v another_o more_o plain_a way_n and_o general_o evidenceable_a to_o all_o person_n to_o assure_v they_o that_o these_o book_n be_v god_n word_n which_o be_v that_o by_o the_o general_a delivery_n or_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o of_o all_o who_o appear_v to_o have_v the_o chief_a care_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n these_o book_n have_v in_o all_o age_n since_o christ_n and_o almost_o in_o all_o country_n be_v preserve_v as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o evangelist_n they_o have_v constant_o and_o public_o read_v they_o as_o such_o and_o give_v they_o to_o we_o as_o contain_v that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o wonderful_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n in_o this_o manner_n we_o receive_v all_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n as_o god_n word_n and_o by_o this_o way_n we_o have_v a_o plain_a and_o withal_o a_o very_a full_a certainty_n or_o by_o this_o mean_n in_o s._n augustine_n word_n de_n civ_o dei_fw-la lib._n 15._o c._n 23._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o true_a scripture_n come_v to_o we_o from_o the_o father_n by_o a_o most_o certain_a and_o know_a succession_n compare_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o with_o any_o historical_a write_n in_o the_o world_n or_o with_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o any_o former_a age_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n be_v much_o the_o great_a because_o it_o be_v more_o general_o deliver_v and_o have_v be_v more_o constant_o read_v compare_v this_o again_o with_o any_o record_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o charter_n of_o any_o society_n the_o record_n of_o a_o court_n the_o statute_n of_o a_o college_n or_o the_o charter_n of_o a_o corporation_n be_v sure_o know_v to_o be_v such_o by_o the_o officer_n of_o that_o court_n and_o the_o member_n of_o that_o corporation_n and_o even_o by_o the_o vulgar_a in_o a_o succeed_a age_n because_o they_o be_v in_o write_a record_n deliver_v as_o such_o to_o they_o and_o every_o one_o take_v this_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a certainty_n especial_o if_o he_o know_v that_o all_o forego_v member_n of_o such_o society_n or_o officer_n of_o such_o court_n be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n to_o preserve_v such_o record_n or_o charter_n entire_a and_o upon_o this_o evidence_n they_o doubt_v not_o to_o believe_v what_o this_o record_n or_o charter_n do_v contain_v and_o much_o more_o certain_a be_v the_o delivery_n of_o scripture_n record_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n since_o there_o be_v not_o only_o one_o 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that_o church_n whereof_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n shall_v have_v the_o outward_a shape_n of_o man_n woman_n or_o beast_n thus_o celsus_n who_o argument_n against_o christianity_n be_v much_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o discourser_n make_v this_o a_o objection_n against_o christian_n that_o they_o speak_v unworthy_o of_o god_n as_o of_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n the_o mouth_n of_o god_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o origen_n lib._n 6._o cont_n cell_n think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o answer_v that_o christian_n do_v understand_v all_o these_o in_o a_o spiritual_a not_o a_o corporeal_a sense_n and_o that_o if_o celsus_n have_v read_v other_o place_n of_o scripture_n he_o may_v thence_o know_v that_o christian_n will_v not_o think_v otherwise_o of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o unchristian_a assertion_n to_o charge_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n with_o heresy_n where_o we_o have_v sure_a ground_n of_o its_o interpretation_n both_o from_o other_o scripture_n &_o from_o reason_n against_o the_o latter_a he_o object_n that_o then_o we_o disow_v the_o scripture_n rule_n and_o make_v our_o reason_n and_o other_o knowledge_n our_o rule_n i_o answer_v when_o we_o include_v scripture_n we_o can_v disow_v it_o yet_o withal_o we_o own_o reason_n as_o that_o whereby_o we_o judge_v of_o the_o significancy_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n as_o well_o in_o scripture_n as_o elsewhere_o he_o who_o do_v not_o this_o either_o do_v not_o understand_v phrase_n or_o have_v a_o prodigious_a art_n of_o understanding_n without_o reason_n yea_o we_o do_v profess_v to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o god_n by_o reason_n thereby_o to_o understand_v the_o better_a other_o expression_n which_o concern_v god_n in_o truth_n reveal_v since_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n give_v the_o scripture_n as_o a_o further_a revelation_n to_o man_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v that_o reason_n and_o 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consent_n in_o all_o material_a thing_n nor_o can_v i_o imagine_v that_o either_o this_o author_n or_o any_o understanding_n papist_n can_v believe_v this_o story_n for_o since_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v much_o their_o design_n to_o bring_v the_o new_a testament_n and_o old_a likewise_o so_o far_o into_o question_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v a_o rule_n if_o they_o think_v in_o truth_n that_o archbishop_n usher_v observe_v so_o much_o of_o various_a reading_n as_o will_v effectual_o do_v this_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v they_o will_v soon_o collect_v and_o publish_v such_o various_a reading_n or_o procure_v some_o other_o to_o do_v it_o unless_o they_o do_v imagine_v that_o that_o be_v observe_v by_o bishop_n usher_n which_o can_v be_v observe_v by_o any_o other_o man_n now_o as_o their_o not_o perform_v this_o persuade_v we_o protestant_n that_o the_o papist_n themselves_o do_v not_o believe_v this_o story_n so_o it_o discover_v to_o we_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o believe_v it_o ourselves_o thus_o have_v discover_v the_o doubt_n move_v by_o this_o discourser_n not_o to_o be_v acute_a and_o convictive_a we_o conclude_v that_o this_o property_n notwithstanding_o these_o doubt_n do_v belong_v to_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v defensible_a against_o the_o most_o acute_a adversary_n and_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n concern_v it_o to_o prevail_v with_o they_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o four_o discourse_n show_v that_o the_o two_o last_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v agree_v to_o scripture_n §_o 1._o these_o two_o last_o property_n be_v certainty_n in_o itself_o and_o ascertainableness_n to_o we_o that_o the_o latter_a can_v agree_v to_o scripture_n be_v the_o subject_n he_o say_v of_o his_o forego_n discourse_n and_o depend_v upon_o the_o former_a its_o be_v certain_a in_o itself_o what_o he_o urge_v in_o his_o forego_n discourse_n i_o have_v in_o i_o answer_v and_o shall_v now_o examine_v what_o he_o write_v against_o the_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n §_o 2._o to_o show_v scripture_n not_o certain_a in_o itself_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o material_a character_n in_o book_n may_v be_v burn_v tear_v blot_v out_o or_o wear_v out_o and_o this_o he_o call_v a_o deep_a consideration_n because_o it_o will_v be_v a_o disorderly_a proceed_n to_o lay_v such_o a_o weak_a mean_n for_o so_o main_a a_o end_n as_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n these_o be_v indeed_o but_o vain_a and_o empty_a word_n which_o he_o call_v his_o deep_a consideration_n for_o do_v this_o author_n imagine_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o any_o other_o record_n which_o be_v preserve_v because_o they_o consist_v of_o matter_n capable_a of_o perish_v and_o where_o do_v he_o learn_v that_o nothing_o which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o most_o unalterable_a nature_n in_o the_o world_n must_v be_v make_v the_o mean_n of_o man_n salvation_n let_v this_o deep_a considerer_n think_v whether_o after_o the_o promise_n to_o abraham_n of_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v out_o of_o isaac_n seed_n this_o seed_n can_v not_o be_v a_o mean_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n because_o isaac_n may_v possible_o have_v be_v kill_v before_o he_o have_v any_o seed_n and_o all_o his_o child_n be_v mortal_a man_n and_o be_v there_o not_o a_o much_o great_a possibility_n then_o of_o isaac_n death_n before_o he_o have_v any_o seed_n or_o of_o all_o his_o seed_n after_o than_o there_o now_o be_v of_o all_o the_o copy_n of_o scripture_n be_v destroy_v and_o may_v not_o the_o same_o be_v urge_v concern_v the_o seed_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n yea_o so_o pernicious_o dangerous_a be_v the_o assertion_n of_o this_o author_n that_o they_o will_v tempt_v man_n to_o reject_v the_o everblessed_n jesus_n as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n but_o dare_v he_o say_v that_o the_o life_n and_o ministry_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n can_v not_o be_v a_o mean_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n because_o he_o be_v in_o our_o nature_n liable_a to_o death_n and_o to_o he_o who_o only_o consider_v this_o nature_n it_o may_v seem_v possible_a he_o may_v have_v die_v before_o he_o have_v declare_v all_o gospel-doctrine_n but_o this_o empty_a and_o vain_a consideration_n of_o this_o author_n have_v its_o foundation_n either_o in_o imagine_v the_o world_n without_o a_o god_n to_o order_v it_o or_o at_o least_o in_o suppose_v that_o the_o mean_n of_o man_n salvation_n must_v have_v their_o effect_n from_o the_o strength_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o from_o god_n who_o can_v use_v the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o mighty_a but_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o liable_a to_o be_v destroy_v as_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o nature_n as_o this_o author_n false_o assert_n be_v there_o but_o one_o copy_n to_o be_v find_v as_o it_o be_v in_o josiah_n time_n if_o this_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o profess_a enemy_n to_o religion_n there_o may_v be_v fear_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v lose_v if_o we_o have_v no_o eye_n to_o divine_a providence_n but_o since_o there_o be_v so_o many_o million_o of_o copy_n and_o the_o number_n yearly_o increase_v and_o these_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o many_o thousand_o who_o will_v hazard_v their_o life_n to_o preserve_v they_o there_o will_v appear_v more_o reason_n to_o fear_v that_o all_o the_o generation_n of_o mankind_n now_o grow_v up_o shall_v perish_v and_o die_v before_o they_o come_v to_o their_o full_a stature_n and_o so_o mankind_n cease_v for_o want_v of_o propagation_n than_o to_o imagine_v that_o all_o the_o copy_n of_o scripture_n shall_v be_v destroy_v for_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o every_o generation_n many_o thousand_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n or_o childhood_n so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o demonstration_n nor_o rational_a proof_n that_o all_o shall_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v by_o consider_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o as_o a_o copy_n of_o scripture_n be_v in_o itself_o much_o more_o durable_a than_o the_o life_n of_o a_o man_n as_o appear_v by_o many_o copy_n write_v several_a age_n since_o and_o these_o copy_n be_v more_o capable_a of_o lie_v undiscovered_a from_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o enemy_n than_o a_o man_n be_v who_o must_v be_v where_o he_o may_v have_v food_n to_o preserve_v he_o so_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o eye_n or_o hand_n of_o providence_n in_o preserve_a scripture_n as_o in_o preserve_v mankind_n for_o these_o scripture_n never_o can_v be_v destroy_v when_o there_o be_v not_o such_o innumerable_a copy_n as_o now_o there_o be_v when_o the_o jew_n only_o have_v these_o oracle_n of_o god_n many_o learned_a man_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o manasseh_n and_o some_o that_o amon_n design_v the_o destroy_v all_o scripture_n copies_n yet_o there_o be_v one_o leave_v which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o bring_v to_o josiah_n antiochus_n epiphanes_n as_o josephus_n relate_v antiqu._n jud._n lib._n 12._o c._n 7._o make_v the_o same_o attempt_n but_o can_v not_o effect_v it_o and_o after_o christ_n the_o same_o be_v endeavour_v by_o dioclesian_n euseb_n hist_o eccl._n lib._n 7.20_o but_o such_o design_n prevail_v not_o and_o yet_o then_o there_o be_v not_o probable_o one_o copy_n of_o scripture_n for_o some_o hundred_o now_o yea_o further_o if_o the_o case_n shall_v be_v such_o that_o no_o copy_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v find_v it_o be_v not_o impossible_a with_o god_n who_o can_v have_v raise_v isaac_n from_o the_o dead_a if_o he_o have_v be_v slay_v by_o extraordinary_a messenger_n to_o renew_v the_o scripture_n if_o they_o be_v not_o otherwise_o to_o be_v have_v god_n have_v take_v other_o care_n by_o his_o providence_n for_o their_o preservation_n yet_o those_o ancient_a father_n as_o tertullian_n de_fw-fr habitu_fw-la muliebr_n c._n 3._o clem._n alex._n strom._n 1_o irenaeus_n advers._fw-la haeres_fw-la lib._n 3._o c._n 25._o and_o s._n hierome_n etc._n etc._n who_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o scripture_n then_o write_v be_v lose_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n do_v assert_v they_o again_o restore_v by_o ezra_n but_o that_o position_n of_o the_o scripture_n then_o be_v lose_v be_v explode_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o judicious_a papist_n such_o as_o baronius_n ad_fw-la an._n 180._o bellarmine_n and_o other_o not_o only_o as_o be_v a_o apocryphal_a story_n contradict_v in_o neh._n 8.1_o 2._o but_o by_o baronius_n in_o the_o place_n cite_v it_o be_v express_o declare_v not_o possible_a that_o since_o they_o have_v at_o least_o as_o many_o copy_n of_o scripture_n as_o synagogue_n yet_o none_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v preserve_v much_o less_o can_v they_o now_o be_v lose_v since_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o there_o be_v now_o as_o many_o thousand_o of_o copy_n as_o be_v then_o jewish_a synagogue_n hence_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o
man_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o capable_a of_o be_v instruct_v at_o all_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o faith_n or_o matter_n of_o mere_a belief_n unless_o this_o author_n can_v discover_v some_o other_o way_n of_o instruction_n in_o these_o thing_n than_o by_o plain_a word_n but_o do_v not_o this_o cavil_n strike_v at_o all_o way_n of_o knowledge_n and_o even_o at_o tradition_n as_o much_o as_o scripture_n for_o if_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v pervert_v by_o a_o scholar_n be_v not_o the_o word_n deliver_v by_o tradition_n capable_a of_o be_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n pervert_v if_o not_o it_o must_v either_o be_v because_o the_o same_o word_n write_v or_o read_v can_v have_v so_o plain_a a_o sense_n as_o when_o they_o be_v speak_v without_o reference_n to_o any_o book_n or_o else_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n must_v be_v think_v wise_a than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o they_o can_v speak_v the_o plain_a truth_n of_o god_n better_a and_o with_o less_o lyableness_n to_o mistake_v than_o the_o apostle_n write_v who_o yet_o profess_v to_o use_v plainness_n but_o he_o ask_v when_o we_o see_v protestant_n and_o socinian_o make_v use_n as_o they_o conceive_v of_o the_o best_a advantage_n the_o letter_n give_v they_o yet_o differ_v in_o so_o main_a point_n as_o of_o the_o trinity_n and_o of_o christ_n divinity_n what_o certainty_n can_v we_o promise_v to_o weak_a head_n i_o answer_v weak_a head_n may_v well_o enough_o be_v satisfy_v with_o that_o evidence_n which_o man_n of_o great_a part_n through_o prejudice_n do_v not_o entertain_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o best_a evidence_n do_v not_o all_o agree_v in_o so_o main_a a_o point_n as_o which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n whether_o christianity_n judaisme_n or_o gentilism_n will_v it_o thence_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o expect_v that_o man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n shall_v discern_v evidence_n enough_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o rational_a hope_n of_o their_o conversion_n though_o many_o thousand_o of_o they_o believe_v or_o in_o the_o matter_n now_o in_o hand_n can_v he_o imagine_v that_o until_o all_o learned_a man_n of_o protestant_n and_o papist_n be_v agree_v in_o so_o main_a a_o point_n as_o which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n no_o ordinary_a capacity_n can_v he_o satisfy_v concern_v this_o rule_n upon_o any_o solid_a ground_n i_o be_o confident_a himself_n do_v not_o think_v so_o and_o protestant_n be_v full_o certain_a of_o the_o contrary_n in_o like_a manner_n protestant_n in_o general_n even_o the_o vulgar_a appear_v full_o satisfy_v about_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o evidence_n which_o scripture_n give_v to_o these_o great_a truth_n yea_o so_o plain_o be_v they_o in_o scripture_n that_o he_o must_v be_v acute_a in_o devise_v way_n to_o evade_v the_o evidence_n of_o these_o truth_n who_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o nor_o can_v we_o think_v that_o the_o socinian_o can_v either_o deny_v these_o truth_n or_o entertain_v their_o own_o way_n of_o interpretation_n if_o it_o be_v not_o that_o these_o truth_n be_v above_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n to_o comprehend_v as_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o imagine_v much_o be_v which_o concern_v the_o infinite_a divine_a be_v and_o that_o they_o do_v too_o much_o magnify_v reason_n in_o not_o receive_v any_o thing_n which_o reason_n can_v conceive_v how_o it_o be_v or_o may_v be_v and_o so_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o their_o make_a scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o rather_o in_o these_o point_n the_o set_n up_o another_o rule_n and_o make_v scripture_n the_o thing_n rule_v which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o not_o own_v these_o truth_n have_v now_o answer_v all_o his_o objection_n and_o vindicate_v scripture_n from_o all_o his_o cavil_n i_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v all_o the_o forementioned_a property_n belong_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n after_o this_o §_o 7._o he_o excuse_v himself_o as_o not_o have_v speak_v this_o against_o scripture_n upon_o his_o own_o principle_n but_o that_o all_o he_o have_v speak_v as_o he_o say_v but_o i_o have_v show_v the_o contrary_a follow_v upon_o the_o protestant_n principle_n this_o speak_v he_o to_o act_v a_o part_n in_o the_o disgrace_n scripture_n which_o he_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o and_o therefore_o he_o here_o acknowledge_v high_a excellency_n in_o these_o sacred_a oracle_n for_o if_o he_o indeed_o think_v there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o church_n delivery_n and_o of_o the_o uncorruptness_n of_o it_o as_o to_o faith_n from_o the_o agreement_n of_o ancient_a copy_n than_o he_o must_v without_o dissimulation_n profess_v that_o upon_o his_o own_o principle_n all_o those_o imperfection_n be_v attribute_v to_o scripture_n since_o the_o papist_n yea_o the_o pope_n themselves_o have_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v none_o other_o way_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o these_o thing_n by_o and_o reason_n will_v evidence_n they_o can_v have_v none_o other_o which_o the_o protestant_n can_v have_v as_o well_o as_o they_o but_o if_o he_o think_v there_o be_v any_o certainty_n in_o these_o proof_n he_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o protestant_n who_o own_o these_o proof_n have_v this_o certainty_n but_o he_o say_v all_o he_o design_n be_v that_o scripture_n be_v most_o improper_a for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v never_o intend_v for_o such_o as_o may_v be_v evince_v because_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n go_v not_o with_o book_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o deliver_v christ_n doctrine_n but_o with_o word_n in_o their_o mouth_n whence_o primitive_a antiquity_n learn_v their_o faith_n before_o those_o book_n be_v universal_o spread_v among_o the_o vulgar_a much_o less_o the_o catalogue_n acknowledge_v what_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o apostle_n not_o have_v book_n in_o their_o hand_n either_o refer_v to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o of_o the_o new_a as_o to_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o both_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n sometime_o have_v they_o in_o their_o hand_n and_z which_o be_v most_o considerable_a have_v they_o ordinary_o in_o their_o mouth_n to_o declare_v from_o thence_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n thus_o christ_n begin_v at_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n expound_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o thing_n concern_v himself_o luke_n 24.27_o and_o s._n paul_n act_v 17.2_o 3._o reason_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n open_v and_o allege_v and_o apollo_n act._n 18.28_o convince_a the_o jew_n show_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ_n which_o be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v question_v but_o they_o have_v with_o they_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o jew_n teach_v as_o we_o read_v 2_o chron._n 17.9_o they_o teach_v in_o judah_n and_o have_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o they_o and_o have_v not_o philip_n the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o he_o expound_v when_o he_o convert_v the_o eunuch_n but_o possible_o he_o mean_v they_o have_v not_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o their_o hand_n indeed_o before_o they_o be_v write_v they_o can_v not_o have_v they_o nor_o can_v they_o then_o be_v a_o rule_n however_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n testimony_n be_v then_o and_o now_o be_v the_o rule_n to_o know_v what_o be_v deliver_v by_o christ_n but_o their_o testimony_n by_o speech_n be_v temporary_a and_o can_v not_o remain_v after_o their_o death_n while_o this_o continue_v it_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o they_o also_o have_v another_o way_n of_o testimony_n which_o be_v by_o write_v and_o this_o as_o it_o continue_v with_o we_o be_v to_o we_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n because_o their_o testimony_n and_o so_o s._n john_n call_v his_o gospel_n his_o testimony_n joh._n 21.24_o and_o saint_n peter_n speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n of_o his_o epistle_n 1_o pet._n 5.12_o what_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n not_o have_v their_o write_n in_o their_o hand_n after_o they_o be_v write_v be_v a_o gross_a falsehood_n as_o will_n more_o plain_o appear_v from_o what_o in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n may_v be_v observe_v from_o several_a authority_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n yea_o s._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n with_o other_o apostolical_a man_n go_v to_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n with_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o their_o hand_n act._n 15.22_o which_o be_v the_o first_o
be_v prove_v yea_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o among_o the_o most_o eminent_a father_n who_o live_v not_o long_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n there_o be_v acknowledge_v some_o error_n and_o they_o be_v not_o alone_o in_o they_o but_o have_v many_o partaker_n and_o follower_n cyprian_n err_v about_o rebaptising_a justin_n martyr_n papias_n irenaeus_n lactantius_n and_o other_o be_v in_o the_o error_n of_o the_o chiliast_n and_o many_o other_o erroneous_a opinion_n be_v in_o some_o of_o the_o forementioned_a author_n and_o in_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o much_o more_o in_o tertullian_n and_o origen_n so_o that_o though_o this_o ground_n if_o the_o other_o all_o hold_n may_v help_v we_o to_o know_v the_o great_a point_n of_o religion_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v no_o security_n to_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n from_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n the_o second_o ground_n be_v of_o the_o time_n nature_n with_o the_o former_a which_o concern_v only_o the_o chief_a truth_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o faithful_a can_v not_o while_n free_a from_o error_n believe_v this_o which_o be_v a_o error_n that_o the_o want_n of_o understand_v any_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v the_o way_n to_o damnation_n for_o s._n paul_n say_v express_o that_o they_o must_v receive_v the_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o god_n have_v receive_v he_o and_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o stand_v rom._n 14.1_o 3_o 4._o so_o that_o though_o they_o do_v know_v the_o great_a truth_n of_o christian_a faith_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o will_v diligent_o learn_v they_o and_o teach_v they_o and_o though_o they_o do_v know_v that_o the_o denial_n or_o reject_v of_o any_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v evidence_n be_v of_o god_n be_v likewise_o dreadful_o dangerous_a which_o will_v engage_v they_o to_o hold_v fast_o all_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v receive_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o high_a hope_n and_o fear_v fetch_v before_o they_o yet_o will_v not_o the_o same_o enforcement_n lie_v upon_o they_o to_o show_v the_o necessity_n either_o of_o their_o own_o know_v or_o of_o their_o child_n be_v instruct_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o truth_n since_o there_o be_v mystery_n and_o strong_a meat_n for_o the_o perfect_a and_o milk_n for_o the_o weak_a yet_o i_o also_o assert_v that_o as_o there_o be_v many_o person_n of_o eminent_a knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n who_o have_v great_a gift_n of_o knowledge_n and_o interpretation_n by_o the_o teach_n of_o these_o man_n if_o it_o be_v diligent_o heed_v all_o divine_a truth_n may_v possible_o be_v receive_v by_o some_o other_o in_o the_o next_o generation_n who_o have_v capacity_n of_o understand_v they_o but_o i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o judge_v that_o these_o be_v multitude_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n will_v excite_v all_o the_o faithful_a as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n both_o to_o endeavour_n to_o 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