which_o be_v plain_o and_o perspicuous_o enough_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n without_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o church_n infallible_a authority_n which_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o teach_v but_o by_o place_n far_o more_o doubtful_a sect_n xxii_o it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n therefore_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o scripture_n to_o this_o rule_n then_o let_v we_o stick_v keep_v those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n always_o in_o mind_n iii._o joh._n 21_o 22._o he_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v but_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n let_v that_o be_v his_o guide_n who_o will_v not_o go_v astray_o in_o dangerous_a path_n into_o which_o he_o can_v fall_v who_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n wherein_o all_o necessary_a truth_n be_v set_v down_o as_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o best_a doctor_n unanimous_o agree_v we_o be_v certain_a every_o way_n by_o believe_v they_o to_o believe_v all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o if_o our_o life_n be_v according_o without_o which_o they_o tell_v we_o our_o belief_n will_v be_v vain_a it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v fail_v of_o everlasting_a salvation_n to_o these_o alone_a as_o st._n austin_n speak_v for_o himself_o in_o his_o book_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n we_o owe_v a_o absolute_a consent_n without_o refuse_v any_o thing_n they_o propound_v to_o we_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v as_o his_o word_n be_v in_o his_o cxii_o epistle_n that_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o perspicuous_a authority_n of_o the_o divine_a scripture_n those_o viz._n which_o be_v canonical_a in_o the_o church_n it_o must_v be_v believe_v without_o any_o doubt_n but_o as_o for_o any_o other_o witness_n or_o testimony_n to_o which_o thou_o be_v persuade_v to_o give_v credit_n thou_o may_v believe_v they_o or_o not_o believe_v they_o according_a as_o thou_o perceive_v they_o to_o deserve_v or_o not_o deserve_v to_o be_v rely_v on_o a_o great_a reverence_n be_v due_a to_o the_o church_n and_o its_o testimony_n though_o less_o to_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n than_o other_o because_o it_o have_v so_o gross_o abuse_v the_o world_n by_o false_a record_n and_o forge_a miracle_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n yet_o only_o as_o to_o a_o humane_a testimony_n which_o can_v equal_v that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n sect_n xxiii_o which_o have_v more_o manifest_a note_n of_o certainty_n than_o the_o church_n for_o if_o we_o take_v their_o own_o way_n and_o method_n to_o assure_v our_o mind_n that_o we_o follow_v a_o infallible_a guide_n there_o be_v no_o note_n which_o they_o give_v of_o the_o true_a church_n which_o they_o say_v aught_o to_o be_v our_o guide_n but_o plead_v far_o more_o strong_o for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o we_o shall_v rather_o follow_v they_o and_o give_v a_o undoubted_a credit_n to_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o run_v over_o all_o those_o note_n nor_o examine_v the_o certainty_n of_o they_o but_o only_o brief_o name_v some_o of_o they_o and_o show_v that_o if_o they_o prove_v any_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n above_o the_o church_n first_o they_o say_v the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v venerable_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v regard_v but_o as_o that_o name_n be_v not_o proper_a to_o they_o alone_o so_o if_o there_o be_v any_o power_n in_o name_n to_o make_v we_o respect_v any_o thing_n what_o more_o awful_a than_o the_o name_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o be_v always_o give_v to_o these_o book_n to_o which_o we_o advise_v all_o christian_n to_o adhere_v the_o next_o note_n which_o be_v antiquity_n be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o scripture_n also_o which_o more_o just_o claim_v to_o be_v ancient_a than_o all_o other_o book_n which_o pretend_v to_o any_o divinity_n than_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v claim_v to_o be_v ancient_a than_o all_o other_o society_n which_o call_v themselves_o by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n nay_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o must_v be_v suppose_v as_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v before_o the_o church_n which_o be_v make_v by_o belief_n and_o profession_n of_o that_o doctrine_n and_o the_o old_a testament_n certain_o write_v long_o before_o the_o church_n be_v make_v catholic_n as_o for_o unity_n in_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o comparable_a to_o the_o scripture_n who_o agreement_n and_o consent_n of_o part_n be_v admirable_a and_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o sure_a bond_n of_o true_a catholic_n unity_n it_o be_v as_o manifest_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o and_o preserve_v we_o in_o it_o if_o we_o adhere_v to_o they_o by_o keep_v we_o close_o to_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o have_v usurp_v the_o name_n of_o catholic_n make_v this_o bless_a unity_n impossible_a for_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n to_o it_o either_o that_o we_o all_o agree_v in_o our_o opinion_n about_o religion_n or_o that_o while_o we_o differ_v it_o be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o communion_n they_o have_v make_v the_o latter_a as_o impossible_a as_o the_o former_a because_o they_o make_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o communion_n and_o salvation_n to_o believe_v in_o every_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o holiness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o doctrine_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o church_n speak_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n sanctity_n of_o the_o author_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o can_v be_v know_v but_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o glory_n of_o miracle_n the_o light_n of_o prophecy_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o touch_v upon_o one_o more_o the_o amplitude_n and_o universality_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o make_v their_o boast_n but_o herein_o the_o scripture_n most_o evident_o excel_v their_o authority_n be_v there_o sacred_a where_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o note_n these_o be_v be_v not_o know_v or_o not_o regard_v for_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n of_o whatsoever_o sect_n they_o be_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n whereas_o they_o alone_o say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n all_o christian_n beside_o who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o pretence_n of_o they_o absolute_o deny_v it_o and_o maintain_v the_o divinity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n against_o all_o their_o cavil_n sect_n xxiv_o the_o great_a encouragement_n we_o have_v to_o do_v so_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n then_o we_o follow_v the_o sure_a guide_n by_o their_o own_o confession_n for_o first_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o be_v certain_o lead_v by_o god_n but_o by_o follow_v the_o church_n we_o be_v only_o lead_v by_o men._n and_o consequent_o the_o faith_n we_o build_v upon_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o divine_a faith_n but_o the_o faith_n we_o build_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n mere_o can_v be_v no_o more_o than_o humane_a for_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_o and_o ample_o prove_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n by_o all_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v allege_v in_o the_o three_o book_n of_o this_o work_n the_o like_a to_o which_o can_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n which_o can_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v that_o god_n have_v bid_v we_o believe_v it_o but_o by_o send_v we_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o whence_o it_o derive_v all_o its_o authority_n which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o here_o i_o will_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o transcribe_v part_n of_o the_o discourse_n of_o a_o great_a man_n on_o this_o subject_a with_o some_o addition_n that_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o follow_v that_o which_o they_o themselves_o be_v force_v to_o follow_v as_o be_v note_v before_o and_o on_o which_o they_o entire_o depend_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o their_o own_o authority_n on_o which_o they_o will_v have_v we_o entire_o depend_v who_o have_v reason_n rather_o to_o rely_v on_o that_o which_o they_o rely_v and_o in_o so_o do_v tacit_o confess_v the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o that_o they_o be_v sure_a of_o their_o truth_n than_o of_o the_o church_n infallibility_n and_o three_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o follow_v that_o which_o must_v be_v true_a if_o their_o church_n which_o they_o will_v have_v we_o follow_v have_v any_o truth_n in_o it_o for_o their_o church_n can_v but_o give_v attestation_n to_o they_o whereas_o if_o we_o follow_v their_o church_n we_o must_v follow_v that_o which_o
another_o humour_n but_o in_o the_o other_o there_o be_v licence_n grant_v to_o depart_v and_o be_v divorce_v here_o the_o husband_n perform_v himself_o what_o he_o require_v of_o his_o wife_n and_o by_o his_o own_o example_n teach_v she_o to_o fasten_v her_o affection_n upon_o he_o alone_o but_o there_o they_o may_v have_v wife_n after_o wife_n there_o be_v still_o new_a incentives_n and_o fresh_a provocation_n to_o lust_n here_o religion_n be_v plant_v within_o and_o root_v in_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v well_o cultivate_v may_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n profitable_a for_o mankind_n but_o there_o religion_n spend_v almost_o its_o whole_a force_n in_o circumcision_n and_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n that_o of_o themselves_o be_v neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a final_o here_o in_o christianity_n a_o moderate_a use_n of_o meat_n and_o wine_n be_v allow_v of_o but_o there_o in_o mahumetism_n man_n be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v swine_n flesh_n and_o to_o drink_v wine_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v a_o great_a gift_n of_o god_n beneficial_a both_o for_o body_n and_o mind_n if_o it_o be_v sober_o take_v and_o true_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o some_o childish_a rudiment_n be_v teach_v before_o the_o most_o perfect_a law_n as_o that_o of_o christ_n be_v but_o after_o the_o promulgation_n thereof_o to_o return_v again_o to_o type_n and_o figure_n be_v preposterous_a neither_o can_v any_o just_a reason_n be_v give_v why_o after_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v far_o the_o best_a it_o shall_v be_v fit_a that_o any_o other_o shall_v be_v bring_v forth_o sect_n ix_o answer_v to_o the_o mahometans_n objection_n concern_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o mahometans_n tell_v we_o they_o be_v not_o a_o little_a displease_v with_o we_o for_o say_v that_o god_n have_v a_o son_n see_v he_o use_v not_o a_o wife_n as_o though_o the_o word_n son_n can_v not_o have_v a_o more_o divine_a signification_n in_o god_n but_o mahumet_n himself_o attribute_n many_o thing_n as_o dishonourable_a and_o ill-beseeming_a god_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o wife_n thus_o he_o say_v that_o god_n have_v a_o cold_a hand_n which_o himself_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o god_n be_v carry_v in_o a_o chair_n and_o the_o like_a howbeit_o when_o we_o say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o do_v but_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o he_o mean_v when_o he_o call_v he_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o word_n be_v after_o a_o sort_n beget_v of_o the_o mind_n add_v further_o that_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n only_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n supply_v the_o virtue_n or_o efficacy_n of_o a_o father_n that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n he_o be_v carry_v up_o into_o heaven_n all_o which_o be_v confess_v even_o by_o mahumet_n himself_o do_v show_v that_o jesus_n by_o a_o singular_a prerogative_n and_o peculiar_a right_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n sect_n x._o many_o absurd_a thing_n in_o the_o book_n of_o mahumetan_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o will_v be_v long_o to_o relate_v how_o many_o thing_n there_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o history_n and_o many_o thing_n very_o ridiculous_a in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o mahometans_n such_o be_v that_o fable_n of_o a_o fair_a and_o beautiful_a woman_n that_o learn_v a_o solemn_a charm_n or_o song_n of_o some_o angel_n that_o be_v drink_v whereby_o she_o be_v wont_a to_o ascend_v into_o the_o sky_n and_o likewise_o descend_v again_o and_o ascend_v once_o a_o great_a height_n into_o heaven_n she_o be_v catch_v of_o god_n and_o there_o fix_v and_o make_v that_o star_n which_o be_v call_v venus_n like_o to_o this_o be_v that_o of_o a_o mouse_n in_o noah_n ark_n that_o be_v breed_v of_o a_o elephant_n dung_n and_o a_o cat_n of_o the_o breath_n of_o a_o lion_n more_o special_o that_o most_o notorious_a fiction_n concern_v death_n to_o be_v change_v into_o a_o ram_n that_o must_v remain_v in_o the_o middle_a space_n between_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o the_o fable_n of_o sweat_v out_o their_o good_a cheer_n in_o the_o other_o life_n when_o likewise_o they_o imagine_v there_o shall_v be_v whole_a troop_n of_o woman_n assign_v to_o every_o man_n for_o pleasure_n of_o carnal_a copulation_n all_o which_o be_v so_o very_o egregious_a absurdity_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v they_o deserve_v to_o be_v stupefy_v and_o give_v over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n for_o his_o iniquity_n special_o such_o a_o one_o as_o life_n where_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v sect_n xi_o a_o conclusion_n direct_v unto_o christian_n admonish_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o what_o have_v former_o be_v handle_v and_o thus_o have_v end_v this_o last_o disputation_n against_o the_o mahometans_n there_o follow_v a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a not_o to_o alien_n or_o stranger_n but_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n of_o what_o name_n nation_n or_o quality_n soever_o they_o be_v show_v brief_o the_o use_n or_o application_n of_o what_o have_v hitherto_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o end_n those_o thing_n may_v be_v follow_v and_o seek_v after_o which_o be_v good_a and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o evil_n eschew_v first_o of_o all_o that_o they_o lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n and_o heart_n unto_o that_o god_n who_o of_o nothing_o make_v all_o visible_a and_o invisible_a thing_n have_v sure_a confidence_n in_o he_o that_o his_o providence_n and_o care_n watch_v over_o we_o see_v that_o without_o his_o permission_n not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o sparrow_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o let_v they_o not_o fear_v those_o which_o can_v only_o kill_v the_o body_n but_o rather_o let_v they_o fear_v he_o that_o have_v like_o power_n both_o over_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o let_v they_o not_o only_o trust_v in_o god_n the_o father_n but_o also_o in_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n upon_o earth_n by_o which_o we_o can_v be_v save_v and_o this_o they_o may_v right_o do_v if_o they_o be_v very_o persuade_v that_o eternal_a life_n be_v prepare_v not_o for_o such_o as_o in_o word_n only_o call_v god_n their_o father_n and_o jesus_n their_o lord_n but_o for_o such_o as_o frame_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o jesus_n and_o their_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n furthermore_o christian_n be_v admonish_v faithful_o and_o with_o due_a care_n to_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o most_o precious_a treasure_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n let_v they_o often_o read_v and_o meditate_v the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whereby_o no_o man_n can_v be_v deceive_v unless_o first_o he_o deceive_v himself_o for_o the_o author_n and_o penman_n of_o those_o write_n be_v more_o just_a and_o full_a of_o divine_a inspiration_n than_o that_o they_o will_v deprive_v we_o of_o necessary_a truth_n or_o cover_v and_o conceal_v the_o same_o with_o any_o cloud_n howbeit_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n hereof_o we_o must_v bring_v a_o mind_n dispose_v and_o prepare_v to_o obedience_n which_o if_o we_o do_v than_o nothing_o shall_v be_v hide_v from_o we_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v hope_v for_o or_o do_v by_o we_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n that_o holy_a spirit_n will_v be_v cherish_v and_o excite_v in_o we_o which_o be_v give_v we_o for_o a_o pledge_n and_o earnest_n of_o our_o future_a happiness_n moreover_o i_o deter_v christian_n from_o imitate_v the_o pagan_n first_o in_o their_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o vain_a name_n which_o evil_a daemon_n use_v to_o alienate_v our_o mind_n and_o affection_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n wherefore_o we_o can_v possible_o participate_v with_o they_o in_o their_o service_n and_o expect_v to_o receive_v benefit_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n second_o neither_o may_v christian_n imitate_v the_o heathen_a in_o their_o licentious_a and_o dissolute_a manner_n of_o life_n have_v no_o other_o law_n than_o what_o be_v suggest_v by_o lust_n and_o prompt_v by_o sensual_a desire_n from_o which_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v far_o remove_v who_o shall_v not_o only_o far_o excel_v the_o vicious_a and_o profane_a pagan_n but_o likewise_o the_o lawyer_n and_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n who_o righteousness_n consist_v only_o in_o some_o outward_a performance_n can_v never_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n circumcision_n that_o be_v make_v with_o hand_n be_v now_o nothing_o worth_a but_o it_o be_v the_o inward_a circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n the_o new_a creature_n faith_n that_o be_v perfect_v in_o love_n which_o make_v man_n know_v to_o be_v true_a israelite_n and_o mystical_a jew_n that_o be_v praiser_n of_o god_n and_o commendable_a in_o his_o
shall_v mistake_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o secure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o with_o honest_a and_o upright_a heart_n continue_v to_o inquire_v after_o the_o truth_n design_v nothing_o else_o that_o error_n shall_v not_o prejudice_v we_o but_o god_n will_v either_o discover_v to_o we_o his_o mind_n or_o not_o condemn_v we_o for_o our_o error_n of_o weakness_n not_o of_o wilfulness_n sect_n xx._n the_o vanity_n of_o their_o appeal_n to_o tradition_n as_o for_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n by_o tradition_n they_o may_v be_v pretend_v and_o talk_v of_o but_o can_v be_v produce_v in_o most_o place_n where_o we_o be_v desirous_a of_o that_o help_n which_o we_o glad_o receive_v when_o we_o can_v have_v it_o by_o a_o true_o universal_a consent_n but_o as_o for_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n they_o do_v not_o absolute_o agree_v with_o each_o other_o in_o their_o exposition_n of_o those_o text_n upon_o which_o controversy_n of_o great_a moment_n be_v now_o ground_v nay_o they_o oft_o time_n propound_v divers_a interpretation_n alike_o probable_a and_o sometime_o plain_o intimate_v their_o doubtfulness_n and_o make_v but_o imperfect_a conjecture_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o intend_v to_o excite_v posterity_n to_o seek_v for_o further_a resolution_n therefore_o we_o shall_v not_o dissent_v from_o they_o though_o we_o do_v not_o assent_v to_o all_o their_o particular_a interpretation_n nay_o we_o can_v more_o dissent_v from_o they_o than_o by_o follow_v their_o interpretation_n on_o such_o strict_a term_n as_o the_o romanist_n will_v bind_v we_o all_o to_o do_v when_o they_o seem_v to_o make_v for_o their_o advantage_n for_o then_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o surmise_n or_o conjecture_v of_o any_o one_o father_n but_o must_v suffice_v against_o the_o joint_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o which_o rule_n of_o serve_v their_o interest_n they_o be_v so_o true_a that_o they_o stick_v not_o to_o reject_v any_o interpretation_n of_o the_o father_n when_o they_o think_v good_a and_o which_o be_v more_o to_o prefer_v their_o own_o exposition_n before_o they_o and_o so_o they_o do_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o all_o other_o tradition_n though_o call_v apostolical_a for_o instance_n the_o threefold_a immersion_n in_o baptism_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v flow_v from_o a_o apostolical_a canon_n be_v long_o ago_o abolish_v say_v their_o canus_n by_o a_o contrary_a custom_n and_o so_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o give_v the_o communion_n to_o infant_n which_o prevail_v say_v their_o maldonate_fw-it for_o 600._o year_n in_o the_o church_n not_o only_o antiquate_v by_o they_o but_o decree_v to_o be_v unlawful_a which_o clear_o show_v that_o they_o may_v if_o they_o please_v make_v a_o end_n of_o all_o the_o controversy_n that_o trouble_v the_o church_n without_o any_o disparagement_n but_o rather_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o its_o authority_n for_o challenge_v a_o power_n to_o alter_v even_o the_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o take_v away_o the_o cup_n from_o the_o people_n in_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o much_o more_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n what_o need_v all_o this_o stir_n about_o apostolical_a tradition_n or_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o may_v lay_v aside_o at_o their_o pleasure_n and_o have_v lay_v aside_o as_o appear_v by_o many_o other_o instance_n beside_o those_o now_o name_v that_o may_v be_v give_v of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o direction_n of_o every_o honest_a heart_a man_n to_o know_v which_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n can_v be_v and_o may_v be_v undoubted_o rely_v on_o that_o nothing_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n than_o this_o that_o the_o doctor_n of_o it_o declare_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v full_a and_o perspicuous_a in_o all_o needful_a matter_n and_o therefore_o there_o need_v no_o other_o tradition_n but_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o satisfy_v we_o abundant_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v universal_o receive_v sect_n xxi_o and_o their_o guilt_n in_o what_o they_o say_v about_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o can_v therefore_o be_v a_o great_a demonstration_n of_o their_o guilt_n than_o this_o that_o notwithstanding_o such_o evident_a testimony_n from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o the_o concurrent_a stream_n of_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o christ_n church_n they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o avoid_v this_o trial_n by_o the_o scripture_n to_o say_v so_o many_o scandalous_a thing_n as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o disparagement_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n many_o of_o they_o be_v common_o know_v and_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o repeat_v the_o rest_n but_o only_o say_v this_o great_a truth_n that_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o their_o church_n such_o as_o it_o be_v receive_v all_o its_o authority_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o the_o scripture_n from_o it_o for_o we_o can_v have_v no_o notion_n as_o be_v say_v before_o of_o a_o church_n or_o of_o its_o authority_n but_o from_o the_o scripture_n which_o therefore_o must_v be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o that_o which_o receive_v authority_n from_o they_o and_o be_v first_o suppose_v to_o be_v infallible_a before_o they_o can_v make_v we_o believe_v any_o thing_n else_o be_v so_o for_o we_o must_v be_v secure_a of_o the_o proof_n before_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o thing_n prove_v by_o it_o otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o proof_n but_o leave_v we_o as_o much_o in_o doubt_n as_o we_o be_v before_o it_o be_v allege_v if_o they_o say_v and_o what_o else_o can_v be_v say_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o must_v indeed_o learn_v their_o church_n infallibility_n from_o the_o scripture_n but_o then_o learn_v the_o rest_n from_o their_o church_n mark_v i_o beseech_v you_o what_o follow_v then_o it_o be_v manifest_a first_o that_o they_o themselves_o make_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o one_o article_n at_o least_o concern_v the_o catholic_n church_n infallibility_n which_o we_o must_v therefore_o believe_v and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n because_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o first_o infallible_o believe_v do_v teach_v and_o prove_v it_o whence_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o private_a man_n may_v and_o must_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n without_o the_o help_n of_o their_o church_n authority_n before_o they_o can_v believe_v any_o thing_n else_o because_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n for_o their_o belief_n of_o that_o infallibility_n which_o their_o church_n pretend_v which_o to_o they_o be_v the_o general_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o from_o thence_o it_o follow_v further_o that_o the_o scripture_n which_o to_o we_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n aught_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o they_o to_o be_v more_o than_o so_o even_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o what_o reason_n can_v any_o man_n allege_v why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o immediate_a rule_n of_o faith_n without_o send_v we_o elsewhere_o to_o seek_v it_o in_o all_o other_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n as_o well_o as_o in_o that_o of_o their_o pretend_a infallible_a church_n we_o may_v appeal_v to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n angel_n and_o man_n to_o witness_v between_o we_o and_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o a_o worthy_a champion_n of_o our_o cause_n do_v long_o ago_o whether_o the_o article_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n his_o death_n passion_n burial_n resurrection_n ascension_n intercession_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o life_n everlasting_a etc._n etc._n be_v not_o much_o more_o plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o any_o man_n apprehension_n whatsoever_o than_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n be_v in_o such_o word_n as_o these_o thou_o be_v peter_n etc._n etc._n feed_v my_o sheep_n or_o any_o other_o from_o whence_o they_o challenge_v it_o and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v require_v to_o learn_v these_o or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o christian_a faith_n mere_o from_o their_o church_n when_o we_o learn_v they_o so_o easy_o by_o the_o scripture_n in_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v more_o clear_o deliver_v than_o any_o thing_n we_o read_v about_o their_o church_n let_v no_o man_n doubt_v but_o if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v teach_v we_o that_o article_n of_o the_o church_n infallibility_n immediate_o by_o the_o scripture_n without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o church_n infallible_a authority_n as_o they_o themselves_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v because_o else_o the_o church_n can_v have_v no_o authority_n then_o he_o will_v immediate_o teach_v we_o by_o the_o same_o scripture_n any_o other_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n
though_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a may_v be_v false_a nay_o which_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a must_v be_v false_a because_o the_o scripture_n testify_v against_o it_o further_o 4thly_a to_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o have_v god_n express_a warrant_n and_o commandment_n without_o any_o colour_n for_o any_o prohibition_n but_o to_o believe_v their_o church_n infallible_a we_o have_v no_o commandment_n much_o less_o any_o express_a commandment_n nay_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v we_o be_v prohibit_v so_o to_o do_v in_o such_o word_n as_o those_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n which_o require_v we_o to_o examine_v before_o we_o trust_v and_o consequent_o not_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o blindfold_a to_o those_o who_o confident_o claim_v the_o infallibility_n of_o st._n peter_n but_o can_v produce_v any_o evidence_n of_o it_o again_o 5thly_a by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v keep_v to_o that_o which_o be_v always_o believe_v and_o every_o where_o receive_v but_o by_o follow_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o shall_v make_v ourselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o change_n and_o alteration_n which_o they_o have_v make_v as_o another_o great_a champion_n of_o our_o church_n have_v observe_v in_o the_o apostolical_a creed_n by_o make_v a_o new_a one_o contain_v thing_n that_o hold_v no_o conformity_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o the_o apostolical_a succession_n by_o engross_a the_o whole_a succession_n to_o rome_n and_o make_v other_o bishop_n to_o be_v but_o the_o pope_n deputy_n as_o to_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o in_o the_o apostolical_a government_n by_o erect_v a_o new_a and_o universal_a monarchy_n in_o the_o church_n and_o last_o in_o the_o apostolical_a communion_n by_o excommunicate_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n by_o 6thly_a follow_v the_o roman_a church_n also_o we_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o hold_v many_o thing_n not_o only_o above_o reason_n but_o against_o it_o whereas_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v only_o believe_v some_o mystery_n but_o no_o impossibility_n some_o thing_n above_o reason_n but_o nothing_o contrary_a to_o it_o for_o though_o there_o be_v thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o have_v they_o not_o be_v reveal_v reason_n can_v not_o have_v discover_v yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o there_o which_o be_v reveal_v can_v by_o true_a reason_n be_v confute_v 7thly_a contrary_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n indeed_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n &_o therefore_o by_o follow_v they_o we_o shall_v believe_v a_o religion_n which_o notwithstanding_o that_o great_a prejudice_n which_o man_n have_v to_o it_o prevail_v and_o enlarge_v itself_o over_o the_o world_n in_o a_o short_a time_n without_o any_o assistance_n from_o worldly_a power_n wit_n or_o policy_n nay_o against_o all_o these_o whereas_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v get_v all_o its_o authority_n over_o man_n conscience_n by_o no_o other_o mean_n than_o by_o devise_v false_a record_n false_a miracle_n and_o report_n as_o be_v say_v before_o and_o by_o comply_v with_o man_n corrupt_a affection_n or_o by_o persecute_v those_o that_o will_v not_o comply_v and_o by_o all_o other_o such_o like_a worldly_a mean_n whether_o of_o policy_n or_o force_n 8thly_a to_o which_o add_v that_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v believe_v a_o religion_n who_o first_o preacher_n and_o professor_n can_v have_v no_o worldly_a end_n to_o serve_v as_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v in_o the_o forego_n book_n but_o rather_o be_v to_o expect_v as_o they_o every_o where_n find_v nothing_o but_o disgrace_n vile_a nay_o cruel_a usage_n by_o all_o manner_n of_o punishment_n whereas_o the_o head_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n it_o be_v even_o palpable_a make_v their_o religion_n the_o instrument_n of_o his_o ambition_n and_o seek_v thereby_o to_o entitle_v himself_o direct_o or_o indirect_o to_o the_o monarchy_n of_o the_o world_n and_o beside_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o he_o that_o have_v but_o half_a a_o eye_n as_o we_o say_v that_o most_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v add_v to_o the_o scripture_n make_v one_o way_n or_o other_o for_o the_o honour_n or_o temporal_a advantage_n of_o the_o teacher_n of_o they_o 9thly_a again_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v embrace_v a_o religion_n of_o admirable_a simplicity_n whereas_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o doctrine_n be_v even_o load_v with_o a_o infinity_n of_o weak_a childish_a unsavoury_a superstition_n and_o ceremony_n under_o which_o its_o own_o child_n have_v groan_v and_o heavy_o complain_v 10thly_a those_o holy_a book_n also_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o promise_v ourselves_o salvation_n unless_o we_o effectual_o mortify_v all_o our_o evil_a affection_n and_o lust_n and_o forsake_v every_o sin_n whatsoever_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n but_o the_o roman_a church_n open_v a_o easy_a and_o broad_a way_n to_o salvation_n permit_v at_o least_o this_o to_o be_v teach_v for_o as_o good_a and_o catholic_n doctrine_n as_o any_o other_o that_o though_o a_o man_n have_v continue_v all_o his_o life_n long_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o virtue_n he_o may_v notwithstanding_o be_v let_v into_o heaven_n by_o a_o act_n of_o attrition_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n if_o join_v with_o confession_n or_o by_o a_o act_n of_o contrition_n without_o confession_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o and_o several_a other_o regard_v the_o religion_n of_o that_o church_n be_v not_o so_o holy_a as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o be_v not_o so_o likely_a to_o come_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n 11thly_a but_o whatsoever_o way_n they_o be_v please_v to_o devise_v to_o humour_v man_n deprave_a appetite_n we_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o advantage_n by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n which_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o by_o follow_v their_o church_n that_o if_o we_o happen_v to_o entertain_v a_o erroneous_a opinion_n ground_v as_o we_o think_v upon_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v implicit_o retract_v and_o condemn_v by_o our_o precedent_n full_a and_o entire_a assent_n to_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o our_o general_a resolution_n to_o hold_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o they_o nor_o admit_v any_o thing_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o they_o which_o make_v the_o error_n that_o we_o unwitting_o and_o unwilling_o hold_v against_o the_o scripture_n less_o dangerous_a because_o our_o adherence_n to_o the_o scripture_n be_v near_o close_o and_o firm_a than_o it_o be_v to_o our_o particular_a error_n whereas_o by_o follow_v their_o church_n not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v whether_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o people_n in_o that_o communion_n or_o a_o general_n council_n or_o the_o pope_n in_o or_o out_o of_o a_o council_n we_o shall_v have_v no_o such_o excuse_n for_o our_o error_n but_o they_o will_v be_v rather_o much_o aggravate_v by_o our_o adhere_n so_o strict_o to_o a_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a rule_n unto_o which_o the_o people_n in_o that_o communion_n stick_v close_o than_o they_o do_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o lessen_v the_o value_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o believe_v and_o double_v the_o guilt_n of_o all_o their_o error_n and_o last_o as_o this_o be_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n to_o ourselves_o so_o there_o be_v this_o to_o be_v add_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o other_o also_o that_o by_o follow_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v learn_v to_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o in_o our_o different_a opinion_n about_o thing_n which_o can_v thereby_o be_v determine_v nay_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o direct_o against_o it_o or_o wherein_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o sufficient_o instruct_v but_o by_o follow_v the_o roman_a church_n we_o shall_v be_v teach_v to_o pass_v the_o heavy_a sentence_n upon_o all_o those_o that_o believe_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o we_o do_v nay_o to_o take_v the_o severe_a course_n with_o they_o though_o they_o be_v man_n of_o the_o most_o innocent_a and_o useful_a life_n conform_v themselves_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o governor_n for_o his_o sake_n where_o it_o do_v not_o manifest_o contradict_v he_o to_o conclude_v this_o we_o for_o our_o part_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n even_o towards_o they_o which_o grotius_n before_o observe_v the_o apostle_n be_v of_o towards_o the_o jew_n from_o who_o say_v he_o and_o let_v the_o word_n be_v take_v as_o if_o speak_v by_o we_o to_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o exact_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o happiness_n in_o be_v