christianity_n yet_o do_v very_o much_o transgress_v the_o true_a limit_n and_o rule_n both_o of_o god_n truth_n and_o christian_a charity_n see_v they_o add_v many_o of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o impose_v they_o upon_o other_o as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n or_o judge_n and_o condemn_v they_o therein_o as_o heretic_n which_o nevertheless_o in_o themselves_o and_o by_o god_n command_n be_v not_o necessary_a yea_o false_a and_o not_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o there_o be_v some_o such_o sort_n of_o people_n find_v in_o our_o church_n which_o be_v too_o too_o zealous_a and_o obstinate_a in_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o undertake_v to_o judge_v other_o who_o will_v not_o altogether_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o they_o which_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o unanimous_a doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o whole_a universal_a church_n but_o that_o we_o may_v well_o know_v which_o of_o these_o three_o divide_v and_o dissent_v church_n judge_v the_o other_o or_o be_v judge_v by_o they_o aright_o or_o wrong_n i_o will_v first_o declare_v but_o brief_o and_o only_o as_o much_o as_o may_v conduce_v to_o the_o information_n of_o the_o unlearned_a whether_o the_o other_o two_o the_o roman_a catholic_n and_o the_o lutheran_n have_v any_o sufficient_a and_o wellgrounded_n reason_n to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v our_o reform_a church_n as_o heretical_a then_o shall_v i_o take_v a_o opportunity_n to_o show_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o apostolical_a direction_n whether_o and_o how_o far_o our_o church_n ought_v to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v the_o other_o two_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o lutheran_n that_o the_o romish_a church_n have_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v our_o reform_a or_o lutherane_n church_n as_o far_o as_o they_o agree_v with_o we_o to_o be_v heretical_a we_o make_v it_o good_a by_o reason_v thus_o because_o they_o can_v accuse_v we_o or_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o our_o church_n either_o deny_v any_o article_n of_o the_o ancient_n apostolic_a catholic_a faith_n or_o do_v introduce_v and_o condescend_v to_o any_o false_a heretical_a point_n but_o they_o do_v condemn_v we_o mere_o for_o this_o because_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v some_o article_n of_o their_o modern_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n which_o they_o cry_v up_o for_o universal_a or_o catholical_a and_o yet_o either_o be_v not_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n as_o they_o must_v confess_v themselves_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o or_o false_a erroneous_a and_o superstitious_a as_o we_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o our_o own_o conscience_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n although_o they_o charge_v and_o accuse_v we_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o new_a protestant_n calumny_n and_o slander_n of_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o evangelical_n protestant_n un-catholike_a false_a and_o partly_o heretical_a damnable_a blasphemous_a doctrine_n as_o that_o we_o make_v god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n that_o we_o do_v deny_v all_o freewill_n of_o man_n even_o after_o his_o regeneration_n that_o according_a to_o our_o doctrine_n it_o be_v impossible_a even_o to_o the_o believer_n to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o by_o faith_n only_o we_o may_v be_v save_v and_o justify_v though_o we_o live_v never_o so_o sinful_o that_o all_o sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v we_o if_o we_o do_v but_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v forgive_v though_o we_o do_v still_o continue_v in_o they_o that_o the_o justification_n be_v wrought_v mere_o by_o a_o external_a imputation_n without_o internal_a renovation_n and_o sanctification_n that_o repentance_n and_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o new_a obedience_n and_o good_a work_n be_v quite_o unnecessary_a that_o we_o reject_v all_o fast_n all_o vow_n and_o church-discipline_n dignity_n order_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n annihilate_v the_o sacrament_n or_o hold_v they_o to_o be_v but_o naked_a bare_a sign_n blaspheme_n and_o despise_v the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n and_o suchlike_a point_n against_o which_o our_o church_n have_v always_o solemn_o protest_v both_o in_o their_o confession_n and_o apology_n that_o such_o be_v not_o their_o faith_n and_o opinion_n but_o that_o all_o these_o be_v but_o mere_a slander_n detraction_n and_o misconstruction_n whereupon_o they_o have_v declare_v themselves_o with_o one_o accord_n that_o they_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v nor_o hearken_v to_o any_o new_a doctrine_n but_o only_o adhere_v close_o to_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a apostolic_a church_n as_o it_o be_v principal_o ground_v upon_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v the_o main_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o as_o it_o have_v be_v declare_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o all_o sect_n and_o heresy_n with_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n especial_o in_o the_o general_n christian_n synod_n of_o nicene_n ephesus_n chalcedone_n and_o constantinople_n who_o universal_a confession_n of_o faith_n they_o unanimous_o maintain_v of_o which_o the_o romish_a church_n itself_o confess_v in_o the_o last_o council_n of_o trent_n council_n trid._n sess_v 3._o to_o be_v the_o buckler_n and_o shield_n against_o all_o heresy_n the_o principle_n whereunto_o necessary_o he_o must_v agree_v that_o will_v profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n yea_o the_o solid_a and_o sole_a foundation_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v wherefore_o our_o church_n can_v just_o be_v charge_v with_o any_o new_a heretical_a doctrine_n because_o though_o one_o of_o our_o divine_n shall_v defend_v any_o new_a opinion_n or_o exposition_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o bind_v themselves_o to_o it_o much_o less_o enforce_v it_o upon_o other_o as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n but_o give_v way_n to_o be_v examine_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o square_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o now_o for_o all_o this_o the_o roman_a catholic_n persist_v to_o condemn_v our_o church_n as_o heretical_a because_o we_o will_v not_o receive_v beside_o such_o ancient_a true_a catholic_a christian_n faith_n all_o their_o modern_a new-fangled_a doctrine_n and_o tradition_n which_o they_o have_v since_o add_v and_o invent_v in_o their_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o other_o popish_a council_n of_o late_a time_n or_o in_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o pope_n it_o behove_v they_o first_o to_o prove_v and_o show_v firm_a and_o certain_a ground_n that_o those_o doctrine_n of_o they_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n protestant_n principal_a controversy_n betwixt_o the_o roman_a catholic_n and_o evangelical_n protestant_n for_o example_n will_v they_o condemn_v we_o in_o our_o exterior_a service_n or_o worship_n and_o ceremony_n because_o we_o have_v no_o image_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o bless_a trinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n of_o the_o saint_n decease_v nor_o do_v adore_v they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o pray_v and_o call_v on_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n especial_o the_o virgin_n mary_n yea_o that_o we_o do_v not_o dig_v and_o take_v their_o bone_n or_o other_o relic_n out_o of_o their_o grave_n and_o worship_n they_o nor_o pay_v vow_n or_o make_v pilgrimage_n to_o they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o buy_v or_o purchase_v the_o pope_n indulgency_n celebrate_v no_o mass_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o dead_a nor_o make_v any_o distinction_n of_o meat_n on_o certain_a day_n or_o a_o general_a weekly_a fast_a neither_o admit_v of_o any_o auricular_a confession_n to_o the_o priest_n of_o every_o particular_a sin_n that_o we_o do_v not_o administer_v the_o holy_a communion_n under_o one_o but_o both_o kind_n or_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n both_o to_o lay_v and_o clergyman_n nor_o celebrate_v any_o mass_n without_o communicant_n neither_o make_v use_v of_o the_o rest_n of_o ceremony_n which_o they_o against_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o christ_n have_v forge_v for_o their_o sacrifice_n of_o mass_n especial_o the_o adoration_n of_o the_o consecrate_a hostia_fw-la in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n that_o we_o do_v not_o observe_v their_o great_a feast_n call_v corpus_n christi-day_n and_o the_o holy_a day_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o we_o perform_v our_o whole_a public_a service_n not_o in_o the_o latin_a tongue_n which_o be_v unknown_a to_o the_o laic_n but_o in_o the_o know_a mother-tongue_n nor_o forbid_v to_o any_o layman_n the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n in_o his_o mother-tongue_n but_o exhort_v rather_o every_o one_o in_o general_n unto_o it_o that_o we_o tell_v not_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n on_o bead_n by_o fifty_n and_o hundred_o use_v not_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o the_o holy_a water_n nor_o wear_v about_o we_o agnus_n dei_fw-la or_o such_o like_a consecrate_a relic_n that_o we_o allow_v not_o of_o the_o order_n
then_o to_o be_v extract_v out_o of_o the_o same_o by_o consequence_n but_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o have_v a_o certain_a undoubted_a and_o necessary_a exposition_n of_o these_o word_n christ_n himself_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n have_v declare_v it_o unto_o we_o that_o the_o breast_n and_o wine_n be_v call_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n because_o it_o be_v the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n and_o because_o we_o ought_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o if_o we_o desire_v also_o to_o know_v how_o we_o ought_v worthy_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n christ_n himself_o have_v teach_v it_o so_o plain_o joh._n 6_o that_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o must_v confess_v that_o not_o only_o the_o aforementioned_a spiritual_n eat_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v principal_o require_v but_o also_o be_v the_o only_a true_a and_o save_a eat_v without_o which_o the_o oral_a manducation_n be_v rather_o noxious_a then_o profitable_a and_o wholesome_a wherefore_o we_o hold_v this_o declaration_n of_o christ_n sufficient_a unto_o salvation_n and_o he_o that_o only_o stand_v to_o it_o or_o give_v we_o but_o liberty_n to_o stand_v to_o it_o we_o will_v in_o like_a manner_n not_o compel_v necessary_o to_o receive_v our_o interpretation_n and_o expression_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o word_n and_o exposition_n of_o christ_n much_o less_o will_v we_o judge_v or_o condemn_v any_o man_n for_o a_o heretic_n because_o of_o the_o verbal_a alteration_n and_o disceptation_n in_o school_n whether_o what_o figure_n or_o tropus_fw-la metonymy_fw-la or_o synecdoche_n or_o praedicatio_fw-la inusitata_fw-la it_o may_v be_v call_v likewise_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o manifest_a that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v present_a with_o we_o and_o all_o believer_n as_o true_a god_n and_o man_n with_o his_o assistance_n and_o grace_n spirit_n and_o gift_n power_n and_o operation_n which_o no_o christian_n can_v deny_v but_o to_o infer_v and_o conclude_v thereby_o that_o also_o his_o body_n flesh_n and_o bone_n must_v necessary_o be_v present_a with_o we_o &_o all_o creature_n on_o earth_n that_o be_v no_o way_n plain_a and_o evident_a so_o that_o some_o of_o their_o own_o divine_n do_v contradict_v it_o themselves_o by_o other_o manifest_a and_o plain_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o thus_o much_o may_v we_o say_v of_o all_o other_o different_a point_n of_o doctrine_n betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o and_o also_o of_o the_o controversy_n of_o predestination_n and_o election_n and_o what_o do_v depend_v on_o it_o wherein_o we_o next_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n not_o only_o refer_v ourselves_o to_o augustine_n prosper_n fulgentius_n and_o other_o ancient_a father_n and_o withal_o to_o the_o principal_a scholastic_a author_n and_o divine_n among_o papist_n thomas_n scotus_n and_o other_o that_o follow_v they_o especial_o to_o the_o modern_a dominican_n but_o also_o to_o dr_n luther_n himself_o and_o many_o ancient_a learned_a lutheran_n divine_v brentius_n herbrand_n flacius_n hofmann_n spannenberg_n althamer_n heshusius_fw-la and_o other_o chap._n vi_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a question_n in_o this_o present_a difference_n of_o religion_n and_o what_o be_v the_o safe_a mean_n for_o the_o settlement_n of_o a_o christian_a unity_n considerirg_n exact_o every_o thing_n that_o hitherto_o have_v be_v declare_v it_o be_v apparent_o manifest_a thereby_o that_o all_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o now_o adays_o be_v in_o agitation_n betwixt_o the_o say_a christian_n especial_o betwixt_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_a perfect_a rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n mere_o reside_v in_o this_o chief_a and_o cardinal_a question_n which_o if_o it_o be_v right_o and_o unanimous_o answer_v on_o all_o side_n no_o doubt_n all_o such_o contention_n and_o controversy_n or_o all_o uncharitable_a judge_n and_o condemn_v will_v fall_v of_o itself_o and_o a_o happy_a unity_n may_v be_v settle_v among_o all_o christian_n in_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v necessary_a unto_o their_o salvation_n namely_o whether_o beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n itself_o such_o interpretation_n and_o consequence_n or_o inference_n which_o by_o some_o teacher_n or_o particular_a church_n that_o follow_v they_o be_v collect_v and_o deduce_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o understanding_n they_o have_v for_o their_o part_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o hold_v and_o receive_v for_o certain_a undoubted_a or_o necessary_a exposition_n and_o consequence_n although_o they_o be_v not_o so_o plain_a and_o manifest_a that_o all_o other_o know_v and_o understand_v christian_n beside_o they_o may_v conceive_v they_o or_o as_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n have_v unanimous_o and_o undoubted_o receive_v and_o teach_v ought_v yet_o to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o all_o man_n unto_o salvation_n insomuch_o that_o all_o those_o that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v such_o interpretation_n and_o inference_n as_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n may_v therefore_o be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v for_o heretic_n to_o which_o we_o direct_o answer_v no_o such_o matter_n but_o supppse_n that_o such_o interpretation_n or_o inference_n be_v certain_a and_o true_a or_o in_o themselves_o necessary_a to_o be_v receive_v by_o those_o that_o understand_v they_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o those_o that_o do_v not_o comprehend_v and_o conceive_v they_o as_o yet_o in_o their_o conscience_n neither_o can_v they_o therefore_o be_v judge_v as_o unbeliever_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o weak_a in_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n admonition_n they_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n receive_v you_o but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n not_o to_o judge_v their_o thought_n and_o to_o distract_v their_o conscience_n god_n the_o main_a cause_n of_o all_o dissension_n and_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o think_v rather_o even_o this_o to_o be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a source_n and_o origine_fw-la of_o all_o division_n and_o tyranny_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o man_n set_v upon_o their_o own_o interpretation_n illation_n comment_n gloss_n formula_n expression_n which_o peradventure_o they_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o infer_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o profundity_n of_o their_o understanding_n or_o else_o add_v thereunto_o out_o of_o humane_a tradition_n and_o opinion_n as_o high_a nay_o a_o high_a estimate_n and_o price_n and_o insist_v as_o vehement_o thereupon_o as_o upon_o the_o indubitable_a word_n of_o god_n itself_o as_o if_o their_o word_n and_o exposition_n be_v as_o certain_a and_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o as_o if_o they_o be_v able_a in_o some_o point_n to_o utter_v and_o deliver_v more_o plain_o express_o full_o and_o considerate_o the_o heavenly_a mystery_n than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v express_v they_o in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n or_o as_o if_o all_o man_n do_v see_v whatsoever_o they_o think_v themselves_o to_o see_v and_o to_o know_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o their_o understanding_n or_o though_o they_o do_v not_o see_v it_o yet_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v upon_o their_o word_n this_o this_o be_v the_o main_a and_o chief_a cause_n of_o all_o division_n and_o dissension_n and_o of_o all_o unreasonable_a judge_n and_o condemn_v in_o the_o universal_a christian_a church_n this_o be_v also_o the_o true_a fundamental_a point_n of_o popery_n popery_n the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o popery_n whereon_o all_o the_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o depend_v that_o the_o pope_n with_o his_o prelate_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o all_o different_a and_o doubtful_a doctrine_n who_o sentence_n and_o decision_n all_o man_n upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n as_o certain_o aught_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o upon_o this_o one_o only_a ground_n all_o popery_n be_v build_v and_o principal_o for_o this_o point_n we_o be_v constrain_v to_o abandon_v it_o for_o otherwise_o for_o our_o part_n we_o can_v well_o yield_v to_o he_o his_o primatum_fw-la or_o supremacy_n above_o all_o bishop_n yea_o above_o emperor_n and_o king_n as_o long_o as_o it_o please_v they_o upon_o condition_n he_o will_v not_o presume_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o dominatum_fw-la and_o rule_n over_o man_n conscience_n and_o expound_v also_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o best_a he_o can_v and_o propound_v his_o sentence_n and_o opinion_n to_o his_o child_n within_o his_o bishopric_n or_o also_o to_o other_o that_o will_v believe_v and_o obey_v he_o if_o he_o will_v but_o acknowledge_v withal_o that_o he_o as_o well_o as_o other_o can_v err_v and_o fail_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o express_o and_o plain_o
ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o at_o least_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n for_o we_o who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v it_o but_o when_o he_o will_v absolute_o have_v his_o word_n parallel_v with_o god_n word_n even_o in_o those_o point_n which_o we_o can_v but_o judge_v to_o be_v evident_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o in_o stead_n of_o christ_n will_v be_v a_o lord_n over_o our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n and_o of_o the_o universal_a christian_a church_n on_o earth_n certain_o those_o can_v not_o way_n be_v blame_v who_o not_o only_o give_v he_o no_o credit_n therein_o at_o all_o but_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o proclaim_v he_o to_o be_v the_o antichrist_n now_o since_o we_o may_v not_o grant_v this_o power_n to_o the_o pope_n at_o rome_n although_o they_o have_v entangle_v by_o their_o persuasion_n and_o keep_v in_o subjection_n during_o many_o hundred_o year_n in_o the_o western_a church_n so_o many_o emperor_n and_o king_n yea_o all_o doctor_n bishop_n and_o prelate_n how_o much_o less_o may_v we_o impart_v it_o to_o any_o other_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o god_n church_n of_o what_o name_n soever_o and_o he_o that_o shall_v ascribe_v perhaps_o to_o luther_n or_o calvin_n jerome_n austin_n evangelical_n abuse_n of_o man_n particular_a opinion_n and_o interpretation_n among_o the_o evangelical_n etc._n etc._n or_o to_o any_o particular_a convocation_n as_o to_o the_o author_n formulae_fw-la concordiae_fw-la sax._n as_o also_o to_o whole_a and_o national_a synod_n that_o their_o own_o particular_a interpretation_n consequence_n iâ—lations_n manner_n of_o expression_n be_v as_o certain_a and_o infallible_a or_o as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o to_o make_v of_o luther_n of_o calvin_n and_o the_o rest_n so_o many_o pope_n of_o such_o convocation_n and_o assembly_n so_o many_o popish_a counsel_n yea_o to_o prefer_v 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judge_v and_o condemn_v we_o as_o heretic_n from_o whence_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o their_o expression_n and_o opinion_n ought_v to_o be_v as_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a and_o as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o which_o indeed_o will_v be_v a_o plain_a new_a popery_n they_o use_v to_o accuse_v we_o faith_n who_o be_v those_o that_o make_v the_o natural_a reason_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o we_o make_v our_o natural_a reason_n the_o foundation_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n whereas_o we_o principal_o insist_v thereupon_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o ground_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n upon_o humane_a reason_n but_o mere_o upon_o the_o plain_a manifest_a and_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n we_o make_v use_v of_o our_o reason_n have_v be_v enlighten_v and_o bring_v unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o a_o requisite_a mean_n whereby_o to_o learn_v to_o understand_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o without_o reason_n it_o can_v be_v understand_v faith_n how_o far_o the_o reason_n may_v be_v use_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o also_o ought_v to_o infer_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n whatsoever_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n depend_v from_o it_o and_o be_v agreeable_a to_o it_o as_o much_o as_o we_o by_o god_n grace_n be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v it_o or_o to_o refute_v and_o to_o reject_v whatsoever_o be_v repugnant_a to_o it_o and_o that_o we_o ought_v reverent_o to_o apply_v the_o holy_a scripture_n unto_o doctrine_n consolation_n and_o admonition_n yet_o so_o that_o we_o do_v not_o oblige_v and_o bind_v any_o man_n in_o his_o conscience_n further_o to_o those_o interpretation_n and_o inference_n we_o in_o our_o understanding_n derive_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n than_o himself_o together_o with_o we_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v they_o to_o be_v warrantable_a by_o it_o and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v bind_v thereunto_o but_o those_o 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have_v unanimous_o always_o against_o popery_n refer_v themselves_o thereunto_o nevertheless_o we_o do_v not_o reject_v all_o consequence_n and_o interpretation_n faith_n how_o far_o we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o consequence_n and_o interpretation_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n nor_o all_o man_n expression_n though_o they_o be_v not_o verbal_o and_o literal_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o also_o we_o do_v not_o disapprove_v the_o translation_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o other_o language_n we_o rather_o confess_v that_o many_o inference_n and_o interpretation_n may_v be_v very_o good_a profitable_a sound_a and_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o and_o that_o we_o may_v many_o time_n of_o necessity_n use_v they_o for_o the_o confutation_n of_o several_a error_n but_o we_o can_v ascribe_v further_o to_o any_o man_n interpretation_n and_o consequence_n a_o universal_a necessity_n unto_o salvation_n for_o all_o christian_n than_o we_o have_v declare_v already_o namely_o when_o they_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o manifest_a that_o they_o may_v be_v understand_v and_o receive_v for_o certain_a and_o undeniable_a of_o all_o christian_n or_o of_o those_o for_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v necessary_a especial_o when_o they_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o teach_v undoubted_o and_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o true_a primitive_a church_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v call_v true_a catholic_a exposition_n now_o those_o that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v our_o exposition_n to_o be_v such_o tolerate_v how_o far_o those_o that_o dissent_n be_v to_o be_v tolerate_v we_o may_v not_o therefore_o on_o our_o part_n judge_n and_o condemn_v they_o as_o heretic_n but_o we_o must_v receive_v and_o tolerate_v they_o as_o weak_a in_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n nevertheless_o upon_o this_o condition_n that_o they_o reciprocal_o do_v not_o enforce_v upon_o we_o and_o other_o as_o necessary_a their_o own_o interpretation_n and_o inference_n to_o the_o contrary_a nor_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o forbear_v and_o tolerate_v their_o
a_o treatise_n touch_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o apostolical_a rule_n how_o to_o judge_v aright_o in_o difference_n which_o concern_v religion_n john_n 7._o v._o 24._o judge_v not_o according_a to_o the_o appearance_n but_o judge_v righteous_a judgement_n publish_a by_o authority_n london_n print_v for_o george_n thomason_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1646._o to_o the_o reverend_n pious_a and_o learned_a assembly_n of_o divine_n convene_v at_o westminster_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o parliament_n for_o consultation_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n reverend_n sir_n consider_v with_o myself_o with_o a_o charitable_a and_o tender_a commiseration_n the_o pestiferous_a and_o pernicious_a heresy_n schism_n division_n and_o sect_n wherewith_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o christian_a both_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n be_v ever_o continual_o infest_a distract_a and_o tear_v in_o piece_n i_o make_v no_o question_n but_o you_o will_v confess_v that_o the_o latter_a two_o rent_n the_o one_o between_o the_o christian-protestants_a and_o roman-catholic_n the_o other_o between_o we_o and_o the_o evangelical-lutherans_a which_o in_o our_o predecessor_n day_n spring_v original_o in_o germany_n then_o be_v disperse_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o universal-occidental-christian-world_n and_o at_o this_o present_a be_v grow_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o desolation_n and_o devastation_n of_o christendom_n be_v foment_v with_o more_o unchristian_a and_o inhuman_a cruelty_n bitterness_n calumny_n slander_n oppression_n persecution_n and_o effusion_n of_o blood_n then_o ever_o you_o hear_v or_o read_v in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n of_o any_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o acknowledge_v that_o such_o distraction_n and_o disorder_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n proceed_v from_o no_o other_o ground_n then_o from_o a_o unseasonable_a uncharitable_a rash_a presumptuous_a and_o unjust_a judge_v and_o condemn_v one_o another_o wherefore_o we_o shall_v do_v very_o well_o exact_o to_o search_v and_o inquire_v which_o of_o these_o three_o principal_a divide_v and_o dissent_v church_n be_v guilty_a or_o innocent_a of_o such_o a_o prejudicial_a schism_n and_o separation_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v know_v and_o discern_v which_o side_n to_o embrace_v and_o give_v assent_n unto_o and_o which_o not_o and_o that_o the_o true_a undeniable_a orthodoxal_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o true_a evangelical_n reform_v protestant_n may_v not_o be_v condemn_v and_o reject_v by_o any_o incompetent_a judge_n as_o false_a erroneous_a heretical_a and_o damnable_a in_o regard_n that_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n be_v common_o as_o much_o obnoxious_a to_o ill_a manage_n as_o civil_a and_o temporal_a it_o be_v by_o all_o mean_v expedient_a and_o requisite_a for_o we_o to_o repair_v to_o such_o a_o judge_n who_o betwixt_o we_o and_o other_o may_v determine_v and_o decide_v the_o controversy_n and_o difference_n by_o a_o infallible_a sentence_n from_o which_o we_o can_v appeal_v and_o whereas_o the_o papist_n do_v attribute_v such_o full_a and_o absolute_a determination_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o as_o they_o declare_v it_o themselves_o to_o the_o pope_n as_o the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n either_o himself_o alone_o or_o with_o assistance_n of_o a_o council_n of_o cardinal_n bishop_n and_o prelate_n depend_v on_o he_o and_o represent_v the_o whole_a universal_a church_n i_o be_o persuade_v we_o with_o all_o christian_a protestant_n can_v nor_o will_v submit_v to_o any_o other_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n himself_o who_o in_o his_o sacred_a word_n have_v prescribe_v his_o will_n and_o decision_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o we_o only_o close_o and_o positive_o must_v adhere_v and_o stick_v unto_o for_o this_o volume_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o mean_v not_o any_o other_o book_n more_o or_o less_o than_o those_o that_o by_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v write_v of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o left_a to_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o from_o it_o be_v spread_v among_o all_o nation_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o darkness_n and_o unfaithful_a heresy_n by_o god_n singular_a providence_n preserve_v and_o in_o their_o original_a tongue_n convey_v unto_o we_o be_v the_o indubitable_a word_n of_o god_n who_o divine_a power_n light_n virtue_n and_o operation_n all_o true_a believer_n feel_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n and_o contain_v though_o not_o the_o decision_n of_o all_o theological_a question_n and_o controversy_n yet_o all_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n necessary_a for_o every_o true_a christian_n salvation_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o church_n or_o they_o that_o have_v the_o charge_n over_o it_o whether_o they_o be_v call_v pope_n cardinal_n bishop_n or_o divine_n and_o teacher_n or_o general_a counsel_n have_v not_o any_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o decide_v determine_v and_o wrest_v the_o doctrine_n to_o their_o arbitrary_a judgement_n and_o pleasure_n but_o only_o a_o ministerial_a function_n to_o teach_v and_o demonstrate_v by_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whither_o and_o how_o they_o be_v decide_v in_o it_o neither_o to_o force_v their_o doubtful_a and_o undecided_a opinion_n upon_o any_o man_n sub_fw-la anathemate_fw-la or_o excommunication_n unless_o he_o shall_v reject_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o any_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o plain_a declaration_n thereof_o or_o cry_v up_o his_o own_o erroneous_a and_o controvert_v opinion_n interpretation_n consequence_n and_o inference_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o disturbance_n and_o distraction_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o this_o be_v that_o the_o papist_n cast_v continual_o into_o the_o lutheran_n and_o reform_a protestant_n tooth_n that_o notwithstanding_o they_o still_o refer_v themselves_o to_o the_o perfect_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o they_o will_v be_v themselves_o infallible_a judge_n by_o obstruct_v and_o impose_v their_o own_o particular_a exposition_n and_o inference_n on_o other_o the_o lutheran_n indeed_o especial_o which_o be_v call_v lutherani_fw-la rigidi_fw-la the_o grosser_n sort_n who_o be_v so_o strict_o addict_v formulae_fw-la concordiae_fw-la saxonicae_fw-la that_o they_o bound_v not_o only_o their_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n unto_o it_o but_o also_o all_o other_o that_o dissent_v from_o they_o in_o their_o particular_a interpretation_n and_o opinion_n principal_o in_o the_o point_n of_o consubstantiation_n and_o omnipresence_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o its_o oral_a manducation_n by_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o deprive_v they_o of_o public_a office_n and_o dignity_n as_o long_o as_o they_o do_v obstinate_o persist_v in_o their_o arrogant_a judge_v and_o condemn_v will_v have_v a_o very_a hard_a task_n to_o clear_v themselves_o of_o this_o charge_n the_o vindication_n of_o the_o protestant_a reform_a church_n how_o that_o they_o only_o depend_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o on_o any_o man_n interpretation_n and_o opinion_n much_o less_o presume_v to_o impose_v they_o on_o other_o as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n but_o impart_v and_o permit_v to_o every_o one_o the_o due_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n without_o transgress_v the_o true_a limit_n and_o rule_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o the_o christian_a charity_n have_v be_v of_o late_a sufficient_o and_o punctual_o for_o the_o true_a and_o better_a information_n of_o they_o that_o be_v misinform_v exhibit_v in_o high_a dutch_a by_o d._n john_n bergius_n chaplain_n to_o his_o highness_n the_o prince_n elector_n of_o brandenbourg_n author_n of_o this_o treatise_n one_o of_o the_o best_a learned_a divine_v germany_n at_o this_o present_a afford_v a_o primitive_a catholic_n christian_n and_o downright_a protestant_n in_o such_o a_o plain_a and_o perspicuous_a way_n that_o even_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o peruse_v great_a volume_n may_v palpable_o see_v and_o perceive_v the_o falsehood_n and_o slander_n that_o be_v lay_v at_o all_o christian_a protestant_n door_n and_o withal_o since_o the_o reform_a protestant_a church_n can_v hope_v for_o any_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n and_o unity_n both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n while_o the_o vehemency_n and_o fierceness_n in_o judge_v and_o condemn_v of_o the_o say_v papist_n and_o lutheran_n be_v not_o appease_v and_o mitigate_v he_o represent_v and_o declare_v to_o they_o a_o infallible_a apostolical_a direction_n and_o rule_n in_o general_n what_o and_o how_o far_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o judge_v and_o not_o to_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o by_o way_n of_o application_n how_o far_o they_o ought_v to_o judge_v the_o roman-catholic_n and_o lutheran_n
necessary_a for_o he_o to_o believe_v it_o who_o have_v such_o knowledge_n of_o it_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o because_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v promise_v everlasting_a life_n and_o salvation_n to_o all_o they_o which_o true_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v reveal_v and_o manifest_v in_o they_o we_o thereby_o further_o argue_v and_o conclude_v thus_o that_o such_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o necessary_a but_o also_o whole_o sufficient_a unto_o salvation_n so_o that_o no_o other_o singular_a doctrine_n beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n which_o also_o the_o primitive_a church_n both_o in_o its_o doctrine_n and_o universal_a practice_n do_v abundant_o testify_v that_o they_o hold_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n to_o be_v satisfactory_a unto_o salvation_n even_o for_o the_o most-able_a and_o best-learned_n man_n and_o the_o five_o aforesaid_a symbol_n or_o fundamental_a article_n sufficient_a for_o all_o unlearned_a ignorant_a christian_n as_o we_o can_v prove_v it_o by_o many_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n which_o have_v heretofore_o already_o be_v do_v by_o many_o other_o we_o think_v it_o superfluous_a to_o enlarge_v ourselves_o therein_o at_o this_o present_a necessary_a whether_o and_o how_o far_o the_o tradition_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n be_v necessary_a yet_o next_o and_o beside_o the_o scripture_n we_o do_v not_o decline_v and_o reject_v the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n not_o as_o the_o principal_a ground_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o that_o be_v mere_o and_o sole_o ground_v upon_o this_o because_o the_o lord_n say_v it_o but_o not_o upon_o this_o because_o the_o church_n or_o their_o teacher_n say_v it_o but_o as_o requisite_a mean_n whereby_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v and_o teach_v unto_o we_o and_o as_o a_o testimony_n of_o that_o what_o be_v declare_v therein_o wherein_o notwithstanding_o we_o must_v exact_o distinguish_v betwixt_o that_o what_o the_o whole_a universal_a christian_a church_n have_v with_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n teach_v and_o believe_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n at_o all_o time_n especial_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o that_o what_o perhaps_o but_o one_o or_o other_o particular_a church_n have_v teach_v in_o the_o late_a time_n whatsoever_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n especial_o in_o the_o first_o hundred_o year_n immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v unanimous_o teach_v and_o believe_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n that_o same_o be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n and_o testimony_n that_o it_o be_v certain_o and_o undoubted_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o christian_n to_o believe_v and_o receive_v it_o because_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o true_a primitive_a church_n beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v receive_v also_o from_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o at_o least_o in_o all_o necessary_a fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n contrariwise_o whatsoever_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v not_o teach_v that_o same_o be_v a_o evident_a sign_n and_o testimony_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o express_o set_v down_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o all_o christian_n of_o necessity_n shall_v know_v and_o believe_v it_o unto_o salvation_n because_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o best_a christian_n have_v be_v save_v without_o such_o doctrine_n but_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o whatsoever_o it_o have_v teach_v or_o not_o teach_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o only_o by_o those_o who_o be_v well_o verse_v and_o have_v read_v the_o volume_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n which_o even_o very_a few_o of_o the_o teacher_n and_o minister_n be_v able_a to_o do_v wherefore_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n especial_o when_o the_o doctrine_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v draw_v into_o controversy_n aught_o to_o fix_v themselves_o and_o adhere_v close_o to_o the_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o which_o they_o can_v have_v any_o certain_a ground_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o salvation_n for_o whatsoever_o not_o the_o universal_a only_a but_o one_o or_o some_o particular_a church_n have_v believe_v and_o teach_v especial_o in_o the_o late_a time_n whether_o it_o be_v do_v in_o their_o council_n and_o synod_n or_o else_o by_o their_o public_a confession_n or_o other_o writing_n doctrine_n and_o witness_n that_o very_o same_o though_o it_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o the_o belief_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n yet_o it_o can_v oblige_v other_o church_n or_o general_o all_o christian_n nor_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o unto_o salvation_n neither_o ground_n and_o confirm_v their_o faith_n any_o further_a than_o the_o certain_a and_o indubitable_a word_n of_o god_n have_v demonstrate_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o themselves_o have_v receive_v it_o as_o consonant_n and_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n since_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o side_n that_o the_o particular_a church_n may_v err_v in_o their_o own_o particular_a opinion_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a faith_n must_v not_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n but_o mere_o and_o only_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nevertheless_o the_o word_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n do_v bind_v at_o least_o their_o fellow-member_n thus_o far_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o rash_o to_o contradict_v their_o doctrine_n and_o declaration_n unless_o it_o be_v contradict_v by_o a_o more_o evident_a testimony_n of_o god_n word_n and_o by_o a_o unanimous_a doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o otherwise_o this_o will_v prove_v a_o presumptuous_a judge_n or_o at_o least_o a_o unnecessary_a scandalous_a contradict_v we_o hope_v now_o salvation_n why_o not_o a_o certain_a specification_n may_v be_v make_v of_o all_o the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n that_o be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n by_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v it_o do_v plain_o and_o manifest_o appear_v what_o and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v necessary_a and_o not_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n although_o we_o do_v not_o specify_v all_o point_n of_o doctrine_n nor_o precise_o determinate_a what_o and_o how_o much_o may_v be_v necessary_a and_o sufficient_a to_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a which_o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o do_v for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o we_o can_v direct_o know_v how_o far_o the_o capacity_n of_o every_o one_o or_o the_o most_o unlearned_a and_o ignorant_a christian_n and_o how_o far_o god_n mercy_n may_v reach_v and_o extend_v above_o their_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o rash_o to_o condemn_v any_o man_n in_o his_o ignorance_n to_o who_o peradventure_o god_n may_v show_v mercy_n second_o because_o none_o can_v obtain_v a_o true_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n but_o he_o must_v somewhat_o strive_v and_o labour_v for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v increase_v and_o thrive_v therein_o like_a as_o we_o can_v describe_v and_o set_v a_o certain_a measure_n to_o the_o height_n and_o bigness_n of_o a_o young_a child_n because_o yet_o it_o must_v needs_o daily_o grow_v if_o it_o be_v alive_a and_o in_o health_n till_o it_o have_v attain_v his_o full_a and_o perfect_a age_n so_o may_v we_o neither_o circumscribe_v and_o limit_v any_o christian_n knowledge_n within_o a_o certain_a measure_n because_o he_o ought_v to_o grow_v and_o augment_v still_o in_o the_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a till_o he_o be_v come_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n of_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4.13_o three_o because_o we_o can_v fail_v soon_o in_o any_o thing_n then_o when_o we_o presume_v to_o regulate_v and_o measure_v all_o other_o man_n capacity_n by_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n and_o do_v imagine_v that_o what_o peradventure_o we_o think_v to_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o very_o same_o must_v likewise_o be_v as_o clear_a to_o all_o other_o and_o therefore_o as_o certain_a and_o necessary_a for_o all_o which_o be_v also_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a reason_n of_o all_o unseasonable_a judge_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n yea_o the_o source_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o division_n and_o dissension_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n wherefore_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o our_o purpose_n to_o know_v in_o general_a which_o no_o christian_n can_v deny_v that_o all_o and_o only_o that_o be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n what_o necessary_o belong_v to_o the_o save_a faith_n in_o christ_n which_o work_v by_o love_n and_o can_v subsist_v without_o true_a repentance_n
and_o conversion_n from_o sin_n and_o without_o new_a obedience_n to_o christ_n commandment_n which_o all_o be_v so_o plain_o and_o express_o teach_v in_o the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n especial_o in_o the_o five_o aforemention_v principal_a point_n that_o every_o christian_a may_v sufficient_o understand_v they_o unto_o his_o salvation_n and_o have_v be_v unanimous_o profess_v in_o the_o primitive_a apostolic_a church_n but_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o so_o clear_o and_o express_o teach_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o a_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n towards_o christ_n nor_o have_v be_v understand_v and_o teach_v out_o of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o very_o same_o though_o it_o depend_v from_o it_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v true_a doctrine_n and_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v necessary_a for_o they_o who_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o as_o yet_o and_o retain_v only_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n itself_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o love_n towards_o christ_n at_o least_o so_o long_o till_o god_n enlighten_v and_o bring_v their_o understanding_n to_o a_o full_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n ought_v daily_o to_o search_v into_o whereby_o we_o do_v conclude_v further_a that_o we_o ought_v also_o not_o to_o judge_v one_o another_o according_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o doctrine_n especial_o when_o the_o other_o may_v produce_v motive_n and_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o such_o which_o be_v take_v not_o from_o natural_a reason_n but_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o bind_v not_o only_o his_o understanding_n but_o also_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o can_v receive_v such_o doctrine_n for_o fear_n of_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o his_o word_n but_o must_v at_o least_o doubt_n of_o they_o for_o in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o must_v say_v whosoever_o doubt_v if_o he_o eat_v if_o he_o receive_v they_o be_v damn_v by_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o rather_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n in_o such_o controversy_n of_o doctrine_n we_o must_v receive_v he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v let_v we_o therefore_o not_o judge_v one_o another_o any_o more_o but_o judge_v this_o rather_o that_o no_o man_n put_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o offence_n of_o conscience_n in_o his_o brother_n way_n chap._n iu._n that_o the_o roman_a catholic_a church_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o judge_n and_o condemn_v the_o protestant_n reform_v evangelical_n church_n as_o heretical_a have_v lay_v this_o ground_n we_o may_v easy_o and_o as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o one_o conscience_n unto_o salvation_n deliver_v our_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n concern_v the_o modern_a difference_n and_o dissension_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o among_o the_o christian_n that_o make_v on_o all_o side_n profession_n of_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v foment_v and_o aggravate_v mere_o out_o of_o a_o unseasonable_a and_o uncharitable_a judge_v and_o condemn_v with_o such_o vehemency_n and_o bitterness_n yea_o with_o such_o great_a effusion_n of_o blood_n and_o lamentable_a devastation_n of_o country_n that_o never_o the_o like_a be_v hear_v of_o any_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n at_o this_o present_a i_o will_v make_v but_o a_o short_a application_n to_o the_o three_o principal_a divide_v and_o dissent_v church_n church_n difference_n betwixt_o the_o roman_a catholic_n lutheran_n and_o reform_a church_n which_o be_v disperse_v in_o the_o occidental_a christian_a world_n throughout_o whole_a province_n and_o kingdom_n as_o first_o the_o say_v roman_a catholic_n or_o papist_n so_o call_v who_o beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o especial_o upon_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o general_o be_v altogether_o subject_v and_o depend_v on_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n as_o be_v their_o supreme_a head_n and_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n as_o the_o church_n in_o italy_n spain_n and_o the_o great_a part_n in_o france_n germany_n and_o poland_n then_o the_o protestant_a evangelical_n lutheran_n as_o they_o themselves_o will_v be_v call_v who_o beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n profess_v confessionem_fw-la agustanam_n &_o saxonicam_fw-la formulam_fw-la concordiae_fw-la as_o their_o symbolical_a and_o universal_a book_n of_o doctrine_n not_o that_o they_o ground_n principal_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n upon_o they_o but_o that_o they_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o they_o conformable_a to_o scripture_n and_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n as_o in_o germany_n especial_o in_o high_a and_o low_a saxony_n some_o church_n in_o swaben_n francony_a westphaly_n hessen_n etc._n etc._n and_o without_o germany_n the_o church_n in_o denmark_n sweden_n and_o prussia_n although_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n perceive_v betwixt_o they_o because_o some_o have_v not_o receive_v hitherto_o as_o yet_o the_o say_v formulam_fw-la saxonicam_fw-la and_o some_o of_o they_o have_v collect_v their_o own_o peculiar_a corpora_fw-la doctrinae_fw-la confession_n and_o book_n of_o doctrine_n three_o those_o evangelical_n christian_n protestant_n who_o because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v bind_v and_o tie_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o it_o be_v luther_n calvin_n zuinglius_fw-la or_o any_o other_o doctrine_n or_o book_n and_o therefore_o not_o be_v name_v by_o any_o man_n name_n but_o have_v purge_v and_o reform_v their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n from_o the_o abuse_n of_o popery_n only_o according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n be_v common_o call_v reform_v by_o some_o papist_n they_o be_v call_v biblist_n or_o scripture-man_n of_o which_o name_n they_o need_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a because_o they_o be_v ground_v on_o and_o refer_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o holy_a bible_n as_o the_o church_n in_o england_n scotland_n helvetia_n the_o unite_a province_n of_o the_o low-countries_n all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o france_n with_o some_o particular_a church_n in_o germany_n poland_n hungary_n etc._n etc._n which_o though_o they_o have_v collect_v and_o frame_v also_o their_o peculiar_a confession_n yet_o not_o with_o the_o intent_n to_o bind_v other_o christian_n conscience_n even_o to_o their_o word_n but_o only_o to_o testify_v their_o unanimous_a consent_n and_o uniformity_n first_o and_o principal_o in_o the_o necessary_a fundamental_a point_n of_o salvation_n out_o of_o the_o manifest_a word_n of_o god_n then_o secondary_o in_o the_o confutation_n and_o reject_v of_o the_o erroneous_a by-doctrine_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o popish_a church_n which_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v è_fw-la diametro_fw-la opposite_a to_o it_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n and_o withal_o to_o decline_v and_o refute_v all_o sort_n of_o calumny_n and_o slander_n of_o their_o adversary_n wherefore_o also_o they_o by_o a_o special_a confession_n of_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o confession_n of_o other_o especial_o that_o of_o augspourg_n though_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n in_o word_n remain_v much_o less_o do_v presume_v to_o condemn_v other_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n because_o of_o some_o different_a opinion_n or_o ceremony_n if_o only_o they_o do_v agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n withhold_v themselves_o from_o condemn_v other_o and_o even_o for_o these_o very_a same_o reason_n have_v i_o hitherto_o addict_v myself_o to_o the_o confession_n of_o these_o reform_a church_n and_o be_o resolve_v with_o god_n assistance_n to_o persevere_v in_o it_o even_o unto_o death_n not_o only_o because_o i_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o controvert_v point_n the_o doctrine_n of_o these_o church_n i_o say_v their_o own_o doctrine_n which_o they_o themselves_o unanimous_o profess_v to_o be_v consonant_n and_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n but_o especial_o because_o beside_o the_o indubitable_a universal_a fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o with_o one_o consent_n receive_v they_o do_v not_o maintain_v or_o impose_v upon_o other_o any_o other_o doctrine_n as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n which_o in_o itself_o and_o by_o god_n command_n be_v not_o but_o impart_v and_o permit_v to_o every_o one_o the_o due_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o also_o do_v neither_o deny_v pervert_v or_o mutilate_v any_o part_n or_o article_n of_o the_o true_a gospel_n of_o christ_n nor_o introduce_v any_o other_o by-gospel_n or_o by-article_n or_o judge_n or_o condemn_v other_o for_o it_o whereas_o other_o church_n principal_o the_o papist_n and_o partly_o the_o lutheran_n if_o they_o do_v not_o quite_o deny_v any_o necessary_a point_n of_o true_a
and_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o righteous_a party_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n call_v good_a evil_n and_o light_a darkness_n curse_a be_v he_o that_o pervert_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o stranger_n fatherless_a and_o widow_n deuteron_n 27._o vers_fw-la 19_o shall_v he_o then_o not_o be_v guilty_a also_o of_o the_o curse_n that_o will_v wilful_o pervert_v or_o deny_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o the_o judgement_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o also_o though_o in_o their_o own_o person_n they_o may_v not_o be_v inclinable_a to_o condemn_v and_o persecute_v any_o man_n will_v yet_o make_v themselves_o by_o their_o assent_n partaker_n of_o the_o condemnation_n and_o persecution_n which_o proceed_v from_o other_o who_o according_a to_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o christ_n shall_v hate_v and_o reproach_v we_o separate_v we_o from_o their_o company_n and_o cast_v out_o our_o name_n as_o evil_n luke_n 6._o vers_fw-la 22._o to_o let_v pass_v how_o they_o scandalize_v other_o in_o their_o conscience_n by_o such_o dissemble_n and_o deny_v both_o the_o true_a believer_n from_o who_o they_o separate_v themselves_o and_o the_o err_a who_o they_o confirm_v with_o their_o example_n in_o the_o error_n whereas_o they_o may_v have_v induce_v and_o persuade_v they_o by_o a_o free_a profession_n of_o the_o know_a truth_n at_o least_o to_o a_o further_a inquisition_n or_o also_o to_o a_o brotherly_a reconciliation_n now_o although_o we_o can_v general_o judge_v any_o thing_n else_o of_o the_o obstinate_a err_a and_o of_o such_o dissemble_a person_n but_o that_o they_o in_o this_o manner_n live_v in_o a_o dangerous_a condition_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o even_o for_o this_o reason_n we_o exhort_v they_o as_o tender_o as_o they_o love_v their_o own_o salvation_n to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o profession_n of_o truth_n or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o mitigation_n of_o their_o uncharitableness_n yet_o we_o may_v not_o therefore_o instant_o and_o rash_o condemn_v the_o person_n but_o rather_o hope_v and_o pray_v to_o god_n he_o may_v if_o not_o now_o by_o our_o admonition_n yet_o final_o before_o their_o last_o gasp_n illuminate_v and_o bring_v the_o err_a unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o unto_o christian_a love_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o move_v the_o dissemble_n to_o a_o sound_n and_o wholesome_a confession_n conclusion_n of_o the_o second_o part._n now_o by_o the_o declaration_n of_o this_o apostolic_a rule_n even_o the_o most_o unlearned_a christian_a may_v sufficient_o learn_v both_o what_o and_o how_o far_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v and_o what_o and_o how_o far_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v in_o controvert_v and_o different_a matter_n of_o religion_n the_o sum_n and_o result_v of_o it_o be_v this_o 1._o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v none_o as_o unbelieved_a if_o he_o do_v but_o close_o retain_v the_o universal_a undoubted_a fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o man_n unto_o salvation_n 2._o although_o he_o do_v not_o receive_v our_o own_o or_o our_o particular_a church_n and_o teacher_n opinion_n and_o interpretation_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v as_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v because_o he_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o they_o as_o yet_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 3._o on_o the_o contrary_a although_o he_o adhere_v to_o his_o own_o or_o his_o particular_a church_n and_o teacher_n singular_a opinion_n which_o he_o esteem_v to_o be_v consonant_n to_o scripture_n and_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o believe_v yet_o to_o such_o opinion_n which_o be_v uncertain_a or_o unnecessary_a or_o erroneous_a also_o and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o to_o the_o save_v fundamental_a doctrine_n itself_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n 4._o as_o long_o as_o he_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v such_o consequence_n and_o retain_v but_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n itself_o positive_o and_o without_o any_o mutilation_n and_o do_v also_o not_o err_v out_o of_o malice_n of_o heart_n but_o only_o out_o of_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n 5._o as_o long_o as_o he_o do_v not_o make_v quite_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o they_o nor_o impose_v they_o on_o other_o as_o necessary_a neither_o judge_v and_o condemn_v other_o therefore_o or_o disturb_v the_o church_n of_o god_n with_o prejudicial_a and_o unnecessary_a dispute_n 6._o as_o long_o also_o as_o he_o do_v not_o obstinate_o reject_v better_a information_n but_o rather_o labour_v to_o search_v further_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o testify_v his_o faith_n by_o christian_a charity_n and_o godly_a conversation_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v for_o a_o obstinate_a unfaithful_a schismatical_a heretic_n but_o for_o a_o weak_a believer_n and_o err_a brother_n contrariwise_o 1._o they_o that_o will_v have_v their_o own_o erroneous_a or_o controvert_v and_o unnecessary_a opinion_n to_o be_v necessary_a fundamental_a doctrine_n in_o so_o much_o that_o they_o repose_v their_o comfort_n and_o hope_n of_o salvation_n in_o they_o 2._o which_o they_o also_o enforce_v upon_o other_o as_o necessary_a fundamental_a doctrine_n or_o judge_n condemn_v exclude_v and_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n other_o therefore_o whereby_o they_o cause_v schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 3._o especial_o such_o opinion_n which_o be_v not_o only_o doubtful_a and_o erroneous_a but_o also_o repugnant_a to_o the_o true_a undoubted_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o fundamental_a doctrine_n if_o not_o direct_o and_o express_o yet_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n 4._o they_o also_o who_o cruel_o and_o uncharitable_o persecute_v other_o because_o of_o such_o humane_a opinion_n and_o thereby_o occasionate_a not_o only_a schism_n in_o the_o church_n but_o distemper_n and_o distraction_n in_o commonwealth_n 5._o and_o that_o not_o mere_o out_o of_o ignorance_n and_o humane_a infirmity_n but_o out_o of_o a_o wilful_a blindness_n and_o malice_n so_o that_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v nor_o receive_v any_o information_n of_o the_o truth_n much_o less_o search_n into_o it_o themselves_o but_o obstinate_o oppose_v it_o out_o of_o carnal_a blind_a affection_n those_o we_o may_v and_o must_v thus_o far_o judge_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n first_o concern_v the_o matter_n itself_o that_o we_o no_o way_n make_v ourselves_o partaker_n of_o such_o error_n and_o other_o sin_n arise_v from_o thence_o but_o have_v rather_o be_v condemn_v reject_v separate_a and_o persecute_v by_o they_o lest_o we_o may_v become_v a_o stumble_a block_n and_o offence_n first_o to_o our_o own_o then_o to_o other_o true_a believe_a or_o err_a conscience_n second_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o person_n that_o though_o we_o can_v judge_v any_o thing_n else_o of_o such_o person_n in_o general_a but_o that_o they_o in_o this_o manner_n be_v in_o a_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a condition_n yet_o we_o condemn_v none_o in_o particular_a first_o because_o we_o can_v direct_o discern_v in_o no_o man_n whether_o he_o do_v err_v out_o of_o humane_a weakness_n or_o obstinate_a malice_n second_o because_o though_o he_o do_v err_v out_o of_o malice_n yet_o we_o ought_v still_o to_o hope_v seek_v and_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o conversion_n and_o commit_v the_o judgement_n concern_v he_o to_o the_o sovereign_a judge_n will_v to_o god_n that_o all_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n or_o at_o least_o catholic_n and_o evangelical_n do_v agree_v with_o we_o herein_o with_o one_o mind_n see_v that_o all_o those_o that_o will_v not_o proceed_v against_o conscience_n nor_o parallel_v and_o equal_a man_n word_n with_o god_n word_n neither_o place_n themselves_o in_o god_n tribunal_n must_v herein_o agree_v then_o the_o christian_a love_n and_o peaceablenesse_n will_v reign_v instead_o of_o this_o unhappy_a schism_n cruel_a distraction_n and_o lamentable_a devastation_n of_o christendom_n and_o the_o easy_a and_o safe_a way_n be_v open_v unto_o right_a christian_a unity_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n instead_o of_o the_o manifold_a dissension_n and_o difference_n in_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n the_o apostle_n paul_n have_v not_o only_o most_o earnest_o and_o faithful_o exhort_v we_o all_o in_o general_n and_o especial_o the_o roman_a church_n to_o which_o he_o direct_v his_o epistle_n but_o also_o add_v most_o efficacious_a and_o pregnant_a motive_n thereunto_o wherefore_o let_v we_o not_o judge_v one_o another_o any_o more_o why_o that_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o precedent_a word_n we_o shall_v all_o stand_v before_o the_o judgement-seat_n of_o christ_n so_o than_o every_o one_o of_o we_o shall_v give_v account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n rom._n 14._o v._n 10_o 12._o like_a as_o he_o write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n therefore_o judge_v nothing_o before_o the_o time_n until_o the_o lord_n come_v who_o both_o will_v bring_v to_o light_v the_o hide_a thing_n of_o darkness_n and_o will_v make_v manifest_a the_o counsel_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o then_o shall_v every_o man_n have_v praise_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 4._o v._n 5._o if_o we_o have_v that_o great_a day_n of_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n continual_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n especial_o the_o divine_n and_o ecclesiastic_n who_o before_o all_o other_o shall_v be_v the_o son_n of_o peace_n luke_n 16._o v._o 6._o yea_o the_o true_a ambassador_n of_o peace_n isai_n 33._o v._n 7._o &_o 52._o v._o 7._o nah._n 1._o v._o 15._o whereas_o many_o be_v author_n of_o most_o of_o the_o disturbance_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o their_o unchristian_a judge_v and_o condemn_v they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o rash_a and_o severe_a in_o judge_v one_o another_o but_o every_o one_o will_v first_o think_v and_o consider_v with_o himself_o how_o we_o shall_v give_v once_o a_o account_n of_o ourselves_o before_o that_o tribunal_n and_o though_o we_o must_v judge_v for_o conscience_n sake_n because_o of_o our_o function_n yet_o we_o shall_v not_o more_o rigorous_o judge_v other_o than_o we_o ourselves_o desire_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o lord_n viz._n not_o for_o our_o ignorances_n nor_o for_o our_o weakness_n not_o for_o every_o faulty_a word_n nor_o according_a to_o other_o man_n word_n or_o tradition_n of_o man_n or_o humane_a opinion_n yea_o not_o after_o the_o severity_n of_o god_n law_n nor_o uncertain_a doubtful_a interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o only_o according_a to_o the_o undoubted_a save_a gospel_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n of_o christ_n in_o fatherly_a goodness_n tenderness_n grace_n and_o mercy_n wherefore_o we_o conclude_v with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n james_n 2._o v._o 12_o 13._o so_o speak_v you_o and_o so_o do_v as_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o law_n of_o liberty_n for_o he_o shall_v have_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n that_o have_v show_v no_o mercy_n and_o mercy_n rejoice_v against_o judgement_n to_o he_o the_o father_n of_o judgement_n and_o father_n of_o mercy_n be_v adscribe_v all_o honour_n and_o praise_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la
as_o they_o do_v the_o second_o commandment_n concern_v image_n will_v they_o judge_v we_o therefore_o shall_v we_o not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o teach_v and_o to_o learn_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n as_o god_n himself_o have_v speak_v they_o from_o heaven_n and_o with_o his_o own_o finger_n grave_v they_o in_o the_o two_o table_n of_o stone_n whereas_o we_o tolerate_v the_o omission_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o image_n in_o they_o that_o hold_v it_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o child_n and_o ignorant_n though_o we_o can_v approve_v thereof_o nor_o excuse_v it_o especial_o see_v what_o great_a idolatry_n it_o have_v breed_v in_o popery_n and_o that_o the_o say_a commandment_n do_v extend_v as_o well_o to_o the_o child_n and_o idiot_n as_o to_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n yea_o we_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v most_o necessary_a for_o those_o be_v natural_o bend_v to_o image_n and_o idolatry_n also_o in_o the_o difference_n in_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n that_o in_o the_o holy_a communion_n by_o eat_v sacramental_o the_o bless_a bread_n and_o wine_n we_o believe_v only_o a_o spiritual_a partake_n or_o communion_n and_o presence_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o a_o carnal_a and_o corporal_a neither_o believe_v vbiquity_n or_o omnipresence_n of_o christ_n body_n but_o the_o omnipresent_v power_n virtue_n and_o reign_v of_o christ_n true_a god_n and_o man_n even_o in_o those_o place_n where_o his_o body_n be_v not_o present_a nor_o a_o universal_a reconciliation_n and_o propitiation_n by_o christ_n death_n whereby_o indifferent_o all_o man_n whether_o they_o do_v believe_v or_o not_o believe_v repent_v or_o not_o repent_v have_v remission_n of_o their_o sin_n already_o but_o whereby_o principal_o repentance_n and_o faith_n be_v require_v from_o all_o in_o general_n and_o withal_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n in_o christ_n be_v faithful_o offer_v and_o promise_v and_o consequent_o real_o and_o effectual_o confer_v and_o give_v to_o those_o only_o who_o effectual_o believe_v and_o repent_v nor_o also_o a_o universal_a election_n of_o all_o man_n unto_o salvation_n but_o only_o of_o the_o believer_n and_o yet_o so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o elect_v by_o and_o according_a to_o their_o faith_n or_o work_v which_o god_n have_v foresee_v in_o they_o before_o the_o election_n much_o less_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v without_o faith_n or_o without_o good_a work_n but_o so_o that_o they_o be_v elect_v out_o of_o a_o mere_a special_a grace_n in_o christ_n even_o to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o through_o faith_n may_v be_v convert_v from_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v adopt_v unto_o child_n of_o god_n and_o to_o good_a work_n and_o make_v fit_a for_o to_o walk_v therein_o and_o obtain_v everlasting_a salvation_n will_v they_o for_o these_o or_o other_o such_o like_a point_n of_o controversy_n in_o doctrine_n for_o the_o most_o part_n arise_v from_o thence_o judge_n and_o condemn_v we_o as_o heretic_n as_o most_o of_o they_o use_n to_o do_v than_o they_o must_v first_o prove_v that_o their_o opinion_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n in_o those_o point_n which_o they_o so_o fierce_o insist_v upon_o and_o whereon_o common_o all_o the_o controversy_n depend_v be_v not_o only_o agreeable_a to_o truth_n but_o also_o absolute_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n but_o we_o shall_v soon_o prove_v those_o not_o to_o be_v warrantable_a by_o scripture_n than_o they_o shall_v make_v they_o good_a to_o be_v necessary_a see_v we_o can_v find_v any_o wherein_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o truth_n much_o less_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o for_o what_o be_v then_o that_o be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n we_o agree_v already_o both_o in_o this_o against_o the_o papist_n namely_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n be_v plain_o and_o express_o teach_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o whatsoever_o be_v only_o bare_a word_n of_o man_n and_o humane_a tradition_n and_o doctrine_n aught_o and_o must_v not_o be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n though_o otherwise_o they_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o truth_n wherefore_o they_o must_v first_o prove_v that_o such_o opinion_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n of_o they_o which_o they_o esteem_v to_o be_v necessary_a be_v express_o teach_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o so_o that_o we_o also_o may_v certain_o and_o undoubted_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v ground_v thereon_o as_o a_o necessary_a point_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o christ_n they_o will_v say_v that_o they_o have_v prove_v it_o already_o sufficient_o and_o abundant_o if_o not_o by_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o at_o least_o by_o equivalent_a word_n and_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n draw_v out_o of_o they_o and_o that_o we_o therefore_o only_o will_v not_o receive_v and_o condescend_v unto_o it_o because_o it_o be_v contrary_a and_o repugnant_a to_o our_o natural_a reason_n as_o for_o example_n when_o the_o lord_n speak_v of_o the_o bread_n take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n they_o make_v it_o to_o be_v equivalent_a as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v eat_v my_o body_n in_o and_o with_o the_o bread_n and_o that_o he_o mean_v a_o natural_a corporal_a and_o carnal_a eat_n likewise_o when_o the_o lord_n say_v i_o be_o with_o you_o till_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n they_o infer_v that_o his_o body_n also_o be_v present_a with_o we_o because_o jesus_n christ_n or_o his_o godhead_n be_v nowhere_o without_o his_o body_n or_o separate_v from_o it_o but_o although_o this_o may_v seem_v to_o they_o in_o their_o reason_n to_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o plain_a exposition_n or_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n yet_o we_o examine_v and_o compare_v not_o only_a our_o reason_n but_o also_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o not_o the_o five_o word_n by_o themselves_o alone_o but_o all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o whole_a institution_n together_o yea_o of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n we_o find_v the_o contrary_a a_o great_a deal_n clear_a and_o plain_a that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o their_o interpretation_n nor_o their_o consequence_n of_o any_o validity_n much_o less_o of_o necessity_n for_o indeed_o this_o be_v plain_a and_o manifest_a that_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n take_v eat_v speak_v of_o the_o bread_n which_o he_o take_v break_v and_o give_v to_o they_o and_o that_o he_o mean_v there_o a_o corporal_a carnal_a visible_a and_o natural_a eat_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o it_o be_v also_o manifest_a and_o evident_a that_o he_o speak_v of_o that_o bread_n this_o which_o i_o have_v break_v and_o give_v this_o bread_n which_o you_o take_v and_o eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o shall_v be_v give_v for_o you_o but_o that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v after_o a_o carnal_a and_o corporal_a manner_n so_o that_o his_o body_n who_o sit_v with_o they_o at_o table_n and_o reach_v to_o they_o the_o bread_n have_v be_v invisible_o in_o and_o under_o the_o bread_n and_o eat_v though_o supernatural_o with_o their_o carnal_a mouth_n be_v no_o way_n clear_a and_o manifest_a but_o they_o themselves_o and_o the_o papist_n also_o notwithstanding_o they_o adhere_v and_o insist_v both_o upon_o the_o literal_a sense_n yet_o they_o can_v agree_v among_o themselves_o in_o their_o pretend_a literal_a meaning_n and_o beside_o they_o both_o must_v confess_v that_o they_o be_v word_n of_o peculiar_a mystery_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v mystical_o and_o sacramental_o understand_v wherefore_o it_o be_v yet_o more_o clear_a and_o manifest_a since_o spiritual_a thing_n must_v be_v compare_v with_o spiritual_a 1_o cor._n 2.13_o that_o these_o word_n also_o after_o the_o na_fw-mi ure_n and_o propriety_n of_o other_o sacrament_n must_v have_v a_o spiritual_a meaning_n as_o the_o lord_n himself_o say_v of_o the_o eat_n of_o his_o body_n and_o the_o drink_n of_o his_o blood_n the_o word_n that_o i_o speak_v unto_o you_o they_o be_v spirit_n and_o they_o be_v life_n joh._n 6_o 63._o as_o both_o papist_n and_o lutheran_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v principal_o require_v a_o spiritual_a eat_n we_o have_v also_o many_o pregnant_a motive_n which_o be_v not_o only_o ground_v upon_o natural_a reason_n but_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o the_o institution_n itself_o upon_o the_o undoubted_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o upon_o many_o other_o manifest_a place_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o bind_v not_o only_o our_o understanding_n but_o our_o conscience_n that_o we_o can_v receive_v by_o any_o mean_v their_o interpretation_n concern_v the_o invisible_a body_n in_o the_o bread_n and_o the_o carnal_a eat_n thereof_o which_o may_v be_v common_a both_o to_o the_o unbelieving_a and_o ungodly_a hypocrite_n and_o also_o to_o the_o believe_a because_o it_o do_v more_o evident_o appear_v to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o these_o word_n of_o god_n
i_o think_v it_o needless_a at_o this_o present_a see_v it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n agree_v on_o in_o thesi_fw-la or_o position_n of_o it_o but_o in_o hypothesi_fw-la or_o application_n of_o it_o each_o one_o favour_v his_o side_n best_o and_o transfer_v the_o fault_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o dissension_n and_o division_n upon_o his_o adversary_n wherefore_o for_o the_o conclusion_n thereof_o we_o must_v apply_v such_o common_a and_o general_a doctrine_n to_o the_o modern_a difference_n and_o controversy_n and_o especial_o to_o the_o three_o dissent_v party_n afore_o mention_v without_o any_o partiality_n and_o passion_n chap._n x._o whether_o or_o how_o far_o the_o protestant_a church_n ought_v or_o be_v bind_v to_o judge_v the_o say_v roman-catholic_n in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n or_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o they_o or_o to_o undergo_v any_o reformation_n among_o all_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o church_n which_o ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n arise_v among_o the_o christian_n we_o shall_v hardly_o find_v any_o one_o which_o have_v be_v foment_v with_o more_o vehemency_n and_o fierceness_n then_o that_o which_o in_o our_o predecessor_n day_n spring_v original_o in_o germany_n and_o afterward_o be_v spread_v over_o all_o europe_n and_o at_o this_o present_a be_v divulge_v witness_v our_o own_o eye_n to_o a_o most_o lamentable_a desolation_n and_o destruction_n of_o christendom_n so_o that_o some_o long_a continuance_n thereof_o which_o be_v fear_v will_v draw_v at_o length_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o all_o western_a church_n like_o punishment_n and_o oppression_n as_o former_o the_o eastern_a suffer_v under_o the_o turk_n tartar_n and_o other_o barbarous_a nation_n unless_o the_o lord_n do_v shorten_v and_o prevent_v they_o by_o the_o day_n of_o his_o apparition_n wherefore_o every_o one_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o be_v careful_a and_o to_o search_v out_o which_o side_n proper_o be_v guilty_a and_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o pernicious_a schism_n that_o we_o may_v know_v to_o which_o to_o give_v assent_n and_o to_o which_o not_o whereby_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o one_o side_n shall_v be_v only_o and_o total_o guilty_a and_o the_o other_o absolute_o innocent_a and_o guiltless_a for_o it_o may_v well_o be_v that_o there_o have_v be_v fault_n on_o both_o side_n either_o in_o the_o excess_n or_o defect_n whereby_o their_o mind_n be_v exasperate_v and_o the_o division_n grow_v to_o such_o a_o high_a pitch_n and_o the_o difference_n and_o disceptation_n in_o church_n be_v much_o like_o the_o war_n or_o judicial_a law-businesse_n where_o many_o time_n the_o most_o just_a and_o equitable_a cause_n be_v very_o ill_o manage_v and_o common_o prolong_v and_o extend_v to_o a_o great_a inconvenience_n if_o not_o to_o the_o utmost_a ruin_n of_o both_o disagree_a party_n but_o since_o indifference_n in_o religion_n especial_o when_o a_o resolute_a schism_n and_o division_n be_v already_o form_v in_o the_o church_n no_o neutrality_n nor_o therefore_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o the_o settlement_n of_o a_o peculiar_a church_n be_v admit_v but_o assent_n be_v to_o be_v give_v either_o to_o one_o or_o the_o other_o side_n in_o the_o save_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n though_o not_o all_o its_o action_n may_v be_v approve_v at_o least_o thus_o far_o must_v be_v determine_v of_o the_o guiltiness_n and_o innocency_n of_o the_o different_a party_n to_o the_o end_n that_o man_n may_v know_v which_o church_n be_v to_o be_v embrace_v and_o which_o not_o which_o subject_n full_o and_o punctual_o to_o handle_v and_o maintain_v will_v require_v a_o peculiar_a book_n in_o regard_n that_o all_o modern_a writing_n whether_o they_o concern_v division_n and_o dissension_n or_o ecclesiastical_a unity_n be_v in_o some_o kind_n direct_v to_o this_o scope_n but_o we_o shall_v here_o be_v constrain_v only_o to_o touch_v it_o in_o a_o short_a and_o compendious_a way_n as_o much_o as_o will_v conduce_v to_o our_o present_a intention_n and_o to_o declare_v it_o brief_o by_o the_o aforementioned_a principle_n and_o first_o whether_o and_o how_o far_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o judge_v their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o they_o or_o to_o reform_v they_o then_o second_o whether_o therefore_o by_o any_o mean_n we_o ought_v to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v the_o person_n or_o whole_a church_n i._o where_o then_o first_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exact_o examine_v church_n how_o far_o the_o protestant_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o romish_a church_n how_o far_o the_o protestant_a church_n have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o roman-catholic_n see_v they_o have_v not_o withdraw_v themselves_o one_o from_o another_o in_o all_o point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n but_o remain_v still_o unite_v in_o many_o great_a and_o weighty_a article_n which_o have_v be_v unanimous_o acknowledge_v of_o both_o side_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o both_o side_n profess_v and_o receive_v the_o whole_a universal_a apostolical_a creed_n whereunto_o we_o be_v baptise_a on_o all_o side_n likewise_o both_o side_n retain_v the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o although_o they_o omit_v in_o their_o catechism_n the_o second_o commandment_n concern_v image_n yet_o they_o retain_v it_o at_o least_o in_o their_o bibles_n so_o that_o we_o remain_v undivided_a at_o least_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n in_o three_o most_o necessary_a symbol_n or_o article_n of_o the_o universal_a christian_a religion_n credendorum_fw-la faciendorum_fw-la petendorum_fw-la what_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v to_o do_v and_o to_o ask_v as_o be_v mention_v heretofore_o and_o notwithstanding_o they_o have_v add_v many_o other_o human_a ceremony_n and_o tradition_n to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v institute_v yet_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v thus_o far_o keep_v the_o true_a baptism_n be_v the_o most_o necessary_a sacrament_n that_o we_o nor_o they_o desire_v to_o rebaptize_v those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o we_o and_o they_o moreover_o they_o receive_v and_o acknowledge_v with_o we_o the_o whole_a sacred_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o indubitable_a word_n of_o god_n who_o interpretation_n and_o meaning_n in_o many_o sound_a doctrine_n yea_o i_o dare_v say_v in_o the_o most_o be_v unqestion_v betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o yea_o likewise_o in_o the_o symbol_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a counsel_n which_o we_o receive_v on_o both_o side_n agreeable_a and_o warrantable_a by_o scripture_n and_o final_o in_o all_o point_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v true_a undoubted_a ancient_a catholic_n we_o remain_v as_o yet_o unite_v with_o they_o against_o all_o other_o erroneous_a sectary_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v before_o wherefore_o we_o can_v nor_o will_v judge_v they_o heretic_n but_o rather_o we_o must_v judge_v and_o determine_v by_o those_o undoubted_a and_o undeniable_a ground_n of_o both_o side_n all_o other_o difference_n in_o doctrine_n that_o be_v leave_v and_o if_o we_o only_o may_v be_v tolerate_v by_o they_o without_o compulsion_n of_o conscience_n we_o nor_o they_o have_v then_o no_o cause_n to_o separate_v and_o withdraw_v ourselves_o one_o from_o another_o and_o we_o will_v sufficient_o find_v in_o the_o say_a article_n whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n ii_o neither_o do_v we_o judge_v and_o condemn_v they_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o general_o and_o on_o all_o side_n acknowledge_v and_o receive_v as_o free_v indifferent_a matter_n which_o neither_o directè_fw-la or_o indirectè_fw-la in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v command_v nor_o forbid_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o do_v but_o rather_o confess_v that_o man_n ought_v herein_o to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o each_o church_n and_o law_n of_o the_o country_n custom_n and_o ceremony_n lest_o because_o of_o unnecessary_a thing_n a_o separation_n and_o scandal_n be_v cause_v according_a to_o augustins_n rule_n quod_fw-la neque_fw-la contra_fw-la fidem_fw-la neque_fw-la contra_fw-la bonos_fw-es more_o be_v injungitur_fw-la indifferenter_fw-la est_fw-la habendum_fw-la &_o pro_fw-la eorum_fw-la inter_fw-la quos_fw-la vivitur_fw-la societate_fw-la servandum_fw-la est_fw-la epist_n 118_o but_o in_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o for_o our_o part_n account_n for_o free_a indifferent_a matter_n but_o they_o for_o necessary_a either_o out_o of_o custom_n or_o because_o of_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o church_n or_o out_o of_o a_o misapprehension_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o for_o example_n in_o fast_n and_o holy_a day_n we_o ought_v to_o judge_v the_o matter_n thus_o far_o lest_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o may_v cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o scandal_n before_o they_o by_o our_o liberty_n and_o knowledge_n in_o their_o pretend_a necessity_n but_o rather_o dispense_v with_o our_o exterior_a liberty_n in_o such_o