to_o this_o effect_n that_o tradition_n which_o be_v of_o so_o much_o use_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v not_o unwritten_a tradition_n or_o custom_n commend_v or_o ratify_v by_o the_o suppose_a infallibility_n of_o any_o visible_a church_n but_o do_v especial_o consist_v in_o the_o confession_n or_o register_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o so_o many_o several_a church_n as_o exhibit_v their_o concession_n to_o the_o nicene_n council_n out_o of_o such_o form_n as_o have_v be_v frame_v and_o teach_v before_o this_o controversy_n arise_v about_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o voluntary_o and_o free_o these_o church_n be_v not_o dependent_a one_o upon_o another_o nor_o oversway_v by_o any_o authority_n over_o they_o nor_o mislead_v by_o faction_n to_o frame_v their_o confession_n of_o faith_n by_o imitation_n or_o according_a to_o some_o pattern_n set_v they_o be_v a_o pregnant_a argument_n that_o this_o faith_n wherein_o they_o 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it_o while_o it_o remain_v so_o opposite_a to_o that_o which_o be_v true_o apostolical_a i_o conclude_v this_o with_o the_o direction_n which_o our_o church_n give_v to_o preacher_n in_o the_o book_n of_o canon_n 1â—71_n in_o the_o title_n concionatores_fw-la that_o no_o man_n shall_v teach_v the_o people_n any_o thing_n to_o be_v hold_v and_o believe_v by_o they_o religious_o but_o what_o be_v consentaneous_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o what_o the_o catholic_n father_n and_o ancient_a bishop_n have_v gather_v out_o of_o that_o very_a doctrine_n this_o be_v our_o rule_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o guide_v ourselves_o which_o be_v set_v we_o on_o purpose_n to_o preserve_v our_o preacher_n from_o broach_v any_o idle_a novel_a or_o popish_a doctrine_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o injunction_n vain_a and_o old_a wife_n opinion_n and_o heresy_n and_o popish_a error_n abhor_v from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o
rule_n whereby_o our_o church_n be_v reform_v and_o to_o which_o we_o appeal_v there_o be_v but_o three_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o christian_n either_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n or_o the_o external_a order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o administration_n of_o religious_a office_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n all_o those_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man_n they_o be_v so_o plain_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o no_o honest_a man_n can_v mistake_v they_o i_o suppose_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o will_v not_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v any_o need_n of_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n to_o teach_v man_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o love_v god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n those_o which_o be_v fundamental_a to_o the_o christian_n religion_n and_o which_o every_o christian_a ought_v to_o believe_v be_v so_o plain_a in_o scripture_n that_o every_o honest_a and_o unprejudiced_a man_n may_v understand_v they_o but_o however_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o we_o govern_v ourselves_o in_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n of_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o safe_a rule_n we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o nothing_o and_o what_o the_o catholic_a faith_n be_v we_o learn_v from_o those_o short_a summary_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v universal_o own_v by_o all_o catholic_a church_n for_o what_o we_o now_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n be_v very_o ancient_o receive_v in_o all_o church_n with_o some_o little_a variety_n indeed_o of_o word_n and_o phrase_n but_o without_o any_o difference_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o catholic_a faith_n be_v not_o only_o preserve_v in_o such_o short_a summary_n and_o creed_n which_o be_v as_o liable_a to_o be_v pervert_v by_o heretic_n as_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o but_o be_v more_o large_o explain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o though_o this_o will_v not_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v every_o phrase_n and_o expression_n of_o scripture_n but_o we_o must_v use_v other_o mean_n to_o do_v that_o as_o skill_n in_o the_o original_a language_n a_o knowledge_n of_o ancient_a custom_n and_o ancient_a dispute_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n frequent_o aflude_v a_o consideration_n of_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o place_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o catholic_a faith_n receive_v and_o own_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v so_o far_o a_o rule_n as_o it_o direct_v we_o to_o expound_v scripture_n to_o a_o true_a catholic_a sense_n as_o st._n paul_n command_v the_o roman_n that_o those_o who_o prophesy_v shall_v prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n rom._n 12._o 6._o kat_n '_o analogian_n pisteos_fw-la according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v that_o in_o the_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o shall_v expound_v they_o to_o a_o christian_n sense_n according_a to_o those_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_n faith_n which_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n for_o expound_v the_o old_a testament_n which_o contain_v the_o type_n and_o figure_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o gospel-state_n and_o thus_o in_o expound_v the_o new_a testament_n now_o it_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v we_o must_v prohpesie_v according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n or_o as_o he_o command_v timothy_n in_o his_o preach_v hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v from_o i_o 2._o tim._n 1._o 13._o it_o seem_v the_o apostle_n have_v give_v he_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n according_a to_o which_o he_o be_v to_o direct_v his_o preach_a whither_o this_o refer_v to_o a_o short_a summary_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o our_o creed_n be_v i_o can_v say_v though_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a it_o may_v but_o it_o be_v plain_a we_o have_v a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n deliver_v to_o we_o by_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o contain_v the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o far_o a_o rule_n to_o we_o in_o expound_v scripture_n as_o never_o to_o contradict_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o for_o that_o be_v to_o contradict_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o when_o one_o great_a article_n of_o this_o faith_n concern_v the_o eternal_a godhead_n of_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v corrupt_v by_o arius_n a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n it_o give_v a_o occasion_n for_o a_o full_a declaration_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n about_o it_o and_o though_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o controversy_n be_v very_o fatal_a to_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o happy_a that_o it_o break_v out_o in_o such_o a_o age_n when_o it_o can_v be_v determine_v with_o great_a certainty_n and_o great_a authority_n than_o it_o can_v have_v be_v in_o any_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n by_o man_n who_o be_v venerable_a for_o their_o age_n for_o their_o wisdom_n for_o their_o piety_n for_o their_o undaunted_a confession_n under_o heathen_a and_o persecuring_a emperor_n who_o know_v what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v before_o this_o controversy_n break_v out_o and_o before_o external_n prosperity_n have_v through_o ease_n and_o wantonness_n corrupt_v the_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o christian_n 3._o as_o for_o matter_n of_o external_n order_n discipline_n and_o government_n the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o best_a and_o safe_a comment_n on_o these_o general_a rule_n and_o direction_n we_o have_v lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o but_o the_o apostle_n do_v appoint_v governor_n and_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o they_o what_o these_o be_v the_o christian_n of_o those_o day_n see_v with_o their_o eye_n â—_o in_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n in_o those_o epistle_n which_o they_o write_v to_o their_o several_a church_n do_v not_o give_v they_o so_o punctual_a and_o particular_a a_o account_n of_o those_o matter_n which_o they_o so_o well_o know_v before_o but_o as_o occasion_n serve_v make_v only_o some_o accidental_a mention_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o in_o such_o general_a term_n as_o be_v well_o enough_o understand_v by_o they_o who_o know_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o age_n but_o it_o may_v be_v can_v mere_o by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o word_n which_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o several_a sense_n be_v so_o certain_o and_o demonstrative_o determine_v to_o any_o one_o sense_n by_o we_o who_o do_v not_o see_v what_o be_v do_v in_o those_o day_n as_o to_o avoid_v all_o possible_a cavil_n of_o contentious_a man_n this_o have_v occasion_v those_o dispute_n concern_v infant_n baptism_n the_o several_a order_n and_o degree_n of_o church_n governor_n the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o like_a those_o who_o live_v in_o those_o day_n and_o see_v what_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o these_o matter_n can_v not_o doubt_v of_o these_o thing_n think_v it_o be_v not_o in_o express_a word_n say_v that_o infant_n shall_v be_v baptize_v with_o their_o parent_n or_o that_o bishop_n be_v a_o superior_a order_n to_o presbyter_n and_o presbyter_n to_o deacon_n or_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o institute_v and_o appoint_v some_o significant_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n for_o the_o more_o decent_a and_o orderly_a administration_n of_o religious_a office_n but_o because_o there_o be_v not_o a_o precise_a and_o punctual_a account_n give_v of_o these_o matter_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o then_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v obvious_a to_o their_o very_a sense_n some_o perverse_a and_o unreasonable_a disputer_n who_o obstinate_o reject_v all_o other_o evidence_n will_v judge_v of_o these_o thing_n just_a as_o they_o please_v themselves_o and_o alter_v their_o opinion_n and_o fancy_n as_o often_o as_o they_o please_v but_o now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o certain_a way_n to_o know_v what_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o these_o case_n this_o be_v the_o best_a comment_n we_o can_v possible_o have_v on_o such_o text_n as_o be_v not_o sufficient_o plain_a and_o express_v without_o it_o now_o i_o think_v any_o reasonable_a man_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o succeed_a age_n especial_o while_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v fresh_a and_o the_o church_n
or_o papist_n but_o yet_o hearty_o desire_v to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o both_o but_o there_o be_v a_o more_o mischievous_a suggestion_n than_o this_o that_o the_o design_n of_o such_o paper_n be_v only_o to_o raise_v a_o new_a cry_n and_o noise_n about_o popery_n and_o to_o alarm_n the_o people_n and_o disturb_v the_o government_n with_o new_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n true_o if_o i_o think_v this_o will_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o i_o will_v burn_v my_o paper_n present_o for_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v get_v nothing_o by_o a_o tumultuary_a and_o clamorous_a zeal_n against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o i_o have_v much_o rather_o suffer_v under_o popery_n then_o contribute_v any_o thing_n towards_o raise_v a_o popular_a fury_n to_o keep_v it_o out_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o as_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o popery_n as_o we_o be_v to_o phanaticism_n and_o desire_v that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v know_v iâ—_n but_o we_o will_v never_o rebel_n nor_o 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for_o no_o other_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o expound_v scripture_n i_o shall_v discourse_v something_o brief_o of_o each_o of_o these_o 1._o to_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v very_o false_a and_o absurd_a for_o 1._o this_o suppose_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v a_o very_a unintelligible_a book_n which_o be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o which_o it_o be_v indict_v that_o he_o either_o can_v not_o or_o will_v not_o speak_v intelligible_o to_o the_o world_n 2._o this_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o those_o exhortation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o study_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v make_v to_o private_a man_n and_o therefore_o necessary_o suppose_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o other_o writing_n be_v by_o conside_v the_o propriety_n of_o the_o word_n and_o â—â—nguage_n wherein_o they_o be_v write_v the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o place_n and_o such_o other_o mean_n as_o honest_a and_o studious_a inquirer_n use_v to_o find_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o any_o other_o book_n 3._o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o unintelligible_a that_o a_o honest_a man_n can_v find_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o without_o the_o infallible_a interpretation_n of_o the_o church_n i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v whither_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v intelligible_o to_o their_o hearer_n if_o they_o do_v not_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v they_o preach_v at_o all_o by_o what_o mean_n be_v man_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n if_o they_o do_v how_o come_v these_o sermon_n to_o be_v so_o unintelligible_a now_o they_o be_v write_v which_o be_v so_o intelligible_a when_o they_o be_v speak_v for_o the_o gospel_n contain_v a_o plain_a history_n of_o what_o christ_n do_v and_o of_o what_o he_o say_v and_o the_o apostle_n write_v the_o same_o thing_n 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interpreter_n of_o scripture_n the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v know_v only_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v only_o by_o the_o church_n if_o we_o will_v know_v the_o church_n we_o must_v first_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o will_v understand_v the_o scripture_n we_o must_v first_o know_v the_o church_n and_o when_o both_o must_v be_v know_v first_o or_o we_o can_v know_v neither_o it_o be_v impossible_a in_o this_o way_n either_o to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n or_o find_v out_o the_o church_n for_o suppose_v the_o church_n do_v expound_v scripture_n by_o inspiration_n how_o shall_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o do_v so_o must_v we_o believe_v every_o man_n or_o every_o church_n which_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n this_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o apostle_n rule_n not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n how_o then_o shall_v they_o be_v try_v i_o know_v but_o two_o way_n either_o by_o miracle_n or_o by_o scripture_n miracle_n be_v now_o cease_v unless_o we_o will_v believe_v some_o fabulous_a legend_n which_o all_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o if_o there_o be_v real_a miracle_n wrought_v they_o be_v of_o no_o authority_n against_o a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n if_o then_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o these_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n by_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n now_o leave_v then_o there_o be_v a_o way_n of_o understand_v the_o scripture_n without_o this_o revelation_n for_o if_o we_o must_v understand_v the_o scripture_n by_o revelation_n and_o revelation_n by_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v get_v into_o a_o new_a circle_n and_o can_v understand_v neither_o obj._n but_o do_v we_o not_o see_v how_o many_o schism_n and_o heresy_n have_v be_v occasion_v by_o suffer_v every_o one_o to_o expound_v scripture_n for_o himself_o how_o many_o division_n and_o subdivision_n be_v there_o among_o protestant_n who_o agree_v in_o little_a else_o beside_o their_o opposition_n to_o popery_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o cure_v this_o without_o a_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scriptureâ—_n be_v it_o not_o a_o contradiction_n to_o common_a experience_n to_o say_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o certain_a when_o so_o few_o man_n can_v agree_v what_o it_o be_v ans_fw-fr 1._o yes_o we_o do_v see_v this_o and_o lament_v it_o and_o be_v behold_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o her_o emissary_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n for_o it_o but_o yet_o we_o know_v thus_o it_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o well_o as_o now_o and_o we_o take_v the_o same_o way_n to_o confute_v these_o heresy_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o primitive_a father_n do_v by_o appeal_n to_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v the_o best_a way_n any_o church_n can_v take_v when_o there_o be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n and_o if_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v know_v any_o such_o infallible_a judge_n they_o will_v certain_o have_v appeal_v to_o he_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o and_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a that_o any_o error_n or_o heresy_n shall_v for_o any_o long_a time_n together_o have_v disturb_v the_o church_n but_o we_o hear_v nothing_o of_o he_o for_o many_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n but_o the_o ancient_a father_n take_v the_o same_o way_n to_o confute_v the_o heresy_n of_o their_o day_n which_o we_o do_v now_o which_o be_v a_o good_a proable_a argument_n that_o they_o know_v no_o better_o and_o the_o present_a division_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v no_o great_a argument_n against_o we_o than_o the_o ancient_a heresy_n be_v against_o the_o primitive_a church_n or_o then_o the_o 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the_o same_o church_n notwithstanding_o these_o dispute_n because_o it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n to_o leave_v it_o but_o they_o be_v more_o beholden_a to_o the_o inquisition_n then_o to_o infallibility_n for_o this_o unity_n 2._o how_o do_v these_o division_n and_o heresy_n which_o disturb_v the_o church_n prove_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o his_o religion_n if_o we_o can_v certain_o know_v what_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v notwithstanding_o there_o be_v many_o different_a opinion_n about_o it_o than_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o we_o if_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n which_o other_o deny_v dispute_n or_o doubt_v of_o then_o how_o can_v any_o papist_n be_v certain_a that_o his_o church_n be_v infallible_a for_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n deny_v this_o and_o scorn_v their_o pretension_n to_o it_o i_o may_v indeed_o safe_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o a_o 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govern_v by_o apostolical_a man_n when_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suspect_v any_o deviation_n from_o the_o primitive_a practice_n and_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n own_v in_o such_o matter_n and_o by_o which_o she_o reject_v and_o confute_v both_o the_o innovation_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o wild_a pretence_n of_o phanaticism_n so_o that_o we_o do_v in_o the_o most_o proper_a sense_n own_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o expound_v scripture_n we_o do_v not_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o expound_v scripture_n by_o a_o private_a spirit_n as_o our_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n reproach_n we_o we_o adhere_v to_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n on_o one_o side_n and_o the_o fanatic_n on_o the_o other_o have_v forsake_v and_o though_o we_o reject_v the_o new_a invention_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n 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to_o pervert_v the_o plain_v text_n and_o some_o other_o sectary_n be_v as_o plain_v a_o demonstration_n what_o wâ—rk_n dullness_n and_o stupidity_n and_o enthusiasm_n will_v make_v with_o scripture_n but_o when_o we_o have_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o a_o ancient_a and_o venerable_a summary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o have_v be_v the_o common_a faith_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n to_o be_v our_o rule_n in_o expound_v scripture_n though_o we_o may_v after_o all_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o some_o particular_a text_n yet_o we_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o great_a and_o dangerous_a mistake_n this_o use_n the_o church_n of_o england_n make_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o expound_v scripture_n that_o she_o religious_o maintain_v the_o ancient_a catholic_n faith_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o man_n to_o expound_v scripture_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o ancient_a faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o though_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n of_o understand_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n yet_o we_o can_v affirm_v this_o of_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o of_o the_o church_n of_o any_o particular_a age_n except_v the_o apostolic_a age_n or_o those_o age_n which_o immediate_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n notwithstanding_o this_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v be_v no_o good_a expositor_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o she_o usurp_v the_o name_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o presume_v herself_o to_o be_v the_o head_n and_o fountain_n of_o catholic_a unity_n yet_o she_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o church_n of_o france_n aind_v holland_n be_v and_o have_v no_o more_o right_a to_o impose_v her_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n upon_o other_o church_n than_o they_o have_v to_o impose_v upon_o she_o if_o there_o happen_v any_o controversy_n between_o they_o it_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o either_o church_n can_v decide_v it_o but_o this_o must_v be_v do_v by_o a_o appeal_n to_o scripture_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o it_o for_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o sovereign_n and_o absolute_a judge_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o those_o church_n which_o be_v found_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o receive_v the_o faith_n immediate_o from_o they_o and_o be_v afterward_o sore_o some_o age_n govern_v by_o apostolical_a man_n or_o those_o who_o be_v teach_v by_o they_o and_o converse_v with_o they_o be_v the_o best_a witness_n what_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v and_o therefore_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a what_o the_o faith_n of_o these_o primitive_a church_n be_v they_o be_v the_o best_a guide_n for_o the_o expound_v scripture_n so_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o expound_v scripture_n be_v only_o the_o authority_n of_o witness_n it_o can_v reach_v no_o far_o than_o those_o age_n which_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v authentic_a and_o credible_a witness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o extend_v it_o to_o the_o four_o first_o general_a council_n it_o be_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v do_v it_o with_o any_o pretence_n of_o reason_n and_o thus_o far_o the_o church_n of_o england_n own_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o command_v her_o minister_n to_o expound_v the_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o catholic_n faith_n own_a and_o profess_v in_o those_o day_n but_o as_o for_o the_o late_a age_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v remove_v too_o far_o from_o the_o apostle_n day_n to_o be_v witness_n of_o their_o doctrine_n they_o have_v no_o more_o authority_n in_o this_o matter_n than_o we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n nor_o have_v one_o church_n any_o more_o authority_n than_o another_o 3._o and_o therefore_o if_o by_o the_o church_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o know_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v understand_v the_o judgement_n and_o sentence_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n that_o we_o must_v seek_v no_o far_o for_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n than_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o expound_v scripture_n this_o also_o be_v absolute_o false_a and_o absurd_a this_o be_v more_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n assume_v to_o themselves_o while_o they_o be_v on_o earth_n they_o be_v indeed_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n but_o yet_o they_o never_o bear_v down_o their_o hearer_n mere_o with_o their_o authority_n but_o expound_v the_o scripture_n and_o apply_v ancient_a prophecy_n to_o their_o event_n and_o take_v the_o vail_n off_o of_o moses_n face_n and_o show_v they_o the_o gospel_n state_n conceal_v under_o those_o type_n and_o figure_n they_o confirm_v their_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n of_o their_o hearer_n whither_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o christ_n command_v the_o jew_n nor_o mere_o to_o take_v his_o own_o word_n and_o to_o rely_v on_o his_o authority_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v but_o to_o study_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v for_o this_o generous_a temper_n of_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n for_o they_o daily_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v whither_o the_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n preach_v be_v to_o be_v find_v there_o or_o not_o now_o i_o think_v no_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v more_o infallible_a than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o certain_o ought_v not_o to_o assume_v more_o to_o themselves_o than_o they_o do_v and_o if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o any_o other_o church_n will_v convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n convince_v their_o hearer_n that_o be_v by_o enlighten_v our_o understanding_n and_o convince_a our_o judgement_n by_o proper_a argument_n we_o will_v glad_o learn_v of_o they_o this_o course_n the_o primitive_a christian_n take_v as_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n against_o jew_n and_o heretic_n they_o argue_v from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o to_o prove_v what_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n iâ—_n they_o appeal_v indeed_o sometime_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n not_o as_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o scripture_n but_o as_o the_o best_a witness_n of_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n thus_o
tertulliâ—â—_n argue_v against_o heretic_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr praescriplionibus_fw-la â—â—t_n when_o they_o reason_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n they_o never_o direct_v we_o to_o any_o infallible_a judge_n but_o use_v such_o argument_n as_o they_o think_v proper_a to_o convince_v gainsayers_a nay_o this_o be_v the_o way_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o the_o ancient_a council_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n meet_v together_o for_o common_a counsel_n and_o advice_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o authority_n they_o consider_v what_o be_v '_o most_o for_o the_o public_a benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o determine_v they_o by_o their_o authority_n not_o as_o infallible_a judge_n but_o as_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o dispute_v of_o faith_n they_o reason_n from_o scripture_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n not_o from_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o what_o 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be_v the_o first_o that_o meet_v in_o a_o general_n council_n can_v not_o believe_v this_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o general_n council_n much_o less_o upon_o their_o own_o authority_n unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o they_o first_o decree_v this_o than_o believe_v it_o because_o they_o themselves_o decree_v it_o if_o scripture_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n antecedent_o to_o the_o determination_n of_o a_o general_n council_n or_o any_o other_o pretend_v infallible_a judge_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o our_o faith_n than_o the_o whole_a christian_n world_n before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a which_o be_v the_o first_o general_a council_n have_v no_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o their_o faith_n for_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a bishop_n or_o church_n in_o those_o day_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n we_o protestant_n have_v the_o same_o way_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n have_v the_o same_o reason_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o the_o nicene_n father_n themselves_o have_v or_o which_o any_o christan_n can_v have_v before_o there_o be_v any_o general_a council_n and_o if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o think_v this_o enough_o we_o can_v help_v that_o we_o be_v abundant_o satisfy_v with_o it_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o general_a council_n in_o those_o day_n be_v deserve_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a not_o as_o a_o infallible_a judge_n which_o they_o never_o pretend_v to_o but_o as_o the_o most_o certain_a mean_n they_o can_v possible_o have_v to_o understand_v what_o be_v and_o in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n they_o meet_v together_o not_o to_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n which_o no_o council_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o have_v any_o authority_n to_o do_v but_o to_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o true_o ancient_a and._n apostolic_a faith_n and_o to_o put_v it_o into_o such_o word_n as_o may_v plain_o express_v the_o catholic_a sense_n and_o meet_v with_o the_o distemper_n of_o that_o age._n for_o this_o end_n grave_a and_o reverend_a bishop_n assemble_v from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o christian_n world_n not_o mere_o to_o give_v their_o private_a opinion_n of_o thing_n but_o to_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o receive_a doctrine_n oâ—_n those_o church_n over_o which_o they_o preside_v and_o i_o know_v no_o better_a argument_n of_o a_o apostolic_a tradition_n than_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o church_n as_o remote_a from_o each_o other_o as_o east_n and_o west_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o several_a apostle_n and_o differ_v very_o much_o from_o each_o other_o in_o some_o external_n rite_n and_o usage_n but_o yet_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a authority_n of_o those_o ancient_a council_n that_o they_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o understand_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n this_o be_v the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o nicene_n father_n themselves_o have_v no_o other_o way_n nor_o pretend_v to_o any_o other_o nay_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o as_o much_o as_o she_o talk_v of_o infallibility_n make_v very_o little_a use_n of_o it_o she_o have_v never_o give_v we_o a_o infallible_a comment_n on_o scripture_n but_o suffer_v her_o doctor_n to_o write_v as_o fallible_a comment_n and_o in_o many_o thing_n as_o contrary_a to_o each_o other_o as_o any_o protestant_a divine_n do_v and_o i_o can_v imagine_v what_o good_a infallibility_n do_v if_o a_o infallible_a church_n have_v no_o better_a mean_n of_o understand_a scripture_n than_o the_o comment_n of_o fallible_a man_n that_o be_v no_o better_a mean_n then_o every_o fallible_a church_n have_v for_o no_o man_n can_v understand_v the_o scripture_n ever_o the_o better_a for_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a unless_o this_o infallible_a church_n improve_v this_o glorious_a talon_n of_o infallibility_n in_o expound_v scripture_n which_o she_o have_v not_o do_v to_o this_o day_n and_o i_o believe_v never_o will_v indeed_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o infallibility_n as_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n either_o in_o the_o refolution_n of_o faith_n or_o in_o confute_v heretic_n who_o deny_v this_o infallibility_n and_o then_o i_o can_v imagine_v what_o it_o be_v good_a for_o but_o to_o multiply_v dispute_n instead_o of_o end_v they_o as_o for_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n suppose_v i_o ask_v a_o papist_n why_o he_o believe_v such_o article_n as_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a to_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n if_o he_o answer_v as_o he_o must_v do_v because_o he_o be_v teach_v so_o by_o the_o church_n which_o be_v infallible_a my_o next_o question_n be_v how_o he_o know_v the_o church_n to_o be_v infallible_a if_o he_o say_v he_o learn_v this_o from_o scripture_n i_o ask_v he_o how_o he_o come_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o how_o he_o know_v that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o if_o he_o know_v this_o by_o the_o infallible_a interpretation_n of_o the_o church_n than_o he_o run_v round_o in_o a_o circle_n and_o know_v the_o scripture_n by_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n by_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o if_o he_o can_v find_v out_o the_o church_n infallibility_n by_o the_o scripture_n without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n than_o it_o seem_v the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v without_o the_o infallible_a interpretation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o man_n can_v find_v out_o infallibility_n in_o scripture_n without_o the_o church_n i_o be_o confident_a they_o may_v find_v out_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o scripture_n as_o well_o without_o the_o church_n infallibility_n for_o there_o iâ—_n no_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n so_o hard_o to_o be_v
same_o doctrine_n which_o she_o do_v and_o she_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o just_a prejudice_n against_o any_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n if_o they_o contradict_v the_o common_a faith_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v fair_o capable_a of_o different_a sense_n she_o choose_v that_o sense_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a with_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o shall_v any_o doctrine_n be_v impose_v upon_o she_o as_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n or_o which_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o it_o as_o the_o new_a trent_n creed_n be_v whatever_o pretence_n there_o be_v for_o the_o antiquity_n of_o such_o doctrine_n she_o utter_o reject_v they_o she_o will_v not_o put_v out_o her_o eye_n to_o follow_v any_o other_o guide_n and_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n she_o need_v not_o reject_v any_o true_o catholic_n doctrine_n in_o this_o way_n we_o still_o retain_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o be_v great_o confirm_v in_o it_o from_o that_o admirable_a consent_n there_o be_v between_o the_o scripture_n as_o expound_v by_o we_o and_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v ancient_o own_v and_o receive_v by_o all_o christian_n have_v thus_o show_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o scripture_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n contain_v in_o this_o paper_n that_o this_o church_n must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n by_o its_o continual_a visible_a succession_n from_o christ_n till_o our_o day_n now_o these_o few_o word_n contain_v a_o great_a many_o and_o very_o great_a mistake_n the_o subject_n of_o the_o inquiry_n be_v how_o we_o may_v find_v out_o such_o a_o church_n who_o word_n we_o may_v safe_o take_v for_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n now_o 1._o the_o author_n of_o this_o paper_n whither_o ignorant_o or_o design_o i_o know_v not_o alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v a_o unerring_a and_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n which_o will_v be_v very_o well_o worth_a find_n he_o tell_v we_o how_o we_o may_v know_v a_o true_a church_n now_o i_o take_v a_o true_a church_n and_o and_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v very_o different_a thing_n a_o church_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o not_o a_o sound_n orthodox_n and_o catholic_n church_n for_o a_o true_a church_n be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o have_v all_o thing_n necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o the_o be_v and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n this_o a_o church_n may_v have_v and_o superadd_a other_o thing_n which_o be_v destructive_a of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o very_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a mistake_n as_o we_o believe_v and_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o râ—me_n have_v do_v and_o yet_o we_o acknowledge_v she_o a_o true_a church_n because_o she_o retain_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n though_o miserable_o corrupt_v by_o addition_n of_o her_o own_o as_o a_o man_n be_v a_o true_a man_n though_o he_o be_v sick_a of_o a_o mortal_a disease_n now_o if_o a_o true_a church_n may_v corrupt_v the_o christian_a faith_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o rely_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o every_o true_a church_n for_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n 2._o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o by_o a_o true_a church_n he_o mean_v a_o infallible_a church_n who_o authority_n we_o may_v safe_o rely_v on_o in_o expound_v scripture_n this_o church_n he_o say_v be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o a_o continual_a visible_a succession_n from_o christ_n till_o our_o day_n now_o if_o this_o visible_a uninterrupted_a succession_n be_v the_o mark_n of_o such_o a_o true_a church_n as_o be_v a_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n then_o 1._o the_o greek_a church_n be_v a_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n for_o she_o have_v as_o visible_a uninterrupted_a a_o succession_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o this_o day_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v and_o so_o we_o have_v two_o infallible_a church_n not_o to_o instance_n in_o any_o more_o at_o present_a who_o have_v as_o good_a a_o succession_n as_o either_o of_o they_o which_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o each_o other_o and_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v in_o this_o case_n must_v we_o believe_v contradiction_n or_o must_v we_o disbelieve_v infallible_a church_n 3._o if_o a_o visible_a succession_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n make_v aâ—y_a church_n a_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n than_o all_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v infallible_a all_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o equal_o visible_a succession_n from_o christ_n those_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n may_v be_v presume_v as_o infallible_a while_o the_o apostle_n be_v present_a with_o they_o as_o they_o be_v afterward_o and_o those_o church_n which_o succeed_v these_o apostolical_a church_n at_o the_o distance_n of_o a_o age_n or_o two_o may_v be_v suppose_v as_o infallible_a as_o any_o church_n of_o this_o age_n be_v for_o if_o a_o visible_a succession_n from_o christ_n make_v a_o church_n infallible_a why_o shall_v not_o a_o succession_n of_o a_o hundred_o or_o two_o hundred_o year_n make_v they_o as_o infallible_a as_o a_o succession_n of_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n unless_o they_o think_v that_o infallibility_n increase_v with_o the_o age_n of_o the_o church_n which_o i_o can_v wish_v true_a but_o we_o see_v very_o little_a sign_n of_o it_o now_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n all_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v a_o continual_a visible_a succession_n from_o apostolical_a church_n through_o all_o age_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n must_v be_v infallible_a for_o if_o a_o continual_a visible_a succession_n confer_v infallibility_n and_o be_v the_o mark_n whereby_o we_o must_v know_v it_o than_o every_o church_n which_o ever_o have_v or_o have_v to_o this_o day_n this_o visible_a succession_n must_v have_v infallibility_n also_o which_o it_o seem_v be_v entail_v on_o succession_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v find_v out_o a_o world_n of_o infallibility_n and_o it_o be_v wonderful_a how_o any_o apostolical_a church_n come_v to_o be_v overrun_v with_o so_o many_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o to_o grow_v so_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a as_o to_o provoke_v god_n to_o root_v they_o up_o if_o every_o apostolical_a church_n be_v infallible_a i_o can_v imagine_v how_o whole_a church_n which_o visible_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v infect_v with_o heresy_n for_o if_o infallibility_n itself_o will_v not_o secure_v a_o church_n from_o heresy_n the_o lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o 3._o this_o mark_n he_o give_v how_o to_o find_v out_o such_o a_o true_a church_n at_o be_v a_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n viz._n a_o continual_a visible_a succession_n from_o christ_n till_o this_o day_n include_v another_o great_a mistake_n for_o it_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o church_n now_o in_o be_v on_o who_o authority_n we_o must_v rely_v for_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o use_n of_o a_o visible_a succession_n to_o this_o day_n in_o this_o controversy_n if_o as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a we_o must_v rely_v only_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n not_o of_o the_o church_n of_o this_o present_a age_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o not_o as_o a_o infallible_a judge_n buâ—_n as_o the_o most_o authentic_a witness_n of_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n than_o we_o can_v find_v out_o this_o church_n by_o a_o visible_a succession_n to_o this_o day_n but_o by_o examine_v the_o ancient_a record_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n where_o we_o shall_v find_v what_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n be_v which_o be_v the_o safe_a rule_n to_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n though_o there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o this_o day_n which_o can_v prove_v a_o continual_a visible_a succession_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n yet_o while_o we_o have_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o record_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n we_o have_v very_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o understanding_n the_o true_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n so_o that_o of_o whatever_o use_v this_o talk_n of_o a_o continual_a visible_a succession_n may_v be_v in_o other_o case_n it_o be_v whole_o impertinent_a in_o this_o a_o church_n which_o can_v prove_v such_o a_o continual_a visible_a succession_n which_o be_v not_o found_v by_o any_o apostle_n
or_o apostolical_a man_n or_o have_v lose_v the_o memory_n or_o record_n of_o its_o first_o plantation_n may_v yet_o have_v very_o certain_a mean_n of_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a church_n and_o a_o church_n which_o have_v the_o most_o visible_a uninterrupted_a succession_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n may_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n that_o she_o may_v be_v very_o corrupt_a and_o erroneous_a herself_o if_o she_o forsake_v the_o apostolical_a tradition_n contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o expound_v by_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o church_n as_o we_o know_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v do_v which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o infallible_a church_n that_o we_o believe_v she_o to_o be_v the_o most_o corrupt_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o i_o think_v we_o be_v prepare_v to_o venture_v upon_o the_o last_o clause_n of_o this_o paper_n wherein_o the_o whole_a force_n of_o the_o argument_n such_o as_o it_o be_v be_v turn_v upon_o the_o poor_a protestant_a church_n but_o i_o doubt_v say_v the_o author_n of_o this_o paper_n whither_o or_o no_o the_o protestant_a church_n can_v make_v out_o this_o continual_a visible_a succession_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v inform_v the_o sting_n of_o which_o argument_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o we_o protestant_n have_v no_o certain_a way_n of_o know_v the_o true_a seâ—nse_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n because_o we_o can_v prove_v the_o continual_a visible_a succession_n of_o our_o church_n from_o christ_n unto_o this_o day_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o have_v this_o visible_a succession_n and_o receive_v all_o her_o dictate_v as_o infallible_a oracle_n but_o for_o answer_n to_o this_o consider_v 1._o that_o suppose_v the_o protestant_a church_n can_v not_o make_v out_o such_o a_o continual_a visible_a succession_n yet_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n very_o well_o without_o it_o and_o need_v not_o go_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o expound_v scripture_n for_o we_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v at_o large_a have_v he_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v be_v no_o church_n for_o want_v of_o a_o visible_a succession_n of_o church_n officer_n or_o that_o our_o religion_n be_v a_o novelty_n which_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n before_o luther_n this_o have_v be_v something_o more_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o to_o pretend_v that_o we_o can_v understand_v the_o scripture_n for_o want_v of_o a_o visible_a succession_n be_v such_o a_o loose_a and_o inconsequent_a way_n of_o reason_v as_o a_o poor_a fallible_a protestant_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o 2._o but_o pray_v why_o can_v the_o protestant_n church_n of_o england_n prove_v she_o continual_a visible_a succession_n from_o christ_n till_o this_o day_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n here_o be_v a_o christian_a church_n plant_v in_o this_o nation_n as_o very_o good_a historian_n say_v as_o early_o as_o at_o rome_n and_o it_o have_v continue_v here_o ever_o since_o to_o this_o day_n when_o austin_n the_o monk_n come_v over_o to_o england_n he_o find_v here_o a_o company_n of_o resolute_a british_a bishop_n and_o monk_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o usurpation_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o english_a and_o british_a church_n under_o several_a change_n and_o alteration_n have_v continue_v to_o this_o day_n with_o a_o visible_a succession_n of_o christian_a bishop_n and_o what_o better_a succession_n can_v rome_n show_v than_o this_o i_o suppose_v no_o roman_a catholic_n will_v disow_v the_o succession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n till_o the_o reformation_n and_o i_o pray_v how_o come_v we_o to_o lose_v our_o succession_n then_o do_v the_o reformation_n of_o those_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n which_o have_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n unchurch_n we_o just_o as_o much_o as_o a_o man_n cease_v to_o be_v the_o same_o man_n when_o he_o be_v cure_v of_o some_o mortal_a disease_n do_v not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n consist_v of_o the_o same_o person_n before_o the_o reformation_n and_o after_o a_o great_a many_o indeed_o disow_v the_o reformation_n but_o be_v not_o all_o those_o person_n who_o be_v so_o active_a and_o zealous_a in_o the_o reformation_n former_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n and_o do_v they_o lose_v their_o succession_n too_o when_o they_o become_v reformer_n when_o a_o church_n consist_v of_o the_o same_o bishop_n priest_n and_o people_n which_o she_o have_v before_o though_o she_o have_v not_o all_o the_o same_o that_o she_o have_v when_o she_o retain_v the_o same_o ancient_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a faith_n which_o she_o do_v before_o only_o renounce_v some_o error_n and_o innovation_n which_o she_o own_v before_o how_o do_v this_o forfeit_a her_o succession_n the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o very_a same_o church_n now_o since_o the_o reformation_n which_o she_o be_v before_o and_o therefore_o have_v the_o very_a same_o succession_n though_o not_o the_o same_o error_n to_o this_o day_n that_o ever_o she_o have_v and_o that_o i_o think_v be_v as_o good_a a_o succession_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o case_n of_o succession_n either_o a_o succession_n of_o church_n officer_n or_o a_o succession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o as_o for_o a_o succession_n of_o church_n officer_n we_o have_v the_o same_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v those_o english_a bishop_n who_o embrace_v the_o reformation_n receive_v their_o order_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v as_o good_a order_n as_o any_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o these_o be_v the_o person_n who_o consecrate_a other_o bishop_n and_o so_o in_o succession_n to_o this_o day_n for_o as_o for_o the_o story_n of_o the_o nagshead_n ordination_n that_o be_v so_o transparent_a a_o forgery_n invent_v many_o year_n after_o to_o reproach_n the_o reformation_n that_o i_o presume_v no_o sober_a roman_a catholic_n will_v insist_v on_o it_o but_o we_o be_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n and_o this_o forfeit_v our_o order_n and_o our_o succession_n together_o but_o 1._o this_o charge_n ought_v first_o to_o be_v prove_v against_o we_o that_o we_o be_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n we_o deny_v and_o abhor_v both_o the_o name_n and_o thing_n and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n as_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o be_v not_o and_z as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v never_o prove_v we_o to_o be_v then_o according_a to_o their_o own_o confession_n our_o order_n must_v be_v good_a 2._o however_o be_v we_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_n or_o what_o ever_o they_o please_v to_o call_v we_o how_o do_v this_o destroy_v our_o order_n and_o succession_n the_o catholic_n church_n will_v not_o allow_v in_o former_a age_n that_o heresy_n or_o schism_n destroy_v the_o validity_n of_o order_n st._n i_o dispute_v against_o this_o at_o large_a in_o his_o book_n contra_fw-la luciferianos_fw-la and_o st._n austin_n allow_v the_o donatists_n bishop_n to_o have_v valid_a order_n though_o they_o be_v schismatic_n and_o therefore_o that_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v by_o they_o be_v valid_a and_o indeed_o if_o heresy_n will_v destroy_v order_n and_o succession_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v be_v as_o much_o to_o seek_v for_o their_o order_n and_o succession_n as_o we_o be_v which_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n have_v have_v several_a heretical_a pope_n and_o no_o body_n know_v how_o many_o bishop_n ordain_v by_o they_o 2._o as_o for_o succession_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v as_o considerable_a to_o the_o full_a as_o succession_n of_o order_n the_o great_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o plain_o contain_v in_o scripture_n but_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o we_o through_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o in_o her_o great_a degeneracy_n do_v own_o all_o that_o we_o do_v in_o pure_a matter_n of_o faith_n when_o we_o reform_v the_o church_n we_o do_v not_o make_v a_o new_a religion_n but_o only_o separate_v the_o old_a faith_n from_o new_a and_o corrupt_a addition_n and_o therefore_o the_o quarrel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o we_o be_v not_o that_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v but_o that_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v all_o that_o they_o will_v have_v we_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v true_o primitive_a and_o catholic_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n own_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o
disciple_n but_o also_o of_o their_o more_o learned_a writer_n who_o whatever_o strength_n they_o real_o fancy_n may_v be_v in_o the_o argument_n itself_o think_v it_o a_o very_a proper_a weapon_n to_o attempt_v the_o vulgar_a and_o the_o weak_a withal_o to_o amuse_v and_o dazzle_v the_o less_o discern_a eve_n at_o least_o when_o backâ—_n and_o set_v off_o with_o the_o stately_a name_n of_o infallibility_n succession_n antiquity_n and_o the_o like_a and_o they_o tell_v we_o roundly_o our_o faith_n be_v but_o yesterday_o our_o religion_n be_v new_a and_o upstart_a as_o only_a henry_n the_o eight_o and_o cromwell'_v contrivance_n they_o may_v true_o say_v as_o much_o as_o their_o treason_n be_v cecil_n plot_n that_o our_o faith_n begin_v only_o in_o the_o year_n 1517_o in_o saxony_n by_o one_o martin_n luther_n a_o apostate_n friar_n who_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o fair_a nun_n and_o other_o design_n renounce_v the_o ancient_a faith_n and_o set_v up_o his_o new_a device_n of_o protestantism_n at_o spire_n which_o do_v not_o quiet_o last_v much_o above_o seven_o year_n for_o in_o the_o year_n 287_o bellar._n tom._n lib._n 4._o p._n 287_o 1._o 25._o start_n up_o zuinglius_fw-la &_o after_o two_o year_n more_o he_o anabaptist_n who_o change_n and_o correct_v luther_n religion_n and_o draw_v great_a number_n of_o his_o disciple_n from_o he_o and_o himself_o for_o his_o reward_n die_v a_o strange_a death_n great_a noise_n and_o cracking_n be_v hear_v in_o his_o tomb_n which_o be_v open_v neither_o body_n nor_o bone_n be_v find_v and_o the_o smell_n of_o brimstone_n be_v ready_a to_o stifle_v the_o stander_n by_o and_o therefore_o they_o say_v we_o ought_v to_o look_v from_o whence_o we_o be_v fall_v to_o repent_v of_o our_o heresy_n and_o return_v to_o our_o first_o love_n and_o not_o stick_v so_o close_o to_o our_o religion_n the_o new_a invention_n of_o so_o ill_a a_o man._n that_o we_o may_v therefore_o keep_v those_o firm_a that_o be_v member_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o bring_v those_o back_n that_o have_v revolt_v from_o we_o into_o the_o romish_a communion_n we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o this_o their_o question_n where_o be_v your_o religion_n before_o the_o time_n of_o luther_n not_o to_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o such_o legend_n as_o these_o and_o uncharitableness_n along_o with_o they_o the_o answer_n be_v thus_o 1._o tell_v they_o plain_o where_o our_o religion_n be_v before_o luther_n time_n 2._o by_o show_v what_o error_n and_o mistake_v be_v include_v in_o the_o question_n 3_o to_o turn_v the_o question_n upon_o themselves_o and_o ask_v they_o some_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n 1._o the_o plain_a answer_n to_o the_o question_n be_v this_o that_o our_o religion_n be_v long_o before_o the_o time_n of_o luther_n and_o believe_v and_o settle_v in_o many_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v neither_o novelty_n nor_o singularity_n in_o it_o it_o be_v a_o old_a religion_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v of_o age_n and_o can_v speak_v for_o itself_o it_o have_v last_v now_o these_o 1600_o year_n and_o more_o found_v at_o first_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n hand_v down_o to_o we_o through_o many_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n and_o here_o it_o be_v preserve_v it_o contract_v indeed_o in_o the_o come_n down_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o rust_n by_o the_o falseness_n and_o carelessness_n of_o its_o keeper_n particular_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o scour_v off_o the_o rust_n and_o keep_v the_o metal_n that_o be_v the_o romish_a religion_n this_o be_v the_o english_a they_o add_v false_a doctrine_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o leave_v the_o one_o and_o keep_v to_o the_o other_o this_o be_v ancient_a those_o be_v new_a our_o religion_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o early_a christian_n martyr_n and_o confessor_n believe_v in_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n and_o defend_v by_o all_o council_n true_o general_n our_o religion_n in_o those_o first_o age_n be_v in_o palestine_n and_o greece_n in_o egypt_n in_o antioch_n where_o the_o disciple_n 26._o act_n 11._o 26._o be_v fiâ—st_v call_v christian_n and_o in_o rome_n itself_o and_o wherever_o the_o great_a labour_n of_o her_o first_o apostle_n carry_v she_o to_o the_o different_a and_o reâ—ote_a country_n of_o the_o world_n then_o and_o there_o our_o religion_n lâ—ved_v where_o peter_n linus_n and_o cletus_n and_o all_o the_o first_o and_o pious_a bishop_n of_o rome_n do_v it_o suffer_v indeed_o great_a variety_n of_o change_n and_o condition_n by_o the_o interest_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n sometime_o more_o adulterate_v and_o sometime_o more_o pure_a it_o flit_v from_o country_n to_o country_n sometime_o great_a and_o sometime_o small_a in_o its_o number_n sometime_o in_o a_o deject_a and_o sometime_o in_o a_o more_o flourish_a state_n but_o somewhere_o or_o other_o it_o be_v entire_a and_o without_o mixture_n as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o give_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o such_o a_o old_a religion_n as_o this_o we_o be_v of_o holding_z fast_z neither_o more_o nor_o less_o neither_o add_v to_o nor_o diminish_v what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v and_o iâ—_n antiquity_n must_v evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o be_v safe_a and_o secure_a that_o we_o have_v right_a on_o our_o side_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o follow_a thing_n 1._o what_o conformity_n our_o religion_n carry_v to_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v any_o impartial_a eye_n compare_v they_o both_o together_o and_o he_o will_v find_v the_o feature_n and_o complexion_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o religion_n the_o same_o in_o both_o whatever_o they_o deliver_v out_o at_o first_o as_o fundamental_a to_o salvation_n whatever_o they_o institute_v as_o part_n of_o devotion_n discipline_n and_o order_n we_o still_o faithful_o retain_v in_o our_o church_n and_o if_o any_o truth_n of_o moment_n hitherto_o by_o fraud_n or_o negligence_n be_v conceal_v from_o she_o she_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v it_o when_o ever_o it_o be_v make_v plain_a not_o have_v stop_v up_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n by_o a_o pretence_n of_o infallibility_n or_o want_n of_o modesty_n to_o confess_v a_o error_n she_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o the_o nature_n office_n the_o design_n and_o whole_a undertake_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o true_o ancient_a church_n have_v she_o receive_v the_o creed_n and_o bible_n and_o any_o tradition_n that_o can_v be_v make_v out_o to_o be_v true_o divine_a in_o the_o same_o meaning_n and_o understand_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n give_v to_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o they_o to_o we_o what_o their_o thought_n of_o saint_n and_o holy_a soul_n depart_v be_v we_o be_v thought_n of_o respect_n remembrance_n and_o imitation_n not_o divine_a worship_n christ_n institute_v proper_a figure_n and_o symbol_n of_o bread_n &_o wine_n to_o represent_v and_o confirm_v to_o convey_v and_o commemorate_v his_o bloody_a passion_n and_o benefit_n to_o mankind_n in_o this_o sense_n she_o preserve_v the_o institution_n sacred_a and_o do_v not_o real_o sacrifice_n or_o crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n again_o christ_n command_v good_a work_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n she_o do_v the_o same_o and_o in_o our_o master_n language_n bid_v the_o doer_n of_o they_o call_v themselves_o unprofitable_a servant_n beat_v down_o pride_n and_o merit_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n tell_v the_o world_n what_o depart_v soul_n must_v expect_v her_o sense_n be_v the_o same_o that_o there_o be_v not_o second_v venture_n and_o trial_n to_o be_v make_v neither_o can_v a_o kind_a friend_n with_o a_o good_a estate_n leave_v for_o mass_n or_o monk_n compound_v for_o a_o life_n ill_o spend_v run_v through_o the_o whole_a constitution_n of_o our_o church_n in_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o manner_n you_o may_v trace_v they_o to_o 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but_o have_v great_a number_n of_o disciple_n a_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n who_o follow_v their_o judgement_n some_o of_o these_o sad_o bewail_v the_o degenerate_a state_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n other_o petition_v for_o and_o advise_v not_o only_o the_o correction_n of_o the_o abuse_n of_o good_a doctrine_n and_o innocent_a institution_n but_o the_o reformation_n of_o gross_a error_n and_o scandalous_a addition_n to_o the_o christian_n faith_n and_o other_o in_o great_a authority_n promise_v a_o amendment_n and_o to_o reduce_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o christianity_n to_o its_o primitive_a sense_n &_o model_n and_o the_o famous_a council_n of_o trent_n be_v promise_v and_o begin_v to_o rectify_v error_n and_o abuse_n creep_v into_o the_o romish_a faith_n and_o government_n yet_o after_o a_o long_o sit_v it_o fatal_o conclude_v confirm_v those_o corruption_n which_o be_v hope_v after_o so_o many_o complaint_n and_o address_n with_o strong_a reason_n for_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v thorough_o redress_v and_o reform_v the_o original_a of_o their_o barbarous_a inquisition_n will_v be_v a_o stand_a record_n of_o the_o frequent_a and_o stout_a opposition_n that_o be_v make_v against_o the_o romish_a innovation_n in_o the_o christian_n faith_n and_o so_o long_o as_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o numerous_a albigenses_n and_o waldenses_n cry_v to_o heaven_n for_o vengeance_n against_o the_o papal_a cruelty_n we_o have_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n for_o this_o truth_n who_o resist_v unto_o death_n the_o new_a doctrine_n of_o rome_n the_o carriage_n of_o old_a wicliff_n and_o his_o follower_n tell_v we_o plain_o in_o story_n that_o the_o corruption_n of_o rome_n have_v no_o such_o quiet_a possession_n but_o ever_o and_o anon_o some_o or_o other_o inconsiderable_a number_n do_v endeavour_v to_o eject_v they_o out_o of_o their_o hold_n though_o they_o pay_v dear_a for_o it_o and_o so_o long_o as_o the_o treachery_n of_o their_o council_n of_o constance_n about_o the_o safe_a conduct_n grant_v to_o poor_a huss_n and_o his_o disciple_n in_o number_n above_o forty_o thousand_o remain_v upon_o record_n never_o to_o be_v forget_v or_o forgive_v so_o long_o we_o have_v clear_a evidence_n of_o strong_a resistance_n make_v to_o the_o romish_a religion_n before_o the_o time_n of_o luther_n and_o in_o most_o country_n and_o time_n where_o and_o when_o the_o romish_a corruption_n begin_v from_o small_a and_o obscure_a begining_n to_o be_v gross_a and_o plain_a some_o or_o other_o in_o great_a or_o lesser_a number_n begin_v to_o renounce_v and_o protest_v against_o they_o what_o though_o some_o of_o these_o early_a reformer_n may_v hold_v some_o erroneous_a opinion_n which_o we_o ourselves_o condemn_v yet_o however_o they_o oppose_v the_o romish_a church_n in_o her_o corruption_n and_o these_o tend_v to_o a_o reformation_n which_o be_v complete_v only_o by_o degree_v and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n some_o stumble_v in_o such_o a_o night_n of_o ignorance_n and_o have_v not_o the_o agent_n of_o rome_n destroy_v the_o paper_n and_o record_n disguise_v their_o adversary_n and_o falsify_v their_o opinion_n to_o serve_v the_o power_n and_o interest_n of_o their_o great_a mistress_n they_o therefore_o brand_v the_o waldenses_n with_o the_o name_n of_o manichaism_n and_o that_o they_o affirm_v two_o principle_n or_o original_n of_o all_o thing_n because_o they_o assert_v that_o the_o emperor_n be_v independent_a of_o the_o pope_n and_o that_o they_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v a_o crust_n of_o bread_n to_o be_v christ_n and_o they_o have_v frame_v as_o lewd_a story_n against_o many_o excellent_a man_n of_o the_o latâ—r_a age_n who_o withstand_v the_o approach_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o government_n which_o we_o certain_o know_v and_o the_o more_o ingenuous_a among_o they_o confess_v to_o be_v notorious_o false_a though_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v because_o of_o the_o severity_n and_o industry_n of_o the_o romish_a factor_n ever_o warm_a against_o those_o who_o oppose_v her_o practice_n a_o great_a number_n of_o honest_a and_o learned_a man_n as_o those_o age_n will_v afford_v be_v bury_v in_o obscurity_n and_o their_o name_n unknown_a there_o be_v a_o expurgatorian_a index_n for_o the_o merit_n of_o such_o man_n as_o well_o as_o book_n and_o edition_n yet_o we_o have_v a_o sufficient_a catalogue_n of_o they_o who_o keep_v up_o the_o title_n and_o claim_n of_o old_a christianity_n &_o will_v not_o suffer_v their_o new_a error_n to_o plead_v prescription_n 2._o by_o show_v what_o error_n and_o mistake_v be_v include_v in_o the_o question_n 1._o that_o these_o new_a error_n of_o rome_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o christian_a church_n for_o though_o we_o believe_v all_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n all_o thing_n that_o undoubted_a tradition_n or_o good_a reason_n prove_v to_o drive_v themselves_o from_o both_o or_o either_o yet_o because_o we_o do_v not_o assent_v and_o subscribe_v to_o the_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n that_o rome_n have_v invent_v for_o we_o we_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o christian_a church_n be_v mark_v for_o heretic_n which_o be_v worse_a than_o pagan_n with_o they_o and_o must_v be_v certain_o damn_v nay_o shall_v we_o embrace_v all_o the_o other_o doctrine_n of_o rome_n and_o deny_v only_o the_o pope_n authority_n and_o supremacy_n that_o epitome_n of_o their_o christianity_n it_o will_v avail_v we_o little_a we_o be_v heathen_n still_o shall_v we_o reject_v but_o one_o article_n of_o pope_n pius_n creed_n suppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n or_o merit_n yet_o because_o this_o question_n infallibility_n the_o centre_n of_o all_o their_o religion_n we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o damnation_n still_o shall_v we_o receive_v their_o doctrine_n as_o probable_a and_o in_o a_o large_a and_o more_o favourable_a meaning_n yet_o because_o we_o do_v not_o entertain_v they_o as_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n our_o case_n be_v not_o mend_v we_o shall_v meeâ—_n with_o fire_n here_o and_o hereafter_o for_o our_o reward_n shall_v we_o wink_v and_o swallow_v they_o all_o down_o with_o a_o good_a catholic_n stomach_n yet_o iâ—_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n shall_v give_v out_o a_o new_a edition_n of_o faith_n enlarge_v with_o many_o more_o monstrous_a doctrine_n and_o opinion_n yet_o if_o we_o boggle_v and_o kick_v at_o they_o all_o our_o former_a righteousness_n shall_v not_o not_o be_v remember_v we_o be_v apostate_n worse_o than_o truk_n and_o infidel_n and_o who_o can_v tell_v what_o this_o infallible_a and_o powerful_a guide_n of_o â—â—â—â—stendom_n will_v do_v for_o when_o thing_n obscure_a or_o of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n when_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v among_o themselves_o and_o only_o serve_v a_o temporal_a interest_n when_o opinion_n which_o they_o can_v dispense_v withal_o upon_o occasion_n when_o only_o the_o mode_n and_o manner_n of_o truth_n when_o contradictory_n and_o doctrine_n direct_o lead_v unto_o impiety_n and_o thing_n barbarous_a and_o blasphemous_a have_v be_v christen_v article_n of_o faith_n and_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n have_v we_o not_o just_a reason_n to_o suspect_v as_o ill_n or_o worsé_fw-fr may_v be_v do_v again_o and_o the_o intrigue_n of_o trent_n may_v be_v act_v once_o more_o and_o as_o many_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n as_o titular_a bishop_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n move_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n be_v not_o the_o first_o and_o early_a christian_n sound_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n though_o they_o never_o think_v of_o such_o wild_a opinion_n as_o these_o and_o publish_v truth_n direct_o contrary_a to_o they_o and_o can_v i_o suppose_v they_o to_o have_v know_v these_o innovation_n out_o of_o zeal_n and_o fidelity_n to_o their_o trust_n will_v have_v detest_v and_o abhor_v they_o be_v christ_n negligent_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o mighty_a office_n and_o his_o apostle_n defective_a in_o their_o duty_n and_o ministry_n not_o to_o acquaint_v the_o first_o christian_n with_o these_o great_a truth_n and_o be_v they_o reveal_v in_o the_o tridentine_a council_n only_o to_o we_o upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v these_o primitive_a disciple_n of_o christ_n think_v themselves_o secure_a of_o heaven_n by_o this_o short_a creed_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o contrary_n be_v the_o character_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n that_o deny_v that_o jesus_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n that_o he_o be_v the_o god_n incarnate_a and_o the_o true_a messiah_n and_o be_v scandalize_v at_o his_o meanness_n and_o obscurity_n s._n paul_n tell_v the_o jailor_n that_o certain_o he_o will_v be_v save_v if_o he_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n all_o other_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n one_o
lay_v so_o much_o stress_n upon_o it_o 286._o bellar._n tom._n 2._o p._n 286._o if_o these_o be_v innovation_n creep_v into_o their_o church_n who_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o when_o do_v he_o begin_v in_o who_o reign_n and_o in_o what_o place_n do_v he_o live_v who_o do_v oppose_v he_o what_o company_n believe_v on_o he_o and_o what_o his_o new_a opinion_n be_v as_o they_o instance_n in_o arrianism_n and_o other_o heresy_n and_o because_o they_o fancy_v we_o can_v make_v all_o these_o particular_n so_o absolute_o plain_a therefore_o they_o say_v we_o have_v false_o charge_v the_o romish_a church_n with_o new_a error_n and_o that_o their_o faith_n be_v true_o ancient_a and_o by_o a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o infallible_a bishop_n have_v be_v convey_v down_o from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o its_o full_a purity_n to_o this_o present_a age._n to_o satisfy_v their_o curiosity_n the_o defender_n of_o the_o reformation_n have_v do_v this_o but_o suppose_v they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o particular_a about_o the_o birth_n of_o these_o new_a error_n or_o have_v make_v some_o mistake_n in_o the_o compass_n of_o time_n yet_o however_o the_o charge_n of_o innovation_n against_o the_o romish_a church_n stand_v firm_a and_o good_a upon_o these_o account_n 1._o that_o reformation_n carry_v not_o so_o much_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o error_n when_o it_o begin_v as_o to_o the_o error_n itself_o not_o whither_o it_o be_v soon_o or_o late_a but_o whither_o it_o be_v a_o error_n contrary_a to_o the_o true_a christian_n faith_n it_o may_v serve_v some_o honest_a purpose_n to_o know_v the_o who_o and_z the_o when_o the_o where_o and_o the_o how_o and_o other_o circumstance_n of_o its_o begin_n and_o proceed_v but_o the_o necessity_n of_o reformation_n spring_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o error_n which_o come_v from_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n and_o not_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o matter_n not_o much_o whither_o simon_n magus_n who_o be_v contemporary_a with_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o or_o pope_n hildebrâ—â—d_n at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o we_o be_v certain_a and_o sure_a that_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n which_o we_o condemn_v by_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v none_o of_o their_o image_n or_o superscription_n upon_o they_o who_o only_o have_v full_a authority_n to_o make_v they_o current_n and_o true_a article_n of_o faith_n they_o have_v indeed_o indeed_o christianity_n among_o they_o but_o like_o joseph_n coat_n so_o dip_v in_o blood_n so_o over-laced_n with_o foppery_n and_o undecent_a ceremony_n and_o so_o many_o new_a piece_n stitch_v to_o the_o old_a cloth_n that_o the_o old_a father_n if_o alive_a will_v scarce_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o true_a joseph_n and_o will_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o so_o much_o to_o ask_v the_o time_n when_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o lament_v the_o sadness_n of_o the_o change_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o so_o much_o care_n to_o tell_v the_o punctual_a time_n to_o the_o disciple_n when_o antichrist_n shall_v discover_v himself_o as_o to_o make_v they_o stand_v upon_o their_o guard_n to_o defend_v that_o faith_n which_o he_o will_v invade_v where_o and_o whensoever_o he_o shall_v come_v or_o whosoever_o he_o be_v 2._o the_o difficuity_n of_o know_v the_o precise_a and_o punctual_a time_n when_o error_n first_o begin_v in_o many_o sort_n of_o change_n or_o innovation_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o know_v the_o nice_a time_n of_o their_o beginning_n but_o some_o latitude_n of_o judge_v be_v allow_v and_o why_o not_o in_o thing_n especial_o relate_v to_o religion_n be_v there_o not_o wild_a opinion_n leave_v upon_o record_n among_o the_o pagan_a writer_n who_o author_n be_v either_o unknown_a or_o which_o be_v fase_o father_v upon_o other_o and_o as_o hard_o to_o be_v know_v as_o the_o head_n of_o nile_n can_v the_o nice_a romanist_n tell_v we_o what_o rabbi_n and_o in_o what_o place_n and_o age_n first_o superinduce_v the_o several_a false_a gloss_n and_o sense_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yet_o our_o saviour_n though_o he_o know_v they_o well_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o tell_v they_o that_o in_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o by_o compare_v the_o mosaic_a religion_n it_o plain_o appear_v they_o be_v new_a addition_n to_o the_o good_a old_a way_n and_o how_o many_o error_n spring_v up_o in_o time_n of_o christianity_n of_o who_o original_a and_o other_o circumstance_n both_o the_o romanist_n and_o ourselves_o be_v yet_o uncertain_a and_o how_o many_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n more_o near_o our_o own_o time_n be_v we_o puzzle_v about_o and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o know_v they_o arise_v principal_o from_o this_o twofold_a account_n 1._o from_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o contriver_n of_o error_n which_o many_o time_n be_v the_o cunning_a and_o the_o wise_a in_o their_o generation_n which_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o cause_n require_v truth_n be_v strong_a and_o error_n nutural_o weak_a and_o that_o sly_a deceive_a spirit_n lend_v it_o his_o utmost_a assistance_n to_o serve_v the_o design_n such_o man_n know_v how_o to_o disguise_v new_a falsehood_n in_o the_o old_a habit_n of_o truth_n to_o make_v they_o look_v ancient_a and_o venerable_a they_o feel_v and_o know_v the_o temper_n of_o the_o age_n and_o fit_v their_o opinion_n to_o the_o interest_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o they_o prepare_v their_o error_n to_o be_v receive_v by_o degree_n and_o one_o part_n must_v draw_v on_o the_o other_o and_o the_o whoâ—e_n must_v be_v insensible_o swallow_v down_o so_o it_o happen_v in_o the_o adoration_n and_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o image_n and_o the_o whole_a structure_n of_o the_o romish_n religion_n which_o by_o several_a step_n and_o in_o many_o age_n advance_v to_o its_o mighty_a bulk_n the_o cunning_n know_v the_o consequence_n of_o their_o own_o position_n how_o far_o theâ—_n will_v reach_v which_o the_o vulgar_a eye_n discern_v not_o they_o well_o foresee_v how_o their_o hey_n and_o stubble_n variety_n of_o phrase_n and_o change_n of_o syllable_n will_v at_o length_n fire_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n yet_o be_v invent_v at_o first_o by_o the_o angelical_a doctor_n and_o leader_n of_o a_o age_n for_o fame_n and_o reputation_n sake_n they_o &_o their_o follower_n first_o defend_v they_o for_o bare_a truth_n afterward_o for_o sacred_a and_o fundamental_a one_o and_o thing_n at_o first_o only_a pious_o believe_v soon_o after_o have_v be_v adopt_v into_o a_o creed_n and_o man_n of_o rashness_n and_o superstition_n only_o great_a in_o place_n and_o office_n have_v vent_v opinion_n who_o fatal_a conclusion_n they_o at_o first_o we_o hope_v do_v not_o know_v yet_o the_o cunning_a many_o time_n have_v hatch_v what_o they_o leave_v and_o improve_v it_o fatal_o to_o religion_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o man_n whither_o a_o innocent_a or_o a_o hildebrand_n give_v the_o error_n its_o first_o reputation_n and_o the_o cunning_a of_o other_o its_o strength_n and_o argument_n many_o of_o the_o great_a and_o know_a head_n of_o the_o world_n be_v corrupt_v unto_o the_o roman_a side_n to_o defend_v those_o error_n which_o have_v get_v foot_v in_o the_o church_n but_o how_o can_v we_o unlock_v the_o secret_a method_n of_o rome_n or_o describe_v the_o way_n and_o policy_n by_o which_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n work_v yet_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o the_o wind_n and_o turn_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o man_n that_o he_o employ_v upon_o design_n to_o ruin_v truth_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n describe_v the_o sad_a apostasy_n and_o defection_n from_o the_o faith_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v wrought_v by_o man_n of_o skill_n 14._o eph._n 4._o 14._o and_o art_n who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v 2_o from_o the_o passion_n and_o infirmity_n of_o other_o man_n these_o give_v the_o false_a and_o busy_a deceiver_n a_o easy_a victory_n when_o opinion_n be_v so_o contrive_v as_o to_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o pride_n and_o covetousness_n ambition_n and_o lust_n and_o other_o vice_n they_o easy_o pass_v for_o mighty_a truth_n their_o original_a be_v not_o inquire_v into_o the_o judgement_n be_v bribe_v and_o they_o bear_v the_o title_n of_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a or_o what_o the_o deceiver_n please_v for_o these_o passion_n have_v effeminate_a the_o mind_n make_v it_o soft_a and_o sluggish_a and_o any_o bold_a error_n shall_v slip_v down_o rather_o than_o be_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o a_o far_a search_n and_o enquiry_n to_o know_v whither_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o no._n the_o roman_a religion_n be_v so_o well_o cut_v out_o in_o its_o different_a doctrine_n to_o hit_v man_n vice_n and_o passion_n gaiety_n or_o melancholy_n enthusiasm_n or_o fury_n
power_n or_o design_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n it_o do_v prevail_v in_o a_o sly_a and_o silent_a manner_n interest_n have_v put_v out_o their_o eye_n this_o kingdom_n come_v not_o with_o observation_n and_o the_o approach_n of_o the_o enemy_n in_o the_o night_n of_o ignorance_n viz._n the_o darkness_n that_o can_v be_v feel_v of_o the_o nine_o ten_o and_o eleven_o century_n when_o all_o good_a learning_n and_o manner_n too_o be_v fast_o asleep_a the_o time_n when_o many_o of_o the_o new_a device_n of_o rome_n be_v hammer_v out_o and_o the_o noise_n not_o hear_v be_v not_o discover_v till_o they_o have_v take_v possession_n and_o then_o by_o virtue_n of_o power_n and_o great_a name_n defend_v their_o title_n and_o their_o own_o writer_n confess_v that_o many_o of_o the_o great_a guardian_n of_o faith_n the_o pope_n of_o rome_n be_v very_o vicious_a and_o illiterate_a person_n who_o vice_n and_o ignorance_n keep_v they_o nod_v while_o the_o little_a theives_n the_o notion_n and_o speculation_n of_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o interest_n set_v open_v the_o church_n door_n for_o the_o great_a error_n to_o come_v crowd_v in_o our_o saviour_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o when_o he_o compare_v his_o church_n to_o a_o field_n which_o have_v be_v sow_o by_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n with_o very_o good_a seed_n wheat_n or_o some_o other_o grain_n but_o while_o man_n steep_v when_o christian_n be_v grow_v wicked_a and_o careless_a ignorant_a or_o factious_a come_v the_o enemy_n and_o scatter_v the_o tare_n and_o a_o new_a harvest_n of_o weed_n heretical_a doctrine_n superstitious_a practice_n foppish_a and_o fantastic_a 25._o mat._n 13._o 24_o 25._o rite_n overran_a and_o choke_v the_o pure_a grain_n and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o man_n of_o dangerous_a principle_n abuse_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n and_o despise_a dominion_n and_o deny_v christ_n that_o buy_v they_o have_v creep_v in_o unaware_o be_v well_o disguise_v with_o fine_a name_n and_o pretence_n 4._o judas_n 4._o while_o good_a man_n be_v careless_a and_o steep_v and_o when_o most_o begin_v to_o broach_v nâ—w_a error_n and_o spread_v their_o invention_n for_o mighty_a truth_n they_o do_v it_o with_o all_o the_o skill_n and_o artifice_n that_o so_o bad_a a_o design_n can_v possible_o require_v error_n and_o innovation_n necessary_o call_v for_o the_o utmost_a cunning_n and_o slyness_n to_o its_o aid_n and_o assistance_n religion_n therefore_o may_v easy_o suffer_v a_o considerable_a change_n yet_o good_a man_n know_v not_o how_o neither_o the_o time_n nor_o author_n of_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o only_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o whensoever_o and_o howsoever_o these_o error_n in_o the_o church_n first_o spring_v up_o that_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o primitive_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v amend_v and_o weed_v up_o notwithstanding_o the_o common_a question_n where_o be_v our_o harvest_n of_o wheat_n before_o the_o weeder_n our_o reformer_n come_v for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n find_v old_a christianity_n strange_o overgrow_v with_o the_o new_a doctrine_n and_o creed_n of_o rome_n contrary_a to_o the_o office_n of_o christ_n the_o design_n of_o his_o undertake_n for_o mankind_n and_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o his_o religion_n it_o become_v a_o duty_n as_o much_o as_o they_o love_v their_o soul_n and_o will_v be_v true_a and_o loyal_a unto_o christ_n to_o shake_v off_o these_o new_a and_o sinful_a imposition_n and_o restore_v true_a and_o primitive_a christianity_n have_v our_o difference_n with_o rome_n consist_v only_o in_o thing_n less_o fit_a and_o proper_a use_v by_o they_o in_o their_o religious_a office_n or_o in_o ritual_n or_o gesture_n not_o so_o decent_a they_o may_v have_v have_v some_o pretence_n to_o roar_v against_o we_o for_o break_v off_o communion_n with_o she_o but_o when_o they_o plough_v up_o the_o very_a foundation_n as_o one_o of_o her_o pagan_a captain_n do_v the_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n temple_n and_o lay_v all_o waste_n before_o they_o their_o new_a addition_n eat_v out_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o old_a religion_n to_o thunder_v out_o damnation_n against_o we_o because_o we_o renounce_v her_o communion_n in_o this_o be_v to_o add_v uncharitableness_n and_o other_o gross_a vice_n to_o their_o former_a sin_n as_o though_o they_o can_v not_o preserve_v christianity_n but_o by_o deface_v of_o it_o more_o our_o prince_n be_v constitute_v by_o god_n a_o nurse_n father_n of_o the_o church_n and_o our_o bishop_n in_o their_o episcopal_a power_n be_v coordinate_a with_o he_o of_o rome_n or_o any_o other_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n aught_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o damnation_n and_o do_v according_o reform_v the_o romish_a corruption_n which_o have_v taint_v the_o vital_n of_o christianity_n a_o indispensable_a duty_n it_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o primitive_a faith_n like_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v 2._o 2_o cor._n 11._o 2._o long_o prostitute_v to_o the_o design_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n by_o a_o solemn_a vow_n and_o our_o soul_n be_v at_o stake_n we_o have_v engage_v to_o preserve_v it_o pure_a &_o undefiled_a &_o therefore_o with_o all_o just_a and_o proper_a way_n and_o method_n we_o be_v bind_v earnest_o to_o contend_v for_o it_o in_o duty_n therefore_o to_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n command_v at_o such_o a_o time_n we_o begin_v our_o reformation_n but_o wish_v that_o it_o have_v be_v promote_v and_o complete_v many_o year_n before_o though_o the_o same_o question_n will_v have_v be_v as_o fit_o ask_v then_o or_o any_o other_o time_n except_o they_o think_v that_o error_n must_v be_v immortal_a and_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o they_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o reformation_n will_v be_v ready_o acknowledge_v and_o imitate_v do_v not_o fame_n and_o ambition_n power_n and_o secular_a interest_n infect_v the_o eye_n and_o change_v the_o natural_a shape_n and_o colour_n of_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o cause_n of_o rome_n want_v strength_n when_o such_o a_o trifle_a only_o popular_a objection_n against_o our_o reformation_n be_v make_v so_o powerful_a to_o preserve_v their_o disciple_n in_o their_o communion_n and_o amuse_v our_o own_o and_o we_o need_v say_v no_o more_o against_o it_o but_o this_o and_o it_o be_v no_o roman_a uncharitableness_n and_o rigour_n that_o if_o rome_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o clear_a evidence_n against_o her_o new_a and_o upstart_a opinion_n shall_v obstinate_o defend_v they_o and_o contemn_v a_o wise_a and_o pious_a reformation_n let_v she_o suffer_v the_o just_a punishment_n of_o her_o wilful_a error_n he_o that_o will_v prefer_v a_o old_a disease_n before_o a_o new_a cure_n let_v he_o be_v for_o ever_o sick_a for_o we_o have_v heal_v babylon_n and_o she_o be_v not_o heal_v finis_fw-la a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v the_o three_o edition_n edinburgh_n print_v by_o j._n reid_n 1686._o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n a_o obligation_n be_v lay_v upon_o we_o at_o our_o baptism_n to_o believe_v and_o to_o do_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n reveal_v unto_o we_o by_o christ_n jesus_n it_o concern_v every_o one_o that_o will_v be_v save_v to_o inquire_v where_o that_o whole_a entire_a will_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v find_v where_o he_o may_v so_o certain_o meet_v with_o it_o and_o be_v so_o inform_v about_o it_o that_o he_o may_v rest_v satisfy_v he_o have_v it_o all_o and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o this_o matter_n have_v not_o the_o worldly_a interest_n of_o some_o man_n raise_v controversy_n about_o it_o and_o make_v that_o intricate_a and_o perplex_a which_o in_o itself_o be_v easy_a and_o plain_a for_o the_o rehearsal_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n at_o baptism_n and_o of_o that_o alone_a as_o a_o summary_n of_o the_o faith_n who_o sincere_a profession_n entitle_v we_o to_o the_o grace_n there_o confer_v warrant_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o its_o vi_o article_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o read_v therein_o nor_o may_v be_v prove_v thereby_o be_v not_o to_o be_v require_v of_o any_o man_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v believe_v as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o be_v think_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o this_o strike_v off_o so_o many_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o have_v any_o countenance_n there_o that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o say_v the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o
agree_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v deliver_v by_o christ_n from_o god_n the_o father_n or_o by_o the_o apostle_n from_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v embrace_v and_o firm_o retain_v whither_o it_o be_v write_v or_o not_o write_v that_o make_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o if_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a it_o come_v from_o he_o or_o they_o for_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v not_o its_o authority_n because_o it_o be_v write_v but_o because_o it_o come_v from_o god._n if_o christ_n say_v a_o thing_n it_o be_v enough_o we_o ought_v to_o submit_v unto_o it_o but_o we_o must_v first_o know_v that_o he_o say_v it_o and_o let_v the_o mean_n of_o know_v it_o be_v what_o they_o will_v if_o we_o can_v certain_o know_v he_o say_v it_o we_o yield_v to_o it_o but_o how_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n from_o his_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o any_o thing_n now_o pretend_v to_o it_o be_v say_v by_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v the_o business_n and_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o importance_n that_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v any_o man_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v without_o very_o good_a evidence_n of_o it_o but_o he_o may_v very_o reasonable_o question_v whither_o many_o thing_n be_v not_o false_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o and_o unto_o his_o apostle_n which_o never_o come_v from_o they_o nay_o whither_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v affirm_v to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v not_o of_o some_o late_a original_a and_o of_o some_o particular_a church_n or_o private_a doctor_n in_o the_o church_n unto_o who_o authority_n that_o reverence_n be_v not_o due_a which_o ought_v to_o be_v pay_v and_o which_o we_o willing_o give_v unto_o the_o former_a now_o according_a to_o this_o state_n of_o the_o matter_n any_o good_a christian_n among_o we_o who_o be_v desirous_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o preserve_v himself_o from_o error_n may_v easy_o discern_v what_o tradition_n ought_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o hold_v fast_o and_o what_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v unto_o without_o any_o alteration_n and_o what_o be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v at_o all_o but_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o how_o far_o those_o thing_n be_v from_o be_v credible_a which_o the_o roman_a church_n now_o will_v obtrude_v upon_o we_o under_o the_o name_n of_o apostolical_a or_o ancient_a tradition_n without_o any_o authority_n from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o in_o truth_n any_o authority_n but_o their_o own_o and_o some_o private_a doctor_n who_o opinion_n can_v challenge_v a_o absolute_a submission_n to_o they_o but_o to_o give_v every_o one_o that_o will_v be_v right_o inform_v full_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o business_n i_o shall_v not_o content_v myself_o with_o this_o general_n discourse_n but_o shall_v particular_o and_o distinct_o show_v what_o tradition_n we_o own_o and_o hearty_o receive_v and_o than_o what_o tradition_n we_o can_v own_v but_o with_o good_a reason_n reâ—use_n these_o shall_v be_v the_o two_o part_n of_o this_o short_a treatise_n wherein_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v that_o our_o people_n may_v be_v instruct_v not_o mere_o to_o reject_v error_n but_o also_o to_o affirm_v the_o truth_n part_n i._n what_o tradition_n we_o receive_v 1_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o be_v now_o holy_a scripture_n be_v once_o only_a tradition_n proper_o so_o call_v that_o be_v doctrine_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n in_o this_o we_o all_o agree_v i_o say_v that_o the_o whole_a gospel_n or_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v now_o upon_o record_n in_o those_o book_n we_o call_v the_o scripture_n be_v once_o unwritten_a when_o it_o be_v first_o preach_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o must_v be_v note_v to_o remove_v that_o small_a objection_n with_o which_o they_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v wont_a to_o trouble_v some_o people_n mind_n mere_o from_o 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to_o hold_v fast_o whither_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o epistle_n or_o in_o his_o former_a preach_n for_o he_o have_v not_o occasion_n now_o to_o write_v all_o that_o he_o have_v former_o deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n which_o afterward_o be_v put_v in_o writing_n for_o mark_n which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n the_o time_n when_o some_o thing_n remain_v unwritten_a which_o be_v when_o this_o epistle_n be_v send_v to_o the_o thessalonian_o then_o some_o thing_n concern_v their_o salvation_n be_v not_o contain_v in_o this_o letter_n but_o as_o yet_o deliver_v only_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n unto_o this_o church_n i_o say_v to_o this_o church_n for_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o all_o church_n whatsoever_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o write_n of_o this_o epistle_n without_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n complete_o write_v because_o among_o the_o thessalonian_o some_o traditious_a or_o doctrine_n be_v as_o yet_o unwritten_a which_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v extend_v no_o far_o than_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o this_o epistle_n which_o do_v contain_v all_o the_o evangelical_n doctrine_n though_o other_o writing_n which_o it_o be_v possible_a be_v then_o extant_a in_o some_o other_o church_n do_v and_o i_o say_v as_o yet_o unwritten_a in_o that_o church_n because_o the_o thessalonian_o no_o doubt_v have_v afterward_o more_o communicate_v to_o they_o in_o writing_n beside_o this_o epistle_n or_o the_o former_a either_o viz._n all_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o apostle_n and_o other_o apostolical_a epistle_n which_o we_o now_o enjoy_v which_o write_n we_o may_v be_v confident_a contain_v the_o tradition_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v to_o the_o thessalonian_o by_o word_n concern_v the_o incarnation_n birth_n life_n miracle_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o concern_v the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v there_o record_v for_o our_o everlasting_a instruction_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o argue_v from_o this_o place_n that_o there_o be_v still_o at_o this_o day_n some_o unwriten_v tradition_n which_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v unless_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v hold_v the_o tradition_n which_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o word_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v write_v and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o we_o to_o inquire_v after_o any_o such_o tradition_n or_o rely_v upon_o they_o when_o they_o be_v offer_v unto_o we_o unless_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v something_o necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n deliver_v in_o their_o sermon_n which_o be_v never_o to_o be_v deliver_v in_o write_v and_o unless_o we_o know_v where_o to_o find_v it_o as_o certain_o as_o we_o do_v that_o which_o they_o have_v commit_v to_o writing_n and_o
the_o holy_a scripture_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o pagan_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o christian_n as_o man_n that_o be_v content_a to_o part_v with_o their_o religion_n for_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n but_o that_o they_o think_v christian_a religion_n to_o be_v therein_o contain_v and_o to_o be_v betray_v by_o those_o who_o deliver_v they_o to_o be_v burn_v by_o which_o i_o have_v prove_v more_o than_o i_o intend_v in_o this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n concern_v our_o salvation_n be_v contain_v which_o be_v the_o true_a question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o romeâ—_n not_o whither_o the_o scripture_n be_v deliver_v to_o we_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o no_o in_o this_o our_o people_n ought_v to_o tell_v they_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v but_o whither_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o we_o as_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god._n and_o from_o that_o argument_n now_o mention_v and_o many_o more_o we_o conclude_v that_o universal_a tradition_n have_v direct_v we_o unto_o these_o book_n and_o no_o other_o they_o direct_v we_o sufficient_o without_o any_o other_o doctrine_n unto_o god_n and_o to_o our_o everlasting_a rest_n and_o if_o they_o urge_v you_o far_o and_o say_v that_o the_o very_a credit_n of_o the_o scripture_n depend_v upon_o tradition_n tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v a_o speech_n not_o to_o be_v endure_v if_o they_o mean_v thereby_o that_o it_o give_v the_o scripture_n its_o authority_n and_o if_o they_o mean_v less_o we_o be_v agree_v as_o have_v be_v already_o say_v for_o it_o be_v to_o say_v that_o man_n give_v authority_n to_o god_n word_n whereas_o in_o truth_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o therefore_o of_o divine_a authority_n because_o the_o church_n have_v deliver_v they_o so_o to_o be_v but_o the_o church_n have_v deliver_v they_o so_o to_o be_v because_o it_o know_v they_o to_o be_v of_o such_o authority_n and_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v conceive_v or_o teach_v otherwise_o of_o these_o write_n then_o as_o of_o the_o undoubted_a oracle_n of_o god_n she_o will_v have_v err_v damnable_o in_o such_o a_o tradition_n i_o shall_v sum_v up_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o second_o particular_a in_o a_o few_o word_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n at_o first_o teach_v the_o church_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n but_o afterward_o that_o which_o they_o preach_v be_v by_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o writing_n and_o deliver_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o irenaeus_n have_v say_v in_o express_a word_n l._n 3._o c._n 1._o speak_v of_o they_o by_o who_o the_o gospel_n come_v unto_o all_o nation_n which_o they_o then_o preach_v but_o afterward_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n deliver_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v in_o time_n to_o come_v the_o foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o our_o faith_n iii_o and_o far_o we_o likewise_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o we_o even_o from_o the_o apostle_n day_n in_o other_o way_n or_o form_n beside_o the_o scripture_n for_o instance_n in_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n in_o the_o creed_n in_o the_o prayer_n and_o hymn_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o may_v call_v tradition_n if_o we_o please_v but_o they_o bring_v down_o to_o we_o no_o new_a doctrine_n but_o only_o deliver_v in_o a_o abridgement_n the_o same_o christianity_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n upon_o this_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o i_o shall_v enlarge_v but_o i_o proceed_v far_o to_o affirm_v iv_o that_o we_o reverent_o receive_v also_o the_o unanimous_a tradition_n or_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n which_o determine_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o make_v it_o more_o clear_a and_o unquestionable_a in_o any_o point_n of_o faith_n wherein_o we_o can_v find_v it_o have_v declare_v its_o sense_n for_o we_o look_v upon_o this_o tradition_n as_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o scripture_n unfold_v not_o a_o new_a thing_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o scripture_n explain_v and_o make_v more_o evident_a and_o thus_o some_o part_n of_o the_o nicene_n creed_n may_v be_v call_v a_o tradition_n as_o it_o have_v express_o deliver_v unto_o we_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n concern_v that_o great_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god._n which_o they_o teach_v we_o be_v always_o thus_o understand_v the_o son_n of_o god_n beget_v of_o his_o father_n before_o all_o world_n and_o of_o the_o same_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n but_o this_o tradition_n suppose_v the_o scripture_n for_o its_o ground_n and_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o father_n assemble_v at_o nice_a believe_v to_o be_v contain_v there_o and_o be_v first_o fetch_v from_o thence_o for_o we_o find_v in_o theodoret_n l._n 1._o c._n 6._o that_o the_o famous_a emperor_n constantine_n admonish_v those_o father_n in_o all_o their_o question_n and_o debate_n to_o consult_v only_o with_o these_o heavenly_a inspire_a write_n because_o the_o evangelical_n and_o apostolical_a book_n and_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o old_a prophet_n do_v evident_o instruct_v we_o what_o to_o thiâ—k_v in_o divine_a matter_n this_o be_v so_o clear_a a_o testimony_n that_o in_o those_o day_n they_o make_v this_o complete_a rule_n of_o their_o faith_n whereby_o they_o end_v controversy_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o in_o several_a other_o synod_n we_o find_v they_o be_v wont_a to_o lay_v the_o bible_n before_o they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nicene_n creed_n but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o bible_n that_o cardinal_n bellarmine_n have_v nothing_o to_o reply_v to_o it_o but_o this_o constantine_n be_v indeed_o a_o great_a emperor_n but_o no_o great_a doctor_n which_o be_v rather_o a_o scoff_n than_o a_o answer_n and_o cast_v a_o scorn_n not_o only_o upon_o he_o but_o upon_o the_o great_a council_n who_o as_o the_o same_o theodoret_n witness_v assent_v unto_o that_o speech_n of_o constantine_n so_o it_o there_o follow_v in_o these_o word_n that_o most_o of_o the_o synod_n be_v obedient_a to_o what_o he_o have_v discourse_v and_o embrace_v both_o mutual_a concord_n and_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o according_o st._n hilary_n a_o little_a after_o extol_v his_o son_n constantius_n for_o this_o that_o he_o adhere_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o blame_v he_o only_o for_o not_o attend_v to_o the_o true_a catholic_n sense_n of_o they_o his_o word_n be_v these_o in_o his_o little_a book_n which_o he_o deliver_v to_o constantius_n i_o true_o admire_v thou_o o_o lord_n constantius_n the_o emperor_n who_o desire_v a_o faith_n according_a to_o what_o be_v write_v they_o pretend_v to_o no_o other_o in_o those_o day_n but_o as_o he_o speak_v a_o little_a after_o look_v upon_o he_o that_o refuse_v this_o as_o antichrist_n it_o be_v only_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v their_o faith_n out_o of_o god_n book_n not_o mere_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o they_o but_o according_a to_o their_o true_a meaning_n because_o many_o speak_v scripture_n without_o scripture_n and_o pretend_v to_o faith_n without_o faith_n as_o his_o word_n be_v and_o herein_o catholic_n and_o constant_a tradition_n be_v to_o guide_v they_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a to_o what_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v receive_v and_o hold_v from_o the_o beginning_n can_v not_o in_o reason_n be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o scripture_n which_o be_v allege_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o church_n pretend_v to_o no_o more_o than_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o the_o receive_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o bottom_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v this_o faith_n thus_o i_o observe_v hegesippus_n say_v in_o euseb_n his_o history_n l._n 4._o c._n 22._o that_o when_o he_o be_v at_o rome_n he_o meet_v with_o a_o great_a many_o bishop_n and_o that_o he_o receive_v the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n from_o they_o all_o and_o then_o a_o little_a after_o tell_v we_o what_o that_o be_v and_o whence_o they_o derive_v it_o say_v that_o in_o every_o succession_n of_o bishop_n and_o iâ—_n every_o city_n so_o they_o hold_v as_o the_o law_n preach_v and_o as_o the_o prophet_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o particular_a with_o a_o pregnant_a passage_n which_o i_o remember_v in_o a_o famous_a divine_a of_o our_o church_n dr._n jackson_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n chap._n 22._o who_o write_v
faith_n of_o christ_n they_o shall_v not_o teach_v nor_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o whereby_o the_o unskilful_a multitude_n may_v be_v inflaâ—ed_v either_o to_o the_o study_n of_o novelty_n or_o to_o contention_n vi_o but_o though_o nothing_o may_v be_v teach_v as_o a_o piece_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v not_o the_o forename_a original_a yet_o i_o must_v add_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v universal_o believe_v and_o not_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n though_o not_o write_v at_o all_o there_o nor_o to_o be_v prove_v from_o thence_o we_o do_v receive_v as_o pious_a opinion_n for_o instance_n the_o perpetual_a virginity_n of_o the_o mother_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n which_o be_v so_o likely_a a_o thing_n and_o so_o universal_o receive_v that_o i_o do_v not_o see_v why_o we_o shall_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o genuine_a apostolical_a tradition_n vii_o i_o have_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o to_o add_v which_o be_v that_o we_o allow_v also_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n about_o matter_n of_o order_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n only_o we_o do_v not_o take_v they_o to_o be_v part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o appoint_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o believe_v they_o may_v be_v alter_v by_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a authority_n with_o that_o which_o ordain_v they_o so_o our_o church_n have_v excellent_o and_o full_o resolve_v we_o concern_v such_o matter_n in_o the_o xxxiv_o article_n of_o religion_n where_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n assert_v concern_v such_o tradition_n as_o these_o first_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o tradition_n and_o ceremony_n they_o be_v the_o very_a first_o word_n of_o the_o article_n be_v in_o all_o place_n one_o or_o utter_o alike_o for_o at_o all_o time_n they_o have_v be_v divers_a and_o may_v be_v change_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o country_n time_n and_o man_n manner_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v ordain_v against_o god_n word_n but_o then_o to_o prevent_v all_o 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either_o there_o or_o indeed_o any_o where_o else_o which_o be_v no_o reproach_n to_o other_o church_n who_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o more_o than_o be_v write_v but_o reflâ—cts_n much_o upon_o they_o and_o discredit_v they_o who_o challenge_v the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n entire_o and_o will_v pass_v not_o only_o for_o the_o sole_a keeper_n and_o witness_n of_o divine_a truth_n but_o for_o careful_a preserver_n of_o it_o for_o of_o what_o shall_v they_o have_v be_v more_o careful_a then_o of_o these_o useful_a thing_n whereof_o they_o can_v tell_v we_o nothing_o when_o of_o unprofitable_a ceremony_n they_o have_v most_o devout_o keep_v if_o we_o can_v believe_v they_o a_o very_a great_a number_n 3._o they_o tell_v we_o indeed_o of_o some_o doctrinal_a tradition_n also_o which_o they_o have_v religious_o preserve_v but_o mark_v i_o beseech_v you_o with_o what_o sincerity_n for_o to_o justify_v these_o they_o have_v forge_v great_a number_n of_o write_n and_o book_n under_o 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this_o matter_n and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v tie_v to_o that_o mere_o upon_o their_o authority_n which_o they_o will_v not_o observe_v though_o have_v a_o far_o great_a nay_o all_o discreet_a person_n may_v easy_o see_v what_o a_o wide_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o they_o who_o have_v abrogate_a such_o tradition_n as_o have_v long_o go_v even_o in_o their_o church_n under_o the_o name_n of_o apostolical_a and_o we_o who_o therefore_o do_v not_o follow_v pretend_v tradition_n now_o because_o we_o believe_v they_o not_o to_o be_v apostolical_a but_o mere_o roman_n he_o be_v strange_o blind_a who_o do_v not_o see_v how_o much_o more_o sincere_a this_o church_n be_v then_o that_o in_o this_o regard_n 5._o beside_o this_o we_o can_v demonstrate_v that_o as_o in_o these_o thing_n they_o have_v forsake_v tradition_n so_o in_o other_o case_n they_o have_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v they_o turn_v they_o into_o quite_o another_o thing_n as_o appear_v to_o all_o that_o 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and_o mighty_o move_v and_o if_o we_o will_v show_v our_o thankfulness_n for_o it_o let_v we_o follow_v these_o godly_a motion_n and_o conform_v ourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o heavenly_a prescription_n of_o this_o book_n be_v confident_a that_o if_o we_o do_v we_o need_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o about_o any_o other_o model_n of_o religion_n which_o we_o find_v not_o here_o deliver_v for_o if_o you_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o form_n of_o doctrine_n it_o be_v to_o which_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v we_o deliver_v it_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n direct_o opposite_a to_o all_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n for_o herein_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v he_o tell_v the_o roman_n in_o that_o it_o have_v bring_v they_o from_o be_v slave_n of_o sin_n hearty_o to_o obey_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o teach_v that_o be_v virtue_n and_o piety_n now_o to_o this_o the_o present_a romanist_n can_v pretend_v to_o add_v nothing_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o 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this_o divine_a canon_n peace_n shall_v be_v upon_o they_o and_o mercy_n they_o be_v the_o true_a israel_n or_o church_n of_o god_n the_o end_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n maintain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n edinburgh_n reprint_v by_o j._n reid_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1686._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n maintain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n whosoever_o with_o a_o impartial_a eye_n and_o a_o true_o religious_a concern_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o credit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n look_n into_o the_o estate_n of_o christendom_n he_o will_v scarce_o find_v any_o great_a cause_n of_o sorrowful_a reflection_n then_o from_o the_o many_o division_n and_o animosity_n which_o have_v distract_v and_o separate_v its_o part_n these_o have_v open_v the_o mouth_n and_o whet_v the_o tongue_n of_o profess_a enemy_n to_o revile_v invictive_n and_o profane_a scoff_v against_o our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o and_o his_o holy_a religion_n and_o stifle_v the_o first_o thought_n of_o admit_v the_o most_o convince_a truth_n to_o a_o debate_n among_o jew_n turk_n or_o pagan_n and_o stop_v their_o ear_n against_o the_o wise_a charm_n to_o no_o one_o cause_n can_v we_o more_o reasonable_o impute_v the_o small_a progress_n which_o christianity_n have_v make_v in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o thousand_o year_n past_a the_o same_o contest_v have_v as_o pernicious_a influence_n at_o home_n upon_o the_o faith_n or_o manner_n of_o those_o within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n man_n be_v hereby_o too_o soon_o tempt_v into_o some_o degree_n of_o scepticism_n about_o very_o material_a point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o which_o they_o observe_v so_o many_o to_o differ_v among_o themselves_o other_o be_v the_o more_o easy_o seduce_v to_o seek_v and_o make_v much_o of_o all_o argument_n whereby_o to_o baffle_v or_o weaken_v the_o clear_a evidence_n for_o their_o conviction_n and_o they_o seldom_o continue_v long_o in_o the_o same_o persuasion_n with_o those_o with_o who_o they_o will_v not_o maintain_v the_o same_o communion_n thus_o schism_n have_v general_o end_v in_o heresy_n as_o mischievous_a be_v the_o effect_n of_o these_o distraction_n upon_o the_o manner_n of_o christian_n there_o be_v many_o vicious_a and_o disorderly_a passion_n such_o as_o anger_n wrath_n hatred_n revenge_n pride_n censoriousness_n etc._n etc._n which_o take_v sanctuary_n therein_o and_o under_o that_o shelter_n put_v in_o their_o claim_n for_o the_o height_n of_o christian_a grace_n and_o the_o most_o holy_a zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o cause_n every_o where_o they_o break_v or_o loosen_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o shall_v guard_v its_o child_n from_o do_v amiss_o or_o restore_v they_o after_o it_o when_o the_o last_o and_o most_o capital_a punishment_n of_o be_v thrust_v out_o of_o its_o communion_n be_v like_a to_o be_v little_o dread_v where_o many_o 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good_a order_n humility_n meekness_n patience_n etc._n etc._n direct_o oppose_v to_o those_o contention_n in_o every_o page_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n these_o it_o may_v suffice_v but_o to_o name_n it_o will_v soon_o be_v grant_v after_o the_o best_a provision_n of_o rule_n and_o most_o convince_a argument_n and_o motive_n to_o strengthen_v they_o that_o there_o will_v be_v need_n of_o some_o government_n to_o encourage_v all_o in_o their_o performance_n to_o restrain_v some_o from_o offer_v violence_n to_o they_o and_o to_o provide_v for_o many_o emergency_n our_o bless_a lord_n and_o master_n therefore_o for_o the_o better_a security_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o the_o safe_a conduct_n of_o those_o which_o adhere_v to_o it_o establish_v a_o society_n or_o church_n in_o the_o world_n which_o he_o purchase_v with_o the_o most_o inestimable_a price_n dignify_v with_o the_o high_a privilege_n encourage_v with_o the_o large_a promise_n back_v with_o the_o most_o ample_a authority_n and_o will_v always_o defend_v with_o the_o strong_a guard_n against_o all_o power_n or_o policy_n on_o earth_n or_o under_o the_o earth_n so_o that_o as_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o but_o now_o where_o this_o church_n be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o what_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o it_o have_v be_v a_o long_a and_o great_a debate_n especial_o between_o we_o and_o the_o romanist_n in_o most_o of_o their_o late_a controversial_a book_n they_o have_v seem_v ready_a to_o wave_n dispute_v about_o particular_a point_n in_o hope_n of_o great_a advantage_n which_o they_o promise_v themselves_o from_o this_o venerable_a name_n and_o that_o bold_a though_o most_o false_a and_o presumptuous_a claim_n which_o they_o lie_v to_o the_o thing_n itself_o even_o exclusive_a to_o all_o other_o which_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o true_a but_o short_a and_o plain_a state_n of_o the_o case_n
the_o know_a will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n for_o no_o obligation_n whatsoever_o can_v tie_v i_o to_o communicate_v with_o another_o in_o that_o which_o he_o forbid_v and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a temptation_n to_o more_o than_o suspect_v this_o danger_n when_o man_n private_a opinion_n or_o fanciful_a transport_n be_v mingle_v with_o they_o which_o have_v little_a show_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o justify_v they_o the_o ready_a way_n i_o know_v of_o to_o prevent_v that_o hazard_n after_o all_o other_o care_n about_o the_o matter_n contain_v be_v to_o endeavour_v that_o these_o office_n be_v as_o near_o alike_o in_o all_o place_n as_o can_v well_o be_v yet_o every_o difference_n in_o judgement_n when_o no_o violence_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o foundation_n of_o catholic_n faith_n and_o unity_n must_v not_o break_v this_o communion_n according_a to_o that_o profession_n of_o st._n cyprian_a amoventes_fw-la cyprian_a p._n 229._o ox._n ed._n in_o council_n carthaginensi_fw-la de_fw-la baptizandis_fw-la haereticis_fw-la neminem_fw-la judicantes_fw-la aut_fw-la a_o jure_fw-la communionis_fw-la si_fw-la diversum_fw-la senserit_fw-la amoventes_fw-la judge_v no_o man_n nor_o exclude_v he_o from_o the_o right_n of_o communion_n if_o he_o think_v otherwise_o where_o the_o dispute_n be_v think_v of_o no_o mean_n concern_v especial_o in_o this_o cause_n which_o ibid._n which_o de_fw-fr bapt._n adv_o donat._n l._n 2._o t._n 7._o p._n 391._o &_o sape_fw-la ibid._n st._n augustin_n oft_o allege_v against_o the_o donatist_n that_o boast_v so_o much_o of_o st._n cyprian_n judgement_n against_o his_o declare_a practice_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n may_v be_v apply_v the_o treatment_n of_o 26._o of_o euseb_n eccles_n hist_o l._n 5._o c._n 26._o st._n polycarp_n in_o rome_n by_o anicetus_n the_o bishop_n though_o they_o differ_v about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o celebration_n of_o easter_n and_o in_o other_o point_n which_o can_v not_o be_v agree_v between_o they_o yet_o this_o last_o not_o only_o invite_v the_o former_a to_o communion_n with_o he_o but_o also_o to_o celebrate_v the_o sacred_a eucharist_n in_o his_o church_n as_o the_o word_n be_v general_o interpret_v which_o st._n irenaeus_n not_o long_o after_o urge_v strong_o against_o victor_n who_o be_v hasten_v to_o excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n for_o the_o same_o difference_n contrary_a to_o his_o predecessor_n practice_n as_o to_o the_o four_o of_o unity_n of_o discipline_n if_o unity_n of_o government_n in_o all_o part_n be_v not_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o it_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o abrogate_v or_o invade_v the_o positive_a institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o herein_o and_o be_v more_o than_o convenient_a that_o it_o be_v as_o conformable_a as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o make_v it_o in_o one_o place_n to_o what_o it_o be_v in_o another_o it_o seem_v horrible_o presumptuous_a violent_o to_o thrust_v out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o government_n under_o the_o influence_n of_o which_o christianity_n have_v be_v convey_v and_o preserve_v from_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o most_o distant_a place_n upon_o pretence_n of_o erect_v a_o new_a better_a scheme_n or_o model_n of_o our_o own_o or_o because_o of_o the_o intricate_a use_n of_o one_o or_o two_o term_n in_o scripture_n when_o the_o church_n be_v in_o its_o first_o formation_n though_o against_o the_o plain_a current_n of_o it_o in_o other_o place_n and_o the_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n a_o church_n indeed_o must_v be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a according_a to_o its_o government_n for_o suitable_a will_v be_v the_o exercise_n and_o authority_n of_o its_o discipline_n what_o allowance_n may_v be_v make_v for_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o come_v as_o near_o as_o they_o can_v to_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o reach_v it_o in_o many_o considerable_a point_n i_o be_o not_o now_o to_o dispute_v but_o most_o inexcusable_a and_o high_o obnoxious_a be_v they_o that_o by_o extreme_a violence_n and_o usurpation_n endeavour_v to_o destroy_v what_o they_o find_v regular_o establish_v to_o their_o hand_n iii_o but_o we_o be_v here_o most_o concern_v with_o the_o bold_a claim_n of_o the_o romanist_n amid_o their_o most_o obvious_a defection_n who_o have_v make_v it_o the_o principal_a band_n of_o unity_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n and_o the_o pretend_a vicar_n of_o christ_n therein_o as_o the_o universal_a head_n and_o monarch_n of_o the_o church_n this_o they_o have_v determine_v as_o de_fw-la fide_fw-la and_o put_v into_o their_o very_a creed_n and_o exclude_v all_o that_o do_v not_o express_o own_v it_o but_o against_o this_o as_o a_o great_a breach_n of_o christian_a unity_n we_o have_v many_o just_a exception_n and_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o prove_v they_o so_o supremacy_n so_o bishop_n carleton_n of_o threefold_a jurisdiction_n dr._n barrow_n treatise_n of_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n 1._o in_o that_o no_o evidence_n from_o scripture_n appear_v of_o any_o such_o authority_n confer_v upon_o he_o or_o they_o but_o many_o strong_a intimation_n of_o the_o contrary_n the_o place_n usual_o allege_v to_o make_v good_a their_o claim_n be_v so_o far_o fetch_v and_o so_o little_a to_o their_o purpose_n that_o they_o contain_v alone_o a_o strong_a presumption_n against_o they_o and_o their_o own_o author_n sometime_o speak_v of_o they_o with_o great_a distrust_n here_o if_o any_o where_o sure_a we_o may_v safe_o argue_v without_o dare_v to_o prescribe_v rule_n to_o the_o most_o high_a that_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n have_v it_o be_v design_v it_o will_v have_v be_v most_o explicit_o deliver_v and_o solemn_o inculcate_v 2._o but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o we_o have_v far_a evidence_n from_o the_o silence_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o best_a father_n of_o the_o church_n herein_o when_o they_o have_v occasion_n to_o explain_v the_o place_n insist_v on_o sunt_fw-la on_o s._n cyprian_n de_fw-fr unitate_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la post_fw-la loca_fw-la communiter_fw-la allegata_fw-la p._n 107._o quamvis_fw-la apostolis_n omnibus_fw-la parem_fw-la potestatem_fw-la tribuat_fw-la etc._n etc._n paulo_fw-la post_fw-la hoc_fw-la erant_fw-la utique_fw-la caeteri_fw-la apostoli_fw-la quod_fw-la fuit_fw-la petrus_n pari_fw-la consortio_fw-la praediti_fw-la honoris_fw-la &_o potestatis_fw-la idem_fw-la &_o alii_fw-la in_o council_n carthaginensi_fw-la p._n 229._o neque_fw-la enim_fw-la quisquam_fw-la nostrum_fw-la episcopum_fw-la se_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la constituit_fw-la aut_fw-la tyrannico_fw-la terror_fw-la ad_fw-la obsequendi_fw-la necessitatem_fw-la collegat_fw-la suos_fw-la adigit_fw-la s._n hieron_n in_o epist_n ad_fw-la euagrium_n t._n 2._o p._n 329._o si_fw-mi authoritas_fw-la quaeritur_fw-la orbis_fw-la major_n est_fw-la urbe_fw-la ubicunque_fw-la fuerit_fw-la episcopus_fw-la sive_fw-la romae_fw-la sive_fw-la eugubii_fw-la sive_fw-la constantinopoli_fw-it sive_fw-la rhegii_fw-la sive_fw-la alexandria_n sive_fw-la tanis_n ejusdem_fw-la meriti_fw-la ejusdem_fw-la est_fw-la &_o sacerdotii_fw-la potentia_fw-la divitiarum_fw-la &_o paupertatis_fw-la humilitas_fw-la vel_fw-la sublimiorem_fw-la vel_fw-la inferiorem_fw-la episcopum_fw-la non_fw-la facit_fw-la caeterum_fw-la omnes_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la successores_fw-la sunt_fw-la nay_o express_o expound_v they_o to_o a_o quite_o different_a sense_n and_o disow_v any_o such_o authority_n of_o one_o church_n or_o bishop_n over_o other_o and_o when_o the_o roman_a bishop_n begin_v any_o thing_n tend_v towards_o this_o and_o ground_v this_o claim_n upon_o a_o false_o allege_a canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a not_o on_o any_o divine_a character_n after_o examination_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o forgery_n other_o bishop_n whole_o disclaim_v it_o and_o declare_v against_o it_o and_o warn_v he_o for_o the_o future_a not_o to_o disturb_v their_o regular_a proceed_n by_o such_o unwarrantable_a practice_n ed._n practice_n vide_fw-la epist_n concilii_fw-la africani_n ad_fw-la bonifacium_fw-la t._n 2._o p._n 1670._o 1674._o council_n ult_n ed._n as_o the_o african_a bishop_n and_o the_o great_a st._n austin_n among_o they_o in_o the_o case_n of_o appeal_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o they_o to_o find_v any_o thing_n like_o a_o argument_n or_o example_n of_o it_o within_o the_o first_o five_o century_n at_o lest_o which_o be_v not_o disow_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o from_o such_o forge_a write_n which_o they_o themselves_o will_v scare_v now_o defend_v 3._o in_o the_o follow_a age_n we_o have_v as_o good_a testimony_n from_o history_n as_o almost_o in_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o what_o step_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n this_o still_o grow_a power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o bishop_n of_o rome_n advance_v itself_o to_o the_o height_n which_o it_o now_o claim_v year_n claim_v see_v d._n caves_n dissertation_n of_o ancient_a church_n government_n and_o dr._n parker_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o
testament_n express_o tell_v what_o this_o idolatry_n be_v which_o suppose_v that_o we_o must_v learn_v what_o it_o be_v from_o some_o antecedent_n law_n and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o law_n in_o be_v but_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v in_o this_o case_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n refer_v they_o not_o to_o any_o write_a law_n but_o to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o idolatry_n but_o with_o what_o reason_n this_o be_v say_v will_v soon_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v to_o who_o the_o apostle_n write_v and_o they_o be_v but_o jewish_a and_o heathen_a convert_v as_o for_o the_o heathen_n they_o have_v corrupt_v all_o their_o natural_a notion_n of_o idolatry_n and_o have_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o of_o this_o sin_n till_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o understand_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o idolatry_n without_o be_v teach_v it_o and_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a the_o apostle_n will_v leave_v they_o to_o guess_v what_o idolatry_n be_v as_o for_o the_o jew_n god_n will_v not_o from_o the_o beginning_n trust_v to_o their_o natural_a notion_n but_o give_v they_o express_v law_n about_o idolatry_n which_o though_o they_o be_v the_o same_o law_n which_o natural_a reason_n dictate_v to_o we_o as_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n yet_o since_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v overrun_v by_o idolatrous_a worship_n sufficient_o prove_v that_o all_o man_n do_v not_o use_v their_o reason_n aright_o in_o these_o matter_n god_n will_v not_o trust_v to_o the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n in_o the_o weighty_a concernment_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o glory_n but_o give_v they_o a_o express_v positive_a law_n about_o it_o and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v do_v nothing_o to_o repeal_v this_o law_n they_o leave_v they_o under_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o when_o they_o warn_v they_o against_o idol_n and_o idolatry_n without_o give_v they_o any_o new_a law_n about_o it_o must_v in_o all_o reason_n be_v presume_v to_o refer_v they_o to_o those_o law_n which_o they_o already_o have_v sect_n v._o 4._o as_o a_o far_a proof_n of_o this_o i_o observe_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o abrogate_v but_o only_o complete_a and_o perfect_a the_o moysaicall_a law_n our_o saviour_n with_o great_a zeal_n and_o earnestness_n disow_v any_o such_o intention_n or_o design_n think_v not_o that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n i_o be_o not_o come_v to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v plerosai_fw-fr to_o fill_v it_o up_o by_o fulfil_v the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n 17._o 5._o mat._n 17._o of_o it_o by_o exchange_v a_o ceremonial_a for_o a_o real_a righteousness_n or_o by_o perfect_v its_o moral_a precept_n with_o new_a instance_n and_o degree_n of_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v for_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o till_o heaven_n and_o earth_n pass_v one_o jot_n or_o one_o tittle_n shall_v in_o no_o wise_a pass_n from_o the_o law_n till_o all_o be_v fulfil_v and_o st._n paul_n who_o be_v look_v on_o by_o the_o believe_a jew_n as_o a_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v renounce_v all_o such_o pretence_n do_v we_o then_o make_v void_a the_o 31._o act_n 21._o 21._o 22._o rom_n 3._o 31._o law_n through_o faith_n god_n forbid_v yea_o we_o establish_v the_o law_n indeed_o have_v christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n attempt_v to_o have_v give_v any_o new_a law_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n it_o have_v justify_v the_o jew_n in_o their_o unbelief_n for_o god_n by_o his_o prophet_n isaiah_n have_v give_v this_o express_a rule_n to_o examine_v all_o new_a doctrine_n by_o to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o and_o that_o 20._o isai_n 8._o 20._o christ_n himself_o be_v not_o except_v from_o this_o rule_n appear_v in_o this_o that_o this_o be_v join_v with_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o messiah_n both_o before_o and_o after_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o isai_n 8_o 13._o 14._o and_o ch._n 9_o 6._o 7._o and_o therefore_o christ_n &_o his_o apostle_n always_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o st._n paul_n in_o all_o his_o dispute_n with_o the_o jew_n urge_v they_o with_o no_o other_o authority_n but_o the_o scripture_n and_o thö_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n do_v move_v the_o jew_n to_o hearken_v to_o they_o and_o great_o dispose_v they_o to_o believe_v their_o doctrine_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n whereon_o their_o faith_n be_v found_v as_o s._n peter_n tell_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v that_o though_o they_o preach_v nothing_o to_o they_o concern_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n but_o what_o they_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o and_o though_o god_n have_v give_v testimony_n to_o he_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n which_o they_o hear_v when_o they_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a mount_n yet_o he_o add_v we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o to_o a_o light_n 19_o pet._n 1._o 16._o 7._o 18._o 19_o that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n until_o the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o therefore_o the_o jew_n of_o berea_n be_v great_o commend_v for_o their_o diligence_n in_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o examine_v st._n paul_n doctrine_n by_o they_o and_o this_o be_v assign_v 11._o act_n 17._o 10._o 11._o as_o the_o reason_n why_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v to_o apply_v this_o then_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n i_o observe_v 1._o that_o if_o christ_n do_v not_o make_v any_o new_a law_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n than_o he_o can_v make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o object_n of_o religious_a worship_n he_o can_v not_o introduce_v the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n without_o contradict_v that_o law_n which_o command_v we_o to_o worship_v no_o other_o be_v but_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n together_o with_o the_o supreme_a god_n be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o that_o law_n which_o command_v we_o to_o worship_n god_n alone_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o supreme_a god_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o that_o law_n which_o command_v we_o to_o worship_v none_o but_o god_n so_o that_o let_v this_o be_v a_o natural_a or_o positive_a law_n or_o whatever_o man_n please_v to_o call_v it_o it_o be_v a_o very_a plain_a and_o express_a law_n and_o christ_n never_o do_v contradict_v any_o express_a law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a that_o typical_a and_o ceremonial_a worship_n which_o god_n command_v the_o jew_n to_o observe_v be_v now_o out_o of_o date_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v no_o long_o oblige_v christian_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o be_v because_o it_o have_v receive_v its_o accomplishment_n and_o perfection_n in_o christ_n christ_n have_v perfect_v the_o jewish_a sacrifice_n and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o they_o by_o offer_v a_o more_o perfect_a and_o meritorious_a sacrifice_n even_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o the_o circumcision_n wash_n purification_n of_o the_o law_n be_v perfect_v by_o the_o law_n of_o internal_a purity_n the_o external_a ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n cease_v but_o they_o be_v perfect_v by_o a_o evangelical_n righteousness_n but_o this_o i_o say_v that_o christ_n never_o repeal_v any_o moysaicall_a law_n but_o by_o fulfil_v and_o perfect_v it_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n but_o to_o fulfil_v now_o methinks_v i_o need_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o sainâ—s_n and_o angel_n be_v not_o a_o fulfil_n but_o a_o destroy_v that_o law_n which_o command_v we_o to_o worship_v none_o but_o god_n and_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o these_o be_v positive_a law_n give_v to_o the_o jew_n though_o that_o be_v say_v without_o any_o reason_n for_o let_v they_o show_v i_o any_o positive_a law_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o christ_n have_v whole_o abrogate_a without_o fulfil_v it_o 2._o yet_o as_o a_o far_a proof_n that_o christ_n have_v make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n that_o he_o have_v not_o introduce_v the_o worship_n of_o saint_n or_o angel_n or_o image_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v so_o express_o forbid_v by_o the_o jewish_a law_n i_o observe_v
discourse_n refer_v to_o such_o conference_n yet_o what_o be_v this_o to_o that_o part_n of_o it_o that_o treat_v of_o public_a worship_n or_o indeed_o what_o be_v it_o to_o the_o purpose_n at_o all_o when_o there_o be_v most_o the_o same_o office_n use_v in_o one_o as_o the_o other_o and_o the_o same_o end_v prescribe_v to_o the_o use_n of_o they_o in_o both_o those_o that_o do_v thus_o distinguish_v have_v not_o venture_v to_o tell_v we_o where_o the_o apostle_n do_v treat_v of_o the_o one_o and_o where_o of_o the_o other_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o apply_v his_o argument_n of_o edification_n to_o the_o whole_a and_o then_o proceed_v from_o one_o office_n to_o another_o from_o prophesy_v to_o pray_v and_o sing_v if_o not_o also_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n now_o where_o the_o end_n be_v common_a to_o all_o without_o distinction_n the_o mean_n conduce_v to_o that_o end_n be_v in_o all_o alike_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o if_o in_o those_o lesser_a assembly_n when_o they_o expound_v pray_v or_o sing_v they_o be_v to_o use_v a_o tongue_n know_v to_o the_o assembly_n because_o without_o so_o do_v the_o end_n of_o their_o so_o assemble_v will_v have_v be_v defeat_v then_o certain_o it_o be_v if_o not_o more_o yet_o at_o least_o as_o necessary_a that_o the_o same_o order_n be_v observe_v when_o the_o whole_a church_n come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o service_n use_v in_o those_o assembly_n and_o what_o be_v forbid_v to_o be_v celebrate_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v understand_v it_o only_o of_o preach_v and_o those_o that_o do_v grant_v it_o 460._o bellarm._n ibid._n sect._n veraigitur_fw-la sect._n ad_fw-la haunt_n igitur_fw-la rhemists_n annot_v in_o 1._o cor._n 14._o 26._o p._n 460._o to_o respect_n prayer_n yet_o will_v have_v it_o understand_v of_o such_o prayer_n as_o be_v inspire_v but_o what_o though_o the_o prayer_n be_v inspire_v when_o they_o be_v to_o be_v utter_v in_o a_o tongue_n know_v to_o the_o church_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v if_o they_o be_v not_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v not_o if_o not_o understand_v and_o be_v not_o the_o reason_n as_o full_a against_o prayer_n not_o inspire_v when_o they_o be_v not_o understand_v the_o question_n be_v not_o about_o prayer_n inspire_v or_o not_o inspire_v but_o know_v and_o unknown_a according_a to_o which_o all_o the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v try_v as_o to_o their_o lawfulness_n and_o expedience_n but_o let_v the_o prayer_n be_v as_o they_o will_v yet_o say_v they_o the_o apostle_n treat_v of_o they_o occasional_o 66._o sanders_n orat_fw-la p_o 64._o 66._o only_a suppose_v this_o so_o to_o be_v yet_o that_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whither_o the_o apostle_n treat_v so_o express_o of_o prayer_n as_o of_o prophesy_v as_o whither_o the_o prohibition_n of_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o the_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o end_n of_o divine_a office_n lie_v not_o as_o express_o against_o pray_v as_o prophesy_v in_o that_o way_n and_o whither_o the_o word_n if_o i_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v but_o my_o understanding_n remain_v unfruitful_a etc._n etc._n v._n 14._o 16._o be_v not_o as_o plain_a as_o he_o that_o speak_v or_o prophesy_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n speak_v not_o unto_o man_n etc._n etc._n if_o the_o prohibition_n be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o prohibition_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o than_o it_o be_v not_o the_o be_v express_o or_o occasional_o handle_v that_o can_v make_v so_o vast_a a_o difference_n as_o that_o the_o former_a shall_v be_v lawful_a and_o the_o latter_a unlawful_a quest_n 4._o how_o far_o be_v the_o apostle_n prohibition_n to_o be_v extend_v this_o will_v be_v determine_v partly_o from_o what_o have_v be_v before_o say_v and_o partly_o from_o the_o current_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n who_o as_o he_o lay_v down_o that_o general_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v to_o edify_v so_o upon_o that_o principle_n he_o prohibit_v the_o use_n of_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n as_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o verse_n 14._o if_o i_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v but_o my_o understanding_n remain_v unfruitful_a where_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o a_o better_a and_o worse_o and_o prefer_v that_o which_o be_v understand_v before_o that_o which_o be_v not_o as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o but_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o good_a and_o bad_a and_o so_o do_v absolute_o condemn_v a_o unknown_a tongue_n for_o the_o unprofitableness_n of_o it_o for_o say_v he_o my_o spirit_n pray_v not_o loc_n bellarm._n sect_n in_o posteriore_fw-la rhemists_n â—â—not_v p._n 460._o s._n chrysost_o hâ—mil_n 35._o theophylact._n salmeron_n in_o loc_n hieron_n in_o loc_n the_o affection_n but_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o gift_n of_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n as_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_n and_o some_o of_o themselves_o expound_v it_o but_o my_o understanding_n remain_v unfruitful_a to_o myself_o that_o be_v if_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o and_o to_o other_o if_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v i_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v explain_v it_o verse_n 16._o so_o that_o from_o the_o whole_a we_o may_v with_o good_a reason_n conclude_v that_o the_o administration_n of_o divine_a service_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n be_v as_o unlawful_a as_o express_v scripture_n can_v make_v it_o and_o that_o after_o all_o their_o attempt_n to_o decline_v pervert_v and_o overthrow_v it_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n remain_v in_o full_a force_n against_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n on_o their_o part_n to_o keep_v the_o scripture_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n as_o long_o as_o their_o service_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n celebrate_v constant_o in_o it_o sect_n iii_o i_o shall_v inquire_v whither_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a service_n in_o a_o tongue_n not_o understand_v of_o the_o people_n have_v be_v the_o ancient_a rite_n of_o every_o church_n 1._o i_o shall_v consider_v whither_o it_o have_v be_v a_o ancient_a rite_n ii_o whither_o from_o the_o time_n of_o its_o have_v be_v a_o rite_n it_o have_v be_v the_o rite_n and_o custom_n of_o every_o church_n both_o of_o these_o be_v affirm_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n qu._n i._n whither_o it_o have_v be_v a_o ancient_a rite_n ancient_n be_v a_o term_n of_o a_o uncertain_a date_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v choose_v by_o the_o council_n upon_o mature_a deliberation_n lest_o peradventure_o if_o it_o have_v be_v determine_v it_o may_v have_v be_v so_o late_o as_o to_o be_v of_o no_o authority_n in_o itself_o or_o so_o early_a as_o for_o want_v of_o truth_n it_o may_v have_v give_v a_o foul_a shock_n to_o its_o own_o authority_n but_o however_o because_o nothing_o can_v be_v ancient_a then_o what_o be_v first_o let_v we_o consider_v how_o service_n be_v administer_v in_o apostolical_a time_n and_o so_o downward_o as_o much_o before_o the_o council_n as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v reasonable_o say_v to_o be_v ancient_a by_o it_o i_o have_v already_o account_v for_o the_o apostle_n sense_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o cassander_n call_v after_o st._n chrysostome_n in_o loc_n a_o apostolical_a command_n for_o 865._o de_fw-fr â—â—â—ic_fw-la pii_fw-la viri_fw-la p._n 865._o service_n in_o a_o tongue_n understand_v of_o the_o people_n and_o if_o we_o take_v a_o step_n low_o and_o so_o proceed_v we_o shall_v find_v a_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n for_o it_o both_z as_o to_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o place_n set_v aside_o the_o pretend_a liturgy_n of_o st._n james_n and_o st._n clement_n which_o be_v however_o plain_o for_o it_o as_o be_v acknowledge_v fin_n salmeron_n in_o 1._o cor._n 14._o sect._n his_o igitur_fw-la apolog_fw-la sub_fw-la fin_n be_v justine_n martyr_n that_o flourish_v about_o 150_o year_n after_o christ_n who_o relate_v that_o after_o the_o bishop_n have_v conclude_v his_o prayer_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o all_o the_o people_n do_v assent_v to_o it_o with_o a_o amen_o which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v as_o the_o apostle_n and_o father_n affirm_v unless_o they_o understand_v what_o be_v pray_v for_o to_o this_o purpose_n do_v clemens_n alexandrinus_n also_o write_v who_o live_v towards_o the_o close_a of_o the_o second_o century_n origen_n who_o live_v about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o three_o cantabr_n contra_fw-la cell_n l._n â—_o p._n 402._o cantabr_n century_n say_v the_o greek_a christian_n in_o their_o prayer_n use_v the_o grecian_a and_o the_o roman_n use_v the_o roman_a word_n and_o each_o pray_v and_o praise_v god_n in_o
that_o any_o other_o speculative_a scientifical_a doctrine_n do_v little_a or_o nothing_o conduce_v to_o a_o happy_a and_o bless_a life_n but_o that_o on_o this_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n do_v depend_v and_o that_o we_o can_v reject_v this_o without_o certain_a ruin_n therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v head_n that_o cunning_a man_n do_v not_o deceive_v we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o teacher_n of_o new_a doctrine_n which_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o scripture_n their_o pretence_n to_o infallibility_n and_o demonstration_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v false_a and_o unreasonable_a for_o they_o assume_v these_o great_a and_o unwarrantable_a privilege_n only_o to_o deceive_v the_o ignorant_a and_o to_o obtrude_v fictitious_a article_n of_o faith_n upon_o mankind_n wherefore_o all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o make_v some_o short_a reflection_n upon_o the_o author_n of_o purgatory_n and_o other_o new-invented_n doctrinâ—â—_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n first_o they_o may_v be_v charge_v for_o impose_v upon_o our_o belief_n thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n self-inconsistent_a and_o incongruous_a of_o this_o i_o will_v give_v but_o one_o instance_n which_o be_v their_o assert_v that_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v change_v into_o the_o real_a and_o substantial_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o be_v the_o hard_a thing_n that_o ever_o be_v put_v upon_o man_n in_o any_o religion_n because_o they_o can_v admit_v it_o unless_o their_o reason_n be_v lay_v aside_o as_o no_o competent_a judge_n in_o the_o matter_n unless_o also_o they_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o the_o report_n of_o their_o sense_n and_o if_o they_o do_v this_o how_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o god_n make_v our_o faculty_n true_a which_o if_o he_o do_v not_o do_v we_o be_v absolute_o discharge_v from_o all_o duty_n to_o he_o because_o we_o have_v no_o faculty_n that_o can_v resolve_v we_o that_o this_o be_v of_o god_n for_o if_o our_o reason_n must_v not_o be_v trust_v we_o must_v cease_v to_o be_v man_n if_o our_o sense_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v the_o chief_a proof_n of_o christian_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n which_o be_v the_o sight_n of_o those_o who_o see_v our_o saviour_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a now_o if_o i_o may_v not_o believe_v the_o reason_n of_o my_o â—â—nd_n in_o conjunction_n with_o three_o or_o four_o of_o my_o sense_n how_o shâ—ll_v i_o know_v 〈…〉_o that_o any_o thing_n be_v this_o or_o that_o therefore_o i_o say_v that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v a_o gross_a invention_n of_o man_n contrary_a both_o to_o reason_n and_o sense_n second_o the_o truth_n they_o do_v acknowledge_v be_v make_v void_a by_o subtle_a distinction_n or_o equivocation_n as_o for_o example_n their_o doctrine_n of_o probability_n and_o of_o direct_v the_o intention_n if_o a_o man_n can_v find_v any_o doctor_n among_o they_o that_o hold_v such_o a_o opinion_n it_o make_v that_o doctrine_n probable_a and_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o virtue_n and_o conscience_n but_o what_o some_o romish_a casuistical_a doctor_n have_v resolve_v to_o be_v good_a and_o practicable_a just_a as_o tully_n say_v there_o be_v nothing_o so_o absurd_a or_o ridiculous_a which_o some_o philosopher_n or_o other_o have_v not_o maintain_v and_o assert_v so_o by_o direct_v their_o intention_n they_o may_v declare_v that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o deny_v that_o which_o be_v true_a because_o they_o intend_v the_o credit_n of_o their_o church_n and_o religion_n this_o mere_a intention_n shall_v excuse_v they_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o downright_a falsehood_n and_o lie_v they_o be_v so_o well_o practise_v in_o equivocation_n that_o you_o can_v confide_v in_o any_o word_n they_o speak_v they_o be_v so_o ambiguous_a and_o of_o such_o doubtful_a meaning_n in_o their_o evasion_n their_o speech_n shall_v bear_v a_o double_a sense_n whereas_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o use_v wit_n and_o part_n to_o impose_v upon_o another_o or_o to_o make_v a_o man_n believe_v that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o mean_v for_o the_o christian_a law_n be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a void_a of_o all_o ambiguity_n or_o ensnare_a speech_n free_a from_o all_o sophistication_n and_o wind_n of_o language_n never_o fly_v to_o word_n of_o a_o dubious_a or_o uncertain_a signification_n but_o plain_o declare_v the_o truth_n to_o man_n therefore_o these_o practice_n be_v contrary_a to_o that_o simplicity_n and_o plain_a heartedness_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o every_o christian_a three_o they_o superadd_a to_o religion_n thing_n altogether_o unlikely_a to_o be_v true_a and_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n which_o will_v appear_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n i._o the_o use_n of_o image_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n a_o idolatry_n they_o be_v too_o guilty_a of_o otherwise_o they_o will_v never_o leave_v out_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o divide_v the_o ten_o into_o two_o to_o conceal_v iâ—_n from_o the_o people_n we_o find_v better_a doctrine_n than_o this_o among_o the_o philosopeer_n who_o say_v god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v by_o purity_n of_o mind_n for_o this_o be_v a_o rational_a service_n and_o a_o worship_n most_o suitable_a to_o a_o immaterial_a be_v it_o be_v the_o use_n of_o that_o in_o we_o which_o be_v the_o high_a and_o noble_a of_o our_o faculty_n ii_o the_o veneration_n of_o relic_n a_o very_a vain_a and_o foolish_a thing_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n what_o they_o be_v and_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o what_o they_o be_v take_v for_o what_o veneration_n be_v or_o can_v be_v due_a to_o they_o for_o inanimateâ—hings_n â—hings_z be_v far_o inâ—eriour_a to_o those_o that_o have_v life_n and_o for_o the_o live_n to_o worship_n thing_n that_o be_v dead_a be_v unaccountable_a and_o irrational_a iii_o the_o invocation_n or_o worship_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n our_o fellow_n creature_n particular_o of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n to_o who_o they_o make_v more_o prayer_n then_o to_o our_o saviour_n himself_o although_o her_o name_n be_v not_o mention_v in_o aâ—l_a the_o epâ—stles_n of_o the_o apostle_n although_o christ_n himself_o as_o foresee_v the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o thing_n do_v ever_o restrain_v all_o extravagant_a imagination_n of_o honour_n due_a to_o she_o yet_o the_o adoration_n of_o she_o be_v the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o why_o shall_v a_o man_n so_o prostâ—ue_v himself_o as_o to_o worship_n those_o i_o be_o sure_a god_n will_v not_o have_v i_o worship_n for_o he_o will_v not_o have_v we_o adore_v any_o creature_n as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v col._n 2._o 18._o it_o be_v but_o a_o show_n of_o humility_n to_o worship_n angel_n who_o be_v place_v in_o the_o high_a order_n of_o creature_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v worship_v sure_o none_o below_o they_o be_v and_o god_n have_v declare_v there_o be_v but_o one_o supreme_a self-existent_a be_v and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n jesus_n christ_n iv_o they_o withhold_v the_o use_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n because_o they_o say_v knowledge_n of_o the_o very_a oracle_n of_o god_n will_v make_v they_o contentious_a and_o disobedient_a to_o authority_n if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o the_o blame_n of_o all_o this_o must_v be_v lay_v upon_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o reveal_v such_o a_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n as_o this_o be_v and_o thereby_o we_o shall_v condemn_v the_o apostle_n for_o make_v know_v such_o a_o doctrine_n to_o man_n in_o a_o tongue_n they_o understand_v but_o i_o suppose_v the_o papist_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o lay_v all_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n although_o man_n may_v abuse_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v useful_a be_v never_o account_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o the_o take_v it_o away_o therefore_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hinder_v from_o the_o know-of_a the_o scripture_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v become_v proud_a or_o rebellious_a for_o this_o will_v be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v put_v out_o a_o man_n eye_n that_o he_o may_v the_o better_o follow_v he_o or_o that_o he_o may_v not_o loose_v his_o way_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o out_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v unfite_n for_o any_o man_n to_o know_v but_o what_o be_v plain_o design_v to_o promote_v holiness_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a life_n the_o romanist_n do_v indeed_o pretend_v that_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v maintain_v unless_o the_o people_n be_v keep_v in_o ignorance_n then_o the_o mischief_n will_v be_v that_o for_o the_o end_n of_o keep_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n