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scripture_n authority_n church_n rely_v 2,745 5 11.3463 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A34972 I. Question: Why are you a Catholic? The answer follows. II. Question: But why are you a Protestant? An answer attempted (in vain) / written by the Reverend Father S.C. Monk of the Holy Order of St. Benedict ... Cressy, Serenus, 1605-1674.; Cressy, Serenus, 1605-1674. Why are you a Catholic? 1686 (1686) Wing C6900; ESTC R1035 63,222 76

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a_o protestant_n §._o 2._o prot._n perhaps_o we_o do_v not_o agree_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o article_n cath._n it_o may_v well_o be_v so_o therefore_o for_o a_o trial_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o propose_v a_o few_o question_n to_o you_o prot._n ask_v what_o you_o please_v cath._n first_o then_o when_o you_o say_v you_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n do_v you_o not_o believe_v this_o church_n to_o be_v one_o body_n as_o st._n paul_n express_o teach_v say_v there_o be_v one_o body_n one_o spirit_n as_o there_o be_v one_o hope_n of_o our_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o etc._n etc._n ephes._n 4._o 4._o 5._o 6._o and_o as_o we_o profess_v in_o the_o follow_a creed_n of_o the_o church_n prot._n yes_o i_o believe_v the_o true_a catholic_a church_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v one_o body_n §._o 3._o and_o do_v you_o not_o further_o believe_v that_o this_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v continue_v one_o body_n till_o the_o 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temple_n these_o therefore_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a bond_n keep_v a_o believer_n firm_a in_o the_o catholic_a church_n although_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o natural_a dulness_n and_o perhaps_o his_o sin_n he_o do_v not_o manifest_o see_v and_o penetrate_v the_o depth_n of_o divine_a truth_n but_o among_o you_o heretic_n who_o have_v none_o of_o these_o advantage_n to_o invite_v or_o hold_v i_o nothing_o be_v hear_v to_o sound_v but_o a_o vain_a promise_v of_o true_a doctrine_n etc._n etc._n firmissime_fw-la tene_fw-la et_fw-la nullatenus_fw-la dubites_fw-la hold_v most_o firm_o and_o doubt_v 39_o not_o at_o all_o that_o every_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_n baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o before_o he_o die_v he_o be_v not_o join_v and_o incorporate_v into_o the_o catholic_a church_n he_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v save_v though_o he_o shall_v give_v never_o so_o many_o alm_n yea_o though_o he_o shall_v 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to_o be_v rebaptise_v if_o we_o be_v not_o strengthen_v by_o the_o unanimous_a authority_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n to_o which_o authority_n no_o doubt_n cyprian_n who_o hold_v the_o contrary_a will_v have_v submit_v if_o in_o his_o time_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o question_n have_v be_v establish_v by_o the_o examination_n and_o decision_n of_o a_o plenary_a council_n proinde_fw-la quamvis_fw-la huius_fw-la rei_fw-la certe_fw-la de_fw-la scripture_n canonicis_fw-la non_fw-la proferatur_fw-la 33._o exemplum_fw-la although_o no_o express_a example_n can_v be_v bring_v out_o of_o canonical_a scripture_n touch_v this_o point_n of_o rebaptisation_n yet_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o scripture_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v hold_v by_o we_o when_o we_o do_v that_o which_o have_v please_v the_o universal_a church_n which_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n themselves_o do_v commend_v that_o since_o the_o holy_a scripture_n can_v deceive_v we_o he_o whosoever_o be_v in_o fear_n of_o 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judge_v of_o religion_n whereas_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o authority_n non_fw-la ad_fw-la scripturas_fw-la provocandum_fw-la est_fw-la we_o must_v not_o dispute_v with_o 18._o heretic_n appeal_v to_o scripture_n neither_o be_v the_o debate_n to_o be_v constitute_v in_o thing_n in_o which_o either_o no_o victory_n at_o all_o will_v follow_v or_o a_o uncertain_a one_o or_o little_o better_a than_o uncertain_a for_o though_o the_o success_n of_o examine_v scripture_n shall_v not_o be_v such_o that_o each_o party_n shall_v have_v no_o advantage_n over_o the_o other_o yet_o due_a order_n require_v that_o that_o shall_v be_v first_o propose_v about_o which_o at_o present_a we_o be_v to_o dispute_v viz._n to_o which_o of_o the_o party_n the_o preach_v of_o faith_n belong_v who_o have_v right_a to_o the_o scripture_n from_o who_o and_o by_o who_o and_o when_o and_o to_o who_o that_o discipline_n have_v be_v deliver_v by_o which_o man_n be_v make_v christian_n for_o where_o the_o truth_n both_o of_o christian_a
discipline_n and_o faith_n shall_v appear_v to_o be_v there_o also_o will_v be_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n and_o exposition_n and_o all_o christian_a tradition_n si_fw-mi quid_fw-la horum_fw-la per_fw-la orbem_fw-la frequentat_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la among_o such_o thing_n 118._o whatsoever_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o church_n through_o the_o world_n to_o dispute_v whether_o she_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v imitate_v therein_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o most_o insolent_a madness_n scire_fw-la sufficit_fw-la it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o reject_v from_o our_o belief_n whatsoever_o haeres_fw-la we_o know_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o church_n dicet_fw-la aliquis_fw-la si_fw-la divinis_fw-la eloquiis_fw-la it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o if_o 38._o both_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o disciple_n do_v make_v use_n of_o and_o apply_v divine_a scripture_n sentence_n and_o promise_n of_o who_o some_o be_v false_a apostle_n other_o false_a prophet_n and_o all_o of_o they_o heretic_n what_o shall_v catholic_n child_n of_o our_o mother_n the_o church_n do_v how_o shall_v they_o discern_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n in_o interpret_n holy_a scripture_n hereto_o we_o answer_v according_a as_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o holy_a and_o learned_a man_n before_o we_o that_o they_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a to_o interpret_v scripture_n according_a to_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o catholic_a doctrine_n the_o second_o question_n but_o why_o be_v you_o a_o protestant_n §._o 45_o cath._n sir_n have_v you_o consider_v serious_o on_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o last_o discourse_n prot._n yes_o cath._n and_o have_v you_o find_v either_o in_o scripture_n tradition_n council_n or_o holy_a father_n any_o warrant_n to_o remain_v divide_v both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n from_o all_o church_n ancient_o existent_a upon_o earth_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o profess_v notwithstanding_o a_o belief_n of_o one_o holy_a catholic_a church_n out_o of_o who_o communion_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n prot._n i_o free_o accknowledge_v that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o produce_v any_o considerable_a quotation_n to_o confront_v you_o quotation_n i_o mean_v assert_v the_o authority_n of_o particular_a or_o new-erected_n church_n independent_a on_o other_o cath._n then_o since_o it_o seem_v both_o scripture_n tradition_n council_n and_o father_n have_v give_v their_o testimony_n against_o you_o why_o be_v you_o still_o a_o protestant_a §._o 46._o prot._n sir_n i_o suppose_v you_o do_v believe_v i_o shall_v be_v very_o glad_a to_o find_v out_o a_o church_n to_o who_o authority_n i_o can_v think_v myself_o oblige_v entire_o to_o submit_v my_o own_o judgement_n and_o secure_o to_o commit_v my_o soul_n to_o her_o guidance_n but_o hitherto_o not_o have_v be_v able_a to_o find_v such_o a_o one_o i_o must_v be_v content_a to_o stay_v where_o i_o be_o for_o as_o for_o the_o roman_a church_n to_o who_o communion_n alone_o you_o will_v invite_v i_o she_o appear_v to_o i_o so_o whole_o deprave_v that_o i_o think_v a_o real_a miracle_n will_v hardly_o draw_v i_o to_o join_v myself_o to_o her_o communion_n cath._n i_o see_v sir_n that_o you_o despair_v to_o justify_v your_o own_o church_n and_o to_o excuse_v they_o from_o schism_n do_v seek_v to_o draw_v i_o to_o particular_a dispute_n by_o which_o notwithstanding_o you_o can_v receive_v no_o benefit_n at_o all_o whatever_o the_o success_n of_o such_o dispute_n shall_v be_v for_o still_o the_o unpardonable_a guilt_n of_o schism_n will_v lie_v upon_o you_o however_o i_o will_v not_o refuse_v so_o far_o to_o comply_v with_o you_o therefore_o tell_v i_o wherein_o consist_v that_o depravation_n you_o speak_v of_o prot._n it_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o both_o her_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v frame_v as_o on_o purpose_n to_o comply_v with_o worldly_a interest_n and_o by_o consequence_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n cath._n how_o do_v that_o appear_v §._o 47._o prot._n it_o appear_v more_o than_o sufficient_o in_o this_o that_o as_o the_o nau●r_n late_a learned_a arcbishop_n of_o spalleto_n observe_v all_o those_o point_n of_o your_o belief_n and_o practice_n which_o we_o condemn_v and_o for_o which_o we_o separate_v from_o your_o church_n be_v such_o as_o manifest_o have_v a_o strong_a influence_n on_o the_o satisfy_a either_o her_o ambition_n or_o covetousness_n cath._n which_o be_v the_o point_n which_o you_o suppose_v to_o comply_v with_o ambition_n prot._n these_o which_o here_o follow_v 1._o your_o church_n assume_v the_o title_n of_o catholic_a to_o herself_o alone_o with_o exclusion_n of_o all_o other_o church_n 2._o the_o pope_n assume_v universal_a authority_n 3._o his_o pretend_a infallibility_n in_o determine_v controversy_n 4._o his_o usurp_a temporal_a authority_n 5._o a_o power_n to_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o give_v to_o priest_n by_o consecrate_v the_o outward_a symbol_n to_o make_v the_o glorify_a body_n of_o our_o saviour_n present_a on_o the_o altar_n 6._o the_o offer_v it_o in_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o father_n 7._o the_o expose_v of_o it_o to_o man_n adoration_n 8._o the_o obligation_n impose_v on_o all_o sinner_n to_o discover_v their_o most_o secret_a sin_n to_o priest_n in_o confession_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o satisfaction_n enjoin_v by_o they_o 9_o a_o proud_a esteem_n of_o attain_v to_o justification_n and_o salvation_n by_o your_o own_o merit_n thus_o your_o clergy_n not_o content_a to_o invent_v doctrine_n proper_a to_o procure_v their_o own_o exaltation_n will_v instill_v pride_n into_o the_o people_n also_o §._o 48._o cath._n for_o what_o doctrine_n do_v you_o accuse_v the_o roman_a church_n of_o covetousness_n prot._n of_o this_o latter_a sort_n be_v the_o roman_a doctrine_n 1._o touch_v prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a and_o purgatory_n out_o of_o the_o torment_n whereof_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v redeem_v by_o mass_n alm_n etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o gain_n of_o heaven_n by_o money_n give_v for_o indulgence_n 3._o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n 4._o the_o worship_v of_o their_o image_n and_o relic_n to_o which_o pilgrimage_n be_v ordain_v with_o costly_a offering_n etc._n etc._n §._o 49._o cath._n this_o observation_n make_v by_o the_o infamous_a apostate_n you_o name_v if_o right_o consider_v true_o seem_v to_o argue_v a_o guilt_n somewhere_o yet_o not_o in_o the_o church_n but_o much_o rather_o in_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o she_o for_o it_o strong_o argue_v that_o since_o to_o oppose_v she_o they_o make_v choice_n only_o of_o those_o point_n which_o regard_v the_o honour_n authority_n and_o wealth_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o true_a motive_n induce_v they_o to_o rebel_v against_o the_o church_n be_v not_o any_o zeal_n for_o truth_n or_o care_n for_o their_o soul_n for_o they_o acknowledge_v her_o orthodox_n as_o to_o all_o point_n of_o doctrine_n approve_v by_o former_a heretic_n that_o therefore_o 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your_o judgement_n they_o will_v first_o have_v reform_v in_o themselves_o their_o inordinate_a passion_n but_o sir_n if_o you_o please_v let_v we_o leave_v the_o judgement_n of_o man_n secret_a intention_n to_o almighty_a god_n to_o who_o alone_o they_o be_v open_a and_o transparent_a however_o this_o may_v with_o full_a assurance_n be_v assert_v that_o if_o sacrilege_n and_o freedom_n from_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v not_o the_o only_a prime_a motive_n they_o be_v and_o will_v be_v the_o prime_a effect_n of_o your_o multiply_a reformation_n §._o 51._o prot._n i_o be_o well_o content_a to_o desist_v from_o inquire_v into_o the_o secret_a thought_n of_o person_n on_o either_o side_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v henceforth_o consider_v the_o forementioned_a point_n in_o debate_n between_o we_o absolute_o and_o in_o themselves_o and_o so_o do_v you_o must_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v that_o this_o also_o may_v with_o full_a assurance_n be_v assert_v that_o whatever_o motive_n the_o roman_a church_n may_v have_v to_o
to_o scripture_n i_o desire_v you_o to_o take_v into_o consideration_n that_o the_o same_o roman_a church_n at_o the_o same_o time_n both_o propose_v the_o belief_n of_o those_o doctrine_n to_o your_o first_o reformer_n and_o also_o give_v they_o the_o scripture_n testify_v that_o they_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n therefore_o certain_o it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v evident_a to_o she_o that_o her_o doctrine_n do_v evident_o contradict_v divine_a revelation_n now_o you_o will_v not_o sure_o deny_v but_o that_o in_o the_o catholic_a church_n there_o be_v man_n as_o learned_a and_o those_o in_o a_o far_o great_a number_n than_o among_o protestant_n man_n i_o say_v who_o also_o make_v the_o scripture_n their_o principal_a study_n and_o have_v publish_v almost_o innumerable_a commentary_n on_o they_o again_o man_n of_o who_o a_o great_a number_n live_v sequester_v from_o the_o world_n in_o a_o assiduous_a practice_n of_o spiritual_a prayer_n and_o therefore_o not_o likely_a to_o have_v their_o judgement_n pervert_v by_o worldly_a interest_n yet_o not_o any_o one_o of_o these_o do_v see_v or_o but_o suspect_n that_o the_o faith_n they_o profess_v be_v contradict_v by_o god_n word_n on_o the_o contrary_a they_o invincible_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o church_n have_v be_v as_o the_o only_a depository_n of_o scripture_n so_o likewise_o of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o how_o come_v then_o that_o to_o be_v evident_a to_o you_o which_o be_v invisible_a to_o they_o which_o way_n go_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o inhabit_v a_o debauch_a incestuous_a friar_n or_o a_o stigmatise_v pichard_n upon_o who_o credit_n doubtless_o you_o have_v take_v up_o your_o evidence_n if_o they_o can_v have_v show_v you_o in_o scripture_n such_o passage_n as_o these_o the_o pope_n be_v not_o the_o supreme_a bishop_n and_o visible_a head_n of_o the_o church_n bread_n by_o sanctification_n do_v not_o become_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o confess_v our_o sin_n to_o priest_n purgatory_n be_v a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n it_o be_v a_o injury_n to_o christ_n to_o desire_v saint_n but_o none_o to_o desire_v sinner_n to_o pray_v for_o we_o etc._n etc._n such_o say_n indeed_o as_o these_o may_v have_v justify_v your_o charge_n against_o the_o church_n that_o she_o contradict_v scripture_n but_o where_o be_v such_o say_n to_o be_v find_v except_o it_o be_v in_o the_o heretical_a write_n of_o your_o reformer_n on_o the_o contrary_a some_o point_n contradictory_n to_o those_o be_v find_v literal_o contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o to_o elude_v they_o you_o be_v foce_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o figurative_a sense_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n by_o which_o we_o receive_v the_o scripture_n itself_o yea_o by_o the_o holy_a father_n justify_v as_o consonant_n to_o scripture_n and_o however_o i_o suppose_v you_o will_v not_o say_v that_o silence_n be_v equivolent_a to_o express_v contradiction_n the_o utmost_a that_o you_o can_v say_v be_v that_o perhaps_o you_o can_v produce_v now_o and_o then_o some_o scatter_a text_n of_o scripture_n from_o which_o you_o can_v make_v a_o show_n of_o argue_v against_o some_o tenet_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n but_o what_o will_v that_o avail_v you_o since_o probability_n as_o have_v be_v say_v will_v not_o excuse_v you_o for_o omit_v a_o necessary_a duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o incur_v the_o horrible_a guilt_n of_o schism_n where_o now_o do_v you_o see_v a_o evidence_n that_o the_o church_n contradict_v scripture_n prot._n i_o shall_v be_v better_o enable_v to_o give_v a_o resolution_n in_o this_o point_n when_o according_a to_o your_o promise_n you_o shall_v have_v give_v i_o a_o account_n of_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o your_o church_n in_o the_o point_v controvert_v between_o we_o §._o 60._o cath._n that_o promise_n i_o will_v now_o with_o god_n assistance_n discharge_v through_o all_o the_o point_n mention_v by_o you_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o first_o as_o touch_v the_o two_o first_o point_n viz._n 1._o the_o church_n authority_n 2._o the_o pope_n universal_a jurisdiction_n etc._n etc._n enough_o have_v be_v say_v in_o our_o former_a discourse_n yet_o for_o your_o further_a satisfaction_n i_o will_v enlarge_v myself_o a_o little_a more_o take_v therefore_o into_o your_o consideration_n that_o it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a truth_n agree_v on_o by_o all_o catholic_n that_o the_o only_a object_n of_o catholic_a faith_n be_v such_o divine_a truth_n as_o be_v reveal_v in_o god_n word_n and_o also_o propose_v to_o all_o by_o the_o catholic_a church_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o divine_a faith_n now_o this_o general_a ground_n be_v presuppose_v in_o case_n any_o controversy_n shall_v arise_v touch_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o divine_a truth_n reveal_v it_o be_v unquestionable_o necessary_a that_o some_o mean_n shall_v be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o determine_v such_o controversy_n and_o to_o prevent_v a_o dissipation_n of_o his_o church_n by_o heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o what_o other_o mean_a can_v be_v imagine_v efficacious_a hereto_o than_o what_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o practise_v even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o this_o declare_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n that_o no_o man_n trust_v to_o his_o own_o prudence_n or_o skill_n shall_v presume_v to_o interpret_v holy_a scripture_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o manner_n pertain_v to_o 4._o edification_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n wrest_v it_o to_o his_o own_o sense_n against_o that_o sense_n which_o our_o holy_a mother_n the_o church_n do_v or_o have_v hold_v to_o who_o it_o belong_v to_o judge_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n or_o also_o against_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o father_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o roman_a catholic_a church_n teach_v concern_v her_o authority_n of_o interpret_n controvert_v text_n of_o scripture_n no_o more_o than_o this_o be_v any_o catholic_a oblige_v to_o believe_v now_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o your_o conscience_n whether_o you_o can_v think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o you_o to_o break_v from_o her_o communion_n upon_o this_o quarrel_n because_o she_o judge_v more_o fit_a that_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o teacher_n and_o governor_n appoint_v by_o god_n in_o she_o shall_v prevail_v against_o your_o single_a judgement_n or_o that_o of_o a_o few_o apostat-minister_n especial_o consider_v the_o promise_n make_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o lawful_a successor_n that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v remain_v with_o they_o and_o direct_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o as_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n that_o be_v say_v the_o father_n 18._o heresy_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o they_o prot._n i_o see_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o contradict_v this_o §._o 61._o cath._n let_v we_o next_o proceed_v to_o what_o the_o church_n have_v determine_v touch_v the_o privilege_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o prime_a pastor_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n thus_o than_o we_o read_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n collect_v by_o the_o 4._o pope_n himself_o out_o of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n i_o acknowledge_v the_o holy_a catholic_a and_o apostolic_a roman_a church_n to_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n and_o i_o promise_v true_a obedience_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n successor_n of_o st._n peter_n prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o vicar_n of_o jesus_n christ._n here_o the_o see_v apostolic_a being_n acknowledge_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n and_o the_o pope_n vicar_n of_o christ_n his_o universal_a jurisdiction_n be_v therein_o acknowledge_v which_o jurisdiction_n or_o authority_n we_o be_v not_o to_o suppose_v to_o be_v arbitrary_a and_o unlimited_a but_o as_o we_o read_v in_o a_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o florence_n consent_v to_o by_o f●r_n the_o emperor_n patriarch_n and_o other_o bishop_n of_o greece_n to_o be_v exercise_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n after_o the_o manner_n as_o be_v also_o contain_v in_o the_o gest_n of_o ecumenical_a council_n and_o sacred_a canon_n and_o such_o a_o primacy_n invest_v with_o authority_n as_o this_o the_o general_n council_n of_o chalcedon_n admit_v by_o protestant_n do_v acknowledge_v in_o he_o which_o be_v also_o attest_v by_o tradition_n and_o practice_n from_o the_o beginning_n §._o 62._o now_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o stand_a authority_n in_o god_n church_n be_v thus_o ground_v the_o absolute_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a authority_n against_o which_o can_v lie_v no_o appeal_n be_v confess_o reside_a in_o a_o lawful_a general_n council_n by_o which_o all_o debate_n whatsoever_o may_v be_v determine_v all_o necessary_a law_n enact_v etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o infinite_a difficulty_n especial_o since_o the_o division_n of_o
the_o roman_a empire_n to_o bring_v together_o so_o vast_a a_o assembly_n from_o all_o region_n and_o yet_o unity_n essential_a to_o the_o church_n be_v always_o to_o be_v preserve_v which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o supereminent_a government_n always_o existent_a hence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o supreme_a bishop_n and_o successor_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v even_o from_o the_o beginning_n be_v acknowledge_v this_o supereminent_a governor_n through_o all_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o common_a establish_a law_n former_a definition_n and_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n be_v every_o where_o observe_v and_o profess_v to_o prevent_v any_o innovation_n in_o doctrine_n and_o also_o to_o end_v controversy_n among_o catholic_o if_o any_o arise_v at_o least_o by_o silence_v contentious_a dispute_n till_o a_o general_n council_n may_v further_o consider_v they_o by_o which_o all_o schism_n be_v prevent_v and_o also_o heresy_n that_o be_v any_o doctrine_n that_o be_v declare_v by_o this_o supreme_a pastor_n contrary_a to_o former_a church-definition_n perpetual_o crush_v and_o last_o to_o judge_n in_o causis_fw-la majoribus_fw-la when_o quarrel_n arise_v among_o patriarch_n metropolitan_o etc._n etc._n thus_o stand_v the_o case_n and_o now_o i_o appeal_v to_o your_o own_o conscience_n whether_o you_o can_v imagine_v any_o other_o expedient_a for_o preserve_v a_o general_a peace_n and_o unity_n in_o god_n church_n and_o whether_o if_o you_o be_v appoint_v and_o also_o enable_v to_o frame_v such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v necessary_o to_o continue_v always_o one_o body_n reason_n itself_o will_v not_o dictate_v the_o same_o order_n to_o you_o experience_n show_v that_o all_o division_n both_o in_o the_o west_n and_o east_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o man_n renounce_v obedience_n to_o this_o common_a governor_n §._o 63._o prot._n true_o sir_n i_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o to_o preserve_v order_n and_o peace_n in_o so_o vast_a a_o body_n as_o the_o church_n be_v there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o government_n and_o if_o government_n than_o subordination_n and_o consequent_o a_o establish_a supreme_a governor_n and_o now_o methinks_v reflect_v upon_o ecclesiastical_a history_n i_o see_v clear_o that_o such_o a_o orderly_a government_n be_v settle_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o for_o if_o as_o some_o among_o we_o pretend_v the_o same_o apostle_n have_v intend_v no_o supereminence_n of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n and_o no_o degree_n of_o authority_n among_o bishop_n it_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v happen_v that_o a_o few_o unarmed_a bishop_n not_o assist_v by_o secular_a power_n shall_v so_o immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v subdue_v such_o a_o world_n of_o presbyter_n former_o suppose_v their_o equal_n to_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o no_o mark_n be_v leave_v in_o any_o ancient_a writer_n to_o show_v that_o those_o presbyter_n resist_v or_o so_o much_o as_o complain_v against_o such_o a_o usurpation_n and_o tyranny_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v touch_v the_o subordination_n of_o simple_a bishop_n to_o metropolitan_o primate_n patriarch_n and_o of_o all_o these_o to_o the_o supreme_a pastor_n though_o probable_o those_o title_n come_v into_o the_o church_n in_o posteriour_a age_n therefore_o upon_o due_a consideration_n i_o can_v deny_v but_o my_o aversion_n to_o such_o and_o so_o qualify_v a_o authority_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o you_o say_v be_v moderate_v by_o the_o church_n decision_n be_v very_o much_o abate_v cath._n since_o therefore_o you_o now_o see_v a_o way_n how_o to_o avoid_v danger_n from_o this_o to_o you_o former_o rock_n of_o offence_n i_o may_v i_o suppose_v proceed_v to_o the_o follow_a point_n of_o controversy_n touch_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n etc._n etc._n §._o 64._o 3._o of_o the_o pope_n temporal_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n prot._n no_o sir_n you_o go_v too_o fast_o for_o though_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o our_o first_o reformer_n with_o all_o their_o rhetoric_n shall_v not_o have_v draw_v i_o with_o they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n upon_o this_o motive_n of_o oppose_v such_o a_o authority_n in_o the_o pope_n as_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o general_a council_n and_o the_o ordinary_a exercise_n of_o it_o to_o be_v regulate_v by_o approve_a canon_n since_o i_o suppose_v such_o authority_n regard_v only_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n but_o your_o church_n will_v not_o be_v content_v with_o this_o for_o she_o will_v extend_v it_o also_o to_o temporal_a matter_n even_o to_o the_o dispose_n of_o kingdom_n depose_v of_o prince_n absolve_v subject_n from_o their_o natural_a allegiance_n express_o command_v in_o holy_a scripture_n etc._n etc._n cath._n where_o do_v you_o find_v that_o our_o church_n invest_v the_o pope_n with_o such_o a_o authority_n prot._n i_o can_v distinct_o tell_v you_o that_o but_o of_o this_o i_o be_o assure_v that_o the_o pope_n challenge_v it_o and_o as_o by_o divine_a right_n cath._n how_o do_v you_o ground_v such_o a_o assurance_n you_o will_v not_o sure_o esteem_v this_o to_o be_v a_o irrefragrable_a proof_n thereof_o because_o some_o of_o his_o predecessor_n have_v challenge_v it_o when_o as_o for_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n before_o they_o not_o any_o precedent_a pope_n ever_o pretend_v to_o it_o but_o let_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o present_a pope_n do_v now_o challenge_v it_o will_v you_o not_o live_v in_o a_o community_n in_o which_o the_o governor_n challenge_v more_o than_o you_o will_v grant_v to_o be_v his_o due_n prot._n no_o true_o especial_o if_o that_o authority_n to_o which_o he_o pretend_v endanger_v the_o ruin_n of_o kingdom_n or_o the_o utter_a banishment_n of_o peace_n every_o where_o for_o such_o a_o authority_n i_o be_o sure_a be_v never_o establish_v on_o earth_n by_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n and_o that_o which_o make_v i_o assure_v hereof_o be_v this_o because_o if_o christ_n have_v have_v such_o a_o intention_n of_o dissolve_v the_o frame_n of_o all_o civil_a government_n through_o the_o world_n he_o will_v have_v leave_v in_o scripture_n or_o tradition_n most_o express_a proof_n of_o such_o his_o will_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o that_o infinite_a importance_n whereas_o the_o quite_o contrary_a rather_o appear_v cath._n you_o say_v well_o but_o will_v you_o run_v out_o of_o the_o church_n in_o case_n a_o pope_n shall_v chance_v to_o challenge_v more_o than_o his_o due_n when_o perhaps_o no_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o you_o to_o submit_v to_o such_o authority_n challenge_v by_o he_o or_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o justice_n of_o it_o prot._n dare_v you_o disacknowledg_v this_o authority_n §._o 65._o cath._n what_o i_o acknowledge_v or_o disacknowledg_v be_v not_o material_a but_o to_o rectify_v your_o mistake_n i_o will_v sincere_o acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o whole_a matter_n as_o it_o stand_v at_o this_o day_n and_o thence_o you_o may_v collect_v what_o must_v be_v require_v from_o you_o in_o case_n you_o be_v a_o catholic_a prot._n you_o will_v much_o oblige_v i_o therein_o cath._n then_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o beside_o that_o temporal_a power_n indeed_o belong_v to_o the_o pope_n within_o his_o own_o dominion_n of_o which_o he_o be_v now_o the_o temporal_a sovereign_n several_a pope_n in_o former_a time_n have_v both_o challenge_v and_o actual_o exercise_v a_o unlimited_a temporal_a jurisdiction_n over_o other_o kingdom_n and_o empire_n which_o jurisdiction_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v express_o acknowledge_v as_o just_a yet_o it_o have_v be_v sometime_o submit_v to_o by_o king_n either_o obnoxious_a and_o unable_a to_o resist_v or_o desirous_a to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o their_o own_o advantage_n against_o enemy_n or_o rebel_n several_a example_n hereof_o remain_v in_o our_o record_n particular_o during_o the_o reign_v of_o king_n john_n and_o henry_n the_o three_o but_o general_o prince_n when_o free_v from_o such_o exigence_n have_v resolute_o and_o stout_o resist_v such_o pretension_n of_o the_o roman_a court._n if_o we_o now_o descend_v to_o latter_a time_n and_o cast_v our_o view_n on_o the_o present_a state_n of_o christendom_n we_o shall_v find_v king_n and_o state_n so_o far_o from_o admit_v such_o a_o exorbitant_a foreign_a jurisdiction_n to_o be_v exercise_v or_o acknowledge_v within_o their_o dominion_n that_o not_o any_o of_o they_o will_v permit_v rescript_n bull_n or_o mandate_n from_o rome_n though_o regard_v even_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n unless_o touch_v private_a inferior_a person_n to_o be_v publish_v and_o much_o less_o execute_v within_o their_o state_n till_o examine_v and_o approve_v in_o their_o respective_a council_n nay_o more_o than_o this_o even_o the_o canon_n of_o reformation_n prescribe_v by_o the_o general_n council_n of_o trent_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v suspect_v to_o entrench_v upon_o the_o temporal_a power_n of_o prince_n have_v always_o be_v refuse_v to_o
wilful_o misinterpret_v scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n especial_o in_o point_n fundamental_a which_o be_v so_o clear_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n that_o no_o sober_a enquirer_n can_v be_v mistake_v in_o they_o cath._n well_o sir_n i_o have_v at_o present_a do_v ask_v question_n and_o now_o better_a enable_v by_o what_o you_o have_v say_v will_v endeavour_v to_o give_v you_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o the_o question_v you_o propose_v in_o the_o begin_n viz._n why_o be_v you_o a_o catholic_n §._o 11._o first_o then_o sir_n i_o be_o a_o catholic_n because_o i_o believe_v that_o christ_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v infinite_o both_o good_a wise_a and_o omnipotent_a his_o goodness_n incline_v he_o to_o come_v down_o into_o this_o world_n to_o save_v mankind_n by_o establish_v a_o church_n upon_o earth_n which_o shall_v remain_v till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o which_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n shall_v be_v so_o teach_v as_o not_o only_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a but_o the_o poor_a simple_a and_o ignorant_a also_o shall_v by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n now_o his_o goodness_n have_v design_v this_o his_o wisdom_n enable_v he_o to_o appoint_v way_n and_o mean_v proper_a to_o effect_v that_o his_o bless_a design_n and_o omnipotence_n to_o make_v those_o mean_v successful_a §_o 12._o the_o general_a efficacious_a mean_n to_o accomplish_v this_o be_v first_o the_o reveal_n his_o whole_a will_n to_o his_o church_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v sufficient_o do_v in_o holy_a scripture_n as_o to_o all_o point_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n though_o in_o all_o those_o point_v not_o so_o clear_o to_o every_o one_o that_o without_o a_o teacher_n their_o sense_n may_v not_o be_v mistake_v neither_o do_v scripture_n make_v a_o express_a discernment_n of_o what_o point_n be_v necessary_a and_o second_o the_o assist_v of_o this_o his_o church_n with_o fidelity_n and_o a_o constant_a performance_n of_o her_o duty_n in_o declare_v all_o necessary_a divine_a truth_n manifest_v to_o she_o to_o her_o subject_n with_o a_o command_n that_o all_o christian_n shall_v obey_v and_o submit_v to_o what_o she_o shall_v teach_v or_o enjoin_v they_o god_n have_v thus_o reveal_v his_o whole_a will_n to_o his_o one_o catholic_n church_n it_o necessary_o and_o evident_o follow_v 1._o that_o ignorance_n or_o error_n in_o any_o point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v damnable_a 2._o that_o a_o separation_n from_o this_o one_o church_n be_v damnable_a also_o upon_o what_o pretence_n soever_o the_o separation_n be_v make_v §._o 13._o now_o to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n thus_o threaten_v by_o error_n or_o schism_n only_o one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n be_v possible_a 1._o by_o one_o own_o light_n to_o penetrate_v into_o all_o mystery_n so_o as_o to_o be_v most_o firm_o assure_v of_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o all_o necessary_a verity_n reveal_v by_o god_n in_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o or_o out_o of_o a_o distrust_n of_o our_o own_o ability_n to_o submit_v our_o reason_n and_o internal_a assent_n to_o authority_n the_o former_a of_o these_o way_n all_o sect_n divide_v from_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o among_o themselves_o do_v uniform_o take_v be_v force_v hereto_o by_o deny_v any_o visible_a society_n of_o man_n to_o have_v any_o authority_n oblige_v the_o conscience_n of_o their_o subject_n and_o by_o consequence_n they_o have_v all_o if_o any_o a_o equal_a title_n that_o be_v indeed_o equal_o none_o at_o all_o to_o challenge_v belief_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o neither_o can_v they_o rational_o without_o desert_v their_o common_a ground_n condemn_v or_o excommunicate_a one_o another_o the_o latter_a way_n we_o catholic_n only_o take_v and_o as_o we_o think_v prudent_o and_o sure_o §._o 14._o for_o sir_n i_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v what_o a_o busy_a laborious_a task_n you_o have_v undertake_v by_o be_v a_o protestant_n of_o what_o sect_n among_o they_o soever_o you_o be_v before_o you_o can_v promise_v to_o yourself_o any_o rest_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o peculiar_a fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o your_o sect_n your_o conscience_n must_v satisfy_v you_o that_o you_o have_v not_o embrace_v a_o religion_n by_o hazard_n but_o after_o a_o diligent_a sincere_a and_o effectual_a examination_n of_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n not_o only_o of_o catholic_n submit_v to_o authority_n but_o also_o of_o other_o sectary_n who_o proceed_v your_o way_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n by_o a_o private_a light_n do_v condemn_v your_o doctrine_n or_o who_o doctrine_n you_o condemn_v to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o this_o how_o many_o volume_n of_o controversy_n be_v you_o oblige_v to_o read_v and_o examine_v beside_o this_o it_o will_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o you_o be_v perfect_o study_v in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n with_o the_o best_a commentary_n on_o they_o both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a since_o you_o ground_n your_o religion_n upon_o a_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o perhaps_o not_o any_o of_o they_o will_v allow_v and_o then_o in_o equity_n you_o be_v to_o examine_v their_o reason_n for_o it_o now_o what_o one_o man_n age_n will_v suffice_v for_o all_o this_o business_n though_o but_o in_o one_o or_o two_o point_n controvert_v and_o though_o the_o party_n be_v learn_v and_o have_v never_o so_o much_o leisure_n what_o then_o shall_v ignorant_a person_n do_v who_o yet_o make_v up_o the_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n what_o shall_v tradesman_n and_o day-labourer_n do_v who_o can_v scarce_o allow_v from_o their_o necessary_a vocation_n any_o time_n at_o all_o daily_a even_o to_o say_v their_o prayer_n yet_o it_o concern_v all_o these_o upon_o the_o venture_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n not_o to_o forsake_v or_o embrace_v a_o religion_n without_o a_o sufficient_a examination_n make_v by_o themselves_o of_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o since_o they_o be_v tell_v and_o believe_v it_o that_o they_o must_v trust_v to_o themselves_o only_o because_o no_o external_a authority_n upon_o earth_n can_v require_v from_o they_o a_o submission_n of_o their_o judgement_n inasmuch_o as_o according_a to_o their_o general_a fundamental_a position_n no_o authority_n be_v infallible_a §._o 15._o now_o whereas_o you_o say_v that_o all_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o clear_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n that_o no_o sober_a enquirer_n can_v be_v mistake_v in_o they_o if_o this_o be_v true_a yet_o since_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o you_o yourselves_o do_v clear_o express_v which_o and_o how_o many_o doctrine_n be_v fundamental_a every_o tittle_n of_o scripture_n must_v be_v read_v and_o examine_v by_o every_o one_o of_o you_o for_o fear_v a_o necessary_a doctrine_n shall_v chance_v to_o escape_v you_o but_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o groundlesness_n of_o that_o your_o assertion_n i_o desire_v you_o to_o reflect_v on_o the_o prodigious_a multiplicity_n of_o sect_n swarm_v in_o this_o age_n all_o which_o ground_n their_o belief_n upon_o pretend_a clear_a text_n of_o scripture_n alone_o you_o will_v then_o scarce_o find_v one_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n exempt_v from_o their_o dispute_n there_o be_v not_o want_v who_o deny_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o divinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o our_o lord_n the_o divine_a personality_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n some_o absolute_o deny_v freewill_n whilst_o other_o exalt_v the_o power_n of_o it_o so_o high_a as_o to_o affirm_v divine_a grace_n unnecessary_a to_o its_o best_a operation_n some_o affirm_v our_o nature_n to_o be_v so_o incurable_o pollute_v by_o original_a sin_n as_o that_o all_o the_o best_a action_n of_o the_o regenerate_v be_v mortal_a sin_n other_o will_v acknowledge_v no_o original_a sin_n at_o all_o some_o affirm_v baptism_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n even_o of_o infant_n other_o reject_v infant-baptism_n and_o calvinist_n assert_v that_o infant_n without_o baptism_n be_v sanctify_v by_o their_o parent_n faith_n and_o that_o some_o infant_n die_v though_o baptize_v may_v be_v damn_v some_o believe_v man_n soul_n to_o be_v mortal_a and_o that_o it_o perish_v with_o the_o body_n not_o have_v any_o knowledge_n or_o sentiment_n after_o death_n some_o confine_n god_n to_o a_o determinate_a place_n in_o heaven_n and_o also_o deny_v his_o prescience_n of_o future_a contingent_n last_o some_o deny_v a_o eternity_n of_o torment_n in_o hell_n sure_o you_o will_v not_o deny_v most_o of_o these_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o our_o faith_n yet_o all_o who_o maintain_v these_o tenet_n and_o all_o sectary_n who_o contradict_v they_o do_v ground_n themselves_o upon_o express_a scripture_n which_o to_o you_o seem_v so_o clear_a you_o can_v be_v more_o confident_a that_o you_o have_v light_a on_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n than_o they_o of_o a_o
by_o consequence_n they_o be_v exempt_v from_o a_o obligation_n of_o examine_v particular_a controversy_n which_o their_o teacher_n duty_n be_v to_o examine_v for_o they_o §._o 19_o neither_o be_v it_o natural_a reason_n alone_o which_o direct_v we_o to_o perfer_fw-la so_o eminent_a authority_n before_o our_o own_o simple_a judgement_n but_o as_o have_v be_v say_v a_o divine_a light_n also_o appear_v in_o scripture_n and_o in_o constant_a ecclesiastical_a tradition_n the_o best_a and_o safe_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n there_o we_o find_v the_o church_n call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n a_o city_n at_o one_o in_o itself_o and_o set_v upon_o a_o hill_n which_o can_v be_v 3._o hide_v there_o we_o read_v that_o every_o tongue_n which_o shall_v rise_v against_o she_o in_o judgement_n she_o shall_v condemn_v that_o gentile_n 14._o shall_v come_v to_o her_o light_n and_o king_n to_o the_o brightness_n of_o her_o 54._o rise_n and_o that_o the_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n which_o will_v not_o serve_v she_o shall_v perish_v there_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o least_o supreme_a tribunal_n on_o earth_n to_o determine_v controversy_n among_o christian_n be_v the_o church_n who_o whosoever_o will_v not_o hear_v be_v to_o be_v esteem_v as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n such_o a_o unappealeable_a authority_n 17._o have_v god_n establish_v in_o this_o church_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o authority_n general_n council_n represent_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o church_n governor_n challenge_v from_o all_o christian_n a_o submission_n not_o only_o of_o noncontradiction_n but_o also_o of_o internal_a assent_n under_o penalty_n of_o anathema_n which_o assent_n we_o willing_o and_o joyful_o yield_v by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n promise_n that_o he_o will_v lead_v his_o church_n into_o all_o truth_n jo._n 16._o 13._o and_o so_o preserve_v she_o in_o a_o uniform_a profession_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o she_o mat._n 16._o 18._o which_o gate_n of_o hell_n be_v by_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o father_n heresy_n §._o 20._o these_o irrefragable_a ground_n from_o prudence_n and_o scripture_n have_v we_o catholic_o for_o direct_v our_o faith_n on_o the_o other_o side_n not_o one_o single_a text_n of_o scripture_n nay_o moreover_o not_o one_o quotation_n can_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o any_o one_o of_o the_o holy_a father_n which_o may_v rational_o encourage_v a_o christian_n to_o prefer_v his_o own_o sense_n of_o scripture_n before_o that_o of_o the_o church_n whereas_o whole_a book_n have_v be_v write_v by_o they_o of_o the_o church_n unity_n authority_n indefectibility_n and_o universality_n now_o sir_n who_o can_v resist_v who_o can_v hold_v out_o against_o such_o a_o battery_n prot._n well_o sir_n how_o prevalent_a soever_o this_o discourse_n may_v seem_v to_o you_o to_o be_v against_o we_o who_o you_o style_v schismatic_n it_o will_v prove_v of_o little_a advantage_n to_o you_o roman_a catholic_o for_o although_o we_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o catholic_a church_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o roman_a to_o be_v this_o church_n the_o roman_a i_o say_v which_o be_v but_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o she_o be_v as_o we_o be_v persuade_v guilty_a of_o teach_v and_o practise_v many_o false_a doctrine_n and_o manifold_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n we_o can_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n have_v any_o communion_n with_o she_o §._o 21._o cath._n sir_n this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a artifice_n of_o your_o protestant_a writer_n when_o they_o be_v press_v with_o the_o guilt_n of_o those_o unpardonable_a crime_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n to_o impute_v to_o the_o church_n many_o error_n and_o sinful_a practice_n in_o which_o forsooth_o their_o tender_a conscience_n dare_v not_o join_v this_o they_o do_v to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v be_v dispense_v withal_o from_o clear_v themselves_o from_o schism_n till_o after_o a_o full_a discussion_n of_o all_o other_o controversy_n touch_v difference_n about_o any_o particular_a error_n suppose_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n which_o discussion_n can_v be_v undertake_v by_o one_o in_o a_o thousand_o consider_v man_n general_a incapacity_n and_o if_o undertake_v by_o the_o learned_a will_v scarce_o ever_o have_v a_o end_n but_o this_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a because_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o separate_v be_v indeed_o guilty_a of_o teach_v error_n yet_o be_v protestant_n just_o and_o unanswerable_o charge_v with_o schism_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o remain_v divide_v not_o from_o the_o roman_a only_o but_o all_o patriarchal_a and_o all_o other_o church_n existent_n before_o their_o separation_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o crime_n as_o schism_n they_o be_v manifest_o guilty_a of_o it_o and_o by_o consequence_n it_o will_v be_v damnable_a in_o any_o one_o to_o join_v in_o their_o communion_n to_o make_v this_o charge_n good_a against_o they_o it_o will_v be_v full_o sufficient_a to_o allege_v the_o confession_n of_o all_o christian_n and_o of_o themselves_o also_o viz._n that_o there_o always_o have_v be_v be_v and_o shall_v ever_o remain_v instit._n a_o holy_a catholic_a church_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n from_o which_o 1._o separation_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o be_v damnable_a this_o church_n therefore_o wheresoever_o it_o be_v be_v in_o be_v when_o they_o divide_v from_o the_o roman_a and_o can_v they_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o this_o church_n there_o be_v not_o a_o society_n in_o the_o world_n old_a than_o they_o or_o other_o than_o the_o roman_a church_n with_o which_o they_o entertain_v any_o communion_n at_o all_o to_o who_o confession_n of_o faith_n they_o will_v subscribe_v and_o to_o who_o law_n and_o government_n they_o will_v submit_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_n condemn_v its_o doctrine_n law_n and_o government_n the_o consciousness_n of_o this_o force_v the_o principal_a patriarch_n of_o schism_n calvin_n to_o profess_v that_o himself_o and_o his_o follower_n epi._n separate_v from_o the_o whole_a world_n melanct._n now_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o protestant_n to_o excuse_v much_o less_o to_o justify_v their_o manifest_a schism_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o enter_v into_o debate_n with_o they_o about_o particular_a point_n of_o doctrine_n as_o long_o as_o the_o charge_n of_o schisin_n subsist_v unclear_v by_o they_o and_o this_o schism_n ground_v on_o pretend_a dangerous_a error_n in_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v schismatic_n they_o be_v heretic_n too_o and_o so_o condemn_v by_o themselves_o and_o consequent_o not_o to_o be_v hearken_v to_o when_o they_o will_v raise_v particular_a controversy_n since_o this_o one_o general_a controversy_n determine_v against_o they_o all_o particular_a debate_n §._o 22._o schism_n therefore_o in_o its_o low_a qualification_n consider_v only_o as_o disobedience_n to_o lawful_a ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o learned_a protestant_n a_o most_o horrible_a sin_n a_o tear_v in_o piece_n the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v one_o or_o two_o special_a aggravation_n which_o extreme_o heighten_v the_o heinousness_n of_o it_o in_o protestant_n i_o mean_v those_o reformer_n abroad_o and_o ancient_o in_o scotland_n calvinist_n presbyterian_o lutheran_n anabaptist_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v once_o member_n of_o the_o roman-catholic-church_n which_o they_o then_o esteem_v to_o be_v that_o church_n which_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o creed_n it_o happen_v that_o their_o prime_a patriarch_n luther_n calvin_n zwinglius_fw-la etc._n etc._n have_v conceive_v some_o discontent_n either_o against_o the_o governor_n or_o some_o prevail_a party_n in_o that_o church_n which_o obstruct_v their_o profit_n or_o against_o the_o law_n of_o it_o which_o restrain_v their_o lust_n after_o woman_n grow_v angry_a and_o begin_v to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o church_n herself_o and_o to_o study_v to_o disgrace_v she_o for_o which_o purpose_n the_o ready_a way_n be_v to_o find_v fault_n with_o her_o doctrine_n then_o pride_n and_o revenge_n inspire_v they_o against_o these_o they_o make_v objection_n yet_o not_o so_o oft_o against_o the_o church_n own_o doctrine_n as_o the_o tenant_n of_o particular_a catholic_n writer_n and_o most_o oft_o they_o direct_v their_o most_o bitter_a invective_n against_o personal_a miscarriage_n for_o all_o which_o the_o church_n must_v be_v answerable_a and_o after_o all_o this_o publish_v liberty_n from_o law_n which_o restrain_a concupiscence_n they_o quick_o find_v favourite_n and_o follower_n thus_o sect_n be_v first_o compose_v but_o if_o there_o have_v be_v in_o any_o of_o they_o either_o humility_n or_o love_n of_o peace_n in_o case_n they_o have_v be_v persuade_v there_o have_v be_v error_n in_o the_o church_n herself_o to_o which_o they_o can_v not_o subscribe_v they_o will_v not_o thereupon_o separate_v