Selected quad for the lemma: scripture_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n believe_v church_n infallibility_n 5,941 5 12.1010 5 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59812 A discourse concerning a judge of controversies in matters of religion being an answer to some papers asserting the necessity of such a judge : with an address to wavering protestants, shewing what little reason they have to think of any change of their religion : written for the private satisfaction of some scrupulous persons, and now published for common use : with a preface concerning the nature of certainty and infallibility. Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1686 (1686) Wing S3285; ESTC R8167 73,491 104

There are 14 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

obstinate_o refuse_v to_o consult_v that_o live_a oracle_n and_o infallible_a judge_n who_o god_n have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n to_o decide_v all_o controversy_n in_o faith_n and_o worship_n protest_v sir_n i_o thank_v you_o for_o your_o charity_n and_o though_o i_o do_v not_o find_v myself_o so_o uncertain_a as_o i_o perceive_v you_o think_v i_o be_o yet_o i_o shall_v be_v glad_a of_o such_o a_o infallible_a guide_n as_o you_o talk_v of_o if_o i_o know_v where_o to_o find_v he_o pap._n he_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o that_o be_v the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n there_o be_v st._n peter_n chair_n who_o christ_n make_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o his_o church_n who_o he_o command_v to_o feed_v his_o lamb_n and_o his_o sheep_n that_o rock_n on_o who_o christ_n promise_v to_o build_v his_o church_n and_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o in_o communion_n with_o this_o church_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o supreme_a pastor_n of_o it_o you_o can_v err_v prot._n but_o pray_v how_o shall_v i_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o pap._n do_v you_o ask_v that_o now_o when_o i_o have_v refer_v you_o to_o such_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o prot._n will_v you_o allow_v i_o then_o to_o interpret_v these_o text_n according_a to_o my_o own_o private_a judgement_n and_o why_o then_o may_v i_o not_o use_v my_o judgement_n in_o other_o matter_n for_o i_o think_v all_o the_o article_n of_o my_o creed_n be_v as_o plain_a in_o scripture_n as_o that_o the_o pope_n or_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o supreme_a infallible_a judge_n and_o indeed_o if_o i_o must_v stand_v to_o my_o own_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o can_v find_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o these_o text_n you_o have_v allege_v pap._n your_o own_o judgement_n no_o by_o no_o mean_n this_o cause_v all_o the_o heresy_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n will_v presume_v to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o prot._n what_o course_n must_v i_o take_v then_o pap._n you_o must_v stand_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n which_o can_v err_v and_o whatever_o heretic_n say_v she_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o these_o text_n prove_v the_o church_n infallibility_n prot._n hold_v sir_n what_o be_v it_o we_o be_v to_o prove_v pap._n that_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a prot._n and_o this_o i_o must_v prove_v from_o scripture_n pap._n yes_o prot._n and_o must_v not_o rely_v on_o my_o own_o judgement_n neither_o for_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o on_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o church_n pap._n right_n this_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_n way_n prot._n that_o be_v i_o must_v take_v the_o church_n word_n that_o she_o be_v infallible_a pap._n no_o you_o must_v believe_v the_o scripture_n which_o say_v so_o prot._n but_o i_o must_v believe_v the_o scripture_n not_o because_o i_o understand_v this_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o because_o the_o church_n so_o expound_v it_o pap._n right_n for_o heretic_n expound_v it_o otherwise_o prot._n and_o what_o be_v this_o then_o but_o to_o take_v the_o church_n word_n for_o her_o own_o infallibility_n what_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o take_v the_o church_n word_n at_o the_o first_o or_o second_o rebound_v to_o believe_v it_o because_o she_o say_v it_o herself_o or_o to_o believe_v it_o because_o she_o make_v the_o scripture_n say_v it_o and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v all_o you_o have_v to_o say_v i_o must_v even_o keep_v where_o i_o be_o and_o rather_o content_v myself_o without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n than_o please_v myself_o with_o a_o mere_a imagination_n of_o infallibility_n without_o any_o foundation_n to_o rely_v on_o three_o and_o therefore_o the_o most_o learned_a advocate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v force_v to_o grant_v that_o we_o have_v no_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o infallibility_n for_o we_o can_v be_v infallible_o certain_a which_o the_o true_a church_n be_v the_o only_a way_n they_o pretend_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a church_n be_v by_o mark_n and_o note_n of_o a_o church_n which_o they_o say_v indeed_o have_v a_o moral_a certainty_n though_o they_o be_v not_o infallible_a for_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n they_o must_v not_o allow_v of_o any_o infallibility_n without_o the_o sentence_n and_o definition_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n for_o than_o protestant_n may_v set_v up_o for_o infallibility_n without_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n and_o therefore_o since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n to_o determine_v who_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n they_o must_v content_v themselves_o in_o this_o matter_n with_o moral_a certainty_n and_o this_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o even_o level_a with_o poor_a fallible_a protestant_n they_o deal_v very_o hardly_o with_o we_o if_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o we_o may_v have_v at_o least_o as_o much_o certainty_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o it_o as_o they_o can_v have_v of_o the_o note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n which_o must_v be_v own_v for_o the_o infallible_a judge_n and_o if_o they_o be_v modest_a and_o understand_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o thankful_a to_o we_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v they_o as_o much_o and_o may_v not_o we_o then_o be_v as_o infallible_a as_o they_o for_o indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o moral_a certainty_n shall_v grow_v up_o into_o infallibility_n as_o for_o instance_n no_o man_n can_v be_v more_o certain_a of_o the_o decision_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n than_o he_o be_v of_o his_o infallibility_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o judge_n he_o can_v have_v a_o infallible_a certainty_n that_o he_o define_v infallible_o and_o thus_o the_o whole_a faith_n of_o a_o papist_n after_o all_o their_o brag_n of_o infallibility_n be_v resolve_v into_o moral_a certainty_n just_a as_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o protestant_n be_v only_o not_o with_o so_o much_o reason_n let_v we_o take_v any_o one_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n wherein_o papist_n and_o protestant_n agree_v and_o see_v how_o much_o great_a assurance_n papist_n have_v of_o it_o than_o protestant_n as_o suppose_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n a_o protestant_n believe_v this_o because_o he_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n that_o we_o can_v have_v for_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o inspire_a man_n and_o that_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n in_o their_o most_o plain_a and_o obvious_a acceptation_n signify_v this_o and_o therefore_o that_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o be_v infallible_a teacher_n so_o that_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v into_o the_o infallibility_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n of_o which_o sense_n and_o reason_n can_v give_v we_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n a_o papist_n believe_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n because_o the_o church_n which_o be_v infallible_a teach_v so_o and_o he_o find_v out_o the_o true_a church_n by_o some_o note_n and_o mark_n of_o a_o church_n which_o he_o think_v moral_o certain_a and_o when_o he_o have_v find_v the_o true_a church_n conclude_v she_o to_o be_v infallible_a without_o more_o ado_n now_o if_o the_o infallibility_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v as_o good_a a_o reason_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n or_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o if_o we_o have_v as_o good_a evidence_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v by_o inspire_a man_n and_o that_o such_o word_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o prove_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o they_o have_v of_o their_o mark_n and_o note_n whereby_o they_o find_v out_o the_o true_a church_n than_o we_o have_v to_o the_o full_a as_o much_o certainty_n and_o infallibility_n as_o they_o have_v they_o have_v but_o a_o moral_a evidence_n at_o best_a of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n and_o therefore_o be_v but_o moral_o certain_a what_o their_o church_n teach_v right_a and_o therefore_o if_o we_o have_v as_o much_o certainty_n as_o they_o have_v and_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v have_v no_o more_o our_o faith_n be_v build_v upon_o as_o sure_a a_o foundation_n as_o they_o without_o make_v a_o noise_n with_o infallibility_n which_o at_o last_o dwindle_n into_o some_o arbitrary_a note_n and_o mark_n of_o a_o church_n and_o yet_o four_o not_o to_o trouble_v ourselves_o at_o present_a with_o all_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n which_o cardinal_n bellarmine_n and_o
judge_n between_o they_o and_o by_o his_o providence_n prevent_v or_o overrule_v all_o those_o disorder_n which_o may_v happen_v either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n in_o this_o world_n and_o reward_n or_o punish_v both_o governor_n and_o subject_n according_a to_o their_o desert_n in_o the_o next_o and_o this_o supresede_v all_o far_a dispute_n about_o some_o hard_a case_n or_o the_o sincerity_n or_o insincerity_n of_o governor_n or_o subject_n for_o every_o man_n must_v of_o necessity_n judge_v for_o himself_o and_o god_n will_v govern_v and_o judge_v we_o all_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o government_n of_o ourselves_o the_o paper_n but_o i_o know'tis_o urge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v guide_v by_o antiquity_n for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n but_o every_o one_o know_v that_o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n in_o that_o too_o even_o for_o scholar_n at_o least_o i_o be_o tell_v so_o for_o no_o church_n admit_v of_o all_o that_o be_v ancient_a for_o several_a heresy_n be_v so_o and_o since_o we_o say_v number_n make_v nothing_o for_o truth_n and_o that_o all_o man_n may_v err_v and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a mark_n by_o visible_a succession_n to_o find_v out_o which_o be_v true_a believer_n in_o this_o confusion_n the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v be_v very_o fortunate_a not_o to_o retain_v too_o much_o as_o the_o arian_n and_o macedonian_n etc._n etc._n say_v we_o do_v or_o too_o little_a as_o the_o romanist_n say_v answer_n the_o church_n of_o england_n indeed_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o expound_v scripture_n not_o that_o she_o fetch_v all_o her_o exposition_n from_o ancient_a writer_n but_o that_o she_o take_v care_v not_o to_o expound_v scripture_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o ancient_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n and_o it_o require_v no_o great_a skill_n in_o antiquity_n to_o know_v what_o this_o faith_n be_v which_o we_o repeat_v every_o day_n in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o we_o expound_v scripture_n right_a when_o the_o sense_n we_o give_v of_o it_o be_v what_o the_o word_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o text_n import_n and_o agree_v with_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v we_o no_o ancient_a record_n we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o traditionary_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n where_o the_o tradition_n be_v plain_a and_o clear_a and_o therefore_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v be_v a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o those_o interpretation_n we_o give_v of_o scripture_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o ancient_a belief_n and_o confute_v all_o the_o evasion_n and_o criticism_n of_o heretic_n for_o when_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n may_v with_o some_o art_n be_v expound_v to_o different_a sense_n either_o to_o justify_v some_o new_a or_o ancient_a heresy_n or_o the_o catholic_n faith_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o uniform_a belief_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o be_v the_o best_a judge_n what_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v by_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v and_o though_o there_o be_v indeed_o very_o ancient_a heresy_n yet_o nothing_o be_v plain_a in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n than_o the_o distinction_n between_o those_o ancient_a heresy_n and_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o therefore_o scholar_n can_v easy_o mistake_v they_o and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v unlearned_a that_o short_a and_o ancient_a summary_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n contain_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o expound_v by_o the_o nicene_n father_n in_o their_o creed_n which_o be_v in_o every_o body_n hand_n and_o part_n of_o our_o daily_a or_o weekly_a service_n be_v security_n enough_o against_o all_o fundamental_a mistake_v the_o christian_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v a_o very_a plain_a and_o easy_a resolution_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o for_o the_o positive_a article_n of_o faith_n we_o have_v the_o ancient_a creed_n which_o have_v be_v receive_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o which_o the_o most_o perverse_a heretic_n can_v deny_v to_o have_v be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v these_o mere_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o tradition_n but_o because_o we_o find_v all_o these_o doctrine_n plain_o teach_v in_o scripture_n and_o for_o this_o the_o mean_a christian_n need_v not_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o guide_n but_o have_v liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o exposition_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o which_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o convince_a in_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o a_o honest_a man_n who_o meet_v with_o a_o skilful_a guide_n may_v satisfy_v himself_o about_o it_o and_o see_v with_o his_o own_o eye_n now_o what_o great_a assurance_n can_v we_o have_v in_o this_o case_n than_o the_o harmony_n and_o consent_n of_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n which_o confirm_v and_o justify_v each_o other_o the_o apostle_n no_o doubt_n preach_v and_o write_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o be_v a_o uncorrupt_a tradition_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o that_o be_v a_o true_a exposition_n of_o scripture_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o ancient_a formulary_n of_o faith_n deliver_v down_o to_o we_o by_o a_o unquestionable_a tradition_n from_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o negative_a article_n about_o which_o be_v our_o only_a controversy_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n since_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n have_v teach_v we_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o reject_v all_o such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v not_o plain_o and_o express_o teach_v in_o scripture_n and_o this_o the_o mean_a christian_n with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o guide_n may_v understand_v for_o as_o in_o reason_n it_o must_v be_v when_o man_n will_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o the_o scripture_n proof_n which_o be_v urge_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a doctor_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n for_o their_o peculiar_a doctrine_n which_o we_o reject_v be_v so_o apparent_o unconcluding_a that_o it_o require_v very_o little_a skill_n to_o confute_v they_o and_o though_o this_o be_v reason_n enough_o of_o itself_o to_o reject_v any_o doctrine_n which_o arrogate_v the_o authority_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o teach_v it_o yet_o in_o most_o case_n we_o can_v show_v and_o that_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o mean_a understanding_n which_o be_v honest_a and_o unprejudiced_a that_o such_o doctrine_n be_v either_o in_o express_a word_n or_o by_o plain_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n reject_v and_o condemn_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o not_o to_o be_v teach_v there_o because_o it_o be_v certain_a no_o church_n can_v have_v authority_n to_o teach_v what_o the_o scripture_n condemn_v and_o then_o as_o for_o authority_n we_o appeal_v to_o the_o best_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o three_o first_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o most_o credible_a witness_n which_o be_v all_o the_o authority_n they_o can_v have_v of_o the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o can_v plain_o prove_v from_o those_o venerable_a record_n that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o dispute_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v either_o never_o teach_v or_o actual_o condemn_v by_o those_o primitive_a father_n and_o though_o in_o other_o case_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o prove_v a_o negative_a it_o be_v not_o so_o here_o because_o the_o proof_n lie_v all_o on_o the_o positive_a side_n for_o those_o who_o will_v teach_v such_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n ought_v to_o prove_v they_o for_o without_o such_o a_o proof_n they_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v on_o course_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o can_v confute_v their_o proof_n we_o need_v do_v no_o more_o and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a task_n especial_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o first_o three_o century_n for_o since_o they_o themselves_o be_v now_o ashamed_a of_o the_o counterfeit_a dionysius_n their_o decretal_a epistle_n and_o such_o like_a spurious_a write_n the_o wise_a of_o they_o pretend_v to_o very_o few_o testimony_n from_o the_o first_o writer_n and_o those_o which_o they_o do_v allege_v be_v such_o lame_a one_o as_o need_v very_o little_a confutation_n these_o be_v the_o protestant_a ground_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v
pretence_n of_o such_o a_o judge_n if_o we_o can_v know_v what_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n without_o a_o judge_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o judge_n for_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o know_v this_o but_o by_o the_o scripture_n if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o judge_n appoint_v in_o scripture_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o own_v he_o and_o if_o we_o can_v tell_v what_o scripture_n be_v without_o a_o judge_n how_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o judge_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o though_o the_o objection_n be_v make_v only_o against_o some_o particular_a book_n of_o scripture_n yet_o in_o truth_n it_o equal_o lie_v against_o the_o whole_a canon_n for_o if_o we_o can_v know_v any_o one_o particular_a book_n of_o scripture_n without_o a_o judge_n why_o not_o the_o rest_n no_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v doubt_v of_o right_a by_o some_o church_n who_o do_v not_o know_v they_o till_o they_o be_v satisfy_v by_o those_o church_n which_o keep_v those_o sacred_a record_n that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o a_o book_n which_o have_v be_v doubt_v of_o when_o that_o doubt_n be_v remove_v have_v not_o as_o certain_a authority_n as_o the_o rest_n if_o it_o can_v not_o then_o and_o can_v to_o this_o day_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v genuine_a why_o be_v it_o receive_v what_o obligation_n be_v we_o under_o to_o own_v it_o if_o any_o book_n which_o we_o call_v canonical_a be_v still_o doubtful_a it_o be_v more_o natural_a and_o reasonable_a to_o reject_v they_o than_o to_o set_v up_o a_o judge_n without_o any_o authority_n to_o give_v authority_n to_o they_o for_o whether_o any_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v canonical_a be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n themselves_o do_v not_o extend_v infallibility_n to_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o then_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n there_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n but_o we_o must_v content_v ourselves_o with_o such_o moral_a certainty_n as_o may_v be_v have_v and_o if_o catholic_n tradition_n be_v so_o uncertain_a that_o we_o can_v learn_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n from_o it_o what_o become_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o their_o unwritten_a tradition_n which_o they_o so_o much_o boast_v of_o thus_o some_o man_n if_o they_o can_v but_o make_v a_o show_n of_o say_v any_o thing_n never_o attend_v to_o consequence_n nor_o consider_v whether_o their_o objection_n do_v not_o make_v as_o much_o against_o themselves_o and_o common_a christianity_n as_o against_o protestant_n three_o the_o last_o argument_n be_v that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o paper_n can_v make_v those_o article_n of_o the_o nicene_n creed_n one_o holy_a catholic_n apostolic_a church_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n agree_v with_o the_o protestant_a religion_n here_o be_v a_o little_a blunder_n in_o call_v this_o the_o nicene_n creed_n though_o easy_o pardonable_a for_o it_o be_v a_o jumble_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o nicene_n creed_n together_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n one_o catholic_n apostolic_a church_n the_o nicene_n creed_n and_o why_o do_v not_o this_o agree_v with_o the_o protestant_a religion_n for_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v both_o these_o creed_n as_o sincere_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o how_o can_v they_o be_v one_o who_o disagree_v by_o add_v in_o faith_n or_o diminish_v from_o it_o who_o do_v not_o communicate_v together_o in_o prayer_n or_o sacrament_n when_o they_o be_v not_o agree_v in_o the_o essential_a thing_n how_o be_v they_o one_o right_n church_n which_o differ_v in_o essential_o be_v not_o one_o but_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v few_o church_n do_v that_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o can_v never_o prove_v that_o we_o deny_v any_o essential_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n if_o this_o prove_v any_o thing_n it_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o separate_a communion_n of_o christendom_n be_v not_o one_o church_n and_o what_o then_o how_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n more_o concern_v in_o this_o than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v we_o believe_v one_o church_n in_o the_o creed_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o division_n of_o christendom_n do_v the_o mere_a division_n of_o christendom_n prove_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v that_o one_o church_n or_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v no_o member_n of_o this_o one_o church_n in_o the_o creed_n the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o from_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o it_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o well_o as_o we_o must_v own_v that_o it_o be_v but_o one_o church_n notwithstanding_o the_o several_a division_n that_o have_v be_v in_o it_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o now_o and_o therefore_o the_o unity_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o be_v estimate_v by_o any_o one_o age_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o apostolic_a age_n must_v be_v the_o standard_n of_o catholic_n unity_n and_o communion_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n suppose_v all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n at_o this_o day_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n except_v the_o church_n of_o england_n why_o then_o you_o will_v say_v it_o will_v be_v plain_a the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o from_o catholic_n communion_n right_n from_o the_o church_n of_o this_o age_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o this_o age_n be_v but_o a_o very_a little_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n where_o it_o be_v sound_a and_o orthodox_n for_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v allow_v the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o three_o first_o age_n to_o be_v the_o best_a and_o pure_a part_n of_o the_o one_o catholic_n church_n and_o that_o we_o must_v still_o maintain_v communion_n with_o they_o if_o then_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v separate_v from_o all_o the_o church_n of_o this_o age_n yet_o if_o she_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a church_n she_o be_v in_o catholic_n commun_n on_o still_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v in_o catholic_n communion_n to_o know_v then_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a catholic_n church_n and_o in_o catholic_n communion_n we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v to_o inquire_v what_o church_n she_o communicate_v with_o now_o as_o whether_o she_o be_v in_o the_o apostolic_a communion_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o original_a of_o catholic_n communion_n now_o if_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v such_o as_o to_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o will_v have_v own_v our_o communion_n have_v we_o be_v in_o their_o day_n how_o do_v we_o come_v to_o be_v schismatic_n now_o and_o out_o of_o catholic_n communion_n for_o if_o catholic_n communion_n be_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n from_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o apostolic_a church_n be_v the_o true_a measure_n and_o standard_n of_o true_a catholic_n communion_n than_o those_o church_n which_o to_o this_o day_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o true_a catholic_n communion_n and_o this_o test_n we_o will_v stand_v by_o though_o i_o will_v not_o advise_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o do_v so_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v reject_v our_o communion_n for_o those_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n now_o reject_v we_o will_v st._n paul_n have_v reject_v our_o communion_n because_o we_o will_v not_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n which_o he_o himself_o forbid_v 1_o cor._n 14._o because_o we_o will_v not_o worship_v saint_n and_o angel_n and_o image_n which_o the_o romanist_n confess_v be_v neither_o command_v nor_o practise_v in_o those_o day_n and_o which_o we_o say_v be_v forbid_v then_o and_o understand_v to_o be_v so_o by_o all_o christian_n for_o not_o own_v the_o supremacy_n of_o peter_n when_o st._n paul_n himself_o withstand_v he_o as_o much_o as_o we_o do_v the_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o upon_o a_o much_o less_o occasion_n gal._n 2._o 11._o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o african_a church_n long_o after_o in_o the_o day_n of_o st._n cyprian_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n forbid_v all_o appeal_n to_o the_o bishop_n or_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o a_o word_n will_v the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n indulgence_n purgatory_n communion_n in_o one_o kind_n private_a and_o solitary_a mass_n
a_o mind_n to_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o must_v go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o enlarge_v and_o improve_v their_o faith_n for_o we_o shall_v never_o believe_v they_o but_o if_o they_o can_v be_v content_v with_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n profess_v we_o have_v as_o much_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n for_o that_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o have_v and_o how_o they_o can_v better_v themselves_o by_o go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o to_o these_o point_n i_o can_v tell_v since_o we_o believe_v as_o orthodox_o as_o they_o second_o as_o for_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o we_o reject_v because_o we_o have_v no_o evidence_n for_o they_o but_o only_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v no_o evidence_n to_o we_o because_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a itself_o we_o think_v ourselves_o much_o safe_o in_o reject_v than_o we_o can_v be_v in_o own_v they_o and_o that_o for_o this_o plain_a reason_n that_o though_o we_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o reject_v such_o doctrine_n as_o we_o be_v very_o certain_a we_o be_v not_o yet_o they_o be_v such_o mistake_v as_o do_v no_o injury_n to_o common_a christianity_n no_o dishonour_n to_o our_o common_a saviour_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v dangerous_a to_o our_o soul_n whereas_o if_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v as_o we_o say_v they_o be_v innovation_n and_o corruption_n of_o christianity_n they_o be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a corruption_n as_o to_o show_v this_o in_o some_o few_o instance_n what_o injury_n be_v it_o to_o christianity_n not_o to_o believe_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o council_n while_o we_o believe_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o be_v infallible_a which_o be_v infallibility_n enough_o to_o direct_v the_o christian_a church_n for_o while_o we_o adhere_v to_o what_o they_o teach_v we_o can_v neither_o believe_v too_o little_a nor_o too_o much_o but_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o stand_v to_o his_o authority_n and_o to_o receive_v all_o his_o dictate_v without_o examination_n and_o how_o dangerous_a be_v this_o if_o he_o shall_v prove_v not_o to_o be_v infallible_a for_o than_o he_o may_v lead_v we_o into_o damnable_a error_n and_o we_o have_v no_o way_n to_o get_v out_o of_o they_o while_o we_o own_o the_o supremacy_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o of_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n under_o christ_n what_o do_v the_o church_n suffer_v by_o deny_v the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o pope_n when_o sovereign_a prince_n and_o bishop_n may_v govern_v their_o several_a church_n as_o well_o or_o better_a without_o he_o this_o indeed_o destroy_v the_o papal_a monarchy_n but_o christ_n be_v king_n still_o and_o the_o church_n be_v never_o the_o worse_a church_n because_o it_o be_v not_o a_o universal_a monarchy_n which_o christ_n never_o intend_v it_o shall_v be_v but_o if_o we_o give_v the_o supremacy_n to_o the_o pope_n and_o he_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o by_o christ_n institution_n this_o be_v a_o invasion_n upon_o the_o right_n of_o all_o the_o christian_a bishop_n in_o the_o world_n make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o govern_v or_o reform_v their_o own_o church_n whatever_o occasion_n there_o be_v without_o leave_n from_o the_o pope_n which_o very_a thing_n have_v hinder_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o these_o last_o age_n when_o it_o have_v be_v so_o earnest_o press_v both_o by_o christian_a prince_n and_o bishop_n of_o that_o communion_n witness_v the_o managemént_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n nay_o this_o be_v a_o invasion_n on_o the_o right_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n to_o set_v a_o superior_a over_o they_o in_o their_o own_o dominion_n who_o can_v command_v their_o subject_n with_o a_o more_o sacred_a authority_n and_o how_o fatal_a this_o may_v prove_v to_o prince_n and_o what_o a_o snare_n and_o temptation_n to_o subject_n some_o example_n of_o former_a age_n may_v satisfy_v we_o suppose_v we_o shall_v be_v mistake_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o pray_v to_o saint_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o want_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n by_o not_o do_v it_o and_o certain_o our_o saviour_n can_v think_v it_o any_o injury_n to_o his_o mediation_n that_o we_o so_o whole_o rely_v upon_o his_o intercession_n that_o we_o desire_v no_o other_o advocate_n and_o that_o we_o be_v so_o jealous_a of_o his_o glory_n that_o we_o will_v not_o admit_v the_o most_o glorious_a saint_n to_o the_o least_o partnership_n with_o he_o and_o this_o will_v make_v he_o our_o advocate_n in_o deed_n when_o he_o see_v we_o will_v have_v no_o other_o but_o if_o he_o be_v our_o only_a mediator_n and_o advocate_n by_o god_n appointment_n and_o his_o own_o purchase_n let_v those_o who_o unnecessary_o apply_v themselves_o to_o so_o many_o other_o mediator_n consider_v how_o our_o only_a mediator_n will_v like_v it_o suppose_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o worship_n god_n or_o christ_n by_o image_n which_o we_o think_v express_o forbid_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n yet_o will_v they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o affront_n or_o injury_n to_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n to_o worship_v he_o without_o image_n if_o that_o lovely_a idea_n we_o have_v of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n if_o the_o remembrance_n of_o what_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o make_v we_o true_o and_o sincere_o and_o passionate_o devout_a what_o need_n have_v we_o of_o a_o image_n which_o be_v pretend_v only_o to_o be_v a_o help_n to_o devotion_n and_o therefore_o of_o no_o use_n to_o those_o who_o can_v be_v devout_a without_o it_o but_o he_o who_o consider_v what_o god_n jealousy_n mean_v must_v needs_o think_v it_o dangerous_a to_o worship_v the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o saint_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v be_v forbid_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o all_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v never_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o though_o latin_a prayer_n be_v lawful_a in_o english_a congregation_n who_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o yet_o be_v it_o unlawful_a to_o pray_v in_o english_a be_v it_o any_o dishonour_n to_o god_n any_o injury_n to_o religion_n that_o man_n pray_v with_o their_o understanding_n if_o true_a worship_n begin_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o our_o understanding_n must_v govern_v our_o affection_n i_o shall_v fear_v that_o to_o pray_v without_o understanding_n what_o i_o pray_v will_v not_o be_v accept_v by_o that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n and_o must_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o christ_n once_a offering_n himself_o upon_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o sufficient_a sacrifice_n propitiation_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n what_o injury_n do_v we_o to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n though_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v offer_v again_o every_o day_n in_o ten_o thousand_o mass_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o in_o the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o eat_v the_o sacramental_a body_n and_o drink_v the_o sacramental_a blood_n of_o christ_n which_o by_o his_o own_o institution_n do_v as_o real_o and_o effectual_o convey_v to_o we_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n as_o if_o we_o can_v eat_v his_o natural_a flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n what_o injury_n do_v the_o church_n suffer_v by_o deny_v transubstantiation_n and_o if_o when_o we_o approach_v his_o holy_a table_n we_o worship_v christ_n in_o heaven_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n be_v not_o this_o as_o true_a a_o honour_n to_o our_o saviour_n as_o to_o worship_v he_o under_o the_o species_n of_o bread_n but_o if_o transubstantiation_n be_v false_a what_o a_o hazard_n do_v that_o man_n run_v who_o worship_v a_o piece_n of_o bread_n which_o the_o most_o learned_a romanist_n themselves_o grant_v to_o be_v idolatry_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o christ_n alone_o have_v a_o judicial_a power_n to_o forgive_v sin_n and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o ministerial_a authority_n to_o take_v in_o or_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o only_a state_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o ministerial_a remit_v or_o retain_v of_o sin_n and_o sufficient_a to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v not_o this_o as_o much_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n as_o any_o christian_a have_v need_n of_o though_o we_o deny_v that_o the_o priest_n have_v a_o judicial_a
proof_n but_o themselves_o which_o show_v that_o the_o very_o high_a certainty_n of_o all_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o intuitive_a knowledge_n or_o the_o mind_n see_v and_o discern_v that_o natural_a evidence_n which_o be_v in_o thing_n and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o allow_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o certainty_n must_v reject_v all_o self-evident_a principle_n which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o but_o themselves_o at_o lest_o no_o better_o for_o we_o can_v reason_v in_o infinitum_fw-la and_o therefore_o must_v come_v to_o some_o first_o principle_n which_o be_v know_v only_o by_o their_o own_o light_n and_o evidence_n next_o to_o this_o be_v those_o notion_n and_o idea_n which_o be_v so_o easy_a and_o natural_a to_o our_o mind_n that_o most_o man_n believe_v they_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o natural_a sense_n and_o instinct_n without_o reason_v about_o they_o and_o those_o who_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o believe_v they_o yet_o can_v rid_v their_o mind_n of_o they_o such_o as_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o essential_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil._n these_o be_v the_o next_o degree_n to_o self-evident_a principle_n for_o they_o be_v natural_a notion_n which_o indeed_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n and_o must_v be_v so_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o man_n who_o will_v deny_v they_o but_o yet_o a_o well-disposed_a mind_n have_v a_o natural_a bias_n and_o inclination_n to_o believe_v they_o see_v they_o to_o be_v true_a and_o evident_a without_o reason_v about_o they_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a the_o less_o of_o reason_v there_o be_v require_v in_o any_o case_n the_o more_o there_o be_v of_o certainty_n first_o and_o self-evident_a principle_n admit_v of_o no_o reason_v natural_a notion_n require_v none_o and_o as_o for_o all_o other_o matter_n the_o near_o they_o lie_v to_o first_o principle_n or_o natural_a notion_n the_o more_o certain_a and_o evident_a they_o be_v nay_o we_o have_v no_o other_o certainty_n of_o the_o deduction_n and_o conclusion_n of_o reason_n but_o their_o manifest_a connexion_n to_o some_o principle_n and_o notion_n which_o may_v be_v know_v without_o reason_v which_o show_v as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o all_o natural_a certainty_n be_v at_o last_o resolve_v into_o a_o intuitive_a knowledge_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o reason_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o connect_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v by_o nature_n with_o those_o which_o we_o do_v six_o where_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o natural_a certainty_n end_n there_o revelation_n begin_v but_o still_o certainty_n be_v not_o infallibility_n but_o evidence_n and_o natural_a evidence_n too_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o communication_n between_o god_n and_o creature_n as_o to_o reveal_v his_o will_n but_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n whether_o the_o object_n be_v natural_o or_o supernatural_o reveal_v we_o have_v only_o our_o natural_a faculty_n to_o know_v and_o understand_v with_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v have_v no_o more_o than_o natural_a evidence_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n though_o this_o evidence_n be_v owe_v to_o supernatural_a cause_n as_o for_o instance_n a_o inspire_a prophet_n though_o he_o be_v infallible_a as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v inspire_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o his_o infallibility_n that_o make_v he_o certain_a that_o he_o be_v inspire_v but_o that_o certain_a evidence_n he_o have_v that_o this_o revelation_n come_v from_o god_n which_o must_v either_o be_v by_o some_o external_a and_o visible_a sign_n or_o by_o some_o such_o vigorous_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n as_o carry_v its_o own_o evidence_n with_o it_o which_o what_o it_o be_v no_o man_n can_v know_v but_o he_o who_o have_v it_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v not_o inspire_v themselves_o but_o must_v learn_v from_o inspire_a man_n their_o faith_n must_v depend_v upon_o that_o evidence_n they_o have_v for_o the_o revelation_n the_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n veracity_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o believe_v what_o they_o know_v be_v reveal_v they_o must_v use_v their_o own_o faculty_n to_o understand_v what_o be_v reveal_v and_o they_o must_v judge_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o a_o revelation_n from_o such_o mark_n and_o character_n as_o be_v evident_a either_o to_o sense_n or_o reason_n so_o that_o infallibility_n sound_v very_o big_a but_o signify_v very_o little_a in_o this_o dispute_n for_o all_o certainty_n whether_o in_o natural_a or_o reveal_v knowledge_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o evidence_n not_o into_o infallibility_n though_o a_o inspire_a prophet_n be_v a_o infallible_a oracle_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o speak_v by_o inspiration_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o his_o infallibility_n but_o that_o evidence_n he_o have_v that_o he_o be_v divine_o inspire_a which_o make_v he_o certain_a much_o less_o can_v any_o man_n be_v infallible_o certain_a who_o be_v not_o infallible_a himself_o how_o many_o infallible_a teacher_n soever_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v wise_a with_o another_o man_n wisdom_n as_o infallible_a by_o another_o man_n infallibility_n every_o man_n must_v know_v and_o understand_v for_o himself_o and_o infallibility_n be_v only_o such_o a_o perfect_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n as_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o any_o mistake_n and_o if_o no_o man_n have_v any_o knowledge_n but_o what_o be_v have_v in_o himself_o than_o he_o have_v no_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n but_o what_o he_o have_v in_o himself_o and_o therefore_o can_v never_o have_v a_o infallible_a knowledge_n unless_o he_o himself_o be_v infallible_a suppose_v then_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o the_o pope_n or_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v infallible_a what_o advantage_n have_v a_o papist_n for_o certainty_n above_o a_o protestant_n do_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n make_v they_o all_o infallible_a and_o if_o every_o papist_n be_v not_o not_o infallible_a than_o they_o can_v have_v no_o more_o certainty_n than_o fallible_a creature_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o so_o much_o i_o hope_v may_v be_v allow_v to_o fallible_a protestant_n the_o authority_n of_o a_o revelation_n in_o matter_n divine_o reveal_v answer_v to_o natural_a evidence_n in_o thing_n knowable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o we_o can_v doubt_v of_o thing_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a to_o our_o understanding_n so_o we_o can_v doubt_v of_o what_o we_o know_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n but_o then_o as_o we_o must_v use_v our_o reason_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o natural_a evidence_n of_o thing_n so_o we_o must_v use_v our_o reason_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o evidence_n and_o sense_n of_o a_o revelation_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o mind_n and_o the_o same_o understanding_n which_o must_v judge_v both_o of_o natural_a and_o reveal_v knowledge_n and_o if_o our_o understanding_n be_v not_o infallible_a i_o know_v not_o how_o a_o infallible_a judge_n or_o a_o infallible_a revelation_n which_o be_v external_a thing_n shall_v bestow_v a_o internal_a infallibility_n on_o we_o and_o therefore_o after_o all_o their_o brag_n of_o infallibility_n papist_n themselves_o must_v be_v content_v if_o they_o can_v be_v certain_a for_o if_o infallibility_n do_v signify_v somewhat_o more_o than_o certainty_n yet_o certainty_n be_v the_o most_o that_o a_o fallible_a creature_n can_v have_v for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o creature_n to_o have_v infallibility_n who_o be_v not_o infallible_a himself_o and_o this_o i_o hope_v will_v make_v they_o a_o little_a more_o favourable_a hereafter_o to_o protestant_a certainty_n for_o whatever_o can_v be_v object_v against_o certainty_n in_o general_n as_o distinguish_v from_o infallibility_n will_v as_o effectual_o destroy_v the_o popish_a as_o the_o protestant_a certainty_n for_o papist_n be_v no_o more_o infallible_a creature_n than_o protestant_n be_v a_o discourse_n concern_v a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n be_v a_o answer_n to_o some_o paper_n etc._n etc._n the_o paper_n i_o be_o not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n for_o if_o god_n have_v certain_o leave_v no_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n as_o we_o assert_v and_o yet_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o be_v believe_v as_o well_o as_o thing_n to_o be_v practise_v and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o a_o demonstration_n not_o plain_a even_o in_o what_o we_o dare_v not_o disow_v to_o be_v fundamental_o as_o the_o trinity_n etc._n etc._n answer_n these_o objection_n against_o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n strike_v not_o only_o at_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n but_o of_o christianity_n itself_o for_o if_o the_o dispute_n be_v about_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n by_o such_o argument_n as_o they_o can_v prove_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v true_a we_o will_v prove_v
the_o protestant_a religion_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n purge_v from_o the_o corruption_n and_o innovation_n of_o popery_n now_o it_o will_v be_v very_o pleasant_a to_o hear_v a_o popish_a priest_n in_o a_o dispute_n with_o turk_n or_o pagan_n about_o christianity_n urge_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o instruct_v a_o infidel_n who_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o judge_n what_o christian_a religion_n be_v and_o to_o convince_v he_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o by_o reason_n and_o scripture_n either_o this_o be_v a_o good_a way_n or_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a foundation_n for_o christianity_n and_o let_v any_o man_n show_v i_o a_o reason_n why_o christian_n may_v not_o understand_v their_o religion_n the_o same_o way_n that_o heathen_n must_v be_v teach_v it_o this_o be_v the_o way_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n take_v with_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o take_v with_o they_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o write_a law_n which_o no_o authority_n can_v contradict_v and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o only_o work_v miracle_n but_o appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n both_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o person_n his_o miracle_n and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o his_o own_o liberty_n to_o judge_v for_o himself_o what_o he_o must_v believe_v which_o show_v that_o miracle_n themselves_o be_v no_o authority_n against_o a_o write_a law_n for_o then_o the_o jew_n can_v have_v have_v no_o pretence_n for_o their_o infidelity_n and_o there_o have_v be_v no_o reason_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o have_v dispute_v with_o they_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o heathen_n have_v no_o stand_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o miracle_n be_v sufficient_a to_o confirm_v that_o testimony_n the_o apostle_n give_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o preach_v and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v mere_o for_o the_o miracle_n sake_n be_v convince_v by_o reason_n and_o argument_n for_o thus_o st._n paul_n dispute_v with_o the_o philosopher_n at_o athens_n as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o jew_n and_o thus_o the_o primitive_a doctor_n deal_v with_o the_o infidel_n in_o their_o day_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o those_o many_o excellent_a apology_n they_o write_v in_o defence_n of_o christianity_n but_o then_o those_o who_o do_v believe_v at_o first_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o miracle_n be_v particular_o instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n out_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n which_o though_o they_o be_v original_o give_v to_o the_o jew_n yet_o be_v the_o venerable_a record_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v recourse_n in_o expound_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n thus_o christianity_n be_v teach_v at_o first_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o solid_a foundation_n the_o christian_a faith_n have_v none_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n though_o they_o be_v infallible_a make_v their_o own_o infallibility_n the_o only_a reason_n of_o man_n faith_n but_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n which_o they_o expound_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o honest_a and_o teachable_a mind_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v upon_o these_o term_n they_o must_v continue_v infidel_n and_o that_o this_o way_n of_o resolve_v faith_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n be_v not_o know_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o yet_o methinks_v st._n peter_n authority_n if_o he_o have_v any_o such_o authority_n shall_v have_v be_v better_o know_v in_o those_o day_n than_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n of_o time_n be_v evident_a from_o those_o early_a heresy_n which_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n for_o let_v any_o reasonable_a man_n tell_v i_o how_o it_o be_v possible_a there_o ever_o shall_v have_v be_v any_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n if_o all_o christian_n have_v receive_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n together_o with_o their_o christianity_n man_n may_v have_v renounce_v christianity_n and_o the_o visible_a judge_n together_o but_o have_v they_o then_o acknowledge_v a_o visible_a judge_n it_o have_v be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o pretend_v to_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o to_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o infallible_a chair_n have_v there_o be_v a_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n know_v to_o all_o christian_n it_o have_v be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v ever_o have_v be_v any_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n as_o those_o man_n must_v grant_v who_o think_v it_o necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o visible_a judge_n to_o make_v all_o man_n of_o a_o mind_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o rise_n and_o growth_n of_o heresy_n which_o must_v suppose_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n will_v do_v this_o or_o else_o this_o argument_n can_v prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n if_o then_o the_o appointment_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n will_v certain_o prevent_v all_o heresy_n and_o yet_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n there_o have_v be_v heresy_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n there_o be_v no_o visible_a judge_n in_o those_o day_n well_o but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n how_o shall_v we_o arrive_v at_o any_o certainty_n in_o our_o religion_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o a_o demonstration_n not_o plain_a even_o in_o what_o we_o dare_v not_o disow_v to_o be_v fundamental_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n now_o 1._o suppose_v there_o be_v some_o difficult_a passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o obvious_a to_o every_o common_a understanding_n can_v we_o not_o therefore_o understand_v what_o be_v plain_a because_o something_n be_v difficult_a can_v any_o thing_n be_v plain_a than_o the_o first_o and_o second_o commandment_n not_o to_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o any_o be_v but_o the_o supreme_a god_n and_o not_o to_o worship_n god_n by_o image_n and_o picture_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v plain_a than_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o both_o kind_n than_o st._n paul_n discourse_n against_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v plain_a than_o what_o be_v evident_a to_o our_o very_a sense_n that_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v not_o transubstantiate_v into_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n man_n who_o will_v believe_v contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o scripture_n contrary_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o certain_o ought_v to_o be_v consult_v in_o expound_v scripture_n who_o will_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o in_o it_o or_o that_o not_o to_o be_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v there_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v never_o write_v to_o prove_v what_o they_o will_v have_v prove_v but_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v very_o plain_a to_o man_n who_o only_o inquire_v what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v without_o force_v such_o sense_n upon_o it_o as_o it_o do_v not_o teach_v those_o who_o will_v prove_v that_o from_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o in_o it_o to_o be_v sure_o must_v prove_v it_o very_o obscure_o and_o then_o to_o excuse_v the_o obscurity_n of_o their_o exposition_n charge_v the_o scripture_n with_o obscurity_n though_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o equal_o plain_a in_o scripture_n yet_o all_o man_n may_v understand_v what_o be_v plain_a and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a perverseness_n to_o say_v nothing_o be_v plain_a in_o scripture_n because_o some_o thing_n be_v not_o plain_a or_o that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o plain_a text_n because_o there_o be_v some_o obscure_a text_n second_o i_o do_v affirm_v that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v be_v plain_a in_o scripture_n for_o else_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o we_o must_v believe_v it_o or_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o then_o by_o plain_a i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o every_o man_n and_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o man_n who_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v skill_n and_o ability_n to_o do_v it_o and_o may_v be_v make_v plain_a to_o every_o man_n who_o have_v the_o common_a understanding_n of_o a_o man_n without_o any_o bias_n and_o interest_n who_o will_v attend_v to_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o this_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o call_v it_o plain_a if_o learned_a man_n by_o study_n and_o industry_n can_v understand_v it_o and_o if_o the_o unlearned_a may_v
be_v teach_v to_o understand_v it_o thus_o mathematical_a demonstration_n be_v certain_o plain_a for_o if_o a_o demonstration_n be_v not_o plain_a nothing_o be_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o every_o man_n can_v understand_v they_o without_o a_o teacher_n but_o since_o those_o who_o do_v study_v mathematics_n can_v understand_v they_o and_o any_o man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n who_o will_v attend_v to_o the_o instruction_n of_o a_o skilful_a master_n may_v understand_v they_o we_o may_v call_v they_o plain_a though_o they_o be_v not_o obvious_a at_o the_o first_o sight_n for_o this_o purpose_n christ_n appoint_v a_o order_n of_o man_n in_o his_o church_n who_o business_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o study_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o to_o teach_v other_o not_o to_o impose_v on_o their_o faith_n by_o their_o mere_a authority_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v express_o warn_v we_o against_o to_o call_v no_o man_n master_n upon_o earth_n and_o which_o st._n paul_n express_o disclaim_v be_v lord_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o to_o open_v their_o understanding_n and_o by_o easy_a step_n to_o lead_v they_o into_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n thus_o he_o teach_v his_o disciple_n himself_o as_o appear_v from_o all_o his_o sermon_n thus_o the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o christian_n of_o their_o day_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a teach_n i_o know_v of_o for_o to_o teach_v man_n to_o believe_v without_o understanding_n be_v to_o teach_v they_o to_o believe_v they_o know_v not_o what_o nor_o why_o but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o plain_a in_o scripture_n a_o assertion_n which_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a fundamental_o of_o religion_n and_o justify_v all_o the_o ancient_a heresy_n which_o can_v never_o be_v confute_v but_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n for_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o there_o how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n how_o can_v any_o man_n tell_v it_o be_v there_o when_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v there_o the_o primitive_a father_n who_o oppose_v those_o ancient_a heretic_n write_v great_a volume_n to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o i_o presume_v do_v think_v it_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n this_o be_v a_o doctrine_n which_o can_v be_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n if_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a in_o scripture_n it_o be_v plain_a no_o where_o and_o so_o not_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n unless_o they_o can_v show_v we_o another_o revelation_n beside_o and_o above_o the_o scripture_n the_o only_a argument_n the_o paper_n urge_v to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n not_o to_o be_v plain_a in_o scripture_n be_v that_o some_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n some_o believe_v the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o to_o be_v a_o separate_a person_n but_o only_o a_o attribute_n of_o god_n that_o be_v whatever_o some_o man_n deny_v be_v not_o plain_a and_o therefore_o christianity_n itself_o be_v not_o plain_a because_o jew_n and_o turk_n and_o heathen_n deny_v it_o be_v the_o form_n of_o baptism_n plain_o contain_v in_o scripture_n to_o baptise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o yet_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n who_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n will_v not_o use_v this_o form_n which_o be_v as_o good_a a_o argument_n that_o this_o form_n be_v not_o plain_a as_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o and_o indeed_o if_o one_o be_v plain_a the_o other_o must_v be_v unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o we_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n that_o be_v into_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o creature_n the_o paper_n and_o i_o think_v the_o assemble_v those_o council_n we_o receive_v as_o general_n show_v that_o their_o opposer_n be_v considerable_a answer_n how_o considerable_a for_o number_n or_o interest_n or_o zeal_n or_o authority_n they_o be_v inferior_a upon_o all_o these_o account_n to_o the_o general_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o number_n of_o infidel_n be_v as_o good_a a_o argument_n against_o christianity_n as_o the_o number_n of_o heretic_n against_o any_o one_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o this_o be_v a_o fatal_a instance_n to_o the_o popish_a as_o well_o as_o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n and_o somewhat_o worse_o for_o the_o scripture_n never_o comply_v with_o heretic_n but_o the_o pretend_a visible_a judge_n do_v when_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n subscribe_v the_o arian_n confession_n but_o what_o course_n do_v these_o nicene_n father_n take_v to_o confute_v the_o heresy_n of_o arius_n do_v they_o not_o allege_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o it_o consult_v their_o write_n and_o see_v what_o their_o reason_n be_v and_o when_o such_o a_o venerable_a council_n think_v the_o scripture_n clear_a and_o plain_a in_o this_o point_n be_v the_o dissent_n of_o heretic_n a_o great_a argument_n that_o they_o be_v not_o plain_a than_o the_o determination_n of_o such_o a_o council_n that_o they_o be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v a_o good_a confirmation_n that_o they_o expound_v scripture_n right_a but_o have_v it_o be_v possible_a that_o there_o shall_v have_v be_v a_o traditional_a article_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n say_v nothing_o of_o mere_a unscriptural_a tradition_n can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o we_o can_v not_o be_v sure_o what_o the_o original_a of_o such_o a_o tradition_n be_v for_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n give_v we_o the_o most_o certain_a account_n what_o their_o faith_n be_v and_o how_o ancient_a soever_o any_o other_o doctrine_n may_v be_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v it_o come_v from_o the_o apostle_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o paper_n and_o that_o those_o good_a father_n do_v not_o think_v after_o their_o witness_v out_o of_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n the_o belief_n hand_v down_o to_o they_o from_o father_n to_o son_n that_o the_o christian_n have_v so_o much_o as_o a_o liberty_n of_o examine_v after_o they_o since_o they_o positive_o anathematise_v all_o those_o that_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o decree_n for_o which_o if_o they_o have_v no_o authority_n the_o primitive_a father_n be_v the_o great_a tyrant_n in_o the_o world_n to_o refuse_v the_o bless_a mean_n of_o salvation_n to_o those_o that_o for_o aught_o appear_v be_v as_o sincere_a as_o themselves_o and_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n make_v scripture_n their_o rule_n as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v this_o i_o do_v not_o allege_v that_o i_o know_v of_o any_o true_o general_n council_n we_o reject_v but_o this_o appear_v to_o i_o that_o in_o the_o best_a of_o time_n there_o be_v think_v a_o power_n leave_v in_o the_o church_n without_o appeal_n to_o every_o man_n reason_n and_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o think_v a_o man_n safe_a though_o he_o to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o understanding_n do_v expound_v scripture_n if_o he_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n answer_n this_o paragraph_n be_v design_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o general_a council_n to_o determine_v controversy_n of_o faith_n without_o appeal_n to_o every_o man_n reason_n and_o that_o the_o father_n assemble_v in_o those_o first_o council_n do_v believe_v they_o have_v such_o a_o power_n that_o when_o once_o they_o have_v determine_v what_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v no_o man_n may_v examine_v after_o they_o now_o whatever_o the_o father_n of_o the_o council_n believe_v of_o themselves_o it_o be_v plain_a other_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v it_o the_o heretic_n who_o they_o condemn_v do_v not_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o council_n which_o yet_o they_o will_v certain_o have_v do_v have_v it_o be_v the_o general_a belief_n of_o christian_n in_o that_o age_n that_o the_o decree_n of_o general_a council_n be_v final_a and_o conclusive_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o man_n and_o to_o be_v examine_v by_o none_o for_o the_o most_o obstinate_a heretic_n can_v never_o have_v outface_v such_o a_o prejudice_n as_o this_o after_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a the_o father_n do_v appeal_v to_o man_n private_a reason_n if_o write_v book_n in_o justification_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v such_o a_o appeal_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o write_n of_o athanasius_n hilary_n s._n augustine_n and_o other_o nay_o it_o be_v strange_a there_o shall_v be_v so_o many_o other_o
any_o other_o way_n to_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n or_o usefulness_n of_o they_o especial_o if_o beside_o the_o want_n of_o such_o a_o positive_a institution_n we_o have_v plain_a evidence_n against_o they_o and_o such_o as_o every_o man_n may_v understand_v when_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n have_v by_o one_o offer_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v hebr._n 9_o 25_o 26._o &_o 10._o 14_o this_o be_v a_o direct_a proof_n against_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n wherein_o he_o be_v offer_v ten_o thousand_o time_n every_o day_n when_o christ_n be_v the_o priest_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o can_v be_v offer_v by_o none_o but_o himself_o how_o come_v he_o to_o be_v offer_v by_o a_o mass_n priest_n unless_o he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v transubstantiate_v into_o christ_n it_o be_v certain_a there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o popish_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n unless_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v transubstantiate_v into_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o our_o sense_n can_v make_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o transubstantiation_n as_o for_o the_o half-communion_n it_o be_v confess_v that_o christ_n do_v institute_v his_o last_o supper_n in_o both_o kind_n and_o command_v they_o all_o to_o drink_v of_o the_o cup_n and_o this_o may_v satisfy_v any_o man_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v authority_n to_o repeal_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o forbid_v what_o he_o command_v and_o when_o st._n paul_n assure_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n one_o will_v think_v this_o evidence_n enough_o against_o the_o mediation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n when_o they_o can_v show_v one_o word_n for_o it_o for_o as_o for_o their_o distinction_n between_o mediator_n of_o redemption_n and_o pure_a intercession_n they_o can_v show_v it_o in_o scripture_n where_o our_o redeemer_n be_v our_o only_a advocate_n and_o when_o christ_n himself_o enforce_v and_o ratify_v that_o command_n of_o the_o law_n thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v this_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n against_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n since_o they_o have_v nothing_o for_o it_o and_o when_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n in_o scripture_n for_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o practice_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o express_o condemn_v it_o be_v evidence_n enough_o against_o it_o so_o that_o though_o man_n may_v be_v at_o the_o needless_a expense_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o learning_n in_o these_o controversy_n yet_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o learning_n require_v to_o understand_v they_o the_o mean_a man_n may_v judge_v for_o himself_o for_o the_o controversy_n turn_v upon_o so_o plain_a a_o point_n and_o there_o be_v so_o plain_a evidence_n in_o the_o case_n that_o a_o honest_a man_n may_v have_v abundant_a evidence_n and_o satisfaction_n though_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v one_o word_n of_o all_o the_o learning_n which_o be_v lose_v in_o such_o dispute_n the_o paper_n in_o short_a i_o think_v there_o be_v but_o evidence_n or_o authority_n to_o move_v we_o to_o believe_v answer_n this_o be_v certain_o true_a if_o it_o be_v right_o understand_v that_o be_v if_o by_o evidence_n be_v mean_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o by_o authority_n the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o speak_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o credible_a witness_n of_o the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o grant_v that_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v found_v both_o upon_o evidence_n and_o authority_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n and_o then_o the_o only_a fault_n of_o this_o proposition_n be_v that_o evidence_n and_o authority_n be_v oppose_v to_o each_o other_o whereas_o they_o must_v always_o go_v together_o in_o a_o true_a rational_a faith_n but_o if_o by_o evidence_n be_v mean_v all_o the_o argument_n whereby_o we_o can_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n whether_o from_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o scripture_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n and_o by_o authority_n be_v mean_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n as_o it_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o paper_n then_o at_o best_a this_o be_v a_o very_a precarious_a proposition_n without_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o truth_n that_o either_o evidence_n or_o authority_n must_v move_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o be_v that_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v resolve_v either_o into_o evidence_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n for_o how_o be_v this_o prove_v that_o when_o there_o want_v evidence_n for_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o more_o natural_a consequence_n that_o where_o there_o want_v evidence_n we_o must_v not_o believe_v at_o all_o if_o it_o have_v be_v first_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o visible_a judge_n to_o direct_v those_o who_o can_v judge_v for_o themselves_o there_o have_v be_v some_o pretence_n for_o say_v that_o we_o must_v believe_v either_o upon_o evidence_n or_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o judge_n but_o without_o prove_v this_o first_o i_o will_v desire_v any_o man_n to_o prove_v to_o i_o that_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o believe_v what_o i_o have_v no_o evidence_n for_o or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o no_o such_o evidence_n as_o i_o can_v understand_v and_o if_o i_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v without_o evidence_n how_o can_v the_o want_n of_o evidence_n prove_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o visible_a judge_n into_o who_o authority_n i_o must_v resolve_v my_o faith_n the_o paper_n evidence_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n be_v impossible_a but_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o the_o mean_a man_n with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o learned_a and_o faithful_a guide_n may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o know_v but_o suppose_v at_o present_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n can_v do_v this_o yet_o can_v learned_a man_n do_v it_o and_o one_o will_v think_v if_o there_o be_v any_o evidence_n at_o least_o learned_a man_n may_v understand_v it_o for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o evident_a neither_o to_o the_o learned_a nor_o to_o the_o unlearned_a i_o fear_v be_v no_o evidence_n at_o all_o unless_o there_o be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o evidence_n as_o be_v evident_a to_o no_o body_n and_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v bring_v thing_n to_o a_o fine_a pass_n if_o she_o must_v be_v force_v to_o deny_v that_o we_o have_v any_o evidence_n for_o our_o religion_n now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o evidence_n for_o our_o religion_n and_o learned_a man_n may_v understand_v it_o then_o at_o least_o learned_a man_n may_v judge_v for_o themselves_o and_o not_o depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o judge_n and_o thus_o there_o be_v no_o need_n nay_o there_o can_v be_v no_o use_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n for_o the_o learned_a part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o to_o say_v that_o learned_a man_n have_v evidence_n to_o ground_v their_o faith_n on_o and_o yet_o must_v not_o believe_v according_a to_o evidence_n but_o authority_n be_v to_o say_v that_o man_n have_v eye_n but_o must_v not_o use_v they_o to_o see_v their_o own_o way_n but_o must_v follow_v a_o guide_n blindfold_a and_o yet_o if_o learned_a man_n be_v allow_v to_o see_v and_o judge_v for_o themselves_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n will_v signify_v very_o little_a for_o it_o be_v learn_v man_n who_o start_v difficulty_n and_o manage_v dispute_n and_o be_v the_o author_n and_o patron_n of_o heresy_n and_o if_o these_o learned_a man_n who_o may_v and_o must_v judge_v for_o themselves_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o and_o from_o the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n what_o remedy_n be_v there_o nay_o if_o learned_a man_n must_v judge_v for_o themselves_o according_a to_o the_o evidence_n they_o have_v of_o thing_n and_o not_o be_v overrule_v by_o authority_n without_o evidence_n there_o can_v be_v no_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n for_o a_o authority_n which_o may_v be_v contradict_v as_o it_o may_v be_v if_o learned_a man_n must_v judge_v for_o themselves_o can_v be_v no_o authority_n either_o with_o the_o learned_a or_o unlearned_a for_o the_o unlearned_a will_v have_v no_o great_a reverence_n for_o that_o authority_n which_o
the_o learned_a may_v contradict_v and_o therefore_o whoever_o will_v have_v a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n must_v not_o lay_v the_o necessity_n of_o have_v such_o a_o judge_n mere_o upon_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o multitude_n for_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o learned_a man_n must_v have_v such_o a_o judge_n nay_o it_o prove_v that_o learned_a man_n need_v no_o such_o judge_n if_o ignorance_n only_o make_v he_o necessary_a and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o judge_n for_o learned_a man_n there_o can_v be_v no_o judge_n of_o controversy_n for_o there_o be_v more_o dispute_n among_o the_o learned_a than_o the_o ignorant_a the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o people_n be_v only_o make_v a_o pretence_n to_o deceive_v ignorant_a people_n but_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n for_o a_o visible_a judge_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o visible_a judge_n unless_o he_o judge_v for_o the_o learned_a as_o well_o as_o the_o unlearned_a and_o if_o learned_a man_n must_v not_o judge_v for_o themselves_o it_o be_v then_o a_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o any_o other_o evidence_n than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o judge_n for_o what_o do_v evidence_n signify_v if_o no_o man_n must_v use_v it_o nay_o upon_o these_o principle_n it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o distinguish_v between_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o read_v and_o study_v the_o scripture_n father_n and_o council_n when_o they_o must_v not_o exercise_v their_o own_o reason_n or_o judgement_n about_o they_o what_o privilege_n have_v the_o learned_a above_o the_o unlearned_a when_o they_o must_v know_v and_o believe_v no_o more_o than_o their_o judge_n will_v let_v they_o the_o paper_n and_o we_o be_v discourage_v from_o the_o quiet_a way_n of_o submission_n to_o the_o clergy_n authority_n by_o your_o tell_v we_o that_o no_o assembly_n of_o man_n have_v power_n on_o earth_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n answer_n how_o come_v submission_n to_o the_o clergy_n authority_n in_o here_o for_o be_v every_o priest_n the_o judge_n into_o who_o authority_n we_o must_v resolve_v our_o faith_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o last_o resolution_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o priest_n be_v the_o immediate_a guide_n of_o every_o man_n faith_n and_o conscience_n and_o after_o all_o the_o talk_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n the_o people_n know_v nothing_o more_o what_o he_o teach_v than_o what_o their_o priest_n tell_v they_o who_o it_o may_v be_v himself_o know_v little_a of_o the_o matter_n and_o i_o can_v see_v what_o great_a security_n this_o give_v the_o people_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n than_o what_o our_o people_n have_v who_o have_v general_o as_o wise_a and_o learned_a and_o honest_a guide_n as_o they_o to_o say_v nothing_o more_o but_o who_o ever_o say_v that_o no_o assembly_n of_o man_n have_v power_n on_o earth_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n we_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o make_v law_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n for_o whatever_o law_n she_o make_v for_o the_o edification_n and_o good_a government_n of_o christian_a people_n which_o contradict_v no_o law_n of_o god_n and_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v bind_v the_o conscience_n nay_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o sacred_a that_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n quiet_o to_o submit_v to_o her_o decision_n where_o there_o be_v not_o plain_a evidence_n against_o they_o but_o we_o say_v indeed_o that_o no_o man_n nor_o assembly_n of_o man_n have_v such_o authority_n as_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v all_o their_o dictate_v and_o decree_v without_o examination_n much_o less_o contrary_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o require_v that_o man_n shall_v believe_v mere_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o teacher_n without_o understanding_n why_o they_o do_v so_o but_o this_o i_o hope_n be_v no_o discouragement_n to_o any_o man_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o instruction_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o to_o learn_v from_o they_o what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o why_o and_o this_o will_v make_v they_o wise_a man_n and_o more_o understand_a christian_n than_o to_o rely_v whole_o on_o their_o authority_n the_o paper_n for_o authority_n that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v infinite_o great_a who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v at_o least_o have_v a_o appearance_n of_o succession_n and_o visibility_n and_o who_o pretend_v that_o god_n have_v leave_v in_o that_o church_n such_o mean_n so_o happy_a and_o so_o easy_a to_o attain_v to_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o our_o very_a divine_n wish_v in_o this_o confusion_n of_o thing_n god_n have_v so_o order_v it_o for_o certainty_n and_o union_n answer_n this_o be_v a_o strange_a paragraph_n that_o only_o a_o fear_n of_o a_o appearance_n of_o succession_n and_o visibility_n and_o her_o own_o pretence_n that_o god_n have_v make_v she_o the_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n shall_v render_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n infinite_o great_a than_o of_o any_o other_o church_n which_o be_v very_o little_a thing_n to_o give_v so_o great_a a_o authority_n but_o we_o will_v ready_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v a_o visible_a church_n in_o a_o constant_a succession_n of_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n till_o now_o what_o then_o how_o do_v this_o give_v she_o a_o great_a authority_n than_o other_o church_n which_o have_v as_o visible_a a_o succession_n as_o she_o the_o greek_a church_n have_v be_v a_o visible_a church_n and_o preserve_v her_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n till_o now_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v as_o visible_a and_o have_v as_o good_a a_o succession_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n how_o then_o do_v succession_n and_o visibility_n give_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n a_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o greek_a church_n or_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o be_v a_o mighty_a weak_a foundation_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n that_o such_o a_o church_n have_v a_o visible_a succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n who_o shall_v oblige_v all_o man_n to_o believe_v his_o determination_n must_v be_v infallible_a unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o god_n have_v oblige_v we_o without_o examination_n to_o believe_v a_o judge_n who_o may_v err_v which_o can_v be_v unless_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o god_n may_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v a_o lie_n for_o thus_o it_o may_v happen_v if_o we_o be_v always_o oblige_v to_o believe_v a_o judge_n who_o may_v sometime_o err_v as_o all_o fallible_a creature_n may_v which_o show_v what_o a_o poor_a shift_n it_o be_v which_o some_o late_a writer_n have_v use_v and_o which_o this_o paper_n which_o speak_v not_o one_o word_n of_o infallibility_n seem_v to_o imitate_v to_o set_v aside_o the_o dispute_n about_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o can_v make_v nothing_o of_o and_o to_o insist_v only_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n to_o determine_v controversy_n as_o a_o visible_a judge_n for_o that_o only_o oblige_v man_n either_o to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o to_o submit_v to_o her_o determination_n not_o at_o all_o adventure_n to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v as_o i_o show_v before_o and_o therefore_o this_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o dispute_n about_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n now_o if_o the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n must_v be_v infallible_a how_o do_v a_o visible_a succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n prove_v any_o church_n to_o be_v infallible_a this_o be_v no_o natural_a effect_n as_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o grant_v for_o then_o the_o successor_n in_o all_o the_o apostolical_a chair_n must_v be_v infallible_a since_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v as_o infallible_a as_o st._n peter_n whereas_o they_o will_v allow_v this_o only_a to_o the_o chair_n of_o st._n peter_n as_o a_o peculiar_a prerogative_n grant_v to_o he_o by_o christ_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o succession_n or_o visibility_n which_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n this_o paper_n insist_o on_o but_o they_o must_v return_v to_o the_o good_a old_a argument_n of_o tu_fw-la es_fw-la petrus_n &_o pasce_fw-la oves_fw-la which_o i_o perceive_v the_o author_n of_o this_o paper_n be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o take_v a_o needless_a trouble_n to_o confute_v they_o if_o indeed_o they_o can_v prove_v a_o visible_a succession_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n
against_o her_o infallibility_n however_o this_o show_n that_o the_o most_o infallible_a teacher_n can_v destroy_v our_o natural_a liberty_n of_o judge_v for_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o see_v that_o it_o contradict_v neither_o which_o be_v the_o only_a natural_a principle_n of_o knowledge_n we_o have_v which_o be_v therefore_o to_o exercise_v all_o the_o reason_n and_o judgement_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o and_o three_o though_o we_o must_v receive_v all_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a truth_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n yet_o we_o must_v own_v our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n to_o understand_v the_o revelation_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v otherwise_o for_o whoever_o it_o be_v that_o speak_v to_o we_o whether_o god_n by_o a_o immediate_a voice_n from_o heaven_n or_o a_o prophet_n inspire_v by_o god_n we_o have_v no_o way_n to_o understand_v what_o be_v say_v but_o by_o our_o own_o natural_a faculty_n and_o therefore_o must_v judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o be_v say_v just_a as_o we_o do_v at_o other_o time_n when_o any_o man_n speak_v to_o we_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o present_a to_o hear_v the_o prophet_n speak_v but_o have_v his_o revelation_n deliver_v to_o we_o in_o writing_n we_o must_v take_v the_o same_o course_n to_o understand_v such_o a_o divine_a book_n as_o we_o do_v any_o other_o human_a write_n if_o there_o be_v any_o difficulty_n in_o it_o we_o must_v seek_v for_o some_o body_n to_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v it_o but_o still_o we_o must_v understand_v for_o ourselves_o for_o no_o body_n else_o can_v understand_v for_o we_o and_o if_o we_o must_v understand_v we_o must_v judge_v for_o ourselves_o too_o this_o be_v all_o that_o we_o demand_v or_o desire_n a_o liberty_n to_o understand_v and_o judge_v what_o god_n will_v have_v we_o believe_v and_o do_v and_o this_o the_o most_o infallible_a teacher_n can_v deprive_v we_o of_o no_o more_o than_o he_o can_v oblige_v we_o to_o see_v and_o hear_v with_o other_o man_n eye_n and_o ear_n when_o god_n have_v give_v we_o eye_n and_o ear_n of_o our_o own_o and_o four_o where_o there_o be_v a_o stand_a revelation_n we_o must_v then_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o succeed_a prophet_n how_o infallible_a soever_o they_o be_v by_o its_o conformity_n to_o the_o precede_a revelation_n we_o must_v never_o suppose_v that_o god_n can_v contradict_v himself_o and_o therefore_o though_o he_o may_v improve_v a_o former_a revelation_n by_o new_a and_o more_o perfect_a discovery_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o contradict_v it_o and_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o no_o true_a prophet_n can_v contradict_v a_o true_a revelation_n but_o though_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n may_v give_v authority_n to_o a_o new_a prophet_n to_o expound_v a_o former_a revelation_n and_o to_o improve_v it_o yet_o we_o must_v be_v well_o satisfy_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o new_a prophet_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o old_a revelation_n which_o make_v we_o judge_n of_o the_o sense_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a revelation_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o can_v understand_v their_o agreement_n unless_o we_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o both_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n when_o they_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v the_o stand_a revelation_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o try_v all_o prophet_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_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 isaiah_n 8._o 20._o and_o therefore_o though_o christ_n wrought_v more_o and_o great_a miracle_n than_o ever_o moses_n do_v this_o alone_o have_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v he_o have_v not_o his_o person_n answer_v the_o type_n and_o prediction_n of_o the_o law_n and_o his_o doctrine_n be_v not_o the_o destruction_n but_o the_o improvement_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n to_o this_o trial_n he_o submit_v himself_o and_o his_o doctrine_n appeal_v to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n require_v they_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o john_n 5._o 39_o and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a which_o one_o will_v have_v think_v have_v be_v sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o have_v confirm_v his_o divine_a authority_n yet_o he_o prove_v from_o scripture_n that_o thus_o christ_n ought_v to_o suffer_v and_o to_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n and_o beginning_n at_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n he_o expound_v unto_o they_o the_o two_o disciple_n go_v to_o emaus_n the_o thing_n concern_v himself_o luke_n 24._o 26_o 27._o and_o this_o course_n the_o apostle_n take_v in_o their_o sermon_n st._n peter_n do_v not_o only_o testify_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o eye-witness_n that_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o prove_v that_o david_n himself_o have_v prophesy_v of_o this_o act_v 2._o 22_o etc._n etc._n thus_o st._n paul_n dispute_v with_o the_o jew_n at_o rome_n to_o who_o he_o expound_v and_o testify_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n persuade_v they_o concern_v jesus_n both_o out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n from_o morning_n till_o evening_n act_v 28._o 23._o thus_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v one_o entire_a dispute_n about_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o justification_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n from_o the_o type_n and_o prediction_n of_o the_o law_n itself_o so_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v certain_o as_o infallible_a teacher_n as_o everwere_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o bear_v man_n down_o mere_o by_o their_o infallible_a authority_n but_o appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o every_o man_n own_o judgement_n of_o they_o and_o god_n have_v order_v it_o so_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o for_o he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o stand_a revelation_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o new_a prophet_n whatever_o they_o be_v but_o if_o they_o must_v have_v rely_v on_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o such_o prophet_n who_o they_o be_v to_o try_v by_o this_o revelation_n for_o the_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o it_o this_o have_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o take_v their_o own_o word_n without_o any_o trial_n now_o if_o christ_n himself_o never_o pretend_v to_o any_o such_o authority_n that_o all_o man_n shall_v believe_v he_o upon_o his_o own_o word_n without_o examine_v his_o doctrine_n by_o the_o scripture_n or_o exercise_v their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n can_v we_o think_v that_o he_o shall_v give_v any_o such_o authority_n to_o st._n peter_n nay_o when_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o st._n peter_n never_o have_v any_o such_o authority_n and_o never_o can_v exercise_v it_o how_o can_v st._n peter_n successor_n have_v that_o in_o his_o right_n which_o he_o never_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v himself_o for_o though_o he_o be_v a_o infallible_a teacher_n yet_o every_o man_n have_v a_o liberty_n to_o examine_v what_o he_o teach_v and_o to_o judge_v of_o it_o by_o its_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o you_o i_o say_v can_v not_o christ_n appoint_v a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o his_o church_n to_o decide_v all_o dispute_n and_o to_o prevent_v heresy_n and_o schism_n that_o christ_n have_v not_o do_v this_o i_o shall_v take_v for_o grant_v till_o i_o see_v some_o better_a proof_n of_o it_o than_o i_o have_v yet_o meet_v with_o and_o i_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o think_v such_o a_o judge_n can_v not_o be_v appoint_v who_o we_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o rely_v on_o with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n without_o examination_n or_o any_o use_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n and_o that_o be_v because_o it_o be_v impracticable_a to_o appoint_v a_o judge_n upon_o who_o bare_a authority_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n itself_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o assume_v to_o themselves_o to_o be_v such_o judge_n in_o their_o day_n for_o there_o lay_v a_o appeal_n from_o they_o to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v and_o so_o there_o do_v to_o this_o day_n and_o if_o i_o must_v not_o take_v any_o man_n word_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o must_v not_o take_v his_o word_n neither_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n in_o christianity_n if_o i_o may_v to_o this_o day_n examine_v the_o gospel_n by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o our_o saviour_n day_n than_o i_o must_v judge_v for_o myself_o too_o
the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n for_o they_o be_v as_o much_o a_o stand_a revelation_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n nay_o indeed_o there_o be_v more_o reason_n now_o to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o teacher_n by_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o there_o be_v under_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n to_o examine_v they_o by_o the_o old_a because_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o last_o and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n and_o we_o must_v expect_v and_o receive_v no_o more_o for_o s._n paul_n pronounce_v a_o anathema_n against_o angel_n themselves_o shall_v they_o preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n gal._n 1._o 8_o 9_o whereas_o the_o law_n itself_o give_v expectation_n of_o a_o more_o excellent_a prophet_n than_o moses_n and_o of_o a_o more_o perfect_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v no_o prophet_n who_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o we_o must_v receive_v none_o who_o preach_v any_o thing_n else_o than_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v teach_v now_o if_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v all_o that_o and_o more_o than_o that_o to_o we_o which_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n than_o we_o must_v have_v the_o same_o liberty_n of_o judge_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v under_o the_o old_a for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o danger_n in_o our_o judge_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o man_n by_o it_o than_o there_o be_v in_o allow_v this_o liberty_n to_o the_o jew_n we_o have_v the_o same_o natural_a right_n to_o it_o which_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o right_n not_o owe_v to_o a_o positive_a institution_n but_o to_o the_o reason_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o to_o set_v aside_o this_o dispute_n about_o the_o possibility_n of_o such_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n this_o very_a consideration_n prove_v that_o christ_n never_o intend_v it_o viz._n that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o gospel_n in_o write_v as_o a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o have_v appoint_v a_o order_n of_o man_n to_o study_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o to_o instruct_v other_o in_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o it_o 1._o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o gospel_n in_o write_v which_o be_v now_o to_o we_o a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n as_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n now_o the_o use_n of_o a_o write_a law_n be_v for_o every_o body_n to_o understand_v it_o and_o direct_v their_o faith_n and_o manner_n by_o it_o this_o be_v the_o use_n the_o jew_n be_v require_v to_o make_v of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o certain_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v for_o the_o same_o end_n or_o else_o i_o know_v not_o why_o it_o be_v write_v if_o then_o we_o must_v learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o practice_v this_o inevitable_o prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n intention_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v judge_v for_o ourselves_o for_o no_o man_n can_v learn_v any_o thing_n from_o a_o write_n unless_o he_o be_v allow_v to_o understand_v it_o and_o judge_v of_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o now_o be_v not_o this_o a_o plain_a proof_n that_o christ_n never_o intend_v such_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n who_o we_o must_v believe_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n if_o i_o must_v receive_v my_o faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o judge_n than_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o rule_n which_o i_o must_v and_o can_v make_v no_o use_n of_o if_o i_o must_v follow_v my_o rule_n there_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o a_o judge_n for_o i_o must_v judge_v for_o myself_o to_o resolve_v my_o faith_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o rule_n and_o of_o a_o judge_n be_v as_o inconsistent_a as_o judge_v and_o not_o judge_v and_o therefore_o christ_n can_v not_o appoint_v both_o way_n because_o they_o contradict_v each_o other_o one_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o my_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n and_o the_o other_o forbid_v it_o and_o therefore_o since_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o a_o write_a rule_n we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v he_o have_v appoint_v no_o judge_n for_o though_o a_o law_n and_o a_o judge_n to_o execute_v that_o law_n be_v very_o consistent_a in_o civil_a government_n where_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o judge_n do_v not_o oblige_v man_n faith_n but_o only_o authoritative_o determine_v a_o difference_n yet_o they_o be_v two_o very_a contrary_n and_o therefore_o inconsistent_a resolution_n of_o faith_n second_o as_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o a_o rule_n so_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o order_n of_o man_n to_o study_v this_o rule_n themselves_o and_o to_o instruct_v other_o christian_n in_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o argument_n he_o intend_v we_o shall_v understand_v it_o for_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v teach_v the_o scripture_n but_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v it_o and_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v we_o understand_v it_o but_o to_o make_v it_o our_o rule_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v and_o to_o determine_v as_o a_o judge_n be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n the_o first_o reserve_v to_o we_o a_o liberty_n of_o judge_v the_o second_o determine_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o dictate_v of_o our_o judge_n now_o what_o need_v of_o both_o these_o if_o christ_n have_v appoint_v a_o judge_n who_o we_o must_v in_o all_o thing_n believe_v what_o need_v of_o teacher_n to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n if_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o sense_n but_o what_o the_o judge_n give_v they_o what_o a_o impertinent_a trouble_n be_v it_o to_o study_v the_o scripture_n who_o can_v interpret_v they_o but_o this_o infallible_a judge_n and_o how_o then_o can_v there_o be_v so_o many_o teacher_n if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o judge_n or_o if_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v understand_v and_o may_v be_v teach_v what_o use_n be_v there_o of_o a_o judge_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o unteach_v what_o he_o have_v not_o a_o mind_n to_o and_o than_o he_o may_v make_v all_o other_o teacher_n useless_a when_o he_o please_v nay_o if_o the_o great_a apostle_n be_v no_o more_o than_o teacher_n where_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o only_a commission_n christ_n give_v to_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o peter_n among_o the_o rest_n to_o teach_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v they_o the_o charge_n christ_n give_v to_o peter_n be_v to_o feed_v his_o sheep_n and_o his_o lamb_n which_o be_v the_o same_o st._n paul_n lay_v on_o the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n take_v heed_n unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n act_v 20._o 28._o that_o be_v to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v they_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n st._n paul_n assign_v for_o those_o different_a order_n of_o man_n in_o the_o church_n he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n ephes._n 4._o 11_o 12_o 13._o here_o be_v no_o judge_n of_o controversy_n mention_v among_o all_o these_o though_o he_o have_v be_v worth_a they_o all_o and_o indeed_o have_v make_v all_o the_o other_o useless_a if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o office_n but_o that_o which_o i_o observe_v be_v that_o the_o work_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o faith_n to_o teach_v they_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o why_o which_o be_v very_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o office_n of_o a_o judge_n for_o he_o who_o instruct_v man_n help_v they_o to_o understand_v and_o judge_v for_o themselves_o but_o a_o judge_n only_o impose_v upon_o the_o faith_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n without_o any_o liberty_n of_o judge_v if_o we_o must_v not_o understand_v our_o religion_n nor_o use_v our_o understanding_n in_o judge_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n there_o can_v be_v no_o use_n for_o teacher_n and_o therefore_o that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v man_n to_o instruct_v his_o church_n be_v a_o proof_n that_o he_o intend_v they_o shall_v believe_v with_o their_o understanding_n and_o if_o all_o the_o
sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o though_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n be_v make_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o council_n yet_o if_o he_o will_v not_o determine_v it_o what_o be_v we_o the_o better_a if_o one_o pope_n approve_v cardinal_n bellarmin_n exposition_n of_o the_o council_n and_o another_o m._n de_fw-la meaux_n though_o direct_o opposite_a to_o each_o other_o as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n how_o shall_v we_o ever_o come_v to_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n what_o the_o council_n have_v determine_v have_v not_o a_o protestant_n who_o study_v the_o scripture_n and_o use_v the_o best_a reason_n and_o judgement_n he_o have_v to_o understand_v it_o as_o much_o certainty_n and_o infallibility_n as_o this_o come_v to_o and_o yet_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o have_v time_n or_o learning_n to_o read_v the_o council_n which_o be_v a_o little_a more_o difficult_a than_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n and_o all_o these_o man_n must_v trust_v entire_o to_o the_o honesty_n of_o their_o priest_n who_o if_o he_o be_v honest_a may_v be_v very_o ignorant_a and_o yet_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o the_o people_n infallibility_n be_v into_o the_o honesty_n and_o skill_n of_o their_o priest_n for_o how_o infallible_a soever_o the_o pope_n or_o council_n be_v they_o know_v no_o more_o of_o the_o matter_n than_o what_o their_o priest_n tell_v they_o which_o be_v such_o a_o infallibility_n as_o the_o mean_a protestant_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o envy_v this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v how_o vain_a all_o this_o talk_n of_o infallibility_n be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o protestant_n own_o themselves_o to_o be_v fallible_a creature_n yet_o they_o be_v too_o wise_a to_o change_v their_o moral_a certainty_n for_o the_o popish_a infallibility_n have_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o good_a evidence_n for_o their_o faith_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o may_v admit_v of_o a_o dispute_n whether_o they_o shall_v reject_v both_o or_o cast_v lot_n which_o to_o choose_v but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o they_o and_o while_o we_o feel_v ourselves_o certain_a let_v who_o will_v boast_v they_o be_v infallible_a a_o answer_n to_o some_o other_o argument_n contain_v in_o the_o paper_n have_v thus_o large_o consider_v the_o main_a support_n of_o the_o roman_a cause_n at_o this_o day_n viz._n the_o pretence_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n the_o remain_a argument_n will_v be_v more_o brief_o answer_v which_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o in_o order_n as_o i_o find_v they_o the_o paper_n i_o do_v know_v suppose_v the_o roman_a error_n not_o damnable_a how_o the_o reformer_n can_v justify_v themselves_o and_o if_o they_o be_v so_o i_o can_v make_v it_o agree_v with_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n never_o prevail_v etc._n etc._n except_o there_o be_v some_o other_o church_n in_o which_o purity_n of_o faith_n be_v preserve_v which_o if_o there_o be_v i_o wonder_v for_o unity_n sake_n so_o much_o command_v in_o scripture_n we_o do_v not_o join_v with_o that_o pure_a church_n answer_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o short_a paragraph_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o whether_o the_o error_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v damnable_a 2._o if_o they_o be_v not_o damnable_a what_o authority_n have_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o reform_v they_o 3._o if_o they_o be_v damnable_a how_o do_v christ_n keep_v his_o promise_n to_o his_o church_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o 4._o concern_v the_o purity_n of_o faith_n in_o other_o church_n and_o our_o union_n with_o they_o 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v guilty_a of_o damnable_a error_n if_o by_o damnable_a error_n be_v mean_v such_o error_n as_o put_v man_n into_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n this_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v for_o this_o will_v out_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o in_o uncharitableness_n to_o assert_v that_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o roman_a communion_n and_o every_o member_n of_o they_o as_o such_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n but_o if_o by_o damnable_a error_n be_v mean_v such_o error_n as_o be_v very_o dangerous_a to_o man_n soul_n and_o will_v great_o hazard_v their_o salvation_n or_o such_o error_n as_o involve_v a_o sin_n in_o they_o as_o be_v a_o direct_a breach_n of_o some_o divine_a law_n and_o so_o be_v damnable_a as_o every_o sin_n be_v damnable_a in_o this_o sense_n we_o do_v say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v guilty_a of_o damnable_a error_n for_o to_o name_v no_o other_o at_o present_a we_o do_v affirm_v and_o prove_v too_o that_o the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o image_n be_v express_a violation_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o commandment_n and_o therefore_o be_v great_a sin_n against_o god_n now_o if_o you_o inquire_v what_o the_o difference_n be_v between_o be_v guilty_a of_o damnable_a sin_n and_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n the_o answer_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a for_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n be_v such_o a_o state_n wherein_o if_o a_o man_n commit_v damn_v sin_n he_o have_v no_o right_a and_o title_n to_o pardon_n forgiveness_n and_o salvation_n though_o he_o repent_v of_o all_o his_o know_a and_o unknown_a sin_n this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o receive_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o faith_n and_o baptism_n for_o the_o christian_a church_n only_o be_v a_o state_n of_o salvation_n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n whereby_o man_n can_v be_v save_v but_o only_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n so_o that_o those_o who_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o gospel_n covenant_n be_v not_o only_o guilty_a of_o damn_v sin_n but_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n for_o they_o have_v no_o covenant-right_a to_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n but_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o by_o baptism_n though_o they_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o damn_v sin_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n because_o they_o have_v a_o right_n to_o pardon_n upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o by_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o damn_v error_n yet_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n that_o be_v they_o be_v not_o exclude_v from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o therefore_o the_o member_n of_o that_o communion_n who_o live_v virtuous_a life_n and_o hearty_o repent_v of_o all_o their_o know_a and_o unknown_a sin_n may_v find_v mercy_n with_o god_n thus_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o of_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o foundation_n that_o be_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o if_o they_o build_v hay_n and_o stubble_n upon_o this_o foundation_n that_o be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n such_o a_o man_n shall_v suffer_v loss_n in_o that_o his_o work_n shall_v be_v burn_v yet_o he_o himself_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o where_o fire_n can_v refer_v to_o the_o fire_n of_o purgatory_n because_o it_o be_v the_o fire_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n which_o be_v call_v the_o day_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v by_o fire_n vers_fw-la 13._o and_o the_o work_n which_o shall_v be_v burn_v be_v the_o hay_n and_o stubble_n which_o be_v build_v on_o the_o foundation_n that_o be_v those_o erroneous_a doctrine_n or_o corrupt_a worship_n which_o man_n retain_v together_o with_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n these_o work_n shall_v be_v burn_v that_o be_v condemn_v in_o that_o day_n which_o be_v reveal_v by_o fire_n which_o consume_v those_o work_n as_o fire_n do_v hay_n and_o stubble_n and_o as_o for_o the_o person_n themselves_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v loss_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n where_o to_o suffer_v loss_n be_v oppose_v to_o receive_v a_o reward_n if_o a_o man_n work_n abide_v he_o shall_v receive_v a_o reward_n if_o a_o man_n work_n be_v burn_v he_o shall_v suffer_v loss_n which_o plain_o signify_v that_o such_o erroenous_a christian_n shall_v not_o receive_v such_o a_o reward_n as_o be_v prepare_v for_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n believer_n and_o that_o phrase_n to_o be_v save_v but_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n at_o least_o signify_v that_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n such_o man_n shall_v very_o difficult_o escape_v burn_v with_o their_o work_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v final_o save_v by_o their_o faith_n in_o christ._n but_o whatever_o
or_o praetorian_a authority_n to_o forgive_v sin_n which_o be_v not_o compatible_a to_o any_o creature_n for_o what_o can_v any_o man_n desire_v more_o have_v to_o be_v put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o be_v final_o acquit_v and_o absolve_v in_o the_o next_o but_o if_o the_o priest_n have_v no_o such_o judicial_a authority_n to_o forgive_v sin_n what_o a_o fatal_a mistake_n be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o rely_v on_o such_o a_o ineffectual_a absolution_n what_o a_o miserable_a surprise_n will_v it_o be_v for_o those_o who_o think_v themselves_o pardon_v by_o the_o priest_n to_o be_v condemn_v by_o christ_n though_o we_o deny_v such_o a_o place_n as_o purgatory_n be_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n as_o good_a a_o argument_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n or_o do_v it_o lessen_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o sinner_n to_o say_v that_o god_n remit_v all_o future_a punishment_n when_o he_o remit_v the_o sin_n but_o if_o the_o hope_n of_o expiate_v their_o sin_n in_o purgatory_n and_o of_o be_v pray_v out_o of_o it_o shall_v embolden_v any_o man_n in_o sin_n what_o a_o disappointment_n will_v it_o be_v to_o find_v their_o purgatory_n to_o be_v hell_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o we_o can_v suffer_v nothing_o by_o deny_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o unless_o the_o causeless_a anathema_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v damn_v we_o but_o the_o hazard_n be_v so_o vast_o great_a on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o mistake_n will_v prove_v so_o fatal_a if_o they_o be_v in_o a_o mistake_n that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n can_v justify_v the_o prudence_n of_o such_o a_o choice_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o such_o fallible_a creature_n as_o we_o own_v ourselves_o to_o be_v to_o venture_v on_o they_o we_o be_v safe_a as_o we_o be_v and_o we_o think_v it_o best_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o so_o though_o we_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v safe_a three_o safe_a i_o say_v we_o be_v in_o reject_v these_o doctrine_n unless_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o by_o reject_v they_o we_o want_v something_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n especial_o wherein_o the_o romanist_n think_v they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o we_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o some_o protestant_n be_v persuade_v to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o that_o of_o rome_n that_o they_o eat_v the_o natural_a flesh_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o receive_v a_o judicial_a pardon_n of_o all_o their_o sin_n by_o the_o absolution_n of_o the_o priest_n which_o we_o confess_v we_o do_v not_o now_o suppose_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o eat_v the_o natural_a flesh_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o christ_n will_v not_o forgive_v any_o man_n who_o be_v not_o before_o forgive_v by_o the_o priest_n yet_o if_o these_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v they_o as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o no_o man_n need_v go_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o they_o if_o the_o word_n of_o consecration_n this_o be_v my_o body_n do_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n transubstantiate_v the_o bread_n into_o the_o natural_a flesh_n of_o christ_n these_o word_n must_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n when_o pronounce_v by_o a_o priest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o give_v we_o his_o natural_a flesh_n to_o eat_v we_o do_v eat_v it_o as_o much_o as_o they_o for_o we_o eat_v the_o consecrate_a element_n which_o be_v whatever_o christ_n intend_v to_o make_v they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o consecration_n for_o our_o not_o believe_v transubstantiation_n can_v hinder_v the_o virtue_n of_o consecration_n if_o christ_n have_v so_o appoint_v it_o for_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o change_v their_o nature_n with_o man_n opinion_n about_o they_o thus_o penitent_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v confess_v their_o sin_n to_o a_o priest_n if_o they_o please_v and_o receive_v absolution_n and_o if_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v a_o judicial_a absolution_n than_o they_o have_v it_o and_o need_v not_o go_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o it_o there_o be_v but_o two_o objection_n that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o this_o either_o that_o we_o have_v no_o true_a priest_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o consecration_n of_o the_o element_n or_o that_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v necessary_a to_o consecration_n and_o nothing_o more_o be_v do_v than_o what_o the_o priest_n intend_v to_o do_v and_o therefore_o no_o priest_n can_v transubstantiate_v but_o he_o who_o intend_v to_o transubstantiate_v 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o if_o there_o be_v no_o true_a priest_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o our_o bishop_n and_o priest_n derive_v their_o succession_n from_o those_o bishop_n who_o receive_v order_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o have_v as_o good_a order_n as_o they_o can_v give_v and_o as_o they_o themselves_o have_v and_o if_o we_o have_v as_o true_a bishop_n and_o priest_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o must_v have_v as_o perfect_a sacrament_n as_o they_o also_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o to_o intend_v to_o do_v what_o the_o church_n do_v and_o why_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o do_v what_o christ_n do_v as_o good_a and_o perfect_a a_o intention_n as_o this_o and_o thus_o we_o all_o intend_v to_o do_v what_o christ_n do_v which_o be_v all_o the_o intention_n that_o can_v be_v necessary_a to_o consecration_n unless_o the_o private_a opinion_n of_o the_o priest_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o institution_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n depend_v upon_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n for_o consecration_n no_o papist_n can_v ever_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o bread_n be_v consecrate_v and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v not_o transubstantiate_v and_o therefore_o i_o think_v they_o may_v compound_v this_o business_n and_o allow_v we_o transubstantiation_n if_o we_o will_v allow_v it_o they_o we_o want_v it_o not_o indeed_o and_o care_v not_o for_o it_o but_o those_o who_o lie_v so_o much_o stress_n upon_o it_o need_v not_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o that_o reason_n at_o least_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o we_o want_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n let_v we_o but_o observe_v the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o we_o need_v not_o fear_n but_o we_o shall_v receive_v all_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n which_o christ_n intend_v to_o convey_v to_o we_o in_o that_o sacrament_n which_o those_o can_v never_o be_v sure_a of_o who_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o institution_n but_o receive_v only_o a_o part_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n instead_o of_o the_o whole_a be_v these_o thing_n well_o consider_v i_o persuade_v myself_o no_o man_n will_v see_v any_o cause_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n where_o he_o have_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n without_o oppress_v his_o faith_n with_o doctrine_n hard_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o endanger_v his_o soul_n by_o doubtful_a and_o suspicious_a practice_n at_o best_a the_o index_n the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n of_o no_o use_n in_o convert_v jew_n or_o pagan_n 2_o faith_n not_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n 3_o though_o some_o passage_n in_o scripture_n be_v difficult_a other_o be_v plain_a 4_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a 5_o whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n 6_o whether_o general_n council_n have_v a_o power_n to_o determine_v matter_n of_o faith_n without_o appeal_n to_o every_o man_n reason_n 8_o 9_o what_o authority_n we_o allow_v to_o council_n 10_o 11_o the_o use_n of_o antiquity_n in_o expound_v scripture_n 12_o the_o church_n of_o england_n way_n of_o resolve_v of_o faith_n 14_o 15_o heretic_n pretence_n to_o scripture_n no_o argument_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o way_n 15_o 16_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretence_n to_o antiquity_n 16_o 17_o what_o course_n people_n must_v take_v who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o controversy_n in_o religion_n 19_o etc._n etc._n the_o ignorance_n of_o common_a people_n only_o a_o pretence_n not_o a_o reason_n for_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n 26_o 27_o a_o visible_a succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n no_o mark_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n 29_o argument_n against_o a_o infallible_a judge_n 32_o 33_o proof_n that_o christ_n never_o intend_v to_o set_v up_o such_o a_o judge_n 39_o certainty_n in_o religion_n may_v be_v have_v without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n 42_o what_o evidence_n require_v in_o faith_n 43_o concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 46_o a_o inquiry_n what_o certainty_n a_o papist_n can_v have_v 5●_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v guilty_a of_o damnable_a error_n 60_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v authority_n to_o reform_v error_n which_o be_v not_o damnable_a 62_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n 63_o whether_o we_o can_v know_v what_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v canonical_a without_o a_o visible_a judge_n 64_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v one_o 65_o the_o apostolic_a church_n the_o standard_n of_o catholic_n unity_n and_o communion_n 67_o what_o catholic_n communion_n be_v 69_o 70_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v call_v holy_a 72_o the_o church_n of_o england_n not_o guilty_a of_o schism_n 73_o that_o there_o be_v great_a safety_n in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 75_o to_o the_o end_n the_o end_n
can_v communicate_v with_o they_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o sinful_a in_o our_o communion_n and_o whatever_o they_o pretend_v they_o can_v never_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n want_v in_o it_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o when_o we_o deny_v communion_n to_o no_o church_n that_o will_v communicate_v with_o we_o and_o require_v no_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n which_o can_v justify_v a_o separation_n from_o we_o let_v they_o tell_v i_o wherein_o our_o schism_n consist_v the_o paper_n i_o can_v think_v those_o glorious_a promise_n sufficient_o fulfil_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o abide_v with_o they_o and_o that_o for_o ever_o answer_n pray_v why_o not_o that_o promise_n of_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n be_v make_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v fulfil_v in_o they_o and_o extend_v to_o no_o other_o in_o that_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n viz._n by_o bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n all_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v say_v to_o they_o which_o can_v belong_v only_o to_o those_o person_n who_o hear_v the_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n of_o christ_n himself_o for_o though_o a_o man_n may_v be_v teach_v what_o he_o never_o know_v before_o yet_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o remember_v what_o he_o never_o hear_v before_o but_o when_o it_o be_v add_v that_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n shall_v abide_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o that_o for_o ever_o must_v be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o a_o infallible_a direction_n and_o their_o for_o ever_o signify_v no_o long_a than_o they_o live_v for_o if_o it_o must_v be_v extend_v to_o all_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n than_o there_o must_v be_v as_o many_o infallible_a judge_n as_o there_o be_v successor_n to_o all_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o several_a church_n found_v by_o they_o which_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o for_o what_o follow_v about_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n i_o have_v already_o give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o for_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n never_o prevail_v while_o there_o be_v a_o church_n which_o profess_v the_o faith_n which_o st._n peter_n then_o profess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o have_v do_v in_o her_o great_a corruption_n except_v pope_n liberius_n his_o subscription_n to_o the_o arian_n confession_n and_o whereas_o the_o paper_n conclude_v with_o a_o desire_n to_o know_v how_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v catholic_n and_o apostolic_a the_o answer_n be_v very_o plain_a because_o her_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n be_v catholic_n and_o apostolic_a the_o conclusion_n a_o address_n to_o waver_a protestant_n show_v what_o little_a reason_n they_o have_v to_o think_v of_o any_o change_n of_o their_o religion_n what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v in_o answer_n to_o these_o paper_n seem_v to_o i_o so_o very_o clear_a and_o plain_a that_o i_o shall_v not_o much_o question_n its_o good_a effect_n even_o upon_o honest_a papist_n will_v they_o impartial_o read_v and_o consider_v it_o much_o more_o upon_o waver_a protestant_n if_o it_o be_v only_o some_o scruple_n not_o interest_n which_o sway_v they_o but_o the_o better_a to_o fix_v such_o people_n and_o that_o in_o the_o modern_a fashionable_a way_n without_o dispute_v all_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n i_o shall_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v how_o much_o more_o certainty_n and_o safety_n they_o have_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o they_o can_v have_v by_o go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o i_o think_v this_o be_v home_n to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v the_o same_o argument_n wherewith_o the_o roman_a priest_n endeavour_v to_o pervert_v our_o people_n and_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o these_o paper_n 1._o first_o then_o i_o observe_v that_o all_o the_o positive_a article_n of_o the_o protestant_a faith_n be_v own_v and_o believe_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o do_v not_o believe_v all_o that_o they_o believe_v but_o yet_o they_o believe_v all_o that_o we_o do_v for_o our_o faith_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n the_o apostle_n the_o nicene_n and_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n own_v as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o though_o we_o do_v not_o build_v our_o certainty_n on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o on_o the_o express_a revelation_n of_o scripture_n which_o contain_v all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o be_v as_o much_o certainty_n as_o we_o desire_v yet_o methinks_v even_o a_o modest_a romanist_n shall_v blush_v to_o charge_v our_o faith_n with_o uncertainty_n when_o our_o faith_n as_o far_o as_o it_o reach_v be_v the_o same_o with_o they_o sure_o they_o must_v grant_v that_o in_o these_o matter_n which_o we_o all_o consent_n in_o our_o faith_n be_v true_a and_o orthodox_n they_o must_v grant_v that_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v sound_a and_o orthodox_n also_o for_o thus_o they_o resolve_v their_o own_o faith_n they_o must_v grant_v that_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n not_o exclude_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o best_a external_n testimony_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n now_o when_o we_o believe_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o expound_v by_o the_o general_n faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n what_o appearance_n of_o uncertainty_n can_v be_v charge_v on_o such_o a_o faith_n we_o reject_v indeed_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n but_o what_o then_o will_v not_o a_o true_a orthodox_n faith_n save_v we_o unless_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o have_v no_o be_v when_o christianity_n be_v first_o plant_v in_o the_o world_n but_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o this_o for_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n because_o he_o can_v believe_v his_o creed_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o then_o i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v what_o that_o uncertainty_n be_v which_o they_o complain_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o if_o the_o positive_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v certain_a as_o it_o must_v be_v if_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o to_o these_o matter_n be_v certain_a why_o do_v they_o leave_v we_o for_o want_v of_o certainty_n which_o be_v now_o the_o popular_a argument_n to_o seduce_v man_n from_o our_o communion_n if_o they_o think_v we_o do_v not_o believe_v enough_o let_v they_o say_v so_o and_o make_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o departure_n from_o we_o but_o if_o as_o far_o as_o our_o faith_n go_v we_o have_v certain_a and_o evident_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n how_o do_v our_o faith_n come_v to_o be_v uncertain_a as_o for_o those_o particular_a doctrine_n which_o be_v in_o dispute_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o grant_v we_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o they_o nay_o more_o than_o that_o we_o say_v no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o they_o how_o confident_a soever_o he_o be_v for_o they_o be_v found_v neither_o on_o reason_n nor_o scripture_n nor_o any_o good_a authority_n for_o we_o do_v not_o take_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v good_a authority_n and_o if_o this_o be_v all_o they_o mean_v by_o our_o uncertainty_n that_o we_o have_v no_o certainty_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o image_n and_o relic_n for_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n for_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n for_o mass_n for_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a for_o a_o judicial_a absolution_n and_o those_o new_a sacrament_n they_o have_v introduce_v into_o the_o church_n we_o ready_o grant_v it_o but_o think_v this_o a_o very_a strange_a reason_n for_o protestant_n to_o desert_n our_o communion_n because_o we_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v false_a we_o do_v not_o only_o confess_v that_o we_o can_v find_v no_o certainty_n for_o these_o thing_n but_o we_o assert_v that_o we_o have_v positive_a and_o certain_a evidence_n against_o they_o and_o those_o who_o have_v