governor_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n the_o privilege_n of_o command_v in_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v nâ—t_a alâ—_n ready_a determine_v by_o his_o own_o law_n we_o plead_v for_o the_o respect_n and_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o lawful_a constitution_n oâ—_n the_o church_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n and_o 〈◊〉_d the_o just_a authority_n of_o the_o guide_v it_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o as_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o care_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n although_o not_o in_o their_o infallibility_n 6._o we_o allow_v a_o very_a great_a authority_n to_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o the_o best_a time_n of_o christianity_n and_o look_v upon_o the_o concurrent_a sense_n of_o antiquity_n as_o a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o scripture_n in_o place_n otherwise_o doubtful_a and_o obscure_a we_o prosess_v a_o great_a reverence_n to_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n but_o especial_o when_o assemble_v in_o free_a and_o general_a council_n we_o reject_v the_o ancient_a heresy_n condemn_v in_o they_o which_o we_o the_o rather_o believe_v to_o be_v against_o the_o scripture_n because_o so_o ancient_a so_o wise_a and_o so_o great_a person_n do_v deliver_v the_o contrary_a doctrine_n not_o only_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o own_o time_n but_o ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n nay_o we_o reject_v nothing_o that_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o a_o universal_a tradition_n from_o the_o apostolical_a time_n downward_o but_o we_o have_v so_o great_a a_o opinion_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o piety_n of_o those_o excellent_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n that_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o have_v those_o thing_n force_v upon_o we_o now_o which_o we_o offer_v to_o prove_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n so_o that_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o be_v not_o about_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n but_o whether_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a time_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v great_a authority_n over_o we_o than_o those_o of_o the_o present_a church_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o contradict_v each_o other_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o all_o the_o clamour_n of_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o church_n guide_n be_v vain_a and_o impertinent_a but_o we_o profess_v to_o yield_v great_a reverence_n and_o submission_n of_o mind_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n than_o to_o any_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n ever_o since_o we_o be_v sure_o they_o speak_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o where_o they_o have_v determine_v matter_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o arrogance_n and_o presumption_n in_o any_o other_o to_o alter_v what_o they_o have_v declare_v and_o for_o the_o age_n since_o we_o have_v a_o much_o great_a esteem_n for_o those_o near_a the_o apostolical_a time_n and_o so_o downward_o till_o ignorance_n ambition_n and_o private_a interest_n sway_v too_o much_o among_o those_o who_o be_v call_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o those_o who_o be_v member_n of_o it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n which_o make_v we_o not_o to_o wonder_v that_o such_o corruption_n of_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n shall_v then_o come_v in_o but_o we_o do_v just_o wonder_v at_o the_o sincerity_n of_o those_o who_o will_v not_o have_v they_o reform_v and_o take_v away_o 7._o in_o matter_n impose_v upon_o we_o to_o believe_v or_o practice_v which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o plain_a command_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o evidence_n offence_n or_o the_o ground_n of_o christian_a religion_n we_o assert_v that_o no_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a guide_n of_o a_o church_n be_v to_o over-rule_v our_o faith_n or_o practice_n for_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n so_o plain_a that_o no_o man_n will_v be_v guide_v by_o another_o opinion_n in_o they_o if_o any_o philosopher_n do_v think_v his_o authority_n ought_v to_o over-rule_v a_o ignorant_a man_n opinion_n in_o say_v the_o snow_n which_o he_o see_v to_o be_v white_a be_v not_o so_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o that_o man_n do_v better_a to_o believe_v his_o eye_n or_o the_o prudent_a experience_a philosopher_n i_o be_o certain_a if_o i_o destroy_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n i_o must_v overthrow_v the_o ground_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o i_o be_o as_o certain_a if_o i_o believe_v that_o not_o to_o be_v bread_n which_o my_o sense_n tell_v i_o be_v so_o i_o must_v destroy_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o which_o be_v fit_a for_o i_o to_o reject_v that_o evidence_n which_o assure_v my_o christianity_n to_o i_o or_o that_o authority_n which_o by_o its_o imposition_n on_o my_o faith_n overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o we_o be_v to_o reject_v any_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o scripture_n which_o concern_v a_o be_v infinite_o above_o our_o understanding_n because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v all_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o but_o in_o matter_n liable_a to_o sense_n and_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o it_o we_o must_v beg_v pardon_n if_o we_o prefer_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o common_a christianity_n before_o a_o novel_a and_o monstrous_a figment_n hatch_v in_o the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n and_o barbarism_n foster_v by_o faction_n and_o impose_v by_o tyranny_n we_o find_v no_o command_n so_o plain_a in_o scripture_n that_o we_o must_v believe_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o they_o deliver_v as_o there_o be_v that_o we_o must_v not_o worship_v image_n that_o we_o must_v pray_v with_o understanding_n that_o we_o must_v keep_v to_o our_o saviour_n institution_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o if_o any_o guide_n of_o a_o church_n pretend_v to_o a_o authority_n to_o evacuate_v the_o force_n of_o these_o law_n we_o do_v not_o so_o much_o reject_v their_o authority_n as_o prefer_v god_n above_o they_o do_v that_o man_n destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o parent_n that_o refuse_v to_o obey_v they_o when_o they_o command_v he_o to_o commit_v treason_n that_o be_v our_o case_n in_o this_o matter_n suppose_v such_o guide_n of_o a_o church_n which_o otherwise_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v if_o they_o require_v thing_n contrary_a to_o a_o direct_a command_n of_o god_n must_v we_o prefer_v their_o guidance_n before_o god_n if_o they_o can_v prove_v we_o mistake_v we_o yield_v but_o till_o then_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v submit_v to_o rather_o than_o our_o own_o reason_n but_o whether_o god_n authority_n or_o they_o must_v be_v obey_v and_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o some_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n so_o plain_a that_o no_o church-authority_n determine_v the_o contrary_a aught_o to_o be_v obey_v 8._o no_o absolute_a submission_n can_v be_v due_a to_o those_o guide_n of_o a_o church_n who_o have_v oppose_v and_o contradict_v each_o other_o and_o condemn_v one_o anâ—ther_n for_o error_n and_o hereâ—y_n for_o then_o in_o case_n of_o absolute_a submission_n a_o man_n must_v yield_v his_o assent_n to_o contradiction_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o catholic_n at_o one_o time_n he_o must_v be_v a_o heretic_n at_o another_o i_o hope_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o present_a church_n pretend_v to_o no_o more_o infallibility_n and_o authority_n than_o their_o predecessor_n in_o the_o same_o capacity_n with_o themselves_o have_v have_v and_o we_o say_v they_o have_v contradict_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o before_o they_o in_o the_o matter_n in_o dispute_n between_o we_o yet_o that_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n i_o now_o insist_v upon_o but_o that_o these_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n have_v declare_v each_o other_o to_o be_v fallible_a by_o condemn_v their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n have_v make_v it_o necessary_a for_o man_n to_o believe_v those_o not_o to_o be_v infallible_a unless_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n may_v be_v infallible_o true_a suppose_v a_o man_n live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o arrianism_n when_o almost_o all_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n declare_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o when_o several_a great_a council_n oppose_v and_o contradict_v that_o of_o nice_n when_o pope_n liberius_n do_v subscribe_v the_o sirmian_n confession_n and_o communicate_v with_o the_o arrian_n what_o advice_n will_v n._n o._n give_v such_o a_o one_o if_o he_o must_v not_o exercise_v his_o own_o judgement_n and_o compare_v both_o the_o doctrine_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n must_v he_o follow_v the_o present_a guide_n even_o the_o pope_n himself_o then_o he_o must_v
remain_v unshaken_a but_o say_v n._n o._n the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a in_o some_o great_a and_o important_a point_n because_o s._n peter_n say_v that_o man_n unlearned_a and_o unstable_a though_o it_o may_v be_v diligent_a enough_o wrest_v some_o place_n of_o scripture_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n but_o do_v s._n peter_n say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v that_o sober_a and_o devout_a mind_n can_v learn_v therein_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n this_o have_v be_v indeed_o to_o their_o purpose_n but_o it_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o st._n peter_n he_o only_o say_v that_o in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n there_o be_v some_o difficult_a passage_n which_o man_n that_o want_v judgement_n and_o constancy_n and_o it_o may_v be_v diligence_n too_o be_v ready_a to_o pervert_v to_o their_o own_o mischief_n but_o if_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n be_v there_o nothing_o plain_a and_o easy_a if_o bad_a man_n may_v pervert_v they_o may_v noâ—_n good_a man_n make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o if_o some_o may_v destroy_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o folly_n may_v not_o other_o be_v save_v by_o their_o diligence_n and_o care_n if_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o n._n o._n that_o st._n peter_n charge_v all_o this_o upoâ—_n they_o for_o want_n of_o adhere_v to_o their_o guide_n that_o will_v approach_v near_o his_o business_n but_o if_o st._n peter_n have_v intend_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o n._n o._n insinuate_v what_o fair_a opportunity_n have_v there_o be_v of_o prevent_v this_o instability_n in_o other_o by_o tell_v they_o that_o god_n have_v appoint_v infallible_a guide_n in_o his_o church_n to_o prevent_v such_o abuse_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o so_o long_o as_o they_o adhere_v to_o they_o they_o be_v safe_a but_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o word_n in_o st._n peter_n to_o this_o purpose_n when_o it_o have_v be_v most_o necessary_a to_o have_v give_v such_o advice_n but_o he_o only_o bid_v they_o 18._o have_v a_o care_n of_o imitate_v the_o inconstancy_n of_o such_o wicked_a man_n and_o grow_v in_o the_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ._n if_o on_o so_o fair_a and_o just_a a_o occasion_n offer_v st._n peter_n himself_o who_o they_o believe_v to_o have_v be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n and_o at_o rome_n at_o the_o write_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v whole_o omit_v refer_v man_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o obscure_a place_n to_o infallible_a guide_n what_o can_v we_o else_o infer_v but_o that_o st._n peter_n know_v of_o no_o such_o appointment_n of_o christ_n or_o think_v no_o such_o thing_n of_o necessity_n for_o his_o church_n for_o if_o he_o have_v such_o be_v his_o care_n and_o faithfulness_n he_o will_v never_o have_v omit_v so_o necessary_a a_o thing_n if_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n have_v depend_v upon_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o then_o necessary_a to_o man_n salvation_n to_o have_v a_o infallible_a interpretation_n of_o doubtful_a place_n controversy_n for_o what_o other_o end_n can_v it_o become_v necessary_a be_v it_o that_o without_o this_o the_o church_n peace_n can_v be_v preserve_v because_o controversy_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n no_o issue_n can_v be_v put_v to_o they_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n to_o determine_v which_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o scripture_n itself_o shall_v be_v judge_n because_o the_o controversy_n be_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n so_o that_o either_o there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v to_o determine_v controversy_n or_o there_o must_v be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n to_o deliver_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o doubtful_a place_n this_o be_v the_o force_n of_o all_o that_o i_o know_v can_v be_v say_v in_o this_o matter_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o the_o strength_n of_o this_o argument_n depend_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o determine_v controversy_n in_o religion_n by_o a_o live_a judge_n who_o must_v pronounce_v sentence_n between_o the_o party_n in_o 〈◊〉_d which_o supposition_n how_o plausible_a soever_o it_o seem_v be_v not_o build_v on_o any_o sufficient_a foundation_n of_o scripture_n or_o reason_n for_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a understanding_n the_o power_n of_o interest_n and_o passion_n and_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o word_n be_v as_o apt_a to_o beget_v dispute_n in_o religion_n as_o in_o any_o other_o thing_n so_o that_o we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d caâ—se_n at_o all_o to_o wonder_v that_o there_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v controversy_n among_o man_n about_o there_o 〈◊〉_d when_o we_o see_v they_o daily_o happen_v about_o the_o law_n of_o every_o country_n the_o only_a question_n now_o be_v whether_o as_o the_o necessity_n of_o people_n have_v make_v it_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v law_n but_o judge_n who_o shall_v be_v as_o the_o most_o equal_a arbitrator_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o such_o difference_n as_o may_v happen_v among_o man_n about_o matter_n of_o right_n and_o law_n it_o be_v thus_o in_o religion_n too_o and_o this_o question_n be_v plain_o about_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n i.e._n whether_o christ_n have_v appoint_v such_o judge_n in_o all_o age_n who_o be_v to_o determine_v all_o emergent_a controversy_n about_o the_o difficult_a place_n of_o his_o law_n and_o in_o this_o case_n we_o think_v it_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o who_o affirm_v shall_v prove_v especial_o when_o they_o affirm_v a_o matter_n of_o their_o own_o right_n and_o challenge_v a_o submission_n from_o other_o on_o the_o account_n of_o it_o we_o desire_v they_o who_o challenge_v to_o be_v our_o infallible_a guide_n that_o they_o will_v show_v their_o commission_n and_o produce_v their_o patent_n for_o as_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o yield_v obedience_n if_o they_o crave_v it_o so_o we_o think_v it_o treason_n and_o tyranny_n in_o they_o to_o usurp_v it_o if_o they_o have_v it_o not_o and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o talk_v of_o the_o benefit_n that_o will_v come_v to_o the_o world_n by_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n unless_o they_o first_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v one_o but_o we_o must_v not_o allow_v man_n to_o prove_v thing_n to_o be_v mere_o because_o they_o think_v it_o fit_v they_o shall_v be_v for_o that_o be_v to_o make_v themselves_o wise_a than_o christ_n and_o rather_o to_o tell_v he_o what_o he_o shall_v have_v do_v than_o prove_v what_o he_o have_v do_v what_o if_o christ_n have_v provide_v for_o the_o necessary_n of_o salvation_n by_o a_o clear_a revelation_n shall_v leave_v other_o thing_n in_o the_o dark_a to_o exercise_v the_o wit_n of_o some_o and_o the_o charity_n of_o other_o what_o if_o he_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o oblige_v man_n to_o the_o great_a honesty_n and_o integrity_n in_o know_v and_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o have_v promise_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o error_n and_o fail_n man_n be_v subject_a to_o bare_o as_o man_n what_o if_o he_o foresee_v this_o matter_n of_o end_v controversy_n will_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o raise_v one_o of_o the_o great_a in_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o become_v a_o pretence_n of_o the_o most_o intolerable_a tyranny_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o what_o if_o he_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o leave_v the_o fail_n of_o man_n understanding_n and_o life_n upon_o the_o same_o term_n so_o as_o to_o give_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o prevent_v either_o but_o not_o effectual_o to_o hinder_v man_n from_o fall_v into_o either_o of_o they_o what_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n will_v not_o bear_v such_o a_o determination_n of_o controversy_n as_o civil_a matter_n will_v because_o civil_a matter_n concern_v the_o right_a and_o wrong_n of_o particular_a person_n in_o which_o it_o be_v not_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n so_o much_o as_o the_o civil_a force_n whereby_o it_o be_v back_v which_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o dispute_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o end_a controversy_n can_v be_v no_o effect_n of_o force_n and_o power_n but_o of_o reason_n and_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n and_o all_o the_o pretend_a infallibility_n in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o satisfy_v my_o mind_n unless_o i_o be_v first_o assure_v of_o that_o infallibility_n in_o all_o civil_a cause_n it_o be_v agree_v on_o both_o side_n that_o such_o judge_n be_v appoint_v to_o determine_v case_n of_o law_n and_o on_o the_o supposition_n of_o this_o man_n proceed_v to_o trial_n before_o they_o but_o in_o our_o case_n this_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n in_o dispute_n and_o he_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o judge_n be_v the_o most_o accuse_a party_n and_o what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v that_o only_o on_o the_o pretence_n of_o great_a
very_a next_o chapter_n urge_v this_o as_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o that_o have_v truth_n for_o our_o rule_n and_o so_o plain_a testimony_n of_o god_n man_n ought_v not_o to_o perplex_v themselves_o with_o doubtful_a question_n concern_v god_n but_o grow_v in_o the_o love_n of_o he_o who_o have_v do_v and_o do_v so_o great_a thing_n for_o we_o and_o never_o fall_v off_o from_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v most_o clear_o reveal_v and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v content_a with_o what_o be_v clear_o make_v know_v in_o the_o scripture_n because_o they_o be_v perfect_a as_o come_v from_o the_o wâ—rd_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o we_o need_v 〈◊〉_d â—onder_o if_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o religion_n above_o our_o understanding_n since_o there_o be_v so_o in_o natural_a thing_n which_o be_v daily_o see_v by_o we_o as_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o bird_n water_n air_n meteor_n etc._n etc._n of_o which_o we_o may_v talk_v much_o but_o only_o god_n know_v what_o the_o truth_n be_v therefore_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v much_o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o religion_n too_o wherein_o be_v some_o thing_n we_o may_v understand_v and_o other_o we_o must_v leave_v to_o god_n and_o if_o we_o do_v so_o we_o shall_v keep_v our_o faith_n without_o danger_n and_o all_o scripture_n be_v agreeable_a to_o itself_o the_o dark_a place_n must_v be_v understand_v in_o a_o way_n most_o suitable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o plain_a 3._o the_o sense_n they_o give_v of_o scripture_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n receive_v by_o all_o true_a christian_n from_o the_o beginning_n which_o he_o call_v the_o unmoveable_a rule_n of_o faith_n receive_v in_o baptism_n 1._o and_o which_o the_o church_n disperse_v over_o the_o earth_n do_v equal_o receive_v in_o all_o place_n 2._o with_o a_o wonderful_a consent_n for_o although_o the_o place_n and_o language_n be_v never_o so_o distant_a or_o different_a from_o each_o other_o 3._o yet_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o very_a same_o as_o there_o be_v one_o sun_n which_o enlighten_v the_o whole_a world_n which_o say_v none_o do_v enlarge_v or_o diminish_v and_o after_o have_v show_v the_o great_a absurdity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o this_o faith_n in_o his_o first_o and_o second_o book_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o three_o he_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v full_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n 1._o that_o they_o preach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o the_o church_n receive_v and_o which_o after_o their_o preach_v it_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o heretic_n do_v go_v about_o to_o disparage_v the_o scripture_n because_o they_o be_v condemn_v by_o they_o 2._o therefore_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v they_o sufficient_a authority_n and_o charge_v they_o with_o contradiction_n and_o so_o great_a obscurity_n that_o the_o truth_n can_v not_o be_v find_v in_o they_o without_o the_o help_n of_o tradition_n which_o they_o account_v the_o key_n to_o unlock_v all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o scripture_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o in_o write_n but_o be_v deliver_v down_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n for_o which_o cause_n st._n paul_n say_v we_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o they_o that_o be_v perfect_a which_o wisdom_n they_o pretend_v to_o be_v among_o themselves_o on_o this_o account_n the_o matter_n of_o tradition_n come_v first_o into_o dispute_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o irenaeus_n appeal_v to_o the_o most_o eminent_a church_n and_o especial_o that_o of_o rome_n 3._o because_o of_o the_o great_a resort_n of_o christian_n thither_o whether_o any_o such_o tradition_n be_v ever_o receive_v among_o they_o and_o all_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n receive_v the_o same_o faith_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o know_v of_o no_o such_o tradition_n as_o the_o valentinian_o pretend_v to_o 4._o and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o so_o many_o church_n found_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o christ_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o such_o a_o tradition_n and_o suppose_v no_o scripture_n at_o all_o have_v be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n we_o must_v then_o have_v follow_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a church_n and_o even_o the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n that_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n without_o any_o write_n yet_o full_o agree_v with_o other_o church_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n for_o that_o be_v it_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n viz._n a_o summary_n comprehension_n of_o the_o doctrine_n receive_v among_o christian_n such_o as_o the_o creed_n be_v mention_v by_o irenaeus_n 2._o and_o afterward_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o valentinian_o in_o opposition_n to_o that_o of_o the_o sound_a christian_n praebat_fw-la from_o hence_o irenaeus_n proceed_v to_o confute_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o valentinian_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o three_o praehat_fw-la four_o and_o five_o book_n all_o which_o way_n of_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o doubtful_a place_n we_o allow_v of_o and_o approve_v and_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o appeal_v to_o they_o in_o any_o of_o the_o matter_n controvert_v between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o irenaeus_n know_v nothing_o of_o any_o infallible_a judge_n to_o determine_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o if_o he_o have_v it_o will_v have_v be_v very_o strange_a he_o shall_v have_v go_v so_o much_o the_o far_a way_n about_o when_o he_o may_v so_o easy_o have_v tell_v the_o valentinian_o that_o god_n have_v entrust_v the_o guide_n of_o his_o church_n especial_o at_o rome_n with_o the_o faculty_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n and_o that_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o which_o they_o declare_v and_o no_o other_o but_o man_n must_v be_v pardon_v if_o they_o do_v not_o write_v that_o which_o never_o enter_v into_o their_o head_n after_o irenaeus_n tertullian_n set_v himself_o the_o most_o to_o dispute_v against_o those_o who_o oppose_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o method_n he_o take_v in_o his_o boh_o of_o praescription_n of_o heretic_n be_v this_o 1._o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o certain_a unalterable_a rule_n of_o faith_n 8._o for_o he_o that_o believe_v do_v not_o only_o suppose_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o his_o faith_n but_o bound_n that_o be_v set_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o further_a search_n since_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v this_o he_o speak_v to_o take_v away_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o seeker_n of_o those_o day_n 9_o who_o be_v always_o cry_v seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v to_o which_o he_o reply_n that_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v not_o the_o bare_a word_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o be_v to_o suppose_v this_o that_o there_o be_v one_o certain_a and_o fix_a doctrine_n deliver_v by_o christ_n which_o all_o nation_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v and_o therefore_o to_o seek_v that_o when_o they_o have_v find_v they_o may_v believe_v it_o 10_o therefore_o all_o our_o inquiry_n be_v to_o be_v confine_v within_o that_o compass_n what_o that_o doctrine_n be_v which_o christ_n deliver_v for_o otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o seek_v 2._o he_o show_v what_o this_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v by_o repeat_v the_o article_n of_o the_o ancient_a creed_n which_o he_o say_v be_v universal_o receive_v among_o true_a christian_n and_o dispute_v by_o none_o but_o heretic_n 13._o which_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v embrace_v than_o he_o say_v a_o liberty_n be_v allow_v for_o other_o inquiry_n in_o doubtful_a or_o obscure_a matter_n for_o faith_n lie_v in_o the_o rule_n 14_o but_o other_o thing_n be_v matter_n of_o skill_n and_o curiosity_n and_o it_o be_v faith_n which_o save_v man_n and_o not_o their_o skill_n in_o expound_v scripture_n and_o while_o man_n keep_v themselves_o within_o that_o rule_n they_o be_v safe_a enough_o for_o to_o know_v nothing_o beyond_o it_o be_v to_o know_v all_o 3._o but_o they_o pretend_v scripture_n for_o what_o they_o deliver_v and_o by_o that_o mean_n unsettle_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o to_o this_o he_o answer_v several_a way_n 1._o that_o such_o person_n as_o those_o be_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o a_o dispute_n concern_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n because_o they_o rather_o deserve_v to_o be_v censure_v than_o dispute_v for_o bring_v such_o new_a heresy_n into_o the_o church_n 16._o but_o chief_o because_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o dispute_v with_o they_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n who_o receive_v what_o scripture_n they_o please_v themselves_o and_o add_v and_o take_v away_o as_o they_o
testimony_n of_o scripture_n it_o must_v be_v make_v manifest_a to_o be_v the_o sense_n by_o clear_a evidence_n of_o reason_n 28._o but_o he_o rather_o approve_v the_o way_n of_o prove_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n by_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n where_o the_o interpretation_n be_v doubtful_a so_o that_o the_o way_n in_o doubtful_a place_n which_o he_o prescribe_v be_v this_o either_o to_o draw_v such_o a_o sense_n from_o they_o as_o have_v no_o dispute_n concern_v its_o be_v a_o true_a proposition_n or_o if_o it_o have_v that_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n beside_o these_o he_o lay_v down_o the_o 7._o rule_n of_o ticonius_n the_o donatist_n which_o be_v not_o of_o that_o consequence_n to_o be_v here_o repeat_v that_o which_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v that_o st._n augustin_n think_v the_o rule_n he_o give_v sufficient_a for_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n in_o doubtful_a place_n but_o he_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o mention_n the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o necessary_a mean_n for_o that_o end_n but_o he_o do_v assert_v in_o as_o plain_a term_n as_o i_o have_v do_v that_o scripture_n be_v plain_a in_o all_o necessary_n to_o salvation_n to_o any_o sober_a enquirer_n and_o what_o ever_o consequence_n be_v charge_v upon_o i_o for_o make_v that_o a_o fundamental_a principle_n must_v reflect_v as_o much_o upon_o st._n augustin_n as_o i_o and_o i_o do_v not_o fear_v all_o the_o objection_n can_v be_v make_v against_o a_o principle_n so_o evident_a to_o reason_n and_o so_o agreeable_a not_o only_o to_o st._n augustin_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n both_o before_o and_o after_o he_o the_o next_o after_o st._n augustin_n who_o have_v purposely_o write_v of_o this_o argument_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v vincentius_n lerinensis_n 4._o about_o 4._o year_n after_o st._n augustins_n death_n and_o 3._o after_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n who_o seem_v to_o attribute_v more_o to_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n than_o st._n augustin_n do_v yet_o far_o enough_o short_a of_o infallibility_n he_o say_v that_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n against_o heresy_n by_o two_o thing_n first_o by_o the_o authoriry_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o then_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o tradition_n he_o make_v necessary_a not_o by_o way_n of_o addition_n to_o the_o scripture_n for_o he_o allow_v the_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o that_o for_o all_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o interpret_v scripture_n by_o give_v a_o certain_a sense_n of_o it_o there_o be_v such_o different_a opinion_n among_o man_n about_o it_o for_o all_o the_o heretic_n who_o he_o there_o name_n have_v different_a sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o novatianus_n sabellius_n donatus_n arius_n macedonius_n photinus_n etc._n etc._n but_o then_o he_o bound_v this_o tradition_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o antiquity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o present_a church_n or_o as_o he_o express_v it_o within_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v believe_v every_o where_o always_o and_o by_o all_o person_n that_o we_o may_v therefore_o consider_v how_o far_o these_o rule_n of_o vincentius_n will_v serve_v for_o explain_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o restriction_n he_o lay_v upon_o they_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v take_v together_o and_o not_o one_o of_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n as_o for_o instance_n that_o of_o universality_n in_o any_o one_o age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v take_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o antiquity_n be_v no_o sufficient_a rule_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n by_o for_o vincentius_n do_v suppose_v that_o any_o one_o age_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v so_o overrun_v with_o heresy_n that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o confute_v it_o but_o by_o recourse_n to_o antiquity_n for_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o arian_n heresy_n he_o grant_v that_o almost_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v overspread_v with_o it_o and_o there_o be_v then_o no_o way_n leave_v but_o to_o prefer_v the_o consent_n of_o antiquity_n before_o a_o prevail_a novelty_n in_o some_o case_n the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o present_a church_n be_v to_o be_v rely_v upon_o against_o the_o attempt_n of_o particular_a person_n as_o in_o that_o of_o the_o donatist_n but_o then_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o antiquity_n be_v still_o plead_v on_o the_o same_o side_n that_o universality_n be_v and_o suppose_v that_o all_o the_o ancient_a church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o the_o donatist_n the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o same_o age_n oppose_v they_o will_v have_v be_v no_o more_o cogent_a against_o they_o than_o it_o be_v afterward_o for_o the_o arian_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o in_o a_o thing_n universal_o believe_v by_o all_o christian_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o christian_a church_n shall_v be_v deceive_v but_o it_o be_v quite_o another_o thing_n to_o say_v that_o the_o church_n in_o any_o one_o or_o more_o age_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n may_v be_v deceive_v especial_o if_o the_o church_n be_v confine_v to_o one_o certain_a communion_n exclude_v all_o other_o and_o the_o person_n in_o that_o church_n have_v not_o liberty_n to_o deliver_v their_o opinion_n for_o than_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v what_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v and_o so_o universality_n be_v not_o think_v by_o vincentius_n himself_o to_o be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o determine_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n suppose_v that_o universality_n to_o be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o honesty_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n for_o a_o free_a and_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o age_n in_o which_o a_o man_n live_v but_o since_o the_o great_a division_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n it_o be_v both_o a_o very_a hard_a matter_n to_o know_v the_o consent_n of_o christendom_n in_o most_o of_o the_o controvert_v place_n of_o scripture_n and_o withal_o the_o notion_n of_o universality_n be_v debauch_v and_o corrupt_v and_o make_v only_o to_o signify_v the_o consent_n of_o one_o great_a faction_n which_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o true_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o roman_a 2._o that_o great_a care_n and_o judgement_n must_v be_v use_v in_o the_o apply_v those_o rule_n for_o 1._o the_o consent_n of_o antiquity_n be_v not_o equal_o evident_a in_o all_o matter_n in_o dispute_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v of_o equal_a use_n 1._o there_o be_v some_o thing_n wherein_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o such_o a_o consent_n and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o vincentius_n and_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n call_v it_o i.e._n the_o summary_n comprehension_n of_o a_o christian_n duty_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o so_o often_o call_v the_o symbol_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o i_o mean_v which_o be_v deliver_v to_o person_n who_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v and_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n this_o the_o ancient_a church_n universal_o agree_v in_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o as_o to_o this_o vincentius_n tell_v we_o his_o rule_n be_v especial_o to_o be_v understand_v â—â—_o for_o say_v he_o this_o consent_n of_o antiquity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o in_o all_o question_n that_o may_v arise_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o only_o or_o at_o least_o chief_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o as_o he_o elsewhere_o explain_v himself_o 〈◊〉_d alone_o or_o chief_o in_o those_o question_n which_o concern_v the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o catholic_n doctrine_n which_o be_v those_o contain_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n deliver_v to_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v suppose_v man_n now_o shall_v stretch_v this_o rule_n beyond_o the_o limit_n assign_v it_o by_o vincentius_n what_o security_n can_v there_o be_v from_o he_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o certain_a rule_n who_o confine_v it_o within_o such_o narrow_a bound_n not_o that_o i_o think_v his_o rule_n of_o no_o use_n at_o all_o now_o no_o i_o think_v they_o to_o be_v of_o admirable_a use_n and_o great_a importance_n to_o christianity_n if_o true_o understand_v and_o apply_v i.e._n when_o any_o person_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o impose_v any_o thing_n upon_o other_o as_o a_o necessary_a matter_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o they_o we_o can_v have_v no_o better_a rule_n of_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n than_o those_o of_o vincentius_n be_v viz._n antiquity_n universality_n and_o consent_n and_o whatsoever_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o these_o rule_v aught_o to_o be_v reject_v by_o all_o christian_n to_o make_v this_o plain_a the_o
power_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v so_o look_v on_o by_o all_o but_o the_o pope_n do_v not_o think_v this_o sufficient_a but_o declare_v all_o those_o article_n that_o relate_v to_o liberty_n of_o religion_n church-land_n or_o any_o ecclesiastical_a right_n or_o bring_v any_o the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o they_o or_o may_v be_v think_v or_o pretend_v so_o to_o do_v to_o be_v null_a void_a invalid_a unjust_a damn_a reprobate_a vain_a and_o without_o any_o force_n or_o power_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v remain_v so_o for_o ever_o and_o that_o no_o person_n though_o never_o so_o much_o swear_v to_o observe_v those_o article_n shall_v be_v bind_v by_o such_o oath_n no_o right_a title_n plea_n prescription_n shall_v accrue_v to_o any_o by_o virtue_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o out_o of_o the_o plenitude_n of_o apostolical_a power_n he_o do_v absolute_o damn_v reprobate_a null_a and_o cassate_fw-it all_o those_o article_n and_o protest_v before_o god_n of_o the_o nullity_n of_o 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by_o i_o intend_v which_o contradict_v the_o charge_n of_o idolatry_n unless_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o none_o who_o own_o the_o apostle_n creed_n or_o their_o baptism_n can_v so_o long_o as_o they_o so_o do_v teach_v idolatry_n or_o be_v guilty_a of_o give_v the_o honour_n due_a only_o to_o god_n to_o mere_a creature_n these_o thing_n be_v thus_o explain_v i_o hope_v the_o sophistry_n of_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v make_v so_o evident_a that_o no_o man_n of_o understanding_n that_o resolve_v not_o before_o hand_n what_o to_o believe_v be_v capable_a of_o be_v deceive_v by_o it_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o next_o contradiction_n charge_v upon_o i_o 5._o i_o shall_v for_o the_o diversion_n of_o the_o reader_n consider_v and_o the_o suitableness_n of_o the_o matter_n take_v notice_n of_o his_o appendix_n wherein_o i._o w._n go_v about_o so_o pleasant_o to_o prove_v i_o a_o idolater_n by_o a_o notable_a trick_n which_o it_o seem_v come_v into_o his_o head_n a_o little_a too_o 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insist_v upon_o god_n declare_v the_o unsuitableness_n of_o it_o to_o his_o own_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a nature_n ediâ—_n which_o can_v not_o be_v represent_v to_o man_n but_o in_o a_o way_n which_o must_v be_v a_o infinite_a disparagement_n to_o it_o 22._o to_o who_o will_v you_o liken_v god_n or_o what_o likeness_n will_v you_o compare_v to_o he_o it_o be_v he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o circle_n of_o the_o earth_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o reason_n give_v of_o the_o law_n itself_o be_v 16._o because_o they_o see_v no_o similitude_n of_o god_n from_o hence_o i_o show_v that_o the_o wise_a nation_n and_o person_n among_o the_o heathen_a look_v on_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o image_n as_o unsuitable_a to_o a_o divine_a and_o infinite_a be_v and_o that_o the_o gospel_n still_o more_o discover_v god_n spiritual_a nature_n and_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o spiritual_a worship_n to_o he_o that_o the_o apostle_n urge_v this_o argument_n against_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n 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matter_n of_o faith_n to_o who_o it_o belong_v in_o what_o way_n it_o must_v be_v manage_v whether_o party_n ought_v to_o be_v hear_v in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n what_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o decree_n be_v when_o they_o be_v make_v which_o raise_v as_o many_o division_n as_o be_v before_o they_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o the_o late_a of_o pope_n innocent_n relate_v to_o the_o five_o proposition_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a it_o appear_v set_v aside_o force_n and_o fraud_n which_o be_v excellent_a principle_n of_o christian_a unity_n we_o be_v upon_o as_o fair_a term_n of_o union_n as_o they_o be_v among_o themselves_o i_o do_v not_o therefore_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v no_o advantage_n at_o all_o in_o point_n of_o unity_n but_o that_o all_o the_o advantage_n it_o have_v come_v from_o force_n and_o fraud_n and_o set_v these_o aside_o we_o be_v upon_o as_o good_a term_n of_o union_n as_o they_o and_o we_o do_v not_o envy_v they_o the_o effect_n of_o tyranny_n and_o deceit_n it_o be_v the_o union_n of_o christian_n we_o contend_v for_o and_o not_o of_o slave_n or_o fool_n we_o leave_v the_o turk_n and_o the_o pope_n to_o vie_v with_o each_o other_o in_o this_o kind_n of_o unity_n although_o i_o believe_v the_o turk_n have_v much_o the_o advantage_n in_o it_o and_o i_o free_o yield_v to_o n._n o._n that_o they_o have_v a_o just_a pretence_n to_o unity_n without_o truth_n than_o we_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o what_o he_o plead_v for_o 43._o that_o they_o be_v more_o unite_v in_o opinion_n than_o we_o unite_v in_o opinion_n i_o say_v true_a or_o false_a say_v he_o here_o matter_n not_o we_o speak_v here_o of_o union_n not_o of_o truth_n 44._o this_o and_o