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
because_o it_o be_v not_o mention_v out_o of_o what_o they_o be_v make_v hermogenes_n prove_v they_o be_v make_v out_o of_o matter_n because_o it_o be_v not_o say_v they_o be_v make_v of_o nothing_o to_o determine_v therefore_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o place_n tertullian_n show_v from_o reason_n the_o repugnancy_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n 21._o he_o compare_v several_a place_n of_o scripture_n together_o 22._o he_o reason_n from_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o expression_n and_o the_o idiom_n of_o scripture_n i_o adore_v say_v he_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o show_v i_o both_o the_o maker_n and_o the_o thing_n make_v but_o the_o gospel_n likewise_o discover_v by_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v but_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v out_o of_o matter_n let_v the_o shop_n of_o hermogenes_n show_v where_o it_o be_v write_v and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o write_v let_v he_o fear_v the_o woe_n denounce_v to_o those_o who_o add_v or_o take_v from_o what_o be_v write_v he_o examine_v the_o several_a place_n in_o dispute_n and_o by_o prove_v that_o sense_n which_o hermogenes_n put_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n as_o he_o show_v to_o the_o end_n of_o that_o book_n he_o conclude_v his_o sense_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a against_o praxeas_n he_o dispute_v whether_o god_n the_o father_n take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o 20._o and_o the_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o tertullian_n well_o observe_v that_o they_o insist_v upon_o two_o or_o three_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o will_v make_v all_o the_o rest_n though_o far_o more_o to_o yield_v to_o they_o whereas_o the_o few_o place_n ought_v to_o be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o great_a number_n but_o this_o say_v he_o be_v the_o property_n of_o all_o heretic_n because_o they_o can_v find_v but_o few_o place_n for_o they_o they_o defend_v the_o small_a number_n against_o the_o great_a which_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n wherein_o the_o first_o and_o the_o most_o aught_o to_o oversway_v the_o latter_a and_o the_o few_o and_o therefore_o he_o set_v himself_o throughout_o that_o book_n to_o produce_v the_o far_o great_a number_n of_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o do_v assert_v the_o distinction_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v the_o father_n who_o suffer_v for_o we_o hitherto_o we_o find_v nothing_o say_v of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n to_o give_v the_o certain_a sense_n of_o scripture_n when_o the_o fair_a occasion_n be_v offer_v by_o those_o who_o dispute_v the_o most_o concern_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o age_n wherein_o they_o live_v viz._n by_o irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o clemens_n of_o alexandria_n who_o in_o his_o learned_a collection_n â—_o propose_v that_o objection_n against_o christianity_n that_o there_o be_v many_o heresy_n among_o christian_n and_o therefore_o man_n can_v believe_v nothing_o to_o which_o he_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v heresy_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o philosopher_n and_o that_o objection_n be_v not_o think_v sufficient_a against_o judaism_n or_o philosophy_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v against_o christianity_n beside_o the_o come_n of_o heresy_n be_v foretell_v and_o what_o ever_o be_v foretell_v must_v come_v to_o pass_v the_o physician_n say_v he_o differ_v in_o their_o opinion_n yet_o man_n do_v not_o neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v sick_a heresy_n shall_v only_o make_v man_n more_o careful_a what_o they_o choose_v man_n ought_v thereby_o to_o endeavour_v the_o more_o to_o find_v out_o truth_n from_o falsehood_n as_o if_o two_o sort_n of_o fruit_n be_v offer_v to_o a_o man_n real_a and_o waxen_a will_v a_o man_n abstain_v from_o both_o because_o one_o be_v counterfeit_v or_o rather_o find_v out_o the_o true_a from_o the_o apparent_a when_o several_a way_n offer_v themselves_o for_o a_o man_n to_o go_v in_o he_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o sit_v down_o and_o not_o stir_v a_o step_n further_o but_o he_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a way_n and_o then_o walk_v in_o it_o so_o that_o they_o be_v just_o condemn_v who_o do_v not_o discern_v the_o true_a from_o the_o false_a for_o they_o who_o will_v say_v he_o may_v find_v out_o the_o truth_n for_o either_o there_o be_v demonstration_n or_o not_o all_o grant_v demonstration_n or_o evidence_n who_o do_v not_o destroy_v our_o sense_n if_o there_o be_v demonstration_n there_o must_v be_v search_n and_o enquiry_n make_v and_o by_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v demonstrative_o learn_v how_o heresy_n fall_v of_o and_o that_o the_o exact_a knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o ancient_a church_n now_o the_o true_a searcher_n will_v not_o leave_v till_o they_o find_v evidence_n from_o the_o scripture_n to_o this_o end_n he_o commend_v the_o exercise_n of_o man_n reason_n and_o understanding_n impartiality_n or_o lay_v aside_o opinion_n a_o right_a disposition_n of_o soul_n for_o when_o man_n be_v give_v over_o to_o their_o lust_n they_o endeavour_v to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o they_o but_o he_o establish_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o only_a principle_n of_o certainty_n to_o christian_n and_o more_o credible_a than_o any_o demonstration_n which_o who_o so_o have_v taste_v be_v call_v faithful_a but_o those_o who_o be_v verse_v in_o they_o be_v the_o true_o know_v man_n the_o great_a objection_n now_o be_v that_o heretic_n make_v use_v of_o scripture_n too_o i_o but_o they_o say_v he_o reject_v what_o they_o please_v and_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o body_n and_o contexture_n of_o prophecy_n but_o take_v ambiguous_a expression_n and_o apply_v they_o to_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o a_o few_o scatter_a phrase_n without_o regard_v the_o sense_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o for_o in_o the_o scripture_n produce_v by_o they_o you_o may_v find_v they_o either_o make_v use_n of_o mere_a name_n and_o change_v the_o signification_n of_o they_o never_o attend_v to_o the_o scope_n and_o intention_n of_o they_o but_o truth_n say_v he_o do_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o change_n of_o the_o signification_n of_o word_n for_o by_o that_o mean_v all_o truth_n may_v be_v overthrow_v but_o in_o consider_v what_o be_v proper_a and_o perfect_o agreeable_a to_o our_o lord_n and_o almighty_a god_n and_o in_o confirm_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v demonstrate_v by_o the_o scripture_n out_o of_o the_o same_o scripture_n wherein_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n lay_v down_o such_o rule_n as_o he_o think_v necessary_a to_o find_v out_o the_o certain_a sense_n of_o scripture_n viz._n by_o consider_v the_o scope_n and_o coherence_n of_o the_o word_n the_o proper_a sense_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o the_o compare_v of_o scripture_n with_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n draw_v from_o it_o with_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o god_n all_o which_o be_v excellent_a rule_n without_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o any_o infallible_a interpreter_n to_o give_v the_o certain_a sense_n of_o doubtful_a place_n after_o this_o time_n a_o great_a dispute_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n about_o the_o rebaptise_v heretic_n manage_v by_o the_o eastern_a and_o african_a bishop_n against_o stephen_n bishop_n of_o rome_n here_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o epistle_n of_o cyprian_a and_o firmilian_a 74._o both_o party_n plead_v scripture_n and_o tradition_n for_o themselves_o 75._o but_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o infallibility_n in_o judgement_n be_v plead_v by_o the_o pope_n nor_o any_o thing_n like_o it_o in_o the_o least_o acknowledge_v by_o his_o adversary_n who_o charge_v he_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o his_o infallible_a guideship_n with_o pride_n error_n rashness_n impertinency_n and_o contradict_v himself_o 52._o which_o make_v baronius_n very_o tragical_o exclaim_v and_o although_o he_o make_v use_v of_o this_o as_o a_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o tradition_n because_o the_o opinion_n of_o stephen_n obtain_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n at_o all_o that_o any_o church_n do_v submit_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o stephen_n when_o he_o declare_v himself_o 5._o but_o as_o appear_v by_o dionystus_n of_o alexandria_n epistle_n the_o controversy_n continue_v after_o his_o time_n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o follow_v age_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o neither_o stephens_n opinion_n nor_o his_o adversary_n be_v follow_v for_o stephen_n be_v against_o rebaptise_v any_o heretic_n and_o the_o other_o be_v for_o rebaptise_v all_o because_o one_o
person_n do_v not_o allow_v the_o scripture_n than_o we_o be_v to_o proceed_v by_o the_o best_a mean_n we_o can_v have_v without_o it_o viz._n the_o tradition_n of_o apostolical_a church_n from_o the_o beginning_n if_o they_o do_v allow_v the_o scripture_n than_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v and_o compare_v place_n of_o scripture_n with_o all_o the_o care_n and_o judgement_n that_o may_v be_v if_o after_o all_o this_o the_o dispute_n still_o continue_v then_o if_o it_o be_v against_o the_o ancient_a rule_n of_o faith_n universal_o receive_v that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a prescription_n against_o any_o opinion_n if_o not_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o express_a word_n but_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o then_o if_o ancient_a general_n council_n have_v determine_v it_o which_o have_v great_a opportunity_n of_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n than_o we_o it_o be_v reasonable_a we_o shall_v yield_v to_o they_o but_o if_o there_o have_v be_v none_o such_o than_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o father_n be_v to_o be_v take_v so_o it_o be_v in_o some_o late_a and_o upstart_a heresy_n which_o man_n pretend_v to_o have_v by_o revelation_n or_o some_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n now_o either_o all_o these_o mean_n be_v sufficient_a or_o not_o to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n if_o not_o than_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v whole_o defective_a and_o want_v any_o certain_a way_n of_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n if_o these_o be_v sufficient_a then_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o infallibility_n in_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n to_o give_v we_o a_o certain_a sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v but_o n._n o._n towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o book_n produce_v st._n augustin_n for_o the_o church_n infallibility_n 85._o in_o deliver_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o obscure_a place_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v concern_v he_o must_v be_v examine_v before_o i_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n the_o place_n be_v out_o of_o his_o answer_n to_o cresconius_n concern_v the_o obscure_a point_n of_o rebaptisation_n in_o these_o word_n since_o the_o holy_a scripture_n can_v deceive_v 33._o let_v whosoever_o be_v in_o fear_n of_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o obscurity_n of_o this_o question_n consult_v the_o same_o church_n about_o it_o which_o church_n the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v without_o all_o ambiguity_n demonstrate_v and_o before_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v hold_v by_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n when_o we_o do_v that_o which_o have_v please_v the_o universal_a church_n which_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v commend_v etc._n etc._n all_o which_o be_v false_a and_o say_v to_o no_o purpose_n say_v n._n o._n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o clear_a in_o this_o that_o this_o church_n can_v determine_v nothing_o in_o such_o important_a contest_v contrary_a to_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o what_o she_o decide_v for_o than_o it_o will_v not_o be_v true_a what_o he_o say_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o scripture_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v hold_v by_o we_o and_o he_o who_o be_v in_o fear_n of_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o obscurity_n of_o this_o question_n be_v no_o way_n relieve_v in_o follow_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o churth_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o st._n augustin_n do_v not_o suppose_v that_o man_n can_v attain_v to_o any_o certainty_n of_o the_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o this_o matter_n without_o the_o church_n infallibility_n for_o he_o say_v in_o the_o chapter_n precede_v that_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o follow_v the_o most_o certain_a authority_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n but_o he_o put_v the_o case_n that_o no_o certain_a example_n can_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o scripture_n than_o he_o say_v they_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n when_o they_o do_v that_o which_o please_v the_o universal_a church_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o explain_v st._n augustins_n meaning_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v two_o controversy_n then_o on_o foot_n in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o donatist_n the_o one_o concern_v rebaptisation_n the_o other_o concern_v the_o church_n the_o former_a he_o look_v upon_o as_o more_o intricate_a and_o obscure_a by_o reason_n not_o only_o of_o the_o doubtfulness_n of_o scripture_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o about_o seventy_o bishop_n of_o africa_n who_o have_v determine_v for_o it_o among_o who_o st._n cyprian_n be_v chief_a which_o we_o see_v in_o all_o his_o dispute_n with_o the_o donatisis_n on_o this_o subject_n he_o be_v very_o much_o perplex_v with_o therefore_o st._n augustin_n find_v that_o controversy_n very_o troublesome_a be_v willing_a to_o bring_v it_o to_o that_o issue_n that_o what_o the_o catholic_n church_n after_o so_o much_o discuss_v the_o point_n have_v agree_v upon_o shall_v be_v receive_v as_o the_o truth_n by_o this_o mean_v the_o dispute_n will_v be_v bring_v to_o that_o other_o question_n which_o he_o think_v much_o more_o easy_a viz._n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n the_o catholic_n or_o the_o donatist_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n do_v st._n augustin_n hereby_o intend_v to_o make_v the_o church_n authority_n to_o resolve_v all_o doubt_n concern_v scripture_n but_o he_o think_v it_o much_o easy_a to_o prove_v by_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n than_o whether_o rebaptisation_n be_v lawful_a or_o not_o and_o according_o his_o very_a next_o word_n be_v but_o if_o you_o doubt_v whether_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n commend_v i_o will_v load_v you_o with_o many_o and_o most_o manifest_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n to_o that_o end_n which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o his_o book_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o show_v 19_o that_o those_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o clear_a and_o need_v no_o interpretation_n at_o all_o that_o in_o this_o case_n we_o be_v not_o to_o regard_v what_o donatus_n 10._o or_o parmenianus_n or_o pontius_n have_v say_v for_o neither_o say_v he_o be_v we_o to_o yield_v to_o catholic_n bishop_n themselves_o if_o they_o be_v at_o any_o time_n so_o much_o deceive_v as_o to_o hold_v what_o be_v contrary_a to_o canonical_a scripture_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o suppose_v no_o infallibility_n in_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o term_n he_o assert_n 16._o that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o nothing_o but_o plain_a scripture_n neither_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o optatus_n or_o st._n ambrose_n or_o innumerable_a bishop_n nor_o council_n nor_o miracle_n nor_o vision_n and_o revelation_n whatever_o n._n o._n think_v of_o they_o now_o st._n augustin_n suppose_v there_o be_v much_o less_o ambiguity_n in_o scripture_n in_o the_o controversy_n of_o the_o church_n than_o in_o that_o of_o rebaptisation_n he_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o resolution_n in_o the_o other_o point_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o and_o so_o he_o only_o pursue_v the_o method_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o book_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o make_v use_n of_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o give_v light_n to_o the_o dark_a and_o when_o they_o be_v convince_v by_o scripture_n that_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n he_o do_v not_o question_n but_o they_o will_v follow_v that_o which_o be_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o here_o lie_v the_o main_a difficulty_n on_o what_o account_n the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v in_o order_n to_o the_o resolution_n of_o it_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o these_o thing_n 1._o that_o all_o the_o proof_n which_o st._n augustin_n bring_v for_o the_o church_n do_v relate_v only_o to_o the_o extent_n and_o universality_n of_o it_o and_o not_o to_o any_o infallibility_n that_o be_v promise_v to_o it_o as_o will_v easy_o appear_v to_o any_o one_o that_o will_v read_v his_o discourse_n on_o that_o subject_n against_o the_o donatist_n 2._o that_o he_o assert_v no_o infallibility_n in_o the_o high_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o many_o place_n of_o his_o book_n of_o baptism_n against_o the_o donatist_n he_o make_v to_o be_v a_o plenary_a or_o general_a council_n 2._o who_o authority_n he_o say_v be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o that_o of_o st._n cyprian_n or_o any_o particular_a council_n either_o in_o his_o time_n or_o before_o it_o which_o he_o call_v the_o authority_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n so_o that_o we_o see_v he_o resolve_v all_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n into_o that_o of_o a_o general_n
no_o such_o thing_n 3._o a_o law_n of_o such_o universal_a concernment_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v suppose_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o best_a and_o purestâ—_n age_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v suppose_v agreeable_a thereto_o i._n e._n that_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o difference_n they_o do_v constant_o own_o these_o infallible_a judge_n by_o appeal_n to_o they_o for_o a_o final_a issue_n of_o all_o debate_n and_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o their_o decision_n but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o great_a difference_n have_v happen_v in_o and_o near_a the_o first_o time_n no_o such_o authority_n be_v make_v use_n of_o but_o other_o way_n put_v in_o practice_n to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o they_o if_o when_o it_o be_v pretend_v it_o be_v slight_v and_o reject_v nay_o if_o the_o person_n pretend_v it_o be_v proceed_v against_o and_o condemn_v and_o this_o not_o by_o a_o popular_a faction_n but_o by_o just_a and_o legal_a authority_n we_o may_v thence_o conclude_v that_o such_o judge_n have_v arrogate_a that_o power_n to_o themselves_o which_o be_v not_o give_v they_o by_o the_o supreme_a legislator_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o come_v to_o his_o particular_a argument_n which_o lie_v scatteredâ—up_n and_o down_o but_o to_o give_v they_o the_o great_a strength_n i_o shall_v bring_v they_o near_o together_o and_o they_o be_v draw_v either_o from_o scripture_n or_o tradition_n or_o parity_n of_o reason_n 1._o from_o scripture_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o only_a satisfactory_a argument_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n ought_v only_o to_o be_v draw_v from_o thence_o unless_o we_o will_v suppose_v the_o scripture_n defective_a in_o the_o most_o important_a thing_n for_o this_o be_v plead_v as_o a_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n by_o some_o and_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n by_o other_o so_o much_o great_a the_o necessity_n of_o it_o be_v so_o much_o clear_a ought_v the_o evidence_n of_o it_o to_o be_v in_o scripture_n suppose_v that_o to_o be_v intend_v to_o reveal_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o we_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a necessity_n but_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v by_o our_o adversary_n that_o the_o place_n produce_v by_o they_o for_o a_o constant_a infallibility_n in_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o necessary_o prove_v it_o because_o they_o be_v very_o capable_a of_o be_v understand_v as_o to_o the_o infallibility_n only_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o first_o age_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v it_o then_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o if_o christ_n have_v intend_v such_o a_o infallibility_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o peace_n of_o his_o church_n he_o will_v not_o have_v deliver_v his_o mind_n more_o plain_o and_o clear_o than_o he_o be_v pretend_v to_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n how_o easy_o may_v all_o the_o contention_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v be_v prevent_v if_o christ_n have_v cause_v it_o to_o be_v deliver_v in_o term_n so_o clear_a as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v require_v if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o do_v promise_v my_o infallible_a spirit_n to_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o give_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o all_o controversy_n which_o shall_v arise_v among_o christian_n and_o i_o expect_v a_o obedience_n suitable_o to_o all_o their_o determination_n or_o more_o particular_o i_o appoint_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n in_o all_o age_n for_o my_o successor_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o stand_n and_o infallible_a judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n among_o christian_n this_o dispute_n may_v never_o have_v happen_v among_o we_o for_o we_o assure_v they_o that_o we_o account_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n so_o valuable_a a_o thing_n and_o obedience_n to_o christ_n command_n so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n that_o we_o be_v well_o enough_o incline_v to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o infallibility_n if_o we_o can_v see_v any_o ground_n in_o scripture_n for_o it_o but_o we_o can_v make_v person_n infallible_a by_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v so_o but_o we_o may_v easy_o make_v ourselves_o fool_n as_o other_o have_v do_v by_o believe_v it_o without_o reason_n the_o controversy_n than_o be_v not_o whether_o infallibility_n in_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o desirable_a thing_n or_o not_o for_o so_o we_o say_v impeccability_n be_v too_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n promise_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o guide_n of_o his_o church_n and_o whether_o all_o christian_n on_o that_o account_n be_v bind_v to_o yield_v their_o internal_a assent_n as_o well_o as_o external_a obedience_n to_o all_o their_o decree_n which_o we_o deny_v and_o desire_v to_o see_v it_o clear_o prove_v from_o his_o word_n who_o alone_o can_v grant_v this_o infallibility_n for_o if_o a_o infallible_a judge_n be_v therefore_o necessary_a because_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o sufficient_o clear_a for_o end_v of_o controversy_n and_o that_o god_n have_v actual_o constitute_v such_o a_o judge_n can_v be_v prove_v but_o by_o scripture_n sure_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o expect_v that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v abundant_o and_o beyond_o all_o contradiction_n clear_a in_o this_o point_n to_o make_v amends_o for_o its_o obscurity_n in_o the_o rest_n for_o if_o this_o point_n be_v not_o clear_o prove_v we_o be_v never_o the_o near_a an_o end_n of_o controversy_n because_o the_o business_n stop_v at_o the_o very_a head_n and_o they_o may_v beg_v their_o heart_n out_o before_o we_o shall_v ever_o be_v so_o good_a nature_a as_o to_o grant_v it_o they_o without_o proof_n and_o they_o who_o have_v be_v so_o bold_a shall_v i_o say_v or_o blasphemous_a as_o to_o charge_v our_o lord_n with_o want_n of_o discretion_n in_o case_n he_o have_v not_o provide_v his_o church_n with_o such_o a_o infallible_a judge_n do_v certain_o render_v he_o much_o more_o obnoxious_a to_o this_o imputation_n in_o suppose_v he_o to_o have_v constitute_v such_o a_o judge_n if_o he_o have_v no_o where_o plain_o declare_v that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o and_o let_v they_o if_o they_o can_v produce_v one_o clear_a text_n of_o scripture_n to_o this_o purpose_n which_o by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o father_n be_v so_o interpret_v and_o which_o to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n be_v more_o sufficient_o clear_a for_o the_o end_n this_o controversy_n than_o the_o scripture_n be_v say_v by_o they_o to_o be_v in_o other_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o till_o they_o have_v do_v this_o according_a to_o their_o own_o way_n of_o argue_v we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o deny_v their_o infallibility_n as_o they_o have_v to_o demand_v our_o assent_n to_o it_o upon_o the_o presume_a obscurity_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o scripture_n when_o i_o come_v thus_o prepare_v to_o find_v what_o the_o considerator_n will_v produce_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n 7._o i_o soon_o discern_v how_o little_a mind_n he_o have_v to_o insist_v upon_o any_o proof_n of_o that_o infallibility_n which_o be_v his_o only_a engine_n to_o overthrow_v my_o principle_n for_o after_o the_o most_o diligent_a search_n i_o can_v make_v the_o only_a argument_n from_o scripture_n i_o find_v produce_v be_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o i_o confess_v i_o lest_o look_v for_o it_o but_o however_o this_o be_v think_v so_o considerable_a as_o to_o be_v twice_o produce_v 26._o and_o yet_o be_v so_o unlucky_a that_o if_o i_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o force_n of_o it_o it_o prove_v the_o judge_n in_o westminster_n hall_n to_o be_v infallible_a rather_o than_o the_o pope_n or_o any_o guide_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n lie_v in_o god_n appoint_v judge_n under_o the_o law_n 〈…〉_z according_a to_o who_o sentence_n matter_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v upon_o penalty_n of_o death_n in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n but_o what_o then_o do_v this_o imply_v infallibility_n no_o that_o he_o dare_v not_o stand_v to_o but_o absolute_a obedience_n which_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o yield_v when_o we_o see_v the_o like_a absolute_a command_n for_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n of_o controversy_n of_o religion_n as_o there_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n for_o their_o supreme_a judge_n in_o matter_n of_o law_n but_o of_o this_o place_n i_o have_v already_o speak_v at_o large_a 239._o and_o show_v how_o impertinent_o it_o be_v produce_v for_o infallibility_n in_o the_o book_n he_o often_o refer_v to_o and_o might_n if_o he_o have_v think_v fit_a have_v answer_v what_o be_v there_o say_v before_o he_o have_v urge_v it_o again_o without_o any_o new_a strength_n
baptism_n be_v only_o in_o the_o true_a church_n for_o in_o the_o 19_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a the_o samosatenian_a baptism_n be_v pronounce_v null_n and_o the_o person_n who_o receive_v it_o be_v to_o be_v new_a baptise_a 8._o and_o the_o first_o council_n of_o arles_n decree_n that_o in_o case_n of_o heresy_n man_n be_v to_o receive_v new_a baptism_n but_o not_o otherwise_o the_o second_o council_n of_o arles_n put_v a_o distinction_n between_o heretic_n 17._o decree_a that_o the_o photinian_o and_o samosatenian_o shall_v be_v baptise_a again_o but_o not_o the_o bonofiaci_n noâ—_n the_o arian_n but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v upon_o renounce_v their_o heresy_n without_o baptism_n which_o seem_v the_o hard_a to_o understand_v since_o the_o bonosiaci_n be_v no_o other_o than_o photinian_o the_o most_o probable_a way_n of_o solve_v it_o be_v that_o these_o two_o latter_a sort_n do_v preserve_v the_o form_n of_o baptism_n entire_a but_o the_o photinian_o and_o samosatenian_o alter_v it_o which_o st._n augustin_n say_v 44._o be_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v so_o gennadius_n report_v it_o that_o those_o who_o be_v baptise_a without_o invocation_n of_o the_o b._n trinity_n be_v to_o he_o baptise_a upon_o their_o reception_n into_o the_o church_n not_o rebaptise_v because_o the_o former_a be_v account_v null_n of_o these_o he_o reckon_v not_o only_o the_o paulianist_n and_o photinian_o 52._o but_o the_o bonâ—sâ—â—ci_n too_o and_o many_o other_o â—â—â—â—â—loch_n but_o st._n basil_n determine_v the_o case_n of_o baptism_n not_o from_o the_o form_n but_o from_o the_o faith_n which_o they_o profess_v a_o schismatical_a baptism_n he_o faith_n be_v allow_v but_o not_o heretical_a by_o which_o he_o mean_v such_o as_o deny_v the_o trinity_n and_o therein_o he_o say_v s._n cyprian_n and_o firmilian_a be_v to_o blame_v because_o they_o will_v allow_v no_o baptism_n among_o person_n separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n 8._o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n decree_v that_o the_o novatian_o photinian_o and_o quartodecimans_a be_v to_o be_v receive_v without_o new_a baptism_n but_o not_o the_o montanist_n or_o cataphryges_n but_o binius_fw-la say_v there_o be_v one_o copy_n wherein_o the_o photinian_o be_v leave_v out_o and_o then_o these_o canon_n may_v agree_v with_o the_o rest_n and_o baronius_n assert_n that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o m._n s._n copy_n leave_v out_o photinian_o and_o withal_o he_o prove_v append._n that_o the_o church_n do_v never_o allow_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o photinian_o though_o it_o do_v of_o the_o arian_n by_o which_o we_o see_v that_o the_o church_n afterward_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o which_o stephen_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o apostolical_a tradition_n viz._n that_o no_o heretic_n shall_v be_v rebaptise_v and_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o pope_n be_v far_o from_o be_v think_v a_o infallible_a guide_n or_o interpreter_n of_o scripture_n either_o by_o that_o or_o succeed_a age_n when_o not_o only_o single_a person_n that_o be_v eminent_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o the_o african_a and_o eastern_a bishop_n be_v oppose_v his_o doctrine_n and_o slight_v his_o excommunication_n but_o several_a council_n call_v both_o in_o the_o east_n and_o africa_n and_o the_o most_o eminent_a council_n of_o the_o church_n afterward_o such_o as_o the_o first_o of_o arles_n and_o nice_a decree_v contrary_a to_o what_o he_o declare_v to_o be_v a_o apostolical_a tradition_n in_o the_o same_o age_n we_o meet_v with_o another_o great_a controversy_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la open_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o assert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o scripture_n and_o the_o ancient_a apostolical_a tradition_n for_o this_o paulus_n revive_v the_o heresy_n of_o artemon_n 28._o who_o follower_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o fragment_n of_o a_o ancient_a writer_n against_o they_o in_o eusebius_n suppose_v to_o be_v caius_z plead_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v of_o their_o mind_n and_o that_o their_o doctrine_n continue_v in_o the_o church_n till_o the_o time_n of_o victor_n and_o then_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v corrupt_v which_o say_v that_o writer_n will_v seem_v probable_a if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v not_o first_o contradict_v they_o and_o the_o book_n of_o several_a christian_n before_o victor_n time_n so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o main_a of_o the_o controversy_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v plead_v on_o both_o side_n but_o what_o course_n be_v take_v in_o this_o important_a controversy_n to_o find_v out_o the_o certain_a sense_n of_o scripture_n do_v they_o appeal_v to_o any_o infallible_a guide_n nothing_o like_o it_o but_o in_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n in_o the_o write_n of_o dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n and_o other_o since_o they_o who_o oppose_v the_o samosatenian_a doctrine_n endeavour_v with_o all_o their_o strength_n to_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o assert_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v great_a pity_n the_o dispute_n of_o malchion_n with_o paulus_n be_v now_o lose_v which_o be_v extant_a in_o eusebius_n his_o time_n but_o in_o the_o question_n and_o answer_n between_o paulus_n and_o dionysius_n 30._o which_o valesius_fw-la without_o reason_n suspect_v since_o st._n hierome_n mention_n his_o epistle_n against_o paulus_n the_o dispute_n be_v about_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o both_o plead_v for_o themselves_o paulus_n insist_o on_o those_o place_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o humane_a infirmity_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o say_v prove_v that_o he_o be_v mere_a man_n and_o not_o god_n the_o other_o answer_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o be_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n since_o expression_n imply_v humane_a passion_n be_v attribute_v to_o god_n in_o scripture_n but_o he_o prove_v from_o multitude_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n draw_v from_o they_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v attribute_v to_o christ_n and_o therefore_o the_o other_o place_n which_o seem_v repugnant_a to_o it_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v in_o a_o sense_n agreeable_a thereto_o the_o same_o course_n be_v likewise_o take_v by_o epiphanius_n against_o this_o heresy_n 5._o who_o say_v the_o christian_n way_n of_o answer_v difficulty_n be_v not_o from_o their_o own_o reason_n but_o from_o the_o scope_n and_o consequence_n of_o scripture_n 6._o and_o particular_o add_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v careful_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n because_o god_n foresee_v the_o many_o heresy_n which_o will_v arise_v about_o it_o but_o never_o any_o controversy_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n disturb_v the_o church_n more_o than_o that_o which_o the_o arian_n raise_v and_o if_o ever_o any_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v of_o some_o certain_a and_o infallible_a way_n of_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n the_o catholic_n christian_n of_o that_o age_n have_v i_o shall_v therefore_o give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o way_n the_o best_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o time_n take_v to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o controvert_v place_n of_o all_o the_o writer_n against_o they_o athanasius_n have_v just_o the_o great_a esteem_n and_o petavius_n say_v that_o god_n inspire_v he_o with_o great_a skill_n in_o this_o controversy_n than_o any_o other_o before_o he_o the_o principle_n he_o go_v upon_o in_o all_o his_o dispute_n against_o the_o arian_n be_v this_o that_o our_o true_a faith_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o scripture_n so_o in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o conference_n with_o the_o arian_n and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o jovianus_n and_o elsewhere_o therefore_o in_o the_o entrance_n of_o his_o disputation_n against_o the_o arian_n he_o advise_v all_o that_o will_v secure_v themselves_o from_o the_o imposture_n of_o heretic_n 287._o to_o study_v the_o scripture_n because_o those_o who_o be_v verse_v therein_o stand_v firm_a against_o all_o their_o assault_n but_o they_o who_o look_v only_o at_o the_o word_n without_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v easy_o seduce_v by_o they_o and_o this_o counsel_n he_o give_v after_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a have_v decree_v the_o arian_n doctrine_n to_o be_v heresy_n and_o although_o he_o say_v other_o way_n may_v be_v use_v to_o confute_v it_o yet_o because_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v more_o sufficient_a than_o all_o of_o they_o therefore_o those_o who_o will_v be_v better_o instruct_v in_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v advise_v they_o to_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o divine_a oracle_n but_o do_v not_o the_o arian_n plead_v scripture_n as_o well_o as_o they_o how_o then_o can_v the_o scripture_n end_v this_o controversy_n which_o do_v arise_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n this_o objection_n which_o be_v now_o make_v so_o much_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
ancient_a creed_n we_o allow_v on_o both_o side_n to_o have_v be_v universal_o receive_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o now_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n add_v new_a article_n to_o be_v believe_v we_o desire_v to_o put_v the_o whole_a matter_n upon_o this_o issue_n let_v the_o pope_n supremacy_n the_o roman_a church_n infallibility_n the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n purgatory_n etc._n etc._n be_v prove_v by_o as_o universal_a consent_n of_o antiquity_n as_o the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n be_v and_o then_o let_v they_o charge_v we_o with_o heresy_n if_o we_o reject_v they_o but_o we_o say_v the_o measure_n of_o heresy_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v the_o reject_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n universal_o receive_v among_o christian_n this_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o stand_v to_o and_o say_v no_o other_o can_v be_v make_v upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o 35._o as_o vincentius_n at_o large_a prove_n but_o what_o ever_o thing_n be_v obtrude_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o christian_n which_o want_v that_o universal_a consent_n of_o antiquity_n which_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n have_v we_o be_v bind_v by_o vincentius_n from_o plain_a scripture_n to_o shun_v they_o as_o profane_a novelty_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n these_o rule_v therefore_o be_v not_o bare_o allow_v but_o plead_v for_o by_o we_o in_o the_o test_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o which_o vincentius_n tell_v we_o if_o not_o the_o only_a yet_o the_o chief_a use_n of_o they_o be_v 2._o but_o suppose_v the_o question_n be_v not_o concern_v the_o express_a article_n of_o this_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o concern_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o how_o then_o be_v we_o to_o find_v out_o the_o consent_n of_o antiquity_n for_o they_o may_v all_o agree_v in_o the_o word_n and_o yet_o have_v a_o different_a notion_n of_o the_o thing_n praefat_fw-la as_o petavius_n at_o large_a prove_n that_o there_o be_v a_o ancient_a tradition_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o yet_o he_o confess_v that_o most_o of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v differ_v in_o their_o explication_n of_o it_o from_o that_o which_o be_v only_o allow_v by_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a 2._o and_o he_o grant_v that_o arius_n do_v follow_v the_o opinion_n of_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_n in_o the_o main_a of_o his_o doctrine_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o error_n that_o he_o be_v before_o the_o matter_n be_v thorough_o discuss_v here_o now_o arise_v the_o great_a difficulty_n to_o i_o in_o this_o point_n of_o tradition_n the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o i_o be_o tell_v be_v for_o explain_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o there_o begin_v a_o great_a controversy_n in_o the_o church_n about_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o vincentius_n his_o rule_n will_v help_v we_o here_o 1_o it_o be_v plead_v by_o st._n hierome_n and_o other_o that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n may_v err_v in_o this_o matter_n or_o speak_v unwary_o in_o it_o before_o the_o matter_n come_v to_o be_v thorough_o discuss_v if_o so_o how_o come_v the_o testimony_n of_o erroneous_a or_o unwary_a writer_n to_o be_v the_o certain_a mean_n of_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o in_o most_o of_o the_o controversy_n of_o the_o church_n this_o way_n have_v be_v use_v to_o take_v off_o the_o testimony_n of_o person_n who_o write_v before_o the_o controversy_n begin_v and_o speak_v different_o of_o the_o matter_n in_o debate_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o allegation_n in_o behalf_n of_o those_o person_n but_o to_o my_o understanding_n it_o plain_o show_v the_o incompetency_n of_o tradition_n for_o give_v a_o certain_a sense_n of_o scripture_n when_o that_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o forego_n age_n and_o if_o this_o have_v be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o confute_v arius_n it_o be_v a_o great_a question_n how_o he_o can_v ever_o have_v be_v condemn_v if_o petavius_n or_o st._n hierome_n say_v true_a but_o since_o a_o general_n council_n have_v determine_v the_o contrary_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o these_o writer_n before_o which_o council_n have_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n i_o will_v not_o deny_v that_o they_o have_v better_a opportunity_n of_o know_v what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v when_o so_o many_o write_n be_v extant_a which_o be_v now_o lose_v than_o we_o can_v have_v at_o this_o distance_n and_o therefore_o we_o yield_v all_o submission_n to_o a_o council_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o proceed_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o that_o of_o nice_n do_v who_o do_v not_o mere_o determine_v that_o controversy_n by_o the_o number_n of_o writer_n on_o their_o side_n before_o they_o but_o by_o compare_v the_o opinion_n afterward_o with_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o in_o this_o regard_n we_o acknowledge_v a_o great_a reverence_n due_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o such_o general_a council_n as_o that_o be_v therefore_o next_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o allow_v a_o great_a veneration_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o lawful_a general_n council_n universal_o receive_v which_o vincentius_n himself_o plead_v for_o but_o suppose_v no_o general_a council_n or_o such_o which_o be_v not_o allow_v or_o receive_v for_o such_o we_o be_v yet_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o way_n of_o find_v out_o catholic_n tradition_n which_o may_v interpret_v scripture_n for_o this_o end_n he_o propose_v another_o mean_n which_o be_v the_o gather_v together_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o father_n alone_a 39_o who_o live_v holy_o wise_o and_o constant_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v die_v in_o that_o faith_n or_o else_o for_o it_o but_o still_o with_o this_o reserve_n that_o what_o either_o all_o or_o many_o of_o they_o manifest_o frequent_o and_o constant_o as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o council_n of_o they_o have_v confirm_v by_o their_o receive_n hold_v and_o deliver_v of_o it_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v hold_v for_o undoubted_a certain_a and_o firm_a but_o whatsoever_o any_o one_o though_o holy_a and_o learned_a though_o a_o bishop_n confessor_n or_o martyr_n have_v hold_v against_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n but_o as_o his_o own_o private_a opinion_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v follow_v which_o word_n i_o shall_v not_o examine_v with_o all_o the_o severity_n that_o some_o have_v do_v for_o then_o the_o prove_v these_o condition_n to_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o any_o one_o person_n will_v require_v more_o pain_n and_o be_v less_o capable_a of_o resolution_n than_o the_o matter_n itself_o be_v but_o i_o say_v that_o in_o most_o of_o the_o controversy_n this_o day_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n it_o may_v be_v much_o more_o satisfactory_a to_o examine_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n than_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o witness_n these_o condition_n be_v suppose_v and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o we_o must_v not_o misunderstand_v he_o as_o though_o this_o way_n will_v serve_v to_o confute_v all_o heresy_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o yet_o far_o 2._o this_o course_n can_v only_o hold_v in_o some_o new_a and_o upstart_a heresy_n i.e._n in_o case_n of_o the_o pretence_n of_o some_o new_a revelation_n when_o man_n pretend_v to_o some_o special_a grace_n without_o humane_a industry_n to_o discover_v some_o divine_a truth_n not_o know_v before_o 37._o but_o in_o case_n of_o ancient_a and_o inveterate_a heresy_n 39_o he_o say_v we_o have_v no_o way_n to_o deal_v with_o they_o but_o either_o only_a by_o scripture_n or_o else_o by_o plain_a decree_n of_o general_a council_n for_o when_o heresy_n have_v be_v of_o long_a continuance_n then_o say_v he_o we_o may_v have_v ground_n to_o suspect_v they_o have_v not_o deal_v fair_o with_o the_o testimony_n of_o ancient_a time_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o vincentius_n have_v offer_v towards_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o great_a question_n how_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o certain_a sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o controvert_v place_n wherein_o be_v nothing_o contain_v but_o what_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o stand_v to_o and_o very_o far_o from_o the_o least_o supposition_n of_o any_o infallibility_n in_o the_o present_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n for_o that_o end_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o search_v into_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o this_o important_a controversy_n which_o i_o may_v carry_v yet_o far_o if_o it_o be_v at_o all_o needful_a the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o they_o be_v this_o that_o if_o any_o controversy_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n if_o the_o