the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o answer_n to_o three_o question_n i._o how_o far_o we_o must_v depend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n ii_o whether_o a_o visible_a succession_n from_o christ_n to_o this_o day_n make_v a_o church_n which_o have_v this_o succession_n a_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n and_o whether_o no_o church_n which_o have_v not_o this_o succession_n can_v teach_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n iii_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n can_v make_v out_o such_o a_o visible_a succession_n london_n print_v for_o f._n gardiner_n at_o the_o white-horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n these_o paper_n which_o be_v here_o present_v to_o thou_o be_v write_v for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o private_a person_n and_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o some_o friend_n be_v now_o make_v public_a we_o find_v how_o busy_a the_o romish_a emissary_n be_v to_o corrupt_v our_o people_n and_o think_v ourselves_o equal_o concern_v to_o antidote_n they_o against_o popery_n and_o fanaticism_n two_o extreme_n equal_o dangerous_a to_o the_o government_n of_o church_n and_o state_n in_o these_o kingdom_n both_o in_o their_o principle_n and_o practice_n and_o both_o of_o they_o very_o great_a corruption_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o very_o dangerous_a to_o man_n soul_n some_o of_o our_o clergy_n have_v already_o be_v so_o charitable_a to_o our_o dissenter_n as_o to_o warn_v they_o of_o their_o danger_n and_o by_o the_o strength_n and_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o mistake_n and_o i_o pray_v god_n forgive_v those_o man_n and_o turn_v their_o heart_n who_o will_v not_o contribute_v so_o much_o to_o their_o own_o conviction_n and_o satisfaction_n as_o diligent_o and_o impartial_o to_o read_v and_o consider_v what_o be_v so_o charitable_o offer_v to_o they_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n may_v excuse_v man_n who_o have_v no_o opportunity_n of_o know_v better_a but_o such_o wilful_a and_o resolve_a ignorance_n which_o bar_v up_o man_n mind_n against_o all_o mean_n of_o better_a information_n will_v as_o soon_o damn_v they_o as_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n and_o now_o it_o may_v just_o be_v think_v want_n of_o charity_n to_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n shall_v we_o take_v no_o care_n at_o all_o of_o they_o nay_o want_v of_o charity_n to_o those_o of_o our_o own_o communion_n and_o to_o dissenter_n themselves_o who_o be_v daily_o assault_v by_o the_o busy_a factor_n for_o rome_n for_o the_o dispute_n against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o well_o as_o against_o dissenter_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n too_o learned_a and_o too_o voluminous_a for_o the_o instruction_n of_o ordinary_a people_n and_o therefore_o some_o short_a and_o plain_a discourse_n about_o the_o principal_a matter_n in_o dispute_n between_o we_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n we_o can_v take_v to_o confirm_v man_n in_o their_o religion_n and_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o crafty_a insinuation_n of_o such_o as_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v some_o few_o attempt_n which_o have_v be_v already_o make_v of_o that_o kind_n give_v i_o some_o hope_n that_o several_a other_o tract_n will_v follow_v that_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o god_n shall_v please_v ever_o to_o permit_v such_o a_o thing_n whether_o by_o popery_n or_o fanaticism_n may_v not_o be_v charge_v upon_o our_o neglect_n to_o instruct_v people_n better_o some_o person_n it_o seem_v who_o talon_n lie_v more_o in_o censure_v what_o other_o do_v than_o in_o do_v any_o good_a themselves_o be_v please_v to_o put_v some_o sinister_a construction_n on_o this_o design_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o design_n any_o thing_n so_o well_o but_o man_n of_o ill_a mind_n who_o know_v not_o what_o it_o mean_v to_o do_v good_a for_o good_n sake_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o find_v some_o bad_a name_n for_o it_o some_o guess_n that_o we_o now_o write_v against_o popery_n only_o to_o play_v a_o aftergame_n and_o to_o regain_v the_o favour_n and_o good_a opinion_n of_o dissenter_n which_o we_o have_v lose_v by_o write_v against_o they_o but_o i_o know_v not_o that_o any_o man_n have_v lose_v their_o favour_n by_o it_o nor_o that_o any_o man_n value_v their_o favour_n for_o any_o other_o reason_n than_o to_o have_v the_o great_a advantage_n of_o do_v they_o good_a if_o so_o good_a a_o work_n as_o confute_v the_o error_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v give_v the_o dissenter_n such_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o we_o as_o to_o make_v they_o more_o impartial_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v write_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o know_v no_o reason_n any_o man_n have_v to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_v it_o though_o it_o be_v part_n of_o his_o design_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v or_o not_o be_v more_o than_o i_o know_v i_o dare_v undertake_v for_o those_o person_n i_o be_o acquaint_v with_o that_o they_o neither_o value_v the_o favour_n nor_o fear_v the_o displeasure_n either_o of_o fanatic_n or_o papist_n but_o yet_o hearty_o desire_v to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o both_o but_o there_o be_v a_o more_o mischievous_a suggestion_n than_o this_o that_o the_o design_n of_o such_o paper_n be_v only_o to_o raise_v a_o new_a cry_n and_o noise_n about_o popery_n and_o to_o alarm_n the_o people_n and_o disturb_v the_o government_n with_o new_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n true_o if_o i_o think_v this_o will_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o i_o will_v burn_v my_o paper_n present_o for_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v get_v nothing_o by_o a_o tumultuary_a and_o clamorous_a zeal_n against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o i_o have_v much_o rather_o suffer_v under_o popery_n than_o contribute_v any_o thing_n towards_o raise_v a_o popular_a fury_n to_o keep_v it_o out_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o as_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o popery_n as_o we_o be_v to_o fanaticism_n and_o desire_v that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v know_v it_o but_o we_o will_v never_o rebel_n nor_o countenance_v any_o rebellion_n against_o our_o lawful_a sovereign_n to_o keep_v out_o either_o we_o leave_v such_o principle_n and_o practice_n to_o papist_n and_o fanatic_n but_o when_o we_o find_v our_o people_n assault_v by_o the_o agent_n of_o rome_n and_o do_v not_o think_v ourselves_o secure_a from_o popish_a design_n we_o think_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o give_v they_o the_o best_a instruction_n we_o can_v to_o preserve_v they_o from_o such_o error_n as_o we_o believe_v will_v destroy_v their_o soul_n and_o can_v but_o wonder_n that_o any_o man_n who_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o take_v care_n of_o soul_n as_o we_o be_v shall_v think_v this_o a_o needless_a or_o a_o scandalous_a undertake_n i_o wish_v such_o man_n will_v speak_v out_o and_o tell_v we_o plain_o what_o they_o think_v of_o popery_n themselves_o if_o they_o think_v this_o design_n not_o well_o manage_v by_o those_o who_o undertake_v it_o it_o will_v more_o become_v they_o to_o commend_v the_o design_n and_o do_v it_o better_v themselves_o i_o know_v no_o man_n but_o will_v very_o glad_o be_v excuse_v as_o have_v other_o work_n enough_o to_o employ_v his_o time_n but_o yet_o i_o have_v rather_o spend_v my_o vacant_a minute_n this_o way_n than_o in_o censure_v the_o good_a that_o other_o man_n do_v while_o i_o do_v none_o myself_o the_o word_n of_o the_o paper_n which_o be_v send_v to_o i_o be_v these_o it_o be_v my_o opinion_n that_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o our_o legislator_n have_v leave_v to_o we_o a_o mean_n of_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o church_n now_o i_o judge_v this_o church_n must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n by_o its_o continual_a visible_a succession_n from_o christ_n till_o our_o day_n but_o i_o doubt_v whether_o or_o no_o the_o protestant_a church_n can_v make_v out_o this_o continual_a visible_a succession_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v inform_v answer_n that_o christ_n have_v leave_v a_o mean_n of_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o ready_o grant_v or_o else_o it_o have_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o have_v leave_v we_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o latter_a clause_n be_v very_o ambiguous_a for_o the_o meaning_n may_v either_o be_v that_o we_o may_v understand_v by_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o church_n or_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o must_v understand_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o first_o be_v a_o true_a protestant_a principle_n and_o therefore_o i_o presume_v not_o intend_v by_o this_o objector_n for_o how_o we_o shall_v know_v that_o there_o be_v any_o church_n without_o
the_o information_n we_o receive_v by_o the_o scripture_n i_o can_v divine_v and_o yet_o we_o may_v as_o easy_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n as_o we_o can_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n without_o the_o scripture_n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o mean_n of_o know_v either_o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n or_o what_o this_o church_n be_v or_o what_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n church_n but_o by_o revelation_n and_o we_o have_v no_o other_o revelation_n of_o this_o but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o for_o the_o second_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n very_o true_a in_o some_o sense_n very_o false_a 1._o it_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n true_a and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o sober_a protestant_n as_o 1._o if_o by_o the_o church_n we_o understand_v the_o universal_a church_n of_o all_o age_n as_o we_o receive_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o hand_v down_o by_o they_o to_o our_o time_n so_o whatever_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n have_v be_v universal_o receive_v by_o they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o near_o they_o be_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o more_o likely_a they_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o their_o write_n be_v instruct_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o and_o thus_o we_o have_v a_o certain_a rule_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o all_o dangerous_a error_n in_o expound_v scripture_n for_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v as_o plain_o contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o first_o father_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o unanimous_o assert_v by_o they_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o though_o we_o have_v not_o a_o traditionary_a exposition_n of_o every_o particular_a text_n of_o scripture_n yet_o we_o have_v of_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o must_v never_o expound_v scripture_n so_o as_o to_o contradict_v the_o know_a and_o avow_a sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o this_o course_n the_o church_n of_o england_n take_v she_o receive_v the_o definition_n of_o the_o four_o first_o general_n council_n and_o require_v her_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n to_o expound_v the_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o profess_a doctrine_n of_o those_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o we_o ought_v to_o pay_v great_a deference_n to_o and_o not_o light_o and_o wanton_o oppose_v the_o judgement_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n wherein_o we_o live_v when_o her_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n do_v not_o evident_o and_o notorious_o contradict_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n especial_o of_o the_o first_o and_o best_a age_n of_o it_o for_o it_o do_v not_o become_v private_a man_n to_o oppose_v their_o sentiment_n and_o opinion_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o in_o such_o plain_a case_n as_o every_o honest_a man_n may_v be_v presume_v a_o very_a competent_a judge_n in_o the_o matter_n and_o no_o church_n nor_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n have_v such_o authority_n that_o we_o must_v renounce_v our_o sense_n and_o deny_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n to_o follow_v they_o with_o a_o blind_a and_o implicit_a faith_n and_o thus_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v a_o mean_n for_o the_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o though_o we_o may_v mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o some_o particular_a text_n which_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o even_o infallible_a council_n may_v do_v who_o though_o they_o be_v infallible_a in_o their_o conclusion_n yet_o be_v not_o always_o so_o in_o the_o argument_n or_o medium_n whether_o draw_v from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n whereby_o they_o prove_v they_o yet_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o dangerous_a mistake_n while_o we_o make_v the_o catholic_n doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n our_o rule_n and_o in_o other_o matter_n follow_v the_o judgement_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v which_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o good_a government_n in_o the_o church_n 2._o but_o then_o this_o be_v very_o false_a if_o we_o mean_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o if_o by_o the_o church_n we_o understand_v any_o particular_a church_n as_o i_o suppose_v this_o person_n do_v the_o roman_n catholic_n that_o be_v the_o particular_a universal_a church_n of_o rome_n or_o if_o we_o mean_v the_o church_n of_o the_o present_a age_n or_o by_o mean_n understand_v such_o a_o decretory_a sentence_n as_o must_v determine_v our_o faith_n and_o command_v our_o assent_n that_o we_o must_v seek_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o expound_v scripture_n i_o shall_v discourse_v something_o brief_o of_o each_o of_o these_o 1._o to_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v very_o false_a and_o absurd_a for_o 1._o this_o suppose_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v a_o very_a unintelligible_a book_n which_o be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o which_o it_o be_v indict_v that_o he_o either_o can_v not_o or_o will_v not_o speak_v intelligible_o to_o the_o world_n 2._o this_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o those_o exhortation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o study_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v make_v to_o private_a man_n and_o therefore_o necessary_o suppose_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o other_o write_n be_v by_o consider_v the_o propriety_n of_o the_o word_n and_o language_n wherein_o they_o be_v write_v the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o place_n and_o such_o other_o mean_n as_o honest_a and_o studious_a inquirer_n use_v to_o find_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o any_o other_o book_n 3._o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o unintelligible_a that_o a_o honest_a man_n can_v find_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o without_o the_o infallible_a interpretation_n of_o the_o church_n i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v whether_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v intelligible_o to_o their_o hearer_n if_o they_o do_v not_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v they_o preach_v at_o all_o by_o what_o mean_n be_v man_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n if_o they_o do_v how_o come_v these_o sermon_n to_o be_v so_o unintelligible_a now_o they_o be_v write_v which_o be_v so_o intelligible_a when_o they_o be_v speak_v for_o the_o gospel_n contain_v a_o plain_a history_n of_o what_o christ_n do_v and_o of_o what_o he_o say_v and_o the_o apostle_n write_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n when_o they_o be_v absent_a which_o they_o preach_v to_o they_o when_o they_o be_v present_a and_o we_o reasonable_o suppose_v that_o they_o as_o much_o design_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v understand_v what_o they_o write_v as_o what_o they_o preach_v and_o therefore_o that_o they_o general_o use_v the_o same_o form_n of_o word_n in_o their_o writing_n and_o in_o their_o preach_a and_o this_o make_v it_o a_o great_a riddle_n how_o one_o shall_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o the_o other_o signify_v nothing_o without_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n 4._o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o themselves_o unintelligible_a i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v how_o the_o church_n come_v to_o understand_v they_o if_o by_o any_o humane_a mean_n together_o with_o the_o ordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n than_o they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o then_o why_o may_v not_o every_o christian_a in_o proportion_n to_o his_o skill_n in_o language_n and_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n and_o discourse_n understand_v they_o also_o if_o the_o church_n can_v understand_v the_o scripture_n by_o any_o humane_a mean_n but_o only_o by_o inspiration_n for_o there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la between_o these_o two_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o scripture_n write_v for_o we_o may_v as_o well_o have_v learn_v the_o will_n of_o god_n from_o the_o church_n without_o the_o scripture_n as_o with_o they_o god_n can_v have_v immediate_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o the_o church_n without_o a_o write_a rule_n as_o well_o as_o reveal_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o write_a rule_n which_o it_o seem_v have_v no_o signification_n at_o all_o till_o the_o church_n by_o inspiration_n give_v a_o orthodox_n
there_o be_v in_o the_o premise_n the_o only_a use_n i_o shall_v make_v of_o it_o at_o present_a be_v this_o that_o we_o can_v at_o least_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o papist_n be_v that_o their_o church_n be_v infallible_a for_o they_o can_v be_v no_o more_o infallible_o assure_v of_o this_o than_o we_o be_v of_o our_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n prove_v that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a what_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o same_o argument_n prove_v that_o they_o can_v be_v certain_a that_o their_o church_n be_v infallible_a because_o this_o be_v not_o only_o doubt_v but_o absolute_o deny_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o be_v never_o think_v of_o by_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o it_o so_o that_o this_o argument_n prove_v too_o much_o and_o recoil_v upon_o themselves_o like_o a_o gun_n which_o be_v overcharge_v and_o if_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n they_o will_v grant_v that_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o confident_o deny_v and_o dispute_v by_o other_o then_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n in_o the_o church_n be_v no_o argument_n that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o our_o religion_n but_o only_o teach_v we_o great_a caution_n and_o diligence_n and_o honesty_n in_o our_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n 3._o these_o division_n and_o heresy_n that_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v no_o better_a argument_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n than_o the_o diversity_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v christian_n great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v jew_n or_o pagan_n or_o mahumetanes_n still_o and_o this_o be_v as_o good_a a_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o religion_n as_o the_o different_a party_n and_o profession_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a what_o the_o true_a christian_a church_n nor_o what_o true_a christianity_n be_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o design_v to_o offer_v any_o force_n or_o violence_n to_o man_n faith_n or_o understanding_n no_o more_o than_o to_o their_o wi_n be_v there_o such_o a_o irresistible_a and_o compulsory_a evidence_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o wherever_o it_o be_v preach_v it_o shall_v be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n though_o never_o so_o wicked_a and_o ill_o dispose_v to_o continue_v a_o infidel_n or_o to_o prove_v a_o heretic_n faith_n will_v be_v no_o great_a a_o virtue_n than_o force_a obedience_n and_o compliance_n be_v the_o gospel_n have_v evidence_n enough_o to_o convince_v honest_a mind_n and_o be_v plain_a enough_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o those_o who_o be_v honest_a and_o teachable_a and_o therefore_o have_v its_o effect_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v curable_a which_o be_v all_o that_o it_o be_v design_v for_o those_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v may_v continue_v infidel_n and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o understand_v may_v fall_v into_o error_n and_o believe_v a_o lie_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v evidence_n enough_o to_o convince_v and_o plainness_n enough_o to_o instruct_v well_o dispose_v mind_n and_o certainty_n enough_o in_o each_o to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n the_o sum_n be_v this_o though_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o very_a good_a mean_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o the_o only_a mean_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o very_a intelligible_a book_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n who_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o a_o church_n shall_v have_v the_o use_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o a_o language_n which_o he_o understand_v by_o a_o diligent_a read_n of_o it_o he_o may_v understand_v enough_o to_o be_v save_v 2._o if_o by_o church_n be_v mean_v any_o particular_a church_n as_o suppose_v the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n or_o the_o church_n of_o the_o present_a age_n it_o be_v absolute_o false_a to_o say_v that_o the_o church_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v always_o a_o sure_a and_o safe_a mean_n of_o understand_v the_o scripture_n what_o have_v be_v unversal_o believe_v by_o all_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n or_o at_o least_o by_o all_o church_n of_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v near_a the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o may_v be_v presume_v best_a to_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o great_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v a_o very_a safe_a rule_n for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o those_o primitive_a apostolic_a church_n in_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n before_o they_o be_v corrupt_v by_o worldly_a ambition_n and_o secular_a interest_n be_v a_o very_a safe_a rule_n for_o our_o practice_n also_o and_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n whereby_o our_o church_n be_v reform_v and_o to_o which_o we_o appeal_v there_o be_v but_o three_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o christian_n either_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n or_o the_o external_a order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o administration_n of_o religious_a office_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n all_o those_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man_n they_o be_v so_o plain_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o no_o honest_a man_n can_v mistake_v they_o i_o suppose_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o will_v not_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v any_o need_n of_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n to_o teach_v man_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o love_v god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n those_o which_o be_v fundamental_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o which_o every_o christian_a ought_v to_o believe_v be_v so_o plain_a in_o scripture_n that_o every_o honest_a and_o unprejudiced_a man_n may_v understand_v they_o but_o however_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o we_o govern_v ourselves_o in_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o safe_a rule_n we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o nothing_o and_o what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v we_o learn_v from_o those_o short_a summary_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v universal_o own_v by_o all_o catholic_n church_n for_o what_o we_o now_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n be_v very_o ancient_o receive_v in_o all_o church_n with_o some_o little_a variety_n indeed_o of_o word_n and_o phrase_n but_o without_o any_o difference_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v not_o only_o preserve_v in_o such_o short_a summary_n and_o creed_n which_o be_v as_o liable_a to_o be_v pervert_v by_o heretic_n as_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o but_o be_v more_o large_o explain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o though_o this_o will_v not_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v every_o phrase_n and_o expression_n of_o scripture_n but_o we_o must_v use_v other_o mean_n to_o do_v that_o as_o skill_n in_o the_o original_a language_n a_o knowledge_n of_o ancient_a custom_n and_o ancient_a dispute_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n frequent_o allude_v a_o consideration_n of_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o place_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o catholic_n faith_n receive_v and_o own_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v so_o far_o a_o rule_n as_o it_o direct_v we_o to_o expound_v scripture_n to_o a_o true_a catholic_n sense_n as_o st._n paul_n command_v the_o roman_n that_o those_o who_o prophesy_v shall_v prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n rom._n 12._o 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v that_o in_o the_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o shall_v expound_v they_o to_o a_o christian_a sense_n according_a to_o those_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n for_o expound_v the_o old_a testament_n which_o contain_v the_o type_n and_o figure_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o gospel-state_n and_o thus_o in_o expound_v the_o new_a testament_n now_o it_o be_v commit_v to_o writing_n we_o must_v prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n or_o as_o he_o command_v timothy_n in_o his_o preach_v hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v from_o i_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o it_o seem_v the_o apostle_n have_v give_v he_o a_o form_n of_o
faith_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o therefore_o the_o great_a advocate_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v force_v to_o take_v the_o same_o course_n in_o confute_v heresy_n as_o they_o call_v they_o that_o we_o do_v they_o allege_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n the_o authority_n of_o father_n and_o council_n to_o justify_v their_o innovation_n and_o here_o we_o willing_o join_v issue_n with_o they_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o prove_v that_o scripture_n and_o all_o true_a antiquity_n be_v on_o our_o side_n and_o this_o have_v be_v often_o and_o unanswerable_o prove_v by_o the_o learned_a patron_n of_o the_o reformation_n but_o there_o be_v some_o very_a material_a thing_n to_o be_v observe_v from_o hence_o for_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o either_o they_o think_v this_o a_o good_a way_n to_o prove_v what_o they_o intend_v and_o to_o convince_v gainsayers_a by_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o primitive_a antiquity_n or_o they_o do_v not_o if_o they_o do_v not_o think_v this_o a_o good_a way_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v there_o so_o many_o volume_n of_o controversy_n write_v why_o do_v they_o produce_v scripture_n and_o father_n and_o council_n to_o justify_v the_o usurpation_n of_o their_o church_n and_o those_o new_a addition_n they_o have_v make_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o good_a way_n to_o convince_v a_o heretic_n why_o do_v they_o give_v themselves_o and_o we_o such_o a_o impertinent_a trouble_n if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a way_n than_o we_o be_v in_o a_o good_a way_n already_o we_o take_v that_o very_a way_n for_o our_o satisfaction_n which_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n and_o practice_n be_v a_o very_a proper_a mean_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o heretic_n and_o to_o discover_v the_o truth_n and_o after_o the_o most_o diligent_a inquiry_n we_o can_v make_v we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o truth_n be_v on_o our_o side_n if_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n signify_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o matter_n than_o it_o seem_v heretic_n who_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n may_v understand_v scripture_n without_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o study_v of_o they_o otherwise_o why_o do_v they_o pretend_v to_o expound_v scripture_n to_o we_o and_o to_o convince_v we_o by_o reason_n and_o argument_n what_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o first_o christian_n writer_n be_v considerable_a as_o they_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v by_o their_o appeal_n to_o they_o then_o at_o least_o the_o present_a pope_n or_o church_n be_v not_o the_o sole_a infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o we_o must_v not_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n by_o ancient_a record_n and_o then_o baronius_n his_o annal_n be_v worth_a nothing_o but_o by_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o present_a church_n the_o sum_n be_v this_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o do_v not_o believe_v she_o own_o infallibility_n no_o more_o than_o we_o protestant_n do_v for_o if_o she_o do_v she_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v her_o doctor_n to_o dispute_v with_o heretic_n from_o any_o other_o topick_n but_o her_o own_o authority_n when_o they_o vie_v reason_n and_o argument_n with_o we_o and_o dispute_v from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n they_o appeal_v from_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o present_a church_n to_o every_o man_n private_a reason_n and_o judgement_n as_o much_o as_o any_o protestant_n do_v and_o if_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v be_v establish_v by_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n as_o they_o suppose_v they_o may_v be_v by_o their_o frequent_a attempt_n to_o do_v it_o this_o plain_o overthrow_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n in_o a_o word_n not_o to_o take_v notice_n now_o how_o weak_a and_o groundless_a this_o pretence_n of_o infallibility_n be_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a useless_a doctrine_n for_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o church_n infallibility_n have_v no_o great_a assurance_n of_o their_o faith_n than_o we_o have_v who_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o and_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o church_n infallibility_n can_v never_o be_v confute_v by_o it_o so_o that_o it_o can_v neither_o establish_v any_o man_n faith_n nor_o confute_v any_o heresy_n that_o be_v it_o be_v of_o no_o use_n at_o all_o the_o church_n of_o england_n reverence_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o the_o best_a witness_n of_o the_o apostolical_a faith_n and_o practice_n but_o yet_o resolve_v her_o faith_n at_o last_o into_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n she_o receive_v nothing_o for_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o she_o do_v not_o find_v plain_o enough_o teach_v in_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o her_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n that_o the_o primitive_a church_n own_v the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o she_o do_v and_o she_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o just_a prejudice_n against_o any_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n if_o they_o contradict_v the_o common_a faith_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v fair_o capable_a of_o different_a sense_n she_o choose_v that_o sense_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a with_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o shall_v any_o doctrine_n be_v impose_v upon_o she_o as_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n or_o which_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o it_o as_o the_o new_a trent_n creed_n be_v whatever_o pretence_n there_o be_v for_o the_o antiquity_n of_o such_o doctrine_n she_o utter_o reject_v they_o she_o will_v not_o put_v out_o her_o own_o eye_n to_o follow_v any_o other_o guide_n and_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n she_o need_v not_o reject_v any_o true_o catholic_n doctrine_n in_o this_o way_n we_o still_o retain_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o be_v great_o confirm_v in_o it_o from_o that_o admirable_a consent_n there_o be_v between_o the_o scripture_n as_o expound_v by_o we_o and_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v ancient_o own_v and_o receive_v by_o all_o christian_n have_v thus_o show_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o scripture_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n contain_v in_o this_o paper_n that_o this_o church_n must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n by_o its_o continual_a visible_a succession_n from_o christ_n till_o our_o day_n now_o these_o few_o word_n contain_v a_o great_a many_o and_o very_o great_a mistake_n the_o subject_n of_o the_o inquiry_n be_v how_o we_o may_v find_v out_o such_o a_o church_n who_o word_n we_o may_v safe_o take_v for_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n now_o 1._o the_o author_n of_o this_o paper_n whether_o ignorant_o or_o design_o i_o know_v not_o alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o instead_o of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v a_o unerring_a and_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n which_o will_v be_v very_o well_o worth_a find_n he_o tell_v we_o how_o we_o may_v know_v a_o true_a church_n now_o i_o take_v a_o true_a church_n and_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v very_o different_a thing_n a_o church_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o not_o a_o sound_n orthodox_n and_o catholic_n church_n for_o a_o true_a church_n be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o have_v all_o thing_n necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o the_o be_v and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n this_o a_o church_n may_v have_v and_o superadd_a other_o thing_n which_o be_v destructive_a of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o very_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a mistake_n as_o we_o believe_v and_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v do_v and_o yet_o we_o acknowledge_v she_o a_o true_a church_n because_o she_o retain_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n though_o miserable_o corrupt_v by_o addition_n of_o her_o own_o as_o a_o man_n be_v a_o true_a man_n though_o he_o be_v sick_a of_o a_o mortal_a disease_n now_o if_o a_o true_a church_n may_v corrupt_v the_o christian_a faith_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o rely_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o every_o true_a church_n for_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n 2._o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o by_o a_o true_a church_n he_o mean_v a_o infallible_a church_n who_o authority_n we_o may_v safe_o rely_v on_o in_o expound_v scripture_n this_o church_n he_o say_v be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o a_o continual_a visible_a
sound_a word_n according_a to_o which_o he_o be_v to_o direct_v his_o preach_a whether_o this_o refer_v to_o a_o short_a summary_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o our_o creed_n be_v i_o can_v say_v though_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a it_o may_v but_o it_o be_v plain_a we_o have_v a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n deliver_v to_o we_o by_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o contain_v the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o far_o a_o rule_n to_o we_o in_o expound_v scripture_n as_o never_o to_o contradict_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o for_o that_o be_v to_o contradict_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o when_o one_o great_a article_n of_o this_o faith_n concern_v the_o eternal_a godhead_n of_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v corrupt_v by_o arius_n a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n it_o give_v a_o occasion_n for_o a_o more_o full_a declaration_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n about_o it_o and_o though_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o controversy_n be_v very_o fatal_a to_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o happy_a that_o it_o break_v out_o in_o such_o a_o age_n when_o it_o can_v be_v determine_v with_o great_a certainty_n and_o great_a authority_n than_o it_o can_v have_v be_v in_o any_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n by_o man_n who_o be_v venerable_a for_o their_o age_n for_o their_o wisdom_n for_o their_o piety_n for_o their_o undaunted_a confession_n under_o heathen_a and_o persecute_v emperor_n who_o know_v what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v before_o this_o controversy_n break_v out_o and_o before_o external_n prosperity_n have_v through_o ease_n and_o wantonness_n corrupt_v the_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o christian_n 3._o as_o for_o matter_n of_o external_n order_n discipline_n and_o government_n the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o best_a and_o safe_a comment_n on_o those_o general_a rule_n and_o direction_n we_o have_v lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o but_o the_o apostle_n do_v appoint_v governor_n and_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o they_o what_o these_o be_v the_o christian_n of_o those_o day_n see_v with_o their_o eye_n in_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n in_o those_o epistle_n which_o they_o write_v to_o their_o several_a church_n do_v not_o give_v they_o so_o punctual_a and_o particular_a a_o account_n of_o those_o matter_n which_o they_o so-well_a know_v before_o but_o as_o occasion_v serve_v make_v only_o some_o accidental_a mention_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o in_o such_o general_a term_n as_o be_v well_o enough_o understand_v by_o they_o who_o know_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o age_n but_o it_o may_v be_v can_v mere_o by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o word_n which_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o several_a sense_n be_v so_o certain_o and_o demonstrative_o determine_v to_o any_o one_o sense_n by_o we_o who_o do_v not_o see_v what_o be_v do_v in_o those_o day_n as_o to_o avoid_v all_o possible_a cavil_n of_o contentious_a man_n this_o have_v occasion_v those_o dispute_n concern_v infant_n baptism_n the_o several_a order_n and_o degree_n of_o church_n governor_n the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o like_a those_o who_o live_v in_o those_o day_n and_o see_v what_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o these_o matter_n can_v not_o doubt_v of_o these_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o express_a word_n say_v that_o infant_n shall_v be_v baptize_v with_o their_o parent_n or_o that_o bishop_n be_v a_o superior_a order_n to_o presbyter_n and_o presbyter_n to_o deacon_n or_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o institute_v and_o appoint_v some_o significant_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n for_o the_o more_o decent_a and_o orderly_a administration_n of_o religious_a office_n but_o because_o there_o be_v not_o a_o precise_a and_o punctual_a account_n give_v of_o these_o matter_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o then_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v obvious_a to_o their_o very_a sense_n some_o perverse_a and_o unreasonable_a disputer_n who_o obstinate_o reject_v all_o other_o evidence_n will_v judge_v of_o these_o thing_n just_a as_o they_o please_v themselves_o and_o alter_v their_o opinion_n and_o fancy_n as_o often_o as_o they_o please_v but_o now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o certain_a way_n to_o know_v what_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o these_o case_n this_o be_v the_o best_a comment_n we_o can_v possible_o have_v on_o such_o text_n as_o be_v not_o sufficient_o plain_a and_o express_v without_o it_o now_o methinks_v any_o reasonable_a man_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o succeed_a age_n especial_o while_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v fresh_a and_o the_o church_n govern_v by_o apostolical_a man_n when_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suspect_v any_o deviation_n from_o the_o primitive_a practice_n and_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n own_v in_o such_o matter_n and_o by_o which_o she_o reject_v and_o confute_v both_o the_o innovation_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o wild_a pretence_n of_o fanaticism_n so_o that_o we_o do_v in_o the_o most_o proper_a sense_n own_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o expound_v scripture_n we_o do_v not_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o expound_v scripture_n by_o a_o private_a spirit_n as_o our_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n reproach_n we_o we_o adhere_v to_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n on_o one_o side_n and_o the_o fanatic_n on_o the_o other_o have_v forsake_v and_o though_o we_o reject_v the_o new_a invention_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n yet_o we_o be_v no_o friend_n at_o all_o to_o scepticism_n but_o can_v give_v a_o more_o rational_a account_n of_o our_o faith_n than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v have_v we_o no_o other_o way_n of_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o by_o propriety_n of_o the_o language_n and_o the_o grammatical_a construction_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o text_n their_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n on_o what_o go_v before_o and_o what_o follow_v and_o such_o like_a mean_n as_o we_o use_v for_o the_o understanding_n any_o other_o book_n of_o humane_a composition_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o honest_a and_o diligent_a inquirer_n may_v discover_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n in_o all_o the_o great_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o yet_o this_o alone_a be_v a_o more_o uncertain_a way_n and_o liable_a to_o the_o abuse_n of_o heretic_n and_o impostor_n the_o socinian_o be_v a_o famous_a example_n what_o wit_n and_o criticism_n will_v do_v to_o pervert_v the_o plain_a text_n and_o some_o other_o sectary_n be_v as_o plain_v a_o demonstration_n what_o work_n dullness_n and_o stupidity_n and_o enthusiasm_n will_v make_v with_o scripture_n but_o when_o we_o have_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o a_o ancient_a and_o venerable_a summary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o have_v be_v the_o common_a faith_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n to_o be_v our_o rule_n in_o expound_v scripture_n though_o we_o may_v after_o all_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o some_o particular_a text_n yet_o we_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o great_a and_o dangerous_a mistake_n this_o use_n the_o church_n of_o england_n make_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o expound_v scripture_n that_o she_o religious_o maintain_v the_o ancient_a catholic_n faith_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o man_n to_o expound_v scripture_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o ancient_a faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o though_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n of_o understand_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n yet_o we_o can_v affirm_v this_o of_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o of_o the_o church_n of_o any_o particular_a age_n except_v the_o apostolic_a age_n or_o those_o age_n which_o immediate_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n notwithstanding_o this_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v be_v no_o good_a expositor_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o she_o usurp_v the_o name_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o presume_v herself_o to_o be_v the_o head_n and_o fountain_n of_o catholic_n unity_n yet_o she_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o church_n of_o