among_o the_o gentile_n and_o they_o shall_v sacrifice_v in_o every_o place_n and_o 11._o chap._n 1._o 11._o a_o pure_a offer_n shall_v be_v offer_v to_o his_o name_n a_o new_a form_n of_o worship_n prescribe_v a_o new_a form_n of_o government_n erect_v new_a sacrament_n institute_v new_a precept_n deliver_v counsel_n superadd_v agreeable_a to_o the_o evangelical_n law_n and_o in_o a_o word_n a_o catholic_n church_n found_v to_o continue_v for_o ever_o this_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v one_o body_n so_o likewise_o it_o be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o mind_n while_o apostolical_a purity_n remain_v unspotted_a the_o professor_n be_v all_o unite_a in_o the_o same_o faith_n worship_n and_o government_n hold_v close_o to_o church-tradition_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n without_o any_o rent_n or_o schism_n till_o among_o 30._o act._n 20._o 29._o 30._o themselves_o arise_v wolf_n in_o sheeps-clothing_n not_o spare_v the_o flock_n teach_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o they_o that_o be_v who_o set_v up_o a_o congregation_n of_o christian_n separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v found_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_v unity_n be_v destroy_v and_o faith_n pervert_v heresy_n shut_v up_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n against_o false_a christian_n as_o infidelity_n do_v against_o unbeliever_n a_o sad_a case_n this_o yet_o not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o see_v the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o opportet_fw-la esse_fw-la haereses_fw-la there_o must_v 19_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 19_o be_v heresy_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o other_o and_o great_a glory_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o the_o true_a church_n have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v more_o or_o less_o vex_v with_o they_o but_o never_o more_o than_o in_o these_o last_o and_o perilous_a day_n which_o since_o luther_n apostasy_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v produce_v such_o a_o innumerable_a brood_n of_o new_a gospel_n and_o sect_n all_o pretend_v to_o believe_v and_o practise_v those_o doctrine_n and_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n or_o at_o least_o the_o pure_a member_n of_o it_o now_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o they_o only_o be_v the_o true_a church_n who_o believe_v and_o observe_v all_o point_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a contrary_a belief_n and_o worship_n shall_v be_v all_o true_a and_o come_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o truth_n christ_n jesus_n those_o who_o a_o more_o serious_a desire_n and_o care_n of_o their_o eternal_a good_a may_v excite_v to_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n in_o so_o important_a a_o business_n shall_v upon_o diligent_a inquisition_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n find_v that_o the_o chief_a extern_a ground_n or_o evidence_n ordain_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v teach_v and_o leave_v by_o he_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o consequent_o also_o for_o discern_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n among_o so_o many_o pretender_n be_v those_o according_a to_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n regulate_v her_o faith_n and_o worship_n namely_o universal_a tradition_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n as_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v make_v manifest_a and_o the_o far_o they_o search_v into_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n that_o be_v sole_a scripture_n interpret_v by_o private_a reason_n or_o spirit_n exclusive_o to_o tradition_n and_o church_n authority_n the_o more_o they_o will_v see_v such_o unsteady_a maxim_n be_v destructive_a to_o faith_n and_o manifest_o lead_v to_o endless_a division_n and_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n this_o conviction_n i_o have_v in_o examine_v the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o roman_a and_o protestant_a religion_n and_o therefore_o be_o not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o the_o change_n i_o make_v and_o to_o my_o understanding_n whosoever_o search_v as_o i_o do_v will_v easy_o receive_v the_o same_o satisfaction_n sect_n ii_o a_o preparatory_a discourse_n to_o church-tradition_n and_o what_o it_o be_v though_o whosoever_o examine_v aright_o the_o motive_n of_o christian_a belief_n can_v rational_o but_o become_v a_o catholic_n that_o be_v find_v evidence_n how_o he_o may_v come_v to_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v the_o world_n yet_o faith_n be_v not_o ground_v on_o reason_n but_o authority_n and_o that_o no_o less_o than_o divine_a which_o exclude_v all_o possibility_n of_o error_n whatever_o it_o be_v that_o bring_v man_n to_o know_v what_o they_o must_v believe_v faith_n have_v for_o its_o formal_a object_n divine_a revelation_n into_o which_o it_o final_o be_v resolve_v so_o that_o we_o believe_v nothing_o as_o of_o faith_n but_o what_o be_v reveal_v and_o because_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o essential_a verity_n who_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v catholic_n then_o believe_v by_o divine_a faith_n truth_n only_o reveal_v by_o almighty_a god_n wherein_o protestant_n agree_v with_o we_o but_o catholic_n believe_v the_o same_o truth_n as_o they_o be_v ascertain_v declare_v and_o handle_v down_o to_o we_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o protestant_n be_v defective_a the_o difference_n therefore_o between_o we_o in_o faith_n arise_v chief_o from_o hence_o in_o that_o we_o use_v not_o the_o same_o extern_a medium_fw-la to_o convey_v unto_o our_o understanding_n the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o truth_n be_v reveal_v and_o what_o not_o for_o can_v we_o once_o agree_v about_o this_o latter_a we_o shall_v soon_o be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o mind_n in_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n especial_o when_o once_o this_o medium_fw-la be_v prove_v to_o be_v infallible_a as_o to_o this_o medium_fw-la therefore_o catholic_n regulate_v their_o faith_n by_o the_o rule_n or_o standard_n of_o tradition_n and_o church-authority_n as_o the_o extern_a proponent_n of_o faith_n a_o proponent_n also_o evidence_v to_o they_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n to_o be_v infallible_a and_o thus_o they_o safe_o rely_v on_o the_o testimony_n of_o tradition_n and_o church_n authority_n in_o declare_v and_o expound_v both_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o all_o other_o christian_a mystery_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n whilst_o on_o the_o contrary_a protestant_n rely_v on_o the_o sole_a express_a text_n of_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o private_a reason_n or_o spirit_n as_o their_o only_a rule_n and_o guide_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n become_v unsteady_a in_o their_o belief_n obnoxious_a to_o dangerous_a error_n and_o divide_v among_o themselves_o into_o endless_a sect_n and_o faction_n but_o because_o a_o more_o clear_a understanding_n of_o this_o matter_n in_o some_o sort_n depend_v on_o a_o right_a notion_n of_o tradition_n we_o shall_v here_o define_v it_o in_o the_o sense_n it_o be_v usual_o understand_v by_o catholic_n divine_v tradition_n then_o be_v the_o delivery_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n descend_v as_o such_o from_o father_n to_o their_o child_n make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o the_o faithful_a this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o tradition_n among_o we_o catholic_n and_o it_o matter_n not_o whether_o it_o be_v call_v divine_a apostolical_a or_o universal_a be_v only_o the_o same_o thing_n express_v by_o divers_a adjunct_n for_o it_o be_v call_v divine_a because_o christ_n our_o lord_n as_o well_o true_a god_n as_o true_a man_n be_v the_o springhead_n of_o it_o it_o be_v call_v apostolical_a because_o the_o apostle_n immediate_o receive_v from_o he_o thing_n so_o deliver_v and_o preach_v they_o to_o all_o nation_n and_o universal_a because_o attest_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o all_o age_n to_o have_v be_v hand_v to_o she_o as_o original_o proceed_v from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o prevent_v all_o mistake_n let_v protestant_n take_v notice_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n send_v not_o her_o child_n only_o to_o search_v for_o what_o be_v divine_a or_o apostolical_a tradition_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o discipline_n out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n or_o other_o library_n of_o book_n fill_v with_o dead_a word_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o various_a interpretation_n by_o critical_a head_n without_o any_o hope_n of_o agreement_n and_o can_v have_v no_o authority_n dependent_a on_o tradition_n though_o upon_o this_o account_n she_o have_v infinite_a advantage_n against_o all_o other_o communion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o justify_v her_o faith_n and_o practice_n in_o any_o unbiased_a judgement_n but_o send_v they_o to_o a_o visible_a live_a oracle_n oral_a tradition_n that_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o present_a church_n attest_v
the_o prodigal_n return_v home_o or_o the_o motive_n of_o the_o conversion_n to_o the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o e._n l._n master_n of_o art_n in_o the_o university_n of_o cambridge_n et_fw-la tu_fw-la conversus_fw-la confirma_fw-la fratres_fw-la tuos_fw-la luc._n 22._o 32._o print_v anno_fw-la domini_fw-la 1684._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o protestant_a reader_n whensoever_o it_o please_v the_o almighty_a goodness_n to_o enlighten_v with_o the_o glorious_a beam_n of_o divine_a truth_n those_o who_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n in_o so_o powerful_a a_o manner_n as_o that_o forsake_v the_o perplex_a labyrinth_n of_o error_n they_o betake_v themselves_o for_o repose_n and_o safety_n into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n it_o be_v satan_n policy_n by_o his_o agent_n to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o the_o motive_n of_o their_o conversion_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o carnal_a lest_o other_o shall_v follow_v their_o example_n herein_o i_o have_v be_v as_o deep_o censure_v as_o other_o to_o who_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v the_o like_a extraordinary_a mercy_n yet_o true_o whatever_o calumny_n have_v hereupon_o be_v cast_v upon_o i_o by_o some_o who_o have_v imbitter_v spirit_n and_o heart_n swell_v with_o rancour_n against_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o much_o as_o concern_v myself_o i_o shall_v for_o many_o reason_n bave_n content_o sit_v down_o in_o silence_n rejoice_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n if_o the_o good_a of_o those_o upon_o who_o my_o conversion_n may_v have_v most_o influence_n have_v not_o in_o charity_n oblige_v i_o to_o refuse_v no_o pain_n that_o may_v afford_v they_o help_v or_o satisfaction_n in_o a_o business_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n and_o concernment_n this_o be_v the_o press_a consideration_n which_o at_o last_o prevail_v with_o i_o to_o give_v these_o motive_n of_o my_o conversion_n a_o public_a be_v and_o common_a air_n to_o breath_n in_o that_o their_o own_o eye_n may_v be_v judge_n what_o just_a cause_n i_o have_v to_o change_v my_o religion_n and_o how_o much_o reason_n there_o be_v for_o they_o to_o follow_v i_o of_o which_o i_o conceive_v great_a hope_n when_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v impossible_a for_o any_o prudential_a man_n who_o serious_o enter_v into_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o christian_a belief_n with_o a_o soul_n whole_o divest_v of_o all_o prejudices_fw-la and_o self-interest_n whatsoever_o earnest_o implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n and_o direction_n i_o say_v it_o seem_v to_o i_o impossible_a for_o any_o prudential_a man_n in_o these_o circumstance_n not_o at_o last_o to_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o catholic_n religion_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o only_a high-road_n to_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n he_o will_v hear_v a_o divine_a voice_n whisper_v 16._o jerim_n 16._o 16._o to_o he_o this_o be_v the_o old_a path_n walk_v in_o it_o and_o thou_o shall_v find_v rest_n unto_o thy_o soul_n thus_o by_o god_n blessing_n i_o seek_v and_o this_o rest_n at_o last_o i_o find_v and_o never_o find_v it_o till_o after_o much_o pain_n and_o study_n after_o many_o prayer_n and_o tear_n after_o many_o fast_n and_o watch_n after_o many_o toss_n and_o turn_n after_o many_o sad_a delay_n and_o expostulation_n after_o many_o conflict_n and_o agony_n in_o spirit_n my_o resolution_n by_o the_o powerful_a working_n of_o grace_n on_o my_o soul_n break_v through_o all_o difficulty_n do_v effectual_o bring_v i_o into_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o which_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v any_o delusion_n when_o my_o most_o serious_a reflection_n pass_v d_o judgement_n on_o it_o see_v this_o happy_a change_n be_v not_o wrought_v in_o i_o by_o any_o humane_a persuasion_n but_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n do_v by_o his_o immediate_a inspiration_n begin_v this_o work_n of_o mercy_n on_o my_o soul_n when_o have_v no_o thought_n at_o all_o of_o become_v a_o roman_n catholic_n and_o find_v much_o bitterness_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o worldly_a vanity_n i_o be_v earnest_o seek_v of_o god_n what_o course_n i_o may_v best_o take_v how_o to_o please_v he_o and_o save_v my_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n but_o to_o prevent_v all_o fear_n of_o enthusiasm_n pretend_a illumination_n and_o false_a light_n wherewith_o many_o poor_a soul_n in_o our_o nation_n be_v so_o miserable_o mislead_v god_n who_o be_v as_o well_o essential_a reason_n as_o goodness_n do_v not_o only_o move_v my_o will_n but_o also_o rational_o convince_v my_o understanding_n that_o all_o communion_n profess_v christ_n beside_o the_o roman_a be_v more_o or_o less_o erroneous_a and_o she_o only_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n according_a to_o the_o constant_a notion_n of_o antiquity_n out_o of_o which_o ordinary_o salvation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v and_o therefore_o i_o must_v fly_v to_o she_o as_o to_o the_o save_a ark_n that_o i_o may_v not_o perish_v in_o the_o deluge_n of_o my_o sin_n so_o then_o this_o change_n in_o i_o be_v not_o a_o passionate_a distortion_n of_o a_o interest_v will_n push_v forward_o the_o blind_a understanding_n to_o fix_v sudden_o and_o adhere_v pertinacious_o to_o more_o than_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n do_v clear_a up_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o undoubted_o mutatio_fw-la dexterae_fw-la excelsi_fw-la the_o work_n of_o god_n wrought_v in_o my_o heart_n by_o convince_a argument_n as_o the_o follow_a motive_n do_v sufficient_o evidence_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v to_o satisfy_v the_o inclination_n of_o sensual_a nature_n when_o i_o be_v to_o forsake_v my_o relation_n my_o friend_n my_o temporal_a revenue_n and_o preferment_n and_o all_o worldly_a contentment_n to_o take_v up_o my_o cross_n and_o follow_v jesus_n by_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o perpetual_a practice_n of_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n and_o happy_a be_v he_o who_o have_v rather_o have_v a_o cross_n with_o christ_n than_o a_o crown_n without_o he_o thus_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n be_v gracious_o please_v by_o a_o efficacious_a call_n to_o bring_v his_o prodigal_a son_n home_o for_o his_o church_n be_v his_o house_n where_o he_o dwell_v among_o his_o saint_n on_o earth_n with_o his_o special_a presence_n to_o govern_v and_o provide_v for_o they_o all_o thing_n conduce_v to_o their_o happiness_n from_o which_o household_n of_o faith_n i_o be_v a_o alien_n while_o i_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n which_o stand_v this_o joint_v from_o catholic_n unity_n by_o a_o schism_n too_o notorious_a to_o be_v justify_v and_o until_o we_o like_o true_a penitent_n return_v unto_o our_o mother_n church_n which_o make_v we_o christian_n we_o like_v prodigal_n feed_v on_o rattle_a husk_n of_o formal_a devotion_n without_o any_o substantial_a nourishment_n to_o our_o soul_n miserable_o misspend_v our_o precious_a time_n on_o which_o inevitable_o depend_v eternity_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v by_o way_n of_o preface_n for_o a_o introduction_n the_o door_n be_v open_a enter_z and_o view_v well_o the_o motive_n and_o the_o eternal_a sun_n of_o righteousness_n who_o be_v the_o true_a light_n of_o the_o world_n open_v thy_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o guide_v thy_o foot_n into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n yet_o before_o the_o lecture_n i_o think_v good_a to_o advise_v whosoever_o shall_v peruse_v these_o paper_n that_o bear_v be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o variety_n of_o argument_n which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o more_o judicious_a controvertist_n but_o a_o true_a narrative_n of_o what_o principal_a motive_n prevail_v with_o i_o to_o forsake_v protestanism_n and_o yield_v myself_o into_o the_o arm_n of_o our_o mother_n church_n and_o yet_o methinks_v they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v the_o able_a head_n if_o they_o have_v but_o heart_n resolve_v to_o yield_v to_o truth_n i_o must_v likewise_o tell_v thou_o good_a reader_n that_o these_o motive_n have_v long_o since_o see_v the_o light_n if_o some_o accidental_a occasion_n have_v not_o retard_v their_o birth_n into_o the_o world_n however_o though_o they_o lose_v their_o choice_a season_n of_o publication_n which_o be_v when_o such_o conversion_n be_v most_o fresh_a in_o memory_n yet_o it_o be_v think_v fit_a by_o person_n as_o well_o judicious_a as_o zealous_a that_o they_o shall_v by_o no_o mean_n live_v any_o long_o in_o obscurity_n but_o be_v set_v upon_o a_o candlestick_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o give_v light_n to_o other_o and_o i_o do_v acquiesae_fw-la in_o their_o judgement_n and_o be_v content_a to_o have_v they_o publish_v for_o the_o common_a good_a read_v they_o impartial_o consider_v they_o serious_o and_o practice_n faithful_o what_o god_n shall_v inspire_v into_o thy_o soul_n and_o remember_v in_o thy_o devotion_n thou_o in_o jesus_n christ_n e._n l._n the_o first_o motive_n contain_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n sect._n
contradict_v the_o justice_n goodness_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n to_o authorise_v any_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o his_o truth_n that_o may_v lie_v and_o deceive_v the_o world_n in_o their_o attestation_n and_o methinks_v it_o concern_v as_o well_v english_a protestant_n as_o we_o to_o maintain_v the_o catholic_n church_n for_o a_o infallible_a witness_n see_v at_o this_o distance_n from_o the_o preach_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n they_o as_o well_o as_o we_o have_v no_o other_o infallible_a assurance_n than_o her_o testimony_n whereby_o to_o know_v either_o which_o be_v the_o undoubtd_a book_n of_o scripture_n or_o what_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o and_o thus_o that_o religion_n which_o protestant_n pretend_v to_o be_v contain_v in_o only_a scripture_n must_v reject_v church_n authority_n necessary_o float_v in_o a_o ocean_n of_o incertainty_n and_o we_o miserable_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o mist_n of_o conjecture_n among_o dead_a letter_n with_o the_o twilight_n of_o natural_a reason_n to_o search_v out_o faith_n and_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n last_o the_o forequote_v text_n be_v so_o express_v for_o the_o church_n to_o have_v a_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o oblige_v all_o man_n under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v and_o submit_v to_o her_o proposal_n as_o to_o faith_n god_n have_v also_o endow_v she_o with_o infallibility_n in_o bring_v to_o our_o knowledge_n reveal_v verity_n see_v otherwise_o such_o a_o power_n in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o correspondent_a obligation_n in_o her_o child_n will_v not_o bear_v a_o equal_a proportion_n and_o therefore_o these_o two_o be_v inseparable_o link_v together_o a_o power_n to_o bind_v to_o believe_v and_o infallibility_n in_o the_o obliger_n christ_n assist_v his_o church_n with_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o guide_v she_o infallible_o into_o all_o truth_n because_o he_o have_v invest_v she_o with_o a_o power_n to_o bind_v to_o believe_v and_o give_v she_o a_o power_n of_o oblige_v to_o believe_v because_o he_o have_v make_v her_o infallible_a in_o such_o proposal_n it_o seem_v most_o conformable_a to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o providence_n that_o such_o a_o extern_a proponant_fw-la of_o faith_n shall_v be_v establish_v as_o may_v afford_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v whither_o it_o be_v true_a or_o no_o which_o be_v propose_v and_o in_o all_o reason_n no_o great_a assurance_n can_v be_v desire_v then_o to_o have_v a_o absolute_a certainty_n that_o that_o authority_n can_v err_v in_o point_n of_o faith_n to_o who_o we_o must_v in_o such_o proposal_n captivate_v our_o will_n and_o understanding_n for_o this_o be_v but_o to_o assent_v upon_o undoubted_a evidence_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o man_n nature_n neither_o be_v it_o rational_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n who_o be_v essential_a reason_n and_o wisdom_n rule_v all_o his_o creature_n according_a to_o the_o several_a disposition_n imprint_v in_o they_o will_v impose_v such_o a_o duty_n on_o discursive_a entity_n upon_o other_o term_n bless_a be_v god_n who_o have_v so_o careful_o provide_v for_o we_o in_o give_v we_o a_o law_n which_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o salvation_n and_o also_o a_o authorize_v guide_v to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o it_o namely_o the_o catholic_n which_o can_v possible_o lead_v we_o into_o error_n as_o have_v be_v former_o show_v thus_o certain_o these_o scripture_n witness_v the_o church_n authority_n be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n now_o let_v we_o see_v what_o further_a light_n can_v be_v add_v to_o they_o from_o the_o write_n and_o universal_a practice_n of_o antiquity_n sect_n viii_o the_o church_n authority_n or_o infallibility_n teach_v and_o assert_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n if_o i_o shall_v produce_v what_o antiquity_n afford_v we_o on_o this_o subject_a i_o shall_v rather_o transcribe_v book_n than_o passage_n so_o copious_a and_o industrious_a have_v the_o father_n be_v on_o all_o occasion_n to_o press_v a_o point_n so_o necessary_a etc._n s._n athana_n coni_fw-la aria_n s._n hier._n s._n aug._n pole_n st._n cyp._n de_fw-fr unit_fw-la ecc._n tert._n etc._n etc._n especial_o in_o their_o polemical_a discourse_n against_o heretic_n to_o vindicate_v their_o dear_a mother_n the_o church_n in_o her_o just_a right_n and_o privilege_n against_o all_o rebellious_a contradictor_n of_o her_o authority_n and_o thither_o i_o refer_v such_o as_o desire_v more_o ample_a satisfaction_n for_o the_o present_a i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o some_o few_o choice_a place_n and_o they_o be_v these_o we_o must_v believe_v say_v irenaeus_n 49._o â—_o l._n count_v hae_fw-la ca._n 49._o those_o priest_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n those_o that_o have_v a_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n who_o together_o with_o the_o episcopal_a power_n according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o the_o father_n have_v receive_v the_o certain_a gift_n of_o truth_n we_o must_v not_o believe_v say_v the_o english_a protestant_a church_n those_o who_o in_o their_o episcopal_a chair_n have_v have_v a_o uninterrupted_n succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n seek_v not_o for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n from_o their_o lip_n for_o they_o be_v fall_v from_o the_o truth_n yea_o general_a council_n can_v err_v and_o have_v err_v in_o 39_o art_n 21._o of_o the_o 39_o their_o definition_n have_v no_o certain_a gist_n of_o truth_n by_o divine_a assistance_n thus_o they_o flat_o contradict_v good_a irenaeus_n and_o ancient_a doctrine_n now_o who_o shall_v we_o believe_v the_o old_a saint_n or_o the_o new_a protestant_n give_v he_o a_o little_a more_o audience_n for_o he_o proceed_v thus_o the_o church_n praed_fw-we cap._n 62._o l._n praed_fw-we shall_v be_v under_o no_o man_n judgement_n for_o to_o the_o church_n all_o thing_n be_v know_v in_o which_o be_v the_o perfect_a faith_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o all_o the_o dispensation_n of_o christ_n and_o firm_a knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o teach_v all_o truth_n but_o say_v he_o what_o he_o will_v protestant_n will_v assume_v a_o power_n to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v she_o of_o no_o less_o gross_a and_o damnable_a error_n than_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n to_o justify_v that_o thing_n they_o call_v the_o reform_a church_n though_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n for_o they_o to_o perceive_v the_o injustice_n of_o such_o proceed_n when_o the_o same_o saint_n go_v on_o and_o tell_v they_o and_o we_o that_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o receive_v the_o truth_n from_o god_n church_n see_v the_o apostle_n have_v most_o full_o deposit_v in_o she_o as_o in_o a_o rich_a store-house_n all_o thing_n belong_v to_o truth_n for_o what_o if_o there_o shall_v arise_v any_o contention_n of_o some_o small_a question_n ought_v we_o not_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o most_o ancient_a church_n and_o from_o they_o receive_v what_o be_v certain_a and_o clear_a concern_v the_o present_a question_n thus_o far_o he_o and_o if_o this_o course_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o small_a question_n doubtless_o much_o more_o in_o matter_n of_o high_a concern_v as_o many_o point_n be_v now_o controvert_v between_o we_o and_o protestant_n in_o such_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o own_o private_a conjecture_n and_o interpretation_n will_v be_v most_o unsafe_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o have_v protestant_n take_v the_o course_n here_o prescribe_v by_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o inquisition_n of_o truth_n when_o they_o first_o raise_v question_n about_o religion_n as_o in_o such_o case_n all_o christian_n ought_v to_o do_v can_v ever_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o the_o protestant_a church_n have_v have_v a_o be_v or_o existence_n for_o it_o be_v as_o visible_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o there_o be_v no_o pre-existent_a form_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n according_a to_o which_o they_o modelize_v their_o religion_n in_o england_n and_o with_o who_o they_o communicate_v when_o they_o divide_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n their_o catholic_n mother_n if_o great_a st._n austin_n be_v not_o little_a in_o esteem_n with_o our_o modern_a heretic_n they_o may_v receive_v full_a satisfaction_n from_o he_o in_o this_o point_n if_o they_o will_v impartial_o peruse_v his_o write_n against_o the_o donatist_n and_o other_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n faith_n and_o unity_n that_o of_o he_o be_v very_o remarkable_a against_o crescontius_n though_o say_v he_o there_o can_v be_v produce_v 33._o lib._n 1._o cap._n 33._o from_o scripture_n any_o example_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n yet_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o scripture_n be_v hold_v of_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n when_o we_o do_v that_o which_o please_v the_o whole_a church_n which_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o scripture_n commend_v that_o because_o the_o holy_a scripture_n can_v deceive_v we_o whosoever_o fear_v to_o be_v deceive_v with_o the_o obscurity_n of_o this_o question_n let_v he_o require_v the_o judgement_n of_o
and_o after_o much_o enquiry_n it_o be_v evident_a to_o i_o they_o can_v not_o afford_v to_o impartial_a judgement_n any_o solid_a and_o real_a satisfaction_n for_o the_o main_a pillar_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v to_o make_v the_o scripture_n the_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n i_o find_v by_o clear_a conviction_n this_o foundation_n to_o be_v without_o solidity_n how_o can_v i_o in_o reason_n or_o conscience_n stand_v firm_a to_o that_o church_n which_o i_o see_v build_v on_o so_o unstable_a a_o bottom_n and_o indeed_o be_v protestant_n able_a to_o perform_v what_o they_o promise_v that_o be_v to_o resolve_v all_o controversy_n of_o faith_n by_o sacred_a scripture_n we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a christian_n the_o best_a of_o man_n that_o we_o be_v worse_o than_o beast_n if_o we_o shall_v refuse_v to_o be_v judge_v thereby_o wherefore_o it_o be_v a_o wrongful_a imputation_n in_o they_o to_o bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n that_o we_o have_v not_o a_o due_a veneration_n of_o those_o sacred_a oracle_n of_o divine_a truth_n when_o our_o reverence_n and_o respect_n to_o they_o be_v in_o reality_n more_o than_o they_o our_o canon_n more_o general_a our_o exposition_n more_o elaborate_a humble_a and_o submissive_a and_o our_o assent_n unchangeable_a to_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n declare_v to_o be_v reveal_v by_o they_o or_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o evident_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n they_o in_o the_o interim_n only_o believe_v by_o a_o spirit_n with_o a_o strange_a presumption_n what_o they_o please_v say_v and_o unsay_n in_o civil_a war_n among_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o against_o we_o who_o they_o call_v the_o common_a enemy_n what_o they_o think_v be_v for_o their_o present_a advantage_n to_o serve_v their_o turn_n on_o all_o occasion_n and_o while_o we_o necessary_o urge_v to_o all_o christian_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o intend_v any_o diminution_n of_o their_o just_a esteem_n that_o if_o they_o can_v produce_v but_o one_o single_a place_n of_o scripture_n evident_o contain_v the_o contrary_a to_o what_o we_o believe_v conclamatum_fw-la est_fw-la the_o controversy_n be_v at_o a_o end_n we_o will_v confess_v we_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o for_o this_o miracle_n for_o it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o when_o ever_o it_o be_v do_v yield_v the_o whole_a cause_n unto_o they_o but_o till_o then_o let_v thâ—m_n cease_v to_o traduce_v we_o as_o non-veneraâ—ers_a of_o sacred_a writ_n because_o we_o will_v not_o receive_v it_o for_o what_o god_n do_v never_o intend_v it_o and_o leave_v it_o to_o his_o church_n and_o against_o the_o evidence_n of_o our_o own_o eye_n and_o long_a experience_n acknowledge_v it_o to_o have_v condition_n fit_a and_o requisite_a for_o the_o plain_a and_o infallible_a instruction_n of_o all_o christian_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o christ_n and_o final_a decision_n of_o all_o controversy_n for_o that_o scripture_n by_o itself_o can_v perform_v those_o necessary_a office_n in_o the_o church_n will_v manifest_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v in_o the_o follow_a section_n but_o first_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o herein_o they_o agree_v with_o other_o heretic_n and_o dissent_n from_o the_o ancient_a church_n as_o well_o as_o from_o we_o in_o this_o main_a fundamental_a of_o their_o religion_n sect_n ii_o heretic_n from_o the_o beginning_n be_v accustom_v to_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n as_o the_o sole_a rule_n of_o i'faith_o whereby_o they_o will_v be_v judge_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o traditionary_a doctrine_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v pure_o of_o divine_a faith_n depend_v necessary_a on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v sound_a doctrine_n but_o that_o all_o supernatural_a verity_n reveal_v to_o the_o church_n be_v so_o write_v in_o the_o receive_a canon_n as_o none_o can_v misunderstand_v they_o be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a position_n yet_o the_o anchora_fw-la sacra_fw-la and_o chief_a refuge_n of_o old_a condemn_a heretic_n as_o well_o as_o of_o our_o modern_a adversary_n who_o groundiug_v their_o novel_a opinion_n upon_o text_n of_o scripture_n as_o interpret_v by_o their_o own_o private_a reason_n do_v at_o last_o make_v they_o heretical_a by_o choose_v pertinacious_o to_o adhere_v to_o they_o against_o the_o sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n a_o sad_a case_n this_o that_o with_o the_o water_n of_o life_n they_o shall_v suck_v in_o eternal_a death_n into_o their_o soul_n but_o alas_o thus_o they_o turn_v remedy_n into_o disease_n and_o blind_a their_o eye_n with_o the_o heavenly_a light_n of_o the_o word_n become_v so_o much_o the_o more_o incorrigible_a because_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o even_o against_o evidence_n if_o see_v they_o will_v see_v that_o they_o have_v divine_a authority_n for_o their_o doctrine_n the_o arian_n in_o the_o controversy_n between_o they_o and_o catholic_n about_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n will_v admit_v nothing_o but_o scripture_n as_o st._n austin_n testify_v bring_v in_o maximus_n a_o arian_n bishop_n thus_o dispute_v with_o he_o if_o you_o produce_v any_o thing_n init._n cont_n max._n l._n 1._o init._n out_o of_o the_o divine_a scripture_n which_o be_v cemmon_n to_o all_o of_o necessity_n we_o must_v give_v ear_n unto_o it_o but_o these_o word_n which_o be_v without_o scripture_n in_o no_o case_n be_v receive_v by_o we_o the_o direct_a language_n of_o protestant_n who_o in_o this_o however_o be_v perfect_a arian_n the_o macedonian_n impugn_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n reject_v the_o gloria_fw-la patri_fw-la &_o filio_fw-la &_o spiritui_fw-la sancto_fw-la whereby_o the_o church_n profess_v her_o belief_n of_o a_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n because_o not_o contain_v in_o holy_a writ_n witness_v st._n basil_n they_o 26._o li._n de_fw-fr sp._n s._n c._n 25_o &_o 26._o the_o macedonian_n cease_v not_o to_o brag_v up_o and_o down_o that_o the_o glorification_n of_o god_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n want_v testimony_n want_v scripture_n thus_o they_o then_o and_o thus_o protestant_n now_o in_o point_n controvert_v between_o they_o and_o we_o but_o hear_v the_o same_o holy_a father_n answer_n very_o against_o sancto_fw-la the_o church_n then_o in_o â—hâ—r_a doxology_n use_v cum_fw-la spiritu_fw-la sancto_fw-la as_o el_n spiritui_fw-la sancto_fw-la that_o they_o say_v the_o preposition_n cum_fw-la spiritu_fw-la sancto_fw-la to_o want_v testimony_n nor_o to_o be_v extant_a in_o scripture_n we_o reply_v thus_o if_o nothing_o else_o be_v receive_v without_o the_o scripture_n neither_o true_o let_v this_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o without_o scripture_n let_v we_o also_o receive_v this_o among_o many_o other_o for_o i_o think_v it_o apostolical_a to_o adhere_v to_o the_o unwritten_a tradition_n you_o see_v we_o need_v not_o new_a word_n to_o condemn_v the_o protestant_n who_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o rational_a satisfaction_n why_o they_o receive_v some_o thing_n not_o in_o scripture_n only_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o church-tradition_n and_o yet_o refuse_v other_o alike_o commend_v to_o they_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n in_o all_o reason_n they_o deserve_v a_o equal_a reception_n and_o so_o they_o must_v become_v catholic_n euryche_n the_o arch-heretick_n deny_v christ_n to_o be_v perfect_a man_n as_o well_o as_o perfect_a god_n and_o for_o his_o defence_n appeal_v to_o scripture_n ergo_fw-la a_o s._n scripture_n 〈…〉_o say_v he_o have_v vet_z learn_v from_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n of_o two_o nature_n to_o who_o it_o be_v reply_v neither_o have_v we_o be_v 1._o conceit_fw-la chalced._n act._n 1._o teach_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o sacred_a writ_n which_o must_v needs_o put_v he_o to_o a_o bashful_a silence_n the_o verity_n of_o christ_n humane_a nature_n be_v as_o full_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n as_o his_o divine_a though_o not_o in_o such_o express_a term_n as_o they_o require_v and_o therefore_o both_o either_o to_o be_v necessary_o receive_v or_o reject_v by_o they_o but_o protestant_n certain_o have_v far_o less_o to_o say_v for_o themselves_o who_o with_o the_o eutychian_o receive_v the_o term_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o find_v in_o scripture_n yet_o deny_v the_o corporal_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o bless_a eucharist_n by_o a_o real_a though_o invisible_a change_n of_o the_o visible_a element_n when_o my_o flesh_n be_v meat_n indeed_o and_o my_o blood_n be_v drink_v 55._o joh._n 6._o 51._o 55._o indeed_o and_o again_o the_o bread_n that_o i_o will_v give_v be_v my_o flesh_n which_o i_o will_v give_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o most_o sacred_a word_n of_o institution_n this_o be_v my_o body_n this_o be_v my_o blood_n be_v plain_a and_o express_v term_n as_o any_o doctrine_n can_v be_v deliver_v unto_o our_o capacity_n the_o pelagian_o to_o