sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o though_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n be_v make_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o council_n yet_o if_o he_o will_v not_o determine_v it_o what_o be_v we_o the_o better_a if_o one_o pope_n approve_v cardinal_n bellarmin_n exposition_n of_o the_o council_n and_o another_o m._n de_fw-la meaux_n though_o direct_o opposite_a to_o each_o other_o as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n how_o shall_v we_o ever_o come_v to_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n what_o the_o council_n have_v determine_v have_v not_o a_o protestant_n who_o study_v the_o scripture_n and_o use_v the_o best_a reason_n and_o judgement_n he_o have_v to_o understand_v it_o as_o much_o certainty_n and_o infallibility_n as_o this_o come_v to_o and_o yet_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o have_v time_n or_o learning_n to_o read_v the_o council_n which_o be_v a_o little_a more_o difficult_a than_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n and_o all_o these_o man_n must_v trust_v entire_o to_o the_o honesty_n of_o their_o priest_n who_o if_o he_o be_v honest_a may_v be_v very_o ignorant_a and_o yet_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o the_o people_n infallibility_n be_v into_o the_o honesty_n and_o skill_n of_o their_o priest_n for_o how_o infallible_a soever_o the_o pope_n or_o council_n be_v they_o know_v no_o more_o of_o the_o matter_n than_o what_o their_o priest_n tell_v they_o which_o be_v such_o a_o infallibility_n as_o the_o mean_a protestant_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o envy_v this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v how_o vain_a all_o this_o talk_n of_o infallibility_n be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o protestant_n own_o themselves_o to_o be_v fallible_a creature_n yet_o they_o be_v too_o wise_a to_o change_v their_o moral_a certainty_n for_o the_o popish_a infallibility_n have_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o good_a evidence_n for_o their_o faith_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o may_v admit_v of_o a_o dispute_n whether_o they_o shall_v reject_v both_o or_o cast_v lot_n which_o to_o choose_v but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o they_o and_o while_o we_o feel_v ourselves_o certain_a let_v who_o will_v boast_v they_o be_v infallible_a a_o answer_n to_o some_o other_o argument_n contain_v in_o the_o paper_n have_v thus_o large_o consider_v the_o main_a support_n of_o the_o roman_a cause_n at_o this_o day_n viz._n the_o pretence_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n the_o remain_a argument_n will_v be_v more_o brief_o answer_v which_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o in_o order_n as_o i_o find_v they_o the_o paper_n i_o do_v know_v suppose_v the_o roman_a error_n not_o damnable_a how_o the_o reformer_n can_v justify_v themselves_o and_o if_o they_o be_v so_o i_o can_v make_v it_o agree_v with_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n never_o prevail_v etc._n etc._n except_o there_o be_v some_o other_o church_n in_o which_o purity_n of_o faith_n be_v preserve_v which_o if_o there_o be_v i_o wonder_v for_o unity_n sake_n so_o much_o command_v in_o scripture_n we_o do_v not_o join_v with_o that_o pure_a church_n answer_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o short_a paragraph_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o whether_o the_o error_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v damnable_a 2._o if_o they_o be_v not_o damnable_a what_o authority_n have_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o reform_v they_o 3._o if_o they_o be_v damnable_a how_o do_v christ_n keep_v his_o promise_n to_o his_o church_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o 4._o concern_v the_o purity_n of_o faith_n in_o other_o church_n and_o our_o union_n with_o they_o 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v guilty_a of_o damnable_a error_n if_o by_o damnable_a error_n be_v mean_v such_o error_n as_o put_v man_n into_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n this_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v for_o this_o will_v out_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o in_o uncharitableness_n to_o assert_v that_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o roman_a communion_n and_o every_o member_n of_o they_o as_o such_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n but_o if_o by_o damnable_a error_n be_v mean_v such_o error_n as_o be_v very_o dangerous_a to_o man_n soul_n and_o will_v great_o hazard_v their_o salvation_n or_o such_o error_n as_o involve_v a_o sin_n in_o they_o as_o be_v a_o direct_a breach_n of_o some_o divine_a law_n and_o so_o be_v damnable_a as_o every_o sin_n be_v damnable_a in_o this_o sense_n we_o do_v say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v guilty_a of_o damnable_a error_n for_o to_o name_v no_o other_o at_o present_a we_o do_v affirm_v and_o prove_v too_o that_o the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o image_n be_v express_a violation_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o commandment_n and_o therefore_o be_v great_a sin_n against_o god_n now_o if_o you_o inquire_v what_o the_o difference_n be_v between_o be_v 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believe_v in_o christ_n and_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o by_o baptism_n though_o they_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o damn_v sin_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n because_o they_o have_v a_o right_n to_o pardon_n upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o by_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o though_o they_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o damn_v error_n yet_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n that_o be_v they_o be_v not_o exclude_v from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o therefore_o the_o member_n of_o that_o communion_n who_o live_v virtuous_a life_n and_o hearty_o repent_v of_o all_o their_o know_a and_o unknown_a sin_n may_v find_v mercy_n with_o god_n thus_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o of_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o foundation_n that_o be_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o if_o they_o build_v hay_n and_o 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themselves_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v loss_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n where_o to_o suffer_v loss_n be_v oppose_v to_o receive_v a_o reward_n if_o a_o man_n work_n abide_v he_o shall_v receive_v a_o reward_n if_o a_o man_n work_n be_v burn_v he_o shall_v suffer_v loss_n which_o plain_o signify_v that_o such_o erroenous_a christian_n shall_v not_o receive_v such_o a_o reward_n as_o be_v prepare_v for_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n believer_n and_o that_o phrase_n to_o be_v save_v but_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n at_o least_o signify_v that_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n such_o man_n shall_v very_o difficult_o escape_v burn_v with_o their_o work_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v final_o save_v by_o their_o faith_n in_o christ._n but_o whatever_o
have_v set_v up_o a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a communion_n but_o that_o they_o unchurch_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o therefore_o rebaptise_v those_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o the_o catholic_n communion_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v infidel_n before_o so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n must_v necessary_o be_v schismatical_a because_o she_o unchurche_n all_o other_o church_n but_o herself_o and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o degree_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o with_o christian_a church_n whereas_o we_o own_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a though_o a_o very_a corrupt_a church_n and_o therefore_o maintain_v some_o degree_n of_o communion_n with_o she_o five_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o any_o particular_a church_n do_v teach_v any_o erroneous_a doctrine_n we_o must_v not_o maintain_v communion_n with_o she_o in_o her_o error_n for_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v false_a but_o then_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o error_n for_o a_o church_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o some_o speculative_a error_n which_o may_v do_v no_o great_a hurt_n to_o common_a christianity_n and_o then_o we_o may_v very_o safe_o communicate_v with_o that_o church_n if_o they_o do_v not_o impose_v on_o we_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o error_n which_o few_o church_n do_v but_o upon_o their_o own_o immediate_a member_n except_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o lutheran_n doctrine_n of_o consubstantiation_n be_v as_o false_a and_o groundless_a though_o not_o altogether_o as_o absurd_a as_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n but_o yet_o i_o will_v make_v no_o scruple_n of_o communicate_v with_o a_o lutheran_n church_n where_o i_o may_v do_v it_o without_o profess_v my_o belief_n of_o consubstantiation_n and_o upon_o these_o principle_n the_o lutheran_n and_o calvinist_n church_n may_v communicate_v together_o keep_v their_o private_a opinion_n to_o themselves_o without_o impose_v they_o upon_o each_o other_o but_o if_o any_o church_n which_o profess_v some_o speculative_a error_n will_v not_o admit_v we_o to_o communion_n without_o profess_v the_o same_o error_n we_o must_v own_v they_o for_o true_a church_n still_o and_o profess_v our_o readiness_n to_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n if_o we_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o do_v it_o without_o own_v their_o error_n and_o this_o make_v we_o in_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o actual_o communicate_v be_v none_o of_o our_o fault_n but_o the_o fault_n of_o those_o who_o deny_v it_o if_o the_o error_n be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o mere_o speculative_a but_o corrupt_v their_o worship_n than_o indeed_o we_o must_v not_o only_o disclaim_v their_o error_n but_o we_o must_v not_o join_v in_o those_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v corrupt_v by_o they_o as_o the_o popish_a mass_n be_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n if_o their_o worship_n be_v partly_o pure_a and_o partly_o corrupt_a then_o notwithstanding_o their_o corruption_n we_o must_v be_v ready_a to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o corrupt_v if_o their_o worship_n be_v general_o corrupt_a as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o their_o latin_a service_n and_o mass_n and_o ave-maries_n and_o frequent_a address_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n in_o those_o very_a litany_n wherein_o they_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o christ_n we_o must_v whole_o abstain_v but_o admonish_v and_o pray_v for_o they_o as_o brethren_n and_o exercise_v all_o other_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n if_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o any_o by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v several_a degree_n of_o communion_n between_o distinct_a particular_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o present_o follow_v that_o because_o church_n divide_v communion_n in_o act_n of_o worship_n they_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o same_o body_n the_o true_a catholic_n faith_n whatever_o error_n and_o corruption_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o make_v they_o so_o far_o catholic_n church_n and_o while_o we_o own_v they_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n to_o which_o we_o ourselves_o belong_v though_o we_o do_v not_o communicate_v in_o their_o error_n and_o corruption_n we_o be_v still_o in_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o upon_o these_o principle_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o division_n of_o christian_n there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n still_o to_o which_o all_o church_n belong_v who_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n unless_o any_o exclude_v themselves_o from_o this_o catholic_n unity_n by_o whole_o exclude_v other_o second_o the_o next_o inquiry_n in_o the_o paper_n be_v how_o the_o church_n can_v be_v call_v holy_a if_o for_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n as_o our_o church_n teach_v in_o the_o homily_n against_o idolatry_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o argument_n i_o shall_v not_o transcribe_v the_o word_n now_o suppose_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o have_v for_o some_o century_n be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o image_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n yet_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o holy_a church_n just_a as_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n by_o retain_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o the_o many_o error_n they_o have_v add_v make_v they_o a_o very_a corrupt_a church_n and_o thus_o by_o profess_v the_o holy_a faith_n and_o own_v the_o great_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o holiness_n they_o be_v a_o holy_a church_n though_o their_o holiness_n may_v be_v far_o from_o be_v perfect_a entire_a and_o uncorrupt_a as_o well_o as_o their_o faith_n when_o holiness_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o can_v signify_v internal_a holiness_n and_o sanctification_n for_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n be_v intermix_v in_o the_o church_n and_o if_o the_o church_n must_v be_v holy_a in_o this_o sense_n all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o must_v be_v impeccable_a as_o well_o as_o infallible_a but_o holiness_n signify_v either_o their_o state_n or_o their_o profession_n that_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o so_o his_o holy_a and_o peculiar_a people_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o the_o moysaicall_a covenant_n who_o be_v therefore_o upon_o this_o account_n often_o call_v a_o holy_a nation_n even_o when_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n in_o worship_v the_o golden_a calf_n and_o have_v few_o visible_a mark_n of_o holiness_n in_o their_o life_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o christian_a church_n which_o now_o succeed_v into_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n be_v call_v saint_n the_o elect_a and_o choose_a people_n of_o god_n to_o signify_v that_o now_o god_n own_v none_o for_o his_o people_n but_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o christian_a covenant_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n no_o church_n can_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o holy_a church_n without_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o then_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v holy_a by_o profession_n too_o and_o that_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a manner_n than_o the_o jewish_a church_n because_o she_o profess_v a_o more_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o whatever_o church_n teach_v the_o holy_a command_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o require_v and_o profess_v obedience_n to_o they_o be_v so_o far_o a_o holy_a church_n by_o profession_n though_o she_o may_v teach_v other_o thing_n which_o she_o may_v think_v holy_a but_o indeed_o be_v not_o so_o if_o holiness_n signify_v a_o external_n and_o visible_a relation_n to_o god_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o a_o holy_a religion_n than_o that_o society_n which_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n so_o as_o to_o continue_v a_o covenant_n relation_n to_o christ_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n a_o holy_a church_n whatever_o corruption_n she_o be_v guilty_a of_o either_o in_o faith_n or_o practice_n which_o do_v not_o un-church_n she_o three_o as_o for_o what_o remain_v in_o the_o paper_n it_o have_v be_v answer_v already_o upon_o other_o occasion_n schism_n we_o confess_v be_v a_o damn_v sin_n and_o thank_v god_n that_o we_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o it_o we_o cast_v off_o the_o roman_a yoke_n which_o christ_n never_o lay_v upon_o we_o and_o to_o deliver_v ourselves_o from_o the_o unjust_a usurpation_n of_o foreign_a church_n be_v no_o schism_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v rebellion_n to_o oppose_v the_o invasion_n of_o a_o foreign_a prince_n we_o reform_v our_o own_o communion_n and_o that_o be_v no_o schism_n for_o we_o have_v full_a authority_n to_o do_v it_o and_o our_o reformation_n be_v such_o that_o they_o may_v communicate_v with_o we_o though_o we_o
council_n convene_v about_o the_o arian_n controversy_n after_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o nicene_n father_n if_o that_o have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o far_a dispute_n and_o appeal_v which_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o the_o christian_n do_v not_o then_o think_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o council_n be_v so_o sacred_a that_o no_o man_n must_v question_v it_o when_o succeed_a council_n examine_v and_o many_o time_n reverse_v the_o decree_n of_o former_a council_n nay_o that_o council_n which_o be_v not_o general_a shall_v make_v bold_a with_o the_o decree_n of_o general_a council_n which_o be_v but_o a_o degree_n remove_v from_o every_o man_n private_a reason_n but_o the_o council_n anathematise_v all_o those_o that_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o decree_n and_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o they_o deny_v all_o christian_n a_o liberty_n of_o examine_v after_o they_o may_v they_o not_o declare_v such_o doctrine_n to_o be_v damnable_a heresy_n and_o reject_v such_o man_n out_o 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and_o orthodox_n the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o require_v obedience_n and_o conformity_n to_o her_o decree_n and_o constitution_n and_o those_o who_o refuse_v it_o must_v answer_v it_o both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n if_o her_o faith_n be_v corrupt_a she_o abuse_v her_o power_n in_o impose_v it_o on_o christian_n and_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v what_o be_v false_a because_o the_o church_n define_v it_o to_o be_v true_a if_o you_o ask_v who_o judgement_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o every_o private_a christian_n i_o answer_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o necessity_n must_v take_v place_n as_o to_o external_n government_n to_o determine_v what_o shall_v be_v profess_v and_o practise_v in_o her_o communion_n and_o no_o private_a christian_n have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v in_o these_o matter_n but_o when_o the_o question_n be_v what_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n true_a or_o false_a in_o what_o we_o may_v obey_v and_o in_o what_o not_o here_o every_o private_a christian_a who_o will_v not_o believe_v without_o understanding_n nor_o follow_v his_o guide_n blindfold_a must_v judge_v for_o himself_o and_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o his_o soul_n be_v worth_a to_o judge_v right_a for_o if_o he_o reject_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n without_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n he_o be_v a_o heretic_n and_o a_o schismatic_a liable_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o next_o if_o he_o reject_v a_o erroneous_a and_o corrupt_a communion_n he_o incur_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o most_o christian_a kingdom_n be_v attend_v with_o some_o temporal_a inconvenience_n and_o if_o he_o embrace_v it_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n for_o if_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a they_o shall_v both_o fall_v into_o the_o dith_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a limit_n of_o all_o human_a authority_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n below_o this_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n and_o above_o it_o it_o be_v not_o human_a authority_n for_o a_o blind_a obedience_n can_v be_v due_a to_o none_o but_o god_n and_o he_o himself_o seldom_o exact_v it_o if_o we_o will_v grant_v governor_n and_o subject_n to_o be_v man_n who_o have_v the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o state_n the_o case_n of_o authority_n and_o subjection_n otherwise_o than_o thus_o that_o the_o faith_n and_o judgement_n of_o governor_n influence_n and_o direct_v their_o government_n and_o give_v law_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o subject_n and_o the_o private_a judgement_n of_o subject_n direct_v they_o how_o far_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v their_o governor_n and_o god_n himself_o
judge_n between_o they_o and_o by_o his_o providence_n prevent_v or_o overrule_v all_o those_o disorder_n which_o may_v happen_v either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n in_o this_o world_n and_o reward_n or_o punish_v both_o governor_n and_o subject_n according_a to_o their_o desert_n in_o the_o next_o and_o this_o supresede_v all_o far_a dispute_n about_o some_o hard_a case_n or_o the_o sincerity_n or_o insincerity_n of_o governor_n or_o subject_n for_o every_o man_n must_v of_o necessity_n judge_v for_o himself_o and_o god_n will_v govern_v and_o judge_v we_o all_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o government_n of_o ourselves_o the_o paper_n but_o i_o know'tis_o urge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v guide_v by_o antiquity_n for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n but_o every_o one_o know_v that_o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n in_o that_o too_o even_o for_o scholar_n at_o least_o i_o 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expound_v to_o different_a sense_n either_o to_o justify_v some_o new_a or_o ancient_a heresy_n or_o the_o catholic_n faith_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o uniform_a belief_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o be_v the_o best_a judge_n what_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v by_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v and_o though_o there_o be_v indeed_o very_o ancient_a heresy_n yet_o nothing_o be_v plain_a in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n than_o the_o distinction_n between_o those_o ancient_a heresy_n and_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o therefore_o scholar_n can_v easy_o mistake_v they_o and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v unlearned_a that_o short_a and_o ancient_a summary_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n contain_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o expound_v by_o the_o nicene_n father_n in_o their_o creed_n which_o be_v in_o every_o body_n hand_n and_o part_n of_o our_o daily_a or_o weekly_a service_n be_v 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that_o a_o honest_a man_n who_o meet_v with_o a_o skilful_a guide_n may_v satisfy_v himself_o about_o it_o and_o see_v with_o his_o own_o eye_n now_o what_o great_a assurance_n can_v we_o have_v in_o this_o case_n than_o the_o harmony_n and_o consent_n of_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n which_o confirm_v and_o justify_v each_o other_o the_o apostle_n no_o doubt_n preach_v and_o write_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o be_v a_o uncorrupt_a tradition_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o that_o be_v a_o true_a exposition_n of_o scripture_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o ancient_a formulary_n of_o faith_n deliver_v down_o to_o we_o by_o a_o unquestionable_a tradition_n from_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o negative_a article_n about_o which_o be_v our_o only_a controversy_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n since_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n have_v teach_v we_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o reject_v all_o such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v not_o plain_o and_o express_o teach_v in_o scripture_n and_o this_o the_o mean_a christian_n with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o guide_n may_v understand_v for_o as_o in_o reason_n it_o must_v be_v when_o man_n will_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o the_o scripture_n proof_n which_o be_v urge_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a doctor_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n for_o their_o peculiar_a doctrine_n which_o we_o reject_v be_v so_o apparent_o unconcluding_a that_o it_o require_v very_o little_a skill_n to_o confute_v they_o and_o though_o this_o be_v reason_n enough_o of_o itself_o to_o reject_v any_o doctrine_n which_o arrogate_v the_o authority_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o teach_v it_o yet_o in_o most_o case_n we_o can_v show_v and_o that_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o mean_a understanding_n which_o be_v honest_a and_o unprejudiced_a that_o such_o doctrine_n be_v either_o in_o express_a word_n or_o by_o plain_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n reject_v and_o condemn_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o not_o to_o be_v teach_v there_o because_o it_o be_v certain_a no_o church_n can_v have_v authority_n to_o teach_v what_o the_o scripture_n condemn_v and_o then_o as_o for_o authority_n we_o appeal_v to_o the_o best_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o three_o first_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o most_o credible_a witness_n which_o be_v all_o the_o authority_n they_o can_v have_v of_o the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o can_v plain_o prove_v from_o those_o venerable_a record_n that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o dispute_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v either_o never_o teach_v or_o actual_o condemn_v by_o those_o primitive_a father_n and_o though_o in_o other_o case_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o prove_v a_o negative_a it_o be_v not_o so_o here_o because_o the_o proof_n lie_v all_o on_o the_o positive_a side_n for_o those_o who_o will_v teach_v such_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n ought_v to_o prove_v they_o for_o without_o such_o a_o proof_n they_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v on_o course_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o can_v confute_v their_o proof_n we_o need_v do_v no_o more_o and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a task_n especial_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o first_o three_o century_n for_o since_o they_o themselves_o be_v now_o ashamed_a of_o the_o counterfeit_a dionysius_n their_o decretal_a epistle_n and_o such_o like_a spurious_a write_n the_o wise_a of_o they_o pretend_v to_o very_o few_o testimony_n from_o the_o first_o writer_n and_o those_o which_o they_o do_v allege_v be_v such_o lame_a one_o as_o need_v very_o little_a confutation_n these_o be_v the_o protestant_a ground_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v
other_o give_v of_o a_o true_a church_n there_o be_v one_o mark_v without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v certain_a which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o that_o be_v that_o she_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ._n for_o this_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o church_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n without_o it_o all_o other_o mark_n may_v deceive_v we_o for_o whatever_o other_o mark_n there_o be_v if_o there_o be_v not_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n there_o can_v be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n be_v break_v and_o divide_v into_o different_a and_o opposite_a communion_n whoever_o will_v find_v out_o the_o true_a church_n must_v examine_v her_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n bellarmine_n himself_o make_v the_o holiness_n of_o doctrine_n one_o essential_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o truth_n be_v antecedent_n to_o holiness_n and_o equal_o essential_a now_o this_o be_v such_o a_o mark_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n as_o make_v her_o infallibility_n useless_a when_o we_o have_v find_v she_o for_o we_o must_v understand_v the_o true_a religion_n before_o we_o can_v know_v the_o true_a church_n and_o can_v be_v no_o more_o certain_a which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n than_o we_o be_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o therefore_o can_v resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n because_o we_o can_v know_v the_o true_a church_n only_o by_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o therefore_o must_v have_v some_o other_o mean_n of_o find_v out_o the_o true_a faith_n antecedent_n to_o the_o church_n authority_n for_o that_o which_o be_v a_o mark_n to_o know_v something_o else_o by_o must_v be_v first_o know_v itself_o so_o that_o whereas_o the_o church_n authority_n be_v think_v so_o compendious_a a_o way_n to_o make_v man_n infallible_o certain_a of_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o deliver_v they_o from_o those_o uncertain_a dispute_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o can_v be_v certain_a which_o the_o true_a church_n be_v on_o who_o authority_n we_o must_v rely_v till_o we_o have_v examine_v that_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n which_o divide_v the_o christian_a church_n and_o have_v satisfy_v ourselves_o on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v this_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o appeal_v to_o a_o judge_n unless_o we_o will_v undo_v all_o we_o have_v do_v before_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o seek_v again_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o what_o advantage_n then_o have_v the_o papist_n above_o the_o protestant_n in_o the_o point_n of_o certainty_n when_o they_o can_v know_v which_o be_v that_o church_n which_o they_o may_v safe_o trust_v without_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o her_o religion_n and_o judge_v for_o themselves_o just_a as_o we_o do_v we_o be_v concern_v indeed_o to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_n church_n not_o that_o we_o must_v receive_v our_o faith_n upon_o her_o authority_n for_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n we_o must_v know_v the_o true_a faith_n before_o we_o can_v know_v the_o true_a church_n but_o because_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ._n five_o and_o yet_o if_o they_o can_v find_v the_o church_n without_o all_o this_o trouble_n and_o protestant_a uncertainty_n wherever_o they_o place_v their_o infallibility_n whether_o in_o the_o pope_n or_o council_n according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n they_o can_v have_v so_o much_o as_o a_o moral_a certainty_n of_o it_o as_o for_o the_o pope_n though_o for_o argument_n sake_n we_o shall_v grant_v a_o true_a pope_n to_o be_v infallible_a yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a pope_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n teach_v that_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o sacrament_n that_o though_o he_o perform_v all_o the_o external_a part_n of_o it_o yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o apply_v the_o sacrament_n to_o such_o person_n it_o be_v not_o apply_v now_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n who_o can_v tell_v whether_o this_o present_a pope_n be_v ever_o baptise_a or_o ordain_v priest_n or_o bishop_n for_o if_o the_o priest_n or_o bishop_n that_o do_v this_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o do_v it_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o true_a pope_n that_o he_o be_v no_o christian._n nay_o if_o the_o priest_n and_o bishop_n which_o baptise_a and_o ordain_v he_o do_v intend_v to_o apply_v the_o sacrament_n to_o he_o yet_o if_o those_o who_o baptise_a and_o ordain_v they_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o do_v it_o than_o they_o be_v no_o christian_n nor_o bishop_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o confer_v order_n on_o he_o and_o so_o upward_o still_o which_o reduce_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n in_o the_o world_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o know_v any_o man_n private_a intention_n when_o neither_o word_n nor_o action_n shall_v be_v allow_v a_o sufficient_a declaration_n of_o it_o and_o beside_o this_o if_o a_o pope_n be_v simoniacal_o promote_v or_o ordain_v by_o a_o simoniacal_a pope_n here_o be_v a_o invalidity_n in_o his_o order_n and_o then_o what_o become_v of_o his_o infallibility_n nay_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o that_o long_a papal_a schism_n when_o there_o be_v three_o pope_n together_o john_n 23._o gregory_n 12._o and_o benedict_n 13._o who_o be_v all_o depose_v by_o the_o council_n of_o constance_n and_o martin_n 5._o choose_v be_v there_o never_o a_o true_a pope_n among_o all_o the_o three_o if_o there_o be_v what_o authority_n then_o have_v the_o council_n to_o depose_v they_o all_o and_o choose_v a_o four_o and_o who_o know_v to_o this_o day_n from_o whence_o the_o succeed_a pope_n have_v derive_v their_o succession_n which_o may_v very_o much_o call_v the_o popedom_n and_o infallibility_n into_o question_n and_o then_o as_o for_o council_n which_o consist_v of_o bishop_n there_o be_v the_o same_o incertainty_n about_o they_o whether_o they_o be_v true_a bishop_n or_o not_o as_o there_o be_v about_o the_o pope_n and_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v so_o many_o dispute_n what_o make_v a_o general_n council_n when_o it_o be_v regular_o call_v and_o when_o they_o act_n conciliaritèr_fw-la in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o a_o council_n ought_v to_o act_v to_o procure_v the_o infallible_a direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o give_v authority_n to_o their_o decree_n that_o if_o woman_n and_o busy_a people_n can_v understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v much_o less_o able_a to_o understand_v what_o council_n they_o may_v safe_o rely_v on_o but_o suppose_v we_o do_v know_v who_o this_o infallible_a judge_n be_v whether_o pope_n or_o council_n and_o this_o judge_n shall_v give_v we_o a_o infallible_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o a_o infallible_a decision_n of_o all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n never_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o do_v yet_o and_o i_o believe_v never_o will_v witness_v those_o many_o fierce_a dispute_n which_o be_v among_o man_n of_o their_o own_o communion_n and_o i_o think_v no_o man_n be_v ever_o the_o more_o infallible_a for_o a_o judge_n who_o will_v not_o exercise_v his_o infallibility_n yet_o if_o this_o judge_n shall_v infallible_o determine_v all_o the_o controversy_n in_o religion_n we_o must_v either_o hear_v it_o from_o his_o own_o mouth_n or_o receive_v it_o in_o write_v or_o take_v it_o upon_o the_o report_n of_o other_o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o there_o be_v not_o one_o in_o the_o world_n at_o this_o day_n that_o be_v present_a at_o the_o debate_n of_o any_o general_a council_n or_o hear_v they_o pronounce_v their_o decree_n and_o definition_n and_o i_o believe_v as_o few_o ever_o hear_v the_o pope_n determine_v any_o question_n ex_fw-la cathedrâ_fw-la which_o what_o it_o mean_v either_o they_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v or_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o tell_v we_o as_o for_o write_v when_o we_o see_v the_o decree_n of_o a_o council_n write_v we_o can_v have_v only_o a_o moral_a assurance_n that_o these_o be_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n and_o when_o we_o have_v they_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v much_o more_o obscure_a and_o subject_a to_o as_o many_o different_a interpretation_n as_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o better_a assurance_n what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o council_n than_o what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o experience_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o the_o roman_a doctor_n differ_v as_o much_o about_o as_o protestant_n do_v about_o the_o
be_v the_o meaning_n of_o some_o particular_a phrase_n in_o this_o obscure_a text_n so_o much_o be_v very_o plain_a in_o it_o that_o man_n who_o build_v hay_n and_o stubble_n upon_o the_o foundation_n i._n e._n who_o believe_v in_o christ_n though_o with_o a_o mixture_n of_o many_o vain_a and_o hurtful_a superstition_n shall_v yet_o if_o their_o life_n be_v holy_a and_o virtuous_a be_v save_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n though_o with_o some_o loss_n and_o hazard_n which_o make_v the_o case_n of_o honest_a man_n who_o live_v in_o very_o corrupt_a communion_n not_o perfect_o hopeless_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o we_o grant_v that_o salvation_n may_v be_v have_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o any_o man_n to_o choose_v the_o communion_n of_o a_o corrupt_a church_n because_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n in_o it_o however_o this_o show_v what_o a_o great_a mistake_n this_o paper_n be_v guilty_a of_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o best_a christian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o believe_v such_o damnable_a doctrine_n can_v be_v save_v only_o by_o ignorance_n which_o most_o protestant_n divine_v believe_v the_o pagan_n themselves_o may_v be_v for_o though_o invincible_a ignorance_n be_v a_o equal_a excuse_n for_o pagan_n and_o christian_n yet_o when_o this_o excuse_n be_v allow_v pagan_n have_v not_o such_o a_o right_a to_o salvation_n as_o christian_n have_v ignorance_n may_v excuse_v but_o can_v save_v it_o be_v only_a faith_n in_o christ_n save_v we_o which_o corrupt_a christian_n have_v and_o pagan_n have_v not_o which_o be_v a_o essential_a difference_n second_o suppose_v the_o error_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o damnable_a why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n reform_v such_o error_n as_o be_v not_o damnable_a suppose_v they_o only_o obscure_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n mediation_n and_o be_v dangerous_a temptation_n to_o sin_n or_o hinder_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n or_o betray_v man_n to_o false_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o damnable_a why_o may_v not_o such_o error_n as_o these_o be_v reform_v if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v convince_v that_o she_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o error_n ought_v she_o not_o to_o reform_v herself_o and_o be_v not_o every_o church_n in_o duty_n bind_v to_o preserve_v her_o faith_n and_o worship_n as_o pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a as_o she_o can_v and_o why_o then_o be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n bind_v to_o do_v so_o if_o indeed_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v a_o supreme_a power_n over_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v without_o her_o approbation_n and_o order_n than_o we_o will_v grant_v that_o in_o case_n of_o tolerable_a error_n such_o a_o dependent_a church_n can_v not_o reform_v itself_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o its_o superior_a as_o no_o private_a christian_n can_v reform_v the_o church_n wherein_o he_o live_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o but_o we_o say_v that_o every_o national_a church_n have_v the_o supreme_a independent_a power_n within_o herself_o and_o therefore_o may_v correct_v any_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o her_o communion_n without_o ask_v leave_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n or_o any_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o justify_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o she_o reform_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v erroneous_a though_o the_o error_n be_v not_o damnable_a for_o all_o error_n ought_v to_o be_v reform_v when_o they_o be_v know_v if_o the_o reformer_n have_v just_a authority_n to_o do_v it_o and_o such_o error_n as_o be_v damnable_a will_v justify_v any_o man_n to_o reform_v himself_o and_o all_o that_o he_o can_v convince_v of_o such_o error_n for_o every_o man_n have_v authority_n to_o save_v his_o soul_n three_o if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v guilty_a of_o damnable_a error_n how_o do_v christ_n perform_v his_o promise_n to_o his_o church_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o now_o the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o objection_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o sound_n of_o those_o phrase_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n by_o which_o some_o understand_v that_o the_o devil_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n for_o if_o he_o can_v do_v that_o then_o say_v they_o he_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v only_o destruction_n for_o hades_n be_v proper_o the_o state_n of_o dead_a man_n who_o be_v lay_v underground_o and_o appear_v no_o more_o in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o when_o our_o saviour_n promise_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hades_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n profess_v that_o faith_n which_o here_o peter_n have_v profess_v and_o whereon_o christ_n promise_v to_o build_v his_o church_n viz._n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o such_o a_o church_n there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n ever_o since_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o it_o be_v such_o a_o church_n but_o that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v overrun_v with_o great_a and_o damn_v error_n be_v evident_a from_o st._n paul_n prediction_n of_o the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o late_a day_n when_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v reveal_v the_o son_n of_o perdition_n who_o as_o god_n sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n show_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v god_n 2_o thess._n 2._o 3_o 4._o for_o whosoever_o this_o man_n of_o sin_n be_v he_o sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o while_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n sit_v in_o the_o church_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o he_o bring_v some_o damn_v error_n with_o he_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n even_o when_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n sit_v there_o four_o as_o for_o the_o last_o thing_n mention_v it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reformation_n who_o do_v not_o own_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o though_o they_o may_v have_v error_n of_o their_o own_o yet_o not_o of_o such_o fatal_a consequence_n but_o if_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v be_v equal_o corrupt_v at_o that_o time_n it_o have_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o we_o for_o corruption_n ought_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o we_o have_v authority_n to_o reform_v ourselves_o and_o as_o for_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o other_o pure_a church_n we_o do_v so_o we_o own_o all_o pure_a church_n nay_o be_v ready_a to_o communicate_v with_o church_n which_o have_v some_o corruption_n in_o their_o constitution_n if_o they_o be_v tolerable_a and_o do_v not_o render_v their_o communion_n sinful_a which_o be_v all_o the_o obligation_n we_o have_v to_o communicate_v with_o any_o church_n for_o if_o by_o communion_n they_o mean_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v put_v ourselves_o under_o the_o government_n and_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o church_n which_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o think_v no_o church_n in_o communion_n with_o she_o without_o submit_v to_o her_o authority_n we_o beg_v their_o pardon_n for_o that_o we_o will_v communicate_v with_o other_o church_n as_o friend_n and_o equal_n and_o brethren_n but_o not_o as_o subject_n second_o the_o next_o argument_n for_o a_o visible_a judge_n which_o the_o paper_n insist_o on_o be_v that_o without_o such_o a_o judge_n we_o can_v know_v that_o every_o particular_a book_n of_o scripture_n be_v canonical_a and_o here_o be_v a_o great_a many_o objection_n start_v against_o the_o 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offering_n himself_o upon_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o sufficient_a sacrifice_n propitiation_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n what_o injury_n do_v we_o to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n though_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v offer_v again_o every_o day_n in_o ten_o thousand_o mass_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o in_o the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o eat_v the_o sacramental_a body_n and_o drink_v the_o sacramental_a blood_n of_o christ_n which_o by_o his_o own_o institution_n do_v as_o real_o and_o effectual_o convey_v to_o we_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n as_o if_o we_o can_v eat_v his_o natural_a flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n what_o injury_n do_v the_o church_n suffer_v by_o deny_v transubstantiation_n and_o if_o when_o we_o approach_v his_o holy_a table_n we_o worship_v christ_n in_o heaven_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n be_v not_o this_o as_o true_a a_o honour_n to_o our_o saviour_n 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