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circumstance_n which_o be_v necessary_o requisite_a for_o the_o enlighten_v and_o clear_v the_o same_o as_o for_o example_n when_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o scope_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o author_n and_o of_o the_o connexion_n and_o dependency_n of_o his_o discourse_n and_o other_o the_o like_a particular_n which_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o penetrate_a into_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o writer_n for_o it_o be_v with_o man_n word_n as_o it_o be_v with_o pâ—eces_n of_o picture_n they_o must_v have_v their_o proper_a light_n to_o show_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o author_n and_o according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o light_n we_o see_v they_o by_o they_o also_o have_v a_o different_a appearance_n as_o for_o example_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v now_o 〈◊〉_d alone_o and_o bare_o without_o reference_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o discourse_n and_o history_n of_o its_o author_n this_o short_a passage_n of_o dionysius_n alexandrinus_n where_o he_o call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o workmanship_n or_o manufacture_n of_o the_o father_n 〈◊〉_d and_o add_v certain_a other_o very_a shange_v term_n also_o touch_v this_o particular_a as_o we_o daily_o see_v the_o custom_n of_o some_o be_v in_o the_o business_n of_o our_o present_a controversy_n to_o produce_v the_o like_a shred_n and_o little_a short_a passage_n sever_v from_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o discourse_n whereof_o they_o be_v a_o part_n which_o of_o we_o how_o able_a so_o ever_o he_o be_v can_v possible_o imagine_v â—ny_n thing_n eâ—se_n but_o that_o this_o be_v a_o absolute_a 〈◊〉_d expression_n and_o such_o as_o can_v be_v interpret_v to_o any_o other_o sense_n and_o yet_o athanasius_n in_o the_o place_n before_o cite_v make_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o those_o through_o light_n which_o he_o have_v in_o the_o subject_a there_o treat_v of_o by_o the_o 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meditation_n have_v be_v such_o as_o they_o themselves_o account_v either_o less_o useful_a or_o else_o perhaps_o such_o as_o it_o be_v not_o so_o safe_a to_o commit_v to_o weak_a vulgar_a spirit_n whether_o this_o practice_n of_o they_o be_v raise_v upon_o good_a ground_n or_o not_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o stand_v to_o examine_v it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o they_o as_o may_v appear_v among_o the_o rest_n 〈◊〉_d out_o of_o clement_n alexandrinus_n about_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o stromateis_n where_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o design_n of_o his_o book_n he_o say_v that_o he_o have_v pass_v over_o some_o thing_n in_o silence_n fear_v to_o write_v that_o which_o he_o make_v some_o simple_a even_o to_o speak_v of_o not_o that_o he_o envy_v his_o reader_n any_o thing_n but_o fear_v rather_o lest_o they_o may_v happy_o out_o of_o a_o misunderstanding_n of_o they_o fall_v into_o error_n and_o so_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v put_v a_o 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assembly_n they_o never_o speak_v but_o very_o obscure_o and_o dark_o as_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o point_n of_o the_o eucharist_n by_o cardinal_n perron_n and_o by_o casaubon_n 16._o petavius_n and_o other_o in_o the_o point_n of_o baptism_n confirmation_n and_o other_o holy_a ceremony_n of_o the_o christian_n do_v but_o observe_v how_o wary_a theodoret_n epiphanius_n and_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n be_v in_o name_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o eucharist_n describe_v it_o in_o general_a term_n only_o and_o such_o as_o they_o only_o can_v understand_v who_o have_v be_v former_o partaker_n of_o that_o holy_a sacrament_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o examine_v the_o end_n which_o they_o propose_v to_o themselves_o in_o so_o do_v which_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v to_o beget_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o catechumeni_fw-la a_o great_a reverence_n and_o esteem_v of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o withal_o a_o more_o earnest_a and_o eager_a desire_n to_o be_v admit_v 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castro_n and_o 4._o melchior_n canus_n two_o spanish_a doctor_n for_o as_o much_o therefore_o as_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n save_o that_o which_o be_v true_a it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o we_o neither_o may_v nor_o aught_o to_o believe_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n till_o such_o time_n as_o they_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o have_v be_v certain_o true_a now_o we_o can_v be_v certain_o assure_v of_o this_o by_o their_o single_a authority_n see_v that_o they_o be_v but_o man_n who_o be_v not_o always_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o above_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o some_o other_o guide_n in_o this_o our_o inquiry_n namely_o either_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o of_o reason_n or_o of_o tradition_n or_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o present_a church_n or_o of_o some_o other_o such_o mean_n as_o they_o themselves_o have_v make_v use_n of_o so_o that_o it_o hence_o follow_v that_o their_o 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i_o confess_v be_v much_o more_o discreet_a in_o this_o particular_a every_o where_o testify_v as_o there_o be_v very_o great_a reason_n he_o shall_v the_o great_a respect_n he_o bear_v to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o never_o speak_v of_o any_o of_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v of_o their_o style_n or_o of_o their_o sense_n but_o with_o a_o singular_a admiration_n but_o as_o for_o his_o own_o private_a opinion_n and_o those_o of_o other_o man_n which_o he_o embrace_v he_o be_v not_o without_o his_o error_n also_o such_o be_v that_o harsh_a sentence_n of_o he_o which_o he_o have_v pronounce_v upon_o all_o infant_n that_o die_v before_o baptism_n who_o he_o will_v have_v not_o only_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o punishment_n that_o the_o ordinary_a opinion_n of_o the_o church_n condemn_v they_o to_o but_o he_o will_v further_o have_v they_o to_o be_v ap._n torment_v in_o hell_n fire_n wherein_o he_o be_v also_o follow_v by_o gregorius_n armininensis_n 3._o a_o famous_a doctor_n in_o the_o school_n where_o he_o be_v call_v by_o reason_n of_o this_o rigour_n of_o he_o tormentum_fw-la infantium_fw-la he_o maintain_v also_o that_o the_o eucharist_n be_v necessary_a for_o little_a infant_n as_o we_o have_v former_o note_v to_o another_o purpose_n to_o which_o we_o must_v also_o add_v that_o other_o opinion_n to_o which_o he_o evident_o incline_v namely_o 14._o that_o the_o soul_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n and_o be_v engender_v of_o his_o substance_n as_o well_o as_o the_o body_n and_o be_v not_o immediate_o create_v by_o god_n which_o be_v the_o common_a opinion_n at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o know_v that_o chapter_n he_o every_o where_o attribute_n to_o the_o angel_n a_o corporeal_a nature_n and_o also_o that_o he_o conceive_v against_o all_o sense_n and_o reason_n 11._o that_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v create_v all_o in_o a_o instant_n of_o time_n and_o refer_v the_o six_o day_n space_n of_o time_n wherein_o the_o creation_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v perfect_v to_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o angel_n he_o believe_v also_o with_o the_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n 74._o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n depart_v be_v shut_v up_o into_o i_o know_v not_o what_o secret_n dark_a receptacle_n where_o they_o be_v to_o remain_v from_o the_o hour_n of_o their_o departure_n till_o the_o resurrection_n but_o we_o need_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o any_o further_a in_o prove_v that_o he_o also_o may_v err_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n see_v that_o himself_o have_v make_v so_o clear_a and_o so_o authentic_a a_o confession_n hereof_o in_o his_o book_n of_o his_o retractation_n where_o he_o correct_v many_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v former_o write_v either_o beside_o or_o against_o the_o truth_n i_o must_v here_o confess_v also_o that_o in_o my_o opinion_n it_o will_v have_v add_v very_o 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have_v yet_o stumble_v in_o many_o place_n and_o have_v quite_o fall_v in_o some_o other_o what_o have_v cyril_n leo_n gregorius_n romanus_n and_o damascene_fw-la do_v who_o have_v come_v after_o they_o and_o in_o who_o have_v appear_v both_o much_o less_o gallantry_n of_o spirit_n and_o sanctity_n than_o in_o the_o former_a beside_o if_o these_o man_n have_v be_v mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n some_o of_o they_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o point_n touch_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n some_o touch_v the_o humanity_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n other_o touch_v the_o quality_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o some_o touch_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n thereof_o after_o death_n and_o touch_v the_o resurrection_n why_o for_o god_n sake_n must_v they_o needs_o be_v infallible_a when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o point_n now_o debate_v among_o we_o why_o may_v
no_o such_o doctrine_n be_v ever_o preach_v to_o mankind_n either_o by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n or_o by_o his_o apostle_n for_o what_o probability_n be_v there_o that_o those_o holy_a doctor_n of_o former_a age_n from_o who_o hand_n christianity_n have_v be_v derive_v down_o unto_o we_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v reveal_v and_o recommend_v by_o our_o saviour_n as_o important_a and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o the_o father_n be_v deceive_v either_o by_o some_o false_a manner_n of_o argumentation_n or_o else_o by_o some_o seem_v authority_n do_v sometime_o deliver_v such_o thing_n as_o have_v not_o be_v reveal_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n but_o be_v evident_o either_o false_a or_o ill_o ground_v as_o we_o have_v former_o show_v in_o those_o example_n before_o produce_v by_o we_o it_o be_v true_a moreover_o that_o among_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o 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proposition_n from_o the_o father_n have_v maintain_v the_o same_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o ill-grounded_n as_o suppose_v that_o which_o be_v clear_o false_a namely_o that_o the_o father_n maintain_v nothing_o which_o have_v not_o be_v reveal_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n for_o this_o will_v be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o argumentation_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v prove_v by_o the_o general_n agreement_n herein_o of_o the_o father_n that_o all_o the_o depart_v soul_n be_v shut_v up_o together_o in_o a_o certain_a place_n or_o receptacle_n till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n or_o that_o the_o encharist_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v administer_v to_o little_a infant_n and_o the_o like_a where_o every_o one_o see_v how_o insufficient_a and_o invalid_n this_o way_n of_o argumentation_n be_v and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n such_o be_v the_o proceed_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n those_o article_n which_o 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again_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o in_o those_o point_n that_o be_v account_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n a_o argument_n that_o shall_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o general_n silence_n of_o the_o father_n to_o prove_v the_o nullity_n or_o falseness_n of_o it_o will_v be_v very_o pertinent_a and_o indeed_o unanswerable_a as_o for_o example_n his_o manner_n of_o argumentation_n will_v be_v very_o rational_a and_o solid_a that_o shall_v conclude_v that_o those_o mean_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v propose_v by_o a_o mahomet_n suppose_v or_o a_o david_n george_n or_o the_o like_a sectary_n be_v null_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n how_o much_o soever_o these_o man_n may_v seem_v to_o honour_v he_o see_v that_o none_o of_o ehe_fw-ge ancient_a christian_n speak_v so_o much_o as_o one_o syllable_n of_o it_o and_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o all_o those_o secret_n that_o these_o wretch_n have_v preach_v to_o their_o disciple_n and_o 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of_o all_o the_o church_n that_o have_v be_v either_o plant_v or_o water_v by_o the_o holy_a apostle_n turn_v over_o all_o their_o record_n evidence_n and_o ancient_a monument_n and_o these_o aeones_n achamot_n and_o barbele_n of_o the_o gnostic_n no_o where_o appear_v 2._o nor_o so_o much_o as_o any_o the_o least_o part_n or_o trace_v of_o they_o he_o conclude_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v never_o deliver_v over_o any_o such_o thing_n to_o their_o disciple_n neither_o by_o write_v nor_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n as_o these_o impostor_n pretend_v they_o have_v for_o certain_o if_o they_o have_v do_v so_o the_o memory_n of_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o utter_o lose_v this_o be_v also_o the_o method_n that_o tertullian_n follow_v in_o his_o disputation_n against_o these_o very_a heretic_n and_o other_o the_o like_a in_o the_o 22_o chapter_n of_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr praescriptionibus_fw-la adversus_fw-la haereticos_fw-la and_o in_o other_o place_n the_o practice_n of_o these_o great_a person_n who_o make_v use_v of_o it_o themselves_o will_v here_o serve_v to_o prove_v unto_o we_o that_o this_o course_n be_v right_o and_o good_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n in_o the_o church_n and_o serve_v as_o a_o out-work_n to_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o repel_v the_o presumption_n of_o those_o who_o will_v forge_v a_o new_a faith_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o those_o who_o broach_n new_a doctrine_n of_o their_o own_o head_n do_v ordinary_o slight_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o those_o very_a heretic_n do_v who_o iraeneus_n confute_v who_o impudent_o accuse_v they_o of_o not_o be_v right_o vocem_fw-la and_o that_o they_o be_v of_o no_o authority_n and_o speak_v in_o very_o ambiguous_a term_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o inform_v a_o man_n of_o the_o truth_n unless_o they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o tradition_n the_o truth_n have_v be_v deliver_v as_o these_o man_n pretend_v not_o in_o write_v but_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o say_v and_o for_o other_o the_o like_a be_v the_o write_n of_o the_o â—athers_n of_o very_o great_a use_n in_o these_o dispute_n and_o i_o conceive_v this_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a end_n for_o which_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v in_o despite_n of_o so_o many_o confusion_n and_o change_n preserve_v so_o many_o of_o they_o safe_a down_o to_o our_o time_n if_o therefore_o the_o protestant_n shall_v propose_v of_o their_o own_o head_n and_o shall_v press_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n any_o positive_a article_n which_o do_v not_o at_o all_o appear_v in_o antiquity_n without_o all_o question_n this_o course_n may_v with_o very_o good_a reason_n be_v make_v use_n of_o against_o them_o but_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o in_o their_o belief_n for_o
lawful_a and_o also_o very_o useful_a to_o pray_v to_o saint_n depart_v and_o to_o angel_n that_o our_o soul_n after_o death_n before_o they_o enter_v into_o heaven_n be_v to_o pass_v through_o a_o certain_a fire_n and_o there_o to_o endure_v grievous_a torment_n thus_o satisfy_v for_o their_o sin_n that_o one_o neither_o may_v nor_o aught_o to_o receive_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n without_o have_v first_o confess_v himself_o in_o private_a to_o a_o priest_n that_o none_o but_o the_o priest_n himself_o that_o consecrate_v the_o eucharist_n be_v bind_v by_o right_a to_o receive_v it_o in_o both_o kind_n and_o a_o great_a number_n of_o other_o opinion_n which_o their_o adversary_n protest_v plain_o that_o they_o can_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n believe_v and_o these_o point_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o whole_a difference_n betwixt_o they_o the_o one_o party_n pretend_v that_o they_o have_v be_v believe_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n as_o reveal_v by_o he_o and_o the_o other_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a now_o see_v that_o none_o of_o these_o tenet_n have_v any_o ground_n from_o any_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o authentic_a rule_n of_o christianity_n the_o maintainer_n be_v fain_o to_o fly_v to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o live_v within_o the_o four_o or_o five_o first_o century_n after_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v common_o call_v the_o father_n my_o purpose_n be_v in_o this_o treatise_n to_o examine_v whether_o or_o no_o this_o be_v a_o good_a and_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o decision_n of_o these_o difference_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n i_o must_v first_o presuppose_v two_o thing_n which_o any_o reasonable_a person_n will_v easy_o grant_v i_o the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o question_n be_v here_o about_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o certain_a article_n of_o faith_n upon_o the_o testimony_n or_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o the_o passage_n which_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o they_o be_v clear_a and_o not_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o that_o be_v to_o say_v such_o as_o we_o can_v reasonable_o scruple_n at_o either_o touch_v the_o author_n out_o of_o who_o they_o be_v allege_v or_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n whether_o it_o signify_v what_o be_v pretend_v to_o for_o a_o deposition_n of_o a_o witness_n and_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o judge_n be_v of_o no_o value_n at_o all_o save_v only_o for_o the_o reputation_n of_o the_o witness_n or_o judge_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o if_o either_o proceed_v from_o person_n unknown_a or_o suspect_v they_o be_v invalid_a and_o prove_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o like_a manner_n if_o the_o deposition_n of_o a_o witness_n or_o sentence_n of_o a_o judge_n be_v obscure_a and_o in_o doubtful_a term_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o in_o this_o case_n the_o business_n must_v rest_v undecided_a there_o be_v another_o doubt_n first_o to_o be_v clear_v namely_o what_o the_o meaning_n of_o either_o of_o they_o be_v the_o second_o point_n that_o i_o shall_v here_o lay_v down_o for_o a_o foundation_n to_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v no_o less_o evident_a than_o the_o former_a namely_o that_o to_o allow_v a_o sufficiency_n to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o these_o controversy_n we_o must_v necessary_o attribute_v to_o their_o person_n very_o great_a authority_n and_o such_o as_o may_v oblige_v we_o to_o follow_v their_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o this_o authority_n be_v want_v how_o clear_a and_o express_v soever_o their_o opinion_n be_v in_o the_o article_n now_o controvert_v it_o will_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o towards_o their_o decision_n we_o have_v therefore_o here_o two_o thing_n to_o examine_v in_o this_o business_n the_o first_o be_v whether_o or_o not_o we_o may_v be_v able_a now_o certain_o and_o clear_o to_o know_v what_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n have_v be_v touch_v the_o difference_n now_o in_o hand_n the_o second_o whether_o their_o authority_n be_v such_o as_o that_o whatever_o faithful_a person_n shall_v clear_o and_o certain_o know_v what_o their_o opinion_n have_v be_v in_o any_o one_o article_n of_o christian_a religion_n he_o be_v thereby_o bind_v to_o receive_v that_o article_n for_o true_a for_o if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v but_o able_a to_o prove_v both_o these_o point_n it_o be_v then_o without_o all_o dispute_n that_o their_o proceed_v be_v good_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o end_v propose_v there_o be_v so_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n write_n allege_v at_o this_o day_n by_o they_o but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a side_n either_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n or_o both_o of_o they_o be_v indeed_o find_v to_o be_v doubtful_a i_o shall_v think_v that_o any_o man_n of_o a_o very_a mean_a judgement_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o conclude_v of_o himself_o that_o this_o way_n of_o proof_n which_o they_o have_v hitherto_o make_v use_n of_o be_v very_o insufficient_a and_o that_o therefore_o they_o of_o necessity_n ought_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o some_o other_o more_o proper_a and_o solid_a way_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o say_a opinion_n which_o the_o protestant_n will_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n receive_v the_o first_o book_n chap._n i._n reason_n i._o touch_v the_o difficulty_n of_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o father_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o present_a controversy_n in_o religion_n draw_v from_o hence_o namely_o because_o there_o be_v very_o little_a extant_a of_o their_o write_n for_o the_o three_o first_o century_n if_o we_o shall_v in_o this_o particular_a take_v the_o same_o course_n which_o some_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v use_n of_o against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a easy_a matter_n to_o bring_v in_o question_n and_o render_v very_o doubtful_a and_o suspect_v all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n for_o when_o any_o one_o allege_v the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n these_o gentleman_n present_o demand_v how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o know_v that_o any_o such_o book_n be_v true_o write_v by_o those_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n under_o who_o name_n they_o go_v if_o therefore_o in_o like_a manner_n when_o these_o man_n urge_v justin_n irenaeus_n ambrose_n augustine_n and_o the_o like_a one_o shall_v take_v they_o short_a and_o demand_v of_o they_o how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o be_v assure_v that_o these_o father_n be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o write_n which_o at_o this_o day_n go_v under_o their_o name_n it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o will_v find_v a_o hard_a task_n of_o it_o than_o their_o adversary_n in_o justify_v the_o inscription_n of_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a writ_n the_o truth_n whereof_o be_v much_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v demonstrate_v than_o of_o any_o humane_a write_n whatsoever_o but_o i_o pass_v by_o this_o too-artificial_a way_n of_o proceed_v and_o only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v no_o very_o easy_a matter_n to_o find_v out_o by_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n what_o have_v real_o beeen_n their_o opinion_n in_o any_o of_o those_o controversy_n which_o be_v now_o in_o debate_n betwixt_o the_o protestant_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o consideration_n which_o render_v the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o so_o difficult_a be_v many_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o this_o first_o part_n handle_v some_o of_o they_o only_o refer_v the_o rest_n to_o the_o late_a examine_v they_o one_o after_o another_o the_o first_o reason_n therefore_o which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o for_o the_o prove_v of_o this_o difficulty_n be_v the_o little_a we_o have_v extant_a of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n especial_o of_o the_o first_o second_o and_o third_z century_n which_o be_v those_o we_o be_v most_o especial_o to_o regard_v for_o see_v that_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a reason_n that_o move_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o allege_v the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n be_v to_o show_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o tenet_n by_o the_o antiquity_n which_o they_o reckon_v as_o a_o mark_n of_o it_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o most_o ancient_a aught_o to_o be_v the_o most_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v more_o pure_a and_o without_o mixture_n in_o its_o beginning_n and_o infancy_n than_o it_o be_v afterward_o in_o its_o growth_n and_o progress_n it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n to_o contract_v corruption_n more_o or_o less_o according_a as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o remove_v from_o their_o first_o institution_n as_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n in_o state_n law_n art_n and_o language_n the_o natural_a propriety_n of_o
but_o certain_o not_o on_o their_o side_n who_o maintain_v they_o affirmative_o but_o however_o this_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o throughout_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o genuine_a write_n of_o these_o father_n you_o shall_v not_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n express_o urge_v either_o for_o or_o against_o the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o opinion_n i_o shall_v most_o willing_o confess_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o every_o wise_a man_n make_v up_o but_o one_o entire_a body_n the_o part_n whereof_o have_v a_o certain_a correspondence_n and_o relation_n to_o each_o other_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v able_a by_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o deliver_v express_o to_o give_v a_o guess_n what_o his_o opinion_n be_v touch_v other_o thing_n which_o he_o declare_v himself_o not_o at_o all_o in_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n utter_o improbable_a that_o he_o maintain_v any_o one_o position_n which_o shall_v manifest_o clash_v with_o his_o other_o tenet_n or_o that_o he_o reject_v any_o thing_n that_o necessary_o follow_v upon_o they_o but_o beside_o that_o this_o manner_n of_o disputation_n presuppose_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n hang_v all_o close_a together_o no_o one_o position_n contradict_v another_o but_o have_v all_o its_o part_n unite_v and_o depend_v one_o upon_o another_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o altogether_o unquestionable_a as_o we_o shall_v show_v elsewhere_o beside_o all_o this_o i_o say_v it_o require_v also_o a_o sharp_a pierce_a wit_n which_o ready_o and_o clear_o apprehend_v the_o connexion_n of_o each_o several_a point_n a_o excellent_a memory_n to_o retain_v faithful_o whatever_o position_n the_o ancient_n have_v maintain_v and_o a_o solid_a judgement_n free_a from_o all_o pre-occupation_n to_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o tenet_n maintain_v at_o this_o day_n and_o what_o man_n soever_o be_v endue_v with_o all_o these_o quality_n i_o shall_v account_v he_o the_o fit_a man_n to_o make_v profitable_a use_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o likely_a of_o any_o to_o search_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o they_o but_o the_o mischief_n of_o it_o be_v that_o man_n so_o qualify_v be_v very_o rare_a and_o hard_o to_o be_v find_v i_o shall_v add_v here_o other_o that_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v some_o certain_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n this_o whole_a method_n be_v vain_a and_o useless_a as_o be_v also_o that_o which_o make_v use_v of_o argumentation_n and_o reason_n mean_n which_o be_v insufficient_a and_o unable_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o doctor_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o any_o certainty_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n wherein_o their_o opinion_n be_v we_o be_v to_o rely_v upon_o clear_a and_o express_v text_n only_o so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o account_n we_o will_v not_o if_o we_o be_v wife_n believe_v that_o the_o father_n hold_v any_o of_o the_o aforenamed_a point_n unless_o we_o can_v find_v they_o in_o express_a term_n deliver_v in_o their_o write_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o the_o very_a same_o term_n that_o we_o read_v they_o in_o the_o decree_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n see_v then_o that_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o these_o man_n those_o testimony_n only_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v which_o be_v express_v and_o likewise_o that_o of_o these_o point_n now_o controvert_v there_o be_v searce_o any_o thing_n find_v express_o deliver_v by_o the_o father_n we_o may_v in_o my_o opinion_n very_o logical_o and_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v if_o not_o a_o impossible_a yet_o at_o least_o a_o very_a difficult_a thing_n according_a to_o these_o man_n to_o come_v to_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n touch_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o tenet_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n reject_v by_o the_o protestant_n chap._n iii_o reason_n iii_o that_o those_o write_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n be_v not_o all_o true_o such_o but_o a_o great_a part_n of_o they_o supposition_n and_o forge_v either_o long_o since_o or_o of_o late_a time_n i_o come_v now_o to_o more_o important_a consideration_n these_o two_o former_a though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o to_o be_v despise_v or_o neglect_v be_v yet_o but_o trivial_a one_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o which_o follow_v for_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o confusion_n in_o the_o most_o part_n of_o these_o book_n whereof_o we_o speak_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a thing_n true_o to_o find_v out_o who_o be_v their_o author_n and_o what_o the_o mean_v and_o sense_n of_o they_o be_v the_o first_o difficulty_n proceed_v from_o the_o infinite_a number_n of_o forge_v book_n which_o be_v false_o attribute_v to_o the_o ancient_a father_n the_o like_a have_v happen_v also_o in_o all_o sort_n of_o learning_n and_o science_n insomuch_o that_o the_o critic_n at_o this_o day_n be_v sufficient_o trouble_v in_o discover_v both_o in_o philosophy_n and_o humanity_n which_o be_v forge_v and_o supposititious_a piece_n and_o which_o be_v true_a and_o legitimate_a but_o this_o abuse_n have_v not_o reign_v any_o where_o more_o gross_o and_o take_v to_o itself_o more_o liberty_n than_o towards_o the_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n all_o man_n complain_v on_o this_o both_o on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o on_o the_o other_o and_o labour_n all_o they_o can_v to_o deliver_v we_o from_o these_o confusion_n though_o oftentimes_o with_o little_a success_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o eagerness_n of_o their_o passion_n by_o which_o they_o be_v carry_v away_o ordinary_o judge_v of_o book_n according_a to_o their_o own_o interest_n rather_o than_o the_o truth_n and_o reject_v all_o those_o that_o any_o whit_n contradict_v they_o but_o defend_v those_o which_o speak_v of_o their_o side_n how_o good_a or_o bad_a soever_o they_o otherwise_o chance_v to_o be_v so_o that_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n they_o judge_v not_o of_o their_o own_o opinion_n by_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n but_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n by_o their_o own_o opinion_n if_o they_o speak_v with_o we_o it_o be_v then_o cyprian_a and_o chrysostome_n if_o not_o it_o be_v some_o ignorant_a modern_a fellow_n or_o else_o some_o malicious_a person_n who_o will_v fain_o cover_v his_o own_o filthiness_n under_o the_o rich_a garment_n of_o these_o excellent_a person_n now_o if_o it_o be_v passion_n only_o that_o render_v the_o business_n obscure_a we_o shall_v be_v able_a easy_o to_o quit_v our_o hand_n of_o it_o by_o strip_v it_o and_o lay_v it_o open_a to_o the_o world_n and_o all_o moderate_a man_n will_v find_v enough_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o but_o the_o worst_a of_o it_o be_v that_o this_o obscurity_n oftentimes_o fall_v out_o to_o be_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a and_o sometime_o a_o impossible_a thing_n to_o clear_v they_o whether_o it_o be_v 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his_o own_o opinion_n and_o observation_n as_o apostolical_a and_o which_o have_v not_o use_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o gain_v they_o the_o repute_v of_o be_v universal_a s._n hierome_n allow_v every_o particular_a province_n full_a liberty_n to_o do_v herein_o as_o they_o please_v arbitretur_fw-la let_v every_o province_n say_v he_o abound_v in_o its_o own_o sense_n and_o let_v they_o account_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o their_o ancestor_n as_o of_o apostolical_a law_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o he_o speak_v in_o this_o place_n only_o of_o certain_a observation_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a but_o yet_o that_o which_o he_o have_v permit_v they_o in_o these_o matter_n they_o have_v practise_v in_o all_o other_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o trouble_v myself_o to_o produce_v any_o other_o reason_n to_o prove_v the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o inquiry_n because_o i_o shall_v then_o be_v force_v to_o repeat_v a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o deliver_v for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n to_o attain_v to_o any_o certain_a knowledge_n what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n be_v as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o how_o much_o more_o difficult_a a_o thing_n will_v it_o be_v to_o discover_v whether_o their_o opinion_n be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n wherein_o they_o live_v or_o else_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a in_o their_o age_n the_o same_o thing_n which_o cause_n obscurity_n in_o the_o one_o have_v as_o much_o or_o rather_o more_o reason_n of_o do_v the_o like_a in_o the_o other_o and_o if_o you_o will_v full_o understand_v how_o painful_a a_o undertake_n this_o be_v do_v but_o read_v the_o disputation_n of_o the_o learned_a of_o both_o party_n touch_v this_o point_n where_o you_o shall_v meet_v with_o so_o many_o doubt_n and_o contradiction_n and_o such_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n that_o you_o will_v easy_o conclude_v that_o 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from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n this_o doubt_n i_o say_v of_o his_o manifest_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o at_o that_o time_n embrace_v or_o conclude_v upon_o the_o former_a of_o these_o opinion_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n utter_o improbable_a fatentut_o that_o so_o modest_a a_o man_n as_o s._n augustine_n be_v will_v have_v cast_v off_o the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v take_v up_o a_o particular_a fancy_n of_o his_o own_o but_o the_o passion_n wherewith_o s._n hierome_n be_v at_o that_o time_n carry_v away_o against_o ruffinus_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o his_o time_n be_v also_o of_o the_o say_a opinion_n easy_o wrought_v in_o he_o a_o belief_n that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n from_o the_o same_o root_n also_o spring_v that_o error_n of_o john_n bishop_n of_o thessalonica_n 〈◊〉_d if_o at_o least_o it_o be_v a_o error_n who_o affirm_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o angel_n be_v not_o whole_o incorporeal_a and_o invisible_a but_o that_o they_o have_v body_n though_o of_o a_o very_a rare_a and_o thin_a substance_n not_o much_o unlike_o those_o of_o the_o fire_n or_o the_o air._n for_o those_o who_o publish_v the_o general_a council_n at_o rome_n conceive_v this_o to_o have_v be_v his_o own_o private_a opinion_n only_o sententia_fw-la and_o if_o so_o neither_o shall_v we_o need_v at_o present_a to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o their_o conceit_n you_o then_o plain_o see_v that_o the_o affection_n this_o author_n bare_a to_o his_o own_o opinion_n carry_v he_o so_o far_o away_o as_o to_o make_v he_o father_n upon_o the_o whole_a church_n what_o be_v indeed_o but_o his_o own_o particular_a opinion_n though_o otherwise_o he_o be_v a_o man_n who_o be_v high_o esteem_v by_o the_o vii_o council_n 5._o which_o not_o only_o cit_v he_o among_o the_o father_n but_o honour_v he_o also_o with_o the_o title_n 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whereon_o they_o always_o inscribe_v a_o number_n of_o tear_n which_o be_v less_o by_o thirty_o three_o than_o the_o common_a aera_fw-la of_o the_o christian_n he_o likewise_o say_v in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o catholic_n to_o doubt_n whether_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v on_o the_o cross_a the_o xv_o day_n of_o the_o moon_n or_o not_o now_o petavius_n have_v prove_v at_o large_a that_o both_o these_o opinion_n which_o beda_n deliver_v unto_o we_o as_o the_o church_n belief_n be_v nothing_o less_o than_o what_o he_o will_v have_v they_o 143._o the_o curious_a reader_n may_v observe_v many_o the_o like_a carriage_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n but_o these_o here_o already_o set_v down_o in_o my_o judgement_n do_v sufficient_o justify_v the_o doubt_n which_o i_o have_v make_v namely_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o receive_v as_o certain_a truth_n the_o testimony_n which_o the_o father_n give_v touch_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n nevertheless_o that_o we_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o breach_n upon_o the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o father_n i_o say_v that_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o all_o their_o deposition_n and_o testimony_n in_o this_o particular_a be_v certain_o and_o undoubted_o true_a yet_o notwithstanding_o will_v they_o be_v of_o little_a use_n to_o we_o as_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o first_o of_o all_o there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o passage_n wherein_o they_o testify_v plain_o and_o in_o direct_a term_n what_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n have_v be_v touch_v the_o point_n now_o controvert_v among_o we_o this_o be_v the_o business_n of_o a_o historian_n rather_o than_o of_o a_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o office_n be_v to_o teach_v to_o prove_v and_o to_o exhort_v the_o people_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o to_o correct_v their_o vice_n and_o error_n tell_v they_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o believe_v rather_o than_o trouble_v they_o with_o discourse_n of_o what_o be_v do_v or_o believe_v by_o other_o but_o yet_o when_o they_o do_v give_v their_o testimony_n what_o the_o belief_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n be_v this_o testimony_n of_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o extend_v save_o only_a to_o what_o be_v apparent_o such_o and_o which_o beside_o be_v apparent_a to_o themselves_o too_o now_o as_o we_o have_v former_o prove_v they_o can_v not_o possible_o know_v the_o sense_n and_o opinion_n of_o every_o particular_a christian_n that_o live_v in_o their_o time_n nor_o yet_o of_o all_o the_o pastor_n and_o minister_n who_o be_v set_v over_o they_o but_o of_o some_o certain_a particular_a christian_n only_o forasmuch_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v confess_v even_o by_o those_o very_a man_n who_o have_v the_o church_n in_o great_a esteem_n that_o the_o belief_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o infallible_a we_o may_v very_o easy_o perceive_v that_o such_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n as_o these_o can_n standus_fw-la in_o very_o little_a or_o no_o stead_n see_v they_o represent_v unto_o we_o such_o opinion_n as_o be_v not_o always_o certain_o and_o undoubted_o true_a and_o which_o consequent_o be_v so_o far_o from_o confirm_v and_o prove_v we_o as_o that_o they_o rather_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o be_v examine_v and_o prove_v themselves_o but_o yet_o suppose_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v hold_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v infallible_a which_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o will_v not_o this_o make_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o against_o the_o protestant_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o clean_a contrary_a opinion_n now_o it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o proof_n ought_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v confess_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o your_o adversary_n who_o you_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v otherwise_o you_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o move_v he_o or_o make_v he_o quit_v his_o former_a opinion_n see_v therefore_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o farther_n touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n of_o their_o time_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o now_o consider_v their_o other_o discourse_n wherein_o they_o have_v deliver_v themselves_o not_o as_o witness_n depose_v what_o they_o have_v see_v but_o as_o doctor_n instruct_v we_o in_o what_o they_o believe_v and_o certain_o how_o holy_a and_o able_a soever_o they_o be_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o be_v still_o man_n and_o consequent_o be_v subject_n to_o error_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o business_n so_o much_o transcend_v humane_a apprehension_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n only_o be_v able_a to_o direct_v their_o understanding_n and_o their_o pen_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o withhold_v they_o from_o fall_v into_o any_o error_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o it_o direct_v the_o 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to_o read_v the_o ancient_n to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o not_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n which_o he_o have_v commend_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o lxxvi_o epistle_n where_o he_o advise_v we_o tenete_fw-la to_o read_v origen_n tertullian_n novatus_n arnobius_n apollinaris_n and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n but_o with_o this_o caution_n that_o we_o shall_v make_v choice_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o take_v heed_n of_o embrace_v that_o which_o be_v not_o so_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n who_o bid_v we_o prove_v all_o thing_n but_o hold_v fast_o only_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o this_o be_v the_o course_n he_o constant_o take_v censure_v with_o the_o great_a liberty_n that_o may_v be_v the_o opinion_n and_o exposition_n of_o all_o those_o who_o go_v before_o he_o he_o give_v you_o free_o his_o judgement_n of_o every_o one_o 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his_o judgement_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imagine_v that_o he_o will_v have_v we_o have_v a_o great_a opinion_n of_o he_o than_o he_o himself_o have_v of_o other_o men._n and_o s._n augustine_n tell_v he_o as_o we_o have_v before_o show_v that_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o expect_v man_n shall_v judge_v any_o otherwise_o of_o he_o and_o i_o suppose_v we_o may_v very_o safe_o keep_v to_o s._n augustine_n judgement_n and_o believe_v with_o he_o that_o s._n hierome_n have_v never_o any_o intention_n that_o we_o shall_v receive_v all_o his_o position_n as_o infallible_a truth_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o read_v and_o examine_v his_o write_n with_o the_o same_o freedom_n that_o we_o do_v those_o of_o other_o men._n and_o if_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o take_v s._n augustine_n word_n in_o this_o particular_a let_v we_o yet_o take_v s._n hierome_n own_o who_o in_o his_o second_o commentary_n upon_o the_o prophet_n habakkuk_n say_v consensum_fw-la and_o thus_o have_v i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o my_o sense_n in_o brief_a but_o if_o any_o one_o produce_v that_o which_o be_v more_o exact_a and_o true_a take_v his_o exposition_n rather_o than_o i_o and_o so_o likewise_o upon_o the_o prophet_n zephaniah_n he_o say_v ducatur_fw-la we_o have_v now_o do_v our_o utmost_a endeavour_n in_o give_v a_o allegorical_a exposition_n of_o the_o text_n but_o if_o any_o other_o can_v bring_v that_o which_o be_v more_o probable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v deliver_v let_v the_o reader_n be_v sway_v by_o his_o authority_n rather_o than_o by_o we_o and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o these_o word_n acquiescimus_fw-la this_o we_o have_v deliver_v according_a to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o poor_a ability_n and_o have_v give_v you_o a_o short_a touch_n of_o the_o divers_a opinion_n both_o of_o our_o own_o man_n and_o of_o the_o jew_n yet_o if_o any_o man_n can_v give_v i_o a_o 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of_o the_o doctrine_n nor_o yet_o the_o resplendency_n of_o their_o holy_a life_n which_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v to_o have_v shine_v forth_o very_o eminent_o in_o the_o primitive_a father_n be_v able_a so_o to_o dazzle_v the_o eye_n of_o those_o that_o come_v after_o they_o as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o distinguish_v betwixt_o that_o which_o be_v sound_a and_o true_a in_o their_o write_n and_o that_o which_o be_v trivial_a and_o false_a let_v not_o therefore_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o who_o come_v after_o they_o hinder_v we_o either_o from_o pass_v by_o or_o even_o reject_v their_o opinion_n when_o we_o find_v they_o build_v upon_o weak_a foundation_n you_o see_v they_o confess_v themselves_o that_o this_o may_v very_o possible_o be_v we_o shall_v therefore_o be_v leave_v utter_o inexcusable_a if_o after_o this_o their_o
so_o charitable_a admonition_n we_o shall_v still_o believe_v all_o they_o say_v without_o examine_v any_o thing_n sonant_fw-la i_o take_v it_o for_o a_o favour_n say_v s._n ambrose_n when_o any_o one_o that_o read_v my_o write_n give_v i_o a_o account_n of_o what_o doubt_v he_o there_o meet_v withal_o first_o of_o all_o because_o i_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o those_o very_a thing_n which_o i_o know_v and_o beside_o many_o thing_n escape_v we_o and_o some_o thing_n sound_v otherwise_o to_o some_o than_o perhaps_o they_o do_v to_o i_o i_o shall_v further_o here_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n how_o careful_a the_o ancient_n be_v in_o advise_v those_o who_o live_v in_o their_o own_o time_n to_o take_v a_o strict_a examination_n of_o their_o word_n as_o for_o example_n where_o origen_n advise_v veritatis_fw-la that_o his_o auditor_n shall_v prove_v whatsoever_o he_o deliver_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v attentive_a and_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o who_o proceed_v the_o discern_a of_o spirit_n that_o so_o as_o good_a banker_n they_o may_v diligent_o observe_v when_o their_o pastor_n deceive_v they_o and_o when_o he_o preach_v unto_o they_o that_o which_o be_v pious_a and_o true_a cyrill_n likewise_o in_o his_o four_o catechesis_fw-la have_v these_o word_n 〈◊〉_d believe_v i_o not_o say_v he_o in_o whatsoever_o i_o shall_v simple_o deliver_v unless_o thou_o find_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v speak_v demonstrate_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o conservation_n and_o establishment_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o eloquence_n of_o language_n but_o rather_o upon_o the_o proof_n that_o be_v bring_v out_o of_o the_o divine_a scripture_n if_o therefore_o they_o will_v not_o have_v those_o who_o hear_v they_o speak_v viuâ_fw-la voce_fw-la to_o believe_v they_o in_o any_o thing_n unless_o they_o have_v demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n how_o much_o less_o 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as_o appear_v plain_o by_o the_o great_a account_n he_o make_v of_o ruffinus_n a_o priest_n of_o aquileia_n who_o be_v the_o grand_a patriarch_n of_o the_o pelagian_n say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n tacit_o also_o tax_v s._n hierome_n his_o adversary_n and_o call_v he_o a_o malicious_a slanderer_n as_o also_o by_o the_o judgement_n which_o he_o give_v of_o s._n augustine_n who_o be_v flagellum_fw-la pelagianorum_n the_o scourge_n of_o the_o pelagian_n pass_v this_o insolent_a censure_n upon_o he_o and_o say_v supra_fw-la that_o in_o speak_v so_o much_o it_o have_v happen_v to_o he_o what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v say_v by_o solomon_n to_o wit_n 19_o that_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o word_n there_o want_v not_o sin_n so_o that_o i_o can_v sufficient_o wonder_v at_o the_o boldness_n of_o cardinal_n perron_n who_o when_o he_o have_v any_o occasion_n of_o allege_v this_o author_n ordinary_o call_v he_o saint_n 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bishop_n confessor_n or_o martyr_n which_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o this_o proposal_n of_o his_o according_a to_o his_o own_o maxim_n ought_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o public_a determination_n and_o to_o be_v account_v of_o only_a as_o his_o own_o particular_a private_a opinion_n let_v we_o therefore_o in_o this_o business_n rather_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o s._n augustine_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o evident_a reason_n a_o person_n who_o authority_n whenever_o it_o shall_v be_v question_v will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v incomparable_o great_a than_o vincentius_n lirinensis_n his_o and_o let_v we_o not_o henceforth_o give_v any_o credit_n to_o any_o say_n or_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n save_v only_o such_o the_o truth_n whereof_o they_o shall_v have_v make_v appear_v evident_o unto_o we_o either_o by_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o scripture_n or_o else_o by_o some_o probable_a reason_n chap._n iii_o reason_n iii_o that_o the_o father_n have_v write_v 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the_o same_o according_a as_o we_o see_v good_a and_o thus_o have_v s._n hierome_n express_o deliver_v his_o mind_n as_o we_o show_v before_o where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o commentary_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o certain_o if_o they_o have_v have_v any_o other_o design_n or_o intention_n they_o will_v never_o have_v trouble_v themselves_o as_o they_o ordinary_o do_v in_o gather_v together_o the_o several_a opinion_n of_o other_o men._n this_o diligence_n i_o confess_v be_v laudable_a in_o a_o teacher_n but_o it_o will_v be_v very_o ridiculous_a in_o a_o judge_n their_o style_n also_o shall_v then_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o kind_n than_o now_o it_o be_v and_o those_o obscurity_n which_o we_o have_v observe_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n proceed_v either_o from_o the_o rhetorical_a ornament_n or_o the_o logical_a subtlety_n which_o they_o make_v use_v of_o shall_v have_v no_o place_n here_o for_o what_o use_n will_v there_o be_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n in_o pronounce_v a_o sentence_n of_o judgement_n or_o indeed_o in_o give_v one_o bare_a testimony_n only_o to_o any_o thing_n but_o that_o which_o make_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o our_o assertion_n more_o clear_o to_o appear_v than_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v the_o little_a care_n and_o diligence_n that_o they_o take_v in_o compose_v the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o write_n of_o they_o which_o we_o now_o will_v so_o very_o fain_o have_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o these_o man_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o such_o exquisite_a sanctity_n have_v have_v any_o intention_n of_o prescribe_v to_o posterity_n a_o true_a and_o perfect_a tenor_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v it_o probable_a that_o they_o will_v have_v go_v careless_o to_o work_v in_o a_o business_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n will_v they_o not_o rather_o have_v go_v upon_o it_o with_o their_o eye_n open_v their_o judgement_n settle_v their_o thought_n fix_v and_o every_o faculty_n of_o their_o soul_n attentive_o bend_v upon_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n for_o fear_n lest_o that_o in_o a_o business_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n as_o this_o something_o may_v chance_v to_o fall_v from_o they_o not_o so_o become_v their_o own_o wisdom_n or_o so_o suitable_a to_o the_o people_n advantage_n a_o judge_n that_o have_v but_o never_o so_o little_a conscience_n will_v not_o otherwise_o give_v sentence_n concern_v the_o ox_n the_o field_n and_o the_o gutter_n of_o titius_n and_o moevius_n how_o much_o more_o be_v the_o same_o gravity_n and_o deliberation_n requisite_a here_o where_o the_o question_n be_v touch_v the_o faith_n the_o soul_n and_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o all_o mankind_n it_o be_v clear_o therefore_o the_o great_a injury_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v to_o these_o holy_a person_n to_o imagine_v that_o they_o will_v have_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o have_v pass_v judgement_n in_o so_o weighty_a a_o cause_n as_o this_o but_o with_o the_o great_a care_n and_o attention_n that_o can_v be_v now_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o in_o very_a many_o of_o those_o write_n of_o they_o which_o have_v come_v down_o to_o our_o hand_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o much_o negligence_n or_o to_o speak_v a_o little_a more_o tender_o of_o the_o business_n security_n at_o least_o both_o in_o the_o invention_n method_n and_o elocution_n if_o therefore_o we_o tender_v the_o reputation_n either_o of_o their_o honesty_n or_o wisdom_n we_o ought_v rather_o to_o say_v that_o their_o design_n in_o these_o book_n of_o they_o be_v not_o to_o pronounce_v definitive_o upon_o this_o particular_a neither_o be_v their_o write_n judiciary_n sentence_n or_o final_a judgement_n but_o be_v rather_o discourse_n of_o a_o far_o different_a nature_n occasion_v by_o divers_a emergent_a occurrence_n and_o be_v more_o or_o less_o elaborate_a according_a
be_v water_v with_o tigris_n and_o euphrates_n there_o have_v be_v neither_o river_n nor_o willow_n nor_o any_o aquatic_a tree_n the_o same_o 108._o author_n also_o demand_v as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o most_o indissoluble_a question_n if_o take_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n who_o the_o daughter_n of_o babylon_n be_v and_o why_o she_o be_v call_v miserable_a which_o be_v so_o easy_a a_o question_n as_o that_o any_o child_n almost_o may_v very_o easy_o resolve_v it_o without_o torture_v the_o text_n with_o allegory_n so_o likewise_o in_o his_o exposition_n of_o the_o 146_o psalm_n he_o understand_v by_o the_o est_fw-la cloud_n wherewith_o god_n be_v say_v to_o cover_v the_o heaven_n the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o by_o the_o rain_n which_o he_o prepare_v for_o the_o earth_n the_o evangelical_n doctrine_n by_o the_o mountain_n which_o bring_v forth_o grass_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n by_o the_o beast_n he_o understand_v man_n and_o by_o the_o young_a raven_n the_o gentile_n assure_v we_o withal_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v only_o erroneous_a but_o rather_o very_o irreligious_a to_o take_v these_o word_n in_o the_o literal_a sense_n may_v not_o this_o be_v call_v rather_o sport_v with_o than_o expound_v of_o the_o scripture_n so_o likewise_o in_o another_o place_n speak_v of_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n which_o our_o saviour_n say_v neither_o reap_v nor_o gather_v into_o barn_n 7._o he_o understand_v by_o these_o the_o devil_n and_o by_o the_o lily_n of_o the_o field_n which_o spin_v not_o the_o angel_n i_o shall_v much_o abuse_v the_o reader_n patience_n if_o i_o shall_v here_o set_v down_o the_o strange_a discourse_n he_o have_v upon_o the_o story_n of_o the_o two_o possess_v with_o devil_n who_o be_v heal_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o country_n of_o the_o gergesens_n 10._o and_o upon_o the_o leap_n which_o the_o devil_n make_v the_o neighbour_a herd_n of_o swine_n take_v into_o the_o sea_n and_o of_o the_o swineherd_n run_v away_o 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the_o spirit_n and_o with_o a_o most_o lively_a and_o clear_a understanding_n for_o the_o dive_v into_o the_o truth_n but_o yet_o those_o that_o have_v the_o great_a â—hare_n of_o these_o gift_n have_v it_o yet_o to_o very_o little_a purpose_n if_o so_o be_v they_o employ_v it_o not_o all_o and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n when_o the_o business_n they_o be_v to_o treat_v of_o be_v of_o so_o great_a both_o difficulty_n and_o importance_n and_o such_o as_o to_o the_o decide_n and_o discuss_v whereof_o we_o can_v never_o bring_v either_o more_o attention_n or_o diligence_n than_o be_v needful_a now_o that_o the_o father_n have_v not_o observe_v this_o course_n in_o their_o write_n appear_v clear_o enough_o by_o what_o have_v be_v former_o say_v their_o book_n therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o either_o as_o definitive_a sentence_n or_o final_a judgement_n upon_o our_o present_a controversy_n i_o confess_v that_o these_o small_a 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judge_n these_o consideration_n join_v to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o particular_a by_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o eminent_a among_o themselves_o as_o we_o have_v former_o show_v do_v make_v it_o in_o my_o judgement_n evident_o enough_o appear_v that_o their_o own_o will_n and_o desire_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o embrace_v their_o opinion_n as_o oracle_n or_o receive_v they_o as_o definitive_a sentence_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v rather_o examine_v they_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o reason_n as_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o doctor_n who_o be_v indeed_o very_o able_a and_o excellent_a man_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v still_o man_n subject_n to_o error_n and_o who_o have_v not_o always_o the_o good_a fortune_n to_o light_v upon_o what_o be_v true_a and_o sound_a and_o who_o peradventure_o even_o in_o this_o very_a case_n in_o hand_n have_v not_o always_o do_v what_o they_o may_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o employ_v either_o less_o time_n or_o 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err_v in_o divers_a very_o considerable_a point_n i_o hope_v they_o will_v at_o length_n confess_v that_o they_o have_v very_o good_a reason_n grave_o to_o advise_v we_o not_o to_o believe_v or_o take_v upon_o trust_v any_o of_o their_o opinion_n unless_o we_o find_v that_o they_o be_v ground_v either_o upon_o the_o scripture_n or_o else_o upon_o some_o other_o truth_n i_o confess_v i_o enter_v upon_o this_o inquiry_n very_o unwilling_o as_o take_v very_o little_a pleasure_n in_o discover_v the_o infirmity_n and_o fail_n of_o any_o man_n especial_o of_o such_o as_o be_v otherwise_o think_v worthy_a of_o so_o great_a estimation_n and_o honour_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n â—how_v precious_a or_o dear_a unto_o we_o soever_o it_o be_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o account_v as_o dung_n if_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o truth_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o man_n and_o i_o be_o very_o persuade_v that_o even_o these_o bless_a saint_n themselves_o be_v they_o now_o 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truth_n as_o this_o be_v if_o i_o will_v go_v about_o to_o defend_v myself_o by_o example_n i_o can_v here_o make_v use_n of_o that_o of_o cardinal_n perron_n 949._o who_o to_o justify_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n interdict_v the_o read_n of_o the_o bible_n to_o any_o of_o the_o laity_n save_v only_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v allow_v so_o to_o do_v make_v no_o more_o ado_n but_o fall_n to_o lay_v open_a to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n not_o all_o the_o fault_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o there_o but_o all_o the_o false_a appearance_n of_o fault_n that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o bible_n make_v a_o whole_a chapter_n express_o of_o the_o same_o how_o much_o more_o lawful_o than_o may_v we_o adventure_v here_o to_o expose_v to_o public_a view_n some_o few_o of_o the_o fail_n of_o the_o father_n unto_o who_o we_o owe_v infinite_o less_o respect_n than_o unto_o god_n only_o to_o moderate_v a_o little_a and_o to_o allay_v the_o heat_n of_o that_o excessive_a devotion_n that_o most_o man_n bear_v towards_o their_o write_n that_o so_o the_o one_o party_n may_v be_v persuade_v to_o seek_v out_o for_o some_o other_o weapon_n than_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o man_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o that_o the_o other_o party_n may_v not_o so_o easy_o be_v induce_v to_o give_v ear_n to_o the_o bare_a testimony_n of_o antiquity_n it_o be_v the_o say_v of_o a_o great_a prince_n long_o since_o that_o the_o vile_a and_o most_o shameful_a necessity_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o most_o clear_o evince_v he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n and_o no_o god_n as_o his_o flatter_a courtier_n will_v needs_o have_v make_v he_o believe_v he_o be_v see_v therefore_o it_o stand_v we_o so_o much_o upon_o to_o know_v that_o the_o father_n be_v but_o man_n let_v we_o not_o be_v afraid_a to_o produce_v here_o this_o so_o clear_a and_o so_o evident_a argument_n of_o their_o humanity_n let_v we_o bold_o enter_v into_o their_o most_o hide_a secret_n and_o 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that_o a_o man_n may_v safe_o build_v upon_o they_o and_o make_v they_o the_o judge_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o they_o all_o agree_v upon_o as_o far_o as_o i_o have_v either_o read_v or_o know_v as_o any_o man_n may_v see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o calvin_n bucer_n melancthon_n luther_n beza_n and_o the_o rest_n who_o all_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n only_o and_o admit_v not_o of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n as_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n whereon_o to_o build_v any_o article_n of_o their_o belief_n it_o be_v true_a i_o confess_v that_o some_o of_o their_o first_o author_n as_o namely_o bucer_n peter_n martyr_n and_o j._n jewel_n bishop_n of_o salisbury_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n all_o the_o late_a writer_n also_o allege_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n but_o if_o you_o but_o mark_v 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this_o error_n we_o see_v that_o irenaeus_n who_o live_v in_o the_o same_o time_n and_o also_o tertullian_n who_o follow_v not_o long_o after_o he_o be_v both_o of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n no_o one_o man_n all_o this_o while_n that_o we_o hear_v of_o offer_v to_o contradict_v they_o 39_o eusebius_n and_o papia_n s._n hierome_n and_o divers_a other_o author_n inform_v we_o that_o papias_n bishop_n of_o hierapolis_n who_o flourish_v about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n cx_o be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o opinion_n it_o follow_v then_o from_o hence_o that_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o father_n that_o be_v now_o extant_a who_o live_v in_o the_o same_o age_n and_o maintain_v all_o the_o same_o opinion_n be_v no_o infallible_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o if_o you_o go_v down_o â—ower_n you_o will_v
find_v that_o the_o very_a same_o error_n be_v defend_v by_o several_a doctor_n of_o very_a great_a repute_n in_o the_o church_n s._n hierome_n who_o in_o divers_a place_n of_o his_o commentary_n have_v excellent_o and_o solid_o refute_v this_o foolish_a fancy_n say_v 984._o that_o many_o among_o the_o learned_a christian_n have_v maintain_v the_o same_o and_o to_o those_o who_o we_o have_v already_o mention_v sit_fw-la he_o add_v lactantius_n victorinus_n severus_n and_o apollinaris_n who_o be_v follow_v in_o this_o point_n say_v he_o in_o another_o place_n by_o great_a multitude_n of_o christian_n about_o we_o insomuch_o that_o i_o already_o foresee_v and_o presage_v to_o myself_o how_o many_o folk_n anger_v i_o shall_v incur_v hereby_o namely_o because_o he_o every_o where_o speak_v against_o this_o opinion_n whence_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o in_o his_o time_n that_o be_v to_o say_v about_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o five_o century_n it_o be_v still_o in_o great_a request_n in_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o how_o fierce_a soever_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o his_o onset_n yet_o he_o dare_v not_o condemn_v this_o opinion_n absolute_o reserventur_fw-la although_o we_o embrace_v not_o this_o opinion_n say_v he_o yet_o can_v we_o not_o condemn_v it_o for_o as_o much_o as_o there_o have_v be_v divers_a eminent_a personage_n and_o martyr_n in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v maintain_v the_o same_o let_v every_o man_n abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o let_v we_o leave_v the_o judgement_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o god_n whence_o you_o see_v as_o we_o may_v observe_v by_o the_o way_n that_o the_o father_n have_v not_o always_o hold_v a_o opinion_n in_o the_o same_o degree_n that_o we_o do_v for_o st._n hierome_n conceive_v this_o to_o be_v a_o pardonable_a error_n which_o yet_o we_o at_o this_o day_n will_v not_o endure_v to_o hear_v of_o if_o it_o be_v here_o answer_v that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o age_n follow_v condemn_v this_o opinion_n as_o erroneous_a this_o 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and_o other_o conceive_v not_o themselves_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n lactantius_n victorinus_n severus_n and_o other_o so_o neither_o be_v we_o any_o more_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o they_o for_o their_o posterity_n owe_v they_o no_o more_o respect_n than_o they_o themselves_o owe_v to_o their_o ancestor_n it_o seem_v rather_o that_o in_o reason_n they_o shall_v owe_v they_o less_o because_o that_o look_v how_o far_o distant_a in_o time_n they_o be_v from_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o spring_n and_o original_a of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n so_o much_o do_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n lose_v and_o grow_v less_o if_o antiquity_n as_o we_o will_v have_v it_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o truth_n then_o certain_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a be_v also_o the_o most_o venerable_a and_o the_o most_o considerable_a and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o argument_n but_o this_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o many_o father_n unanimous_o consent_v in_o any_o opinion_n yet_o will_v it_o clear_o serve_v to_o lessen_v the_o same_o but_o there_o be_v yet_o behind_o many_o other_o some_o whereof_o we_o shall_v here_o produce_v we_o have_v hear_v before_o justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n tertullian_n and_o st._n augustine_n affirm_v all_o of_o they_o that_o heaven_n shall_v not_o be_v open_v till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o during_o this_o space_n of_o time_n the_o soul_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v shut_v up_o in_o some_o subterraneous_a place_n except_o some_o small_a number_n of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o go_v immediate_o to_o heaven_n the_o author_n of_o those_o question_n and_o answer_n that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o justin_n martyr_n maintain_v the_o same_o opinion_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o lx_o and_o lxxiv_o question_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o unprofitable_o spend_v both_o time_n and_o paper_n in_o bring_v in_o all_o the_o particular_a passage_n i_o say_v in_o general_n that_o both_o the_o major_a part_n and_o also_o the_o most_o eminent_a person_n among_o the_o ancient_a father_n hold_v this_o opinion_n either_o absolute_o or_o at_o least_o in_o part_n for_o beside_o justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n tertullian_n and_o st._n augustine_n and_o the_o author_n of_o those_o question_n and_o answer_v we_o before_o mention_v which_o be_v a_o very_a ancient_a piece_n indeed_o though_o false_o father_v upon_o justin_n martyr_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o origen_n lactantius_n victorinus_n st._n ambrose_n st._n chrysostome_n theodoret_n oecumenius_n aretas_n prudentius_n theophylact_fw-mi st._n bernard_n and_o among_o the_o pope_n clemens_n romanus_n and_o john_n xxii_o be_v all_o of_o this_o opinion_n as_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o neither_o be_v this_o so_o admirable_a and_o general_a consent_n of_o they_o contradict_v by_o any_o declaration_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o space_n of_o fourteen_o hundred_o year_n neither_o yet_o do_v any_o one_o of_o the_o father_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v discover_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o refute_v this_o error_n as_o dionysius_n alexandrinus_n and_o st._n hierome_n do_v to_o refute_v the_o millenaries_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o father_n be_v either_o utter_o silent_a as_o to_o this_o particular_a and_o so_o by_o this_o their_o silence_n go_v over_o in_o a_o manner_n into_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o major_a part_n or_o else_o content_v themselves_o with_o declare_v sometime_o here_o and_o there_o in_o their_o book_n that_o they_o believe_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n shall_v enjoy_v the_o sight_n of_o god_n till_o the_o resurrection_n never_o formal_o deny_v the_o other_o opinion_n but_o that_o which_o do_v further_o show_v that_o this_o opinion_n be_v both_o very_a ancient_n and_o have_v be_v also_o very_o common_a among_o the_o christian_n be_v because_o that_o even_o at_o this_o day_n it_o be_v believe_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o whole_a greek_a church_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o of_o all_o those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o stand_v to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n who_o have_v reject_v it_o save_v only_o the_o latin_n 584._o who_o have_v express_o also_o establish_v the_o contrary_a at_o the_o council_n of_o florence_n hold_v in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1439._o which_o be_v not_o above_o two_o hundred_o and_o twelve_o year_n ago_o do_v but_o fancy_n now_o to_o yourselves_o a_o vicentius_n lirinensis_n stand_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o this_o council_n and_o lay_v before_o they_o his_o own_o oracle_n before_o mention_v which_o be_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o hold_v for_o most_o certain_o and_o undoubted_o true_a whatsoever_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o the_o ancient_n unanimous_o and_o by_o a_o common_a consent_n and_o do_v but_o think_v whether_o or_o no_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v hiss_v out_o by_o these_o reverend_a father_n as_o one_o that_o make_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v holy_a and_o immutable_a to_o depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n for_o these_o man_n regard_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o the_o multitude_n nor_o the_o antiquity_n nor_o the_o learning_n nor_o the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o author_n of_o this_o foolish_a opinion_n but_o find_v it_o to_o be_v false_a without_o any_o more_o ado_n reject_v it_o as_o they_o think_v they_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o do_v and_o withal_o ordain_v the_o contrary_n now_o i_o be_o very_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o point_n of_o faith_n among_o all_o those_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v have_v the_o protestant_n receive_v for_o which_o there_o can_v be_v allege_v either_o more_o or_o more_o clear_a and_o evident_a testimony_n out_o of_o the_o father_n than_o for_o this_o for_o as_o much_o therefore_o as_o that_o after_o