therefore_o stand_v 80._o that_o i_o may_v use_v basill_n his_o word_n to_o the_o arbitrement_n of_o scripture_n give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n 3.16_o and_o let_v the_o sentence_n of_o truth_n be_v adjudge_v unto_o they_o amongst_o who_o doctrine_n agree_v with_o god_n his_o word_n be_v find_v it_o like_v i_o to_o set_v down_o in_o this_o place_n the_o most_o beautiful_a sentence_n of_o cyprian_a stephani_fw-la which_o augustine_n affirm_v to_o be_v without_o doubt_n most_o excellent_a it_o be_v a_o short_a way_n say_v he_o with_o religious_a and_o simple_a mind_n both_o to_o lay_v away_o error_n and_o to_o find_v forth_o and_o try_v out_o the_o truth_n for_o if_o we_o return_v to_o the_o head_n and_o fountain_n of_o god_o his_o tradition_n man_n his_o error_n cease_v if_o the_o conduit_n pipe_n of_o water_n which_o before_o do_v run_v plentiful_o and_o abundant_o do_v fail_v of_o a_o souddeine_a do_v they_o not_o go_v to_o the_o fountain_n that_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o defect_n may_v forthwith_o be_v know_v whether_o it_o be_v dry_a in_o the_o head_n by_o mean_n that_o the_o vein_n of_o the_o well_o be_v dry_v up_o or_o whether_o it_o run_v sound_o and_o full_o from_o thence_o and_o stop_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o his_o passage_n the_o which_o thing_n also_o the_o priest_n of_o god_o must_v do_v and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n the_o truth_n shall_v totter_v and_o shake_v let_v we_o return_v to_o the_o fountain_n and_o wellspring_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o the_o euanliste_n and_o to_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o from_o thence_o let_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o do_v rise_v from_o whence_o both_o the_o order_n and_o beginning_n spring_v these_o thing_n be_v write_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o pompeius_n against_o the_o epistle_n of_o stephanus_n therefore_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o old_a writer_n the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o judgement_n in_o every_o proof_n examination_n and_o trial_n of_o doctrine_n i_o know_v haereti_n tertullian_n write_v elsewhere_o that_o we_o must_v not_o appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n neither_o offer_n in_o they_o to_o contend_v wherein_o the_o victory_n be_v either_o none_o at_o all_o or_o uncertain_a or_o at_o the_o least_o none_o very_o certain_a but_o mark_v against_o who_o he_o reason_v for_o so_o have_v he_o a_o little_a before_o these_o word_n this_o heresy_n do_v not_o receive_v certain_a scripture_n and_o if_o it_o receive_v any_o it_o alter_v and_o change_v they_o crafty_o by_o put_v to_o &_o take_v from_o for_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o purpose_n although_o it_o do_v receive_v they_o yet_o do_v it_o not_o receive_v the_o whole_a and_o though_o it_o do_v receive_v the_o whole_a after_o a_o sort_n yet_o do_v it_o notwirhstanding_n pervert_v they_o devise_v strange_a exposition_n as_o great_o be_v a_o adulterous_a sense_n against_o the_o truth_n as_o be_v a_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o writing_n diverse_a presumption_n will_v not_o acknowledge_v those_o thing_n whereby_o they_o be_v overthrow_v etc_n etc_n therefore_o forsomuch_o as_o proof_n forth_o of_o the_o scripture_n can_v nothing_o prevail_v amongst_o such_o he_o deem_v that_o controversy_n touch_v faith_n be_v to_o be_v discuss_v forth_o of_o the_o scripture_n because_o those_o which_o be_v of_o the_o right_a faith_n weary_v themselves_o without_o fruit_n and_o because_o the_o malapertness_n of_o heretic_n can_v not_o be_v bridle_v but_o that_o they_o will_v still_o contend_v although_o they_o be_v a_o hundred_o time_n overcome_v he_o will_v therefore_o have_v a_o end_n of_o vain_a and_o unprofitable_a strife_n and_o contention_n 3.10_o and_o especial_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n forbid_v after_o the_o first_o or_o second_o admonition_n to_o reason_v any_o more_o with_o he_o that_o be_v â—n_z heretic_n otherwise_o what_o do_v he_o himself_o in_o so_o many_o book_n with_o what_o sword_n with_o what_o weapon_n have_v â—e_n slay_v martion_n praxeas_n hermogenes_n and_o other_o but_o with_o the_o simple_a word_n of_o god_n therefore_o when_o the_o matter_n so_o require_v he_o prove_v not_o only_o the_o word_n but_o also_o by_o example_n that_o we_o must_v both_o dispute_v and_o define_v none_o otherwise_o but_o only_o forth_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o neither_o have_v all_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o right_a faith_n use_v any_o other_o mean_v when_o they_o defend_v the_o right_a â—nd_n pure_a faith_n against_o heretic_n as_o we_o â—ave_n already_o show_v the_o book_n of_o god_n be_v open_a say_v augustine_n let_v we_o not_o turn_v away_o our_o eye_n augustinus_n the_o scripture_n cry_v let_v we_o hearken_v for_o they_o will_v not_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o man_n â—ut_z of_o god_n to_o be_v able_a to_o end_v controversy_n and_o to_o heal_v man_n yet_o do_v the_o papist_n reclaim_v scripture_n affirm_v that_o controversy_n can_v be_v determine_v forth_o of_o scripture_n only_o or_o â—hat_n judgement_n can_v be_v 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reprove_v by_o the_o scripture_n use_v these_o cavillation_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v diverse_o speak_v that_o be_v to_o say_v according_a to_o the_o speech_n of_o our_o adversary_n doubtful_a apt_a to_o be_v apply_v every_o way_n uncertain_a moreover_o that_o the_o truth_n can_v not_o be_v find_v forth_o by_o the_o scripture_n if_o a_o man_n know_v not_o the_o tradition_n that_o be_v to_o say_v as_o our_o adversary_n now_o utter_v it_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o sufficient_a and_o that_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o deliver_v by_o write_n but_o by_o lively_a voice_n for_o the_o which_o cause_n say_v they_o paul_n say_v 1._o we_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o they_o that_o be_v perfect_a not_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n julianus_n also_o the_o pelagian_a with_o who_o augustine_n have_v so_o great_a conflict_n and_o who_o word_n and_o argument_n these_o our_o adversary_n use_v in_o their_o disputation_n very_o willing_o be_v wont_a to_o stand_v much_o upon_o this_o that_o 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as_o it_o be_v make_v of_o a_o reed_n against_o his_o member_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v this_o worthy_a testimony_n of_o paul_n 3.16.17_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n &_o be_v profitable_a to_o doctrine_n to_o reprove_v to_o correction_n to_o instruction_n which_o be_v in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a and_o although_o the_o slienesse_n of_o all_o heretic_n and_o sophist_n be_v great_a in_o wrest_v and_o deprave_v of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o do_v not_o god_n his_o truth_n lie_v so_o open_a to_o their_o mock_n but_o that_o it_o may_v stout_o be_v set_v at_o liberty_n by_o the_o say_a scripture_n cloud_n may_v darken_v the_o sun_n for_o a_o season_n but_o they_o can_v neither_o put_v out_o nor_o choke_v up_o the_o light_n thereof_o but_o that_o it_o will_v
will_n be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v both_o heree_n &_o in_o the_o everlasting_a life_n therefore_o it_o be_v godliness_n diligent_o to_o collect_v &_o with_o thankful_a mind_n to_o consider_v all_o the_o gift_n &_o all_o the_o riches_n wherewith_o the_o church_n be_v adorn_v &_o enrich_v she_o have_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o her_o head_n christ_n spouse_n and_o saviour_n unto_o who_o she_o be_v marry_v in_o faith_n she_o have_v the_o joyful_a news_n of_o the_o gospel_n she_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o her_o governor_n she_o have_v the_o ministry_n prolong_v by_o the_o father_n the_o prophet_n christ_n &_o the_o apostle_n which_o have_v most_o plentiful_o bestow_v upon_o she_o as_o upon_o a_o rich_fw-fr treasure_n house_n as_o say_v irenaeus_n all_o thing_n appertain_a to_o truth_n 4_o that_o every_o one_o which_o will_v may_v draw_v forth_o of_o her_o the_o drink_n of_o life_n she_o have_v pastor_n &_o authority_n to_o call_v minister_n for_o the_o set_n forth_o and_o conserve_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o who_o it_o be_v write_v how_o beautiful_a be_v the_o foot_n of_o they_o 10.15_o which_o bring_v good_a tiding_n of_o peace_n &_o bring_v good_a tiding_n of_o good_a thing_n she_o have_v excellent_a gift_n understanding_n &_o the_o inerpretation_fw-fr of_o doctrine_n give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n she_o have_v also_o the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n &_o a_o certain_a jurisdiction_n of_o her_o own_o &_o law_n of_o her_o own_o the_o holy_a scripture_n adorn_v she_o with_o marvelous_a praise_n call_v she_o thorough_o â—re_n the_o paradise_n of_o the_o great_a workeâ—n_n the_o city_n of_o the_o holy_a king_n clear_a as_o â—e_z dawn_v of_o the_o day_n bright_a as_o the_o â—orning_n beautiful_a as_o the_o moon_n elect_v the_o sun_n who_o smell_v of_o ointment_n stand_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o king_n â—cked_a with_o embroider_a guard_n of_o diverse_a â—â—lours_n who_o have_v no_o obscure_a thing_n and_o 〈◊〉_d through_o christ_n altogether_o most_o white_a therefore_o because_o the_o sweet_a name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v full_a of_o worthiness_n &_o reâ—erence_n hereupon_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o â—anie_n eloquent_a &_o learned_a man_n do_v with_o â—ately_o plentiful_a &_o gorgeous_a speech_n exile_n amplify_v &_o exaggerate_v the_o majesty_n pre-eminence_n authority_n &_o dignity_n thereof_o so_o that_o they_o do_v affirm_v that_o she_o have_v â—orce_n and_o power_n above_o the_o write_a word_n â—f_n god_n &_o think_v that_o christian_n ought_v â—o_o give_v place_n to_o she_o in_o all_o thing_n church_n for_o â—hereupon_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o truth_n gather_v that_o the_o church_n be_v more_o ancient_a than_o the_o scripture_n &_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v her_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o father_n continue_v 2449._o year_n before_o any_o thing_n be_v write_v touch_v religion_n also_o that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v gather_v together_o many_o year_n with_o the_o lively_a voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n before_o any_o thing_n be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o because_o the_o church_n receive_v the_o scripture_n &_o allow_v it_o by_o her_o own_o judgement_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n which_o receive_v and_o allow_v be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v receive_v and_o allow_v and_o therefore_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o only_o not_o inferior_a not_o only_o equal_a but_o rather_o superior_a and_o better_o know_v than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o church_n have_v approve_v the_o chief_a scripture_n to_o be_v canonical_a which_o approbation_n they_o neither_o have_v of_o themselves_o nor_o of_o their_o author_n otherwise_o what_o cause_n be_v there_o why_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o gospel_n of_o s._n mark_v which_o see_v not_o christ_n and_o yet_o not_o receive_v the_o gospel_n of_o nicodemus_n which_o now_o also_o be_v extant_a who_o notwithstanding_o both_o see_v christ_n and_o be_v his_o scholar_n moreover_o why_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o luke_n the_o disciple_n admit_v &_o the_o gospel_n of_o n1-nn_a the_o apostle_n reject_v true_o they_o have_v â—r_o authority_n not_o from_o the_o author_n â—n_v who_o they_o come_v but_o from_o the_o â—â—urch_n no_o holy_a scripture_n do_v show_v 〈◊〉_d the_o rest_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o â—e_z be_v canonical_a and_o worthy_a credit_n 〈◊〉_d consent_n of_o the_o church_n have_v make_v they_o â—benticall_a so_o that_o augustine_n say_v â—ll_o i_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n 5._o â—re_n it_o not_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o â—tholicall_a church_n do_v move_v i_o â—o_o and_o especial_o because_o there_o be_v â—e_n in_o time_n past_a which_o both_o reject_v â—o_o write_v gospel_n &_o the_o evangelist_n â—o_o which_o write_v they_o stick_v forsooth_o â—ought_n false_a religion_n to_o christ_n only_o who_o â—ither_o write_v himself_o neither_o command_v to_o be_v write_v but_o to_o be_v preach_v and_o â—â—lled_v his_o doctrine_n not_o scripture_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d say_v writing_n but_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v to_o â—y_a joyful_a news_n but_o if_o we_o give_v place_n â—rein_o to_o the_o church_n as_o by_o right_n we_o â—â—ght_n all_o to_o give_v place_n unto_o she_o why_o then_o â—ould_v we_o not_o also_o give_v place_n unto_o she_o in_o â—e_a matter_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n &_o in_o â—â—her_a point_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v â—rite_v certain_a thing_n not_o that_o their_o writing_n shall_v rule_v our_o faith_n &_o religion_n but_o â—at_a their_o write_n shall_v rather_o serve_v our_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v in_o their_o epistle_n all_o the_o precept_n and_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o of_o christian_n doctrine_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o so_o many_o year_n preach_v much_o more_o than_o can_v be_v comprehend_v within_o the_o narrow_a room_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o therefore_o so_o short_a a_o abridgement_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v put_v in_o writing_n that_o the_o great_a part_n thereof_o as_o a_o rich_a treasure_n may_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o tradition_n fasten_v in_o the_o inward_a bowel_n of_o the_o church_n that_o therefore_o many_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v write_v which_o be_v not_o write_v that_o the_o constant_a sentence_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v accept_v as_o the_o gospel_n that_o therefore_o in_o matter_n of_o doubt_n &_o in_o any_o raise_a controversy_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v more_o effectual_a to_o cause_v credit_n to_o be_v give_v &_o to_o prove_v certain_o than_o the_o scripture_n because_o the_o tradition_n be_v more_o evident_a and_o plain_a &_o altogether_o unflexible_a when_o as_o contrary_o the_o scripture_n be_v oftentimes_o very_o obscure_a and_o do_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v wrest_v &_o apply_v to_o a_o diverse_a meaning_n yea_o &_o to_o that_o meaning_n which_o any_o shall_v presume_v with_o himself_o â—efore_o hand_n &_o easy_o to_o be_v shift_v of_o with_o 〈◊〉_d crafty_a exposition_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o common_a sentence_n of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o certain_a and_o inflexible_a â—â—le_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v brief_a â—hat_n the_o exact_a squire_n pattern_n &_o rule_v of_o â—â—ith_n be_v not_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o say_n of_o christ_n be_v 18.17_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n &_o a_o publican_n 3.15_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n &_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o â—he_n can_v not_o err_v 13._o because_o christ_n promise_v to_o her_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o shall_v lead_v she_o into_o all_o truth_n s._n paul_n exhort_v we_o say_v brethren_n stand_v fast_o &_o hold_v the_o ordinance_n which_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v etc_n etc_n to_o be_v brief_a they_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n hieremie_n 31.33_o that_o this_o be_v the_o property_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o first_o be_v publish_v by_o christ_n and_o afterward_o by_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n &_o spread_v abroad_o throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n whereby_o god_n will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v know_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o it_o shall_v neither_o be_v ingrave_v in_o table_n of_o stone_n nor_o write_v with_o ink_n and_o paper_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v command_v by_o christ_n to_o 16.15_o preach_v not_o to_o write_v final_o they_o dispute_v much_o of_o the_o briefness_n insufficiency_n flexiblenesse_n ambiguity_n and_o
obscureness_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o roll_v in_o all_o their_o point_n of_o rhetoric_n do_v go_v about_o to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n authority_n perfection_n certainty_n &_o plainness_n of_o unwritten_a tradition_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o we_o shall_v fetch_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n not_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o from_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o force_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v grant_v thereunto_o by_o the_o consent_n &_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n the_o second_o chapter_n the_o deceitfulness_n of_o they_o be_v reprove_v which_o do_v diminish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n whereupon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n do_v depend_v adversary_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o they_o which_o make_v these_o reason_n be_v prompt_a witty_a â—â—arned_a and_o eloquent_a will_v to_o god_n â—â—ey_n be_v all_o so_o upright_o and_o gentle_a minâ—â—d_n that_o they_o will_v put_v to_o their_o furtherance_n rather_o to_o build_v up_o the_o kingdom_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n then_o to_o defend_v the_o kingdom_n of_o â—â—e_z pope_n and_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o allow_v the_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gosâ—ell_n then_o maintain_v corruption_n and_o abâ—ses_n but_o while_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o gratify_v these_o antichristian_a ruler_n they_o â—un_v on_o so_o far_o through_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o contention_n that_o through_o their_o wicked_a curse_a and_o profane_a rhetoric_n they_o blaspheme_v and_o spise_v the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o when_o they_o do_v so_o beset_v and_o besiege_v the_o scripture_n that_o they_o call_v it_o a_o labyrinth_n in_o the_o which_o we_o may_v go_v out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n a_o nose_n of_o wax_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v bow_v unto_o either_o side_n a_o matter_n of_o controversy_n a_o nurse_n garden_n of_o dissension_n obscure_a doubtful_a intricate_a what_o be_v this_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o reproach_n against_o the_o holy_a 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to_o deny_v certain_a book_n of_o the_o bible_n to_o be_v canonical_a reject_v they_o and_o with_o great_a disdain_n disallow_v they_o 2._o for_o when_o as_o they_o be_v reprove_v by_o the_o scripture_n say_v irenaeus_n they_o do_v accuse_v the_o scripture_n as_o though_o they_o be_v not_o well_o handle_v neither_o be_v of_o authority_n and_o because_o they_o be_v diverse_o speak_v &_o because_o the_o truth_n can_v not_o be_v find_v forth_o in_o they_o by_o those_o which_o know_v not_o the_o tradition_n carpocrates_n severus_n cerdo_n &_o manes_n reject_v as_o august_n witness_v 29._o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n although_o tertullian_n report_n of_o cerdo_n as_o also_o do_v irenaeus_n of_o marcio_n that_o they_o reject_v all_o the_o evangelist_n but_o luke_n philaster_n report_v that_o cerinthus_n allow_v matthew_n only_o we_o read_v in_o eusebius_n that_o the_o severians_n disalowed_a paul_n his_o epistle_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o they_o do_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o advantage_n for_o the_o obtain_v of_o victory_n if_o they_o do_v condition_n that_o they_o who_o dart_n they_o see_v be_v to_o be_v fear_v may_v be_v throw_v forth_o of_o the_o camp_n of_o the_o church_n before_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o battle_n even_o so_o also_o do_v these_o think_v that_o they_o shall_v triumph_v if_o they_o may_v most_o unworthe_o slander_v the_o scripture_n of_o uncertainty_n imperfection_n ambiguity_n &_o obscurity_n and_o even_o as_o those_o old_a heretic_n do_v contentious_o affirm_v that_o the_o truth_n can_v not_o be_v find_v by_o they_o which_o know_v not_o the_o tradition_n deliver_v not_o by_o writing_n but_o by_o lively_a voice_n in_o like_a manner_n do_v these_o also_o maintain_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o comprehend_v in_o their_o write_n all_o thing_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v and_o most_o obstinate_o contend_v that_o all_o thing_n appertain_a to_o godliness_n be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o thou_o may_v understand_v that_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v enforce_v with_o the_o self_n same_o spirit_n of_o error_n church_n wherefore_o we_o must_v withstand_v they_o by_o all_o mean_v possible_a for_o it_o be_v a_o most_o hurtful_a and_o perilous_a error_n to_o hold_v that_o the_o credit_n of_o scripture_n shall_v hang_v on_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v grant_v christ_n shall_v not_o be_v christ_n nor_o the_o gospel_n the_o gospel_n neither_o shall_v we_o take_v the_o apostle_n for_o the_o apostle_n nor_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o apostle_n write_n but_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v allow_v in_o their_o counsel_n by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o judgement_n here_o true_o must_v the_o servant_n needs_o be_v great_a than_o the_o lord_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v not_o be_v believe_v but_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o his_o servant_n will_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v believe_v as_o though_o forsooth_o god_n his_o eternal_a and_o inviolable_a truth_n shall_v be_v ground_v and_o stay_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n neither_o be_v it_o lawful_a nor_o sure_a to_o dally_v in_o divinity_n as_o shall_v please_v man_n device_n 2.14_o for_o the_o natural_a man_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o thought_n say_n 116.10_o &_o deed_n of_o man_n do_v more_o resemble_v lie_v then_o truth_n for_o 3.4_o god_n only_o be_v true_a neither_o â—â—e_z the_o argument_n strong_a and_o sound_o â—hich_z these_o patroness_n of_o superstition_n take_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o opinion_n â—ut_z rather_o feeble_a and_o weak_a as_o in_o discuss_v and_o examine_v they_o shall_v appear_v although_o the_o simple_a be_v deluâ—ed_v with_o the_o only_a show_n of_o truth_n be_v holâ—en_o still_o in_o error_n and_o superstition_n and_o alienate_v from_o the_o truth_n but_o let_v not_o we_o â—uffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o pass_n that_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v receive_v credit_n and_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n see_v that_o the_o matter_n â—s_v far_o otherwise_o for_o what_o authority_n or_o estimation_n soever_o the_o church_n have_v it_o come_v whole_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereof_o also_o the_o church_n have_v the_o beginning_n even_o as_o peter_n say_v 1.23_o you_o be_v bear_v â—new_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o â—ncorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o live_v and_o last_v for_o ever_o and_o â—aul_n say_v 15._o in_o christ_n jesus_n i_o have_v beget_v you_o through_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o as_o be_v the_o daughter_n to_o the_o mother_n so_o be_v the_o church_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o since_o we_o do_v all_o confess_v that_o the_o church_n be_v sustain_v by_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n &_o apostle_n true_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o stay_n of_o the_o church_n it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o doctrine_n do_v excel_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o cause_n that_o they_o shall_v cavil_n that_o the_o church_n be_v 2449._o year_n before_o moses_n &_o before_o the_o scripture_n because_o they_o make_v moses_n his_o book_n most_o ancient_a which_o in_o deed_n i_o do_v confess_v in_o respect_n of_o those_o book_n which_o now_o be_v extant_a but_o how_o know_v they_o whether_o that_o ancient_a church_n which_o be_v before_o moses_n have_v write_v his_o 21.14_o pentatenche_n have_v any_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n or_o none_o moses_n do_v cite_v the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o â—3_o josua_n be_v the_o book_n of_o the_o just_a cite_v and_o it_o may_v be_v that_o noah_n abraham_n isaac_n &_o jacob_n write_v those_o thing_n which_o do_v pertain_v to_o their_o time_n as_o moses_n do_v afterward_o gather_v they_o together_o and_o by_o
great_o in_o doctrine_n &_o some_o in_o wickedness_n of_o manner_n that_o admonition_n also_o which_o be_v in_o writing_n be_v needful_a and_o he_o adolph_v consider_v how_o great_a madness_n it_o â—n_v we_o which_o have_v lose_v that_o first_o dignity_n not_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o use_v the_o seâ—â—nd_a remedy_n to_o salvation_n but_o to_o deâ—ise_v the_o heavenly_a write_n as_o give_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o in_o vain_a this_o â—ace_n of_o chrysostom_n do_v not_o only_o show_v 〈◊〉_d what_o cause_n and_o to_o what_o end_n god_o â—â—ue_v unto_o we_o the_o scripture_n not_o only_o in_o â—e_n old_a testament_n but_o also_o in_o the_o new_a â—t_a also_o show_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o mainâ—yners_n of_o the_o pope_n which_o reason_n forth_o 〈◊〉_d hieremie_n and_o paul_n that_o it_o be_v proper_a 〈◊〉_d the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n â—even_v of_o god_n to_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v writâ—â—n_n neither_o in_o table_n nor_o in_o paper_n neiâ—â—er_v with_o pen_n nor_o with_o ink_n nor_o by_o any_o oâ—her_n mean_v but_o that_o it_o must_v be_v keep_v with_o â—ut_z write_v and_o deliver_v from_o hand_n to_o â—and_n these_o be_v toy_n because_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o chrysostom_n we_o have_v lose_v â—hat_n first_o dignity_n when_o as_o the_o doctrine_n â—f_n the_o apostle_n be_v deliver_v by_o lively_a voice_n only_o so_o that_o now_o we_o have_v need_n of_o admonition_n put_v in_o writing_n but_o because_o â—_o have_v reason_v of_o this_o matter_n before_o i_o will_v now_o spare_v to_o speak_v any_o more_o hereof_o theophilactus_fw-la and_o that_o which_o chrysostom_n speak_v at_o large_a theophilactus_fw-la have_v comprehend_v as_o he_o be_v wont_v in_o few_o word_n because_o say_v he_o there_o be_v heresy_n spring_v up_o which_o may_v have_v corrupt_v our_o manner_n it_o seem_v very_o expedient_a that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v write_v that_o we_o learning_n the_o truth_n forth_o of_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o lie_v of_o heresy_n hieronymus_n hieronymus_n also_o agree_v hereunto_o for_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a say_v he_o that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n so_o be_v it_o also_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v write_v against_o heretic_n 2._o hereunto_o also_o do_v augustine_n geve_v his_o consent_n who_o upon_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o john_n tractatu_fw-la 2._o have_v these_o word_n you_o ought_v chief_o to_o consider_v and_o to_o commit_v to_o your_o remembrance_n that_o god_n his_o will_n be_v to_o put_v a_o chief_a stay_n in_o the_o scripture_n against_o deceitful_a error_n against_o the_o which_o no_o man_n dare_v speak_v who_o in_o any_o sort_n be_v desirous_a to_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n â—or_a when_o he_o have_v offer_v himself_o to_o be_v â—â—ndled_v it_o suffice_v he_o not_o but_o that_o 〈◊〉_d do_v confirm_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o faith_n â—ll_v out_o of_o the_o 24.44_o scripture_n for_o he_o do_v provide_v for_o we_o which_o be_v to_o come_v â—hat_n which_o we_o may_v handle_v we_o have_v â—ot_n but_o that_o which_o we_o may_v read_v â—ee_o have_v loe_o god_n his_o will_n be_v to_o put_v â—rong_a defence_n against_o the_o deceit_n of_o error_n in_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o â—orâ—th_v of_o the_o scripture_n be_v all_o hereâ—es_n to_o be_v confute_v and_o doctrine_n to_o be_v â—â—dged_v with_o this_o shield_n with_o this_o sword_n â—ith_o these_o weapon_n must_v heresy_n be_v put_v â—acke_o for_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o special_a singular_a and_o sure_a preservative_a defend_v we_o against_o the_o payson_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o error_n hereupon_o be_v it_o 9.22_o that_o the_o ancient_a father_n so_o often_o as_o controversy_n rise_v in_o religion_n flee_v rather_o to_o the_o scripture_n than_o â—o_o counsel_n or_o to_o any_o authority_n of_o man_n because_o the_o scripture_n only_o can_v judge_v firm_o sound_o and_o holy_o behold_v paul_n be_v furnish_v with_o the_o weapon_n of_o scripture_n only_o dispute_v against_o the_o jew_n although_o they_o be_v rough_a and_o overthwart_a 17.11_o if_o luke_n report_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n commend_v the_o jew_n of_o berrea_n who_o when_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o worthy_o say_v augustine_n unto_o maximinus_n 14._o neither_o ought_v i_o to_o allege_v the_o council_n of_o nice_a nor_o thou_o of_o ariminum_n as_o by_o prejudice_n to_o hurt_v one_o another_o his_o cause_n neither_o be_o i_o bind_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o one_o nor_o thou_o of_o the_o other_o let_v matter_n contend_v with_o matter_n cause_n with_o cause_n reason_n with_o reason_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n witness_n not_o proper_a to_o any_o but_o common_a to_o either_o cresconius_n the_o grammarian_n dispute_v with_o augustine_n object_v unto_o he_o the_o authority_n of_o cyprian_a 32_o augustine_n answer_v i_o be_o not_o bind_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o epistle_n for_o i_o esteem_v not_o the_o write_n of_o cyprian_n as_o canonical_a but_o i_o consider_v of_o they_o forth_o of_o the_o write_n which_o be_v canonical_a and_o that_o which_o in_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n i_o receive_v with_o his_o praise_n â—ut_z that_o which_o do_v not_o agree_v i_o â—efuse_v by_o his_o leave_n against_o faustus_n â—ib_n 23._o he_o say_v manichaeum_fw-la that_o which_o faustus_n â—ath_z set_v down_o touch_v the_o generation_n of_o marie_n which_o be_v not_o canonical_a bind_v i_o not_o 57_o also_o upon_o â—he_n 57_o psalm_n he_o have_v these_o word_n let_v our_o own_o write_n be_v take_v away_o let_v god_o his_o book_n be_v bring_v forth_o amongst_o we_o hear_v christ_n speak_v hear_v the_o truth_n talk_v and_o worthy_o do_v augustine_n the_o man_n of_o god_o write_v these_o thing_n forsomuch_o as_o it_o be_v meet_v to_o yield_v this_o honour_n to_o the_o scripture_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v try_v by_o the_o examination_n thereof_o whatsoever_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o authority_n thereof_o may_v not_o any_o more_o be_v call_v in_o doubt_n again_o nothing_o but_o that_o which_o agree_v therewith_o may_v be_v receive_v and_o whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o must_v be_v account_v damnable_a that_o all_o the_o definition_n of_o faith_n may_v depend_v thereupon_o and_o consist_v therein_o so_o that_o they_o be_v find_v more_o vain_a than_o vanity_n itself_o which_o dare_v write_v that_o the_o apostle_n write_v certain_a thing_n not_o that_o those_o their_o write_n shall_v rule_v our_o faith_n and_o religion_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o subjection_n thereunto_o sozomeno_fw-la sozomenus_n report_v that_o the_o sentence_n of_o they_o which_o assemble_v at_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a be_v diverse_a some_o give_a counsel_n to_o alter_v nothing_o from_o the_o faith_n deliver_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o beginning_n some_o other_o affirm_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o stick_v to_o old_a opinion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rash_o with_o out_o search_v and_o examination_n whereupon_o the_o matter_n be_v protract_v through_o diverse_a question_n theodorit_fw-la therefore_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n sit_v amongst_o the_o bishop_n exhort_v they_o to_o confer_v quiet_o and_o to_o search_v forth_o the_o truth_n set_v sophistry_n apart_o and_o bannish_a the_o grudge_a of_o their_o mind_n there_o be_v say_v he_o the_o book_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o do_v instruct_v we_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o think_v of_o holy_a matter_n therefore_o set_v envious_a contention_n aside_o let_v we_o search_v the_o solution_n of_o question_n forth_o of_o the_o scripture_n give_v by_o 16._o inspiration_n from_o god_n enagrius_fw-la write_v of_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n &_o chalcedon_n do_v in_o like_a manner_n rehearse_v the_o sentence_n of_o john_n bishop_n of_o antioch_n approve_v by_o cyrill_n we_o do_v know_v that_o holy_a man_n have_v set_v down_o their_o determination_n touch_v the_o lord_n forth_o of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n cusanus_fw-la and_o cusanus_fw-la write_v that_o the_o form_n of_o the_o old_a general_a council_n be_v to_o place_v the_o holy_a gospel_n in_o the_o midst_n and_o that_o the_o same_o be_v also_o observe_v in_o private_a disputation_n touch_v religion_n augustine_n be_v a_o witness_n wheresoever_o say_v he_o the_o place_n shall_v be_v appoint_v let_v we_o cause_v the_o book_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n to_o be_v ready_a and_o if_o they_o can_v bring_v forth_o any_o proof_n of_o either_o side_n all_o the_o rest_n set_v apart_o epist._n let_v we_o make_v a_o full_a end_n of_o so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n therefore_o the_o examination_n of_o scripture_n be_v lawful_a for_o the_o trial_n of_o doctrine_n let_v we_o
have_v be_v ask_v whether_o they_o will_v have_v prefer_v their_o own_o authority_n before_o the_o scripture_n they_o will_v never_o have_v do_v it_o nay_o contrary_o have_v acknowledge_v and_o receive_v the_o say_v scripture_n they_o submit_v themselves_o whole_o unto_o they_o and_o esteem_v they_o as_o the_o most_o certain_a rule_n guide_n and_o direction_n of_o their_o faith_n &_o life_n wherefore_o this_o be_v a_o weak_a and_o feeble_a argument_n argument_n the_o church_n accept_v and_o discern_v the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n from_o other_o therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v more_o excellent_a for_o we_o also_o acknowledge_v one_o true_a god_n and_o allow_v jesus_n christ_n and_o put_v difference_n between_o he_o and_o idol_n and_o between_o he_o &_o the_o devil_n and_o yet_o can_v infer_v hereupon_o that_o we_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o christ_n or_o god_n in_o like_a manner_n our_o mind_n allow_v and_o receive_v the_o provocation_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o read_v to_o pray_v to_o live_v chaste_o and_o discern_v they_o from_o the_o wicked_a enticement_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o the_o flesh_n and_o yet_o our_o mind_n may_v not_o therefore_o be_v call_v either_o better_a or_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n again_o when_o a_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o philosophy_n shall_v receive_v plato_n or_o aristotle_n or_o galen_n as_o noble_a philosopher_n and_o shall_v prefer_v they_o before_o epicure_n aristippus_n and_o democritus_n shall_v he_o in_o consideration_n of_o this_o his_o judgement_n presume_v to_o prefer_v his_o own_o authority_n before_o galene_n or_o aristotle_n or_o plato_n and_o there_o be_v many_o man_n of_o so_o perfect_v judgement_n that_o they_o can_v discern_v the_o counterfeit_a verse_n of_o virgil_n or_o ovid_n from_o their_o true_a verse_n &_o yet_o be_v they_o in_o knowledge_n far_o inferior_a to_o virgil_n and_o ovid_n even_o so_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o for_o this_o cause_n to_o prefer_v her_o credit_n or_o authority_n before_o the_o holy_a scripture_n this_o argument_n as_o we_o say_v be_v weak_a and_o the_o maxim_n maxim._n with_o they_o gather_v hereof_o be_v false_a those_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n have_v deliver_v and_o propose_v even_o without_o any_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n aught_o to_o have_v the_o same_o authority_n as_o have_v the_o canonical_a scripture_n unto_o who_o the_o church_n have_v give_v authority_n in_o deed_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v allow_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n but_o this_o consent_n be_v not_o man_n devise_n but_o a_o necessary_a confession_n and_o a_o express_a testification_n proceed_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o yet_o the_o church_n by_o mean_n of_o this_o testification_n have_v not_o repute_v herself_o great_a or_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o scripture_n but_o have_v reverent_o commit_v herself_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v therefore_o plain_a by_o the_o premise_n sum_n how_o the_o church_n stand_v toward_o the_o word_n of_o god_n write_v she_o be_v the_o faithful_a keeper_n &_o defendor_n of_o the_o word_n she_o extol_v it_o by_o witness_v with_o it_o by_o set_v it_o forth_o by_o preach_v it_o by_o defend_v it_o by_o maintain_v it_o and_o yet_o do_v she_o depend_v whole_o of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o her_o faith_n she_o change_v nothing_o she_o alter_v nothing_o she_o add_v nothing_o she_o take_v away_o nothing_o she_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o notary_n which_o keep_v safe_o testament_n when_o as_o notwithstanding_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n above_o the_o last_o will_n of_o the_o testator_n for_o if_o he_o shall_v change_v or_o alter_v it_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v for_o a_o faithful_a notary_n but_o for_o a_o falsifier_n and_o a_o forger_n of_o testament_n the_o xvi_o chapter_n of_o this_o say_n of_o augustine_n i_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n but_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n move_v i_o also_o because_o the_o pope_n his_o side_n do_v see_v that_o the_o scripture_n make_v against_o they_o to_o diminish_v the_o authority_n thereof_o they_o contend_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n the_o title_n whereof_o they_o do_v pretend_v by_o their_o device_n and_o decree_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v esteem_v than_o of_o the_o scripture_n because_o the_o scripture_n can_v retain_v their_o credit_n without_o the_o church_n but_o how_o vain_o they_o dispute_v hereof_o we_o have_v already_o show_v by_o many_o most_o strong_a argument_n but_o they_o object_n unto_o we_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n augustine_n which_o write_v thus_o against_o the_o epistle_n of_o a_o manichee_n 5._o which_o they_o call_v fundamenti_fw-la i_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n but_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n move_v i_o also_o notwithstanding_o augustine_n think_v not_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_o neither_o do_v he_o grant_v unto_o the_o church_n authority_n to_o ordain_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o to_o make_v new_a article_n of_o the_o faith_n or_o to_o abolish_v the_o article_n deliver_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o only_o deem_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o teacher_n and_o a_o witness_n we_o can_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n be_v it_o not_o that_o the_o church_n teach_v we_o and_o witness_v that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n 2._o the_o same_o augustine_n in_o the_o xxviii_o book_n the_o second_o chapter_n against_o faustus_n write_v that_o the_o manichee_n ought_v so_o to_o believe_v the_o first_o chapter_n of_o matthew_n which_o those_o heretic_n receive_v not_o to_o be_v write_v by_o matthew_n as_o he_o do_v believe_v the_o epistle_n which_o they_o call_v fundamentum_fw-la to_o be_v manichee_n because_o it_o be_v so_o keep_v by_o their_o ancetour_n and_o deliver_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n he_o write_v that_o he_o be_v also_o move_v by_o agreeable_a testimony_n of_o the_o first_o church_n not_o to_o doubt_v that_o these_o book_n be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n believe_v and_o by_o they_o which_o be_v worthy_a credit_n therefore_o hereupon_o it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n move_v we_o also_o to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n because_o she_o keep_v the_o holy_a scripture_n faithful_o preach_v they_o and_o discern_v they_o from_o other_o and_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n as_o gerson_n chancellor_n of_o paris_n gerson_n a_o man_n in_o his_o age_n most_o excellent_a do_v in_o the_o same_o place_n most_o wise_o say_v he_o take_v the_o church_n for_o the_o primitive_a congregation_n of_o those_o faithful_a which_o hear_v christ_n and_o see_v he_o and_o be_v his_o witness_n for_o while_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v yet_o live_v when_o as_o diverse_a gospel_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o church_n they_o which_o have_v see_v christ_n and_o hear_v his_o apostle_n can_v witness_v what_o be_v natural_a and_o what_o be_v bastardlike_a in_o like_a manner_n tertullian_n and_o irenaeus_n commend_v unto_o we_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o first_o church_n 3._o receive_v the_o write_n approve_v by_o the_o catholic_a consent_n of_o the_o first_o church_n and_o do_v therefore_o send_v heretic_n to_o the_o apostolic_a church_n because_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o whole_a scripture_n wherefore_o they_o will_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o estimation_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o those_o church_n wherein_o it_o be_v manifest_o know_v that_o the_o apostle_n teach_v for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o those_o church_n have_v be_v continual_o the_o witness_n and_o keeper_n of_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o for_o that_o cause_n ordain_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o scripture_n but_o if_o the_o apostolic_a church_n be_v not_o prefer_v before_o the_o scripture_n much_o less_o ought_v this_o congregation_n of_o mitre_a man_n which_o be_v not_o so_o apt_o term_v the_o church_n as_o the_o corruption_n and_o eat_a canker_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o say_a scripture_n but_o they_o object_n against_o we_o this_o rule_n which_o be_v common_o speak_v of_o by_o logician_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v logic_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o quality_n the_o same_o thing_n shall_v rather_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o same_o quality_n hereupon_o they_o reason_n in_o this_o manner_n argument_n if_o the_o scripture_n have_v her_o authority_n because_o of_o the_o church_n then_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o the_o say_a authority_n be_v rather_o in_o the_o church_n then_o
forth_o of_o augustine_n and_o chrysostom_n we_o have_v declare_v what_o say_v you_o to_o this_o that_o the_o same_o christ_n the_o lord_n will_v hereby_o chief_o have_v his_o disciple_n and_o so_o consequent_o and_o undoubted_o his_o church_n also_o know_v and_o esteem_v if_o they_o keep_v his_o say_n faithful_o and_o observe_v they_o and_o do_v plain_o witness_v 14.24_o that_o they_o be_v cast_v off_o which_o will_v not_o keep_v his_o doctrine_n and_o follow_v it_o as_o for_o this_o power_n above_o the_o scripture_n which_o these_o fellow_n claim_v unto_o themselves_o by_o their_o subtle_a sophistry_n the_o ancient_a father_n never_o know_v nor_o seek_v as_o late_o we_o have_v show_v constantine_n the_o emperor_n command_v the_o father_n 7._o when_o as_o they_o be_v assemble_v in_o the_o nicene_n council_n that_o they_o shall_v define_v the_o controversy_n of_o the_o one_o and_o self_n same_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n forth_o of_o the_o prophetical_a and_o apostolical_a scripture_n and_o yet_o none_o withstand_v he_o there_o say_v that_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o discuss_v the_o controversy_n by_o her_o own_o absolute_a authority_n because_o she_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o scripture_n but_o have_v they_o rather_o in_o subjection_n unto_o she_o neither_o do_v they_o complain_v that_o the_o emperor_n do_v any_o whit_n at_o all_o debase_v the_o church_n when_o as_o he_o make_v her_o subject_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o how_o will_v these_o man_n bring_v the_o scripture_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o authority_n judgement_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n see_v christ_n our_o lord_n do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v judge_v of_o his_o doctrine_n but_o pronounce_v rather_o that_o his_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v judge_v of_o all_o mankind_n in_o general_n and_o thus_o may_v we_o understand_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o man_n with_o what_o title_n soever_o or_o prerogative_n they_o be_v adorn_v but_o all_o mankind_n to_o be_v 12.28_o judge_v by_o he_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o word_n the_o xix_o chapter_n of_o the_o say_n of_o paul_n 3.15_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n truth_n and_o that_o it_o can_v not_o err_v the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o of_o the_o church_n of_o any_o one_o time_n or_o place_n but_o of_o the_o catholic_a church_n of_o all_o time_n and_o place_n which_o also_o contain_v the_o prophet_n and_o all_o the_o apostle_n with_o all_o their_o doctrine_n and_o christ_n the_o lord_n himself_o as_o the_o chief_a and_o everlasting_a head_n and_o therefore_o her_o only_a head_n this_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n work_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n doctrine_n wherefore_o we_o also_o follow_v augustine_n do_v confess_v that_o we_o be_v move_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o church_n which_o also_o before_o we_o say_v rather_o to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n than_o the_o pope_n and_o their_o decree_n and_o all_o their_o counsel_n but_o the_o church_n of_o any_o one_o time_n or_o place_n especial_o after_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o she_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o she_o preach_v it_o retain_v it_o &_o conserve_v it_o and_o not_o because_o she_o strengthen_v it_o be_v weak_a or_o make_v it_o to_o be_v of_o authority_n be_v unconstant_a much_o less_o because_o she_o usurp_v unto_o herself_o a_o censours_n rod_n over_o it_o or_o set_v down_o any_o thing_n concern_v it_o after_o her_o own_o judgement_n therefore_o as_o she_o speak_v forth_o of_o god_n his_o word_n she_o err_v not_o err_v neither_o can_v she_o err_v but_o either_o speak_n or_o do_v without_o it_o she_o not_o only_o can_v err_v but_o do_v err_v but_o these_o man_n whilst_o they_o cloak_v their_o tyranny_n with_o the_o beautiful_a title_n of_o the_o church_n fain_o unto_o we_o a_o church_n which_o although_o it_o ordain_v any_o thing_n beside_o or_o against_o god_n his_o word_n yet_o err_v not_o and_o therefore_o will_v they_o that_o she_o shall_v rather_o be_v believe_v than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o whilst_o they_o stay_v themselves_o upon_o this_o opinion_n they_o differ_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v from_o the_o old_a father_n and_o from_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n for_o the_o father_n in_o their_o counsel_n do_v always_o confirm_v their_o decree_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o although_o they_o yield_v no_o small_a honour_n to_o counsel_n yet_o â—n_v the_o great_a controversy_n they_o do_v not_o â—o_o much_o appeal_v unto_o counsel_n as_o to_o god_n â—is_fw-la oracle_n which_o be_v the_o scripture_n hereof_o augustine_n be_v witness_n which_o will_v not_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o council_n 6._o and_o this_o which_o hilary_n write_v long_o ago_o may_v much_o more_o true_o be_v apply_v to_o our_o time_n for_o the_o grievous_a and_o perilous_a error_n in_o many_o and_o the_o fall_n of_o many_o although_o it_o do_v understand_v itself_o yet_o through_o shame_n to_o rise_v presume_v authority_n to_o itself_o have_v this_o impudency_n of_o the_o number_n that_o whereas_o it_o err_v it_o will_v have_v it_o esteem_v wisdom_n and_o where_o as_o it_o err_v with_o many_o it_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v the_o underderstanding_n of_o the_o truth_n while_o less_o error_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n the_o xx_o chapter_n of_o the_o say_n of_o paul_n brethren_n stand_v fast_o 2.15_o and_o hold_v the_o ordinance_n which_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v whether_o it_o be_v by_o our_o preach_n or_o by_o our_o epistle_n i_o have_v almost_o pass_v over_o the_o place_n of_o paul_n which_o the_o defendour_n of_o superstition_n object_n unto_o we_o as_o a_o most_o strong_a and_o a_o unanswearable_a argument_n and_o it_o be_v thus_o 2.15_o 2._o these_o 2._o vers_fw-la 15._o therefore_o brethren_n stand_v fast_o and_o hold_v the_o ordinance_n which_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v whether_o it_o be_v by_o our_o preach_n or_o by_o our_o epistle_n by_o this_o place_n it_o be_v manifest_a say_v they_o that_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v hold_v be_v not_o comprehend_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o that_o those_o thing_n also_o which_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n with_o lively_a voice_n be_v come_v unto_o we_o by_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o like_a reverence_n and_o affection_n of_o godliness_n but_o when_o as_o they_o can_v not_o prove_v that_o those_o tradition_n which_o they_o defend_v be_v paul_n they_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v laugh_v at_o and_o very_o foolish_a whilst_o they_o will_v hold_v up_o their_o stink_a pillar_n of_o their_o superstition_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o when_o paul_n write_v this_o epistle_n papist_n the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o yet_o make_v which_o when_o it_o be_v once_o make_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o we_o have_v late_o teach_v after_o the_o make_v thereof_o we_o make_v man_n the_o author_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v not_o without_o the_o great_a reproach_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n wherefore_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o must_v consider_v with_o great_a heed_n that_o which_o paul_n write_v about_o the_o end_n of_o his_o life_n concern_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n .17_o when_o as_o he_o say_v all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n &_o be_v profitable_a to_o doctrine_n to_o reprove_v to_o correction_n to_o instruction_n which_o be_v in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a instruct_v to_o all_o good_a work_v for_o if_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n instruct_v perfect_v and_o thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n than_o do_v it_o not_o leave_v he_o to_o be_v instruct_v to_o be_v make_v perfect_a and_o to_o be_v thorough_o furnish_v by_o tradition_n in_o any_o good_a work_n wherefore_o so_o oft_o as_o they_o bring_v in_o a_o work_n which_o they_o contend_v to_o be_v good_a or_o any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v which_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v forth_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o have_v rather_o say_v that_o that_o which_o they_o bring_v in_o be_v not_o good_a or_o profitable_a then_o to_o pronounce_v otherwise_o of_o the_o most_o excellent_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o apostle_n have_v appoint_v concern_v the_o same_o what_o say_v you_o to_o this_o moreover_o that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v whether_o it_o be_v by_o preach_v or_o by_o epistle_n be_v not_o contrary_a not_o
appointmente_n of_o god_n and_o the_o come_n of_o his_o belove_a jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o that_o his_o generation_n which_o be_v of_o the_o virgin_n and_o his_o passion_n and_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o ascension_n in_o the_o flesh_n into_o heaven_n and_o his_o come_n from_o heaven_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n to_o finish_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o raise_v up_o again_o all_o flesh_n of_o mankind_n that_o unto_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o god_o and_o saviour_n and_o king_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o invisible_a father_n every_o knee_n may_v be_v bow_v of_o thing_n in_o heaven_n in_o earth_n and_o under_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o every_o tongue_n may_v confess_v he_o and_o that_o he_o may_v do_v just_a judgement_n in_o all_o and_o that_o he_o may_v cast_v the_o angel_n of_o spiritual_a wickedness_n have_v transgress_v and_o be_v become_v apostate_n and_o also_o ungodly_a and_o unjust_a and_o wicked_a and_o 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germany_n believe_v otherwise_o or_o teach_v otherwise_o nor_o those_o which_o be_v in_o spain_n nor_o those_o which_o be_v in_o france_n nor_o those_o which_o be_v in_o the_o east_n nor_o those_o which_o be_v in_o egypt_n nor_o those_o which_o be_v in_o lybia_n nor_o those_o which_o be_v place_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o world_n but_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v all_o one_o &_o the_o self_n same_o in_o the_o universal_a world_n even_o so_o the_o light_n also_o that_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o truth_n shine_v every_o where_o &_o lighten_v all_o man_n which_o be_v willing_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n neither_o do_v he_o which_o excel_v in_o speech_n among_o they_o which_o govern_v the_o church_n say_v any_o other_o thing_n but_o these_o for_o no_o man_n be_v above_o his_o master_n neither_o have_v he_o which_o be_v weak_a in_o speak_v lessen_v the_o tradition_n for_o see_v that_o the_o faith_n be_v all_o one_o &_o the_o self_n same_o neither_o he_o which_o can_v say_v much_o make_v it_o more_o nor_o he_o which_o can_v say_v less_o make_v it_o less_o thus_o far_o ire_n this_o be_v therefore_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o be_v the_o true_a antiquity_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o catholic_a consent_n and_o this_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o he_o affirm_v that_o those_o which_o be_v most_o eloquent_a among_o they_o which_o govern_v the_o church_n will_v say_v none_o other_o thing_n but_o these_o therefore_o so_o oft_o as_o the_o papist_n fable_n touch_v other_o trifle_n they_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n from_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o from_o the_o catholic_a consent_n handle_v and_o irenaeus_n rehearse_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n as_o it_o be_v the_o common_a place_n which_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v accustom_v to_o handle_v and_o of_o what_o matter_n do_v they_o then_o dispute_v of_o purgatory_n 4_o of_o the_o worship_v of_o image_n of_o holy_a water_n and_o of_o other_o popish_a trifle_n not_o so_o of_o what_o then_o of_o the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o angel_n which_o transgress_v of_o the_o fall_n and_o disobedience_n of_o the_o first_o man_n of_o the_o temporal_a and_o heavenly_a and_o earthly_a promise_n of_o the_o diverse_a appear_n of_o god_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o testament_n why_o god_o conclude_v all_o thing_n under_o unbelief_n that_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o word_n why_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v in_o the_o last_o time_n and_o not_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o other_o question_n of_o the_o like_a sort_n draw_v forth_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o scripture_n whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o nothing_o be_v accustom_v to_o be_v handle_v then_o in_o the_o church_n beside_o the_o scripture_n again_o the_o same_o irenaeus_n say_v lib._n 3._o cap._n 4._o tradition_n forsomuch_o therefore_o as_o there_o be_v so_o great_a proof_n we_o must_v not_o still_o seek_v this_o truth_n among_o other_o which_o we_o may_v easy_o receive_v from_o the_o church_n consider_v that_o the_o apostle_n most_o plentiful_o lay_v up_o in_o she_o as_o in_o a_o rich_fw-fr storehouse_n all_o thing_n which_o appertain_v to_o the_o truth_n that_o every_o one_o that_o will_v may_v take_v forth_o of_o her_o the_o water_n of_o life_n for_o she_o be_v the_o entrance_n of_o life_n and_o all_o other_o be_v thief_n and_o robber_n for_o the_o which_o cause_n we_o must_v avoid_v they_o and_o must_v love_v with_o great_a diligence_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o church_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o what_o and_o if_o any_o man_n reason_n of_o any_o small_a question_n ought_v he_o not_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o most_o ancient_a church_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n be_v conversant_a and_o to_o take_v from_o they_o touch_v the_o present_a question_n that_o which_o be_v certain_a and_o very_a plain_n but_o what_o and_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o leave_v unto_o we_o the_o scripture_n ought_v we_o not_o to_o follow_v the_o order_n of_o the_o tradition_n which_o they_o deliver_v to_o they_o unto_o who_o they_o commit_v the_o church_n unto_o the_o which_o ordinance_n many_o nation_n of_o those_o barbarous_a people_n which_o believe_v in_o christ_n do_v assent_n have_v salvation_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n without_o character_n or_o ink_n and_o keep_v diligent_o the_o old_a tradition_n believe_v in_o one_o god_n the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o they_o through_o christ_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n â–ª_o which_o for_o the_o most_o tender_a love_n toward_o his_o own_o workmanship_n man_n sustain_v that_o generation_n which_o be_v of_o the_o virgin_n he_o himself_o of_o himself_o unite_n the_o manhood_n to_o the_o godhead_n and_o suffer_v under_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o rise_v again_o and_o in_o clearness_n receive_v in_o glory_n to_o come_v the_o saviour_n of_o they_o which_o be_v save_v and_o the_o judge_n of_o they_o which_o be_v judge_v and_o send_v into_o eternal_a fire_n the_o counterfeiter_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o despiser_n of_o his_o father_n and_o of_o his_o come_n they_o which_o believe_v this_o faith_n without_o writing_n as_o touch_v their_o speech_n be_v barbarous_a but_o as_o touch_v their_o judgement_n and_o custom_n and_o conversation_n through_o their_o faith_n be_v most_o wise_a and_o please_v god_o walk_v in_o all_o uprightness_n and_o chastity_n and_o wisdom_n here_o have_v thou_o again_o the_o true_a and_o ancient_a tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n describe_v by_o irenaeus_n which_o deliver_v nothing_o without_o and_o beside_o the_o scripture_n but_o contain_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n now_o it_o remain_v likewise_o that_o we_o hear_v tertullian_n bear_v witness_n of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n also_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n haeret._n say_v he_o be_v even_o this_o whereby_o we_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o none_o other_o but_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n which_o bring_v all_o thing_n forth_o of_o nothing_o by_o his_o word_n first_o of_o all_o send_v forth_o that_o that_o word_n be_v call_v his_o son_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o same_o god_n be_v diverse_o see_v of_o the_o patriarch_n be_v always_o hear_v in_o the_o prophet_n be_v last_o bring_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o god_n into_o the_o virgin_n marie_n be_v make_v flesh_n in_o her_o womb_n and_o be_v bear_v man_n of_o she_o
be_v that_o worthy_a wisdom_n which_o hitherto_o have_v fill_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o blind_a jew_n with_o most_o foolish_a knowledge_n and_o have_v cause_v worthy_a man_n otherwise_o in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o great_a multitude_n follow_v they_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o sure_a way_n to_o examine_v all_o tradition_n by_o what_o title_n so_o ever_o they_o be_v commend_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n that_o that_o which_o have_v not_o authority_n by_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v by_o the_o same_o facility_n contemn_v whereby_o it_o be_v prove_v hieronymus_n as_o hierome_n his_o say_n well_o warn_v us._n 23._o for_o the_o counsel_n of_o chrysostom_n be_v wise_a which_o say_v therefore_o the_o lord_n know_v that_o there_o will_v come_v such_o a_o confusion_n in_o the_o last_o day_n do_v command_v that_o the_o christian_n which_o be_v in_o christianity_n willing_a to_o receive_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n shall_v run_v to_o nothing_o but_o to_o the_o scripture_n otherwise_o if_o they_o shall_v regard_v any_o thing_n else_o they_o shall_v be_v offend_v and_o perish_v again_o jerome_n say_v the_o sword_n of_o god_o strike_v other_o thing_n aggaei_n which_o man_n find_v and_o devise_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n without_o the_o authority_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o though_o they_o come_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o every_o doubtful_a matter_n we_o must_v fly_v to_o the_o scripture_n which_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o the_o chief_a judge_n in_o every_o controversy_n of_o divinity_n to_o who_o sentence_n all_o tradition_n all_o church_n all_o counsel_n all_o device_n of_o man_n ought_v to_o stand_v and_o from_o the_o which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o appeal_v to_o any_o other_o nor_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o give_v ourselves_o greedy_o to_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n for_o he_o which_o hear_v the_o scripture_n hear_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o reverence_v he_o and_o contrary_o he_o which_o despise_v the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o judgement_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n &_o will_v not_o quiet_v himself_o therewith_o despise_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o use_v himself_o more_o reproachful_o against_o he_o than_o can_v be_v utter_v and_o he_o which_o will_v not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v lead_v as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n by_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o scripture_n forth_o of_o the_o thorn_n and_o brier_n of_o doubt_n error_n superstition_n corruption_n abuse_n be_v very_o well_o worthy_a to_o wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n he_o know_v not_o whither_o &_o to_o stray_v perpetual_o the_o conclusion_n church_n i_o have_v prove_v by_o a_o very_a large_a and_o contentious_a disputation_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v god_n his_o word_n wherein_o be_v enclose_v a_o full_a and_o a_o perfect_a sum_n of_o heavenly_a wisdom_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o thing_n needful_a to_o be_v know_v god_n will_v not_o have_v omit_v it_o since_o his_o will_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o thereby_o not_o to_o the_o half_n but_o full_o whatsoever_o his_o pleasure_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v know_v and_o which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v profitable_a for_o we_o this_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o the_o lively_a faith_n this_o be_v the_o sure_a bulwark_n against_o the_o deceit_n of_o error_n forth_o of_o this_o ought_v heresy_n to_o be_v confute_v forth_o of_o this_o ought_v doctrine_n chief_o to_o be_v discern_v forth_o of_o this_o ought_v definition_n of_o faith_n and_o assertion_n to_o be_v take_v the_o scripture_n be_v of_o most_o clear_a and_o peerless_a authority_n so_o that_o all_o godly_a and_o faithful_a understanding_n ought_v to_o serve_v it_o and_o it_o be_v the_o catholic_a consent_n of_o the_o father_n yea_o and_o of_o all_o the_o church_n that_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o church_n all_o counsel_n although_o they_o be_v general_a all_o tradition_n decree_n device_n write_n of_o all_o man_n although_o they_o excel_v in_o learning_n and_o holiness_n the_o church_n do_v so_o reverence_n and_o adore_v the_o fullness_n perfectness_n and_o soundness_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o she_o do_v accurse_v as_o wicked_a and_o false_a witness_n of_o god_n as_o detestable_a author_n of_o offence_n heresy_n and_o dissension_n as_o proud_a vain_a and_o fall_v from_o the_o faith_n so_o many_o as_o do_v preach_v beyond_o the_o scripture_n yea_o and_o she_o suspect_v every_o revelation_n every_o prophecy_n every_o tradition_n to_o be_v brief_a every_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o ground_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o high_a perfection_n of_o the_o chief_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o depend_v of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o any_o testimony_n of_o man_n but_o chief_o of_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o allow_v of_o this_o doctrine_n go_v before_o the_o church_n which_o be_v call_v spring_v and_o increase_v by_o the_o word_n and_o which_o be_v stay_v up_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n as_o by_o a_o ground_n work_n or_o prop_v although_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v then_o of_o some_o weight_n when_o as_o it_o consent_v and_o agree_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n both_o for_o this_o purpose_n that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v believe_v and_o also_o for_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v well_o understand_v but_o the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v new_a article_n of_o the_o faith_n or_o a_o new_a interpretation_n but_o be_v a_o witness_n and_o a_o restorer_n of_o the_o true_a and_o incorrupt_a meaning_n deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o carry_v before_o her_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n to_o put_v away_o the_o darkness_n bring_v into_o the_o scripture_n by_o heretic_n and_o this_o be_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n always_o to_o confirm_v by_o scripture_n whatsoever_o she_o appoint_v for_o she_o do_v reverent_o acknowledge_v that_o her_o authority_n do_v stay_v itself_o by_o the_o word_n and_o do_v depend_v of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o plain_a sure_a and_o infallible_a note_n of_o the_o church_n for_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o no_o where_o else_o in_o so_o great_a variety_n of_o sect_n and_o repugnancy_n of_o opinion_n be_v the_o church_n to_o be_v seek_v know_v and_o prove_v and_o by_o it_o to_o be_v esteem_v where_o the_o scripture_n be_v hear_v there_o be_v the_o church_n there_o do_v the_o sheep_n know_v the_o voice_n of_o 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word_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o darkness_n no_o error_n and_o if_o she_o do_v otherwise_o this_o say_n of_o scripture_n be_v true_a 3.15_o let_v every_o man_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o god_n only_o true_a in_o deed_n the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n because_o she_o be_v keeper_n of_o sound_n doctrine_n and_o publish_v it_o to_o they_o which_o come_v after_o lest_o it_o shall_v fail_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v the_o holy_a and_o divine_a scripture_n which_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n do_v allow_v and_o approve_v but_o this_o consent_n and_o this_o approbation_n be_v not_o the_o devise_n of_o man_n but_o a_o necessary_a confession_n and_o a_o testification_n express_v by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o do_v not_o bring_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o
dote_v and_o fabulous_a device_n into_o the_o church_n and_o do_v not_o err_v himself_o only_o from_o the_o sincerity_n and_o pureness_n of_o the_o faith_n but_o give_v occasion_n of_o err_v to_o many_o worthy_a man_n also_o for_o irenaeus_n tertullian_n apollinarius_n victorinus_n lactantius_n and_o many_o other_o famous_a and_o worthy_a man_n as_o hierome_n witness_v embrace_v this_o dote_a toy_n of_o the_o thousand_o year_n as_o a_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n good_a god_n what_o man_n become_v companion_n of_o this_o error_n pretend_v as_o eusebius_n say_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o error_n of_o so_o worthy_a a_o man_n even_o of_o papias_n their_o guide_n behold_v whether_o the_o authority_n of_o tradition_n not_o write_v once_o receive_v may_v lead_v we_o out_o of_o the_o way_n oh_o laudable_a agreement_n of_o tradition_n with_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o by_o policarpe_a a_o apostolical_a man_n also_o which_o keep_v he_o in_o the_o king_n high_a way_n therefore_o this_o deceit_n and_o guile_n of_o unwritten_a tradition_n stick_v in_o the_o church_n which_o give_v occasion_n of_o go_v out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n even_o to_o they_o which_o seem_v to_o defend_v the_o church_n which_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o many_o example_n whereof_o i_o will_v recite_v one_o or_o two_o which_o be_v plain_a the_o fame_n of_o clement_n of_o alexandria_n be_v great_a in_o all_o antiquity_n tradition_n and_o he_o be_v a_o man_n which_o both_o most_o diligent_o search_v forth_o and_o great_o reverence_v unwritten_a tradition_n wherefore_o he_o say_v that_o the_o labourer_n which_o be_v send_v forth_o into_o the_o lord_n harvest_n have_v a_o double_a husbandry_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unwritten_a &_o write_v and_o he_o yield_v this_o reason_n why_o he_o search_v other_o tradition_n touch_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n beside_o the_o scripture_n because_o forsooth_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o reveal_v to_o many_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o many_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d secret_n say_v he_o be_v commit_v to_o word_n not_o to_o write_n 5_o also_o mystery_n be_v deliver_v mystical_o and_o in_o his_o five_o book_n of_o stromates_n he_o dispute_v at_o large_a that_o even_o as_o the_o philosopher_n do_v so_o hide_v certain_a secret_n touch_v their_o doctrine_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n so_o do_v the_o apostle_n also_o retain_v that_o ancient_a conceyl_v say_v 2.6_o we_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o they_o that_o â—re_n perfect_a he_o cite_v also_o forth_o of_o a_o â—ertaine_a apocryphal_a gospel_n this_o preâ—ept_v of_o the_o lord_n my_o mystery_n be_v i_o own_o and_o the_o son_n of_o my_o house_n but_o if_o it_o may_v please_v you_o to_o compare_v the_o one_o with_o the_o other_o you_o â—hall_v find_v that_o these_o be_v the_o very_a self_n same_o thing_n heretic_n which_o in_o irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n the_o valentinian_n carpocratians_n and_o other_o heretic_n allege_v for_o the_o defence_n and_o confirmation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n therefore_o although_o this_o judgement_n in_o heretic_n be_v then_o grave_o repress_v by_o irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n 6._o yet_o clement_n his_o talk_n do_v show_v that_o the_o infection_n stick_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o posterity_n and_o clement_n do_v extol_v in_o many_o word_n a_o certain_a kind_n of_o gnostike_n who_o in_o these_o word_n he_o describe_v that_o be_v the_o knowledge_n which_o make_v a_o true_a gnostike_a which_o come_v deliver_v without_o writing_n by_o succession_n to_o a_o few_o from_o the_o apostle_n this_o description_n of_o clement_n be_v to_o be_v note_v for_o although_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o gnostike_n be_v condemn_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o certain_a seed_n of_o this_o plague_n remain_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o great_a man_n therefore_o clement_n do_v magnify_v unwritten_a tradition_n strom._n and_o do_v not_o only_o make_v they_o equal_a with_o the_o scripture_n but_o see_v whither_o this_o rule_n of_o tradition_n do_v lead_v he_o out_o of_o the_o way_n yea_o cast_v he_o down_o headlong_o i_o will_v report_v of_o many_o thing_n a_o few_o whereby_o it_o shall_v appear_v how_o perilous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o follow_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n unwritten_a he_o intermeddle_v the_o gospel_n with_o the_o decree_n of_o philosophy_n and_o make_v it_o equal_a with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o say_v he_o as_o the_o law_n be_v a_o instruction_n for_o the_o jew_n to_o christ_n so_o be_v philosophy_n for_o the_o greek_n also_o strom._n and_o he_o attribute_v power_n to_o justify_v to_o both_o as_o well_o to_o the_o law_n as_o to_o philosophy_n which_o be_v most_o manifest_o against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o paul_n he_o â—enieth_v strom._n that_o man_n commit_v sin_n after_o baptism_n ought_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o grace_n â—hich_z also_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o â—e_a gospel_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n he_o yield_v place_n to_o repentance_n after_o this_o life_n in_o his_o six_o book_n strom._n â—e_n contend_v in_o many_o word_n that_o the_o â—reekes_n be_v save_v through_o philosophy_n which_o judgement_n if_o we_o do_v embrace_v 〈◊〉_d not_o christ_n dead_a in_o vain_a 2.21_o according_a to_o â—e_a doctrine_n of_o paul_n be_v not_o christ_n beâ—â—me_v unto_o we_o of_o none_o effect_n and_o do_v we_o â—t_a fall_n from_o grace_n to_o make_v short_a he_o reveâ—ceth_v many_o dote_a toy_n as_o tradition_n 〈◊〉_d the_o apostle_n loe_o whither_o they_o fall_v â—hich_z will_v be_v wise_a beyond_o the_o scripture_n origen_n his_o wit_n tradition_n than_o the_o which_o â—here_o be_v scant_v any_o other_o among_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n either_o more_o fine_a or_o â—ore_o excellent_a be_v deprave_a by_o this_o clement_n who_o have_v unwritten_a tradition_n in_o so_o â—reat_a admiration_n for_o he_o have_v stuff_v full_a his_o book_n every_o where_o with_o strange_a doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o clement_n under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n whereupon_o he_o be_v so_o often_o note_v reprove_v and_o nip_v both_o of_o the_o old_a writer_n and_o of_o the_o new_a hierom_n call_v origen_n his_o doctrine_n empoison_v etc_n but_o from_o whence_o sup_v he_o his_o poison_n but_o from_o the_o instruction_n of_o clement_n and_o by_o who_o be_v clement_n deceive_v but_o by_o the_o admiration_n study_n and_o reverence_n of_o such_o tradition_n tradition_n in_o deed_n the_o apocryphal_a book_n of_o hormas_n the_o pastor_n do_v teach_v that_o in_o the_o interpretation_n oâ—_n scripture_n we_o must_v depart_v from_o the_o letter_n and_o search_v forth_o the_o allegory_n clement_n receive_v this_o as_o a_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o deliver_v it_o to_o origen_n under_o the_o same_o title_n hereupon_o be_v kindle_v a_o incredible_a desire_n in_o this_o man_n to_o transform_v the_o scripture_n into_o allegory_n with_o the_o infection_n of_o the_o which_o disease_n it_o be_v wonderful_a how_o he_o corrupt_v afterward_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o doctor_n for_o after_o they_o have_v once_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o allegory_n as_o of_o a_o more_o lofty_a understanding_n they_o vaunt_v themselves_o immoderate_o and_o bring_v every_o thing_n to_o allegory_n so_o that_o every_o one_o thought_n that_o he_o may_v lawful_o say_v what_o he_o will_v herein_o and_o this_o evil_n do_v not_o stay_v itself_o within_o the_o east_n but_o invade_v africa_n italy_n philosophy_n france_n and_o spain_n also_o so_o by_o a_o little_a and_o a_o little_a the_o pureness_n of_o christian_a theology_n be_v transform_v into_o a_o certain_a philosophy_n and_o we_o may_v thank_v such_o tradition_n for_o this_o fruit_n and_o epiphanius_n be_v a_o great_a boaster_n of_o such_o tradition_n tradition_n who_o sometime_o allege_v thing_n under_o this_o title_n which_o be_v take_v forth_o of_o apocryphal_a writer_n what_o need_v many_o word_n whosoever_o have_v be_v bewitch_v with_o the_o admiration_n of_o such_o like_a tradition_n they_o have_v all_o turn_v from_o the_o pureness_n of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n unto_o strange_a opinion_n &_o unsavoury_a folly_n similitude_n so_o that_o these_o tradition_n seem_v unto_o i_o to_o be_v like_o the_o meteorological_a fire_n which_o will_v burn_v nothing_o which_o natural_a philosopher_n call_v leap_v goat_n for_o as_o that_o fire_n appear_v in_o the_o night_n over_o moist_a &_o fennie_a place_n &_o lead_v traveller_n in_o the_o night_n out_o of_o their_o way_n if_o they_o marvel_v at_o it_o and_o be_v afraid_a to_o behold_v it_o upon_o the_o which_o fraud_n it_o be_v call_v in_o duitche_n droechliecht_n deceitful_a light_n even_o so_o the_o ghost_n or_o fantastical_a appearance_n of_o tradition_n lead_v they_o which_o have_v it_o in_o admiration_n out_o of_o the_o way_n from_o truth_n and_o throw_v they_o into_o error_n and_o this_o
church_n be_v great_a or_o of_o like_a credit_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o church_n of_o the_o wicked_a church_n which_o not_o only_o hear_v not_o god_n his_o word_n but_o most_o cruel_o persecute_v and_o kill_v they_o which_o believe_v the_o gospel_n &_o beside_o this_o be_v ground_v whole_o upon_o man_n tradition_n declare_v manifest_o that_o she_o be_v of_o he_o of_o who_o it_o be_v write_v 8.44_o you_o be_v of_o your_o father_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o your_o father_n will_v you_o do_v he_o be_v a_o murderer_n from_o the_o beginning_n &_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n because_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o he_o for_o she_o be_v know_v what_o she_o be_v by_o the_o fruit_n of_o her_o herodlike_a cruelty_n vanity_n bewitch_n and_o corruption_n but_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n hear_v the_o voice_n of_o her_o bridegroom_n and_o submit_v herself_o to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v meet_v her_o chastity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v withdraw_v from_o the_o singleness_n of_o christ_n as_o paul_n witness_v 11.3_o therefore_o she_o err_v not_o which_o follow_v god_n his_o truth_n for_o a_o rule_n from_o the_o which_o if_o she_o depart_v she_o be_v no_o long_o a_o spouse_n but_o become_v a_o harlot_n therefore_o he_o which_o judge_v that_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o revolt_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v hear_v without_o choice_n &_o any_o exception_n compel_v the_o faithful_a christ_n be_v deny_v and_o god_n truth_n forsake_v often_o time_n to_o stick_v fast_o to_o iniquity_n so_o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o such_o a_o church_n can_v in_o no_o respect_n be_v a_o most_o exact_a rule_n of_o faith_n 3.15.16.17_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v plain_o of_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o man_n which_o bestow_v his_o diligent_a travail_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n become_v learn_v to_o salvation_n which_o be_v prepare_v after_o this_o life_n then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v to_o say_v perfect_a last_o furnish_v instruct_v and_o as_o ambrose_n yield_v it_o ambrose_n thorough_o appoint_v and_o provide_v to_o every_o good_a work_n thou_o have_v here_o gentle_a reader_n a_o treatise_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o church_n pen_v by_o i_o very_o gross_o and_o almost_o rude_o which_o god_n grant_v it_o may_v recompense_v the_o largeness_n thereof_o with_o due_a commodity_n and_o profit_n i_o can_v excuse_v the_o infancy_n and_o the_o disorder_a indite_v thereof_o but_o that_o i_o fear_v to_o enlarge_v it_o by_o excuse_v the_o same_o therefore_o i_o beseech_v the_o learned_a ear_n to_o pardon_v my_o barren_a want_n of_o eloquence_n &_o the_o rudeness_n of_o my_o style_n for_o i_o have_v not_o write_v these_o thing_n for_o the_o learned_a but_o be_v myself_o rude_a &_o simple_a for_o the_o rude_a &_o simple_a the_o lord_n jesus_n break_v in_o piece_n the_o most_o hurtful_a cord_n of_o contention_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o true_a concord_n and_o pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n and_o put_v away_o from_o all_o we_o which_o profess_v his_o name_n the_o offence_n of_o dissension_n among_o we_o that_o we_o may_v all_o speak_v one_o thing_n and_o be_v join_v together_o with_o one_o mind_n and_o judgement_n in_o he_o to_o who_o be_v praise_n honour_n and_o glory_n for_o evermore_o amen_n finis_fw-la certain_a addition_n by_o the_o translator_n 16._o avgustine_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o 16._o chapter_n urge_v the_o donatist_n say_v let_v they_o show_v none_o otherwise_o but_o by_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o scripture_n whether_o they_o have_v the_o church_n for_o neither_o do_v we_o say_v that_o we_o ought_v hereupon_o to_o be_v believe_v because_o we_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n because_o melenitanus_n optatus_n or_o ambrose_n of_o milan_n or_o other_o innumerable_a bishop_n of_o our_o fellowship_n commend_v that_o church_n which_o we_o have_v or_o because_o it_o be_v preach_v by_o the_o counsel_n of_o our_o fellow_n in_o office_n or_o because_o so_o great_a miracle_n either_o of_o hear_n or_o of_o healing_n be_v wrought_v through_o out_o all_o the_o world_n in_o holy_a place_n which_o our_o fellowship_n do_v frequent_a or_o that_o man_n ought_v to_o depart_v from_o donatus_n his_o side_n because_o such_o a_o one_o see_v a_o dream_n and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v ravish_v in_o the_o spirit_n hear_v a_o voice_n whatsoever_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v do_v in_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v therefore_o approve_v because_o they_o be_v do_v in_o the_o catholic_a church_n the_o catholic_a church_n be_v not_o therefore_o make_v know_v because_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o she_o the_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o when_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a 20.27_o and_o offer_v his_o body_n to_o be_v behold_v with_o his_o disciple_n eye_n and_o to_o be_v touch_v with_o their_o hand_n yet_o least_o they_o shall_v think_v that_o they_o be_v any_o whit_n deceive_v or_o delude_v 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the_o gospel_n the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o john_n search_v all_o these_o and_o pick_v out_o some_o manifest_a proof_n whereby_o you_o may_v show_v that_o either_o the_o church_n remain_v only_o in_o africa_n or_o that_o she_o shall_v come_v forth_o of_o africa_n but_o bring_v forth_o somewhat_o which_o need_v not_o a_o interpreter_n nor_o whereby_o you_o may_v be_v convict_v that_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o a_o other_o matter_n &_o that_o you_o go_v about_o to_o wrest_v it_o to_o your_o own_o sense_n alexandrum_fw-la hierome_n to_o mimerius_n and_o alexander_n say_v neither_o according_a to_o the_o scholar_n of_o pythagoras_n be_v the_o prejudicial_a opinion_n of_o the_o teacher_n to_o be_v weigh_v but_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n but_o if_o any_o of_o a_o contrary_a faction_n murmur_n say_v why_o shall_v i_o read_v their_o exclamation_n unto_o who_o opinion_n i_o do_v not_o assent_v let_v he_o know_v that_o i_o do_v willing_o hear_v this_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n examine_v all_o thing_n 5.21_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a ▪_o and_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n say_v try_v you_o the_o coin_n so_o well_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o counterfeit_a money_n and_o have_v not_o caesar_n his_o image_n neither_o be_v sign_v with_o the_o common_a coin_n it_o may_v be_v reprove_v and_o that_o that_o money_n which_o do_v represent_v the_o face_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o clear_a light_n may_v be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o purse_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o a_o little_a after_o he_o say_v my_o purpose_n be_v to_o read_v the_o ancient_a writer_n to_o try_v all_o thing_n to_o hold_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v good_a and_o not_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n psal._n 120.4_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n irenaeus_n adversus_fw-la haeres_fw-la lib._n 3._o ca._n 4_o rom._n 10.15_o what_o the_o adversary_n gather_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n august_n contra_fw-la epist._n manichaeorum_fw-la fundament_n cap._n 5._o many_o thing_n say_v the_o adversary_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v which_o be_v not_o write_v mat._n 18.17_o 1._o tim._n 3.15_o io._n 16.7_o &_o 13._o hierem._n 31.33_o matth._n 28.19_o mark._n 16.15_o against_o the_o person_n of_o the_o adversary_n why_o they_o do_v attribute_v so_o much_o to_o the_o church_n and_o derogate_v from_o the_o scripture_n they_o do_v imitate_v herein_o the_o old_a heretic_n irenaeus_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 2._o augustin_n de_fw-fr haerisib_n ad_fw-la quod_fw-la vult_fw-la deum_fw-la tertul._n lib._n the_o haeresib_n philaster_n lib._n 1._o euseb_n historia_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la lib._n 4._o cap._n 29._o it_o be_v a_o pernicious_a error_n to_o contend_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v