right_a hand_n of_o god_n angel_n and_o authority_n and_o power_n be_v make_v subject_a to_o he_o so_o subject_n that_o from_o henceforth_o he_o expect_v till_o all_o his_o enemy_n be_v make_v his_o footstool_n x._o hebr._n 13._o and_o have_v vanquish_v death_n which_o be_v the_o last_o enemy_n and_o raise_v man_n out_o of_o their_o grave_n he_o will_v judge_v they_o according_a to_o their_o work_n for_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o glory_n to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o quick_a and_o dead_a these_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v support_v and_o maintain_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v the_o substantial_a and_o necessary_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o which_o we_o can_v be_v christian_n for_o the_o full_a explication_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v make_v six_o observation_n the_o first_o of_o which_o the_o apostle_n himself_o here_o suggest_v and_o the_o rest_n will_v fair_o follow_v from_o thence_o 1._o first_o the_o apostle_n note_v they_o to_o be_v such_o truth_n as_o be_v without_o controversy_n about_o which_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n among_o serious_a christian_n 2._o and_o therefore_o these_o be_v the_o true_o catholic_a doctrine_n and_o these_o alone_a 3._o the_o fundamental_a truth_n upon_o which_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v build_v 4._o and_o therefore_o he_o that_o hold_v close_o to_o these_o can_v be_v a_o heretic_n 5._o but_o they_o that_o call_v man_n so_o because_o they_o believe_v not_o other_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v make_v necessary_a have_v rend_v the_o christian_a church_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o sin_n of_o which_o they_o false_o accuse_v other_o 6._o which_o guilt_n be_v the_o great_a because_o the_o best_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n among_o they_o have_v confess_v those_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v superad_v to_o the_o ancient_a truth_n to_o be_v doubtful_a superfluous_a and_o unknown_a to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o true_o catholic_a doctrine_n i._o the_o first_o of_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v well_o weigh_v that_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v to_o be_v support_v and_o maintain_v in_o the_o church_n be_v so_o evident_a and_o so_o abundant_o attest_v that_o it_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o christian_n thus_o that_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o controversy_n or_o confess_o signify_v as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o use_n of_o it_o among_o the_o ancient_a greek_n one_o of_o which_o diodorus_n sinopensis_fw-la speak_v of_o their_o supreme_a god_n just_a as_o the_o apostle_n do_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n 9_o godliness_n apud_fw-la athenaeum_n lib._n vi_o cap._n 9_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d jupiter_n the_o friendly_a be_v without_o controversy_n or_o by_o common_a consent_n agree_v to_o be_v the_o great_a of_o the_o gods._n in_o like_a manner_n the_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v when_o he_o say_v the_o same_o of_o these_o great_a and_o venerable_a doctrine_n of_o godliness_n which_o be_v such_o as_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o by_o a_o common_a agreement_n and_o doubt_v of_o by_o none_o for_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o those_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n about_o which_o there_o be_v no_o question_n among_o christian_n but_o they_o all_o consent_n unto_o it_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o truth_n in_o which_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v agree_v every_o where_o in_o all_o time_n down_o from_o the_o apostle_n day_n to_o this_o present_a age._n for_o the_o church_n say_v irenaeus_n 2._o irenaeus_n l._n i._o contra_fw-la haeres_fw-la c._n 2._o though_o disperse_v throughout_o the_o world_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o disciple_n the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o one_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n who_o make_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o sea_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o in_o one_o christ_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v incarnate_a for_o our_o salvation_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o preach_v by_o the_o prophet_n the_o dispensation_n and_o approach_n of_o god_n and_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o virgin_n and_o the_o suffer_a the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o bodily_a ascension_n of_o our_o dear_a lord_n christ_n jesus_n into_o the_o heaven_n and_o his_o come_n from_o thence_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n to_o gather_v together_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o raise_v all_o humane_a flesh_n that_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o the_o father_n invisible_a every_o knee_n of_o thing_n in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n or_o under_o the_o earth_n may_v bow_v to_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o god_n and_o saviour_n and_o king_n and_o every_o tongue_n may_v confess_v he_o and_o he_o may_v do_v righteous_a judgement_n upon_o all_o and_o send_v the_o spirit_n of_o wickedness_n and_o the_o angel_n that_o transgress_v and_o apostatise_v together_o with_o ungodly_a unjust_a lawless_a and_o blasphemous_a man_n into_o eternal_a fire_n but_o to_o the_o just_a and_o the_o holy_a and_o such_o as_o observe_v his_o commandment_n and_o persevere_v in_o his_o love_n either_o always_o or_o by_o repentance_n gracious_o bestow_v life_n give_v immortality_n and_o put_v they_o in_o possession_n of_o eternal_a glory_n this_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o he_o call_v it_o a_o little_a body_n of_o truth_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o tertullian_n often_o speak_v institute_v by_o christ_n which_o nullas_fw-la habet_fw-la apud_fw-la nos_fw-la quaestiones_fw-la fourteen_o quaestiones_fw-la l._n the_o prescript_n cap._n fourteen_o be_v not_o doubt_v of_o nor_o have_v any_o question_n about_o it_o among_o christian_n but_o such_o as_o heresy_n have_v bring_v in_o and_o which_o make_v man_n heretic_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o which_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o not_o presume_v as_o i_o shall_v show_v anon_o to_o bind_v all_o christian_n upon_o pain_n of_o perish_v everlasting_o to_o believe_v what_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o this_o rule_n of_o belief_n for_o it_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a as_o appear_v by_o this_o that_o into_o it_o all_o the_o article_n or_o part_n as_o a_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n speak_v ib._n speak_v rigaltius_n ib._n of_o which_o a_o christian_a consist_v be_v digest_v as_o it_o be_v into_o one_o body_n ii_o from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o these_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_a and_o the_o only_a catholic_a doctrine_n catholic_n they_o be_v because_o spread_v every_o where_o and_o the_o only_a catholic_a because_o none_o beside_o these_o till_o very_o late_o be_v receive_v as_o part_v of_o the_o christian_a truth_n which_o must_v necessary_o be_v believe_v if_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v hear_v how_o irenaeus_n 3._o irenaeus_n l._n i._o cap._n 3._o proclaim_v this_o immediate_o after_o the_o forego_n word_n which_o 31._o which_o haeres_fw-la xxxi_o n._n 30_o 31._o epiphanius_n think_v so_o considerable_a that_o he_o have_v transcribe_v both_o these_o chapter_n into_o his_o book_n against_o heresy_n the_o church_n as_o we_o have_v say_v have_v receive_v this_o preach_a or_o doctrine_n and_o this_o faith_n preserve_v it_o most_o careful_o as_o if_o it_o inhabit_v but_o one_o house_n though_o it_o be_v disperse_v through_o the_o whole_a world._n and_o with_o unanimous_a consent_n preach_v and_o teach_v and_o deliver_v these_o thing_n as_o have_v but_o one_o mouth_n for_o though_o there_o be_v different_a language_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o the_o force_n of_o that_o which_o be_v deliver_v be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o so_o that_o neither_o the_o church_n situate_v in_o germany_n believe_v otherwise_o or_o have_v any_o other_o tradition_n nor_o those_o in_o spain_n nor_o those_o in_o france_n nor_o those_o in_o the_o east_n nor_o those_o in_o egypt_n nor_o those_o in_o libya_n nor_o those_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o world_n but_o as_o the_o sun_n that_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o preach_a or_o doctrine_n of_o the_o truth_n shine_v every_o where_o and_o inlighten_v all_o man_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o neither_o he_o among_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v most_o powerful_a in_o speech_n teach_v different_a thing_n from_o these_o for_o no_o man_n be_v above_o his_o master_n nor_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o speech_n diminish_v the_o tradition_n for_o there_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o faith_n neither_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v a_o great_a deal_n concern_v it_o do_v enlarge_v or_o exceed_v nor_o
he_o that_o can_v say_v but_o a_o little_a do_v take_v away_o or_o make_v it_o less_o which_o be_v such_o a_o plain_a declaration_n that_o the_o creed_n contain_v the_o whole_a apostolical_a tradition_n or_o faith_n for_o they_o be_v the_o same_o in_o his_o language_n and_o the_o only_a catholic_a doctrine_n that_o if_o we_o be_v at_o this_o day_n to_o contrive_v word_n on_o purpose_n for_o the_o assert_v this_o truth_n we_o can_v not_o invent_v any_o more_o full_a or_o express_v than_o these_o which_o show_v we_o that_o this_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a not_o only_o for_o the_o ignorant_a the_o catechuman_n and_o beginner_n in_o religion_n but_o for_o the_o most_o improve_v in_o christian_a knowledge_n for_o those_o that_o instruct_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n who_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o preach_v or_o impose_v any_o other_o belief_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o run_v through_o his_o whole_a book_n for_o he_o repeat_v it_o again_o in_o few_o word_n in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o next_o chapter_n that_o the_o true_a church_n have_v but_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o faith_n before_o mention_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world._n which_o in_o the_o 19_o chapter_n he_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o truth_n by_o which_o all_o error_n be_v discover_v for_o hold_v this_o rule_n though_o they_o speak_v very_o various_a and_o many_o thing_n we_o easy_o evince_v that_o they_o have_v deviate_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o again_o in_o the_o three_o book_n 3._o book_n l._n iii_o chap._n 3._o he_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o truth_n unto_o which_o whosoever_o will_v hearken_v may_v see_v what_o be_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n manifest_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o every_o church_n where_o he_o say_v they_o be_v able_a to_o tell_v what_o bishop_n be_v settle_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n until_o his_o time_n who_o neither_o teach_v nor_o think_v of_o any_o thing_n like_o to_o the_o dotage_n of_o the_o heretic_n of_o those_o day_n and_o because_o it_o will_v have_v be_v too_o long_o to_o reckon_v up_o all_o the_o church_n he_o instance_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o which_o all_o have_v occasion_n to_o go_v upon_o some_o business_n or_o other_o because_o it_o be_v the_o imperial_a city_n by_o who_o bishop_n he_o say_v that_o tradition_n and_o that_o preach_a or_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v from_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n be_v come_v to_o we_o and_o be_v a_o most_o full_a proof_n that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o life_n give_v faith_n which_o be_v from_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n be_v confer_v to_o this_o time_n and_o deliver_v in_o truth_n the_o very_a same_o which_o polycarp_n write_v to_o the_o philippian_n mark_n these_o word_n which_o they_o of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n be_v wont_a to_o conceal_v that_o they_o may_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v irenaeus_n think_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v only_o in_o their_o church_n and_o which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n found_v by_o paul_n and_o have_v john_n continue_v in_o it_o till_o the_o time_n of_o trajan_n which_o church_n be_v a_o true_a witness_n of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o mistake_n about_o this_o tradition_n 4._o l._n iii_o cap._n 4._o he_o repeat_v it_o again_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n and_o inform_v we_o in_o very_o remarkable_a word_n it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o creed_n since_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o plain_a we_o ought_v not_o to_o seek_v further_o among_o other_o for_o truth_n which_o we_o may_v easy_o find_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o apostle_n leave_v most_o full_o in_o it_o as_o in_o a_o rich_a repository_n all_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o truth_n so_o that_o every_o one_o who_o will_v may_v take_v from_o thence_o the_o water_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n he_o mean_v as_o appear_v by_o what_o follow_v and_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o the_o scripture_n shall_v we_o not_o follow_v the_o order_n of_o the_o tradition_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o deliver_v to_o those_o unto_o who_o they_o commit_v the_o church_n to_o which_o ordination_n many_o barbarous_a nation_n who_o believe_v on_o christ_n assent_n have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n without_o paper_n and_o ink_n write_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o diligent_o preserve_v the_o ancient_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 therein_o by_o christ_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o out_o of_o his_o most_o eminent_a love_n to_o his_o creature_n vouchsafe_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n unite_n man_n to_o god_n by_o himself_o and_o suffer_v under_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o rise_v again_o and_o be_v illustrious_o receive_v in_o glory_n shall_v come_v again_o the_o saviour_n of_o those_o that_o be_v save_v and_o the_o judge_n of_o those_o that_o be_v judge_v send_v into_o eternal_a fire_n the_o misshaper_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o contemner_n of_o his_o father_n and_o of_o his_o come_n those_o that_o have_v believe_v this_o faith_n without_o letter_n we_o in_o our_o language_n call_v barbarous_a but_o as_o to_o their_o opinion_n and_o custom_n and_o conversation_n they_o please_v god_n because_o of_o their_o faith_n by_o which_o they_o be_v most_o wise_a live_v in_o all_o righteousness_n chastity_n and_o wisdom_n unto_o who_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v speak_v in_o their_o language_n those_o thing_n which_o heretic_n have_v invent_v they_o will_v present_o stop_v their_o ear_n and_o run_v away_o not_o endure_v to_o hear_v the_o blasphemy_n thus_o by_o that_o old_a tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n viz._n the_o creed_n they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o admit_v into_o their_o thought_n the_o portentous_a talk_n of_o those_o heretic_n in_o his_o day_n these_o thing_n i_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o set_v down_o the_o more_o large_o because_o they_o be_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n what_o the_o old_a tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o summary_n of_o christian_a truth_n contain_v in_o the_o creed_n unto_o which_o they_o will_v suffer_v no_o other_o tradition_n to_o be_v add_v but_o content_v themselves_o with_o this_o as_o full_o sufficient_a and_o by_o this_o judge_v of_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o pretend_v to_o come_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v every_o where_o so_o well_o instruct_v in_o this_o that_o in_o those_o church_n which_o as_o yet_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o apostolical_a write_n the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o n._n t._n they_o have_v this_o doctrine_n as_o the_o content_n of_o those_o scripture_n and_o be_v think_v most_o wise_a be_v wise_a enough_o to_o salvation_n in_o this_o faith_n alone_o without_o any_o other_o but_o because_o this_o be_v such_o a_o very_a important_a truth_n i_o shall_v take_v a_o little_a more_o pain_n to_o set_v down_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n concern_v it_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v be_v satisfy_v there_o be_v no_o other_o truth_n but_o this_o alone_a which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o his_o salvation_n which_o they_o sometime_o comprehend_v in_o few_o word_n but_o never_o add_v any_o one_o article_n beyond_o those_o in_o the_o creed_n if_o we_o have_v the_o letter_n of_o ignatius_n entire_a and_o sincere_a we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o tell_v what_o he_o take_v for_o truth_n immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n be_v dead_a and_o thus_o much_o be_v evident_a from_o they_o as_o they_o now_o be_v that_o they_o or_o he_o who_o contrive_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o philippian_n under_o his_o name_n for_o it_o be_v not_o think_v to_o be_v his_o take_v this_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o second_o age_n when_o after_o the_o mention_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v true_o make_v man_n true_o bear_v and_o true_o crucify_v dead_a and_z rise_v again_o not_o seem_o not_o in_o appearance_n only_o but_o in_o truth_n they_o make_v he_o conclude_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o believe_v these_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v and_o be_v real_o do_v be_v a_o bless_a man._n which_o be_v a_o undoubted_a testimony_n they_o take_v this_o creed_n to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n which_o ignatius_n in_o a_o unquestioned_a epistle_n of_o he_o to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n call_v the_o unmoveable_a faith_n wherein_o he_o bless_a god_n they_o be_v perfect_v or_o knit_v together_o mention_v no_o other_o article_n but_o those_o before_o name_v polycarp_n also_o in_o the_o same_o
be_v the_o keeper_n and_o conservator_n of_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a truth_n contain_v therein_o and_o that_o by_o faithful_a keep_v they_o it_o uphold_v and_o support_v the_o truth_n as_o a_o pillar_n do_v the_o building_n which_o rest_v upon_o it_o but_o this_o be_v sufficient_o include_v in_o what_o follow_v second_o the_o church_n be_v not_o only_o to_o preserve_v the_o truth_n but_o to_o profess_v it_o and_o to_o give_v attestation_n to_o it_o that_o be_v to_o bear_v witness_n that_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o this_o alone_a which_o he_o have_v reveal_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n by_o which_o mean_v it_o do_v not_o only_o hold_v up_o the_o truth_n but_o hold_v it_o out_o to_o other_o as_o the_o sacred_a edict_n or_o decree_n of_o god_n which_o all_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o observe_v and_o so_o three_o it_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o promote_v and_o propagate_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o let_v it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o a_o build_n do_v when_o the_o pillar_n that_o support_v it_o be_v remove_v in_o brief_a as_o heretical_a church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o stay_v of_o falsehood_n they_o maintain_v and_o defend_v it_o they_o testify_v to_o it_o and_o endeavour_v to_o continue_v it_o and_o leave_v it_o to_o posterity_n just_o so_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n it_o profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n it_o maintain_v it_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o persecution_n trouble_n loss_n torment_n whereby_o its_o enemy_n will_v shake_v the_o constancy_n of_o those_o who_o maintain_v the_o truth_n they_o testify_v to_o it_o and_o declare_v to_o future_a generation_n that_o this_o as_o s._n peter_n speak_v be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o we_o stand_v this_o be_v the_o first_o consideration_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o these_o word_n ii_o the_o second_o be_v as_o strong_a for_o plain_a reason_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o this_o not_o the_o other_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o the_o church_n that_o be_v can_v be_v the_o very_a foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o truth_n be_v build_v not_o that_o which_o give_v it_o authority_n and_o make_v it_o to_o be_v truth_n for_o the_o quite_o contrary_a be_v declare_v by_o truth_n itself_o that_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o church_n be_v build_v and_o which_o make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o church_n so_o s._n paul_n instruct_v this_o very_a church_n of_o ephesus_n who_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n in_o who_o all_o the_o build_n fit_o frame_v together_o grow_v into_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o who_o you_o also_o be_v build_v together_o for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n ii_o ephes_n 18_o 19_o 20._o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n because_o it_o hold_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v and_o so_o a_o great_a number_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n expound_v those_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o s._n peter_n thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i._n e._n upon_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o thou_o have_v make_v upon_o that_o truth_n thou_o have_v confess_v i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n matth._n xvi_o we_o can_v own_v no_o society_n of_o man_n to_o be_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n unless_o they_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o the_o true_a faith_n must_v be_v know_v before_o we_o can_v know_v whether_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o no_o who_o call_v themselves_o by_o that_o name_n and_o consequent_o they_o do_v not_o give_v authority_n to_o the_o truth_n but_o the_o truth_n to_o they_o because_o the_o truth_n must_v be_v suppose_v before_o they_o can_v have_v any_o authority_n observe_v the_o above_o recite_v word_n i_o beseech_v you_o which_o say_v the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n upon_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o they_o in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v a_o church_n by_o hold_v and_o believe_v this_o for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v a_o company_n of_o man_n to_o be_v a_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n tell_v i_o why_o the_o mahometan_n be_v not_o his_o church_n they_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v some_o belief_n and_o have_v some_o truth_n and_o devotion_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o law_n as_o well_o as_o we_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n therefore_o the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v the_o truth_n but_o the_o truth_n make_v the_o church_n the_o truth_n do_v not_o rely_v upon_o the_o church_n because_o it_o be_v before_o the_o church_n which_o rely_v upon_o it_o which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o in_o after_o age_n as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v if_o i_o intend_v to_o write_v a_o great_a book_n i_o will_v content_v myself_o with_o two_o testimony_n in_o ancient_a time_n the_o one_o be_v of_o s._n chrysostome_n who_o thus_o expound_v these_o very_a word_n the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n not_o like_o that_o judaical_a temple_n say_v he_o for_o this_o be_v it_o which_o keep_v together_o and_o contain_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o preach_v or_o doctrine_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o truth_n be_v both_o the_o pillar_n and_o the_o ground_n or_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n the_o other_o be_v s._n austin_n in_o his_o three_o book_n upon_o the_o creed_n to_o the_o catechuman_n ix_o catechuman_n tom._n ix_o which_o begin_v thus_o you_o know_v this_o viz._n the_o creed_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o cathlique_a faith_n upon_o which_o the_o edifice_n of_o the_o church_n arise_v be_v build_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o with_o this_o of_o gabriel_n biel_n in_o latter_a age_n 3._o age_n l._n 3_o in_o sentent_fw-fr dist_n 25._o dub._n 3._o catholic_a truth_n without_o any_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n immutable_a and_o immutable_o true_a and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v account_v unchangeable_o catholic_n which_o bring_v to_o mind_v another_o remarkable_a say_n of_o s._n austin_n who_o after_o he_o have_v produce_v in_o his_o first_o and_o second_o book_n against_o julian_n the_o pelagian_a the_o testimony_n of_o xi_o great_a doctor_n viz._n irenaeus_n cyprian_n reticius_n olympius_n hilarius_n ambrose_n innocentius_n where_o by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v observable_a he_o mention_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n only_o as_o one_o of_o the_o eminent_a bishop_n not_o as_o head_n of_o they_o all_o gregory_n nyssen_n basil_n of_o caesarea_n john_n chrysostom_n hierom_n make_v this_o reflection_n upon_o their_o consent_n which_o he_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n qui_fw-la tamen_fw-la veritati_fw-la auctoritatem_fw-la non_fw-la svo_fw-la tribuêre_fw-la consensu_fw-la etc._n etc._n who_o notwithstanding_o do_v not_o give_v authority_n to_o the_o truth_n by_o their_o consent_n but_o receive_v testimony_n and_o glory_n by_o partake_v of_o the_o truth_n they_o endeavour_v indeed_o to_o put_v by_o such_o evident_a conviction_n as_o this_o by_o a_o little_a distinction_n that_o though_o in_o itself_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o truth_n yet_o in_o respect_n to_o we_o the_o truth_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o church_n which_o appear_v already_o to_o be_v a_o vain_a conceit_n unto_o those_o who_o consider_v that_o the_o church_n can_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o truth_n to_o we_o unless_o we_o first_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o endue_v with_o this_o privilege_n from_o god_n to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o truth_n in_o this_o sense_n which_o i_o be_o now_o confute_v but_o whence_o shall_v we_o know_v this_o if_o it_o be_v say_v from_o the_o truth_n which_o it_o profess_v then_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o we_o for_o we_o must_v know_v the_o truth_n before_o we_o can_v know_v that_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n which_o call_v itself_o the_o foundation_n if_o we_o say_v from_o the_o church_n then_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o itself_o and_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n because_o it_o say_v it_o be_v which_o be_v so_o absurd_a and_o dangerous_a that_o the_o mahometan_n as_o i_o say_v will_v be_v as_o true_a a_o church_n as_o any_o else_o they_o may_v bold_o put_v
a_o contrary_a mind_n hope_v though_o they_o do_v not_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n yet_o they_o will_v help_v to_o establish_v the_o people_n of_o our_o church_n in_o the_o present_a truth_n which_o i_o doubt_v not_o they_o will_v see_v to_o be_v the_o true_o catholic_n apostolic_a faith_n which_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o part_v withal_o but_o preserve_v as_o careful_o as_o they_o do_v their_o life_n and_o so_o the_o can_v fail_v to_o do_v if_o they_o add_v to_o faith_n virtue_n in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v this_o treatise_n as_o practical_a as_o i_o can_v that_o we_o may_v not_o fall_v into_o that_o grand_a error_n of_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o hold_v the_o truth_n though_o we_o hold_v it_o in_o unrighteousness_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n deliver_v we_o all_o from_o that_o damnable_a delusion_n and_o establish_v our_o heart_n unblameable_a in_o holiness_n before_o god_n even_o our_o father_n at_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o his_o saint_n 1_o thess_n iii_o 13._o part_n i._n introduction_n it_o be_v a_o pious_a reflection_n which_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n make_v upon_o a_o say_n of_o plato_n that_o if_o truth_n can_v never_o have_v be_v learn_v 675._o l._n vi_o stromat_n p._n 675._o but_o either_o from_o god_n himself_o or_o from_o his_o dependent_n then_o we_o who_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a oracle_n do_v just_o boast_v that_o we_o be_v teach_v the_o truth_n by_o the_o very_a son_n of_o god._n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v unto_o we_o so_o plain_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n and_o transmit_v unto_o we_o so_o entire_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o great_a trouble_n to_o all_o those_o who_o love_v he_o and_o his_o religion_n to_o see_v such_o wrangling_n about_o it_o in_o his_o church_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o certainty_n among_o we_o what_o be_v truth_n than_o there_o be_v among_o the_o philosopher_n the_o contention_n about_o this_o be_v so_o sharp_a and_o fierce_a that_o while_o man_n seek_v after_o truth_n they_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o lose_v the_o very_a aim_n and_o scope_n of_o it_o which_o be_v charity_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o one_o another_o this_o s._n paul_n determine_v to_o be_v the_o very_a drift_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o he_o tell_v timothy_n the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v charity_n 1_o i._n 5._o nay_o they_o have_v raise_v so_o many_o doubt_n about_o this_o matter_n that_o poor_a people_n be_v many_o time_n to_o seek_v for_o truth_n itself_o even_o in_o the_o clear_a light_n thereof_o it_o be_v some_o man_n business_n so_o to_o confound_v their_o thought_n that_o they_o know_v it_o not_o when_o they_o see_v it_o but_o be_v still_o in_o great_a trouble_n about_o it_o even_o when_o they_o have_v it_o and_o where_o to_o seek_v for_o it_o be_v now_o grow_v a_o great_a question_n also_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v no_o doubt_n in_o the_o church_n but_o about_o that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o dispute_n that_o man_n be_v to_o seek_v as_o much_o as_o before_o if_o they_o go_v to_o find_v it_o there_o in_o short_a there_o be_v no_o word_n more_o abuse_v than_o these_o two_o truth_n and_o church_n and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v do_v some_o service_n to_o soul_n if_o for_o their_o plain_a and_o safe_a direction_n in_o these_o matter_n i_o rescue_v those_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n to_o timothy_n 1_o iii_o 15._o the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n from_o those_o false_a gloss_n that_o be_v put_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a truth_n and_o for_o that_o end_n i_o shall_v distinct_o treat_v of_o these_o four_o thing_n first_o what_o that_o truth_n be_v of_o which_o either_o the_o church_n or_o timothy_n or_o both_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n second_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n three_o who_o it_o be_v to_o who_o this_o office_n and_o honour_n belong_v of_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o what_o we_o mean_v when_o we_o say_v the_o church_n be_v entrust_v therewith_o last_o how_o it_o discharge_v this_o office._n i._o what_o be_v the_o truth_n here_o we_o must_v begin_v because_o we_o must_v first_o know_v what_o the_o truth_n be_v before_o we_o can_v know_v a_o society_n of_o man_n to_o be_v the_o church_n which_o be_v constitute_v and_o make_v by_o believe_v and_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o this_o in_o effect_n be_v a_o resolution_n of_o that_o question_n which_o pilate_n ask_v our_o saviour_n but_o will_v not_o stay_v for_o a_o answer_n what_o be_v truth_n which_o though_o it_o be_v make_v a_o great_a difficulty_n by_o those_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o make_v thing_n intricate_a and_o perplex_a yet_o in_o my_o opinion_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o it_o and_o we_o need_v not_o go_v far_o neither_o to_o seek_v it_o for_o the_o apostle_n himself_o immediate_o explain_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o truth_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n receive_v up_o into_o glory_n where_o we_o learn_v two_o thing_n in_o general_a concern_v this_o matter_n first_o that_o the_o truth_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v that_o which_o be_v former_o a_o mystery_n or_o secret_n which_o lie_v hide_v for_o many_o age_n and_o generation_n in_o the_o unknown_a purpose_n of_o god_n but_o now_o be_v reveal_v and_o manifest_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o make_v man_n godly_a which_o be_v the_o other_o thing_n we_o learn_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o truth_n which_o the_o apostle_n intend_v be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n or_o as_o he_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o vi_o chapter_n v._n 3._o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o better_a man_n life_n by_o make_v they_o do_v their_o duty_n faithful_o both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n to_o some_o of_o which_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v owe_v be_v in_o this_o very_a epistle_n call_v show_v piety_n or_o godliness_n v._o 4._o we_o be_v not_o to_o reckon_v it_o among_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v deposit_v with_o timothy_n to_o be_v prefer_v and_o uphold_v in_o the_o church_n for_o god_n do_v not_o design_n by_o the_o discovery_n he_o make_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n in_o the_o gospel_n mere_o to_o enlarge_v our_o knowledge_n but_o to_o rectify_v our_o will_n and_o affection_n by_o the_o right_a information_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o by_o acquaint_v we_o with_o such_o weighty_a truth_n especial_o such_o wonderful_a revelation_n of_o his_o love_n as_o can_v but_o irresistable_o sway_v we_o if_o we_o lie_v they_o to_o heart_n unto_o his_o obedience_n but_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o guess_v at_o this_o truth_n or_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n without_o any_o certainty_n he_o set_v down_o a_o particular_a of_o it_o and_o reduce_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n to_o these_o six_o head_n i._o the_o principal_n be_v this_o that_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o be_v incarnate_a by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o be_v make_v man_n that_o he_o may_v suffer_v for_o we_o and_o make_v himself_o a_o offering_n for_o our_o sin_n all_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v include_v in_o these_o word_n god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n which_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o god_n the_o father_n for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o other_o place_n that_o it_o be_v jesus_n christ_n who_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n 1_o joh._n iu_o 2._o and_o be_v here_o declare_v to_o be_v god_n that_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n the_o word_n make_v flesh_n 1_o joh._n 14._o which_o do_v not_o denote_v mere_o his_o be_v make_v man_n but_o likewise_o his_o suffering_n for_o we_o he_o take_v our_o flesh_n on_o purpose_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o therein_o he_o may_v by_o his_o death_n make_v a_o atonement_n for_o sin._n and_o so_o the_o very_a phrase_n flesh_n and_o blood_n signify_v in_o scripture_n as_o it_o do_v common_o in_o the_o hebrew_n writer_n this_o weak_a frail_a mortal_a suffer_v state_n wherein_o we_o be_v at_o present_a into_o which_o our_o bless_a lord_n put_v himself_o when_o he_o manifest_v himself_o in_o our_o flesh_n so_o we_o read_v express_o ii_o hebr._n 14._o where_n to_o
age_n write_v a_o epistle_n to_o the_o philippian_n wherein_o they_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n and_o take_v care_n of_o their_o salvation_n 14._o l._n iii_o cap._n 3.4_o &_o euseb_n hist_o l._n iu._n c._n 14._o may_v learn_v the_o character_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o as_o irenaeus_n relate_v in_o the_o forename_a chapter_n with_o that_o set_v down_o by_o he_o which_o he_o call_v that_o one_o and_o only_a truth_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o deliver_v to_o the_o church_n and_o what_o they_o teach_v in_o asia_n and_o irenaeus_n in_o france_n that_o tertullian_n in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o same_o age_n teach_v in_o africa_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a immovable_a irreformable_a rule_n of_o faith_n 1._o faith_n l._n de_fw-fr velandis_fw-la virg._n c._n 1._o that_o be_v there_o be_v no_o other_o form_n of_o believe_v but_o this_o as_o de_fw-fr la_fw-fr cerda_n honest_o interpret_v the_o word_n irreformabilis_fw-la in_o one_o god_n almighty_a the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n crucify_v under_o pontius_n pilate_n raise_v the_o three_o day_n from_o the_o dead_a receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v now_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n and_o shall_v come_v to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o resurrection_n also_o of_o the_o flesh_n this_o he_o call_v in_o that_o place_n the_o law_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o set_v down_o in_o more_o word_n in_o another_o book_n where_o he_o preface_v to_o it_o by_o this_o remarkable_a proposition_n as_o he_o call_v it_o 9_o it_o l._n the_o praescription_n c._n 9_o that_o there_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o certain_a doctrine_n institute_v by_o christ_n which_o all_o people_n ought_v to_o believe_v and_o consequent_o to_o seek_v that_o when_o they_o have_v find_v it_o they_o may_v believe_v now_o the_o inquisition_n of_o one_o certain_a appointment_n can_v be_v infinite_a which_o be_v a_o encouragement_n to_o seek_v till_o one_o find_v and_o believe_v when_o he_o have_v find_v because_o there_o remain_v say_v he_o nothing_o more_o but_o to_o preserve_v and_o keep_v what_o thou_o have_v believe_v for_o thou_o believe_v this_o also_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o therefore_o no_o further_o inquiry_n to_o be_v make_v when_o thou_o have_v find_v and_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v appoint_v by_o he_o who_o do_v not_o command_v thou_o to_o inquire_v after_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o he_o appoint_v upon_o which_o principle_n have_v a_o little_a further_o enlarge_v he_o proceed_v to_o lay_v down_o the_o xiii_o the_o ib._n chap._n xiii_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o one_o certain_a appointment_n which_o if_o one_o believe_v there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o be_v believe_v whereby_o we_o believe_v there_o be_v one_o god_n alone_o and_o no_o other_o but_o the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n who_o make_v all_o thing_n of_o nothing_o by_o his_o word_n emit_v before_o all_o thing_n that_o word_n call_v his_o son_n see_v various_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o the_o patriarch_n hear_v in_o the_o prophet_n and_o at_o last_o bring_v down_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o god_n the_o father_n into_o the_o virgin_n mary_n make_v flesh_n in_o her_o womb_n and_o bear_v of_o she_o become_v jesus_n christ_n and_o thereupon_o preach_v the_o new_a law_n and_o the_o new_a promise_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n wrought_v miracle_n be_v crucify_v rise_v the_o three_o day_n be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n send_v the_o vicarious_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o work_v in_o believer_n shall_v come_v in_o glory_n to_o take_v holy_a person_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o the_o celestial_a promise_n and_o to_o condemn_v the_o profane_a to_o everlasting_a fire_n both_o party_n be_v raise_v up_o again_o with_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o flesh_n this_o be_v the_o rule_n about_o which_o he_o there_o say_v there_o be_v no_o question_n the_o rule_n in_o which_o faith_n entire_o consist_v that_o faith_n which_o will_v save_v a_o man_n unto_o which_o curiosity_n ought_v to_o yield_v for_o to_o know_v nothing_o against_o the_o rule_n be_v to_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o beyond_o this_o rule_n he_o there_o express_o argue_v etc._n argue_v ib._n cap._n x._o fourteen_o vbi_fw-la enim_fw-la erit_fw-la finis_fw-la quaerendi_fw-la vbi_fw-la statio_fw-la creaendi_fw-la etc._n etc._n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v believe_v for_o if_o we_o still_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o faith_n where_o shall_v we_o rest_v where_o shall_v we_o make_v a_o end_n of_o seek_v where_o shall_v we_o make_v a_o stand_n and_o stay_v our_o believe_v or_o where_o shall_v a_o full_a st_o p_o be_v put_v to_o find_v and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o those_o time_n and_o place_n it_o appear_v from_o hence_o that_o as_o irenaeus_n often_o repeat_v this_o rule_n and_o this_o alone_a so_o do_v he_o a_o three_o time_n insist_v upon_o this_o even_o after_o he_o become_v a_o montanist_n as_o the_o only_a rule_n that_o have_v run_v down_o to_o their_o time_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o have_v always_o profess_v and_o now_o much_o more_o be_v more_o full_o as_o he_o fancy_v instruct_v by_o the_o paraclete_n the_o leader_n into_o all_o truth_n who_o dare_v not_o it_o seem_v though_o he_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n adventure_v to_o alter_v this_o rule_n which_o tertullian_n recite_v again_o 2._o again_o adu._n praxeam_n cap._n 2._o in_o the_o same_o term_n without_o any_o inlargement_n as_o he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o former_a book_n and_o thereby_o satisfy_v we_o that_o he_o do_v not_o casual_o make_v this_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o that_o it_o be_v his_o constant_a sense_n which_o though_o he_o do_v not_o express_v in_o the_o very_a same_o word_n and_o syllable_n it_o only_o show_v they_o have_v no_o other_o sense_n but_o this_o in_o their_o mind_n and_o as_o vigilius_n entychiâ—nos_fw-la vigilius_n l._n iu._n adv_o entychiâ—nos_fw-la speak_v about_o this_o very_a matter_n nec_fw-la praejudicant_fw-la verba_fw-la ubi_fw-la sensus_fw-la incolumis_fw-la permanet_fw-la the_o word_n do_v not_o make_v a_o wrong_a opinion_n where_o the_o sense_n remain_v safe_a and_o sound_a which_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o all_o the_o form_n of_o belief_n which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o aquileia_n and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o east_n before_o the_o great_a council_n of_o nice_a none_o of_o which_o differ_v in_o sense_n though_o in_o some_o word_n they_o do_v nor_o have_v one_o article_n of_o faith_n more_o than_o the_o creed_n now_o contain_v which_o tertullian_n 47._o tertullian_n apolog._n cap._n 47._o once_o more_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o truth_n which_o come_v transmit_v from_o christ_n by_o his_o companion_n or_o apostle_n and_o in_o another_o place_n most_o significant_o that_o one_o edict_n of_o god_n which_o hang_v up_o as_o the_o edict_n of_o the_o emperor_n do_v in_o a_o table_n to_o be_v read_v by_o all_o 18._o all_o de_fw-fr resurrect_v carnis_fw-la cap._n 18._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o faith_n in_o the_o next_o age_n to_o this_o in_o the_o three_o century_n as_o we_o may_v be_v satisfy_v from_o origen_n who_o in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d think_v it_o necessary_a first_o to_o lay_v down_o a_o certain_a line_n and_o manifest_a rule_n by_o which_o to_o inquire_v concern_v other_o thing_n and_o have_v distinguish_v between_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o those_o which_o be_v not_o necessary_a he_o give_v the_o sum_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v manifest_o deliver_v by_o the_o apostolical_a preach_v and_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o present_a creed_n about_o which_o he_o say_v there_o be_v one_o sense_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o celsus_n who_o say_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o clancular_a doctrine_n which_o they_o hide_v and_o conceal_v he_o avow_v that_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v as_o well_o know_v in_o the_o world_n as_o the_o opinion_n of_o philosopher_n for_o who_o do_v not_o know_v that_o we_o believe_v jesus_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n be_v crucify_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a will_v come_v to_o judgement_n and_o punish_v sinner_n and_o reward_v the_o righteous_a according_a to_o their_o deed_n nay_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o future_a resurrection_n be_v divulge_v though_o laugh_v at_o by_o unbeliever_n these_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n which_o be_v common_o teach_v and_o all_o oblige_a to_o believe_v as_o for_o other_o which_o be_v not_o
xv._o act._n 2.25_o so_o that_o it_o be_v receive_v joyful_o at_o antioch_n v._n 31._o and_o the_o church_n in_o other_o city_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o increase_v in_o number_n daily_o xvi_o 4.5_o for_o which_o reason_n the_o testimony_n of_o a_o great_a assembly_n of_o bishop_n be_v a_o great_a support_n and_o strengthen_n to_o the_o faith_n than_o the_o testimony_n of_o single_a person_n they_o be_v the_o principal_a trustee_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o to_o who_o fidelity_n the_o truth_n be_v commit_v and_o when_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o council_n to_o discharge_v this_o trust_n it_o give_v great_a force_n to_o the_o truth_n declare_v by_o they_o which_o they_o know_v so_o well_o that_o in_o ancient_a time_n such_o council_n be_v wont_a to_o desire_v the_o consent_n of_o other_o bishop_n who_o be_v not_o there_o for_o the_o great_a establishment_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o faith_n as_o theodoret_n 6._o theodoret_n l._n 2._o hist_o eccles_n c._n 6._o relate_v of_o the_o council_n of_o sardica_n who_o letter_n he_o have_v set_v down_o to_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o world_n desire_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o present_v in_o spirit_n with_o they_o to_o consent_v to_o their_o synod_n and_o by_o their_o subscription_n to_o decree_n that_o concord_n may_v be_v preserve_v among_o all_o their_o fellow_n bishop_n every_o where_n nay_o the_o great_a and_o first_o general_a council_n of_o nice_a itself_o 9_o itself_o theodoret._n l._n 1._o eccles_n hist_o cap._n 8_o 9_o write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n and_o the_o rest_n throughout_o egypt_n libya_n and_o pentapolis_n to_o give_v they_o a_o account_n of_o their_o decree_n and_o constantine_n also_o certify_v all_o absent_a bishop_n who_o can_v not_o come_v to_o the_o council_n of_o their_o proceed_n that_o there_o may_v be_v one_o faith_n as_o his_o word_n be_v and_o sincere_a charity_n and_o a_o concord_v religion_n or_o piety_n preserve_v among_o they_o all_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o same_o score_n that_o sometime_o they_o send_v particular_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o his_o concurrence_n as_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n xcv_o carthage_n august_n epist_n xc_o xci_o xcv_o and_o other_o do_v in_o the_o business_n of_o pelagius_n not_o because_o they_o imagine_v their_o decree_n will_v be_v of_o no_o force_n without_o his_o consent_n that_o be_v a_o ungrounded_a fancy_n but_o because_o he_o be_v a_o eminent_a bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o who_o concurrent_a testimony_n the_o truth_n will_v be_v still_o more_o confirm_v and_o their_o church_n will_v have_v the_o great_a comfort_n de_fw-la communi_fw-la participatione_fw-la unius_fw-la gratiae_fw-la from_o the_o common_a participation_n of_o one_o grace_n by_o know_v that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o belief_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o martyr_n who_o when_o they_o suffer_v in_o great_a number_n give_v the_o more_o amaze_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o terrify_v the_o devil_n himself_o and_o stagger_v their_o very_a judge_n as_o s._n basil_n speak_v xx._n speak_v tom._n 1._o hom._n xx._n of_o the_o xl_o martyr_n who_o all_o together_o as_o if_o they_o have_v have_v but_o one_o mouth_n cry_v out_o when_o they_o be_v examine_v i_o be_o a_o christian_n by_o such_o resolution_n as_o this_o our_o religion_n be_v not_o only_o uphold_v but_o mighty_o increase_v and_o the_o more_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n increase_v the_o more_o be_v truth_n spread_v abroad_o till_o it_o grow_v to_o be_v the_o prevail_a religion_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n 2._o but_o it_o be_v not_o mere_a number_n that_o do_v the_o business_n for_o their_o extraordinary_a piety_n and_o purity_n in_o those_o early_a day_n have_v the_o great_a hand_n in_o it_o which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n i_o desire_v to_o be_v note_v under_o this_o last_o head_n that_o the_o better_a the_o pastor_n and_o the_o people_n be_v the_o great_a service_n they_o do_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o more_o prevalent_a their_o testimony_n be_v when_o it_o appear_v by_o their_o life_n that_o they_o have_v no_o other_o interest_n to_o serve_v but_o that_o of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o sanctity_n of_o those_o who_o assert_v god_n holy_a truth_n their_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n which_o keep_v they_o from_o be_v spot_v by_o the_o world_n be_v that_o which_o will_v be_v the_o most_o powerful_a to_o move_v man_n mind_n and_o will_v make_v the_o easy_a way_n for_o its_o entertainment_n in_o man_n heart_n nothing_o can_v give_v a_o church_n such_o authority_n and_o make_v its_o testimony_n so_o credible_a as_o its_o integrity_n and_o sincere_a devotion_n its_o study_n of_o purity_n in_o heart_n and_o life_n it_o be_v design_v clear_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n and_o not_o worldly_a advantage_n its_o universal_a charity_n and_o kindness_n which_o invite_v even_o stranger_n to_o attend_v unto_o it_o and_o much_o more_o its_o own_o member_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v note_v for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n i._n e._n the_o whole_a company_n of_o believer_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n or_o establishment_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v mean_v principal_o of_o those_o who_o faith_n bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o work_n by_o love_n these_o be_v the_o main_a supporter_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n who_o do_v not_o mere_o profess_v it_o but_o be_v act_v and_o live_v by_o their_o faith_n in_o all_o holy_a obedience_n to_o christ_n for_o they_o be_v live_v stone_n build_v upon_o he_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o true_a live_a body_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v animate_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o with_o who_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o make_v his_o abode_n and_o consequent_o be_v the_o only_a person_n who_o to_o purpose_n support_v and_o maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o truth_n which_o will_v in_o a_o little_a time_n be_v suppress_v or_o obscure_v deprave_a or_o vary_v conceal_a or_o misinterpret_v if_o the_o wicked_a only_o have_v the_o conduct_n of_o it_o who_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v account_v pillar_n of_o the_o truth_n i._n e._n can_v no_o more_o alone_o support_v and_o uphold_v it_o than_o a_o reed_n a_o straw_n or_o a_o rot_a stick_n can_v support_v a_o building_n this_o be_v the_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o as_o appear_v by_o what_o s._n austin_n say_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o xlviii_o psalm_n xlvii_o psalm_n tom._n viii_o enarratio_fw-la in_o psal_n xlvii_o where_o take_v the_o firmament_n which_o be_v make_v the_o second_o day_n to_o be_v a_o emblem_n of_o the_o church_n he_o say_v by_o the_o church_n we_o ought_v to_o understand_v ecclesiam_fw-la christi_fw-la in_o sanctis_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o saint_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o those_o who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o those_o who_o do_v not_o yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o world._n ipsi_fw-la enim_fw-la digni_fw-la sunt_fw-la nomine_fw-la firmamenti_fw-la for_o these_o be_v worthy_a the_o name_n of_o firmament_n or_o strength_n therefore_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o those_o qui_fw-la firmi_fw-la sunt_fw-la who_o be_v strong_a concern_v who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v we_o that_o be_v strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a be_v call_v the_o firmament_n for_o hearken_v and_o acknowledge_v how_o this_o church_n be_v call_v by_o this_o name_n in_o the_o apostolical_a writing_n and_o then_o he_o quote_v this_o place_n to_o timothy_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n columna_fw-la &_o firmamentum_fw-la veritatis_fw-la the_o pillar_n and_o support_v of_o truth_n by_o these_o principal_o the_o truth_n be_v maintain_v for_o it_o be_v most_o plain_o deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o that_o man_n and_o woman_n by_o their_o wicked_a life_n do_v turn_v apostate_n from_o the_o faith._n and_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n as_o well_o as_o their_o instruction_n that_o nothing_o do_v more_o quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o true_a wisdom_n than_o filthiness_n and_o impurity_n which_o we_o must_v abandon_v therefore_o and_o not_o think_v we_o can_v do_v very_o considerable_a service_n to_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o bare_a profession_n of_o it_o but_o upon_o the_o foundation_n christ_n jesus_n we_o must_v serious_o endeavour_v to_o raise_v the_o superstructure_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n whereby_o we_o shall_v adorn_v recommend_v and_o effectual_o promote_v our_o religion_n it_o must_v not_o be_v deny_v indeed_o that_o a_o