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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n answer_v church_n scripture_n 1,708 5 6.0408 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A71070 An answer to several late treatises, occasioned by a book entituled A discourse concerning the idolatry practised in the Church of Rome, and the hazard of salvation in the communion of it. The first part by Edward Stillingfleet ... Stillingfleet, Edward, 1635-1699. 1673 (1673) Wing S5559; ESTC R564 166,980 378

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person_n do_v not_o allow_v the_o scripture_n than_o we_o be_v to_o proceed_v by_o the_o best_a mean_n we_o can_v have_v without_o it_o viz._n the_o tradition_n of_o apostolical_a church_n from_o the_o beginning_n if_o they_o do_v allow_v the_o scripture_n than_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v and_o compare_v place_n of_o scripture_n with_o all_o the_o care_n and_o judgement_n that_o may_v be_v if_o after_o all_o this_o the_o dispute_n still_o continue_v then_o if_o it_o be_v against_o the_o ancient_a rule_n of_o faith_n universal_o receive_v that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a prescription_n against_o any_o opinion_n if_o not_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o express_a word_n but_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o then_o if_o ancient_a general_n council_n have_v determine_v it_o which_o have_v great_a opportunity_n of_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n than_o we_o it_o be_v reasonable_a we_o shall_v yield_v to_o they_o but_o if_o there_o have_v be_v none_o such_o than_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o father_n be_v to_o be_v take_v so_o it_o be_v in_o some_o late_a and_o upstart_a heresy_n which_o man_n pretend_v to_o have_v by_o revelation_n or_o some_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n now_o either_o all_o these_o mean_n be_v sufficient_a or_o not_o to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n if_o not_o than_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v whole_o defective_a and_o want_v any_o certain_a way_n of_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n if_o these_o be_v sufficient_a then_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o infallibility_n in_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n to_o give_v we_o a_o certain_a sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v but_o n._n o._n towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o book_n produce_v st._n augustin_n for_o the_o church_n infallibility_n 85._o in_o deliver_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o obscure_a place_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v concern_v he_o 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no_o such_o thing_n 3._o a_o law_n of_o such_o universal_a concernment_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v suppose_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o best_a and_o purest●_n age_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v suppose_v agreeable_a thereto_o i._n e._n that_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o difference_n they_o do_v constant_o own_o these_o infallible_a judge_n by_o appeal_n to_o they_o for_o a_o final_a issue_n of_o all_o debate_n and_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o their_o decision_n but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o great_a difference_n have_v happen_v in_o and_o near_a the_o first_o time_n no_o such_o authority_n be_v make_v use_n of_o but_o other_o way_n put_v in_o practice_n to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o they_o if_o when_o it_o be_v pretend_v it_o be_v slight_v and_o reject_v nay_o if_o the_o person_n pretend_v it_o be_v proceed_v against_o and_o condemn_v and_o this_o not_o by_o a_o popular_a faction_n but_o by_o just_a and_o legal_a authority_n we_o may_v 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according_a to_o who_o sentence_n matter_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v upon_o penalty_n of_o death_n in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n but_o what_o then_o do_v this_o imply_v infallibility_n no_o that_o he_o dare_v not_o stand_v to_o but_o absolute_a obedience_n which_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o yield_v when_o we_o see_v the_o like_a absolute_a command_n for_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n of_o controversy_n of_o religion_n as_o there_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n for_o their_o supreme_a judge_n in_o matter_n of_o law_n but_o of_o this_o place_n i_o have_v already_o speak_v at_o large_a 239._o and_o show_v how_o impertinent_o it_o be_v produce_v for_o infallibility_n in_o the_o book_n he_o often_o refer_v to_o and_o might_n if_o he_o have_v think_v fit_a have_v answer_v what_o be_v there_o say_v before_o he_o have_v urge_v it_o again_o without_o any_o new_a strength_n
with_o in_o the_o field_n and_o to_o speak_v truth_n n._n o._n seem_v to_o understand_v his_o art_n better_o than_o to_o meddle_v with_o such_o heavy_a and_o antique_a armour_n which_o every_o one_o have_v be_v foil_v with_o that_o have_v undertake_v to_o combat_v with_o they_o only_o it_o seem_v a_o little_a for_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o cause_n to_o point_v to_o such_o a_o magazine_n which_o in_o the_o day_n of_o ignorance_n and_o credulity_n the_o romantic_a age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o great_a request_n but_o we_o must_v now_o buckle_v ourselves_o to_o a_o new_a manner_n of_o combat_n which_o be_v from_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o of_o the_o very_a same_o nature_n with_o what_o we_o have_v for_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v bright_a shine_a armour_n and_o may_v do_v great_a service_n if_o it_o will_v hold_v but_o that_o must_v be_v judge_v upon_o trial_n which_o i_o now_o set_v myself_o to_o but_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o no_o weapon_n form_v against_o truth_n can_v prosper_v and_o it_o have_v be_v long_o observe_v of_o rome_n that_o it_o can_v never_o endure_v a_o close_a siege_n the_o question_n now_o be_v whether_o they_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v the_o same_o universal_a tradition_n for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o guide_n of_o it_o w_z ch_z we_o have_v for_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n w_z ch_z he_o assert_v it_o be_v i_o suppose_v agree_v on_o both_o side_n that_o the_o tradition_n on_o w_z ch_z we_o receive_v and_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v universal_a as_o to_o all_o age_n and_o time_n of_o the_o church_n that_o from_o the_o beginning_n all_o dispute_v in_o religion_n among_o true_a christian_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o it_o that_o in_o no_o age_n any_o person_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v good_a christian_n who_o make_v doubt_n of_o it_o that_o every_o age_n do_v afford_v plentiful_a testimony_n of_o the_o belief_n 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dissenter_n and_o pronounce_v they_o heretic_n which_o be_v his_o only_a argument_n to_o prove_v this_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n infallibility_n 10._o and_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o answer_v it_o but_o by_o say_v this_o do_v not_o imply_v their_o infallibility_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o in_o the_o case_n of_o provincial_a council_n why_o shall_v he_o think_v it_o do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o general_n for_o the_o anathema_n of_o provincial_a council_n do_v not_o relate_v to_o the_o acceptation_n of_o their_o decree_n either_o by_o the_o pope_n or_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o n._n o._n suppose_n but_o do_v proceed_v upon_o their_o own_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o decree_v otherwise_o their_o anathema_n will_v have_v be_v only_o conditional_a and_o not_o absolute_a and_o peremptory_a as_o we_o see_v they_o be_v but_o i_o need_v give_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o this_o argument_n than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o dr._n field_n who_o n._n o._n appeal_v to_o before_o 4._o viz._n that_o council_n denounce_v anathema_n not_o because_o they_o think_v every_o one_o that_o disobey_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n to_o be_v accurse_v but_o because_o they_o be_v persuade_v in_o particular_a that_o this_o be_v the_o eternal_a truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o propose_v therefore_o they_o accurse_v they_o that_o obstinate_o shall_v resist_v as_o st._n paul_n will_v every_o christian_a man_n to_o anathematise_v a_o angel_n come_v from_o heaven_n if_o he_o shall_v teach_v he_o any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o he_o have_v already_o learned_a yet_o be_v not_o every_o particular_a christian_a free_a from_o possibility_n of_o err_a if_o the_o argument_n than_o be_v good_a from_o anathematise_v dissenter_n and_o call_v they_o heretic_n every_o particular_a person_n must_v by_o it_o be_v prove_v infallible_a who_o be_v bind_v to_o anathematise_v even_o angel_n from_o heaven_n in_o case_n of_o deliver_v any_o other_o doctrine_n from_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o this_o which_o be_v his_o only_a argument_n in_o stead_n of_o prove_v a_o universal_a tradition_n will_v prove_v a_o universal_a infallibility_n let_v the_o reader_n now_o judge_v in_o his_o conscience_n whether_o here_o be_v any_o thing_n offer_v in_o the_o way_n of_o tradition_n for_o the_o church_n infallibility_n that_o may_v bear_v the_o least_o proportion_n with_o the_o tradition_n on_o which_o we_o receive_v the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o if_o this_o have_v be_v true_a it_o have_v be_v almost_o impossible_a that_o any_o one_o age_n shall_v have_v pass_v without_o remarkable_a testimony_n of_o it_o for_o no_o age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v so_o happy_a as_o not_o to_o have_v occasion_n for_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n if_o any_o such_o have_v be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o that_o christian_n must_v in_o all_o controversy_n arise_v have_v appeal_v to_o he_o and_o stand_v to_o his_o determination_n which_o must_v have_v be_v as_o well_o know_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n as_o judge_n try_v cause_n in_o westminster_n hall_n but_o i_o challenge_v he_o to_o produce_v any_o one_o age_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o this_o day_n wherein_o the_o infallibility_n of_o a_o stand_a judge_n of_o controversy_n appoint_v by_o christ_n have_v be_v receive_v by_o as_o universal_a a_o consent_n as_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n have_v be_v in_o that_o very_a age._n nay_o i_o except_v not_o that_o age_n which_o have_v be_v since_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n for_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v receive_v of_o all_o side_n but_o the_o infallibility_n of_o a_o stand_a judge_n be_v utter_o deny_v by_o one_o side_n and_o vehement_o dispute_v between_o several_a party_n on_o the_o other_o some_o make_v only_o the_o essential_a church_n infallible_a other_o the_o representative_a in_o council_n other_o again_o the_o virtual_a viz._n the_o pope_n and_o suppose_v any_o infallible_a judge_n necessary_a it_o stand_v to_o reason_v it_o shall_v be_v rather_o in_o one_o than_o in_o a_o multitude_n and_o rather_o in_o a_o constant_a succession_n of_o bishop_n in_o one_o see_v than_o in_o a_o uncertain_a number_n who_o can_v be_v convene_v together_o as_o often_o as_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n may_v require_v but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o universal_a tradition_n in_o that_o very_a age_n wherein_o we_o live_v that_o only_o one_o busy_a party_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n do_v maintain_v it_o many_o other_o eager_o oppose_v it_o and_o all_o the_o prince_n and_o state_n in_o christendom_n do_v in_o their_o action_n if_o not_o in_o word_n deny_v it_o and_o be_v not_o this_o now_o a_o universal_a tradition_n fit_a to_o be_v match_v with_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n i_o have_v once_o think_v to_o have_v bring_v testimony_n o●t_v of_o every_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n manifest_o 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because_o it_o be_v not_o mention_v out_o of_o what_o they_o be_v make_v hermogenes_n prove_v they_o be_v make_v out_o of_o matter_n because_o it_o be_v not_o say_v they_o be_v make_v of_o nothing_o to_o determine_v therefore_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o place_n tertullian_n show_v from_o reason_n the_o repugnancy_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n 21._o he_o compare_v several_a place_n of_o scripture_n together_o 22._o he_o reason_n from_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o expression_n and_o the_o idiom_n of_o scripture_n i_o adore_v say_v he_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o show_v i_o both_o the_o maker_n and_o the_o thing_n make_v but_o the_o gospel_n likewise_o discover_v by_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v but_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v out_o of_o matter_n let_v the_o shop_n of_o hermogenes_n show_v where_o it_o be_v write_v and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o write_v let_v he_o fear_v the_o woe_n denounce_v to_o those_o who_o add_v or_o take_v from_o what_o be_v write_v he_o examine_v the_o several_a place_n in_o dispute_n and_o by_o prove_v that_o sense_n which_o hermogenes_n put_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n as_o he_o show_v to_o the_o end_n of_o that_o book_n he_o conclude_v his_o sense_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a against_o praxeas_n he_o dispute_v whether_o god_n the_o father_n take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o 20._o and_o the_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o tertullian_n well_o observe_v that_o they_o insist_v upon_o two_o or_o three_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o will_v make_v all_o the_o rest_n though_o far_o more_o to_o yield_v to_o they_o whereas_o the_o few_o place_n ought_v to_o be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o great_a number_n but_o this_o say_v he_o be_v the_o property_n of_o all_o heretic_n because_o they_o can_v find_v but_o few_o place_n for_o they_o they_o defend_v the_o small_a number_n against_o the_o great_a which_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n wherein_o the_o first_o and_o the_o most_o aught_o to_o oversway_v the_o latter_a and_o the_o few_o and_o therefore_o he_o set_v himself_o throughout_o that_o book_n to_o produce_v the_o far_o great_a number_n of_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o do_v assert_v the_o distinction_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v the_o father_n who_o suffer_v for_o we_o hitherto_o we_o find_v nothing_o say_v of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n to_o give_v the_o certain_a sense_n of_o scripture_n when_o the_o fair_a occasion_n be_v offer_v by_o those_o who_o dispute_v the_o most_o concern_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o age_n wherein_o they_o live_v viz._n by_o irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o clemens_n of_o alexandria_n who_o in_o his_o learned_a collection_n ●_o propose_v that_o objection_n against_o christianity_n that_o there_o be_v many_o heresy_n among_o christian_n and_o therefore_o man_n can_v believe_v nothing_o to_o which_o he_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v heresy_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o philosopher_n and_o that_o objection_n be_v not_o think_v sufficient_a against_o judaism_n or_o philosophy_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v against_o christianity_n beside_o the_o come_n of_o heresy_n be_v foretell_v and_o what_o ever_o be_v foretell_v must_v come_v to_o pass_v the_o physician_n say_v he_o differ_v in_o their_o opinion_n yet_o man_n do_v not_o neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v sick_a heresy_n shall_v only_o make_v man_n more_o careful_a what_o they_o choose_v man_n ought_v thereby_o to_o endeavour_v the_o more_o to_o find_v out_o truth_n from_o falsehood_n as_o if_o two_o sort_n of_o fruit_n be_v offer_v to_o a_o man_n real_a and_o waxen_a will_v a_o man_n abstain_v from_o both_o because_o one_o be_v counterfeit_v or_o rather_o find_v out_o the_o true_a from_o the_o apparent_a when_o several_a way_n offer_v themselves_o for_o a_o man_n to_o go_v in_o he_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o sit_v down_o and_o not_o stir_v a_o step_n further_o but_o he_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a way_n and_o then_o walk_v in_o it_o so_o that_o they_o be_v just_o condemn_v who_o do_v not_o discern_v the_o true_a from_o the_o false_a for_o they_o who_o will_v say_v he_o may_v find_v out_o the_o truth_n for_o either_o there_o be_v demonstration_n or_o not_o all_o grant_v demonstration_n or_o evidence_n who_o do_v not_o destroy_v our_o sense_n if_o there_o be_v demonstration_n there_o must_v be_v search_n and_o enquiry_n make_v and_o by_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v demonstrative_o learn_v how_o heresy_n fall_v of_o and_o that_o the_o exact_a knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o ancient_a church_n now_o the_o true_a searcher_n will_v not_o leave_v till_o they_o find_v evidence_n from_o the_o scripture_n to_o this_o end_n he_o commend_v the_o exercise_n of_o man_n reason_n and_o understanding_n impartiality_n or_o lay_v aside_o opinion_n a_o right_a disposition_n of_o soul_n for_o when_o man_n be_v give_v over_o to_o their_o lust_n they_o endeavour_v to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o they_o but_o he_o establish_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o only_a principle_n of_o certainty_n to_o christian_n and_o more_o credible_a than_o any_o demonstration_n which_o who_o so_o have_v taste_v be_v call_v faithful_a but_o those_o who_o be_v verse_v in_o they_o be_v the_o true_o know_v man_n the_o great_a objection_n now_o be_v that_o heretic_n make_v use_v of_o scripture_n too_o i_o but_o they_o say_v he_o reject_v what_o they_o please_v and_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o body_n and_o contexture_n of_o prophecy_n but_o take_v ambiguous_a expression_n and_o apply_v they_o to_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o a_o few_o scatter_a phrase_n without_o regard_v the_o sense_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o for_o in_o the_o scripture_n produce_v by_o they_o you_o may_v find_v they_o either_o make_v use_n of_o mere_a name_n and_o change_v the_o signification_n of_o they_o never_o attend_v to_o the_o scope_n and_o intention_n of_o they_o but_o truth_n say_v he_o do_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o change_n of_o the_o signification_n of_o word_n for_o by_o that_o mean_v all_o truth_n may_v be_v overthrow_v but_o in_o consider_v what_o be_v proper_a and_o perfect_o agreeable_a to_o our_o lord_n and_o almighty_a god_n and_o in_o confirm_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v demonstrate_v by_o the_o scripture_n out_o of_o the_o same_o scripture_n wherein_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n lay_v down_o such_o rule_n as_o he_o think_v necessary_a to_o find_v out_o the_o certain_a sense_n of_o scripture_n viz._n by_o consider_v the_o scope_n and_o coherence_n of_o the_o word_n the_o proper_a sense_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o the_o compare_v of_o scripture_n with_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n draw_v from_o it_o with_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o god_n all_o which_o be_v excellent_a rule_n without_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o any_o infallible_a interpreter_n to_o give_v the_o certain_a sense_n of_o doubtful_a place_n after_o this_o time_n a_o great_a dispute_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n about_o the_o rebaptise_v heretic_n manage_v by_o the_o eastern_a and_o african_a bishop_n against_o stephen_n bishop_n of_o rome_n here_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o epistle_n of_o cyprian_a and_o firmilian_a 74._o both_o party_n plead_v scripture_n and_o tradition_n for_o themselves_o 75._o but_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o infallibility_n in_o judgement_n be_v plead_v by_o the_o pope_n nor_o any_o thing_n like_o it_o in_o the_o least_o acknowledge_v by_o his_o adversary_n who_o charge_v he_o without_o any_o 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satisfaction_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o controversy_n 4._o for_o mention_v the_o obscurity_n of_o this_o question_n and_o the_o great_a debate_n that_o have_v be_v about_o it_o before_o the_o donatists_n time_n among_o great_a and_o good_a man_n and_o diverse_a resolution_n of_o council_n and_o the_o settlement_n of_o it_o at_o last_o by_o a_o plenary_a council_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o lest_o say_v he_o i_o shall_v seem_v to_o make_v use_n only_o of_o humane_a argument_n i_o produce_v certain_a testimony_n out_o of_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o god_n willing_a i_o demonstrate_v how_o true_a and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v 14._o and_o else_o where_o he_o appeal_v not_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n but_o to_o the_o lord_n balance_n viz._n to_o his_o judgement_n deliver_v in_o scripture_n and_o in_o this_o same_o case_n when_o he_o be_v urge_v by_o the_o authority_n 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world_n do_v consent_n in_o be_v the_o truth_n not_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o infallibility_n but_o the_o reasonable_a supposition_n that_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n will_v not_o consent_v in_o a_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o any_o apostolical_a doctrine_n or_o tradition_n and_o so_o st._n augustins_n meaning_n be_v the_o same_o with_o vincentius_n lerinensis_n as_o to_o the_o universal_a attestation_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o tradition_n be_v declare_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o a_o general_n council_n and_o that_o decree_v universal_o receive_v but_o only_o by_o the_o litigant_fw-la party_n in_o africa_n to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o so_o often_o appeal_v to_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o matter_n after_o it_o have_v be_v so_o thorough_o discuss_v and_o consider_v by_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o disinterest_v person_n bapt._n and_o that_o consent_v declare_v by_o a_o plenary_a 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and_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o while_o they_o calumniate_v i_o i_o have_v so_o much_o the_o less_o reason_n to_o wonder_v that_o my_o book_n shall_v be_v charge_v by_o they_o with_o no_o less_o than_o blasphemy_n 65._o since_o the_o author_n of_o our_o religion_n himself_o be_v so_o and_o suffer_v under_o that_o accusation_n but_o wherein_o i_o pray_v do_v this_o blasphemy_n lie_v have_v i_o utter_v any_o thing_n that_o tend_v to_o the_o reproach_n of_o god_n or_o true_a religion_n have_v i_o the_o least_o word_n which_o malice_n itself_o can_v stretch_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n or_o the_o holy_a scripture_n write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n no_o i_o challenge_v the_o bold_a of_o they_o and_o most_o malicious_a to_o produce_v any_o thing_n i_o ever_o say_v or_o write_v that_o do_v but_o seem_v to_o look_v that_o way_n have_v i_o make_v the_o practice_n of_o true_a devotion_n ridiculous_a and_o the_o real_a expression_n of_o piety_n 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lucian_n porphyrius_n and_o i_o but_o only_o some_o interest_n which_o do_v bias_n i_o another_o way_n and_o very_o believe_v good_a man_n that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o that_o i_o can_v flirt_n with_o as_o much_o piquancy_n and_o raillery_n at_o christian_a religion_n as_o i_o do_v at_o the_o roman_a in_o which_o base_a suggestion_n there_o be_v no_o colour_n of_o truth_n but_o only_o that_o he_o very_o honest_o distinguish_v the_o christian_n religion_n and_o the_o roman_a from_o each_o other_o as_o indeed_o they_o be_v in_o many_o thing_n as_o different_a from_o each_o other_o as_o truth_n from_o falsehood_n wisdom_n from_o folly_n and_o true_a piety_n from_o gross_a superstition_n if_o he_o have_v call_v i_o a_o atheist_n in_o plain_a term_n the_o grossness_n of_o the_o calumny_n may_v have_v abate_v the_o force_n of_o it_o but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o way_n to_o do_v a_o man_n mischief_n as_o by_o fly_v insinuation_n and_o shrewd_a suggestion_n introduce_v with_o i_o very_o 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their_o own_o institution_n as_o to_o those_o of_o christ_n as_o in_o the_o 5._o sacrament_n they_o have_v add_v to_o the_o two_o of_o christ_n and_o to_o other_o ceremony_n in_o use_n among_o they_o 5._o set_v aside_o these_o consideration_n we_o dare_v appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o person_n of_o what_o persuasion_n soever_o whether_o the_o reason_n we_o plead_v for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o far_o more_o considerable_a than_o those_o which_o be_v plead_v by_o such_o who_o separate_z from_o our_o church_n i.e._n whether_o our_o church_n impose_v of_o three_o ceremony_n declare_v to_o be_v indifferent_a by_o those_o who_o require_v they_o can_v be_v think_v by_o any_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n so_o great_a a_o burden_n to_o their_o conscience_n as_o all_o the_o load_n of_o superstitious_a foppery_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n whether_o pray_v by_o a_o prescribe_a form_n of_o word_n be_v as_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n as_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n whether_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o protestant_n principle_n and_o the_o papist_n adoration_n of_o the_o h●st_n whether_o transubstantiation_n image_n worship_n invocation_n of_o saint_n indulgence_n purgatory_n the_o pope_n supremacy_n be_v not_o somewhat_o hard_a thing_n to_o swallow_v than_o the_o church_n power_n to_o appoint_v matter_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n which_o particular_n make_v the_o difference_n so_o apparent_a between_o the_o separation_n of_o our_o church_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o of_o dissenter_n from_o our_o church_n that_o it_o seem_v a_o very_a strange_a thing_n to_o i_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v object_v by_o our_o enemy_n on_o either_o side_n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o clear_v this_o point_n of_o submission_n to_o the_o guide_n of_o a_o church_n of_o which_o i_o have_v the_o more_o large_o discourse_v not_o for_o any_o 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foundation_n of_o faith_n 37._o for_o man_n indeed_o he_o say_v may_v begin_v at_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o scripture_n but_o the_o main_a groun●_n on_o which_o he_o contend_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o infallible_a guide_n be_v for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o controvert_v place_n and_o give_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n 14._o for_o which_o he_o often_o plead_v f●●_n necessity_n of_o a_o external_a infallible_a guide_n because_o god_n have_v refer_v all_o in_o the_o dubio●_n sense_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o minister_n their_o spiritual_a guide_n 47._o who_o he_o 〈◊〉_d over_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n 14._o and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o sleight_n of_o those_o who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o without_o which_o guide_n st._n peter_n observe_v that_o in_o his_o time_n some_o person_n for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v diligent_a enough_o yet_o through_o want_n of_o learning_n and_o the_o instability_n of_o adhere_v to_o their_o guide_n be_v unlearned_a say_v he_o and_o unstable_a wrest_v some_o place_n of_o scripture_n hard_o to_o be_v understand_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 16._o therefore_o these_o scripture_n be_v also_o in_o some_o great_a and_o important_a point_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o afterward_o he_o say_v that_o christian_n who_o have_v sufficient_a certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n 67._o may_v be_v deficient_a in_o a_o right_a belief_n of_o several_a necessary_a article_n of_o this_o christian_a faith_n if_o destitute_a of_o that_o external_a infallible_a guide_n therein_o without_o which_o he_o determine_v that_o man_n must_v fluctuate_v and_o totter_v and_o vary_v one_o from_o another_o whilst_o the_o scripture_n be_v ambiguous_a in_o their_o sense_n and_o draw_v with_o much_o art_n to_o several_a interest_n the_o force_n of_o all_o which_o come_v to_o this_o that_o we_o can_v arrive_v at_o no_o certainty_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o controvert_v place_n without_o a_o external_a infallible_a guide_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o he_o here_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v discuss_v 1._o what_o necessity_n there_o be_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o person_n to_o have_v a_o infallible_a interpretation_n of_o controvert_v place_n of_o scripture_n 2._o whether_o the_o deny_v such_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n make_v man_n uncapable_a of_o attain_v any_o certain_a sense_n of_o doubtful_a place_n for_o if_o either_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o man_n shall_v have_v a_o infallible_a interpretation_n or_o man_n may_v attain_v at_o a_o certain_a sense_n without_o it_o than_o there_o can_v be_v no_o colour_n of_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o hence_o to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n 1._o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o necessity_n o●_n such_o a_o infallible_a interpretation_n of_o doubtful_a place_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v but_o three_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o can_v be_v think_v necessary_a either_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v mistake_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o that_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v preserve_v or_o that_o man_n soul_n can_v be_v save_v without_o it_o if_o i●_n be_v necessary_a on_o the_o first_o account_n than_o every_o particular_a person_n must_v be_v infallible_a which_o be_v not_o plead_v for_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o other_o two_o ground_n of_o it_o but_o here_o we_o be_v 〈◊〉_d take_v notice_n that_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prese●●_n enquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o clearness_n of_o scripture_n in_o order_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o particular_a person_n of_o which_o the_o proposition_n lay_v dow●_n by_o i_o express_o speak_v if_o therefore_o n._n o._n do_v any_o thing_n to_o overthrow_v this_o he_o mu●●_n prove_v not_o that_o there_o be_v doubtful_a and_o controvert_v place_n which_o no_o one_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v so_o doubtful_a and_o obscure_a in_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o man_n salvation_n that_o person_n without_o a_o infallible_a guide_n can_v know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o if_o he_o prove_v not_o this_o he_o do_v not_o come_v near_o that_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o prove_v we_o do_v not_o therefore_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v place_n of_o great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n but_o we_o assert_v that_o the_o necessary_n to_o salvation_n do_v not_o lie_v therein_o but_o those_o be_v plain_a and_o clear_a man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o know_v the_o other_o as_o a_o seaman_n may_v safe_o direct_v his_o compass_n by_o the_o star_n although_o he_o can_v solve_v all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o astronomy_n can_v any_o man_n in_o his_o sense_n imagine_v that_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o sinner_n and_o the_o precept_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n which_o he_o have_v give_v and_o the_o motive_n thereto_o from_o his_o second_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n be_v not_o more_o plain_a than_o the_o apocalyphical_a vision_n or_o the_o proof_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n infallibility_n if_o a_o person_n then_o by_o read_v and_o consider_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v plain_a may_v do_v what_o christ_n require_v for_o his_o salvation_n what_o necessity_n have_v such_o a_o one_o to_o trouble_v himself_o about_o a_o infallible_a guide_n for_o either_o he_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n without_o he_o or_o not_o if_o he_o may_v let_v they_o show_v the_o necessity_n he_o be_v of_o to_o that_o end_n which_o may_v be_v attain_v without_o he_o if_o not_o than_o the_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n can_v be_v know_v without_o he_o let_v this_o be_v prove_v and_o i_o will_v immediate_o yield_v the_o whole_a cause_n and_o till_o it_o be_v prove_v my_o principle_n
the_o number_n of_o 30._o that_o st._n paul_n often_o mention_n these_o aeön_n and_o the_o pro●uctions_n of_o they_o that_o the_o duodecade_n of_o aeön_n be_v employ_v in_o our_o saviour_n dispute_v with_o the_o doctor_n at_o 12._o year_n of_o age_n and_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o 12._o apostle_n and_o the_o remain_v 18._o by_o his_o abide_n 18._o month_n as_o they_o say_v with_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o where_o ever_o in_o scripture_n they_o meet_v with_o word_n suitable_a to_o the_o description_n of_o their_o aeön_n they_o pretend_v that_o they_o do_v refer_v to_o their_o notion_n but_o be_v obscure_o express_v on_o purpose_n for_o which_o end_n they_o make_v use_v of_o parable_n and_o the_o first_o of_o st._n john_n and_o many_o passage_n in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n what_o course_n now_o do_v irenaeus_n take_v to_o clear_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o these_o controvert_v place_n do_v he_o till_o they_o that_o god_n have_v appoint_v infallible_a guide_n in_o his_o church_n to_o who_o appeal_n be_v to_o be_v make_v in_o all_o such_o case_n nothing_o like_o it_o through_o his_o whole_a book_n but_o he_o argue_v with_o very_o good_a reason_n that_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o imagine_v can_v be_v intend_v by_o the_o scripture_n 1._o from_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o ought_v chief_o to_o be_v regard_v whereas_o they_o only_o take_v some_o particular_a passage_n which_o serve_v most_o to_o their_o purpose_n without_o look_v to_o the_o series_n of_o the_o discourse_n wherein_o they_o be_v therefore_o say_v he_o they_o make_v only_o a_o rope_n of_o sand_n when_o they_o apply_v the_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o the_o say_n of_o the_o prophet_n or_o apostle_n to_o their_o opinion_n 1._o for_o they_o pass_v over_o the_o order_n and_o connexion_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v loose_v the_o member_n of_o truth_n from_o each_o other_o and_o then_o transform_v and_o change_v they_o from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o thereby_o deceive_v man_n as_o if_o say_v he_o a_o man_n shall_v take_v a_o excellent_a image_n of_o a_o prince_n do_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o art_n in_o precious_a stone_n and_o remove_v those_o stone_n out_o of_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o turn_v they_o into_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o dog_n or_o a_o fox_n ill_o put_v together_o and_o shall_v then_o affirm_v that_o because_o the_o stone_n be_v the_o same_o that_o this_o image_n of_o a_o dog_n or_o a_o fox_n be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o prince_n make_v by_o such_o a_o excellent_a artist_n after_o the_o very_a same_o way_n say_v he_o do_v they_o use_v the_o scripture_n or_o as_o he_o afterward_o express_v it_o they_o take_v several_a word_n and_o name_n here_o and_o there_o and_o put_v they_o together_o much_o after_o the_o way_n of_o those_o who_o will_v apply_v the_o word_n of_o homer_n to_o any_o argument_n propose_v to_o they_o which_o some_o have_v do_v so_o artificial_o that_o unskilful_a man_n have_v be_v persuade_v that_o homer_n do_v mean_v that_o very_a thing_n when_o he_o write_v his_o poem_n as_o one_o do_v the_o go_n of_o hercules_n to_o cerberus_n so_o exact_o in_o the_o word_n of_o homer_n put_v together_o in_o the_o greek_a fragment_n of_o irenaeus_n that_o those_o who_o do_v not_o consider_v upon_o what_o different_a occasion_n those_o word_n be_v use_v by_o he_o some_o be_v speak_v of_o ulysses_n some_o of_o priamus_n some_o of_o maenelaus_n and_o agamemnon_n and_o some_o of_o hercules_n may_v imagine_v that_o the_o poet_n intend_v to_o describe_v what_o the_o other_o express_v by_o he_o but_o he_o that_o will_v examine_v the_o several_a place_n will_v find_v that_o the_o word_n indeed_o be_v homer_n but_o the_o sense_n his_o that_o so_o apply_v they_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n the_o word_n be_v the_o scripture_n but_o apply_v quite_o in_o another_o way_n than_o they_o be_v intend_v the_o stone_n be_v the_o same_o but_o yet_o the_o image_n of_o the_o fox_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v for_o that_o of_o the_o prince_n and_o when_o he_o have_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o put_v every_o thing_n in_o its_o proper_a and_o due_a place_n he_o will_v then_o easy_o find_v out_o the_o deceit_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o rule_n irenaeus_n vindicate_v the_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o the_o valentinian_o make_v use_v of_o and_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o can_v not_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o which_o they_o put_v upon_o they_o as_o he_o do_v particular_o prove_v that_o st._n john_n by_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o gospel_n can_v not_o mean_v the_o first_o ogdoad_n of_o the_o valentinian_o to_o the_o very_a same_o purpose_n do_v tertullian_n argue_v against_o their_o way_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n 39_o that_o although_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v wit_n and_o easiness_n in_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o be_v often_o practise_v on_o virgil_n and_o homer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n for_o we_o have_v see_v virgil_n say_v he_o with_o the_o same_o word_n turn_v quite_o to_o another_o sense_n as_o hosidius_n get_v a_o make_v the_o tragedy_n of_o medea_n 187._o out_o of_o virgil_n some_o fragment_n whereof_o be_v still_o extant_a and_o one_o have_v explain_v cebes_n his_o table_n in_o virgil_n word_n and_o many_o have_v apply_v the_o word_n of_o homer_n in_o their_o cento_n to_o different_a purpose_n and_o not_o only_o some_o of_o late_a 38._o but_o isidore_n sai_z that_o prob●_n and_o pomponius_n before_o his_o time_n have_v mad●_n virgil_n evangelize_n therefore_o it_o be_v n●_n wonder_n say_v tertullian_n that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v so_o abuse_v it_o be_v much_o more_o fruitful_a and_o applicable_a to_o several_a purpose_n than_o other_o write_n be_v nay_o say_v he_o i_o be_o not_o afraid_a to_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o frame_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v afford_v matter_n for_o heretic_n to_o work_v upon_o since_o i_o read_v that_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n which_o can_v be_v without_o the_o scripture_n and_o sure_o then_o he_o do_v not_o imagine_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o infallible_a judge_n on_o purpose_n to_o prevent_v the_o be_v of_o heresy_n by_o give_v a_o infallible_a sense_n of_o scripture_n 2._o from_o the_o repugnancy_n of_o the_o sense_n they_o give_v to_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n irenaeus_n observe_v 46._o that_o the_o heretic_n delight_v most_o in_o dark_a place_n and_o leave_v the_o plain_a one_o whereas_o we_o ought_v most_o to_o rely_v upon_o the_o plain_a place_n and_o by_o they_o interpret_v the_o obscure_a for_o such_o who_o love_v god_n and_o the_o truth_n will_v study_v most_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n put_v under_o our_o command_n and_o knowledge_n and_o those_o be_v thing_n which_o be_v plain_a before_o our_o eye_n and_o be_v open_a and_o without_o ambiguity_n lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n and_o to_o these_o parable_n and_o dark_a place_n ought_v to_o be_v fit_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v interpret_v without_o danger_n and_o of_o all_o alike_o and_o the_o body_n of_o truth_n remain_v entire_a with_o a_o suitableness_n of_o all_o its_o part_n but_o without_o this_o every_o man_n interpret_v as_o he_o please_v and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o certain_a rule_n of_o truth_n but_o every_o interpretation_n will_v be_v according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o interpreter_n and_o m●n_z will_v contradict_v each_o other_o as_o the_o philosopher_n do_v and_o by_o this_o mean_n man_n will_v be_v always_o seek_v and_o never_o find_v because_o they_o cast_v away_o the_o mean_n of_o find_v see_v therefore_o say_v he_o that_o all_o the_o scripture_n both_o prophetical_a and_o evangelical_n be_v plain_a and_o clear_a and_o may_v be_v hear_v alike_o of_o all_o they_o must_v be_v very_o blind_a that_o will_v not_o see_v in_o so_o great_a light_n but_o darken_v themselves_o in_o parable_n wherein_o every_o one_o of_o they_o think_v he_o have_v find_v a_o god_n of_o his_o own_o and_o from_o hence_o he_o very_o much_o blame_v the_o heretic_n since_o they_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v plain_o say_v for_o they_o in_o scripture_n but_o only_o intimate_v in_o dark_a say_n and_o parable_n that_o they_o will_v leave_v that_o which_o be_v certain_a and_o undoubted_a and_o true_a for_o that_o which_o be_v uncertain_a and_o obscure_a which_o he_o say_v be_v not_o to_o build_v the_o house_n upon_o the_o firm_a and_o strong_a ro●k_n but_o upon_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o sand_n on_o which_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o overturn_v this_o excellent_a rule_n for_o interpret_n scripture_n irenaeus_n make_v great_a use_n of_o in_o his_o follow_a discourse_n and_o in_o the_o
very_a next_o chapter_n urge_v this_o as_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o that_o have_v truth_n for_o our_o rule_n and_o so_o plain_a testimony_n of_o god_n man_n ought_v not_o to_o perplex_v themselves_o with_o doubtful_a question_n concern_v god_n but_o grow_v in_o the_o love_n of_o he_o who_o have_v do_v and_o do_v so_o great_a thing_n for_o we_o and_o never_o fall_v off_o from_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v most_o clear_o reveal_v and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v content_a with_o what_o be_v clear_o make_v know_v in_o the_o scripture_n because_o they_o be_v perfect_a as_o come_v from_o the_o w●rd_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o we_o need_v 〈◊〉_d ●onder_o if_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o religion_n above_o our_o understanding_n since_o there_o be_v so_o in_o natural_a thing_n which_o be_v daily_o see_v by_o we_o as_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o bird_n water_n air_n meteor_n etc._n etc._n of_o which_o we_o may_v talk_v much_o but_o only_o god_n know_v what_o the_o truth_n be_v therefore_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v much_o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o religion_n too_o wherein_o be_v some_o thing_n we_o may_v understand_v and_o other_o we_o must_v leave_v to_o god_n and_o if_o we_o do_v so_o we_o shall_v keep_v our_o faith_n without_o danger_n and_o all_o scripture_n be_v agreeable_a to_o itself_o the_o dark_a place_n must_v be_v understand_v in_o a_o way_n most_o suitable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o plain_a 3._o the_o sense_n they_o give_v of_o scripture_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n receive_v by_o all_o true_a christian_n from_o the_o beginning_n which_o he_o call_v the_o unmoveable_a rule_n of_o faith_n receive_v in_o baptism_n 1._o and_o which_o the_o church_n disperse_v over_o the_o earth_n do_v equal_o receive_v in_o all_o place_n 2._o with_o a_o wonderful_a consent_n for_o although_o the_o place_n and_o language_n be_v never_o so_o distant_a or_o different_a from_o each_o other_o 3._o yet_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o very_a same_o as_o there_o be_v one_o sun_n which_o enlighten_v the_o whole_a world_n which_o say_v none_o do_v enlarge_v or_o diminish_v and_o after_o have_v show_v the_o great_a absurdity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o this_o faith_n in_o his_o first_o and_o second_o book_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o three_o he_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v full_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n 1._o that_o they_o preach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o the_o church_n receive_v and_o which_o after_o their_o preach_v it_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o heretic_n do_v go_v about_o to_o disparage_v the_o scripture_n because_o they_o be_v condemn_v by_o they_o 2._o therefore_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v they_o sufficient_a authority_n and_o charge_v they_o with_o contradiction_n and_o so_o great_a obscurity_n that_o the_o truth_n can_v not_o be_v find_v in_o they_o without_o the_o help_n of_o tradition_n which_o they_o account_v the_o key_n to_o unlock_v all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o scripture_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o in_o write_n but_o be_v deliver_v down_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n for_o which_o cause_n st._n paul_n say_v we_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o they_o that_o be_v perfect_a which_o wisdom_n they_o pretend_v to_o be_v among_o themselves_o on_o this_o account_n the_o matter_n of_o tradition_n come_v first_o into_o dispute_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o irenaeus_n appeal_v to_o the_o most_o eminent_a church_n and_o especial_o that_o of_o rome_n 3._o because_o of_o the_o great_a resort_n of_o christian_n thither_o whether_o any_o such_o tradition_n be_v ever_o receive_v among_o they_o and_o all_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n receive_v the_o same_o faith_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o know_v of_o no_o such_o tradition_n as_o the_o valentinian_o pretend_v to_o 4._o and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o so_o many_o church_n found_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o christ_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o such_o a_o tradition_n and_o suppose_v no_o scripture_n at_o all_o have_v be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n we_o must_v then_o have_v follow_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a church_n and_o even_o the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n that_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n without_o any_o write_n yet_o full_o agree_v with_o other_o church_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n for_o that_o be_v it_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n viz._n a_o summary_n comprehension_n of_o the_o doctrine_n receive_v among_o christian_n such_o as_o the_o creed_n be_v mention_v by_o irenaeus_n 2._o and_o afterward_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o valentinian_o in_o opposition_n to_o that_o of_o the_o sound_a christian_n praebat_fw-la from_o hence_o irenaeus_n proceed_v to_o confute_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o valentinian_o by_o 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that_o show_n that_o his_o mind_n be_v in_o the_o least_o change_v but_o in_o this_o epistle_n he_o declare_v how_o little_a good_a be_v to_o be_v expect_a from_o a_o council_n and_o yet_o afterward_o by_o the_o emperor_n command_n he_o may_v be_v present_a at_o one_o 14._o st._n augustin_n in_o deal_v with_o maximinus_n the_o arian_n express_o set_v aside_o all_o authority_n of_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o place_n controvert_v between_o they_o for_o he_o say_v i_o will_v neither_o bring_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a neither_o shall_v you_o that_o of_o ariminum_n but_o we_o will_v proceed_v by_o authority_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v common_a to_o both_o of_o we_o and_o by_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o reason_n it_o seem_v then_o st._n augustin_n be_v far_o from_o think_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o 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to_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n ib._n and_o draw_v example_n from_o plain_a place_n to_o illustrate_v difficult_a and_o those_o which_o be_v certain_a to_o clear_v the_o doubtful_a 26._o for_o scarce_o any_o thing_n say_v he_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a place_n 6._o but_o what_o be_v very_o plain_o set_v down_o elsewhere_o 5._o that_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o infinite_a variety_n of_o latin_a interpreter_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v in_o his_o time_n in_o matter_n of_o doubt_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o original_a hebrew_n and_o greek_a 10._o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o tongue_n may_v therefore_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o scripture_n because_o several_a word_n be_v preserve_v untranslate_v but_o those_o be_v few_o the_o necessity_n be_v not_o so_o great_a on_o their_o account_n as_o the_o diversity_n of_o interpreter_n 11._o for_o although_o those_o who_o have_v translate_v the_o hebrew_n into_o greek_a may_v 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reverence_n due_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o such_o general_a council_n as_o that_o be_v therefore_o next_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o allow_v a_o great_a veneration_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o lawful_a general_n council_n universal_o receive_v which_o vincentius_n himself_o plead_v for_o but_o suppose_v no_o general_a council_n or_o such_o which_o be_v not_o allow_v or_o receive_v for_o such_o we_o be_v yet_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o way_n of_o find_v out_o catholic_n tradition_n which_o may_v interpret_v scripture_n for_o this_o end_n he_o propose_v another_o mean_n which_o be_v the_o gather_v together_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o father_n alone_a 39_o who_o live_v holy_o wise_o and_o constant_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v die_v in_o that_o faith_n or_o else_o for_o it_o but_o still_o with_o this_o reserve_n that_o what_o either_o all_o or_o many_o of_o they_o manifest_o frequent_o and_o constant_o as_o it_o be_v by_o 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