in_o this_o matter_n be_v such_o as_o may_v with_o equal_a if_o not_o more_o advantage_n be_v return_v upon_o themselves_o it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v not_o desirous_a to_o molest_v other_o we_o wish_v peace_n to_o the_o church_n reasonable_a thing_n will_v content_a we_o and_o therefore_o we_o general_o keep_v on_o the_o defensive_a part_n and_o stand_v all_o their_o attack_n and_o opposition_n but_o if_o by_o such_o foul_a deal_n they_o will_v continual_o provoke_v we_o till_o we_o change_v the_o state_n of_o this_o scribble_a war_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o their_o own_o country_n what_o work_n will_v this_o make_v for_o if_o they_o will_v vouch_v those_o argument_n to_o be_v good_a against_o our_o order_n and_o we_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v of_o no_o less_o force_n against_o their_o own_o or_o that_o we_o have_v other_o strong_a reason_n against_o they_o whither_o will_v they_o then_o go_v for_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n their_o pride_n and_o stomach_n be_v too_o great_a to_o truckle_n to_o the_o greek_a or_o any_o other_o church_n or_o to_o borrow_v any_o authority_n from_o they_o but_o if_o they_o shall_v they_o ought_v to_o consider_v whether_o the_o same_o argument_n will_v not_o follow_v they_o yea_o more_o whether_o divers_a of_o their_o hotspur_n have_v not_o carry_v they_o thither_o already_o if_o so_o all_o their_o labour_n be_v in_o vain_a and_o if_o their_o argument_n be_v good_a all_o church_n power_n and_o succession_n be_v lose_v this_o indeed_o do_v not_o so_o fatal_o affect_v we_o as_o it_o do_v they_o because_o we_o for_o good_a reason_n deny_v those_o argument_n to_o be_v good_a and_o so_o keep_v up_o our_o succession_n and_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n but_o what_o will_v become_v of_o that_o church_n or_o what_o remedy_n be_v leave_v for_o it_o which_o obstinate_o maintain_v the_o validity_n of_o such_o argument_n when_o they_o be_v prove_v as_o valid_a against_o herself_o especial_o it_o be_v a_o church_n of_o that_o pride_n and_o ambition_n as_o to_o scorn_v to_o own_o any_o authority_n in_o any_o other_o church_n which_o she_o have_v not_o more_o full_o in_o herself_o now_o if_o rather_o than_o not_o destroy_v our_o order_n they_o will_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v overthrow_v all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o succession_n though_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n they_o can_v do_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o they_o will_v hazard_v the_o very_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o shake_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o religion_n rather_o than_o be_v frustrate_v in_o their_o malicious_a purpose_n and_o ambitious_a design_n and_o this_o i_o take_v not_o to_o be_v any_o strong_a temptation_n to_o prefer_v their_o communion_n before_o all_o other_o xl._o as_o for_o our_o doctrine_n we_o be_v willing_a it_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o trial_n and_o i_o know_v no_o better_a way_n to_o try_v it_o then_o by_o its_o agreement_n with_o what_o be_v teach_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n this_o be_v the_o way_n tertulliaen_n prescribe_v we_o both_o for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o church_n and_o exclusion_n of_o heretic_n for_o after_o some_o thing_n premise_v he_o make_v this_o inference_n const_n aâ—_n proinde_fw-la omnem_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la quae_fw-la cum_fw-la illis_fw-la ecclesiis_fw-la apostolicis_fw-la matricibus_fw-la &_o origivalibus_fw-la fidei_fw-la conspiret_fw-la veritati_fw-la deputandam_fw-la id_fw-la sine_fw-la dubio_fw-la tenentem_fw-la quod_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la aeb_fw-mi apostolis_n aposto'i_fw-la à _fw-la christo_fw-la christus_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la suscepit_fw-la roliquam_fw-la vero_fw-la omnem_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la de_fw-la mendaâ—io_fw-la praejudicandum_fw-la quae_fw-la sapiat_fw-la contra_fw-la veritatem_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la &_o apostolorâ—â—_n &_o christi_fw-la &_o dâ—i_n and_o again_o speak_v of_o heretic_n in_o general_a ipsa_fw-la 〈◊〉_d doctrina_fw-la â—orum_fw-la cum_fw-la apostolicâ_fw-la comparata_fw-la ex_fw-la diversitate_fw-la &_o contrarietate_fw-la sâ—a_fw-la pronunciabit_fw-la negue_fw-la apostoli_fw-la alicujus_fw-la autoris_fw-la esse_fw-la neque_fw-la apostolici_fw-la and_o then_o show_v how_o late_a church_n or_o such_o which_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n after_o be_v constitute_v may_v defend_v themselves_o against_o heretic_n he_o say_v thus_o ad_fw-la hanc_fw-la itaque_fw-la formam_fw-la provocabuntur_fw-la ab_fw-la illis_fw-la ecclesiis_fw-la quae_fw-la licèt_fw-la nullum_fw-la ex_fw-la apostolis_n vel_fw-la apostoliciâ—_n aâ—ctoâ—em_fw-la sâ—am_fw-la proserant_fw-la ut_fw-la mulâ—ò_fw-la posteriores_fw-la quae_fw-la denique_fw-la quotidie_fw-la instituuntur_fw-la â—amen_fw-la in_o eâdem_fw-la fide_fw-la conspirantes_fw-la non_fw-la minùs_fw-la apostolicae_fw-la deputantur_fw-la pro_fw-la consanguinitate_fw-la doâ—trinae_fw-la the_o praescrip_n now_o let_v this_o be_v the_o test_n and_o in_o our_o defence_n we_o say_v with_o tertullian_n postcrior_fw-la nostrares_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la immò_fw-la omnibus_fw-la prio_fw-la est_fw-la hoc_fw-la crit_fw-fr testimonium_fw-la veritaetis_n ubique_fw-la occupantis_fw-la principatum_fw-la the_o praescrip_n now_o let_v they_o charge_v we_o if_o they_o can_v with_o maintain_v any_o doctrine_n as_o of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n which_o come_v not_o from_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o when_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o all_o these_o do_v they_o shall_v make_v i_o believe_v any_o thing_n only_o by_o the_o way_n i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o this_o good_a old_a father_n and_o the_o present_a romanists_n in_o their_o resolution_n of_o faith_n or_o in_o the_o last_o result_n standard_n and_o trial_n of_o faith_n the_o one_o refer_v we_o to_o what_o our_o saviour_n teach_v by_o commission_n from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o apostle_n by_o authority_n from_o he_o and_o to_o examine_v matter_n by_o their_o agreement_n herewith_o the_o other_o without_o more_o ado_n resolve_v all_o into_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n the_o one_o say_v it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n because_o the_o same_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v the_o other_o say_v we_o can_v be_v deceive_v because_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n vouch_v it_o to_o be_v right_o now_o though_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o adhere_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n and_o therein_o of_o the_o ancient_a church_n yet_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o romanists_n whether_o right_a or_o wrong_n have_v lay_v their_o plot_n well_o for_o if_o they_o can_v once_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o swallow_v this_o proposition_n that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o only_a certain_a rule_n and_o judge_n of_o truth_n or_o that_o all_o thing_n must_v give_v way_n to_o their_o determination_n then_o as_o for_o particular_n his_o work_n be_v do_v and_o he_o be_v bind_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n to_o swallow_v they_o all_o without_o any_o scruple_n or_o the_o least_o examination_n now_o this_o be_v sure_a and_o quick_a work_n but_o too_o quick_a for_o i_o who_o as_o a_o christian_a lie_v under_o a_o obligation_n upon_o occasion_n to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o i_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o know_v a_o reason_n that_o i_o may_v be_v able_a to_o do_v so_o that_o the_o roman_a church_n say_v so_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n till_o she_o produce_v a_o better_a charter_n for_o her_o authority_n than_o she_o have_v yet_o do_v and_o till_o i_o and_o oâ—hers_n can_v be_v satisfy_v by_o good_a reason_n or_o evidence_n of_o such_o authority_n for_o if_o a_o reason_n be_v require_v of_o i_o my_o answer_n that_o other_o say_v so_o will_v be_v none_o unless_o i_o can_v convince_v they_o by_o good_a evidence_n that_o their_o say-so_a be_v of_o sufficient_a authority_n and_o indubitable_a the_o plea_n indeed_o of_o indefectibility_n be_v good_a if_o it_o be_v true_a but_o they_o rather_o urge_v that_o because_o it_o serve_v their_o turn_v then_o that_o they_o have_v any_o good_a evidence_n of_o it_o and_o the_o father_n who_o direct_v we_o to_o trace_v truth_n to_o the_o apostolical_a church_n suppose_v that_o particular_a church_n may_v fall_v from_o it_o sicut_fw-la say_v he_o apostoli_fw-la non_fw-la diversa_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la docuissent_fw-la ita_fw-la &_o apostolici_fw-la non_fw-la contrarià _fw-la apostolis_n edidissent_fw-la nisi_fw-la illi_fw-la qui_fw-la ab_fw-la apostolis_n desciverant_fw-la &_o aliter_fw-la praedicaverunt_fw-la the_o praescrip_n the_o romanists_n indeed_o lay_v their_o scene_n wise_o they_o understand_v well_o enough_o what_o will_v do_v their_o business_n and_o according_o fail_v not_o to_o plead_v what_o must_v do_v it_o with_o those_o who_o admit_v their_o plea_n without_o proof_n the_o consequence_n or_o building_n will_v be_v good_a if_o the_o antecedent_n or_o foundation_n be_v sound_a but_o you_o must_v not_o narrow_o examine_v that_o lest_o a_o rot_a bottom_n tumble_v all_o the_o stately_a pageant_n down_o again_o if_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v indefectible_a by_o virtue_n of_o any_o promise_v make_v to_o st._n peter_n than_o other_o church_n may_v use_v the_o same_o argument_n and_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o same_o privilege_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o our_o own_o church_n
tridentine_n under_o pretence_n of_o tradition_n have_v enlarge_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n contrary_a to_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n even_o to_o their_o own_o time_n thus_o when_o modern_a man_n bare_a word_n must_v be_v allow_v a_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o vouch_v a_o tradition_n a_o pretence_n of_o tradition_n be_v set_v up_o against_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o so_o tradition_n itself_o render_v doubtful_a or_o useless_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v myself_o to_o pursue_v those_o many_o particular_a shuffle_a plea_n which_o they_o use_v to_o justify_v themselves_o in_o offer_v violence_n to_o the_o sacred_a canon_n but_o if_o you_o will_v know_v the_o true_a reason_n which_o it_o be_v their_o business_n to_o conceal_v i_o believe_v spalleto_n have_v hit_v on_o it_o svas_fw-la non_fw-la poterant_fw-la naenias_fw-la ex_fw-la sacrâ_fw-la scripturâ_fw-la verè_fw-la canonicâ_fw-la probare_fw-la ideoque_fw-la noluerunt_fw-la permittere_fw-la uc_fw-la sibi_fw-la aliae_fw-la scripturae_fw-la etiam_fw-la non_fw-la canonicae_fw-la eriperentur_fw-la quo_fw-la svas_fw-la qualescunque_fw-la haberent_fw-la pharetras_fw-la unde_fw-la spicula_fw-la desumerent_fw-la ac_fw-la praeterea_fw-la viderent_fw-la ac_fw-la praeterea_fw-la ne_fw-la viderentur_fw-la re_fw-mi in_o aliquâ_fw-la protestantibus_fw-la cedere_fw-la aut_fw-la consentire_fw-la maluerunt_fw-la etiam_fw-la falsa_fw-la tueri_fw-la &_o definire_fw-la de_fw-la repub._n ecc._n lib._n 7._o cap._n 1._o num._n 28._o xliv_o he_o that_o do_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v of_o course_n believe_v their_o sufficiency_n or_o that_o they_o contain_v all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o they_o give_v this_o testimony_n to_o themselves_o and_o he_o that_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v believe_v the_o testimony_n they_o give_v either_o of_o themselves_o or_o other_o st._n paul_n say_v they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v man_n wise_a â—â—_o 〈◊〉_d 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o 16._o but_o that_o can_v be_v so_o unless_o they_o contâ—in_v at_o least_o all_o thing_n necessary_a thereto_o but_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v thus_o sufficient_a and_o contain_v a_o certain_a sense_n in_o themselves_o yet_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o distance_n of_o timâ—_n when_o they_o be_v write_v through_o unskilfulness_n in_o oriental_a custom_n and_o phrase_n â—hâ—re_v they_o be_v write_v through_o ignorance_n of_o some_o particular_a tâ—ners_n which_o â—ome_v argumentative_a part_n of_o scripture_n be_v level_v against_o and_o such_o like_a câ—useâ—_n but_o above_o all_o through_o the_o perverseness_n of_o evil_a man_n and_o seducer_n it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v of_o a_o certain_a sense_n yea_o plain_a in_o themselves_o be_v make_v obscure_a to_o we_o and_o we_o either_o become_v doubtful_a of_o thâ—ir_n mean_v or_o follow_v a_o wrong_n mean_v for_o what_o be_v or_o can_v there_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o easy_a which_o some_o wicked_a man_n have_v not_o or_o can_v render_v intricate_a and_o pâ—â—piexâ—d_a especial_o to_o weak_a judgement_n and_o facile_a temper_n now_o for_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o this_o case_n true_a and_o genuine_a tradition_n be_v possible_o the_o best_a heâ—p_n and_o sure_a resuge_n and_o to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o heretic_n and_o restore_v the_o rule_n to_o its_o true_a force_n right_a use_n and_o proper_a mean_v perhaps_o there_o be_v not_o a_o sure_a nor_o more_o â—ffectual_a way_n for_o our_o llessed_a saviour_n himself_o write_v nothing_o or_o at_o lest_o nothing_o which_o he_o design_v to_o be_v a_o perpetual_a standard_n and_o rule_n to_o all_o his_o follower_n it_o be_v say_v indeed_o john_n 8._o 6._o that_o he_o write_v with_o his_o finger_n on_o the_o ground_n but_o what_o that_o be_v no_o body_n can_v tâ—ll_v eusâ—bius_n indeed_o record_v a_o epistle_n of_o he_o to_o agbarus_n but_o if_o the_o story_n be_v true_a and_o i_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o derogate_v from_o the_o reputation_n of_o so_o learned_a and_o industrious_a a_o historian_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o a_o particular_a person_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o particular_a request_n and_o the_o principal_a content_n be_v a_o promise_n that_o after_o his_o death_n oâ—e_v of_o his_o disciple_n shall_v come_v and_o both_o cure_n and_o instruct_v he_o nor_o be_v it_o ever_o account_v as_o any_o part_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n the_o apostle_n indeed_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n into_o all_o truth_n not_o only_o tâ—ught_v it_o to_o the_o then_o present_a age_n but_o commit_v it_o to_o write_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o â—â—sterity_n but_o than_o they_o write_v nothing_o contrary_a or_o disagree_v with_o what_o â—hâ—y_n preach_v and_o teach_v both_o before_o and_o after_o they_o write_v and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o those_o doctrine_n which_o they_o comprise_v summary_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v expound_v more_o full_o in_o their_o daily_a conversation_n aâ—d_v conâ—â—nâ—ed_v discharge_v of_o their_o ministerial_a function_n if_o there_o oâ—e_v any_o doubt_n or_o controversy_n do_v arise_v concern_v the_o mean_v of_o scripture_n there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a way_n to_o determine_v it_o then_o by_o inquire_v in_o what_o sense_n those_o church_n understand_v it_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v plant_v sy_n where_o upon_o all_o occasion_n they_o at_o large_a explain_v themselves_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o apostle_n â—est_v know_v their_o own_o mean_v and_o when_o they_o be_v no_o long_o live_v to_o tell_v it_o let_v witty_a or_o wicked_a man_n make_v never_o such_o a_o bustle_n or_o fair_a show_n it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a to_o persuade_v any_o sober_a man_n but_o that_o those_o must_v needs_o best_o know_v their_o mean_v to_o who_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o most_o ample_o discover_v it_o now_o it_o be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o heretic_n to_o corrupt_v the_o scripture_n and_o wrest_v they_o to_o a_o wrong_a sense_n that_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v a_o sufficient_a authority_n patronise_a their_o error_n when_o it_o so_o happen_v the_o ancient_a church_n usual_o decline_v the_o nice_a way_n of_o cavil_v and_o captious_a dispute_n and_o feâ—â—_n to_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n for_o it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o that_o those_o to_o who_o the_o apostle_n have_v preach_v all_o their_o day_n must_v better_o understand_v their_o mean_v than_o any_o upstart_n who_o follow_v their_o own_o imagination_n and_o be_v fond_a of_o new_a and_o pestilent_a notion_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o not_o only_o silence_v heretic_n but_o wrâ—ng_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o interpretation_n of_o they_o out_o of_o their_o hand_n and_o then_o turn_v they_o against_o they_o and_o whilst_o apostolical_a man_n be_v live_v this_o be_v a_o sure_a way_n and_o so_o far_o as_o such_o tradition_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o have_v be_v preserve_v genuine_a and_o true_a it_o be_v still_o a_o good_a way_n and_o when_o the_o romanists_n have_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o cause_n to_o this_o issue_n i_o think_v they_o have_v have_v no_o great_a cause_n to_o boast_v of_o their_o gain_n witness_v to_o avoid_v name_v many_o the_o controversy_n manage_v by_o bishop_n jewel_n and_o harding_n but_o then_o as_o to_o tradition_n these_o caution_n will_v be_v observe_v 1._o that_o this_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n for_o though_o the_o apostle_n write_v and_o teach_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o so_o both_o be_v alike_o a_o rule_n to_o the_o then_o live_a person_n yet_o when_o those_o thing_n be_v put_v in_o write_v it_o be_v for_o this_o very_a reason_n that_o a_o sure_a and_o certain_a rule_n may_v be_v preserve_v for_o posterity_n for_o tradition_n may_v in_o time_n be_v mistake_v forget_v or_o corrupt_v but_o the_o scripture_n will_v remain_v unalterable_a so_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n to_o we_o though_o there_o be_v many_o help_v to_o lead_v we_o to_o their_o true_a mean_v of_o which_o perhaps_o genuine_a tradition_n be_v none_o of_o the_o worst_a but_o this_o make_v nothing_o against_o the_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n though_o they_o do_v not_o find_v we_o eye_n to_o see_v nor_o ear_n to_o hear_v nor_o brain_n to_o consider_v though_o god_n do_v all_o this_o and_o all_o other_o help_v abundant_o all_o art_n and_o science_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v complete_a in_o themselves_o and_o to_o contain_v rule_n sufficient_a to_o instruct_v a_o man_n in_o they_o and_o yet_o some_o of_o the_o noble_a of_o they_o can_v never_o be_v thorough_o attain_v unless_o a_o man_n be_v first_o instruct_v in_o the_o rudiment_n of_o some_o other_o art_n or_o science_n preliminary_n and_o preparatory_a to_o they_o but_o the_o
be_v abuse_v to_o the_o worst_a end_n and_o pervert_v contrary_a to_o their_o nature_n to_o serve_v the_o most_o pernicious_a design_n as_o have_v be_v too_o often_o the_o fate_n of_o counsel_n yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o general_a counsel_n or_o other_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n when_o lawful_o call_v and_o due_o manage_v where_o serious_a continue_a and_o unanimous_a prayer_n be_v put_v up_o for_o god_n assistance_n where_o matter_n be_v free_o and_o fair_o debate_v and_o where_o not_o only_o the_o intention_n but_o endeavour_n of_o the_o party_n be_v whole_o bend_v to_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n not_o to_o gratify_v any_o party_n of_o men._n for_o if_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o two_o or_o three_o who_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n sure_o he_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o his_o people_n and_o the_o wise_a and_o sober_a of_o christian_n when_o meet_v together_o to_o discover_v to_o the_o christian_a world_n the_o poison_n of_o heretic_n and_o to_o serve_v the_o necessity_n of_o his_o church_n provide_v that_o they_o take_v due_a couâ—ses_n and_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o a_o considerable_a number_n of_o good_a and_o able_a man_n assemble_v together_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n where_o matter_n be_v free_o and_o full_o debate_v and_o all_o moral_a industry_n use_v shall_v be_v better_a able_a to_o discover_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n than_o any_o single_a person_n or_o any_o small_a number_n of_o men._n and_o where_o man_n be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o regularity_n of_o their_o proceed_n though_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v in_o their_o determination_n yet_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n and_o unexceptionableness_n of_o their_o proceed_n will_v be_v a_o awe_n at_o least_o upon_o all_o sober_a and_o rational_a person_n and_o make_v they_o cautious_a of_o disturb_v the_o church_n peace_n nor_o do_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v without_o encouragement_n and_o direction_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o difficult_a case_n flee_v to_o general_a counsel_n as_o their_o sovereign_a remedy_n for_o the_o aposty_n themselves_o set_v they_o a_o precedent_n and_o the_o first_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n though_o small_a yet_o perhaps_o the_o most_o general_a that_o ever_o be_v be_v a_o pattern_n worthy_a imitation_n for_o though_o the_o apostle_n have_v several_o the_o holâ—_n ghost_n and_o be_v the_o person_n purposely_o choose_v to_o make_v know_v to_o mankind_n the_o extraordinary_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_v and_o so_o may_v have_v determine_v any_o question_n concern_v any_o such_o matter_n by_o their_o own_o authority_n yet_o the_o quarrel_n arise_v between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n concern_v circumcision_n and_o in_o the_o consequence_n concern_v the_o whole_a ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n though_o they_o know_v that_o one_o great_a end_n of_o christ_n come_v be_v to_o abolish_v it_o to_o fulfil_v its_o type_n and_o set_v up_o a_o more_o spiritual_a worship_n yet_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v divide_v by_o this_o mean_n into_o two_o party_n they_o will_v not_o determine_v the_o matter_n till_o meet_v in_o council_n together_o that_o a_o full_a debate_n and_o their_o unanimous_a consent_n may_v give_v the_o great_a satisfaction_n to_o all_o and_o indeed_o their_o proceed_n be_v a_o admirable_a copy_n for_o all_o follow_a counsel_n to_o write_v after_o even_o they_o who_o best_a may_v do_v not_o magisterial_o give_v we_o their_o naked_a decree_n and_o definition_n for_o though_o they_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o their_o decree_n do_v say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o say_v this_o before_o they_o have_v undeniable_o provod_fw-la that_o it_o do_v seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o ought_v to_o they_o for_o st._n peter_n clear_o prove_v that_o god_n himself_o have_v already_o determine_v the_o matter_n in_o the_o case_n of_o cornelius_n and_o then_o barnabas_n and_o paul_n as_o clear_o prove_v god_n further_a confirmation_n of_o it_o by_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n wrought_v among_o the_o gentile_n while_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o so_o that_o here_o be_v nothing_o leave_v for_o man_n to_o say_v against_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n unless_o they_o will_v argue_v against_o god_n and_o though_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o evidence_n and_o fullness_n of_o authority_n do_v not_o attend_v after_o counsel_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a mean_n to_o procure_v submission_n to_o they_o when_o their_o imitation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o care_n of_o the_o church_n do_v appear_v by_o their_o accompany_v their_o determination_n with_o the_o clear_a evidence_n that_o may_v be_v ii_o some_o romanists_n will_v needs_o have_v every_o general_a council_n i._n e._n such_o as_o they_o call_v lawful_a to_o be_v as_o infallible_a as_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n but_o methinks_v they_o shall_v allow_v some_o difference_n if_o it_o be_v only_o for_o this_o reason_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v infallibiy_a and_o full_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o whole_a truth_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n all_o that_o come_v after_o they_o have_v nothing_o more_o to_o do_v then_o to_o inquire_v after_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o teach_v and_o which_o rest_v upon_o their_o authority_n as_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o those_o who_o follow_v they_o and_o be_v bind_v to_o build_v upon_o they_o and_o be_v certain_o in_o the_o wrong_n whenever_o they_o depart_v from_o they_o infallibility_n be_v a_o word_n that_o sound_v high_a and_o promise_v all_o that_o man_n can_v desire_v and_o therefore_o the_o romanists_n themselves_o will_v have_v it_o upon_o no_o other_o term_n but_o so_o that_o they_o may_v have_v both_o the_o possession_n and_o the_o use_n of_o it_o but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o look_v for_o this_o salve_n for_o all_o sore_n we_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v it_o for_o they_o themselves_o be_v so_o miserable_o divide_v that_o they_o know_v not_o where_o to_o place_v it_o and_o then_o how_o can_v we_o or_o indeed_o they_o themselves_o be_v any_o thing_n the_o better_a for_o it_o some_o say_v it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n some_o say_v in_o tradition_n some_o say_v in_o a_o general_n council_n some_o in_o a_o council_n together_o with_o the_o pope_n some_o in_o a_o council_n confirm_v by_o the_o pope_n though_o these_o two_o last_o be_v often_o odâ—y_o jumble_v together_o and_o some_o say_v in_o the_o pope_n alone_o when_o he_o define_v pro_fw-la cathedrâ_fw-la and_o that_o be_v a_o mystery_n too_o now_o in_o all_o and_o each_o of_o these_o they_o entangle_v themselves_o in_o some_o palpable_a contradiction_n and_o woeful_a absurdity_n that_o a_o man_n may_v wonder_v that_o ever_o such_o learned_a man_n shall_v appear_v in_o their_o defence_n do_v we_o not_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o extravagant_a interest_n as_o well_o as_o great_a oppression_n often_o make_v wise_a man_n mad_a the_o truth_n be_v all_o these_o be_v set_v up_o as_o a_o blind_a as_o shall_v appear_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o if_o their_o general_n reason_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o sort_n of_o personal_a infallibility_n be_v good_a there_o must_v be_v another_o sort_n of_o infallibility_n set_v up_o then_o any_o of_o these_o and_o such_o as_o they_o themselves_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n approve_v and_o which_o none_o have_v pretend_v to_o but_o the_o worst_a of_o enthusiast_n and_o yet_o â—heir_a reason_n must_v prove_v this_o if_o any_o such_o lewd_a opinion_n do_v man_n run_v into_o when_o they_o will_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o prescribe_v to_o god_n rather_o than_o obey_v he_o and_o indeed_o it_o have_v sometime_o strike_v i_o with_o horror_n to_o see_v how_o bold_o they_o tell_v we_o what_o god_n must_v do_v and_o how_o presumptuous_o they_o charge_v he_o with_o breach_n of_o promise_n as_o neglect_v of_o his_o people_n if_o he_o do_v not_o make_v good_a all_o their_o contrivance_n as_o if_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o their_o work_a brain_n can_v think_v fit_a to_o advance_v their_o unworthy_a and_o unchristian_a interest_n no_o doubt_n but_o god_n will_v not_o fail_v on_o his_o part_n if_o we_o neglect_v not_o our_o own_o but_o to_o tie_v he_o to_o serve_v our_o humour_n or_o baseness_n be_v to_o provoke_v he_o to_o desert_n we_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v real_o most_o needful_a for_o we_o but_o these_o thing_n i_o must_v not_o here_o particular_o pursue_v nor_o shall_v i_o engage_v in_o the_o dispute_n concern_v the_o infallibility_n of_o general_n counsel_n both_o because_o whatever_o they_o pretend_v
leave_v in_o his_o church_n and_o which_o he_o lodge_v in_o his_o church-officer_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o authority_n they_o represent_v and_o not_o by_o any_o deputation_n from_o the_o people_n or_o church_n members_n i_o think_v that_o with_o submission_n to_o better_a judgement_n it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o plain_a in_o the_o explication_n and_o facile_a in_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o thence_o will_v evident_o appear_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o the_o different_a force_n of_o their_o decree_n and_o canon_n for_o in_o what_o relate_v to_o discipline_n and_o external_a government_n every_o bishop_n haâ—h_v power_n to_o make_v order_n in_o his_o own_o church_n and_o when_o they_o be_v meet_v in_o council_n together_o for_o the_o agreement_n and_o harmony_n of_o church_n and_o better_o uphold_v communion_n they_o may_v make_v rule_n bind_v all_o those_o church_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o honest_a they_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v for_o in_o their_o hand_n god_n leave_v the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n as_o a_o church_n and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o apostolical_a command_n in_o â—eserence_n to_o church-governor_n obey_v they_o thâ—e_n have_v the_o rule_n â—ver_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o etc._n etc._n heb_n 13._o 17._o and_o this_o be_v so_o clear_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o to_o bring_v a_o few_o instance_n be_v only_o to_o light_v a_o candle_n to_o the_o sun_n but_o then_o those_o regimental_n rule_n or_o order_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o those_o church_n who_o bishop_n be_v not_o there_o either_o by_o themselves_o or_o their_o delegate_n and_o consent_v to_o they_o though_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o observe_v they_o whenever_o upon_o any_o occasion_n they_o come_v to_o any_o of_o those_o church_n on_o who_o they_o be_v lay_v and_o also_o have_v a_o power_n to_o receive_v and_o confirm_v they_o if_o they_o find_v they_o convenient_a for_o their_o church_n and_o so_o to_o make_v they_o obligatory_a ex_fw-la post_fw-la facto_fw-la though_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o at_o the_o council_n and_o it_o be_v further_a observable_a that_o constitution_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v never_o think_v to_o be_v so_o unalterable_a and_o bind_v but_o that_o not_o only_o follow_v general_n counsel_n may_v alter_v they_o but_o even_o provincial_a counsel_n in_o some_o case_n may_v reseind_n what_o more_o general_a counsel_n have_v appoint_v for_o no_o law_n be_v bind_v contrary_a to_o their_o own_o end_n and_o design_n now_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o their_o constitution_n be_v the_o peace_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o matter_n of_o themselves_o by_o nature_n indifferent_a or_o mutable_a it_o can_v hardly_o be_v that_o in_o all_o thing_n their_o general_a sanction_n shall_v hit_v the_o condition_n of_o all_o church_n for_o climate_n alter_v man_n much_o and_o the_o humour_n inclination_n and_o custom_n of_o people_n much_o vary_v in_o different_a place_n yea_o not_o seldom_o in_o the_o same_o place_n in_o different_a age_n so_o that_o what_o be_v convenient_a easy_a and_o useful_a in_o one_o place_n may_v be_v inconvenient_a uneasy_a and_o unprofitable_a in_o another_o if_o therefore_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n or_o church_n which_o be_v not_o well_o make_v know_v to_o the_o general_n council_n some_o of_o their_o constitution_n shall_v prove_v to_o be_v real_o and_o true_o burdensome_a and_o ossensive_a to_o such_o church_n if_o there_o be_v no_o prospect_n of_o another_o general_a council_n near_o at_o hand_n a_o provincial_a council_n of_o their_o own_o who_o understand_v their_o state_n and_o necessity_n may_v relieve_v they_o by_o make_v other_o order_n more_o fit_a and_o practicable_a for_o they_o but_o always_o with_o honour_n and_o observance_n of_o those_o constitution_n where_o they_o do_v take_v place_n and_o without_o any_o contempt_n or_o disrespect_n where_o they_o be_v lay_v aside_o to_o this_o effect_n be_v that_o answer_n of_o our_o learned_a dr._n beveridge_n to_o his_o fâ—â—ward_n observator_fw-la nemo_fw-la nescit_fw-la synodos_fw-la posteriores_fw-la sape_fw-la aliâ—_n nonnunquam_fw-la &_o â—entraria_fw-la constituisse_fw-la ac_fw-la quae_fw-la prioribus_fw-la constituta_fw-la fuerant_fw-la idque_fw-la licèt_fw-la priores_fw-la iâ—ae_fw-la acuâ—â—â—icae_fw-la sive_fw-la vniversales_fw-la &_o posteriores_fw-la singularium_fw-la tantummodò_fw-la provinciarum_fw-la synodi_fw-la 〈◊〉_d quod_fw-la sexcentis_fw-la sinecesse_n â—sset_n exemplis_fw-la demonstrare_fw-la licet_fw-la cod._n can._n ecc._n â—â—i_fw-la lib._n 1._o cap._n 3._o in_o these_o thing_n if_o i_o mistake_v not_o consist_v the_o great_a 〈◊〉_d most_o direct_a power_n of_o counsel_n for_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o observe_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o in_o most_o ancient_a counsel_n the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o canon_n relate_v to_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o they_o never_o caâ—ed_v to_o meddle_v with_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n unless_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o church_n and_o unquietness_n of_o heretic_n constrain_v they_o to_o it_o and_o though_o in_o this_o case_n not_o only_o man_n in_o inseriour_a order_n but_o even_o prudent_a lay_v man_n may_v be_v consult_v with_o and_o have_v liberty_n â—o_o advise_v and_o free_o spâ—ak_v their_o thought_n that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v the_o better_o know_v yet_o the_o decisive_a voice_n be_v in_o the_o bishop_n and_o that_o the_o contrary_a assert_v by_o spalleto_n be_v a_o great_a mistake_n i_o shall_v happy_o have_v occasion_n to_o prove_v when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n power_n and_o right_n of_o episcopacy_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o roman_a see_v who_o usurpation_n have_v not_o only_o diminish_v but_o in_o a_o manner_n destroy_v that_o order_n to_o the_o irreparable_a damage_n of_o god_n church_n and_o without_o the_o restoration_n of_o which_o to_o its_o just_a right_n i_o see_v not_o how_o the_o church_n can_v hope_v for_o either_o unity_n or_o peace_n v._o but_o though_o in_o relation_n to_o government_n and_o discipline_n the_o power_n of_o bishop_n in_o council_n be_v very_o great_a yet_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n the_o same_o for_o he_o that_o commit_v to_o their_o trust_n the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n give_v they_o no_o power_n over_o the_o faith_n rule_n for_o discipline_n may_v alter_v as_o case_n alter_v but_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n jesus_n must_v be_v yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o no_o monckish_a evangelium_fw-la aeternum_fw-la nor_o fanatic_a evangelum_fw-la armatum_fw-la must_v be_v suffer_v to_o thrust_v this_o out_o of_o door_n what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n at_o first_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n to_o the_o last_o and_o therefore_o here_o the_o business_n of_o councelâ—_n be_v not_o to_o appoint_v but_o inquire_v not_o to_o constitute_v but_o declare_v they_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o make_v we_o a_o new_a gospel_n or_o any_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o to_o discover_v the_o old_a and_o therefore_o here_o their_o authority_n go_v equal_a pace_n with_o their_o sincerity_n diligence_n and_o skill_n and_o if_o these_o qualification_n be_v true_o in_o they_o and_o due_o use_v it_o â—s_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v acquiesce_v in_o their_o determination_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o we_o can_v have_v any_o better_a or_o more_o able_a body_n of_o man_n to_o decide_v the_o controversy_n but_o also_o because_o we_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v afford_v they_o his_o assistance_n for_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o disciple_n of_o be_v with_o they_o always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o other_o construction_n but_o of_o his_o afford_v not_o only_a to_o they_o but_o to_o their_o successor_n sufficient_a aid_n and_o assistance_n to_o preserve_v discover_v teach_v and_o declare_v that_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n which_o our_o bâ—â—ssed_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v and_o leave_v with_o they_o to_o be_v teach_v to_o thâ—_n end_v of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n and_o though_o even_a layman_n as_o be_v all_o concern_v in_o the_o common_a salvation_n may_v challenge_v a_o right_a to_o appear_v in_o council_n in_o orderly_a manner_n and_o number_n yet_o certain_o the_o great_a authority_n lie_v in_o they_o to_o who_o god_n have_v commit_v the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n and_o who_o must_v answer_v for_o other_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o their_o own_o where_o therefore_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v mâ—t_v together_o about_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v honest_a industrious_a and_o able_a i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n