universal_a agreement_n must_v it_o be_v by_o counsel_n provincial_n counsel_n can_v give_v we_o sufficient_a assurance_n of_o it_o and_o for_o general_a let_v they_o show_v we_o that_o after_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v register_v in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v any_o one_o hold_v before_o that_o of_o nice_n which_o be_v not_o celebrate_v until_o about_o the_o year_n 325._o shall_v it_o be_v by_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n which_o live_v before_o this_o council_n the_o 25._o great_a part_n yea_o &_o most_o ancient_a of_o they_o have_v this_o strange_a conceit_n that_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v after_o the_o resurrection_n a_o earthly_a happiness_n here_o below_o for_o the_o space_n of_o 1000_o year_n during_o which_o the_o lord_n also_o shall_v converse_v with_o we_o eat_v and_o drink_v a_o doctrine_n which_o those_o father_n propose_v as_o receive_v of_o all_o the_o church_n the_o â—_z then_o be_v not_o sufficient_a witness_n the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a testimony_n of_o true_a antiquity_n ibi_fw-la but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o their_o consent_n in_o receive_v little_a child_n to_o the_o eucharist_n shall_v we_o therefore_o believe_v this_o opinion_n to_o be_v ancient_a ancient_a indeed_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o but_o not_o of_o truth_n which_o be_v true_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a have_v condemn_v it_o of_o error_n which_o doubtless_o will_v be_v confess_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o which_o come_v after_o these_o ancient_n have_v correct_v their_o error_n concern_v the_o thousand_o year_n habitation_n upon_o earth_n the_o worldly_a delight_n after_o the_o resurrection_n the_o admission_n of_o child_n to_o the_o communion_n their_o come_n afterward_o have_v not_o prejudice_v the_o priority_n of_o truth_n which_o they_o set_v up_o again_o in_o her_o ancient_a splendour_n and_o majesty_n the_o time_n which_o these_o father_n be_v live_v before_o they_o advantage_v not_o their_o opinion_n young_a than_o truth_n it_o be_v then_o a_o reasonable_a offer_n which_o we_o make_v to_o verify_v the_o antiquity_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a necessary_a and_o certain_a discovery_n for_o how_o few_o be_v there_o to_o be_v find_v which_o either_o be_v verse_v in_o antiquity_n or_o can_v be_v see_v the_o tedious_a succession_n of_o so_o many_o age_n the_o multitude_n of_o volume_n which_o must_v be_v read_v and_o peruse_v for_o this_o purpose_n a_o multitude_n if_o we_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n we_o search_v defective_a if_o to_o the_o leisure_n of_o ability_n of_o the_o great_a sort_n infinite_a let_v they_o which_o have_v be_v verse_v in_o these_o inquiry_n speak_v if_o they_o find_v not_o through_o every_o age_n change_v and_o alteration_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o every_o one_o it_o be_v but_o one_o book_n in_o which_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v easy_a to_o he_o who_o be_v not_o preoccupated_a either_o with_o passion_n or_o with_o a_o conceit_n of_o its_o obscurity_n this_o we_o have_v elsewhere_o demonstrate_v here_o we_o will_v only_o recite_v as_o appertain_v to_o the_o matter_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n that_o which_o the_o renown_a father_n savilâ—_n chrysostome_n speak_v concern_v this_o the_o pagan_a say_v i_o will_v make_v myself_o a_o christian_n but_o i_o know_v not_o which_o side_n to_o fasten_v on_o there_o be_v many_o contention_n among_o you_o every_o one_o say_v i_o speak_v the_o truth_n i_o know_v not_o unto_o what_o or_o who_o to_o refer_v myself_o both_o side_n prâ—tend_v scripture_n but_o answer_v he_o this_o make_v much_o for_o we_o for_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o we_o believe_v reason_n there_o will_v be_v something_o to_o trouble_v one_o but_o see_v that_o we_o stand_v to_o the_o scripture_n seâ—ing_v they_o be_v plain_a and_o true_a it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o matter_n if_o any_o one_o consent_n unto_o they_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n if_o he_o oppose_v they_o he_o be_v far_o from_o their_o company_n these_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o that_o father_n which_o in_o his_o mouth_n will_v find_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o favour_n and_o less_o envy_n than_o in_o we_o word_n which_o advertise_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o most_o especial_a instrument_n to_o haâ—e_v recourse_n to_o in_o tâ—e_v search_n either_o of_o antiquity_n or_o truth_n word_n also_o which_o avouch_v that_o the_o pagan_a himself_o â—ay_v judge_v who_o be_v he_o that_o believe_v who_o speak_v agreeable_o to_o scripture_n although_o he_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o it_o for_o they_o be_v very_o different_a thing_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o writing_n and_o of_o the_o conformity_n of_o some_o discourse_n to_o it_o the_o pagan_n can_v not_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o according_a to_o chrysâ—stome_n they_o may_v discern_v what_o tenet_n and_o opinion_n be_v most_o conformable_a to_o it_o now_o this_o suffice_v in_o the_o question_n of_o antiquity_n for_o neither_o side_n doubâ—eâ—h_v but_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v most_o ancient_a that_o siâ—e_v then_o which_o shall_v be_v find_v most_o conformable_a to_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o ancient_a the_o pagan_n may_v judge_v of_o this_o conformity_n say_v chrysostome_n how_o much_o rather_o than_o may_v the_o christian_n the_o short_a cut_n then_o to_o the_o compose_n of_o this_o difference_n be_v to_o address_v ourselves_o to_o the_o scripture_n when_o one_o will_v know_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o college_n or_o a_o soceity_n he_o repair_v no_o whither_o but_o to_o the_o charter_n of_o the_o foundation_n the_o instrument_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o scripture_n if_o we_o offer_v to_o verify_v our_o antiquity_n if_o we_o do_v verify_v it_o by_o the_o date_n of_o this_o instrument_n we_o proceed_v ingenious_o and_o our_o conclusion_n be_v irresistible_a let_v they_o cease_v then_o to_o reproach_v we_o that_o we_o have_v bring_v in_o a_o new_a doctrine_n unknown_a in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n let_v they_o not_o for_o shame_n boast_v any_o long_o of_o antiquity_n see_v they_o refuse_v to_o be_v control_v by_o the_o scripture_n the_o most_o ancient_a monument_n of_o antiquity_n certain_o they_o make_v but_o a_o untoward_a enquiry_n into_o antiquity_n who_o measure_v it_o by_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o year_n who_o dream_n that_o to_o have_v be_v always_o extant_a who_o beginning_n they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o be_v a_o safe_a course_n then_o to_o prove_v antiquity_n by_o truth_n than_o truth_n by_o antiquity_n custom_n without_o truth_n as_o st_n cyprian_a well_o observe_v be_v but_o antiquity_n of_o error_n 74._o the_o proportion_n elaborate_a figure_n the_o beauty_n of_o a_o medaile_n statue_n or_o a_o old_a piece_n of_o building_n be_v not_o know_v by_o the_o antiquity_n but_o the_o antiquity_n of_o they_o be_v characterise_v by_o these_o condition_n as_o by_o iâ—s_n infallible_a mark_n so_o the_o glory_n and_o use_v of_o the_o sun_n be_v not_o discern_v by_o his_o antiquity_n but_o by_o his_o glory_n and_o use_v he_o may_v be_v judge_v to_o be_v as_o old_a as_o heaven_n and_o earth_n it_o be_v not_o with_o time_n in_o respect_n of_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o nobility_n the_o antiquity_n of_o which_o augment_v its_o reverence_n make_v it_o more_o illustrious_a time_n contribute_v no_o growth_n nor_o lustre_n to_o truth_n she_o be_v as_o much_o herself_o in_o her_o cradle_n as_o she_o be_v many_o century_n of_o year_n after_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v and_o afterward_o examine_v since_o what_o time_n it_o begin_v to_o be_v let_v we_o prove_v our_o religion_n to_o be_v true_a and_o afterward_o let_v we_o consider_v its_o antiquity_n yea_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o shall_v have_v prove_v it_o for_o virtue_n be_v ancient_a than_o vice_n truth_n then_o lie_v superstition_n be_v after_o religion_n as_o sickness_n after_o health_n so_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o verify_v both_o the_o antiquity_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o its_o truth_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o its_o antiquity_n beginning_n at_o the_o wellhead_n the_o time_n of_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n and_o apostle_n that_o the_o process_n may_v be_v abridge_v and_o speedy_o end_v chap_n xviii_o that_o upon_o the_o supposition_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v sometime_o be_v a_o true_a church_n it_o can_v be_v conclude_v that_o she_o be_v so_o at_o this_o day_n so_o on_o their_o side_n those_o counterfeit_a flash_n of_o antiquity_n vanish_v which_o now_o with_o a_o real_a brightness_n shine_v more_o vigorous_o on_o our_o side_n they_o who_o crack_v so_o much_o of_o their_o antiquity_n be_v find_v to_o be_v but_o upstart_n
tyrannical_a this_o be_v their_o comfort_n that_o they_o have_v get_v on_o the_o one_o side_n that_o which_o they_o have_v lose_v on_o the_o other_o so_o they_o will_v have_v it_o choose_v rather_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o one_o who_o be_v far_o from_o they_o and_o who_o greatness_n depend_v of_o they_o then_o to_o many_o which_o be_v near_o they_o and_o who_o lustre_n may_v obscure_v they_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o order_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o succession_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n there_o be_v elder_n term_v presbyteri_fw-la from_o whence_o come_v the_o name_n of_o prebster_n priest_n but_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n retain_v nothing_o of_o they_o but_o the_o name_n their_o principal_a office_n be_v to_o 1.89_o teach_v and_o instruct_v where_o as_o the_o romish_a priest_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v unlearned_a idiot_n and_o by_o consequence_n be_v no_o otherwise_o successor_n of_o those_o primitive_a one_o than_o darkness_n poverty_n sickness_n succeed_v light_n wealth_n health_n now_o this_o default_n can_v be_v excuse_v by_o allege_v that_o it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o ecclesiastical_a function_n that_o be_v the_o incapacity_n of_o the_o person_n be_v the_o function_n can_v be_v i_o call_v here_o the_o incapacity_n not_o simple_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n but_o the_o impossibility_n of_o discharge_v the_o function_n the_o woman_n which_o have_v no_o milk_n can_v be_v a_o nurse_n and_o if_o she_o take_v the_o office_n of_o one_o who_o have_v upon_o she_o this_o can_v be_v in_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o nurse_n she_o can_v be_v a_o nurse_n beyond_o the_o name_n so_o he_o which_o have_v not_o in_o some_o sort_n the_o ability_n requisite_a for_o reach_v he_o can_v possible_o be_v a_o teacher_n if_o he_o succeed_v one_o that_o can_v and_o do_v teach_v he_o succee_v he_o not_o as_o teacher_n but_o only_o in_o his_o name_n moreover_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o priest_n office_n consist_v now_o a_o day_n in_o mumble_v of_o mass_n and_o in_o be_v sacrificer_n of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o the_o primitive_a ordination_n of_o priest_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n there_o be_v 6.2.3_o deacon_n now_o there_o be_v deacon_n archdeacon_n subdeacons_n but_o what_o have_v these_o people_n of_o the_o ancient_a deacon_n beside_o the_o name_n take_v they_o any_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a yea_o they_o suck_v their_o blood_n by_o a_o cruel_a and_o importunate_a exaction_n of_o their_o revenue_n do_v they_o serve_v table_n yea_o themselves_o be_v sumptuous_o attend_v at_o their_o own_o in_o a_o word_n see_v they_o do_v not_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ancient_a deacon_n how_o shall_v they_o be_v their_o successiour_n concern_v monk_n and_o nun_n there_o will_v noâ—_n be_v find_v a_o syllable_n in_o scripture_n to_o signify_v that_o there_o be_v any_o in_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n erem_fw-la st._n hierome_n who_o have_v much_o extol_v this_o profession_n fetch_v its_o original_n from_o paul_n the_o hermit_n a_o fair_a time_n after_o the_o apostle_n if_o else_o where_o he_o refer_v its_o beginning_n to_o a_o time_n more_o ancient_a he_o contradict_v both_o himself_o and_o the_o truth_n phil._n be_v carry_v away_o by_o the_o excessive_a affection_n he_o bear_v to_o this_o profession_n howsoever_o the_o monk_n of_o these_o time_n can_v just_o be_v account_v the_o successor_n of_o these_o monk_n which_o st._n hierome_n so_o much_o commend_v what_o make_v a_o monk_n mon._n say_v he_o within_o city_n these_z not_o only_o abide_v in_o city_n but_o even_o in_o they_o build_v city_n basil._n in_o st._n austin_n time_n it_o be_v theft_n for_o a_o monk_n to_o beg_v now_o it_o be_v a_o especial_a point_n of_o their_o sanctify_v pamel_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a for_o he_o who_o have_v vow_v continency_n to_o marry_v afterward_o now_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n monstrous_o heretical_a except_o when_o the_o pope_n dispense_v with_o it_o who_o like_o a_o god_n upon_o earth_n can_v do_v whatsoever_o it_o please_v he_o and_o more_o also_o than_o god_n in_o heaven_n for_o he_o can_v make_v vice_n virtue_n and_o virtue_n vice_n by_o his_o dispensation_n chap_n xxviii_o that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v not_o of_o apostolical_a institution_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n we_o shall_v quick_o see_v that_o the_o ancient_a simplicity_n and_o apostolical_a purity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o she_o that_o those_o decent_a custom_n of_o true_a antiquity_n be_v either_o quite_o change_v by_o she_o or_o so_o extreme_o abuse_v that_o they_o be_v make_v unprofitable_a in_o the_o flourish_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v nothing_o use_v in_o baptism_n but_o water_n afterward_o there_o be_v add_v chrism_n and_o since_o that_o salt_n &_o spittle_n what_o succession_n have_v these_o addition_n these_o new_a superfluity_n see_v they_o have_v not_o their_o original_n at_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o that_o sacrament_n the_o channel_n &_o pipe_n as_o it_o be_v of_o succession_n here_o grow_v faulty_a and_o receive_v in_o this_o stink_a water_n run_v athwart_o the_o disguisement_n which_o they_o have_v put_v upon_o the_o holy_a supper_n be_v yet_o more_o prodigious_a they_o have_v miserable_o and_o unhappy_o mangle_v it_o they_o have_v cleave_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o middle_n and_o cast_v away_o the_o one_o half_a of_o it_o what_o be_v it_o that_o superstition_n dare_v not_o to_o venture_v upon_o we_o have_v the_o institution_n &_o canon_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n recite_v by_o three_o evangelist_n and_o by_o st._n paul_n can_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o pure_a more_o simple_a less_o stuff_v with_o superfluous_a &_o superstitious_a ceremony_n less_o accompany_v with_o pomp_n &_o compliment_n now_o compare_v with_o that_o purity_n simplicity_n that_o nakedness_n as_o i_o may_v say_v of_o ceremony_n the_o histrionical_a pomp_n the_o apish_a gesture_n and_o antic_a trick_n of_o the_o mass_n can_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n imagine_v more_o unlike_a unto_o it_o and_o disproportionable_a what_o succession_n then_o may_v be_v conceive_v or_o acknowledge_v where_o the_o dissimilitude_n be_v so_o great_a but_o a_o succession_n of_o evil_a to_o good_a or_o corruption_n to_o purity_n moreover_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o their_o superstitious_a consecration_n of_o chapel_n altar_n pix_n font_n chalice_n plate_n vestment_n holy_a oil_n holy_a bread_n holy_a water_n of_o their_o bead_n agnus_n dei_fw-la image_n of_o their_o christen_n of_o bell_n of_o the_o hallow_n of_o ensign_n and_o sword_n from_o whence_o will_v they_o fetch_v the_o institution_n of_o these_o trumpery_n have_v they_o a_o heart_n of_o lead_n a_o face_n of_o iron_n &_o a_o forehead_n of_o brass_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o affirm_v that_o any_o of_o these_o foppery_n be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n what_o succession_n then_o of_o they_o can_v they_o pretend_v last_o their_o procession_n their_o stately_a pomp_n at_o funeral_n so_o proud_a and_o magnificent_a that_o now_o they_o fond_o live_v and_o die_v altogether_o come_v it_o from_o the_o apostle_n yea_o be_v it_o not_o a_o relic_n of_o the_o pagan_a superstition_n chap._n xxix_o that_o there_o be_v no_o succession_n in_o respect_n of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o romish_a church_n but_o the_o worst_a of_o all_o be_v that_o they_o destitute_a of_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o soul_n and_o life_n of_o the_o church_n true_a antiquite_v believe_v 14.18_o that_o they_o which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n rest_n from_o their_o labour_n they_o believe_v that_o at_o their_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o life_n they_o go_v to_o purgatory_n there_o to_o fry_v in_o as_o scorch_v a_o fire_n as_o that_o in_o hell_n true_a antiquity_n believe_v that_o 17.10_o when_o we_o shall_v have_v do_v all_o that_o which_o be_v command_v we_o we_o be_v but_o unprofitable_a servant_n because_o we_o shall_v have_v do_v no_o more_o than_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v they_o teach_v that_o man_n already_o culpable_a before_o god_n may_v merit_v eternal_a life_n ex_fw-la condigno_fw-la by_o exact_a proportion_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o wage_n true_a antiquity_n believe_v 8.18_o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a life_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o counterpoise_v the_o glory_n which_o be_v eternal_a they_o believe_v that_o they_o do_v counterpoise_v they_o in_o merit_n antiquity_n believe_v that_o we_o be_v save_v free_o they_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v save_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o work_n antiquity_n believe_v that_o we_o be_v save_v 2.8_o by_o grace_n through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o ourselves_o it_o be_v the_o
bind_v they_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o usual_a form_n there_o be_v moreover_o this_o difference_n to_o be_v consider_v the_o exercise_v of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o judge_n derive_v its_o force_n and_o efficacy_n from_o his_o authority_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o determination_n of_o judge_n be_v not_o execute_v because_o they_o be_v just_a but_o because_o they_o be_v sentence_n and_o determination_n be_v it_o that_o they_o be_v give_v just_o by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o equity_n of_o the_o judge_n or_o unjust_o by_o his_o ignorance_n or_o corruptness_n but_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n depend_v not_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o he_o that_o practise_v it_o for_o if_o he_o be_v ignorant_a or_o heretical_a one_o who_o willing_o slight_v his_o charge_n and_o vilifi_v his_o own_o function_n a_o hucster_n of_o god_n word_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v his_o authority_n will_v not_o make_v that_o when_o he_o have_v proclaim_v peace_n peace_n there_o shall_v be_v peace_n by_o &_o by_o as_o well_o as_o the_o sentence_n of_o judge_n how_o unjust_a or_o silly_a soever_o they_o be_v fail_v not_o for_o all_o that_o to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o he_o who_o exercise_v the_o function_n be_v both_o of_o ability_n and_o fidelity_n though_o he_o want_v the_o formality_n of_o a_o outward_a mission_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o obtain_v it_o and_o that_o which_o he_o do_v without_o it_o be_v necessary_a he_o fail_v not_o effectual_o to_o instruct_v exhort_v and_o comfort_n it_o fare_v with_o he_o as_o with_o a_o physician_n who_o authority_n give_v not_o his_o dose_n and_o recipe_n virtue_n to_o work_v and_o in_o work_v to_o heal_v but_o it_o be_v his_o skill_n &_o honesty_n which_o direct_v he_o in_o choice_n of_o such_o prescription_n as_o be_v proper_a for_o the_o cure_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o labour_n and_o the_o end_n he_o propose_v unto_o himself_o otherwise_o every_o graduated_a physician_n will_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n cure_v the_o sick_a if_o it_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o doctor_n and_o not_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o physic_n which_o do_v the_o cure_n the_o choice_n and_o application_n of_o which_o depend_v of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o fidelity_n whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v also_o that_o if_o the_o physician_n be_v skilful_a and_o careful_a the_o want_n of_o authority_n in_o his_o person_n hinder_v not_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o dose_n from_o whence_o by_o comparison_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v why_o in_o a_o judge_n outward_a authority_n seem_v to_o be_v absolute_o and_o simple_o necessary_a and_o why_o in_o a_o pastor_n notwithstanding_o that_o authority_n which_o depend_v of_o humane_a authority_n be_v not_o simple_o necessary_a namely_o because_o whatsoever_o a_o judge_n do_v he_o do_v by_o that_o authority_n which_o be_v lend_v he_o from_o a_o superior_a his_o ability_n but_o enable_v he_o to_o do_v that_o aright_o which_o his_o derive_v authority_n make_v he_o do_v effectual_o but_o in_o a_o pastor_n if_o he_o be_v sound_a in_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n the_o administration_n of_o his_o charge_n do_v always_o its_o work_n as_o effectual_o and_o complete_o as_o if_o it_o be_v back_v and_o grace_v by_o humane_a authority_n it_o be_v the_o good_a physic_n which_o heal_v the_o good_a milk_n which_o nourish_v whether_o the_o physician_n have_v take_v his_o degree_n or_o not_o whether_o the_o nurse_n be_v approve_v of_o by_o a_o physician_n or_o no_o these_o circumstance_n as_o they_o bring_v nothing_o to_o the_o point_n so_o they_o take_v nothing_o from_o it_o now_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o medicine_n say_v the_o prophet_n milk_n say_v the_o apostle_n the_o authority_n then_o of_o he_o who_o apply_v this_o medicine_n who_o give_v this_o milk_n to_o suck_v or_o drink_v i_o say_v the_o authority_n the_o commendation_n of_o man_n can_v neither_o augment_v nor_o diminish_v their_o vertues·_n but_o some_o will_v say_v that_o although_o that_o authority_n which_o depend_v of_o outward_a mission_n be_v not_o always_o requisite_a in_o pastor_n yet_o at_o least_o this_o defect_n ought_v to_o be_v supply_v by_o miracle_n &_o here_o they_o call_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o miracle_n but_o we_o ask_v they_o again_o where_o be_v the_o miracle_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n 10.41_o of_o who_o it_o be_v write_v that_o he_o never_o do_v any_o miracle_n as_o for_o that_o after_o his_o conception_n he_o leap_v in_o his_o mother_n womb_n at_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n bear_v in_o her_o womb_n the_o lord_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v not_o do_v to_o authorise_v &_o confirm_v his_o office_n in_o to_o the_o execution_n of_o which_o he_o enter_v a_o long_a time_n after_o when_o miracle_n be_v do_v to_o make_v some_o enterprise_n authentic_a they_o be_v do_v either_o immediate_o before_o it_o or_o else_o they_o accompany_v it_o while_o itself_o be_v in_o hand_n they_o be_v do_v also_o public_o expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o all_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o less_o suspect_v for_o imposture_n but_o to_o answer_v precise_o we_o say_v that_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o to_o be_v plant_v miracle_n be_v very_o necessary_a but_o that_o be_v finish_v their_o necessity_n cease_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o authorise_v the_o gospel_n ancient_o retain_v still_o at_o least_o among_o christian_n their_o virtue_n for_o that_o effect_n if_o then_o we_o prove_v that_o we_o propose_v the_o same_o gospel_n those_o ancient_a miracle_n be_v we_o let_v they_o admit_v we_o then_o to_o this_o proof_n in_o which_o if_o we_o fail_v we_o will_v confess_v then_o that_o they_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o call_v upon_o we_o for_o miracle_n yea_o &_o more_o than_o this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v though_o we_o shall_v do_v very_o strange_a one_o for_o we_o read_v that_o the_o come_n of_o antechrist_n shall_v be_v with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n but_o we_o read_v not_o that_o they_o who_o oppose_v he_o shall_v work_v miracle_n so_o that_o if_o we_o shall_v make_v a_o trade_n of_o do_v miracle_n or_o as_o it_o be_v stage-shewes_a of_o they_o this_o will_v make_v we_o not_o more_o justify_v but_o suspect_v chap_n xxxvi_o that_o the_o example_n of_o the_o first_o reformer_n favour_v not_o schismatics_n there_o remain_v yet_o the_o four_o objection_n that_o it_o seem_v that_o this_o doctrine_n touch_v the_o true_a mark_n of_o divine_a call_n to_o wit_n sufficiency_n &_o a_o necessity_n to_o employ_v this_o sufficiency_n favour_n &_o encourage_v schism_n but_o we_o tell_v they_o that_o this_o can_v be_v for_o see_v that_o he_o who_o make_v a_o schism_n have_v no_o necessity_n to_o make_v it_o this_o note_n agree_v not_o to_o a_o schismatical_a teacher_n who_o in_o a_o tolerable_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n erect_v a_o church_n apart_o see_v that_o than_o he_o employ_v his_o gift_n without_o necessity_n for_o the_o beat_a way_n lie_v open_a what_o need_n have_v he_o to_o betake_v himself_o to_o new_a cross-pathe_n but_o this_o way_n be_v stop_v up_o to_o our_o predecessor_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v drive_v to_o a_o necessity_n which_o press_v not_o schismatics_n certain_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n where_o their_o be_v a_o just_a occasion_n of_o separation_n &_o a_o impossibility_n of_o proceed_v otherwise_o now_o we_o say_v that_o such_o be_v the_o misery_n of_o the_o time_n of_o our_o predecessor_n that_o they_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o separate_v themselves_o &_o thar_z albeit_o they_o have_v be_v unprovided_a of_o that_o outward_a vocation_n which_o they_o have_v yet_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o proceed_v otherwise_o then_o they_o do_v if_o they_o offer_v to_o deny_v this_o truth_n we_o offer_v to_o make_v it_o good_a hither_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v set_v aside_o the_o prejudice_n if_o we_o fail_v in_o our_o proof_n we_o refuse_v not_o to_o be_v account_v schismatics_n chap_n xxxvii_o in_o what_o sense_n we_o yield_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v the_o substance_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o how_o she_o cease_v not_o for_o all_o that_o to_o be_v a_o false_a church_n yea_o but_o at_o least_o we_o yield_v to_o they_o that_o they_o have_v baptism_n that_o they_o have_v the_o substance_n of_o christian_a religion_n from_o whence_o they_o conclude_v that_o they_o can_v perish_v &_o that_o we_o who_o have_v separate_v ourselves_o from_o they_o have_v go_v schismatical_o to_o work_v this_o argument_n they_o frame_v from_o that_o confession_n which_o they_o think_v they_o have_v extort_a from_o we_o let_v we_o see_v then_o what_o truth_n &_o strength_n it_o may_v have_v first_o concern_v baptism_n they_o confess_v that_o we_o have_v it_o &_o that_o it_o may_v be_v among_o
gift_n one_o in_o one_o kind_n another_o in_o another·_n to_o he_o then_o who_o have_v receive_v this_o gift_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o st_n paul_n have_v receive_v it_o his_o single_a life_n doubtless_o will_v be_v far_o more_o advantageous_a than_o marriage_n because_o that_o to_o he_o who_o be_v thus_o qualify_v virginity_n be_v a_o help_n for_o piety_n marriage_n will_v be_v but_o a_o encumbrance_n but_o to_o he_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v that_o gift_n in_o that_o manner_n his_o single_a life_n will_v be_v but_o a_o snare_n and_o a_o trap_n for_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o single_a life_n he_o will_v burn_v &_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o marry_v then_o to_o burn_v as_o than_o marriage_n serve_v but_o for_o a_o hindrance_n and_o disturbance_n to_o he_o who_o have_v the_o gift_n that_o st._n paul_n have_v to_o wit_n the_o gift_n of_o continence_n so_o the_o single_a life_n serve_v but_o for_o a_o encumbrance_n and_o temptation_n the_o danger_n of_o which_o be_v unavoidable_a and_o deadly_a to_o he_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o contain_v himself_o we_o worthy_o esteem_v of_o the_o single_a life_n of_o those_o who_o god_n call_v to_o it_o but_o we_o say_v that_o no_o man_n be_v call_v unto_o it_o who_o be_v force_v to_o burn_v in_o it_o wherefore_o then_o say_v they_o see_v we_o not_o this_o single_a life_n more_o common_a among_o you_o here_o we_o can_v tell_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v dispute_v against_o our_o doctrine_n not_o against_o our_o manner_n that_o fault_n in_o manner_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v thrust_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n if_o the_o doctrine_n condemn_v they_o that_o our_o doctrine_n approve_v not_o their_o do_n who_o be_v able_a to_o contain_v themselves_o be_v marry_v unless_o they_o be_v drive_v unto_o it_o by_o some_o other_o urgent_a necessity_n but_o we_o will_v answer_v direct_o that_o the_o gift_n continence_n be_v rare_a we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o the_o single_a life_n which_o presuppose_v this_o gift_n be_v less_o frequent_a but_o rather_o to_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v set_v before_o we_o the_o convenience_n of_o a_o single_a life_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o marriage_n profess_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o ensnare_v us._n now_o if_o we_o be_v not_o fit_o qualify_v for_o a_o single_a life_n it_o be_v undoubted_o to_o ensnare_v ourselves_o if_o we_o choose_v rather_o to_o burn_v in_o a_o single_a life_n then_o to_o quench_v the_o fire_n by_o marriage_n the_o thousand_o and_o we_o dare_v say_v million_o of_o martyr_n both_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o in_o our_o own_o time_n give_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n that_o we_o entertain_v and_o embrace_v not_o marriage_n but_o so_o far_o as_o it_o fit_v we_o for_o our_o call_n in_o how_o base_a and_o dispitefull_a a_o mannâ—â—_n soever_o man_n calumniate_v it_o which_o of_o our_o martyr_n be_v ever_o hold_v back_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o marriage_n by_o the_o natural_a affection_n towards_o hiâ—_n child_n by_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n from_o seal_v the_o gospel_n with_o his_o blood_n they_o may_v all_o have_v live_v and_o many_o of_o they_o may_v have_v live_v in_o all_o outward_a content_n either_o for_o honour_n or_o pleasure_n yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o they_o prefer_v death_n before_o life_n torment_v before_o pleasure_n the_o ignominy_n &_o shame_n before_o the_o honour_n and_o applause_n of_o the_o world_n let_v our_o enemy_n be_v our_o judge_n be_v not_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o death_n more_o admirable_a than_o the_o single_a life_n of_o monk_n be_v it_o not_o a_o sure_a token_n of_o a_o more_o magnanimous_a spirit_n of_o a_o more_o fervent_a zeal_n of_o a_o more_o fix_a hope_n of_o a_o more_o vehement_a love_n of_o a_o more_o lively_a faith_n they_o the_o single_a life_n of_o these_o votary_n unchaste_a for_o the_o most_o part_n and_o chaste_a only_o by_o constraint_n but_o let_v we_o return_v to_o our_o purpose_n as_o the_o monkish_a life_n tend_v to_o make_v he_o who_o addict_v himself_o to_o it_o a_o thief_n and_o a_o whoremonger_n unless_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n requisite_a for_o a_o single_a life_n so_o in_o the_o three_o place_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o puff_v a_o man_n up_o with_o a_o wonderful_a presumption_n of_o himself_o i_o know_v the_o monk_n make_v great_a profession_n of_o humility_n but_o how_o can_v he_o be_v humble_a who_o think_v himself_o able_a who_o undertake_v to_o merit_n and_o believe_v that_o he_o do_v merit_n true_a humility_n be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o think_v himselve_o unworthy_a to_o somuch_o as_o look_v up_o unto_o heaven_n these_o votary_n presume_v to_o merit_v it_o moreover_o true_a humility_n be_v for_o we_o to_o think_v that_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o be_v but_o unprofitable_a servant_n these_o monkish_a saint_n believe_v that_o they_o do_v work_n of_o supererogation_n and_o that_o they_o merit_n for_o other_o also_o what_o pride_n be_v this_o or_o what_o blasphemy_n god_n himself_o command_v we_o to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n with_o all_o our_o mind_n with_o all_o our_o strength_n they_o make_v profession_n of_o do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o he_o command_v us._n in_o what_o mood_n soever_o god_n speak_v it_o be_v imperative_fw-it after_o what_o fashion_n soever_o he_o speak_v he_o can_v but_o command_v see_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o monstrous_a pride_n of_o these_o monk_n there_o be_v say_v they_o some_o counsel_n which_o god_n give_v to_o obey_v which_o man_n be_v not_o bind_v unless_o himself_o please_v his_o own_o vow_n alone_o bind_v he_o to_o obedience_n who_o can_v in_o conscience_n think_v thus_o of_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n without_o a_o proud_a exaltation_n of_o himself_o against_o he_o be_v this_o the_o aim_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v this_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o familiar_a mildness_n when_o he_o command_v in_o counsel_v and_o counsel_n in_o command_v deal_v he_o so_o courteous_o with_o we_o to_o the_o end_n that_o man_n shall_v mistake_v he_o for_o his_o companion_n that_o he_o shall_v misconstrue_v his_o commandment_n and_o allow_v they_o only_o the_o faint_a emphasis_n of_o counsel_n which_o a_o friend_n give_v to_o a_o friend_n without_o any_o strongertie_n of_o observe_v they_o the_o entreaty_n of_o our_o superior_n be_v command_n if_o we_o either_o speak_v or_o think_v of_o they_o otherwise_o we_o cease_v in_o effect_n to_o acknowledge_v they_o for_o our_o superior_n we_o proud_o exalt_v ourselves_o against_o they_o and_o what_o may_v we_o then_o think_v of_o these_o professor_n of_o humility_n who_o allow_v not_o god_n that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o civility_n questionless_a this_o prove_v they_o not_o only_o proud_a but_o also_o both_o sacrilegious_a and_o blasphemous_a person_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o such_o gross_a impiety_n shall_v serve_v for_o a_o pretence_n to_o justify_v that_o religion_n of_o the_o which_o it_o make_v profession_n yea_o see_v that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v what_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o the_o first_o view_n that_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o quite_o contrary_a as_o we_o suppose_v we_o have_v prove_v let_v it_o serve_v rather_o to_o accuse_v yea_o to_o condemn_v that_o religion_n of_o which_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n the_o conclusion_n we_o have_v at_o length_n examine_v in_o order_n all_o â—hose_n preiudices_fw-la and_o pretence_n which_o they_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n have_v invent_v to_o hinder_v our_o cause_n from_o be_v thorough_o &_o exact_o examine_v it_o be_v the_o only_a scope_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o show_v that_o all_o those_o allegation_n 1_o of_o the_o magnificence_n 2_o unity_n 3_o antiquity_n 4_o stability_n 5_o continuation_n 6_o succession_n 7_o the_o substance_n of_o truth_n 8_o the_o holiness_n pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v but_o frivolous_a pretence_n devise_v to_o hinder_v a_o exquisite_a and_o solid_a enquiry_n of_o the_o truth_n if_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o this_o scope_n it_o be_v all_o we_o can_v desire_v the_o indifferent_a reader_n shall_v judge_v of_o it_o for_o my_o own_o part_n it_o suffice_v i_o that_o my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v that_o i_o have_v proceed_v in_o it_o without_o vainglory_n without_o stomach_n in_o all_o sincerity_n as_o speak_v rather_o before_o god_n then_o before_o man_n this_o make_v i_o hope_v for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o my_o pain_n so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o he_o be_v jealous_a of_o his_o truth_n at_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o i_o have_v whole_o aim_v wherefore_o i_o humble_o entreat_v he_o
sufficient_o look_v after_o fear_v to_o find_v it_o desirous_a not_o to_o find_v it_o we_o may_v then_o just_o suffer_v this_o taunt_n that_o we_o faint_v in_o our_o undertake_n that_o we_o be_v tire_v in_o our_o journey_n when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o calculate_v antiquity_n now_o a_o day_n they_o begin_v not_o with_o that_o which_o be_v first_o the_o first_o epoch_n be_v where_o be_v you_o within_o these_o hundred_o year_n so_o in_o steed_n of_o go_v forward_o they_o stop_v at_o a_o short_a period_n and_o retire_v homeward_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n this_o path_n be_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v nor_o this_o method_n to_o be_v refuse_v if_o they_o will_v not_o stop_v in_o their_o search_n until_o they_o come_v to_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o beate_v this_o way_n so_o far_o how_o many_o novelty_n will_v their_o be_v meet_v with_o between_o this_o and_o that_o of_o fresh_a date_n and_o which_o may_v be_v question_v where_o be_v you_o before_o which_o be_v not_o then_o of_o that_o ancient_a original_n nor_o grace_v with_o the_o privilege_n of_o true_a antiquity_n which_o yet_o be_v antiquity_n in_o respect_n of_o we_o and_o our_o time_n but_o mere_a novelty_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v true_o ancient_a and_o nothing_o ancient_a but_o that_o they_o be_v the_o father_n who_o bound_n we_o must_v not_o remove_v we_o must_v inquire_v after_o the_o way_n of_o these_o father_n as_o for_o those_o degenerate_a ancestor_n which_o come_v afterward_o we_o have_v a_o express_a prohibition_n walk_v not_o according_a to_o the_o statute_n of_o your_o father_n 18_o and_o regard_v not_o their-ordinance_n i_o be_o jehovah_n your_o god_n walk_v in_o my_o statute_n keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o do_v they_o antiquity_n then_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v of_o but_o as_o she_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o truth_n according_a to_o tertullian_n that_o which_o be_v first_o teach_v say_v he_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o true_a 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o be_v absolute_o first_o than_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v out_o and_o from_o it_o the_o calculation_n be_v to_o begin_v st._n cyprian_n give_v we_o a_o direction_n for_o this_o calculation_n pamell_n although_o he_o otherwise_o apply_v it_o which_o be_v as_o pertinent_a as_o it_o be_v familiar_a instruct_v we_o that_o even_o as_o a_o conduit_n of_o water_n which_o former_o run_v copious_o and_o continual_o come_v to_o fail_v upon_o a_o sudden_a we_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o springhead_n to_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o defect_n whether_o it_o be_v that_o the_o dry_n of_o the_o fountain_n deprive_v the_o run_a water_n both_o of_o a_o original_a &_o nourishment_n or_o whether_o the_o fountain_n be_v entire_a the_o water_n fail_v in_o its_o course_n the_o pipe_n be_v either_o break_a or_o stop_v that_o it_o be_v mend_v the_o water_n may_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o city_n in_o the_o same_o plenty_n &_o purity_n it_o proceed_v from_o the_o fountain_n so_o say_v he_o the_o priest_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o repair_v to_o the_o original_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o apostle_n in_o keep_v his_o commandment_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o action_n may_v be_v deduce_v from_o the_o same_o beginning_n whence_o that_o derive_v its_o authority_n that_o we_o may_v not_o doubt_v what_o be_v the_o tradition_n of_o which_o he_o speak_v ibid._n let_v we_o heâ—re_v what_o he_o say_v a_o little_a before_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n one_o allege_v to_o he_o tradition_n whence_o be_v this_o tradition_n reply_v he_o be_v it_o from_o the_o lord_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o evangelist_n or_o apostle_n for_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v god_n himself_o testify_v tell_v josuah_n that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n the_o scripture_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n if_o then_o it_o be_v either_o command_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o contain_v in_o the_o apostolical_a write_n that_o they_o which_o come_v out_o of_o any_o heresy_n be_v it_o what_o it_o will_n shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v let_v this_o holy_a and_o divine_a tradition_n be_v observe_v st._n cyprian_n reject_v not_o the_o baptism_n of_o heretic_n but_o only_o because_o he_o believe_v not_o that_o it_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o divine_a tradition_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v admit_v he_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v it_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v unto_o he_o to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o give_v we_o the_o rule_n to_o prove_v it_o by_o the_o apostolical_a writing_n he_o call_v then_o a_o divine_a and_o holy_a tradition_n all_o that_o which_o may_v be_v justify_v by_o they_o as_o for_o other_o tradition_n he_o put_v tâ—em_v aside_o with_o this_o slight_n interrogatory_n whence_o be_v this_o tradition_n now_o therefore_o such_o tradition_n as_o these_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o accept_v provide_v that_o the_o papist_n after_o the_o same_o method_n manifest_a their_o origin_n all_o unto_o us._n when_o wâ—e_a demand_n whence_o be_v this_o tradition_n when_o begin_v it_o let_v they_o answer_v we_o it_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o write_n it_o have_v be_v from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n chap_n xvii_o that_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o prove_v true_a antiquity_n be_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o begin_n by_o the_o scripture_n now_o that_o we_o allege_v st._n cyprian_n it_o be_v not_o to_o authorise_v the_o truth_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n only_o we_o borrow_v their_o word_n and_o fancy_n to_o express_v it_o we_o wish_v that_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v not_o who_o speak_v but_o what_o be_v speak_v but_o if_o better_a authority_n here_o be_v call_v for_o we_o will_v allege_v supreme_a authority_n that_o of_o the_o lord_n prescribe_v we_o the_o rule_n it_o be_v not_o so_o from_o the_o beginning_n wise_o then_o and_o fit_o 5._o say_v tertullian_n thâ—t_v which_o be_v the_o first_o be_v the_o true_a and_o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n be_v first_o and_o that_o which_o be_v of_o the_o apostle_n be_v from_o the_o beginning_n to_o which_o we_o add_v only_o that_o which_o follow_v of_o itself_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v of_o the_o apostle_n so_o then_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o antiquity_n do_v we_o not_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o reason_n when_o we_o yield_v that_o our_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v reject_v if_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o our_o proof_n authentic_a to_o confirm_v â—he_v antiquity_n of_o our_o religion_n when_o they_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o their_o write_n the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n &_o euamgelist_n the_o course_n which_o be_v take_v to_o prove_v the_o antiquity_n so_o much_o talk_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o recourse_n to_o father_n and_o counsel_n the_o more_o ancient_a these_o father_n and_o counsel_n be_v prove_v tâ—ey_v not_o this_o antiquity_n the_o more_o evident_o but_o what_o father_n what_o counsel_n aâ—e_v more_o ancient_a than_o the_o scripture_n what_o antiquity_n then_o be_v ancient_a than_o the_o scripture_n what_o title_n more_o ancient_a than_o that_o which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o date_n with_o the_o scripture_n certain_o it_o be_v a_o excess_n of_o open_a blasphemy_n to_o equalise_v either_o father_n or_o counsel_n to_o scripture_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v do_v but_o though_o this_o be_v do_v yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o a_o fresh_a original_n than_o the_o father_n and_o counsel_n impudence_n have_v not_o yet_o venture_v so_o far_o he_o then_o of_o who_o side_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v gaineâ—_n the_o prerogative_n of_o antiquity_n and_o by_o consequent_a of_o truth_n so_o then_o this_o question_n about_o antiquity_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o issue_n what_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n most_o consonant_a to_o scripture_n this_o be_v clear_v the_o controversy_n of_o antiquity_n need_v to_o trouble_v we_o no_o long_o it_o be_v impossible_a otherwise_o to_o decide_v it_o for_o let_v they_o allege_v father_n and_o counsel_n as_o long_o as_o they_o will_v this_o scruple_n still_o remain_v to_o know_v if_o the_o apostle_n have_v so_o ordain_v universal_a consent_n can_v be_v call_v to_o witness_v in_o this_o case_n for_o to_o show_v that_o it_o will_v â—e_v requisite_a to_o ask_v all_o person_n of_o all_o age_n until_o the_o apostle_n if_o the_o name_n of_o universal_a consent_n be_v attribute_v to_o that_o which_o be_v believe_v by_o the_o great_a part_n to_o the_o most_o receive_a opinion_n yet_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v and_o judge_v of_o this_o kind_n of_o
commandment_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o which_o always_o have_v this_o condition_n understand_v when_o the_o thing_n be_v possible_a the_o lord_n have_v regard_n to_o the_o time_n wherein_o he_o live_v and_o have_v prescribe_v a_o law_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v but_o always_o the_o possibility_n of_o observance_n suppose_v and_o a_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n semblable_a to_o that_o in_o his_o time_n when_o the_o church_n discipline_n be_v not_o as_o as_o yet_o corrupt_v in_o this_o point_n this_o commandment_n than_o presuppose_v not_o that_o the_o church_n shall_v always_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n but_o that_o in_o the_o case_n propound_v recourse_n shall_v be_v have_v unto_o she_o when_o she_o be_v so_o as_o for_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n not_o always_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o effect_n but_o to_o the_o duty_n as_o they_o be_v call_v also_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o 5.13_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n because_o they_o be_v ordain_v for_o this_o purpose_n and_o be_v bind_v to_o this_o duty_n but_o then_o when_o they_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o light_n it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a light_n not_o discernible_a but_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n &_o mind_n of_o those_o which_o be_v spiritual_a of_o those_o which_o be_v in_o the_o house_n as_o our_o saviour_n express_v it_o so_o that_o none_o of_o these_o consideration_n can_v yield_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n for_o the_o perpetual_a outward_a visibility_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o in_o the_o whole_a nor_o in_o her_o part_n chap._n xxiiii_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v before_o the_o last_o reformation_n where_o she_o be_v and_o who_o be_v her_o pastor_n but_o if_o they_o will_v needs_o press_v we_o further_o yet_o &_o demand_v where_o our_o church_n be_v extant_a immediate_o before_o our_o separation_n we_o tell_v they_o that_o she_o be_v in_o babylon_n in_o captivity_n under_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n a_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n my_o people_n it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o revelation_n the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v then_o in_o babylon_n albeit_o they_o serve_v not_o the_o god_n of_o babylon_n and_o which_o be_v more_o their_o teacher_n be_v the_o teacher_n of_o babylon_n if_o this_o seem_v strange_a to_o any_o man_n let_v he_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n before_o our_o saviour_n have_v begin_v his_o preach_n may_v it_o not_o at_o that_o time_n have_v be_v demand_v where_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v be_v before_o and_o who_o be_v her_o pastor_n what_o can_v one_o answer_v to_o this_o query_n may_v it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o their_o adherent_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n be_v the_o church_n alas_o they_o be_v nothing_o less_o they_o be_v enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o â—his_fw-la church_n the_o true_a answer_n than_o have_v be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o small_a number_n of_o righteous_a person_n which_o groan_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o that_o spiritual_a tyranny_n which_o lament_v the_o desolation_n come_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n and_o discipline_n that_o the_o doctor_n of_o â—he_n church_n be_v the_o pharisee_n of_o who_o the_o lord_n testify_v that_o they_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n now_o we_o say_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n that_o god_n before_o the_o reformation_n begin_v in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o forefather_n have_v a_o church_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o babylon_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o popish_a and_o antichristian_a church_n but_o that_o this_o church_n howsoever_o be_v not_o the_o multitude_n of_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o 9_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o worship_v it_o but_o the_o small_a 20.4_o company_n of_o those_o which_o mislike_v the_o roman_a tyranny_n and_o corruption_n of_o who_o some_o from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v detect_v have_v be_v banish_v other_o cruel_o put_v to_o death_n and_o slander_v to_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o horrible_a and_o heinous_a crime_n to_o make_v their_o person_n odious_a to_o the_o people_n &_o their_o memory_n execrable_a to_o posterity_n have_v not_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n maugre_o the_o subtlety_n and_o fury_n of_o calumny_n preserve_v the_o monument_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o piety_n even_o unto_o this_o day_n such_o be_v the_o poor_a waldenses_n constrain_v to_o wander_v to_o &_o fro_o such_o also_o be_v the_o exile_a albigenses_n concern_v that_o which_o be_v further_o demand_v of_o we_o who_o be_v the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n during_o that_o time_n so_o full_a of_o confusion_n then_o when_o babel_n reign_v we_o answer_v that_o questionless_a the_o holy_a ghost_n always_o instruct_v his_o church_n 16.13_o inward_o and_o that_o outward_o they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o which_o teach_v public_o namely_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n but_o some_o man_n may_v here_o say_v that_o by_o consequent_a they_o be_v true_a teacher_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v that_o in_o some_o sort_n they_o be_v true_a as_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v both_o true_a teacher_n and_o seducer_n true_o when_o they_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n teach_v his_o doctrine_n the_o people_n receive_v wholesome_a instruction_n by_o their_o ministry_n seducer_n when_o they_o sit_v in_o their_o own_o chair_n teach_v their_o own_o tradition_n their_o own_o invention_n they_o 2.15_o who_o perish_v the_o people_n who_o 11.17_o god_n have_v not_o choose_v suck_v in_o the_o poison_n which_o they_o temper_v thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n before_o the_o lord_n have_v begin_v to_o manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n otherwise_o god_n have_v not_o have_v a_o châ—rch_n this_o be_v true_a and_o evident_a it_o shall_v not_o be_v necessary_a sollicitous_o to_o insist_v upon_o a_o far_a answer_n to_o the_o demand_n how_o this_o can_v be_v when_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n about_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v curiosity_n to_o inquire_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o yet_o that_o we_o may_v leave_v no_o scruple_n behind_o we_o will_v tell_v they_o after_o what_o manner_n god_n use_v false_a teacher_n to_o instruct_v his_o people_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n propound_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o read_v it_o among_o the_o jew_n before_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n so_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o they_o mingle_v their_o leaven_n with_o it_o they_o thrust_v in_o their_o exposition_n gloss_n and_o tradition_n the_o true_a church_n sustain_v herself_o with_o the_o word_n and_o reject_v the_o leaven_n the_o false_a glut_v herself_o with_o the_o leaven_n and_o let_v pass_v the_o word_n what_o strange_a matter_n be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o the_o sheep_n in_o their_o pasturage_n where_o there_o be_v some_o venomous_a herb_n and_o other_o convenient_a for_o this_o nature_n know_v well_o how_o to_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v proper_a for_o they_o &_o â—o_o let_v alone_o that_o which_o be_v hurtful_a and_o shall_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n be_v unfurnished_a of_o this_o discretion_n they_o of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v 4.5·_v that_o they_o hear_v his_o voice_n know_v it_o follow_v it_o and_o fly_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o stranger_n who_o then_o will_v wonder_v any_o long_o that_o before_o the_o great_a reformation_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v begin_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o decrepit_a age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o church_n have_v truth_n propound_v unto_o she_o mix_v with_o lie_n have_v embrace_v the_o truth_n and_o reject_v the_o lie_n sure_o this_o truth_n have_v sound_v always_o in_o the_o church_n it_o have_v be_v in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o romish_a doctor_n as_o the_o benediction_n be_v in_o the_o mouth_n of_o balaam_n this_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n creator_n and_o preserver_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o the_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n distinguish_v but_o not_o divide_v be_v this_o god_n that_o the_o universe_n be_v create_v for_o man_n and_o man_n after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n he_o by_o his_o sin_n have_v draw_v upon_o himself_o anger_n and_o malediction_n that_o the_o sâ—nne_n of_o god_n have_v take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o and_o in_o it_o have_v expiate_v our_o offence_n that_o all_o thâ—se_a which_o believe_v in_o he_o which_o repent_v in_o sincerity_n obtain_v mercy_n that_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v so_o merciful_a a_o god_n to_o call_v upon_o he_o to_o give_v he_o thanks_n thus_o far_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v in_o moses_n chair_n in_o the_o chair_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n thus_o far_o they_o be_v to_o be_v hearken_v to_o thus_o far_o the_o church_n do_v hear_v they_o but_o whilst_o
they_o add_v to_o this_o truth_n their_o lie_n to_o this_o spiritual_a bread_n their_o leaven_n then_o they_o sit_v in_o their_o own_o chair_n they_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v no_o far_o then_o the_o true_a church_n stop_v her_o ear_n against_o they_o the_o false_a she_o listen_v to_o they_o thus_o we_o answer_v to_o this_o importunate_a questixon_n how_o may_v this_o be_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n also_o we_o be_v not_o perplex_v for_o a_o answer_n when_o they_o ask_v we_o what_o be_v become_v of_o our_o forefather_n this_o interrogatory_n propose_v by_o the_o pagan_n to_o the_o first_o christian_n extort_a from_o they_o a_o answer_n odious_a in_o the_o mouth_n of_o child_n speak_v of_o their_o parent_n that_o god_n be_v marvellous_a in_o his_o way_n but_o in_o all_o likelihood_n they_o be_v damn_v thank_n be_v to_o god_n we_o be_v not_o drive_v to_o such_o strait_n in_o paganism_n there_o be_v nothing_o which_o may_v save_v no_o word_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o doctrine_n publish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v something_o to_o beâ—_n choose_v and_o they_o who_o pick_v it_o out_o careful_o and_o apply_v it_o to_o their_o use_n be_v save_v why_o shall_v we_o doubt_v but_o that_o many_o thousand_o of_o our_o father_n do_v it_o god_n have_v know_v how_o to_o preserve_v a_o church_n to_o himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o most_o horrible_a apostasy_n confusion_n and_o desolation_n happen_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n since_o malachi_n shall_v his_o arm_n be_v shorten_v under_o the_o new_a no_o but_o 3.6_o eternal_a as_o he_o be_v he_o be_v always_o like_o himself_o now_o then_o let_v the_o importunate_a curiosity_n surcease_v those_o question_n frame_v only_o to_o distract_v the_o simple_a where_o be_v your_o church_n where_o be_v your_o pastor_n our_o church_n be_v in_o babylon_n and_o her_o teacher_n for_o want_n of_o better_a be_v the_o teacher_n of_o babylon_n concern_v that_o which_o they_o trouble_v we_o far_o with_o why_o therefore_o we_o have_v not_o imitate_v our_o forefather_n example_n why_o we_o be_v come_v out_o of_o babylon_n if_o they_o be_v save_v in_o it_o we_o will_v give_v reason_n for_o it_o hereafter_o 37._o in_o their_o proper_a place_n chap._n xxv_o of_o the_o true_a succession_n of_o the_o church_n what_o it_o be_v that_o it_o depend_v not_o of_o succession_n either_o natural_a or_o politic_a now_o because_o they_o main_o oppress_v we_o with_o the_o prejudice_n which_o they_o make_v against_o we_o about_o succession_n which_o they_o say_v be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o pretend_v moreover_o that_o they_o have_v it_o and_o that_o we_o have_v it_o not_o that_o they_o have_v continue_v always_o that_o we_o be_v late_o come_v in_o by_o the_o by_o cross_v their_o line_n of_o succession_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o strength_n this_o pretence_n for_o they_o &_o exception_n against_o we_o may_v have_v now_o that_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o the_o word_n may_v not_o entangle_v we_o we_o must_v know_v what_o kind_n of_o succession_n they_o mean_v if_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a succession_n from_o father_n to_o son_n from_o generation_n to_o generation_n we_o say_v that_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v not_o of_o such_o a_o succession_n it_o be_v and_o be_v still_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o obstinate_a jew_n that_o they_o be_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o â—_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n in_o respect_n of_o carnal_a and_o natural_a generation_n yet_o they_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v the_o true_a church_n they_o have_v succeed_v their_o religious_a ancestor_n in_o be_v man_n this_o succession_n be_v natural_a they_o have_v not_o succeed_v they_o in_o be_v faithful_a man_n this_o succession_n be_v spiritual_a if_o they_o understand_v a_o politic_a succession_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o place_n and_o authority_n one_o succeed_v another_o in_o order_n and_o without_o out_o interruption_n we_o affirm_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o fasten_v to_o such_o a_o succession_n how_o often_o do_v the_o prophet_n complain_v that_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n their_o king_n and_o priest_n be_v all_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o quite_o disorder_v by_o idolatry_n albeit_o their_o king_n be_v successor_n of_o good_a king_n and_o their_o priest_n of_o good_a priest_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n enjoy_v not_o they_o this_o kind_n of_o succession_n which_o we_o call_v politic_a be_v they_o for_o all_o that_o the_o true_a church_n yea_o be_v they_o not_o 23.16.17.19_o seducer_n of_o the_o people_n corruptor_n of_o the_o law_n swear_v and_o deadly_a enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o doctrine_n now_o against_o this_o truth_n so_o evident_a it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v reply_v any_o thing_n but_o it_o will_v be_v very_o frivolous_a if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o malachi_n propehsy_v that_o 2.7_o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n that_o the_o people_n shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n we_o answer_v that_o in_o that_o place_n there_o be_v not_o contain_v a_o prediction_n of_o a_o after_o event_n but_o a_o declaration_n of_o a_o duty_n for_o indeed_o present_o after_o the_o prophet_n accuse_v the_o priest_n for_o have_v go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n for_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o stumble_v a_o manifest_a proof_n that_o these_o word_n the_o lip_n of_o the_o priest_n shall_v preserve_v knewledge_n have_v no_o other_o emphasis_n they_o to_o signify_v that_o the_o lip_n of_o the_o priest_n ought_v to_o preserve_v knowledge_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o frequent_a in_o scripture_n they_o to_o propose_v a_o duty_n in_o the_o future_a tense_n almost_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n run_v in_o this_o form_n thou_o shall_v have_v no_o other_o god_n before_o i_o thou_o shall_v not_o make_v to_o thyself_o any_o grave_a image_n thou_o shall_v not_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o vain_a etc._n etc._n he_o that_o shall_v infer_v upon_o these_o form_n of_o speech_n that_o these_o commandment_n shall_v never_o be_v break_v will_v hardly_o prove_v himself_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n so_o the_o true_a succession_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o always_o join_v to_o this_o politic_a succession_n which_o of_o itself_o without_o the_o succession_n of_o piety_n be_v like_a to_o the_o succession_n of_o darkness_n to_o light_n of_o sickness_n to_o health_n of_o a_o infectious_a air_n to_o a_o wholesome_a of_o barrenness_n to_o fruitfulness_n of_o a_o tyrant_n to_o a_o good_a prince_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v account_v the_o true_a succession_n which_o be_v the_o succession_n of_o truth_n to_o have_v the_o same_o mind_n and_o opinion_n be_v to_o have_v succession_n of_o the_o same_o seat_n not_o to_o have_v the_o same_o opinion_n be_v to_o be_v contrary_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o seat_n the_o succession_n of_o the_o seat_n have_v but_o the_o name_n of_o succession_n the_o succession_n of_o opinion_n have_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o athan._n say_v nazianzane_n and_o in_o say_v so_o have_v teach_v we_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o lord_n will_v have_v the_o 23.2_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n to_o be_v hear_v as_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n to_o wit_n when_o they_o teach_v like_o moses_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v the_o successor_n of_o moses_n in_o doctrine_n but_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o he_o have_v command_v also_o 16.6_o 33.34.35_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n when_o they_o sit_v not_o in_o his_o chair_n but_o upon_o a_o stool_n of_o their_o own_o make_n but_o what_o have_v the_o church_n of_o god_n than_o no_o certain_a succession_n on_o earth_n yea_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v 6.13_o that_o as_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o oak_n and_o teyletree_n be_v in_o that_o which_o they_o cast_v so_o the_o holy_a seed_n shall_v be_v her_o substance_n but_o this_o succession_n be_v not_o tie_v either_o to_o the_o natural_a or_o to_o the_o politic_a succession_n but_o it_o depend_v only_o of_o the_o free_a disposition_n of_o he_o who_o turn_v river_n into_o a_o wilderness_n and_o the_o water_n spring_v into_o dry_a ground_n a_o fruitful_a land_n into_o barrenness_n for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o they_o that_o dwell_v therein_o who_o turn_v the_o wilderness_n into_o a_o stand_a water_n and_o dry_a ground_n into_o water_n spring_n chap_n xxvi_o that_o the_o pope_n authority_n be_v not_o original_o derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o this_o matter_n the_o romish_a church_n have_v no_o kind_n of_o lawful_a succession_n not_o that_o of_o government_n and_o policy_n not_o that_o of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n no_o not_o the_o succession_n of_o person_n lest_o of_o all_o that_o of_o doctrine_n she_o have_v not_o that_o of_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n for_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n there_o be_v no_o