sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o other_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o none_o have_v fail_v of_o their_o duty_n therein_o qu._n 12._o whether_o all_o that_o be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v not_o true_a according_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n so_o deliver_v ans_fw-fr all_o that_o be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v undoubted_o true_a according_a to_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o qu._n 13._o whether_o a_o obstinate_a contradiction_n of_o any_o one_o truth_n thus_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n though_o there_o appear_v no_o necessity_n it_o shall_v have_v be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v not_o injurious_a to_o that_o divine_a authority_n and_o veracity_n and_o which_o unrepented_a of_o shall_v bring_v damnation_n ans_fw-fr a_o obstinate_a contradiction_n of_o any_o one_o plain_a truth_n deliver_v in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v certain_o a_o very_a great_a injury_n to_o divine_a authority_n and_o veracity_n qu._n 14._o when_o difficulty_n do_v arise_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o matter_n of_o faith_n whither_o the_o dicision_n of_o those_o controversy_n be_v carry_v and_o whether_o the_o present_a church_n of_o every_o age_n be_v not_o to_o decide_v it_o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v undoubted_o the_o practice_n and_o be_v most_o rational_a that_o the_o present_a church_n in_o every_o age_n shall_v decide_v such_o controversy_n for_o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o they_o shall_v inquire_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n and_o no_o question_n the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o declare_v matter_n of_o faith_n but_o not_o to_o make_v any_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n qu._n 15._o whether_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v to_o have_v a_o authoritative_a power_n in_o this_o decision_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o universal_o leave_v to_o the_o head_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n assemble_v together_o ans_fw-fr every_o particular_a person_n have_v undoubted_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n allow_v he_o in_o matter_n of_o that_o nature_n but_o the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o decide_v and_o determine_v be_v in_o the_o head_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n assemble_v together_o for_o that_o end_n qu._n 16._o whether_o such_o a_o force_n of_o hope_n or_o fear_n can_v possible_o happen_v at_o once_o upon_o all_o the_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n assemble_v together_o or_o after_o consent_v to_o those_o that_o be_v assemble_v as_o shall_v make_v they_o declare_v that_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n reveal_v by_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o so_o deliver_v to_o they_o to_o have_v be_v the_o ever_o esteem_a sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o perpetual_a tradition_n which_o be_v not_o so_o ans_fw-fr whilst_o man_n be_v man_n they_o will_v be_v liable_a to_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o they_o if_o therefore_o we_o consider_v the_o head_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o such_o we_o can_v allow_v they_o a_o exemption_n therefrom_o and_o consequent_o there_o may_v be_v no_o impossibility_n in_o the_o thing_n propound_v we_o grant_v that_o in_o a_o general_n council_n lawful_o assemble_v we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_v for_o the_o presence_n direction_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n â—…t_v how_o far_o the_o passion_n and_o humour_n of_o man_n may_v frustrate_v our_o hope_n we_o know_v not_o this_o we_o certain_o know_v that_o the_o act_n of_o one_o council_n have_v be_v make_v void_a by_o another_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o one_o of_o they_o do_v declare_v something_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n reveal_v by_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o so_o deliver_v unto_o they_o qu._n 17._o whether_o the_o decision_n of_o such_o assembly_n or_o general_a council_n be_v not_o always_o esteem_v obligatory_a in_o the_o church_n and_o whether_o particular_a person_n or_o church_n obstinate_o gainsay_v such_o decision_n receive_v by_o a_o much_o major_a part_n of_o the_o church_n diffuse_v be_v not_o always_o esteem_v to_o have_v incur_v those_o anathema_n pronounce_v by_o such_o council_n ans_fw-fr if_o those_o assembly_n or_o council_n be_v true_o general_a we_o do_v very_o much_o reverence_v their_o authority_n and_o think_v their_o decision_n to_o be_v obligatory_a but_o we_o do_v not_o think_v all_o to_o be_v such_o that_o be_v call_v so_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v by_o some_o sort_n of_o man_n look_v upon_o as_o a_o general_a council_n and_o all_o their_o religion_n almost_o build_v upon_o the_o authority_n thereof_o and_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o england_n never_o receive_v the_o decision_n of_o that_o council_n nor_o do_v the_o galican_n church_n for_o many_o year_n and_o yet_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o do_v for_o all_o that_o esteem_v themselves_o to_o have_v incur_v the_o anathema_n pronounce_v by_o that_o council_n qu._n 18._o whether_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v not_o in_o all_o age_n practice_n this_o way_n of_o decide_v controversy_n and_o whether_o these_o be_v not_o as_o universal_a a_o tradition_n of_o this_o as_o the_o practice_n be_v universal_a without_o interruption_n ans_fw-fr universal_a practice_n will_v amount_v to_o a_o universal_a tradition_n and_o that_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a weight_n we_o deny_v not_o nor_o shall_v we_o oppose_v the_o same_o course_n now_o provide_v the_o council_n be_v free_a and_o general_a but_o the_o enquirer_n go_v on_o some_o will_v perhaps_o say_v that_o such_o council_n can_v err_v in_o fundamental_o but_o may_v in_o not_o fundamental_o i_o ask_v these_o qu._n what_o be_v fundamental_o and_o what_o not_o ans_fw-fr those_o thing_n which_o be_v essential_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o religion_n may_v proper_o be_v call_v fundamental_a but_o those_o thing_n which_o only_o respect_v order_n and_o decency_n therein_o and_o vary_v according_a to_o time_n and_o place_n and_o be_v alterable_a by_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o see_v cause_v these_o be_v not_o fundamental_a qu._n whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o thing_n fundamental_o to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o to_o every_o particular_a ans_fw-fr there_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n fundamental_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v not_o so_o to_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o that_o church_n but_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v â—…ndamental_a to_o the_o be_v of_o religion_n be_v equal_o so_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o qu._n whether_o a_o obstinate_a denial_n of_o what_o be_v fundamental_a or_o necessary_a to_o the_o universal_a church_n or_o grant_v as_o i_o may_v say_v upon_o what_o be_v fundamental_a by_o a_o particular_a person_n be_v not_o in_o time_n a_o fundamental_a error_n especial_o after_o a_o universal_a declaration_n of_o it_o as_o truth_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ans_fw-fr this_o query_n as_o it_o be_v here_o word_a be_v hardly_o reconcileable_a to_o sense_n but_o i_o suppose_v his_o meaning_n be_v whether_o for_o any_o particular_a person_n obstinate_o to_o deny_v what_o be_v fundamental_a or_o necessary_a to_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o declare_v to_o be_v a_o truth_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o a_o fundamental_a error_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o every_o particular_a christian_n ought_v with_o all_o deference_n to_o submit_v his_o own_o private_a judgement_n to_o the_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o though_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v so_o plain_a to_o he_o yet_o he_o ought_v rather_o to_o suspect_v his_o own_o than_o that_o of_o the_o church_n but_o if_o in_o some_o thing_n he_o can_v be_v satisfy_v and_o therein_o happen_v to_o differ_v from_o the_o church_n provide_v he_o do_v not_o thereby_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v hardly_o amount_v to_o a_o fundamental_a error_n but_o what_o if_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o truth_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n will_v not_o that_o make_v it_o so_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o no_o declaration_n of_o the_o church_n how_o universal_a soever_o it_o be_v can_v make_v that_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o real_o be_v not_o so_o and_o therefore_o in_o that_o case_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o their_o write_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o either_o in_o express_a word_n contain_v therein_o or_o by_o sound_a consequence_n draw_v therefrom_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o comply_v with_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o fundamental_a error_n to_o differ_v therein_o qu._n whether_o the_o universal_a church_n assemble_v in_o a_o general_n council_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v just_o esteem_v the_o decider_n of_o what_o be_v fundamental_a and_o what_o
not_o ans_fw-fr when_o the_o universal_a church_n by_o her_o proper_a representative_n be_v lawful_o assemble_v in_o a_o council_n true_o general_n that_o council_n without_o all_o dispute_n will_v be_v a_o very_a proper_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v fundamental_a and_o what_o not_o but_o this_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v pray_v than_o hope_v for_o qu._n whether_o a_o obstinate_a denial_n of_o any_o one_o truth_n deliver_v by_o jesus_n christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n though_o the_o delivery_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n may_v not_o be_v call_v a_o fundamental_a error_n see_v it_o bring_v the_o rest_n he_o deliver_v in_o question_n as_o also_o his_o veracity_n ans_fw-fr the_o denial_n of_o any_o one_o truth_n deliver_v by_o jesus_n christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n be_v a_o very_a great_a fault_n and_o if_o that_o denial_n be_v obstinate_o continue_v in_o after_o plain_a conviction_n that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a error_n qu._n whether_o therefore_o the_o denial_n of_o any_o one_o truth_n deliver_v to_o we_o by_o a_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n as_o teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n will_v not_o be_v a_o fundamental_a error_n ans_fw-fr there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o a_o thing_n deliver_v as_o teach_v and_o plain_o teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o we_o meet_v with_o many_o thing_n deliver_v as_o teach_v by_o they_o and_o tradition_n pretend_v for_o they_o which_o real_o and_o in_o truth_n be_v never_o teach_v by_o they_o or_o either_o of_o they_o ae_v to_o deny_v such_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o fundamental_a error_n that_o it_o be_v no_o error_n at_o all_o there_o be_v also_o a_o great_a difference_n between_o tradition_n if_o by_o tradition_n he_o mean_v the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o grant_v that_o to_o deny_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v plain_o and_o clear_o teach_v therein_o be_v a_o very_a great_a error_n but_o if_o by_o tradition_n he_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v mere_o humane_a and_o not_o clear_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o think_v we_o ought_v to_o reject_v such_o how_o uninterrupted_a soever_o they_o be_v for_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n than_o have_v be_v preach_v let_v he_o he_o accurse_a say_v st._n paul_n qu._n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n whether_o the_o teach_n of_o any_o doctrine_n only_o pious_o believe_v but_o sufficient_o know_v not_o to_o have_v be_v express_o or_o by_o a_o natural_a consequence_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o which_o may_v upon_o that_o account_n be_v false_a not_o have_v divine_a revelation_n which_o alone_o be_v infallible_a for_o its_o ground_n whether_o i_o say_v the_o teach_v such_o a_o doctrine_n so_o know_v as_o one_o that_o be_v deliver_v by_o christ_n when_o they_o know_v it_o be_v not_o will_v not_o be_v a_o fundamental_a error_n ans_fw-fr whosoever_o teach_v such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v mention_v in_o this_o query_n and_o in_o that_o manner_n be_v high_o guilty_a and_o when_o the_o enquirer_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v more_o particular_a and_o produce_v his_o instance_n he_o may_v expect_v a_o more_o particular_a answer_n and_o perhaps_o be_v tell_v at_o who_o door_n this_o charge_n will_v lie_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n this_o general_a answer_n may_v suffice_v qu._n whether_o christ_n have_v take_v care_n as_o some_o grant_n that_o his_o church_n shall_v not_o err_v in_o fundamental_o have_v not_o consequent_o take_v care_n that_o she_o shall_v not_o teach_v any_o one_o doctrine_n as_o deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o consequent_o of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o teach_v by_o he_o and_o consequent_o may_v be_v a_o error_n ans_fw-fr christ_n have_v take_v all_o care_n possible_a to_o secure_v his_o church_n from_o error_n and_o have_v give_v she_o his_o gracious_a promise_n to_o be_v with_o she_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o church_n be_v compose_v of_o man_n and_o such_o as_o be_v fallible_a the_o security_n be_v not_o promise_v to_o particular_n particular_a person_n and_o particular_a church_n too_o we_o know_v not_o only_o may_v but_o have_v gross_o err_v the_o security_n therefore_o be_v only_o promise_v to_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o that_o he_o may_v expect_v a_o more_o direct_a answer_n to_o his_o query_n qu._n whether_o those_o doctrine_n or_o most_o of_o they_o controvert_v now_o by_o protestant_n have_v not_o be_v teach_v and_o believe_v in_o the_o church_n as_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o christ_n long_o before_o luther_n yea_o and_o deliver_v in_o the_o most_o general_a council_n those_o age_n will_v permit_v and_o accept_v of_o by_o the_o church_n diffusive_a none_o that_o we_o know_v of_o dissent_v but_o those_o condemn_v in_o those_o council_n for_o heretic_n and_o who_o heresy_n expire_v almost_o with_o themselves_o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v now_o plain_a that_o this_o enquirer_n by_o the_o church_n and_o universal_a church_n so_o often_o mention_v by_o he_o do_v all_o along_o mean_a the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o comply_v with_o he_o in_o that_o though_o we_o own_o that_o church_n to_o be_v a_o member_n yet_o we_o can_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o if_o by_o the_o decision_n and_o declaration_n of_o the_o church_n he_o mean_v the_o determination_n of_o that_o church_n they_o be_v no_o further_o obligatory_a than_o to_o her_o own_o member_n nor_o many_o of_o they_o to_o they_o neither_o if_o strict_o inquire_v into_o as_o for_o luther_n we_o do_v not_o receive_v our_o religion_n from_o he_o but_o from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o for_o any_o doctrine_n now_o controvert_v we_o be_v content_a to_o have_v the_o same_o determine_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o four_o first_o general_n council_n as_o for_o the_o council_n our_o enquirer_n hint_n at_o we_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v true_o general_n or_o that_o all_o their_o decision_n be_v ever_o accept_v of_o by_o the_o church_n diffusive_a and_o he_o can_v but_o know_v that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o not_o only_o person_n but_o whole_a church_n which_o do_v dissent_v from_o they_o qu._n whether_o there_o be_v from_o the_o first_o 400_o year_n till_o the_o time_n of_o luther_n any_o know_a body_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n declare_v a_o dissent_n in_o any_o age_n from_o those_o doctrine_n and_o oppose_v those_o council_n and_o whether_o the_o greek_a church_n do_v not_o and_o do_v to_o this_o very_a day_n consent_n with_o this_o western_a church_n in_o most_o point_n now_o controvert_v by_o protestant_n ans_fw-fr this_o query_n be_v preposterous_o put_v for_o how_o shall_v any_o body_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o the_o first_o 400_o year_n oppose_v themselves_o to_o those_o council_n which_o be_v not_o then_o in_o be_v nor_o hear_v of_o till_o many_o hundred_o year_n afterward_o but_o that_o the_o father_n in_o those_o first_o age_n do_v teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n we_o now_o do_v we_o appeal_v to_o the_o record_n of_o those_o time_n and_o that_o those_o after-council_n by_o he_o mention_v be_v dissenter_n from_o those_o of_o the_o first_o age_n we_o be_v content_v to_o be_v try_v by_o compare_v the_o act_n of_o both_o together_o and_o that_o the_o greek_a church_n do_v or_o now_o do_v agree_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o all_o or_o most_o of_o those_o point_n now_o in_o difference_n between_o she_o and_o we_o we_o utter_o deny_v and_o challenge_v he_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o qu._n whether_o luther_n the_o first_o author_n of_o protestancy_n do_v not_o separate_v himself_o from_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n at_o that_o time_n spread_v over_o the_o west_n contradict_v all_o the_o prelate_n and_o pastor_n then_o live_v in_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o that_o church_n and_o the_o general_a council_n receive_v as_o such_o by_o the_o forego_n age_n ans_fw-fr as_o for_o the_o name_n of_o protestant_n and_o papist_n i_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o name_n of_o distinction_n not_o of_o religion_n the_o religion_n we_o both_o own_o be_v christian_a this_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v from_o luther_n nor_o they_o from_o ignatius_n loyala_n st._n francis_n or_o any_o such_o but_o both_o of_o we_o from_o jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a question_n be_v whether_o they_o or_o we_o hold_v that_o religion_n in_o great_a purity_n it_o be_v true_a that_o luther_n in_o his_o time_n do_v more_o narrow_o look_v into_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n declare_v against_o they_o and_o on_o that_o account_n separate_v from_o her_o communion_n and_o for_o any_o thing_n yet_o appear_v may_v be_v very_o well_o justify_v in_o so_o do_v for_o if_o any_o church_n shall_v make_v term_n of_o her_o
in_o all_o age_n be_v in_o order_n choose_v and_o authorize_v as_o pastor_n and_o church_n magistrate_n to_o preserve_v teach_v and_o promulgate_v those_o bind_a rule_n to_o all_o nation_n ans_fw-fr that_o the_o bless_a jesus_n out_o of_o his_o abundant_a care_n and_o goodness_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o that_o great_a work_n which_o he_o have_v begin_v for_o the_o promote_a of_o that_o holy_a religion_n which_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o the_o well_o order_v of_o that_o church_n which_o he_o have_v found_v do_v appoint_v certain_a order_n of_o man_n and_o endow_v they_o with_o gift_n which_o may_v qualify_v they_o for_o their_o several_a employment_n we_o do_v very_o believe_v for_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o say_v he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n eph._n 4.11_o but_o that_o he_o ever_o institute_v any_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church-magistrate_n i_o never_o read_v yet_o if_o by_o his_o church-magistrate_n he_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o st._n paul_n do_v by_o government_n we_o shall_v not_o quarrel_v with_o he_o about_o the_o word_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o these_o officer_n to_o preserve_v those_o law_n and_o rule_n which_o he_o leave_v and_o to_o teach_v and_o promulgate_v they_o to_o all_o nation_n we_o ready_o grant_v but_o than_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o those_o who_o either_o add_v thereto_o or_o diminish_v therefrom_o who_o either_o alter_v those_o bind_a law_n and_o rule_n or_o make_v new_a one_o of_o their_o own_o and_o impose_v they_o upon_o other_o as_o if_o they_o be_v of_o equal_a force_n and_o authority_n with_o those_o deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o can_v easy_o give_v instance_n to_o show_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v guilty_a both_o way_n but_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o transgress_v the_o method_n which_o the_o enquirer_n have_v propound_v by_o enter_v upon_o discourse_n of_o thing_n not_o demand_v qu._n 7._o be_v they_o clergyman_n or_o layman_n by_o who_o immediate_o they_o be_v choose_v and_o authorize_v in_o those_o high_a function_n ans_fw-fr we_o do_v very_o believe_v be_v well_o assure_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n and_o by_o the_o usage_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n that_o it_o only_o appertain_v to_o clergyman_n by_o the_o solemn_a imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o set_v apart_z other_o to_o those_o sacred_a function_n and_o that_o they_o have_v sufficient_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o authorise_v they_o to_o perform_v those_o holy_a office_n i_o never_o hear_v this_o deny_v by_o any_o of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o therefore_o this_o enquirer_n might_n if_o he_o have_v so_o please_v have_v spare_v this_o query_n qu._n 8._o be_v all_o christian_n in_o succeed_a age_n bind_v to_o believe_v what_o those_o succeed_a pastor_n or_o supreme_a church-magistrate_n teach_v they_o as_o bind_v law_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o the_o write_n by_o they_o collect_v preserve_v and_o deliver_v in_o a_o different_a language_n from_o the_o original_a be_v the_o true_a copy_n of_o original_a apostolic_a write_n and_o that_o the_o sentence_n interpretation_n and_o use_n thereof_o deliver_v by_o they_o in_o supreme_a council_n for_o unity_n and_o peace_n and_o to_o prevent_v schism_n and_o error_n be_v rule_n which_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o follow_v ans_fw-fr this_o query_n be_v a_o song_n of_o three_o part_n to_o answer_v all_o which_o direct_o i_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o take_v it_o in_o piece_n and_o consider_v the_o part_n several_o and_o though_o the_o answer_n thereunto_o will_v very_o well_o admit_v and_o do_v almost_o necessary_o require_v a_o long_a discourse_n yet_o i_o remember_v the_o enquirer_n have_v confine_v i_o to_o a_o method_n which_o i_o have_v promise_v to_o observe_v and_o therefore_o in_o my_o answer_n thereunto_o i_o shall_v be_v as_o short_a as_o possible_a without_o enter_v upon_o discourse_n of_o thing_n not_o demand_v qu._n 1._o be_v all_o christian_n in_o succeed_a age_n bind_v to_o believe_v what_o those_o succeed_a pastor_n or_o supreme_a church-magistrate_n teach_v they_o as_o bind_v law_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ans_fw-fr whatever_o have_v be_v teach_v as_o a_o bind_a law_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o all_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v for_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n matt._n 28.20_o and_o to_o build_v it_o upon_o a_o rock_n so_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o matt._n 16.18_o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o guide_v it_o into_o all_o truth_n joh._n 16.13_o the_o universal_a church_n therefore_o be_v thus_o secure_v from_o error_n we_o have_v no_o apprehension_n of_o be_v deceive_v thereby_o but_o though_o we_o owe_v this_o deference_n to_o the_o one_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n and_o the_o unite_a body_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n thereof_o yet_o no_o particular_a church_n nor_o any_o particular_a pastor_n or_o governor_n thereof_o nor_o any_o number_n of_o they_o less_o than_o the_o whole_a have_v any_o reason_n to_o claim_v the_o same_o for_o whilst_o man_n be_v man_n they_o be_v and_o will_v be_v fallible_a and_o be_v so_o they_o may_v and_o oftentimes_o do_v err_v and_o though_o the_o whole_a body_n can_v yet_o any_o particular_a member_n may_v be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o greedy_o to_o swallow_v all_o that_o be_v teach_v by_o they_o but_o to_o examine_v well_o what_o they_o teach_v before_o we_o give_v our_o assent_n thereunto_o otherwise_o we_o may_v easy_o be_v impose_v upon_o qu._n 2._o be_v all_o christian_n in_o succeed_a age_n bind_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o writing_n collect_v by_o those_o succeed_a pastor_n or_o supreme_a church-magistrate_n and_o by_o they_o preserve_v and_o deliver_v in_o a_o different_a language_n from_o the_o original_a be_v the_o true_a copy_n of_o original_a apostolic_a write_n ans_fw-fr that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v faithful_o collect_v and_o preserve_v by_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o copy_n hand_v down_o to_o we_o though_o in_o a_o language_n different_a from_o the_o original_a be_v true_a copy_n we_o do_v not_o at_o all_o doubt_n for_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o the_o universal_a church_n shall_v conspire_v together_o to_o impose_v a_o falsehood_n upon_o posterity_n but_o that_o these_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o believe_v not_o only_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o for_o several_a other_o reason_n as_o this_o gent._n can_v but_o know_v if_o he_o have_v be_v conversant_a in_o our_o write_n which_o reason_n may_v here_o fit_o be_v produce_v if_o i_o be_v not_o confine_v by_o the_o enquirer_n to_o a_o short_a method_n and_o have_v promise_v to_o observe_v the_o same_o i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o add_v that_o if_o by_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v he_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v a_o bind_a law_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o for_o this_o reason_n we_o shall_v believe_v those_o copy_n to_o be_v true_a we_o deny_v it_o because_o we_o can_v find_v any_o such_o law_n deliver_v by_o they_o but_o if_o by_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v he_o only_o mean_v that_o consider_v by_o who_o they_o be_v hand_v to_o we_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o they_o we_o ready_o comply_v with_o he_o qu._n 3._o be_v all_o christian_n in_o succeed_a age_n bind_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o sentence_n interpretation_n and_o use_n of_o those_o write_n deliver_v by_o those_o pastor_n or_o supreme_a church-magistrate_n in_o supreme_a council_n for_o unity_n and_o peace_n and_o to_o prevent_v schism_n and_o error_n be_v rule_n which_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o follow_v ans_fw-fr what_o this_o enquirer_n mean_v by_o supreme_a church-magistrate_n and_o supreme_a council_n be_v somewhat_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v for_o to_o constitute_v two_o supremes_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o body_n will_v make_v it_o look_v a_o little_a monstrous_a if_o by_o the_o council_n be_v supreme_a he_o mean_v that_o be_v above_o the_o supreme_a church-magistrate_n i._n e._n the_o pope_n for_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o he_o intend_v he_o all_o along_o by_o that_o
grant_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n yet_o that_o can_v signify_v nothing_o to_o she_o till_o she_o have_v prove_v herself_o to_o be_v that_o catholic_n church_n to_o which_o alone_o those_o promise_n confess_o belong_v thus_o you_o see_v how_o candid_a and_o faithful_a our_o explainer_n have_v be_v in_o this_o first_o point_n and_o now_o let_v we_o examine_v whether_o he_o acquit_v himself_o any_o better_a in_o the_o next_o the_o explainer_n 2._o we_o humble_o believe_v the_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n one_o eternal_a almighty_a and_o incomprehensible_a god_n who_o only_o we_o adore_v and_o worship_n as_o alone_o have_v sovereign_a dominion_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o who_o alone_o 1_o tim._n 1.17_o we_o acknowledge_v as_o due_a from_o man_n and_o angel_n all_o glory_n service_n and_o obedience_n abhor_v from_o our_o heart_n as_o a_o most_o detesta_fw-la bleed_v sacrilege_n to_o give_v our_o creator_n honour_n to_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o we_o solemn_o protest_v that_o by_o the_o prayer_n we_o address_v to_o angel_n one_fw-mi saint_n we_o intend_v no_o other_o than_o humble_o to_o solicit_v their_o assistance_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n as_o we_o desire_v the_o prayer_n of_o one_o another_o here_o upon_o earth_n not_o that_o we_o hope_v any_o thing_n from_o they_o as_o original_a author_n thereof_o but_o from_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o only_a mediator_n and_o redeemer_n neither_o do_v we_o believe_v any_o divinity_n or_o virtue_n to_o be_v in_o image_n for_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v as_o the_o gentile_n do_v their_o idol_n but_o we_o retain_v they_o with_o due_a and_o decent_a respect_n in_o our_o church_n as_o instrument_n which_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n do_v often_o assist_v our_o memory_n and_o excite_v our_o affection_n the_o animadverter_n our_o explainer_n here_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n make_v a_o very_a good_a confession_n of_o faith_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o humble_o believe_v the_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n one_o eternal_a almighty_a and_o incomprehensible_a god_n who_o only_o they_o adore_v and_o worship_n as_o alone_o have_v sovereign_a dominion_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o who_o alone_o 1_o tim._n 1.17_o they_o acknowledge_v as_o due_a from_o man_n and_o angel_n all_o glory_n service_n and_o obedience_n abhor_v from_o their_o heart_n as_o a_o most_o detestable_a sacrilege_n to_o give_v their_o creator_n honour_n to_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o this_o be_v true_a primitive_a christianity_n good_a catholic_n divinity_n without_o any_o mixture_n of_o popery_n and_o be_v it_o not_o great_a pity_n that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v thereto_o or_o mix_v therewith_o to_o spoil_v so_o good_a a_o confession_n thus_o far_o we_o can_v ready_o and_o hearty_o join_v with_o they_o but_o when_o they_o superadd_a article_n of_o their_o own_o such_o as_o be_v never_o deliver_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n nor_o own_a by_o the_o primitive_a catholic_n church_n and_o set_v they_o in_o equal_a place_n with_o those_o of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o primitive_a practice_n then_o we_o can_v keep_v pace_n with_o they_o but_o be_v force_v to_o stay_v behind_o and_o sit_v down_o content_v with_o primitive_a christianity_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o we_o that_o leave_v they_o but_o they_o that_o leave_v we_o and_o consequent_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o separation_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n here_o between_o we_o and_o our_o explainer_n for_o after_o all_o this_o glorious_a profession_n of_o adore_v and_o worship_v the_o one_o eternal_a almighty_a and_o incomprehensible_a god_n and_o he_o only_o and_o abhor_v the_o give_v of_o his_o glory_n to_o any_o creature_n as_o a_o most_o detestable_a sacrilege_n he_o introduce_v prayer_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o or_o beofre_v image_n as_o thing_n equal_o necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v by_o christian_n now_o if_o prayer_n and_o adoration_n be_v act_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o object_n to_o which_o they_o be_v offer_v be_v creature_n than_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o either_o all_o religious_a worship_n be_v not_o due_a to_o god_n alone_o or_o else_o that_o they_o do_v give_v part_n of_o his_o honour_n to_o something_o that_o be_v not_o god_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o he_o endeavour_v to_o palliate_v these_o practice_n with_o some_o pretend_a qualification_n thereby_o to_o shift_v off_o the_o weight_n of_o this_o charge_n which_o lie_v so_o heavy_a upon_o they_o but_o they_o be_v so_o thin_a and_o threedbare_a so_o empty_a and_o insignificant_a and_o have_v be_v so_o miserable_o baffle_v of_o late_a especial_o in_o the_o answer_n to_o a_o papist_n misrepresented_a and_o represent_v as_o also_o in_o two_o other_o little_a treatise_n the_o one_o entitle_v a_o discourse_n concern_v invocation_n of_o saint_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1684_o and_o the_o other_o entitle_v a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o object_n of_o religious_a worship_n etc._n etc._n print_v 1685_o that_o i_o can_v but_o admire_v at_o our_o explainer_n confidence_n to_o produce_v they_o at_o this_o time_n these_o treatise_n be_v or_o upon_o easy_a term_n may_v be_v in_o every_o man_n hand_n and_o there_o be_v therein_o so_o much_o say_v upon_o this_o subject_a and_o so_o much_o to_o the_o purpose_n as_o may_v very_o well_o spare_v i_o the_o labour_n of_o enlarge_n thereupon_o to_o they_o therefore_o i_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n for_o further_a satisfaction_n but_o by_o these_o short_a remark_n which_o i_o have_v make_v upon_o this_o part_n of_o our_o explainer_n confession_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o have_v be_v no_o more_o candid_a and_o ingenuous_a in_o this_o than_o in_o the_o former_a let_v we_o therefore_o try_v he_o in_o the_o next_o the_o explainer_n 3._o we_o firm_o believe_v that_o no_o force_n of_o nature_n or_o dignity_n of_o our_o best_a work_n can_v merit_v our_o justification_n but_o we_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o grace_n through_o the_o redemption_n that_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n rom._n 3.24_o and_o though_o we_o shall_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n in_o a_o godly_a life_n and_o holy_a obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n yet_o our_o hope_n of_o eternal_a glory_n be_v still_o build_v upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n all_o other_o merit_n according_a to_o our_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o action_n do_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o which_o it_o have_v please_v his_o goodness_n to_o promise_v a_o reward_n a_o doctrine_n so_o far_o from_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o it_o be_v their_o principal_a design_n to_o invite_v and_o provoke_v we_o to_o a_o diligent_a observance_n of_o the_o commandment_n by_o promise_a heaven_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o our_o obedience_n 1_o tim._n 4.8_o rom._n 2.6_o rom._n 8.13_o hebr._n 6.10_o nothing_o be_v so_o frequent_o repeat_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o his_o gracious_a promise_n to_o recompense_v with_o everlasting_a glory_n the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o servant_n nor_o be_v the_o bounty_n of_o god_n bare_o according_a to_o our_o work_n but_o high_a and_o plentiful_a even_o beyond_o our_o capacity_n give_v full_a measure_n heap_v up_o and_o press_v down_o and_o run_v over_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o all_o that_o love_v he_o luke_n 6.38_o thus_o we_o believe_v the_o merit_n or_o rewardableness_n of_o holy_a live_n both_o which_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o we_o arise_v not_o from_o the_o self_n value_v even_o of_o our_o best_a action_n as_o they_o be_v cur_n but_o from_o the_o grace_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n and_o for_o ourselves_o we_o sincere_o profess_v when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v command_v we_o we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n luke_o 17.10_o have_v do_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v our_o duty_n so_o that_o our_o boast_n be_v not_o in_o ourselves_o but_o all_o our_o glory_n be_v in_o christ_n the_o animadverter_n if_o this_o be_v real_o the_o faith_n of_o roman_a catholic_n we_o shall_v not_o stick_v to_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v we_o too_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o occasion_n to_o differ_v in_o this_o point_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a our_o so_o near_a a_o agreement_n be_v too_o good_a news_n to_o be_v true_a our_o explainer_n i_o doubt_v have_v either_o mistake_v or_o to_o gain_v a_o proselyte_n or_o for_o some_o other_o end_n which_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o holy_a church_n have_v very_o much_o misrepresent_v the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o own_o church_n in_o this_o point_n for_o sure_o i_o be_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o they_o so_o much_o magnify_v and_o