from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n this_o doubt_n i_o say_v of_o his_o manifest_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o at_o that_o time_n embrace_v or_o conclude_v upon_o the_o former_a of_o these_o opinion_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n utter_o improbable_a fatentut_o that_o so_o modest_a a_o man_n as_o s._n augustine_n be_v will_v have_v cast_v off_o the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v take_v up_o a_o particular_a fancy_n of_o his_o own_o but_o the_o passion_n wherewith_o s._n hierome_n be_v at_o that_o time_n carry_v away_o against_o ruffinus_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o his_o time_n be_v also_o of_o the_o say_a opinion_n easy_o wrought_v in_o he_o a_o belief_n that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n from_o the_o same_o root_n also_o spring_v that_o error_n of_o john_n bishop_n of_o thessalonica_n 〈◊〉_d if_o at_o least_o it_o be_v a_o error_n who_o affirm_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o angel_n be_v not_o whole_o incorporeal_a and_o invisible_a but_o that_o they_o have_v body_n though_o of_o a_o very_a rare_a and_o thin_a substance_n not_o much_o unlike_o those_o of_o the_o fire_n or_o the_o air._n for_o those_o who_o publish_v the_o general_a council_n at_o rome_n conceive_v this_o to_o have_v be_v his_o own_o private_a opinion_n only_o sententia_fw-la and_o if_o so_o neither_o shall_v we_o need_v at_o present_a to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o their_o conceit_n you_o then_o plain_o see_v that_o the_o affection_n this_o author_n bare_a to_o his_o own_o opinion_n carry_v he_o so_o far_o away_o as_o to_o make_v he_o father_n upon_o the_o whole_a church_n what_o be_v indeed_o but_o his_o own_o particular_a opinion_n though_o otherwise_o he_o be_v a_o man_n who_o be_v high_o esteem_v by_o the_o vii_o council_n 5._o which_o not_o only_o cit_v he_o among_o the_o father_n but_o honour_v he_o also_o with_o the_o title_n of_o a_o father_n epiphanius_n must_v also_o be_v excuse_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n where_o he_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o church_n hold_v by_o apostolical_a tradition_n the_o custom_n which_o it_o have_v of_o meet_v together_o thrice_o a_o week_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n which_o yet_o 354._o petavius_n make_v evident_o appear_v not_o to_o have_v be_v of_o apostolical_a institution_n the_o mistake_v of_o venerable_n bede_n note_v and_o censure_v elsewhere_o by_o 145._o petavius_n be_v of_o the_o fame_n nature_n also_o catholico_fw-la the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n if_o i_o mistake_v not_o say_v he_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n live_v in_o the_o flesh_n thirty_o three_o year_n or_o there_o about_o till_o the_o time_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o he_o say_v moreover_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n testify_v that_o this_o be_v its_o belief_n by_o the_o mark_n which_o they_o yearly_o set_v upon_o their_o taper_n upon_o good_a friday_n whereon_o they_o always_o inscribe_v a_o number_n of_o tear_n which_o be_v less_o by_o thirty_o three_o than_o the_o common_a aera_fw-la of_o the_o christian_n he_o likewise_o say_v in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o catholic_n to_o doubt_n whether_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v on_o the_o cross_a the_o xv_o day_n of_o the_o moon_n or_o not_o now_o petavius_n have_v prove_v at_o large_a that_o both_o these_o opinion_n which_o beda_n deliver_v unto_o we_o as_o the_o church_n belief_n be_v nothing_o less_o than_o what_o he_o will_v have_v they_o 143._o the_o curious_a reader_n may_v observe_v many_o the_o like_a carriage_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n but_o these_o here_o already_o set_v down_o in_o my_o judgement_n do_v sufficient_o justify_v the_o doubt_n which_o i_o have_v make_v namely_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o receive_v as_o certain_a truth_n the_o testimony_n which_o the_o father_n give_v touch_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n nevertheless_o that_o we_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o breach_n upon_o the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o father_n i_o say_v that_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o all_o their_o deposition_n and_o testimony_n in_o this_o particular_a be_v certain_o and_o undoubted_o true_a yet_o notwithstanding_o will_v they_o be_v of_o little_a use_n to_o we_o as_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o first_o of_o all_o there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o passage_n wherein_o they_o testify_v plain_o and_o in_o direct_a term_n what_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n have_v be_v touch_v the_o point_n now_o controvert_v among_o we_o this_o be_v the_o business_n of_o a_o historian_n rather_o than_o of_o a_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o office_n be_v to_o teach_v to_o prove_v and_o to_o exhort_v the_o people_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o to_o correct_v their_o vice_n and_o error_n tell_v they_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o believe_v rather_o than_o trouble_v they_o with_o discourse_n of_o what_o be_v do_v or_o believe_v by_o other_o but_o yet_o when_o they_o do_v give_v their_o testimony_n what_o the_o belief_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n be_v this_o testimony_n of_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o extend_v save_o only_a to_o what_o be_v apparent_o such_o and_o which_o beside_o be_v apparent_a to_o themselves_o too_o now_o as_o we_o have_v former_o prove_v they_o can_v not_o possible_o know_v the_o sense_n and_o opinion_n of_o every_o particular_a christian_n that_o live_v in_o their_o time_n nor_o yet_o of_o all_o the_o pastor_n and_o minister_n who_o be_v set_v over_o they_o but_o of_o some_o certain_a particular_a christian_n only_o forasmuch_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v confess_v even_o by_o those_o very_a man_n who_o have_v the_o church_n in_o great_a esteem_n that_o the_o belief_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o infallible_a we_o may_v very_o easy_o perceive_v that_o such_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n as_o these_o can_n standus_fw-la in_o very_o little_a or_o no_o stead_n see_v they_o represent_v unto_o we_o such_o opinion_n as_o be_v not_o always_o certain_o and_o undoubted_o true_a and_o which_o consequent_o be_v so_o far_o from_o confirm_v and_o prove_v we_o as_o that_o they_o rather_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o be_v examine_v and_o prove_v themselves_o but_o yet_o suppose_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v hold_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v infallible_a which_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o will_v not_o this_o make_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o against_o the_o protestant_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o clean_a contrary_a opinion_n now_o it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o proof_n ought_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v confess_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o your_o adversary_n who_o you_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v otherwise_o you_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o move_v he_o or_o make_v he_o quit_v his_o former_a opinion_n see_v therefore_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o farther_n touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n of_o their_o time_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o now_o consider_v their_o other_o discourse_n wherein_o they_o have_v deliver_v themselves_o not_o as_o witness_n depose_v what_o they_o have_v see_v but_o as_o doctor_n instruct_v we_o in_o what_o they_o believe_v and_o certain_o how_o holy_a and_o able_a soever_o they_o be_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o be_v still_o man_n and_o consequent_o be_v subject_n to_o error_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o business_n so_o much_o transcend_v humane_a apprehension_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n only_o be_v able_a to_o direct_v their_o understanding_n and_o their_o pen_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o withhold_v they_o from_o fall_v into_o any_o error_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o it_o direct_v the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n while_o they_o write_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n now_o we_o can_v be_v any_o way_n assure_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v present_a always_o with_o they_o to_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n and_o to_o make_v they_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n whereof_o they_o write_v they_o neither_o pretend_v to_o this_o themselves_o nor_o yet_o do_v any_o one_o that_o i_o know_v of_o attribute_n unto_o they_o this_o assistance_n unless_o it_o be_v perhaps_o the_o author_n of_o the_o gloss_n upon_o the_o decree_n iota_fw-la who_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o stand_v to_o all_o that_o the_o father_n have_v write_v even_o to_o the_o least_o tittle_n who_o yet_o be_v very_o just_o call_v to_o a_o round_a account_n for_o this_o by_o 7._o alphonsus_n à _fw-fr
with_o other_o than_o he_o have_v with_o st._n augustine_n wrest_v their_o word_n much_o further_a than_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v but_o sometime_o he_o go_v further_a yet_o and_o speak_v even_o of_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n in_o so_o disrespectful_a a_o manner_n as_o that_o i_o be_o very_o much_o unsatisfy_v with_o these_o his_o do_n as_o for_o example_n where_o he_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n without_o any_o circumlocution_n that_o the_o peregrinis_fw-la inscription_n of_o the_o altar_n at_o athens_n be_v not_o express_v in_o those_o very_a word_n which_o be_v deliver_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o act_n chap._n 17._o to_o the_o unknown_a god_n but_o in_o other_o term_n thus_o to_o the_o god_n of_o europe_n asia_n and_o of_o africa_n to_o the_o unknown_a and_o foreign_a go_n so_o likewise_o where_o he_o tell_v we_o and_o repeat_v the_o same_o too_o in_o many_o several_a place_n that_o sermone_fw-la st._n paul_n know_v not_o how_o to_o speak_v nor_o to_o make_v a_o discourse_n hang_v together_o and_o that_o he_o make_v soloecism_n sometime_o and_o that_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o render_v a_o hyperbaton_n nor_o to_o conclude_v a_o sentence_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v his_o own_o deep_a conception_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o good_a utterance_n but_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o deliver_v his_o mind_n and_o again_o in_o another_o place_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o modesty_n but_o it_o be_v the_o plain_a naked_a truth_n that_o he_o tell_v we_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v imperitus_fw-la sermone_fw-la rude_a in_o speech_n because_o that_o the_o truth_n be_v he_o can_v not_o deliver_v his_o mind_n to_o other_o in_o clear_a and_o intelligible_a language_n and_o he_o say_v moreover_o which_o be_v yet_o much_o worse_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o trivio_fw-la the_o apostle_n dispute_v with_o the_o galatian_n counterfeit_v 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i_o confess_v be_v much_o more_o discreet_a in_o this_o particular_a every_o where_o testify_v as_o there_o be_v very_o great_a reason_n he_o shall_v the_o great_a respect_n he_o bear_v to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o never_o speak_v of_o any_o of_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v of_o their_o style_n or_o of_o their_o sense_n but_o with_o a_o singular_a admiration_n but_o as_o for_o his_o own_o private_a opinion_n and_o those_o of_o other_o man_n which_o he_o embrace_v he_o be_v not_o without_o his_o error_n also_o such_o be_v that_o harsh_a sentence_n of_o he_o which_o he_o have_v pronounce_v upon_o all_o infant_n that_o die_v before_o baptism_n who_o he_o will_v have_v not_o only_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o punishment_n that_o the_o ordinary_a opinion_n of_o the_o church_n condemn_v they_o to_o but_o he_o will_v further_o have_v they_o to_o be_v ap._n torment_v in_o hell_n fire_n wherein_o he_o be_v also_o follow_v by_o gregorius_n armininensis_n 3._o a_o famous_a doctor_n in_o the_o school_n where_o he_o be_v call_v by_o reason_n of_o this_o rigour_n of_o he_o tormentum_fw-la infantium_fw-la he_o maintain_v also_o that_o the_o eucharist_n be_v necessary_a for_o little_a infant_n as_o we_o have_v former_o note_v to_o another_o purpose_n to_o which_o we_o must_v also_o add_v that_o other_o opinion_n to_o which_o he_o evident_o incline_v namely_o 14._o that_o the_o soul_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n and_o be_v engender_v of_o his_o substance_n as_o well_o as_o the_o body_n and_o be_v not_o immediate_o create_v by_o god_n which_o be_v the_o common_a opinion_n at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o know_v that_o chapter_n he_o every_o where_o attribute_n to_o the_o angel_n a_o corporeal_a nature_n and_o also_o that_o he_o conceive_v against_o all_o sense_n and_o reason_n 11._o that_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v create_v all_o in_o a_o instant_n of_o time_n and_o refer_v the_o six_o day_n space_n of_o time_n wherein_o the_o creation_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v perfect_v to_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o angel_n he_o believe_v also_o with_o the_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n 74._o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n depart_v be_v shut_v up_o into_o i_o know_v not_o what_o secret_n dark_a receptacle_n where_o they_o be_v to_o remain_v from_o the_o hour_n of_o their_o departure_n till_o the_o resurrection_n but_o we_o need_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o any_o further_a in_o prove_v that_o he_o also_o may_v err_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n see_v that_o himself_o have_v make_v so_o clear_a and_o so_o authentic_a a_o confession_n hereof_o in_o his_o book_n of_o his_o retractation_n where_o he_o correct_v many_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v former_o write_v either_o beside_o or_o against_o the_o truth_n i_o must_v here_o confess_v also_o that_o in_o my_o opinion_n it_o will_v have_v add_v very_o much_o to_o the_o great_a and_o high_a esteem_n which_o we_o general_o have_v of_o his_o part_n and_o worth_a if_o he_o have_v be_v more_o positive_a and_o more_o resolve_v in_o the_o decision_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v handle_v for_o the_o most_o part_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o academic_n doubt_o and_o waver_o all_o the_o way_n insomuch_o that_o he_o leave_v undecided_a not_o only_o 18._o whether_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o other_o star_n be_v endue_v with_o reason_n but_o also_o 11._o whether_o the_o world_n itself_o be_v a_o live_a creature_n or_o not_o he_o that_o will_v but_o exact_o and_o careful_o read_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o father_n may_v very_o easy_o observe_v in_o their_o write_n divers_a error_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o a_o man_n shall_v scarce_o meet_v with_o any_o one_o father_n of_o any_o note_n or_o repute_v from_o who_o some_o such_o thing_n or_o other_o have_v not_o escape_v as_o for_o my_o own_o part_n who_o have_v take_v upon_o i_o this_o troublesome_a business_n very_o unwilling_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o these_o few_o instance_n already_o set_v down_o see_v they_o do_v in_o my_o judgement_n make_v this_o business_n very_o clear_a the_o discovery_n whereof_o i_o have_v be_v necessitate_v to_o undertake_v though_o i_o wish_v rather_o they_o may_v have_v be_v conceal_v for_o see_v that_o these_o so_o eminent_a person_n who_o be_v of_o the_o great_a repute_n among_o all_o the_o ancient_n have_v through_o humane_a infirmity_n fall_v into_o such_o error_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n what_o ought_v we_o to_o expect_v from_o other_o who_o come_v very_o much_o behind_o these_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o antiquity_n learning_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n since_o justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n tertullian_n cyprian_n lactantius_n hilary_n ambrose_n hierome_n augustine_n and_o epiphanius_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o most_o eminent_a and_o most_o approve_a person_n that_o ever_o be_v have_v yet_o stumble_v in_o many_o place_n and_o have_v quite_o fall_v in_o some_o other_o what_o have_v cyril_n leo_n gregorius_n romanus_n and_o damascene_fw-la do_v who_o have_v come_v after_o they_o and_o in_o who_o have_v appear_v both_o much_o less_o gallantry_n of_o spirit_n and_o sanctity_n than_o in_o the_o former_a beside_o if_o these_o man_n have_v be_v mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n some_o of_o they_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o point_n touch_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n some_o touch_v the_o humanity_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n other_o touch_v the_o quality_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o some_o touch_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n thereof_o after_o death_n and_o touch_v the_o resurrection_n why_o for_o god_n sake_n must_v they_o needs_o be_v infallible_a when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o point_n now_o debate_v among_o we_o why_o may_v
lawful_a and_o also_o very_o useful_a to_o pray_v to_o saint_n depart_v and_o to_o angel_n that_o our_o soul_n after_o death_n before_o they_o enter_v into_o heaven_n be_v to_o pass_v through_o a_o certain_a fire_n and_o there_o to_o endure_v grievous_a torment_n thus_o satisfy_v for_o their_o sin_n that_o one_o neither_o may_v nor_o aught_o to_o receive_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n without_o have_v first_o confess_v himself_o in_o private_a to_o a_o priest_n that_o none_o but_o the_o priest_n himself_o that_o consecrate_v the_o eucharist_n be_v bind_v by_o right_a to_o receive_v it_o in_o both_o kind_n and_o a_o great_a number_n of_o other_o opinion_n which_o their_o adversary_n protest_v plain_o that_o they_o can_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n believe_v and_o these_o point_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o whole_a difference_n betwixt_o they_o the_o one_o party_n pretend_v that_o they_o have_v be_v believe_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n as_o 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it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o the_o passage_n which_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o they_o be_v clear_a and_o not_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o that_o be_v to_o say_v such_o as_o we_o can_v reasonable_o scruple_n at_o either_o touch_v the_o author_n out_o of_o who_o they_o be_v allege_v or_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n whether_o it_o signify_v what_o be_v pretend_v to_o for_o a_o deposition_n of_o a_o witness_n and_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o judge_n be_v of_o no_o value_n at_o all_o save_v only_o for_o the_o reputation_n of_o the_o witness_n or_o judge_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o if_o either_o proceed_v from_o person_n unknown_a or_o suspect_v they_o be_v invalid_a and_o prove_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o like_a manner_n if_o the_o deposition_n of_o a_o witness_n or_o sentence_n of_o a_o judge_n be_v obscure_a and_o in_o doubtful_a term_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o in_o this_o case_n the_o business_n must_v rest_v undecided_a there_o be_v another_o doubt_n first_o to_o be_v clear_v namely_o what_o the_o meaning_n of_o either_o of_o they_o be_v the_o second_o point_n that_o i_o shall_v here_o lay_v down_o for_o a_o foundation_n to_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v no_o less_o evident_a than_o the_o former_a namely_o that_o to_o allow_v a_o sufficiency_n to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o these_o controversy_n we_o must_v necessary_o attribute_v to_o their_o person_n very_o great_a authority_n and_o such_o as_o may_v oblige_v we_o to_o follow_v their_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o this_o authority_n be_v want_v how_o clear_a and_o express_v soever_o their_o opinion_n be_v in_o the_o article_n now_o controvert_v it_o will_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o towards_o their_o decision_n we_o have_v therefore_o here_o two_o thing_n to_o examine_v in_o this_o business_n the_o first_o be_v whether_o or_o not_o we_o may_v be_v able_a now_o certain_o and_o clear_o to_o know_v what_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n 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hitherto_o make_v use_n of_o be_v very_o insufficient_a and_o that_o therefore_o they_o of_o necessity_n ought_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o some_o other_o more_o proper_a and_o solid_a way_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o say_a opinion_n which_o the_o protestant_n will_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n receive_v the_o first_o book_n chap._n i._n reason_n i._o touch_v the_o difficulty_n of_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o father_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o present_a controversy_n in_o religion_n draw_v from_o hence_o namely_o because_o there_o be_v very_o little_a extant_a of_o their_o write_n for_o the_o three_o first_o century_n if_o we_o shall_v in_o this_o particular_a take_v the_o same_o course_n which_o some_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v use_n of_o against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a easy_a matter_n to_o bring_v in_o question_n and_o render_v very_o doubtful_a and_o suspect_v all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n for_o when_o any_o one_o allege_v the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n these_o gentleman_n present_o demand_v how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o know_v that_o any_o such_o book_n be_v true_o write_v by_o those_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n under_o who_o name_n they_o go_v if_o therefore_o in_o like_a manner_n when_o these_o man_n urge_v justin_n irenaeus_n ambrose_n augustine_n and_o the_o like_a one_o shall_v take_v they_o short_a and_o demand_v of_o they_o how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o be_v assure_v that_o these_o father_n be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o write_n which_o at_o this_o day_n go_v under_o their_o name_n it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o will_v find_v a_o hard_a task_n of_o it_o than_o their_o adversary_n in_o justify_v the_o inscription_n of_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a writ_n the_o truth_n whereof_o be_v much_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v demonstrate_v than_o of_o any_o humane_a write_n whatsoever_o but_o i_o pass_v by_o this_o too-artificial_a way_n of_o proceed_v and_o only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v no_o very_o easy_a matter_n to_o find_v out_o by_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n what_o have_v real_o beeen_n their_o opinion_n in_o any_o of_o those_o controversy_n which_o be_v now_o in_o debate_n betwixt_o the_o protestant_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o consideration_n which_o render_v the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o so_o difficult_a be_v many_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o this_o first_o part_n handle_v some_o of_o they_o only_o refer_v the_o rest_n to_o the_o late_a examine_v they_o one_o after_o another_o the_o first_o reason_n therefore_o which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o for_o the_o prove_v of_o this_o difficulty_n be_v the_o little_a we_o have_v extant_a of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n especial_o of_o the_o first_o second_o and_o third_z century_n which_o be_v those_o we_o be_v most_o especial_o to_o regard_v for_o see_v that_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a reason_n that_o move_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o allege_v the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n be_v to_o show_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o tenet_n by_o the_o antiquity_n which_o they_o reckon_v as_o a_o mark_n of_o it_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o most_o ancient_a aught_o to_o be_v the_o most_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v more_o pure_a and_o without_o mixture_n in_o its_o beginning_n and_o infancy_n than_o it_o be_v afterward_o in_o its_o growth_n and_o progress_n it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n to_o contract_v corruption_n more_o or_o less_o according_a as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o remove_v from_o their_o first_o institution_n as_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n in_o state_n law_n art_n and_o language_n the_o natural_a propriety_n of_o
so_o many_o eminent_a and_o wise_a man_n have_v approve_v and_o confirm_v this_o mistake_n of_o they_o not_o perceive_v it_o at_o all_o what_o can_v we_o or_o indeed_o what_o ought_v we_o to_o expect_v from_o any_o other_o hand_n who_o soever_o they_o be_v as_o touch_v the_o point_n now_o controvert_v betwixt_o we_o in_o comparison_n of_o which_o a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o say_v that_o all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o this_o matter_n now_o speak_v of_o yield_v be_v nothing_o at_o all_o wherein_o notwithstanding_o this_o whole_a council_n mistake_v itself_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o m_n that_o after_o this_o their_o failing_n can_v have_v the_o courage_n to_o adventure_v upon_o so_o difficult_a and_o so_o intricate_a a_o undertake_n who_o can_v promise_v himself_o success_n there_o where_o so_o great_a a_o council_n have_v fail_v the_o very_a hope_n of_o effect_v so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n can_v hardly_o be_v excuse_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o high_a presumption_n for_o first_o of_o all_o the_o father_n tell_v we_o very_o seldom_o in_o what_o degree_n either_o of_o necessity_n or_o probability_n they_o hold_v their_o opinion_n and_o even_o when_o they_o do_v tell_v we_o their_o expression_n be_v such_o as_o we_o have_v observe_v of_o they_o we_o ought_v not_o present_o to_o conclude_v any_o thing_n from_o they_o without_o first_o examine_v they_o thorough_o for_o many_o tâ—mes_n when_o they_o will_v recommend_v unto_o we_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o account_v profitable_a for_o we_o they_o will_v speak_v of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v necessary_a and_o so_o again_o to_o take_v off_o our_o belief_n of_o and_o to_o divert_v our_o affection_n from_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o conceive_v either_o to_o be_v simple_o false_a or_o otherwise_o unprofitable_a for_o we_o they_o represent_v they_o as_o the_o most_o detestable_a and_o pernicious_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v 〈◊〉_d whosoever_o fast_v upon_o the_o lord_n day_n or_o upon_o any_o saturday_n except_o that_o one_o saturday_n he_o mean_v easter-eve_n he_o be_v a_o murderer_n of_o christ_n say_v s._n ignatius_n who_o will_v not_o think_v hear_v these_o so_o tragical_a expression_n of_o he_o that_o certain_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n and_o yet_o the_o business_n he_o there_o speak_v of_o be_v only_o the_o observation_n of_o a_o certain_a part_n of_o a_o positive_a law_n and_o which_o yet_o as_o most_o be_v of_o opinion_n be_v at_o that_o time_n receive_v but_o by_o a_o part_n only_o of_o the_o church_n the_o belief_n and_o observation_n whereof_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v reckon_v among_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o be_v scarce_o place_v in_o the_o first_o degree_n of_o probability_n and_o be_v now_o at_o length_n utter_o abolish_v too_o this_o manner_n of_o discourse_v be_v very_o frequent_o use_v by_o tertullian_n s._n ambrose_n and_o especial_o by_o s._n hierome_n who_o be_v all_o so_o eager_a for_o the_o side_n which_o they_o take_v to_o that_o you_o will_v think_v in_o read_v they_o that_o all_o those_o who_o they_o commend_v be_v very_a angel_n and_o all_o those_o other_o who_o they_o speak_v against_o arrant_a devil_n that_o whatsoever_o they_o maintain_v be_v the_o very_a foundation_n and_o groundwork_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o refute_v be_v mere_a atheism_n and_o the_o high_a impiety_n that_o may_v be_v 1._o certain_o s._n hierome_n write_v to_o a_o certain_a roman_a matron_n name_v furia_n who_o be_v a_o widow_n and_o dissuade_v she_o from_o marry_v again_o discourse_v of_o this_o matter_n in_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n as_o he_o will_v have_v do_v in_o dissuade_v she_o from_o the_o commit_n of_o murder_n and_o here_o be_v we_o to_o call_v to_o mind_n again_o the_o divers_a reason_n of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o father_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o their_o rhetoric_n all_o which_o have_v place_n in_o this_o particular_a rather_o than_o in_o any_o other_o so_o that_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o one_o only_a certain_a way_n leave_v we_o to_o discover_v in_o what_o degree_n they_o place_v the_o proposition_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n namely_o their_o creed_n and_o exposition_n of_o their_o faith_n whether_o they_o be_v general_n or_o particular_a one_o and_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o council_n and_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n for_o we_o may_v very_o well_o believe_v that_o they_o hold_v as_o necessary_a all_o such_o point_n as_o they_o make_v profession_n of_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n anathematise_v all_o such_o as_o shall_v deny_v the_o same_o and_o by_o this_o rule_n we_o may_v indeed_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o they_o hold_v as_o necessary_a the_o great_a part_n of_o all_o those_o point_n wherein_o we_o at_o this_o day_n agree_v among_o ourselves_o and_o some_o of_o these_o we_o have_v former_o set_v down_o in_o our_o preface_n for_o they_o be_v most_o of_o they_o either_o deliver_v express_o in_o their_o creed_n or_o else_o positive_o determine_v in_o their_o council_n and_o the_o contradictor_n of_o they_o there_o express_o condemn_v but_o yet_o this_o rule_n will_v scarce_o be_v of_o any_o use_n at_o all_o to_o we_o in_o the_o decilion_n of_o our_o present_a controversy_n for_o some_o of_o they_o appear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o in_o that_o rule_n of_o faith_n so_o often_o mention_v by_o tertullian_n nor_o in_o the_o nicen_n creed_n nor_o in_o that_o of_o coâ—stantiâ—ople_n nor_o in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n nor_o yet_o in_o those_o of_o chalcedon_n the_o first_o of_o these_o council_n anathematise_v arius_n the_o second_o macedonius_n the_o three_o nestorius_n and_o the_o four_o eutyches_n and_o yet_o nevertheless_o be_v the_o several_a tenet_n of_o these_o very_a man_n at_o this_o day_n receive_v and_o maintain_v by_o one_o side_n or_o other_o nay_o which_o be_v more_o the_o aforesaid_a article_n do_v not_o at_o all_o appear_v neither_o in_o the_o two_o follow_a council_n namely_o the_o second_o council_n of_o constantinople_n which_o condemn_v certain_a write_n of_o theodorus_n theodoretus_n and_o ibas_n as_o we_o have_v touch_v before_o nor_o yet_o in_o the_o iii_o council_n of_o constantinople_n which_o anathematise_v the_o monothelite_n and_o be_v hold_v about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n dclxxxi_o and_o yet_o have_v these_o six_o first_o council_n if_o you_o will_v believe_v the_o father_n of_o the_o vii_o establish_v and_o confirm_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v teach_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n 〈◊〉_d down_o from_o the_o primitive_a time_n whether_o by_o write_v or_o by_o unwritten_a tradition_n so_o that_o it_o will_v hence_o follow_v that_o these_o point_n which_o appear_v not_o here_o in_o the_o say_v six_o first_o council_n at_o all_o be_v not_o deliver_v from_o the_o beginning_n neither_o in_o write_v nor_o otherwise_o only_o about_o the_o eight_o century_n and_o so_o for_o a_o good_a while_n afterward_o we_o find_v mention_n of_o one_o of_o those_o point_n now_o controvert_v among_o we_o namely_o that_o touch_v image_n which_o be_v diverse_o and_o contrary_o determine_v in_o the_o council_n of_o constantinople_n of_o nicaea_n and_o of_o francfort_n the_o second_o of_o these_o council_n enjoin_v the_o use_n and_o adoration_n of_o image_n whereas_o the_o first_o have_v utter_o forbid_v it_o and_o the_o last_o of_o these_o council_n take_v off_o and_o correct_v as_o it_o be_v the_o excess_n of_o the_o other_o two_n what_o can_v you_o say_v to_o this_o that_o neither_o in_o the_o write_n of_o particular_a man_n which_o yet_o be_v usual_o more_o copious_a and_o full_a than_o the_o determination_n of_o council_n be_v there_o be_v so_o much_o as_o any_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o say_a point_n epiphanius_n anacephal_a in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o treatise_n of_o heresy_n give_v we_o two_o discourse_n in_o the_o one_o whereof_o he_o set_v down_o the_o order_n custom_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n wherein_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o there_o be_v very_o many_o thing_n which_o much_o differ_v from_o the_o custom_n that_o be_v at_o this_o day_n observe_v by_o we_o both_o of_o the_o one_o side_n and_o of_o the_o other_o in_o the_o other_o be_v contain_v a_o exposition_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n set_v down_o at_o large_a which_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d the_o pillar_n of_o the_o truth_n the_o hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o immortality_n and_o yet_o of_o all_o those_o controversy_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n debate_v among_o we_o you_o shall_v there_o meet_v with_o only_a one_o which_o be_v touch_v the_o local_a descent_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n into_o hell_n which_o yet_o be_v a_o article_n of_o very_a small_a importance_n as_o every_o one_o know_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o six_o council_n
castro_n and_o 4._o melchior_n canus_n two_o spanish_a doctor_n for_o as_o much_o therefore_o as_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n save_o that_o which_o be_v true_a it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o we_o neither_o may_v nor_o aught_o to_o believe_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n till_o such_o time_n as_o they_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o have_v be_v certain_o true_a now_o we_o can_v be_v certain_o assure_v of_o this_o by_o their_o single_a authority_n see_v that_o they_o be_v but_o man_n who_o be_v not_o always_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o above_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o some_o other_o guide_n in_o this_o our_o inquiry_n namely_o either_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o of_o reason_n or_o of_o tradition_n or_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o present_a church_n or_o of_o some_o other_o such_o mean_n as_o they_o themselves_o have_v make_v use_n of_o so_o that_o it_o hence_o follow_v that_o their_o 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proportion_n to_o the_o reason_n and_o authority_n whereon_o they_o be_v ground_v only_o they_o have_v this_o advantage_n that_o their_o very_a name_n beget_v in_o we_o a_o readiness_n and_o inclination_n to_o receive_v whatsoever_o come_v from_o they_o while_o we_o think_v it_o very_o improbable_a that_o so_o excellent_a man_n as_o they_o be_v shall_v ever_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a thus_o in_o humane_a science_n the_o say_n of_o a_o aristotle_n be_v of_o a_o far_o different_a value_n from_o that_o of_o any_o other_o philosopher_n of_o less_o account_n because_o that_o all_o man_n be_v beforehand_o possess_v with_o a_o opinion_n that_o this_o great_a philosopher_n will_v not_o maintain_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o consonant_a to_o reason_n but_o this_o be_v prejudice_n only_o for_o if_o upon_o better_a examination_n it_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v otherwise_o his_o bare_a authority_n will_v then_o no_o long_o prevail_v with_o we_o what_o himself_o have_v sometime_o gallant_o say_v will_v then_o here_o take_v place_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sacred_a thing_n always_o to_o prefer_v the_o truth_n 〈◊〉_d before_o friendship_n let_v the_o father_n therefore_o if_o you_o please_v be_v the_o aristotle_n in_o christian_n philosophy_n and_o let_v we_o have_v a_o reverent_a esteem_n of_o they_o and_o their_o write_n as_o they_o deserve_v and_o not_o be_v too_o rash_a in_o conclude_v that_o person_n of_o so_o eminent_a both_o learning_n and_o sanctity_n shall_v maintain_v any_o erroneous_a or_o vain_a opinion_n especial_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n yet_o notwithstanding_o be_v we_o bind_v withal_o to_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v but_o man_n and_o that_o their_o memory_n understanding_n or_o judgement_n may_v sometime_o fail_v they_o and_o therefore_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v their_o write_n by_o those_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o draw_v their_o conclusion_n and_o not_o to_o sit_v down_o upon_o their_o bare_a assertion_n till_o such_o time_n as_o we_o have_v discover_v they_o to_o be_v true_a if_o i_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o any_o other_o person_n than_o of_o the_o father_n i_o shall_v not_o add_v any_o thing_n more_o to_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v it_o have_v be_v already_o in_o my_o judgement_n clear_o enough_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o themselves_o of_o authority_n enough_o to_o oblige_v we_o necessary_o to_o follow_v their_o opinion_n but_o see_v the_o question_n here_o be_v touch_v these_o great_a name_n which_o be_v so_o high_o honour_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n that_o no_o man_n may_v accuse_v we_o of_o endeavour_v to_o rob_v they_o of_o any_o of_o the_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o they_o i_o hold_v it_o necessary_a to_o examine_v this_o business_n a_o little_a more_o exact_o and_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v by_o consider_v the_o thing_n itself_o that_o they_o be_v of_o no_o more_o authority_n neither_o in_o themselves_o nor_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o than_o have_v be_v already_o by_o we_o attribute_v unto_o they_o chap._n ii_o reason_n 2._o that_o the_o father_n themselves_o testify_v against_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v absolute_o and_o upon_o their_o own_o bare_a word_n in_o what_o they_o deliver_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v none_o so_o fit_a to_o inform_v we_o what_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n be_v as_o the_o ancient_n themselves_o who_o in_o all_o reason_n must_v needs_o know_v this_o better_a than_o we_o let_v we_o therefore_o now_o hear_v what_o they_o testify_v in_o this_o particular_a and_o if_o we_o do_v indeed_o hold_v they_o in_o so_o high_a esteem_n as_o we_o make_v profession_n of_o let_v we_o allow_v of_o their_o judgement_n in_o this_o particular_a attribute_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o unto_o the_o ancient_n than_o they_o themselves_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n st._n augustine_n who_o be_v the_o principal_a light_n of_o the_o latin_a church_n be_v enter_v into_o a_o contestation_n with_o st._n hierome_n touch_v the_o interpretation_n beforementioned_a of_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o saint_n paul_n to_o the_o galatian_n and_o find_v himself_o hardly_o press_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o six_o or_o seven_o greek_a writer_n which_o be_v urge_v against_o he_o by_o the_o other_o to_o rid_v his_o hand_n of_o they_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o make_v open_a profession_n in_o what_o account_n he_o hold_v that_o sort_n of_o writer_n est_fw-la i_o confess_v say_v he_o to_o thy_o charity_n that_o i_o only_o owe_v to_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v now_o call_v canonical_a that_o reverence_n and_o honour_n as_o to_o believe_v steadfast_o that_o none_o of_o their_o author_n ever_o commit_v any_o error_n in_o write_v the_o same_o and_o if_o by_o chance_n i_o there_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o truth_n i_o present_o think_v that_o certain_o either_o my_o copy_n be_v imperfect_a and_o not_o so_o correct_a as_o it_o shall_v be_v or_o else_o that_o the_o interpreter_n do_v not_o so_o well_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o the_o original_a or_o last_o that_o i_o myself_o have_v not_o so_o right_o understand_v he_o but_o as_o for_o all_o other_o writer_n how_o eminent_a soever_o they_o be_v either_o for_o sanctity_n or_o learning_n i_o read_v they_o so_o as_o not_o present_o to_o conclude_v whatsoever_o i_o there_o find_v to_o be_v true_a because_o they_o have_v say_v it_o but_o rather_o because_o they_o convince_v i_o either_o out_o of_o the_o say_v canonical_a book_n of_o scripture_n or_o else_o by_o some_o probable_a reason_n that_o what_o they_o say_v be_v true_a neither_o do_v i_o think_v brother_n that_o thou_o thyself_o art_n of_o any_o other_o opinion_n that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o thou_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v read_v thy_o book_n as_o we_o do_v those_o of_o the_o prophet_n or_o apostle_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o who_o write_n as_o be_v exempt_a from_o all_o error_n we_o may_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a doubt_n and_o have_v afterward_o oppose_v some_o other_o the_o like_a authority_n against_o those_o allege_a by_o st._n hierome_n he_o add_v that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o dubitem_fw-la notwithstanding_o that_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n he_o account_v the_o canonical_a scripture_n only_o to_o be_v the_o book_n to_o which_o as_o he_o say_v before_o he_o owe_v that_o ingenuous_a duty_n as_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o the_o author_n of_o they_o never_o err_v or_o deceive_v the_o reader_n in_o any_o thing_n this_o holy_a man_n account_v this_o advice_n to_o be_v of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o that_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o repeat_v it_o again_o in_o another_o place_n and_o i_o must_v entreat_v my_o reader_n
the_o precept_n of_o rhetoric_n but_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o it_o agree_v ill_a enough_o with_o s._n hierom_n rule_n which_o we_o give_v you_o a_o little_a before_o but_o let_v we_o now_o observe_v out_o of_o some_o other_o more_o clear_a and_o express_v passage_n of_o he_o what_o the_o judgement_n of_o this_o great_a aristarchus_n and_o censor_n of_o antiquity_n have_v be_v touch_v this_o point_n errare_fw-la i_o know_v say_v he_o write_v to_o theophilus_n patriarch_n of_o alexandria_n that_o i_o place_v the_o apostle_n in_o a_o distinct_a rank_n from_o all_o other_o writer_n for_o as_o for_o they_o they_o always_o speak_v truth_n but_o as_o for_o those_o other_o they_o err_v sometime_o like_o man_n as_o they_o be_v what_o can_v he_o have_v say_v more_o express_o in_o confirmation_n of_o our_o assertion_n before_o lay_v down_o defendere_fw-la there_o be_v other_o say_v he_o both_o greek_n and_o latin_n who_o have_v err_v also_o in_o point_n of_o faith_n who_o name_n i_o need_v not_o here_o set_v down_o lest_o i_o may_v seem_v to_o defend_v origen_n by_o the_o error_n of_o other_o rather_o than_o by_o his_o own_o worth_n how_o then_o can_v we_o confide_v in_o they_o unless_o we_o examine_v their_o opinion_n by_o their_o reason_n caeteri_fw-la i_o shall_v faith_n the_o same_o author_n read_v origen_n as_o i_o read_v other_o because_o i_o find_v he_o have_v err_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o have_v do_v and_o in_o another_o place_n speak_v in_o general_n of_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n that_o be_v of_o those_o which_o we_o now_o call_v father_n and_o of_o the_o fault_n and_o error_n that_o be_v find_v in_o their_o book_n declinare_fw-la it_o may_v be_v say_v he_o that_o either_o they_o have_v err_v out_o of_o mere_a ignorance_n or_o else_o that_o they_o write_v in_o some_o other_o sense_n than_o we_o understand_v they_o or_o that_o their_o write_n have_v by_o degree_n be_v corrupt_v through_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o transcriber_n or_o else_o before_o the_o appear_v of_o that_o impudent_a devil_n arius_n in_o the_o world_n they_o let_v some_o thing_n fall_v from_o they_o innocent_o and_o not_o so_o wary_o as_o they_o may_v have_v do_v and_o such_o as_o can_v hardly_o escape_v the_o cavil_n of_o wrangle_a spirit_n which_o passage_n of_o he_o be_v a_o very_a excellent_a and_o remarkable_a one_o and_o contain_v in_o it_o a_o brief_a yet_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a justification_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o what_o we_o have_v hitherto_o deliver_v in_o this_o our_o discourse_n do_v but_o think_v therefore_o with_o how_o much_o circumspection_n we_o be_v to_o read_v and_o to_o weigh_v these_o author_n and_o how_o careful_a we_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o examine_v in_o their_o book_n whether_o there_o be_v not_o either_o some_o fault_n commit_v by_o the_o transcriber_n or_o some_o obscurity_n in_o the_o expression_n or_o some_o negligence_n in_o the_o conception_n or_o last_o some_o error_n in_o the_o proposition_n in_o another_o place_n have_v set_v down_o the_o opinion_n as_o for_o their_o exposition_n he_o resuse_v they_o open_o whensoever_o they_o do_v not_o please_v he_o thus_o do_v he_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o exposition_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o word_n israel_n which_o they_o will_v have_v to_o signify_v a_o man_n see_v god_n saecularis_fw-la notwithstanding_o that_o those_o who_o interpret_v it_o thus_o be_v person_n of_o very_a great_a both_o authority_n and_o eloquence_n and_o who_o very_a shadow_n say_v he_o in_o sufficient_a to_o bear_v we_o down_o yet_o can_v we_o choose_v but_o follow_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o angel_n and_o of_o god_n who_o give_v this_o name_n of_o israel_n rather_o than_o the_o power_n of_o any_o secular_a eloquence_n how_o great_a soever_o it_o be_v and_o in_o his_o cxlvi_o epistle_n write_v to_o pope_n damasus_n he_o say_v intelligi_fw-la that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o not_o consider_v the_o text_n conceive_v superstitious_o rather_o than_o true_o that_o these_o word_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o xliv_o psalm_n eâ—â—ctavit_fw-la cor_fw-la meum_fw-la verbum_fw-la bonum_fw-la my_o heart_n be_v indite_v a_o good_a matter_n be_v speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n and_o yet_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o arius_n and_o a_o little_a after_o he_o understand_v these_o word_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n it_o be_v likewise_o the_o general_n opinion_n in_o a_o manner_n of_o all_o man_n that_o adam_n be_v bury_v upon_o mount_n calvary_n and_o in_o the_o very_a same_o place_n where_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v crucify_v and_o yet_o s._n hierome_n mat._n reject_v this_o opinion_n and_o which_o be_v more_o he_o make_v himself_o merry_a with_o it_o without_o any_o scruple_n at_o all_o so_o likewise_o there_o be_v some_o among_o the_o afore-named_n ancient_a father_n who_o out_o of_o a_o pious_a affection_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o s._n peter_n maintain_v 31._o that_o he_o deny_v not_o god_n but_o man_n and_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o his_o denial_n be_v i_o know_v not_o he_o to_o be_v a_o man_n for_o i_o know_v that_o he_o be_v god_n etc._n the_o intelligent_a reader_n say_v the_o same_o s._n hierome_n will_v easy_o perceive_v how_o idle_a and_o frivolous_a a_o thing_n this_o be_v to_o accuse_v our_o saviour_n as_o guilty_a of_o a_o lie_n by_o excuse_v his_o apostle_n for_o if_o s._n peter_n do_v not_o deny_v he_o our_o saviour_n must_v necessary_o then_o have_v lie_v when_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o etc._n etc._n grat._n he_o take_v the_o same_o liberty_n also_o in_o reprehend_v s._n ambrose_n who_o understand_v by_o gog_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o prophet_n ezechiel_n the_o nation_n of_o the_o goth_n neither_o do_v those_o other_o father_n escape_v his_o lash_n who_o please_v themselves_o too_o much_o with_o their_o allegory_n x._o take_v bosra_n in_o isaiah_n for_o the_o 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the_o church_n and_o indeed_o how_o fierce_a soever_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o his_o onset_n yet_o he_o dare_v not_o condemn_v this_o opinion_n absolute_o reserventur_fw-la although_o we_o embrace_v not_o this_o opinion_n say_v he_o yet_o can_v we_o not_o condemn_v it_o for_o as_o much_o as_o there_o have_v be_v divers_a eminent_a personage_n and_o martyr_n in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v maintain_v the_o same_o let_v every_o man_n abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o let_v we_o leave_v the_o judgement_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o god_n whence_o you_o see_v as_o we_o may_v observe_v by_o the_o way_n that_o the_o father_n have_v not_o always_o hold_v a_o opinion_n in_o the_o same_o degree_n that_o we_o do_v for_o st._n hierome_n conceive_v this_o to_o be_v a_o pardonable_a error_n which_o yet_o we_o at_o this_o day_n will_v not_o endure_v to_o hear_v of_o if_o it_o be_v here_o answer_v that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o age_n follow_v condemn_v this_o opinion_n as_o erroneous_a this_o 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and_o other_o conceive_v not_o themselves_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n lactantius_n victorinus_n severus_n and_o other_o so_o neither_o be_v we_o any_o more_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o they_o for_o their_o posterity_n owe_v they_o no_o more_o respect_n than_o they_o themselves_o owe_v to_o their_o ancestor_n it_o seem_v rather_o that_o in_o reason_n they_o shall_v owe_v they_o less_o because_o that_o look_v how_o far_o distant_a in_o time_n they_o be_v from_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o spring_n and_o original_a of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n so_o much_o do_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n lose_v and_o grow_v less_o if_o antiquity_n as_o we_o will_v have_v it_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o truth_n then_o certain_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a be_v also_o the_o most_o venerable_a and_o the_o most_o considerable_a and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o argument_n but_o this_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o many_o father_n unanimous_o consent_v in_o any_o opinion_n yet_o will_v it_o clear_o serve_v to_o lessen_v the_o same_o but_o there_o be_v yet_o behind_o many_o other_o some_o whereof_o we_o shall_v here_o produce_v we_o have_v hear_v before_o justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n tertullian_n and_o st._n augustine_n affirm_v all_o of_o they_o that_o heaven_n shall_v not_o be_v open_v till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o during_o this_o space_n of_o time_n the_o soul_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v shut_v up_o in_o some_o subterraneous_a place_n except_o some_o small_a number_n of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o go_v immediate_o to_o heaven_n the_o author_n of_o those_o question_n and_o answer_n that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o justin_n martyr_n maintain_v the_o same_o opinion_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o lx_o and_o lxxiv_o question_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o unprofitable_o 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this_o day_n it_o be_v believe_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o whole_a greek_a church_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o of_o all_o those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o stand_v to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n who_o have_v reject_v it_o save_v only_o the_o latin_n 584._o who_o have_v express_o also_o establish_v the_o contrary_a at_o the_o council_n of_o florence_n hold_v in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1439._o which_o be_v not_o above_o two_o hundred_o and_o twelve_o year_n ago_o do_v but_o fancy_n now_o to_o yourselves_o a_o vicentius_n lirinensis_n stand_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o this_o council_n and_o lay_v before_o they_o his_o own_o oracle_n before_o mention_v which_o be_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o hold_v for_o most_o certain_o and_o undoubted_o true_a whatsoever_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o the_o ancient_n unanimous_o and_o by_o a_o common_a consent_n and_o do_v but_o think_v whether_o or_o no_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v hiss_v out_o by_o these_o reverend_a father_n as_o one_o that_o make_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v holy_a and_o immutable_a to_o depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n for_o these_o man_n regard_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o the_o multitude_n nor_o the_o antiquity_n nor_o the_o learning_n nor_o the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o author_n of_o this_o foolish_a opinion_n but_o find_v it_o to_o be_v false_a without_o any_o more_o ado_n reject_v it_o as_o they_o think_v they_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o do_v and_o withal_o ordain_v the_o contrary_n now_o i_o be_o very_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o point_n of_o faith_n among_o all_o those_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v have_v the_o protestant_n receive_v for_o which_o there_o can_v be_v allege_v either_o more_o or_o more_o clear_a and_o evident_a testimony_n out_o of_o the_o father_n than_o for_o this_o for_o as_o much_o therefore_o as_o that_o after_o