xx._n act._n 28._o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n to_o feed_v that_o be_v to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood._n and_o if_o they_o know_v this_o why_o be_v they_o not_o so_o honest_a as_o to_o interpret_v the_o late_a by_o the_o former_a for_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o s._n paul_n word_n and_o the_o counterfeit_n s._n ambrose_n s._n paul_n say_v the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n be_v appoint_v to_o rule_v the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o that_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o shepherd_n that_o feed_v the_o flock_n the_o other_o say_v damasus_n be_v the_o ruler_n of_o god_n church_n if_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v thereby_o mean_v and_o not_o his_o part_n of_o it_o only_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v so_o expound_v in_o the_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n and_o than_o damasus_n his_o title_n to_o this_o office_n be_v crack_v for_o there_o be_v ruler_n then_o set_v over_o the_o church_n universal_a by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n before_o he_o or_o his_o church_n of_o rome_n perhaps_o be_v in_o be_v but_o if_o s._n paul_n word_n must_v have_v a_o more_o limit_a meaning_n then_o with_o what_o conscience_n do_v they_o give_v their_o s._n ambrose_n word_n a_o unlimited_a and_o not_o restrain_v they_o as_o they_o must_v do_v s._n paul_n to_o the_o particular_a see_v commit_v to_o his_o government_n and_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o be_v ignorant_a that_o s._n paul_n in_o these_o word_n to_o timothy_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o not_o of_o rome_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o thought_n of_o s._n peter_n who_o these_o annotator_n make_v the_o ruler_n at_o that_o time_n of_o this_o house_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v evident_a timothy_n be_v the_o person_n who_o preside_v in_o it_o and_o be_v the_o chief_a pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n here_o speak_v of_o as_o i_o doubt_v not_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n wherein_o i_o have_v also_o show_v that_o other_o succeed_a bishop_n in_o other_o church_n have_v the_o same_o title_n nay_o many_o person_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v no_o bishop_n who_o be_v far_o from_o think_v themselves_o or_o be_v think_v by_o other_o infallible_a as_o these_o annotator_n imagine_v they_o must_v needs_o be_v who_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v a_o inference_n from_o these_o word_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o more_o warrant_n than_o they_o have_v to_o entitle_v s._n ambrose_n to_o those_o commentary_n the_o author_n of_o which_o also_o do_v so_o little_a dream_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n when_o he_o gloss_v upon_o these_o word_n that_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v the_o church_n the_o ground_n or_o establishment_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n firmamentum_fw-la as_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a translate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d huius_fw-la veritatis_fw-la signa_fw-la sunt_fw-la &_o prodigia_fw-la the_o establishment_n of_o this_o truth_n leave_v in_o the_o church_n be_v sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o the_o apostle_n that_o be_v wrought_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o preach_v which_o do_v not_o rely_v therefore_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o church_n but_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o those_o divine_a work_n whereby_o god_n bare_a witness_n to_o they_o which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o whence_o alone_o we_o ought_v to_o derive_v our_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o as_o be_v most_o clear_o resolve_v by_o s._n cyril_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o these_o memorable_a word_n saycto_fw-la word_n catech._n iu._n sect._n de_fw-fr spirito_n saycto_fw-la concern_v the_o divine_a and_o holy_a mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o deliver_v any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o small_a without_o the_o divine_a scripture_n etc._n etc._n neither_o shall_v thou_o believe_v i_o bare_o say_v these_o thing_n to_o thou_o unless_o thou_o receive_v the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o thing_n publish_v out_o of_o the_o divine_a scripture_n for_o this_o be_v the_o safety_n or_o security_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o depend_v not_o upon_o word_n that_o we_o invent_v but_o upon_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a scripture_n in_o which_o we_o hear_v our_o lord_n christ_n himself_o speak_v to_o we_o who_o be_v more_o to_o be_v believe_v than_o the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n as_o s._n paul_n speak_v be_v subject_a unto_o christ_n they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o s._n augustine_n 21._o augustine_n tom._n vii_o coura_n crisconium_n gram._n l._n 2._o c._n 21._o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o set_v herself_o above_o christ_n so_o as_o to_o think_v that_o they_o who_o be_v condemn_v by_o he_o may_v be_v baptize_v but_o they_o that_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o church_n may_v not_o be_v baptize_v when_o he_o always_o judge_n true_o but_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n be_v man_n be_v ofttimes_o deceive_v from_o they_o therefore_o who_o be_v fallible_a we_o appeal_v to_o he_o who_o be_v infallible_a and_o have_v deliver_v his_o sentence_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o from_o a_o church_n particular_a we_o appeal_v to_o the_o church_n catholic_a nay_o from_o the_o new_a church_n of_o rome_n to_o the_o old._n for_o we_o be_v not_o as_o they_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v affright_v with_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n who_o judgement_n we_o true_o honour_n as_o will_v appear_v in_o this_o treatise_n while_o they_o dishonour_v it_o by_o confine_v the_o church_n to_o themselves_o and_o then_o exalt_v it_o above_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o make_v its_o mere_a name_n serve_v to_o dazzle_v the_o eye_n of_o their_o own_o people_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o profound_a ignorance_n teach_v they_o 11._o they_o 〈…〉_o in_o xii_o luke_n 11._o to_o oppose_v the_o name_n of_o a_o catholic_a man_n and_o the_o catholic_a church_n as_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o that_o we_o most_o reasonable_o object_v against_o they_o thus_o in_o their_o own_o conceit_n it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o gorgon_n head_n which_o they_o fancy_n will_v immediate_o stupify_v we_o when_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o we_o but_o bless_a be_v god_n we_o be_v still_o in_o our_o wit_n and_o understand_v very_o well_o that_o this_o be_v no_o better_a than_o his_o old_a artifice_n who_o invent_v this_o cheat_n as_o s._n cyprian_n ecclesie_n cyprian_n l._n de_fw-fr unitate_fw-la ecclesie_n speak_v of_o deceive_v unwary_a soul_n by_o the_o very_a title_n of_o the_o christian_a name_n for_o just_a so_o they_o now_o abuse_v the_o name_n of_o church_n and_o the_o name_n of_o catholic_a and_o by_o good_a word_n and_o fine_a speech_n as_o s._n paul_n write_v xvi_o rom._n 18_o deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a who_o i_o have_v endeavour_v in_o this_o small_a treatise_n to_o undeceive_v and_o direct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o that_o truth_n of_o which_o every_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n if_o any_o one_o be_v not_o but_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o certain_a constant_a universal_o receive_v christian_n truth_n set_v up_o uncertain_a nay_o false_a late_o invent_v and_o particular_a conceit_n of_o its_o own_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rely_v on_o but_o reject_v though_o it_o have_v be_v former_o a_o church_n of_o never_o so_o great_a authority_n such_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n once_o be_v but_o now_o cease_v so_o to_o be_v have_v by_o take_v upon_o she_o too_o much_o lose_v that_o regard_n which_o otherwise_o it_o may_v have_v have_v in_o the_o christian_a world._n it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o church_n it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n no_o nor_o in_o the_o day_n of_o gregory_n the_o great_a as_o have_v be_v unanswerable_o demonstrate_v by_o bp._n morton_n heretofore_o 2._o heretofore_o catholic_a appeal_n l._n 1._o cap._n 2._o and_o late_o by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o answer_n of_o some_o late_a paper_n to_o which_o there_o will_v never_o be_v a_o ingenuous_a reply_n great_a and_o many_o alteration_n have_v be_v make_v therein_o to_o the_o manifest_a prejudice_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n of_o which_o that_o church_n shall_v have_v be_v as_o well_o as_o other_o a_o pillar_n and_o establishment_n but_o have_v notorious_o fail_v in_o her_o duty_n by_o invent_v another_o faith_n which_o undermine_v and_o endanger_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n of_o this_o i_o have_v give_v so_o full_a and_o so_o clear_a a_o account_n in_o these_o paper_n that_o i_o fear_v not_o to_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o examination_n of_o they_o that_o be_v of_o
almighty_a against_o every_o such_o refractory_a opposer_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o he_o shall_v obey_v there_o be_v no_o exception_n from_o this_o rule_n for_o as_o it_o there_o follow_v v._o 11._o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o god._n will_v to_o god_n they_o will_v serious_o lay_v this_o to_o heart_n who_o now_o seem_v to_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o truth_n and_o for_o a_o right_a faith_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o deceive_v by_o this_o warm_a zeal_n as_o to_o miss_v the_o end_n of_o faith_n the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n which_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v obtain_v no_o not_o by_o faith_n itself_o without_o a_o holy_a life_n part_n ii_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o who_o this_o office_n belong_v have_v show_v with_o some_o care_n what_o the_o truth_n be_v of_o which_o s._n paul_n speak_v which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o propound_v the_o two_o next_o may_v be_v explain_v together_o with_o less_o pain_n viz._n what_o and_o who_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o these_o great_a truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o that_o will_v be_v save_v i._o and_o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v have_v we_o by_o a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n to_o understand_v that_o which_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o upon_o who_o credit_n and_o authority_n all_o christian_a truth_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n depend_v for_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n be_v this_o pillar_n and_o presume_v also_o that_o they_o only_o be_v the_o church_n they_o thence_o infer_v that_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o no_o truth_n but_o from_o they_o and_o that_o they_o give_v authority_n and_o certainty_n to_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o likewise_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n i._n e._n they_o declare_v to_o be_v truth_n be_v therefore_o to_o be_v receive_v insomuch_o that_o if_o they_o make_v any_o new_a article_n or_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o give_v a_o full_a assent_n to_o they_o because_o all_o truth_n depend_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o church_n this_o sound_v strange_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o those_o that_o be_v not_o accustom_v to_o such_o language_n and_o may_v be_v think_v perhaps_o a_o misrepresentation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n but_o â—â—â—larmine_fw-la to_o name_n no_o more_o vouch_v this_o to_o be_v the_o catholic_a sense_n of_o this_o place_n and_o from_o the_o word_n pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n prove_v that_o the_o church_n can_v err_v either_o in_o believe_v or_o in_o teach_v 2._o teach_v l._n ii_o the_o council_n 〈◊〉_d c._n 2._o and_o again_o that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n approve_v be_v true_a and_o whatsoever_o it_o disapprove_v be_v false_a 14._o false_a l._n iii_o the_o 〈◊〉_d milit._n c._n 14._o but_o this_o only_a show_n that_o they_o be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o find_v proof_n for_o their_o high_a pretence_n for_o it_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o process_n of_o this_o discourse_n first_o that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v the_o word_n pillar_n and_o ground_n have_v respect_n to_o the_o church_n and_o not_o rather_o to_o timothy_n for_o which_o there_o be_v good_a authority_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n i_o shall_v let_v the_o authority_n alone_o till_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o only_a note_n second_o that_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n not_o to_o refer_v this_o to_o the_o church_n for_o have_v call_v the_o church_n a_o house_n it_o do_v not_o seem_v a_o congruous_a speech_n immediate_o to_o call_v the_o same_o church_n a_o pillar_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o call_v timothy_n a_o pillar_n in_o that_o house_n and_o to_o wish_v he_o to_o behave_v himself_o therein_o like_o other_o great_a person_n to_o who_o in_o other_o place_n he_o give_v the_o name_n of_o pillar_n but_o three_o if_o it_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o church_n it_o no_o more_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o any_o other_o church_n and_o immediate_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n in_o which_o timothy_n preside_v which_o church_n of_o ephesus_n ult_n ephesus_n council_n floreat_n 〈◊〉_d ult_n with_o other_o church_n of_o the_o east_n condemn_v this_o headship_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v a_o sovereignty_n over_o our_o faith._n and_o further_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v four_o that_o the_o apostle_n respect_v the_o church_n universal_a and_o likewise_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o bind_v in_o duty_n to_o be_v but_o also_o actual_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n yet_o last_o it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o any_o other_o truth_n but_o those_o grand_a fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n those_o catholic_a doctrine_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o which_o bless_a be_v god_n be_v maintain_v in_o every_o church_n to_o this_o day_n not_o of_o all_o truth_n whatsoever_o much_o less_o of_o a_o absolute_a freedom_n from_o all_o manner_n of_o error_n for_o let_v these_o thing_n alone_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v mean_v by_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n if_o it_o refer_v to_o the_o church_n as_o i_o be_o content_a to_o admit_v not_o that_o the_o church_n as_o they_o absurd_o affirm_v be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n upon_o which_o it_o rely_v but_o that_o it_o firm_o retain_v uphold_v and_o profess_v the_o christian_a truth_n against_o all_o the_o force_n violence_n and_o opposition_n of_o earth_n and_o hell_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n that_o endeavour_n to_o overthrow_v it_o that_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a import_n of_o the_o phrase_n i_o will_v manifest_v first_o from_o the_o propriety_n of_o the_o word_n second_o from_o clear_a reason_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i._n first_o from_o the_o propriety_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o greek_a language_n in_o which_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d frequent_o signify_v such_o a_o pillar_n as_o stand_v before_o their_o common_a hall_n and_o court_n of_o judicature_n upon_o which_o the_o decree_n and_o order_n of_o the_o court_n be_v wont_a to_o hang_v or_o be_v fix_v unto_o which_o tertullian_n allude_v when_o speak_v of_o a_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n in_o the_o place_n above_o name_v 18._o name_v l._n the_o resurrect_a carnis_fw-la c._n 18._o he_o say_v vnum_fw-la opinor_fw-la apud_fw-la omnes_fw-la edictum_fw-la dei_fw-la pendet_fw-la i_o suppose_v one_o edict_n of_o god_n hang_v up_o among_o all_o viz._n to_o be_v read_v by_o they_o have_v just_o ask_v before_o quonam_fw-la titulo_fw-la spes_fw-la ista_fw-la proscripta_fw-la est_fw-la by_o what_o title_n this_o hope_n viz._n of_o the_o resurrection_n be_v propose_v and_o hold_v forth_o to_o all_o and_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ground_n signify_v not_o the_o foundation_n but_o the_o seat_n where_o any_o thing_n be_v place_v so_o as_o to_o be_v settle_v and_o lay_v up_o to_o remain_v and_o abide_v there_o and_o at_o the_o most_o can_v mean_v no_o more_o than_o the_o stay_n or_o establishment_n the_o seat_n or_o settlement_n of_o truth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d oecumenius_n render_v it_o the_o confirmation_n of_o truth_n or_o if_o we_o will_v have_v these_o word_n allude_v to_o a_o building_n because_o the_o church_n be_v here_o call_v the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o elsewhere_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o same_o they_o signify_v no_o more_o but_o supporter_n and_o upholder_n without_o which_o the_o edifice_n will_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o the_o most_o we_o can_v make_v of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n sustain_v and_o keep_v it_o from_o sink_v or_o fall_v as_o a_o pillar_n firm_o settle_v upon_o a_o basis_n sustain_v and_o uphold_v the_o fabric_n lay_v upon_o it_o this_o consist_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v distinct_o though_o but_o brief_o mention_n for_o the_o reader_n be_v clear_a information_n in_o this_o matter_n first_o the_o church_n be_v that_o body_n of_o man_n which_o preserve_v and_o keep_v which_o maintain_v and_o hold_v up_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o god_n have_v commit_v to_o its_o care_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o divine_a oracle_n deliver_v in_o old_a time_n and_o as_o the_o church_n will_v answer_v it_o to_o god_n and_o not_o be_v guilty_a of_o betray_v its_o trust_n it_o must_v constant_o preserve_v the_o truth_n commit_v to_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lose_v and_o do_v not_o perish_v this_o may_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o that_o the_o church_n
be_v the_o keeper_n and_o conservator_n of_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a truth_n contain_v therein_o and_o that_o by_o faithful_a keep_v they_o it_o uphold_v and_o support_v the_o truth_n as_o a_o pillar_n do_v the_o building_n which_o rest_v upon_o it_o but_o this_o be_v sufficient_o include_v in_o what_o follow_v second_o the_o church_n be_v not_o only_o to_o preserve_v the_o truth_n but_o to_o profess_v it_o and_o to_o give_v attestation_n to_o it_o that_o be_v to_o bear_v witness_n that_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o this_o alone_a which_o he_o have_v reveal_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n by_o which_o mean_v it_o do_v not_o only_o hold_v up_o the_o truth_n but_o hold_v it_o out_o to_o other_o as_o the_o sacred_a edict_n or_o decree_n of_o god_n which_o all_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o observe_v and_o so_o three_o it_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o promote_v and_o propagate_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o let_v it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o a_o build_n do_v when_o the_o pillar_n that_o support_v it_o be_v remove_v in_o brief_a as_o heretical_a church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o stay_v of_o falsehood_n they_o maintain_v and_o defend_v it_o they_o testify_v to_o it_o and_o endeavour_v to_o continue_v it_o and_o leave_v it_o to_o posterity_n just_o so_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n it_o profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n it_o maintain_v it_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o persecution_n trouble_n loss_n torment_n whereby_o its_o enemy_n will_v shake_v the_o constancy_n of_o those_o who_o maintain_v the_o truth_n they_o testify_v to_o it_o and_o declare_v to_o future_a generation_n that_o this_o as_o s._n peter_n speak_v be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o we_o stand_v this_o be_v the_o first_o consideration_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o these_o word_n ii_o the_o second_o be_v as_o strong_a for_o plain_a reason_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o this_o not_o the_o other_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o the_o church_n that_o be_v can_v be_v the_o very_a foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o truth_n be_v build_v not_o that_o which_o give_v it_o authority_n and_o make_v it_o to_o be_v truth_n for_o the_o quite_o contrary_a be_v declare_v by_o truth_n itself_o that_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o church_n be_v build_v and_o which_o make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o church_n so_o s._n paul_n instruct_v this_o very_a church_n of_o ephesus_n who_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n in_o who_o all_o the_o build_n fit_o frame_v together_o grow_v into_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o who_o you_o also_o be_v build_v together_o for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n ii_o ephes_n 18_o 19_o 20._o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n because_o it_o hold_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v and_o so_o a_o great_a number_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n expound_v those_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o s._n peter_n thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i._n e._n upon_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o thou_o have_v make_v upon_o that_o truth_n thou_o have_v confess_v i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n matth._n xvi_o we_o can_v own_v no_o society_n of_o man_n to_o be_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n unless_o they_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o the_o true_a faith_n must_v be_v know_v before_o we_o can_v know_v whether_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o no_o who_o call_v themselves_o by_o that_o name_n and_o consequent_o they_o do_v not_o give_v authority_n to_o the_o truth_n but_o the_o truth_n to_o they_o because_o the_o truth_n must_v be_v suppose_v before_o they_o can_v have_v any_o authority_n observe_v the_o above_o recite_v word_n i_o beseech_v you_o which_o say_v the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n upon_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o they_o in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v a_o church_n by_o hold_v and_o believe_v this_o for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v a_o company_n of_o man_n to_o be_v a_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n tell_v i_o why_o the_o mahometan_n be_v not_o his_o church_n they_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v some_o belief_n and_o have_v some_o truth_n and_o devotion_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o law_n as_o well_o as_o we_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n therefore_o the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v the_o truth_n but_o the_o truth_n make_v the_o church_n the_o truth_n do_v not_o rely_v upon_o the_o church_n because_o it_o be_v before_o the_o church_n which_o rely_v upon_o it_o which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o in_o after_o age_n as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v if_o i_o intend_v to_o write_v a_o great_a book_n i_o will_v content_v myself_o with_o two_o testimony_n in_o ancient_a time_n the_o one_o be_v of_o s._n chrysostome_n who_o thus_o expound_v these_o very_a word_n the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n not_o like_o that_o judaical_a temple_n say_v he_o for_o this_o be_v it_o which_o keep_v together_o and_o contain_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o preach_v or_o doctrine_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o truth_n be_v both_o the_o pillar_n and_o the_o ground_n or_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n the_o other_o be_v s._n austin_n in_o his_o three_o book_n upon_o the_o creed_n to_o the_o catechuman_n ix_o catechuman_n tom._n ix_o which_o begin_v thus_o you_o know_v this_o viz._n the_o creed_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o cathlique_a faith_n upon_o which_o the_o edifice_n of_o the_o church_n arise_v be_v build_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o with_o this_o of_o gabriel_n biel_n in_o latter_a age_n 3._o age_n l._n 3_o in_o sentent_fw-fr dist_n 25._o dub._n 3._o catholic_a truth_n without_o any_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n immutable_a and_o immutable_o true_a and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v account_v unchangeable_o catholic_n which_o bring_v to_o mind_v another_o remarkable_a say_n of_o s._n austin_n who_o after_o he_o have_v produce_v in_o his_o first_o and_o second_o book_n against_o julian_n the_o pelagian_a the_o testimony_n of_o xi_o great_a doctor_n viz._n irenaeus_n cyprian_n reticius_n olympius_n hilarius_n ambrose_n innocentius_n where_o by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v observable_a he_o mention_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n only_o as_o one_o of_o the_o eminent_a bishop_n not_o as_o head_n of_o they_o all_o gregory_n nyssen_n basil_n of_o caesarea_n john_n chrysostom_n hierom_n make_v this_o reflection_n upon_o their_o consent_n which_o he_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n qui_fw-la tamen_fw-la veritati_fw-la auctoritatem_fw-la non_fw-la svo_fw-la tribuêre_fw-la consensu_fw-la etc._n etc._n who_o notwithstanding_o do_v not_o give_v authority_n to_o the_o truth_n by_o their_o consent_n but_o receive_v testimony_n and_o glory_n by_o partake_v of_o the_o truth_n they_o endeavour_v indeed_o to_o put_v by_o such_o evident_a conviction_n as_o this_o by_o a_o little_a distinction_n that_o though_o in_o itself_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o truth_n yet_o in_o respect_n to_o we_o the_o truth_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o church_n which_o appear_v already_o to_o be_v a_o vain_a conceit_n unto_o those_o who_o consider_v that_o the_o church_n can_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o truth_n to_o we_o unless_o we_o first_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o endue_v with_o this_o privilege_n from_o god_n to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o truth_n in_o this_o sense_n which_o i_o be_o now_o confute_v but_o whence_o shall_v we_o know_v this_o if_o it_o be_v say_v from_o the_o truth_n which_o it_o profess_v then_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o we_o for_o we_o must_v know_v the_o truth_n before_o we_o can_v know_v that_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n which_o call_v itself_o the_o foundation_n if_o we_o say_v from_o the_o church_n then_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o itself_o and_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n because_o it_o say_v it_o be_v which_o be_v so_o absurd_a and_o dangerous_a that_o the_o mahometan_n as_o i_o say_v will_v be_v as_o true_a a_o church_n as_o any_o else_o they_o may_v bold_o put_v
in_o for_o their_o share_n of_o this_o privilege_n nay_o if_o confidence_n and_o power_n can_v carry_v it_o engross_v it_o whole_o to_o themselves_o it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v give_v the_o church_n keep_v the_o truth_n and_o keep_v it_o up_o it_o be_v the_o conservator_n of_o it_o and_o preserve_v it_o from_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n it_o proclaim_v it_o and_o hold_v it_o forth_o to_o other_o it_o continue_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o world_n and_o settle_v it_o in_o man_n mind_n but_o itself_o be_v build_v upon_o this_o truth_n not_o the_o truth_n upon_o it_o which_o derive_v its_o authority_n from_o god_n who_o send_v jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o world_n to_o teach_v we_o his_o will_n and_o give_v he_o power_n to_o send_v his_o apostle_n as_o he_o have_v send_v he_o god_n bear_v they_o witness_n with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will._n this_o will_v be_v the_o more_o plain_o lay_v open_a if_o i_o spend_v a_o little_a time_n in_o show_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o church_n which_o be_v common_o think_v to_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n propound_v in_o the_o beginning_n to_o be_v explain_v iii_o the_o church_n or_o house_n of_o god_n signify_v every_o where_o a_o company_n of_o christian_n unite_v under_o their_o pastor_n unto_o christ_n their_o head_n by_o a_o sincere_a faith_n and_o join_v one_o to_o another_o by_o brotherly_a love_n and_o communion_n where_o ever_o we_o find_v such_o a_o society_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n there_o be_v a_o church_n and_o all_o the_o society_n of_o this_o kind_n throughout_o the_o world_n make_v up_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o catholic_a or_o universal_a church_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n or_o christian_a church_n of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v a_o part_n one_o eminent_a company_n of_o christian_n profess_v the_o true_o catholic_a faith_n and_o join_v to_o timothy_n as_o their_o chief_a pastor_n for_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o to_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n as_o these_o word_n must_v be_v interpret_v if_o they_o relate_v unto_o the_o church_n they_o indeed_o who_o be_v now_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n understand_v by_o the_o church_n only_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o some_o of_o they_o this_o church_n representative_a as_o it_o may_v be_v call_v that_o be_v the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o christian_a bishop_n as_o many_o as_o can_v meet_v together_o represent_v all_o the_o church_n under_o their_o care_n but_o other_o understand_v only_o one_o bishop_n alone_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v then_o the_o church_n virtual_a in_o who_o all_o the_o power_n of_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o world_n be_v unite_v but_o as_o there_o be_v no_o such_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n church_n in_o scripture_n so_o if_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o this_o place_n they_o will_v appear_v very_o wild_a fancy_n unto_o any_o man_n who_o will_v sober_o consider_v the_o scope_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o the_o church_n be_v here_o mention_v as_o distinct_a from_o timothy_n who_o be_v the_o prime_a pastor_n of_o it_o and_o who_o be_v direct_v how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o it_o therefore_o if_o this_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n at_o ephesus_n unite_v under_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o pastor_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o this_o great_a privilege_n and_o honour_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n to_o be_v the_o conservator_n and_o supporter_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o s._n paul_n as_o i_o say_v be_v instruct_v timothy_n how_o to_o demean_v himself_o in_o this_o society_n which_o he_o call_v the_o house_n or_o family_n of_o god_n that_o be_v among_o true_a believer_n in_o christ_n form_v into_o a_o society_n under_o the_o government_n of_o their_o guide_n who_o be_v to_o take_v the_o great_a care_n that_o every_o one_o in_o the_o church_n be_v well_o teach_v instruct_v and_o order_v because_o they_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n this_o make_v s._n paul_n very_o solicitous_a that_o timothy_n shall_v carry_v himself_o well_o and_o be_v a_o good_a pastor_n in_o that_o church_n of_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v he_o chief_a overseer_n and_o not_o know_v when_o he_o may_v have_v opportunity_n to_o see_v he_o and_o give_v he_o personal_a instruction_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n he_o write_v this_o letter_n to_o he_o for_o his_o direction_n that_o he_o may_v full_o understand_v how_o to_o discharge_v this_o office._n and_o therefore_o these_o word_n it_o appear_v by_o the_o verse_n forego_v v._n 14._o relate_v partly_o to_o what_o go_v before_o and_o partly_o to_o what_o follow_v these_o thing_n write_v i_o unto_o thou_o hope_v to_o come_v unto_o thou_o short_o but_o if_o i_o tarry_v long_o that_o thou_o may_v know_v how_o thou_o ought_v to_o behave_v thyself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n etc._n etc._n which_o whole_a paragraph_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v in_o more_o word_n though_o i_o hope_v short_o to_o discourse_v with_o thou_o face_n to_o face_n yet_o not_o know_v what_o may_v hinder_v and_o retard_v my_o hope_n i_o have_v send_v the_o above_o write_v instruction_n to_o thou_o not_o to_o trouble_v the_o church_n with_o vain_a disputation_n about_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o law_n and_o such_o idle_a question_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v apt_a to_o raise_v but_o to_o remember_v as_o i_o have_v say_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o letter_n v._n 4_o 5._o of_o the_o first_o chapter_n that_o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v charity_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n this_o therefore_o teach_v they_o and_o instruct_v they_o also_o to_o make_v prayer_n supplication_n and_o intercession_n with_o give_v of_o thanks_o for_o all_o man_n for_o king_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n chap._n ii_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o teach_v they_o all_o likewise_o how_o to_o pray_v v._n 8._o and_o instruct_v the_o bishop_n and_o the_o deacon_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n in_o their_o office_n and_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n that_o they_o be_v well_o inform_v because_o this_o church_n over_o which_o thou_o be_v set_v be_v the_o very_a seat_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o place_n but_o in_o such_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n who_o ought_v to_o uphold_v and_o defend_v it_o when_o thou_o be_v dead_a and_o go_v and_o therefore_o have_v need_n be_v well_o settle_v and_o establish_v in_o it_o especial_o in_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n wherein_o all_o christian_n agree_v and_o about_o which_o there_o be_v no_o controversy_n that_o so_o the_o church_n may_v never_o let_v it_o go_v and_o this_o truth_n may_v not_o die_v and_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n when_o we_o be_v lay_v in_o our_o grave_n but_o be_v deliver_v to_o those_o that_o come_v after_o as_o the_o very_a oracle_n of_o god._n who_o now_o be_v there_o so_o blind_a as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o see_v that_o by_o the_o church_n be_v mean_v not_o mere_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v timothy_n but_o all_o that_o company_n of_o christian_a people_n under_o their_o several_a bishop_n and_o teacher_n who_o belong_v to_o ephesus_n all_o of_o which_o s._n paul_n leave_v timothy_n when_o he_o himself_o go_v into_o macedonia_n to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o to_o charge_v that_o they_o teach_v no_o other_o doctrine_n as_o you_o read_v 1.3_o and_o in_o this_o house_n or_o family_n he_o be_v when_o s._n paul_n write_v this_o epistle_n to_o he_o not_o in_o a_o general_n council_n for_o there_o be_v none_o in_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o this_o time_n therefore_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n representative_a as_o it_o be_v call_v much_o less_o of_o the_o church_n virtual_a as_o they_o term_v it_o that_o be_v the_o pope_n for_o then_o mark_v what_o sense_n the_o word_n will_v make_v i_o have_v write_v to_o thou_o not_o know_v when_o i_o shall_v see_v thou_o how_o to_o behave_v thyself_o in_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o if_o he_o will_v have_v we_o fancy_n timothy_n in_o the_o pope_n belly_n and_o himself_o grave_o instruct_v he_o how_o to_o carry_v himself_o with_o
better_o from_o one_o of_o their_o society_n who_o call_v they_o brethren_n than_o from_o one_o that_o separate_v from_o they_o as_o mere_a stranger_n and_o foreigner_n with_o who_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n will_v to_o god_n this_o be_v more_o serious_o practise_v among_o we_o that_o we_o will_v be_v as_o forward_o charitable_o to_o reprove_v man_n for_o their_o wickedness_n as_o we_o be_v even_o to_o reproach_v they_o perhaps_o uncharitable_o for_o their_o false_a opinion_n it_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o their_o cure_n a_o effectual_a remedy_n for_o their_o amendment_n when_o pious_o and_o prudent_o administer_v and_o a_o mean_n of_o bring_v those_o back_n who_o be_v go_v astray_o from_o we_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o division_n among_o we_o but_o we_o may_v be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n part_n iii_o how_o the_o church_n discharge_v this_o office_n of_o a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n what_o the_o psalmist_n say_v concern_v jerusalem_n or_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v wont_v there_o to_o assemble_v be_v more_o full_o verify_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o thou_o o_o thou_o city_n of_o god_n lxxxvii_o ps_n 1._o this_o great_a city_n s._n john_n see_v descend_v out_o of_o heaven_n have_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n xxi_o rev._n 10_o 11._o and_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o call_v this_o church_n the_o bride_n the_o lamb_n wife_n there_o be_v a_o special_a presence_n that_o be_v of_o god_n in_o it_o and_o a_o special_a love_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o he_o that_o fill_v all_o thing_n to_o this_o s._n john_n say_v they_o shall_v bring_v the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o nation_n against_o this_o our_o saviour_n promise_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v the_o pure_a water_n of_o life_n clear_a as_o crystal_n run_v therein_o here_o grow_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n xxii_o rev._n 1_o 2._o and_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o paradise_n and_o garden_n of_o god._n which_o thing_n show_v what_o a_o honour_n what_o a_o happiness_n it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o citizen_n of_o this_o holy_a jerusalcm_n whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o by_o a_o cordial_a faith_n in_o christ_n and_o sincere_a love_n to_o he_o join_v themselves_o to_o this_o body_n be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n child_n of_o god_n companion_n of_o angel_n and_o inheritor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n they_o be_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o almighty_a under_o the_o guidance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n under_o the_o care_n and_o tender_a love_n of_o that_o great_a and_o glorious_a lord_n who_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o earth_n invest_v in_o he_o for_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n and_o family_n of_o god_n nay_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n 2_o cor._n vi_o 17._o for_o he_o have_v say_v as_o it_o there_o follow_v i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n i_o will_v be_v a_o father_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o daughter_n say_v the_o lord_n god_n almighty_n these_o thing_n be_v great_a indeed_o and_o exceed_v glorious_a but_o not_o content_a with_o these_o privilege_n which_o be_v as_o a_o royal_a diadem_n and_o crown_n of_o glory_n on_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v those_o who_o will_v adorn_v she_o with_o proud_a title_n and_o set_v she_o forth_o in_o a_o adulterous_a dress_n and_o a_o presumptuous_a glory_n make_v she_o in_o a_o manner_n equal_a to_o her_o head_n the_o lord_n christ_n for_o they_o have_v snatch_v one_o of_o the_o incommunicable_a property_n of_o god_n and_o fix_v it_o as_o a_o jewel_n on_o the_o top_n of_o the_o church_n crown_n tell_v we_o that_o she_o be_v a_o infallible_a guide_n who_o can_v mislead_v we_o that_o be_v though_o she_o may_v go_v astray_o and_o play_v the_o harlot_n in_o life_n and_o practice_n yet_o she_o can_v err_v nor_o mistake_v in_o her_o judgement_n so_o that_o if_o we_o listen_v to_o what_o she_o say_v we_o shall_v never_o wander_v but_o always_o be_v in_o the_o right_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o they_o first_o suppose_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o alone_o and_o then_o they_o abuse_v this_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n to_o assert_v this_o divine_a prerogative_n to_o be_v in_o his_o church_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o but_o i_o have_v expose_v the_o bold_a folly_n of_o these_o pretence_n by_o show_v that_o the_o church_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o that_o timothy_n be_v the_o principal_a pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n in_o this_o church_n which_o do_v not_o signify_v i_o have_v show_v that_o either_o the_o church_n or_o timothy_n be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n upon_o who_o credit_n the_o authority_n the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o all_o religion_n depend_v but_o the_o supporter_n of_o the_o truth_n who_o testify_v maintain_v uphold_v and_o propagate_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o more_o full_a understanding_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o show_v before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o thing_n propound_v first_o what_o power_n it_o be_v that_o we_o herein_o ascribe_v to_o the_o church_n particular_o to_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n thereof_o second_o what_o power_n it_o can_v pretend_v unto_o nor_o aught_o to_o be_v yield_v to_o any_o church_n or_o person_n whatsoever_o i._o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o what_o the_o power_n be_v we_o allow_v the_o church_n when_o we_o say_v it_o uphold_v maintain_v and_o testify_v to_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o inquire_v of_o what_o authority_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v how_o much_o it_o ought_v to_o weigh_v with_o we_o and_o how_o far_o we_o ought_v to_o yield_v to_o it_o to_o the_o testimony_n for_o instance_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v member_n for_o it_o have_v as_o much_o authority_n as_o any_o other_o when_o it_o propound_v truth_n to_o we_o and_o press_v it_o upon_o our_o belief_n be_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o mere_o because_o the_o church_n say_v it_o in_o answer_n to_o which_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o whereby_o we_o be_v both_o inform_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o induce_v as_o by_o the_o first_o external_a motive_n to_o faith_n in_o christ_n mr._n hooker_n call_v it_o the_o key_n as_o other_o do_v the_o door_n which_o let_v we_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n which_o be_v preserve_v in_o this_o house_n of_o god._n if_o we_o allow_v it_o not_o this_o we_o allow_v it_o nothing_o nor_o can_v it_o or_o any_o person_n in_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n unless_o it_o do_v something_o to_o the_o bring_v we_o acquaint_v with_o the_o truth_n which_o it_o propound_v and_o set_v before_o we_o and_o testify_v to_o be_v that_o which_o christ_n have_v leave_v with_o his_o church_n to_o be_v deliver_v down_o to_o all_o generation_n for_o it_o convey_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o we_o and_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o consider_v and_o study_v they_o that_o therein_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o this_o office_n i_o have_v show_v principal_o belong_v we_o may_v find_v all_o necessary_a truth_n in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n which_o testimony_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o man_n that_o profess_v faithfulness_n honesty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o the_o great_a thing_n in_o their_o religion_n be_v the_o high_a of_o all_o humane_a testimony_n and_o can_v but_o work_v very_o strong_o and_o powerful_o upon_o man_n mind_n when_o christian_n be_v such_o as_o they_o profess_v to_o be_v and_o as_o they_o be_v it_o ought_v to_o work_v thus_o far_o upon_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n even_o upon_o those_o who_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o incline_v they_o to_o have_v a_o reverend_a regard_n to_o that_o faith_n and_o those_o scripture_n and_o to_o look_v into_o they_o and_o consider_v they_o which_o they_o see_v such_o multitude_n of_o people_n and_o some_o of_o they_o very_o wise_a as_o well_o as_o devout_a constant_o esteem_v as_o the_o very_a truth_n of_o god_n transmit_v to_o they_o from_o his_o son_n by_o the_o apostle_n who_o attend_v on_o he_o from_o his_o first_o appear_v till_o he_o go_v to_o heaven_n this_o move_v s._n
austin_n when_o he_o be_v yet_o in_o part_n a_o infidel_n be_v a_o manichee_n to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n according_a to_o that_o famous_a discourse_n of_o he_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o epistle_n of_o manichaeus_n which_o contain_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o whole_a belief_n of_o that_o party_n ego_fw-la non_fw-la crederem_fw-la evangelio_n nisi_fw-la i_o ecclesiae_fw-la catholicae_fw-la authoritas_fw-la commoveret_fw-la 5._o commoveret_fw-la tom._n vi_o contra_fw-la epistolam_fw-la fandamenti_fw-la cap._n 5._o which_o be_v to_o be_v thus_o translate_v according_a to_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o asricans_n i_o have_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n unless_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n have_v move_v i_o thereunto_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a as_o have_v be_v show_v by_o our_o writer_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n 8._o reformation_n d._n whitakeram_n de_fw-fr saâ—â—a_fw-fr scâ—iâ—t_fw-la q._n 3._o cap._n 8._o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o when_o a_o manichee_n as_o the_o word_n immediate_o follow_v declare_v those_o who_o i_o obey_v when_o they_o say_v believe_v the_o gospel_n why_o shall_v i_o not_o obey_v when_o they_o say_v do_v not_o believe_v manichaeus_n which_o do_v not_o signify_v that_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o church_n authority_n but_o that_o this_o be_v the_o first_o motive_n to_o incline_v he_o to_o look_v into_o the_o gospel_n and_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o divine_a book_n which_o will_v inform_v he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n thus_o he_o explain_v himself_o in_o the_o very_o forego_v chapter_n where_o set_v aside_o the_o sincere_a wisdom_n teach_v in_o the_o church_n which_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o reckon_v up_o abundance_n of_o other_o thing_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o keep_v he_o in_o the_o catholic_a church_n viz._n the_o consent_n of_o people_n and_o nation_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o thus_o conclude_v these_o numerous_a and_o great_a and_o most_o dear_a tie_n of_o the_o christian_a name_n may_v very_o well_o hold_v a_o man_n that_o believe_v in_o the_o catholic_a church_n although_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o slowness_n of_o his_o understanding_n or_o the_o defect_n of_o his_o life_n the_o truth_n do_v not_o yet_o show_v itself_o most_o open_o unto_o he_o whereas_o among_o the_o manichee_n there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n to_o invite_v or_o to_o hold_v he_o but_o a_o bare_a promise_n of_o truth_n wherewith_o they_o make_v a_o noise_n which_o if_o they_o can_v have_v show_v so_o manifest_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v doubt_v he_o confess_v it_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o those_o thing_n whereby_o he_o be_v hold_v in_o the_o catholic_a church_n which_o word_n be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n as_o only_o move_v and_o induce_v he_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o join_v himself_o to_o their_o society_n before_o the_o truth_n be_v manifest_v to_o he_o which_o he_o be_v to_o sin_v there_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o which_o he_o prefer_v before_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o elsewhere_o tell_v the_o donatist_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v upon_o its_o own_o credit_n 16._o l._n de_fw-fr unitate_fw-la ecclesie_n cap._n 16._o but_o whether_o they_o hold_v the_o church_n let_v they_o not_o show_v but_o from_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o divine_a scripture_n for_o we_o neither_o do_v not_o say_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v because_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n church_n because_o that_o church_n which_o we_o hold_v be_v commend_v to_o we_o by_o optatus_n or_o ambrose_n or_o other_o innumerable_a bishop_n of_o our_o communion_n or_o because_o it_o be_v approve_v by_o council_n or_o because_o miracle_n be_v every_o where_o wrought_v in_o it_o these_o and_o such_o like_a thing_n be_v therefore_o to_o be_v approve_v because_o they_o be_v do_v in_o the_o catholic_a church_n but_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o manifest_v to_o be_v the_o catholic_a church_n because_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o it_o our_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o when_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o offer_v his_o body_n to_o be_v touch_v as_o well_o as_o see_v by_o his_o disciple_n lest_o they_o shall_v think_v there_o be_v any_o fallacy_n in_o it_o judge_v it_o meet_v rather_o to_o confirm_v they_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o psalm_n show_v how_o all_o thing_n be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v predict_v and_o so_o he_o command_v his_o church_n save_v that_o repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o his_o name_n begin_v at_o jerusalem_n this_o he_o testify_v be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n the_o prophet_n and_o psalm_n this_o we_o hold_v commend_v from_o his_o mouth_n these_o be_v the_o document_n these_o the_o foundation_n these_o the_o strong_a ground_n of_o our_o cause_n we_o read_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o some_o believer_n that_o they_o seek_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o what_o scripture_n but_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o which_o be_v add_v the_o gospel_n the_o apostolical_a epistle_n the_o act_n of_o apostle_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o s._n john._n search_v all_o these_o and_o bring_v forth_o something_o manifest_a whereby_o you_o may_v demonstrate_v the_o church_n either_o to_o have_v remain_v only_o in_o africa_n or_o to_o be_v to_o come_v out_o of_o africa_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v a_o illustrious_a testimony_n he_o think_v the_o church_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o scripture_n which_o do_v not_o therefore_o receive_v their_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n but_o give_v it_o all_o the_o authority_n it_o have_v and_o after_o all_o it_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n bare_o that_o move_v he_o when_o he_o be_v a_o manichee_n but_o of_o the_o catholic_a church_n from_o the_o beginning_n occam_n 24._o occam_n fr_n white_n be_v answer_v to_o fisher_n second_o conference_n p._n 24._o think_v he_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n alone_o which_o move_v he_o to_o believe_v and_o other_o as_o gabriel_n biel_n confess_v he_o speak_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n à _fw-la tempore_fw-la christi_fw-la &_o apostolorum_fw-la etc._n etc._n from_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n down_o to_o his_o day_n such_o authority_n can_v but_o weigh_v 〈◊〉_d much_o even_o with_o those_o that_o do_v not_o yet_o believe_v if_o 〈…〉_o serious_o ponder_v but_o much_o more_o with_o those_o that_o be_v already_o christian_n whether_o they_o be_v novice_n and_o weakling_n who_o be_v as_o yet_o doubtful_a in_o the_o faith_n though_o in_o the_o church_n the_o testimony_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o aught_o to_o confirm_v and_o quiet_v their_o mind_n as_o it_o do_v s._n augustine_n it_o appear_v by_o the_o place_n beforenamed_n and_o keep_v they_o close_o to_o the_o christian_a society_n till_o they_o may_v themselves_o come_v better_a acquaint_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o more_o full_o understand_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o the_o church_n deliver_v to_o they_o and_o put_v into_o their_o hand_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god._n or_o whether_o they_o be_v more_o grow_v christian_n and_o indeed_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o the_o church_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o far_o wrought_v upon_o even_o by_o its_o authority_n as_o to_o be_v persuade_v thereby_o to_o read_v constant_o to_o consider_v and_o ponder_v serious_o and_o to_o practice_v those_o plain_a lesson_n faithful_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n teach_v they_o till_o it_o work_v effectual_o upon_o their_o heart_n and_o purge_v they_o so_o thorough_o from_o all_o bad_a affection_n that_o they_o may_v more_o perfect_o understand_v the_o truth_n thus_o much_o be_v indisputable_a for_o god_n have_v appoint_v outward_a mean_n for_o the_o convey_v divine_a truth_n to_o our_o belief_n and_o this_o mean_n be_v ordinary_o the_o church_n to_o which_o we_o ascribe_v these_o two_o great_a thing_n in_o this_o business_n v._n business_n answer_v to_o charity_n mistake_v sect._n v._n first_o the_o office_n of_o a_o witness_n testify_v the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n to_o we_o second_o of_o a_o instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o its_o ministry_n in_o preach_v and_o expound_v they_o to_o beget_v a_o divine_a faith_n in_o we_o but_o further_a than_o this_o we_o can_v we_o must_v not_o go_v for_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o into_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n but_o into_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o which_o we_o find_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n deliver_v by_o the_o church_n unto_o we_o thus_o s._n austin_n most_o admirable_o
discourse_n in_o that_o very_a book_n against_o manichaeus_n fundamenti_fw-la manichaeus_n cap._n fourteen_o contra_fw-la epist_n quam_fw-la vocant_fw-la fundamenti_fw-la his_o letter_n from_o whence_o the_o forenamed_a say_n i_o have_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n unless_o the_o church_n authority_n have_v move_v i_o to_o it_o be_v wont_a at_o every_o turn_n to_o be_v object_v to_o we_o by_o those_o of_o the_o romish_a persuasion_n thou_o do_v nothing_o but_o praise_v what_o thou_o believe_v and_o deride_v what_o i_o believe_v now_o since_o i_o can_v be_v even_o with_o thou_o and_o do_v the_o very_a same_o praise_v what_o i_o believe_v and_o deride_v what_o thou_o believe_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v but_o that_o we_o leave_v and_o relinquish_v those_o who_o invite_v we_o to_o know_v thing_n certain_a and_o afterward_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v thing_n uncertain_a let_v those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n mark_v this_o and_o that_o we_o follow_v they_o who_o invite_v we_o first_o to_o believe_v that_o which_o we_o can_v yet_o see_v into_o that_o be_v make_v strong_a in_o the_o faith_n itself_o we_o may_v come_v to_o understand_v what_o we_o believe_v not_o men_n now_o but_o god_n himself_o inward_o establish_n and_o illuminate_v our_o mind_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o read_v this_o passage_n and_o not_o see_v that_o this_o father_n think_v our_o faith_n be_v not_o ultimate_o resolve_v into_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n but_o by_o that_o be_v invite_v to_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o be_v establish_v upon_o the_o serious_a read_n of_o they_o in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o god_n himself_o upon_o who_o word_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o not_o upon_o man_n we_o bottom_n our_o faith._n upon_o the_o testimony_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o divine_a man_n inspire_v by_o they_o who_o by_o miracle_n and_o sign_n and_o mighty_a deed_n and_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v send_v of_o god_n and_o have_v leave_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n upon_o record_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o church_n indeed_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v keep_v and_o preserve_v and_o faithful_o transmit_v down_o to_o we_o and_o now_o propound_v to_o our_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o what_o the_o church_n say_v that_o make_v we_o believe_v but_o what_o god_n himself_o say_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o what_o jesus_n christ_n say_v concern_v his_o rise_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v fulfil_v evident_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o they_o to_o be_v his_o apostle_n and_o minister_n who_o declare_v to_o man_n the_o true_a way_n of_o salvation_n so_o the_o church_n direct_v and_o guide_v we_o to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n but_o they_o resolve_v and_o assure_v our_o faith_n be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god._n the_o authority_n of_o god_n church_n be_v the_o first_o motive_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o esteem_v the_o scripture_n but_o be_v lead_v thither_o we_o find_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o that_o which_o give_v we_o full_a satisfaction_n by_o bestow_v our_o pain_n in_o read_v or_o hear_v and_o consider_v the_o mystery_n contain_v therein_o the_o church_n hold_v out_o this_o light_n to_o we_o but_o it_o be_v by_o this_o light_n that_o we_o see_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god._n to_o this_o the_o church_n point_v we_o and_o bid_v we_o attend_v to_o it_o for_o this_o it_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v we_o it_o lead_v we_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o this_o as_o the_o only_a sure_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n because_o herein_o we_o find_v god_n himself_o speak_v to_o we_o and_o moreover_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n we_o be_v assist_v in_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o they_o contain_v in_o themselves_o that_o divine_a authority_n and_o truth_n whereby_o we_o come_v to_o a_o certain_a faith._n the_o church_n tell_v we_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o we_o find_v they_o to_o be_v so_o by_o examine_v the_o scripture_n which_o the_o beraean_o search_v daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o therefore_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v not_o mere_o because_o the_o apostle_n tell_v they_o they_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v but_o because_o they_o find_v what_o they_o say_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n xvii_o act._n 11_o 12._o and_o so_o far_o as_o any_o church_n speak_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n contain_v therein_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o follow_v but_o if_o it_o bring_v no_o divine_a word_n for_o its_o warrant_n if_o it_o propound_v other_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o there_o it_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o make_v such_o doctrine_n the_o matter_n of_o our_o faith_n much_o less_o to_o set_v up_o its_o own_o authority_n above_o the_o scripture_n as_o they_o do_v who_o say_v the_o scripture_n receive_v their_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o no_o less_o man_n than_o baronius_n and_o bellarmine_n to_o name_v no_o more_o the_o former_a of_o xi_o of_o ad_fw-la annum_fw-la 53_o 〈◊〉_d x_o xi_o which_o argue_v that_o because_o we_o receive_v these_o holy_a book_n to_o be_v writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o not_o forge_v under_o their_o name_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o all_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n receive_v their_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n tradition_n which_o be_v fundamentum_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la as_o he_o venture_v to_o say_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o other_o tertium_fw-la other_o l._n 2._o the_o sacrament_n c._n 25._o tertium_fw-la be_v no_o less_o positive_a that_o if_o we_o take_v away_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n and_o the_o present_a council_n we_o call_v in_o doubt_n the_o whole_a christian_n faith._n for_o the_o firmness_n of_o all_o ancient_a council_n and_o of_o all_o doctrine_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n this_o be_v very_o presumptuous_a talk_n for_o by_o the_o church_n they_o mean_v themselves_o and_o then_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v their_o own_o testimony_n they_o mean_v such_o a_o divine_a witness_n as_o assure_v we_o by_o its_o own_o authority_n without_o any_o other_o proof_n which_o be_v the_o great_a point_n of_o difference_n between_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n for_o we_o assert_v first_o that_o the_o office_n of_o lead_v man_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o so_o to_o faith_n belong_v to_o every_o church_n as_o much_o as_o to_o they_o and_o second_o that_o no_o church_n can_v bring_v people_n to_o faith_n by_o its_o own_o testimony_n and_o authority_n but_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o be_v any_o church_n whatsoever_o to_o be_v hear_v in_o matter_n of_o divine_a truth_n further_o than_o it_o can_v prove_v its_o doctrine_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n and_o teach_v thing_n agreeable_a thereunto_o ii_o which_o lead_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n brief_o to_o show_v what_o power_n and_o authority_n the_o church_n can_v pretend_v unto_o in_o matter_n of_o faith._n 1._o and_o first_o it_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o it_o have_v not_o a_o sovereign_n absolute_a prophetical_a authority_n independent_a upon_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o we_o must_v take_v whatsoever_o it_o say_v for_o true_a without_o consult_v they_o this_o be_v the_o ambitious_a pretence_n of_o the_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n who_o give_v the_o church_n mean_v thereby_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n a_o authority_n over_o all_o thing_n not_o depend_v on_o the_o scripture_n but_o upon_o which_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o depend_v so_o that_o without_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o church_n all_o truth_n be_v doubtful_a which_o be_v a_o manifest_a principle_n of_o infidelity_n make_v all_o religion_n stand_v to_o the_o courtesy_n of_o a_o company_n of_o man_n who_o in_o such_o matter_n be_v the_o least_o to_o be_v trust_v of_o all_o other_o christian_n that_o we_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o 2._o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o propound_v any_o doctrine_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o depend_v sole_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o its_o own_o tradition_n this_o be_v another_o of_o their_o ambitious_a attempt_n who_o have_v arrogate_a to_o themselves_o alone_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o church_n make_v that_o power_n so_o unlimited_a that_o it_o can_v supply_v the_o
the_o truth_n ii_o rev._n 4._o and_o now_o be_v utter_o subvert_v and_o not_o to_o be_v find_v which_o be_v a_o demonstration_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o in_o these_o word_n intend_v to_o teach_v that_o the_o church_n can_v err_v but_o that_o as_o i_o say_v it_o be_v in_o duty_n bind_v by_o its_o call_n and_o office_n to_o preserve_v the_o truth_n pure_a and_o entire_a for_o he_o himself_o foresee_v this_o church_n will_v be_v haunt_v with_o grievous_a wolf_n after_o his_o departure_n act._n xx._n 29_o 30._o who_o no_o doubt_n come_v in_o sheep_n clothing_n as_o they_o also_o among_o themselves_o do_v who_o he_o foretell_v will_v arise_v speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o and_o immediate_o after_o he_o have_v here_o call_v the_o church_n or_o timothy_n the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n he_o admonish_v he_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o next_o chapter_n iu_o 1_o 2._o that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n as_o the_o spirit_n express_o declare_v for_o according_a to_o what_o our_o saviour_n predict_v there_o be_v scarce_o any_o church_n but_o the_o enemy_n sow_v tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n which_o very_o much_o hinder_v the_o growth_n thereof_o so_o we_o be_v inform_v by_o hegisippus_n a_o very_a ancient_a christian_a historian_n who_o 32._o who_o fuâ—b_n l._n iii_o eccles_n hist_o c._n 32._o say_v that_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o sacred_a choir_n of_o apostle_n be_v dead_a and_o that_o generation_n be_v go_v who_o have_v hear_v the_o inspire_a wisdom_n with_o their_o own_o ear_n then_o begin_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o conspiracy_n or_o combination_n of_o impious_a or_o atheistical_a error_n by_o the_o deceit_n of_o false_a teacher_n who_o make_v a_o bare-saced_a opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o speech_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v proper_a enough_o for_o a_o church_n or_o its_o pastor_n may_v be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v though_o they_o prove_v negligent_a in_o their_o office._n just_a as_o the_o priest_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v call_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n who_o lip_n shall_v so_o preserve_v knowledge_n that_o the_o people_n shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n because_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o office_n for_o which_o he_o be_v ordain_v though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o prophet_n complain_v that_o they_o be_v depart_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n and_o have_v corrupt_v the_o covenant_n of_o levi_n mal._n ii_o 7_o 8._o the_o like_a we_o read_v in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n that_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o true_a to_o their_o trust_n but_o declare_v the_o vision_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n not_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o lead_v the_o people_n into_o error_n and_o falsehood_n feed_v they_o with_o lie_n instead_o of_o truth_n 5._o further_o i_o must_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n make_v to_o any_o particular_a church_n that_o it_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o pillar_n of_o truth_n no_o not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o now_o so_o bold_o lay_v claim_v and_o that_o sole_o to_o this_o privilege_n but_o quite_o contrary_a there_o be_v a_o terrible_a threaten_n to_o this_o very_a church_n include_v in_o that_o admonition_n which_o this_o very_a apostle_n give_v they_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o christ_n give_v no_o such_o privilege_n to_o this_o church_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v never_o err_v but_o direct_o contrary_a suppose_v it_o may_v err_v and_o err_v even_o to_o apostasy_n when_o he_o bid_v they_o take_v heed_n lest_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o unbelief_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n read_v xi_o rom._n 20_o 21_o 22._o they_o speak_v of_o the_o jew_n be_v break_v off_o by_o unbelief_n and_o thou_o speak_v to_o the_o roman_a christian_n stand_v by_o faith_n be_v not_o high_o mind_v but_o fear_v harken_v to_o this_o o_o you_o of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n take_v heed_n lest_o he_o also_o spare_v not_o thou_o behold_v the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n on_o they_o which_o fall_v severity_n but_o towards_o thou_o goodness_n if_o thou_o continue_v in_o his_o goodness_n otherwise_o thou_o also_o shall_v be_v cut_o of_o from_o whence_o we_o may_v thus_o argue_v if_o god_n have_v grant_v to_o the_o roman_a church_n the_o privilege_n of_o be_v a_o pillar_n of_o truth_n infallible_o and_o immutable_o unto_o all_o generation_n all_o these_o supposition_n be_v vain_a and_o these_o exhortation_n utter_o needless_a and_o frivolous_a for_o it_o will_v have_v be_v absolute_o impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o and_o absolute_o necessary_a it_o shall_v continue_v and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n plain_o suppose_v otherwise_o and_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v it_o may_v fail_v for_o these_o two_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o stand_v and_o to_o fall_v to_o continue_v and_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o to_o be_v a_o everlasting_a pillar_n and_o to_o be_v break_v off_o for_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o a_o pillar_n to_o stand_v and_o support_v but_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o as_o he_o suppose_v they_o may_v be_v be_v to_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o support_v one_o self_n much_o less_o other_o now_o that_o they_o of_o that_o church_n have_v go_v far_o towards_o this_o condition_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n supposition_n by_o falsify_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n even_o part_n of_o the_o apostolical_a faith_n and_o so_o have_v not_o continue_v a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a pillar_n of_o truth_n but_o maintain_v and_o support_v dangerous_a error_n and_o heresy_n be_v apparent_a from_o this_o alone_a if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o that_o they_o limit_v and_o confine_v the_o catholic_a church_n to_o themselves_o alone_o and_o exclude_v all_o other_o christian_n from_o it_o who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o their_o bishop_n and_o decree_n the_o impiety_n of_o which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v express_v for_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n to_o make_v the_o church_n not_o catholic_n but_o particular_a how_o new_a false_a sacrilegious_a scandalous_a schismatical_a and_o heretical_a this_o one_o article_n of_o the_o roman_a creed_n be_v one_o of_o our_o own_o morto_fw-la own_o bishop_n morto_fw-la morto_fw-la bishop_n have_v demonstrate_v evident_o in_o a_o book_n on_o purpose_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n which_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o call_v the_o grand_a imposture_n it_o will_v enlarge_v this_o treatise_n too_o much_o beyond_o my_o intention_n or_o else_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o show_v both_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o let_v truth_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o how_o they_o proceed_v to_o fail_v in_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o betray_v their_o trust_n till_o they_o quite_o alter_v the_o ancient_a catholic_a faith_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o now_o they_o cry_v up_o as_o the_o great_a pillar_n of_o truth_n when_o it_o do_v nothing_o but_o lend_v a_o lame_a support_n to_o the_o most_o notorious_a falsehood_n which_o it_o establish_v as_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n when_o they_o be_v before_o but_o erroneous_a opinion_n in_o that_o church_n i_o call_v it_o lame_a because_o of_o the_o numerous_a flaw_n that_o there_o be_v both_o in_o the_o constitution_n and_o in_o the_o proceed_n of_o that_o council_n which_o make_v it_o of_o no_o authority_n for_o in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o it_o iv_o it_o sess_n iv_o they_o decree_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o a_o sense_n contrary_a to_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a mother-church_n i._n e._n themselves_o have_v hold_v and_o hold_v and_o so_o establish_v all_o the_o tenant_n of_o that_o church_n before_o they_o examine_v they_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o contradict_v their_o own_o decree_n by_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o sense_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o what_o their_o church_n then_o hold_v all_o the_o bishop_n likewise_o there_o assemble_v be_v swear_v to_o support_v the_o papacy_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n whereby_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v the_o usurpation_n of_o that_o see_v upon_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o world_n who_o authority_n be_v throw_v down_o and_o thereby_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o i_o have_v show_v they_o to_o be_v trample_v under_o foot_n when_o boniface_n be_v declare_v universal_a bishop_n and_o upon_o king_n and_o prince_n who_o hildebrand_n tread_v under_o foot_n yea_o upon_o the_o whole_a church_n over_o which_o pope_n leo_n
defect_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v thing_n unwritten_a to_o become_v matter_n of_o faith._n which_o be_v such_o a_o unbounded_a prerogative_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o new_a faith_n as_o often_o as_o they_o please_v to_o pretend_v a_o tradition_n for_o it_o though_o they_o can_v prove_v it_o for_o we_o must_v rest_v in_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n which_o affirm_v it_o and_o that_o against_o the_o very_a scripture_n it_o self_n which_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o against_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o i_o have_v show_v forbid_v the_o produce_v of_o any_o other_o faith_n but_o that_o which_o be_v evident_o deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n there_o 3._o we_o can_v allow_v the_o church_n a_o infallible_a authority_n that_o be_v such_o a_o assistance_n in_o her_o doctrine_n and_o proposal_n that_o she_o can_v err_v in_o any_o thing_n she_o define_v in_o controversy_n indeed_o arise_v about_o matter_n of_o faith_n we_o own_o and_o reverence_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n xx._n church_n artic._n xx._n so_o as_o not_o to_o contest_v the_o public_a judgement_n but_o to_o prefer_v it_o before_o our_o own_o private_a conceit_n in_o doubtful_a thing_n but_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o proceed_v in_o its_o determination_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n so_o we_o think_v it_o possible_a it_o may_v mistake_v in_o the_o application_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o blind_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o its_o authority_n without_o all_o regard_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n unto_o which_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o respect_n in_o all_o its_o determination_n no_o that_o be_v another_o proud_a pretence_n of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n that_o they_o can_v mistake_v in_o their_o definition_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v submit_v unto_o they_o without_o examination_n from_o whence_o this_o intolerable_a mischief_n have_v ensue_v that_o it_o have_v make_v they_o both_o insensible_a of_o their_o error_n and_o careless_a to_o seek_v any_o cure_n of_o they_o nay_o utter_o incapable_a of_o a_o remedy_n for_o as_o one_o of_o our_o own_o divine_n excellent_o speak_v 5._o speak_v dr._n petter_n answer_n to_o charity_n mistake_v sect._n 5._o who_o word_n those_o be_v this_o conceit_n of_o their_o infallibility_n be_v to_o they_o both_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o that_o which_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a and_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o that_o which_o be_v most_o unanswerable_a to_o this_o they_o retreat_n upon_o all_o occasion_n when_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o maintain_v their_o ground_n they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o defend_v their_o error_n when_o they_o be_v plain_o set_v before_o their_o eye_n but_o to_o tell_v we_o confident_o they_o can_v err_v which_o be_v a_o very_a strange_a boldness_n for_o we_o demonstrate_v in_o manay_n instance_n that_o they_o have_v err_v err_v most_o gross_o particular_o in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v add_v new_a article_n to_o the_o old_a creed_n to_o be_v believe_v under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n and_o add_v a_o new_a canon_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o old_a testament_n against_o the_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o record_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n that_o the_o book_n they_o have_v new_o receive_v be_v never_o acknowledge_v for_o canonical_a scripture_n if_o by_o the_o church_n indeed_o they_o will_v understand_v the_o church_n true_o catholic_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o time_n place_n and_o age_n and_o if_o by_o matter_n of_o faith_n they_o will_v understand_v those_o grand_a article_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o if_o by_o be_v infallible_a they_o will_v understand_v not_o a_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o err_v which_o humane_a nature_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o but_o not_o actual_a error_n there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o make_v any_o question_n but_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a that_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n have_v not_o err_v nor_o shall_v not_o err_v in_o the_o whole_a faith_n or_o in_o any_o necessary_a part_n thereof_o for_o such_o error_n will_v cut_v man_n off_o from_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o so_o leave_v he_o no_o church_n at_o all_o which_o be_v impossible_a it_o have_v be_v the_o very_a scope_n of_o first_o my_o discourse_n to_o show_v that_o the_o church_n have_v always_o keep_v the_o great_a fundamental_a truth_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o not_o err_v in_o they_o but_o transmit_v they_o down_o to_o we_o whole_a and_o undefiled_a till_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n corrupt_v the_o faith_n by_o their_o error_n which_o they_o have_v mix_v with_o it_o for_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n such_o as_o that_o of_o rome_n be_v we_o can_v allow_v this_o privilege_n of_o not_o err_v because_o we_o know_v they_o have_v err_v even_o in_o fundamental_a truth_n and_o thereby_o cease_v to_o be_v church_n witness_v those_o glorious_a church_n to_o which_o christ_n himself_o send_v his_o letter_n by_o s._n john_n the_o apostle_n these_o prerogative_n therefore_o not_o belong_v to_o any_o church_n every_o one_o must_v be_v content_a with_o those_o two_o office_n before_o mention_v which_o be_v sufficient_a first_o the_o office_n of_o a_o witness_n testify_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n unto_o its_o member_n second_o of_o god_n instrument_n by_o who_o ministry_n in_o open_v expound_v and_o urge_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o holy_a ghost_n beget_v a_o divine_a faith_n in_o we_o and_o by_o perform_v these_o office_n it_o support_v and_o continue_v and_o propagate_v the_o truth_n and_o so_o may_v be_v call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n thereof_o the_o meaning_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v now_o distinct_o set_v before_o the_o reader_n eye_n that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o four_o and_o last_o thing_n propound_v in_o the_o beginning_n iv_o how_o the_o church_n may_v appropriate_v to_o itself_o this_o title_n 1._o first_o every_o church_n and_o every_o person_n in_o it_o especial_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n officio_fw-la by_o duty_n and_o office_n whereby_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o keep_v maintain_v and_o uphold_v the_o truth_n this_o always_o be_v and_o always_o will_v be_v incumbent_a on_o they_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o fill_v up_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o attribute_n as_o these_o which_o do_v not_o always_o note_v performance_n of_o duty_n but_o only_a obligation_n to_o it_o as_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n you_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o do_v not_o signify_v that_o they_o be_v necessary_o so_o for_o he_o suppose_v immediate_o the_o salt_n may_v lose_v its_o savour_n but_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o will_v be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o tread_v under_o foot_n matth._n v._o 13._o 2._o but_o second_o the_o first_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v actu_fw-la &_o effectu_fw-la actual_o and_o effectual_o the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v they_o faithful_o discharge_v this_o office_n and_o perform_v their_o duty_n constant_o maintain_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n for_o the_o apostle_n be_v a_o part_n of_o those_o church_n who_o god_n lead_v into_o all_o truth_n which_o they_o teach_v sincere_o and_o entire_o while_o they_o live_v and_o do_v at_o this_o day_n instruct_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o whole_a truth_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n 3._o but_o we_o can_v say_v the_o same_o of_o all_o succeed_a church_n that_o they_o do_v faithful_o perform_v this_o office_n though_o in_o duty_n they_o also_o be_v bind_v so_o to_o do_v no_o some_o of_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v pillar_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o let_v it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n we_o have_v strange_a instance_n of_o it_o with_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o fill_v these_o paper_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n which_o show_v we_o that_o if_o we_o take_v not_o heed_n to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o we_o have_v no_o security_n that_o we_o or_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n shall_v continue_v firm_a and_o steadfast_a supporter_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o pillar_n themselves_o may_v decay_v and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o well_o look_v after_o will_v go_v to_o ruin_n and_o fall_v to_o the_o earth_n 4._o even_o this_o very_a church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n while_o timothy_n preside_v in_o it_o afterward_o begin_v before_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v dead_a to_o remit_v its_o first_o love_n and_o zeal_n for_o