all_o point_n in_o controversy_n between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o lollard_n and_o large_o endeavour_v to_o confute_v the_o latter_a but_o as_o his_o zeal_n induce_v he_o to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n so_o copious_o so_o his_o learning_n enable_v he_o to_o discover_v the_o folly_n and_o gross_a superstition_n practise_v in_o that_o age_n which_o when_o once_o discover_v his_o piety_n inforce_v he_o to_o detest_v religion_n have_v now_o pass_v through_o so_o many_o ignorant_a and_o barbarous_a age_n the_o mean_n of_o greaterknowledge_n have_v be_v so_o studious_o hide_v from_o the_o people_n and_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o laity_n be_v so_o advantageous_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o clergy_n that_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n seem_v to_o be_v whole_o lose_v and_o have_v degenerate_v into_o show_n and_o ceremony_n many_o of_o which_o be_v unlawful_a but_o almost_o all_o unuseful_a and_o not_o only_o this_o fatal_a stupidity_n and_o idle_a superstition_n have_v general_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o all_o remedy_n be_v detest_v and_o all_o artifices_fw-la make_v use_v of_o to_o continue_v the_o disease_n many_o good_a and_o learned_a man_n endeavour_v the_o reformation_n of_o these_o abuse_n without_o depart_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v attend_v herein_o with_o the_o usual_a fate_n of_o the_o opposer_n of_o inveterate_a evil_n who_o seldom_o escape_v the_o persecution_n but_o never_o the_o hatred_n of_o those_o who_o be_v engage_v both_o by_o zeal_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o continuance_n of_o those_o evil_n our_o learned_a bishop_n be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o brave_a and_o generous_a person_n who_o while_o he_o earnest_o invite_v the_o lollard_n into_o the_o communion_n of_o his_o church_n no_o less_o vehement_o oppose_v the_o superstition_n of_o his_o own_o party_n some_o footstep_n and_o mark_n of_o this_o disposition_n may_v be_v find_v in_o this_o treatise_n which_o prove_v his_o integrity_n to_o have_v be_v equal_a to_o his_o zeal_n and_o neither_o inferior_a to_o his_o learning_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o infallibility_n of_o her_o definition_n have_v of_o late_o be_v set_v up_o as_o the_o most_o successful_a engine_n against_o the_o prevail_a growth_n of_o suppose_a heretic_n to_o refute_v the_o argument_n of_o wicleff_n and_o convince_v his_o follower_n with_o solid_a reason_n neither_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o clergy_n nor_o the_o badness_n of_o their_o cause_n do_v then_o permit_v it_o be_v account_v too_o great_a a_o condescension_n in_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o confute_v the_o mistake_v and_o inform_v the_o judgement_n of_o their_o seduce_a people_n yet_o somewhat_o at_o least_o be_v necessary_a to_o dazzle_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o unthinking_a multitude_n and_o at_o once_o convict_v all_o their_o adversary_n of_o the_o charge_n of_o heresy_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o effectual_a to_o this_o end_n than_o the_o pretence_n of_o infallibility_n which_o alone_o may_v satisfy_v the_o scruple_n and_o command_v the_o assent_n of_o credulous_a person_n for_o this_o reason_n ever_o since_o heresy_n begin_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n it_o be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o oppose_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o argument_n and_o reason_n of_o condemn_a heretic_n and_o the_o maintenance_n of_o this_o pretence_n be_v esteem_v the_o great_a bulwark_n of_o the_o church_n however_o our_o bishop_n easy_o discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o these_o pretence_n and_o in_o this_o follow_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a writer_n of_o his_o age_n that_o the_o representative_a church_n or_o general_a council_n be_v not_o only_o fallible_a but_o have_v sometime_o actual_o err_v that_o the_o decree_n and_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o every_o private_a person_n that_o no_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o that_o not_o the_o belief_n and_o acceptation_n of_o the_o church_n cause_v any_o doctrine_n to_o be_v account_v true_a and_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o presuppose_a truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n render_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o rational_a and_o justifiable_a indeed_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n infallibility_n have_v by_o some_o man_n in_o this_o age_n be_v advance_v so_o far_o that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o fatal_a credulity_n or_o no_o less_o fatal_a ignorance_n can_v excuse_v the_o admission_n of_o it_o our_o author_n assure_v we_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o book_n of_o faith_n that_o many_o divine_n in_o his_o time_n argue_v from_o those_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n if_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o that_o which_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v anathema_n that_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o the_o church_n militant_a and_o the_o church_n triumphant_a disagree_v in_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n the_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a be_v rather_o to_o be_v follow_v such_o crude_a position_n may_v raise_v the_o admiration_n of_o fool_n but_o deserve_v the_o indignation_n of_o wise_a men._n our_o author_n choose_v to_o do_v justice_n unto_o truth_n in_o own_v and_o assert_v the_o fallibility_n of_o church_n and_o council_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o quit_v the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n in_o plead_v her_o cause_n and_o confute_v the_o lollard_n this_o therefore_o he_o propose_v in_o a_o more_o plausible_a way_n confess_v the_o church_n may_v err_v and_o that_o even_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n however_o that_o it_o will_v be_v most_o safe_a and_o rational_a for_o ignorant_a layman_n entire_o to_o submit_v their_o judgement_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o clergy_n that_o by_o this_o submission_n indeed_o they_o may_v possible_o be_v lead_v into_o error_n and_o mortal_a heresy_n but_o that_o this_o will_v be_v no_o disadvantage_n to_o they_o since_o in_o that_o case_n god_n will_v reward_v their_o submission_n and_o docility_n although_o to_o they_o the_o occasion_n of_o most_o grievous_a error_n no_o less_o than_o if_o they_o believe_v the_o christian_a faith_n entire_a and_o incorrupted_a and_o will_v even_o bestow_v upon_o they_o the_o crown_n of_o martyrdom_n if_o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o testimony_n of_o their_o error_n and_o since_o in_o that_o age_n the_o laity_n be_v general_o very_o ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o devoid_a of_o all_o sort_n of_o learning_n he_o include_v they_o all_o in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o duty_n and_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o pay_v a_o implicit_a submission_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o clergy_n but_o not_o only_o do_v he_o disow_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o disallow_v and_o condemn_v her_o practice_n of_o burn_a heretic_n he_o desire_v rather_o to_o win_v they_o to_o her_o obedience_n by_o gentle_a method_n and_o think_v it_o more_o noble_a to_o convince_v they_o by_o reason_n and_o argument_n than_o by_o rack_n and_o fire_n this_o moderation_n can_v not_o but_o displease_v his_o fellow_n bishop_n who_o choose_v rather_o at_o that_o time_n to_o satisfy_v their_o malice_n by_o the_o punishment_n than_o serve_v the_o church_n by_o the_o conviction_n of_o suppose_a heretic_n but_o our_o author_n be_v act_v with_o more_o noble_a and_o generous_a principle_n he_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v their_o error_n but_o refuse_v to_o practice_v upon_o their_o life_n and_o which_o perhaps_o be_v no_o small_a part_n of_o his_o crime_n neglect_v to_o thunder_n out_o his_o curse_n against_o they_o and_o scorn_v to_o treat_v they_o with_o opprobrious_a title_n rather_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n he_o give_v to_o they_o a_o honourable_a character_n and_o confess_v they_o to_o have_v be_v general_o person_n of_o good_a life_n and_o exemplary_a conversation_n the_o incredible_a fable_n of_o legend_n and_o incurable_a itch_n of_o lie_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o saint_n and_o patron_n which_o then_o reign_v among_o all_o the_o monastic_a order_n and_o be_v fond_o receive_v by_o the_o credulous_a multitude_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a scandal_n and_o most_o pernicious_a abuse_n in_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n the_o great_a and_o more_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o all_o genuine_a and_o rational_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n have_v general_o give_v place_n to_o fabulous_a legend_n and_o romantic_a story_n fable_n which_o in_o this_o respect_n only_o differ_v from_o those_o of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_a poet_n that_o they_o be_v more_o incredible_a and_o less_o elegant_a these_o our_o learned_a bishop_n fear_v not_o to_o oppose_v and_o disesteem_v arraign_v they_o of_o error_n heresy_n and_o superstition_n proclaim_v their_o falseness_n and_o
the_o least_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o as_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v chief_o deduce_v from_o the_o gospel_n nay_o the_o very_a institution_n power_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n can_v no_o way_n so_o express_o and_o certain_o be_v know_v as_o from_o the_o gospel_n but_o as_o i_o imagine_v it_o can_v by_o no_o method_n be_v so_o certain_o determine_v whether_o the_o church_n or_o the_o gospel_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n as_o by_o suppose_v this_o case_n when_o the_o church_n define_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n i_o know_v indeed_o that_o this_o can_v be_v this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o belief_n and_o receive_v doctrine_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n not_o of_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o representative_a church_n otherwise_o clemangis_n will_v most_o foolish_o contradict_v himself_o however_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n let_v we_o put_v this_o case_n do_v you_o imagine_v that_o in_o that_o case_n s._n augustin_n will_v have_v reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o adhere_v to_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n no_o sure_o where_o he_o proceed_v at_o large_a to_o urge_v this_o argument_n and_o thereby_o to_o assert_v the_o superiority_n of_o the_o scripture_n authority_n to_o that_o of_o the_o church_n before_o the_o middle_n of_o this_o century_n flourish_v thomas_n waldensis_n provincial_a of_o the_o carmelites_n and_o confessor_n to_o two_o king_n of_o england_n henry_n v._o and_o henry_n vi_o successive_o general_o account_v the_o most_o learned_a english_a man_n of_o his_o age_n and_o the_o great_a champion_n of_o the_o papal_a cause_n against_o the_o lollard_n and_o other_o suppose_a heretic_n of_o his_o time_n against_o who_o he_o write_v a_o large_a and_o elaborate_a work_n which_o be_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n confirm_v and_o approve_v by_o a_o special_a bull_n of_o pope_n martin_n v._o therein_o propose_v a_o entire_a system_n of_o divinity_n he_o lay_v down_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n as_o a_o most_o certain_a principle_n in_o three_o whole_a chapter_n 22._o out_o of_o which_o i_o will_v produce_v some_o few_o passage_n dispute_v therefore_o of_o all_o article_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o complete_a system_n of_o christian_a faith_n he_o use_v these_o word_n they_o who_o 21._o yet_o believe_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v imperfect_a and_o that_o it_o may_v yet_o be_v augment_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n do_v yet_o with_o the_o jew_n expect_v the_o fullness_n of_o time_n perhaps_o under_o a_o jewish_a messiah_n he_o than_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o famous_a passage_n of_o s._n augustin_n i_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n unless_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n persuade_v i_o and_o give_v this_o answer_n to_o it_o i_o do_v not_o approve_v the_o arrogance_n of_o some_o writer_n who_o upon_o occasion_n of_o this_o place_n maintain_v the_o decree_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n authority_n and_o dignity_n than_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o indeed_o seem_v not_o so_o foolish_a as_o mad_a unless_o such_o a_o one_o will_v say_v philip_n be_v great_a than_o christ_n when_o he_o induce_v nathanael_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v he_o of_o who_o moses_n write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n although_o without_o his_o authority_n or_o admonition_n he_o will_v not_o have_v at_o that_o time_n perceive_v it_o all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n since_o it_o serve_v only_o to_o bear_v testimony_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o law_n be_v of_o less_o dignity_n than_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o must_v necessary_o submit_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n well_o therefore_o do_v s._n thomas_n aquinas_n allegorise_v when_o he_o introduce_v the_o samaritan_n woman_n to_o represent_v the_o universal_a church_n which_o woman_n when_o the_o citizen_n of_o samaria_n hear_v preach_v christ_n they_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v on_o he_o etc._n etc._n this_o passage_n clear_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o opinion_n of_o waldensis_n to_o have_v be_v that_o by_o the_o attestation_n of_o the_o church_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v know_v which_o be_v once_o know_v all_o matter_n of_o belief_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n just_a as_o philip_n induce_v nathanael_n and_o the_o samaritan_n woman_n her_o neighbour_n to_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a person_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o when_o once_o satisfy_v they_o learn_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n or_o article_n of_o faith_n from_o philip_n or_o the_o woman_n but_o receive_v both_o from_o christ_n himself_o and_o therefore_o waldensis_n subjoin_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v far_o superior_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o doctor_n even_o of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o that_o although_o the_o catholic_n church_n shall_v attest_v and_o confirm_v their_o authority_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o latter_a man_n follow_v the_o apostle_n and_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a canon_n even_o to_o its_o footstool_n that_o ibid._n the_o former_a be_v subject_v to_o the_o latter_a as_o a_o witness_n to_o a_o judge_n and_o a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n as_o a_o promulgation_n to_o a_o law_n and_o as_o a_o herald_n to_o a_o king._n as_o a_o testimony_n therefore_o be_v no_o far_a to_o be_v regard_v than_o as_o it_o be_v true_a a_o promulgation_n invalid_a when_o it_o either_o increase_v or_o mutilate_v the_o law_n and_o a_o herald_n not_o to_o be_v obey_v when_o he_o exceed_v the_o commission_n of_o the_o king_n so_o the_o decree_n definition_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n be_v no_o long_o to_o be_v respect_v than_o as_o they_o be_v exact_o conformable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o deduce_v from_o it_o upon_o this_o account_n waldensis_n teach_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n 22._o that_o the_o church_n can_v superadd_n any_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o the_o faith_n from_o the_o time_n of_o john_n the_o evangelist_n who_o write_v the_o last_o book_n of_o scripture_n receive_v no_o increase_n and_o therefore_o apply_v to_o the_o book_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n the_o measure_n of_o the_o new_a city_n of_o god_n make_v by_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o xxi_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n that_o as_o the_o circuit_n of_o that_o city_n consist_v of_o so_o many_o mile_n neither_o more_o nor_o less_o so_o the_o whole_a system_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o divine_a revelation_n be_v complete_v and_o contain_v in_o so_o many_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o can_v receive_v no_o far_o addition_n last_o show_v how_o many_o way_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o catholic_n truth_n may_v be_v attain_v he_o say_v ibid._n it_o may_v be_v obtain_v best_a of_o all_o and_o most_o certain_o from_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n he_o proceed_v to_o prove_v this_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o s._n augustin_n and_o then_o conclude_v see_v four_o way_n of_o come_v to_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n but_o more_o or_o less_o certain_a of_o which_o the_o first_o and_o most_o certain_a be_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o rest_n beget_v only_o a_o historical_a and_o uncertain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n however_o these_o doctor_n already_o mention_v be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o sufficient_o declare_v the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n yet_o the_o practice_n and_o judgement_n of_o general_n council_n will_v give_v we_o great_a assurance_n of_o it_o two_o general_n council_n be_v hold_v at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o this_o age_n the_o one_o at_o basil_n the_o other_o at_o florence_n in_o both_o together_o the_o whole_a western_a church_n be_v present_a by_o its_o representative_n and_o in_o that_o of_o florence_n the_o eastern_a also_o these_o two_o council_n indeed_o thunder_v out_o excommunication_n one_o against_o the_o other_o yet_o both_o agree_v in_o use_v scripture_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o definition_n and_o in_o all_o disputation_n lay_v that_o down_o as_o a_o common_a uncontroverted_a principle_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o council_n of_o basil_n wherein_o johannes_n de_fw-fr ragusio_n a_o learned_a dominican_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o bishop_n dispute_v public_o in_o the_o year_n 1433._o against_o the_o bohemian_n about_o communion_n under_o both_o kind_n here_o magnify_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n he_o urge_v this_o argument_n chief_o that_o without_o the_o attestation_n of_o the_o church_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v know_v and_o consequent_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o knowledge_n even_o
deride_v their_o folly_n this_o denial_n of_o infallibility_n moderation_n towards_o the_o lollard_n and_o disesteem_v of_o legend_n draw_v upon_o he_o the_o envy_n and_o hatred_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v his_o favour_n with_o and_o faithful_a adherence_n to_o his_o patron_n duke_n humphrey_n who_o have_v always_o manifest_v a_o moderation_n towards_o the_o dissent_v lollard_n and_o aversion_n from_o the_o superstitious_a practice_n of_o the_o clergy_n no_o soon_o be_v the_o duke_n oppress_v by_o a_o contrary_a state_n faction_n but_o his_o client_n the_o bishop_n be_v attempt_v and_o his_o ruin_n design_v several_a passage_n be_v take_v out_o of_o his_o write_n which_o his_o enemy_n accuse_v of_o heresy_n at_o least_o of_o error_n hereupon_o in_o the_o year_n 1457._o he_o be_v cite_v to_o appear_v at_o a_o synod_n hold_v at_o lambeth_n by_o thomas_n bourchier_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n attend_v with_o the_o bishop_n of_o winchester_n lincoln_n and_o rochester_n and_o 24_o divine_n by_o who_o after_o a_o short_a hear_n he_o be_v condemn_v of_o heresy_n and_o enjoin_v to_o recant_v his_o heretical_a and_o erroneous_a opinion_n public_o at_o s._n paul_n cross._n the_o recantation_n he_o perform_v on_o the_o four_o day_n of_o december_n when_o his_o book_n be_v also_o public_o burn_v his_o fortune_n after_o that_o time_n be_v very_o uncertain_a some_o relate_v he_o to_o have_v be_v make_v away_o in_o prison_n other_o to_o have_v be_v keep_v prisoner_n in_o his_o own_o episcopal_a palace_n until_o his_o natural_a death_n and_o last_o some_o that_o he_o have_v a_o small_a pension_n assign_v to_o he_o out_o of_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o bishopric_n and_o retire_v into_o a_o monastery_n where_o he_o end_v his_o day_n in_o a_o short_a time_n the_o opinion_n which_o he_o be_v force_v to_o recant_v as_o they_o be_v represent_v by_o bale_n 594._o bishop_n godwin_n 559._o and_o fox_n 928._o be_v these_o i._n that_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o christian_a bishop_n before_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god._n ii_o that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n iii_o that_o the_o modern_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n as_o attend_v with_o so_o many_o superstitious_a ceremony_n and_o custom_n be_v lâ—ss_o advantageous_a than_o the_o use_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n iv._o that_o bishop_n buy_v their_o admission_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n do_v sin_n v._o that_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n vi_o that_o the_o revenue_n of_o bishop_n be_v by_o inheritance_n the_o good_n of_o the_o poor_a vii_o that_o the_o apostle_n compose_v not_o the_o vulgar_a creed_n viii_o that_o the_o article_n of_o christ_n descent_n into_o hell_n be_v not_o former_o in_o the_o creed_n ix_o that_o no_o other_o sense_n be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o first_o and_o genuine_a sense_n x._o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o believe_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v material_o in_o the_o sacrament_n xi_o that_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o a_o general_n council_n may_v err_v even_o in_o matter_n of_o faith._n xii_o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o believe_v in_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n xiii_o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o believe_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n fourteen_o that_o the_o voluntary_a beg_n of_o the_o mendicant_a friar_n be_v unprofitable_a and_o no_o way_n meritorious_a it_o must_v not_o be_v imagine_v that_o these_o article_n be_v general_o at_o that_o time_n account_v erroneous_a and_o heretical_a in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o we_o examine_v they_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o believe_v by_o the_o great_a divine_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n some_o at_o this_o day_n allow_v to_o be_v literal_o true_a by_o the_o learned_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o in_o fine_a that_o our_o author_n know_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n far_o better_o than_o his_o judge_n and_o although_o condemn_v by_o they_o be_v no_o less_o orthodox_n than_o they_o as_o for_o the_o twelve_o and_o thirteen_o article_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o odious_a they_o be_v mere_a calumny_n as_o appear_v from_o this_o very_a treatise_n for_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o it_o he_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n and_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n but_o yet_o unnecessary_a to_o believe_v on_o they_o that_o be_v as_o himself_o explain_v it_o to_o give_v a_o blind_a assent_n to_o all_o their_o determination_n the_o seven_o and_o eight_o article_n be_v know_v to_o be_v literal_o true_a by_o all_o learned_a men._n for_o no_o proof_n can_v be_v bring_v that_o the_o apostle_n compose_v this_o form_n of_o creed_n which_o we_o now_o use_v and_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o article_n of_o christ_n descent_n into_o hell_n be_v find_v in_o none_o of_o the_o ancient_a creed_n for_o the_o first_o 400._o year_n except_o in_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o aquileia_n the_o first_o second_o six_o and_o nine_o article_n if_o candid_o interpret_v can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v true_a by_o any_o sober_a romanist_n and_o whosoever_o consider_v the_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o superstition_n of_o those_o time_n will_v not_o deny_v the_o three_o the_o four_o article_n may_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o opinion_n of_o many_o great_a canonist_n who_o define_v all_o such_o payment_n to_o be_v simony_n and_o the_o church_n of_o france_n have_v all_o along_o decry_v and_o disapprove_v they_o the_o fourteen_o be_v defend_v by_o richard_n archbishop_n of_o arniagh_o gulielmus_fw-la de_fw-fr s._n amore_n and_o many_o other_o great_a divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o eleven_o and_o consequent_o the_o five_o article_n be_v believe_v and_o maintain_v by_o occant_fw-la 25._o peter_n de_fw-it alliaco_fw-it cardinal_n of_o cambray_n 3._o thomas_n waldensis_n 19_o panormitan_n cit_fw-la antoninus_n 4._o cardinal_n cusanus_fw-la conc._n clemangis_fw-la 11._o and_o many_o other_o in_o this_o age._n last_o the_o ten_o article_n may_v be_v defend_v from_o peter_n lombard_n 11._o peter_n de_fw-it alliaco_fw-it 4._o scotus_n 3._o tonstal_n bishop_n of_o durham_n 1._o and_o other_o who_o believe_v indeed_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o article_n but_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v that_o treatise_n which_o i_o here_o publish_v and_o which_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o present_a discourse_n be_v by_o i_o transcribe_v out_o of_o a_o manuscript_n extant_a in_o trinity_n college_n in_o cambridge_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v write_v with_o bishop_n peacock_n own_o hand_n as_o may_v be_v conjecture_v from_o the_o frequent_a emendation_n and_o addition_n insert_v in_o the_o margin_n and_o bottom_n of_o the_o page_n by_o the_o same_o hand_n the_o whole_a work_n be_v entitle_v by_o the_o author_n a_o treatise_n of_o faith_n however_o in_o the_o front_n of_o it_o this_o title_n be_v affix_v by_o a_o late_a hand_n reginald_n peacock_n bishop_n of_o chichester_n be_v sermon_n in_o english_a whereas_o the_o whole_a treatise_n be_v a_o dialogue_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n divide_v into_o two_o book_n whereof_o the_o first_o propose_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o most_o probable_a mean_n of_o reduce_v the_o lollard_n to_o the_o church_n which_o he_o assign_v to_o be_v a_o entire_a submission_n of_o judgement_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n although_o suppose_v fallible_a the_o second_o treat_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith._n the_o first_o part_n be_v chief_o take_v up_o with_o a_o long_a digression_n prove_v that_o faith_n be_v only_o probable_a not_o sciential_a or_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v be_v prove_v by_o demonstrative_a but_o only_o by_o probable_a argument_n this_o dispute_n be_v manage_v in_o a_o scholastic_a way_n full_a of_o subtlety_n and_o nicety_n of_o philosophy_n and_o school_n divinity_n and_o very_o obscure_a which_o therefore_o i_o think_v not_o worthy_a either_o my_o transcribe_v or_o the_o reader_n perusal_n however_o i_o transcribe_v some_o considerable_a fragment_n or_o excerpta_fw-la which_o seem_v to_o i_o more_o remarkable_a and_o worthy_a of_o notice_n which_o i_o here_o present_a to_o the_o reader_n the_o second_o book_n or_o treatise_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o have_v publish_v entire_a as_o far_o as_o the_o manuscript_n copy_n permit_v i_o for_o which_o be_v much_o to_o be_v lament_v some_o few_o leave_n be_v want_v in_o the_o end_n beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v many_o thing_n may_v be_v here_o find_v worthy_a a_o particular_a observation_n as_o with_o how_o great_a ardour_n he_o impugn_v the_o refusal_n of_o
church_n be_v principalier_n and_o cheefer_v than_o be_v holi_fw-la writ_n anentis_fw-la eny_z faith_n taugt_v by_o holi_fw-la writ_n and_o that_o for_o viii_o argumentis_fw-la which_o y_o can_v make_v thereto_o wherefore_o y_o donte_n not_o but_o that_o trouble_n and_o discencioun_n schulen_v be_v bitiwixe_v lay_v man_n and_o clerkis_n yhe_n and_o bitwixe_v sum_n clerkis_n and_o othre_o clerkis_n upon_o this_o whether_o holi_fw-la writt_n or_o the_o church_n be_v chefir_n and_o of_o more_o power_n having_fw-mi anentis_fw-la faith_n be_v conteynyd_v in_o holy_a writ_n ni_fw-fr lass_n thanne_v you_o fadir_n answer_n to_o thilk_o viii_o argumentis_fw-la and_o so_o y_o can_v not_o see_v but_o that_o the_o mater_fw-la of_o this_o discencioun_n must_v nedis_n be_v brougte_a forth_o in_o utteraunce_n and_o conicacioun_n soon_o y_o be_o redi_fw-la to_o here_o thy_o viii_o argumentis_fw-la and_o for_o to_o answer_v to_o they_o if_o i_o can_v peradventure_o in_o the_o answer_n to_o they_o schal_n grow_v in_o some_o thing_n wherebi_fw-la schal_n be_v clerid_fw-la what_o comparisoun_n be_v to_o be_v have_v bitwixe_v holi_fw-la writ_n and_o the_o church_n anentis_fw-la all_o faith_n conteynyd_v in_o holi_fw-la writ_n and_o by_o so_o moche_n y_fw-mi be_fw-mi the_o leefir_n for_o to_o here_o thy_o argumentis_fw-la and_o for_o to_o answer_v to_o they_o by_o how_o moche_n thou_o have_v now_o seid_v and_o truth_n be_v that_o the_o treuthe_n which_o be_v now_o occasioun_n of_o the_o comparisoun_n make_v bitwixe_n holi_fw-la writte_n and_o the_o church_n mygte_v not_o be_v leave_v unseid_v and_o untoold_v to_o the_o lay_v peple_n neither_o to_o clerkis_n and_o that_o cause_n bifore_fw-la by_o thou_o alleggid_a fadir_n agens_fw-la this_o which_o you_o hau_o allowid_v bifore_fw-la in_o the_o x._o chapter_n to_o be_v true_a that_o holi_fw-la writ_n be_v such_o a_o ground_n and_o foundement_n of_o our_o cristen_n general_a faith_n that_o noon_n gretter_n or_o bettir_v or_o sure_a to_o we_o ground_n or_o foundament_n be_v for_o our_o cristen_n general_a faith_n write_v in_o holi_fw-la writ_n y_o may_v argue_v by_o viii_o principal_a argumentis_fw-la of_o which_o this_o be_v the_o first_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v seid_v ground_n to_o we_o of_o our_o faith_n without_o which_o thing_n our_o faith_n mygte_n have_v be_v sufficientli_fw-fr groundid_a and_o witnissid_v but_o without_o holi_fw-la scripture_n now_o have_v faith_n mygte_v habe_fw-la be_v to_o we_o sufficient_o groundid_a wherefore_o holi_fw-la scripture_n be_v not_o to_o be_v seid_v ground_n of_o another_o thing_n without_o which_o the_o othre_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o the_o second_o premysse_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v thus_o though_o the_o apostlis_n have_v not_o write_v eny_z word_n yet_o they_o mygten_v have_v taugt_v to_o othre_o clerkis_n and_o lay_v folk_n the_o all_o full_a hool_n faith_n sufficientli_fw-la to_o thbihove_v of_o the_o peple_n as_o to_o there_o thereof_o the_o leern_v report_v and_o remember_v whithe_o clerkis_n and_o lay_v folk_n so_o taugt_v of_o the_o apostlis_n and_o outlyve_v to_o the_o apostlis_n mygten_o have_v taugten_v othere_o clerkis_n and_o lay_v folk_n the_o same_o all_o hool_n faith_n sufficientli_fw-la which_o survive_v and_o outlyve_v her_o techer_n mygte_v have_v taugte_a othere_o folk_n both_o of_o the_o clergy_n and_o of_o the_o layte_n the_o same_o hool_n faith_n sufficientli_fw-la which_o folk_n so_o taugt_v also_o survive_v and_o outlyve_v her_o techer_n mygten_o have_v taugt_v the_o same_o all_o hool_n faith_n sufficientli_fw-la to_o othere_o and_o so_o forth_o into_o this_o present_a day_n without_o eny_z writing_n maad_v deliver_v to_o folk_n upon_o the_o same_o faith_n so_o taugt_v and_o if_o this_o have_v be_v do_v thanne_v the_o faith_n of_o each_o leerner_n have_v be_v sufficientli_fw-la ynoug_n groundid_v in_o her_o techer_n and_o in_o no_o scripture_n thereupon_o maad_a wherefore_o it_o folowith_v that_o scripture_n be_v not_o ne_o be_v not_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n to_o eny_z persoony_n bileeve_v that_o this_o be_v true_a which_o be_v bifore_fw-la takun_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o second_o premysse_o that_o thoug_a the_o apostlis_n have_v not_o write_v eny_z word_n they_o mygten_o have_v taugt_v the_o all_o hool_n full_a faith_n to_o peple_n sufficient_o y_o may_v argue_v thus_o in_o time_n of_o the_o oold_a law_n it_o be_v so_o that_o all_o the_o bileeve_v conteynyd_v in_o thil_o law_n be_v taugt_v by_o mouth_n and_o mass_z leern_v by_o mouth_n for_o why_o exod._n the_o xiii_o chap._n whanne_v it_o be_v seid_v of_o the_o paske_n day_n that_o it_o schulde_v be_v keep_v yeerli_fw-la by_o the_o law_n thanne_v ren_a it_o be_v seid_v ferthe_o anoon_n aftir_v this_o and_o thou_o schalt_v tell_v to_o thy_o soon_o in_o that_o day_n and_o schalt_v seie_v this_o be_v it_o what_o the_o lord_n die_v to_o i_o whanne_v y_o gede_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o it_o schal_n be_v as_o a_o sign_n in_o thy_o honde_n and_o as_o a_o memorial_n bifore_fw-la thy_o igen_n and_o that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v ever_o in_o thy_o mouth_n for_o in_o a_o strong_a honde_n the_o lord_n lead_v thou_o out_o of_o egypt_n etc._n etc._n also_o soon_o aftir_v there_o whanne_v it_o be_v bede_fw-mi that_o the_o peple_n of_o jewis_n schulde_v halowe_v to_o god_n each_o first_o gendrid_a thing_n that_o open_v the_o womb_n among_o the_o son_n of_o israel_n as_o well_o of_o man_n as_o of_o bestis_fw-la thanne_v it_o be_v seid_v anoon_n aftir_v thus_o and_o whanne_v thy_o soon_o schal_n ask_v of_o thou_o to_o morewe_v and_o seie_v what_o be_v this_o thou_o schalt_v answer_v to_o he_o in_o a_o strong_a honde_n the_o lord_n lead_v we_o out_o of_o egypt_n of_o the_o house_n of_o servage_a for_o whanne_v pharaoh_n be_v maad_o hard_o and_o will_v not_o delyver_v we_o the_o lord_n killid_v all_o the_o first_o gendrid_a thing_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n from_o the_o first_o gendrid_a of_o man_n till_o to_o the_o first_o gendrid_a of_o bestis_n therefore_o y_o offer_v to_o the_o lord_n all_o thing_n of_o maul_v kind_a that_o open_v the_o womb_n and_o y_fw-fr agenbie_fw-fr all_fw-ge the_o first_o gendrid_a thingis_fw-la of_o my_o son_n therefore_o it_o schal_n be_v as_o a_o sign_n in_o this_o honde_n and_o as_o a_o thing_n hang_v for_o mind_n bifore_fw-la thy_o igen_n for_o in_o a_o strong_a honde_n he_o lead_v we_o out_o of_o egypt_n also_o lyk_fw-mi sentence_n to_o this_o be_v write_v deutro_n vi_o chap._n of_o the_o paske_n day_n keep_v and_o josue_n iu._n chap._n of_o the_o xii_o stone_n take_v out_o of_o the_o water_n and_o set_v on_o dry_a land_n into_o perpetual_a remembrance_n that_o jordan_n be_v dry_v also_o deutr._n iu._n chap._n it_o be_v seid_v thus_o forgete_n thou_o not_o the_o wordis_fw-la which_o thin_a igen_n sigen_n and_o fall_v thou_o not_o from_o thin_a herte_n in_o alle_fw-mi the_o day_n of_o thy_o lyf_v thou_o schalt_v teach_v though_o to_o thy_o son_n and_o to_o thy_o son_n son_n tell_v thou_o the_o day_n in_o which_o thou_o stodist_n bifore_fw-la thy_o lord_n god_n in_o oreb_n whanne_v the_o lord_n speak_v to_o i_o and_o seid_v etc._n etc._n also_o deutro_n xi_o chap._n it_o be_v seid_v thus_o put_v these_o wordis_fw-la in_o your_o hertis_fw-la and_o soulis_fw-la and_o hang_v you_o the_o wordis_fw-la for_o assign_v in_o hondis_fw-la and_o set_v you_o bitwixe_v your_o igen_n teach_v your_o son_n that_o they_o thenke_n in_o though_o wordis_fw-la whanne_v thou_o sitti_v in_o thy_o house_n and_o goi_v in_o the_o weigh_n and_o liggist_n down_o and_o risi_v thou_o schalt_v write_v though_o wordis_fw-la on_o the_o postis_fw-la and_o gatis_fw-la of_o thy_o house_n that_o the_o day_n of_o thou_o and_o of_o thy_o son_n be_v multiply_v in_o the_o land_n which_o etc._n etc._n wherefore_o by_o like_a skile_n in_o time_n of_o the_o new_a law_n the_o all_o hool_n faith_n mygt_fw-mi have_v be_v taugt_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n fro_o oon_o to_o a_o othre_o into_o this_o present_a day_n sufficientli_fw-la ferthemore_n into_o prof_o or_o into_o confirmacioun_n of_o the_o same_o seid_v second_o premysse_o availith_a this_o that_o we_o see_v in_o sum_n monastery_n the_o kunning_a and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o certeyn_fw-mi usagis_fw-la and_o custom_n be_v have_v forth_o in_o persoones_o of_o the_o monastery_n and_o be_v continue_v both_o in_o know_v and_o in_o fulfil_a sufficientli_n from_o the_o first_o fadir_n of_o the_o monastery_n unto_o this_o present_a day_n and_o that_o without_o eny_z writing_n maad_v upon_o the_o same_o usagis_fw-la but_o by_o discente_fw-la of_o word_n oonli_fw-la fro_o persoone_o into_o persoone_o wherefore_o in_o lyk_fw-mi manner_n the_o kunning_a and_o the_o use_n of_o all_o our_o hool_n faith_n mygte_fw-mi have_v be_v have_v and_o lad_n and_o continue_v sufficientli_n by_o mind_n and_o by_o tech_v of_o mouth_n from_o fadris_n and_o prelatis_n into_o her_o child_n and_o parischen_n
imprimatur_fw-la libre_fw-la cui_fw-la titulus_fw-la a_o treatise_n of_o reginald_n peacock_n etc._n etc._n guil._n needham_n r._n r._n in_o christo_n p._n ac_fw-la d._n d._n wilhelm_n archiep._n à _fw-fr sac._n dom._n etc._n etc._n jan._n 12_o 1687._o a_o treatise_n prove_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith._n write_v by_o reginald_n peacock_n bishop_n of_o chichester_n before_o the_o reformation_n about_o the_o year_n mcdl_o london_n print_v for_o james_n adamson_n at_o the_o angel_n and_o crown_n in_o s._n paul_n churchyard_n 1688._o preface_n if_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n a_o undoubted_a certainty_n and_o most_o firm_a assurance_n may_v just_o be_v require_v if_o a_o scrupulous_a examination_n and_o curious_a enquiry_n may_v ever_o be_v allow_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n certain_o a_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n will_v deserve_v as_o our_o first_o so_o our_o chief_n consideration_n for_o since_o the_o article_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o self-evident_a nor_o can_v be_v find_v out_o by_o the_o sole_a principle_n of_o reason_n since_o all_o reveal_v religion_n be_v no_o far_o credible_a than_o as_o they_o can_v demonstrate_v their_o revelation_n to_o have_v be_v true_a and_o real_a some_o rule_n be_v necessary_a which_o may_v propose_v to_o mankind_n those_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o reason_n can_v not_o suggest_v and_o propose_v they_o also_o with_o such_o evidence_n as_o that_o the_o denial_n of_o assent_n shall_v in_o all_o become_v irrational_a what_o this_o determinate_a rule_n be_v have_v be_v the_o great_a controversy_n of_o this_o and_o all_o precede_a age_n however_o all_o party_n agree_v in_o affix_v some_o certain_a property_n to_o it_o whereby_o it_o may_v be_v distinguish_v and_o indeed_o without_o which_o it_o can_v never_o supply_v the_o office_n or_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o a_o true_a rule_n these_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o four_o head_n that_o it_o be_v able_a safe_o and_o inviolable_o to_o convey_v down_o all_o reveal_v necessary_a truth_n that_o it_o be_v fit_v to_o propose_v they_o clear_o and_o invariable_o to_o all_o mankind_n that_o it_o be_v independent_a on_o all_o other_o reveal_v article_n and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v assign_v as_o a_o rule_n by_o god_n the_o author_n of_o all_o reveal_v religion_n if_o either_o of_o the_o two_o first_o condition_n be_v deficient_a the_o rule_n will_v be_v unuseful_a if_o either_o of_o the_o latter_a uncertain_a and_o without_o authority_n the_o scripture_n enjoy_v all_o these_o property_n in_o so_o eminent_a a_o manner_n that_o no_o reasonable_a doubt_n can_v be_v make_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v reveal_v may_v be_v pronounce_v whatsoever_o be_v pronounce_v may_v be_v write_v down_o and_o whatsoever_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v may_v be_v preserve_v safe_a while_o those_o write_n be_v preserve_v unaltered_a we_o must_v conclude_v that_o any_o reveal_v religion_n may_v be_v entire_o and_o without_o danger_n of_o mistake_n propose_v from_o write_a book_n to_o the_o universal_a belief_n of_o mankind_n since_o these_o will_v afford_v a_o stand_a rule_n both_o to_o pastor_n of_o teach_v of_o their_o people_n and_o to_o the_o people_n of_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o pastor_n in_o case_n of_o diffidence_n the_o independence_n of_o scripture_n from_o all_o other_o reveal_v article_n be_v no_o less_o evident_a for_o that_o these_o book_n be_v indeed_o write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o these_o person_n high_o credible_a be_v know_v by_o the_o same_o evidence_n whereby_o the_o author_n and_o credibility_n of_o any_o other_o book_n be_v know_v i_o mean_v by_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n and_o consent_n of_o all_o succeed_a age_n consider_v not_o as_o a_o collection_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n but_o as_o person_n devoid_a neither_o of_o common_a sense_n nor_o integrity_n as_o they_o must_v have_v be_v if_o they_o have_v mistake_v themselves_o or_o delude_v we_o in_o believe_v and_o then_o testify_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n so_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v and_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v remember_v be_v thus_o assure_v of_o the_o credibility_n of_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o such_o historian_n who_o real_o either_o perform_v or_o see_v those_o miracle_n which_o they_o do_v attest_v we_o can_v but_o believe_v these_o miracle_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o author_n and_o founder_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n act_v by_o a_o divine_a commission_n and_o may_v reasonable_o command_v our_o assent_n to_o their_o revelation_n be_v thus_o assure_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v probable_o conclude_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o they_o but_o most_o certain_o from_o their_o own_o testimony_n that_o they_o contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o all_o this_o although_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o believe_v any_o other_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n on_o the_o other_o side_n tradition_n want_v every_o one_o of_o those_o condition_n which_o be_v necessary_o require_v to_o a_o rule_n of_o faith._n for_o first_o we_o can_v never_o be_v assure_v that_o any_o article_n be_v invariable_o and_o entire_o without_o any_o addition_n or_o diminution_n convey_v down_o to_o we_o by_o tradition_n since_o it_o have_v be_v in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n observe_v that_o matter_n of_o fact_n much_o more_o of_o belief_n not_o immediate_o commit_v to_o write_v present_o degenerate_v into_o fable_n and_o be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o capricious_a malice_n or_o ignorance_n of_o men._n nothing_o can_v exempt_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o this_o fate_n at_o least_o from_o our_o reasonable_a suspicion_n of_o it_o but_o the_o infallibility_n of_o that_o society_n of_o man_n which_o convey_v down_o this_o tradition_n but_o the_o latter_a can_v never_o be_v know_v till_o this_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n be_v first_o clear_v and_o presuppose_v since_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o suppose_a infallibility_n must_v at_o last_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o sole_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n in_o the_o next_o place_n tradition_n can_v certain_o and_o invariable_o propose_v the_o belief_n of_o christianity_n to_o all_o private_a person_n for_o from_o whence_o shall_v this_o tradition_n be_v receive_v from_o a_o pope_n or_o a_o council_n or_o both_o or_o from_o none_o of_o these_o but_o only_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o case_n infinite_a difficulty_n will_v occur_v which_o will_v single_o appear_v insuperable_a as_o who_o be_v a_o true_a pope_n what_o his_o intention_n in_o define_v be_v whether_o he_o act_v canonical_o in_o what_o sense_n he_o have_v define_v what_o council_n whether_o ecumenical_a patriarchal_a or_o provincial_n may_v be_v secure_o trust_v what_o be_v the_o necessary_a condition_n and_o qualification_n of_o a_o general_n council_n whether_o all_o these_o condition_n be_v ever_o observe_v in_o any_o council_n what_o these_o council_n be_v what_o they_o have_v define_v what_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o intention_n of_o their_o definition_n from_o who_o must_v we_o learn_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n if_o pope_n and_o council_n be_v reject_v from_o all_o christian_n or_o only_o from_o the_o clergy_n if_o from_o the_o late_a whether_o the_o assent_n of_o every_o member_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v require_v if_o not_o how_o great_a a_o part_n may_v safe_o dissent_v from_o the_o rest_n from_o who_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o major_a part_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v whether_o from_o the_o write_n of_o doctor_n or_o the_o teach_n of_o live_a pastor_n if_o from_o the_o latter_a whether_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o hear_v one_o or_o a_o few_o parish_n priest_n or_o all_o or_o at_o least_o the_o major_a number_n be_v personal_o to_o be_v consult_v all_o these_o difficulty_n may_v be_v branch_v out_o into_o many_o more_o and_o other_o no_o less_o insuperable_a be_v find_v out_o which_o will_v render_v the_o proposal_n of_o religion_n by_o way_n of_o tradition_n if_o not_o utter_o impracticable_a at_o least_o infinite_o unsafe_a three_o tradition_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v independent_a on_o other_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o other_o article_n must_v be_v presuppose_v to_o it_o for_o since_o all_o sect_n propose_v different_a tradition_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o none_o of_o they_o be_v self-evident_a it_o must_v first_o be_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n before_o it_o can_v be_v determine_v which_o be_v the_o true_a tradition_n now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a church_n can_v be_v obtain_v only_o two_o way_n either_o from_o the_o truth_n of_o her_o doctrine_n or_o from_o the_o external_a note_n of_o a_o
treatise_n which_o i_o now_o publish_v require_v i_o to_o descend_v low_a and_o demonstrate_v that_o even_o in_o latter_a age_n it_o be_v the_o common_o receive_v opinion_n of_o the_o church_n that_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith._n and_o this_o alone_a will_n as_o evident_o overthrow_v the_o plea_n of_o tradition_n as_o if_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o age_n herein_o be_v demonstrate_v for_o since_o tradition_n be_v the_o perpetual_a succession_n of_o any_o doctrine_n convey_v down_o in_o the_o church_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o present_a time_n if_o this_o succession_n be_v in_o any_o age_n whatsoever_o interrupt_v it_o can_v no_o more_o claim_v the_o title_n of_o tradition_n than_o if_o it_o have_v never_o be_v believe_v so_o that_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n disbelieved_a not_o only_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o article_n from_o tradition_n will_v fail_v but_o even_o the_o article_n itself_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v evident_o false_a for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o tradition_n shall_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n if_o that_o very_a article_n that_o tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o deliver_v down_o by_o a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o belief_n for_o than_o it_o will_v not_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o that_o very_a article_n beside_o it_o be_v absurd_a that_o the_o church_n of_o any_o age_n shall_v have_v power_n of_o declare_v what_o the_o tradition_n of_o faith_n be_v and_o consequent_o of_o fix_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v conscious_a of_o any_o such_o power_n inherent_a in_o she_o that_o she_o disbelieved_a it_o not_o to_o say_v that_o if_o at_o any_o time_n tradition_n be_v not_o believe_v by_o the_o church_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n divers_a article_n of_o faith_n be_v define_v by_o the_o church_n tradition_n must_v necessary_o ever_o since_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n since_o otherwise_o all_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n must_v indifferent_o be_v admit_v make_v by_o she_o both_o when_o she_o follow_v and_o when_o she_o deviate_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o private_a christian_n must_v be_v subject_v to_o infinite_a uncertainty_n now_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o tradition_n of_o this_o article_n be_v in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n interrupt_v and_o discontinue_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o all_o member_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v then_o agree_v in_o the_o disbelief_n of_o it_o that_o no_o doctor_n shall_v believe_v tradition_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o none_o maintain_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o some_o divine_n of_o great_a name_n who_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v ever_o hold_v in_o great_a esteem_n both_o for_o piety_n and_o learning_n and_o never_o censure_v by_o the_o church_n for_o any_o erroneous_a opinion_n much_o less_o for_o heretic_n that_o some_o such_o i_o say_v disbelieved_a this_o article_n and_o maintain_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith._n for_o if_o any_o such_o be_v than_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n can_v not_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n much_o less_o a_o article_n of_o faith._n that_o there_o be_v such_o doctor_n i_o shall_v immediate_o prove_v by_o produce_v their_o own_o word_n and_o thereby_o demonstrate_v my_o intend_a purpose_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o far_o shall_v therewith_o render_v it_o high_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v the_o general_o receive_v opinion_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n that_o scripture_n not_o tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o all_o those_o argument_n which_o a_o question_n of_o this_o nature_n will_v admit_v i_o mean_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a writer_n and_o public_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o council_n for_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o so_o many_o learned_a person_n esteem_v as_o it_o be_v the_o oracle_n of_o their_o time_n and_o pillar_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v either_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n touch_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o faith_n or_o if_o wilful_o oppose_v it_o shall_v obtain_v or_o conserve_v to_o themselves_o so_o great_a a_o reputation_n or_o that_o the_o general_a council_n of_o that_o time_n shall_v in_o their_o session_n and_o disputation_n permit_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o uncontroverted_a principle_n without_o give_v some_o check_n to_o so_o grand_a a_o error_n that_o the_o church_n therefore_o in_o the_o fifteen_o age_n do_v general_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n may_v be_v evident_o demonstrate_v from_o this_o treatise_n which_o i_o now_o publish_v the_o author_n of_o which_o be_v far_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o learned_a bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o his_o time_n a_o person_n who_o as_o himself_o assure_v we_o have_v spend_v more_o than_o twenty_o year_n in_o write_v controversial_a book_n against_o the_o lollard_n when_o he_o compose_v this_o treatise_n and_o who_o every_o where_o give_v manifest_a proof_n of_o his_o great_a learning_n so_o eminent_a a_o person_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o general_a belief_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o will_v his_o apparent_a zeal_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n permit_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o wilful_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o who_o service_n he_o employ_v the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n or_o that_o when_o he_o so_o zealous_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o lollard_n he_o shall_v himself_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n in_o her_o principal_a article_n and_o therein_o become_v a_o lollard_n since_o therefore_o he_o plain_o assert_n and_o teach_v that_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n this_o undeniable_o prove_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o proposition_n be_v not_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o author_n account_v any_o part_n of_o lollardism_n or_o suppose_a heresy_n but_o rather_o esteem_v a_o article_n of_o catholic_n belief_n at_o least_o a_o article_n which_o may_v be_v free_o dispute_v without_o violate_v the_o definition_n or_o dissent_v from_o the_o universal_a belief_n of_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o our_o author_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o doctor_n of_o his_o time_n disagree_v in_o determine_v whether_o the_o church_n or_o scripture_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v respect_v in_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith._n one_o thing_n may_v be_v object_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o author_n that_o he_o be_v force_v by_o the_o roll_a clergy_n to_o recant_v several_a opinion_n and_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o he_o as_o erroneous_a and_o consequent_o that_o he_o can_v be_v esteem_v a_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n but_o here_o not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o sentence_n of_o two_o or_o three_o partial_a bishop_n for_o no_o more_o condemn_v he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n this_o very_a recantation_n add_v no_o small_a strength_n to_o our_o argument_n for_o when_o the_o malice_n of_o his_o enemy_n oblige_v he_o to_o recant_v all_o those_o doctrine_n which_o they_o esteem_v to_o be_v erroneous_a they_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o his_o have_v assert_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o oblige_v he_o to_o recant_v that_o proposition_n a_o manifest_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o then_o account_v either_o heretical_a or_o erroneous_a or_o contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n since_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v fail_v to_o place_v it_o in_o the_o front_n of_o his_o recantation_n as_o a_o error_n of_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o great_a contagion_n than_o any_o of_o those_o for_o which_o he_o stand_v condemn_v which_o in_o truth_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v heresy_n that_o they_o be_v all_o at_o that_o time_n maintain_v by_o many_o eminent_a divine_n who_o never_o be_v censure_v by_o the_o church_n and_o some_o of_o they_o so_o far_o true_a that_o no_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v at_o this_o day_n deny_v they_o and_o this_o also_o full_o clear_v our_o author_n from_o any_o suspicion_n of_o lollardism_n or_o secret_a inclination_n to_o it_o that_o he_o be_v not_o singular_a herein_o defend_v no_o paradox_n nor_o oppose_v any_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n i_o come_v next_o to_o prove_v the_o
school_n divinity_n be_v at_o that_o time_n universal_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n teach_v in_o all_o university_n and_o school_n and_o by_o long_o use_v become_v in_o great_a measure_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n the_o most_o famous_a and_o celebrate_a author_n of_o this_o divinity_n be_v s._n thomas_n aquinas_n who_o write_n be_v then_o in_o all_o man_n hand_n universal_o applaud_v and_o religious_o embrace_v some_o few_o divine_n indeed_o dissent_v from_o he_o and_o follow_v the_o system_fw-la of_o scotus_n but_o this_o disagreement_n respect_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o indeed_o any_o material_a point_n of_o divinity_n but_o only_o some_o abstract_a notion_n and_o scholastic_a nicety_n of_o divinity_n the_o doctrine_n therefore_o of_o aquinas_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o divine_n and_o writer_n of_o those_o time_n it_o can_v be_v here_o object_v against_o the_o force_n of_o our_o argument_n that_o the_o same_o divinity_n be_v yet_o retain_v and_o teach_v in_o most_o popish_a country_n although_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n be_v reject_v the_o method_n of_o reason_v and_o dispute_v be_v now_o infinite_o alter_v among_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n from_o what_o it_o be_v before_o the_o reformation_n before_o that_o time_n they_o make_v no_o difficulty_n to_o acknowledge_v and_o even_o urge_v the_o necessity_n of_o reformation_n whereas_o now_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o church_n oblige_v they_o to_o declare_v it_o both_o unnecessary_a and_o unlawful_a while_o scripture_n be_v yet_o look_v up_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o remove_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o laity_n who_o be_v then_o general_o very_o ignorant_a they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o make_v confident_a appeal_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o that_o veil_n be_v remove_v the_o scripture_n translate_v and_o the_o world_n become_v more_o intelligent_a and_o inquisitive_a some_o other_o artifice_n be_v to_o be_v find_v out_o which_o may_v preserve_v the_o credit_n of_o ancient_a error_n and_o defend_v they_o from_o the_o silence_n and_o opposition_n of_o scripture_n to_o this_o end_n no_o stratagem_n can_v conduce_v more_o than_o the_o constant_a artifice_n of_o all_o innovator_n in_o religion_n the_o plea_n of_o tradition_n before_o that_o lesser_a artifices_fw-la can_v hide_v the_o deformity_n of_o their_o error_n and_o while_o ignorant_a christian_n can_v be_v secure_o mislead_v with_o false_a and_o sometime_o foolish_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n while_o ecce_fw-la duos_fw-la gladios_fw-la be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o evince_v the_o coercive_a power_n of_o the_o pope_n over_o temporal_a prince_n and_o arabant_fw-la boves_fw-la juxta_fw-la comedebant_fw-la asini_fw-la can_v effectual_o persuade_v the_o laity_n entire_o to_o resign_v up_o their_o judgement_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o clergy_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o desperate_a remedy_n but_o when_o person_n become_v so_o far_o inquisitive_a as_o to_o inquire_v into_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o demand_v some_o better_a authority_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o article_n impose_v on_o they_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o arrogant_a pretence_n of_o a_o infallible_a tradition_n can_v secure_v and_o palliate_v the_o contradiction_n of_o impossible_a proposition_n to_o prove_v therefore_o aquinas_n his_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o have_v be_v entire_o agreeable_a to_o that_o of_o our_o author_n i_o will_v go_v no_o far_o than_o his_o sum_n of_o divinity_n the_o most_o famous_a and_o best_a know_v of_o all_o his_o work_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o lay_v down_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o divinity_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o religion_n ought_v to_o proceed_v he_o say_v 8._o that_o this_o holy_a doctrine_n use_v the_o authority_n of_o philosopher_n as_o extraneous_a and_o only_o probable_a but_o the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n as_o proper_o belong_v to_o she_o and_o conclude_v necessary_o or_o infallible_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o other_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o proper_o indeed_o belong_v to_o she_o but_o conclude_v only_o probable_o for_o our_o faith_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o revelation_n make_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n who_o write_v the_o canonical_a book_n of_o scripture_n and_o not_o upon_o any_o revelation_n make_v to_o other_o doctor_n if_o any_o such_o there_o be_v whence_o s._n augustin_n say_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o s._n hierom_n to_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n only_o which_o be_v call_v canonical_a have_v i_o learned_a to_o pay_v this_o honour_n that_o i_o shall_v most_o firm_o believe_v none_o of_o their_o author_n to_o have_v err_v in_o any_o thing_n in_o compose_v they_o in_o the_o two_o next_o article_n it_o be_v inquire_v whether_o holy_a scripture_n may_v use_v metaphor_n and_o contain_v diverse_a sense_n under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o letter_n in_o both_o place_n the_o objection_n be_v thus_o form_v these_o quality_n will_v be_v incongruous_a to_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith._n this_o last_o proposition_n be_v no_o where_o reinforce_v in_o the_o objection_n but_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o uncontroverted_a principle_n aquinas_n in_o answer_v they_o no_o where_o deny_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o endeavour_n to_o take_v off_o the_o incongruity_n of_o a_o metaphorical_a and_o ambiguous_a style_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o answer_n to_o both_o objection_n have_v these_o word_n 10._o although_o metaphor_n and_o allegory_n be_v find_v in_o scripture_n yet_o do_v holy_a scripture_n suffer_v no_o detriment_n or_o imperfection_n thereby_o for_o nothing_o necessary_a to_o faith_n be_v contain_v under_o the_o hide_a sense_n which_o scripture_n do_v not_o somewhere_o manifest_o deliver_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n afterward_o be_v about_o to_o dispute_v of_o god_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n he_o propose_v this_o as_o a_o most_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a principle_n that_o 2._o we_o ought_v to_o affirm_v nothing_o of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n either_o in_o word_n or_o in_o sense_n conformable_o to_o what_o the_o master_n of_o sentence_n and_o founder_n of_o the_o school_n divinity_n have_v before_o teach_v who_o inquire_v what_o method_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o treat_v of_o the_o trinity_n answer_n that_o 3._o it_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v demonstrate_v according_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n whether_o the_o christian_a faith_n teach_v it_o or_o not_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n but_o to_o return_v to_o aquinas_n he_o assert_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o his_o summ._n thus_o dispute_v 2._o of_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o the_o new_a law_n or_o covenant_n he_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o write_a law._n in_o resolve_v of_o this_o question_n he_o oppose_v not_o the_o write_a law_n to_o tradition_n but_o to_o the_o law_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o virtue_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o at_o last_o conclude_v thus_o ibid._n the_o new_a law_n be_v principal_o that_o very_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o secondary_o it_o be_v the_o write_a law_n in_o as_o much_o as_o those_o thing_n be_v deliver_v in_o it_o which_o either_o dispose_n to_o grace_n or_o respect_v the_o use_n of_o that_o grace_n here_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o this_o question_n and_o comparison_n of_o the_o write_a with_o the_o new_a law_n suppose_v that_o the_o whole_a system_n of_o reveal_v truth_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_a law_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o this_o supposition_n the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o passage_n now_o cite_v plain_o determine_v it_o but_o to_o proceed_v aquinas_n often_o renew_v this_o supposition_n and_o at_o last_o compare_v the_o old_a with_o the_o new_a testament_n he_o determine_v thus_o 3._o all_o thing_n which_o be_v plain_o and_o explicit_o deliver_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v deliver_v also_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o implicit_o and_o obscure_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n also_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o belief_n the_o new_a law_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o old_a but_o if_o all_o matter_n of_o belief_n in_o the_o new_a law_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v plain_o and_o explicit_o teach_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n then_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v not_o only_o contain_v all_o matter_n of_o belief_n in_o the_o new_a law_n but_o also_o which_o be_v more_o considerable_a propose_v they_o clear_o and_o explicit_o he_o intimate_v
of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o thus_o he_o argue_v 1025._o but_o that_o the_o aforesaid_a article_n the_o existence_n of_o one_o holy_a catholic_n church_n be_v the_o first_o of_o all_o other_o into_o which_o all_o other_o be_v resolve_v be_v manifest_a for_o if_o any_o doubt_n arise_v concern_v any_o other_o article_n recourse_n be_v immediate_o make_v by_o common_a consent_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o to_o a_o most_o certain_a and_o invariable_a rule_n and_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n the_o truth_n be_v clear_v and_o all_o doubt_n remove_v for_o unless_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o church_n be_v know_v scripture_n have_v no_o authority_n whether_o this_o argument_n be_v valid_a and_o conclusive_a concern_v not_o my_o present_a purpose_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o he_o assume_v this_o proposition_n scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o a_o undoubted_a principle_n common_a to_o both_o party_n however_o if_o by_o a_o church_n in_o this_o place_n he_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o a_o society_n of_o credible_a person_n who_o unanimous_a attestation_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n ought_v to_o be_v receive_v the_o argument_n will_v be_v good_a and_o valid_a and_o that_o he_o mean_v no_o more_o i_o be_o induce_v to_o believe_v because_o 1026._o immediate_o after_o dispute_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v he_o acknowledge_v the_o proof_n of_o this_o article_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o holy_a scripture_n however_o these_o word_n can_v infer_v the_o doctrine_n at_o this_o day_n receive_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n since_o they_o express_o assert_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o article_n of_o faith_n save_v this_o one_o of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o attribute_v to_o the_o church_n no_o more_o than_o the_o power_n of_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o thenceforward_o be_v to_o be_v use_v as_o our_o only_a rule_n and_o guide_n he_o proceed_v to_o lay_v down_o several_a supposition_n as_o foundation_n and_o postulate_v of_o his_o subsequent_a determination_n of_o these_o the_o six_o be_v conceive_v in_o these_o word_n 1028._o faith_n and_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o well_o matter_n of_o belief_n as_o of_o practice_n be_v found_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o from_o thence_o only_o may_v argument_n be_v draw_v to_o prove_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n and_o of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n the_o seven_o supposition_n be_v this_o sufficientissima_fw-la holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o literal_a sense_n well_o and_o sound_o understand_v be_v the_o infallible_a and_o most_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith._n this_o he_o do_v not_o only_o suppose_v but_o also_o prove_v with_o divers_a argument_n of_o which_o the_o second_o be_v this_o 1029._o if_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o have_v insufficient_o deliver_v it_o which_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v think_v of_o god_n all_o who_o work_n be_v perfect_a beside_o if_o holy_a scripture_n be_v deficient_a in_o some_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n then_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v want_v may_v lawful_o and_o meritorious_o be_v superad_v from_o some_o other_o principle_n or_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v superfluous_a in_o it_o they_o may_v lawful_o be_v diminish_v but_o this_o be_v forbid_v by_o s._n john_n the_o evangelist_n in_o the_o last_o of_o the_o revelation_n where_o he_o say_v if_o any_o one_o add_v to_o this_o book_n etc._n etc._n from_o which_o word_n of_o john_n the_o evangelist_n it_o be_v clear_o prove_v that_o nothing_o be_v deficient_a or_o superfluous_a in_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v also_o consentaneous_a to_o the_o author_n of_o it_o who_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o be_v before_o say_v to_o who_o omnipotence_n it_o agree_v that_o he_o give_v we_o a_o system_fw-la of_o wisdom_n neither_o deficient_a nor_o superfluous_a and_o that_o he_o shall_v deliver_v it_o in_o a_o method_n agreeable_a to_o our_o necessity_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o council_n of_o florence_n however_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_n differ_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n till_o the_o former_a be_v force_v into_o a_o compliance_n by_o the_o command_v and_o threat_n of_o their_o emperor_n yet_o in_o this_o they_o agree_v in_o lay_v down_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n and_o principle_n of_o faith_n although_o they_o dissent_v in_o determine_v how_o far_o it_o may_v be_v explain_v by_o the_o church_n the_o controversy_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o addition_n of_o filioqve_n to_o the_o nicene_n creed_n this_o the_o greek_n maintain_v to_o be_v unlawful_a because_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o the_o son_n be_v not_o in_o express_a term_n teach_v in_o scripture_n which_o they_o hold_v to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith._n the_o latin_n deny_v not_o this_o but_o only_o assert_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a this_o procession_n be_v teach_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o implicit_a term_n the_o church_n have_v authority_n by_o explanation_n of_o those_o obscure_a passage_n to_o constitute_v article_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o add_v they_o to_o the_o creed_n although_o but_o implicit_o contain_v in_o holy_a scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o that_o to_o insert_v filioqve_n in_o the_o creed_n be_v no_o addition_n to_o the_o faith_n since_o that_o article_n be_v implicit_o contain_v in_o holy_a scripture_n the_o opinion_n of_o the_o greek_n be_v thus_o represent_v by_o bessarion_n archbishop_n of_o nice_a who_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o greek_n to_o manage_v and_o defend_v their_o cause_n 14â—_n we_o derive_v and_o receive_v all_o article_n of_o faith_n from_o the_o fountain_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith._n nothing_n be_v ever_o add_v to_o they_o account_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o they_o nor_o may_v any_o thing_n ever_o be_v add_v to_o they_o neither_o by_o we_o while_o we_o be_v ourselves_o nor_o by_o any_o other_o christian_n and_o when_o the_o latin_n recur_v to_o their_o wont_a refuge_n of_o explanation_n or_o declaration_n make_v by_o the_o church_n of_o what_o be_v implicit_o contain_v in_o scripture_n bessarion_n reply_v 935._o that_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o although_o any_o thing_n be_v add_v by_o way_n of_o declaration_n it_o be_v still_o a_o addition_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v forbid_v and_o consequent_o the_o addition_n of_o this_o word_n filioqve_n be_v forbid_v but_o whereas_o you_o allege_v the_o action_n of_o the_o father_n in_o council_n wherein_o some_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v thus_o explain_v this_o reach_v not_o our_o question_n for_o that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v to_o the_o faith_n it_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v lawful_a the_o bishop_n of_o friuli_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o latin_n to_o answer_v the_o argument_n of_o bessarion_n and_o defend_v the_o addition_n of_o the_o word_n filioqve_n this_o he_o do_v not_o by_o deny_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o the_o son_n may_v be_v deduce_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n viz._n from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n you_o grant_v say_v he_o 960._o that_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v take_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o faith._n from_o this_o proposition_n we_o infer_v that_o a_o declaration_n expression_n and_o explication_n which_o be_v make_v concern_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o the_o creed_n by_o the_o write_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v account_v extraneous_a or_o a_o doctrine_n of_o another_o kind_n since_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o church_n for_o then_o only_o be_v a_o proof_n to_o be_v account_v extraneous_a when_o it_o be_v make_v not_o by_o the_o proper_a principle_n of_o that_o doctrine_n but_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o some_o other_o kind_n of_o science_n as_o if_o a_o physical_a conclusion_n shall_v be_v prove_v by_o a_o mathematical_a principle_n but_o according_a to_o you_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o faith._n therefore_o a_o proof_n and_o declaration_n which_o be_v make_v by_o these_o scripture_n be_v plain_o make_v by_o the_o proper_a principle_n of_o faith_n and_o intrinsical_a principle_n of_o our_o religion_n yea_o this_o ought_v not_o proper_o to_o be_v call_v a_o addition_n