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other_o give_v of_o a_o true_a church_n there_o be_v one_o mark_v without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v certain_a which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o that_o be_v that_o she_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ._n for_o this_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o church_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n without_o it_o all_o other_o mark_n may_v deceive_v we_o for_o whatever_o other_o mark_n there_o be_v if_o there_o be_v not_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n there_o can_v be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n be_v break_v and_o divide_v into_o different_a and_o opposite_a communion_n whoever_o will_v find_v out_o the_o true_a church_n must_v examine_v her_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n bellarmine_n himself_o make_v the_o holiness_n of_o doctrine_n one_o essential_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o truth_n be_v antecedent_n to_o 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to_o deliver_v they_o from_o those_o uncertain_a dispute_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o can_v be_v certain_a which_o the_o true_a church_n be_v on_o who_o authority_n we_o must_v rely_v till_o we_o have_v examine_v that_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n which_o divide_v the_o christian_a church_n and_o have_v satisfy_v ourselves_o on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v this_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o appeal_v to_o a_o judge_n unless_o we_o will_v undo_v all_o we_o have_v do_v before_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o seek_v again_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o what_o advantage_n then_o have_v the_o papist_n above_o the_o protestant_n in_o the_o point_n of_o certainty_n when_o they_o can_v know_v which_o be_v that_o church_n which_o they_o may_v safe_o trust_v without_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o her_o religion_n and_o judge_v for_o themselves_o just_a as_o we_o do_v we_o be_v concern_v indeed_o to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_n church_n not_o that_o we_o must_v receive_v our_o faith_n upon_o her_o authority_n for_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n we_o must_v know_v the_o true_a faith_n before_o we_o can_v know_v the_o true_a church_n but_o because_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ._n five_o and_o yet_o if_o they_o can_v find_v the_o church_n without_o all_o this_o trouble_n and_o protestant_a uncertainty_n wherever_o they_o place_v their_o infallibility_n whether_o in_o the_o pope_n or_o council_n according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n they_o can_v have_v so_o much_o as_o a_o moral_a certainty_n of_o it_o as_o for_o the_o pope_n though_o for_o argument_n sake_n we_o shall_v grant_v a_o true_a pope_n to_o be_v infallible_a yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a pope_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n teach_v that_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o sacrament_n that_o though_o he_o perform_v all_o the_o external_a part_n of_o it_o yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o apply_v the_o sacrament_n to_o such_o person_n it_o be_v not_o apply_v now_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n who_o can_v tell_v whether_o this_o present_a pope_n be_v ever_o baptise_a or_o ordain_v priest_n or_o bishop_n for_o if_o the_o priest_n or_o bishop_n that_o do_v this_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o do_v it_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o true_a pope_n that_o he_o be_v no_o christian._n nay_o if_o the_o priest_n and_o bishop_n which_o baptise_a and_o ordain_v he_o do_v intend_v to_o apply_v the_o sacrament_n to_o he_o yet_o if_o those_o who_o baptise_a and_o ordain_v they_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o do_v it_o than_o they_o be_v no_o christian_n nor_o bishop_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o confer_v order_n on_o he_o and_o so_o upward_o still_o which_o reduce_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n in_o the_o world_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o know_v any_o man_n private_a intention_n when_o neither_o word_n nor_o action_n shall_v be_v allow_v a_o sufficient_a declaration_n of_o it_o and_o beside_o this_o if_o a_o pope_n be_v simoniacal_o promote_v or_o ordain_v by_o a_o simoniacal_a pope_n here_o be_v a_o invalidity_n in_o his_o order_n and_o then_o what_o become_v of_o his_o infallibility_n nay_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o that_o long_a papal_a schism_n when_o there_o be_v three_o pope_n together_o john_n 23._o gregory_n 12._o and_o benedict_n 13._o who_o be_v all_o depose_v by_o the_o council_n of_o constance_n and_o martin_n 5._o choose_v be_v there_o never_o a_o true_a pope_n among_o all_o the_o three_o if_o there_o be_v what_o authority_n then_o have_v the_o council_n to_o depose_v they_o all_o and_o choose_v a_o four_o and_o who_o know_v to_o this_o day_n from_o whence_o the_o succeed_a pope_n have_v derive_v their_o succession_n which_o may_v very_o much_o call_v the_o popedom_n and_o infallibility_n into_o question_n and_o then_o as_o for_o council_n which_o consist_v of_o bishop_n there_o be_v the_o same_o incertainty_n about_o they_o whether_o they_o be_v true_a bishop_n or_o not_o as_o there_o be_v about_o the_o pope_n and_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v so_o many_o dispute_n what_o make_v a_o general_n council_n when_o it_o be_v regular_o call_v and_o when_o they_o act_n conciliaritèr_fw-la in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o a_o council_n ought_v to_o act_v to_o procure_v the_o infallible_a direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o give_v authority_n to_o their_o decree_n that_o if_o woman_n and_o busy_a people_n can_v understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v much_o less_o able_a to_o understand_v what_o council_n they_o may_v safe_o rely_v on_o but_o suppose_v we_o do_v know_v who_o this_o infallible_a judge_n be_v whether_o pope_n or_o council_n and_o this_o judge_n shall_v give_v we_o a_o infallible_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o a_o infallible_a decision_n of_o all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n never_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o do_v yet_o and_o i_o believe_v never_o will_v witness_v those_o many_o fierce_a dispute_n which_o be_v among_o man_n of_o their_o own_o communion_n and_o i_o think_v no_o man_n be_v ever_o the_o more_o infallible_a for_o a_o judge_n who_o will_v not_o exercise_v his_o infallibility_n yet_o if_o this_o judge_n shall_v infallible_o determine_v all_o the_o controversy_n in_o religion_n we_o must_v either_o hear_v it_o from_o his_o own_o mouth_n or_o receive_v it_o in_o write_v or_o take_v it_o upon_o the_o report_n of_o other_o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o there_o be_v not_o one_o in_o the_o world_n at_o this_o day_n that_o be_v present_a at_o the_o debate_n of_o any_o general_a council_n or_o hear_v they_o pronounce_v their_o decree_n and_o definition_n and_o i_o believe_v as_o few_o ever_o hear_v the_o pope_n determine_v any_o question_n ex_fw-la cathedrâ_fw-la which_o what_o it_o mean_v either_o they_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v or_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o tell_v we_o as_o for_o write_v when_o we_o see_v the_o decree_n of_o a_o council_n write_v we_o can_v have_v only_o a_o moral_a assurance_n that_o these_o be_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n and_o when_o we_o have_v they_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v much_o more_o obscure_a and_o subject_a to_o as_o many_o different_a interpretation_n as_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o better_a assurance_n what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o council_n than_o what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o experience_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o the_o roman_a doctor_n differ_v as_o much_o about_o as_o protestant_n do_v about_o the_o
this_o to_o the_o purpose_n when_o the_o scripture_n express_o condemn_v the_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o give_v religious_a worship_n to_o any_o other_o be_v but_o to_o god_n only_o and_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n say_v nothing_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o that_o st._n paul_n dispute_v design_o against_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n institute_v his_o supper_n in_o both_o kind_n and_o command_v they_o to_o drink_v of_o the_o consecrate_a cup_n as_o well_o as_o to_o eat_v the_o bread_n though_o i_o have_v a_o great_a reverence_n for_o antiquity_n yet_o if_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o day_n pronounce_v a_o anathema_n against_o angel_n themselves_o who_o shall_v preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n we_o may_v safe_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o church_n that_o shall_v contradict_v the_o express_a command_n and_o institution_n of_o christ._n to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n be_v antiquity_n our_o only_a guide_n and_o rule_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n i_o ready_o grant_v it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a uncertain_a rule_n and_o such_o as_o neither_o the_o learned_a nor_o the_o unlearned_a can_v build_v their_o faith_n on_o for_o there_o have_v be_v great_a variety_n of_o opinion_n and_o practice_n in_o other_o age_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o since_o the_o four_o century_n from_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n principal_o date_n their_o antiquity_n as_o well_o as_o in_o our_o own_o which_o show_v what_o a_o uncertain_a foundation_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v for_o her_o faith_n as_o for_o all_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n wherein_o she_o differ_v from_o we_o which_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n and_o at_o best_a a_o very_a uncertain_a one_o in_o very_o late_a antiquity_n but_o this_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o who_o prefer_v scripture_n antiquity_n before_o all_o other_o and_o own_o no_o antiquity_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o 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of_o our_o saviour_n to_o make_v it_o so_o much_o a_o art_n and_o a_o mystery_n that_o none_o but_o great_a scholar_n can_v understand_v it_o scholar_n indeed_o have_v make_v a_o art_n and_o a_o mere_a dispute_v art_n of_o it_o and_o heretic_n who_o have_v corrupt_v the_o gospel_n have_v endeavour_v by_o perverse_a comment_n to_o make_v plain_a place_n obscure_a and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v more_o countenance_v this_o pretence_n than_o any_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o frighten_v people_n from_o read_v that_o book_n which_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v against_o popery_n and_o after_o all_o their_o talk_n of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o scripture_n their_o deny_v the_o people_n the_o free_a use_n of_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a confession_n that_o they_o think_v it_o too_o plain_a against_o themselves_o so_o plain_a that_o every_o ordinary_a christian_n will_v be_v able_a to_o see_v it_o but_o if_o so_o very_a few_o people_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o dispute_n in_o religion_n what_o course_n shall_v woman_n and_o other_o person_n who_o the_o paper_n make_v such_o incompetent_a judge_n take_v suppose_v they_o have_v be_v educate_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o be_v now_o assault_v by_o popish_a priest_n to_o go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n must_v they_o make_v this_o change_n with_o reason_n or_o without_o it_o must_v they_o judge_v for_o themselves_o or_o forsake_v one_o church_n and_o choose_v another_o without_o judgement_n or_o can_v woman_n or_o busy_a or_o ignorant_a people_n more_o easy_o find_v out_o the_o true_a church_n and_o the_o infallible_a judge_n than_o they_o can_v read_v in_o scripture_n that_o they_o must_v worship_v none_o but_o god_n that_o they_o must_v not_o worship_v image_n and_o picture_n that_o they_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n and_o celebrate_v the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n by_o drink_v of_o the_o cup_n as_o well_o as_o by_o eat_v the_o bread_n whoever_o venture_v to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v baptize_v and_o educate_v i_o be_o sure_a aught_o to_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v whether_o he_o be_v or_o no_o and_o those_o who_o confess_v they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v aught_o to_o be_v keep_v where_o they_o be_v for_o it_o be_v safe_a to_o continue_v in_o a_o church_n without_o judgement_n than_o to_o forsake_v it_o without_o reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o the_o first_o case_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o our_o birth_n and_o education_n will_v make_v some_o apology_n for_o our_o involuntary_a mistake_v but_o if_o we_o wanton_o leave_v one_o church_n and_o go_v to_o another_o without_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o either_o the_o act_n be_v whole_o our_o own_o choice_n and_o if_o we_o leave_v a_o better_a for_o a_o worse_o we_o must_v take_v what_o follow_v and_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o most_o improper_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n 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we_o shall_v have_v have_v no_o dispute_n about_o it_o at_o this_o day_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v out_o in_o one_o either_o christ_n have_v appoint_v no_o such_o judge_n or_o this_o can_v prevent_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n 4._o four_o there_o be_v a_o easy_a and_o effectual_a way_n of_o cure_v church_n division_n without_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n nay_o without_o make_v all_o man_n of_o a_o mind_n in_o every_o thing_n which_o must_v never_o be_v expect_v in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o be_v not_o to_o make_v the_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n straight_a and_o narrow_a than_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v essential_a to_o christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n for_o such_o matter_n most_o christian_n agree_v in_o and_o though_o they_o may_v have_v some_o private_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o divide_v communion_n while_o they_o do_v not_o impose_v they_o upon_o 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themselves_o be_v not_o agree_v about_o this_o matter_n some_o will_v have_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v infallible_a as_o peter_n successor_n and_o in_o his_o right_n other_o the_o church_n assemble_v in_o a_o general_n council_n other_o neither_o pope_n nor_o council_n distinct_o and_o separately_z consider_v but_o a_o council_n confirm_v by_o the_o pope_n other_o none_o of_o all_o this_o but_o tradition_n be_v infallible_a infallibility_n they_o all_o agree_v to_o but_o know_v not_o where_o this_o infallibility_n be_v seat_v now_o what_o shall_v a_o doubt_a protestant_n do_v who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v as_o infallible_a as_o any_o of_o they_o do_v he_o know_v where_o to_o find_v this_o infallibility_n may_v he_o not_o as_o easy_o choose_v his_o own_o religion_n and_o what_o church_n he_o will_v live_v in_o communion_n with_o as_o which_o of_o these_o infallible_a judge_n to_o follow_v which_o soever_o of_o these_o he_o reject_v he_o have_v a_o considerable_a party_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n on_o his_o side_n the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o he_o be_v so_o far_o satisfy_v with_o their_o reason_n against_o each_o other_o that_o he_o reject_v they_o all_o and_o he_o have_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o if_o god_n have_v intend_v to_o appoint_v a_o judge_n to_o end_v all_o dispute_n certain_o he_o will_v have_v do_v this_o so_o manifest_o that_o there_o shall_v have_v be_v no_o dispute_n who_o this_o judge_n be_v for_o methinks_v a_o doubtful_a and_o disputable_a judge_n be_v not_o a_o very_a proper_a person_n to_o end_v all_o dispute_n 2._o nay_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o roman_a divine_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o prove_v either_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o judge_n or_o who_o this_o judge_n be_v for_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o judge_n he_o must_v be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o then_o we_o must_v look_v for_o his_o commission_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o know_v what_o the_o gospel_n be_v or_o what_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o it_o but_o from_o the_o infallible_a judge_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v out_o either_o the_o judge_n or_o the_o scripture_n because_o we_o have_v no_o place_n to_o begin_v at_o if_o we_o begin_v with_o the_o judge_n we_o be_v a_o little_a too_o hasty_a because_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o find_v he_o and_o if_o we_o begin_v with_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v as_o bad_a because_o we_o can_v understand_v they_o before_o we_o have_v find_v the_o judge_n so_o that_o we_o must_v take_v one_o of_o they_o for_o grant_v without_o any_o proof_n and_o by_o that_o find_v out_o the_o other_o and_o that_o be_v neither_o better_o nor_o worse_o than_o to_o take_v they_o both_o for_o grant_v which_o be_v a_o admirable_a foundation_n for_o infallibility_n at_o all_o adventure_n to_o choose_v a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o then_o to_o believe_v he_o at_o all_o adventure_n so_o that_o 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can_v communicate_v with_o they_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o sinful_a in_o our_o communion_n and_o whatever_o they_o pretend_v they_o can_v never_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n want_v in_o it_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o when_o we_o deny_v communion_n to_o no_o church_n that_o will_v communicate_v with_o we_o and_o require_v no_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n which_o can_v justify_v a_o separation_n from_o we_o let_v they_o tell_v i_o wherein_o our_o schism_n consist_v the_o paper_n i_o can_v think_v those_o glorious_a promise_n sufficient_o fulfil_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o abide_v with_o they_o and_o that_o for_o ever_o answer_n pray_v why_o not_o that_o promise_n of_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n be_v make_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v fulfil_v in_o they_o and_o extend_v to_o no_o other_o in_o that_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o 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must_v grant_v that_o in_o these_o matter_n which_o we_o all_o consent_n in_o our_o faith_n be_v true_a and_o orthodox_n they_o must_v grant_v that_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v sound_a and_o orthodox_n also_o for_o thus_o they_o resolve_v their_o own_o faith_n they_o must_v grant_v that_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n not_o exclude_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o best_a external_n testimony_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n now_o when_o we_o believe_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o expound_v by_o the_o general_n faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n what_o appearance_n of_o uncertainty_n can_v be_v charge_v on_o such_o a_o faith_n we_o reject_v indeed_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n but_o what_o then_o will_v not_o a_o true_a orthodox_n faith_n save_v we_o unless_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o have_v no_o be_v when_o christianity_n be_v first_o plant_v in_o the_o world_n but_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o this_o for_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n because_o he_o can_v believe_v his_o creed_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o then_o i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v what_o that_o uncertainty_n be_v which_o they_o complain_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o if_o the_o positive_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v certain_a as_o it_o must_v be_v if_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o to_o these_o matter_n be_v certain_a why_o do_v they_o leave_v we_o for_o want_v of_o certainty_n which_o be_v now_o the_o popular_a argument_n to_o seduce_v man_n from_o our_o communion_n if_o they_o think_v we_o do_v not_o believe_v enough_o let_v they_o say_v so_o and_o make_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o departure_n from_o we_o but_o if_o as_o far_o as_o our_o faith_n go_v we_o have_v certain_a and_o evident_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n how_o do_v our_o faith_n come_v to_o be_v uncertain_a as_o for_o those_o particular_a doctrine_n which_o be_v in_o dispute_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o grant_v we_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o they_o nay_o more_o than_o that_o we_o say_v no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o they_o how_o confident_a soever_o he_o be_v for_o they_o be_v found_v neither_o on_o reason_n nor_o scripture_n nor_o any_o good_a authority_n for_o we_o do_v not_o take_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v good_a authority_n and_o if_o this_o be_v all_o they_o mean_v by_o our_o uncertainty_n that_o we_o have_v no_o certainty_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o image_n and_o relic_n for_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n for_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n for_o mass_n for_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a for_o a_o judicial_a absolution_n and_o those_o new_a sacrament_n they_o have_v introduce_v into_o the_o church_n we_o ready_o grant_v it_o but_o think_v this_o a_o very_a strange_a reason_n for_o protestant_n to_o desert_n our_o communion_n because_o we_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v false_a we_o do_v not_o only_o confess_v that_o we_o can_v find_v no_o certainty_n for_o these_o thing_n but_o we_o assert_v that_o we_o have_v positive_a and_o certain_a evidence_n against_o they_o and_o those_o who_o have_v
be_v certain_a what_o shall_v make_v i_o uncertain_a quest._n do_v you_o not_o see_v that_o reason_n itself_o be_v uncertain_a how_o do_v man_n differ_v in_o their_o reason_n what_o contrary_a exposition_n of_o scripture_n do_v they_o give_v and_o what_o certainty_n then_o in_o this_o way_n answ._n i_o hope_v sir_n you_o will_v not_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o true_a reason_n or_o that_o true_a reason_n be_v uncertain_a or_o that_o scripture_n true_o expound_v be_v a_o uncertain_a rule_n now_o though_o other_o man_n reason_v foolish_o and_o interpret_v scripture_n perverse_o what_o be_v that_o to_o i_o if_o i_o reason_v right_a and_o expound_v scripture_n true_o as_o i_o believe_v i_o do_v and_o shall_v believe_v so_o till_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o i_o do_v my_o certainty_n i_o tell_v you_o be_v found_v upon_o certain_a evidence_n and_o you_o can_v never_o shake_v my_o certainty_n till_o you_o can_v shake_v that_o it_o will_v be_v great_a and_o contemptible_a weakness_n in_o i_o to_o distrust_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o convince_a reason_n because_o you_o tell_v i_o that_o other_o man_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n if_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o their_o reason_n be_v better_a than_o i_o i_o will_v yield_v to_o the_o best_a reason_n but_o i_o can_v renounce_v my_o reason_n while_o i_o believe_v it_o true_a nor_o suspect_v it_o while_o i_o believe_v it_o certain_a quest._n when_o two_o man_n differ_v in_o their_o opinion_n and_o oppose_v reason_n to_o reason_n must_v not_o one_o of_o they_o be_v mistake_v answ._n yes_o it_o may_v be_v both_o but_o neither_o of_o they_o think_v themselves_o mistake_v mere_o because_o they_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o for_o that_o will_v end_v the_o dispute_n if_o the_o difference_n in_o religion_n be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o religion_n for_o infallibility_n itself_o can_v not_o escape_v which_o be_v deny_v by_o more_o christian_n than_o believe_v it_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o will_v be_v certain_a must_v look_v well_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o those_o who_o will_v prove_v my_o faith_n to_o be_v uncertain_a must_v prove_v that_o the_o reason_n on_o which_o i_o believe_v be_v either_o false_a or_o uncertain_a and_o those_o who_o be_v not_o content_v with_o this_o quarrel_n with_o the_o state_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o may_v help_v themselves_o as_o they_o can_v this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a for_o a_o preface_n to_o this_o discourse_n let_v but_o protestant_n maintain_v their_o ground_n and_o not_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o have_v no_o certain_a foundation_n for_o their_o faith_n till_o papist_n have_v confute_v the_o particular_a reason_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o i_o dare_v undertake_v they_o will_v never_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o question_v their_o faith_n nor_o find_v any_o want_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n but_o yet_o since_o some_o man_n so_o despise_v that_o certainty_n which_o result_v from_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n in_o comparison_n with_o infallibility_n let_v we_o brief_o consider_v what_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o infallibility_n be_v and_o how_o much_o it_o excel_v a_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n 1._o first_o then_o i_o observe_v that_o infallibility_n belong_v to_o person_n not_o to_o thing_n a_o proposition_n can_v be_v fallible_a or_o infallible_a but_o true_a or_o false_a for_o fallible_a signify_v that_o which_o can_v be_v deceive_v infallible_a that_o which_o can_v be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v apply_v only_o to_o intelligent_a being_n who_o be_v capable_a of_o either_o so_o that_o to_o say_v that_o any_o proposition_n be_v injallible_o true_a beside_o the_o impropriety_n of_o the_o expression_n add_v nothing_o to_o truth_n for_o that_o which_o be_v true_a be_v true_a and_o can_v neither_o be_v more_o nor_o less_o true_a second_o perfect_a infallibility_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o universal_a certainty_n of_o knowledge_n as_o for_o instance_n god_n only_o be_v infallible_a by_o nature_n but_o infallibility_n be_v a_o negative_a and_o there_o be_v no_o negative_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v understand_v what_o god_n infallibility_n be_v we_o must_v reduce_v it_o to_o some_o positive_a perfection_n and_o that_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o infinite_a knowledge_n for_o this_o reason_n we_o say_v that_o god_n be_v infallible_a because_o he_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o he_o who_o know_v all_o thing_n can_v never_o mistake_v so_o that_o it_o be_v knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n infallibility_n be_v only_o a_o mode_n of_o speech_n to_o signify_v the_o most_o perfect_a certainty_n of_o knowledge_n three_o and_o therefore_o infallibility_n be_v not_o oppose_v to_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o perception_n for_o infallibility_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o certainty_n and_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o result_v from_o the_o most_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v in_o god_n which_o be_v only_o true_a infallibility_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o certainty_n and_o infallibility_n in_o god_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o certainty_n of_o creature_n and_o the_o infallibility_n of_o god_n be_v this_o that_o the_o one_o be_v a_o finite_a and_o the_o other_o a_o infinite_a knowledge_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v by_o nature_n infallible_a but_o infinite_a knowledge_n but_o a_o finite_a knowledge_n which_o do_v not_o extend_v to_o every_o thing_n may_v in_o some_o thing_n be_v deceive_v but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o reach_v it_o may_v be_v certain_a and_o that_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o finite_a infallibility_n a_o fallible_a creature_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o be_v which_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a but_o a_o be_v which_o have_v not_o a_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v without_o the_o sphere_n of_o its_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n because_o we_o be_v not_o infallible_a as_o to_o say_v that_o we_o can_v know_v nothing_o because_o we_o do_v not_o know_v all_o thing_n four_o and_o therefore_o fallibility_n or_o infallibility_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n what_o be_v the_o certainty_n of_o god_n but_o those_o clear_a and_o bright_a idea_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o divine_a mind_n for_o he_o be_v not_o certain_a because_o he_o be_v infallible_a but_o he_o be_v infallible_a because_o he_o be_v certain_a and_o thus_o in_o proportion_n to_o that_o distance_n which_o be_v between_o god_n and_o creature_n our_o certainty_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o perception_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o wherever_o this_o be_v how_o fallible_a soever_o the_o person_n be_v in_o other_o matter_n he_o be_v certain_a so_o far_o and_o to_o demand_v any_o far_a reason_n of_o certainty_n than_o the_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v to_o demand_v some_o other_o reason_n of_o certainty_n than_o knowledge_n and_o thus_o we_o may_v doubt_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o of_o man_n if_o we_o do_v not_o allow_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n to_o be_v certainty_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o beyond_o this_o five_o and_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o as_o to_o thing_n which_o be_v knowable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n our_o certainty_n result_v from_o the_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o depend_v on_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n as_o for_o instance_n those_o impression_n which_o our_o sense_n make_v on_o we_o and_o those_o perception_n they_o awaken_v in_o our_o mind_n 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religion_n to_o be_v true_a we_o will_v prove_v
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and_o orthodox_n the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o require_v obedience_n and_o conformity_n to_o her_o decree_n and_o constitution_n and_o those_o who_o refuse_v it_o must_v answer_v it_o both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n if_o her_o faith_n be_v corrupt_a she_o abuse_v her_o power_n in_o impose_v it_o on_o christian_n and_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v what_o be_v false_a because_o the_o church_n define_v it_o to_o be_v true_a if_o you_o ask_v who_o judgement_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o every_o private_a christian_n i_o answer_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o necessity_n must_v take_v place_n as_o to_o external_n government_n to_o determine_v what_o shall_v be_v profess_v and_o practise_v in_o her_o communion_n and_o no_o private_a christian_n have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v in_o these_o matter_n but_o when_o the_o question_n be_v what_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n true_a or_o false_a in_o what_o we_o may_v 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judge_n between_o they_o and_o by_o his_o providence_n prevent_v or_o overrule_v all_o those_o disorder_n which_o may_v happen_v either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n in_o this_o world_n and_o reward_n or_o punish_v both_o governor_n and_o subject_n according_a to_o their_o desert_n in_o the_o next_o and_o this_o supresede_v all_o far_a dispute_n about_o some_o hard_a case_n or_o the_o sincerity_n or_o insincerity_n of_o governor_n or_o subject_n for_o every_o man_n must_v of_o necessity_n judge_v for_o himself_o and_o god_n will_v govern_v and_o judge_v we_o all_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o government_n of_o ourselves_o the_o paper_n but_o i_o know'tis_o urge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v guide_v by_o antiquity_n for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n but_o every_o one_o know_v that_o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n in_o that_o too_o even_o for_o scholar_n at_o least_o i_o 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that_o a_o honest_a man_n who_o meet_v with_o a_o skilful_a guide_n may_v satisfy_v himself_o about_o it_o and_o see_v with_o his_o own_o eye_n now_o what_o great_a assurance_n can_v we_o have_v in_o this_o case_n than_o the_o harmony_n and_o consent_n of_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n which_o confirm_v and_o justify_v each_o other_o the_o apostle_n no_o doubt_n preach_v and_o write_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o be_v a_o uncorrupt_a tradition_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o that_o be_v a_o true_a exposition_n of_o scripture_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o ancient_a formulary_n of_o faith_n deliver_v down_o to_o we_o by_o a_o unquestionable_a tradition_n from_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o negative_a article_n about_o which_o be_v our_o only_a controversy_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n since_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o christ_n or_o his_o 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a_o hard_a thing_n to_o prove_v a_o negative_a it_o be_v not_o so_o here_o because_o the_o proof_n lie_v all_o on_o the_o positive_a side_n for_o those_o who_o will_v teach_v such_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n ought_v to_o prove_v they_o for_o without_o such_o a_o proof_n they_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v on_o course_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o can_v confute_v their_o proof_n we_o need_v do_v no_o more_o and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a task_n especial_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o first_o three_o century_n for_o since_o they_o themselves_o be_v now_o ashamed_a of_o the_o counterfeit_a dionysius_n their_o decretal_a epistle_n and_o such_o like_a spurious_a write_n the_o wise_a of_o they_o pretend_v to_o very_o few_o testimony_n from_o the_o first_o writer_n and_o those_o which_o they_o do_v allege_v be_v such_o lame_a one_o as_o need_v very_o little_a confutation_n these_o be_v the_o protestant_a ground_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v
the_o learned_a may_v contradict_v and_o therefore_o whoever_o will_v have_v a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n must_v not_o lay_v the_o necessity_n of_o have_v such_o a_o judge_n mere_o upon_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o multitude_n for_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o learned_a man_n must_v have_v such_o a_o judge_n nay_o it_o prove_v that_o learned_a man_n need_v no_o such_o judge_n if_o ignorance_n only_o make_v he_o necessary_a and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o judge_n for_o learned_a man_n there_o can_v be_v no_o judge_n of_o controversy_n for_o there_o be_v more_o dispute_n among_o the_o learned_a than_o the_o ignorant_a the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o people_n be_v only_o make_v a_o pretence_n to_o deceive_v ignorant_a people_n but_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n for_o a_o visible_a judge_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o visible_a judge_n unless_o he_o judge_v for_o the_o learned_a as_o well_o as_o the_o unlearned_a and_o if_o learned_a man_n must_v not_o judge_v for_o themselves_o it_o 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obstinate_o refuse_v to_o consult_v that_o live_a oracle_n and_o infallible_a judge_n who_o god_n have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n to_o decide_v all_o controversy_n in_o faith_n and_o worship_n protest_v sir_n i_o thank_v you_o for_o your_o charity_n and_o though_o i_o do_v not_o find_v myself_o so_o uncertain_a as_o i_o perceive_v you_o think_v i_o be_o yet_o i_o shall_v be_v glad_a of_o such_o a_o infallible_a guide_n as_o you_o talk_v of_o if_o i_o know_v where_o to_o find_v he_o pap._n he_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o that_o be_v the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n there_o be_v st._n peter_n chair_n who_o christ_n make_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o his_o church_n who_o he_o command_v to_o feed_v his_o lamb_n and_o his_o sheep_n that_o rock_n on_o who_o christ_n promise_v to_o build_v his_o church_n and_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o in_o communion_n 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