no_o such_o doctrine_n be_v ever_o preach_v to_o mankind_n either_o by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n or_o by_o his_o apostle_n for_o what_o probability_n be_v there_o that_o those_o holy_a doctor_n of_o former_a age_n from_o who_o hand_n christianity_n have_v be_v derive_v down_o unto_o we_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v reveal_v and_o recommend_v by_o our_o saviour_n as_o important_a and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o the_o father_n be_v deceive_v either_o by_o some_o false_a manner_n of_o argumentation_n or_o else_o by_o some_o seem_v authority_n do_v sometime_o deliver_v such_o thing_n as_o have_v not_o be_v reveal_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n but_o be_v evident_o either_o false_a or_o ill_o ground_v as_o we_o have_v former_o show_v in_o those_o example_n before_o produce_v by_o we_o it_o be_v true_a moreover_o that_o among_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o 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proposition_n from_o the_o father_n have_v maintain_v the_o same_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o ill-grounded_n as_o suppose_v that_o which_o be_v clear_o false_a namely_o that_o the_o father_n maintain_v nothing_o which_o have_v not_o be_v reveal_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n for_o this_o will_v be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o argumentation_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v prove_v by_o the_o general_n agreement_n herein_o of_o the_o father_n that_o all_o the_o depart_v soul_n be_v shut_v up_o together_o in_o a_o certain_a place_n or_o receptacle_n till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n or_o that_o the_o encharist_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v administer_v to_o little_a infant_n and_o the_o like_a where_o every_o one_o see_v how_o insufficient_a and_o invalid_n this_o way_n of_o argumentation_n be_v and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n such_o be_v the_o proceed_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n those_o article_n which_o they_o propose_v to_o the_o world_n and_o which_o be_v reject_v by_o the_o protestant_n i_o say_v moreover_o that_o to_o conclude_v upon_o the_o nullity_n or_o falseness_n of_o any_o article_n that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n from_o the_o general_a silence_n of_o the_o father_n touch_v the_o same_o be_v a_o very_a absurd_a way_n of_o argue_v as_o suppose_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v also_o manifest_o false_a namely_o that_o the_o father_n must_v necessary_o have_v see_v and_o clear_o know_v all_o and_o every_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n such_o a_o kind_n of_o argument_n will_v it_o be_v think_v among_o the_o franciscan_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v conclude_v against_o they_o from_o the_o silence_n of_o the_o father_n that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v not_o at_o all_o reveal_v that_o the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n be_v conceive_v without_o sin_n but_o yet_o i_o confess_v again_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o in_o those_o point_n that_o be_v account_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n a_o argument_n that_o shall_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o general_n silence_n of_o the_o father_n to_o prove_v the_o nullity_n or_o falseness_n of_o it_o will_v be_v very_o pertinent_a and_o indeed_o unanswerable_a as_o for_o example_n his_o manner_n of_o argumentation_n will_v be_v very_o rational_a and_o solid_a that_o shall_v conclude_v that_o those_o mean_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v propose_v by_o a_o mahomet_n suppose_v or_o a_o david_n george_n or_o the_o like_a sectary_n be_v null_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n how_o much_o soever_o these_o man_n may_v seem_v to_o honour_v he_o see_v that_o none_o of_o ehe_fw-ge ancient_a christian_n speak_v so_o much_o as_o one_o syllable_n of_o it_o and_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o all_o those_o secret_n that_o these_o wretch_n have_v preach_v to_o their_o disciple_n and_o deliver_v as_o infallible_a and_o necessary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n after_o this_o manner_n do_v irenaeus_n dispute_v against_o the_o valentinian_o and_o other_o of_o the_o gnostic_n who_o vent_v their_o own_o senseless_a dream_n and_o absurd_a issue_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n say_v that_o the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n be_v but_o a_o angelâ—_n and_o that_o there_o be_v above_o he_o certain_a divine_a power_n which_o they_o call_v aeones_n that_o be_v to_o say_v age_n some_o of_o they_o make_v more_o of_o these_o and_o other_o few_o and_o some_o reckon_n to_o the_o number_n of_o ccclxv_o and_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o other_o the_o like_a prodigy_n never_o show_v any_o ground_n for_o the_o same_o either_o in_o reason_n or_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n 4._o irenaeus_n therefore_o that_o he_o may_v make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n that_o this_o so_o strange_a doctrine_n be_v produce_v out_o of_o their_o own_o brain_n only_o go_v about_o and_o visit_v the_o arohive_n of_o all_o the_o church_n that_o have_v be_v either_o plant_v or_o water_v by_o the_o holy_a apostle_n turn_v over_o all_o their_o record_n evidence_n and_o ancient_a monument_n and_o these_o aeones_n achamot_n and_o barbele_n of_o the_o gnostic_n no_o where_o appear_v 2._o nor_o so_o much_o as_o any_o the_o least_o part_n or_o trace_v of_o they_o he_o conclude_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v never_o deliver_v over_o any_o such_o thing_n to_o their_o disciple_n neither_o by_o write_v nor_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n as_o these_o impostor_n pretend_v they_o have_v for_o certain_o if_o they_o have_v do_v so_o the_o memory_n of_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o utter_o lose_v this_o be_v also_o the_o method_n that_o tertullian_n follow_v in_o his_o disputation_n against_o these_o very_a heretic_n and_o other_o the_o like_a in_o the_o 22_o chapter_n of_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr praescriptionibus_fw-la adversus_fw-la haereticos_fw-la and_o in_o other_o place_n the_o practice_n of_o these_o great_a person_n who_o make_v use_v of_o it_o themselves_o will_v here_o serve_v to_o prove_v unto_o we_o that_o this_o course_n be_v right_o and_o good_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n in_o the_o church_n and_o serve_v as_o a_o out-work_n to_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o repel_v the_o presumption_n of_o those_o who_o will_v forge_v a_o new_a faith_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o those_o who_o broach_n new_a doctrine_n of_o their_o own_o head_n do_v ordinary_o slight_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o those_o very_a heretic_n do_v who_o iraeneus_n confute_v who_o impudent_o accuse_v they_o of_o not_o be_v right_o vocem_fw-la and_o that_o they_o be_v of_o no_o authority_n and_o speak_v in_o very_o ambiguous_a term_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o inform_v a_o man_n of_o the_o truth_n unless_o they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o tradition_n the_o truth_n have_v be_v deliver_v as_o these_o man_n pretend_v not_o in_o write_v but_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o say_v and_o for_o other_o the_o like_a be_v the_o write_n of_o the_o â—athers_n of_o very_o great_a use_n in_o these_o dispute_n and_o i_o conceive_v this_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a end_n for_o which_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v in_o despite_n of_o so_o many_o confusion_n and_o change_n preserve_v so_o many_o of_o they_o safe_a down_o to_o our_o time_n if_o therefore_o the_o protestant_n shall_v propose_v of_o their_o own_o head_n and_o shall_v press_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n any_o positive_a article_n which_o do_v not_o at_o all_o appear_v in_o antiquity_n without_o all_o question_n this_o course_n may_v with_o very_o good_a reason_n be_v make_v use_n of_o against_o them_o but_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o in_o their_o belief_n for_o
what_o degree_n of_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o hold_v each_o particular_a point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o their_o leave_v we_o in_o doubt_n whether_o what_o they_o teach_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n or_o their_o own_o private_a opinion_n only_o and_o whither_o if_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v of_o the_o church_n universal_a or_o of_o some_o particular_a church_n only_o now_o the_o least_o of_o these_o objection_n be_v sufficient_a to_o render_v their_o testimony_n invalid_a and_o again_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o it_o may_v be_v of_o force_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o be_v clear_o and_o evident_o free_a from_o all_o these_o defect_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o question_n be_v here_o touch_v the_o christian_a faith_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v ground_v on_o nothing_o save_o what_o be_v sure_a and_o firm_a whosoever_o therefore_o will_v make_v use_n of_o any_o passage_n out_o of_o a_o father_n he_o be_v bind_v first_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o author_n out_o of_o who_o he_o cit_v the_o say_a passage_n live_v and_o write_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o beside_o that_o the_o say_a person_n be_v certain_o know_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o book_n out_o of_o which_o the_o say_a passage_n be_v quote_v and_o moreover_o that_o the_o passage_n cite_v be_v sincere_a and_o no_o way_n corrupt_v nor_o alter_v and_o likewise_o that_o the_o sense_n which_o he_o give_v of_o it_o be_v the_o true_a genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o place_n and_o also_o that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o author_n when_o he_o be_v now_o come_v to_o riponâ—â—s_n of_o judgement_n and_o which_o he_o change_v not_o or_o retract_v afterward_o he_o must_v also_o make_v it_o appear_v in_o what_o degree_n he_o hold_v it_o and_o whether_o he_o maintain_v it_o as_o his_o own_o private_a opinion_n only_o or_o as_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o last_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a or_o of_o some_o particular_a church_n only_o which_o inquiry_n be_v a_o business_n of_o so_o vast_a and_o almost_o infinite_a labour_n that_o it_o make_v i_o very_o much_o doubt_n whether_o or_o no_o we_o can_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o attain_v to_o a_o full_a and_o certain_a assurance_n what_o the_o real_a positive_a sense_n of_o the_o ancient_n have_v be_v touch_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o controversy_n now_o debate_v in_o this_o our_o age._n hence_o therefore_o our_o principal_a question_n seem_v to_o be_v decide_v namely_o whether_o the_o allege_v of_o the_o father_n be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o proper_a mean_n for_o the_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o article_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n maintain_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o reject_v by_o the_o protestant_n or_o not_o for_o who_o do_v not_o now_o see_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o proof_n have_v as_o much_o or_o more_o difficulty_n in_o it_o than_o the_o question_n itself_o and_o that_o such_o testimony_n be_v as_o obscure_a as_o the_o controvert_v opinion_n themselves_o notwithstanding_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v think_v too_o hasty_o and_o upon_o too_o light_a ground_n to_o reject_v this_o way_n of_o proceed_v we_o will_v pass_v by_o all_o that_o obscurity_n that_o be_v find_v touch_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o discover_v what_o the_o opinion_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o father_n have_v be_v touch_v the_o aforesaid_a point_n we_o will_v now_o in_o this_o second_o book_n consider_v whether_o or_o no_o their_o authority_n be_v such_o as_o that_o we_o ought_v or_o may_v without_o further_a examination_n believe_v on_o their_o score_n what_o we_o know_v they_o certain_o to_o have_v believe_v and_o to_o hold_v it_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n that_o they_o do_v there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o passage_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o one_o you_o have_v they_o speak_v only_o as_o witness_n and_o testify_v what_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o their_o time_n in_o the_o other_o they_o propose_v to_o you_o like_o doctor_n their_o own_o private_a opinion_n now_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o difference_n betwixt_o these_o two_o thing_n for_o in_o a_o witness_n there_o be_v require_v only_a faithfulness_n and_o truth_n but_o in_o a_o doctor_n learning_n and_o knowledge_n the_o one_o persuade_v we_o by_o the_o opinion_n we_o have_v of_o his_o veracity_n the_o other_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o argument_n the_o father_n be_v witness_n only_o when_o they_o bare_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n hold_v such_o or_o such_o opinion_n and_o they_o be_v then_o doctor_n when_o get_v up_o as_o it_o be_v into_o the_o chair_n they_o propose_v unto_o we_o their_o own_o opinion_n make_v they_o good_a either_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o out_o of_o reason_n now_o as_o concern_v the_o testimony_n that_o they_o give_v touch_v the_o faith_n hold_v by_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v all_o they_o bring_v for_o certain_a truth_n or_o not_o but_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o though_o they_o shall_v deserve_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o for_o such_o yet_o nevertheless_o will_v they_o stand_v we_o in_o very_o little_a stead_n as_o to_o the_o business_n now_o in_o hand_n the_o reason_n which_o move_v i_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v because_o i_o observe_v that_o those_o very_a man_n who_o be_v the_o great_a admirer_n of_o the_o father_n do_v yet_o confess_v that_o although_o they_o err_v very_o little_a or_o not_o at_o all_o in_o matter_n of_o right_n yet_o nevertheless_o they_o be_v often_o out_o and_o have_v their_o fail_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n because_o that_o right_o be_v a_o universal_a thing_n which_o be_v every_o way_n uniform_a and_o all_o of_o one_o sort_n whereas_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v mix_v and_o as_o it_o be_v enchase_v with_o divers_a particular_a circumstance_n which_o may_v very_o easy_o escape_v the_o knowledge_n of_o or_o at_o least_o be_v not_o so_o right_o understand_v by_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o pierce_a wit_n now_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n belief_n in_o every_o particular_a age_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o not_o of_o right_a and_o a_o point_n of_o history_n and_o not_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o it_o follow_v hence_o that_o possible_o the_o father_n may_v have_v err_v in_o give_v we_o a_o account_n hereof_o and_o that_o therefore_o their_o testimony_n in_o such_o case_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o as_o infallible_o true_a neither_o yet_o may_v we_o be_v think_v hereby_o to_o accuse_v the_o father_n of_o falshood_n for_o how_o often_o do_v the_o honest_a person_n that_o be_v innocent_o testify_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o think_v they_o have_v see_v which_o it_o afterward_o appear_v that_o they_o see_v not_o at_o all_o for_o goodness_n render_v not_o man_n infallible_a the_o father_n therefore_o be_v but_o man_n may_v both_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o such_o thing_n and_o may_v consequent_o also_o deceive_v those_o who_o have_v confide_v in_o they_o though_o innocent_o and_o without_o any_o design_n of_o do_v so_o but_o beside_o all_o this_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v whole_o free_a from_o passion_n neither_o and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o know_v that_o passion_n very_o oâ—ten_o disguise_v thing_n and_o maâ—â—â—h_v they_o appear_v even_o to_o the_o honest_a man_n that_o may_v be_v much_o otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v insomuch_o that_o sometime_o they_o be_v affectionate_o carry_v away_o with_o one_o opinion_n and_o do_v as_o much_o abhor_v another_o which_o secret_a passion_n may_v easy_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o the_o church_n hold_v that_o opinion_n which_o they_o themselves_o be_v most_o take_v with_o and_o that_o it_o reject_v that_o which_o they_o themselves_o dislike_v especial_o if_o there_o be_v but_o the_o least_o appearance_n or_o shadow_n of_o reason_n to_o incline_v they_o to_o this_o belief_n for_o man_n be_v very_o easy_o persuade_v to_o believe_v what_o they_o desire_v i_o conceive_v we_o may_v hereto_o impute_v that_o testimony_n of_o s._n hierome_n where_o he_o affirm_v cessat_fw-la that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n hold_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immediate_o create_v by_o god_n at_o the_o instant_n of_o their_o entrance_n into_o the_o body_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o doubt_n which_o s._n augustine_n be_v in_o touch_v this_o particular_a and_o his_o incline_n manifest_o to_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n which_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v propagate_v together_o with_o the_o body_n and_o descend_v down_o
so_o charitable_a admonition_n we_o shall_v still_o believe_v all_o they_o say_v without_o examine_v any_o thing_n sonant_fw-la i_o take_v it_o for_o a_o favour_n say_v s._n ambrose_n when_o any_o one_o that_o read_v my_o write_n give_v i_o a_o account_n of_o what_o doubt_v he_o there_o meet_v withal_o first_o of_o all_o because_o i_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o those_o very_a thing_n which_o i_o know_v and_o beside_o many_o thing_n escape_v we_o and_o some_o thing_n sound_v otherwise_o to_o some_o than_o perhaps_o they_o do_v to_o i_o i_o shall_v further_o here_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n how_o careful_a the_o ancient_n be_v in_o advise_v those_o who_o live_v in_o their_o own_o time_n to_o take_v a_o strict_a examination_n of_o their_o word_n as_o for_o example_n where_o origen_n advise_v veritatis_fw-la that_o his_o auditor_n shall_v prove_v whatsoever_o he_o deliver_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v attentive_a and_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n 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that_o a_o man_n may_v safe_o build_v upon_o they_o and_o make_v they_o the_o judge_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o they_o all_o agree_v upon_o as_o far_o as_o i_o have_v either_o read_v or_o know_v as_o any_o man_n may_v see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o calvin_n bucer_n melancthon_n luther_n beza_n and_o the_o rest_n who_o all_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n only_o and_o admit_v not_o of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n as_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n whereon_o to_o build_v any_o article_n of_o their_o belief_n it_o be_v true_a i_o confess_v that_o some_o of_o their_o first_o author_n as_o namely_o bucer_n peter_n martyr_n and_o j._n jewel_n bishop_n of_o salisbury_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n all_o the_o late_a writer_n also_o allege_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n but_o if_o you_o but_o mark_v 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that_o there_o may_v have_v some_o error_n creep_v into_o their_o belief_n though_o certain_o not_o such_o nor_o so_o gross_a one_o as_o have_v be_v since_o entertain_v by_o the_o church_n in_o the_o age_n succeed_v we_o shall_v conclude_v therefore_o that_o the_o protestant_n acknowledge_v not_o neither_o in_o the_o father_n nor_o in_o their_o write_n any_o so_o absolute_a authority_n as_o render_v they_o capable_a of_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o as_o our_o supreme_a judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o such_o from_o who_o no_o appeal_n can_v be_v make_v whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o although_o the_o father_n may_v real_o perhaps_o have_v such_o a_o authority_n yet_o notwithstanding_o can_v not_o their_o definitive_a sentence_n put_v a_o end_n to_o any_o of_o our_o controversy_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o have_v
by_o he_o make_v good_a that_o which_o be_v doubtful_a by_o that_o which_o be_v certain_a and_o clear_v that_o which_o be_v obscure_a by_o that_o which_o be_v evident_a and_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n that_o i_o conceive_v we_o ought_v to_o walk_v by_o in_o the_o dispute_n that_o be_v betwixt_o we_o at_o this_o day_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v our_o common_a book_n let_v we_o therefore_o search_v into_o it_o for_o that_o upon_o which_o we_o may_v ground_v our_o own_o belief_n and_o by_o which_o we_o may_v overthrow_v the_o opinion_n of_o our_o adversary_n as_o for_o example_n it_o be_v there_o say_v clear_o and_o express_o that_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n take_v at_o his_o last_o supper_n be_v bread_n and_o herein_o we_o all_o agree_v but_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o there_o express_v whether_o this_o bread_n be_v afterward_o change_v or_o annihilate_v or_o not_o and_o this_o be_v now_o the_o question_n in_o dispute_n among_o we_o we_o ought_v therefore_o according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o scholarius_n to_o prove_v this_o by_o some_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v there_o deliver_v clear_o and_o if_o thou_o do_v this_o thou_o have_v get_v the_o victory_n if_o not_o i_o do_v not_o at_o all_o see_v why_o or_o how_o thou_o can_v oblige_v any_o one_o to_o believe_v it_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o in_o as_o express_v term_n as_o may_v be_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n command_v his_o apostle_n to_o take_v and_o eat_v and_o to_o drink_v that_o which_o he_o give_v they_o in_o celebrate_v the_o eucharist_n but_o it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o say_v that_o he_o command_v they_o to_o offer_v the_o same_o in_o sacrifice_n either_o then_o or_o afterward_o and_o this_o be_v now_o the_o question_n which_o it_o concern_v those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n if_o they_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v it_o to_o prove_v by_o some_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v clear_o and_o express_o deliver_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n in_o like_a manner_n say_v express_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o he_o purge_v we_o by_o his_o blood_n from_o our_o sin_n now_o in_o all_o this_o both_o side_n be_v full_o agree_v but_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o there_o express_v that_o the_o depart_v saint_n be_v mediator_n and_o that_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o our_o soul_n be_v in_o part_n cleanse_v from_o their_o sin_n by_o the_o fire_n of_o purgatory_n and_o herein_o lie_v the_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o the_o learned_a scholarius_n his_o opinion_n herein_o will_v now_o be_v that_o certain_o those_o who_o propose_v these_o point_n as_o article_n of_o faith_n deduce_v and_o collect_v they_o from_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v clear_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o otherwise_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v press_v as_o truth_n and_o although_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o indeed_o in_o any_o other_o thing_n of_o importance_n a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o be_v excuse_v for_o not_o believe_v a_o thing_n when_o there_o appear_v not_o any_o such_o reason_n as_o may_v oblige_v he_o to_o believe_v it_o yet_o notwithstanding_o if_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o article_n now_o debate_v betwixt_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o go_v further_o yet_o and_o to_o prove_v positive_o the_o falseness_n of_o they_o you_o see_v this_o author_n have_v lay_v they_o down_o the_o way_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o proceed_v he_o account_v those_o very_a absurd_a that_o require_v at_o your_o hand_n that_o you_o shall_v show_v they_o all_o thing_n express_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o aught_o principal_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o negative_a proposition_n of_o which_o no_o science_n give_v you_o any_o certain_a account_n forasmuch_o as_o to_o go_v about_o to_o number_v they_o all_o up_o will_v be_v both_o a_o infinite_a and_o also_o a_o unprofitable_a useless_a piece_n of_o work_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o deliver_v the_o positive_a truth_n for_o as_o whatsoever_o right_o follow_v thereupon_o be_v true_a in_o like_a manner_n whatsoever_o clash_v with_o or_o contradict_v the_o same_o be_v false_a will_v thou_o therefore_o demonstrate_v those_o proposition_n that_o be_v press_v upon_o thou_o to_o be_v false_a do_v but_o compare_v they_o with_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v clear_o and_o express_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o thou_o find_v they_o contrary_a to_o any_o thing_n there_o set_v down_o receive_v they_o not_o by_o any_o mean_n as_o for_o example_n if_o a_o protestant_n not_o content_v himself_o with_o have_v answer_v all_o those_o reason_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o purgatory_n shall_v yet_o desire_v to_o go_v further_o and_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o opinion_n be_v false_a he_o be_v in_o this_o case_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o examine_v it_o by_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v there_o clear_o and_o express_o deliver_v touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o it_o be_v depart_v this_o life_n and_o touch_v the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o like_a and_o if_o the_o opinion_n of_o purgatory_n be_v find_v to_o contradict_v any_o thing_n there_o deliver_v then_o according_a to_o scholarius_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o any_o mean_n but_o the_o brevity_n which_o we_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o in_o this_o discourse_n permit_v we_o not_o to_o prosecute_v this_o point_n any_o further_o as_o for_o the_o second_o question_n it_o be_v no_o very_o hard_a matter_n to_o resolve_v it_o for_o although_o we_o do_v not_o indeed_o allow_v any_o supreme_a and_o infallible_a authority_n to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n yet_o do_v we_o not_o therefore_o present_o account_v they_o vseless_a if_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o use_n in_o religion_n save_v what_o be_v also_o infallible_a we_o shall_v have_v but_o little_a good_a of_o any_o humane_a write_n those_o who_o have_v write_v in_o our_o own_o age_n or_o a_o little_a before_o be_v of_o no_o authority_n at_o all_o either_o against_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o party_n yet_o notwithstanding_o do_v we_o both_o read_v they_o and_o also_o reap_v much_o benefit_n from_o they_o how_o much_o more_o advantage_n than_o may_v we_o make_v by_o study_v the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n who_o piety_n and_o learning_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n much_o great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o modern_n s._n augustine_n believe_v they_o not_o in_o any_o thing_n otherwise_o than_o as_o he_o find_v what_o they_o deliver_v to_o be_v ground_v upon_o reason_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o have_v they_o in_o a_o very_a great_a esteem_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o s._n hierome_n who_o have_v read_v almost_o all_o of_o they_o over_o notwithstanding_o that_o he_o take_v liberty_n sometime_o to_o reprove_v they_o something_o sharp_o where_o he_o find_v they_o not_o speak_v to_o his_o mind_n though_o you_o shall_v deprive_v they_o not_o only_o of_o this_o supremacy_n which_o yet_o they_o never_o seek_v after_o but_o shall_v rob_v they_o also_o of_o their_o proper_a nome_v yet_o notwithstanding_o will_v they_o still_o be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n unto_o we_o for_o book_n do_v not_o therefore_o profit_v we_o because_o they_o be_v of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o man_n be_v write_v but_o rather_o because_o they_o instruct_v we_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o honest_a and_o keep_v we_o out_o of_o error_n and_o make_v we_o abhor_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v vicious_a blot_v out_o if_o you_o please_v the_o name_n of_o s._n augustine_n out_o of_o the_o title_n of_o those_o excellent_a book_n of_o his_o de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la or_o those_o other_o which_o he_o write_v de_fw-fr doctrinâ_fw-la christianâ_fw-la his_o write_n will_v instruct_v you_o never_o a_o whit_n the_o less_o neither_o will_v you_o find_v any_o whit_n the_o less_o benefit_n by_o they_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n first_o of_o all_o therefore_o you_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o father_n very_a many_o earnest_n and_o zealous_a exhortation_n to_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o jesus_n christ_n second_o you_o shall_v there_o meet_v with_o very_o strong_a and_o solid_a proof_n of_o those_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o our_o religion_n touch_v which_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v and_o also_o many_o excellent_a thing_n lay_v open_a tend_v to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o these_o mystery_n and_o also_o of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o they_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o very_a particular_a their_o authority_n may_v be_v of_o
from_o the_o controversy_n now_o in_o hand_n p._n 8._o iii_o the_o write_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o all_o true_o such_o but_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o they_o supposititious_a and_o forge_v either_o long_o since_o or_o of_o late_a time_n p._n 11._o iv._o those_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n which_o be_v legitimate_a have_v be_v in_o many_o place_n corrupt_v by_o time_n ignorance_n and_o fraud_n both_o pious_a and_o malicious_a both_o in_o the_o former_a and_o late_a age_n p._n 34._o v._o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o language_n and_o idiom_n they_o write_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o write_n which_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n encumber_v with_o figure_n and_o rhetorical_a flourish_v and_o nice_a logical_a subtlety_n and_o the_o like_a and_o also_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o term_n which_o they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n usedin_a a_o far_o different_a sense_n from_o what_o they_o now_o bear_v p._n 69._o vi_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o a_o opinion_n clear_o deliver_v in_o the_o write_n of_o any_o of_o the_o father_n we_o must_v not_o from_o hence_o conclude_v that_o the_o say_a father_n hold_v that_o opinion_n see_v that_o we_o often_o find_v they_o speak_v those_o thing_n which_o themselves_o have_v not_o believe_v whether_o it_o be_v when_o they_o report_v the_o opinion_n of_o some_o other_o without_o name_v the_o person_n as_o they_o frequent_o do_v in_o their_o commentary_n or_o in_o dispute_v against_o a_o adversary_n in_o which_o kind_n of_o write_v they_o take_v liberty_n to_o say_v one_o thing_n and_o believe_v another_o or_o whether_o it_o be_v that_o they_o conceal_v their_o own_o private_a opinion_n purposely_o as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o their_o homily_n mere_o in_o compliance_n to_o such_o a_o part_n of_o their_o auditory_a p._n 100_o vii_o suppose_v that_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o a_o father_n have_v clear_o deliver_v his_o opinion_n in_o any_o point_n we_o ought_v notwithstanding_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o time_n wherein_o he_o write_v that_o opinion_n of_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v before_o or_o after_o he_o arrive_v to_o ripeness_n of_o judgement_n for_o we_o see_v that_o they_o have_v sometime_o retract_v in_o their_o old_a age_n what_o they_o have_v write_v when_o they_o be_v young_a p._n 117._o viii_o but_o suppose_v that_o a_o father_n have_v constant_o hold_v one_o opinion_n it_o will_v nevertheless_o concern_v we_o to_o inquire_v how_o he_o hold_v it_o and_o in_o what_o degree_n of_o belief_n whether_o as_o necessary_a or_o probable_a only_o and_o then_o again_o in_o what_o degree_n of_o necessity_n or_o of_o probability_n he_o place_v it_o belief_n be_v not_o all_o equal_o either_o necessary_a or_o probable_a p._n 123._o ix_o after_o all_o this_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v whether_o or_o no_o he_o deliver_v this_o as_o his_o own_o particular_a opinion_n only_o for_o this_o can_v necessary_o bind_v our_o faith_n or_o whether_o he_o deliver_v it_o as_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n p._n 136._o x._o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o inquire_v whether_o he_o deliver_v it_o for_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a or_o of_o some_o particular_a church_n only_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o major_a part_n have_v not_o always_o notwithstanding_o be_v receive_v by_o some_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o church_n p._n â—4â—_n xi_o and_o after_o all_o this_o whether_o you_o take_v the_o church_n for_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o christian_n or_o only_o for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o clergy_n or_o pastor_n it_o be_v notwithstanding_o impossible_a to_o know_v what_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o any_o age_n have_v be_v for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o frequent_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o opinion_n of_o these_o man_n who_o have_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n have_v not_o only_o not_o be_v receive_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_n have_v also_o be_v oppose_v and_o contradict_v by_o thâ—se_a member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n who_o have_v not_o at_o all_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n who_o notwithstanding_o both_o for_o their_o learning_n and_o piety_n deserve_v perhaps_o to_o have_v have_v as_o much_o or_o more_o esteem_n and_o authority_n than_o the_o other_o p._n 151._o the_o second_o book_n the_o second_o reason_n namely_o that_o neither_o the_o testimony_n nor_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o father_n be_v altogether_o infallible_a be_v prove_v by_o these_o follow_a consideration_n p._n 1._o ii_o the_o father_n themselves_o witness_v against_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v absolute_o and_o upon_o their_o own_o bare_a word_n p._n 11._o iii_o it_o appear_v plain_o by_o their_o manner_n of_o write_v that_o they_o never_o intend_v that_o their_o write_n shall_v be_v our_o judge_n p._n 40._o iv._o they_o have_v err_v in_o divers_a point_n not_o only_o single_o but_o also_o many_o of_o they_o together_o p._n 60._o v._o they_o have_v very_o much_o contradict_v one_o the_o other_o and_o have_v maintain_v different_a opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n p._n 112._o vi_o last_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n neither_o party_n allow_v they_o for_o judge_n but_o reject_v they_o bold_o and_o without_o any_o scruple_n both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o maintain_v divers_a thing_n which_o the_o father_n be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o reject_v other_o which_o be_v maintain_v by_o they_o the_o protestant_n in_o those_o thing_n where_o the_o father_n have_v go_v either_o against_o or_o beside_o the_o scripture_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o they_o oppose_v against_o they_o the_o resolution_n of_o their_o pope_n or_o of_o council_n see_v therefore_o that_o both_o party_n attribute_v the_o supreme_a authority_n to_o some_o other_o judge_n the_o father_n though_o perhaps_o their_o resolution_n shall_v be_v ground_v on_o divine_a authority_n can_v never_o be_v able_a notwithstanding_o to_o clear_v their_o difference_n and_o to_o reconcile_v the_o two_o party_n p._n 126._o so_o that_o it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o our_o controversy_n be_v to_o be_v decide_v by_o some_o other_o mean_n than_o that_o of_o their_o write_n and_o that_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v the_o same_o method_n in_o religion_n that_o we_o do_v in_o all_o other_o science_n make_v use_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o all_o agree_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o those_o wherein_o we_o differ_v compare_v exact_o the_o conclusion_n of_o both_o party_n with_o their_o principle_n which_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o grant_v by_o both_o side_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o reason_n or_o divine_a revelation_n and_o as_o for_o the_o father_n we_o ought_v to_o read_v they_o careful_o and_o heedful_o and_o especial_o without_o any_o prejudication_n on_o either_o side_n search_v their_o write_n for_o their_o opinion_n and_o not_o for_o our_o own_o argue_v negative_o concern_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o find_v not_o in_o they_o rather_o than_o affirmative_o that_o be_v to_o say_v hold_v all_o those_o article_n for_o suspect_v which_o be_v not_o find_v in_o they_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o improbable_a that_o those_o worthy_n of_o the_o church_n be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o of_o the_o necessary_a and_o principal_a point_n of_o faith_n but_o yet_o not_o present_o receive_v for_o a_o infallible_a truth_n whatsoever_o be_v find_v in_o they_o for_o as_o much_o as_o be_v but_o man_n though_o saint_n they_o may_v sometime_o have_v err_v either_o out_o of_o pure_a ignorance_n or_o else_o perhaps_o out_o of_o passion_n which_o they_o have_v not_o be_v always_o whole_o free_a from_o as_o appear_z clear_o by_o those_o book_n of_o they_o which_o be_v leave_v we_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n faulkland_n lord_n digby_n doctor_n taylor_n doctor_n rivet_n concern_v this_o learned_a book_n reader_n the_o translation_n of_o this_o tract_n have_v be_v oft_o attempt_v and_o often_o deâ—â—â—ed_v by_o many_o noble_a personage_n of_o this_o and_o other_o nation_n among_o other_o by_o sir_n lucius_n cary_n late_a lord_n viscount_n faulkland_n who_o with_o his_o dear_a friend_n mr._n chillingworth_n make_v very_o much_o use_v of_o it_o in_o all_o their_o write_n against_o the_o romanist_n but_o the_o paper_n of_o that_o learned_a nobleman_n wherein_o this_o translation_n be_v half_o finish_v be_v long_o since_o involve_v in_o the_o common_a loss_n those_o few_o which_o have_v escape_v it_o and_o the_o press_n make_v a_o very_a honourable_a mention_n of_o this_o monsieur_n who_o acquaintance_n the_o say_a lord_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v be_v worth_a a_o voyage_n to_o paris_n pag._n 202._o of_o his_o reply_n he_o have_v these_o word_n this_o observation_n of_o i_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o consideration_n of_o
so_o many_o eminent_a and_o wise_a man_n have_v approve_v and_o confirm_v this_o mistake_n of_o they_o not_o perceive_v it_o at_o all_o what_o can_v we_o or_o indeed_o what_o ought_v we_o to_o expect_v from_o any_o other_o hand_n who_o soever_o they_o be_v as_o touch_v the_o point_n now_o controvert_v betwixt_o we_o in_o comparison_n of_o which_o a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o say_v that_o all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o this_o matter_n now_o speak_v of_o yield_v be_v nothing_o at_o all_o wherein_o notwithstanding_o this_o whole_a council_n mistake_v itself_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o m_n that_o after_o this_o their_o failing_n can_v have_v the_o courage_n to_o adventure_v upon_o so_o difficult_a and_o so_o intricate_a a_o undertake_n who_o can_v promise_v himself_o success_n there_o where_o so_o great_a a_o council_n have_v fail_v the_o very_a hope_n of_o effect_v so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n can_v hardly_o be_v excuse_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o high_a presumption_n for_o first_o of_o all_o the_o father_n tell_v we_o very_o seldom_o in_o what_o degree_n either_o of_o necessity_n or_o probability_n they_o hold_v their_o opinion_n and_o even_o when_o they_o do_v tell_v we_o their_o expression_n be_v such_o as_o we_o have_v observe_v of_o they_o we_o ought_v not_o present_o to_o conclude_v any_o thing_n from_o they_o without_o first_o examine_v they_o thorough_o for_o many_o tâ—mes_n when_o they_o will_v recommend_v unto_o we_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o account_v profitable_a for_o we_o they_o will_v speak_v of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v necessary_a and_o so_o again_o to_o take_v off_o our_o belief_n of_o and_o to_o divert_v our_o affection_n from_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o conceive_v either_o to_o be_v simple_o false_a or_o otherwise_o unprofitable_a for_o we_o they_o represent_v they_o as_o the_o most_o detestable_a and_o pernicious_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v 〈◊〉_d whosoever_o fast_v upon_o the_o lord_n day_n or_o upon_o any_o saturday_n except_o that_o one_o saturday_n he_o mean_v easter-eve_n he_o be_v a_o murderer_n of_o christ_n say_v s._n ignatius_n who_o will_v not_o think_v hear_v these_o so_o tragical_a expression_n of_o he_o that_o certain_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n and_o yet_o the_o business_n he_o there_o speak_v of_o be_v only_o the_o observation_n of_o a_o certain_a part_n of_o a_o positive_a law_n and_o which_o yet_o as_o most_o be_v of_o opinion_n be_v at_o that_o time_n receive_v but_o by_o a_o part_n only_o of_o the_o church_n the_o belief_n and_o observation_n whereof_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v reckon_v among_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o be_v scarce_o place_v in_o the_o first_o degree_n of_o probability_n and_o be_v now_o at_o length_n utter_o abolish_v too_o this_o manner_n of_o discourse_v be_v very_o frequent_o use_v by_o tertullian_n s._n ambrose_n and_o especial_o by_o s._n hierome_n who_o be_v all_o so_o eager_a for_o the_o side_n which_o they_o take_v to_o that_o you_o will_v think_v in_o read_v they_o that_o all_o those_o who_o they_o commend_v be_v very_a angel_n and_o all_o those_o other_o who_o they_o speak_v against_o arrant_a devil_n that_o whatsoever_o they_o maintain_v be_v the_o very_a foundation_n and_o groundwork_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o refute_v be_v mere_a atheism_n and_o the_o high_a impiety_n that_o may_v be_v 1._o certain_o s._n hierome_n write_v to_o a_o certain_a roman_a matron_n name_v furia_n who_o be_v a_o widow_n and_o dissuade_v she_o from_o marry_v again_o discourse_v of_o this_o matter_n in_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n as_o he_o will_v have_v do_v in_o dissuade_v she_o from_o the_o commit_n of_o murder_n and_o here_o be_v we_o to_o call_v to_o mind_n again_o the_o divers_a reason_n of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o father_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o their_o rhetoric_n all_o which_o have_v place_n in_o this_o particular_a rather_o than_o in_o any_o other_o so_o that_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o one_o only_a certain_a way_n leave_v we_o to_o discover_v in_o what_o degree_n they_o place_v the_o proposition_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n namely_o their_o creed_n and_o exposition_n of_o their_o faith_n whether_o they_o be_v general_n or_o particular_a one_o and_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o council_n and_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n for_o we_o may_v very_o well_o believe_v that_o they_o hold_v as_o necessary_a all_o such_o point_n as_o they_o make_v profession_n of_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n anathematise_v all_o such_o as_o shall_v deny_v the_o same_o and_o by_o this_o rule_n we_o may_v indeed_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o they_o hold_v as_o necessary_a the_o great_a part_n of_o all_o those_o point_n wherein_o we_o at_o this_o day_n agree_v among_o ourselves_o and_o some_o of_o these_o we_o have_v former_o set_v down_o in_o our_o preface_n for_o they_o be_v most_o of_o they_o either_o deliver_v express_o in_o their_o creed_n or_o else_o positive_o determine_v in_o their_o council_n and_o the_o contradictor_n of_o they_o there_o express_o condemn_v but_o yet_o this_o rule_n will_v scarce_o be_v of_o any_o use_n at_o all_o to_o we_o in_o the_o decilion_n of_o our_o present_a controversy_n for_o some_o of_o they_o appear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o in_o that_o rule_n of_o faith_n so_o often_o mention_v by_o tertullian_n nor_o in_o the_o nicen_n creed_n nor_o in_o that_o of_o coâ—stantiâ—ople_n nor_o in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n nor_o yet_o in_o those_o of_o chalcedon_n the_o first_o of_o these_o council_n anathematise_v arius_n the_o second_o macedonius_n the_o three_o nestorius_n and_o the_o four_o eutyches_n and_o yet_o nevertheless_o be_v the_o several_a tenet_n of_o these_o very_a man_n at_o this_o day_n receive_v and_o maintain_v by_o one_o side_n or_o other_o nay_o which_o be_v more_o the_o aforesaid_a article_n do_v not_o at_o all_o appear_v neither_o in_o the_o two_o follow_a council_n namely_o the_o second_o council_n of_o constantinople_n which_o condemn_v certain_a write_n of_o theodorus_n theodoretus_n and_o ibas_n as_o we_o have_v touch_v before_o nor_o yet_o in_o the_o iii_o council_n of_o constantinople_n which_o anathematise_v the_o monothelite_n and_o be_v hold_v about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n dclxxxi_o and_o yet_o have_v these_o six_o first_o council_n if_o you_o will_v believe_v the_o father_n of_o the_o vii_o establish_v and_o confirm_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v teach_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n 〈◊〉_d down_o from_o the_o primitive_a time_n whether_o by_o write_v or_o by_o unwritten_a tradition_n so_o that_o it_o will_v hence_o follow_v that_o these_o point_n which_o appear_v not_o here_o in_o the_o say_v six_o first_o council_n at_o all_o be_v not_o deliver_v from_o the_o beginning_n neither_o in_o write_v nor_o otherwise_o only_o about_o the_o eight_o century_n and_o so_o for_o a_o good_a while_n afterward_o we_o find_v mention_n of_o one_o of_o those_o point_n now_o controvert_v among_o we_o namely_o that_o touch_v image_n which_o be_v diverse_o and_o contrary_o determine_v in_o the_o council_n of_o constantinople_n of_o nicaea_n and_o of_o francfort_n the_o second_o of_o these_o council_n enjoin_v the_o use_n and_o adoration_n of_o image_n whereas_o the_o first_o have_v utter_o forbid_v it_o and_o the_o last_o of_o these_o council_n take_v off_o and_o correct_v as_o it_o be_v the_o excess_n of_o the_o other_o two_n what_o can_v you_o say_v to_o this_o that_o neither_o in_o the_o write_n of_o particular_a man_n which_o yet_o be_v usual_o more_o copious_a and_o full_a than_o the_o determination_n of_o council_n be_v there_o be_v so_o much_o as_o any_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o say_a point_n epiphanius_n anacephal_a in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o treatise_n of_o heresy_n give_v we_o two_o discourse_n in_o the_o one_o whereof_o he_o set_v down_o the_o order_n custom_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n wherein_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o there_o be_v very_o many_o thing_n which_o much_o differ_v from_o the_o custom_n that_o be_v at_o this_o day_n observe_v by_o we_o both_o of_o the_o one_o side_n and_o of_o the_o other_o in_o the_o other_o be_v contain_v a_o exposition_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n set_v down_o at_o large_a which_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d the_o pillar_n of_o the_o truth_n the_o hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o immortality_n and_o yet_o of_o all_o those_o controversy_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n debate_v among_o we_o you_o shall_v there_o meet_v with_o only_a one_o which_o be_v touch_v the_o local_a descent_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n into_o hell_n which_o yet_o be_v a_o article_n of_o very_a small_a importance_n as_o every_o one_o know_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o six_o council_n
from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n this_o doubt_n i_o say_v of_o his_o manifest_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o at_o that_o time_n embrace_v or_o conclude_v upon_o the_o former_a of_o these_o opinion_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n utter_o improbable_a fatentut_o that_o so_o modest_a a_o man_n as_o s._n augustine_n be_v will_v have_v cast_v off_o the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v take_v up_o a_o particular_a fancy_n of_o his_o own_o but_o the_o passion_n wherewith_o s._n hierome_n be_v at_o that_o time_n carry_v away_o against_o ruffinus_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o his_o time_n be_v also_o of_o the_o say_a opinion_n easy_o wrought_v in_o he_o a_o belief_n that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n from_o the_o same_o root_n also_o spring_v that_o error_n of_o john_n bishop_n of_o thessalonica_n 〈◊〉_d if_o at_o least_o it_o be_v a_o error_n who_o affirm_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o angel_n be_v not_o whole_o incorporeal_a and_o invisible_a but_o that_o they_o have_v body_n though_o of_o a_o very_a rare_a and_o thin_a substance_n not_o much_o unlike_o those_o of_o the_o fire_n or_o the_o air._n for_o those_o who_o publish_v the_o general_a council_n at_o rome_n conceive_v this_o to_o have_v be_v his_o own_o private_a opinion_n only_o sententia_fw-la and_o if_o so_o neither_o shall_v we_o need_v at_o present_a to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o their_o conceit_n you_o then_o plain_o see_v that_o the_o affection_n this_o author_n bare_a to_o his_o own_o opinion_n carry_v he_o so_o far_o away_o as_o to_o make_v he_o father_n upon_o the_o whole_a church_n what_o be_v indeed_o but_o his_o own_o particular_a opinion_n though_o otherwise_o he_o be_v a_o man_n who_o be_v high_o esteem_v by_o the_o vii_o council_n 5._o which_o not_o only_o cit_v he_o among_o the_o father_n but_o honour_v he_o also_o with_o the_o title_n of_o a_o father_n epiphanius_n must_v also_o be_v excuse_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n where_o he_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o church_n hold_v by_o apostolical_a tradition_n the_o custom_n which_o it_o have_v of_o meet_v together_o thrice_o a_o week_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n which_o yet_o 354._o petavius_n make_v evident_o appear_v not_o to_o have_v be_v of_o apostolical_a institution_n the_o mistake_v of_o venerable_n bede_n note_v and_o censure_v elsewhere_o by_o 145._o petavius_n be_v of_o the_o fame_n nature_n also_o catholico_fw-la the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n if_o i_o mistake_v not_o say_v he_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n live_v in_o the_o flesh_n thirty_o three_o year_n or_o there_o about_o till_o the_o time_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o he_o say_v moreover_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n testify_v that_o this_o be_v its_o belief_n by_o the_o mark_n which_o they_o yearly_o set_v upon_o their_o taper_n upon_o good_a friday_n whereon_o they_o always_o inscribe_v a_o number_n of_o tear_n which_o be_v less_o by_o thirty_o three_o than_o the_o common_a aera_fw-la of_o the_o christian_n he_o likewise_o say_v in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o catholic_n to_o doubt_n whether_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v on_o the_o cross_a the_o xv_o day_n of_o the_o moon_n or_o not_o now_o petavius_n have_v prove_v at_o large_a that_o both_o these_o opinion_n which_o beda_n deliver_v unto_o we_o as_o the_o church_n belief_n be_v nothing_o less_o than_o what_o he_o will_v have_v they_o 143._o the_o curious_a reader_n may_v observe_v many_o the_o like_a carriage_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n but_o these_o here_o already_o set_v down_o in_o my_o judgement_n do_v sufficient_o justify_v the_o doubt_n which_o i_o have_v make_v namely_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o receive_v as_o certain_a truth_n the_o testimony_n which_o the_o father_n give_v touch_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n nevertheless_o that_o we_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o breach_n upon_o the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o father_n i_o say_v that_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o all_o their_o deposition_n and_o testimony_n in_o this_o particular_a be_v certain_o and_o undoubted_o true_a yet_o notwithstanding_o will_v they_o be_v of_o little_a use_n to_o we_o as_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o first_o of_o all_o there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o passage_n wherein_o they_o testify_v plain_o and_o in_o direct_a term_n what_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n have_v be_v touch_v the_o point_n now_o controvert_v among_o we_o this_o be_v the_o business_n of_o a_o historian_n rather_o than_o of_o a_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o office_n be_v to_o teach_v to_o prove_v and_o to_o exhort_v the_o people_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o to_o correct_v their_o vice_n and_o error_n tell_v they_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o believe_v rather_o than_o trouble_v they_o with_o discourse_n of_o what_o be_v do_v or_o believe_v by_o other_o but_o yet_o when_o they_o do_v give_v their_o testimony_n what_o the_o belief_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n be_v this_o testimony_n of_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o extend_v save_o only_a to_o what_o be_v apparent_o such_o and_o which_o beside_o be_v apparent_a to_o themselves_o too_o now_o as_o we_o have_v former_o prove_v they_o can_v not_o possible_o know_v the_o sense_n and_o opinion_n of_o every_o particular_a christian_n that_o live_v in_o their_o time_n nor_o yet_o of_o all_o the_o pastor_n and_o minister_n who_o be_v set_v over_o they_o but_o of_o some_o certain_a particular_a christian_n only_o forasmuch_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v confess_v even_o by_o those_o very_a man_n who_o have_v the_o church_n in_o great_a esteem_n that_o the_o belief_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o infallible_a we_o may_v very_o easy_o perceive_v that_o such_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n as_o these_o can_n standus_fw-la in_o very_o little_a or_o no_o stead_n see_v they_o represent_v unto_o we_o such_o opinion_n as_o be_v not_o always_o certain_o and_o undoubted_o true_a and_o which_o consequent_o be_v so_o far_o from_o confirm_v and_o prove_v we_o as_o that_o they_o rather_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o be_v examine_v and_o prove_v themselves_o but_o yet_o suppose_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v hold_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v infallible_a which_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o will_v not_o this_o make_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o against_o the_o protestant_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o clean_a contrary_a opinion_n now_o it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o proof_n ought_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v confess_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o your_o adversary_n who_o you_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v otherwise_o you_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o move_v he_o or_o make_v he_o quit_v his_o former_a opinion_n see_v therefore_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o farther_n touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n of_o their_o time_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o now_o consider_v their_o other_o discourse_n wherein_o they_o have_v deliver_v themselves_o not_o as_o witness_n depose_v what_o they_o have_v see_v but_o as_o doctor_n instruct_v we_o in_o what_o they_o believe_v and_o certain_o how_o holy_a and_o able_a soever_o they_o be_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o be_v still_o man_n and_o consequent_o be_v subject_n to_o error_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o business_n so_o much_o transcend_v humane_a apprehension_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n only_o be_v able_a to_o direct_v their_o understanding_n and_o their_o pen_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o withhold_v they_o from_o fall_v into_o any_o error_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o it_o direct_v the_o 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castro_n and_o 4._o melchior_n canus_n two_o spanish_a doctor_n for_o as_o much_o therefore_o as_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n save_o that_o which_o be_v true_a it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o we_o neither_o may_v nor_o aught_o to_o believe_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n till_o such_o time_n as_o they_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o have_v be_v certain_o true_a now_o we_o can_v be_v certain_o assure_v of_o this_o by_o their_o single_a authority_n see_v that_o they_o be_v but_o man_n who_o be_v not_o always_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o above_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o some_o other_o guide_n in_o this_o our_o inquiry_n namely_o either_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o of_o reason_n or_o of_o tradition_n or_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o present_a church_n or_o of_o some_o other_o such_o mean_n as_o they_o themselves_o have_v make_v use_n of_o so_o that_o it_o hence_o follow_v that_o their_o 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proportion_n to_o the_o reason_n and_o authority_n whereon_o they_o be_v ground_v only_o they_o have_v this_o advantage_n that_o their_o very_a name_n beget_v in_o we_o a_o readiness_n and_o inclination_n to_o receive_v whatsoever_o come_v from_o they_o while_o we_o think_v it_o very_o improbable_a that_o so_o excellent_a man_n as_o they_o be_v shall_v ever_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a thus_o in_o humane_a science_n the_o say_n of_o a_o aristotle_n be_v of_o a_o far_o different_a value_n from_o that_o of_o any_o other_o philosopher_n of_o less_o account_n because_o that_o all_o man_n be_v beforehand_o possess_v with_o a_o opinion_n that_o this_o great_a philosopher_n will_v not_o maintain_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o consonant_a to_o reason_n but_o this_o be_v prejudice_n only_o for_o if_o upon_o better_a examination_n it_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v otherwise_o his_o bare_a authority_n will_v then_o no_o long_o prevail_v with_o we_o what_o himself_o have_v sometime_o gallant_o say_v will_v then_o here_o take_v place_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sacred_a thing_n always_o to_o prefer_v the_o truth_n 〈◊〉_d before_o friendship_n let_v the_o father_n therefore_o if_o you_o please_v be_v the_o aristotle_n in_o christian_n philosophy_n and_o let_v we_o have_v a_o reverent_a esteem_n of_o they_o and_o their_o write_n as_o they_o deserve_v and_o not_o be_v too_o rash_a in_o conclude_v that_o person_n of_o so_o eminent_a both_o learning_n and_o sanctity_n shall_v maintain_v any_o erroneous_a or_o vain_a opinion_n especial_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n yet_o notwithstanding_o be_v we_o bind_v withal_o to_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v but_o man_n and_o that_o their_o memory_n understanding_n or_o judgement_n may_v sometime_o fail_v they_o and_o therefore_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v their_o write_n by_o those_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o draw_v their_o conclusion_n and_o not_o to_o sit_v down_o upon_o their_o bare_a assertion_n till_o such_o time_n as_o we_o have_v discover_v they_o to_o be_v true_a if_o i_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o any_o other_o person_n than_o of_o the_o father_n i_o shall_v not_o add_v any_o thing_n more_o to_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v it_o have_v be_v already_o in_o my_o judgement_n clear_o enough_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o themselves_o of_o authority_n enough_o to_o oblige_v we_o necessary_o to_o follow_v their_o opinion_n but_o see_v the_o question_n here_o be_v touch_v these_o great_a name_n which_o be_v so_o high_o honour_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n that_o no_o man_n may_v accuse_v we_o of_o endeavour_v to_o rob_v they_o of_o any_o of_o the_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o they_o i_o hold_v it_o necessary_a to_o examine_v this_o business_n a_o little_a more_o exact_o and_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v by_o consider_v the_o thing_n itself_o that_o they_o be_v of_o no_o more_o authority_n neither_o in_o themselves_o nor_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o than_o have_v be_v already_o by_o we_o attribute_v unto_o they_o chap._n ii_o reason_n 2._o that_o the_o father_n themselves_o testify_v against_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v absolute_o and_o upon_o their_o own_o bare_a word_n in_o what_o they_o deliver_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v none_o so_o fit_a to_o inform_v we_o what_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n be_v as_o the_o ancient_n themselves_o who_o in_o all_o reason_n must_v needs_o know_v this_o better_a than_o we_o let_v we_o therefore_o now_o hear_v what_o they_o testify_v in_o this_o particular_a and_o if_o we_o do_v indeed_o hold_v they_o in_o so_o high_a esteem_n as_o we_o make_v profession_n of_o let_v we_o allow_v of_o their_o judgement_n in_o this_o particular_a attribute_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o unto_o the_o ancient_n than_o they_o themselves_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n st._n augustine_n who_o be_v the_o principal_a light_n of_o the_o latin_a church_n be_v enter_v into_o a_o contestation_n with_o st._n hierome_n touch_v the_o interpretation_n beforementioned_a of_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o saint_n paul_n to_o the_o galatian_n and_o find_v himself_o hardly_o press_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o six_o or_o seven_o greek_a writer_n which_o be_v urge_v against_o he_o by_o the_o other_o to_o rid_v his_o hand_n of_o they_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o make_v open_a profession_n in_o what_o account_n he_o hold_v that_o sort_n of_o writer_n est_fw-la i_o confess_v say_v he_o to_o thy_o charity_n that_o i_o only_o owe_v to_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v now_o call_v canonical_a that_o reverence_n and_o honour_n as_o to_o believe_v steadfast_o that_o none_o of_o their_o author_n ever_o commit_v any_o error_n in_o write_v the_o same_o and_o if_o by_o chance_n i_o there_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o truth_n i_o present_o think_v that_o certain_o either_o my_o copy_n be_v imperfect_a and_o not_o so_o correct_a as_o it_o shall_v be_v or_o else_o that_o the_o interpreter_n do_v not_o so_o well_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o the_o original_a or_o last_o that_o i_o myself_o have_v not_o so_o right_o understand_v he_o but_o as_o for_o all_o other_o writer_n how_o eminent_a soever_o they_o be_v either_o for_o sanctity_n or_o learning_n i_o read_v they_o so_o as_o not_o present_o to_o conclude_v whatsoever_o i_o there_o find_v to_o be_v true_a because_o they_o have_v say_v it_o but_o rather_o because_o they_o convince_v i_o either_o out_o of_o the_o say_v canonical_a book_n of_o scripture_n or_o else_o by_o some_o probable_a reason_n that_o what_o they_o say_v be_v true_a neither_o do_v i_o think_v brother_n that_o thou_o thyself_o art_n of_o any_o other_o opinion_n that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o thou_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v read_v thy_o book_n as_o we_o do_v those_o of_o the_o prophet_n or_o apostle_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o who_o write_n as_o be_v exempt_a from_o all_o error_n we_o may_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a doubt_n and_o have_v afterward_o oppose_v some_o other_o the_o like_a authority_n against_o those_o allege_a by_o st._n hierome_n he_o add_v that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o dubitem_fw-la notwithstanding_o that_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n he_o account_v the_o canonical_a scripture_n only_o to_o be_v the_o book_n to_o which_o as_o he_o say_v before_o he_o owe_v that_o ingenuous_a duty_n as_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o the_o author_n of_o they_o never_o err_v or_o deceive_v the_o reader_n in_o any_o thing_n this_o holy_a man_n account_v this_o advice_n to_o be_v of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o that_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o repeat_v it_o again_o in_o another_o place_n and_o i_o must_v entreat_v my_o reader_n
the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o that_o all_o that_o go_v before_o they_o have_v both_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o be_v both_o please_a and_o useful_a unto_o they_o for_o what_o can_v more_o delight_v a_o faithful_a heart_n than_o to_o find_v that_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o eminent_a person_n in_o the_o church_n have_v long_o since_o hold_v the_o same_o opinion_n touch_v our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o grace_n that_o we_o now_o hold_v at_o this_o day_n but_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o present_o follow_v that_o though_o these_o holy_a man_n shall_v have_v meet_v with_o these_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o the_o write_n of_o their_o predecessor_n only_o without_o find_v any_o foundation_n of_o they_o in_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n they_o will_v notwithstanding_o firm_o have_v believe_v and_o embrace_v the_o same_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o their_o predecessor_n s._n augustine_n profess_v plain_o that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n they_o may_v better_o have_v reject_v they_o and_o not_o be_v blame_v for_o so_o do_v neither_o than_o have_v receive_v they_o unless_o they_o will_v incur_v the_o imputation_n of_o be_v over_o credulous_a for_o it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o too_o much_o credulity_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n without_o reason_n and_o he_o further_o affirm_v that_o where_o man_n speak_v without_o either_o scripture_n or_o reason_n their_o bare_a authority_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v what_o they_o propose_v unto_o we_o so_o that_o it_o hence_o appear_v that_o humane_a testimony_n be_v allege_v not_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o faith_n but_o only_o to_o show_v the_o clearness_n of_o it_o after_o it_o be_v once_o well_o ground_v now_o the_o question_n at_o this_o day_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o concern_v the_o clearness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o article_n they_o believe_v and_o press_v upon_o the_o world_n but_o it_o yet_o lie_v upon_o they_o to_o prove_v even_o the_o very_a ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o they_o show_v i_o therefore_o will_n a_o protestant_a here_o say_v either_o out_o of_o some_o text_n of_o scripture_n or_o else_o by_o some_o evident_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o place_n as_o purgatory_n and_o that_o the_o eucharist_n be_v not_o bread_n and_o that_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o monarch_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o then_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o glad_a to_o try_v if_o for_o our_o great_a comfort_n we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o find_v in_o the_o author_n of_o the_o three_o or_o four_o century_n these_o truth_n embrace_v by_o the_o father_n of_o those_o time_n but_o to_o begin_v with_o these_o be_v to_o invert_v the_o natural_a order_n of_o thing_n we_o ought_v first_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v before_o we_o make_v inquiry_n whether_o it_o have_v be_v believe_v or_o not_o for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o find_v that_o the_o ancient_n believe_v it_o unless_o we_o find_v withal_o in_o their_o write_n some_o reason_n of_o this_o their_o belief_n and_o again_o on_o the_o other_o side_n what_o harm_n be_v it_o to_o we_o to_o be_v ignorant_a whether_o antiquity_n believe_v it_o or_o not_o so_o long_o as_o we_o know_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v and_o whereas_o there_o be_v some_o who_o to_o establish_v the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o the_o father_n allege_v the_o counsel_n which_o sisinnius_n a_o novatian_a and_o agellius_n his_o bishop_n give_v of_o old_a to_o nectarius_n archbishop_n of_o constantinople_n and_o by_o he_o to_o theodosius_n the_o emperor_n eccles_n which_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v demand_v of_o the_o arrian_n whether_o or_o not_o they_o will_v stand_v to_o what_o the_o father_n who_o die_v before_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o their_o heresy_n have_v deliver_v touch_v the_o point_n debate_v betwixt_o they_o this_o be_v hardly_o worth_a our_o consideration_n 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age_n against_o the_o arrian_n deal_v with_o they_o whole_o in_o a_o manner_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o certain_o those_o holy_a man_n beside_o their_o christian_a candour_n which_o oblige_v they_o to_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v take_v a_o very_a wise_a course_n in_o so_o do_v for_o if_o this_o controversy_n have_v be_v to_o be_v decide_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o humane_a writer_n i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o man_n shall_v have_v be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a that_o which_o this_o gallant_a so_o confident_o affirm_v in_o the_o place_n aforecited_a namely_o that_o none_o of_o the_o ancient_n ever_o say_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v any_o beginning_n of_o his_o generation_n consider_v those_o many_o strange_a passage_n that_o we_o yet_o at_o this_o day_n meet_v with_o touch_v this_o particular_a in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o first_o father_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n also_o why_o the_o arrian_n alâ—ledged_v their_o testimony_n as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v in_o 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assensum_fw-la it_o be_v very_o true_a say_v ambrose_n catharinus_n in_o like_a manner_n that_o the_o say_n and_o write_n of_o the_o father_n have_v not_o of_o themselves_o any_o so_o absolute_a authority_n as_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o assent_v to_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n the_o jesuit_n also_o themselves_o inform_v we_o sufficient_o in_o many_o place_n that_o they_o do_v not_o reckon_v themselves_o so_o tie_v to_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o father_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o people_n may_v imagine_v petavius_n in_o his_o annotation_n upon_o epiphanius_n confess_v free_o debemus_fw-la that_o the_o father_n be_v man_n that_o they_o have_v their_o fail_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o malicious_o to_o search_v after_o their_o error_n that_o we_o may_v lay_v they_o open_v to_o the_o world_n but_o that_o we_o may_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o note_v they_o when_o ever_o they_o come_v in_o our_o way_n to_o the_o end_n that_o none_o be_v deceive_v by_o they_o and_o that_o 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