shall_v mistake_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o secure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o with_o honest_a and_o upright_a heart_n continue_v to_o inquire_v after_o the_o truth_n design_v nothing_o else_o that_o error_n shall_v not_o prejudice_v we_o but_o god_n will_v either_o discover_v to_o we_o his_o mind_n or_o not_o condemn_v we_o for_o our_o error_n of_o weakness_n not_o of_o wilfulness_n sect_n xx._n the_o vanity_n of_o their_o appeal_n to_o tradition_n as_o for_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n by_o tradition_n they_o may_v be_v pretend_v and_o talk_v of_o but_o can_v be_v produce_v in_o most_o place_n where_o we_o be_v desirous_a of_o that_o help_n which_o we_o glad_o receive_v when_o we_o can_v have_v it_o by_o a_o true_o universal_a consent_n but_o as_o for_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n they_o do_v not_o absolute_o agree_v with_o each_o other_o in_o their_o exposition_n of_o those_o text_n upon_o which_o controversy_n of_o great_a moment_n be_v now_o ground_v nay_o they_o oft_o time_n propound_v divers_a interpretation_n alike_o probable_a and_o sometime_o plain_o intimate_v their_o doubtfulness_n and_o make_v but_o imperfect_a conjecture_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o intend_v to_o excite_v posterity_n to_o seek_v for_o further_a resolution_n therefore_o we_o shall_v not_o dissent_v from_o they_o though_o we_o do_v not_o assent_v to_o all_o their_o particular_a interpretation_n nay_o we_o can_v more_o dissent_v from_o they_o than_o by_o follow_v their_o interpretation_n on_o such_o strict_a term_n as_o the_o romanist_n will_v bind_v we_o all_o to_o do_v when_o they_o seem_v to_o make_v for_o their_o advantage_n for_o then_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o surmise_n or_o conjecture_v of_o any_o one_o father_n but_o must_v suffice_v against_o the_o joint_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o which_o rule_n of_o serve_v their_o interest_n they_o be_v so_o true_a that_o they_o stick_v not_o to_o reject_v any_o interpretation_n of_o the_o father_n when_o they_o think_v good_a and_o which_o be_v more_o to_o prefer_v their_o own_o exposition_n before_o they_o and_o so_o they_o do_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o all_o other_o tradition_n though_o call_v apostolical_a for_o instance_n the_o threefold_a immersion_n in_o baptism_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v flow_v from_o a_o apostolical_a canon_n be_v long_o ago_o abolish_v say_v their_o canus_n by_o a_o contrary_a custom_n and_o so_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o give_v the_o communion_n to_o infant_n which_o prevail_v say_v their_o maldonate_fw-it for_o 600._o year_n in_o the_o church_n not_o only_o antiquate_v by_o they_o but_o decree_v to_o be_v unlawful_a which_o clear_o show_v that_o they_o may_v if_o they_o please_v make_v a_o end_n of_o all_o the_o controversy_n that_o trouble_v the_o church_n without_o any_o disparagement_n but_o rather_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o its_o authority_n for_o challenge_v a_o power_n to_o alter_v even_o the_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o take_v away_o the_o cup_n from_o the_o people_n in_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o much_o more_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n what_o need_v all_o this_o stir_n about_o apostolical_a tradition_n or_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o may_v lay_v aside_o at_o their_o pleasure_n and_o have_v lay_v aside_o as_o appear_v by_o many_o other_o instance_n beside_o those_o now_o name_v that_o may_v be_v give_v of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o direction_n of_o every_o honest_a heart_a man_n to_o know_v which_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n can_v be_v and_o may_v be_v undoubted_o rely_v on_o that_o nothing_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n than_o this_o that_o the_o doctor_n of_o it_o declare_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v full_a and_o perspicuous_a in_o all_o needful_a matter_n and_o therefore_o there_o need_v no_o other_o tradition_n but_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o satisfy_v we_o abundant_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v universal_o receive_v sect_n xxi_o and_o their_o guilt_n in_o what_o they_o say_v about_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o can_v therefore_o be_v a_o great_a demonstration_n of_o their_o guilt_n than_o this_o that_o notwithstanding_o such_o evident_a testimony_n from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o the_o concurrent_a stream_n of_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o christ_n church_n they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o avoid_v this_o trial_n by_o the_o scripture_n to_o say_v so_o many_o scandalous_a thing_n as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o disparagement_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n many_o of_o they_o be_v common_o know_v and_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o repeat_v the_o rest_n but_o only_o say_v this_o great_a truth_n that_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o their_o church_n such_o as_o it_o be_v receive_v all_o its_o authority_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o the_o scripture_n from_o it_o for_o we_o can_v have_v no_o notion_n as_o be_v say_v before_o of_o a_o church_n or_o of_o its_o authority_n but_o from_o the_o scripture_n which_o therefore_o must_v be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o that_o which_o receive_v authority_n from_o they_o and_o be_v first_o suppose_v to_o be_v infallible_a before_o they_o can_v make_v we_o believe_v any_o thing_n else_o be_v so_o for_o we_o must_v be_v secure_a of_o the_o proof_n before_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o thing_n prove_v by_o it_o otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o proof_n but_o leave_v we_o as_o much_o in_o doubt_n as_o we_o be_v before_o it_o be_v allege_v if_o they_o say_v and_o what_o else_o can_v be_v say_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o must_v indeed_o learn_v their_o church_n infallibility_n from_o the_o scripture_n but_o then_o learn_v the_o rest_n from_o their_o church_n mark_v i_o beseech_v you_o what_o follow_v then_o it_o be_v manifest_a first_o that_o they_o themselves_o make_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o one_o article_n at_o least_o concern_v the_o catholic_n church_n infallibility_n which_o we_o must_v therefore_o believe_v and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n because_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o first_o infallible_o believe_v do_v teach_v and_o prove_v it_o whence_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o private_a man_n may_v and_o must_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n without_o the_o help_n of_o their_o church_n authority_n before_o they_o can_v believe_v any_o thing_n else_o because_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n for_o their_o belief_n of_o that_o infallibility_n which_o their_o church_n pretend_v which_o to_o they_o be_v the_o general_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o from_o thence_o it_o follow_v further_o that_o the_o scripture_n which_o to_o we_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n aught_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o they_o to_o be_v more_o than_o so_o even_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o what_o reason_n can_v any_o man_n allege_v why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o immediate_a rule_n of_o faith_n without_o send_v we_o elsewhere_o to_o seek_v it_o in_o all_o other_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n as_o well_o as_o in_o that_o of_o their_o pretend_a infallible_a church_n we_o may_v appeal_v to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n angel_n and_o man_n to_o witness_v between_o we_o and_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o a_o worthy_a champion_n of_o our_o cause_n do_v long_o ago_o whether_o the_o article_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n his_o death_n passion_n burial_n resurrection_n ascension_n intercession_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o life_n everlasting_a etc._n etc._n be_v not_o much_o more_o plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o any_o man_n apprehension_n whatsoever_o than_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n be_v in_o such_o word_n as_o these_o thou_o be_v peter_n etc._n etc._n feed_v my_o sheep_n or_o any_o other_o from_o whence_o they_o challenge_v it_o and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v require_v to_o learn_v these_o or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o christian_a faith_n mere_o from_o their_o church_n when_o we_o learn_v they_o so_o easy_o by_o the_o scripture_n in_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v more_o clear_o deliver_v than_o any_o thing_n we_o read_v about_o their_o church_n let_v no_o man_n doubt_v but_o if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v teach_v we_o that_o article_n of_o the_o church_n infallibility_n immediate_o by_o the_o scripture_n without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o church_n infallible_a authority_n as_o they_o themselves_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v because_o else_o the_o church_n can_v have_v no_o authority_n then_o he_o will_v immediate_o teach_v we_o by_o the_o same_o scripture_n any_o other_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n
law_n together_o with_o inward_a and_o outward_a admonition_n both_o by_o threat_n also_o and_o promise_n nor_o do_v he_o suffer_v the_o effect_n of_o wickedness_n to_o spread_v so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v have_v do_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o all_o kind_n of_o government_n can_v never_o yet_o be_v subvert_v nor_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a law_n utter_o extinguish_v or_o abolish_v neither_o may_v those_o delinquence_n which_o be_v permit_v to_o be_v do_v among_o man_n be_v think_v altogether_o unprofitable_a since_o that_o as_o before_o we_o have_v touch_v they_o may_v be_v use_v either_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o other_o no_o less_o lewd_a transgressor_n or_o for_o the_o chastisement_n of_o such_o as_o sometime_o wander_v from_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n or_o last_o to_o exact_v some_o worthy_a pattern_n of_o patience_n and_o constancy_n from_o such_o as_o have_v make_v good_a proficiency_n in_o the_o school_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n last_o even_o they_o who_o wickedness_n seem_v to_o be_v wink_v at_o for_o a_o time_n be_v wont_a to_o pay_v dear_o for_o it_o at_o last_o and_o to_o be_v reckon_v withal_o the_o more_o severe_o because_o they_o have_v be_v long_o forbear_v in_o so_o much_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o suffer_v what_o god_n will_v who_o have_v do_v what_o he_o will_v not_o sect_n xix_o insomuch_o that_o good_a man_n be_v oppress_v but_o and_o if_o sometime_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o punishment_n at_o all_o inflict_v upon_o profane_a offender_n and_o even_o some_o good_a man_n which_o may_v occasion_v the_o weak_a to_o be_v offend_v be_v sore_o oppress_v by_o the_o insolence_n of_o the_o wicked_a who_o many_o time_n make_v they_o not_o only_o to_o lead_v a_o wearisome_a and_o miserable_a life_n but_o also_o to_o undergo_v a_o disgraceful_a death_n we_o be_v not_o present_o to_o banish_v from_o humane_a affair_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v prove_v as_o we_o have_v now_o say_v by_o strong_a reason_n but_o rather_o as_o the_o wise_a sort_n of_o man_n have_v think_v we_o shall_v conclude_v and_o argue_v thus_o sect_n xx._n the_o same_o argument_n be_v retort_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o soul_n survive_v the_o body_n forasmuch_o as_o god_n have_v a_o eye_n unto_o all_o man_n action_n and_o in_o himself_o be_v most_o just_a suffer_v such_o thing_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v therefore_o we_o must_v expect_v that_o there_o will_v be_v some_o future_a judgement_n after_o this_o life_n to_o the_o end_n such_o notorious_a transgression_n may_v not_o remain_v unpunished_a nor_o well_o deserve_a virtue_n be_v unrecompensed_a with_o due_a comfort_n and_o reward_n sect_n xxi_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o tradition_n further_o to_o confirm_v this_o truth_n it_o must_v necessary_o be_v admit_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v survive_v their_o body_n which_o most_o ancient_a tradition_n be_v derive_v from_o our_o very_a first_o parent_n for_o from_o whence_o else_o can_v it_o proceed_v unto_o almost_o all_o civilise_a people_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o homer_n verse_n and_o by_o philosopher_n not_o only_o of_o the_o grecian_n but_o likewise_o the_o druid_n in_o france_n and_o brahmin_n in_o india_n and_o by_o those_o relation_n also_o which_o many_o writer_n have_v publish_v concern_v the_o egyptian_n and_o thracian_n and_o german_n in_o like_a manner_n touch_v god_n judgement_n to_o come_v after_o this_o life_n many_o thing_n we_o see_v be_v extant_a as_o well_o among_o the_o grecian_n as_o also_o among_o the_o egyptian_n and_o indian_n as_o we_o learn_v out_o of_o strabo_n diogenes_n laertius_n and_o plutarch_n whereunto_o may_v be_v add_v that_o old_a tradition_n of_o the_o consumption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o fire_n which_o be_v ancient_o find_v in_o hystaspis_n and_o the_o sibyl_n and_o now_o also_o in_o ovid_n and_o lucan_n and_o the_o indian_n of_o siam_n of_o which_o thing_n the_o astrologer_n have_v note_v this_o to_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o the_o sun_n draw_v near_a and_o near_o to_o the_o earth_n yea_o when_o the_o canary_n america_n and_o other_o foreign_a place_n be_v first_o discover_v this_o same_o opinion_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o last_o judgement_n be_v find_v among_o the_o inhabitant_n there_o sect_n xxii_o against_o which_o no_o contrary_a reason_n can_v be_v bring_v neither_o can_v there_o any_o reason_n in_o nature_n be_v give_v to_o disprove_v so_o ancient_a and_o common_a receive_v tradition_n for_o every_o thing_n that_o in_o this_o world_n come_v to_o a_o end_n perish_v either_o through_o the_o opposition_n of_o some_o more_o forcible_a contrary_a agent_n as_o coldness_n in_o any_o subject_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o more_o prevalent_a power_n and_o intention_n of_o heat_n or_o through_o the_o substraction_n of_o that_o subject_n whereupon_o it_o depend_v as_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o glass_n when_o the_o glass_n be_v break_v or_o through_o the_o defect_n and_o want_n of_o the_o efficient_a cause_n as_o light_v by_o the_o sunsetting_a now_o none_o of_o all_o these_o can_v be_v say_v to_o happen_v unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n not_o the_o first_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o soul_n nay_o itself_o be_v of_o such_o a_o peculiar_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o receive_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v contrary_a between_o themselves_o at_o the_o same_o time_n together_o after_o its_o own_o that_o be_v after_o a_o spiritual_a and_o intellectual_a manner_n not_o the_o second_o for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o subject_n whereon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v any_o dependence_n if_o there_o be_v in_o all_o probability_n it_o shall_v be_v the_o humane_a body_n but_o that_o this_o can_v be_v it_o be_v manifest_a because_o when_o the_o power_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o body_n be_v tire_v in_o their_o operation_n the_o mind_n alone_o do_v not_o by_o motion_n contract_v any_o weariness_n likewise_o the_o power_n of_o the_o body_n be_v impair_v and_o weaken_v by_o the_o redundancy_n or_o excess_n of_o the_o object_n as_o the_o sense_n of_o see_v by_o the_o full_a splendour_n and_o bright_a face_n of_o the_o sun_n but_o the_o more_o excellent_a object_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v conversant_a about_o as_o about_z universals_z and_o figure_n abstract_v from_o sensible_a matter_n it_o receive_v thereby_o the_o more_o perfection_n again_o the_o power_n that_o depend_v upon_o the_o body_n be_v only_o busy_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v limit_v to_o particular_a time_n and_o place_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o the_o body_n itself_o but_o the_o mind_n have_v a_o more_o noble_a object_n and_o ascend_v to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_a and_o eternal_a wherefore_o then_o see_v that_o the_o soul_n depend_v not_o upon_o the_o body_n in_o its_o operation_n neither_o do_v it_o in_o its_o essence_n for_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o nature_n of_o invisible_a thing_n otherwise_o than_o by_o their_o operation_n neither_o be_v the_o three_o way_n of_o corruption_n incident_a to_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v no_o efficient_a cause_n from_o which_o the_o soul_n proceed_v by_o a_o continual_a emanation_n for_o we_o can_v say_v our_o parent_n be_v such_o a_o cause_n since_o when_o they_o be_v dead_a their_o child_n be_v wont_a to_o live_v but_o if_o we_o will_v needs_o make_v some_o cause_n from_o which_o the_o soul_n proceed_v than_o we_o can_v imagine_v no_o other_o save_o the_o first_o and_o universal_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o as_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o power_n be_v never_o deficient_a so_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o will_n to_o be_v defective_a that_o be_v for_o the_o almighty_a to_o will_v the_o extinction_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o soul_n no_o man_n can_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v sect_n xxiii_o many_o reason_n may_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o nay_o there_o be_v many_o strong_a argument_n for_o the_o contrary_a as_o namely_o the_o dominion_n give_v unto_o man_n over_o his_o own_o action_n the_o natural_a desire_n that_o be_v in_o he_o to_o be_v immortal_a the_o force_n of_o conscience_n comfort_v the_o mind_n for_o well_o do_v action_n though_o very_o troublesome_a and_o support_v it_o with_o a_o certain_a hope_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o sting_n of_o a_o gnaw_a conscience_n at_o the_o remembrance_n of_o ungodly_a and_o wicked_a action_n especial_o when_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n approach_v as_o if_o it_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o a_o imminent_a judgement_n and_o this_o gnaw_a worm_n of_o conscience_n the_o most_o profane_a wretch_n and_o wicked_a tyrant_n have_v not_o be_v able_a oftentimes_o to_o extinguish_v in_o they_o no_o not_o then_o when_o they_o most_o of_o all_o desire_v it_o as_o divers_a example_n do_v testify_v sect_n xxiv_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o end_n of_o
all_o shall_v be_v man_n happiness_n after_o this_o life_n see_v then_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o a_o nature_n that_o in_o itself_o have_v no_o ground_n or_o cause_n of_o its_o own_o corruption_n and_o see_v also_o that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o many_o sign_n and_o token_n whereby_o we_o ought_v to_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n the_o soul_n shall_v survive_v the_o body_n what_o more_o noble_a end_n can_v be_v propound_v to_o man_n than_o the_o state_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o in_o effect_n be_v the_o same_o that_o plato_n and_o the_o pythagorean_n speak_v of_o say_v that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o man_n if_o he_o can_v become_v most_o like_a unto_o god_n sect_n xxv_o which_o to_o obtain_v man_n must_v get_v the_o true_a religion_n now_o what_o this_o happiness_n be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v man_n may_v search_v by_o probable_a conjecture_n but_o if_o any_o thing_n concern_v this_o matter_n be_v reveal_v by_o god_n that_o must_v be_v hold_v for_o a_o most_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n which_o since_o christian_a religion_n pretend_v to_o bring_v unto_o we_o above_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v examine_v in_o the_o next_o book_n whether_o or_o not_o man_n ought_v to_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o and_o assure_o build_v their_o faith_n thereon_o the_o second_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect_n i._o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o our_o purpose_n in_o this_o second_o book_n to_o handle_v all_o the_o point_n of_o christianity_n but_o after_o our_o hearty_a prayer_n make_v to_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o heaven_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v for_o such_o a_o work_n we_o shall_v only_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n itself_o be_v most_o true_a and_o certain_a which_o i_o thus_o begin_v sect_n ii_o here_o be_v show_v that_o jesus_n live_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n who_o live_v heretofore_o in_o judaea_n when_o tiberius_n be_v emperor_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o only_o most_o constant_o profess_v by_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v scatter_v over_o the_o face_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n but_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o jew_n who_o now_o be_v or_o ever_o write_v since_o those_o time_n nay_o the_o very_a pagan_a writer_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v neither_o of_o the_o jewish_a nor_o christian_a religion_n namely_o suetonius_n tacitus_n pliny_n the_o young_a and_o many_o more_o after_o they_o do_v testify_v the_o same_o sect_n iii_o and_o be_v put_v to_o a_o ignominious_a death_n that_o the_o same_o jesus_n be_v nail_v to_o a_o cross_n by_o pontius_n pilate_n governor_n of_o judaea_n be_v confess_v also_o by_o all_o christian_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v very_o disgraceful_a to_o they_o to_o be_v the_o worshipper_n of_o such_o a_o lord_n the_o jew_n also_o do_v the_o like_a though_o they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o upon_o this_o account_n they_o be_v very_o odious_a to_o christian_n in_o who_o dominion_n they_o live_v because_o their_o ancestor_n be_v the_o man_n that_o move_v pilate_n and_o persuade_v he_o to_o pass_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n upon_o jesus_n the_o pagan_a writer_n also_o now_o name_v have_v deliver_v the_o same_o to_o posterity_n yea_o the_o act_n of_o pilate_n be_v extant_a a_o long_a time_n after_o from_o whence_o this_o may_v have_v be_v prove_v to_o which_o christian_n never_o make_v their_o appeal_n for_o neither_o do_v julian_n himself_o nor_o any_o other_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n ever_o make_v doubt_n hereof_o so_o that_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o more_o certain_a story_n than_o this_o which_o we_o see_v may_v be_v confirm_v not_o only_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o few_o man_n but_o also_o by_o the_o approbation_n of_o several_a nation_n otherwise_o disagree_v and_o jar_v among_o themselves_o sect_n iv_o yet_o afterward_o be_v worship_v by_o prudent_a and_o godly_a men._n all_o which_o though_o it_o be_v most_o true_a yet_o we_o see_v how_o that_o throughout_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v worship_v as_o lord_n and_o that_o not_o in_o our_o day_n only_o or_o those_o which_o be_v late_o pass_v but_o ever_o since_o the_o time_n that_o this_o be_v do_v to_o wit_n ever_o since_o the_o reign_n of_o nero_n the_o emperor_n when_o many_o people_n that_o profess_v this_o worship_n of_o christ_n and_o christian_a religion_n be_v for_o that_o cause_n torture_v and_o put_v to_o death_n as_o tacitus_n and_o other_o do_v witness_n sect_n v._o the_o cause_n whereof_o be_v for_o that_o in_o his_o life_n time_n there_o be_v miracle_n do_v by_o he_o now_o among_o such_o as_o profess_a christianity_n there_o be_v always_o many_o person_n who_o be_v both_o judicious_a and_o not_o unlearned_a such_o as_o to_o say_v nothing_o now_o of_o the_o jew_n sergius_n governor_n of_o cyprus_n dionysius_n areopagita_n polycarpus_n justinus_n irenaeus_n athenagoras_n origen_n tertullian_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n with_o divers_a other_o who_o almost_o all_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o other_o religion_n and_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o any_o wealth_n or_o preferment_n by_o christianity_n yet_o become_v worshipper_n of_o this_o man_n that_o die_v so_o ignominious_a a_o death_n and_o exhibit_v due_a honour_n to_o he_o as_o god_n of_o which_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v but_o this_o alone_a that_o they_o make_v diligent_a enquiry_n as_o become_v prudent_a man_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o find_v that_o what_o be_v bruit_v abroad_o concern_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n be_v true_a and_o rely_v upon_o firm_a witness_n as_o the_o cure_n and_o that_o with_o his_o word_n only_o and_o before_o all_o the_o people_n divers_z grievous_a and_o inveterate_a disease_n the_o restore_n of_o sight_n to_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a the_o multiply_a of_o a_o few_o loaf_n more_o than_o once_o for_o the_o feed_v many_o thousand_o who_o can_v testify_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o recall_v of_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o and_o many_o more_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n the_o report_n of_o which_o thing_n have_v then_o such_o a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a original_n that_o neither_o celsus_n nor_o julian_n when_o they_o write_v against_o christian_n dare_v deny_v there_o be_v some_o prodigy_n do_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o hebrew_n in_o the_o talmudical_a book_n do_v open_o confess_v it_o sect_n vi_o which_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v either_o by_o the_o help_n of_o nature_n or_o assistance_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o mere_o by_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o god._n that_o these_o wondrous_a work_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o any_o natural_a power_n it_o be_v manifest_a by_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o they_o be_v call_v wonder_n and_o miracle_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a by_o the_o force_n of_o nature_n that_o any_o grievous_a disease_n and_o infirmity_n shall_v be_v cure_v mere_o by_o a_o man_n voice_n or_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o touch_n and_o that_o even_o upon_o a_o sudden_a and_o if_o such_o work_n can_v have_v any_o way_n be_v ascribe_v to_o a_o natural_a efficacy_n it_o will_v have_v be_v say_v before_o now_o either_o by_o those_o that_o be_v profess_a enemy_n of_o christ_n while_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n or_o by_o those_o that_o have_v be_v adversary_n of_o his_o gospel_n since_o his_o death_n by_o the_o like_a argument_n we_o may_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o juggle_a delusion_n because_o they_o be_v do_v open_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o people_n among_o who_o divers_a of_o the_o learned_a sort_n do_v malign_v and_o bear_v ill_a will_n unto_o christ_n not_o without_o envy_n observe_v all_o that_o he_o do_v add_v further_o that_o the_o like_a work_n be_v often_o iterate_v and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o be_v not_o transitory_a but_o permanent_a and_o durable_a all_o which_o be_v due_o ponder_v it_o must_v needs_o follow_v as_o the_o jew_n have_v confess_v that_o these_o work_v proceed_v from_o a_o more_o than_o natural_a or_o humane_a power_n that_o be_v from_o some_o spirit_n either_o good_a or_o evil_n that_o they_o proceed_v not_o from_o any_o evil_a spirit_n may_v be_v prove_v because_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o confirmation_n whereof_o these_o work_n be_v wrought_v be_v quite_o opposite_a and_o contrary_a to_o bad_a spirit_n for_o it_o prohibit_v the_o worship_v of_o evil_a angel_n and_o dissuade_v man_n from_o all_o uncleanness_n of_o affection_n and_o manner_n wherein_o such_o spirit_n be_v much_o delight_v and_o this_o be_v also_o plain_a for_o that_o wheresoever_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v receive_v and_o establish_v there_o follow_v
live_v in_o those_o time_n and_o be_v present_a when_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o like_a manner_n it_o ought_v to_o suffice_v we_o that_o whosoever_o write_v the_o book_n we_o speak_v of_o both_o live_v in_o the_o primitive_a age_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o apostolical_a gift_n for_o if_o any_o body_n will_v say_v that_o these_o quality_n may_v be_v feign_v as_o the_o very_a name_n may_v be_v in_o other_o write_n he_o say_v that_o which_o be_v not_o credible_a viz._n that_o they_o who_o every_o where_o press_v the_o study_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n will_v for_o no_o cause_n at_o all_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o crime_n of_o forgery_n which_o be_v not_o only_o detestable_a among_o all_o good_a man_n but_o by_o the_o roman_a law_n be_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n sect_n v._o these_o penman_n write_v the_o truth_n because_o they_o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o what_o they_o write_v this_o therefore_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v write_v by_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v or_o by_o such_o as_o bear_v sufficient_a witness_n of_o themselves_o to_o which_o if_o we_o far_o add_v that_o they_o be_v also_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o matter_n whereof_o they_o write_v and_o have_v no_o purpose_n to_o lie_v or_o dissemble_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o commit_v to_o writing_n be_v both_o certain_a and_o true_a because_o every_o untruth_n proceed_v either_o from_o ignorance_n or_o from_o a_o wicked_a desire_n to_o deceive_v as_o touch_v matthew_n john_n peter_n and_o judas_n they_o be_v all_o of_o the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n of_o those_o twelve_o who_o jesus_n do_v choose_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o want_v notice_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v relate_v the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o james_n who_o be_v either_o a_o apostle_n or_o as_o some_o think_v the_o next_o akin_a to_o jesus_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n consecrate_v bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n paul_n also_o can_v not_o err_v through_o lack_n of_o knowledge_n about_o those_o point_n which_o he_o profess_v be_v reveal_v to_o he_o by_o jesus_n himself_o reign_v in_o heaven_n nor_o can_v he_o or_o luke_n either_o who_o be_v a_o inseparable_a companion_n to_o he_o in_o his_o travel_n be_v deceive_v about_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v by_o himself_o this_o luke_n may_v easy_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o write_v concern_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n for_o he_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o place_n next_o adjoin_v to_o palestina_n through_o which_o country_n when_o he_o travel_v he_o say_v he_o speak_v with_o such_o person_n as_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v for_o doubtless_o beside_o the_o apostle_n with_o who_o he_o have_v familiarity_n there_o live_v many_o other_o at_o that_o time_n who_o have_v be_v cure_v by_o jesus_n and_o have_v see_v he_o both_o before_o his_o death_n and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n if_o we_o will_v give_v credit_n to_o tacitus_n and_o suetonius_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o happen_v a_o long_a time_n before_o they_o be_v bear_v because_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o diligent_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n thereof_o how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o believe_v this_o writer_n who_o say_v that_o he_o receive_v all_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o relate_v from_o they_o that_o have_v see_v the_o same_o it_o be_v credible_o report_v of_o mark_n that_o he_o be_v a_o constant_a companion_n with_o peter_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o he_o write_v be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o dictate_v by_o peter_n who_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a thereof_o beside_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o he_o write_v be_v almost_o all_o extant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n neither_o can_v the_o author_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v deceive_v or_o delude_v in_o those_o vision_n which_o he_o say_v be_v send_v unto_o he_o from_o heaven_n nor_o he_o that_o write_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n err_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o profess_v either_o to_o be_v inspire_v into_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o else_o teach_v he_o by_o the_o apostle_n sect_n vi_o as_o also_o because_o they_o will_v not_o lie_v the_o other_o reason_n we_o speak_v of_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o say_v holy_a writer_n because_o they_o have_v no_o will_n to_o tell_v a_o untruth_n be_v twist_v with_o that_o which_o we_o handle_v above_o when_o in_o general_n we_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n those_o that_o will_v accuse_v any_o witness_n for_o the_o pravity_n of_o their_o will_n must_v produce_v something_o by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v think_v credible_a their_o will_n may_v be_v divert_v from_o utter_v the_o truth_n but_o this_o can_v be_v aver_v of_o the_o say_a author_n for_o if_o any_o do_v object_n and_o say_v that_o they_o act_v in_o their_o own_o cause_n and_o do_v their_o own_o business_n we_o must_v see_v why_o this_o shall_v be_v think_v their_o cause_n and_o interest_n not_o that_o they_o may_v get_v any_o thing_n by_o it_o in_o this_o world_n or_o thereby_o avoid_v any_o danger_n when_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o profession_n they_o both_o lose_v all_o the_o good_n of_o this_o world_n and_o venture_v upon_o all_o manner_n of_o danger_n this_o therefore_o be_v not_o their_o cause_n and_o interest_n but_o only_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o god_n which_o sure_o do_v not_o persuade_v man_n to_o lie_v especial_o in_o such_o a_o business_n whereupon_o depend_v the_o everlasting_a salvation_n of_o mankind_n such_o a_o impious_a piece_n of_o villainy_n we_o can_v believe_v they_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o if_o we_o consider_v either_o their_o doctrine_n every_o where_o most_o full_a of_o piety_n or_o their_o life_n which_o be_v never_o yet_o accuse_v of_o any_o wicked_a deed_n no_o not_o by_o their_o great_a enemy_n who_o object_v nothing_o to_o they_o but_o their_o want_n of_o learning_n and_o unskilfulness_n which_o do_v not_o qualify_v they_o sure_o for_o invent_v falsehood_n and_o indeed_o if_o there_o have_v be_v the_o least_o spice_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o fraud_n and_o cheat_v in_o they_o they_o will_v not_o themselves_o have_v record_v their_o own_o fault_n and_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o as_o of_o their_o all_o forsake_v their_o master_n when_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o peter_n denial_n of_o he_o three_o time_n sect_n vii_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o fidelity_n of_o these_o author_n from_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v on_o the_o other_o side_n god_n himself_o give_v illustrious_a testimony_n of_o their_o fidelity_n by_o work_a wonder_n which_o either_o they_o or_o their_o disciple_n with_o great_a boldness_n public_o avouch_v add_v also_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o their_o assertion_n may_v easy_o have_v be_v discover_v by_o the_o inquisition_n of_o the_o magistrate_n among_o which_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n which_o they_o have_v most_o constant_o deliver_v both_o concern_v the_o use_n of_o tongue_n which_o they_o have_v never_o learn_v among_o many_o thousand_o man_n and_o their_o cure_v the_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n upon_o a_o sudden_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o people_n neither_o be_v they_o any_o whit_n dismay_v with_o fear_n either_o of_o the_o jewish_a magistrate_n of_o those_o time_n who_o they_o know_v to_o be_v most_o malicious_o set_v against_o they_o or_o of_o the_o roman_n who_o be_v far_o from_o have_v any_o good_a will_n to_o they_o and_z they_o be_v sure_a will_v lay_v hold_n on_o any_o thing_n on_o which_o they_o may_v ground_v a_o charge_n of_o their_o be_v inventor_n of_o a_o new_a religion_n and_o yet_o neither_o jew_n nor_o pagan_n in_o the_o time_n immediate_o follow_v dare_v ever_o deny_v that_o wonder_n be_v wrought_v by_o those_o men._n yea_o the_o miracle_n of_o peter_n be_v mention_v by_o phlegon_n in_o his_o annal_n who_o live_v under_o adrian_n the_o emperor_n moreover_o the_o christian_n themselves_o in_o those_o book_n that_o contain_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o they_o exhibit_v to_o the_o emperor_n to_o the_o senate_n and_o to_o the_o governor_n do_v relate_v these_o thing_n as_o most_o manifest_a and_o unquestionable_a truth_n yea_o they_o open_o report_v that_o there_o continue_v a_o wonderful_a virtue_n of_o work_v strange_a effect_n at_o their_o sepulcher_n for_o some_o age_n after_o their_o death_n which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a they_o know_v that_o to_o their_o shame_n and_o punishment_n the_o magistrate_n can_v have_v confute_v
now_o make_v the_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n require_v nothing_o more_o at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o those_o that_o be_v by_o baptism_n receive_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o only_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o creed_n common_o call_v the_o apostle_n this_o creed_n be_v recite_v there_o by_o the_o priest_n and_o this_o alone_a when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o font_n and_o he_o interrogate_v the_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v if_o they_o be_v adult_n or_o their_o undertaker_n if_o they_o be_v infant_n about_o no_o other_o belief_n upon_o the_o profession_n of_o which_o he_o bid_v they_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o celestial_a blessing_n from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v a_o part_n with_o he_o and_o with_o his_o saint_n and_o have_v again_o examine_v adult_n person_n ask_v they_o do_v you_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n etc._n etc._n and_o mention_v no_o other_o article_n of_o faith_n he_o baptise_n they_o and_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v regenerate_v and_o to_o have_v remission_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o so_o do_v we_o do_v here_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o different_a practice_n in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o every_o where_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o consent_v to_o this_o creed_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o brief_a explication_n what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy-ghost_n in_o who_o name_n we_o be_v baptize_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n beyond_o this_o which_o we_o be_v necessary_o bind_v to_o believe_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v then_o propound_v when_o we_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n for_o baptism_n give_v we_o a_o right_a and_o title_n to_o salvation_n if_o we_o do_v not_o forfeit_v it_o afterward_o by_o apostasy_n or_o by_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o this_o faith_n with_o a_o promise_n to_o 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who_o call_v the_o creed_n now_o mention_v the_o rule_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o church_n throughout_o all_o the_o world_n say_v irenaeus_n though_o it_o be_v disperse_v to_o the_o most_o extreme_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o disciple_n and_o believe_v as_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o soul_n and_o one_o heart_n in_o so_o many_o man_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a consent_n preach_v and_o teach_v and_o deliver_v these_o thing_n as_o have_v but_o one_o mouth_n for_o though_o there_o be_v divers_a language_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o one_o and_o the_o same_o tradition_n prevail_v every_o where_n for_o neither_o the_o church_n in_o germany_n believe_v otherways_o or_o deliver_v any_o thing_n else_o nor_o they_o in_o spain_n nor_o they_o in_o france_n nor_o they_o in_o the_o east_n nor_o they_o in_o egypt_n nor_o they_o in_o libya_n nor_o they_o that_o be_v found_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o world_n but_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o truth_n enlighten_v all_o man_n who_o will_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o neither_o he_o who_o be_v most_o eloquent_a among_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n preach_v any_o thing_n different_a for_o no_o man_n be_v above_o his_o master_n nor_o do_v he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o speech_n lessen_v in_o the_o least_o this_o tradition_n for_o there_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o faith_n he_o that_o have_v most_o to_o say_n can_v enlarge_v it_o nor_o he_o that_o have_v least_o diminish_v it_o thus_o they_o declare_v their_o mind_n in_o those_o early_a day_n when_o there_o be_v no_o catholic_n man_n or_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n require_v to_o believe_v any_o of_o those_o doctrine_n now_o in_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o set_v down_o in_o the_o creed_n of_o pope_n pius_n iv_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o they_o all_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o simple_a belief_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v in_o their_o creed_n the_o great_a man_n in_o the_o church_n deliver_v no_o more_o nor_o the_o mean_a saying_n less_o and_o with_o this_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n satisfy_v themselves_o in_o time_n succeed_v as_o appear_v by_o this_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o st._n hilary_n in_o his_o little_a book_n which_o he_o himself_o deliver_v to_o the_o emperor_n constantius_n where_o he_o thus_o complain_v faith_n be_v now_o inquire_v after_o as_o if_o we_o have_v none_o faith_n must_v be_v set_v down_o in_o write_v as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o heart_n be_v regenerate_v by_o faith_n we_o be_v now_o teach_v what_o to_o believe_v as_o if_o that_o regeneration_n can_v have_v be_v without_o faith_n we_o learn_v christ_n after_o baptism_n as_o if_o there_o can_v have_v be_v any_o baptism_n without_o faith_n in_o christ_n sect_n v._o christianity_n therefore_o be_v not_o there_o in_o its_o purity_n but_o much_o corrupt_v which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o sincere_o preserve_v in_o that_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o withhold_v we_o from_o join_v with_o they_o in_o impose_v thus_o upon_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o thereby_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n and_o turn_v man_n away_o from_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o palpable_a falsity_n and_o absurd_a mixture_n which_o be_v bring_v into_o it_o and_o that_o as_o necessary_a part_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o adulterate_n of_o which_o we_o ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o consent_v but_o maintain_v it_o in_o that_o purity_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v it_o to_o their_o successor_n as_o we_o find_v it_o set_v down_o in_o the_o work_v of_o a_o great_a many_o follow_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o name_n i_o forbear_v but_o be_v ready_a at_o hand_n to_o make_v good_a what_o i_o quote_v just_a now_o out_o of_o irenaeus_n who_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o a_o sincere_a christian_a who_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o epiphanius_n recite_v his_o word_n which_o be_v then_o extant_a in_o greek_a that_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o receive_v in_o baptism_n firm_a and_o unmoveable_a he_o can_v be_v a_o heretic_n who_o thus_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n wherein_o the_o nicene_n creed_n not_o add_v any_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o declare_v what_o be_v believe_v from_o the_o beginning_n have_v explain_v the_o word_n but_o they_o be_v schismatic_n who_o call_v he_o so_o and_o will_v not_o admit_v he_o into_o their_o communion_n unless_o he_o consent_v to_o other_o thing_n and_o hold_v they_o to_o be_v equal_o certain_a and_o necessary_a with_o the_o ancient_a rule_n of_o faith_n sect_n vi_o answer_n to_o a_o evasion_n from_o the_o force_n of_o the_o forego_n argument_n to_o pretend_v that_o all_o those_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o now_o impose_v though_o not_o express_o mention_v in_o the_o creed_n yet_o be_v contain_v in_o one_o article_n of_o it_o viz._n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o make_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creed_n unnecessary_a and_o to_o establish_v this_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o for_o if_o by_o believe_v the_o catholic_n church_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v as_o they_o will_v have_v we_o whatsoever_o the_o catholic_n church_n propound_v than_o it_o have_v be_v enough_o to_o have_v say_v to_o those_o catechuman_n that_o come_v for_o baptism_n do_v you_o believe_v in_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n and_o to_o add_v any_o more_o have_v be_v utter_o superfluous_a but_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o further_a appear_v in_o that_o
none_o of_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n who_o have_v expound_v the_o creed_n and_o there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o have_v give_v any_o such_o sense_n of_o that_o article_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n nay_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o most_o ancient_a form_n of_o faith_n nor_o do_v the_o church_n true_o catholic_n teach_v any_o thing_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o creed_n for_o we_o do_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n believe_v the_o catholic_n church_n but_o not_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n which_o their_o creed_n will_v have_v to_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n because_o to_o omit_v many_o other_o absurdity_n which_o be_v in_o it_o there_o be_v a_o catholic_n church_n before_o there_o be_v a_o roman_a and_o to_o say_v that_o they_o believe_v the_o catholic_n church_n mean_v thereby_o the_o roman_a be_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o say_v they_o believe_v themselves_o sect_n vii_o their_o absurd_a explication_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n nothing_o therefore_o can_v be_v further_o from_o the_o truth_n than_o that_o explication_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o roman_a catechism_n publish_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o pope_n pius_n iv_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n wherein_o the_o catechumen_n be_v teach_v to_o believe_v and_o profess_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v one_o not_o only_o because_o of_o one_o faith_n and_o other_o reason_n mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n ephes_n four_o and_o because_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o one_o invisible_a governor_n which_o be_v christ_n but_o because_o it_o be_v subject_a also_o to_o one_o visible_a governor_n who_o hold_v the_o roman_a chair_n the_o legitimate_a successor_n of_o st._n peter_n concern_v who_o it_o be_v the_o unanimous_a opinion_n of_o all_o the_o father_n that_o this_o visible_a head_n be_v necessary_a to_o constitute_v and_o conserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o this_o head_n or_o pastor_n christ_n have_v give_v the_o authority_n of_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o whole_a church_n as_o the_o vicar_n and_o minister_n of_o his_o power_n thus_o that_o catechism_n teach_v in_o the_o first_o part_n the_o ix_o article_n n._n 11_o 12_o 13._o which_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v confute_v by_o the_o plain_a demonstration_n now_o mention_v that_o christ_n have_v a_o catholic_n church_n which_o have_v unity_n in_o itself_o when_o there_o be_v no_o roman_a church_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o constant_a doctrine_n not_o only_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o of_o all_o the_o father_n who_o consent_n they_o false_o boast_v of_o and_o of_o many_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o of_o council_n also_o both_o general_n and_o particular_a even_o of_o the_o council_n of_o lateran_n and_o trent_n which_o by_o approve_v the_o five_o first_o general_n council_n who_o condemn_v this_o supremacy_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n do_v in_o effect_n condemn_v it_o themselves_o sect_n viii_o which_o forbid_v we_o to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o upon_o such_o term_n to_o that_o church_n than_o we_o ought_v to_o adhere_v which_o have_v keep_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n simple_a and_o unmixed_a with_o humane_a invention_n which_o if_o we_o admit_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n we_o betray_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v false_a and_o unjust_a to_o innumerable_a christian_a brethren_n who_o by_o baptism_n be_v admit_v into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n but_o hereby_o unmerciful_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o have_v that_o faith_n which_o make_v they_o true_a member_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o great_a crime_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o may_v suffice_v instead_o of_o all_o other_o demonstration_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v corrupt_v themselves_o and_o depart_v from_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n for_o this_o very_a article_n alone_o which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n but_o by_o union_n with_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n and_o that_o by_o subjection_n to_o it_o thrust_v out_o of_o heaven_n not_o only_o the_o ancient_a christian_a pious_a emperor_n who_o refuse_v such_o subjection_n but_o many_o of_o their_o ancient_a pope_n who_o acknowledge_v their_o subjection_n be_v due_a to_o the_o christian_a emperor_n together_o with_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n and_o father_n assemble_v in_o many_o council_n and_o the_o most_o famous_a christian_a church_n the_o most_o glorious_a martyr_n and_o saint_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o best_a time_n of_o christianity_n have_v know_v and_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o after_o age_n the_o present_a christian_n of_o greece_n russia_n armenia_n syria_n ethiopia_n who_o by_o this_o article_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o catholic_n roman_n church_n be_v all_o exclude_v from_o christian_a communion_n and_o must_v perish_v everlasting_o for_o bellonius_fw-la say_v that_o in_o his_o travel_n he_o meet_v with_o nine_o sort_n of_o christian_n at_o jerusalem_n eight_o of_o which_o nine_o know_v nothing_o of_o this_o universal_a bishop_n or_o do_v not_o regard_v he_o and_o of_o the_o nine_o there_o be_v scarce_o half_a that_o acknowledge_v his_o authority_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v man_n among_o they_o of_o no_o mean_a note_n and_o number_n who_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o declaration_n when_o he_o will_v determine_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v of_o faith_n we_o all_o ought_v to_o receive_v and_o though_o we_o be_v assure_v as_o much_o as_o be_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o st._n peter_n that_o christ_n never_o give_v he_o much_o less_o his_o successor_n any_o authority_n at_o all_o over_o his_o whole_a church_n yet_o now_o to_o deny_v the_o pope_n supremacy_n be_v such_o a_o heresy_n that_o let_v a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o orthodox_n in_o all_o other_o point_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v he_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n witness_v our_o king_n henry_n viii_o who_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o his_o kingdom_n give_v away_o for_o no_o other_o fault_n by_o a_o bull_n of_o paul_n the_o three_o who_o affirm_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o bull_n that_o herein_o he_o act_v by_o divine_a authority_n which_o according_a as_o god_n say_v in_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n have_v set_v he_o over_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n to_o root_v up_o and_o destroy_v as_o well_o as_o to_o build_v and_o plant_v have_v the_o supreme_a power_n over_o all_o king_n and_o people_n throughout_o the_o whole_a earth_n which_o certain_o be_v such_o new_a language_n never_o know_v in_o the_o church_n for_o many_o age_n that_o they_o who_o be_v not_o convince_v thereby_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v their_o eye_n blind_v with_o the_o worldly_a splendour_n of_o it_o sect_n ix_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n not_o to_o slight_v episcopal_a authority_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o enormous_a power_n which_o they_o have_v usurp_v be_v a_o very_a strong_a proof_n of_o the_o high_a authority_n of_o christian_a bishop_n in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o great_a reverence_n that_o be_v pay_v to_o they_o by_o christian_a people_n who_o otherways_o will_v never_o have_v thus_o submit_v to_o their_o will_n and_o pleasure_n have_v not_o the_o obedience_n which_o they_o have_v be_v wont_a always_o to_o yield_v to_o their_o authority_n dispose_v they_o to_o be_v bring_v by_o little_a and_o little_a under_o a_o absolute_a subjection_n nor_o will_v there_o have_v be_v reason_n for_o those_o caution_n which_o st._n peter_n give_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o god_n church_n not_o at_o rome_n but_o elsewhere_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 2_o 3._o not_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v invest_v with_o a_o power_n which_o all_o christian_n reverence_v so_o much_o that_o it_o may_v more_o easy_o be_v abuse_v than_o contemn_v and_o soon_o persuade_v people_n to_o follow_v they_o with_o a_o blind_a obedience_n than_o to_o slight_v their_o judgement_n and_o refuse_v to_o conform_v to_o their_o injunction_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o now_o despise_v all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n we_o may_v be_v sure_o they_o have_v swerve_v from_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o they_o also_o be_v altogether_o inexcusable_a who_o shake_v off_o the_o episcopal_a government_n and_o refuse_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o it_o under_o a_o pretence_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o equality_n among_o christ_n
pagan_n among_o who_o as_o grotius_n observe_v it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o poet_n to_o sing_v what_o they_o please_v though_o never_o so_o lewd_a concern_v the_o god_n and_o for_o the_o epicure_n to_o take_v providence_n out_o of_o the_o world_n while_o the_o jew_n be_v make_v ridiculous_a and_o the_o christian_n most_o barbarous_o use_v as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v the_o vile_a of_o mankind_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o sect_n xii_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o overthrow_v their_o own_o religion_n that_o argument_n also_o which_o he_o urge_v for_o christianity_n against_o the_o pagan_n that_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o best_a and_o great_a among_o they_o may_v be_v use_v by_o we_o also_o for_o the_o faith_n to_o which_o we_o now_o hold_v there_o be_v several_a learned_a writer_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n who_o have_v acknowledge_v our_o belief_n to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n and_o the_o point_n which_o they_o have_v superad_v have_v be_v look_v upon_o by_o the_o most_o excellent_a person_n among_o they_o only_o as_o mere_a scholastical_a opinion_n and_o not_o certain_a truth_n of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v a_o full_a assurance_n here_o i_o may_v show_v how_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v own_v and_o the_o apostle_n creed_n likewise_o confess_v to_o contain_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n but_o because_o i_o will_v not_o have_v this_o book_n swell_v above_o the_o bigness_n of_o the_o forego_n i_o shall_v let_v they_o alone_o and_o instance_n only_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n which_o be_v now_o press_v with_o so_o much_o violence_n upon_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o most_o plain_o condemn_v by_o gratian_n in_o their_o canon_n law_n and_o by_o the_o author_n or_o author_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o mass_n itself_o about_o the_o former_a we_o may_v be_v satisfy_v out_o of_o the_o decretum_fw-la if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o three_o part_n and_o the_o second_o distinction_n concern_v consecration_n where_o in_o the_o xl_o viii_o chapter_n out_o of_o st._n austin_n and_o prosper_n he_o say_v the_o heavenly_a bread_n which_o be_v true_o christ_n flesh_n svo_fw-la modo_fw-la after_o a_o sort_n or_o manner_n be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n whereas_o revera_fw-la in_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v call_v his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o crucifixion_n not_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o in_o a_o signify_v mystery_n which_o word_n be_v so_o direct_o against_o the_o present_a sense_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n that_o no_o protestant_n can_v speak_v more_o express_o and_o clear_o against_o it_o nor_o desire_v a_o plain_a confutation_n of_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o of_o the_o gloss_n upon_o those_o word_n which_o be_v this_o the_o celestial_a sacrament_n which_o true_o represent_v the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n but_o improper_o whence_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o svo_fw-la modo_fw-la sed_fw-la non_fw-la rei_fw-la veritate_fw-la after_o a_o manner_n but_o not_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o the_o sense_n be_v it_o be_v call_v christ_n body_n that_o be_v it_o be_v signify_v thereby_o and_o if_o we_o look_v further_o into_o the_o lii_o chapter_n we_o find_v he_o say_v christ_n be_v sacrifice_v but_o once_o in_o semet_fw-la ipso_fw-la in_o himself_o when_o he_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n etc._n etc._n yet_o be_v offer_v daily_o in_o sacramento_n in_o the_o sacrament_n which_o the_o church_n frequent_v in_o memory_n of_o that_o thing_n which_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o next_o chapter_n he_o call_v exemplum_fw-la the_o example_n or_o resemblance_n of_o that_o upon_o the_o cross_n offer_v in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o that_o they_o believe_v in_o those_o day_n as_o we_o do_v now_o and_o not_o as_o the_o roman_a church_n do_v else_o he_o will_v not_o have_v call_v that_o which_o he_o say_v be_v true_o the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n the_o heavenly_a bread_n but_o to_o put_v all_o out_o of_o doubt_n let_v we_o turn_v to_o the_o lxxii_o chapter_n and_o there_o we_o find_v these_o remarkable_a word_n out_o of_o st._n austin_n which_o full_o explain_v the_o business_n because_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o christ_n to_o be_v devour_v by_o our_o tooth_n therefore_o our_o lord_n will_v have_v this_o bread_n and_o this_o wine_n in_o a_o mystery_n by_o consecration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v potential_o create_v his_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o to_o be_v daily_o mystical_o offer_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n they_o be_v potential_o then_o or_o virtual_o make_v his_o body_n and_o blood_n though_o but_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o themselves_o and_o of_o this_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v thus_o wonderful_o make_v in_o commemoration_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o add_v out_o of_o st._n hierom_n chap._n lxxvi_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v but_o of_o that_o which_o christ_n offer_v on_o the_o cross_n secundum_fw-la se_fw-la according_a to_o itself_o none_o can_v eat_v but_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o mass_n will_v more_o abundant_o convince_v we_o that_o he_o or_o they_o that_o make_v it_o do_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n of_o transubstantiation_n for_o first_o after_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n the_o priest_n sign_v they_o ten_o time_n at_o least_o with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o can_v have_v no_o excuse_n make_v for_o it_o but_o be_v the_o great_a impudence_n if_o it_o be_v indeed_o christ_n himself_o who_o lie_v before_o the_o priest_n who_o he_o thus_o cross_n for_o sure_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o bless_v christ_n or_o to_o drive_v away_o the_o devil_n from_o he_o or_o any_o such_o like_a thing_n for_o which_o those_o cross_n be_v use_v in_o that_o church_n but_o more_o than_o this_o two_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o after_o consecration_n also_o the_o priest_n still_o call_v christ_n body_n panem_fw-la sanctum_fw-la the_o holy_a bread_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o show_v that_o when_o this_o rule_n be_v make_v they_o believe_v the_o bread_n to_o be_v still_o remain_v a_o further_a indication_n of_o which_o be_v that_o 3_o the_o priest_n proceed_v to_o beseech_v god_n that_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o look_v upon_o that_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o gift_n with_o a_o propitious_a and_o serene_a countenance_n and_o to_o accept_v they_o as_o he_o do_v the_o gift_n of_o his_o servant_n abel_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o abraham_n and_o that_o which_o his_o highpriest_n melchisedeck_v offer_v to_o he_o which_o be_v most_o absurd_o speak_v if_o the_o priest_n there_o offer_v christ_n himself_o unto_o god_n for_o than_o he_o intercede_v with_o he_o for_o our_o intercessor_n as_o if_o he_o need_v our_o prayer_n and_o beside_o compare_v he_o with_o the_o first-fruit_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o the_o spoil_n of_o war_n which_o be_v so_o incongruous_a and_o so_o much_o below_o his_o heavenly_a glory_n that_o a_o unprejudiced_a man_n can_v but_o think_v they_o who_o compose_v that_o prayer_n look_v upon_o those_o gift_n which_o they_o offer_v as_o still_o bread_n and_o wine_n which_o appear_v more_o full_o 4thly_a from_o what_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o prayer_n where_o bow_v profound_o and_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o the_o altar_n the_o priest_n humble_o entreat_v god_n in_o this_o manner_n command_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o thy_o holy_a angel_n to_o thy_o high_a altar_n into_o the_o presence_n of_o thy_o divine_a majesty_n where_o there_o be_v two_o plain_a testimony_n against_o their_o present_a doctrine_n for_o first_o nothing_o but_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n can_v be_v call_v haec_fw-la these_o thing_n which_o in_o no_o propriety_n of_o speech_n can_v signify_v the_o very_a natural_a body_n of_o christ_n who_o second_o can_v by_o none_o of_o god_n angel_n be_v carry_v into_o heaven_n be_v there_o already_o nor_o bring_v more_o than_o he_o be_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n where_o he_o be_v before_o the_o priest_n say_v mass_n and_o sit_v for_o ever_o there_o at_o god_n right_a hand_n have_v they_o that_o compose_v this_o prayer_n believe_v any_o thing_n of_o transubstantiation_n they_o will_v have_v say_v and_o can_v not_o have_v say_v otherways_o if_o they_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o matter_n almighty_a god_n behold_v here_o before_o i_o upon_o thy_o altar_n lie_v thy_o only_a beget_v son_n jesus_n christ_n by_o my_o sacrifice_n unto_o thou_o that_o very_a christ_n who_o be_v at_o thy_o right_a