Selected quad for the lemma: word_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
word_n authority_n church_n tradition_n 4,840 5 9.2566 5 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59812 A discourse concerning a judge of controversies in matters of religion being an answer to some papers asserting the necessity of such a judge : with an address to wavering protestants, shewing what little reason they have to think of any change of their religion : written for the private satisfaction of some scrupulous persons, and now published for common use : with a preface concerning the nature of certainty and infallibility. Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1686 (1686) Wing S3285; ESTC R8167 73,491 104

There are 6 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

judge_n between_o they_o and_o by_o his_o providence_n prevent_v or_o overrule_v all_o those_o disorder_n which_o may_v happen_v either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n in_o this_o world_n and_o reward_n or_o punish_v both_o governor_n and_o subject_n according_a to_o their_o desert_n in_o the_o next_o and_o this_o supresede_v all_o far_a dispute_n about_o some_o hard_a case_n or_o the_o sincerity_n or_o insincerity_n of_o governor_n or_o subject_n for_o every_o man_n must_v of_o necessity_n judge_v for_o himself_o and_o god_n will_v govern_v and_o judge_v we_o all_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o government_n of_o ourselves_o the_o paper_n but_o i_o know'tis_o urge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v guide_v by_o antiquity_n for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n but_o every_o one_o know_v that_o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n in_o that_o too_o even_o for_o scholar_n at_o least_o i_o be_o tell_v so_o for_o no_o church_n admit_v of_o all_o that_o be_v ancient_a for_o several_a heresy_n be_v so_o and_o since_o we_o say_v number_n make_v nothing_o for_o truth_n and_o that_o all_o man_n may_v err_v and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a mark_n by_o visible_a succession_n to_o find_v out_o which_o be_v true_a believer_n in_o this_o confusion_n the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v be_v very_o fortunate_a not_o to_o retain_v too_o much_o as_o the_o arian_n and_o macedonian_n etc._n etc._n say_v we_o do_v or_o too_o little_a as_o the_o romanist_n say_v answer_n the_o church_n of_o england_n indeed_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o expound_v scripture_n not_o that_o she_o fetch_v all_o her_o exposition_n from_o ancient_a writer_n but_o that_o she_o take_v care_v not_o to_o expound_v scripture_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o ancient_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n and_o it_o require_v no_o great_a skill_n in_o antiquity_n to_o know_v what_o this_o faith_n be_v which_o we_o repeat_v every_o day_n in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o we_o expound_v scripture_n right_a when_o the_o sense_n we_o give_v of_o it_o be_v what_o the_o word_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o text_n import_n and_o agree_v with_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v we_o no_o ancient_a record_n we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o traditionary_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n where_o the_o tradition_n be_v plain_a and_o clear_a and_o therefore_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v be_v a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o those_o interpretation_n we_o give_v of_o scripture_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o ancient_a belief_n and_o confute_v all_o the_o evasion_n and_o criticism_n of_o heretic_n for_o when_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n may_v with_o some_o art_n be_v expound_v to_o different_a sense_n either_o to_o justify_v some_o new_a or_o ancient_a heresy_n or_o the_o catholic_n faith_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o uniform_a belief_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o be_v the_o best_a judge_n what_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v by_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v and_o though_o there_o be_v indeed_o very_o ancient_a heresy_n yet_o nothing_o be_v plain_a in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n than_o the_o distinction_n between_o those_o ancient_a heresy_n and_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o therefore_o scholar_n can_v easy_o mistake_v they_o and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v unlearned_a that_o short_a and_o ancient_a summary_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n contain_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o expound_v by_o the_o nicene_n father_n in_o their_o creed_n which_o be_v in_o every_o body_n hand_n and_o part_n of_o our_o daily_a or_o weekly_a service_n be_v security_n enough_o against_o all_o fundamental_a mistake_v the_o christian_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v a_o very_a plain_a and_o easy_a resolution_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o for_o the_o positive_a article_n of_o faith_n we_o have_v the_o ancient_a creed_n which_o have_v be_v receive_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o which_o the_o most_o perverse_a heretic_n can_v deny_v to_o have_v be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v these_o mere_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o tradition_n but_o because_o we_o find_v all_o these_o doctrine_n plain_o teach_v in_o scripture_n and_o for_o this_o the_o mean_a christian_n need_v not_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o guide_n but_o have_v liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o exposition_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o which_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o convince_a in_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o a_o honest_a man_n who_o meet_v with_o a_o skilful_a guide_n may_v satisfy_v himself_o about_o it_o and_o see_v with_o his_o own_o eye_n now_o what_o great_a assurance_n can_v we_o have_v in_o this_o case_n than_o the_o harmony_n and_o consent_n of_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n which_o confirm_v and_o justify_v each_o other_o the_o apostle_n no_o doubt_n preach_v and_o write_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o be_v a_o uncorrupt_a tradition_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o that_o be_v a_o true_a exposition_n of_o scripture_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o ancient_a formulary_n of_o faith_n deliver_v down_o to_o we_o by_o a_o unquestionable_a tradition_n from_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o negative_a article_n about_o which_o be_v our_o only_a controversy_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n since_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n have_v teach_v we_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o reject_v all_o such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v not_o plain_o and_o express_o teach_v in_o scripture_n and_o this_o the_o mean_a christian_n with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o guide_n may_v understand_v for_o as_o in_o reason_n it_o must_v be_v when_o man_n will_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o the_o scripture_n proof_n which_o be_v urge_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a doctor_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n for_o their_o peculiar_a doctrine_n which_o we_o reject_v be_v so_o apparent_o unconcluding_a that_o it_o require_v very_o little_a skill_n to_o confute_v they_o and_o though_o this_o be_v reason_n enough_o of_o itself_o to_o reject_v any_o doctrine_n which_o arrogate_v the_o authority_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o teach_v it_o yet_o in_o most_o case_n we_o can_v show_v and_o that_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o mean_a understanding_n which_o be_v honest_a and_o unprejudiced_a that_o such_o doctrine_n be_v either_o in_o express_a word_n or_o by_o plain_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n reject_v and_o condemn_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o not_o to_o be_v teach_v there_o because_o it_o be_v certain_a no_o church_n can_v have_v authority_n to_o teach_v what_o the_o scripture_n condemn_v and_o then_o as_o for_o authority_n we_o appeal_v to_o the_o best_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o three_o first_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o most_o credible_a witness_n which_o be_v all_o the_o authority_n they_o can_v have_v of_o the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o can_v plain_o prove_v from_o those_o venerable_a record_n that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o dispute_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v either_o never_o teach_v or_o actual_o condemn_v by_o those_o primitive_a father_n and_o though_o in_o other_o case_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o prove_v a_o negative_a it_o be_v not_o so_o here_o because_o the_o proof_n lie_v all_o on_o the_o positive_a side_n for_o those_o who_o will_v teach_v such_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n ought_v to_o prove_v they_o for_o without_o such_o a_o proof_n they_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v on_o course_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o can_v confute_v their_o proof_n we_o need_v do_v no_o more_o and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a task_n especial_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o first_o three_o century_n for_o since_o they_o themselves_o be_v now_o ashamed_a of_o the_o counterfeit_a dionysius_n their_o decretal_a epistle_n and_o such_o like_a spurious_a write_n the_o wise_a of_o they_o pretend_v to_o very_o few_o testimony_n from_o the_o first_o writer_n and_o those_o which_o they_o do_v allege_v be_v such_o lame_a one_o as_o need_v very_o little_a confutation_n these_o be_v the_o protestant_a ground_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v
we_o must_v either_o say_v that_o common_a people_n who_o have_v not_o time_n nor_o ability_n to_o understand_v and_o answer_v all_o the_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n can_v have_v no_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o we_o must_v grant_v that_o man_n may_v have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v some_o thing_n without_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v all_o possible_a objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o they_o the_o plain_a account_n of_o this_o matter_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n argument_n so_o plain_a and_o clear_a and_o convince_a that_o the_o mind_n may_v safe_o acquiesce_v in_o they_o without_o examine_v or_o answer_v all_o possible_a objection_n which_o may_v be_v start_v every_o man_n find_v this_o in_o himself_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o he_o can_v never_o be_v make_v to_o doubt_v of_o though_o it_o may_v be_v he_o have_v but_o one_o plain_a argument_n to_o prove_v they_o though_o the_o philosopher_n dispute_v very_o subtle_o against_o the_o possibility_n of_o motion_n he_o can_v persuade_v none_o of_o his_o scholar_n that_o motion_n be_v impossible_a because_o they_o see_v themselves_o and_o every_o thing_n else_o move_v every_o day_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v against_o motion_n if_o i_o have_v any_o one_o unanswerable_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o my_o faith_n though_o i_o can_v answer_v all_o objection_n against_o it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o objection_n of_o any_o force_n against_o a_o plain_a and_o positive_a proof_n but_o such_o as_o weaken_v the_o proof_n itself_o and_o they_o indeed_o must_v be_v consider_v but_o all_o other_o collateral_a difficulty_n may_v be_v reject_v for_o if_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o other_o difficulty_n about_o the_o nature_n notion_n or_o operation_n of_o such_o a_o be_v can_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o as_o for_o instance_n we_o have_v a_o great_a many_o positive_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n especial_o from_o the_o visible_a effect_n of_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n in_o make_v the_o world_n now_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o which_o can_v move_v a_o consider_a man_n than_o we_o may_v firm_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a many_o difficulty_n object_v against_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n what_o he_o be_v and_o how_o he_o make_v the_o world_n etc._n etc._n which_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n but_o that_o we_o do_v not_o perfect_o comprehend_v he_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v general_o the_o case_n that_o where_o there_o be_v one_o plain_a and_o evident_a proof_n for_o or_o against_o any_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o plain_a and_o evident_a proof_n on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o then_o indeed_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o hard_a case_n can_v there_o be_v plain_o positive_a proof_n for_o both_o side_n of_o the_o question_n it_o will_v be_v of_o use_n to_o show_v this_o more_o particular_o how_o man_n of_o very_a ordinary_a ability_n may_v arrive_v to_o a_o very_a great_a certainty_n in_o religion_n without_o be_v able_a to_o dispute_v the_o point_n or_o to_o answer_v all_o possible_a objection_n and_o the_o best_a way_n to_o explain_v this_o to_o the_o mean_a understanding_n be_v to_o give_v some_o particular_a instance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o great_a dispute_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n whether_o the_o sacramental_a bread_n and_o wine_n be_v transubstantiate_v into_o the_o natural_a flesh_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o i_o think_v a_o plain_a man_n who_o will_v believe_v his_o sense_n may_v determine_v without_o dispute_v for_o he_o have_v the_o best_a evidence_n that_o he_o possible_o can_v have_v for_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o consecrate_a bread_n and_o wine_n be_v still_o bread_n and_o wine_n not_o flesh_n and_o blood_n for_o all_o his_o sense_n tell_v he_o so_o and_o he_o who_o will_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v reason_v out_o of_o his_o sense_n deserve_v to_o be_v deceive_v and_o very_o absurd_o complain_v of_o want_n of_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n when_o he_o reject_v the_o most_o certain_a evidence_n that_o god_n can_v give_v he_o in_o matter_n of_o sense_n the_o restimony_n of_o our_o sense_n be_v certain_o the_o best_a evidence_n and_o every_o man_n who_o have_v his_o eye_n in_o his_o head_n can_v see_v whether_o it_o be_v bread_n and_o wine_n or_o not_o and_o therefore_o this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o create_v certainty_n in_o defiance_n of_o all_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_n thus_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o forbid_v the_o worship_n of_o all_o image_n without_o any_o restriction_n or_o qualification_n be_v a_o plain_a and_o express_a proof_n against_o image-worship_n for_o whatever_o apology_n may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n here_o be_v a_o express_a law_n against_o it_o in_o such_o plain_a term_n as_o require_v great_a art_n and_o sophistry_n to_o evade_v they_o but_o no_o art_n to_o understand_v they_o now_o there_o be_v a_o positive_a law_n against_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o no_o law_n either_o in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n to_o give_v the_o least_o allowance_n to_o any_o kind_n of_o image-worship_n any_o man_n who_o will_v believe_v according_a to_o evidence_n must_v condemn_v image-worship_n whatever_o other_o unscriptural_a argument_n or_o authority_n may_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o and_o i_o know_v no_o need_n there_o be_v of_o any_o dispute_n in_o the_o case_n if_o man_n will_v be_v determine_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n thus_o if_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a infallible_a head_n of_o the_o church_n he_o must_v be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o such_o plain_a word_n that_o every_o body_n may_v know_v who_o he_o be_v and_o what_o his_o authority_n be_v but_o christ_n have_v do_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v none_o and_o this_o alone_a be_v evidence_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o mean_a man_n in_o this_o matter_n without_o dispute_v for_o if_o christ_n have_v appoint_v no_o supreme_a infallible_a judge_n i_o be_o sure_a all_o the_o argument_n in_o the_o world_n can_v make_v one_o this_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o evident_a that_o a_o man_n who_o will_v be_v convince_v by_o reason_n can_v resist_v it_o for_o though_o no_o pretence_n of_o usefulness_n or_o necessity_n can_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o judge_n yet_o that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v no_o such_o judge_n evident_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v none_o for_o he_o can_v be_v unless_o he_o be_v evident_o appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o evident_o appoint_v unless_o it_o be_v in_o such_o plain_a word_n as_o admit_v of_o no_o reasonable_a dispute_n so_o that_o this_o whole_a controversy_n about_o the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o infallible_a judge_n issue_v in_o this_o one_o point_n whether_o christ_n have_v appoint_v such_o a_o head_n and_o judge_n and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n to_o prove_v it_o viz._n by_o show_v where_o and_o when_o christ_n have_v do_v this_o and_o this_o the_o mean_a man_n without_o dispute_v may_v judge_v of_o for_o if_o no_o such_o thing_n plain_o appear_v the_o want_n of_o evidence_n for_o it_o be_v all_o the_o evidence_n we_o need_v to_o have_v against_o it_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o most_o of_o the_o dispute_v between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n especial_o where_o the_o people_n be_v most_o concern_v they_o be_v reduce_v to_o this_o one_o plain_a question_n whether_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v institute_v by_o christ_n because_o without_o such_o a_o institution_n they_o can_v have_v no_o virtue_n in_o they_o and_o whether_o they_o be_v institute_v or_o not_o the_o most_o unlearned_a man_n who_o can_v read_v the_o bible_n at_o least_o with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o guide_n may_v satisfy_v himself_o as_o for_o instance_n whether_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a whether_o the_o laity_n be_v not_o as_o much_o bind_v to_o drink_v of_o the_o sacramental_a cup_n as_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o bread_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v to_o saint_n depart_v and_o to_o make_v they_o our_o advocate_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n whether_o we_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n in_o a_o language_n which_o we_o do_v or_o do_v not_o understand_v etc._n etc._n i_o say_v nothing_o can_v justify_v these_o thing_n but_o a_o institution_n and_o when_o no_o such_o institution_n appear_v it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o attempt_v
pretence_n of_o such_o a_o judge_n if_o we_o can_v know_v what_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n without_o a_o judge_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o judge_n for_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o know_v this_o but_o by_o the_o scripture_n if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o judge_n appoint_v in_o scripture_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o own_v he_o and_o if_o we_o can_v tell_v what_o scripture_n be_v without_o a_o judge_n how_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o judge_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o though_o the_o objection_n be_v make_v only_o against_o some_o particular_a book_n of_o scripture_n yet_o in_o truth_n it_o equal_o lie_v against_o the_o whole_a canon_n for_o if_o we_o can_v know_v any_o one_o particular_a book_n of_o scripture_n without_o a_o judge_n why_o not_o the_o rest_n no_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v doubt_v of_o right_a by_o some_o church_n who_o do_v not_o know_v they_o till_o they_o be_v satisfy_v by_o those_o church_n which_o keep_v those_o sacred_a record_n that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o a_o book_n which_o have_v be_v doubt_v of_o when_o that_o doubt_n be_v remove_v have_v not_o as_o certain_a authority_n as_o the_o rest_n if_o it_o can_v not_o then_o and_o can_v to_o this_o day_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v genuine_a why_o be_v it_o receive_v what_o obligation_n be_v we_o under_o to_o own_v it_o if_o any_o book_n which_o we_o call_v canonical_a be_v still_o doubtful_a it_o be_v more_o natural_a and_o reasonable_a to_o reject_v they_o than_o to_o set_v up_o a_o judge_n without_o any_o authority_n to_o give_v authority_n to_o they_o for_o whether_o any_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v canonical_a be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n themselves_o do_v not_o extend_v infallibility_n to_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o then_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n there_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n but_o we_o must_v content_v ourselves_o with_o such_o moral_a certainty_n as_o may_v be_v have_v and_o if_o catholic_n tradition_n be_v so_o uncertain_a that_o we_o can_v learn_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n from_o it_o what_o become_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o their_o unwritten_a tradition_n which_o they_o so_o much_o boast_v of_o thus_o some_o man_n if_o they_o can_v but_o make_v a_o show_n of_o say_v any_o thing_n never_o attend_v to_o consequence_n nor_o consider_v whether_o their_o objection_n do_v not_o make_v as_o much_o against_o themselves_o and_o common_a christianity_n as_o against_o protestant_n three_o the_o last_o argument_n be_v that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o paper_n can_v make_v those_o article_n of_o the_o nicene_n creed_n one_o holy_a catholic_n apostolic_a church_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n agree_v with_o the_o protestant_a religion_n here_o be_v a_o little_a blunder_n in_o call_v this_o the_o nicene_n creed_n though_o easy_o pardonable_a for_o it_o be_v a_o jumble_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o nicene_n creed_n together_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n one_o catholic_n apostolic_a church_n the_o nicene_n creed_n and_o why_o do_v not_o this_o agree_v with_o the_o protestant_a religion_n for_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v both_o these_o creed_n as_o sincere_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o how_o can_v they_o be_v one_o who_o disagree_v by_o add_v in_o faith_n or_o diminish_v from_o it_o who_o do_v not_o communicate_v together_o in_o prayer_n or_o sacrament_n when_o they_o be_v not_o agree_v in_o the_o essential_a thing_n how_o be_v they_o one_o right_n church_n which_o differ_v in_o essential_o be_v not_o one_o but_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v few_o church_n do_v that_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o can_v never_o prove_v that_o we_o deny_v any_o essential_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n if_o this_o prove_v any_o thing_n it_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o separate_a communion_n of_o christendom_n be_v not_o one_o church_n and_o what_o then_o how_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n more_o concern_v in_o this_o than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v we_o believe_v one_o church_n in_o the_o creed_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o division_n of_o christendom_n do_v the_o mere_a division_n of_o christendom_n prove_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v that_o one_o church_n or_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v no_o member_n of_o this_o one_o church_n in_o the_o creed_n the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o from_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o it_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o well_o as_o we_o must_v own_v that_o it_o be_v but_o one_o church_n notwithstanding_o the_o several_a division_n that_o have_v be_v in_o it_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o now_o and_o therefore_o the_o unity_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o be_v estimate_v by_o any_o one_o age_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o apostolic_a age_n must_v be_v the_o standard_n of_o catholic_n unity_n and_o communion_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n suppose_v all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n at_o this_o day_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n except_v the_o church_n of_o england_n why_o then_o you_o will_v say_v it_o will_v be_v plain_a the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o from_o catholic_n communion_n right_n from_o the_o church_n of_o this_o age_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o this_o age_n be_v but_o a_o very_a little_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n where_o it_o be_v sound_a and_o orthodox_n for_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v allow_v the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o three_o first_o age_n to_o be_v the_o best_a and_o pure_a part_n of_o the_o one_o catholic_n church_n and_o that_o we_o must_v still_o maintain_v communion_n with_o they_o if_o then_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v separate_v from_o all_o the_o church_n of_o this_o age_n yet_o if_o she_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a church_n she_o be_v in_o catholic_n commun_n on_o still_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v in_o catholic_n communion_n to_o know_v then_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a catholic_n church_n and_o in_o catholic_n communion_n we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v to_o inquire_v what_o church_n she_o communicate_v with_o now_o as_o whether_o she_o be_v in_o the_o apostolic_a communion_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o original_a of_o catholic_n communion_n now_o if_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v such_o as_o to_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o will_v have_v own_v our_o communion_n have_v we_o be_v in_o their_o day_n how_o do_v we_o come_v to_o be_v schismatic_n now_o and_o out_o of_o catholic_n communion_n for_o if_o catholic_n communion_n be_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n from_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o apostolic_a church_n be_v the_o true_a measure_n and_o standard_n of_o true_a catholic_n communion_n than_o those_o church_n which_o to_o this_o day_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o true_a catholic_n communion_n and_o this_o test_n we_o will_v stand_v by_o though_o i_o will_v not_o advise_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o do_v so_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v reject_v our_o communion_n for_o those_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n now_o reject_v we_o will_v st._n paul_n have_v reject_v our_o communion_n because_o we_o will_v not_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n which_o he_o himself_o forbid_v 1_o cor._n 14._o because_o we_o will_v not_o worship_v saint_n and_o angel_n and_o image_n which_o the_o romanist_n confess_v be_v neither_o command_v nor_o practise_v in_o those_o day_n and_o which_o we_o say_v be_v forbid_v then_o and_o understand_v to_o be_v so_o by_o all_o christian_n for_o not_o own_v the_o supremacy_n of_o peter_n when_o st._n paul_n himself_o withstand_v he_o as_o much_o as_o we_o do_v the_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o upon_o a_o much_o less_o occasion_n gal._n 2._o 11._o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o african_a church_n long_o after_o in_o the_o day_n of_o st._n cyprian_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n forbid_v all_o appeal_n to_o the_o bishop_n or_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o a_o word_n will_v the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n indulgence_n purgatory_n communion_n in_o one_o kind_n private_a and_o solitary_a mass_n
any_o other_o way_n to_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n or_o usefulness_n of_o they_o especial_o if_o beside_o the_o want_n of_o such_o a_o positive_a institution_n we_o have_v plain_a evidence_n against_o they_o and_o such_o as_o every_o man_n may_v understand_v when_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n have_v by_o one_o offer_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v hebr._n 9_o 25_o 26._o &_o 10._o 14_o this_o be_v a_o direct_a proof_n against_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n wherein_o he_o be_v offer_v ten_o thousand_o time_n every_o day_n when_o christ_n be_v the_o priest_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o can_v be_v offer_v by_o none_o but_o himself_o how_o come_v he_o to_o be_v offer_v by_o a_o mass_n priest_n unless_o he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v transubstantiate_v into_o christ_n it_o be_v certain_a there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o popish_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n unless_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v transubstantiate_v into_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o our_o sense_n can_v make_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o transubstantiation_n as_o for_o the_o half-communion_n it_o be_v confess_v that_o christ_n do_v institute_v his_o last_o supper_n in_o both_o kind_n and_o command_v they_o all_o to_o drink_v of_o the_o cup_n and_o this_o may_v satisfy_v any_o man_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v authority_n to_o repeal_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o forbid_v what_o he_o command_v and_o when_o st._n paul_n assure_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n one_o will_v think_v this_o evidence_n enough_o against_o the_o mediation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n when_o they_o can_v show_v one_o word_n for_o it_o for_o as_o for_o their_o distinction_n between_o mediator_n of_o redemption_n and_o pure_a intercession_n they_o can_v show_v it_o in_o scripture_n where_o our_o redeemer_n be_v our_o only_a advocate_n and_o when_o christ_n himself_o enforce_v and_o ratify_v that_o command_n of_o the_o law_n thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v this_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n against_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n since_o they_o have_v nothing_o for_o it_o and_o when_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n in_o scripture_n for_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o practice_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o express_o condemn_v it_o be_v evidence_n enough_o against_o it_o so_o that_o though_o man_n may_v be_v at_o the_o needless_a expense_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o learning_n in_o these_o controversy_n yet_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o learning_n require_v to_o understand_v they_o the_o mean_a man_n may_v judge_v for_o himself_o for_o the_o controversy_n turn_v upon_o so_o plain_a a_o point_n and_o there_o be_v so_o plain_a evidence_n in_o the_o case_n that_o a_o honest_a man_n may_v have_v abundant_a evidence_n and_o satisfaction_n though_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v one_o word_n of_o all_o the_o learning_n which_o be_v lose_v in_o such_o dispute_n the_o paper_n in_o short_a i_o think_v there_o be_v but_o evidence_n or_o authority_n to_o move_v we_o to_o believe_v answer_n this_o be_v certain_o true_a if_o it_o be_v right_o understand_v that_o be_v if_o by_o evidence_n be_v mean_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o by_o authority_n the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o speak_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o credible_a witness_n of_o the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o grant_v that_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v found_v both_o upon_o evidence_n and_o authority_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n and_o then_o the_o only_a fault_n of_o this_o proposition_n be_v that_o evidence_n and_o authority_n be_v oppose_v to_o each_o other_o whereas_o they_o must_v always_o go_v together_o in_o a_o true_a rational_a faith_n but_o if_o by_o evidence_n be_v mean_v all_o the_o argument_n whereby_o we_o can_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n whether_o from_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o scripture_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n and_o by_o authority_n be_v mean_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n as_o it_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o paper_n then_o at_o best_a this_o be_v a_o very_a precarious_a proposition_n without_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o truth_n that_o either_o evidence_n or_o authority_n must_v move_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o be_v that_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v resolve_v either_o into_o evidence_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n for_o how_o be_v this_o prove_v that_o when_o there_o want_v evidence_n for_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o more_o natural_a consequence_n that_o where_o there_o want_v evidence_n we_o must_v not_o believe_v at_o all_o if_o it_o have_v be_v first_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o visible_a judge_n to_o direct_v those_o who_o can_v judge_v for_o themselves_o there_o have_v be_v some_o pretence_n for_o say_v that_o we_o must_v believe_v either_o upon_o evidence_n or_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o judge_n but_o without_o prove_v this_o first_o i_o will_v desire_v any_o man_n to_o prove_v to_o i_o that_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o believe_v what_o i_o have_v no_o evidence_n for_o or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o no_o such_o evidence_n as_o i_o can_v understand_v and_o if_o i_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v without_o evidence_n how_o can_v the_o want_n of_o evidence_n prove_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o visible_a judge_n into_o who_o authority_n i_o must_v resolve_v my_o faith_n the_o paper_n evidence_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n be_v impossible_a but_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o the_o mean_a man_n with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o learned_a and_o faithful_a guide_n may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o know_v but_o suppose_v at_o present_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n can_v do_v this_o yet_o can_v learned_a man_n do_v it_o and_o one_o will_v think_v if_o there_o be_v any_o evidence_n at_o least_o learned_a man_n may_v understand_v it_o for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o evident_a neither_o to_o the_o learned_a nor_o to_o the_o unlearned_a i_o fear_v be_v no_o evidence_n at_o all_o unless_o there_o be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o evidence_n as_o be_v evident_a to_o no_o body_n and_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v bring_v thing_n to_o a_o fine_a pass_n if_o she_o must_v be_v force_v to_o deny_v that_o we_o have_v any_o evidence_n for_o our_o religion_n now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o evidence_n for_o our_o religion_n and_o learned_a man_n may_v understand_v it_o then_o at_o least_o learned_a man_n may_v judge_v for_o themselves_o and_o not_o depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o judge_n and_o thus_o there_o be_v no_o need_n nay_o there_o can_v be_v no_o use_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n for_o the_o learned_a part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o to_o say_v that_o learned_a man_n have_v evidence_n to_o ground_v their_o faith_n on_o and_o yet_o must_v not_o believe_v according_a to_o evidence_n but_o authority_n be_v to_o say_v that_o man_n have_v eye_n but_o must_v not_o use_v they_o to_o see_v their_o own_o way_n but_o must_v follow_v a_o guide_n blindfold_a and_o yet_o if_o learned_a man_n be_v allow_v to_o see_v and_o judge_v for_o themselves_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n will_v signify_v very_o little_a for_o it_o be_v learn_v man_n who_o start_v difficulty_n and_o manage_v dispute_n and_o be_v the_o author_n and_o patron_n of_o heresy_n and_o if_o these_o learned_a man_n who_o may_v and_o must_v judge_v for_o themselves_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o and_o from_o the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n what_o remedy_n be_v there_o nay_o if_o learned_a man_n must_v judge_v for_o themselves_o according_a to_o the_o evidence_n they_o have_v of_o thing_n and_o not_o be_v overrule_v by_o authority_n without_o evidence_n there_o can_v be_v no_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n for_o a_o authority_n which_o may_v be_v contradict_v as_o it_o may_v be_v if_o learned_a man_n must_v judge_v for_o themselves_o can_v be_v no_o authority_n either_o with_o the_o learned_a or_o unlearned_a for_o the_o unlearned_a will_v have_v no_o great_a reverence_n for_o that_o authority_n which_o
against_o her_o infallibility_n however_o this_o show_n that_o the_o most_o infallible_a teacher_n can_v destroy_v our_o natural_a liberty_n of_o judge_v for_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o see_v that_o it_o contradict_v neither_o which_o be_v the_o only_a natural_a principle_n of_o knowledge_n we_o have_v which_o be_v therefore_o to_o exercise_v all_o the_o reason_n and_o judgement_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o and_o three_o though_o we_o must_v receive_v all_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a truth_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n yet_o we_o must_v own_v our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n to_o understand_v the_o revelation_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v otherwise_o for_o whoever_o it_o be_v that_o speak_v to_o we_o whether_o god_n by_o a_o immediate_a voice_n from_o heaven_n or_o a_o prophet_n inspire_v by_o god_n we_o have_v no_o way_n to_o understand_v what_o be_v say_v but_o by_o our_o own_o natural_a faculty_n and_o therefore_o must_v judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o be_v say_v just_a as_o we_o do_v at_o other_o time_n when_o any_o man_n speak_v to_o we_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o present_a to_o hear_v the_o prophet_n speak_v but_o have_v his_o revelation_n deliver_v to_o we_o in_o writing_n we_o must_v take_v the_o same_o course_n to_o understand_v such_o a_o divine_a book_n as_o we_o do_v any_o other_o human_a write_n if_o there_o be_v any_o difficulty_n in_o it_o we_o must_v seek_v for_o some_o body_n to_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v it_o but_o still_o we_o must_v understand_v for_o ourselves_o for_o no_o body_n else_o can_v understand_v for_o we_o and_o if_o we_o must_v understand_v we_o must_v judge_v for_o ourselves_o too_o this_o be_v all_o that_o we_o demand_v or_o desire_n a_o liberty_n to_o understand_v and_o judge_v what_o god_n will_v have_v we_o believe_v and_o do_v and_o this_o the_o most_o infallible_a teacher_n can_v deprive_v we_o of_o no_o more_o than_o he_o can_v oblige_v we_o to_o see_v and_o hear_v with_o other_o man_n eye_n and_o ear_n when_o god_n have_v give_v we_o eye_n and_o ear_n of_o our_o own_o and_o four_o where_o there_o be_v a_o stand_a revelation_n we_o must_v then_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o succeed_a prophet_n how_o infallible_a soever_o they_o be_v by_o its_o conformity_n to_o the_o precede_a revelation_n we_o must_v never_o suppose_v that_o god_n can_v contradict_v himself_o and_o therefore_o though_o he_o may_v improve_v a_o former_a revelation_n by_o new_a and_o more_o perfect_a discovery_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o contradict_v it_o and_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o no_o true_a prophet_n can_v contradict_v a_o true_a revelation_n but_o though_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n may_v give_v authority_n to_o a_o new_a prophet_n to_o expound_v a_o former_a revelation_n and_o to_o improve_v it_o yet_o we_o must_v be_v well_o satisfy_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o new_a prophet_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o old_a revelation_n which_o make_v we_o judge_n of_o the_o sense_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a revelation_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o can_v understand_v their_o agreement_n unless_o we_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o both_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n when_o they_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v the_o stand_a revelation_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o try_v all_o prophet_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o isaiah_n 8._o 20._o and_o therefore_o though_o christ_n wrought_v more_o and_o great_a miracle_n than_o ever_o moses_n do_v this_o alone_o have_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v he_o have_v not_o his_o person_n answer_v the_o type_n and_o prediction_n of_o the_o law_n and_o his_o doctrine_n be_v not_o the_o destruction_n but_o the_o improvement_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n to_o this_o trial_n he_o submit_v himself_o and_o his_o doctrine_n appeal_v to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n require_v they_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o john_n 5._o 39_o and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a which_o one_o will_v have_v think_v have_v be_v sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o have_v confirm_v his_o divine_a authority_n yet_o he_o prove_v from_o scripture_n that_o thus_o christ_n ought_v to_o suffer_v and_o to_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n and_o beginning_n at_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n he_o expound_v unto_o they_o the_o two_o disciple_n go_v to_o emaus_n the_o thing_n concern_v himself_o luke_n 24._o 26_o 27._o and_o this_o course_n the_o apostle_n take_v in_o their_o sermon_n st._n peter_n do_v not_o only_o testify_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o eye-witness_n that_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o prove_v that_o david_n himself_o have_v prophesy_v of_o this_o act_v 2._o 22_o etc._n etc._n thus_o st._n paul_n dispute_v with_o the_o jew_n at_o rome_n to_o who_o he_o expound_v and_o testify_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n persuade_v they_o concern_v jesus_n both_o out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n from_o morning_n till_o evening_n act_v 28._o 23._o thus_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v one_o entire_a dispute_n about_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o justification_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n from_o the_o type_n and_o prediction_n of_o the_o law_n itself_o so_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v certain_o as_o infallible_a teacher_n as_o everwere_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o bear_v man_n down_o mere_o by_o their_o infallible_a authority_n but_o appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o every_o man_n own_o judgement_n of_o they_o and_o god_n have_v order_v it_o so_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o for_o he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o stand_a revelation_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o new_a prophet_n whatever_o they_o be_v but_o if_o they_o must_v have_v rely_v on_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o such_o prophet_n who_o they_o be_v to_o try_v by_o this_o revelation_n for_o the_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o it_o this_o have_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o take_v their_o own_o word_n without_o any_o trial_n now_o if_o christ_n himself_o never_o pretend_v to_o any_o such_o authority_n that_o all_o man_n shall_v believe_v he_o upon_o his_o own_o word_n without_o examine_v his_o doctrine_n by_o the_o scripture_n or_o exercise_v their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n can_v we_o think_v that_o he_o shall_v give_v any_o such_o authority_n to_o st._n peter_n nay_o when_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o st._n peter_n never_o have_v any_o such_o authority_n and_o never_o can_v exercise_v it_o how_o can_v st._n peter_n successor_n have_v that_o in_o his_o right_n which_o he_o never_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v himself_o for_o though_o he_o be_v a_o infallible_a teacher_n yet_o every_o man_n have_v a_o liberty_n to_o examine_v what_o he_o teach_v and_o to_o judge_v of_o it_o by_o its_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o you_o i_o say_v can_v not_o christ_n appoint_v a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o his_o church_n to_o decide_v all_o dispute_n and_o to_o prevent_v heresy_n and_o schism_n that_o christ_n have_v not_o do_v this_o i_o shall_v take_v for_o grant_v till_o i_o see_v some_o better_a proof_n of_o it_o than_o i_o have_v yet_o meet_v with_o and_o i_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o think_v such_o a_o judge_n can_v not_o be_v appoint_v who_o we_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o rely_v on_o with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n without_o examination_n or_o any_o use_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n and_o that_o be_v because_o it_o be_v impracticable_a to_o appoint_v a_o judge_n upon_o who_o bare_a authority_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n itself_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o assume_v to_o themselves_o to_o be_v such_o judge_n in_o their_o day_n for_o there_o lay_v a_o appeal_n from_o they_o to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v and_o so_o there_o do_v to_o this_o day_n and_o if_o i_o must_v not_o take_v any_o man_n word_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o must_v not_o take_v his_o word_n neither_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n in_o christianity_n if_o i_o may_v to_o this_o day_n examine_v the_o gospel_n by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o our_o saviour_n day_n than_o i_o must_v judge_v for_o myself_o too_o
and_o the_o like_a have_v be_v think_v a_o just_a reason_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n to_o deny_v communion_n to_o all_o those_o church_n which_o reject_v they_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o all_o those_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n till_o now_o who_o never_o own_v nor_o impose_v those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n for_o which_o we_o now_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n which_o upon_o inquiry_n will_v be_v find_v a_o much_o more_o catholic_n communion_n then_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o we_o communicate_v with_o more_o age_n and_o with_o more_o church_n than_o they_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o now_o constitute_v in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o proportion_n be_v no_o old_a than_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o be_v some_o time_n since_o luther_n that_o we_o may_v with_o more_o reason_n ask_v they_o where_o their_o church_n be_v before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n then_o they_o ask_v we_o where_o our_o church_n be_v before_o luther_n we_o find_v our_o church_n in_o its_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n but_o their_o church_n be_v not_o make_v all_o at_o a_o time_n but_o one_o age_n bring_v in_o one_o corruption_n another_o another_o some_o aspire_a pope_n begin_v the_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o other_o church_n and_o other_o keep_v the_o ground_n their_o predecessor_n have_v get_v and_o as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n make_v new_a conquest_n and_o thus_o by_o degree_n it_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o papal_a omnipotency_n some_o think_v monk_n start_v some_o uncouth_a opinion_n which_o be_v toss_v about_o for_o a_o while_n in_o dispute_n and_o if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o advance_v the_o power_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o of_o the_o priest_n they_o begin_v to_o be_v countenance_v at_o rome_n and_o that_o make_v honest_a man_n cautious_a of_o oppose_v and_o then_o they_o grow_v up_o into_o receive_a doctrine_n and_o when_o it_o be_v ripe_a for_o that_o purpose_n they_o be_v dub_v article_n of_o faith_n and_o at_o length_n be_v digest_v into_o method_n and_o order_n refine_a and_o polish_a and_o receive_v their_o last_o authority_n from_o the_o pack_v conventicle_n of_o trent_n and_o will_v any_o man_n call_v this_o catholic_n communion_n the_o divide_v term_n of_o which_o be_v whole_o unknown_a to_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n creep_v in_o by_o degree_n in_o several_a late_a age_n and_o never_o receive_v its_o accomplishment_n and_o perfection_n till_o since_o the_o reformation_n itself_o and_o be_v now_o already_o in_o the_o wane_n and_o almost_o expound_v into_o protestant_a heresy_n at_o least_o so_o they_o will_v persuade_v we_o by_o the_o bp._n of_o meaux_n and_o our_o modern_a representer_n however_o this_o show_n how_o among_o all_o the_o division_n of_o christendom_n we_o can_v prove_v ourselves_o to_o be_v a_o catholic_n church_n and_o in_o catholic_n communion_n which_o be_v all_o that_o we_o at_o present_a be_v concern_v for_o and_o let_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v as_o much_o for_o herself_o if_o she_o can_v upon_o these_o principle_n she_o now_o reject_v we_o it_o be_v plain_a she_o must_v have_v deny_v communion_n to_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v have_v deny_v communion_n to_o she_o and_o what_o be_v become_v then_o of_o her_o catholic_n communion_n which_o shut_v out_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolic_a church_n the_o paper_n and_o how_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n for_o that_o which_o i_o think_v make_v a_o corporation_n become_v a_o body_n of_o man_n be_v the_o obligation_n impose_v on_o those_o who_o live_v in_o that_o corporation_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o peculiar_a law_n and_o government_n there_o establish_v for_o even_o of_o those_o that_o make_v scripture_n their_o rule_n of_o all_o those_o church_n answer_n i_o suppose_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o be_v either_o false_a or_o hasty_o write_v if_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n in_o such_o a_o corporation_n as_o be_v under_o the_o same_o individual_a government_n or_o one_o govern_v head_n who_o must_v give_v law_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n this_o we_o utter_o deny_v and_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v prove_v christ_n at_o first_o commit_v the_o plant_n and_o govern_v his_o church_n to_o twelve_o apostle_n who_o as_o st._n cyprian_n affirm_v have_v all_o equal_a power_n and_o authority_n though_o christ_n name_v peter_n only_o in_o bestow_v the_o apostolical_a power_n not_o to_o give_v peter_n any_o superiority_n over_o the_o rest_n but_o only_o to_o signify_v that_o unity_n and_o harmony_n of_o consent_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o they_o in_o exercise_v the_o apostolical_a power_n that_o they_o be_v all_o to_o act_v as_o one_o man._n the_o apostle_n leave_v their_o power_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o several_a church_n who_o have_v the_o immediate_a inspection_n and_o sovereign_a power_n over_o their_o own_o church_n as_o the_o same_o father_n frequent_o assert_n but_o yet_o be_v to_o govern_v their_o several_a church_n with_o mutual_a advice_n and_o consent_n so_o that_o the_o unity_n of_o particular_a church_n consist_v in_o their_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o their_o bishop_n and_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v without_o necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a reason_n be_v schismatic_n who_o cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o subjection_n of_o one_o church_n to_o another_o but_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o agreement_n and_o concord_n of_o their_o bishop_n in_o own_v each_o other_o church_n and_o maintain_v communion_n with_o they_o upon_o catholic_n principle_n and_o govern_v their_o church_n as_o far_o as_o be_v expedient_a by_o common_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n this_o then_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n let_v we_o brief_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o unite_v particular_a church_n in_o catholic_n communion_n 1._o every_o particular_a church_n which_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o catholic_n faith_n be_v so_o far_o in_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o thus_o we_o own_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o she_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n though_o with_o a_o great_a mixture_n of_o dangerous_a error_n 2._o the_o communion_n of_o particular_a church_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o use_v the_o same_o liturgy_n or_o external_a rite_n of_o worship_n if_o their_o worship_n be_v a_o true_a christian_a worship_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o general_a law_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o every_o church_n have_v authority_n within_o herself_o to_o direct_v and_o model_n she_o own_o worship_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o it_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o receive_v her_o liturgy_n and_o worship_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o may_v use_v she_o own_o without_o be_v charge_v with_o schism_n for_o do_v so_o 3._o every_o catholic_n church_n be_v bind_v to_o receive_v each_o other_o member_n to_o communion_n when_o they_o come_v among_o they_o which_o make_v they_o all_o but_o one_o church_n one_o society_n &_o body_n the_o member_n of_o which_o have_v a_o mutual_a right_n and_o interest_n in_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n not_o to_o adhere_v so_o stiff_o to_o the_o rite_n and_o usage_n of_o our_o own_o particular_a church_n as_o not_o to_o communicate_v with_o other_o church_n who_o use_v different_a rite_n from_o our_o own_o if_o they_o be_v innocent_a thus_o far_o all_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a but_o the_o difficulty_n be_v how_o we_o shall_v maintain_v communion_n with_o those_o church_n which_o teach_v very_o erroneous_a doctrine_n or_o use_v very_o corrupt_a and_o suspect_a kind_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o four_o how_o corrupt_v soever_o any_o church_n be_v if_o she_o still_o retain_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v own_v she_o for_o a_o christian_a church_n though_o a_o corrupt_a one_o which_o be_v one_o degree_n of_o communion_n with_o she_o to_o own_v she_o of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o ourselves_o though_o as_o a_o sick_a or_o rot_a member_n this_o be_v the_o charge_n against_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n not_o only_o that_o they_o