only_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therefore_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o doubtful_a place_n of_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o it_o be_v write_v must_v give_v also_o the_o true_a understanding_n or_o interpretation_n thereof_o and_o this_o spirit_n and_o the_o meaning_n thereof_o be_v most_o easy_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n therefore_o the_o sure_a and_o best_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v by_o scripture_n itself_o 4._o the_o scribe_n and_o pharise_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v sit_v in_o the_o chair_n of_o moses_n that_o be_v teach_v the_o law_n according_a to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o moses_n therefore_o the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o new-testament_n also_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v speak_v the_o voice_n of_o christ._n but_o his_o sheep_n will_v not_o hear_v a_o stranger_n for_o they_o know_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o stranger_n john_n 10._o therefore_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v chief_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o the_o scripture_n only_o every_o question_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n to_o be_v decide_v not_o by_o the_o church_n or_o any_o humane_a voice_n except_o they_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n 1._o for_o see_v the_o holy-ghost_n be_v the_o chief_a judge_n in_o all_o controversy_n on_o who_o infallible_a sentence_n we_o may_v safe_o rely_v and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v his_o immediate_a word_n therefore_o from_o thence_o be_v we_o to_o expect_v his_o immediate_a answer_n whereas_o the_o church_n speak_v not_o from_o god_n immediate_o but_o as_o a_o mean_a convey_v unto_o we_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n 2._o beside_o this_o the_o church_n may_v err_v the_o scripture_n can_v err_v 3._o the_o scripture_n shine_v by_o their_o own_o light_n the_o church_n by_o the_o light_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n 4._o the_o scripture_n be_v always_o at_o hand_n to_o be_v resort_v unto_o the_o church_n never_o all_o assemble_v nor_o a_o council_n scarce_o once_o in_o a_o age_n and_o they_o that_o vaunt_v most_o of_o the_o name_n for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v least_o of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n send_v we_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n and_o our_o lord_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n see_v 2._o peter_n 1.19_o object_n 2._o by_o this_o mean_n make_v it_o lawful_a for_o every_o one_o to_o read_v and_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n you_o set_v open_v a_o door_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o heresy_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n and_o make_v every_o private_a spirit_n a_o judge_n and_o a_o interpreter_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n answer_n though_o every_o one_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n for_o comfort_n and_o instruction_n yet_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o hard_a place_n belong_v especial_o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o doctor_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n thereto_o and_o if_o any_o private_a man_n do_v interpret_v according_a to_o the_o former_a rule_n yet_o can_v that_o interpretation_n be_v say_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o private_a spirit_n although_o the_o man_n be_v private_a for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v the_o common_a author_n of_o all_o light_n and_o understanding_n and_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o use_v to_o teach_v be_v the_o holy_a word_n the_o common_a light_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o this_o may_v seem_v sufficient_a to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o author_n and_o use_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o what_o they_o be_v then_o of_o their_o sufficiency_n purity_n easiness_n and_o interpretation_n and_o bless_v be_v that_o man_n that_o meditate_v in_o they_o day_n and_o night_n that_o he_o may_v find_v by_o they_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o his_o hope_n and_o live_v in_o obedience_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o his_o faith_n article_n ix_o â§_o i_o believe_v in_o the_o holy_a catholike-church_n chap._n xxxv_o a_o certain_a jew_n fame_v for_o his_o riches_n be_v once_o ask_v by_o a_o great_a lord_n of_o the_o turk_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o turk_n the_o christian_n and_o the_o jew_n do_v so_o peremptory_o hold_v every_o one_o their_o own_o faith_n that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v withdraw_v therefrom_o the_o jew_n suspect_v his_o wealth_n to_o be_v aim_v at_o answer_v as_o their_o manner_n be_v by_o a_o witty_a parable_n a_o rich_a man_n quoth_v he_o have_v three_o son_n that_o observe_v he_o with_o great_a respect_n because_o of_o his_o wealth_n he_o to_o hold_v they_o all_o in_o their_o obedience_n oftentimes_o profess_v among_o they_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o heir_n of_o all_o his_o estate_n to_o who_o at_o his_o death_n he_o shall_v bequeath_v a_o ring_n which_o he_o use_v to_o wear_v but_o in_o secret_a he_o cause_v mammurius_fw-la the_o goldsmith_n to_o make_v for_o he_o two_o other_z rings_z so_o like_v it_o as_o numaes_n ancylia_n be_v not_o one_o more_o like_o another_o at_o his_o death_n he_o call_v each_o of_o his_o son_n apart_o and_o give_v to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o one_o of_o these_o ring_n and_o withal_o the_o possession_n of_o all_o his_o good_n so_o every_o one_o hold_v his_o claim_n quoth_v he_o and_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o know_v how_o the_o controversy_n will_v be_v end_v this_o be_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n not_o only_o among_o these_o three_o sect_n name_v but_o likewise_o among_o all_o the_o sect_n of_o christianity_n yea_o of_o all_o religion_n whatsoever_o for_o there_o be_v none_o among_o the_o pagan_n but_o he_o have_v this_o hope_n that_o his_o soul_n shall_v be_v happy_a if_o he_o serve_v his_o god_n as_o he_o ought_v and_o have_v determine_v those_o question_n which_o concern_v god_n and_o our_o mediator_n it_o follow_v that_o in_o this_o second_o part_n of_o the_o creed_n we_o consider_v those_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o it_o but_o that_o we_o mistake_v not_o we_o shall_v best_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n both_o for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la as_o it_o signify_v in_o the_o original_n the_o house_n of_o religious_a exercise_n or_o a_o tumultuous_a assembly_n as_o in_o act._n 19.32_o or_o a_o combination_n of_o wicked_a man_n as_o in_o psalm_n 26.5_o have_v no_o use_n here_o but_o more_o proper_o it_o signify_v a_o assembly_n or_o multitude_n of_o people_n profess_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n such_o as_o be_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n ephesus_n and_o other_o plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolical_a man_n in_o a_o city_n or_o kingdom_n as_o we_o think_v that_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n plant_v the_o faith_n in_o this_o island_n and_o so_o establish_v a_o church_n here_o every_o faithful_a family_n be_v likewise_o a_o church_n roman_n 16.5_o and_o the_o church_n representative_a as_o the_o synedrion_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v also_o so_o style_v in_o matth._n 18.17_o but_o because_o among_o all_o these_o church_n there_o may_v be_v hypocrite_n unholy_a and_o carnal_o mind_a man_n which_o we_o can_v count_v within_o our_o creed_n and_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v the_o holy_a church_n therefore_o the_o church_n may_v be_v take_v not_o only_o for_o the_o visible_a but_o also_o they_o who_o mediator_n our_o lord_n christ_n be_v unto_o eternal_a life_n as_o he_o say_v john_n 17.9_o i_o pray_v for_o they_o i_o pray_v not_o for_o the_o world_n but_o for_o they_o which_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o from_o whence_o it_o will_v easy_o appear_v what_o this_o holy_a catholic_a or_o universal_a church_n be_v which_o here_o we_o do_v believe_v to_o wit_n that_o number_n of_o holy_a man_n which_o god_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n have_v predestinate_v unto_o eternal_a life_n if_o we_o clear_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o answer_v such_o doubt_n as_o arise_v thereabouts_o we_o shall_v afterward_o easy_o approve_v the_o article_n and_o first_o concern_v the_o title_n of_o holiness_n give_v to_o the_o church_n object_n 1._o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o see_v it_o be_v say_v psal_n 14._o that_o among_o all_o the_o child_n of_o man_n there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v good_a no_o not_o one_o how_o can_v any_o church_n among_o man_n be_v call_v holy_a answer_n not_o by_o any_o inbred_a holiness_n in_o themselves_o but_o because_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n their_o saviour_n be_v impute_v unto_o they_o for_o their_o justification_n before_o god_n as_o it_o be_v say_v 1._o john_n 1.7_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n then_o because_o the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n dwell_v in_o they_o and_o make_v they_o zealous_a of_o good_a work_n that_o they_o
only_a in_o he_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o gratuitò_fw-la of_o his_o own_o free_a will_n do_v wash_v sanctify_v and_o seal_v we_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n who_o be_v to_o we_o the_o pledge_n of_o our_o eternal_a inhoritance_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o canon_n object_n 3._o but_o how_o be_v this_o church_n catholic_a or_o universal_a if_o any_o man_n be_v shut_v out_o of_o it_o or_o how_o be_v it_o say_v by_o s._n paul_n 1._o tim._n 2.4_o that_o god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v if_o there_o be_v few_o that_o shall_v enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n answer_n the_o common_a answer_n to_o that_o text_n of_o timothy_n be_v that_o it_o be_v speak_v not_o the_o singulis_fw-la generum_fw-la but_o de_fw-la generibus_fw-la singulorum_fw-la that_o be_v that_o some_o of_o every_o nation_n and_o degree_n among_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v not_o every_o man_n of_o every_o degree_n but_o i_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v rather_o speak_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o word_n read_v and_o preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n by_o which_o all_o man_n be_v call_v to_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n which_o if_o they_o refuse_v their_o condemnation_n be_v just_a also_o out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n nature_n call_v in_o a_o soft_a voice_n upon_o all_o nation_n and_o people_n of_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a to_o fear_n god_n and_o to_o give_v he_o glory_v which_o make_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o therein_o and_o moreover_o the_o light_n of_o every_o man_n conscience_n accuse_v or_o excuse_v he_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v contrary_a or_o according_a thereto_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o god_n in_o every_o man_n heart_n to_o excuse_v or_o condemn_v he_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o these_o mean_n god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o will_n that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v in_o that_o he_o do_v offer_v his_o mercy_n to_o all_o and_o call_v upon_o they_o to_o turn_v unto_o he_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v if_o they_o want_v not_o grace_v to_o accept_v it_o object_n 4._o the_o want_n of_o that_o be_v not_o impute_v to_o any_o man_n which_o be_v only_o in_o the_o power_n of_o another_o to_o give_v and_o see_v that_o without_o repentance_n faith_n hope_n and_o perseverance_n in_o virtue_n no_o man_n can_v attain_v to_o happiness_n which_o virtue_n of_o repentance_n etc._n etc._n be_v only_o in_o god_n to_o give_v as_o the_o prophet_n say_v lam._n 3.21_o turn_v thou_o we_o unto_o thou_o o_o lord_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v turn_v it_o may_v seem_v that_o the_o want_n of_o these_o thing_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o any_o man_n answer_n if_o any_o man_n refuse_v a_o good_a thing_n when_o it_o be_v offer_v the_o want_n of_o that_o shall_v be_v impute_v to_o himself_o as_o to_o the_o wicked_a that_o say_v to_o god_n depart_v from_o we_o for_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n job_n 21.14_o and_o these_o be_v they_o who_o god_n be_v say_v to_o harden_v because_o they_o have_v harden_v their_o own_o heart_n through_o the_o custom_n of_o sin_n that_o they_o can_v repent_v therefore_o though_o the_o predestinate_a that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n may_v appear_v be_v convert_v by_o the_o inward_a and_o effectual_a call_n their_o heart_n be_v renew_v by_o repentance_n to_o follow_v he_o that_o call_v yet_o that_o the_o order_n of_o justice_n may_v be_v observe_v they_o that_o forsake_v their_o own_o mercy_n be_v still_o leave_v to_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n both_o original_n and_o actual_a because_o they_o neglect_v the_o outward_a call_n and_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n of_o their_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o conscience_n see_v rom._n 9.21_o etc._n etc._n and_o according_a to_o this_o sense_n be_v it_o that_o in_o scripture_n the_o harden_v of_o man_n in_o sin_n and_o the_o preserve_n man_n from_o sin_n seem_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n both_o way_n as_o where_o he_o be_v say_v to_o harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n and_o to_o abimelech_n a_o gen._n 20.6_o i_o have_v keep_v thou_o from_o sin_v against_o i_o sect._n 2_o §_o 2._o and_o thus_o it_o be_v manifest_a what_o this_o holy_a church_n be_v and_o of_o what_o person_n it_o do_v consist_v it_o follow_v first_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o catholic_a church_n as_o we_o say_v we_o do_v believe_v to_o be_v then_o to_o see_v the_o difference_n which_o be_v between_o this_o catholic_a church_n and_o other_o particular_a church_n and_o congregation_n 1_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o number_n of_o holy_a people_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v unto_o eternal_a life_n then_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n suffering_n for_o we_o be_v all_o in_o vain_a and_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n shall_v have_v be_v create_v only_o to_o destruction_n so_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o creature_n that_o have_v sin_v shall_v be_v without_o effect_n neither_o shall_v his_o glory_n be_v magnify_v in_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v so_o the_o devil_n the_o enemy_n of_o mankind_n may_v magnify_v himself_o against_o god_n in_o that_o he_o have_v destroy_v his_o creature_n irrecoverable_o but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v impossible_a therefore_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a church_n choose_v of_o god_n unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o if_o this_o holy_a church_n in_o the_o part_n or_o member_n thereof_o have_v not_o continue_v in_o all_o age_n since_o god_n make_v his_o promise_n of_o a_o saviour_n to_o adam_n than_o faith_n have_v fail_v from_o among_o man_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v either_o not_o believe_v or_o forget_v the_o son_n of_o god_n beget_v by_o the_o immortal_a seed_n have_v fail_v so_o the_o throne_n of_o christ_n when_o there_o be_v no_o faithful_a heart_n wherein_o he_o reign_v shall_v not_o have_v be_v establish_v for_o ever_o contrary_a to_o the_o promise_n psalm_n 89._o ver_fw-la 4_o 29_o 36._o and_o luke_n 1._o for_o 33._o so_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o enemy_n only_o have_v flourish_v in_o the_o earth_n contrary_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o that_o wise_a husbandman_n matth_n 13.30_o let_v both_o grow_v together_o until_o the_o harvest_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v impossible_a therefore_o the_o holy_a church_n be_v also_o catholic_a or_o continue_v from_o the_o beginning_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o your_o better_a understanding_n you_o may_v take_v these_o argument_n apart_o 2._o if_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v essential_o one_o with_o his_o infinity_n be_v not_o diffusive_a or_o spread_v itself_o upon_o the_o creature_n for_o the_o succour_n and_o aid_v thereof_o in_o the_o great_a misery_n then_o shall_v it_o be_v exceed_v by_o the_o malice_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o though_o it_o be_v the_o great_a that_o may_v be_v yet_o must_v it_o need_v be_v finite_a as_o have_v the_o original_n from_o a_o finite_a creature_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v exceed_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n therefore_o there_o be_v a_o restore_n of_o man_n to_o that_o blessedness_n and_o glory_n from_o which_o he_o fall_v by_o his_o siâ—ne_n as_o you_o have_v see_v it_o prove_v before_o in_o the_o 18._o chapter_n and_o from_o all_o the_o reason_n there_o bring_v to_o that_o conclusion_n you_o may_v bring_v reason_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o article_n 3._o if_o man_n be_v create_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n innocent_a and_o without_o sin_n then_o that_o present_a estate_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n the_o punishment_n thereof_o wherein_o he_o now_o be_v must_v needs_o have_v be_v bring_v upon_o he_o since_o his_o creation_n contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n wherein_o though_o for_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n some_o be_v suffer_v to_o continue_v yet_o because_o sin_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o death_n contrary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o creation_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o be_v a_o redemption_n or_o free_v of_o some_o appoint_v thereunto_o from_o the_o thraldom_n both_o of_o sin_n and_o death_n but_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v chap._n 15._o that_o man_n be_v create_v innocent_a therefore_o there_o be_v a_o church_n or_o a_o number_n know_v unto_o god_n of_o they_o that_o be_v so_o redeem_v 4._o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o have_v make_v his_o promise_n of_o everlasting_a life_n there_o be_v faith_n hope_n and_o repentance_n and_o other_o virtue_n both_o christian_n and_o moral_a whereby_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v apprehend_v and_o obedience_n perform_v to_o his_o commandment_n therefore_o there_o be_v
a_o holy_a catholic_a church_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a either_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n shall_v fail_v of_o their_o performance_n or_o that_o say_v and_o other_o virtue_n shall_v be_v without_o their_o reward_n for_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o wrought_v these_o virtue_n in_o man_n shall_v work_v in_o vain_a but_o this_o be_v impossible_a 5._o this_o holy_a catholic_a church_n be_v declare_v in_o sundry_a place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o in_o special_a according_a to_o all_o the_o cause_n thereof_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephes_n 4._o chap._n 1._o from_o vers_n 2._o to_o 15._o and_o although_o saint_n paul_n in_o that_o place_n write_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n yet_o be_v the_o catholic_a church_n no_o other_o than_o such_o as_o be_v there_o describe_v no_o more_o than_o the_o british_a or_o spanish_a sea_n be_v different_a from_o the_o great_a ocean_n either_o in_o substance_n or_o quality_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o hope_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o ephe._n 4.4_o 5_o 6._o and_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n so_o be_v there_o but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n jesus_n christ_n 1._o tim._n 2.5_o 6._o and_o this_o one_o mediator_n be_v that_o one_o only_a mystical_a head_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n for_o there_o be_v no_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v save_v but_o only_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n act._n 4.12_o and_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o head_n so_o be_v there_o one_o only_a body_n as_o it_o be_v say_v cant._n 6.9_o my_o dove_n my_o undefiled_a be_v but_o one_o and_o john_n 10.16_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o fold_n and_o one_o shepherd_n by_o which_o text_n of_o the_o holy_a writ_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o there_o be_v one_o holy_a catholic_a hurch_n as_o we_o do_v believe_v §_o 3._o and_o by_o this_o which_o have_v be_v say_v it_o may_v easy_o appear_v what_o those_o difference_n be_v between_o this_o catholic_a church_n and_o other_o particular_a congregation_n whether_o in_o private_a house_n or_o in_o city_n country_n kingdom_n or_o peoples_n which_o in_o cant._n 6._o cite_v even_o now_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o queen_n concubine_n and_o the_o innumerable_a virgin_n which_o consent_n to_o the_o same_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n 1._o the_o first_o and_o most_o common_a be_v this_o that_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n hypocrite_n and_o atheist_n be_v find_v among_o the_o choose_a and_o these_o be_v the_o tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n the_o bad_a fish_n among_o the_o good_a matth._n 13.48_o but_o in_o this_o holy_a catholic_a church_n no_o vile_a or_o profane_a person_n can_v be_v as_o it_o be_v say_v rev._n 21.8_o and_o 22.15_o that_o without_o the_o holy_a city_n shall_v be_v dog_n the_o fearful_a and_o abominable_a the_o unbelieved_a murderer_n whoremonger_n sorcerer_n idolater_n and_o every_o one_o that_o love_v and_o make_v the_o lie_n 2._o a_o second_o difference_n be_v in_o this_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v visible_a so_o that_o every_o member_n thereof_o may_v be_v full_o inform_v of_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o be_v teach_v therein_o for_o truth_n either_o concern_v doctrine_n or_o discipline_n but_o the_o catholic_a church_n in_o the_o sense_n we_o here_o take_v it_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v visible_a but_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n alone_o as_o here_o we_o confess_v in_o our_o creed_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o proof_n or_o argument_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v hebr._n 11.1_o if_o then_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v see_v then_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v believe_v if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v then_o must_v it_o needs_o be_v invisible_a 2._o beside_o this_o the_o universal_a or_o catholic_a church_n as_o saint_n paul_n describe_v it_o ephes_n 13.15_o be_v of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o earth_n yea_o and_o of_o they_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o bear_v as_o of_o either_o of_o these_o and_o although_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n during_o the_o time_n of_o their_o pilgrimage_n upon_o earth_n be_v visible_a or_o in_o a_o visible_a church_n yet_o while_o they_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n we_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v of_o that_o catholic_a church_n with_o that_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n which_o a_o save_a faith_n require_v such_o a_o faith_n i_o mean_v as_o be_v due_a to_o a_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n but_o only_o with_o that_o hope_n or_o credulity_n which_o christian_a charity_n and_o their_o holy_a conversation_n do_v bind_v we_o to_o have_v of_o they_o 3._o for_o as_o god_n only_o know_v the_o heart_n so_o he_o only_o know_v who_o be_v he_o and_o if_o he_o only_o know_v then_o can_v we_o and_o though_o we_o see_v they_o in_o a_o true_a particular_a church_n yet_o do_v we_o not_o thereby_o know_v that_o they_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n object_n 1._o if_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o always_o visible_a why_o do_v our_o lord_n send_v we_o to_o the_o church_n mat._n 18.17_o answer_n that_o commandment_n of_o christ_n show_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o particular_a visible_a church_n not_o in_o the_o invisible_a catholic_a church_n and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o such_o text_n as_o be_v like_a to_o this_o which_o the_o papist_n bring_v to_o prove_v the_o perpetual_a visibility_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n for_o if_o they_o can_v make_v that_o good_a they_o will_v hope_v thereby_o to_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o catholic_a church_n but_o if_o the_o first_o be_v give_v the_o second_o will_v not_o follow_v for_o be_v there_o no_o catholic_a church_n before_o romulus_n murder_v his_o brother_n or_o where_o be_v the_o catholic_a church_n when_o rome_n be_v yet_o the_o mother_n of_o all_o the_o abomination_n and_o filthiness_n of_o the_o earth_n first_o in_o their_o worship_n of_o devil_n and_o after_o when_o their_o life_n be_v answerable_a to_o their_o religion_n as_o you_o read_v in_o saint_n paul_n rom._n 1._o and_o in_o their_o own_o prophet_n juvenal_n arbiter_n etc._n etc._n and_o again_o since_o they_o have_v forsake_v their_o faith_n once_o praise_v rom._n 1.8_o and_o bear_v the_o former_a reward_n of_o their_o idolatry_n and_o if_o that_o church_n be_v the_o catholic_a church_n out_o of_o which_o none_o can_v be_v save_v as_o they_o say_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o all_o those_o christian_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o detest_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o all_o their_o idolatry_n and_o false_a doctrine_n as_o the_o greek_n and_o all_o that_o follow_v they_o the_o nestorian_n jacobite_n ethiopian_n the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o west_n etc._n etc._n which_o for_o the_o number_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v at_o the_o least_o five_o to_o one_o to_o the_o papist_n notwithstanding_o their_o false_a pretend_a universality_n to_o the_o former_a difference_n between_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o particular_a congregation_n you_o may_v add_v a_o three_o that_o any_o particular_a church_n may_v err_v whole_o both_o in_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n as_o i_o show_v in_o the_o chap._n before_o §_o 7._o n._n 2._o but_o the_o catholic_a church_n can_v err_v 4._o any_o particular_a church_n may_v fail_v or_o cease_v to_o be_v but_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o chriâ—t_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n therefore_o the_o catholic_a church_n can_v fail_v from_o whence_o it_o follow_v 5._o that_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n as_o have_v the_o beginning_n thereof_o in_o adam_n and_o eve_n for_o i_o inquire_v only_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o redeem_v not_o of_o the_o angel_n but_o particular_a church_n have_v their_o beginning_n afterward_o some_o at_o one_o time_n some_o at_o another_o as_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n in_o abraham_n and_o his_o family_n that_o of_o the_o ethiopian_n in_o the_o eunuch_n etc._n etc._n 6._o concern_v the_o succession_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n there_o be_v none_o such_o â—s_n they_o account_v of_o king_n or_o bishop_n in_o this_o or_o that_o see_v but_o because_o christ_n kingdom_n can_v fail_v therefore_o there_o be_v this_o success_n â—_o that_o before_o these_o saint_n that_o now_o live_v shall_v die_v other_o shall_v be_v bear_v that_o be_v the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o thus_o be_v there_o still_o but_o one_o catholic_a church_n which_o unity_n contain_v all_o and_o every_o member_n thereof_o in_o one_o mystical_a body_n whereof_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n note_n a_o i_o withhold_v thou_o from_o sin_v against_o i_o against_o this_o and_o many_o such_o text_n of_o
a_o citizen_n of_o bristol_n while_o i_o be_v at_o norwich_n in_o the_o year_n 1597_o i_o write_v this_o treatise_n upon_o such_o occasion_n as_o appear_v therein_o and_o deliver_v it_o unto_o that_o heretic_n that_o by_o himself_o if_o god_n will_v he_o may_v consider_v and_o be_v persuade_v since_o which_o time_n i_o have_v keep_v it_o by_o i_o and_o though_o some_o of_o my_o private_a friend_n desire_v copy_n yet_o allow_v that_o wisdom_n of_o solon_n who_o will_v make_v no_o law_n against_o patricide_n lest_o the_o mention_n of_o the_o fact_n may_v give_v occasion_n to_o commit_v it_o and_o withal_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v too_o simple_a and_o poor_a for_o the_o public_a view_n i_o refuse_v to_o make_v it_o common_a yet_o after_o perceive_v a_o present_a necessity_n because_o that_o some_o begin_v to_o wander_v in_o this_o labyrinth_n and_o withal_o remember_v that_o if_o any_o weakling_n shall_v hereafter_o entertain_v this_o opinion_n he_o may_v before_o he_o be_v whole_o possess_v therewith_o find_v the_o absurdity_n of_o it_o and_o be_v reform_v that_o many_o a_o novice_n in_o christianity_n who_o therefore_o doubt_v of_o the_o trueness_n of_o his_o religion_n because_o he_o find_v no_o familiar_a reason_n to_o persuade_v but_o only_o the_o rack_n of_o authority_n to_o constrain_v he_o to_o acknowledge_v it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v hereby_o satisfy_v and_o find_v comfort_n and_o that_o they_o who_o be_v already_o strong_a may_v by_o this_o overplus_n triumph_n in_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o require_v they_o to_o believe_v no_o more_o than_o they_o may_v by_o that_o understanding_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o be_v persuade_v of_o i_o have_v for_o their_o sake_n who_o may_v reap_v benefit_n thereby_o neglect_v all_o froward_a censurer_n not_o guilty_a unto_o myself_o of_o any_o offence_n which_o i_o can_v commit_v in_o make_v it_o public_a such_o as_o it_o be_v accept_v kind_a sir_n as_o a_o parcel_n of_o that_o assertion_n which_o may_v hereafter_o follow_v of_o every_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n if_o god_n shall_v vouchsafe_v i_o understanding_n leisure_n and_o maintenance_n thereto_o i_o therefore_o offer_v it_o unto_o you_o both_o because_o i_o know_v you_o be_v diligent_a in_o read_v of_o book_n of_o good_a argument_n and_o because_o i_o have_v none_o other_o mean_n whereby_o to_o show_v myself_o thankful_a for_o your_o manifold_a kindness_n and_o your_o love_n your_o love_a and_o assure_a friend_n a._n g._n london_n this_o 20._o of_o april_n 1601._o the_o treatise_n though_o many_o thing_n discourage_v i_o to_o write_v unto_o you_o of_o this_o argument_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o i_o intend_v consider_v that_o neither_o your_o daily_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n neither_o the_o persuasion_n of_o learned_a divine_n can_v move_v you_o to_o accord_v unto_o the_o truth_n though_o by_o manifest_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n they_o convince_v your_o heresy_n and_o most_o of_o all_o that_o god_n have_v leave_v you_o to_o believe_v that_o lie_a spirit_n of_o antichrist_n who_o deny_v that_o jesus_n be_v that_o christ_n yet_o nevertheless_o have_v some_o hope_n that_o god_n of_o his_o goodness_n will_v at_o last_o pull_v you_o as_o a_o brand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n and_o quench_v you_o with_o the_o dew_n of_o his_o grace_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o son_n i_o will_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v lay_v down_o some_o few_o reason_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o every_o one_o that_o will_v be_v save_v must_v hold_v whereby_o if_o i_o persuade_v you_o nothing_o yet_o shall_v i_o obtain_v thus_o much_o that_o you_o who_o neither_o believe_v his_o word_n nor_o yet_o open_v your_o eye_n to_o see_v the_o light_n of_o reasonable_a understanding_n shall_v at_o last_o confess_v that_o his_o word_n and_o judgement_n be_v holy_a and_o true_a but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o point_n let_v i_o first_o persuade_v you_o that_o although_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o high_a mystery_n which_o can_v be_v know_v or_o believe_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a work_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n to_o work_v this_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n yet_o nevertheless_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o destitute_a of_o mean_n whereby_o to_o come_v to_o this_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n but_o have_v also_o with_o his_o word_n give_v we_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o understanding_n whereby_o to_o grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o will_n for_o when_o adam_n be_v create_v he_o have_v give_v unto_o he_o all_o perfect_a knowledge_n meet_v for_o he_o now_o god_n who_o create_v the_o world_n for_o no_o other_o purpose_n than_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n may_v not_o leave_v that_o creature_n without_o understanding_n of_o the_o godhead_n who_o be_v by_o nature_n and_o creation_n the_o most_o excellent_a in_o this_o visible_a world_n be_v make_v for_o that_o purpose_n especial_o above_o all_o other_o to_o set_v forth_o his_o praise_n and_o to_o call_v on_o he_o now_o how_o can_v he_o do_v this_o if_o he_o know_v he_o not_o but_o i_o think_v that_o see_v it_o be_v say_v that_o man_n be_v create_v in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n you_o will_v not_o deny_v that_o man_n before_o his_o fall_n have_v much_o more_o perfect_a understanding_n of_o the_o godhead_n than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o have_v till_o he_o come_v to_o know_v even_o as_o he_o be_v know_v but_o that_o by_o sin_n you_o may_v say_v this_o knowledge_n be_v lose_v not_o lose_v but_o corrupt_v only_o even_o as_o man_n will_n for_o then_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o we_o be_v inferior_a to_o bruit_v beast_n who_o have_v in_o they_o a_o sensible_a knowledge_n meet_v for_o that_o end_n whereto_o they_o be_v create_v furthermore_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o man_n sin_n shall_v frustrate_v the_o end_n which_o god_n intend_v in_o his_o creation_n but_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o man_n be_v create_v to_o know_v and_o honour_v the_o creator_n again_o see_v in_o christ_n all_o thing_n consist_v he_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o father_n before_o all_o world_n in_o who_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v both_o create_v and_o restore_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o light_n of_o our_o understanding_n both_o proceed_v from_o he_o and_o be_v restore_v in_o he_o as_o it_o be_v say_v john_n 1_o he_o be_v that_o light_n that_o lighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n not_o only_o his_o choose_a with_o knowledge_n of_o his_o save_a truth_n but_o even_o general_o every_o man_n with_o reasonable_a understanding_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v whatsoever_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n and_o how_o even_o by_o the_o work_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v plain_o conclude_v rom._n 1_o 19_o 20._o therefore_o be_v they_o not_o to_o be_v hear_v who_o hold_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o compass_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o knowledge_n for_o faith_n ought_v so_o to_o be_v ground_v on_o knowledge_n as_o hope_n be_v ground_v upon_o faith_n so_o that_o as_o faith_n hebr._n 11.1_o be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o eviction_n or_o proof_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o though_o they_o be_v not_o see_v so_o may_v i_o say_v that_o knowledge_n be_v the_o proof_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v believe_v for_o faith_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o conclusion_n of_o a_o particular_a syllogism_n draw_v from_o the_o conclusion_n of_o a_o universal_a which_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n have_v conclude_v as_o it_o be_v manifest_a jam._n 2.19_o and_o hebr._n 11.3_o by_o conference_n of_o which_o two_o place_n it_o appear_v that_o this_o knowledge_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v this_o historical_a faith_n as_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n which_o make_v all_o thing_n of_o nought_o be_v only_o such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n have_v but_o to_o believe_v and_o have_v confidence_n in_o this_o god_n be_v that_o particular_a conclusion_n and_o that_o faith_n which_o cause_v we_o to_o have_v hope_n in_o his_o promise_n therefore_o say_v christ_n have_v faith_n in_o god_n that_o be_v strive_v to_o know_v god_n that_o know_v you_o may_v have_v faith_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o we_o see_v that_o in_o these_o thing_n where_o a_o bare_a faith_n without_o knowledge_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v most_o require_v because_o as_o a_o man_n will_v think_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v give_v of_o they_o namely_o concern_v the_o maintenance_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o resurrection_n to_o the_o life_n to_o come_v both_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n use_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o such_o as_o every_o reasonable_a man_n may_v easy_o be_v persuade_v by_o though_o