no_o such_o doctrine_n be_v ever_o preach_v to_o mankind_n either_o by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n or_o by_o his_o apostle_n for_o what_o probability_n be_v there_o that_o those_o holy_a doctor_n of_o former_a age_n from_o who_o hand_n christianity_n have_v be_v derive_v down_o unto_o we_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v reveal_v and_o recommend_v by_o our_o saviour_n as_o important_a and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o the_o father_n be_v deceive_v either_o by_o some_o false_a manner_n of_o argumentation_n or_o else_o by_o some_o seem_v authority_n do_v sometime_o deliver_v such_o thing_n as_o have_v not_o be_v reveal_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n but_o be_v evident_o either_o false_a or_o ill_o ground_v as_o we_o have_v former_o show_v in_o those_o example_n before_o produce_v by_o we_o it_o be_v true_a moreover_o that_o among_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o 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correct_v by_o the_o hypocrisy_n or_o false_a show_n of_o reprehension_n and_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o may_v be_v save_v whilst_o the_o one_o who_o stand_v up_o for_o circumcision_n follow_v s._n peter_n and_o those_o other_o who_o refuse_v circumcision_n applaud_v and_o be_v take_v with_o s._n paul_n liberty_n s._n augustine_n utter_o dislike_a this_o exposition_n of_o s._n hierome_n write_v unto_o he_o in_o his_o ordinary_n grave_a and_o meek_a way_n modest_o declare_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o can_v not_o assent_v unto_o it_o which_o epistle_n of_o his_o be_v yet_o extant_a the_o other_o answer_v he_o a_o thousand_o strange_a thing_n but_o particular_o he_o there_o 89._o protest_v that_o he_o will_v not_o warrant_v for_o sound_v whatever_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o that_o book_n of_o he_o and_o to_o show_v that_o he_o do_v not_o do_v this_o without_o good_a reason_n he_o set_v down_o a_o certain_a passage_n out_o of_o his_o preface_n to_o it_o 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commentary_n out_o of_o the_o say_v origen_n now_o if_o we_o but_o right_o consider_v the_o account_n which_o s._n hierome_n have_v give_v as_o we_o show_v before_o of_o all_o commentary_n in_o general_a how_o can_v we_o have_v any_o assurance_n whether_o that_o which_o the_o father_n deliver_v in_o these_o kind_n of_o write_n be_v their_o own_o proper_a opinion_n or_o only_o some_o other_o man_n be_v transcribe_v and_o if_o we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n hereof_o how_o can_v we_o then_o account_v they_o of_o any_o force_n at_o all_o either_o for_o or_o against_o we_o so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o this_o method_n which_o the_o father_n have_v observe_v in_o their_o exposition_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v needs_o render_v the_o thing_n themselves_o very_o doubtful_a how_o clear_o and_o express_o soever_o they_o have_v deliver_v themselves_o but_o have_v it_o not_o concern_v they_o to_o be_v more_o careful_a in_o their_o homily_n or_o sermon_n and_o to_o deliver_v nothing_o there_o save_v only_o what_o have_v be_v their_o own_o proper_a opinion_n and_o belief_n may_v we_o not_o at_o least_o in_o this_o particular_a rest_v assure_v that_o they_o have_v speak_v nothing_o but_o from_o their_o very_a soul_n and_o that_o their_o tongue_n have_v vent_v here_o their_o own_o opinion_n only_a and_o not_o those_o of_o other_o man_n certain_o in_o all_o reason_n they_o shall_v not_o have_v utter_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o sacred_a place_n from_o whence_o they_o teach_v their_o people_n save_o what_o they_o conceive_v to_o have_v be_v most_o true_a and_o yet_o beside_o what_o we_o have_v former_o note_v as_o to_o this_o particular_a namely_o that_o they_o do_v not_o always_o speak_v out_o the_o whole_a truth_n but_o conceal_v something_o of_o it_o as_o not_o so_o fit_a for_o the_o ear_n either_o of_o the_o pagan_n or_o of_o the_o weak_a sort_n of_o christian_n cardinal_n perron_n citandis_fw-la that_o great_a and_o curious_a inquirer_n into_o all_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o ancient_n have_v inform_v we_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a consideration_n they_o have_v sometime_o go_v further_o yet_o for_o in_o expound_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o people_n where_o the_o catechumeni_fw-la be_v present_a if_o by_o chance_n they_o fall_v upon_o any_o passage_n where_o the_o sacrament_n be_v speak_v of_o that_o they_o may_v not_o discover_v these_o mystery_n they_o will_v then_o make_v bold_a to_o wrest_v the_o text_n a_o little_a and_o instead_o of_o give_v they_o the_o true_a and_o real_a interpretation_n of_o the_o place_n which_o they_o themselves_o know_v to_o be_v such_o they_o will_v only_o present_v their_o auditory_a with_o a_o allegorical_a and_o symbolical_a and_o as_o this_o cardinal_n say_v a_o accidental_a and_o collateral_a one_o only_o to_o give_v they_o some_o
first_o century_n do_v the_o cardinal_n deny_v his_o sequel_n reply_v among_o other_o thing_n that_o to_o be_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o ancient_n a_o man_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v what_o they_o believe_v but_o also_o to_o believe_v it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n that_o they_o do_v that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o believe_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n what_o they_o believe_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o to_o believe_v as_o profitable_a to_o salvation_n what_o they_o hold_v for_o such_o and_o for_o lawful_a and_o not_o repugnant_a to_o salvation_n what_o they_o hold_v for_o lawful_a and_o not_o repugnant_a to_o salvation_n and_o thus_o he_o go_v on_o and_o give_v we_o a_o long_a and_o exact_a division_n of_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o necessity_n which_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o all_o proposition_n touch_v religion_n i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v that_o this_o occasion_n have_v carry_v on_o this_o learned_a prelate_n so_o far_o as_o to_o have_v make_v a_o exact_a application_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o to_o have_v true_o inform_v we_o of_o what_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v at_o this_o day_n ignorant_a namely_o in_o what_o degree_n each_o point_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v hold_v either_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n &_o what_o thing_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o religion_n and_o what_o be_v those_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a under_o some_o certain_a condition_n only_o which_o again_o be_v necessary_a by_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o which_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o precept_n as_o he_o there_o speak_v that_o be_v to_o say_v which_o be_v those_o thing_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v either_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o profit_n as_o be_v mean_n which_o be_v profitable_a to_o salvation_n and_o which_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o commandment_n only_o be_v enjoin_v we_o by_o such_o a_o authority_n as_o we_o owe_v obedience_n to_o and_o after_o all_o these_o point_n which_o again_o all_o and_o every_o of_o the_o faithful_a be_v bind_v to_o believe_v express_o and_o which_o be_v those_o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o believe_v in_o gross_a only_o and_o by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o last_o which_o be_v those_o thing_n that_o we_o ought_v actual_o to_o do_v and_o which_o be_v those_o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o approve_v of_o they_o only_o though_o we_o do_v they_o not_o so_o that_o it_o appear_v clear_o out_o of_o these_o word_n of_o he_o that_o to_o be_v able_a to_o know_v what_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o father_n have_v be_v especial_o in_o the_o point_n now_o in_o debate_n we_o ought_v first_o to_o be_v assure_v in_o what_o degree_n they_o believe_v the_o same_o and_o that_o this_o distinction_n be_v of_o very_o great_a consideration_n with_o the_o ancient_a church_n it_o appear_v sufficient_o out_o of_o the_o special_a regard_n which_o it_o always_o have_v unto_o it_o opening_z to_z or_o shut_v the_o door_n against_o man_n first_o of_o all_o according_a to_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o believe_v or_o not_o believe_v second_o according_a to_o the_o different_a manner_n how_o they_o believe_v or_o not_o believe_v they_o for_o it_o excommunicate_v those_o who_o reject_v those_o thing_n that_o it_o hold_v as_o necessary_a and_o so_o likewise_o those_o who_o press_v as_o thing_n necessary_a such_o as_o it_o hold_v for_o thing_n probable_a only_o but_o it_o receive_v with_o all_o the_o sweetness_n that_o may_v be_v all_o those_o who_o either_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o doubt_v of_o or_o indeed_o deny_v those_o thing_n which_o it_o account_v though_o true_a yet_o not_o necessary_o so_o this_o appear_v clear_o 26._o out_o of_o a_o epistle_n write_v by_o irenaeus_n to_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n set_v down_o by_o eusebius_n in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n where_o this_o holy_a man_n testify_v that_o although_o there_o have_v be_v before_o victor_n time_n the_o same_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o asian_a and_o the_o roman_a church_n touch_v the_o celebration_n of_o easter-day_n yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o mutual_a amity_n together_o neither_o be_v any_o of_o the_o asian_a bishop_n ever_o excommunicate_v at_o rome_n for_o their_o dissent_v from_o they_o either_o in_o this_o or_o in_o any_o other_o point_n but_o that_o rather_o on_o the_o contrary_a polycarpus_n come_v to_o rome_n in_o the_o time_n of_o pope_n anicetus_n after_o they_o have_v have_v a_o conference_n touch_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o and_o each_o of_o they_o continue_v still_o firm_a in_o his_o former_a opinion_n yet_o notwithstanding_o do_v they_o not_o forbear_v to_o hold_v fair_a correspondence_n with_o each_o other_o and_o to_o communicate_v together_o anicetus_n also_o out_o of_o the_o respect_n he_o bear_v to_o polycarpus_n allow_v he_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o church_n to_o celebrate_v the_o eucharist_n in_o tertullian_n in_o his_o book_n 1._o de_fw-fr praescriptionibus_fw-la adversus_fw-la haereticos_fw-la require_v only_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o he_o call_v it_o shall_v continue_v in_o its_o proper_a form_n and_o order_n allow_v every_o man_n in_o all_o other_o particular_n to_o make_v what_o inquiry_n and_o discourse_n he_o please_v and_o to_o exercise_v his_o curiosity_n to_o the_o height_n of_o liberty_n which_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n that_o he_o admit_v into_o his_o communion_n all_o those_o who_o not_o contradict_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n broach_v any_o other_o opinion_n if_o so_o be_v they_o hold_v they_o but_o as_o probable_a only_o and_o propose_v not_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o author_n of_o the_o origen_n apology_n of_o origen_n publish_v by_o ruffinus_n under_o the_o name_n of_o pamphilus_n be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n also_o for_o have_v confess_v that_o origen_n if_o not_o hold_v yet_o publish_v some_o certain_a very_a strange_a opinion_n touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n before_o the_o birth_n of_o man_n and_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o star_n he_o withal_o maintain_v that_o these_o opinion_n do_v not_o present_o make_v a_o man_n a_o heretic_n and_o that_o even_o among_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v diversity_n of_o opinion_n touch_v the_o same_o but_o beside_o all_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o difference_n of_o judgement_n be_v even_o at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o you_o shall_v find_v the_o jacobin_n and_o the_o francâ—sâ—ans_n maintain_v opinion_n utter_o contradictory_n to_o each_o other_o touch_v the_o conception_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n the_o one_o of_o they_o maintain_v that_o she_o be_v conceive_v without_o sin_n whereas_o the_o other_o utter_o deny_v it_o and_o that_o which_o make_v i_o wonder_v the_o more_o be_v that_o they_o suffer_v such_o contradictory_n opinion_n as_o these_o to_o be_v hold_v among_o they_o in_o such_o particular_n as_o consider_v bare_o in_o themselves_o seem_v yet_o to_o be_v of_o very_o great_a importance_n as_o for_o example_n a_o man_n may_v either_o believe_v that_o we_o ougâ—â—_n to_o yield_v to_o the_o cross_a the_o adoration_n of_o latria_n or_o if_o he_o please_v he_o may_v believe_v the_o contrary_a without_o lose_v either_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o salvation_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o if_o you_o but_o consider_v the_o thing_n in_o itself_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o such_o indifferency_n as_o people_n take_v it_o for_o for_o if_o the_o former_a of_o these_o opinion_n be_v indeed_o true_a then_o must_v those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o other_o opinion_n needs_o sin_n very_o grievous_o in_o not_o worship_v a_o subject_a that_o be_v so_o worthy_a of_o adoration_n but_o if_o it_o be_v false_a then_o be_v those_o man_n that_o maintain_v the_o same_o guilty_a of_o a_o much_o great_a sin_n by_o commit_v so_o horrible_a idolatry_n what_o point_n be_v there_o in_o religion_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n than_o that_o touch_v the_o foundation_n and_o head_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n upon_o the_o authority_n whereof_o the_o whole_a faith_n and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n turn_v and_o yet_o touch_v this_o particular_a also_o which_o be_v of_o so_o great_a consequence_n do_v they_o suffer_v man_n to_o maintain_v contradictory_n opinion_n some_o attribute_v this_o dignity_n to_o the_o pope_n and_o other_o to_o a_o general_n council_n praefat._n now_o if_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v true_a then_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o late_a build_v upon_o a_o very_a erroneous_a ground_n but_o if_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o late_a be_v
we_o have_v a_o synodical_a epistle_n of_o sophronius_n ii_o patriarch_n of_o jerusalem_n wherein_o as_o the_o usual_a custom_n be_v he_o explain_v the_o faith_n in_o a_o very_a large_a and_o particular_a manner_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o you_o shall_v no_o there_o meet_v with_o any_o of_o those_o point_n which_o be_v now_o controvert_v among_o we_o those_o that_o shall_v search_v more_o narrow_o into_o the_o business_n will_v be_v apt_a positive_o to_o conclude_v from_o this_o their_o silence_n that_o these_o point_n be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n any_o part_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n and_o certain_o this_o their_o way_n of_o argumentation_n seem_v not_o to_o want_v reason_n but_o as_o for_o my_o own_o particular_a it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o that_o it_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o my_o assertion_n which_o be_v that_o it_o be_v if_o not_o a_o impossible_a yet_o at_o least_o a_o very_a hard_a thing_n to_o discover_v in_o what_o degree_n either_o of_o necessity_n or_o probability_n the_o ancient_a father_n hold_v each_o of_o those_o point_n which_o be_v now_o debate_v among_o we_o see_v that_o they_o appear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o in_o the_o exposition_n of_o their_o faith_n nor_o yet_o in_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o council_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o catalogue_n of_o those_o point_n which_o they_o account_v necessary_a chap._n ix_o reason_n ix_o we_o ought_v to_o know_v what_o have_v be_v the_o opinion_n not_o of_o one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o father_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a ancient_a church_n which_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n to_o be_v find_v out_o those_o who_o make_v most_o account_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n and_o who_o urge_v they_o the_o often_o in_o their_o disputation_n do_v inform_v we_o that_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o say_n in_o these_o matter_n proceed_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o testimony_n of_o the_o general_n sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o alone_o these_o man_n attribute_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o judge_v in_o controversy_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o we_o shall_v consider_v they_o several_o each_o by_o himself_o and_o as_o they_o stand_v by_o their_o own_o strength_n only_o they_o confess_v that_o they_o may_v chance_v to_o err_v so_o that_o it_o will_v follow_v hence_o that_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o know_v whether_o such_o or_o such_o say_n be_v true_o they_o and_o if_o so_o what_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v but_o we_o ought_v further_o also_o to_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o in_o a_o court_n of_o judicature_n the_o opinion_n of_o any_o single_a person_n of_o the_o bench_n be_v of_o no_o weight_n at_o all_o as_o to_o the_o pass_v of_o judgement_n unless_o it_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n or_o at_o least_o of_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o company_n and_o now_o see_v how_o we_o be_v fall_v again_o into_o new_a difficulty_n for_o whence_o and_o by_o what_o mean_n may_v we_o learn_v whether_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o justin_n martyr_n or_o of_o s._n augustine_n or_o of_o s._n hierome_n maintain_v the_o same_o opinion_n in_o every_o particular_a that_o these_o man_n several_o do_v or_o not_o i_o confess_v that_o the_o charity_n of_o these_o man_n be_v very_o great_a and_o that_o they_o very_o hearty_o and_o constant_o embrace_v the_o body_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o particular_n that_o they_o see_v apparent_o to_o be_v such_o but_o where_o the_o church_n do_v not_o at_o all_o deliver_v itself_o and_o express_o declare_v what_o its_o sense_n be_v they_o can_v not_o possible_o how_o great_a soever_o their_o desire_n of_o so_o do_v may_v have_v be_v follow_v its_o authority_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o opinion_n wheresoever_o therefore_o they_o treat_v of_o point_n which_o be_v long_o since_o decide_v believe_v and_o receive_v express_o and_o positive_o by_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n either_o of_o their_o own_o age_n or_o of_o any_o of_o the_o precede_a age_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o they_o do_v conform_v to_o what_o be_v believe_v by_o the_o church_n so_o that_o in_o these_o case_n their_o say_v may_v very_o well_o pass_v for_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o they_o can_v be_v either_o ignorant_a what_o be_v the_o public_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n or_o that_o know_v the_o same_o they_o will_v not_o follow_v it_o as_o for_o example_n when_o athanasius_n s._n ambrose_n s._n hierome_n s._n augustine_n and_o other_o discourse_n touch_v the_o son_n of_o god_n they_o speak_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n because_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n have_v then_o be_v clear_o and_o express_o deliver_v upon_o this_o point_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o say_v as_o to_o this_o particular_a may_v safe_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n belief_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v do_v in_o all_o the_o other_o point_n which_o have_v either_o be_v positive_o determine_v in_o any_o of_o the_o general_a council_n or_o deliver_v in_o any_o of_o the_o creed_n or_o that_o any_o other_o way_n appear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o public_a belief_n of_o the_o church_n if_o the_o father_n have_v but_o contain_v themselves_o within_o these_o bound_n and_o have_v not_o take_v liberty_n to_o treat_v of_o any_o thing_n save_o what_o the_o church_n have_v clear_o deliver_v its_o judgement_n upon_o this_o rule_n may_v then_o have_v be_v receive_v as_o a_o general_n one_o and_o what_o opinion_n soever_o we_o find_v in_o they_o we_o may_v safe_o have_v conclude_v it_o to_o have_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o their_o time_n but_o the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n nature_n together_o with_o the_o impudence_n of_o the_o heretic_n and_o the_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n whether_o of_o their_o own_o or_o of_o other_o and_o divers_z other_o reason_n perhaps_o have_v partly_o make_v they_o willing_o and_o partly_o force_v and_o as_o it_o be_v constrain_v they_o to_o go_v on_o further_a and_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o search_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o several_a point_n which_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o universal_a and_o public_a consent_n of_o all_o christian_n it_o can_v not_o be_v avoid_v but_o that_o necessary_o they_o must_v in_o these_o inquiry_n make_v use_v of_o their_o own_o proper_a light_n and_o must_v deliver_v upon_o the_o same_o their_o own_o private_a opinion_n which_o the_o church_n which_o come_v after_o they_o have_v since_o either_o embrace_v or_o reject_v i_o 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this_o be_v a_o point_n say_v bellarmine_n touch_v which_o we_o find_v not_o the_o church_n to_o have_v determine_v any_o thing_n and_o how_o dangerous_a and_o almost_o heretical_a soever_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o man_n seem_v to_o he_o to_o be_v who_o hold_v that_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n may_v fall_v into_o heresy_n yet_o do_v he_o permit_v pope_n adrian_n to_o hold_v the_o same_o not_o dare_v to_o rank_v he_o among_o the_o heretic_n because_o that_o the_o church_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o clear_o and_o definitive_o deliver_v itself_o touch_v this_o point_n the_o same_o bellarmine_n in_o another_o controversy_n of_o great_a importance_n touch_v the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n find_v himself_o hardly_o put_v to_o it_o by_o his_o adversary_n urge_v against_o he_o the_o authority_n of_o s._n hierome_n who_o cast_v
so_o charitable_a admonition_n we_o shall_v still_o believe_v all_o they_o say_v without_o examine_v any_o thing_n sonant_fw-la i_o take_v it_o for_o a_o favour_n say_v s._n ambrose_n when_o any_o one_o that_o read_v my_o write_n give_v i_o a_o account_n of_o what_o doubt_v he_o there_o meet_v withal_o first_o of_o all_o because_o i_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o those_o very_a thing_n which_o i_o know_v and_o beside_o many_o thing_n escape_v we_o and_o some_o thing_n sound_v otherwise_o to_o some_o than_o perhaps_o they_o do_v to_o i_o i_o shall_v further_o here_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n how_o careful_a the_o ancient_n be_v in_o advise_v those_o who_o live_v in_o their_o own_o time_n to_o take_v a_o strict_a examination_n of_o their_o word_n as_o for_o example_n where_o origen_n advise_v veritatis_fw-la that_o his_o auditor_n shall_v prove_v whatsoever_o he_o deliver_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v attentive_a and_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n 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the_o church_n and_o indeed_o how_o fierce_a soever_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o his_o onset_n yet_o he_o dare_v not_o condemn_v this_o opinion_n absolute_o reserventur_fw-la although_o we_o embrace_v not_o this_o opinion_n say_v he_o yet_o can_v we_o not_o condemn_v it_o for_o as_o much_o as_o there_o have_v be_v divers_a eminent_a personage_n and_o martyr_n in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v maintain_v the_o same_o let_v every_o man_n abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o let_v we_o leave_v the_o judgement_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o god_n whence_o you_o see_v as_o we_o may_v observe_v by_o the_o way_n that_o the_o father_n have_v not_o always_o hold_v a_o opinion_n in_o the_o same_o degree_n that_o we_o do_v for_o st._n hierome_n conceive_v this_o to_o be_v a_o pardonable_a error_n which_o yet_o we_o at_o this_o day_n will_v not_o endure_v to_o hear_v of_o if_o it_o be_v here_o answer_v that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o age_n follow_v condemn_v this_o opinion_n as_o erroneous_a this_o 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take_v up_o all_o of_o they_o with_o their_o particular_a charge_n and_o employment_n do_v not_o know_v of_o some_o opinion_n of_o the_o prelate_n of_o their_o age_n or_o that_o either_o their_o modesty_n or_o their_o charity_n or_o the_o little_a eloquence_n and_o repute_v they_o have_v abroad_o may_v have_v make_v they_o conceal_v the_o same_o the_o other_o objection_n be_v draw_v from_o hence_o because_o that_o these_o doctor_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n who_o hold_v some_o opinion_n different_a from_o those_o which_o we_o read_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o father_n do_v not_o publish_v they_o at_o all_o but_o i_o answer_v first_o of_o all_o that_o every_o man_n be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v so_o in_o the_o next_o place_n those_o that_o be_v able_a be_v not_o always_o willing_a to_o do_v so_o divers_a other_o consideration_n may_v perhaps_o also_o have_v hinder_v they_o from_o so_o do_v and_o if_o they_o be_v wise_a and_o pious_a man_n they_o be_v never_o move_v till_o they_o 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what_o degree_n of_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o hold_v each_o particular_a point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o their_o leave_v we_o in_o doubt_n whether_o what_o they_o teach_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n or_o their_o own_o private_a opinion_n only_o and_o whither_o if_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v of_o the_o church_n universal_a or_o of_o some_o particular_a church_n only_o now_o the_o least_o of_o these_o objection_n be_v sufficient_a to_o render_v their_o testimony_n invalid_a and_o again_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o it_o may_v be_v of_o force_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o be_v clear_o and_o evident_o free_a from_o all_o these_o defect_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o question_n be_v here_o touch_v the_o christian_a faith_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v ground_v on_o nothing_o save_o what_o be_v sure_a and_o firm_a whosoever_o therefore_o will_v make_v use_n of_o any_o passage_n out_o of_o a_o father_n he_o be_v bind_v first_o to_o make_v it_o 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church_n universal_a or_o of_o some_o particular_a church_n only_o which_o inquiry_n be_v a_o business_n of_o so_o vast_a and_o almost_o infinite_a labour_n that_o it_o make_v i_o very_o much_o doubt_n whether_o or_o no_o we_o can_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o attain_v to_o a_o full_a and_o certain_a assurance_n what_o the_o real_a positive_a sense_n of_o the_o ancient_n have_v be_v touch_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o controversy_n now_o debate_v in_o this_o our_o age._n hence_o therefore_o our_o principal_a question_n seem_v to_o be_v decide_v namely_o whether_o the_o allege_v of_o the_o father_n be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o proper_a mean_n for_o the_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o article_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n maintain_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o reject_v by_o the_o protestant_n or_o not_o for_o who_o do_v not_o now_o see_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o proof_n have_v as_o much_o or_o more_o difficulty_n in_o it_o than_o the_o question_n itself_o and_o that_o such_o testimony_n be_v as_o obscure_a as_o the_o controvert_v opinion_n themselves_o notwithstanding_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v think_v too_o hasty_o and_o upon_o too_o light_a ground_n to_o reject_v this_o way_n of_o proceed_v we_o will_v pass_v by_o all_o that_o obscurity_n that_o be_v find_v touch_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o discover_v what_o the_o opinion_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o father_n have_v be_v touch_v the_o aforesaid_a point_n we_o will_v now_o in_o this_o second_o book_n consider_v whether_o or_o no_o their_o authority_n be_v such_o as_o that_o we_o ought_v or_o may_v without_o further_a examination_n believe_v on_o their_o score_n what_o we_o know_v they_o certain_o to_o have_v believe_v and_o to_o hold_v it_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n that_o they_o do_v there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o passage_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o one_o you_o have_v they_o 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give_v touch_v the_o faith_n hold_v by_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v all_o they_o bring_v for_o certain_a truth_n or_o not_o but_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o though_o they_o shall_v deserve_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o for_o such_o yet_o nevertheless_o will_v they_o stand_v we_o in_o very_o little_a stead_n as_o to_o the_o business_n now_o in_o hand_n the_o reason_n which_o move_v i_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v because_o i_o observe_v that_o those_o very_a man_n who_o be_v the_o great_a admirer_n of_o the_o father_n do_v yet_o confess_v that_o although_o they_o err_v very_o little_a or_o not_o at_o all_o in_o matter_n of_o right_n yet_o nevertheless_o they_o be_v often_o out_o and_o have_v their_o fail_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n because_o that_o right_o be_v a_o universal_a thing_n which_o be_v every_o way_n uniform_a and_o all_o of_o one_o sort_n whereas_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v mix_v and_o as_o it_o be_v enchase_v with_o divers_a particular_a circumstance_n which_o may_v very_o easy_o escape_v the_o knowledge_n of_o or_o at_o least_o be_v not_o so_o right_o understand_v by_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o pierce_a wit_n now_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n belief_n in_o every_o particular_a age_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o not_o of_o right_a and_o a_o point_n of_o history_n and_o not_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o it_o follow_v hence_o that_o possible_o the_o father_n may_v have_v err_v in_o give_v we_o a_o account_n hereof_o and_o that_o therefore_o their_o testimony_n in_o such_o case_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o as_o infallible_o true_a neither_o yet_o may_v we_o be_v think_v hereby_o to_o accuse_v the_o father_n of_o falshood_n for_o how_o often_o do_v the_o honest_a person_n that_o be_v innocent_o testify_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o think_v they_o have_v see_v which_o it_o afterward_o appear_v that_o they_o see_v not_o at_o all_o for_o goodness_n render_v not_o man_n infallible_a the_o father_n therefore_o be_v but_o man_n may_v both_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o such_o thing_n and_o may_v consequent_o also_o deceive_v those_o who_o have_v confide_v in_o they_o though_o innocent_o and_o without_o any_o design_n of_o do_v so_o but_o beside_o all_o this_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v whole_o free_a from_o passion_n neither_o and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o know_v that_o passion_n very_o oâ—ten_o disguise_v thing_n and_o maâ—â—â—h_v they_o appear_v even_o to_o the_o honest_a man_n that_o may_v be_v much_o otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v insomuch_o that_o sometime_o they_o be_v affectionate_o carry_v away_o with_o one_o opinion_n and_o do_v as_o much_o abhor_v another_o which_o secret_a passion_n may_v easy_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o the_o church_n hold_v that_o opinion_n which_o they_o themselves_o be_v most_o take_v with_o and_o that_o it_o reject_v that_o which_o they_o themselves_o dislike_v especial_o if_o there_o be_v but_o the_o least_o appearance_n or_o shadow_n of_o reason_n to_o incline_v they_o to_o this_o belief_n for_o man_n be_v very_o easy_o persuade_v to_o believe_v what_o they_o desire_v i_o conceive_v we_o may_v hereto_o impute_v that_o testimony_n of_o s._n hierome_n where_o he_o affirm_v cessat_fw-la that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n hold_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immediate_o create_v by_o god_n at_o the_o instant_n of_o their_o entrance_n into_o the_o body_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o doubt_n which_o s._n augustine_n be_v in_o touch_v this_o particular_a and_o his_o incline_n manifest_o to_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n which_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v propagate_v together_o with_o the_o body_n and_o descend_v down_o
castro_n and_o 4._o melchior_n canus_n two_o spanish_a doctor_n for_o as_o much_o therefore_o as_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n save_o that_o which_o be_v true_a it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o we_o neither_o may_v nor_o aught_o to_o believe_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n till_o such_o time_n as_o they_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o have_v be_v certain_o true_a now_o we_o can_v be_v certain_o assure_v of_o this_o by_o their_o single_a authority_n see_v that_o they_o be_v but_o man_n who_o be_v not_o always_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o above_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o some_o other_o guide_n in_o this_o our_o inquiry_n namely_o either_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o of_o reason_n or_o of_o tradition_n or_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o present_a church_n or_o of_o some_o other_o such_o mean_n as_o they_o themselves_o have_v make_v use_n of_o so_o that_o it_o hence_o follow_v that_o their_o bare_a assertion_n be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o we_o to_o build_v any_o of_o our_o opinion_n upon_o they_o only_o serve_v to_o incline_v we_o before_o hand_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o the_o great_a opinion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o they_o cause_v we_o to_o conclude_v that_o they_o will_v never_o have_v embrace_v such_o a_o opinion_n except_o it_o have_v be_v true_a which_o manner_n of_o argumentation_n how_o ever_o be_v at_o the_o best_a but_o probable_a so_o long_o as_o the_o person_n we_o have_v here_o to_o do_v withal_o be_v only_a man_n and_o no_o more_o and_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n where_o the_o question_n be_v touch_v point_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v allow_v of_o since_o that_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v ground_v not_o upon_o probability_n but_o upon_o necessary_a truth_n the_o father_n be_v like_a to_o other_o great_a master_n in_o this_o point_n and_o their_o opinion_n be_v more_o or_o less_o valid_a in_o proportion_n to_o the_o reason_n and_o authority_n whereon_o they_o be_v ground_v only_o they_o have_v this_o advantage_n that_o their_o very_a name_n beget_v in_o we_o a_o readiness_n and_o inclination_n to_o receive_v whatsoever_o come_v from_o they_o while_o we_o think_v it_o very_o improbable_a that_o so_o excellent_a man_n as_o they_o be_v shall_v ever_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a thus_o in_o humane_a science_n the_o say_n of_o a_o aristotle_n be_v of_o a_o far_o different_a value_n from_o that_o of_o any_o other_o philosopher_n of_o less_o account_n because_o that_o all_o man_n be_v beforehand_o possess_v with_o a_o opinion_n that_o this_o great_a philosopher_n will_v not_o maintain_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o consonant_a to_o reason_n but_o this_o be_v prejudice_n only_o for_o if_o upon_o better_a examination_n it_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v otherwise_o his_o bare_a authority_n will_v then_o no_o long_o prevail_v with_o we_o what_o himself_o have_v 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the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o that_o all_o that_o go_v before_o they_o have_v both_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o be_v both_o please_a and_o useful_a unto_o they_o for_o what_o can_v more_o delight_v a_o faithful_a heart_n than_o to_o find_v that_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o eminent_a person_n in_o the_o church_n have_v long_o since_o hold_v the_o same_o opinion_n touch_v our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o grace_n that_o we_o now_o hold_v at_o this_o day_n but_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o present_o follow_v that_o though_o these_o holy_a man_n shall_v have_v meet_v with_o these_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o the_o write_n of_o their_o predecessor_n only_o without_o find_v any_o foundation_n of_o they_o in_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n they_o will_v notwithstanding_o firm_o have_v believe_v and_o embrace_v the_o same_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o their_o predecessor_n s._n augustine_n profess_v plain_o that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n they_o may_v better_o have_v reject_v they_o and_o not_o be_v blame_v for_o so_o do_v neither_o than_o have_v receive_v they_o unless_o they_o will_v incur_v the_o imputation_n of_o be_v over_o credulous_a for_o it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o too_o much_o credulity_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n without_o reason_n and_o he_o further_o affirm_v that_o where_o man_n speak_v without_o either_o scripture_n or_o reason_n their_o bare_a authority_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v what_o they_o propose_v unto_o we_o so_o that_o it_o hence_o appear_v that_o humane_a testimony_n be_v allege_v not_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o faith_n but_o only_o to_o show_v the_o clearness_n of_o it_o after_o it_o be_v once_o well_o ground_v now_o the_o question_n at_o this_o day_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o concern_v the_o clearness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o article_n they_o believe_v and_o press_v 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age_n against_o the_o arrian_n deal_v with_o they_o whole_o in_o a_o manner_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o certain_o those_o holy_a man_n beside_o their_o christian_a candour_n which_o oblige_v they_o to_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v take_v a_o very_a wise_a course_n in_o so_o do_v for_o if_o this_o controversy_n have_v be_v to_o be_v decide_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o humane_a writer_n i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o man_n shall_v have_v be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a that_o which_o this_o gallant_a so_o confident_o affirm_v in_o the_o place_n aforecited_a namely_o that_o none_o of_o the_o ancient_n ever_o say_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v any_o beginning_n of_o his_o generation_n consider_v those_o many_o strange_a passage_n that_o we_o yet_o at_o this_o day_n meet_v with_o touch_v this_o particular_a in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o first_o father_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n also_o why_o the_o arrian_n alâ—ledged_v their_o testimony_n as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v in_o the_o book_n of_o athanasius_n hilary_n and_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_n who_o write_v against_o they_o but_o what_o need_v we_o insist_v so_o long_o upon_o a_o story_n which_o be_v reject_v by_o cardinal_n 〈◊〉_d baronius_n as_o be_v a_o idle_a tale_n devise_v by_o zozomene_n who_o be_v a_o novatian_a 383._o in_o favour_n of_o those_o of_o his_o own_o sect._n the_o counsel_n of_o vincentius_n lirinensis_n which_o he_o give_v we_o in_o a_o certain_a little_a discourse_n of_o he_o which_o be_v very_o high_o prise_v by_o hieron_n gennadius_n be_v account_v by_o many_o man_n much_o more_o worthy_a of_o our_o consideration_n for_o have_v first_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o speak_v not_o of_o any_o author_n pp_n save_v only_o of_o such_o who_o have_v holy_o wise_o and_o constant_o live_v preach_v and_o persevere_v in_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o communion_n obtain_v the_o favour_n at_o length_n either_o to_o die_v faithful_o in_o christ_n or_o else_o have_v the_o happiness_n of_o be_v 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vincentius_n shall_v have_v clear_v by_o this_o excellent_a course_n of_o he_o some_o point_n or_o other_o which_o have_v be_v controvert_v he_o must_v have_v thank_v the_o fire_n the_o water_n the_o moth_n or_o the_o worm_n for_o have_v spare_v those_o author_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o and_o for_o have_v consume_v all_o those_o other_o that_o write_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o adverse_a party_n for_o otherwise_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v a_o heretic_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v decide_v our_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n after_o this_o manner_n we_o shall_v do_v in_o a_o manner_n as_o he_o do_v who_o give_v judgement_n upon_o the_o suit_n of_o law_n that_o come_v before_o he_o by_o the_o chance_n he_o throw_v with_o three_o dice_n do_v but_o imagine_v now_o what_o a_o endless_a labour_n it_o will_v be_v for_o a_o man_n either_o to_o go_v and_o heap_v up_o together_o and_o run_v over_o all_o the_o author_n that_o ever_o have_v write_v one_o with_o another_o or_o else_o to_o 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assensum_fw-la it_o be_v very_o true_a say_v ambrose_n catharinus_n in_o like_a manner_n that_o the_o say_n and_o write_n of_o the_o father_n have_v not_o of_o themselves_o any_o so_o absolute_a authority_n as_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o assent_v to_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n the_o jesuit_n also_o themselves_o inform_v we_o sufficient_o in_o many_o place_n that_o they_o do_v not_o reckon_v themselves_o so_o tie_v to_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o father_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o people_n may_v imagine_v petavius_n in_o his_o annotation_n upon_o epiphanius_n confess_v free_o debemus_fw-la that_o the_o father_n be_v man_n that_o they_o have_v their_o fail_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o malicious_o to_o search_v after_o their_o error_n that_o we_o may_v lay_v they_o open_v to_o the_o world_n but_o that_o we_o may_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o note_v they_o when_o ever_o they_o come_v in_o our_o way_n to_o the_o end_n that_o none_o be_v deceive_v by_o they_o and_o that_o 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