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this_o doctrine_n for_o either_o the_o definitor_n be_v assure_v the_o doctrine_n they_o define_v be_v true_a or_o no_o if_o not_o how_o can_v it_o be_v say_v they_o proceed_v rational_o who_o determine_v a_o position_n as_o certain_a which_o they_o see_v not_o to_o be_v so_o if_o they_o be_v than_o the_o opinion_n be_v certain_a before_o the_o definition_n on_o some_o ground_n precedent_n to_o and_o independent_a of_o it_o and_o so_o not_o make_v certain_a by_o the_o definition_n but_o only_o declare_v to_o the_o ignorant_a by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o definer_n that_o it_o be_v and_o be_v certain_a upon_o other_o ground_n now_o except_v tradition_n scripture_n and_o definition_n i_o know_v not_o any_o thing_n man_n seek_v into_o for_o a_o irrefragable_a authority_n therefore_o what_o be_v define_v must_v be_v before_z certain_z either_o by_o scripture_n or_o by_o tradition_n let_v those_o divine_n now_o choose_v which_o
christ_n doctrine_n we_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v general_o preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o contain_v all_o such_o point_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n not_o only_o in_o particular_a to_o single_a person_n but_o for_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o bring_v multitude_n with_o convenience_n to_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n and_o felicity_n in_o the_o next_o which_o be_v establish_v they_o immediate_o proceed_v to_o this_o general_a position_n that_o all_o christ_n teach_v or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n suggest_v to_o the_o apostle_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v by_o a_o direct_a uninterrupted_a live_n entire_o and_o full_o descend_v to_o the_o present_a church_n which_o communicate_v with_o and_o acknowledge_v subjection_n to_o the_o roman_a add_v also_o the_o conver_n of_o that_o proposition_n viz._n nothing_o be_v so_o descend_v but_o such_o truth_n nor_o any_o thing_n hold_v by_o this_o tenure_n but_o what_o be_v so_o descend_v which_o be_v cast_v up_o amount_v to_o this_o great_a conclusion_n no_o error_n be_v ever_o or_o can_v be_v embrace_v by_o the_o church_n in_o quality_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n the_o proof_n consist_v in_o this_o since_o it_o be_v confess_v the_o catholic_a church_n go_v upon_o this_o maxim_n that_o her_o doctrine_n be_v receive_v from_o christ_n and_o still_o hand_v along_o to_o the_o present_a generation_n they_o who_o cavil_v at_o this_o assertion_n shall_v assign_v some_o age_n when_o they_o conceive_v a_o error_n creep_v in_o and_o the_o maintainer_n shall_v prove_v it_o enter_v not_o in_o that_o age_n because_o that_o age_n hold_v nothing_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o of_o faith_n except_o what_o be_v deliver_v to_o it_o by_o the_o former_a but_o the_o objector_n themselves_o say_v this_o suppose_a error_n be_v not_o deliver_v by_o the_o former_a since_o they_o put_v it_o to_o be_v now_o first_o believe_v therefore_o the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o imagine_v this_o error_n creep_v in_o 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on_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n some_o through_o dulness_n of_o understanding_n some_o by_o the_o distraction_n of_o seek_v necessary_n for_o their_o subsistence_n or_o at_o least_o convenience_n for_o their_o accommodation_n and_o other_o for_o the_o diffluence_n of_o nature_n to_o pleasure_n and_o vanity_n be_v to_o their_o very_a depart_a hour_n whole_o incapable_a of_o search_v out_o their_o religion_n either_o by_o their_o own_o contemplation_n or_o the_o learned_a book_n of_o other_o i_o can_v doubt_v but_o such_o a_o considerer_n will_v without_o the_o least_o difficulty_n or_o hesitation_n conclude_v that_o be_v it_o his_o design_n to_o set_v up_o a_o religion_n which_o he_o will_v have_v constant_o and_o universal_o propagate_v he_o must_v of_o necessity_n pitch_n upon_o this_o way_n and_o so_o with_o a_o resolute_a and_o pious_a confidence_n pronounce_v if_o god_n have_v not_o already_o take_v this_o course_n certain_o he_o shall_v have_v do_v it_o to_o these_o consideration_n give_v my_o pen_n leave_v to_o add_v the_o confession_n of_o our_o adversary_n who_o bold_o acknowledge_v the_o roman_a church_n have_v have_v universal_a tradition_n for_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o its_o faith_n ever_o since_o st._n gregory_n day_n which_o be_v now_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o very_o near_o two_o part_n of_o the_o three_o that_o christian_a religion_n have_v endure_v they_o confess_v those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v common_a to_o we_o and_o they_o remain_z in_o our_o church_n uncorrupted_a and_o have_v still_o descend_v from_o father_n to_o son_n by_o virtue_n of_o tradition_n since_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o will_v not_o deny_v the_o age_n betwixt_o constantine_n and_o st._n gregory_n flourish_v with_o a_o infinity_n of_o person_n famous_a both_o for_o piety_n and_o learning_n and_o the_o church_n never_o more_o vigilant_a never_o more_o jealous_a be_v continual_o alarm_v by_o such_o troop_n of_o powerful_a and_o subtle_a heretic_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o likelihood_n gross_a error_n such_o as_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n import_v can_v creep_v in_o undiscerned_a in_o those_o day_n and_o perhaps_o much_o less_o betwixt_o constantine_n and_o the_o apostle_n the_o time_n be_v so_o short_a that_o it_o scarce_o exceed_v the_o retrospection_n of_o those_o who_o live_v with_o constantine_n at_o least_o that_o age_n can_v evident_o know_v what_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o christendom_n in_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n great_a grandchild_n and_o they_o again_o be_v certain_o assure_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n disciple_n their_o grandfather_n which_o be_v a_o evidence_n beyond_o all_o testimony_n of_o writer_n that_o since_o constantine_n time_n it_o be_v know_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o self-sight_n what_o the_o grandchild_n of_o the_o apostle_n hold_v and_o it_o can_v not_o be_v doubt_v of_o they_o but_o they_o know_v and_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o
apostle_n that_o i_o say_v in_o constantine_n time_n the_o public_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n beside_o the_o communication_n of_o christian_n be_v very_o difficult_a and_o infrequent_a during_o those_o persecution_n the_o contagion_n also_o of_o heresy_n scatter_v itself_o slow_o among_o christian_n in_o those_o time_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v note_v a_o ridiculous_a cavil_n very_o common_a not_o only_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o more_o rash_a and_o shallow_a protestant_n but_o even_o in_o the_o writing_n of_o many_o of_o their_o grave_a and_o most_o solemn_a doctor_n who_o cry_v out_o against_o the_o ignorance_n of_o our_o church_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o error_n and_o yet_o put_v the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o insult_v that_o frigebat_fw-la scriptura_fw-la cum_fw-la vetustis_fw-la autoribus_fw-la some_o hundred_o of_o year_n after_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o doctrine_n term_v error_n be_v already_o flourish_v as_o if_o they_o can_v proceed_v from_o a_o defect_n which_o follow_v they_o a_o slander_n so_o palpable_o absurd_a that_o all_o the_o charity_n i_o have_v can_v scarce_o persuade_v i_o to_o think_v they_o be_v not_o blind_v rather_o with_o malice_n then_o ignorance_n that_o dare_v vent_v such_o gross_a contradiction_n and_o now_o have_v abridge_v as_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a sense_n of_o rushworth_n dialogue_n concern_v tradition_n into_o this_o short_a compendium_n i_o will_v apply_v my_o pen_n to_o answer_v what_o exception_n be_v take_v against_o either_o the_o form_n or_o matter_n of_o that_o discourse_n the_o second_o encounter_n defeat_v three_o opposition_n make_v against_o tradition_n the_o first_o objection_n against_o the_o form_n be_v that_o i_o put_v my_o adversary_n to_o prove_v his_o position_n instead_o of_o go_v about_o to_o maintain_v my_o own_o this_o they_o imagine_v because_o i_o bid_v they_o assign_v the_o age_n which_o they_o take_v to_o be_v as_o much_o as_o a_o demand_n of_o they_o to_o prove_v that_o in_o such_o a_o time_n come_v in_o the_o error_n but_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a mistake_n for_o i_o do_v not_o require_v they_o shall_v prove_v the_o error_n begin_v in_o such_o a_o age_n but_o only_o exact_v of_o they_o for_o argument_n sake_n to_o name_v the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o find_v most_o difficulty_n for_o i_o to_o conclude_v or_o wherein_o they_o conceive_v the_o sinew_n of_o my_o discourse_n will_v be_v most_o slack_a and_o feeble_a for_o the_o force_n of_o the_o main_a argument_n be_v indifferent_a to_o any_o age_n they_o can_v pitch_v upon_o equal_o demonstrative_a in_o all_o and_o so_o by_o strike_v at_o every_o one_o conclude_v against_o all_o this_o i_o say_v not_o any_o way_n to_o disclaim_v the_o advantage_n we_o catholic_n have_v whilst_o we_o press_v our_o adversary_n to_o prove_v his_o thesis_n be_v no_o less_o a_o just_a then_o strong_a and_o secure_a retreat_n and_o which_o i_o reserve_v myself_o the_o liberty_n of_o retire_v to_o perhaps_o at_o another_o time_n but_o now_o i_o only_o urge_v he_o to_o name_v one_o age_n at_o hazard_n mere_o to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o argument_n a_o justice_n i_o may_v do_v for_o myself_o if_o i_o will_v without_o his_o courtesy_n and_o have_v all_o the_o law_n of_o disputation_n bear_v i_o out_o in_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o to_o little_a purpose_n to_o demand_v whether_o i_o ask_v of_o the_o first_o man_n that_o hold_v such_o a_o opinion_n or_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v universal_a though_o the_o question_n be_v plain_o of_o this_o late_a for_o we_o hold_v it_o be_v ever_o so_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o be_v necessary_a to_o answer_v it_o the_o argument_n make_v be_v indifferent_a to_o all_o the_o skill_n therefore_o require_v be_v only_o to_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o form_n of_o demonstrate_v for_o the_o most_o part_n indeed_o not_o find_v in_o the_o quaint_a discourse_n of_o rhetorician_n but_o the_o 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not_o all_o in_o some_o country_n not_o all_o in_o some_o circumstance_n not_o all_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v neither_o superstition_n to_o use_v it_o nor_o sacrilege_n to_o leave_v it_o off_o how_o strong_o soever_o the_o opponent_n aver_v one_o of_o these_o two_o to_o be_v unavoidable_a the_o second_o opposition_n make_v against_o the_o form_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o fallacy_n of_o that_o kind_n call_v soritae_fw-la in_o which_o the_o sceptic_n find_v so_o great_a difficulty_n that_o they_o use_v to_o press_v they_o against_o the_o stoic_n and_o other_o dogmatist_n as_o insoluble_a and_o manifest_o demonstrate_v there_o be_v no_o science_n but_o to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o objection_n the_o demonstration_n propose_v be_v to_o begin_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v that_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n in_o any_o controversy_n against_o new_a doctrine_n examine_v no_o far_a than_o on_o which_o side_n stand_v the_o 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more_o be_v conclude_v therefore_o
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mere_o about_o a_o ceremony_n not_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n wherefore_o only_o indifferent_a and_o unnecessary_a practice_n be_v subject_n of_o such_o a_o double_a tradition_n and_o by_o consequence_n such_o tradition_n be_v not_o of_o christian_a belief_n or_o concern_v matter_n here_o in_o controversy_n this_o very_a definition_n rather_o direct_o exclude_v they_o the_o eight_o argument_n seem_v to_o take_v its_o rise_n from_o our_o own_o confession_n tell_v we_o we_o acknowledge_v some_o point_n of_o faith_n to_o have_v come_v in_o late_a than_o other_o and_o give_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o that_o the_o tradition_n whereon_o such_o point_n rely_v be_v at_o the_o beginning_n a_o particular_a one_o but_o so_o that_o yet_o at_o the_o time_n when_o it_o become_v universal_a it_o have_v a_o testimony_n even_o beyond_o exception_n by_o which_o it_o gain_v such_o a_o general_a acknowledgement_n the_o example_n of_o this_o be_v in_o certain_a book_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o epistle_n 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teach_v we_o always_o command_v and_o practise_v that_o no_o man_n exercise_v his_o wit_n in_o interpret_n the_o holy_a scripture_n against_o the_o receive_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n as_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o science_n they_o who_o be_v master_n in_o the_o art_n judge_v the_o text_n of_o book_n write_v upon_o such_o subject_n by_o their_o unwritten_a skill_n and_o practical_a experience_n and_o here_o i_o will_v willing_o ask_v what_o such_o protestant_n as_o object_v this_o to_o we_o can_v answer_v for_o themselves_o since_o they_o direct_o profess_v not_o to_o know_v scripture_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o must_v necessary_o rely_v on_o tradition_n especial_o those_o who_o take_v for_o their_o rule_n to_o accept_v only_o such_o book_n for_o canonical_a as_o be_v never_o doubt_v of_o for_o they_o can_v deny_v but_o the_o scripture_n be_v receive_v in_o one_o church_n before_o another_o as_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n st._n john_n or_o st._n mark_v gospel_n etc._n etc._n and_o how_o do_v they_o admit_v the_o apocalypse_v so_o long_o refuse_v by_o the_o greek_a church_n who_o they_o use_v to_o prefer_v before_o the_o latin_a but_o they_o press_v we_o far_o that_o if_o a_o particular_a tradition_n become_v universal_a this_o depend_v on_o the_o logic_n of_o those_o age_n to_o discern_v what_o testimony_n be_v beyond_o exception_n i_o demand_v what_o signify_v logic_n do_v they_o mean_v common_a sense_n sufficient_a to_o know_v three_o and_o four_o make_v seven_o or_o wit_n enough_o to_o comprehend_v and_o manage_v with_o a_o just_a degree_n of_o discretion_n the_o ordinary_a occurrence_n in_o humane_a action_n if_o they_o do_v i_o must_v confess_v it_o depend_v on_o logic_n for_o i_o can_v think_v god_n almighty_a deliver_v the_o scripture_n to_o ape_n or_o elephant_n who_o have_v a_o mere_a imitation_n of_o reason_n in_o their_o outward_a carriage_n but_o to_o man_n that_o have_v true_o understanding_n and_o a_o capacity_n of_o evidence_n within_o
they_o have_v no_o truth_n in_o they_o a_o proof_n as_o such_o still_o carry_v its_o truth_n in_o its_o force_n of_o conclude_v but_o probable_a argument_n have_v no_o force_n to_o conclude_v and_o consequent_o no_o truth_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o say_n be_v different_a from_o that_o of_o a_o argument_n a_o true_a argument_n be_v that_o which_o prove_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o true_a say_n which_o only_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o it_o we_o see_v what_o i_o say_v be_v but_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o natural_a constancy_n for_o as_o to_o not_o act_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v no_o reason_n but_o to_o act_v we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o positive_a cause_n so_o to_o remain_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o birth_n and_o education_n there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n require_v then_o because_o we_o be_v in_o it_o whereas_o to_o change_v we_o must_v have_v efficacious_a motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o here_o my_o adversary_n will_v exult_v and_o think_v at_o least_o protestant_n can_v become_v catholik_o without_o evidence_n which_o he_o conceive_v impossible_a and_o i_o grant_v his_o consequence_n if_o he_o can_v prove_v his_o supposition_n for_o to_o my_o sight_n nothing_o be_v more_o clear_a then_o that_o protestant_n change_v their_o religion_n from_o be_v catholik_o and_o that_o upon_o but_o probable_a ground_n whence_o it_o be_v evident_a no_o protestant_n who_o be_v formal_o such_o that_o be_v hold_v his_o religion_n on_o probable_a argument_n against_o the_o catholic_a church_n but_o stand_v in_o a_o continual_a formal_a rebellion_n against_o she_o who_o by_o his_o own_o acknowledgement_n be_v once_o his_o magistrate_n and_o against_o who_o himself_o confess_v he_o have_v no_o more_o than_o probable_a exception_n therefore_o whoever_o of_o a_o protestant_n become_v catholik_n go_v so_o far_o with_o evidence_n that_o he_o reconcile_v himself_o to_o a_o government_n under_o which_o he_o once_o be_v and_o have_v no_o 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establish_v upon_o the_o infallible_a credit_n of_o his_o word_n and_o as_o no_o other_o sort_n of_o christian_a society_n can_v pretend_v to_o this_o privilege_n so_o neither_o can_v they_o with_o any_o colour_n of_o justice_n exempt_v themselves_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n that_o enjoy_v it_o a_o authority_n which_o if_o ever_o she_o have_v and_o such_o as_o she_o claim_v it_o be_v of_o so_o unchangeable_a a_o nature_n be_v constitute_v by_o god_n be_v the_o rock_n on_o which_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n be_v build_v and_o the_o fundamental_a stone_n of_o the_o church_n no_o time_n nor_o variation_n of_o material_a accident_n can_v prejudice_v or_o prescribe_v against_o it_o wherefore_o if_o protestant_n at_o first_o depart_v unjustifiable_o they_o remain_v for_o ever_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n till_o they_o restore_v themselves_o to_o the_o primitive_a union_n again_o who_o unless_o he_o have_v renounce_v all_o morality_n ever_o call_v it_o 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grandfather_n as_o though_o such_o a_o graceless_a entail_n can_v prejudice_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n though_o not_o so_o absurd_a yet_o as_o weak_a be_v another_o objection_n take_v from_o the_o jewish_a cabala_n however_o it_o seem_v worthy_a of_o thanks_o to_o the_o suggestor_n what_o it_o be_v be_v not_o hard_a to_o guess_v our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v give_v we_o the_o hint_n of_o it_o when_o he_o reproach_v the_o jew_n for_o follow_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n or_o elder_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o god_n command_n but_o to_o decipher_v it_o better_o i_o ought_v to_o divide_v it_o into_o matter_n and_o form_n the_o form_n i_o call_v the_o rule_n the_o matter_n what_o be_v deliver_v or_o find_v out_o by_o these_o rule_n as_o for_o the_o matter_n it_o seem_v in_o some_o way_n proportion_v to_o the_o proceed_n of_o certain_a of_o our_o divine_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v mystical_a and_o their_o employment_n be_v in_o the_o sublime_a mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o 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the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n by_o three_o abuse_n of_o the_o letter_n which_o as_o far_o as_o my_o memory_n seru_v i_o for_o i_o have_v not_o the_o book_n necessary_a be_v these_o one_o by_o take_v every_o letter_n of_o a_o word_n for_o a_o whole_a word_n beginning_n with_o that_o letter_n another_o by_o change_a letter_n according_a to_o certain_a rule_n frame_v by_o themselves_o the_o three_o to_o find_v number_n of_o year_n or_o other_o thing_n by_o the_o number_n which_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o word_n compound_v in_o such_o language_n where_o their_o letter_n be_v use_v for_o cypher_n so_o much_o be_v deliver_v in_o short_a i_o can_v conceive_v any_o indifferent_a judgement_n so_o blunt_a that_o he_o see_v not_o how_o far_o these_o riddle_a way_n of_o explication_n be_v from_o the_o natural_a intention_n of_o a_o writer_n and_o how_o destructive_a to_o all_o truth_n if_o use_v otherwise_o then_o for_o pleasure_n and_o as_o a_o disport_n of_o chance_n and_o encounter_v our_o 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abominable_a on_o such_o chimerical_a dream_n and_o yet_o this_o it_o be_v our_o opposer_n will_v father_n upon_o no_o less_o than_o moses_n and_o the_o sanhedrin_n and_o all_o the_o sacred_a magistracy_n of_o the_o old_a law_n let_v we_o give_v a_o step_n far_o and_o see_v if_o it_o be_v true_a how_o like_v it_o be_v to_o our_o case_n the_o tradition_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o public_a preach_n and_o teach_v and_o practice_n exercise_v in_o the_o church_n settle_v by_o the_o apostle_n through_o the_o world_n this_o cabala_n a_o doctrine_n pretend_v as_o deliver_v to_o few_o with_o strict_a charge_n to_o keep_v it_o from_o publicity_n and_o so_o communicate_v it_o again_o successive_o to_o a_o select_a committee_n of_o a_o few_o wherein_o you_o may_v see_v as_o fair_a a_o opportunity_n for_o juggle_a and_o cozenage_n as_o in_o our_o case_n there_o be_v impossibility_n the_o modern_n therefore_o who_o profess_v cabala_n may_v say_v they_o receive_v it_o from_o their_o predecessor_n 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he_o speak_v of_o a_o secret_a altogether_o incapable_a of_o notoriousness_n may_v not_o they_o add_v say_v he_o the_o dispersion_n of_o their_o church_n through_o so_o many_o country_n and_o language_n i_o yield_v they_o may_v but_o to_o no_o purpose_n unless_o they_o continue_v sanhedrin_n in_o every_o country_n for_o otherwise_o this_o dispersion_n will_v prove_v but_o the_o derivation_n from_o their_o council_n of_o tiberias_n or_o such_o like_a time_n which_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o succession_n from_o moses_n add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o nation_n since_o christ_n time_n be_v infamous_a for_o falsify_v doctrine_n and_o corrupt_a scripture_n and_o even_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o long_o before_o their_o rabbin_n be_v just_o brand_v with_o the_o foul_a imputation_n of_o frequent_a forgery_n their_o sect_n and_o heresy_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o that_o desperate_a height_n as_o to_o deny_v there_o be_v any_o spirit_n or_o shall_v be_v any_o resurrection_n which_o be_v the_o very_a top_n of_o impiety_n but_o what_o be_v no_o less_o to_o be_v consider_v than_o any_o thing_n yet_o offer_v the_o very_a subject_n of_o the_o question_n be_v different_a the_o church_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v a_o vast_a and_o numerous_a body_n spread_v over_o the_o world_n and_o he_o must_v be_v a_o mad_a man_n that_o will_v go_v about_o to_o deny_v this_o body_n have_v remain_v perpetual_o visible_a from_o christ_n time_n to_o we_o however_o some_o heretic_n may_v pretend_v the_o invisible_a part_n viz._n that_o the_o faith_n have_v be_v interrupt_v but_o for_o the_o sanhedrin_n what_o assurance_n nay_o what_o probability_n be_v there_o of_o derive_v its_o pedigree_n from_o moses_n to_o the_o day_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o all_o their_o oppression_n during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n in_o the_o division_n of_o the_o tribe_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o their_o king_n in_o the_o
charity_n grant_v among_o jew_n it_o may_v have_v be_v do_v as_o not_o a_o few_o think_v the_o very_a law_n be_v lose_v in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o wicked_a king_n or_o other_o oppression_n what_o inference_n can_v they_o make_v against_o christian_a tradition_n of_o book_n of_o scripture_n peradventure_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o some_o one_o or_o rather_o any_o one_o may_v have_v be_v lose_v because_o it_o be_v in_o few_o hand_n shall_v we_o therefore_o conclude_v the_o same_o possibility_n of_o suppression_n when_o we_o treat_v of_o doctrine_n universal_o profess_v by_o so_o many_o million_o when_o we_o dispute_v of_o practice_n every_o day_n frequent_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n still_o there_o be_v one_o jar_a string_n that_o grate_v my_o ear_n with_o its_o loud_a discord_n though_o the_o stroke_n come_v not_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o these_o objector_n yet_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o put_v it_o in_o tune_n some_o sick_a head_n rove_a up_o and_o down_o in_o their_o extravagant_a fancy_n will_v needs_o entertain_v a_o wild_a conjecture_n that_o at_o first_o our_o saviour_n be_v indeed_o style_v god_n and_o though_o the_o learned_a who_o have_v the_o knack_n of_o distinguish_v know_v well_o enough_o the_o inward_a meaning_n than_o signify_v only_o a_o most_o eminent_a and_o godlike_a person_n yet_o the_o common_a people_n understand_v their_o preacher_n simple_o as_o the_o letter_n sound_v come_v by_o degree_n universal_o to_o believe_v his_o true_a and_o real_a divinity_n but_o with_o what_o ingenuity_n can_v such_o ramble_a wit_n think_v the_o chief_a principle_n of_o christianity_n shall_v be_v so_o negligent_o teach_v or_o accuse_v so_o many_o holy_a saint_n of_o those_o pure_a time_n to_o be_v such_o deceitful_a teacher_n beside_o do_v not_o their_o rashness_n blind_v they_o they_o will_v easy_o see_v the_o raise_n the_o person_n of_o christ_n from_o humane_a to_o divine_v will_v necessary_o infer_v a_o notorious_a change_n in_o the_o solemn_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o daily_a devotion_n of_o the_o people_n which_o certain_o will_v give_v so_o great_a a_o stroke_n to_o both_o it_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v attempt_v either_o undiscerned_a or_o unresisted_a last_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v deliver_v not_o in_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n but_o in_o sense_n a_o thousand_o way_n explicate_v &_o enforce_v according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o occasion_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o learner_n how_o can_v any_o ambiguity_n of_o phrase_n endanger_v they_o into_o a_o mistake_n who_o attend_v not_o so_o much_o to_o the_o dead_a letter_n as_o the_o quicken_a sense_n so_o various_o express_v so_o often_o incultate_v to_o they_o by_o their_o master_n the_o fifteen_o encounter_n declare_v the_o state_n of_o this_o question_n whether_o the_o scripture_n can_v decide_v controversy_n there_o remain_v yet_o a_o second_o part_n of_o our_o apology_n for_o as_o this_o be_v the_o catholic_n principle_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o the_o live_a word_n write_v in_o their_o breast_n which_o govern_v all_o their_o action_n relate_v to_o religion_n so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n whoever_o have_v at_o any_o time_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o reformation_n oppose_v her_o authority_n such_o have_v constant_o raise_v up_o their_o altar_n against_o tradition_n upon_o the_o dead_a letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o as_o the_o catholic_n church_n high_o reverence_v when_o they_o be_v animate_v by_o the_o interpretation_n of_o tradition_n so_o by_o too_o much_o experience_n she_o know_v they_o become_v a_o kill_a letter_n when_o abuse_v against_o the_o catholic_n sense_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o minister_n but_o before_o we_o set_v our_o foot_n within_o the_o list_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o opposition_n no_o less_o common_a than_o slight_a and_o absurd_a and_o this_o it_o be_v when_o we_o retire_v to_o tradition_n after_o 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they_o be_v defend_v rather_o than_o accept_v of_o such_o abomination_n now_o if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o deny_v all_o good_a life_n and_o the_o main_a and_o universal_a fruit_n of_o christ_n passion_n even_o in_o those_o prefer_v age_n i_o have_v lose_v my_o little_a wit_n this_n therefore_o i_o say_v be_v the_o aim_n and_o project_n of_o his_o book_n to_o prove_v that_o since_o christ_n time_n there_o have_v be_v no_o sufficient_a live_a testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n no_o command_n or_o government_n of_o christian_n as_o christian_n and_o last_o no_o holiness_n or_o good_a life_n nor_o any_o fit_a direction_n among_o mankind_n bring_v in_o and_o state_v by_o our_o kind_a saviour_n and_o wise_a lawgiver_n jesus_n christ._n now_o how_o great_a a_o encouragement_n and_o advance_v this_o may_v prove_v either_o towards_o virtue_n or_o study_n of_o religion_n i_o understand_v not_o this_o i_o know_v if_o any_o will_v purposely_o seek_v to_o draw_v off_o our_o heart_n 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and_o best_a member_n of_o the_o church_n even_o the_o immediate_a disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o short_a time_n so_o overrun_v the_o whole_a world_n that_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v general_o lose_v and_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n obstruct_v with_o a_o universal_a deluge_n of_o vice_n and_o superstition_n these_o proof_n be_v the_o work_n of_o our_o excellent_a author_n whence_o i_o think_v it_o no_o boldness_n to_o conclude_v this_o treatise_n of_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o father_n be_v the_o perfect_a piece_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v for_o the_o utter_a extermination_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o absolute_a ruin_n of_o all_o virtue_n for_o when_o i_o turn_v over_o the_o book_n i_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v it_o full_a of_o as_o good_a topic_n cast_v into_o as_o neat_a a_o stile_n and_o qualify_v with_o as_o seem_v a_o fit_a temper_n convenient_o to_o betray_v unwary_a soul_n as_o any_o modern_a i_o ever_o read_v but_o
the_o former_a age_n more_o pure_a than_o the_o late_a since_o we_o admit_v no_o error_n in_o either_o but_o make_v no_o question_n that_o the_o universality_n of_o father_n in_o any_o two_o age_n hold_v the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o so_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o second_o tricentury_n be_v know_v we_o account_v that_o of_o the_o former_a undoubted_a especial_o we_o all_o believe_v the_o latter_a father_n receive_v their_o doctrine_n from_o the_o former_a not_o by_o read_v their_o book_n which_o belong_v to_o few_o but_o by_o be_v instruct_v from_o their_o mouth_n who_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o they_o but_o he_o think_v his_o reformer_n very_o probable_o maintain_v that_o christian_a religion_n have_v long_o be_v in_o a_o dangerous_a consumption_n decline_v still_o by_o little_a and_o little_a and_o lose_v in_o every_o age_n some_o certain_a degree_n of_o its_o primitive_a vigour_n and_o native_a complexion_n to_o which_o purpose_n he_o cite_v the_o word_n of_o hegesippus_n out_o of_o eusebius_n that_o this_o infirmity_n begin_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o apostle_n be_v dead_a this_o position_n sound_v to_o i_o as_o if_o the_o opinion_n they_o cry_v out_o against_o for_o abomination_n enter_v so_o early_o into_o the_o church_n and_o have_v continue_v in_o it_o so_o long_o that_o they_o can_v now_o reckon_v fifteen_o century_n nor_o can_v i_o desire_v either_o a_o more_o ingenuous_a confession_n or_o strong_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n have_v preserve_v with_o such_o exact_a care_n and_o constant_a tenderness_n that_o in_o so_o many_o age_n not_o one_o of_o they_o have_v be_v forget_v not_o one_o of_o they_o ever_o oppose_v by_o those_o who_o in_o all_o generation_n have_v still_o be_v account_v the_o sound_a party_n of_o christian_n beside_o i_o shall_v expect_v that_o so_o foul_a a_o blemish_n as_o these_o bold_a accuser_n lay_v upon_o the_o church_n viz._n that_o she_o have_v be_v a_o idolatrous_a 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transcriber_n have_v put_v wrong_a name_n to_o book_n either_o for_o the_o better_a sell_v they_o or_o out_o of_o ignorance_n and_o in_o some_o of_o they_o the_o question_n be_v about_o author_n almost_o of_o the_o same_o age_n all_o which_o be_v likewise_o little_a to_o the_o point_n for_o where_o the_o age_n opinion_n and_o not_o the_o particular_a credit_n of_o the_o author_n learning_n be_v require_v the_o authority_n of_o one_o understanding_n writer_n ought_v general_o to_o weigh_v as_o much_o as_o another_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n in_o controversy_n where_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n not_o that_o of_o private_a doctor_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o our_o inquiry_n neither_o must_v i_o forget_v his_o defamation_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n as_o counterfeiter_n of_o the_o sibyl_n prophecy_n out_o of_o the_o calumny_n of_o the_o wicked_a celsey_n which_o nevertheless_o we_o see_v lactantius_n stand_v upon_o to_o the_o heathen_n face_n he_o omit_v not_o for_o a_o notorious_a piece_n of_o forgery_n that_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o sardica_n be_v cite_v as_o of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a wherein_o nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a then_o that_o the_o canon_n be_v true_a though_o not_o admit_v by_o the_o greek_n who_o be_v call_v will_v not_o come_v to_o the_o council_n so_o the_o question_n stand_v mere_o upon_o this_o whether_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v call_v the_o canon_n of_o nice_a be_v make_v by_o a_o council_n gather_v afterward_o to_o confirm_v the_o former_a which_o the_o latin_n defend_v and_o the_o greek_n dislike_n doubtless_o a_o main_a forgery_n to_o be_v urge_v by_o this_o temperate_a man_n who_o charity_n no_o question_n will_v have_v wink_v at_o small_a fault_n yet_o because_o no_o ordinary_a satisfaction_n will_v content_v he_o though_o those_o pope_n be_v all_o both_o commend_v by_o the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o repute_v saint_n by_o the_o ensue_a church_n and_o one_o of_o they_o that_o great_a 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it_o be_v the_o grecian_n objection_n about_o add_v this_o word_n filioque_fw-la to_o the_o creed_n of_o nicaea_n which_o have_v insist_v on_o more_o large_o in_o another_o place_n i_o shall_v pacify_v with_o this_o short_a answer_n since_o it_o be_v confess_v by_o both_o party_n that_o the_o main_a creed_n be_v make_v in_o that_o council_n and_o receive_v this_o addition_n from_o another_o free_o and_o open_o avow_v for_o such_o by_o the_o roman_a church_n the_o question_n can_v not_o be_v of_o corruption_n which_o seem_v to_o imply_v a_o secret_a design_n of_o impose_v on_o the_o world_n but_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o addition_n now_o let_v we_o pass_v to_o his_o accusation_n of_o late_a time_n where_o he_o complain_v there_o be_v far_o more_o false_a play_n his_o first_o instance_n be_v against_o certain_a variety_n in_o the_o ancient_a father_n that_o some_o manuscript_n or_o impression_n agree_v not_o with_o other_o as_o if_o every_o one_o that_o set_v out_o a_o book_n must_v have_v see_v all_o manuscript_n or_o else_o he_o corrupt_v the_o ancient_a copy_n but_o that_o which_o anger_v he_o be_v the_o word_n omit_v or_o add_v be_v against_o his_o tenet_n whence_o he_o gather_v it_o be_v no_o casual_a escape_n but_o a_o deliberate_a plot_n of_o voluntary_a corruption_n but_o he_o that_o will_v lose_v so_o much_o time_n as_o to_o take_v notice_n how_o weak_a and_o inconsiderable_a the_o passage_n be_v even_o in_o his_o own_o citation_n will_v easy_o see_v this_o chief_a proof_n consist_v mere_o in_o a_o bold_a assertion_n i_o shall_v therefore_o rely_v on_o my_o reader_n ingenuity_n and_o only_o cite_v two_o or_o three_o example_n for_o a_o pattern_n of_o the_o rest_n as_o that_o the_o word_n petra_n be_v change_v into_o petrus_n in_o that_o famous_a sentence_n of_o st._n cyprian_n cathedra_fw-la una_fw-la super_fw-la petrum_fw-la domini_fw-la voce_fw-la fundata_fw-la that_o in_o st._n amhrose_n some_o book_n be_v separate_v which_o in_o other_o copy_n 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