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 needs_o must_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o oftentimes_o those_o opinion_n which_o have_v less_o truth_n in_o they_o do_v yet_o prevail_v because_o that_o prudence_n which_o maintain_v the_o true_a opinion_n be_v mild_a and_o patient_n whereas_o rashness_n which_o defend_v the_o false_a be_v of_o a_o froward_a eager_a and_o ambitious_a nature_n but_o now_o let_v we_o but_o imagine_v how_o many_o of_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n may_v have_v be_v make_v away_o by_o those_o several_a way_n before_o represent_v by_o we_o as_o namely_o have_v be_v either_o devour_v by_o time_n or_o suppress_v by_o malicious_a man_n for_o fear_n lest_o they_o shall_v let_v the_o world_n see_v the_o trace_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o will_v have_v conceal_v but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v think_v to_o bring_v here_o only_o bare_a conjecture_n without_o any_o proof_n at_o all_o i_o shall_v produce_v some_o example_n also_o for_o the_o confirm_v and_o clear_v of_o this_o my_o assertion_n epiphanius_n maintain_v against_o aerius_n 75._o who_o he_o rank_n among_o his_o haeresiarchae_fw-la or_o arch_a heretic_n that_o a_o bishop_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n and_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v more_o than_o a_o priest_n and_o this_o he_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v in_o many_o word_n answer_v all_o the_o objection_n that_o be_v make_v to_o the_o contrary_n if_o you_o but_o read_v the_o passage_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o when_o you_o have_v do_v you_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o swear_v that_o what_o he_o have_v there_o deliver_v be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o all_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o so_o great_a and_o so_o renown_a a_o prelate_n will_v so_o slat_o have_v deny_v the_o opinion_n which_o he_o dispute_v against_o if_o so_o be_v any_o one_o of_o his_o own_o familiar_a friend_n have_v also_o maintain_v the_o same_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o saint_n hierome_n who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a light_n of_o our_o western_a church_n and_o who_o live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o epiphanius_n who_o be_v his_o intimate_a friend_n and_o a_o great_a admirer_n of_o his_o piety_n say_v express_o fus_fw-fr that_o among_o the_o ancient_n bishop_n and_o priest_n be_v the_o same_o the_o one_o be_v a_o name_n of_o dignity_n and_o the_o other_o of_o age._n and_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v think_v that_o this_o fall_v from_o he_o in_o discourse_n only_o he_o there_o fall_v to_o prove_v the_o same_o at_o large_a allege_v several_a passage_n of_o scripture_n touch_v this_o particular_a and_o he_o also_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o two_o or_o three_o several_a place_n of_o his_o work_n whereby_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o even_o position_n which_o have_v be_v quite_o contradictory_n to_o the_o opinion_n which_o have_v be_v deliver_v and_o maintain_v by_o some_o of_o the_o father_n and_o propose_v in_o what_o term_n soever_o have_v notwithstanding_o be_v sometime_o either_o maintain_v or_o at_o least_o tolerate_v by_o some_o other_o of_o 〈◊〉_d less_o authority_n s._n hierome_n himself_o have_v â—alâ—_n extreme_o foul_a upon_o ruffinus_n and_o have_v traduce_v divers_a of_o his_o opinion_n as_o most_o pernicious_a and_o deadly_a and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o we_o do_v not_o any_o where_o find_v that_o ever_o he_o be_v account_v as_o a_o heretic_n by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o father_n but_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n hereafter_o to_o consider_v more_o at_o large_a of_o the_o like_a example_n and_o shall_v only_o at_o present_a observe_v that_o if_o those_o book_n of_o s._n hierome_n which_o we_o mention_v a_o little_a before_o shall_v chance_v to_o have_v be_v lose_v every_o man_n will_v then_o assure_o have_v conclude_v with_o epiphanius_n that_o no_o doctor_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n ever_o hold_v that_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o priest_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o its_o institution_n who_o now_o after_o all_o this_o will_v assure_v we_o that_o among_o so_o many_o other_o opinion_n as_o have_v be_v reject_v here_o and_o there_o by_o the_o father_n and_o that_o too_o in_o as_o plain_a term_n as_o these_o of_o epiphanius_n none_o of_o they_o have_v ever_o be_v defend_v by_o some_o of_o the_o learned_a of_o those_o time_n or_o be_v it_o not_o possible_a that_o they_o may_v have_v hold_v they_o though_o they_o do_v not_o write_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o same_o or_o may_v they_o not_o perhaps_o have_v write_v also_o in_o deâ—ence_n of_o they_o and_o their_o book_n have_v be_v since_o lose_v how_o small_a be_v the_o number_n of_o those_o in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v the_o ability_n or_o at_o least_o the_o 〈◊〉_d to_o write_v and_o how_o much_o small_a be_v the_o number_n of_o thoâ—â—_n who_o writing_n have_v be_v able_a to_o secure_v themselves_o against_o either_o the_o injury_n of_o time_n or_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n it_o be_v object_v against_o the_o protestant_n as_o we_o have_v touch_v before_o that_o s._n hierome_n commend_v and_o maintain_v the_o adoration_n of_o relic_n but_o yet_o he_o himself_o testify_v that_o there_o be_v some_o bishop_n who_o defend_v vigilantius_n who_o hold_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n who_o he_o according_a to_o his_o ordinary_a rhetoric_n call_v consortes_fw-la his_o consort_n in_o wickedness_n who_o know_v now_o what_o these_o bishop_n be_v and_o whether_o they_o deserve_v any_o such_o usage_n at_o s._n hieromes_n hand_n or_o no_o for_o the_o expression_n which_o he_o use_v against_o they_o and_o against_o their_o opinion_n be_v so_o full_a of_o gall_n and_o of_o choler_n as_o that_o they_o utter_o take_v away_o all_o credit_n from_o his_o testimony_n but_o we_o have_v insist_v long_o enough_o upon_o this_o particular_a and_o shall_v therefore_o forbear_v to_o instance_n any_o further_a in_o other_o for_o as_o much_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o discover_v exact_o out_o of_o the_o father_n what_o have_v be_v the_o sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n whether_o take_v universal_o or_o particular_o or_o whether_o you_o take_v the_o church_n for_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o believer_n or_o for_o the_o prelate_n and_o inseriour_a clergy_n only_o i_o shall_v here_o conclude_v as_o former_o that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n be_v altogether_o insufficient_a for_o the_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o of_o those_o point_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n controvert_v among_o us._n the_o second_o book_n chap._n i._n that_o the_o father_n be_v not_o of_o sufficient_a authority_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o our_o controversy_n in_o religion_n reason_n i._o that_o the_o testimony_n give_v by_o the_o father_n touch_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o always_o true_a and_o certain_a we_o have_v before_o show_v how_o hard_o a_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o discover_v what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o father_n have_v be_v touch_v the_o point_n at_o this_o day_n controvert_v in_o religion_n both_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o small_a number_n of_o book_n we_o have_v leave_v we_o of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o first_o century_n and_o those_o too_o which_o we_o have_v treat_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n from_o our_o present_a dispute_n and_o which_o beside_o we_o can_v be_v very_o well_o assure_v of_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o many_o forgery_n and_o monstrous_a corruption_n which_o they_o have_v for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n be_v subject_n to_o as_o also_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o obscurity_n and_o ambiguity_n in_o their_o expression_n and_o their_o represent_v unto_o we_o many_o time_n the_o opinion_n rather_o of_o other_o than_o of_o their_o author_n beside_o those_o many_o other_o imperfection_n which_o be_v find_v in_o they_o as_o namely_o their_o not_o inform_v we_o in_o
a_o treatise_n concern_v the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o controversy_n that_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o religion_n write_v in_o french_a by_o john_n daille_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n at_o paris_n hieron_n apol._n adv_o ruffin_n fieri_fw-la potest_fw-la ut_fw-la vel_fw-la simpliciter_fw-la erraverint_fw-la scriptores_fw-la ecclesiastici_fw-la vel_fw-la alio_fw-la sensu_fw-la scripserint_fw-la vel_fw-la à _fw-la librariis_fw-la imperitis_fw-la eorum_fw-la paulatim_fw-la scripta_fw-la corrupta_fw-la sint_fw-la well_fw-mi certè_fw-la antequam_fw-la in_o alexandria_n quasi_fw-la daemonium_fw-la meridianum_fw-la arius_n nasceretur_fw-la innocenter_n quaedam_fw-la &_o minùs_fw-la cautè_fw-la locuti_fw-la sunt_fw-la &_o quae_fw-la non_fw-la possint_fw-la perversorum_fw-la hominum_fw-la calumniam_fw-la declinare_fw-la london_n print_v for_o john_n martin_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o robert_n boulter_n at_o the_o turk_n head_n in_o cornhill_n m.dc.lxxv_o to_o the_o noble_a lady_n anne_z mornay_n lady_n of_o tabarriere_n and_o baroness_n of_o st._n hermine_n etc._n etc._n madam_n it_o be_v now_o almost_o four_o year_n since_o that_o your_o son_n the_o late_a baron_n of_o st._n hermine_n acquaint_v i_o with_o what_o manner_n of_o discourse_n he_o be_v ordinary_o entertain_v at_o court_n by_o those_o who_o labour_v to_o advance_v the_o roman_a religion_n the_o rather_o to_o make_v he_o disgust_v the_o reform_a tell_v i_o that_o the_o chief_a argument_n which_o they_o urge_v against_o he_o be_v antiquity_n and_o the_o general_n consent_v of_o all_o the_o father_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o although_o of_o himself_o he_o understand_v well_o enough_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o argument_n of_o they_o yet_o notwithstanding_o for_o his_o own_o full_a satisfaction_n he_o desire_v i_o that_o i_o will_v discover_v unto_o he_o the_o very_a bottom_n and_o depth_n of_o this_o business_n this_o therefore_o i_o do_v as_o exact_o as_o possible_o i_o can_v and_o give_v he_o my_o judgement_n at_o large_a in_o this_o particular_a which_o discourse_n of_o i_o he_o be_v please_v to_o like_v so_o well_o that_o conceive_v some_o hope_n from_o thence_o that_o it_o may_v happy_o be_v of_o use_n to_o other_o also_o i_o short_o after_o put_v pen_n to_o paper_n and_o digest_v it_o into_o this_o treatise_n you_o now_o see_v it_o have_v therefore_o be_v compose_v at_o first_o for_o his_o service_n i_o have_v resolve_v also_o with_o myself_o to_o have_v dedicate_v it_o to_o his_o name_n purpose_v by_o this_o small_a piece_n of_o service_n to_o testify_v to_o the_o world_n the_o continuation_n of_o the_o affection_n i_o bear_v to_o his_o progress_n in_o piety_n but_o that_o deadly_a blow_n which_o snatch_v he_o from_o we_o in_o the_o flower_n of_o his_o age_n about_o two_o year_n since_o at_o the_o famous_a siege_n of_o bosledue_n have_v leave_v we_o nothing_o of_o he_o now_o save_v only_o the_o spoil_n of_o his_o mortality_n and_o the_o memory_n of_o his_o virtue_n together_o with_o our_o great_a sorrow_n for_o have_v enjoy_v he_o here_o so_o short_a a_o time_n i_o be_o constrain_v madam_n to_o change_v my_o former_a resolution_n for_o to_o dedicate_v my_o book_n to_o he_o in_o the_o state_n wherein_o he_o now_o be_v in_o heaven_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o many_o both_o ancient_n and_o modern_a writer_n who_o have_v not_o stick_v to_o direct_v their_o discourse_n from_o hence_o below_o to_o those_o who_o god_n have_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n i_o can_v persuade_v myself_o that_o the_o practice_n be_v either_o lawful_a or_o fit_n for_o beside_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o thing_n shall_v we_o hold_v discourse_n with_o one_o who_o be_v at_o so_o great_a and_o almost_o infinite_a a_o distance_n from_o we_o can_v possible_o hear_v what_o we_o say_v i_o shall_v account_v it_o also_o if_o so_o be_v he_o can_v hear_v we_o a_o point_n of_o extreme_a inhumanity_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v impiety_n to_o disturb_v that_o perfect_a rest_v his_o bless_a soul_n now_o enjoy_v which_o have_v now_o no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o our_o debate_n or_o discourse_n here_o below_o but_o see_v the_o truth_n now_o in_o a_o most_o pure_a light_n and_o enjoy_v that_o everlasting_a bliss_n wherewith_o our_o saviour_n have_v out_o of_o his_o mercy_n crown_v his_o faith_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o name_n i_o shall_v therefore_o content_v myself_o with_o cherish_v and_o preserve_v whilst_o i_o live_v the_o precious_a memory_n of_o his_o worth_n the_o excellency_n of_o his_o wit_n the_o soundness_n of_o his_o judgement_n the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o fairness_n of_o his_o carriage_n and_o those_o other_o choice_a part_n wherewith_o he_o be_v accomplish_v but_o above_o all_o his_o singular_a piety_n which_o clear_o shine_v forth_o in_o his_o word_n and_o action_n till_o the_o hour_n of_o his_o death_n and_o madam_n as_o for_o this_o small_a treatise_n which_o be_v at_o first_o conceive_v and_o compose_v for_o he_o i_o think_v i_o can_v not_o without_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o piece_n of_o injustice_n present_v it_o to_o any_o other_o but_o yourself_o see_v it_o have_v please_v god_n notwithstanding_o the_o common_a order_n of_o nature_n to_o make_v you_o heir_n to_o he_o to_o who_o it_o belong_v this_o consideration_n only_o have_v embolden_v i_o to_o present_v it_o to_o your_o hand_n know_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v not_o so_o suitable_a to_o that_o sorrow_n which_o have_v of_o late_o cast_v a_o cloud_n over_o your_o house_n it_o have_v please_v god_n after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o son_n to_o deprive_v you_o of_o the_o father_n and_o to_o the_o loss_n of_o your_o child_n to_o add_v that_o also_o of_o your_o noble_a husband_n but_o my_o desire_n of_o avoid_v the_o be_v unjust_a have_v force_v i_o to_o be_v thus_o uncivil_o troublesome_a see_v i_o account_v it_o a_o kind_n of_o theft_n shall_v i_o have_v any_o long_o withhold_v from_o you_o that_o which_o be_v your_o right_n by_o this_o sad_a title_n of_o inheritance_n be_v please_v therefore_o madam_n to_o receive_v this_o book_n as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o good_n of_o your_o decease_a son_n which_o i_o now_o honest_o restore_v in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n after_o some_o time_n concealment_n of_o it_o in_o my_o study_n this_o name_n i_o know_v will_v oblige_v you_o to_o afford_v it_o some_o place_n in_o your_o closet_n which_o be_v all_o that_o i_o can_v at_o present_a desire_n for_o as_o for_o the_o read_n of_o it_o beside_o that_o your_o exquisite_a piety_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o infinite_o much_o firm_a ground_n than_o these_o dispute_n have_v no_o need_n at_o all_o of_o it_o i_o know_v also_o that_o your_o present_a condition_n be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o troublesome_a unto_o you._n and_o if_o you_o shall_v chance_v to_o desire_v to_o spend_v some_o hour_n in_o the_o perusal_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v hereafter_o when_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o spirit_n shall_v have_v comfort_v you_o and_o shall_v have_v allay_v the_o violence_n of_o your_o grief_n to_o who_o i_o pour_v out_o my_o most_o earnest_a prayer_n that_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v powerful_o to_o effect_v the_o same_o and_o to_o shed_v forth_o his_o most_o holy_a grace_n upon_o you_o and_o you_o and_o that_o he_o will_v by_o his_o great_a mercy_n preserve_v long_o and_o happy_o that_o which_o remain_v of_o that_o goodly_a and_o bless_a family_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o you._n this_o madam_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o your_o most_o humble_a and_o obedient_a servant_n daille_n the_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n the_o father_n can_v be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o controversy_n in_o religion_n at_o this_o day_n betwixt_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o protestant_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v if_o not_o a_o impossible_a yet_o at_o least_o a_o very_a difficult_a thing_n to_o find_v out_o what_o their_o sense_n have_v be_v touch_v the_o same_o 2._o because_o that_o their_o sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o these_o thing_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v certain_o and_o clear_o understand_v not_o be_v infallible_a and_o without_o all_o danger_n of_o error_n can_v carry_v with_o it_o a_o sufficient_a authority_n for_o the_o satisfy_a the_o understanding_n which_o neither_o can_v nor_o indeed_o aught_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n but_o what_o it_o know_v to_o be_v certain_o true_a the_o first_o of_o these_o reason_n be_v prove_v by_o these_o medium_n follow_v i._o we_o have_v very_o little_a of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n especial_o of_o the_o first_o second_o and_o third_z century_n pag._n 1._o ii_o those_o write_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o father_n of_o those_o time_n treat_v of_o matter_n very_o far_o different_a
lawful_a and_o also_o very_o useful_a to_o pray_v to_o saint_n depart_v and_o to_o angel_n that_o our_o soul_n after_o death_n before_o they_o enter_v into_o heaven_n be_v to_o pass_v through_o a_o certain_a fire_n and_o there_o to_o endure_v grievous_a torment_n thus_o satisfy_v for_o their_o sin_n that_o one_o neither_o may_v nor_o aught_o to_o receive_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n without_o have_v first_o confess_v himself_o in_o private_a to_o a_o priest_n that_o none_o but_o the_o priest_n himself_o that_o consecrate_v the_o eucharist_n be_v bind_v by_o right_a to_o receive_v it_o in_o both_o kind_n and_o a_o great_a number_n of_o other_o opinion_n which_o their_o adversary_n protest_v plain_o that_o they_o can_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n believe_v and_o these_o point_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o whole_a difference_n betwixt_o they_o the_o one_o party_n pretend_v that_o they_o have_v be_v believe_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n as_o reveal_v by_o he_o and_o the_o other_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a now_o see_v that_o none_o of_o these_o tenet_n have_v any_o ground_n from_o any_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o authentic_a rule_n of_o christianity_n the_o maintainer_n be_v fain_o to_o fly_v to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o live_v within_o the_o four_o or_o five_o first_o century_n after_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v common_o call_v the_o father_n my_o purpose_n be_v in_o this_o treatise_n to_o examine_v whether_o or_o no_o this_o be_v a_o good_a and_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o decision_n of_o these_o difference_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n i_o must_v first_o presuppose_v two_o thing_n which_o any_o reasonable_a person_n will_v easy_o grant_v i_o the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o question_n be_v here_o about_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o certain_a article_n of_o faith_n upon_o the_o testimony_n or_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o the_o passage_n which_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o they_o be_v clear_a and_o not_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o that_o be_v to_o say_v such_o as_o we_o can_v reasonable_o scruple_n at_o either_o touch_v the_o author_n out_o of_o who_o they_o be_v allege_v or_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n whether_o it_o signify_v what_o be_v pretend_v to_o for_o a_o deposition_n of_o a_o witness_n and_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o judge_n be_v of_o no_o value_n at_o all_o save_v only_o for_o the_o reputation_n of_o the_o witness_n or_o judge_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o if_o either_o proceed_v from_o person_n unknown_a or_o suspect_v they_o be_v invalid_a and_o prove_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o like_a manner_n if_o the_o deposition_n of_o a_o witness_n or_o sentence_n of_o a_o judge_n be_v obscure_a and_o in_o doubtful_a term_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o in_o this_o case_n the_o business_n must_v rest_v undecided_a there_o be_v another_o doubt_n first_o to_o be_v clear_v namely_o what_o the_o meaning_n of_o either_o of_o they_o be_v the_o second_o point_n that_o i_o shall_v here_o lay_v down_o for_o a_o foundation_n to_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v no_o less_o evident_a than_o the_o former_a namely_o that_o to_o allow_v a_o sufficiency_n to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o these_o controversy_n we_o must_v necessary_o attribute_v to_o their_o person_n very_o great_a authority_n and_o such_o as_o may_v oblige_v we_o to_o follow_v their_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o this_o authority_n be_v want_v how_o clear_a and_o express_v soever_o their_o opinion_n be_v in_o the_o article_n now_o controvert_v it_o will_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o towards_o their_o decision_n we_o have_v therefore_o here_o two_o thing_n to_o examine_v in_o this_o business_n the_o first_o be_v whether_o or_o not_o we_o may_v be_v able_a now_o certain_o and_o clear_o to_o know_v what_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n have_v be_v touch_v the_o difference_n now_o in_o hand_n the_o second_o whether_o their_o authority_n be_v such_o as_o that_o whatever_o faithful_a person_n shall_v clear_o and_o certain_o know_v what_o their_o opinion_n have_v be_v in_o any_o one_o article_n of_o christian_a religion_n he_o be_v thereby_o bind_v to_o receive_v that_o article_n for_o true_a for_o if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v but_o able_a to_o prove_v both_o these_o point_n it_o be_v then_o without_o all_o dispute_n that_o their_o proceed_v be_v good_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o end_v propose_v there_o be_v so_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n write_n allege_v at_o this_o day_n by_o they_o but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a side_n either_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n or_o both_o of_o they_o be_v indeed_o find_v to_o be_v doubtful_a i_o shall_v think_v that_o any_o man_n of_o a_o very_a mean_a judgement_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o conclude_v of_o himself_o that_o this_o way_n of_o proof_n which_o they_o have_v hitherto_o make_v use_n of_o be_v very_o insufficient_a and_o that_o therefore_o they_o of_o necessity_n ought_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o some_o other_o more_o proper_a and_o solid_a way_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o say_a opinion_n which_o the_o protestant_n will_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n receive_v the_o first_o book_n chap._n i._n reason_n i._o touch_v the_o difficulty_n of_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o father_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o present_a controversy_n in_o religion_n draw_v from_o hence_o namely_o because_o there_o be_v very_o little_a extant_a of_o their_o write_n for_o the_o three_o first_o century_n if_o we_o shall_v in_o this_o particular_a take_v the_o same_o course_n which_o some_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v use_n of_o against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a easy_a matter_n to_o bring_v in_o question_n and_o render_v very_o doubtful_a and_o suspect_v all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n for_o when_o any_o one_o allege_v the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n these_o gentleman_n present_o demand_v how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o know_v that_o any_o such_o book_n be_v true_o write_v by_o those_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n under_o who_o name_n they_o go_v if_o therefore_o in_o like_a manner_n when_o these_o man_n urge_v justin_n irenaeus_n ambrose_n augustine_n and_o the_o like_a one_o shall_v take_v they_o short_a and_o demand_v of_o they_o how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o be_v assure_v that_o these_o father_n be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o write_n which_o at_o this_o day_n go_v under_o their_o name_n it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o will_v find_v a_o hard_a task_n of_o it_o than_o their_o adversary_n in_o justify_v the_o inscription_n of_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a writ_n the_o truth_n whereof_o be_v much_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v demonstrate_v than_o of_o any_o humane_a write_n whatsoever_o but_o i_o pass_v by_o this_o too-artificial_a way_n of_o proceed_v and_o only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v no_o very_o easy_a matter_n to_o find_v out_o by_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n what_o have_v real_o beeen_n their_o opinion_n in_o any_o of_o those_o controversy_n which_o be_v now_o in_o debate_n betwixt_o the_o protestant_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o consideration_n which_o render_v the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o so_o difficult_a be_v many_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o this_o first_o part_n handle_v some_o of_o they_o only_o refer_v the_o rest_n to_o the_o late_a examine_v they_o one_o after_o another_o the_o first_o reason_n therefore_o which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o for_o the_o prove_v of_o this_o difficulty_n be_v the_o little_a we_o have_v extant_a of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n especial_o of_o the_o first_o second_o and_o third_z century_n which_o be_v those_o we_o be_v most_o especial_o to_o regard_v for_o see_v that_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a reason_n that_o move_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o allege_v the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n be_v to_o show_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o tenet_n by_o the_o antiquity_n which_o they_o reckon_v as_o a_o mark_n of_o it_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o most_o ancient_a aught_o to_o be_v the_o most_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v more_o pure_a and_o without_o mixture_n in_o its_o beginning_n and_o infancy_n than_o it_o be_v afterward_o in_o its_o growth_n and_o progress_n it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n to_o contract_v corruption_n more_o or_o less_o according_a as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o remove_v from_o their_o first_o institution_n as_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n in_o state_n law_n art_n and_o language_n the_o natural_a propriety_n of_o
his_o opinion_n etc._n i_o have_v not_o say_v he_o as_o yet_o diligent_o enough_o inquire_v into_o nor_o find_v out_o what_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n be_v whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o these_o word_n there_o be_v a_o remnant_n to_o be_v save_v according_a to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n which_o certain_o be_v not_o grace_n if_o any_o merit_n precede_v it_o so_o that_o that_o which_o be_v give_v shall_v be_v render_v rather_o as_o due_a to_o the_o merit_n than_o as_o give_v free_o by_o grace_n now_o who_o know_v but_o that_o among_o those_o father_n who_o we_o so_o confident_o allege_v every_o day_n some_o of_o they_o may_v have_v retract_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o at_o this_o day_n read_v in_o their_o work_n and_o that_o time_n may_v have_v devour_v their_o retractation_n of_o those_o their_o opinion_n and_o may_v have_v leave_v we_o only_o their_o error_n beside_o who_o know_v and_o can_v true_o inform_v we_o what_o date_n their_o write_n bear_v whether_o they_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o spring_n or_o of_o their_o summer_n or_o of_o their_o autumn_n whether_o they_o be_v gather_v green_a or_o be_v suffer_v to_o ripen_v upon_o the_o tree_n doubtless_o this_o whole_a inquiry_n be_v very_o dark_a there_o be_v scarce_o any_o mark_n of_o their_o season_n to_o be_v find_v upon_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o there_o be_v indeed_o some_o few_o of_o they_o that_o have_v some_o of_o these_o mark_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v so_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a one_o as_o that_o the_o most_o able_a and_o choice_a wit_n be_v sometime_o deceive_v in_o this_o their_o inquiry_n and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v who_o know_v not_o that_o there_o be_v some_o tree_n that_o bear_v their_o summer-fruit_n even_o in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o summer_n when_o as_o the_o springtime_n be_v yet_o hardly_o past_a and_o again_o the_o fruit_n which_o be_v gather_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o late_a season_n be_v not_o always_o the_o ripe_a for_o time_n in_o stead_n of_o ripen_v many_o time_n rot_v they_o in_o like_a manner_n be_v it_o also_o with_o man_n and_o consequent_o with_o the_o father_n sometime_o their_o summer_n yield_v much_o more_o and_o better_a fruit_n than_o their_o autumn_n for_o as_o for_o the_o winter_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o last_o part_n of_o our_o age_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o usual_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o at_o all_o or_o if_o it_o do_v chance_n to_o force_v itself_o beyond_o nature_n the_o fruit_n it_o bring_v forth_o be_v yet_o worse_o and_o more_o crude_a and_o imperfect_a than_o those_o even_n of_o the_o spring_n see_v therefore_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n impossible_a to_o give_v any_o certain_a judgement_n of_o these_o thing_n either_o by_o the_o history_n of_o these_o author_n or_o by_o their_o book_n themselves_o and_o that_o again_o on_o the_o other_o side_n without_o this_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o sit_v down_o upon_o any_o thing_n we_o find_v in_o their_o write_n as_o reckon_v we_o have_v make_v a_o discovery_n what_o their_o opinion_n have_v be_v we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v in_o this_o point_n also_o as_o we_o have_v do_v in_o the_o former_a that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n to_o know_v true_o and_o precise_o what_o the_o opinion_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_n have_v be_v touch_v the_o difference_n at_o this_o day_n debate_v among_o we_o chap._n viii_o reason_n viii_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a and_o withal_o very_o hard_o to_o discover_v how_o the_o father_n have_v hold_v all_o their_o several_a opinion_n whether_o as_o necessary_a or_o as_o probable_a only_o and_o in_o what_o degree_n of_o necessity_n or_o probability_n logic_n teach_v we_o that_o true_a proposition_n be_v not_o all_o equal_o so_o some_o of_o they_o be_v but_o contingent_a only_o as_o the_o school_n speak_v and_o other_o be_v necessary_a and_o again_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v more_o or_o less_o either_o contingent_a or_o necessary_a according_a to_o that_o admirable_a division_n which_o the_o philosopher_n have_v make_v 〈◊〉_d into_o those_o three_o degree_n of_o necessity_n explain_v by_o he_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o demonstration_n and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o knowledge_n or_o ignorance_n of_o these_o degree_n be_v the_o more_o or_o less_o important_a in_o those_o science_n whereunto_o they_o appertain_v there_o be_v some_o of_o they_o as_o namely_o those_o which_o they_o call_v principle_n that_o be_v so_o necessary_a as_o that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o without_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a science_n wherein_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v place_n and_o there_o be_v other_o again_o on_o the_o contrary_a side_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o so_o far_o as_o to_o hold_v their_o contradictory_n for_o true_a and_o yet_o nevertheless_o not_o run_v any_o great_a hazard_n as_o for_o example_n these_o here_o follow_v be_v philosophical_a principle_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n namely_o that_o there_o be_v motion_n and_o that_o every_o body_n occupy_v some_o certain_a place_n and_o the_o like_a for_o i_o beseech_v you_o what_o strange_a philosophy_n will_v it_o be_v that_o shall_v either_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o shall_v deny_v these_o principle_n but_o these_o other_o follow_v be_v of_o the_o second_o sort_n namely_o that_o there_o be_v precise_o but_o five_o sense_n in_o live_v creature_n and_o that_o the_o heaven_n be_v not_o of_o a_o elementary_a substance_n and_o the_o like_a for_o although_o these_o proposition_n be_v by_o most_o hold_v to_o be_v true_a yet_o notwithstanding_o be_v they_o not_o so_o necessary_a but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v pass_v for_o a_o philosopher_n and_o yet_o not_o only_o be_v ignorant_a of_o these_o position_n but_o may_v also_o if_o he_o please_v maintain_v even_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v contradictory_n to_o they_o now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o science_n where_o this_o consideration_n ought_v careful_o to_o be_v apply_v it_o be_v in_o my_o judgement_n in_o this_o of_o divinity_n for_o there_o be_v very_o much_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o truth_n whereof_o it_o consist_v some_o of_o they_o be_v evident_o more_o necessary_a than_o other_o as_o origen_n prove_v plain_o in_o his_o xxvii_o homily_n upon_o s._n matthew_n do_v but_o compare_v these_o two_o proposition_n together_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o christ_n suffer_v death_n be_v of_o the_o age_n of_o thirty_o four_o or_o thirty_o five_o year_n who_o see_v not_o that_o though_o both_o these_o proposition_n be_v true_a yet_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v a_o very_a vast_a difference_n betwixt_o they_o for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v necessary_o true_a that_o be_v to_o say_v it_o be_v true_a in_o such_o sort_n as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o christ_n shall_v be_v god_n the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v otherwise_o not_o possible_o to_o be_v obtain_v but_o as_o for_o the_o second_o notwithstanding_o that_o it_o be_v true_a and_o be_v collect_v clear_o enough_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o at_o all_o necessary_a for_o christ_n may_v if_o he_o have_v so_o please_v have_v suffer_v at_o the_o forty_o or_o fifty_o year_n of_o his_o age_n without_o any_o prejudice_n at_o all_o to_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o suffer_v now_o according_a to_o this_o diversity_n of_o degree_n the_o belief_n or_o ignorance_n of_o these_o two_o proposition_n be_v also_o of_o very_o different_a importance_n the_o first_o of_o they_o we_o may_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o much_o less_o deny_v without_o renounce_v christianity_n the_o second_o we_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o even_o deny_v too_o as_o suppose_v it_o false_a yet_o without_o any_o great_a danger_n to_o be_v able_a therefore_o to_o come_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a understanding_n what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o father_n touch_v the_o point_n of_o religion_n at_o this_o day_n controvert_v among_o we_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v not_o only_o whether_o they_o believe_v or_o not_o believe_v they_o but_o also_o how_o they_o believe_v or_o not_o believe_v they_o that_o be_v to_o say_v whether_o they_o hold_v they_o as_o proposition_n necessary_o or_o probably_n either_o true_a or_o false_a and_o beside_o in_o what_o degree_n either_o of_o necessity_n or_o probability_n they_o place_v they_o now_o that_o this_o inquiry_n be_v very_o necessary_a cardinal_n perron_n have_v clear_o demonstrate_v in_o that_o learned_a epistle_n of_o he_o write_v to_o casaubon_n against_o k._n james_n for_o the_o king_n attribute_v to_o himself_o the_o name_n of_o catholic_n under_o pretence_n that_o he_o believe_v and_o hold_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o four_o or_o five_o
his_o own_o opinion_n and_o observation_n as_o apostolical_a and_o which_o have_v not_o use_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o gain_v they_o the_o repute_v of_o be_v universal_a s._n hierome_n allow_v every_o particular_a province_n full_a liberty_n to_o do_v herein_o as_o they_o please_v arbitretur_fw-la let_v every_o province_n say_v he_o abound_v in_o its_o own_o sense_n and_o let_v they_o account_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o their_o ancestor_n as_o of_o apostolical_a law_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o he_o speak_v in_o this_o place_n only_o of_o certain_a observation_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a but_o yet_o that_o which_o he_o have_v permit_v they_o in_o these_o matter_n they_o have_v practise_v in_o all_o other_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o trouble_v myself_o to_o produce_v any_o other_o reason_n to_o prove_v the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o inquiry_n because_o i_o shall_v then_o be_v force_v to_o repeat_v a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o deliver_v for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n to_o attain_v to_o any_o certain_a knowledge_n what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n be_v as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o how_o much_o more_o difficult_a a_o thing_n will_v it_o be_v to_o discover_v whether_o their_o opinion_n be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n wherein_o they_o live_v or_o else_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a in_o their_o age_n the_o same_o thing_n which_o cause_n obscurity_n in_o the_o one_o have_v as_o much_o or_o rather_o more_o reason_n of_o do_v the_o like_a in_o the_o other_o and_o if_o you_o will_v full_o understand_v how_o painful_a a_o undertake_n this_o be_v do_v but_o read_v the_o disputation_n of_o the_o learned_a of_o both_o party_n touch_v this_o point_n where_o you_o shall_v meet_v with_o so_o many_o doubt_n and_o contradiction_n and_o such_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n that_o you_o will_v easy_o conclude_v that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v withal_o throughout_o the_o whole_a study_n of_o antiquity_n chap._n xi_o reason_n xi_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v exact_o what_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n either_o universal_a or_o particular_a have_v be_v touch_v any_o of_o those_o point_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n controvert_v among_o we_o before_o we_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n it_o seem_v not_o impertinent_a to_o give_v the_o reader_n this_o last_o advertisement_n and_o to_o let_v he_o know_v that_o though_o all_o these_o difficulty_n here_o before_o represent_v be_v remove_v yet_o notwithstanding_o will_v it_o still_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v certain_o out_o of_o the_o father_n what_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a ancient_a church_n whether_o you_o mean_v the_o church_n universal_a or_o but_o any_o considerable_a part_n thereof_o have_v be_v touch_v the_o difference_n which_o be_v now_o on_o foot_n in_o religion_n now_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n appear_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v first_o of_o all_o explain_v the_o term_n we_o understand_v common_o by_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o these_o disputation_n either_o all_o those_o person_n in_o general_n who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o the_o say_a church_n of_o what_o condition_n or_o quality_n soever_o they_o be_v or_o else_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n the_o collective_a body_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o and_o who_o be_v representative_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o clergy_n so_o that_o whether_o you_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n universal_a or_o of_o some_o particular_a church_n as_o for_o example_n that_o of_o spain_n or_o of_o carthage_n this_o term_n may_v be_v take_v in_o either_o of_o these_o two_o sense_n for_o by_o the_o church_n universal_a we_o understand_v either_o all_o those_o person_n in_o general_n who_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o laity_n or_o of_o the_o clergy_n or_o else_o those_o person_n only_o who_o be_v ecclesiastici_fw-la or_o churchman_n as_o we_o now_o call_v they_o for_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n all_o christian_n that_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n be_v call_v ecclesiastici_fw-la in_o like_a manner_n by_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n be_v mean_v either_o general_o all_o the_o faithful_a that_o live_v in_o the_o particular_a communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o carthage_n or_o else_o particular_o and_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n the_o bishop_n of_o carthage_n with_o his_o whole_a clergy_n now_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o man_n but_o will_v easy_o grant_v i_o that_o if_o we_o take_v the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v by_o way_n of_o testimony_n give_v of_o the_o same_o what_o the_o sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o it_o have_v be_v in_o each_o several_a age_n touch_v all_o the_o point_n of_o christian_a religion_n we_o may_v indeed_o collect_v by_o way_n of_o discourse_n what_o have_v be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o there_o be_v some_o certain_a article_n the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v necessary_o requisite_a for_o the_o render_v a_o man_n such_o a_o one_o whosoever_o right_o understand_v which_o these_o article_n be_v he_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o the_o true_a church_n whether_o universal_a or_o particular_a have_v believe_v the_o same_o but_o now_o in_o the_o first_o place_n this_o do_v not_o extend_v to_o all_o the_o point_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o only_o to_o those_o which_o be_v necessary_a beside_o which_o there_o be_v divers_a other_o concern_v which_o we_o may_v have_v not_o only_o different_a but_o even_o contrary_a judgement_n too_o and_o yet_o not_o thereby_o hazard_v the_o loss_n either_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o our_o inheritance_n of_o everlasting_a salvation_n so_o then_o this_o ratiocination_n conclude_v not_o save_v only_o of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o as_o for_o those_o who_o make_v but_o a_o outward_a profession_n only_o of_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v there_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n no_o more_o necessity_n of_o their_o embrace_v those_o belief_n which_o be_v requisite_a for_o that_o end_n they_o may_v under_o this_o mask_n hide_v all_o manner_n of_o opinion_n how_o impious_a soever_o they_o be_v last_o that_o which_o make_v most_o for_o our_o purpose_n be_v that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v acquire_v by_o discourse_n whereas_o we_o speak_v here_o of_o such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o be_v collect_v by_o the_o hear_n of_o several_a witness_n who_o give_v in_o their_o testimony_n touch_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o will_v know_v now_o the_o father_n have_v write_v with_o a_o purpose_n of_o inform_v we_o not_o what_o each_o particular_a man_n believe_v in_o their_o time_n but_o rather_o what_o they_o think_v fit_a that_o all_o man_n shall_v have_v believe_v we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o certain_o they_o have_v not_o tell_v we_o all_o that_o they_o know_v touch_v this_o particular_a and_o consequent_o therefore_o partly_o their_o charity_n and_o partly_o also_o their_o prudence_n may_v have_v cause_v they_o to_o pass_v by_o in_o silence_n all_o such_o opinion_n either_o of_o whole_a company_n or_o of_o particular_a person_n as_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v not_o so_o consonant_a to_o the_o truth_n but_o suppose_v that_o they_o have_v not_o any_o of_o these_o consideration_n and_o that_o they_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o give_v we_o a_o just_a account_n each_o man_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o his_o particular_a church_n wherein_o he_o live_v it_o be_v evident_a however_o that_o they_o can_v never_o have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v attainend_n to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o their_o design_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v learn_v what_o the_o opinion_n of_o every_o single_a person_n be_v among_o so_o vast_a a_o multitude_n which_o consist_v of_o so_o many_o several_a person_n who_o be_v of_o so_o different_a both_o capacity_n and_o disposition_n who_o will_v believe_v that_o s._n cyprian_n for_o example_n know_v all_o the_o several_a opinion_n of_o each_o particular_a person_n in_o his_o diocese_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o same_o who_o can_v imagine_v but_o that_o among_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o people_n as_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o his_o church_n there_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v very_o many_o who_o differ_v in_o opinion_n from_o he_o in_o divers_a point_n of_o religion_n even_o
to_o read_v the_o ancient_n to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o not_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n which_o he_o have_v commend_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o lxxvi_o epistle_n where_o he_o advise_v we_o tenete_fw-la to_o read_v origen_n tertullian_n novatus_n arnobius_n apollinaris_n and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n but_o with_o this_o caution_n that_o we_o shall_v make_v choice_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o take_v heed_n of_o embrace_v that_o which_o be_v not_o so_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n who_o bid_v we_o prove_v all_o thing_n but_o hold_v fast_o only_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o this_o be_v the_o course_n he_o constant_o take_v censure_v with_o the_o great_a liberty_n that_o may_v be_v the_o opinion_n and_o exposition_n of_o all_o those_o who_o go_v before_o he_o he_o give_v you_o free_o his_o judgement_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o affirm_v est_fw-la that_o cyprian_a scarce_o touch_v the_o scripture_n at_o all_o that_o victorinus_n be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v his_o own_o conception_n that_o lactantius_n be_v not_o so_o happy_a in_o his_o endeavour_n of_o prove_v our_o religion_n as_o he_o be_v in_o overthrow_v that_o of_o other_o that_o arnobius_n be_v very_o uneven_a and_o confuse_a and_o too_o luxuriant_a that_o s._n hilary_n be_v too_o swell_a and_o encumber_v with_o too_o long_a period_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o set_v before_o you_o what_o he_o say_v of_o origen_n theodorus_n apollinaris_n and_o of_o the_o chiliast_n who_o profess_a enemy_n he_o have_v declare_v himself_o and_o who_o he_o reprove_v very_o sharp_o upon_o all_o occasion_n whensoever_o they_o come_v in_o his_o way_n and_o yet_o himself_o confess_v they_o all_o to_o have_v be_v man_n of_o very_o great_a part_n give_v even_o origen_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a writer_n of_o they_o all_o this_o testimony_n negat_fw-la that_o none_o but_o the_o ignorant_a can_v deny_v but_o that_o next_o to_o the_o apostle_n he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a master_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o meddle_v with_o any_o but_o such_o who_o name_n have_v never_o be_v cry_v down_o in_o the_o church_n do_v but_o mark_v how_o he_o deal_v with_o rhetitius_n augustudunensis_fw-la a_o ecclesiastical_a author_n sunt_fw-la there_o be_v say_v he_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o thing_n in_o his_o commentary_n which_o in_o my_o judgement_n show_v very_o mean_a and_o poor_a and_o a_o little_a after_o judicare_fw-la he_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v so_o ill_a a_o opinion_n of_o other_o as_o to_o have_v a_o conceit_n that_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o his_o fault_n he_o take_v the_o same_o liberty_n also_o in_o reject_v their_o opinion_n and_o exposition_n and_o sometime_o not_o without_o pass_v upon_o they_o very_o tart_a gird_n too_o he_o justify_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o find_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o fault_n in_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o lxx_o against_o almost_o the_o general_n consent_v not_o only_o of_o the_o more_o ancient_a writer_n but_o also_o of_o those_o too_o who_o live_v in_o his_o own_o time_n who_o all_o esteem_v it_o as_o a_o divine_a piece_n exstruxerit_fw-la he_o scoff_v at_o the_o conceit_n of_o those_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o the_o lxx_o interpreter_n be_v put_v several_o into_o seventy_o distinct_a cell_n be_v inspire_v from_o above_o in_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o bible_n suspirent_fw-la let_v they_o keep_v say_v he_o speak_v of_o his_o own_o backbiter_n by_o way_n of_o scorn_n with_o all_o my_o heart_n in_o the_o seventy_o cell_n of_o the_o alexandrian_a pharos_n for_o fear_n they_o shall_v lose_v their_o sail_n of_o their_o ship_n and_o be_v force_v to_o bewail_v the_o loss_n of_o their_o cordage_n perhaps_o the_o same_o truth_n as_o s._n augustine_n say_v a_o little_a before_o but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o that_o of_o the_o canonical_a book_n 24._o beside_o as_o cardinal_n baronius_n have_v observe_v this_o last_o passage_n of_o s._n hierome_n ought_v to_o be_v understand_v only_o in_o the_o point_n touch_v the_o holy_a trinity_n concern_v which_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n great_a dispute_n betwixt_o the_o catholic_n and_o the_o arian_n for_o otherwise_o if_o his_o word_n be_v take_v in_o a_o general_n sense_n they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v false_a as_o to_z s._n hilary_n particular_a who_o have_v have_v his_o fail_n in_o some_o certain_a thing_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o in_o a_o word_n although_o s._n hierome_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o speak_v in_o a_o general_n sense_n as_o his_o word_n indeed_o seem_v to_o bear_v yet_o may_v the_o same_o thing_n possible_o happen_v to_o he_o here_o which_o he_o have_v observe_v have_v oftentimes_o befall_v to_o other_o namely_o to_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imagine_v that_o he_o will_v have_v we_o have_v a_o great_a opinion_n of_o he_o than_o he_o himself_o have_v of_o other_o men._n and_o s._n augustine_n tell_v he_o as_o we_o have_v before_o show_v that_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o expect_v man_n shall_v judge_v any_o otherwise_o of_o he_o and_o i_o suppose_v we_o may_v very_o safe_o keep_v to_o s._n augustine_n judgement_n and_o believe_v with_o he_o that_o s._n hierome_n have_v never_o any_o intention_n that_o we_o shall_v receive_v all_o his_o position_n as_o infallible_a truth_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o read_v and_o examine_v his_o write_n with_o the_o same_o freedom_n that_o we_o do_v those_o of_o other_o men._n and_o if_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o take_v s._n augustine_n word_n in_o this_o particular_a let_v we_o yet_o take_v s._n hierome_n own_o who_o in_o his_o second_o commentary_n upon_o the_o prophet_n habakkuk_n say_v consensum_fw-la and_o thus_o have_v i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o my_o sense_n in_o brief_a but_o if_o any_o one_o produce_v that_o which_o be_v more_o exact_a and_o true_a take_v his_o exposition_n rather_o than_o i_o and_o so_o likewise_o upon_o the_o prophet_n zephaniah_n he_o say_v ducatur_fw-la we_o have_v now_o do_v our_o utmost_a endeavour_n in_o give_v a_o allegorical_a exposition_n of_o the_o text_n but_o if_o any_o other_o can_v bring_v that_o which_o be_v more_o probable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v deliver_v let_v the_o reader_n be_v sway_v by_o his_o authority_n rather_o than_o by_o we_o and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o these_o word_n acquiescimus_fw-la this_o we_o have_v deliver_v according_a to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o poor_a ability_n and_o have_v give_v you_o a_o short_a touch_n of_o the_o divers_a opinion_n both_o of_o our_o own_o man_n and_o of_o the_o jew_n yet_o if_o any_o man_n can_v give_v i_o a_o better_a and_o true_a account_n of_o these_o thing_n i_o shall_v be_v very_o ready_a to_o embrace_v the_o same_o be_v this_o now_o i_o will_v fain_o ask_v to_o bind_v up_o our_o tongue_n and_o our_o belief_n so_o as_o that_o we_o have_v no_o further_a liberty_n of_o refuse_v what_o he_o have_v once_o lay_v down_o before_o we_o or_o of_o search_v into_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o his_o opinion_n no_o let_v we_o rather_o make_v use_n of_o that_o liberty_n which_o they_o all_o allow_v we_o let_v we_o hearken_v to_o they_o but_o as_o they_o themselves_o advise_v we_o when_o what_o they_o deliver_v be_v ground_v upon_o reason_n and_o upon_o the_o scripture_n if_o they_o have_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o caution_n in_o the_o read_n of_o those_o author_n who_o go_v before_o they_o the_o christian_a faith_n have_v now_o be_v whole_o stuff_v up_o with_o the_o dream_n of_o a_o origen_n or_o a_o apollinaris_n or_o some_o other_o the_o like_a author_n but_o neither_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n nor_o yet_o the_o resplendency_n of_o their_o holy_a life_n which_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v to_o have_v shine_v forth_o very_o eminent_o in_o the_o primitive_a father_n be_v able_a so_o to_o dazzle_v the_o eye_n of_o those_o that_o come_v after_o they_o as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o distinguish_v betwixt_o that_o which_o be_v sound_a and_o true_a in_o their_o write_n and_o that_o which_o be_v trivial_a and_o false_a let_v not_o therefore_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o who_o come_v after_o they_o hinder_v we_o either_o from_o pass_v by_o or_o even_o reject_v their_o opinion_n when_o we_o find_v they_o build_v upon_o weak_a foundation_n you_o see_v they_o confess_v themselves_o that_o this_o may_v very_o possible_o be_v we_o shall_v therefore_o be_v leave_v utter_o inexcusable_a if_o after_o this_o their_o
with_o other_o than_o he_o have_v with_o st._n augustine_n wrest_v their_o word_n much_o further_a than_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v but_o sometime_o he_o go_v further_a yet_o and_o speak_v even_o of_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n in_o so_o disrespectful_a a_o manner_n as_o that_o i_o be_o very_o much_o unsatisfy_v with_o these_o his_o do_n as_o for_o example_n where_o he_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n without_o any_o circumlocution_n that_o the_o peregrinis_fw-la inscription_n of_o the_o altar_n at_o athens_n be_v not_o express_v in_o those_o very_a word_n which_o be_v deliver_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o act_n chap._n 17._o to_o the_o unknown_a god_n but_o in_o other_o term_n thus_o to_o the_o god_n of_o europe_n asia_n and_o of_o africa_n to_o the_o unknown_a and_o foreign_a go_n so_o likewise_o where_o he_o tell_v we_o and_o repeat_v the_o same_o too_o in_o many_o several_a place_n that_o sermone_fw-la st._n paul_n know_v not_o how_o to_o speak_v nor_o to_o make_v a_o discourse_n hang_v together_o and_o that_o he_o make_v soloecism_n sometime_o and_o that_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o render_v a_o hyperbaton_n nor_o to_o conclude_v a_o sentence_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v his_o own_o deep_a conception_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o good_a utterance_n but_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o deliver_v his_o mind_n and_o again_o in_o another_o place_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o modesty_n but_o it_o be_v the_o plain_a naked_a truth_n that_o he_o tell_v we_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v imperitus_fw-la sermone_fw-la rude_a in_o speech_n because_o that_o the_o truth_n be_v he_o can_v not_o deliver_v his_o mind_n to_o other_o in_o clear_a and_o intelligible_a language_n and_o he_o say_v moreover_o which_o be_v yet_o much_o worse_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o trivio_fw-la the_o apostle_n dispute_v with_o the_o galatian_n counterfeit_v ignorance_n as_o know_v they_o to_o be_v a_o dull_a heavy_a people_n and_o that_o he_o have_v let_v fâ—ll_o some_o such_o expression_n as_o may_v possible_o have_v offend_v the_o more_o intelligent_a sort_n of_o people_n have_v he_o not_o before_o hand_n tell_v they_o that_o he_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n whosoever_o shall_v have_v have_v but_o the_o least_o taste_n of_o the_o force_n and_o vigour_n and_o of_o the_o candour_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o discourse_n of_o this_o holy_a apostle_n can_v never_o see_v he_o thus_o use_v without_o be_v extreme_o astonish_v at_o it_o especial_o if_o he_o but_o consider_v that_o these_o kind_n of_o speech_n although_o they_o have_v perhaps_o some_o ground_n which_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o must_v needs_o scandalize_v and_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o weak_a sort_n of_o people_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v utter_v without_o very_a much_o qualification_n and_o sweeten_v of_o the_o business_n st._n augustine_n i_o confess_v be_v much_o more_o discreet_a in_o this_o particular_a every_o where_o testify_v as_o there_o be_v very_o great_a reason_n he_o shall_v the_o great_a respect_n he_o bear_v to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o never_o speak_v of_o any_o of_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v of_o their_o style_n or_o of_o their_o sense_n but_o with_o a_o singular_a admiration_n but_o as_o for_o his_o own_o private_a opinion_n and_o those_o of_o other_o man_n which_o he_o embrace_v he_o be_v not_o without_o his_o error_n also_o such_o be_v that_o harsh_a sentence_n of_o he_o which_o he_o have_v pronounce_v upon_o all_o infant_n that_o die_v before_o baptism_n who_o he_o will_v have_v not_o only_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o punishment_n that_o the_o ordinary_a opinion_n of_o the_o church_n condemn_v they_o to_o but_o he_o will_v further_o have_v they_o to_o be_v ap._n torment_v in_o hell_n fire_n wherein_o he_o be_v also_o follow_v by_o gregorius_n armininensis_n 3._o a_o famous_a doctor_n in_o the_o school_n where_o he_o be_v call_v by_o reason_n of_o this_o rigour_n of_o he_o tormentum_fw-la infantium_fw-la he_o maintain_v also_o that_o the_o eucharist_n be_v necessary_a for_o little_a infant_n as_o we_o have_v former_o note_v to_o another_o purpose_n to_o which_o we_o must_v also_o add_v that_o other_o opinion_n to_o which_o he_o evident_o incline_v namely_o 14._o that_o the_o soul_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n and_o be_v engender_v of_o his_o substance_n as_o well_o as_o the_o body_n and_o be_v not_o immediate_o create_v by_o god_n which_o be_v the_o common_a opinion_n at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o know_v that_o chapter_n he_o every_o where_o attribute_n to_o the_o angel_n a_o corporeal_a nature_n and_o also_o that_o he_o conceive_v against_o all_o sense_n and_o reason_n 11._o that_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v create_v all_o in_o a_o instant_n of_o time_n and_o refer_v the_o six_o day_n space_n of_o time_n wherein_o the_o creation_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v perfect_v to_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o angel_n he_o believe_v also_o with_o the_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n 74._o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n depart_v be_v shut_v up_o into_o i_o know_v not_o what_o secret_n dark_a receptacle_n where_o they_o be_v to_o remain_v from_o the_o hour_n of_o their_o departure_n till_o the_o resurrection_n but_o we_o need_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o any_o further_a in_o prove_v that_o he_o also_o may_v err_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n see_v that_o himself_o have_v make_v so_o clear_a and_o so_o authentic_a a_o confession_n hereof_o in_o his_o book_n of_o his_o retractation_n where_o he_o correct_v many_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v former_o write_v either_o beside_o or_o against_o the_o truth_n i_o must_v here_o confess_v also_o that_o in_o my_o opinion_n it_o will_v have_v add_v very_o much_o to_o the_o great_a and_o high_a esteem_n which_o we_o general_o have_v of_o his_o part_n and_o worth_a if_o he_o have_v be_v more_o positive_a and_o more_o resolve_v in_o the_o decision_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v handle_v for_o the_o most_o part_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o academic_n doubt_o and_o waver_o all_o the_o way_n insomuch_o that_o he_o leave_v undecided_a not_o only_o 18._o whether_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o other_o star_n be_v endue_v with_o reason_n but_o also_o 11._o whether_o the_o world_n itself_o be_v a_o live_a creature_n or_o not_o he_o that_o will_v but_o exact_o and_o careful_o read_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o father_n may_v very_o easy_o observe_v in_o their_o write_n divers_a error_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o a_o man_n shall_v scarce_o meet_v with_o any_o one_o father_n of_o any_o note_n or_o repute_v from_o who_o some_o such_o thing_n or_o other_o have_v not_o escape_v as_o for_o my_o own_o part_n who_o have_v take_v upon_o i_o this_o troublesome_a business_n very_o unwilling_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o these_o few_o instance_n already_o set_v down_o see_v they_o do_v in_o my_o judgement_n make_v this_o business_n very_o clear_a the_o discovery_n whereof_o i_o have_v be_v necessitate_v to_o undertake_v though_o i_o wish_v rather_o they_o may_v have_v be_v conceal_v for_o see_v that_o these_o so_o eminent_a person_n who_o be_v of_o the_o great_a repute_n among_o all_o the_o ancient_n have_v through_o humane_a infirmity_n fall_v into_o such_o error_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n what_o ought_v we_o to_o expect_v from_o other_o who_o come_v very_o much_o behind_o these_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o antiquity_n learning_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n since_o justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n tertullian_n cyprian_n lactantius_n hilary_n ambrose_n hierome_n augustine_n and_o epiphanius_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o most_o eminent_a and_o most_o approve_a person_n that_o ever_o be_v have_v yet_o stumble_v in_o many_o place_n and_o have_v quite_o fall_v in_o some_o other_o what_o have_v cyril_n leo_n gregorius_n romanus_n and_o damascene_fw-la do_v who_o have_v come_v after_o they_o and_o in_o who_o have_v appear_v both_o much_o less_o gallantry_n of_o spirit_n and_o sanctity_n than_o in_o the_o former_a beside_o if_o these_o man_n have_v be_v mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n some_o of_o they_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o point_n touch_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n some_o touch_v the_o humanity_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n other_o touch_v the_o quality_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o some_o touch_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n thereof_o after_o death_n and_o touch_v the_o resurrection_n why_o for_o god_n sake_n must_v they_o needs_o be_v infallible_a when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o point_n now_o debate_v among_o we_o why_o may_v
this_o that_o theodoret_n have_v be_v depose_v from_o his_o bishopric_n for_o have_v maintain_v a_o erroneous_a opinion_n touch_v the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o enough_o of_o this_o i_o will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n fain_o know_v how_o this_o reconciler_n of_o difference_n can_v compose_v that_o debate_n betwixt_o the_o dcxxx_o father_n of_o the_o council_n at_o chalcedon_n and_o leo_n bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o how_o he_o can_v reconcile_v the_o xxviii_o canon_n of_o the_o one_o with_o those_o many_o epistle_n write_v by_o the_o other_o touch_v this_o point_n to_o anatolius_n patriarch_n of_o constantinople_n to_o the_o emperor_n marcianus_n and_o his_o empress_n to_o the_o prelate_n who_o be_v there_o meet_v together_o in_o that_o council_n and_o to_o the_o patriarch_n of_o antioch_n the_o father_n of_o this_o council_n advance_v the_o throne_n of_o the_o patriarch_n of_o constantinople_n above_o those_o of_o alexandria_n and_o of_o antioch_n and_o make_v it_o equal_a even_o with_o that_o of_o rome_n itself_o pope_n leo_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n send_v out_o his_o thunderbolt_n against_o this_o decree_n of_o they_o and_o charge_v they_o as_o guilty_a of_o a_o most_o insufferable_a injury_n offer_v he_o and_o when_o this_o our_o conciliator_n shall_v have_v do_v his_o business_n at_o chalcedon_n if_o he_o please_v he_o may_v pass_v over_o into_o africa_n and_o there_o also_o reconcile_v the_o father_n of_o that_o country_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n the_o former_a of_o these_o forbid_v their_o clergy_n to_o make_v any_o appeal_v to_o rome_n and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o their_o utmost_a endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v their_o proper_a right_n to_o have_v such_o appeal_v bring_v before_o they_o and_o when_o he_o have_v finish_v this_o work_n our_o greek_a may_v then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n try_v to_o remove_v all_o misunderstanding_n betwixt_o the_o father_n of_o the_o council_n of_o francfort_n and_o those_o of_o the_o ii_o council_n of_o nice_a touch_v the_o point_n of_o the_o use_n of_o image_n the_o late_a of_o these_o ordain_v 〈◊〉_d that_o we_o ought_v to_o pay_v unto_o they_o salutation_n and_o adoration_n of_o honour_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o honour_v they_o with_o incense_n and_o light_n and_o the_o other_o as_o every_o man_n know_v have_v not_o only_o reject_v this_o greek_a council_n but_o have_v write_v 〈◊〉_d express_o against_o it_o by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o emperor_n carolus_n magnus_n certain_o he_o that_o shall_v but_o read_v the_o father_n themselves_o will_v easy_o and_o quick_o perceive_v that_o they_o clash_n and_o contradict_v each_o other_o in_o most_o plain_a and_o irreconcilable_a term_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o bring_v they_o honest_o together_o but_o by_o receive_v every_o one_o of_o they_o with_o his_o own_o private_a opinion_n imitate_v herein_o the_o marvellous_a wisdom_n of_o the_o council_n of_o con._n constantinople_n in_o trullo_n which_o receive_v and_o allow_v of_o all_o in_o gross_a without_o distinction_n both_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a code_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a together_o with_o those_o of_o sardica_n carthage_n and_o laodicea_n among_o which_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v find_v strong_a contradiction_n as_o for_o example_n the_o 7._o council_n of_o sardica_n will_v have_v the_o right_n of_o receive_v the_o appeal_n of_o all_o bishop_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n whereas_o 17._o chalcedon_n give_v this_o privilege_n to_o that_o of_o constantinople_n the_o council_n of_o 59_o laodicea_n leave_v out_o of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o maccabee_n ecclesiasticus_fw-la the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n tobit_n and_o judith_n 47._o that_o of_o carthage_n put_v they_o in_o express_o but_o now_o these_o honest_a father_n of_o constantinople_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v give_v content_a to_o all_o the_o world_n take_v no_o notice_n at_o all_o of_o these_o their_o difference_n but_o receive_v each_o of_o they_o with_o their_o own_o particular_a canon_n and_o opinion_n without_o oblige_v they_o to_o any_o one_o common_a rule_n do_v this_o i_o believe_v upon_o condition_n that_o themselves_o may_v not_o be_v require_v by_o those_o who_o they_o thus_o admit_v to_o receive_v any_o more_o from_o they_o than_o they_o shall_v think_v convenient_a i_o know_v no_o man_n that_o will_v not_o at_o this_o rate_n ready_o admit_v of_o as_o canon_n all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n provide_v that_o he_o may_v but_o have_v liberty_n to_o take_v or_o leave_v therein_o what_o he_o think_v good_a so_o that_o we_o may_v very_o well_o from_o henceforth_o rest_v satisfy_v that_o notwithstanding_o bessarion_n resolution_n to_o the_o contrary_a the_o father_n have_v not_o always_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o consequent_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o as_o our_o judge_n touch_v the_o same_o for_o see_v that_o i_o find_v they_o contradict_v each_o other_o in_o so_o many_o several_a point_n of_o very_o great_a importance_n how_o shall_v i_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v all_o unanimous_o agree_v touch_v those_o point_n which_o be_v now_o debate_v among_o we_o why_o may_v they_o not_o have_v have_v the_o same_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n touch_v the_o point_n of_o the_o eucharist_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o pope_n freewill_n or_o purgatory_n that_o they_o have_v in_o those_o other_o point_n which_o we_o have_v before_o present_v to_o the_o reader_n view_v which_o be_v of_o as_o great_a importance_n as_o these_o and_o no_o less_o easy_a to_o be_v determine_v as_o we_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o chapter_n precede_v epiphanius_n and_o st._n hierome_n be_v as_o opposite_a in_o their_o judgement_n touch_v the_o ancient_a condition_n of_o priest_n and_o bishop_n as_o theodoret_n and_o st._n cyril_n be_v touch_v the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n neither_o be_v some_o opinion_n of_o tertullian_n and_o of_o damascene_fw-la theodoret_n and_o of_o eusebius_n emisenus_n of_o eusebius_n caesareensis_fw-la and_o of_o the_o vii_o council_n touch_v the_o point_n of_o the_o eucharist_n less_o opposite_a to_o each_o other_o than_o be_v those_o of_o cyprian_a and_o of_o stephenâ—_n touch_v the_o baptism_n of_o heretic_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o many_o other_o particular_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n and_o trouble_v ourselves_o so_o to_o no_o purpose_n in_o reconcile_a these_o man_n and_o make_v they_o speak_v all_o the_o same_o thing_n why_o shall_v we_o so_o cruel_o and_o so_o uncivil_o rack_v they_o as_o we_o do_v to_o make_v they_o all_o of_o one_o opinion_n and_o to_o say_v the_o same_o thing_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o and_o sometime_o too_o against_o our_o own_o conscience_n but_o certain_o for_o the_o most_o part_n without_o any_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o reader_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o rather_o honest_o confess_v that_o their_o opinion_n be_v also_o different_a as_o well_o as_o their_o word_n we_o make_v no_o scruple_n at_o all_o to_o confess_v that_o they_o have_v be_v of_o contrary_a opinion_n touch_v those_o other_o point_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o now_o controvert_v among_o we_o how_o much_o great_a harm_n for_o god_n sake_n will_v it_o be_v if_o we_o shall_v confess_v that_o they_o have_v not_o any_o better_o agree_v among_o themselves_o touch_v these_o point_n now_o in_o debate_n but_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o press_v this_o matter_n any_o further_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o that_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v of_o different_a opinion_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o it_o clear_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o admit_v of_o their_o write_n as_o the_o proper_a judge_n of_o our_o controversy_n i_o have_v former_o touch_v though_o very_o light_o only_a upon_o their_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o contrariety_n in_o their_o exposition_n upon_o the_o scripture_n which_o yet_o be_v a_o business_n of_o no_o very_o small_a consideration_n for_o if_o we_o take_v they_o for_o our_o judge_n we_o shall_v necessary_o then_o have_v occasion_n every_o minute_n of_o have_v recourse_n to_o they_o touch_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o passage_n of_o scripture_n about_o which_o we_o disagree_v among_o ourselves_o if_o now_o there_o be_v as_o great_a contrariety_n and_o difference_n in_o judgement_n touch_v these_o thing_n among_o they_o as_o there_o be_v among_o ourselves_o what_o have_v we_o then_o leave_v we_o to_o trust_v to_o this_o passage_n for_o example_n in_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n john_n sumus_fw-la i_o and_o my_o father_n be_v one_o be_v of_o very_o great_a importance_n in_o the_o dispute_n against_o both_o sabellius_n and_o arius_n will_v you_o now_o know_v the_o true_a
sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n lest_o otherwise_o by_o misinterpret_v the_o same_o you_o may_v chance_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o of_o these_o two_o precipice_n if_o you_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o father_n in_o this_o case_n you_o shall_v have_v â—93_n some_o of_o they_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o union_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o of_o the_o will_n and_o passim_fw-la other_o again_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o essence_n and_o of_o nature_n so_o likewise_o this_o other_o passage_n in_o the_o same_o evangelist_n 28._o my_o father_n be_v great_a than_o i_o be_v very_o considerable_a also_o in_o the_o question_n touch_v the_o divinity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v 23._o some_o among_o the_o father_n who_o understand_v the_o word_n as_o speak_v indefinite_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n although_o the_o rest_n of_o they_o do_v ordinary_o restrain_v they_o to_o his_o humanity_n these_o word_n also_o of_o st._n john_n 14._o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n be_v of_o no_o small_a consideration_n in_o the_o dispute_n against_o nestorius_n and_o eutyches_n now_o if_o you_o bring_v the_o business_n before_o the_o father_n you_o shall_v have_v 298._o some_o of_o they_o expound_v these_o word_n by_o compare_v they_o with_o those_o passage_n in_o st._n paul_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o 21._o christ_n be_v make_v sin_n and_o a_o 13._o curse_n for_o we_o but_o 515._o st._n cyril_n say_v that_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n how_o we_o interpret_v the_o word_n so_o it_o will_v be_v a_o endless_a task_n if_o i_o shall_v here_o go_v about_o to_o reckon_v up_o all_o the_o difference_n and_o contrariety_n of_o judgement_n that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o father_n those_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o see_v any_o more_o of_o they_o may_v have_v recourse_n to_o some_o of_o our_o late_a commentator_n who_o usual_a course_n be_v to_o bring_v in_o all_o together_o the_o several_a interpretation_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o those_o book_n which_o they_o comment_n upon_o as_o maldonate_fw-it have_v do_v upon_o the_o gospel_n cardinal_a tolet_n upon_o st._n john_n bened._n justinianus_n upon_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o other_o where_o they_o will_v find_v that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o one_o verse_n that_o the_o ancient_n have_v understand_v all_o of_o they_o after_o one_o and_o the_o â—ame_n manner_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o worse_o than_o this_o beside_o this_o contrariety_n and_o difference_n of_o interpretation_n you_o will_v often_o meet_v with_o very_a many_o cold_a and_o empty_a exposition_n and_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o that_o you_o shall_v find_v there_o that_o solid_a simplicity_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o expect_v from_o all_o those_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o as_o much_o therefore_o as_o we_o many_o time_n meet_v with_o contrariety_n of_o judgement_n as_o well_o in_o their_o exposition_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o in_o their_o opinion_n we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o be_v admit_v as_o the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o our_o controversy_n that_o contradiction_n which_o be_v often_o find_v among_o they_o evident_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o infallible_a judge_n such_o as_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o make_v good_a of_o all_o those_o point_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n maintain_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n against_o the_o protestant_n chap._n vi_o reason_n vi_o that_o neither_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nor_o the_o protestant_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o father_n for_o their_o judge_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n but_o do_v both_o of_o they_o reject_v such_o of_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n as_o be_v not_o for_o their_o gust_n a_o answer_n to_o two_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o what_o have_v be_v here_o deliver_v in_o this_o discourse_n thus_o far_o have_v we_o labour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n have_v not_o authority_n enough_o in_o themselves_o for_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o definitive_a sentence_n pass_v upon_o our_o difference_n in_o religion_n let_v we_o now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n see_v how_o much_o they_o have_v in_o respect_n of_o we_o for_o although_o a_o sentence_n of_o judgement_n shall_v be_v good_a and_o valid_a in_o itself_o as_o be_v pronounce_v by_o one_o who_o be_v a_o competent_a and_o lawful_a judge_n due_o and_o according_a to_o the_o form_n of_o law_n yet_o notwithstanding_o will_v not_o this_o serve_v to_o determine_v the_o controversy_n if_o so_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o judge_n be_v deny_v by_o either_o of_o the_o party_n unless_o as_o it_o be_v in_o worldly_a affair_n the_o law_n be_v arm_v with_o such_o a_o power_n as_o be_v able_a to_o force_v those_o that_o be_v obstinate_a to_o submit_v to_o reason_n for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o question_n be_v here_o touch_v religion_n which_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o divine_a thing_n to_o the_o embrace_v whereof_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v persuade_v and_o not_o compel_v since_o force_n have_v no_o place_n here_o for_o although_o perhaps_o they_o can_v compel_v man_n outward_o to_o render_v some_o such_o respect_n to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n yet_o notwithstanding_o will_v not_o this_o serve_v to_o make_v any_o impression_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o one_o the_o same_o division_n will_v still_o remain_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o you_o be_v first_o of_o all_o to_o pull_v up_o by_o the_o root_n if_o ever_o you_o intend_v to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o each_o other_o and_o to_o make_v they_o agree_v in_o point_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o certain_a determination_n therefore_o of_o all_o difference_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o both_o party_n be_v persuade_v that_o the_o judge_n who_o be_v to_o pronounce_v sentence_n upon_o the_o same_o have_v as_o much_o authority_n as_o it_o requisite_a for_o that_o purpose_n notwithstanding_o therefore_o that_o the_o father_n shall_v have_v clear_o and_o positive_o pronounce_v what_o they_o have_v think_v touch_v the_o point_n in_o hand_n which_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o do_v as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o let_v we_o suppose_v further_o that_o they_o have_v be_v endue_v with_o all_o those_o quality_n which_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o render_v a_o man_n fit_a to_o be_v a_o supreme_a judge_n and_o from_o who_o there_o can_v be_v no_o appeal_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o so_o as_o we_o have_v already_o clear_o prove_v yet_o notwithstanding_o will_v all_o this_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n unless_o this_o authority_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o both_o party_n the_o old_a testament_n be_v a_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o so_o supreme_a a_o authority_n as_o that_o every_o part_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v yet_o do_v not_o this_o work_n any_o whit_n at_o all_o with_o a_o pagan_a because_o he_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v any_o such_o excellent_a worth_n to_o be_v in_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n be_v it_o between_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o jew_n neither_o can_v it_o decide_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o jew_n and_o we_o not_o because_o it_o be_v not_o of_o sufficient_a authority_n in_o itself_o but_o because_o it_o be_v not_o so_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o indeed_o he_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v laugh_v at_o whosoever_o shall_v allege_v in_o dispute_v against_o the_o pagan_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o that_o of_o the_o new_a for_o the_o bring_n of_o a_o jew_n over_o to_o our_o belief_n suppose_v therefore_o that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n be_v clear_a upon_o our_o question_n nay_o which_o be_v more_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v moreover_o if_o you_o please_v that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o be_v of_o themselves_o of_o a_o full_a and_o undeniable_a authority_n i_o say_v still_o that_o they_o can_v decide_v our_o debate_n if_o so_o be_v that_o either_o of_o the_o party_n shall_v refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v this_o great_a and_o admirable_a dignity_n to_o be_v in_o they_o much_o less_o if_o both_o party_n shall_v refuse_v to_o allow_v they_o to_o have_v this_o privilege_n let_v we_o now_o therefore_o see_v in_o what_o account_n the_o several_a party_n have_v the_o father_n and_o whether_o they_o acknowledge_v they_o as_o the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o their_o religion_n or_o at_o least_o as_o arbitrator_n who_o definitive_a sentence_n ought_v to_o stand_v firm_a and_o inviolable_a as_o for_o our_o protestant_n of_o france_n who_o their_o adversary_n will_v fain_o persuade_v if_o they_o can_v to_o receive_v the_o father_n for_o judge_n in_o religion_n and_o to_o who_o consequent_o they_o ought_v not_o