that_o the_o learned_a papist_n who_o differ_v about_o the_o conception_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n do_v on_o either_o side_n urge_v for_o their_o defence_n universal_a tradition_n if_o then_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o determine_v this_o controversy_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v set_v up_o to_o justle_v scripture_n out_o of_o its_o seat_n to_o make_v room_n for_o another_o mean_n of_o determine_a controversy_n which_o be_v as_o uneffectual_a and_o indeed_o infinite_o more_o unfit_a if_o a_o papist_n say_v that_o the_o determination_n of_o this_o point_n be_v not_o necessary_a which_o be_v a_o gross_a absurdity_n because_o this_o remain_a undetermined_a no_o small_a part_n of_o popish_a worship_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n as_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o immaculate_a conception_n have_v no_o certain_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n sentence_n be_v sin_n 23._o rom._n 14_o 23._o we_o may_v with_o more_o reason_n say_v that_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n between_o we_o be_v not_o necessary_a or_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o determination_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v now_o as_o the_o decision_n of_o thing_n in_o dispute_n be_v of_o old_a in_o the_o general_a council_n by_o the_o scripture_n or_o write_v word_n of_o god_n by_o which_o tradition_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v measure_v and_o judge_v as_o st._n paul_n make_v the_o scripture_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o measure_n of_o truth_n between_o 15.3,4_o between_o mat._n 26.15_o read_v 1._o cor._n 15.3,4_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o christian_n on_o the_o other_o side_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 6._o because_o here_o be_v frequent_a mention_n of_o tradition_n and_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o the_o word_n be_v apt_a to_o beget_v mistake_n and_o confusion_n therefore_o give_v i_o seave_v to_o unfold_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n tradition_n be_v sometime_o put_v to_o signify_v the_o thing_n deliver_v whether_o the_o way_n of_o delivery_n be_v writing_n or_o speak_v and_o tradition_n thus_o take_v material_o be_v indifferent_a to_o the_o be_v write_v or_o unwritten_a for_o the_o same_o tradition_n or_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v at_o one_o time_n unwritten_a may_v have_v be_v write_v and_o for_o certain_a be_v at_o another_o time_n write_v and_o the_o jewish_a tradition_n which_o for_o many_o generation_n pass_v by_o a_o successive_a conveyance_n without_o book_n have_v be_v by_o the_o rabbi_n commit_v at_o length_n to_o writing_n for_o their_o better_a security_n and_o the_o papist_n now_o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o writing_n their_o tradition_n which_o they_o call_v the_o unwritten_a word_n of_o god_n let_v they_o justify_v the_o presumption_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v 14.2,3,6_o mat._n 14.2,3,6_o now_o as_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n mention_v in_o scripture_n signify_v the_o doctrine_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o father_n but_o be_v distinct_a from_o the_o law_n write_v so_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o tradition_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o do_v now_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n common_o understand_v some_o particular_a doctrine_n or_o rite_n or_o matter_n of_o fact_n deliver_v with_o a_o pretence_n of_o divine_a or_o at_o least_o apostolical_a authority_n for_o their_o reception_n which_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n these_o tradition_n once_o accept_v and_o commend_v by_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n the_o conventicle_n at_o trent_n have_v very_o severe_o enjoin_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o embrace_v with_o a_o equal_a affection_n of_o holy_a reverence_n wherewith_o we_o entertain_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n themselves_o but_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n with_o the_o liberty_n of_o lay_v aside_o old_a tradition_n and_o give_v credit_n to_o new_a invention_n as_o their_o interest_n and_o occasion_n may_v require_v they_o who_o determine_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n and_o number_v the_o book_n yet_o will_v not_o reckon_v up_o and_o determine_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n that_o christian_n may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o perfect_a and_o fix_a rule_n of_o faith_n thus_o romanist_n though_o they_o have_v a_o large_a object_n of_o faith_n than_o we_o have_v yet_o they_o have_v no_o certain_a measure_n because_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v like_o the_o moon_n subject_a to_o decrease_v as_o the_o give_v of_o the_o eucharist_n to_o infant_n be_v once_o hold_v by_o d._n innocentius_n 3._o as_o a_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n much_o maldonate_fw-it on_o john_n 6._o confess_v thus_o much_o but_o after_o 600_o year_n practice_n wear_v out_o insensible_o and_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o the_o council_n of_o constance_n and_o trent_n with_o a_o anathema_n and_o to_o increase_v also_o and_o therefore_o their_o religion_n be_v indeed_o irregular_a but_o concern_v tradition_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v particular_a point_n of_o belief_n or_o practice_n in_o christian_a religion_n these_o 3_o rule_n be_v worth_a observation_n 1._o whatsoever_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o or_o enjoin_v to_o we_o in_o belief_n or_o practice_n under_o colour_n of_o be_v a_o tradition_n if_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n or_o destructive_a of_o god_n precept_n aught_o to_o be_v reject_v by_o christian_n christ_n reason_n together_o with_o the_o refutation_n of_o phaâ—…aical_a tradition_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o rule_n 13._o nihil_fw-la credi_fw-la deus_fw-la voluit_fw-la adversus_fw-la sc_n ipturarum_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la aug._n l._n 13._o cont_n faus_n manich._n mark_v 7.5_o 13._o 2._o whatsoever_o be_v obtrude_v upon_o we_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o be_v a_o tradition_n that_o be_v neither_o clear_o deliver_v in_o nor_o fair_o by_o good_a consequence_n deduce_v out_o of_o god_n write_v word_n need_v not_o and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o manner_n of_o conveniency_n or_o necessity_n wherein_o thing_n which_o be_v stranger_n to_o scripture_n be_v hold_v be_v careful_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o for_o several_a practice_n have_v be_v in_o early_a time_n introduce_v under_o show_n of_o conveniency_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v some_o bodily_a exercise_n carry_v a_o plausible_a show_n of_o wisdom_n which_o have_v once_o obtain_v credit_n by_o the_o favourable_a commendation_n of_o eminent_a person_n and_o custom_n have_v be_v in_o succession_n of_o time_n adorn_v with_o the_o title_n of_o tradition_n and_o grow_v up_o from_o be_v think_v convenient_a to_o be_v account_v and_o press_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n this_o danger_n be_v to_o be_v prevent_v by_o circumspection_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v a_o complete_a rule_n of_o religion_n prove_v the_o truth_n and_o usefulness_n of_o this_o second_o rule_n 3._o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o divine_a worship_n be_v secure_v by_o god_n write_v word_n from_o intrusion_n of_o humane_a invention_n if_o any_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n can_v be_v prove_v by_o fair_a testimony_n of_o antiquity_n to_o have_v be_v practise_v by_o the_o church_n universal_a of_o primitive_a time_n and_o be_v still_o continue_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o church_n governor_n as_o tend_v to_o edification_n or_o the_o free_a and_o open_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n whether_o they_o be_v call_v tradition_n or_o no_o be_v not_o light_o to_o be_v reject_v much_o less_o violent_o oppose_v by_o private_a christian_n thus_o much_o for_o tradition_n as_o mean_v matter_n of_o religion_n deliver_v down_o from_o former_a time_n to_o posterity_n but_o tradition_n often_o bear_v another_o sense_n and_o be_v take_v formal_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o conveyance_n of_o matter_n that_o concern_v religion_n which_o be_v partly_o oral_a partly_o practical_a the_o joint_a agreement_n of_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n continue_v by_o succession_n of_o one_o age_n after_o another_o whilst_o one_o generation_n derive_v to_o another_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o religion_n be_v now_o call_v tradition_n and_o of_o late_o be_v assert_v by_o papist_n in_o this_o kingdom_n to_o be_v the_o only_a principle_n and_o rule_n of_o â—aith_n and_o affirm_v to_o be_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n infallible_a and_o incorruptible_a and_o to_o be_v evident_a by_o its_o own_o light_n and_o thus_o the_o order_n of_o inquire_v for_o the_o ancient_a day_n and_o old_a way_n be_v quite_o invert_v for_o now_o we_o need_v only_o as_o they_o teach_v mark_v what_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n do_v and_o because_o tradition_n can_v fail_v nor_o vary_v therefore_o the_o pope_n court_n at_o this_o day_n with_o the_o church_n altar_n picture_n wafer_n mangle_a eucharist_n adoration_n of_o the_o
this_o catholic_n church_n ordinary_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n 3._o that_o be_v the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n which_o profess_v that_o one_o holy_a catholic_n faith_n once_o for_o all_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n whereof_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o conservative_n and_o rule_n 4._o that_o holy_a catholic_n church_n teach_v no_o error_n destructive_a of_o salvation_n 5._o therefore_o can_v so_o long_o as_o it_o continue_v so_o abuse_v the_o world_n by_o impose_v false_a or_o forge_a scripture_n upon_o it_o quere_z further_o what_o reason_n now_o from_o hence_o can_v be_v deduce_v why_o any_o rational_a person_n shall_v desert_v the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o adhere_v to_o the_o acknowledge_a rule_n of_o faith_n the_o scripture_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n which_o at_o the_o threshold_n require_v he_o to_o renounce_v his_o sense_n reason_n and_o charity_n and_o oblige_v he_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o creed_n compose_v a_o few_o year_n ago_o at_o trent_n which_o we_o desire_v the_o papist_n to_o prove_v be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o the_o true_o ancient_a and_o catholic_n church_n three_o section_n contain_v the_o papist_n reply_v n._n 1._o a_o categorical_a answer_n to_o the_o query_n concern_v the_o jewish_a church_n i_o admit_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n here_o mention_v respective_o to_o jew_n and_o christian_n a._n to_o 1._o q._n to_o the_o first_o i_o answer_v affirmative_o a._n to_o 2._o q._n the_o second_o commit_v a_o fallacy_n of_o ignoratio_fw-la elenchi_fw-la the_o query_n about_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o which_o these_o aught_o to_o correspond_v proceed_v not_o upon_o any_o particular_a kingdom_n no_o nor_o upon_o any_o particular_a church_n nor_o on_o every_o one_o or_o any_o particular_a number_n of_o the_o priest_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n but_o upon_o the_o representative_a catholic_n church_n in_o a_o full_a and_o lawful_a meeting_n of_o the_o chief_a pastor_n to_o teach_v the_o church_n diffusive_a what_o she_o be_v to_o believe_v as_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o to_o reject_v as_o error_n in_o faith_n when_o question_n arise_v about_o any_o of_o they_o i_o therefore_o answer_v that_o when_o any_o such_o question_n arise_v among_o the_o jew_n they_o be_v neither_o to_o have_v their_o last_o refuge_n to_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n or_o judah_n nor_o to_o the_o state_n magistrate_n or_o common_a people_n for_o resolution_n in_o what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v but_o to_o the_o lawful_a high_a priest_n for_o the_o time_n with_o his_o high_a council_n or_o synod_n of_o other_o chief_a priest_n and_o doctor_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o they_o be_v to_o conform_v their_o belief_n to_o what_o they_o define_v and_o teach_v they_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o either_o the_o king_n or_o some_o number_n of_o inferior_a tribe_n or_o some_o particular_a priest_n teach_v practise_v or_o believe_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o definition_n of_o this_o supreme_a spiritual_a council_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v erroneous_a and_o those_o who_o hold_v forth_o such_o erroneous_a doctrine_n pertinacious_o or_o practise_v public_o contrary_a to_o it_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v in_o their_o doctrine_n heretic_n and_o in_o their_o practice_n nonconformist_n to_o the_o true_a church_n or_o separatist_n from_o it_o if_o therefore_o a_o jew_n in_o the_o time_n mention_v in_o the_o querie_n shall_v have_v demand_v which_o be_v then_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n wherein_o salvation_n can_v be_v acquire_v the_o answer_n must_v have_v be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o high_a priest_n then_o be_v and_o all_o these_o believer_n who_o conform_v their_o faith_n practice_n and_o communion_n to_o he_o and_o his_o high_a council_n ut_fw-la supra_fw-la and_o all_o such_o as_o stand_v in_o opposition_n against_o he_o and_o division_n from_o he_o be_v alien_n so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n from_o the_o true_a church_n now_o if_o the_o querist_n have_v prove_v efficacious_o that_o the_o high_a priest_n with_o his_o fore_n name_v council_n teach_v the_o people_n either_o idolatry_n the_o common_a sin_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o any_o other_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n to_o be_v lawful_a or_o any_o error_n against_o god_n revelation_n to_o be_v true_a or_o any_o of_o his_o revelation_n to_o be_v false_a he_o have_v overthrow_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o my_o query_n but_o see_v this_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v by_o he_o his_o query_n be_v neither_o a_o answer_n nor_o any_o obstruction_n to_o i_o and_o therefore_o they_o remain_v in_o their_o full_a vigour_n against_o he_o for_o notwithstanding_o all_o he_o say_v in_o his_o second_o query_n which_o be_v the_o main_a force_n of_o his_o instance_n i_o have_v clear_o show_v a_o jew_n of_o those_o time_n which_o be_v then_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n out_o of_o which_o salvation_n can_v not_o be_v have_v now_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o prove_v any_o such_o matter_n unless_o he_o enervate_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 23.2,3_o where_o he_o say_v that_o whatsoever_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n teach_v who_o have_v and_o do_v sit_v in_o moses_n his_o chair_n that_o be_v succeed_v in_o his_o spiritual_a authority_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v and_o do_v by_o all_o the_o jewish_a people_n which_o suppose_v evident_o they_o can_v not_o teach_v they_o either_o error_n in_o faith_n and_o manner_n as_o part_v of_o god_n word_n for_o than_o he_o shall_v have_v command_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o believe_v error_n so_o that_o they_o be_v infallible_a in_o their_o teach_n till_o shiloh_n come_v and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v so_o infallible_a say_v our_o saviour_n be_v because_o they_o sit_v upon_o moses_n his_o chair_n and_o so_o govern_v successive_o the_o church_n of_o god_n faithful_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n as_o he_o do_v in_o his_o time_n upon_o the_o chair_n of_o moses_n have_v sit_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n all_o therefore_o that_o they_o shall_v say_v unto_o you_o observe_v and_o do_v it_o and_o this_o reason_n prove_v not_o only_o those_o that_o sit_v then_o when_o our_o saviour_n speak_v these_o word_n but_o that_o all_o those_o who_o sit_v before_o they_o ever_o since_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n be_v infallible_a in_o all_o divine_a doctrine_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n a._n to_o q._n 3._o the_o three_o querie_n be_v therefore_o thus_o answer_v that_o the_o jewish_a church_n understand_v ut_fw-la supra_fw-la can_v not_o teach_v any_o error_n as_o matter_n of_o divine_a faith_n or_o religion_n a._n to_o q._n 4._o to_o the_o four_o querie_n i_o answer_v that_o though_o from_o the_o precedent_a answer_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o jewish_a church_n by_o divine_a direction_n preserve_v the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o entire_o that_o it_o never_o reject_v any_o true_a part_n of_o god_n write_v word_n nor_o receive_v into_o their_o canon_n of_o god_n write_v word_n any_o book_n or_o sentence_n which_o be_v not_o his_o word_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o thence_o that_o every_o private_a person_n shall_v find_v out_o every_o particular_a point_n of_o religion_n by_o particular_a or_o express_a proof_n out_o of_o that_o write_a word_n alone_o but_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n ut_fw-la supra_fw-la in_o matter_n controvert_v shall_v interpose_v itself_o and_o determine_v the_o controversy_n nor_o do_v the_o two_o text_n quote_v in_o the_o querie_n prove_v thus_o much_o for_o that_o esa_n 8.20_o prove_v only_o this_o that_o they_o be_v neither_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o soothsayer_n nor_o to_o extraordinary_a vision_n but_o to_o the_o law_n and_o testament_n when_o doubt_n arise_v now_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o forbid_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o present_a respective_a priest_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o law_n and_o testament_n command_v express_o that_o recourse_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o they_o in_o doubtful_a case_n deut._n 17._o from_o the_o 8_o the_o to_o the_o 12_o the_o verse_n and_o malachi_n 2._o from_o the_o 4_o the_o to_o the_o 8_o the_o in_o which_o place_n the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n be_v reserve_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o disobedience_n to_o the_o priest_n command_v declare_v to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o no_o less_o than_o death_n and_o for_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n that_o every_o particular_a or_o private_a believer_n have_v licence_n or_o opportunity_n or_o ordinary_a possibility_n to_o peruse_v they_o and_o gather_v from_o they_o by_o his_o sole_a perusal_n what_o be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o private_a protestant_n now_o do_v that_o the_o law_n be_v only_o to_o be_v read_v to_o they_o once_o in_o seven_o year_n deut._n 31.10,11_o and_o
prophet_n be_v collect_v into_o one_o body_n of_o oracle_n which_o be_v in_o trust_n commit_v to_o the_o custody_n of_o the_o jew_n 3.2_o rom._n 3.2_o but_o not_o ezrah_n but_o jehoshuah_n be_v then_o high_a priest_n who_o no_o doubt_n be_v diligent_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o sacred_a office_n while_o ezrah_n be_v active_a in_o interpret_n that_o be_v translate_n the_o law_n write_v in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n which_o be_v well-nigh_o lose_v with_o the_o vulgar_a in_o their_o long_a captivity_n who_o be_v accustom_v to_o the_o common_a speech_n of_o the_o chaldean_n their_o lord_n and_o render_v it_o intelligible_a in_o their_o familiar_a tongue_n and_o also_o in_o expound_v and_o apply_v the_o law_n to_o their_o present_a use_n and_o in_o assist_v the_o levite_n that_o they_o may_v be_v well_o instruct_v to_o perform_v their_o office_n of_o teach_v the_o people_n now_o this_o work_n of_o ezrah_n do_v much_o help_n but_o not_o hinder_v or_o obstruct_v the_o common_a people_n in_o their_o private_a study_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o particular_a judgement_n be_v fair_o consistent_a with_o the_o attendance_n on_o the_o public_a ministry_n which_o be_v then_o sincere_a and_o uncorrupted_a but_o be_v not_o so_o throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o the_o jewish_a polity_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n nothing_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o ezrah_n age_n and_o action_n to_o strengthen_v the_o pretend_a infallibility_n of_o the_o jewish_a priesthood_n for_o ever_o now_o the_o jew_n indeed_o want_v the_o beneficial_a art_n of_o printing_n and_o this_o defect_n make_v the_o copy_n of_o the_o law_n less_o frequent_a than_o the_o bible_n be_v now_o adays_o yâ—…_n such_o be_v the_o zeal_n and_o diligence_n of_o pion_n man_n in_o that_o nation_n that_o the_o law_n be_v not_o so_o rare_a a_o thing_n as_o this_o man_n will_v persuade_v you_o there_o be_v then_o no_o prohibition_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n or_o sanhedrim_n either_o to_o transcribe_v or_o to_o translate_v the_o law_n and_o prophet_n or_o to_o read_v they_o in_o their_o original_a or_o translate_v no_o not_o in_o our_o saviour_n age_n when_o he_o send_v his_o auditor_n to_o the_o scripture_n to_o search_v for_o testimony_n of_o he_o when_o indeed_o it_o have_v be_v in_o vain_a for_o the_o people_n to_o have_v make_v their_o recourse_n to_o the_o scribe_n pharisee_n priest_n and_o elder_n who_o through_o ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n deny_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o christ_n and_o out_o of_o malice_n excommunicate_v all_o those_o that_o understand_v the_o scripture_n better_o than_o themselves_o and_o by_o their_o light_n be_v say_v to_o own_o jesus_n to_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o israel_n i_o hope_v you_o will_v apprehend_v this_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v your_o title_n to_o the_o scriptune_n and_o your_o power_n to_o use_v it_o according_a to_o that_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n which_o every_o christian_a that_o stand_v bind_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o faith_n can_v be_v deny_v without_o usurp_v a_o dominion_n over_o faith_n the_o very_a suspicion_n whereof_o st._n paul_n 1.24_o 2_o cor._n 1.24_o although_o he_o be_v true_o infallible_a yet_o do_v careful_o decline_v the_o querist_n tread_v the_o beat_a path_n of_o papist_n in_o debase_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o divest_v it_o of_o the_o fitness_n and_o power_n to_o be_v a_o complete_a rule_n and_o a_o effectual_a instrument_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o may_v make_v room_n for_o a_o new_a quack_n of_o which_o impious_a way_n to_o diminish_v the_o credit_n of_o god_n word_n i_o leave_v you_o or_o any_o sober_a christian_n that_o love_v and_o reverence_v that_o invaluable_a pledge_n of_o god_n love_n to_o make_v a_o judgement_n without_o my_o further_a censure_n but_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o propound_v brief_o some_o remark_n of_o this_o discourse_n 1._o first_n i_o observe_v that_o he_o often_o join_v the_o rule_n and_o mean_n of_o faith_n together_o and_o confound_v they_o so_o as_o if_o they_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n but_o the_o distinction_n of_o these_o two_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n to_o the_o prevent_n or_o to_o the_o end_n of_o frivolous_a dispute_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o public_a standard_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o include_v thing_n of_o belief_n and_o practice_n both_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o also_o in_o conversation_n with_o man_n the_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n for_o christian_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v by_o christ_n or_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v first_o preach_v and_o then_o write_v by_o the_o instinct_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n rom._n 10.8_o 1_o pet._n 1.25_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o sense_n do_v include_v in_o it_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o divine_a authority_n whereof_o it_o affirm_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o harmony_n of_o both_o irreformabilis_fw-la tertul._n l._n the_o â—…nd_n virgin_n speaking_z concern_v the_o creed_n regula_n fidei_fw-la una_fw-la omninò_fw-la est_fw-la sola_fw-la immobilis_fw-la &_o irreformabilis_fw-la this_o rule_n be_v one_o and_o immovable_a and_o so_o entire_o deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o be_v uncapable_a of_o addition_n and_o the_o attempt_n of_o addition_n or_o mutilation_n or_o any_o corruption_n make_v the_o falsifier_n of_o this_o rule_n liable_a to_o a_o dreadful_a anathema_n denounce_v by_o st._n paul_n gal._n 1.8,9_o now_o because_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o their_o fullness_n contain_v this_o gospel_n therefore_o they_o be_v usual_o call_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n both_o greek_a and_o latin_a the_o straight_a unerring_a unswerve_a rule_n of_o faith_n that_o can_v deceive_v none_o and_o needs_o no_o correction_n this_o rule_n contain_v and_o like_o a_o light_n hold_v forth_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o be_v not_o the_o less_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n because_o this_o holy_a scripture_n comprehend_v many_o other_o thing_n of_o great_a use_n for_o our_o instruction_n and_o spiritual_a delight_n as_o a_o carpenter_n rule_v just_o carry_v that_o name_n and_o serve_v the_o turn_n of_o measure_v stuff_n and_o work_v though_o it_o be_v set_v out_o with_o ornamental_a and_o useful_a table_n you_o may_v now_o apprehend_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o mean_n of_o faith_n signify_v another_o thing_n for_o whatsoever_o by_o its_o nature_n and_o efficacy_n do_v serve_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n right_a understanding_n and_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o save_a truth_n come_v under_o this_o notion_n the_o mean_n of_o faith_n the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o it_o convey_v unto_o we_o the_o gospel_n which_o it_o contain_v and_o preserve_v be_v indeed_o a_o principal_a instrument_n of_o god_n to_o work_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v his_o gift_n moreover_o god_n have_v in_o his_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o his_o church_n appoint_v many_o mean_n which_o according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o his_o providence_n contribute_v to_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n in_o our_o heart_n there_o be_v some_o outward_a whereof_o the_o chief_a be_v the_o public_a ministry_n which_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o candlestick_n that_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n to_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o only_o pastor_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o faith_n but_o also_o parent_n and_o master_n of_o family_n and_o every_o good_a christian_a which_o be_v as_o christ_n say_v of_o his_o disciple_n in_o general_a for_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n be_v not_o then_o select_v out_o of_o the_o multitude_n the_o light_n and_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n 5.13,14_o mat._n 5.13,14_o by_o communicate_v the_o word_n unto_o other_o be_v very_o often_o the_o happy_a propagator_n of_o the_o faith_n beside_o man_n some_o thing_n as_o book_n be_v instrumental_a to_o promote_v our_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n there_o be_v some_o inward_a mean_n of_o faith_n as_o our_o sense_n and_o rational_a faculty_n in_o the_o exercise_n whereof_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o actual_a certainty_n allow_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o civil_a society_n will_v be_v dissolve_v into_o consusion_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n will_v sink_v since_o faith_n be_v a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o be_v first_o build_v upon_o their_o sight_n which_o be_v eye_n witness_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o now_o come_v by_o hear_v rom._n 10.17_o which_o two_o sense_n be_v the_o instrument_n of_o discipline_n 1.1_o luk._n 1.2_o act._n 4.20_o 1_o joh._n 1.1_o neither_o will_v i_o exclude_v oral_a or_o practical_a tradition_n from_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o propagate_v the_o faith_n but_o this_o be_v so_o slippery_a a_o way_n so_o changeable_a uncertain_a and_o liable_a to_o corruption_n and_o forgery_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o superstition_n of_o heathen_n and_o jew_n for_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o which_o tradition_n be_v pretend_v that_o
virgin_n mary_n invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n offer_v of_o a_o real_a sacrifice_n for_o soul_n in_o purgatory_n and_o offer_v of_o the_o mass_n to_o god_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o saint_n be_v a_o true_a glass_n wherein_o you_o may_v see_v the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n when_o st._n peter_n sit_v bishop_n of_o rome_n this_o be_v the_o aim_n of_o the_o querist_n discourse_v to_o set_v up_o this_o tradition_n instead_o of_o scripture_n if_o you_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o you_o may_v choose_v because_o he_o tell_v you_o plain_o it_o be_v not_o his_o work_n to_o prove_v any_o thing_n but_o i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o little_a touch_n of_o prove_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o pretence_n the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n before_o the_o flood_n after_o the_o flood_n in_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n do_v manifest_o show_v that_o the_o derivation_n of_o religion_n from_o mouth_n to_o ear_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n from_o father_n to_o child_n from_o priest_n to_o successor_n from_o age_n to_o age_n this_o course_n of_o tradition_n which_o be_v oppose_v unto_o and_o prefer_v before_o the_o scriptural_a way_n of_o preserve_v and_o propagate_a and_o recover_v of_o religion_n have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v quick_o corrupt_v often_o interrupt_v and_o have_v suffer_v notorious_a change_n and_o may_v do_v at_o any_o time_n when_o sloth_n and_o senscality_n and_o neglect_v of_o the_o light_n and_o vanity_n of_o mind_n set_v forward_o by_o the_o devil_n malice_n and_o cunning_a make_v man_n weary_a of_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o i_o will_v add_v another_o argument_n to_o another_o purpose_n 2._o 2_o thes_n 2._o st._n paul_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n teach_v the_o thessalonian_o what_o he_o think_v not_o expedient_a to_o write_v to_o wit_n what_o hinder_v the_o man_n of_o sin_n from_o be_v reveal_v here_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o consequence_n that_o concern_v the_o church_n deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v write_v as_o well_o as_o that_o character_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n the_o same_o scripture_n which_o preserve_v and_o convey_v the_o one_o will_v have_v also_o secure_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o other_o to_o posterity_n if_o now_o a_o eminent_a church_n fail_v in_o derive_v one_o point_n of_o doctrine_n to_o after_o age_n which_o with_o little_a difficulty_n may_v have_v be_v keep_v and_o teach_v but_o be_v now_o lose_v for_o not_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n what_o likelihood_n be_v there_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v or_o can_v be_v traduce_v entire_a and_o pure_a mere_o by_o oral_a tradition_n without_o dependence_n on_o the_o scripture_n for_o 1600_o year_n for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v still_o that_o as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v either_o more_o or_o less_o pure_a and_o their_o religion_n more_o or_o less_o flourish_v in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n as_o the_o governor_n give_v heed_n more_o or_o less_o to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o like_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o pastor_n attendance_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o tradition_n of_o christianity_n have_v vary_v therefore_o the_o script_n ure_n be_v the_o only_o fix_v and_o stable_a rule_n of_o religion_n 7._o last_o let_v we_o allow_v the_o rule_n of_o vincentius_n lirinensis_n quod_fw-la ubique_fw-la quod_fw-la semper_fw-la quod_fw-la ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la erratum_fw-la sed_fw-la traditum_fw-la that_o which_o have_v be_v teach_v every_o where_o always_o and_o by_o all_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o a_o error_n but_o a_o true_a tradition_n if_o we_o make_v antiquity_n universality_n and_o consent_v twist_v together_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o certain_a we_o shall_v have_v a_o very_a short_a creed_n and_o that_o large_a assumentum_fw-la that_o new_a piece_n of_o italian_a stuff_n which_o be_v weave_v in_o the_o shop_n at_o trent_n and_o by_o the_o pope_n stitch_n be_v add_v to_o the_o old_a garment_n of_o the_o church_n the_o constantinopolitan_a creed_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v pare_v off_o and_o throw_v away_o but_o the_o main_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v at_o present_a be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o apply_v this_o rule_n for_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o pretend_v to_o tradition_n 5.21_o 1_o joh._n 4.1_o 2_o thes_n 5.21_o and_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o spirit_n even_o of_o all_o doctrine_n before_o we_o trust_v any_o teacher_n be_v always_o a_o act_n of_o christian_a prudence_n so_o long_o as_o the_o world_n be_v pester_v with_o false_a prophet_n for_o can_v you_o or_o any_o reasonable_a man_n imagine_v that_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v more_o evident_a in_o itself_o and_o more_o conspicuous_a to_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v apply_v by_o particular_a christian_n than_o the_o scripture_n the_o study_n whereof_o for_o the_o discovery_n of_o so_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v require_v infinite_o less_o pain_n then_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o what_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n have_v teach_v as_o matter_n of_o faith_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n you_o sir_n be_v pretty_a well_o verse_v in_o book_n and_o have_v be_v inquisitive_a into_o antiquity_n and_o i_o believe_v you_o will_v conclude_v it_o much_o easy_a to_o know_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o the_o vnum_fw-la necessarium_fw-la the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a for_o we_o to_o seek_v after_o 5.10,17_o rom._n 12.2_o eph._n 5.10,17_o then_o to_o learn_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v still_o according_a to_o the_o querist_n exposition_n of_o the_o chief_a pastor_n in_o all_o age_n concern_v the_o point_n in_o debate_n between_o we_o to_o close_v up_o this_o discourse_n try_v whether_o you_o find_v not_o within_o yourself_o enough_o of_o reason_n to_o consent_v to_o this_o resolution_n he_o that_o by_o attendance_n on_o god_n ordinance_n dispense_v by_o a_o faithful_a ministry_n and_o by_o private_a study_n of_o god_n book_n have_v learn_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v a_o good_a practical_a scholar_n of_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o god_n which_o have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n a_o catholic_n light_n common_a as_o the_o sun_n 2.11,12_o tit._n 2.11,12_o teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o religious_o in_o this_o present_a world_n this_o man_n i_o say_v be_v 6.45_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d joh._n 6.45_o teach_v of_o god_n do_v know_v à _fw-la priori_fw-la beforehand_o and_o by_o the_o very_a seed_n and_o in_o the_o first_o principle_n what_o the_o true_a church_n catholic_n hold_v for_o that_o word_n of_o god_n which_o live_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o in_o heaven_n psal_n 119.8,9_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n 2_o cor._n 3.3_o 1_o joh._n 3.9_o in_o the_o scripture_n 1.23,25_o 1_o pet._n 1.23,25_o and_o in_o the_o church_n be_v that_o incorruptible_a seed_n by_o which_o the_o church_n catholic_n be_v beget_v and_o by_o which_o it_o live_v since_o then_o the_o church_n be_v no_o long_o or_o further_o a_o church_n then_o as_o it_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o faithful_a pastor_n in_o all_o age_n do_v teach_v that_o gospel_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o whosoever_o know_v the_o gospel_n know_v what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n though_o he_o never_o spend_v a_o hour_n in_o the_o read_n of_o history_n whereas_o if_o he_o spend_v methusalahs_n age_n in_o tumble_v over_o the_o father_n schoolmen_n ecclesiastical_a history_n and_o other_o volume_n he_o may_v weary_v his_o flesh_n and_o yet_o not_o know_v by_o they_o what_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n now_o to_o the_o man_n conclusion_n he_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o direct_v fit_a and_o true_a answer_n to_o my_o query_n mutatis_fw-la mutandis_fw-la will_v be_v a_o answer_n to_o his_o captious_a question_n which_o he_o propound_v with_o the_o same_o mind_n as_o his_o admire_a master_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n do_v trouble_v our_o saviour_n christ_n with_o interrogatories_n think_v but_o in_o vain_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v entangle_v in_o our_o own_o answer_n whereas_o indeed_o he_o have_v be_v catch_v if_o he_o have_v give_v apposite_a answer_n but_o after_o my_o examination_n which_o i_o resign_v up_o to_o your_o discretion_n i_o desire_v you_o to_o transform_v yourself_o by_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n for_o a_o while_n into_o the_o person_n of_o a_o well-minded_a jew_n that_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n in_o religion_n in_o a_o distract_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o try_v whether_o this_o querist_n be_v force_v to_o turn_v respondent_fw-la have_v full_o and_o fit_o answer_v my_o