very_a next_o chapter_n urge_v this_o as_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o that_o have_v truth_n for_o our_o rule_n and_o so_o plain_a testimony_n of_o god_n man_n ought_v not_o to_o perplex_v themselves_o with_o doubtful_a question_n concern_v god_n but_o grow_v in_o the_o love_n of_o he_o who_o have_v do_v and_o do_v so_o great_a thing_n for_o we_o and_o never_o fall_v off_o from_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v most_o clear_o reveal_v and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v content_a with_o what_o be_v clear_o make_v know_v in_o the_o scripture_n because_o they_o be_v perfect_a as_o come_v from_o the_o wâ—rd_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o we_o need_v 〈◊〉_d â—onder_o if_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o religion_n above_o our_o understanding_n since_o there_o be_v so_o in_o natural_a thing_n which_o be_v daily_o see_v by_o we_o as_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o bird_n water_n air_n meteor_n etc._n etc._n of_o which_o we_o may_v talk_v much_o but_o only_o god_n know_v what_o the_o truth_n be_v therefore_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v much_o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o religion_n too_o wherein_o be_v some_o thing_n we_o may_v understand_v and_o other_o we_o must_v leave_v to_o god_n and_o if_o we_o do_v so_o we_o shall_v keep_v our_o faith_n without_o danger_n and_o all_o scripture_n be_v agreeable_a to_o itself_o the_o dark_a place_n must_v be_v understand_v in_o a_o way_n most_o suitable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o plain_a 3._o the_o sense_n they_o give_v of_o scripture_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n receive_v by_o all_o true_a christian_n from_o the_o beginning_n which_o he_o call_v the_o unmoveable_a rule_n of_o faith_n receive_v in_o baptism_n 1._o and_o which_o the_o church_n disperse_v over_o the_o earth_n do_v equal_o receive_v in_o all_o place_n 2._o with_o a_o wonderful_a consent_n for_o although_o the_o place_n and_o language_n be_v never_o so_o distant_a or_o different_a from_o each_o other_o 3._o yet_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o very_a same_o as_o there_o be_v one_o sun_n which_o enlighten_v the_o whole_a world_n which_o say_v none_o do_v enlarge_v or_o diminish_v and_o after_o have_v show_v the_o great_a absurdity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o this_o faith_n in_o his_o first_o and_o second_o book_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o three_o he_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v full_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n 1._o that_o they_o preach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o the_o church_n receive_v and_o which_o after_o their_o preach_v it_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o heretic_n do_v go_v about_o to_o disparage_v the_o scripture_n because_o they_o be_v condemn_v by_o they_o 2._o therefore_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v they_o sufficient_a authority_n and_o charge_v they_o with_o contradiction_n and_o so_o great_a obscurity_n that_o the_o truth_n can_v not_o be_v find_v in_o they_o without_o the_o help_n of_o tradition_n which_o they_o account_v the_o key_n to_o unlock_v all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o scripture_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o in_o write_n but_o be_v deliver_v down_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n for_o which_o cause_n st._n paul_n say_v we_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o they_o that_o be_v perfect_a which_o wisdom_n they_o pretend_v to_o be_v among_o themselves_o on_o this_o account_n the_o matter_n of_o tradition_n come_v first_o into_o dispute_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o irenaeus_n appeal_v to_o the_o most_o eminent_a church_n and_o especial_o that_o of_o rome_n 3._o because_o of_o the_o great_a resort_n of_o christian_n thither_o whether_o any_o such_o tradition_n be_v ever_o receive_v among_o they_o and_o all_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n receive_v the_o same_o faith_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o know_v of_o no_o such_o tradition_n as_o the_o valentinian_o pretend_v to_o 4._o and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o so_o many_o church_n found_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o christ_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o such_o a_o tradition_n and_o suppose_v no_o scripture_n at_o all_o have_v be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n we_o must_v then_o have_v follow_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a church_n and_o even_o the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n that_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n without_o any_o write_n yet_o full_o agree_v with_o other_o church_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n for_o that_o be_v it_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n viz._n a_o summary_n comprehension_n of_o the_o doctrine_n receive_v among_o christian_n such_o as_o the_o creed_n be_v mention_v by_o irenaeus_n 2._o and_o afterward_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o valentinian_o in_o opposition_n to_o that_o of_o the_o sound_a christian_n praebat_fw-la from_o hence_o irenaeus_n proceed_v to_o confute_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o valentinian_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o three_o praehat_fw-la four_o and_o five_o book_n all_o which_o way_n of_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o doubtful_a place_n we_o allow_v of_o and_o approve_v and_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o appeal_v to_o they_o in_o any_o of_o the_o matter_n controvert_v between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o irenaeus_n know_v nothing_o of_o any_o infallible_a judge_n to_o determine_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o if_o he_o have_v it_o will_v have_v be_v very_o strange_a he_o shall_v have_v go_v so_o much_o the_o far_a way_n about_o when_o he_o may_v so_o easy_o have_v tell_v the_o valentinian_o that_o god_n have_v entrust_v the_o guide_n of_o his_o church_n especial_o at_o rome_n with_o the_o faculty_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n and_o that_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o which_o they_o declare_v and_o no_o other_o but_o man_n must_v be_v pardon_v if_o they_o do_v not_o write_v that_o which_o never_o enter_v into_o their_o head_n after_o irenaeus_n tertullian_n set_v himself_o the_o most_o to_o dispute_v against_o those_o who_o oppose_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o method_n he_o take_v in_o his_o boh_o of_o praescription_n of_o heretic_n be_v this_o 1._o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o certain_a unalterable_a rule_n of_o faith_n 8._o for_o he_o that_o believe_v do_v not_o only_o suppose_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o his_o faith_n but_o bound_n that_o be_v set_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o further_a search_n since_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v this_o he_o speak_v to_o take_v away_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o seeker_n of_o those_o day_n 9_o who_o be_v always_o cry_v seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v to_o which_o he_o reply_n that_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v not_o the_o bare_a word_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o be_v to_o suppose_v this_o that_o there_o be_v one_o certain_a and_o fix_a doctrine_n deliver_v by_o christ_n which_o all_o nation_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v and_o therefore_o to_o seek_v that_o when_o they_o have_v find_v they_o may_v believe_v it_o 10_o therefore_o all_o our_o inquiry_n be_v to_o be_v confine_v within_o that_o compass_n what_o that_o doctrine_n be_v which_o christ_n deliver_v for_o otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o seek_v 2._o he_o show_v what_o this_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v by_o repeat_v the_o article_n of_o the_o ancient_a creed_n which_o he_o say_v be_v universal_o receive_v among_o true_a christian_n and_o dispute_v by_o none_o but_o heretic_n 13._o which_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v embrace_v than_o he_o say_v a_o liberty_n be_v allow_v for_o other_o inquiry_n in_o doubtful_a or_o obscure_a matter_n for_o faith_n lie_v in_o the_o rule_n 14_o but_o other_o thing_n be_v matter_n of_o skill_n and_o curiosity_n and_o it_o be_v faith_n which_o save_v man_n and_o not_o their_o skill_n in_o expound_v scripture_n and_o while_o man_n keep_v themselves_o within_o that_o rule_n they_o be_v safe_a enough_o for_o to_o know_v nothing_o beyond_o it_o be_v to_o know_v all_o 3._o but_o they_o pretend_v scripture_n for_o what_o they_o deliver_v and_o by_o that_o mean_n unsettle_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o to_o this_o he_o answer_v several_a way_n 1._o that_o such_o person_n as_o those_o be_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o a_o dispute_n concern_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n because_o they_o rather_o deserve_v to_o be_v censure_v than_o dispute_v for_o bring_v such_o new_a heresy_n into_o the_o church_n 16._o but_o chief_o because_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o dispute_v with_o they_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n who_o receive_v what_o scripture_n they_o please_v themselves_o and_o add_v and_o take_v away_o as_o they_o
person_n do_v not_o allow_v the_o scripture_n than_o we_o be_v to_o proceed_v by_o the_o best_a mean_n we_o can_v have_v without_o it_o viz._n the_o tradition_n of_o apostolical_a church_n from_o the_o beginning_n if_o they_o do_v allow_v the_o scripture_n than_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v and_o compare_v place_n of_o scripture_n with_o all_o the_o care_n and_o judgement_n that_o may_v be_v if_o after_o all_o this_o the_o dispute_n still_o continue_v then_o if_o it_o be_v against_o the_o ancient_a rule_n of_o faith_n universal_o receive_v that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a prescription_n against_o any_o opinion_n if_o not_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o express_a word_n but_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o then_o if_o ancient_a general_n council_n have_v determine_v it_o which_o have_v great_a opportunity_n of_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n than_o we_o it_o be_v reasonable_a we_o shall_v yield_v to_o they_o but_o if_o there_o have_v be_v none_o such_o than_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o father_n be_v to_o be_v take_v so_o it_o be_v in_o some_o late_a and_o upstart_a heresy_n which_o man_n pretend_v to_o have_v by_o revelation_n or_o some_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n now_o either_o all_o these_o mean_n be_v sufficient_a or_o not_o to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n if_o not_o than_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v whole_o defective_a and_o want_v any_o certain_a way_n of_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n if_o these_o be_v sufficient_a then_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o infallibility_n in_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n to_o give_v we_o a_o certain_a sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v but_o n._n o._n towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o book_n produce_v st._n augustin_n for_o the_o church_n infallibility_n 85._o in_o deliver_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o obscure_a place_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v concern_v he_o must_v be_v examine_v before_o i_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n the_o place_n be_v out_o of_o his_o answer_n to_o cresconius_n concern_v the_o obscure_a point_n of_o rebaptisation_n in_o these_o word_n since_o the_o holy_a scripture_n can_v deceive_v 33._o let_v whosoever_o be_v in_o fear_n of_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o obscurity_n of_o this_o question_n consult_v the_o same_o church_n about_o it_o which_o church_n the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v without_o all_o ambiguity_n demonstrate_v and_o before_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v hold_v by_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n when_o we_o do_v that_o which_o have_v please_v the_o universal_a church_n which_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v commend_v etc._n etc._n all_o which_o be_v false_a and_o say_v to_o no_o purpose_n say_v n._n o._n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o clear_a in_o this_o that_o this_o church_n can_v determine_v nothing_o in_o such_o important_a contest_v contrary_a to_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o what_o she_o decide_v for_o than_o it_o will_v not_o be_v true_a what_o he_o say_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o scripture_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v hold_v by_o we_o and_o he_o who_o be_v in_o fear_n of_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o obscurity_n of_o this_o question_n be_v no_o way_n relieve_v in_o follow_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o churth_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o st._n augustin_n do_v not_o suppose_v that_o man_n can_v attain_v to_o any_o certainty_n of_o the_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o this_o matter_n without_o the_o church_n infallibility_n for_o he_o say_v in_o the_o chapter_n precede_v that_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o follow_v the_o most_o certain_a authority_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n but_o he_o put_v the_o case_n that_o no_o certain_a example_n can_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o scripture_n than_o he_o say_v they_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n when_o they_o do_v that_o which_o please_v the_o universal_a church_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o explain_v st._n augustins_n meaning_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v two_o controversy_n then_o on_o foot_n in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o donatist_n the_o one_o concern_v rebaptisation_n the_o other_o concern_v the_o church_n the_o former_a he_o look_v upon_o as_o more_o intricate_a and_o obscure_a by_o reason_n not_o only_o of_o the_o doubtfulness_n of_o scripture_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o about_o seventy_o bishop_n of_o africa_n who_o have_v determine_v for_o it_o among_o who_o st._n cyprian_n be_v chief_a which_o we_o see_v in_o all_o his_o dispute_n with_o the_o donatisis_n on_o this_o subject_n he_o be_v very_o much_o perplex_v with_o therefore_o st._n augustin_n find_v that_o controversy_n very_o troublesome_a be_v willing_a to_o bring_v it_o to_o that_o issue_n that_o what_o the_o catholic_n church_n after_o so_o much_o discuss_v the_o point_n have_v agree_v upon_o shall_v be_v receive_v as_o the_o truth_n by_o this_o mean_v the_o dispute_n will_v be_v bring_v to_o that_o other_o question_n which_o he_o think_v much_o more_o easy_a viz._n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n the_o catholic_n or_o the_o donatist_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n do_v st._n augustin_n hereby_o intend_v to_o make_v the_o church_n authority_n to_o resolve_v all_o doubt_n concern_v scripture_n but_o he_o think_v it_o much_o easy_a to_o prove_v by_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n than_o whether_o rebaptisation_n be_v lawful_a or_o not_o and_o according_o his_o very_a next_o word_n be_v but_o if_o you_o doubt_v whether_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n commend_v i_o will_v load_v you_o with_o many_o and_o most_o manifest_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n to_o that_o end_n which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o his_o book_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o show_v 19_o that_o those_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o clear_a and_o need_v no_o interpretation_n at_o all_o that_o in_o this_o case_n we_o be_v not_o to_o regard_v what_o donatus_n 10._o or_o parmenianus_n or_o pontius_n have_v say_v for_o neither_o say_v he_o be_v we_o to_o yield_v to_o catholic_n bishop_n themselves_o if_o they_o be_v at_o any_o time_n so_o much_o deceive_v as_o to_o hold_v what_o be_v contrary_a to_o canonical_a scripture_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o suppose_v no_o infallibility_n in_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o term_n he_o assert_n 16._o that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o nothing_o but_o plain_a scripture_n neither_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o optatus_n or_o st._n ambrose_n or_o innumerable_a bishop_n nor_o council_n nor_o miracle_n nor_o vision_n and_o revelation_n whatever_o n._n o._n think_v of_o they_o now_o st._n augustin_n suppose_v there_o be_v much_o less_o ambiguity_n in_o scripture_n in_o the_o controversy_n of_o the_o church_n than_o in_o that_o of_o rebaptisation_n he_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o resolution_n in_o the_o other_o point_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o and_o so_o he_o only_o pursue_v the_o method_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o book_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o make_v use_n of_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o give_v light_n to_o the_o dark_a and_o when_o they_o be_v convince_v by_o scripture_n that_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n he_o do_v not_o question_n but_o they_o will_v follow_v that_o which_o be_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o here_o lie_v the_o main_a difficulty_n on_o what_o account_n the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v in_o order_n to_o the_o resolution_n of_o it_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o these_o thing_n 1._o that_o all_o the_o proof_n which_o st._n augustin_n bring_v for_o the_o church_n do_v relate_v only_o to_o the_o extent_n and_o universality_n of_o it_o and_o not_o to_o any_o infallibility_n that_o be_v promise_v to_o it_o as_o will_v easy_o appear_v to_o any_o one_o that_o will_v read_v his_o discourse_n on_o that_o subject_n against_o the_o donatist_n 2._o that_o he_o assert_v no_o infallibility_n in_o the_o high_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o many_o place_n of_o his_o book_n of_o baptism_n against_o the_o donatist_n he_o make_v to_o be_v a_o plenary_a or_o general_a council_n 2._o who_o authority_n he_o say_v be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o that_o of_o st._n cyprian_n or_o any_o particular_a council_n either_o in_o his_o time_n or_o before_o it_o which_o he_o call_v the_o authority_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n so_o that_o we_o see_v he_o resolve_v all_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n into_o that_o of_o a_o general_n
baptism_n be_v only_o in_o the_o true_a church_n for_o in_o the_o 19_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a the_o samosatenian_a baptism_n be_v pronounce_v null_n and_o the_o person_n who_o receive_v it_o be_v to_o be_v new_a baptise_a 8._o and_o the_o first_o council_n of_o arles_n decree_n that_o in_o case_n of_o heresy_n man_n be_v to_o receive_v new_a baptism_n but_o not_o otherwise_o the_o second_o council_n of_o arles_n put_v a_o distinction_n between_o heretic_n 17._o decree_a that_o the_o photinian_o and_o samosatenian_o shall_v be_v baptise_a again_o but_o not_o the_o bonofiaci_n noâ—_n the_o arian_n but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v upon_o renounce_v their_o heresy_n without_o baptism_n which_o seem_v the_o hard_a to_o understand_v since_o the_o bonosiaci_n be_v no_o other_o than_o photinian_o the_o most_o probable_a way_n of_o solve_v it_o be_v that_o these_o two_o latter_a sort_n do_v preserve_v the_o form_n of_o baptism_n entire_a but_o the_o photinian_o and_o samosatenian_o alter_v it_o which_o st._n augustin_n say_v 44._o be_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v so_o gennadius_n report_v it_o that_o those_o who_o be_v baptise_a without_o invocation_n of_o the_o b._n trinity_n be_v to_o he_o baptise_a upon_o their_o reception_n into_o the_o church_n not_o rebaptise_v because_o the_o former_a be_v account_v null_n of_o these_o he_o reckon_v not_o only_o the_o paulianist_n and_o photinian_o 52._o but_o the_o bonâ—sâ—â—ci_n too_o and_o many_o other_o â—â—â—â—â—loch_n but_o st._n basil_n determine_v the_o case_n of_o baptism_n not_o from_o the_o form_n but_o from_o the_o faith_n which_o they_o profess_v a_o schismatical_a baptism_n he_o faith_n be_v allow_v but_o not_o heretical_a by_o which_o he_o mean_v such_o as_o deny_v the_o trinity_n and_o therein_o he_o say_v s._n cyprian_n and_o firmilian_a be_v to_o blame_v because_o they_o will_v allow_v no_o baptism_n among_o person_n separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n 8._o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n decree_v that_o the_o novatian_o photinian_o and_o quartodecimans_a be_v to_o be_v receive_v without_o new_a baptism_n but_o not_o the_o montanist_n or_o cataphryges_n but_o binius_fw-la say_v there_o be_v one_o copy_n wherein_o the_o photinian_o be_v leave_v out_o and_o then_o these_o canon_n may_v agree_v with_o the_o rest_n and_o baronius_n assert_n that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o m._n s._n copy_n leave_v out_o photinian_o and_o withal_o he_o prove_v append._n that_o the_o church_n do_v never_o allow_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o photinian_o though_o it_o do_v of_o the_o arian_n by_o which_o we_o see_v that_o the_o church_n afterward_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o which_o stephen_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o apostolical_a tradition_n viz._n that_o no_o heretic_n shall_v be_v rebaptise_v and_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o pope_n be_v far_o from_o be_v think_v a_o infallible_a guide_n or_o interpreter_n of_o scripture_n either_o by_o that_o or_o succeed_a age_n when_o not_o only_o single_a person_n that_o be_v eminent_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o the_o african_a and_o eastern_a bishop_n be_v oppose_v his_o doctrine_n and_o slight_v his_o excommunication_n but_o several_a council_n call_v both_o in_o the_o east_n and_o africa_n and_o the_o most_o eminent_a council_n of_o the_o church_n afterward_o such_o as_o the_o first_o of_o arles_n and_o nice_a decree_v contrary_a to_o what_o he_o declare_v to_o be_v a_o apostolical_a tradition_n in_o the_o same_o age_n we_o meet_v with_o another_o great_a controversy_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la open_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o assert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o scripture_n and_o the_o ancient_a apostolical_a tradition_n for_o this_o paulus_n revive_v the_o heresy_n of_o artemon_n 28._o who_o follower_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o fragment_n of_o a_o ancient_a writer_n against_o they_o in_o eusebius_n suppose_v to_o be_v caius_z plead_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v of_o their_o mind_n and_o that_o their_o doctrine_n continue_v in_o the_o church_n till_o the_o time_n of_o victor_n and_o then_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v corrupt_v which_o say_v that_o writer_n will_v seem_v probable_a if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v not_o first_o contradict_v they_o and_o the_o book_n of_o several_a christian_n before_o victor_n time_n so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o main_a of_o the_o controversy_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v plead_v on_o both_o side_n but_o what_o course_n be_v take_v in_o this_o important_a controversy_n to_o find_v out_o the_o certain_a sense_n of_o scripture_n do_v they_o appeal_v to_o any_o infallible_a guide_n nothing_o like_o it_o but_o in_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n in_o the_o write_n of_o dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n and_o other_o since_o they_o who_o oppose_v the_o samosatenian_a doctrine_n endeavour_v with_o all_o their_o strength_n to_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o assert_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v great_a pity_n the_o dispute_n of_o malchion_n with_o paulus_n be_v now_o lose_v which_o be_v extant_a in_o eusebius_n his_o time_n but_o in_o the_o question_n and_o answer_n between_o paulus_n and_o dionysius_n 30._o which_o valesius_fw-la without_o reason_n suspect_v since_o st._n hierome_n mention_n his_o epistle_n against_o paulus_n the_o dispute_n be_v about_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o both_o plead_v for_o themselves_o paulus_n insist_o on_o those_o place_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o humane_a infirmity_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o say_v prove_v that_o he_o be_v mere_a man_n and_o not_o god_n the_o other_o answer_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o be_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n since_o expression_n imply_v humane_a passion_n be_v attribute_v to_o god_n in_o scripture_n but_o he_o prove_v from_o multitude_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n draw_v from_o they_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v attribute_v to_o christ_n and_o therefore_o the_o other_o place_n which_o seem_v repugnant_a to_o it_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v in_o a_o sense_n agreeable_a thereto_o the_o same_o course_n be_v likewise_o take_v by_o epiphanius_n against_o this_o heresy_n 5._o who_o say_v the_o christian_n way_n of_o answer_v difficulty_n be_v not_o from_o their_o own_o reason_n but_o from_o the_o scope_n and_o consequence_n of_o scripture_n 6._o and_o particular_o add_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v careful_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n because_o god_n foresee_v the_o many_o heresy_n which_o will_v arise_v about_o it_o but_o never_o any_o controversy_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n disturb_v the_o church_n more_o than_o that_o which_o the_o arian_n raise_v and_o if_o ever_o any_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v of_o some_o certain_a and_o infallible_a way_n of_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n the_o catholic_n christian_n of_o that_o age_n have_v i_o shall_v therefore_o give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o way_n the_o best_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o time_n take_v to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o controvert_v place_n of_o all_o the_o writer_n against_o they_o athanasius_n have_v just_o the_o great_a esteem_n and_o petavius_n say_v that_o god_n inspire_v he_o with_o great_a skill_n in_o this_o controversy_n than_o any_o other_o before_o he_o the_o principle_n he_o go_v upon_o in_o all_o his_o dispute_n against_o the_o arian_n be_v this_o that_o our_o true_a faith_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o scripture_n so_o in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o conference_n with_o the_o arian_n and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o jovianus_n and_o elsewhere_o therefore_o in_o the_o entrance_n of_o his_o disputation_n against_o the_o arian_n he_o advise_v all_o that_o will_v secure_v themselves_o from_o the_o imposture_n of_o heretic_n 287._o to_o study_v the_o scripture_n because_o those_o who_o be_v verse_v therein_o stand_v firm_a against_o all_o their_o assault_n but_o they_o who_o look_v only_o at_o the_o word_n without_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v easy_o seduce_v by_o they_o and_o this_o counsel_n he_o give_v after_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a have_v decree_v the_o arian_n doctrine_n to_o be_v heresy_n and_o although_o he_o say_v other_o way_n may_v be_v use_v to_o confute_v it_o yet_o because_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v more_o sufficient_a than_o all_o of_o they_o therefore_o those_o who_o will_v be_v better_o instruct_v in_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v advise_v they_o to_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o divine_a oracle_n but_o do_v not_o the_o arian_n plead_v scripture_n as_o well_o as_o they_o how_o then_o can_v the_o scripture_n end_v this_o controversy_n which_o do_v arise_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n this_o objection_n which_o be_v now_o make_v so_o much_o
testimony_n of_o scripture_n it_o must_v be_v make_v manifest_a to_o be_v the_o sense_n by_o clear_a evidence_n of_o reason_n 28._o but_o he_o rather_o approve_v the_o way_n of_o prove_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n by_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n where_o the_o interpretation_n be_v doubtful_a so_o that_o the_o way_n in_o doubtful_a place_n which_o he_o prescribe_v be_v this_o either_o to_o draw_v such_o a_o sense_n from_o they_o as_o have_v no_o dispute_n concern_v its_o be_v a_o true_a proposition_n or_o if_o it_o have_v that_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n beside_o these_o he_o lay_v down_o the_o 7._o rule_n of_o ticonius_n the_o donatist_n which_o be_v not_o of_o that_o consequence_n to_o be_v here_o repeat_v that_o which_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v that_o st._n augustin_n think_v the_o rule_n he_o give_v sufficient_a for_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n in_o doubtful_a place_n but_o he_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o mention_n the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o necessary_a mean_n for_o that_o end_n but_o he_o do_v assert_v in_o as_o plain_a term_n as_o i_o have_v do_v that_o scripture_n be_v plain_a in_o all_o necessary_n to_o salvation_n to_o any_o sober_a enquirer_n and_o what_o ever_o consequence_n be_v charge_v upon_o i_o for_o make_v that_o a_o fundamental_a principle_n must_v reflect_v as_o much_o upon_o st._n augustin_n as_o i_o and_o i_o do_v not_o fear_v all_o the_o objection_n can_v be_v make_v against_o a_o principle_n so_o evident_a to_o reason_n and_o so_o agreeable_a not_o only_o to_o st._n augustin_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n both_o before_o and_o after_o he_o the_o next_o after_o st._n augustin_n who_o have_v purposely_o write_v of_o this_o argument_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v vincentius_n lerinensis_n 4._o about_o 4._o year_n after_o st._n augustins_n death_n and_o 3._o after_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n who_o seem_v to_o attribute_v more_o to_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n than_o st._n augustin_n do_v yet_o far_o enough_o short_a of_o infallibility_n he_o say_v that_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n against_o heresy_n by_o two_o thing_n first_o by_o the_o authoriry_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o then_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o tradition_n he_o make_v necessary_a not_o by_o way_n of_o addition_n to_o the_o scripture_n for_o he_o allow_v the_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o that_o for_o all_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o interpret_v scripture_n by_o give_v a_o certain_a sense_n of_o it_o there_o be_v such_o different_a opinion_n among_o man_n about_o it_o for_o all_o the_o heretic_n who_o he_o there_o name_n have_v different_a sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o novatianus_n sabellius_n donatus_n arius_n macedonius_n photinus_n etc._n etc._n but_o then_o he_o bound_v this_o tradition_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o antiquity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o present_a church_n or_o as_o he_o express_v it_o within_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v believe_v every_o where_o always_o and_o by_o all_o person_n that_o we_o may_v therefore_o consider_v how_o far_o these_o rule_n of_o vincentius_n will_v serve_v for_o explain_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o restriction_n he_o lay_v upon_o they_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v take_v together_o and_o not_o one_o of_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n as_o for_o instance_n that_o of_o universality_n in_o any_o one_o age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v take_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o antiquity_n be_v no_o sufficient_a rule_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n by_o for_o vincentius_n do_v suppose_v that_o any_o one_o age_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v so_o overrun_v with_o heresy_n that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o confute_v it_o but_o by_o recourse_n to_o antiquity_n for_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o arian_n heresy_n he_o grant_v that_o almost_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v overspread_v with_o it_o and_o there_o be_v then_o no_o way_n leave_v but_o to_o prefer_v the_o consent_n of_o antiquity_n before_o a_o prevail_a novelty_n in_o some_o case_n the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o present_a church_n be_v to_o be_v rely_v upon_o against_o the_o attempt_n of_o particular_a person_n as_o in_o that_o of_o the_o donatist_n but_o then_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o antiquity_n be_v still_o plead_v on_o the_o same_o side_n that_o universality_n be_v and_o suppose_v that_o all_o the_o ancient_a church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o the_o donatist_n the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o same_o age_n oppose_v they_o will_v have_v be_v no_o more_o cogent_a against_o they_o than_o it_o be_v afterward_o for_o the_o arian_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o in_o a_o thing_n universal_o believe_v by_o all_o christian_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o christian_a church_n shall_v be_v deceive_v but_o it_o be_v quite_o another_o thing_n to_o say_v that_o the_o church_n in_o any_o one_o or_o more_o age_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n may_v be_v deceive_v especial_o if_o the_o church_n be_v confine_v to_o one_o certain_a communion_n exclude_v all_o other_o and_o the_o person_n in_o that_o church_n have_v not_o liberty_n to_o deliver_v their_o opinion_n for_o than_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v what_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v and_o so_o universality_n be_v not_o think_v by_o vincentius_n himself_o to_o be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o determine_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n suppose_v that_o universality_n to_o be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o honesty_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n for_o a_o free_a and_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o age_n in_o which_o a_o man_n live_v but_o since_o the_o great_a division_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n it_o be_v both_o a_o very_a hard_a matter_n to_o know_v the_o consent_n of_o christendom_n in_o most_o of_o the_o controvert_v place_n of_o scripture_n and_o withal_o the_o notion_n of_o universality_n be_v debauch_v and_o corrupt_v and_o make_v only_o to_o signify_v the_o consent_n of_o one_o great_a faction_n which_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o true_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o roman_a 2._o that_o great_a care_n and_o judgement_n must_v be_v use_v in_o the_o apply_v those_o rule_n for_o 1._o the_o consent_n of_o antiquity_n be_v not_o equal_o evident_a in_o all_o matter_n in_o dispute_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v of_o equal_a use_n 1._o there_o be_v some_o thing_n wherein_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o such_o a_o consent_n and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o vincentius_n and_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n call_v it_o i.e._n the_o summary_n comprehension_n of_o a_o christian_n duty_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o so_o often_o call_v the_o symbol_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o i_o mean_v which_o be_v deliver_v to_o person_n who_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v and_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n this_o the_o ancient_a church_n universal_o agree_v in_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o as_o to_o this_o vincentius_n tell_v we_o his_o rule_n be_v especial_o to_o be_v understand_v â—â—_o for_o say_v he_o this_o consent_n of_o antiquity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o in_o all_o question_n that_o may_v arise_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o only_o or_o at_o least_o chief_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o as_o he_o elsewhere_o explain_v himself_o 〈◊〉_d alone_o or_o chief_o in_o those_o question_n which_o concern_v the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o catholic_n doctrine_n which_o be_v those_o contain_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n deliver_v to_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v suppose_v man_n now_o shall_v stretch_v this_o rule_n beyond_o the_o limit_n assign_v it_o by_o vincentius_n what_o security_n can_v there_o be_v from_o he_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o certain_a rule_n who_o confine_v it_o within_o such_o narrow_a bound_n not_o that_o i_o think_v his_o rule_n of_o no_o use_n at_o all_o now_o no_o i_o think_v they_o to_o be_v of_o admirable_a use_n and_o great_a importance_n to_o christianity_n if_o true_o understand_v and_o apply_v i.e._n when_o any_o person_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o impose_v any_o thing_n upon_o other_o as_o a_o necessary_a matter_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o they_o we_o can_v have_v no_o better_a rule_n of_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n than_o those_o of_o vincentius_n be_v viz._n antiquity_n universality_n and_o consent_n and_o whatsoever_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o these_o rule_v aught_o to_o be_v reject_v by_o all_o christian_n to_o make_v this_o plain_a the_o
ancient_a creed_n we_o allow_v on_o both_o side_n to_o have_v be_v universal_o receive_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o now_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n add_v new_a article_n to_o be_v believe_v we_o desire_v to_o put_v the_o whole_a matter_n upon_o this_o issue_n let_v the_o pope_n supremacy_n the_o roman_a church_n infallibility_n the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n purgatory_n etc._n etc._n be_v prove_v by_o as_o universal_a consent_n of_o antiquity_n as_o the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n be_v and_o then_o let_v they_o charge_v we_o with_o heresy_n if_o we_o reject_v they_o but_o we_o say_v the_o measure_n of_o heresy_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v the_o reject_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n universal_o receive_v among_o christian_n this_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o stand_v to_o and_o say_v no_o other_o can_v be_v make_v upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o 35._o as_o vincentius_n at_o large_a prove_n but_o what_o ever_o thing_n be_v obtrude_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o christian_n which_o want_v that_o universal_a consent_n of_o antiquity_n which_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n have_v we_o be_v bind_v by_o vincentius_n from_o plain_a scripture_n to_o shun_v they_o as_o profane_a novelty_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n these_o rule_v therefore_o be_v not_o bare_o allow_v but_o plead_v for_o by_o we_o in_o the_o test_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o which_o vincentius_n tell_v we_o if_o not_o the_o only_a yet_o the_o chief_a use_n of_o they_o be_v 2._o but_o suppose_v the_o question_n be_v not_o concern_v the_o express_a article_n of_o this_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o concern_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o how_o then_o be_v we_o to_o find_v out_o the_o consent_n of_o antiquity_n for_o they_o may_v all_o agree_v in_o the_o word_n and_o yet_o have_v a_o different_a notion_n of_o the_o thing_n praefat_fw-la as_o petavius_n at_o large_a prove_n that_o there_o be_v a_o ancient_a tradition_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o yet_o he_o confess_v that_o most_o of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v differ_v in_o their_o explication_n of_o it_o from_o that_o which_o be_v only_o allow_v by_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a 2._o and_o he_o grant_v that_o arius_n do_v follow_v the_o opinion_n of_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_n in_o the_o main_a of_o his_o doctrine_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o error_n that_o he_o be_v before_o the_o matter_n be_v thorough_o discuss_v here_o now_o arise_v the_o great_a difficulty_n to_o i_o in_o this_o point_n of_o tradition_n the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o i_o be_o tell_v be_v for_o explain_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o there_o begin_v a_o great_a controversy_n in_o the_o church_n about_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o vincentius_n his_o rule_n will_v help_v we_o here_o 1_o it_o be_v plead_v by_o st._n hierome_n and_o other_o that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n may_v err_v in_o this_o matter_n or_o speak_v unwary_o in_o it_o before_o the_o matter_n come_v to_o be_v thorough_o discuss_v if_o so_o how_o come_v the_o testimony_n of_o erroneous_a or_o unwary_a writer_n to_o be_v the_o certain_a mean_n of_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o in_o most_o of_o the_o controversy_n of_o the_o church_n this_o way_n have_v be_v use_v to_o take_v off_o the_o testimony_n of_o person_n who_o write_v before_o the_o controversy_n begin_v and_o speak_v different_o of_o the_o matter_n in_o debate_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o allegation_n in_o behalf_n of_o those_o person_n but_o to_o my_o understanding_n it_o plain_o show_v the_o incompetency_n of_o tradition_n for_o give_v a_o certain_a sense_n of_o scripture_n when_o that_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o forego_n age_n and_o if_o this_o have_v be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o confute_v arius_n it_o be_v a_o great_a question_n how_o he_o can_v ever_o have_v be_v condemn_v if_o petavius_n or_o st._n hierome_n say_v true_a but_o since_o a_o general_n council_n have_v determine_v the_o contrary_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o these_o writer_n before_o which_o council_n have_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n i_o will_v not_o deny_v that_o they_o have_v better_a opportunity_n of_o know_v what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v when_o so_o many_o write_n be_v extant_a which_o be_v now_o lose_v than_o we_o can_v have_v at_o this_o distance_n and_o therefore_o we_o yield_v all_o submission_n to_o a_o council_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o proceed_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o that_o of_o nice_n do_v who_o do_v not_o mere_o determine_v that_o controversy_n by_o the_o number_n of_o writer_n on_o their_o side_n before_o they_o but_o by_o compare_v the_o opinion_n afterward_o with_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o in_o this_o regard_n we_o acknowledge_v a_o great_a reverence_n due_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o such_o general_a council_n as_o that_o be_v therefore_o next_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o allow_v a_o great_a veneration_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o lawful_a general_n council_n universal_o receive_v which_o vincentius_n himself_o plead_v for_o but_o suppose_v no_o general_a council_n or_o such_o which_o be_v not_o allow_v or_o receive_v for_o such_o we_o be_v yet_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o way_n of_o find_v out_o catholic_n tradition_n which_o may_v interpret_v scripture_n for_o this_o end_n he_o propose_v another_o mean_n which_o be_v the_o gather_v together_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o father_n alone_a 39_o who_o live_v holy_o wise_o and_o constant_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v die_v in_o that_o faith_n or_o else_o for_o it_o but_o still_o with_o this_o reserve_n that_o what_o either_o all_o or_o many_o of_o they_o manifest_o frequent_o and_o constant_o as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o council_n of_o they_o have_v confirm_v by_o their_o receive_n hold_v and_o deliver_v of_o it_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v hold_v for_o undoubted_a certain_a and_o firm_a but_o whatsoever_o any_o one_o though_o holy_a and_o learned_a though_o a_o bishop_n confessor_n or_o martyr_n have_v hold_v against_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n but_o as_o his_o own_o private_a opinion_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v follow_v which_o word_n i_o shall_v not_o examine_v with_o all_o the_o severity_n that_o some_o have_v do_v for_o then_o the_o prove_v these_o condition_n to_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o any_o one_o person_n will_v require_v more_o pain_n and_o be_v less_o capable_a of_o resolution_n than_o the_o matter_n itself_o be_v but_o i_o say_v that_o in_o most_o of_o the_o controversy_n this_o day_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n it_o may_v be_v much_o more_o satisfactory_a to_o examine_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n than_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o witness_n these_o condition_n be_v suppose_v and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o we_o must_v not_o misunderstand_v he_o as_o though_o this_o way_n will_v serve_v to_o confute_v all_o heresy_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o yet_o far_o 2._o this_o course_n can_v only_o hold_v in_o some_o new_a and_o upstart_a heresy_n i.e._n in_o case_n of_o the_o pretence_n of_o some_o new_a revelation_n when_o man_n pretend_v to_o some_o special_a grace_n without_o humane_a industry_n to_o discover_v some_o divine_a truth_n not_o know_v before_o 37._o but_o in_o case_n of_o ancient_a and_o inveterate_a heresy_n 39_o he_o say_v we_o have_v no_o way_n to_o deal_v with_o they_o but_o either_o only_a by_o scripture_n or_o else_o by_o plain_a decree_n of_o general_a council_n for_o when_o heresy_n have_v be_v of_o long_a continuance_n then_o say_v he_o we_o may_v have_v ground_n to_o suspect_v they_o have_v not_o deal_v fair_o with_o the_o testimony_n of_o ancient_a time_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o vincentius_n have_v offer_v towards_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o great_a question_n how_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o certain_a sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o controvert_v place_n wherein_o be_v nothing_o contain_v but_o what_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o stand_v to_o and_o very_o far_o from_o the_o least_o supposition_n of_o any_o infallibility_n in_o the_o present_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n for_o that_o end_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o search_v into_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o this_o important_a controversy_n which_o i_o may_v carry_v yet_o far_o if_o it_o be_v at_o all_o needful_a the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o they_o be_v this_o that_o if_o any_o controversy_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n if_o the_o
council_n whether_o that_o of_o arles_n or_o nice_a be_v not_o to_o my_o purpose_n to_o inquire_v and_o we_o shall_v then_o see_v what_o his_o opinion_n be_v of_o the_o church_n infallibility_n by_o that_o which_o he_o deliver_v of_o general_a council_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o church_n authority_n compare_v with_o the_o scripture_n in_o these_o remarkable_a word_n who_o know_v not_o that_o the_o sacred_a canonical_a scripture_n be_v contain_v within_o its_o certain_a bound_n 3_o and_o be_v so_o far_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o latter_a write_n of_o bishop_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n or_o dispute_v at_o all_o make_v whether_o that_o be_v true_a or_o right_o which_o be_v contain_v therein_o but_o all_o latter_a write_n of_o bishop_n which_o have_v be_v or_o be_v write_v since_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n have_v be_v confirm_v may_v be_v correct_v if_o in_o any_o thing_n they_o err_v from_o the_o truth_n either_o by_o the_o wise_a discourse_n of_o any_o more_o skilful_a person_n or_o the_o weighty_a authority_n of_o other_o bishop_n or_o the_o prudence_n of_o more_o learned_a man_n or_o by_o council_n and_o even_o council_n themselves_o that_o be_v provincial_a yield_v without_o dispute_n to_o those_o which_o be_v general_n and_o call_v out_o of_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o of_o these_o general_a council_n the_o former_a be_v often_o amend_v by_o the_o latter_a when_o by_o some_o far_a trial_n of_o thing_n that_o which_o be_v shut_v be_v lay_v open_a and_o that_o which_o be_v hide_v be_v make_v know_v without_o any_o swell_n of_o sacrilegious_a pride_n or_o stifness_n of_o arrogancy_n or_o contentin_n of_o envy_n but_o with_o holy_a humility_n catholic_n peace_n and_o christian_a charity_n can_v any_o one_o that_o read_v this_o excellent_a testimony_n of_o st._n augustin_n deliver_v in_o this_o same_o matter_n ever_o imagine_v he_o can_v so_o plain_o contradict_v himself_o as_o to_o assert_v the_o church_n infallibility_n in_o one_o place_n and_o destroy_v it_o in_o another_o will_v he_o assert_v that_o all_o council_n how_o general_n soever_o may_v be_v amend_v by_o follow_a council_n and_o yet_o bind_v man_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o former_a council_n do_v contain_v the_o unalterable_a will_n of_o god_n a_o lesser_a person_n than_o st._n augustin_n will_v never_o thus_o direct_o contradict_v himself_o and_o that_o about_o the_o very_a same_o controversy_n which_o word_n of_o he_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o unlawful_a council_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o practice_n but_o do_v refer_v to_o the_o great_a question_n then_o in_o debate_n about_o rebaptise_v heretic_n and_o hereby_o he_o take_v off_o the_o great_a plea_n the_o donatist_n make_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o st._n cyprian_a and_o his_o council_n which_o they_o continual_o urge_v for_o themselves_o 3._o he_o grant_v that_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o church_n authority_n be_v but_o humane_a and_o that_o satisfaction_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o controversy_n 4._o for_o mention_v the_o obscurity_n of_o this_o question_n and_o the_o great_a debate_n that_o have_v be_v about_o it_o before_o the_o donatists_n time_n among_o great_a and_o good_a man_n and_o diverse_a resolution_n of_o council_n and_o the_o settlement_n of_o it_o at_o last_o by_o a_o plenary_a council_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o lest_o say_v he_o i_o shall_v seem_v to_o make_v use_n only_o of_o humane_a argument_n i_o produce_v certain_a testimony_n out_o of_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o god_n willing_a i_o demonstrate_v how_o true_a and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v 14._o and_o else_o where_o he_o appeal_v not_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n but_o to_o the_o lord_n balance_n viz._n to_o his_o judgement_n deliver_v in_o scripture_n and_o in_o this_o same_o case_n when_o he_o be_v urge_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o cyprian_a 32._o he_o say_v there_o be_v no_o write_n they_o have_v not_o liberty_n to_o judge_v of_o but_o those_o of_o scripture_n and_o by_o they_o they_o be_v to_o judge_n of_o all_o other_o and_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o they_o they_o receive_v what_o be_v not_o they_o reject_v though_o write_v by_o person_n of_o never_o so_o great_a authority_n and_o after_o all_o this_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o believe_v that_o st._n augustin_n shall_v make_v the_o church_n decree_n in_o a_o general_n council_n infallible_a no_o the_o utmost_a by_o a_o careful_a consideration_n of_o his_o mind_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o i_o can_v find_v be_v that_o in_o a_o question_n of_o so_o doubtful_a and_o obscure_a a_o nature_n as_o that_o be_v which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o bandy_v in_o the_o church_n of_o africa_n and_o from_o thence_o spread_v over_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n it_o be_v a_o reasonable_a thing_n to_o presume_v that_o what_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n do_v consent_n in_o be_v the_o truth_n not_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o infallibility_n but_o the_o reasonable_a supposition_n that_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n will_v not_o consent_v in_o a_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o any_o apostolical_a doctrine_n or_o tradition_n and_o so_o st._n augustins_n meaning_n be_v the_o same_o with_o vincentius_n lerinensis_n as_o to_o the_o universal_a attestation_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o tradition_n be_v declare_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o a_o general_n council_n and_o that_o decree_v universal_o receive_v but_o only_o by_o the_o litigant_fw-la party_n in_o africa_n to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o so_o often_o appeal_v to_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o matter_n after_o it_o have_v be_v so_o thorough_o discuss_v and_o consider_v by_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o disinterest_v person_n bapt._n and_o that_o consent_v declare_v by_o a_o plenary_a council_n before_o himself_o be_v bear_v doâ—at_n so_o that_o if_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v rely_v upon_o in_o this_o obscure_a controversy_n 18._o he_o say_v 9_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v 10._o before_o that_o of_o several_a council_n in_o africa_n 7_o of_o the_o bishop_n and_o particular_o st._n cyprian_n who_o meet_v in_o they_o 4_o and_o whereas_o st._n cyprian_n have_v slight_v tradition_n in_o this_o matter_n 2._o christ_n have_v call_v himself_o truth_n and_o not_o custom_n 7._o st._n augustin_n reply_n to_o he_o that_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v always_o so_o and_o continue_v after_o such_o opposition_n and_o confirm_v by_o a_o general_n council_n and_o after_o examination_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n on_o both_o side_n it_o may_v be_v now_o say_v that_o we_o follow_v what_o truth_n have_v declare_v wherein_o we_o see_v with_o what_o modesty_n and_o upon_o what_o ground_n he_o declare_v his_o mind_n which_o at_o last_o come_v to_o no_o more_o than_o vincentius_n his_o rule_n of_o antiquity_n universality_n and_o consent_n especial_o in_o such_o a_o matter_n as_o this_o be_v which_o have_v nothing_o but_o tradition_n to_o be_v plead_v for_o it_o the_o apostle_n 23._o have_v determine_v nothing_o of_o either_o side_n in_o their_o book_n as_o st_n augustin_n himself_o at_o last_o confess_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o most_o then_o that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o the_o testimony_n allege_v out_o of_o st._n augustin_n be_v this_o that_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o doubtful_a and_o obscure_a a_o nature_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n have_v determine_v nothing_o in_o their_o write_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n agree_v in_o those_o time_n when_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v so_o well_o know_v by_o frequent_a discussion_n of_o the_o case_n and_o come_n at_o last_o to_o a_o resolution_n in_o a_o general_n council_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o i_o agree_v to_o what_o st._n augustin_n say_v and_o think_v a_o man_n very_o much_o relieve_v by_o follow_v so_o evident_a a_o consent_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o infallibility_n but_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o believe_v so_o many_o so_o wise_a so_o disinterest_v person_n shall_v be_v deceive_v let_v the_o same_o evidence_n be_v produce_v for_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n from_o the_o apostolical_a time_n in_o the_o matter_n in_o dispute_n between_o our_o church_n and_o that_o of_o rome_n and_o the_o controversy_n of_o infallibility_n may_v be_v lay_v aside_o for_o such_o a_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o authentic_a interpreter_n of_o holy_a scripture_n in_o doubtful_a and_o obscure_a place_n but_o let_v they_o never_o think_v to_o