Exomologesis, or, A faithfull narration of the occaision and motives of the conversion unto Catholick unity of Hugh-Paulin de Cressy, lately Deane of Laghlin &c. in Ireland and Prebend of Windsore in England now a second time printed with additions and explications by the same author who now calls himself B. Serenus Cressy, religious priest of the holy order of S. Benedict in the convent of S. Gregory in Doway.

CHAP. XL.

An answer to Mr. Chillingworth's ob∣jection, concerning difference among Catholiques, about the Judge of Con∣troversies.

1. HAving thus far considered Mr. Chilling∣worth's generall grounds concerning a Judge of Controversies dispersed in severall places through his book, I will proceed to take a view of his principal objections against the Ca∣tholike doctrine concerning the authority of the Church; which objections are of severall na∣tures; for some proceed directly against it, others only against some consequences from it. I will therefore weigh first his objections grounded upon the different opinions of Ca∣tholikes

concerning that point. 2. His reasons directly proving (as he believes, that no church of one denomination can be infallible) and therefore not the Catholique Church. 3. His proofs that Catholiques in their resolution of Faith are entangled in circles and, absurdities. 4. His arguments to demonstrate that Catho∣liques can have no assurance, either of the au∣thority of the church, or the validity of any acts performed by the Pastors thereof, &c. But before I attempt a discussion of these particu∣lars, I may in generall say of all his objections, that since they proceed only against the word Infallibility, and that word extended to the utmost height and latitude that it can possibly bear, Catholiques, as such, are not at all con∣cerned in them, seeing neither is that expression to be found in any received Councell, nor did ever the Church enlarge her authority to so vast a widenesse as Mr. Chillingworth either con∣ceived; or at least, for his particular advantage against his adversary, thought good to make show, as if he conceived so.

2. But come we to consider his arguments against Catholiques, grounded upon the diffe∣rent opinions among them in what subject this Infallibility or authority is to be placed. The most pressing and pertinent passage in his book concerning this subject is this which follows, viz. What shall we say now if you be not agreed touching your pretended means of agreement? How can you pretend to unity either actuall or potentiall more then Protestants may? Some of you say the Pope alone without a Councell may determine all controversies, but others

deny it. Some that a Generall Councell with∣out a Pope may do so, others deny this. Some, both inconjunction are infallible determiners, others againe deny this. Lastly, some among you hold the acceptation of the decrees of Councells by the universall Church to be the only way to decide controversies, which others deny by denying the Church to be infallible. And indeed what way of ending controver∣sies can this be, when either part may pretend that they are part of the Church, and they re∣ceive not the decree, therefore the whole Church hath not received it? Mr. Chil. c. 3. parag. 6.

3. Hereto I answer. 1. That there is indeed no need at all of an answer, since the very ob∣jection answers it self: for by saying there are variety of opinions among Catholiques, ac∣knowledged for such even while they differ, it follows that the objector is not obliged to sub∣mit to that Judge which any Catholique refu∣ses. 2. None of these will deny that decision of the Councell of Trent, viz. Ecclesiae est judi∣••are de vero sensu sacrae Scripturae, (that is,) It belongs to the Church to judge of the true sense of holy Scripture: And Protestants will not be urged to submit to any more rigid or higher expression. 3. Yea moreover, this in∣dulgence, I am confident, will be granted them, namely, That no man will endeavour to oblige them further then to doctrines and practises determined by one or more Councells univer∣sall, confirmed by the Pope, and actually recei∣ved and accepted by all Catholiques, that is as much as to say, to believe that there is indeed

an obliging authority in the Catholike Church, to impose upon her children a belief of all do∣ctrines proposed in her Oecumenicall Councells, let this authority be limited and streightned with as many Proviso's, and the sense of these doctrines enlarged and qualified with as many mollifying interpretations, as any approved Catholike Doctor hath thought good, that is in∣deed as any reasonable man remaining so can desire; only upon condition, that they do not prejudice nor grate upon the pure simple lan∣guage, wherein the Church expresses her self, Christians are at liberty what particular Do∣ctors sense they like to embrace, or whether none at all, but will content themselves with the naked decisions of the Church as they lye, without making inferences, or building thereon further conclusions.