Meditations upon the marks of the true Church of Christ: or, Motives of credibility in behalf of the true religion: and, the easiest way to finde it out. / By H.W.

The first Point.

COnsider first, what is meant by the Marks of the Church; a mark in general is that by which we know a thing, and are able to distinguish it from other things, by the direction of that mark: so the divine Wisdome set certain marks upon his Church, by means of which it might be made no∣torious and easie to be found out, as also by the same means easily discern∣able from all other Sects whatsoever.

Consider secondly, that the marks of the true Church must needs have one propriety, and that is clarity: They must be things (though they be rare and extraordinary) yet clear: known, apparent, and free from ob∣scurity and uncertainty in themselves: and therefore they are called signes

and notes; by reason of their facility of being observed and taken notice of; but if they be defective in this, they are no marks, but things as much subject to be questioned and controverted, as that very thing (to wit the Church, or its infallible authority) whose marks they are pretended to be: but mira∣cles, prophesies, and strange conversi∣ons of Nations; also Unity, Sanctity, Universality, and Apostolical successi∣on (which foure last are mentioned in the Nicen Creed:) these are plainly convincing arguments and marks, by which Christs Church may be found out, and distinguished from all false Sects that have them not.

Hence inferre, that all modern Sects shew themselves guilty of maintaining a bad cause; and that Christs true Church is not amongst them; because they assigne no such marks as these a∣bove mentioned; but other obscure things and points controverted be∣twixt them and the Roman Catho∣likes: Such are lawfull administra∣tion of the Sacraments, and sincere preaching of the Word of God, and

the like: these are no marks, but we must finde out where these are, by the forementioned marks: they make themselves, by this, guilty also of ano∣ther fault, which is called petitio prin∣cipii, or begging the question; by taking that for an argument in their own behalf, which very thing is the question to be argued. For by the marks of the Church, as we must finde it out; so must we find out who are true Pastors also, when this que∣stion is urged apart.