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T. W. Maister White labouring to depresse the Churches authoritie, &c. giueth the raines to euery priuate and igno∣rant fellow, vnder the tecture and pretext of Gods secret illu∣minations, to iudge his owne iudge, and so to call in question the reputation and honor of the Church, &c.
Answ. 1. Maister White acknowledgeth the lawfull and healthfull authoritie of the Church, and beleeueth
the same to be no lesse needfull, then the Pilot in a shiph 1.1, and the watch of a shepheard in a flocke; but euen as each ship and euery flocke are to haue their seuerall Pilots and shepheards: so the Churches of England, Rome, Den∣marke, France, &c. must haue Bishops and Pastors to gouerne and feed the flock, which dependeth vpon them; and the gouernment of each nationall Church, is perfit and absolute in it selfei 1.2: we doe not therefore oppose the authority of the Church, but the vsurpation of the Pope, who transgressing the bounds of his owne dioces, inua∣deth the rights of other Churchesk 1.3.
2. You ouer reach, in saying; that Doctor White gi∣ueth the raines to euery priuate and ignorant fellow, by a secret illumination to iudge the Church. For he main∣taineth, both, that all iudgment of doctrine must be made by the rule of faith, and the holy Scriptures, in the plaine passages thereof, with other conuenient helps & meanes, and not by any priuate spirit and illumination. And also, that the tryall and examining of doctrine in the Church, belongeth to the faithfulll 1.4 respectiuely, according to their gifts and calling. A blinde man cannot iudge of co∣lours, and a rude and ignorant person is lesse able to exa∣mine Controuersies and deepe points in religion. But Doctor White maintaineth, that such of the faithfull in Christs Church, as by reason of vse haue their senses ex∣ercised to discerne good and euill, Heb. 5.14. Coloss. 1.9. Rom. 15.14. haue a rightm 1.5, To vse that kind of iudgement which is called the iudgement of discretion, whereby they
may be enabled with vnderstanding, to yeeld assent and obedience to the right faith propounded vnto them by their Pastors, and to eschue the poisoned doctrine of he∣retickes and deceiuers.
It is the manner of our Aduersaries in disputations, to decline the true state of the question, and to impose some absurd Tenet vpon vs: and thus they deale in this matter; for the purpose of the Protestants, in the same, is onely this, to maintaine against the Romists, The right of euery true Church, in examining the doctrin which they receiue or professe, by the holy Scripture, and other helpes and meanes of true iudgement: and to oppose the Popish ty∣ranny, who would haue all Churches like a blinde Mill∣horsen 1.6, ready to receiue whatsoeuer faith a proud and vnlettered Pope shall obtrude vpon them.
Against this vsurpation we defend, that euery national Church hath a right within it selfe, to trie and examine by the lawfull rule, the doctrine which it receiueth and professeth. And euery member of the Church respectiue∣ly to his calling and gifts, (not otherwise) hath a proporti∣onall share in the same.
But it is farre from vs, to place each presumptuous & ignorant fellow in a Consistory of iudgement, or to set a blinde horse to goe before others, or to suffer any vulgar person to be his own caruer, in receiuing or refusing pub∣like doctrine according to a priuate humour, but we as∣signe to euery member of the Church a function fitting for him, and no other; obseruing in this matter especial∣ly the Apostles precept, Let euery thing be done in good order, 1 Cor. 14.
T. W. Catholikes teach, that the bond of subiecting ones selfe to the Churches authoritie, is properly incumbent vpon
Christians who are baptized, and not vpon Infidels or Iewes.
Answ. We acknowledge, that Christians are subiect to the Churches authoritie, but with these limitations. 1. The authoritie thereof must be lawfull, and builded vp∣on the foundation of the Prophets and Apostles, Eph. 2.20. 2. The Romane Church hath no greater authoritie then other Churches: And Christians are subiect to the Church when they obey the lawes of their owne natio∣nall or prouinciall Church, directing them according to godlinesse and truth, &c.
T. W. Although Heretickes sin in doubting of the Chur∣ches authoritie: yet they doe not euill to examine the doctrine of the Church, if they proceed herein with a desire of finding out the truth.
Answ. What if the Pastors of the Church be Hereti∣call, Act. 20.29. and all or some of the people orthodox; shall it not be lawfull for beleeuers to examine the doc∣trine of these corrupt and blind guides? Luk. 6.39. In∣deed your Cardinall Toleto 1.7 affirmeth; That it is merito∣rious for a vulgar person to beleeue hereticall doctrine pro∣pounded to him by a Popish Bishop, vntil it be manifest to him, that the same is against the Church.
T. W. To proue his former positions, Doctor White vr∣geth these places of the Apostle, 1. Thess. 5.21. 1 Ioh. 4.1. Math. 7.15. Act. 17.11. &c. But these places, some of them onely proue, that such persons as by their calling, are appoin∣ted watchmen ouer the house of Israel, namely Bishops and Pa∣stors, are to examine doctrine and spirits, and not euery parti∣cular member of the Church.
Answ. 1. But you will permit no Watchmen in the house of Israel, to try or examine your Popes spirit; and although he draw innumerable soules after him to hell,
no man may say, Our Lord Pope why do you so? And if you will be constant in this you haue spoken, touching the watchmen of the house of Israel, and permit the Bi∣shops and Pastors of the Church of England to try and examine y••ur Trent doctrine by the rule of holy Scrip∣ture, and modell of the primitiue Church, and to refuse the same so farre, as it is repugnant to right faith: Maister White wil giue you leaue to abound in your own sence, about the other branch of your assertion, about the ple∣beitie and vulgar people.
T. W. Christ saith, beware of false Prophets; therefore euery priuate man is to examine the doctrine of all the Pro∣phets and Pastors of the Church assembled together in a ge∣nerall Councell.
Answ. Silence would haue honored you, (Prou. 17.28.) rather then this impudent belying your Aduersarie. Gods Prophets are our iudgesp 1.8, Ioh. 5.45. we presume not to iudge them, but without farther inquisition, we presently submit our faith to their doctrine, when it is manifested vnto vs by the true Church. But indeed we examine and refuse the Councels which your Pope at these daies assembleth, vpon these grounds. 1. Your Car∣dinall Bellarmineq 1.9 saith; That without question the cleare testimonies of holy Scripture, are to be preferred before all de∣crees of generall Councels: But we haue cleare testimonies of holy Scripture, that many things are false which are decreed in your Trent Councell: and by name commu∣nion in one kind, Math. 26.27. Seruice in a strange tong, 1. Cor. 14.15. &c.
2. Ludouicus Viuesr 1.10 a famous Papist, speaking of your
Councels, saith; Those onely seeme Councels to them (Ro∣mists) which make for their aduantage: they esteeme the rest no better then a couent of women, in a weauing house or com∣mon bath.
T. W. The men of Berhaea (who were no Christians, were allowed to try the doctrine of Saint Paul: Therefore euery Christian may examine, controlle, and reiect the publike do∣ctrine of the Church.
Doctor like inferred, as though there were no difference be∣tweene him, that is no Christian, and consequently acknow∣ledgeth not any submission to the Church, and another, who is a Christian, and in his baptisme doth implicitely resigne himselfe and his iudgement to the authoritie of the Church.
Answ. How many turnings and windlaces are our ad∣uersaries forced to make,* 1.11 Vt retia effugiant veritatis: that they may slip besides the net of Gods truth?
1. Doctor Stapletons 1.12 and the Rhemistst 1.13 affirme; that the Berhaeans were Christians, and already beleeued S. Pauls doctrine, and they searched the Scriptures onely to confirme their faith: but this answer is refelled by the letter of the Text, which saith; they searched the Scrip∣tures, if these things, or whether these things were sou 1.14. Cardinall Caietanx 1.15 saith: They searched the Scriptures of the Prophets, to see whether the Gospell was conformable to them.
2. This Popish Priest hath another deuice, mentioned by Lorinusy 1.16 the Iesuite, which is, that the Berhaeans be∣ing not as yet beleeuers, and thereupon owing no subie∣ction to the Pastors of Christs Church, had a libertie of examining S. Pauls doctrine by the Scriptures, which be∣leeuers haue not. But against this I obiect.
1. That the Berhaeans being before Proselytes & Iews
by profession, were implicitely obliged to the same obe∣dience of the church of Christ, when the doctrine there∣of should be preached vnto them; as baptized Christians are: because the Prophets and Moses whom they belee∣ued, commanded the Iewes to follow Christ, whenso∣euer he should come, Deut. 18.18. Ioh. 1.45. Act. 3.21. & 7.37.
2. Baptisme doth not absolutely tie Christians to obey the Romane Church, but to beleeue the faith of Iesus Christ, into whom they were baptized, and to embrace the doctrine of that or any other Church, so long as they preach that faith, Mar. 16.15.16. 1. Cor. 1.13. But if they deliuer a contrary doctrine, then the Sacrament of Bap∣tisme, like an oath of allegiance, obligeth vs to adhere to Iesus Christ our King, and his written law; and to re∣nounce Antichrist and other traitors, who vnder the cloake of subiection to the Church, seeke to make vs re∣bels to Christ.
3. If the Berhaeans, men not instructed in the religion of Christ, were able to examine and discerne the truth of doctrine by the Scriptures, with spirituall profite to their soules: how much more may others do the like?
4. If it were commendable in the Berhaeans, when they doubted of Pauls preaching, to trie the truth of it by the Scriptures; why should it be a discōmendation for Chri∣stians, when they are not assured of any doctrine, to make a like triall by the same meanes?
5. One principall reason why the Papists will not al∣low the faithfull to examine the Churches doctrine by the Scripture, is, because they haue onely a priuate spirit. But the Berhaeans spirit was in like maner, & equally pri∣uate: therefore they could haue no greater libertie of exa∣mining
the Churches doctrine, then baptized Christi∣ans.
T. W. With the like want of connexion or true reference, M. White presseth the testimonie of certain ancient Fathers; and by name Chrysostome, &c: but the scope hereof, is onely to refute the doctrine of euery new sectarie, euen from the Scrip∣tures, a course which we willingly admit and allow. Thus you see, our Minister is not ashamed to peruert and detort the graue authoritie of this Father.
Answ. 1. You omit a cleare testimony of Basila 1.17, which expresly affirmeth; That it behooueth the hearers that are learned in the Scriptures, to try those things which are said by their Teachers, and receiuing that which agreeth with the Scriptures to reiect the contrary. And your owne Gerson affirming the same, is also slipped ouer by you. Thus you haue eies and see not, &c.
2. Chrysostomeb 1.18 pursueth you harder then you will be aknown of. You wipe him off, Leui brachio, with a slent a tow side: saying, his scope is only to refute the doctrine of euery new sectary, euen from the Scripture, &c. But he commeth point blanke vpon you, and teacheth, 1. That a Gentile by searching the Scriptures, may iudge of the truth of the doctrine of Christian Religion.
2. Amidst the diuersitie of opinions, a man hauing a mind and iudgement, may by hearing and reading be a teacher to himselfe of that which is the truth. 3. That by the rule of the Scriptures, and by prayer to God, who wil reueale things to them that seeke him, people may easily
finde out deceiuers, and such as lye. 4. He earnestly ex∣horteth lay men to search and vse the Scriptures, saying; I beseech you to be in the rancke of teachersc 1.19, and not onely hearers of our sayings, &c.
T.W. Maister White, vnder the shadow of ascribing all honor and reuerence to the Scriptures, &c. impugneth the venerable authoritie of the Church, and declineth the force of all authorities, deduced from the vnanimous consent of Fa∣thers, and oecumenicall Councels, &c.
Answ. 1. It is maruell you will boast of an vnanimous consent of Fathers, whē in many questions you haue not one euident testimony of any ancient Father: also, why do you so shamefully counterfeit and corrupt Fathers, if of themselues they be so cleare for you? 2. The fourth oecumenicall Councelld 1.20, verbally and vnanswerably controlleth the supremacy of the Pope, which is the basis of your Roman faith.
Cypr ep. 31. Extorto guber∣naculo na••••m ecclesiasticae sa∣lutis in scopulos illidat, &c. I••en. l. 5. c. 20. Confugere o∣portet ad eccle¦siam, & eius sinu educari, & do∣minic••s scriptu∣ris enutriri.
Gers. de aufer. Papae, consid. 8. Marsilius de Pa∣dua, sentit quē∣libet episcopū in sua dioecesi, aequalem esse Papae.
Gers. de Cir∣cumcis. consid. 3 Papa vsurpauit omnia membro ••um officia, &c. Z••barel. de schis. pag. 56. Ex hoc in••initi secuti sūt errores, quia Papa occupauit omnia ••ura in feriorum eccle¦siarum.
Basil. reg. con∣tract. 235.
O Bilson. subiect. par. 2. pag. 353. Chrys. 2. Cor. hom. 13. Quomodo non absurdum propter pecunias, alijs non credere, sed ipsas numerare: pro rebus autem amplioribus, aliorum sententiam sequi simpliciter, praefertim cum habeamus omnium exactissimam trutinam, & gnomonem, & regulam, diuinarum legum assertionem, Ideo obsecro, & oro vos vt relinquatis quidnam huic aut illi videatur, deq́ue hijs à Scripturis omnia haec inquirite.
Cusan exercit. l. 6. Sicut iumen∣tum obedit Do∣mino suo. Bonauen, & Sur. vita Francisci, c. 6. Caeca obedi∣entia vt quis sit sicut corpus ex∣anime, quod re∣quiescit vbi quis posuerit siue motu.
Tolet. inst. sa∣cerd. l. c. 3.
Aug. de verb. Apost. serm. 29.
De verb. Dei, l. 4. c. 10.
Sch. in Aug. de Ciu. D. l. 20. c. 26. Espenc. cō. Tit. 1. p. 42. Factum est posterioribus se∣culis, vt quod merito in Basi∣liensi Concilio, Ludouicus Arelatensis querebatur: in concilijs id demum fiat, & necessario fiat, quod nationi placeat Italicae: vt quae sola Episcoporum, qui & ipsi soli vocem illic decisiuam ha∣bent, numero nationes alias aequet, vel superet. Haec illa est Helena, quae nuper Tridenti obtinuit.
Aug.
Antid. Act. 17. v. 11. Istos Thes∣salonicenses an∣te hoc scrutiniti ex Scripturis fa∣ctum vere cre∣didisse: verba Lucae manife∣stum faciunt, &c.
Rhem. annot. Act. 17. n. 3.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. old transl. Si haec ita se haberent.
Caietan. com. Act. 17. v. 11.
Lorin. com. Act. 17. v. 11.
Basil. sum. mo∣ral. des 72. c. 1.
Chrys. hom. 33 in Act. in mo∣rali. Venit Gentilis ac dicit, &c. Cum Scripturas accipimus, & il¦lae sunt simplices & verae, facile ti∣bi (Gentilis) fue∣rit iudicare, &c. Dic mihi, mentē ne habes & iu∣dicium? Quo∣modo possum nesciens, vestra iudicare? Disci∣pulus fieri vellē, tu me doctorem facis. Si empturus vestem, &c. non haec verba dicis, &c. Recta ratione inquire à Deo, & omnia tibi reuelabit. Si regula esset, secundum quam omnes dirigi oportebat, non multo opus praetextu, sed male metientē, facile deprehenderemus ita & nunc, &c. Chrys. prol. ep. ad Rō. Et vos si lectioni cum animi alacritate volueritis attendere, nullo alio praeterea opus habebitis. Verus enim est sermo Christi, cum dicit: Quaerite & inuenietis, pulsate & aperietur vobis. Mat. 7.
Hom. 8. in Ge∣nes.
Chalced. Con∣cil sess. 16. Aequa sanctissimae sedi nouae Romae (Constantino∣poli) priuilegia tribuerunt, &c.