THE Apostle Saint Paul said to the Israelites his brethren according to the flesh , I speake the truth in Christ , Rom. 9 I lie not , my conscience beareth me witnesse by the holy Ghost , that I haue great heauines of hart , that I could wish my self accursed , & to be separated from Christ for your sakes . This that great Apostle , notwithstanding who would not know any thing for all , but Christ , who desireth to be separated from all the world , yea and separated in himselfe , to bee with Christ : and therefore verilie for some exceeding great and important cause : as , for to see them drawne out of the wayes of destruction , into the state of saluation : that is to say , coupled and vnited to Christ : And therefore it is most euident that hee iudged them lost , in that estate wherein they were , in asmuch as they coulde not bee founde in Christ , and so without saluation , for that they were without Christs . They neuerthelesse ( sayth hee ) to whome belonged the adoption , and the glorie , and the couenants , and the ordinances of the law , and the diuine seruice , and the promises : of whome came the fathers , and of whom according to the flesh came Christ ? And yet notwithstanding all this , he letteth not to declare them to be of Israel , and yet not Israel : to be the seed of Abraham , yet notwithstanding not all children , because ( saith he ) the worde of God cannot fall away , &c.

May I here my masters be so bolde , as to say the like vnto you ? In respect of my selfe verily I may not . I desire your saluation with a great affection : I wish it heartilie , with the hazard of this my life : yea I will say in a good conscience , as the saide Apostle saide vnto Agrippa : That it might please God to make you all such like as I my selfe , except these bondes : except those afflictions , whereunto this profession is subiect . For what is more , belongeth not to any man besides the Apostle , in whome the exceeding measure of knowledge begot an exceeding measure of loue towards God , and charitie towards his brethren , which as we cannot imitate in effect : so neither must we in worde : besides that this hyperbolicall kinde of speech , can hardly fit vs . But rather in respect of you , I dare be bold to say more : for the couenants and ordinances of the lawe , and the diuine seruice , and the promises , were giuen vnto you long ago : but not vnto you alone , but not to you more then others . And many fathers are sprung vp amongst you , and you it may be discended of them , according to the flesh : but yet for all this , the worde of God cannot fall away or perish , no not although Christ himselfe , who is God blessed aboue all things , should be descended of you according to the flesh . That word verily which giueth vs to vnderstande , that there must fall out an apostacie in the Church , that the man of sinne , the sonne of perdition , should sit in the Temple of God , causing himselfe to be adored therein as God . And seeing you cleaue vnto him vnder the shadow of this See , of this pretended discent , I dare bee bolde to say vnto you freely with the Apostle : Deceiue not your selues with thinking your selues to be the children of Abraham , for you are not children at all , such as are of the faith , and not of the succession , Galat. 3.7 . Rom. 9.8 . are Abrahams children , for they are the children of the promise , they verily are reputed for the seede .

There is question then about this faith , In controuersies we must haue recourse to the Scriptures . and euerie man saith that he hath it . To know of what side Christ is , and euery man betaketh himselfe to him as his ayde , and thereupon all Christendome liueth in suspence and doubt , or in trouble . But , my brethren , let vs not beleeue men : Men , saith our Lord himselfe , who know not of their owne vnderstanding , either from whence he commeth , or whether he goeth : The spirits of men , saith the spirit of God , which are not able to comprehend his wayes . In a Sea so vnknowne to man , in these gulfes so perillous , we cannot attaine to the deliuering of any sure and certaine speech from other where then God himselfe : from the father , who hath spoken from heauen , shewed vs the sonne , Matth. 17.5 . Iohn . 5.3 9. Psal. 19. 2. Tim. 3. and said vnto vs , heare him : from the son , who crieth vnto vs in the midst of the Temple in the heate of the Pharisies , and all these great doctors their disputations , Search you the Scriptures diligently : and from the holie Ghost , who hath said to vs , They cause the eyes to see : they giue vnderstanding to children : by the Apostles , they are inspired of God , they make the man of God , euen the Euangelist and teacher himselfe , instructed vnto euerie good worke , and wise vnto saluation .

Our fathers ( say some vnto you ) beleeued as well , liued as well , whereto serue these alterations ? Verily if you vnderstand this of your carnall fathers , then what other thing doe you say , S. Bern. Epi. 91 besides that which the Iewes said to our Lord ? or which the Turkes or Iewes may not yet say vnto vs ? How farre better , saith Saint Bernard , speaking of the reformation necessarie in the Church : Let them be cast behinde both me and you , which say , we will not liue better then our fathers . If of the spirituall , as of those that haue begotten vs to Christ : then who are they , but the Apostles , and the holie fathers that followed them ? And what say we herein , but by their mouthes ? And who is there to leade vs more from customes , to the lawe , from traditions to the holie Scriptures ? Irenaeus saith , The Apostles preached the Gospel , Iren. l. 3. c. 1. & 11. con . h. ret. Tradiderunt . Iust. Mart in Dialog. cum Tryphon . & in exposit. fid. and afterward by the will of God deliuered it vs in the Scriptures , that so it might be the foundation and pillar of our faith . Iustinus Martyr ; We must fixe our faith vpon God , and his onlie instructions : not vpon mans Traditions : we must haue recourse to the Scriptures , to the ende we may finde assurednesse in all things , &c. That Dauid , that the Euangelists , that the Epistles of the Apostles doe teach vs , Tert. con . Hermog. Cum Apostolis senti . &c. Tertullian : I doe not receiue or admit of that which thou bringest of thine owne , without any Scripture . If thou bee an Apostolicall writer , be furnished with the doctrine of the Apostles , &c. Bring backe the heretikes to the Scriptures , and so ( saieth hee ) they will not bee able to maintaine themselues . What would he haue said then at this day of our pretended Catholikes , who abhorre nothing more , then to bee drawne backe to the Scriptures ? Verilie and without all doubt , the same which he saith of these heretikes : Heretici sunt lucifugae Scripturarum , Like Owles they flie from the light of the Scriptures . Wherefore if that which thou speakest be not written , beware of that Vae , that curse , which is pronounced by the spirit of God , against them which adde vnto the Scriptures . S. Cyprian , Cypr. de laps . & in Epist. 74. Doe the Martyrs commaund any thing to be done ? But what if it bee not written in the law of the Lord . & c ? That ( saith he ) must bee done which is written , for so God appointed Iosua : wee must haue good regard to see if it bee written in the Gospel , in the Epistles of the Apostles , or their acts : for if it be , then such holy traditions must be obserued and kept . Traditions , as we see , contained in the Scriptures : for so did the fathers vse this worde , and not for all that which may be imagined in mans braine , prouided that it be of continuance and toleration . Origen , Orig. in Ierem. & in 25. in Matth. Wee must call the holie Scriptures to witnesse : without these witnesses , the sence and expositions which we giue them , worke no beleefe . Whatsoeuer the golde bee which is without the Temple , yet it is not sanctified , and as litle that sense which is besides the Scripture . Athanasius : Athan. contr. Idol . ad Iouinian . in 2. orat . contra Arrios . de interpret . Psalm in Synopsi . Theodor. l. 1. Socrat. l. 1. & 5 Basi . de ver. fid. in Mora● . & Regu . 26. & 80 The holy Scriptures are sufficient of themselues for the demonstrating of the truth . The stones wherewith the heretikes are to be stoned , are fetcht from hence : they are the Mistresses of the true faith , the anchors and props of our , &c. And this is the cause why in the disputation against the Arrians , Constantine the Emperor breaking the array vnto the Councell of Nice , appointeth not any other weapons . The Euangelicall bookes ( saith he ) as also those of the Apostles and Prophets , doe teach vs euidently , whatsoeuer wee must beleeue . Let vs gather from thence the deciding of our controuersies . Saint Basil , It is a most euident signe of infidelitie and pride , to go about to bring in any vnwritten thing : for the Lord hath said , My sheepe heare my voyce , and follow not the voice of any other , &c. Whatsoeuer we doe or speake , must bee confirmed from thence , for the beleefe of the good , & confusion of the wicked , Euery faithful man hath this proper to him , not to adde any thing thereto , neither yet to ordaine any new thing : for whatsoeuer it is , that is besides the Scripture , is not of faith , Ambros . de vocat . Gent. l. 2. c. 3. & in lib de Parad. c. 12. and therefore is sinne . Saint Ambrose : Where the Scriptures speake not , who shal speake ? We must adde nothing to the commaundement , howe good soeuer it be : who so addeth thereto any thing of his owne , argueth it of imperfection , &c. Saint Hierome , The Church of Christ , which dwelleth well , Hieronym . in Mich. l. 1. in ps. 98. in Ezeen . c. 3. in Agg. c. 1 in Mat. c. 23. in Esa. c. 8. and all ouer the world , &c , hath her townes , the law , the Prophets , the Gospel , the Apostles . It goeth not beyond her limits , that is to say , the holy Scriptures . Whatsoeuer we say , must be auouched from thence . The Scriptures are our true meate , and our true drinke : of this wood is the house of wisdome built : whatsoeuer is not authorized by them , should be contemptible to vs , & is likewise striken with the sword of God , who so is desirous to deliuer himself out of any doubt , let him go thither : but let him know that tendeth any other course , that he shall not attaine vnto the light of the truth , which he shal grope after in darknes . To be short ( saith he ) what soeuer is said since the apostles times , is cut off , it beareth no authority with it , &c. Hieronym . in Psal. 87. how holie & prudent soeuer the Authors thereof might be . S. August . The Canonicall Scripture is set vpon a throne , and euerie faithfull vnderstanding must be subiect thereunto . If we , yea if an Angel from heauen , August . contr. Faust . l. 11. c. 5. & cont. lit ras . Petil. 6 lib. 2. contr. Donatist . c. 6. tract. 2 in Ep. S. Iohan do teach any thing more then that which is contained in the Scriptures , the Law , or the Gospel , let him be accursed . In our controuersies , let vs bring this ballance , these gold waights , as out of the closet of God , to iudge that of weight from that which is light . Let vs there iudge of errors , for God hath placed in the Scriptures a bright and cleare shining firmament , to discouer & confute them . The Councels : for saith he vnto the Arrians . I alledge not vnto thee the Councell of Nice , Cont. Maxim . Episc. Arrian . l. 3. c. 14. De Ciuit. Dei . l. 11. c. 1. Epist. 166. De vnit . eccles. c. 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 16. neither therefore doe thou alledge vnto me the councel of Rimini , but let vs trie the maistry by the Scriptures , which both you and I my selfe doe well approue , &c. The Church likewise : for , The citie of God doth beleeue in the Scriptures , and by them is faith conceiued . In the Scriptures ( saith he ) we haue learned Christ , therein also haue we learned to know the Church : we haue knowne the head , and therefore cannot misknow the bodie thereof . Whether we , or the Donatists be the Church , the Scriptures alone will teach and instruct vs . Saint Chrysostome , The ignoraunce of the Scriptures hath begotten heresies , &c. Though the dead should liue again , or an Angel descend from heauen , Chrysost. in hom. de Laza. yet we must principally and before them beleeue the Scripture . The Angels are but seruants & ministring spirits , but the Scripture is the Lord & maister . In Epi. ad Gal. hom. 1. In 5. Mat. hom. 43. & 49. In 1. ad Thess. homil. 7. In 2. ad Corin. homil. 33. In Psal. 5.95.142.147 . In at this gate doe both the sheepe and shepheard enter , they driue away heretikes , who so entreth not by them is a theefe . The Scripture is the kingdome of heauen , it is inclosed therein , and fastned thereunto . The gate of this kingdome , is the vnderstanding of the Scriptures . Setting our course and sailing after them , wee haue the sonne of God , for our patron and protector : they are our rule and our squire . As the light is vnto the eies , so is the law of God vnto our spirits , without it all our senses halt . An heire doth willingly possesse himselfe of his fathers will and testament , and so should we no lesse of the Scriptures , the furniture and prouision for our warre against sinne and Sathan himselfe , &c. In which saith he in another place , wee must either denie Christ , or blot out the Scriptures , or else become the obedient seruants of the Scriptures . And if he said this then against the heretikes of his time , then much more against Antichrist to come , and vpon farre more iust causes and considerations . For saith he , when this cursed heresie , the armie of Antichrist shall possesse the Churches , there will not bee found any proofe or maner of helpe to trie and know Christendome by , but the holy Scriptures . By them alone a man shall know where and who shall bee the true church . In this confusion and hurlie burlie , there will bee no want of broching and blasing abrode of miracles : for euen alreadie the counterfet Christians haue most : but and if a man looke any other way then to the Scriptures , hee cannot but bee offended , perish , and fall into the abhomination of desolation , which shall bee in the holie places of the Church . And therefore our sauiour Christ knowing afore hand , that such confusion should follow in the latter daies , will that we flie vnto the Scriptures . And now also this is the cause , why according to the aduertisement of Saint Chrysostome , we call you thereunto , we which thus alledge and contend , with the hazard of our liues , and for the working of your saluation and our owne , that that Antichrist is alreadie come , and seated in your Church : and all this according to the Scriptures , and by the Scriptures .

Hereto you replie , If his Scriptures alone take place in this controuersie , then what shall become of so many goodly traditions ? What becommeth them of the traditions 1. Cor. 11. What shall become of our Church ? Verely if you speake of diuine traditions such as whereof Saint Paule saith , I haue receiued of the Lord , Quod & tradidi vobis , whatsoeuer I haue deliuered vnto you , of those which haue their foundation in the Scriptures , and whereof Irenaeus saith vnto vs ; Looke what Gospel the Apostles preached , the same they deliuered vnto vs , tradiderunt , inquit , nobis , in the Scriptures . Of them saith Saint Cyprian , which descend from the authoritie of the Gospel , Cypri . in Epi. 74. ad Pomp. and the writing of the Apostles . Verelie we will be readie to defend them , if you will beleeue vs , with common armour : we shall be both the one and the other , quit and freed from all our paines and trouble , for the Scriptures and they wil mutuallie acknowledge one another , as doe the little riuers , and their heads or springs : being touched with the touchstone of the Scripture , they will hold their value . But if by Traditions you meane mans inuentions , and doctrines that are without , and out of the Scriptures : then we tell you that Christ hath giuen definitiue sentence thereof : In vaine do you serue me , Matth. 15 9 teaching for doctrines the commaundements of men . And thus spake he to the Pharisies , who wholy rested themselues in the Church , & in the Sorbone of that time , which said as you do of yours at Trent , that it was no lesse grieuous an offence to commit against , or omit any thing contained in their traditions , In Thal. ord 4. tract. 4. dist. 10 Esay . 29 , 13. then and if such commission or omission had beene in respect of any point of the law it selfe . And there is great like lihoode that it is come vpon you , which was forespoken by the Prophets : They haue serued mee according to the ordinances of men , Ierem. 8 , 8. and therefore wisedome shall perish from their wise men : They haue cast behind them the worde of the Lord , and there is no wisdome in them . But if you suspect the soundnesse of the Scripture , Iust. in Tryph or rather the vprightnesse of God in his owne cause , then let vs heare the fathers . Iustine : We must giue credite to God and his ordinances alone , and not vnto humane traditions . And that he ruleth them according to the Scriptures , appeareth by that which he said before ; That Dauid , that the Euangelists , that the Apostles doe teach vs , &c. Cyp. in Epi. 74 Saint Cyprian , If it be commaunded in the Gospel , if it be contained in the Epistles or acts of the Apostles , let vs obserue it as diuine and holie . But if it be not there , then what followeth but the contrarie ? Saint Basil : We must learne the Scriptures , Basil . regul. 95 as concerning that which is to be practised in them , as well to replenish our spirit with pietie , as to leaue of to accustome humane constitutions . Saint Ierome : Hiero. in Esas It is no maruell ( saith he speaking of the Iewes , ) if you follow your traditions , seeing that euerie country goeth to seeke counsaile at their Idols : but God verely hath giuen vs his scriptures , and darknesse shall ouerwhelme you if you follow them not . As also vnto Christians , for euen in his time , saith he , it was come to the lees . In. Matth. 23. Wo be vnto you wretched Christians , to whom the sinnes of the Pharisies are translated and come , euen that damnable tradition of theirs , &c. wee swallow downe against the commaundement of God the things that are great , and hunt after the opinion of religion , in the small and little ones , &c. And once for all : The sworde , Ad Laetam . saith he , of the Lord striketh at all those doctrines , which are found bearing the shewe of Apostolicall traditions , without the authoritie and testimonie of the Scriptures . And this is the verie thing whereof Saint Augustine so greatly complained himselfe in his time , that in the Church euery thing was full of presumption , S. August . in Epi. ad Iouin . In S. Ioha. tract. 96.97 . and preiudicate opinion , that contrarie to the expresse worde of Christ , the yoke of Christians was become more heauie and greeuous , then that of the Iewes : That men made lesse conscience of the law of God , then of the least humane ordinances , or rather fansies . All this , or the most part thereof , comming from heretikes , and certaine Apocripha bookes , vnder the shadow , ( saith he ) of this worde , From the Lord , I haue yet many things to say , insomuch as that there is not the veriest foole that is , that dareth not to abuse the same : A place that some obiect against vs euen vnto this day about the same matter . But ( saith he ) when the Lord hath kept any thing hidden from vs , who is he that is so vaine , as to goe about to gesse at it , or so rash and foole-hardie as to take vpon him to reueale it . And this is the cause why Saint Bernard , wearie of those insupportable traditions , Bern. Epist. 91 ad Abba . Suissioni congreg . said , I desire with all my hart to present my selfe as a partie in that Councel , wherin traditions are not obstinately defended , nor suspersticiously obserued : but rather the good and perfect will of God , with all humilitie and diligence searched after and sought for . And againe : De precepto & dispensat . If there be any such as charitie hath beene the inuenter of , it is iust that by the same charitie they bee ceased and giuen ouer , if it bee so found expedient . Againe , The precepts which are of the ordinances of God , are necessarie , but those which are of humane constitution , arbitrarie , and at discretion , &c. And in deed the Ecclesiasticall historie doth witnesse vnto vs , that the ancient fathers did leaue such things , as were meere obseruations , indifferent both vnto whole Churches , and particular persons , not inforcing any thing , but what was of the pure and vndefiled commaundement of God , as is to be read in Socrates , Nicephorus , &c.

Can not the Church then ordaine any thing ? Socrates . Niceph. l. 12. c 14. Wherein , or how far the authority of the Church stretcheth . And wherein shall the authoritie thereof consist ? Nay let vs not feare that it hath ouer little to doe . It is not a small thing , in the blindnesse wherewith man is blinded , and in the darknesse of this worlde , to keepe it selfe from straying and wandring out of the way of life , to keepe it selfe from loosing the heauenlie light , through the sight of the eyes , and to guide it selfe and others by the same . And would to God it would haue contented it selfe to haue knowne this onely , and to haue beene ignorant in all the rest . Where as hauing toucht the forbidden tree , and hauing transgressed this worde , Deute . 4. & 12 Cursed be they which adde thereunto , shee hath opened her eyes to these false and deceyuing fiers , but shut them at the light , and so consequentlie lost her puritie , loyaltie , and innocencie ; and leauing the truth of God , is further become left vnto herselfe .

The ancient fathers verily , The Fathers made faith the limits of the Church , and the Scriptures the bounds & limits of faith . Colos. 2.8 . 1. Cor. 4.6 . Iohn 8.13 . Not by succession . Iren. l. 3. con : . heres. c. 11. & l. 4. c. 43. & 44. Tertul. de prescript . & de pudicit . Id verius , quod prius . Tertul. de virg. ●●land . Con. Praxeam . Tertul. de prescript . Cypr. Ep. 55. De lapsis . In tract de simplicit . pontif . & in ep. 74. Gregor. Nazianz . in orat . habit ad laudem S. Athanas . & cont. Arrian . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 haue not thought it any thing dishonoured , when they tyed it to the obedience of her Spouse , for they bounded it by faith , and faith by the Scriptures . And it would haue beene on the contrarie , a verie strange doctrine vnto them , that it shoulde haue spoken or heard any other language then her owne , seeing it is said vnto her by the Apostle ; See that none spoile you through Philosophie , or vaine deceitfulnesse , according to the traditions of men . Againe , Learne of vs not to be wise aboue that which is written . And in vs , saith the Apostle , that is to say , by our example . And by her Spouse himselfe . If you abide in my worde , you shall be truly my disciples . Irenaeus saith ; The Gospel is the pillar and foundation of the Church . It behoueth it to flie from all those , which flie from and forsake the principal succession , and cleaue vnto them that keepe the doctrine of the Apostles . Tertul. The Church is knowne to be apostolical , not by nuber , not by succession of Bishops , but by the consanguinitie of doctrine . And this doctrine again . In this ( saith he ) in that the most ancientis most true , & that is most ancient , which was from the beginning : and that which is from the beginning , is that which is from the Apostles : from the Apostles ( saith he ) who left the Scriptures for vs , vpon whom are come the last ages : the Scriptures , by which the truth is defended , and not by tradition or custome . For how ( saith he ) could a man be able to speake of the things of faith , but by the writings of faith ? Saint Cyprian ; Those are the Church ( saith he ) which dwell in the house of God . But how ? Verily ( saith he ) who so is separated & diuided from the Gospel , the same is not ioyned to the Church : for this is all one ( saith he ) after the maner , whereby Antichrist was brought in , vnder the name of Christ , by counterfetting things likely , thereby subtilly to frustrate the truth : where as it had behooued him to haue returned to the originall of truth , & haue hasted back to the spring-head , to see at what place the pipes conueying the water vnto vs , were broken , & by this meanes to haue lent his eare vnto the doctrine of the heauenly Master . For saith Nazianzene vnto the Arrians ; The church is not defined by multitude ; if they haue the people , we haue the faith ; if they haue the golde and siluer , we haue the true doctrine ; succession must be valued by pietie , and not by Sea , or seate . Who so retaineth the same doctrine of faith , hee possesseth the same Sea : as he that retaineth the contrarie in the same Sea , is to be helde as an enemy . Because , saith Saint Chrysostome ; The Church consisteth not in walles , but in faith : so that where faith is , there the Church is ; where faith is not , there the Church is not . This is the true Ierusalem , whose foundations are placed vpon the mountaines of the Scriptures . As also , ( saith he ) he goeth not out from the Church , that goeth out from the bodie , but rather he that forsaketh the spirit , the foundation of the ecclesiasticall truth . We then ( saith he ) are gone out from them , in respect of the place , but they from vs in respect of faith : we haue left with them the foundations of the walles ; but they haue left with vs the foundations of the Scriptures . Saint Ambrose ; Christ alone is he whom no man ought to forsake , or change away : to whom it is by good right said , Lord , to whom shall we go ? thou hast the wordes of life . It is then giuen vs in charge aboue all things , to seeke out the faith of the Church , in which if Christ dwell , howe that then wee must make choise thereof , ( namely for our habitation : ) but if wee finde therein either an vnfaithfull people , or an hereticall teacher , that spoileth the dwelling , such Synagogue is to be auoided . And if , to be briefe , a Church forsake the faith , it behooueth vs to forsake and abandon it , &c. And he yeeldeth a reason : Christ ( saith he ) is the rocke : Petra , non Petrus . S. Ambr. l. 1 de paenit . c. 9. the foundation of the Church , that is faith : if thou be in the rocke , thou art also in the church . But to the end we may not take one rocke for another , Know ( saith he ) that they which haue not Peters faith , can neither haue Peters portion and inheritance . Saint Ierome expounding the Creede , He hath not said , I beleeue in the holie catholike church ; but I beleeue the holie church . The holie church is that which keepeth the faith of Christ , in the integritie and soundnesse thereof . It consisteth not of walles , but vpon the veritie of doctrine . Where faith is , there is it also , and there it was at such time as heretikes possessed all these churches . In Psal. 133. Wouldst thou enter into this church , and that by the right way ? In Psal. 5. It is the reading of the Scriptures . Do thou , O Lord , so lay out and fit my way , as that I may not fall , or take offence in these Scriptures , seeing that by them I desire to enter into thy church . Yea ( saith he ) these Scriptures they are the kingdome of God himselfe . In S. Mat c. 21. And when it is said , that the Lord hath translated the kingdom of heauen from the Iewes vnto vs , it is as much as to say , that he hath taken the Scriptures from them , to giue them vnto vs . In them ( saith Saint Augustine ) we finde Christ , in them wee are to seeke and search for the Church : in them , and by them , it is shewed vnto vs . Aug de vnit . Eccles. And let vs not once imagine that we haue and hold the church , because we are in that wherein Ambrosius , or Optatus haue beene before vs : no nor yet because there are miracles wrought therein : for euen our Lord himselfe woulde that his disciples should be confirmed by the Scriptures , more then by any other meanes , and of that nature are the titles , precepts , and foundations of our cause . Cont. Petil. l. 3. c. 6. & in Psalm . 69. If then ( saith he ) there be any question , either of Christ , or of the church , or of any thing whatsoeuer , that belongeth either to life , or faith , cursed bee hee that goeth out of the Scriptures . To the ende that thou maist not be deceiued , and that no man may cause thee to take him for Christ , that is not Christ , & that for the church , which should not be the church , hearken vnto the voice of the shepheard ; he hath shewed himselfe vnto thee , he hath shewed thee the church , In Ioh. ser. 131 My sheepe heare my voyce , &c. The church is the house of God , but it is not God : wee beleeue the church , but we beleeue not in the church : It is the mother , In Epist. Ioh. tract . 3. In Psal. 103. Obpubilatur Epist. 48. S●rm . 237. de Temp. ad Lucernam . Ber. in conuer . S. Paul . ser. 1. but the two testaments are her teates ; from them we must sucke the milke of all the mysteries of our saluation . The Bishops may erre , there haue beene of them authours , both of schismes and heresies . The church in like maner is sometimes eclipsed , and marred with wet and tempestuous weather . The surest course is to make the Scriptures our looking-glasse , as also for vs to walke in the torch-light of the scriptures . O Lord our good God ( said Saint Bernard ) such as seeme to holde the Primacie in the church , I● Cant. ser. 76 are the formost & most forward to persecute thee . It is not inough for such as should be our guard and watchmen , to giue ouer their care of protection and vigilancie , except they further worke our spoile . At the least ( saith he elsewhere ) let him abound in his sense & vnderstanding that will , Epist. 77. but as for vs I could wish that they would let vs abound in the sense of the Scriptures .

In the meane time , Durand . appellat mensuram fidei in prefat. Sentent . Thomas regulam intel ectus in ● ad Tim. cap. 6 lect. 1. Scot. mensur . Theol. in l. 1. Sent. q. 1 Gerson , regulam fid , de communic . sub vtraque . against these Scriptures , the law of the Church , the measure of faith ; the rule and bridle of all maner of vnderstanding : I speake according to the Schoolemen themselues , Thomas , Durand , Scotus , Gerson , &c. These miserable Doctors and teachers either of this world , or of the Prince of this world , enemies of the true light , children of darknesse , seeing they please themselues so greatly therein , doe not cease to furnish vs with appeales , being imployed euer and anon , more in making of such , then of any other bookes . So that if we had nothing else against them , but that we might iustly suspect them of vnsounde dealing , seeing the auncient fathers of the Church did alwayes make their appeales vnto them , against the heretikes : and that in such sort , as that when they once perceiued them to come within the bounds of their iurisdiction , they held themselues victorers in their cause .

The holie Scripture , say they to vs , is not sufficient . And what other sufficiencie doe wee looke for therein , The scripture sufficient , but to possesse God , who is sufficient of himself , euen for al maner of thinges ? or what other , to be briefe , but to come to saluation ? But and if thou wilt not beleeue the Apostle , who telleth thee , that the holy Scriptures are able to make thee wise vnto saluation , by faith which is in Christ , that is , the man of God : the Euangelist , the teacher of others : Iohn 5 39. Iohn 20.31 . at the least beleeue the sonne of God , who sendeth vs so expressely to the Scriptures : Because ( saith he ) that we haue life in them . And hast thou them to seeke and search for thine owne saluation ? The Lord commaundeth thee to search them diligently , in them thou hast life . Dost thou labour and seeke how to teach it others ? They are profitable to teach , conuince , correct and instruct . By them the sonne of God , the eternall word , did teach his disciples Hast thou to deale against heretikes ? By the verie same hee stopte the mouthes of the Pharisies , and confounded the Sadduces , who did not admit of any mo parties then one . The heretikes cannot keepe their holde before them : yea they cannot possiblie defend themselues , otherwise then by refusing them : No sooner are they drawne thereto ( saith Tertullian ) but they are confounded , whether Ebionites , Hermogenists , or Marcionites , &c. Yea , and if the controuersie should bee against the diuell himselfe , we know that from thence the Lord put him to silence ; that he confuted him in all his schoole points , Apocal. and sent him backe againe to the bottomlesse pit of hell : how much more the sonne perdition , for the ouercomming and discomfiting of whom , there are not any other armor or weapons spoken of ? As he that must be ouerthrowne with the breath of his mouth , and beaten downe by the powerfulnesse of his Scriptures ? wherefore the Scripture hauing beene of such sufficiencie in those dayes , both for the children of God , and against his aduersaries , where shall it sithence haue lost that his ●●sufficiencie ? Or who shall not rather suspect that we are become ouer sufficient , that is to say , spoyled with presumption ? That we accuse it of insufficiencie , because our pretended and deuised sufficiencies are not found therein ? And againe , if it were so much , at such times as the Church had no more but the olde Testament , both vnto saluation and condemnation : what shall we say of the times succeeding , and those of the present , According to the Fathers . Iren cont haeres . l. 2 c. 47. accompanied with the accomplishment of that in the person of Christ , and made more cleare by the new ? And verilie the fathers also haue carefully kept themselues from this point , rather to be tearmed infidelitie , then errour or heresie . Irenaeus saith , We knowe verie well that the Scriptures are perfect : for they are appointed and spoken by the worde of God , and his spirit . Tertullian : Tertul. contra Prax. & Hermo●g Cypr. de Baptism . Christi . I adore and reuerence the fulnesse of the Scriptures : the scripture hath his reason , and is sufficient of it self . Saint Cyprian : Speake on Lord , thy seruant heareth . Christian religion shall finde that out of this Scripture doe spring the rules of all manner of doctrine , and that from thence riseth , as also that thither returneth , al whatsoeuer the discipline and gouernment of the Church doth containe . Antonius the Hermite ; Antonius in sui● Epistolis . Athanasius cont. Idola . Ad Serapion . In Ep. Senten . Dyonis . Hillar. l. 2. de Trinit. The Scriptures are sufficient for all manner of knowledge of God , and all manner of discipline . Athanasius , who notwithstanding hath to deale against the Arrians , The holy scriptures are sufficient for the demonstration of the truth : learne onely the scriptures , for the lessons which thou findest there , will be sufficient for thee . Although ( saith he in another place ) I haue not found this word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , consubstantiall , yet so it is as that I haue found the thing it selfe . Saint Hillarie vpon the same argument : The word of God , which by the testimonie of the Gospel hath beene transfused and conueyed into our eares , is sufficient for the beleeuers : for what is there belonging vnto mans saluation , that is not to be found contained therein ? Or what is there therein either lame or obscure ? Verily euerie thing therein is full and perfect , Basil , de vera fide . Homil. 29. In oratione Ethica● In Esai . c. 2. Chrys. hom. 9 in 2. ad Tim. &c. Saint Basill attributeth it to the same pride and infidelitie , to bring in any thing that is not written , or to reiect that which is written . The old and new Testament , ( saith he ) are the treasure of the church . All the commaundements of God are written , and must be obserued . All whatsoeuer is besides the straight and euen line of the Scripture , is a cursed abhomination before God . S. Chrysostome : The holie Scripture teacheth thee whatsoeuer thou shouldest know , or be ignorant of : Thou art a Gentile , and wouldest become a Christian : but our controuersies doe trouble thee . Thou knowest not to whom to goe , for euerie man pretendeth and alledgeth the Scriptures , &c. Knowe that that which agreeth therewith is christian ; but that which disagreeth with the same , In Acta . hom. 33. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Aug. de bono Viduit . De doct , christ● l. 2. c. 9. serm. 88. ad fratres lib. de confes. 7 c. 7. In S. Ioh. tract. 49. vbi viamad vitam . De consensu Euan. l. 1. c. v. t. is farre off from the rule of christianitie . Likewise , saith he in another place : It is the propertie of the diuell , to adde vnto the commaundements of God . Saint Augustine : The Scripture ( saith he ) doth prefixe and set before vs a law , teaching vs not to be more wise then we ought : looke not therefore that to teach thee , on my behalfe and part , is any other thing , but to expound vnto thee the wordes of my master : for euen ( saith he ) in the things that are openly taught in the Scriptures , is fully found al that which is to be done , or left vndone : all that which appertaineth vnto faith , or concerneth maners . Some haue made choise to write of all that which may seeme to be sufficient for the saluation of the faithfull : In thy Christ , O Lord , and in the holy Scriptures , I perswade my selfe , that thou hast placed the way of mans saluation . Whatsoeuer he would haue that we should reade of his deedes or wordes , Cyril . Alexan. In S. Iohan. l. 12 c. vlt. that hath he commaunded his Apostles to write , as if it had beene done with his own hands , &c. S. Cyprian Bishop of Alexandria ; All that the Lord hath done is not written , but rather so much as the pen-men thought to be sufficient , both for maners , and doctrine of faith , to the end that shining through a right faith , manners , and the truth , we may come to the kingdom of Christ . Now those pen-men of whom he speaketh , were they not inspired of God ? Is it not his holy spirit himselfe ? Againe , Lib. 5. in . Leui. whether it were he or Origen vpon Leuiticus . In the two Testaments , we may finde out and discusse , whatsoeuer matter concerning God , & from the same gather , whatsoeuer knowledge of things : in so much as that if any thing remaine not determined by these Scriptures , there is not any third , which we are to receiue and admit of for the authorising of such knowledge . Cyrill Bishop of Ierusalem : Beleeue me not , Cyril . Hierosolim . Catec. 4. if I shew it thee not by the Scriptures : for the saluation of our faith is not bolted out by the meanes of any disputation , but plainly demonstrated by them . Thom. 1. part . Sum. q. 1. art. 3. Supra omne debitum creaturae . Et q. 147 , art. 4 p. 3. in add q. 6 , art , 6. And what will they say more , when as Thomas one of their side , saith ; That the things that proceede of the onely will of God , besides whatsoeuer is due vnto the creature , cannot be made knowne vnto vs , otherwise then in that they are deliuered vnto vs in the Scripture : That the doctrine of faith and the Sacraments , cannot bee but of Christ : That the ordinances and statutes of the church are not of themselues of the necessitie of saluation ? When also expounding the place in controuersie at this day , of the second to Timothie , chapter the third , he vseth these wordes : That the Scriptures teach the truth , In 2. ad Tim. c. 3. ● reproue falshood , perswade vnto that which is good , and draw backe from that which is euill : Not ( saith he ) after any faint or feeble maner , but to the perfecting of the worke of saluation ; yea ( saith he ) euen in the highest degree , &c. And Scotus after him , That the holy scripture is sufficient for the Pilgrime , that is to say , for the Christian trauailing heere below , to come to the end of his purposed voiage , that is to say , vnto saluation : That this way is not doubtfull ; but most certaine : that in the same likewise is founde sufficiently laid open , whatsoeuer is to be beleeued , hoped for , or done . And Cardinall Caietan vpon the place afore named ; To the making ( saith he ) of the man wise vnto eternall saluation , and furnished with all those partes requisite for the making of the man of God perfect .