A defence of The plain-man's reply to the Catholick missionaries being a further examination of the pretended infallibility of the Church of Rome / by the author of The plain-man's reply to the Catholick missionaries. Assheton, William, 1641-1711. 1688 Approx. 53 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 25 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2006-06 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A26061 Wing A4029 ESTC R9811 11670005 ocm 11670005 48030 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A26061) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 48030) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 9:3) A defence of The plain-man's reply to the Catholick missionaries being a further examination of the pretended infallibility of the Church of Rome / by the author of The plain-man's reply to the Catholick missionaries. Assheton, William, 1641-1711. [4], 44 p. Printed by T.B. for R. Wild ..., London : 1688. Reproduction of original in Yale University Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Catholic Church -- Infallibility. 2006-02 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-02 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2006-03 Jonathan Blaney Sampled and proofread 2006-03 Jonathan Blaney Text and markup reviewed and edited 2006-04 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A DEFENCE OF THE Plain-Man's REPLY TO THE Catholick Missionaries . Being a further Examination of the Pretended Infallibility of the Church of Rome . Imprimatur . Guil. Needham R. R. in Christo Patri ac D. D. Wilhelmo Archiep. Cant. a Sac. Domest . March 29. 1688. By the Author of the Plain-Man's Reply to the Catholick Missionaries . LONDON , Printed by T. B. for R. Wild at the Bible and Crown on Ludgate-Hill . 1688. Advertisement . SOme Papers having lately passed , betwixt a Romish-Missioner and a Country-Parson , it may not be improper so far to gratify the Reader 's Curiosity , as to acquaint him with the occasion of them . Which shall thus briefly be represented under the Title of The Argument . A Romish Priest being wearied with the noise and hurry of the Town , for his Diversion and Health , retires into the Country . Where observing a Farmer , in a pleasant field holding his Plough , in hopes of a Convert he enters into a close Discourse with him . The Plough-man at first is much started with his Address ; and fenceth as well as his Mother-wit wil allow him : and gives very good Reason ( according to some Directions received from his Parson ) why he ought not to engage in Discourses of that nature . Till a● last , conquered by the civility or importunity of the Priest , he admits the Debate . And to bring the matter to a short Issue , the Farmer puts him to prove the Infallibility of his Church . And withal desires him particularly to inform him ; Who is this Living Infallible Judg , that so upon occasion he may consult him ? Who is this unerring Guid , that so he may submit himself to his Conduct ? Wherein the Priest not being able to give him any tolerable Satisfaction ; the Plough-man is so far from embracing the Communion of the Church of Rome , that he is more firm and affectionate to the Church of England than he was before . And in Charity to the rest of his Brethren , of the same Capacity with himself ( by the Advice and with the Direction of his Parson ) he publisheth the substance of the Conference under the Title of , The Plain-mans Reply to the Catholic Missionaries . Which together with the forementioned Directions of his Parson , called ; The Country-Parsons Admonition to his Parishioners , was so displeasing to the Romish Party ; that they have Published a pretended Confutation of them both . Titled , The Plain-mans Answer to his Country-Parsons Admonition . Together with the Missioners Answer , to the Plain-mans Reply . To the former of these an Answer hath been lately Published , with this Title , viz. A Defence of the Country-Parsons Admonition against the Exceptions of the Plain-mans Answer . And a Reply to the latter , being a full Vindication of the Plain-man against the Missioner , is attempted in this following Discourse . THE Country-Parson's REFLECTIONS Upon the Missioners Answer . A Parishioner of mine , an honest Plain-man , was prevailed upon by the Importunity of others , to hearken to the Whispers of a Romish Priest . Who suggested to him , that as without Faith there is no Salvation , so without Infallibility there is no Faith ; and that this Infallibility is only to be found in the Church of Rome . The Plain-man , with whom Saying and Doing are two things , very bluntly demands ; How it appears that the Church of Rome is Infallible ? And desires the Priest to give him in Writing one or two of his best Arguments , and then promiseth to consider them at his leasure . The Missioner assures him , he can prove by undeniable Arguments ; That the Church of Rome is infallible . Which he will undertake in this method . By shewing ▪ 1. What is meant by the Church of Rome . 2. What is meant by Infallible . 3. From whence the Church of Rome had this Infallibility . 4. How they prove it . 5. Where we may find this Church . 6. And lastly , How we may know when she speaks to us , and what she teacheth . [ Missioners Answer . p. 9. ] This Paper being sent to the Plain-man he gives it to his Parson , and desires his judgment of it : Intimating further , that the Missioner thinks these Arguments very convincing and therefore expects an Answer to them . [ p. 21. ] Now in order to the Plain-mans satisfaction ( and the Missioners also if he please to accept it ) I do thus examine that Paper in its own Method . And First I am not satisfied with his Description of the Church of Rome , viz. By the Church of Rome we do not mean the particular Diocess of Rome , or any particular Church or Assembly , but the Catholick Church spread over the face of the whole World , in Communion with the Bishop of Rome , the Supream Pastor of the Church of Christ . [ Missioners Answer . pag. 9. ] In this Description here are three Things supposed . 1. That the Church of Rome is the Catholic Church . 2. That the Bishop of Rome is the Supream Pastor of the Church of Christ . 3. That the Catholick Church , spread over the face of the whole World , is in Communion with the Bishop of Rome . The Two former are deny'd , therefore I expect their Proof . And the Third must not be granted without its due explication . 1. As to the first , the Plain-man hath told him ; That though it is the noted mistake of some writers , to call the Church of Rome the Church Catholic ( and then to apply all the Promises of Protection and Preservation to her as such ) yet this is only their own confident Supposal , without the least manner of Proof . [ Plain-mans Reply p. 10. ] Being thus admonished , why did not the Priest confirm this Proposition wherein his Cause is so much concern'd ? Nay ! Why did he thus prevaricate in omitting to do it , when so fair an occasion was offer'd ? For ; Several Texts of Scripture ( of which more anon ) being cited by the Missioner , To prove the Infallibility of the Church of Rome , The Plain-man thus Reply's . I must confess these are great Privileges , but I have been told these belong to the Universal Church , composed of all Christians . So that if you can shew me 5. That these promises were made to the Roman Church , or That she is the only true Church of Christ , I shall most willingly hear you . [ Missioners Answer . p. 14. ] This Demand was rational and to the purpose . To which the Missioner makes this Answer . This may be easily made clear to you , if you do but remember what I told you we mean by the Roman Catholic Church . [ p. 15. ] And what was it that he had told him ? Even this ( but then you must take it upon his word ) The Church of Rome is the Catholic Church . And further this Deponent saith not . Now in kindness to this Missioner ( that I may direct him in his Proof , which I 'le assure him is expected from him ) I shall a little more distinctly examine this matter . Whoever shall pretend to prove that the Church of Rome is the Catholick Church , He must consider . 1. The nature of the Christian Church . 2. He must examine , Why , and upon what account the Christian Church is stiled Catholic . And from thence he will be prepared to determine ; Whether the Church of Rome is the Catholic Church . As to the nature of the Christian Church , the Trent-Catechism , out of St. Augustine , doth thus instruct us . Ecclesia est Populus fidelis per universum orbem dispersus . Cat. Rom. P. 1. c. 10. Sect. 2. The Christian Church is , The Company of Believers [ A Society of men professing the Faith of Christ ] dispersed and scatter'd over all the world . And this Church is stiled Catholick in these Two respects . 1. With respect to the Persons who make this Profession . Who are not now confined to one Nation , or limited to one People , as the Jewish Church was . But in every Nation , he that feareth God , and worketh Righteousness , is accepted with him . Hence St. Augustine . [ Ep. 170. ] tells us . The Church is called CATHOLIC , because it is spread throughout the whole World. 2. With respect to the Faith which is professed . And so Catholic is the same with sound and Orthod●x . In which sense Particular Churches , and the Bishops of those Churches , in antient Writings , are often stiled Catholic ; in opposition to Hereticks and Schismaticks . Now in whether of these Two respects will this Missioner pretend , that the Church of Rome is the Catholic Church ? 1. Will he affirm that she is Catholic with respect to the Persons who make this Profession ? Then , she is the whole Church . Then , there is no other Church but the Roman ( taking in those other Churches which submit to her Authority , ) In short ; Then the Roman-Catholics alone do make Profession of Christianity , and there are no other Christians in the World but Papists . If this be his meaning , for his conviction , let me then desire him to resolve me . When any Member of the Church of England is reconciled , as they phrase it , to the Church of Rome ; Was that Person , before his Reconciliation , a Member of the Church of Christ , or was he not ? Was he a Christian , or was he not ? If not Why then do they not admit him into the Church by Baptism ? But if this Missioner is forced to grant ; That such a Convert was a Christian , and a Member of the Church of Christ even before he was a Roman-Catholic ; Then , there are other Christians besides Papists ; and there are other Churches besides the Roman . Then the Church of Rome is not the Whole Church ; and consequently , in this first sense of the wo●d , is not the Catholic Church . But 2. Will this Missioner pretend , That the Church of Rome is the Catholic Church , in the other notion of the word , i. e. Sound and Orthodox ? If this be his Project 't is then expected , that he prepare us an Answer to that larg Bill of Indictment , which the Reformed Writers have prefer'd against her . And when he shall have given us Satisfaction , as to all those Errors and Corruptions with which she is charged ; As for instance The Sacrifice of the Mass ; Transubstantiation , Half-Communion , Prayers in an unknown Tongue , Worship of Images , Invocation of Saints , Purgatory and Prayers for the Dead , &c. Then , and not till then , we may grant ; That the Church of Rome is Catholic in this Second sense of the word : And that she is a Sound and Orthodox Church . And so I leave him to his Defence ( which he may prepare at his leasure ) and proceed to consider his Second Supposition , viz : 2. That the Bishop of Rome is the Supream Pastor of the Church of Christ . This is the Fundamental Article of the Romish Faith. And yet there is not one word of it in the Apostles Creed , which is the Sum of the Christian Faith. No nor yet in the Holy Scriptures , out of which that Creed was taken . That de facto this Supremacy was not granted to the Bishops of Rome , in the first and purest Ages of the Church , but that their Encroachments were still opposed ; is most evidently shewed by the Learnd Dr. Cave , in A Dissertation concerning the Government of the Ancient Church . That the Britannick Churches were ever exempted from all forreign Jurisdiction for the first Six Hundred Years , and so ought to continue ( if this Missioner will be so modest as to hearken to Instruction ) the renowned Arch-Bishop Bramhal hath undeniably proved . And therefore , if prosperous Usurpation may be called in Question , I would ask Quo jure ? This Supremacy of the Pope whence was it ? from Heaven or of Men ? Who gave him this Authority , to Rule and Govern the whole Church of Christ ? ch Their usual pretence for such exorbitant Power , is known to be this , viz. That our Blessed Saviour , before his Ascension , did constitute St. Peter his Vicar , Deputy and Vicegerent : and as such gave him a Monarchical Supremacy and Jurisdiction over the rest of the Apostles , and the whole Church . The which Supremacy was not Personal and Temporary , to cease with his Person ( as the Apostleship did ) but was to be transfer'd to his Successor . The which Successor ( say they ) is the Bishop of Rome . This is their Plea. In confirmation of which these following Propositions must be established . 1. That St. Peter had a Primacy over the Apostles . 2. That this Primacy did include a Supremacy of Power , and Dominion or Jurisdiction over the Apostles . 3. That St. Peters Primacy with its Rights and Prerogatives was not Personal , but derivable , to his Successors . 4. That St. Peter was Bishop of Rome , and continued till his Death in possession of that Office. 5. That the Bishops of Rome , as Successors of St. Peter ( according to Gods institution and by original Right derived thence ) should have an Universal Supremacy and Jurisdiction over the Christian Church . 6. That in fact the Roman Bishops continually from St. Peters time have enjoyed and excercised this Sovereign Power . 7. That this Power is indefectible and unalterable . These are the Pillars of the Romish Cause . And therefore if this Missioner will be shewing his skill , let him practise upon these Points . But when he attempts it he shall find to his cost , that the Learned Dr. Barrow hath examined them before him : In his excellent Treatise of the Pope's Supremacy . To which I refer him . So much for that . I am next to examined his Third Supposition viz. 3. That the Catholic Church , spread over the face of the whole world , is in Communion with the Bishop of Rome . To determine this matter , we must consider the nature of Church-Communion . Of which briefly thus . Church-Communion , to speak properly , doth chiefly respect the Universal Church . For to be in Communion with the Church , it is to be a member of the Church Catholick ; in plain terms it is to be a Christian ; as we were made by Baptism , the Seal of the New Covenant . Into which Covenant being thus admitted , we are united to the whole Church . And by virtue of this union , as Church-Members , have a common Right to all Church-Priviledges and Blessings , and a common obligation to all Church-Offices and Duties . The which Communion ( or Communication ) in Religious Duties , though it be limited and restrained , in the use and exercise of it , to particular Churches and Congregations ( for all Christians in the world cannot meet together ) yet all such Acts of Worship ( as Prayers , Sacraments , Hearing the word , &c. ) are performed by us , as Members of the Catholic Church . And therefore we are obliged to Communicate in these Duties , not only with our own National Church but also , if our occasions do call us abroad , with any other Church in the world : Provided that we may do it upon Catholic Terms and Conditions . These things premised , we are now prepared to Determine , How far the Catholic Church , spread over the face of the whole world , is in Communion with the Bishop of Rome . Which will easily be decided by observing . That there is a Twofold Communion . 1. Of Co-ordination or Friendship . 2. Subordination or Subjection . As to the former we may safely affirm ; All the Churches in the world are thus far in Communion with the Bishop of Rome ; That they may own him for a Christian Bishop ; as acknowledging the Church of Rome to be a true Church , though indeed a very corrupt Church . And if they do not Communicate further with him , it is his own fault . But this it it seems will not satisfie this Missioner : Who most vainly fancy 's that there is no Communion without Subjection . And that no Church can be in Communion with the Church of Rome , without submitting to her Authority . When therefore it is affirmed ; That the Catholic Church is thus Subject to the Bishop of Rome : If this Missioner pleads ; That de facto all other Churches are actually thus Subject ; we then deny it ; for the greater part of Christendom doth protest against the Errors , and oppose the Usurpations of the Bishop of Rome . But if he contends that de jure they ought so to be , and that this Subjection is their Duty , then let him prove it . What I have now said , is sufficient to convince this Missioner , of his mistaken Notion of the Church of Rome . Which if he thinks fit to Defend , he must then prove . 1. That the Church of Rome is the Catholic Church . i.e. He must convince us , Either ( 1. ) That she is the whole Church , and that there is no other Church besides her ; or else ( 2. ) That she is the only true and Orthodox Church . 2. That the Bishop of Rome is the Supream Pastor of the Church of Christ . Which when he hath proved , I shall then grant him . 3. That the Catholic Church spread over the face of the whole world , is in Communion with i. e. is Subject to the Bishop of Rome . And here should I now hold my Pen , and proceed no further in my Reflections , I have given this Missioner work enough . But if he will be so modest as to confess his mistake , I 'le help him to a better Definition of the Church of Rome , and less liable to exception . By the Roman Church , we do not understand the particular Diocess of Rome ; but we understand , that vastly extended Community of Christians which hold Communion with the Church of Rome , submitting themselves to the Bishop of Rome as to their Head ; so that whatsoever he Decrees with a General Council they embrace as the Definition of the true Church , which they hold Infallible . [ Question of Questions , Sect. 17. p. 373. ] Had this Missioner been so prudent as to have consulted this Author ( whom he was pleased to recommend for the Plain-mans Satisfaction ) we might then make short work on 't : and without further diversion , might have proceeded to the Second Inquiry , viz. 2. What is meant by Infallible ? Which he thus explains . By the word Infallibility we do not mean only Indefectibility and Duration , but an unerring Direction in necessary points of Faith. So that when we say the Church ( of Rome ) is infallible , we mean ; that Almighty God hath given an Authoritative Power to the Church ( of Rome ) to declare , in case of Differences , which is the Faith which was once delivered to the Saints , Jude 3. So that in case of Differences about the sense of Scripture , or any divinely revealed Truths , the Church ( of Rome ) is to decide the Difference , and end the Controversie . And to perform this , we say , she is assisted by the Spirit of Almighty God , who , as he hath ordained her for our Direction , so he secures her from erring whilst she Directs . Which assistance we call Infallibility . [ Missioners Answer . p. 10. ] This he endeavours to confirm , by inquiring Thirdly , 3. From whence had she [ the Church of Rome ] this Authority of unerring Guidance ? ( p. 11. ) To which he gives us this Answer . You must not think that the Church [ of Rome ] has this power from her self ; for we know that all men may fail ; All Communities and Assemblies are subject to error and mistakes ( where then is the Infallibility of Oral Tradition ? ) But she has it from God himself , who is faitful and true to his Promises . ( Ibid. ) But 4. How doth it appear that the Church of Rome is thus Infallible , and that God hath made her these Promises of unerring Guidance ? ( Ibid. ) This he tells us , is evident from the plain Testimonies of Holy Scripture , both Old and New Testament ( Ibid. ) Thus far I do readily Subscribe ; That if the Church of Rome is Infallible , She must have this Priviledg from God himself . And if there is such a Promise of unerring Guidance it must be found in the Holy Scriptures . Let it therefore appear from those Sacred Writings , that God hath promised such an unerring Guidance to the Church of Rome , and I shall then Dispute no further , but submit to her Direction . Now to prove this Infallibility , this Missioner hath cited Twenty Places of Scripture , which the Question of Questions tells him are in the Bible . But how little they are to his purpose , I do thus endeavour to convince him , by examining them in their order . His First Text is that noted Place , Deut. 17. 8. &c. From whence the Argument is this . The Jewish Church was Infallible , Therefore The Church of Rome is Infallible . To which I thus Answer . Both Propositions , Antecedent and Consequent , are false . And , First , it doth not appear from this Place of Scripture ( nor indeed from any other ) That the Jewish Church was Infallible . From what Circumstance in this Text will the Missioner infer such a Conclusion ? Was it 1. Because in that Church there was a Supream Court of Judicature , from whence there was no Appeal ? Or 2. Because the Priests , the Levites , and the Judg were to give Sentence ? Or 3. Was it because the contemner of this Sentence was to be put to Death ? Now if these Passages do prove Infallibility , there was 〈◊〉 Infallibility in the State as well as in the Church : in the Judg , the Civil Magistrate no less then the Priest : and ●n every Inferior Priest as well as the High Priest . But I need not insist on these Suggestions ▪ since there is no arguing against matter of Fact. If therefore it doth appear ▪ in any instance , That the Jewish Church [ or the Roman ] hath actually erred ; 't is too late to pretend that she is Infallible . To convince him that she hath erred I Demand of this Missioner ; The Sentence of the Sanhedrim , whereby our Blessed Saviour was condemned as a Blasphemer , was it a just and Legal Sentence , or was it not ? If not . Then the Jewish Church , which pronounced it , was not Infallible . And consequently this Argument , so triumphantly repeated , is utterly lost . But if this Missioner dares pretend ; That the Sentence of the Sanhedrim was a Legal Sentence ; and that the Holy Jesus was justly condemn'd as a Blasphemer ; let him take heed ; least contending for Infallibility ; he forfeits his Christianity . However , for Arguments sake , suppose it were granted ; That the Jewish Church was Infallible ; Must it thence be inferr'd ; That the Christian Church hath the same Priviledg ? Yes doubtless , think 's this Missioner . For to her hath been given a Covenant with better Promises . True ! But was Infallibility any of those Promises ? This ought not be supposed but proved . But now let it be further granted ; That the Christian Church is Infallible ? What 's this to the Church of Rome ? Is there no other Church besides the Roman ? Or , Is she only the true Church of Christ ? Let the Missioner prove this ; And I shall most willingly hear him . [ Missioners Answer . p. 15. ] Secondly , He fills up his Pages with several other Places out of the Old Testament . Which I shall only transcribe , and then it will sufficiently appear they are nothing to his purpose . He tells us , The Church shall be like a Mountain upon the top of Mountains , Isa . 22. Like a Tabernacle seated in the Sun , Ps . 18. 4. That all Nations shall flow unto her . That Kings shall be her Nursing Fathers , and Queens her Nursing Mothers , Isa . 49. 23. That all the ends of the Earth shall remember , and turn unto the Lord , and all the Kindred of the Nations shall worship before him , Psal . 22. 27. Besides these plain Prophecies which [ speak not one word of the Infallibility of the Church of Rome but ] only shew the Visibility , Universality and Durance of the Christian Church , which are not now the Dispute , and therefore shall be consider'd when occasion is offered ; I say , besides these , we are told that in this House of the God of Jacob , he himself will teach us his ways ; and will judg amongst the Nations , Isa . 2. 3 , 4. And then certainly we shall neither be taught an Error , nor have a wrong Sentence . [ Missioners Answer p. 12 , 13. ] That 's granted . God will certainly teach us Truth . And we shall never err . Provided , that we follow his Instructions . Now all extraordinary ways being ceased , the Divine wisdom ordinarily doth instruct us only by the Scriptures . Which , as St. Peter hath admonished us , are a more sure word of Prophecy then a voice from Heaven . Whereunto ye do well that ye take heed , as unto a light that shineth in a dark place . 2 Pet. 1. 19. These Holy Scriptures are the good old way . By walking in which the way-faring men , though fools , shall not err , Isa . 35. 8. [ Missioners Answer . p. 12 , 21 , 22. ] For the Testimony of the Lord is sure , and giveth wisdom unto the simple , Psal . 19 7. But now if the Church of Rome , for instance , shall leave this good old way of Truth , to wander in By-paths of her own ; If she shall neglect , vilify and forsake the Holy Scriptures , to follow her own blind Traditions ; 'T is not her confidence that she is in the Right , that can keep her out of the Ditch , or secure her from falling . He tells us moreover , That God will not be wroth with his Church , neither shall his kindness depart from her , nor the Covenant of his peace be removed . That all her Children shall be taught of the Lord , That she shall be established in righteousness . That whosoever shall gather together against her , shall fall for her sake . And that every Tongue that shall rise against her in judgment shall be condemned by her . This is the Heritage of the Servants of the Lord and their righteousness is of me saith the Lord Isa . 54. Furthermore he tells us , that God hath made a Covenant with his Church . That his Spirit shall be upon her , and his words which he hath put into her mouth , shall not depart out of her mouth , nor out of the mouth of her seed , nor out of the mouth of her seeds seed , saith the Lord , from henceforth and for ever . Isa . 59. 20 , 21. You see here a promise to the Church in all Ages , that she shall speak the very words which God shall put into her mouth , and therefore no Errors . [ pag. 13. ] To all this flourish I briefly Reply in the words of Mr. Chillingworth . If the Church of Rome be Zion and they that turn from iniquity in Jacob , they may have Title to this Covenant . If not ; They must forbear , and leave it to the Jews after their Conversion . To whom it is appropriated by a more Infallible Interpreter than the Pope ; I mean St. Paul Rom. 11. 26. And it seems the Church of Rome also believes as much . For otherwise why does she in the Margent of her Bible , send us to that place of St. Paul for an Exposition ? [ Addit . Discourses . p. 36. ] Out of the New Testament he hath cited several Texts , which I shall set down in their order , with short remarks upon them . Math. 16. 18. Vpon this Rock I will build my Church : and the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it . pag. 13. This Text hath been so often and so fully Answer'd , that I admire the confidence of this Missioner , who at this time can pretend to urge it . In short . This Text is a Promise of the Perpetuity of the Catholick Church : But not of the Infallibility [ no nor the Perpetuity ] of the Roman Church . Matth : 28. 20. And I am with you alway even unto the end of the World. Amen . What You ? only You of the Church of Rome ? Are there no other Pastors and Teachers besides You in the Church of Christ ? But doth Presenc● signify Infallibility ? Hath he not promised ; Where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them , Matth : 18. 20. And are all such Assemblies Infallible ? John 14. 16. I will pray the Father ▪ and he shall give you another Comforter , that he may abide with you for ever . V. 17. even the Spirit of Truth , whom the World cannot receive . V. 26. He shall teach you all things , and bring all things to your remembrance , whatsoever I have said unto you . Ch. 16. V. 13. When he the Spirit of truth is come , he will guide you into all truth : for he shall not speak of himself ; but whatsoever he shall hear , that shall be speak ; and he will shew you things to come . What hath the Church of Rome to do with these Scriptures ? Did the Church of Rome ever hear the Sermons and Discourses of our Blessed Saviour ? If not . How can they be brought to her Remembrance ? Is it not therefore evident , from several Passages in both those Chapters , that these Promises do belong only to the Apostles , who personally conversed with our Saviour . As being made to those , To whom he had many more things to say , which they were not yet able to bear . To those who had been with Christ from the Beginning . To those from whom Christ was now going away . And whom he had before told of his Departure . Lastly , to whom the Holy Ghost was to shew Things to come . A Promise , which the present Church of Rome dares not pretend to . If here it shall be urged that the Clause for ever must needs extend this Promise beyond their own Persons , and so to their Successors . To this I Answer . 1. This for ever signifies no more then to the end of their Lives . According to those known Forms of Speech . This is mine for ever . Or This shall be yours for ever . 2. Suppose these Promises had been made to them and their Successors ? Had they no Successors but them of the Roman Church ? This hath been confidently pretended , but was never yet proved . Math : 18. 17. And if he shall neglect to hear them , tell it unto the Church : but if he neglect to hear the Church , let him be unto thee as an Heathen man and a Publican . pag. 14. What Church is this that must be heard ? The Church of Rome only ? nothing less . 'T is evident by the Church in this Text , can be meant no other than that particular Church , of which the offending Brother was a Member . But suppose that by the Church were meant the Church of Rome , and that this Church of Rome were to be heard and obey'd . What then ? Is she therefore Infallible ? Are all those that are to be heard and obey'd Infallible ? Are not Kings and Parents and Masters and Prelates and Abbots ; are not all these to be heard and obey'd ? And are all these Infallible ? Matth : 28. 19. compared with Mark. 16. 15 , 16. Go ye therefore and Teach all Nations — and preach the Gospel to every creature . He that believeth and is baptized , shall be saved ; but he that believeth not shall be damned , p. 14. What then ? Therefore The Church of Rome is Infallible . This is such a Demonstration as Euclid never dreamed on . 1 Tim : 3. 15. — That thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thy self in the house of God , which is the Church of the living God the pillar and ground of the truth . p. 14. The Church Catholick , without controversie , is the Pillar and Ground of the Truth . Nay ! even Particular Churches , as sound parts and members of the Catholick ▪ and the Bishops of those Churches , may be adorned with that Title . But what●s this to the Church of Rome ? Which is neither the Catholick Church , nor a sound Member of it . Indeed had Timothy been Bishop of Rom● , I should then have been obliged to examine , how and in what sense a Particular Church may be called , the Pillar and ground of the truth , without being Infallible . But since he was Bishop of Ephesus and not of Rome ; and since the Infallibility of Rome and not of Ephesus is to be proved , there is no occasion for that Inquiry . Ephes : 4. 11 , 12 , 14. And he gave some , Apostles : and some Prophets : and some , Evangelists : and some , Pastors and Teachers ; for the perfecting of the Saints — that we henceforth be no more Children , tossed to and fro , and carried about with every wind of doctrine , by the sleight of men , and cunning craftiness , whereby they lie in wait to deceive : but speaking the truth in love , may grow up in him in all things , who is the head , even Christ . p. 14. Amongst all these Orders here 's no mention of an Infallible Judge of Controversies , much less that this Judg is only to be found in the Church of Rome . And thus I have briefly shewed , how impertinently these Scriptures have been urged by this Missioner . When I say Impertinently , I do not thereby blame the conduct of this Writer ( who hath taken the true method to defend his Church ) but by that word do only express the weakness of his Cause . Which hath been so often and so effectually exposed , that it may well puzzle , even the skill of a Missioner , to make a decent Defence . And indeed it is no little surprizing to observe , how perplexing and confused an Answer is here given , to the most plain and easy Question . The Plain-man having often been admonished , to return ( as they Phrase it ) into the Bosom of the Church of Rome : and as a further inducement to hasten his Change , having been assur'd ; That the Church of Rome is Infallible ; and that Protestant Churches , for want of this Infallibility , are neither able to interpret Scripture , nor compose Differences in matters of Faith : I say being thus admonished , he makes this short Reply viz. That if the Church of Rome is infallible as they pretend , it would be a seasonable Charity to instruct him in this matter . This is the Substance of that little Treatise . Which indeed is no other then a Paraphrase upon this Question . Who is this Infallible Judg ; that so upon occasion I may consult him ? Tell me distinctly ▪ Who is this unerring Guid ? Where may I find him ? And I do faithfully promise to resign my self to his Conduct . [ Plain-mans Reply . p. 18 , 19 , 22. ] Observe now what Answer the Missioner hath given to this important Question . Pray mark it . 'T is worth your notice . Mistake me not I pray , I tell you distinctly , that the Church is my infallible Guide . And this Church is to be found spread over the face of the whole World , I may therefore securely rely upon what she teacheth , without troubling my self to search whether this or that particular Person in her be Infallible or no. [ Missioners Answer . p. 16 ] A most learned Determination . And very much , no doubt , to the satisfaction of the Plain-man . For whose further Instruction , I do thus expostulate with this Missioner . The Country Parson to the Missioner . YOu say , Sir , the Church is my Infallible Guide . Pray , what do you mean by this Church ? Is it , in your Language , the Teaching Church , or the Learning part of the Church ? p. 14. Or , in more proper Terms , Is it the Church Representative , or the Church Diffusive ? sure not the Church Diffusive . For that comprehends every private Christian , even the most ordinary Mechanick . And in case of Differences about the sense of Scripture , or any Divinely revealed Truths , I hope these are no fit Persons to decide the Difference , and end the Controversy . [ Missioners Answer . p. 10. ] It remains therefore , That the Church Representative is this Infallible Guide . And then our next thought is to inquire ; who this infallible Representative is . And though you assured the Plain-man , That he may securely rely upon what the Church teacheth , without troubling himself to search whether this or that particular Person in her be infallible or no ; [ pag. 16. ] yet in contradiction to your self you are forced to Declare ; That a General Council , the Supream Court of Judicature , is the Legal Infallible Representative of the Church . p. 18. So that whether the Controversie be about the sense of Scripture , or about the Canon of a Council , there must be a Living Judg to determine it ; and this I say , is the Church in her General Councils , in which she is secured from Error . p. 19. And now why was not this acknowledgment made at the first ? When the Plain-man desired you to tell him distinctly ; who is this Infallible Guide , why did you not then roundly and boldly Answer ; I tell you distinctly A General Council is my Infallible Guide ? Why such shuffling and shifting in so plain a matter ? Doth not this evidently confirm the Plain-mans suspicion ; That since your Discourses about this Infallibility are so various and uncertain , expressed with such diffidence and caution , he can scarce think you believe it your selves ? [ Plain-mans Reply . p. 8. ] However at last you have taken the courage to Declare ; That a General Council is this Living Infallible Judg , this unerring Guide . The truth of which pretence I do thus briefly examine . In St. Mathew's Gospel the Plain-man finds these words . And he took the Cup , and gave thanks , and gave it to them , saying , Drink ye ALL of it , Math. 26 , 27. This Text , he observes , is controverted betwixt the two Churches , and the sense of it Disputed . The Church of England ( in obedience to that last precept of her Lord , Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you , ( Math. 28. 20. ) hath thus Determined . The Cup of the Lord is not to be denied to the Lay-people : For both the parts of the Lords Sacrament , by Christs ordinance and commandment , ought to be ministred to all Christian men alike . ART . 30. But the Church of Rome ( in direct opposition to our Lords Command ) hath thus Decreed , in her Councils of Constance and Trent . Although our Redeemer hath instituted the Sacrament in his last Supper , and hath delivered unto the Apostles in both kinds . Yet , The Synod hath decreed , That it should be received for a Law , that the Sacrament be adminstred in one kind . And whosoever shall say , That by the command of God , all the Faithful ought to receive in both kinds ; Let him be accursed . Concil . Const . Sess . 13. Concil . Trident. Sess . 21. Cap. 2. 3. Can. 1. Now my Plain-man desires to be instructed , whether Church is in the right ? The Church of England which gives the Cup to Lay-people ; or the Church of Rome which denies it . If his Reason might be Judge , he is then convinced ; that the Church of England is Orthodox , and holds the truth in this matter . For he thinks it very reasonable , in the Administration of a Sacrament , to observe the Institution of our Blessed Saviour . But you Missioners do tell him , he must not judg by Reason , but must submit to the Authority of an infallible Judge . Well! 't is now hoped at last we shall bring the matter to a short issue . You have declared ; That whether the Controversie be about the sense of Scripture , or about the Canon of a Council , there must be a living Judg to determine it ; and this you say is a General Council . [ Missioners Answer . p. 19. ] I demand therefore , and answer me distinctly . Is there any General Council actually now sitting , which ( by its infallible Authority ) may explain this Text and determine these Controverted Canons , of the Councils of Constance and Trent ? If there is such a Council , pray where is it to be found ? in what part of the world are the Fathers assembled ? But if there is no such Council . Then there is no Living infallible Judg , to Determine this Controversie about Half-Communion . I am not able to conjecture , what you can possibly say to this , unless you will be so dull as to repeat your own words , viz. That as there is not any General Council actually now sitting , to end our Controversies , so neither needs there any , the Church having so fully expressed her self in the Canons and Definitions of her preceeding Councils , and in particular in that of Trent . p. 19. I say , to urge this would be dull and impertinent . For you your self have confessed ; That these Canons of preceeding Councils are but mere Writings , and a mere Writing can be no Judg though indeed it may be a Rule . So that these Decrees of former Councils being mere Writings they cannot , in case of a Controversie arising about their sense , determine themselves and explain their own meaning . So that in such a case as this , Where there is a Controversie about the Canon of a Council , there must be a Living Judg , which you say , is a General Council . Now , Sir , to make Application . Here is a Canon of the Council of Trent [ Sess . 21. Can. 1. ] That is controverted , and the sense of it Disputed . I do again beg of you to resolve me ; Where is this Living Judg , this General Council , to determine this Canon ? If there is none ; Then the evidence of Truth doth constrain me to pronounce ; That there is no Living Infallible Judg in the present Church of Rome . These Things are plain and convincing , and admit of no Reply . But some men , I observe , are not to be silenced . These Missioners are so trained up , even from their Childhood , in the habit of wrangling ( which they call Disputing ) that they will hold the Conclusion in spight of all Premisses . And you , Sir , for your part will be still saying something , though nothing to the purpose . For thus you go on . You have granted ; That when there is a Controversie about the Canon of a Council , there must then be a living Judg to determine it : another Council must be called . But , say you , pray take notice , that we have no such Controversie at present . All persons are agreed as to what this Church hath defined , and the sense of her Canons is not Controverted . We see it in her Practice , we read it in her Catechisms , we hear it from her Pastors , &c. p. 20 — Hold Sir , What a hurry of words is here to no purpose ? How ? The sense of her Canons not co●●roverted ? Were I not come to the very end of my Paper , I would refresh your 〈◊〉 on both sides . I could convince you of your mistake , from the great Lateran Council ; Can. 3. de Hareticis . Which hath been the subject of infinite Debate and Controversie . I forbear to repeat it at large , for a Reason that you know ; and shall only demand ; Whether the Deposing Power , is the establish'd Doctrine of the Church of Rome , or no ? The Papist Represented P. 1. pag. 47 , shall resolve you in these words . For the few Authors that are Abettors of this Doctrine , there are of his Communion three times the number , that publickly disown all such Authority . I am not , at present , concerned to examine , How many these few Authors may be . Bellarm. adv . Barcl . de Potest . Pap. produceth the Testimony of neer Fourscore for the Popes Temporal Power ; and almost all of them do plainly own his Power of Deposing Kings . But be they more or less , 't is sufficient for my purpose ; That some do affirm what others deny , and consequently ; That this 3d Canon of the Council of Lateran is controverted , and the sense of it Disputed . I could descend to the Council of Trent . And there remind you of Soto , Vega , and Catharinus ; Who had large Disputes about the sense of that Council . From whence the Historian makes this remark . This seemed to put all men out of hope to understand the meaning of the 〈…〉 the principal men that were 〈…〉 in it , did not agree , pag. 230. 〈◊〉 I must confine my self to this in●●●●●… now before us . Where indeed the Question is not de facto , whether you deny the Cup to Lay-people ? For we see it in your Practice , we read it in your Catechisms , we hear it from your Pastors . But the Question is de jure . Whether the Church of Rome hath Authority , to null and contradict the Institution of our Blessed Saviour ? And whether in so doing the Church of Rome is not mistaken , hath not actually erred , and so lost her Infallibility ? For , if in this or any other instance , we can prove that she hath actually erred , 't is too late to pretend that she is Infallible . This is the point wherein my Plain-man desires to be resolved . And now , where is this living Judg , this General Council actually now sitting to determine this Controversie ? I say , actually now sitting ; for when the Council is dissolved , and the Prelates and Fathers are in another world , it doth then cease to be a Living Judge . To conclude . If , as you say , a General Council is this Infallible Judg , this unerring Guide ; Then , since there is no General Council actually now sitting , it undeniably follows ; That there is no living Infallible Judg in the present Church of Rome . The Plain-man to the Missioner . Sir , This Discourse of our Parson , against the Infallibility of the Church of Rome , seems to me very convincing ; and therefore I desire your Answer to it . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A26061-e650 Country Parsons Admonition pag. 15.