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TO begin therefore with Traditions, which is your forlorn Hope that in the first place we are to set upon: this must I needs tell you before we begin, that you much mistake the matter, if you think that Traditions of all sorts promiscuously are struck at by our Religion. We willingly acknowledge, that the word of God which by some of the Apostles was set down in writing, was both by themselves, and others of their fellow-labourers, delivered by word of mouth: and that the Church in succeeding ages was bound not only to preserve those sacred writings committed to her trust, but also to deliver unto her children vivâ voce the form of wholesome words contained therein. Traditions therefore of this nature, come not within the compass of our controversy: the question being betwixt us de ipsâ doctrinâ traditâ, not de tradendi modo; touching the substance of the doctrine delivered, not of the manner of delivering it. Again, it must be remembered that here we speak of doctrine delivered as the word of God, that is, of points of religion revealed unto the Prophets and Apostles, for the perpetual information of Gods people: not of rites and ceremonies, and other ordinances which are left to the disposition of the Church, and consequently be not of divine but of positive and humane right. Traditions therefore of this kind likewise are not properly brought within the circuit of this question.

TO begin therefore with Traditions, which is your forlorne Hope that in the first place we are to set upon: this must I needes tell you before we begin, that you much mistake the matter, if you thinke that Traditions of all sorts promiscuously are struck at by our Religion. We willingly acknowledge, that the word of God which by some of the Apostles was set downe in writing, was both by themselves, and others of their fellow-labourers, delivered by word of mouth: and that the Church in succeeding ages was bound not only to preserve those sacred writings committed to her trust, but also to deliver unto her children vivâ voce the forme of wholsome words contayned therein. Traditions therefore of this nature, come not within the compasse of our controversie: the question being betwixt us de ipsâ doctrinâ traditâ, not de tradendi modo; touching the substance of the doctrine delivered, not of the maner of delivering it. Againe, it must be remembred that here wee speake of doctrine delivered as the word of God, that is, of points of religion revealed unto the Prophets and Apostles, for the perpetuall information of Gods people: not of rites and ceremonies, and other ordinances which are left to the disposition of the Church, and consequently be not of divine but of positive and humane right. Traditions therefore of this kinde likewise are not properly brought within the circuit of this question.