M. Harding.M. Hardinge.

M. Harding.

M. Hardinge.

For as much as the scriptures, wherein God speaketh unto us, be in sundry places not most open and plain to^* human senses, and many by mistaking them be deceived: were it not well done of you, for the more surety, and better understanding of that ye go about, I mean, in matters concerning ⟨p. 593⟩religion,² to follow the judgement of the Catholic Church represented in general councils? Yea we say boldly, that surer it is in points of faith to lean to the^‡ exposition of the Fathers agreeing together, and to follow the tradition of the Church: then to trust to your selves, or to the letter of the scriptures, scanned only by your own wits. For the Church is promised to be lead into all Truth by the holy Ghost. Ye cannot say, any such promise hath ben made to your particular company. Therefore it were not fondly done, as ye say, but wisely, say we, if ye tried, and examined your Doctrine, which ye pretend to be according unto the Scriptures, by the^* rule of Ecclesiastical Tradition, which is the chief rule to try every Doctrine by.

For as mutche as the scriptures, wherein God speaketh vnto vs, be in sundrie places not moste open and plaine to^* humaine senses, and many by mistakinge them be deceiued: were it not wel done of you, for the more suretie, and better vnderstandinge of that ye goe about, I meane, in matters concerninge ⟨p. 593⟩