Such an omniscient Church we wish indeed: 'Twere worth both Testaments, cast in the Creed: But if this mother be a guide so sure, As can all doubts resolve, all truth secure, Then her infallibility, as well Where copies are corrupt or lame, can tell; Restore lost canon with as little pains, As truly explicate what still remains: Which yet no Council dare pretend to do; 290 Unless, like Esdras, they could write it new: Strange confidence still to interpret true, Yet not be sure that all they have explain'd Is in the blest original contain'd! More safe, and much more modest 'tis to say, God would not leave mankind without a way: And that the Scriptures, though not every where Free from corruption, or entire, or clear, Are uncorrupt, sufficient, clear, entire, In all things which our needful faith require. 300 If others in the same glass better see, 'Tis for themselves they look, but not for me: For my salvation must its doom receive, Not from what others, but what I believe. Must all tradition then be set aside? This to affirm were ignorance or pride. Are there not many points, some needful sure To saving faith, that Scripture leaves obscure? Which every sect will wrest a several way, For what one sect interprets, all sects may. 310 We hold, and say we prove from Scripture plain, That Christ is God; the bold Socinian From the same Scripture urges he's but man. Now, what appeal can end the important suit? Both parts talk loudly, but the rule is mute.