Suppose (though I disown it), said the Hind, 70 The certain mansion were not yet assign'd; The doubtful residence no proof can bring Against the plain existence of the thing. Because philosophers may disagree If sight by emission or reception be, Shall it be thence inferr'd, I do not see? But you require an answer positive, Which yet, when I demand, you dare not give; For fallacies in universals live. I then affirm that this unfailing guide 80 In Pope and General Councils must reside; Both lawful, both combined: what one decrees By numerous votes, the other ratifies: On this undoubted sense the Church relies. 'Tis true, some doctors in a scantier space, I mean, in each apart, contract the place. Some, who to greater length extend the line, The Church's after-acceptation join. This last circumference appears too wide; The Church diffused is by the Council tied; 90 As members by their representatives Obliged to laws which Prince and Senate gives. Thus some contract, and some enlarge the space: In Pope and Council, who denies the place, Assisted from above with God's unfailing grace? Those canons all the needful points contain; Their sense so obvious, and their words so plain, That no disputes about the doubtful text Have hitherto the labouring world perplex'd. If any should in after-times appear, 100 New Councils must be call'd, to make the meaning clear: Because in them the power supreme resides; And all the promises are to the guides. This may be taught with sound and safe defence; But mark how sandy is your own pretence, Who, setting Councils, Pope, and Church aside, Are every man his own presuming guide. The Sacred Books, you say, are full and plain. And every needful point of truth contain: All who can read interpreters may be: 110 Thus, though your several Churches disagree, Yet every saint has to himself alone The secret of this philosophic stone. These principles your jarring sects unite, When differing doctors and disciples fight. Though Luther, Zuinglius, Calvin, holy chiefs, Have made a battle royal of beliefs; Or, like wild horses, several ways have whirl'd The tortured text about the Christian world; Each Jehu lashing on with furious force, 120 That Turk or Jew could not have used it worse; No matter what dissension leaders make, Where every private man may save a stake: Ruled by the Scripture and his own advice, Each has a blind by-path to Paradise; Where, driving in a circle, slow or fast, Opposing sects are sure to meet at last. A wondrous charity you have in store For all reform'd to pass the narrow door: So much, that Mahomet had scarcely more. 130 For he, kind prophet, was for damning none;