350 Thus, with due reverence to the Apostle's writ, By which my sons are taught, to which submit; I think those truths their sacred works contain, The Church alone can certainly explain; That following ages, leaning on the past, May rest upon the Primitive at last. Nor would I thence the Word no rule infer, But none without the Church-interpreter. Because, as I have urged before, 'tis mute, And is itself the subject of dispute. 360 But what the Apostles their successors taught, They to the next, from them to us is brought, The undoubted sense which is in Scripture sought. From hence the Church is arm'd, when errors rise, To stop their entrance, and prevent surprise; And, safe entrench'd within, her foes without defies. By these all festering sores her Councils heal, Which time or has disclosed, or shall reveal; For discord cannot end without a last appeal. Nor can a Council national decide, 370 But with subordination to her guide; (I wish the cause were on that issue tried.) Much less the Scripture; for suppose debate Betwixt pretenders to a fair estate, Bequeath'd by some legator's last intent; (Such is our dying Saviour's Testament:) The will is proved, is open'd, and is read; The doubtful heirs their differing titles plead: All vouch the words their interest to maintain, And each pretends by those his cause is plain. 380 Shall then the Testament award the right? No, that's the Hungary for which they fight; The field of battle, subject of debate; The thing contended for, the fair estate. The sense is intricate, 'tis only clear What vowels and what consonants are there. Therefore 'tis plain, its meaning must be tried Before some judge appointed to decide. Suppose, the fair apostate said, I grant, The faithful flock some living guide should want, 390 Your arguments an endless chase pursue; Produce this vaunted leader to our view, This mighty Moses of the chosen crew.