That their own sheep their shepherd should obey. But if you mean yourselves are only sound, } That doctrine turns the reformation round, } And all the rest are false reformers found;} Because in sundry points you stand alone, } Not in communion joined with any one; } And therefore must be all the church, or none.} Then, till you have agreed whose judge is best, Against this forced submission they protest; While sound and sound a different sense explains, Both play at hardhead till they break their brains; And from their chairs each other's force defy, While unregarded thunders vainly fly. I pass the rest, because your church alone Of all usurpers best could fill the throne. But neither you, nor any sect beside, } For this high office can be qualified, } With necessary gifts required in such a guide.} For that, which must direct the whole, must be} Bound in one bond of faith and unity; } But all your several churches disagree. } The consubstantiating church[164] and priest Refuse communion to the Calvinist; The French reformed from preaching you restrain, } Because you judge their ordination vain;[165] } And so they judge of yours, but donors must ordain.} In short, in doctrine, or in discipline, Not one reformed can with another join; But all from each, as from damnation, fly: No union they pretend, but in non-popery. Nor, should their members in a synod meet, Could any church presume to mount the seat, Above the rest, their discords to decide; None would obey, but each would be the guide; And face to face dissensions would increase, For only distance now preserves the peace. All in their turns accusers, and accused; Babel was never half so much confused; What one can plead, the rest can plead as well;} For amongst equals lies no last appeal, } And all confess themselves are fallible. } Now, since you grant some necessary guide, All who can err are justly laid aside; Because a trust so sacred to confer } Shows want of such a sure interpreter;} And how can he be needful who can err?} Then, granting that unerring guide we want, That such there is you stand obliged to grant; Our Saviour else were wanting to supply Our needs, and obviate that necessity. It then remains, that church can only be The guide, which owns unfailing certainty; Or else you slip your hold, and change your side, Relapsing from a necessary guide. But this annexed condition of the crown, } Immunity from errors, you disown; } Here then you shrink, and lay your weak pretensions down.[166]} For petty royalties you raise debate; } But this unfailing universal state }