PREFACE.

The fourth point is: that It is not permitted to depart from its doctrine; or, in other terms, that It is infallible.

The first point is founded upon the constant fact: that The term CHURCH, in Scripture and thence in the common language of the Faithful, always signifies A VISIBLE SOCIETY.—

The second point, that The Church always exists, is no less certain: because it is founded on the Promises of Jesus Christ, concerning which all parties are agreed.

Hence we clearly must infer the third point, that The truth is always professed by the Society of the Church: for the Church being only visible in the profession of the truth, it follows that if it always exists, and if it is always visible, it cannot possibly do otherwise than always teach and profess the truth of the Gospel.

Whence, with equal clearness, will follow the fourth point: that We cannot be permitted to say that The Church is in error, or that It has departed from its doctrine.

And all this is founded upon the Promise, which is confessed among all parties. For the same Promise which ensures that The Church should always exist, ensures likewise that It should always be in the state