How does this affect the decision of controversies of faith?
As those controversies are chiefly decided by appeals to Holy Writ, the Church has authority by this means to determine the standard of appeal.
How is the Church "a keeper of Holy Writ?"
Inasmuch as she watches over the copies of it, to preserve them from corruption, and possesses authority to dispense the doctrine it contains to the people.
How does this affect her authority in controversies of faith?
She decides them by declaring the correct reading and true meaning of Holy Writ.
What cautions is she bound to observe in so doing?
Not to ordain or decree any thing to be believed which is contrary to Scripture, not to expound one place of Scripture so as to make it repugnant to another, and not to enforce any thing to be believed for necessity of salvation, in addition to that which may be gathered from the Word of God.
How does the Church enforce her authority?
By excluding from office or privilege those who refuse to comply with her rites and ceremonies, or who deny her doctrines.
How are we to be informed of the decisions or decrees of the Church?
By universal custom, by universal agreement in doctrine, or by a formal decree of some general council, generally received in the Church.
