Selected quad for the lemma: authority_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
authority_n divine_a faith_n infallible_a 4,131 5 9.8328 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61545 A discourse concerning the nature and grounds of the certainty of faith in answer to J.S., his Catholick letters / by Edw. Stillingfleet ... Stillingfleet, Edward, 1635-1699. 1688 (1688) Wing S5582; ESTC R14787 74,966 133

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say_v the_o contrary_a tenet_n be_v ridiculous_a as_o what_o be_v most_o nay_o that_o it_o be_v sottishness_n to_o hold_v it_o and_o to_o deprive_v mankind_n of_o this_o privilege_n of_o judge_v thus_o be_v to_o debar_v he_o of_o the_o light_n and_o use_v of_o his_o reason_n when_o it_o be_v most_o useful_a for_o he_o be_v not_o all_o this_o very_o oblige_v but_o where_o now_o lie_v the_o difference_n why_o true_o if_o his_o discretion_n lead_v he_o to_o the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o tradition_n all_o be_v well_o but_o if_o not_o it_o be_v no_o long_a discretion_n what_o have_v he_o be_v judge_n of_o all_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o already_o and_o be_v he_o to_o seek_v for_o his_o rule_n still_o what_o discretion_n have_v he_o all_o that_o time_n to_o judge_v without_o a_o rule_n what_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n have_v we_o find_v at_o last_o methinks_v the_o sober_a enquirer_n far_o exceed_v he_o in_o point_n of_o common_a discretion_n for_o he_o never_o pretend_v to_o judge_v without_o a_o rule_n much_o less_o all_o the_o controversy_n between_o us._n but_o this_o discreet_a judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n first_o determin_n all_o the_o point_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v this_o he_o find_v out_o his_o rule_n of_o all_o the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n that_o have_v be_v yet_o talk_v of_o commend_v i_o to_o this_o set_v up_o by_o j._n s._n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o judge_v amiss_o who_o have_v no_o rule_n to_o judge_v by_o you_o see_v say_v he_o how_o we_o allow_v they_o the_o use_v of_o their_o reason_n and_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n 102._o till_o it_o bring_v they_o to_o find_v a_o certain_a authority_n and_o when_o they_o have_v once_o find_v that_o the_o same_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n which_o show_v they_o that_o authority_n be_v absolute_o certain_a oblige_v they_o to_o trust_v it_o when_o it_o tell_v they_o what_o be_v christ_n faith_n without_o use_v their_o private_a judgement_n any_o long_o about_o the_o particular_a point_n themselves_o thus_o ascertain_v to_o they_o but_o submit_v to_o it_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v i._o the_o same_o reason_n which_o enable_v man_n to_o find_v out_o this_o infallible_a guide_n or_o certain_a authority_n will_v help_v they_o to_o judge_v concern_v this_o authority_n and_o the_o matter_n propose_v by_o it_o for_o either_o he_o have_v a_o rule_n to_o find_v out_o this_o authority_n or_o he_o have_v none_o if_o he_o have_v a_o rule_n it_o must_v be_v either_o scripture_n or_o pure_a natural_a reason_n if_o scripture_n that_o only_o afford_v fallible_a certainty_n he_o say_v over_o and_o over_o and_o so_o a_o man_n can_v never_o come_v certain_o to_o this_o authority_n and_o if_o the_o foundation_n be_v uncertain_a what_o can_v the_o rule_n do_v but_o mr._n s._n do_v not_o pretend_v scripture_n but_o reason_n for_o his_o infallible_a rule_n then_o i_o demand_v whether_o reason_n do_v afford_v a_o infallible_a ground_n of_o certainty_n as_o to_o this_o certain_a authority_n or_o not_o if_o it_o do_v we_o be_v yet_o but_o fallible_o certain_a if_o it_o do_v not_o then_o what_o need_v this_o certain_a authority_n for_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o reasonable_a man_n certain_a reason_n be_v better_a than_o certain_a authority_n and_o he_o can_v deny_v the_o certainty_n of_o reason_n who_o build_v the_o certainty_n of_o authority_n upon_o it_o ii_o suppose_v the_o particular_a point_n propose_v by_o this_o certain_a authority_n be_v repugnant_a to_o that_o certainty_n of_o reason_n by_o which_o i_o be_o require_v to_o believe_v it_o as_o suppose_v this_o authority_n tell_v i_o i_o be_o no_o long_o to_o rely_v upon_o my_o reason_n but_o bare_o to_o submit_v although_o the_o matter_n propose_v be_v never_o so_o much_o against_o it_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n i_o be_o to_o believe_v this_o certain_a authority_n on_o the_o account_n of_o reason_n and_o that_o require_v i_o to_o believe_v such_o thing_n as_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o reason_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o i_o to_o rely_v on_o this_o certain_a authority_n on_o the_o certainty_n of_o reason_n when_o that_o authority_n tell_v i_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o reason_n iii_o must_v i_o believe_v reason_n to_o be_v certain_a just_o so_o far_o and_o no_o further_o but_o who_o set_v the_o bound_n have_v god_n almighty_a do_v it_o when_o and_o where_o i_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o use_v my_o reason_n in_o search_v after_o this_o certain_a authority_n and_o judge_v all_o controversy_n in_o order_n to_o the_o find_v it_o out_o all_o this_o be_v allow_v but_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o this_o certain_a authority_n be_v discover_v then_o good-night_n reason_n i_o have_v now_o no_o more_o use_n for_o you_o but_o who_o bid_v you_o be_v so_o ungrateful_a to_o that_o certain_a reason_n which_o conduct_v you_o so_o far_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a it_o may_v be_v as_o useful_a still_o why_o then_o do_v you_o turn_v reason_n off_o so_o unkind_o after_o so_o good_a service_n iv._o be_v all_o people_n capable_a of_o this_o certain_a reason_n or_o not_o it_o require_v it_o seem_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o logic_n to_o prove_v this_o certain_a authority_n or_o this_o infallible_a guide_n by_o reason_n and_o i_o be_o one_o of_o those_o that_o think_v it_o can_v never_o be_v do_v suppose_v then_o some_o of_o we_o dull_a people_n can_v never_o comprehend_v the_o force_n of_o this_o reason_n which_o be_v to_o lead_v we_o to_o a_o infallible_a guide_n what_o be_v like_a to_o become_v of_o we_o uncapable_a people_n be_v we_o all_o to_o be_v damn_v for_o dunce_n and_o blockhead_n no_o not_o so_o neither_o this_o be_v real_o some_o comfort_n for_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v we_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n without_o find_v out_o this_o certain_a authority_n and_o then_o we_o may_v have_v true_a faith_n without_o it_o this_o be_v still_o better_a and_o better_o and_o then_o i_o pray_v what_o need_n have_v i_o to_o find_v out_o this_o certain_a authority_n at_o all_o if_o i_o may_v have_v true_a faith_n and_o be_v save_v without_o it_o v._o i_o have_v great_a certainty_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o certain_a authority_n of_o scripture_n than_o you_o can_v have_v of_o the_o certain_a authority_n of_o tradition_n here_o be_v reason_n on_o both_o side_n and_o authority_n on_o both_o side_n but_o i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o either_o the_o reason_n or_o the_o authority_n the_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n be_v so_o incomparable_o beyond_o the_o reason_n to_o believe_v oral_a tradition_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n have_v so_o much_o great_a force_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v very_o extraordinary_a among_o those_o who_o own_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o find_v they_o compare_v in_o point_n of_o authority_n for_o we_o must_v deal_v plain_o in_o this_o matter_n the_o scripture_n we_o look_v on_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god._n if_o you_o do_v not_o own_v it_o to_o be_v so_o but_o resolve_v all_o into_o tradition_n we_o know_v what_o you_o be_v but_o if_o you_o do_v own_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n how_o can_v you_o pretend_v to_o set_v up_o any_o certain_a authority_n in_o comparison_n with_o it_o vi_o if_o this_o certain_a authority_n be_v only_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o certain_a sense_n of_o scripture_n than_o it_o must_v be_v either_o into_o the_o sense_n of_o plain_a place_n or_o of_o difficult_a and_o obscure_a if_o of_o plain_a place_n than_o it_o be_v to_o kindle_v a_o torch_n to_o behold_v the_o sun_n if_o of_o obscure_a place_n than_o who_o have_v appoint_v this_o certain_a authority_n to_o explain_v they_o who_o be_v to_o appoint_v such_o a_o certain_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o explain_v his_o word_n but_o god_n himself_o and_o we_o desire_v to_o see_v some_o plain_a place_n that_o set_v up_o this_o 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if_o there_o be_v oral_a tradition_n for_o it_o how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v condemn_v if_o not_o then_o notwithstanding_o oral_a tradition_n dangerous_a doctrine_n may_v get_v in_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o a_o more_o sublime_a and_o spiritual_a way_n of_o perfection_n than_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v in_o the_o dull_a and_o heavy_a way_n of_o tradition_n from_o father_n to_o son._n iii_o by_o a_o pretence_n to_o a_o more_o secret_a tradition_n and_o thus_o christianity_n be_v at_o first_o corrupt_v by_o such_o as_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o mystical_a doctrine_n deliver_v by_o christ_n of_o a_o more_o purify_n nature_n than_o the_o plain_a and_o common_a doctrine_n teach_v to_o all_o people_n by_o the_o apostle_n so_o hegesippus_n in_o eusebius_n affirm_v 22._o that_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v corrupt_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n irenaeus_n so_o that_o tradition_n be_v so_o far_o from_o secure_v the_o church_n from_o error_n that_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o bring_v it_o in_o and_o the_o public_a tradition_n can_v not_o hinder_v this_o come_n in_o of_o error_n because_o the_o secret_a tradition_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v more_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a the_o other_o be_v only_o for_o babe_n and_o this_o for_o grow_v christian_n iv._o by_o difference_n among_o church-guide_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o samosatenian_a arian_n pelagian_a nestorian_a and_o eutychian_a controversy_n neither_o of_o the_o party_n disow_v scripture_n or_o tradition_n and_o those_o who_o be_v just_o condemn_v pretend_v still_o to_o adhere_v to_o both_o and_o if_o such_o flame_n can_v not_o be_v prevent_v so_o much_o near_a the_o apostle_n time_n by_o the_o help_n of_o tradition_n what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o expect_v it_o so_o long_o after_o v._o by_o too_o great_a a_o veneration_n to_o some_o particular_a teacher_n not_o far_o from_o the_o apostolical_a time_n in_o regard_n to_o their_o learning_n or_o piety_n which_o make_v their_o disciple_n despise_v tradition_n in_o comparison_n of_o their_o notion_n and_o thus_o origen_n opinion_n come_v to_o prevail_v so_o much_o in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o mixture_n of_o platonism_n with_o christianity_n prove_v the_o occasion_n of_o several_a error_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o state_n of_o soul_n after_o death_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o point_n vi_o by_o compliance_n with_o some_o gentile_a superstition_n in_o hope_n to_o gain_v more_o easy_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n who_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o tutelar_a deity_n it_o be_v think_v no_o imprudent_a thing_n in_o some_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o main_a doctrine_n of_o paganism_n be_v renounce_v to_o humour_v the_o people_n in_o these_o thing_n so_o they_o be_v accommodate_v to_o christianity_n but_o other_o vehement_o oppose_v this_o method_n as_o repugnant_a to_o the_o true_a 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trick_n to_o avoid_v it_o if_o then_o error_n may_v come_v into_o the_o church_n all_o these_o way_n what_o a_o vain_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o pretend_v that_o oral_a tradition_n will_v keep_v from_o any_o possibility_n of_o error_n and_o so_o i_o need_v give_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o his_o last_o proposition_n that_o if_o man_n do_v innovate_v in_o faith_n it_o must_v be_v either_o through_o forgetfulness_n or_o malice_n for_o i_o have_v show_v many_o other_o cause_n beside_o these_o especial_o since_o i_o intend_v to_o show_v in_o a_o particular_a discourse_n how_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n we_o charge_v on_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v come_v into_o it_o my_o design_n here_o be_v only_o to_o show_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o there_o remain_v only_o two_o thing_n which_o deserve_v any_o consideration_n 1._o about_o the_o charge_n of_o pelagianism_n 2._o about_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n proceed_v on_o tradition_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o a_o easy_a dispatch_n i._o as_o to_o the_o charge_n of_o pelagianism_n it_o do_v not_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o he_o require_v any_o rational_a inducement_n to_o faith_n which_o we_o do_v assert_v as_o well_o as_o he_o but_o it_o lay_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n i._o that_o a_o divine_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o a_o natural_a infallibility_n for_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o divine_a faith_n must_v have_v infallible_a ground_n and_o when_o we_o come_v to_o examine_v they_o we_o find_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o now_o to_o avoid_v the_o charge_n of_o pelagianism_n this_o divine_a faith_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v mere_a human_a faith_n 24._o and_o so_o human_a faith_n be_v say_v to_o have_v infallible_a ground_n but_o divine_a faith_n must_v shift_v for_o itself_o for_o say_v j._n s._n it_o be_v confess_v and_o ever_o be_v that_o the_o human_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n or_o tradition_n beget_v only_o human_a faith_n as_o its_o immediate_a effect_n but_o by_o bring_v it_o up_o to_o christ_n it_o lead_v we_o to_o what_o be_v divine_a well_o but_o what_o infallible_a ground_n be_v there_o for_o this_o divine_a faith_n where_o do_v that_o fix_v be_v it_o on_o the_o infallibibility_n of_o tradition_n or_o not_o if_o not_o than_o we_o may_v have_v divine_a faith_n without_o it_o if_o it_o do_v then_o divine_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o natural_a mean_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o pelagianism_n ii_o that_o he_o exclude_v the_o pious_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_n 155._o from_o piece_v out_o as_o he_o call_v it_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o exclude_v the_o will_n assistance_n in_o these_o word_n that_o faith_n or_o a_o firm_a and_o immovable_a assent_n upon_o authority_n be_v not_o thorough_o rational_a 157._o and_o by_o consequence_n partly_o faulty_a if_o the_o motive_n be_v not_o alone_o able_a to_o convince_v a_o understanding_n right_o dispose_v without_o the_o will_n assistance_n how_o then_o can_v a_o pious_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_v be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v it_o not_o pelagianism_n to_o exclude_v it_o therefore_o i_o be_v in_o the_o right_n when_o i_o say_v that_o this_o way_n of_o oral_a tradition_n resolve_v all_o into_o a_o mere_a human_a faith_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o it_o no_o he_o say_v he_o resolve_v all_o into_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n teach_v 27._o how_o ridiculous_a be_v this_o for_o do_v not_o pelagius_n and_o coelestius_n the_o very_a same_o and_o the_o thing_n i_o charge_v upon_o they_o be_v that_o they_o go_v no_o far_o upon_o this_o principle_n than_o they_o do_v upon_o this_o he_o ask_v a_o very_a impertinent_a question_n but_o if_o i_o do_v not_o answer_v it_o i_o know_v what_o clamour_n will_v follow_v pray_v do_v you_o hold_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o mere_a man_n or_o that_o believe_v he_o be_v a_o mere_a human_a faith_n or_o that_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o he_o or_o they_o be_v mere_o human_a what_o occasion_n have_v i_o give_v for_o such_o a_o question_n but_o i_o perceive_v there_o be_v a_o design_n among_o some_o to_o make_v i_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v no_o christian._n i_o pray_v god_n forgive_v the_o malice_n of_o such_o men._n i_o thank_v god_n i_o have_v better_a ground_n for_o my_o faith_n than_o oral_a tradition_n i_o do_v believe_v christ_n to_o be_v more_o than_o mere_a man_n even_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v divine_a and_o his_o apostle_n have_v infallible_a assistance_n in_o deliver_v it_o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o present_a question_n i_o perceive_v some_o man_n when_o they_o be_v hard_o pinch_v cry_v out_o that_o their_o adversary_n be_v atheist_n or_o socinian_n etc._n etc._n and_o hope_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o divert_v they_o
any_o certain_a authority_n they_o be_v to_o submit_v to_o for_o the_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o controversy_n this_o be_v real_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o much_o concernment_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n that_o if_o any_o such_o thing_n have_v be_v in_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n i_o can_v never_o believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v omit_v it_o in_o their_o several_a epistle_n have_v not_o they_o sufficient_a care_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v it_o a_o secret_a conceal_v then_o from_o they_o or_o not_o think_v fit_a to_o be_v communicate_v by_o they_o when_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o prevent_v the_o early_a corruption_n and_o error_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o i_o can_v find_v any_o intimation_n to_o that_o purpose_n in_o all_o their_o write_n although_o they_o have_v the_o fair_a occasion_n for_o it_o vii_o if_o man_n by_o certain_a reason_n have_v find_v out_o this_o certain_a authority_n what_o be_v they_o to_o do_v with_o this_o certain_a reason_n afterward_o methinks_v it_o be_v a_o little_a hard_a for_o ever_o to_o discharge_v so_o useful_a a_o servant_n immediate_o after_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o piece_n of_o service_n as_o the_o find_v out_o a_o infallible_a guide_n we_o do_v not_o find_v the_o apostle_n direct_v the_o people_n not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o understanding_n because_o their_o guide_n be_v infallible_a i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v the_o apostle_n be_v as_o infallible_a as_o tradition_n or_o church-authority_n ever_o since_o and_o therefore_o what_o allowance_n be_v make_v by_o they_o to_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n be_v still_o to_o continue_v what_o do_v st._n paul_n mean_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o corinthian_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n 10.15_o i_o speak_v as_o to_o wise_a man_n judge_v you_o what_o i_o say_v how_o different_a be_v this_o from_o i_o speak_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o you_o be_v not_o to_o judge_v what_o i_o say_v when_o he_o say_v to_o the_o thessalonian_n 5.21_o prove_v all_o thing_n do_v he_o mean_v swallow_v all_o thing_n and_o prove_v nothing_o when_o st._n john_n say_v try_v the_o spirit_n 4.1_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n do_v he_o only_o mean_v till_o they_o have_v find_v a_o certain_a authority_n do_v not_o they_o believe_v st._n john_n authority_n to_o be_v certain_a if_o not_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v he_o write_v this_o epistle_n to_o they_o if_o he_o do_v he_o suppose_v they_o still_o to_o have_v a_o liberty_n of_o judge_v even_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n for_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v certain_a rule_n and_o mark_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o pretence_n to_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n which_o be_v in_o vain_a assign_v if_o they_o be_v not_o to_o judge_v by_o they_o viii_o suppose_v man_n differ_v about_o this_o certain_a authority_n wherein_o it_o lie_v and_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v be_v not_o they_o to_o exercise_v their_o reason_n still_o about_o this_o suppose_v some_o pretend_v that_o it_o lie_v in_o a_o infallible_a assistance_n which_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o other_o say_v this_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v itself_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n must_v not_o a_o man_n exercise_v his_o reason_n about_o this_o here_o be_v certain_a authority_n plead_v but_o other_o say_v there_o be_v certain_a reason_n against_o this_o pretence_n of_o certain_a authority_n and_o they_o must_v grant_v i_o must_v follow_v certain_a reason_n though_o against_o certain_a authority_n again_o other_o say_v the_o certain_a authority_n of_o oral_a tradition_n be_v a_o novel_a vain_a and_o dangerous_a opinion_n destructive_a of_o faith_n and_o lead_v to_o heresy_n and_o atheism_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n must_v our_o reason_n be_v quit_v and_o man_n not_o be_v allow_v to_o judge_v of_o this_o authority_n by_o it_o yes_o till_o they_o come_v to_o own_v it_o and_o then_o they_o be_v to_o judge_v no_o long_o i._n e._n put_v out_o your_o eye_n once_o and_o you_o need_v never_o think_v of_o open_v they_o after_o be_v very_o circumspect_a in_o the_o choice_n of_o your_o way_n till_o you_o come_v to_o a_o precipice_n and_o when_o you_o be_v come_v there_o be_v sure_a to_o throw_v yourself_o from_o it_o headlong_o and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o controversy_n but_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v this_o a_o very_a reasonable_a method_n but_o think_v he_o have_v much_o better_o keep_v upon_o plain_a ground_n and_o use_v the_o best_a method_n he_o can_v to_o find_v the_o true_a way_n and_o if_o his_o judgement_n will_v serve_v he_o to_o find_v the_o way_n to_o a_o precipice_n we_o think_v it_o will_v much_o better_o serve_v he_o to_o keep_v he_o from_o it_o and_o that_o he_o have_v better_o bear_v with_o some_o imperfection_n of_o his_o sight_n than_o put_v out_o his_o eye_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o more_o quiet_o lead_v he_o know_v not_o whither_o there_o be_v only_o one_o thing_n more_o which_o deserve_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o about_o this_o argument_n viz._n that_o j._n s._n say_v i_o express_o exclude_v the_o church_n help_v which_o be_v as_o he_o triumphant_o conclude_v his_o three_o letter_n the_o first_o principle_n nay_o the_o quintessence_n of_o all_o heresy_n 104._o fanaticism_n in_o the_o egg_n perfect_a enthusiasm_n when_o hatch_v and_o downright_a atheism_n when_o fledge_v this_o be_v a_o part_a blow_n indeed_o it_o be_v the_o bite_v of_o a_o angry_a viper_n at_o its_o last_o gasp_n when_o it_o put_v its_o utmost_a force_n into_o the_o venom_n and_o hope_n even_o die_v to_o destroy_v other_o love_v to_o conclude_v gentle_o but_o j._n s._n be_v a_o man_n by_o himself_o and_o as_o though_o he_o be_v write_v epigram_n will_v reserve_v his_o sting_n for_o the_o last_o but_o what_o ground_n 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the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o a_o book_n who_o mind_v nothing_o else_o in_o it_o therefore_o he_o have_v here_o put_v together_o as_o the_o consequence_n of_o my_o doctrine_n no_o less_o than_o heresy_n fanaticism_n enthusiasm_n and_o downright_a atheism_n he_o think_v he_o can_v not_o make_v my_o case_n equal_a with_o his_o own_o unless_o i_o be_v charge_v with_o heresy_n and_o principle_n lead_v to_o atheism_n but_o he_o be_v charge_v by_o the_o most_o zealous_a catholic_n and_o in_o respect_n to_o his_o avow_a principle_n but_o my_o charge_n here_o be_v by_o a_o enrage_a adversary_n and_o for_o such_o a_o doctrine_n which_o be_v own_v by_o all_o man_n of_o understanding_n in_o both_o church_n and_o if_o i_o may_v name_v he_o among_o they_o even_o by_o j._n s._n himself_o my_o word_n be_v if_o it_o be_v say_v 21._o that_o the_o church_n power_n will_v become_v explicit_a to_o any_o sober_a enquirer_n than_o every_o such_o person_n may_v without_o the_o church_n help_v find_v out_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith._n and_o where_o lie_v the_o heresy_n the_o enthusiasm_n the_o atheism_n of_o this_o doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v already_o show_v be_v assert_v both_o by_o father_n and_o schoolman_n and_o j._n s._n himself_o grant_v that_o every_o man_n be_v to_o judge_v for_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o of_o the_o best_a way_n to_o his_o salvation_n and_o of_o all_o the_o controversy_n between_o they_o and_o we_o and_o especial_o of_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o all_o this_o without_o the_o church_n help_v and_o if_o he_o can_v do_v all_o this_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o he_o can_v find_v out_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n have_v he_o indeed_o resolve_v all_o controversy_n and_o yet_o want_v some_o necessary_a point_n
of_o faith_n and_o have_v he_o find_v out_o the_o church_n authority_n too_o without_o the_o church_n help_v and_o yet_o do_v he_o want_v some_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n then_o it_o follow_v that_o after_o the_o submit_v to_o the_o church_n authority_n there_o be_v still_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n which_o may_v be_v want_v and_o then_o a_o absolute_a submission_n be_v not_o all_o that_o be_v require_v of_o one_o that_o have_v find_v out_o the_o church_n authority_n but_o my_o whole_a argument_n there_o proceed_v upon_o a_o supposition_n viz._n that_o if_o one_o may_v without_o the_o church_n help_v find_v out_o the_o church_n authority_n in_o scripture_n then_o why_o not_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o it_o go_v upon_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n and_o i_o see_v no_o answer_n at_o all_o give_v or_o pretend_v but_o only_o he_o endeavour_v to_o stop_v my_o mouth_n with_o a_o handful_n of_o dirt._n thus_o i_o have_v dispatch_v this_o long_a argument_n about_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o i_o shall_v now_o sum_v up_o my_o answer_n in_o these_o particular_n i._o every_o christian_n as_o such_o be_v bind_v to_o inquire_v after_o the_o true_a way_n to_o salvation_n and_o have_v a_o capacity_n of_o judge_v concern_v it_o ii_o every_o christian_a proceed_v according_o to_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o judge_v have_v reason_n to_o receive_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith._n iii_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_a in_o all_o necessary_n and_o god_n have_v promise_v such_o assistance_n to_o they_o that_o sincere_o seek_v it_o that_o none_o who_o do_v so_o shall_v want_v the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n iv._o when_o any_o thing_n be_v offer_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n every_o christian_a have_v a_o right_a and_o liberty_n of_o judge_v whether_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o necessary_a 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certainty_n of_o reason_n 2._o the_o promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n which_o make_v their_o faith_n divine_a both_o as_o to_o its_o principle_n its_o ground_n and_o its_o effect_n but_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o end_v his_o objection_n about_o our_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o 34._o vi_o he_o object_n that_o we_o can_v necessary_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n only_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n that_o we_o can_v necessary_o resolve_v it_o i_o think_v we_o must_v resolve_v it_o into_o a_o write_a rule_n till_o we_o see_v another_o prove_v do_v the_o apostle_n when_o they_o go_v to_o convert_v the_o world_n go_v with_o book_n in_o their_o hand_n or_o word_n in_o their_o mouth_n doubtless_o with_o word_n in_o their_o mouth_n or_o be_v those_o word_n a_o jot_n less_o sacred_a when_o they_o come_v from_o their_o mouth_n than_o when_o they_o put_v they_o in_o a_o book_n not_o one_o jot_n or_o last_o do_v any_o command_n from_o christ_n appear_v to_o write_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n or_o any_o revelation_n before_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o future_a church_n no_o such_o matter_n and_o the_o accidental_a occasion_n of_o its_o writing_n at_o first_o and_o its_o acceptation_n afterward_o bar_v any_o such_o pretence_n on_o the_o other_o side_n their_o grand_a commission_n be_v not_o scribite_fw-la but_o only_o predicate_v evangelium_fw-la i_o have_v give_v a_o account_n so_o late_o of_o the_o reason_n and_o occasion_n of_o write_v the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o i_o need_v only_o here_o to_o give_v these_o general_a answer_n i._o whatsoever_o be_v do_v as_o to_o the_o write_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v do_v by_o the_o immediate_a direction_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 20.31_o ii_o the_o reason_n give_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o gospel_n themselves_o be_v that_o matter_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v deliver_v with_o the_o great_a certainty_n iii_o those_o write_n be_v not_o intend_v only_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n then_o be_v but_o for_o future_a age_n and_o thence_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v so_o receive_v and_o esteem_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n iv._o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n write_v the_o same_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v and_o for_o that_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o faith._n v._o the_o most_o certain_a way_n we_o now_o have_v to_o know_v what_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n teach_v be_v by_o their_o write_n since_o they_o teach_v and_o write_v the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o we_o be_v certain_a we_o have_v the_o doctrine_n they_o write_v but_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v certain_a what_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v vii_o he_o object_n that_o the_o question_n be_v put_v concern_v the_o new_a testament_n contain_v all_o divine_a revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o give_v no_o direct_a answer_n 40._o but_o shuffle_v it_o off_o to_o matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o set_v out_o of_o this_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o some_o page_n to_o which_o i_o give_v a_o easy_a answer_n the_o question_n concern_v the_o new_a testament_n contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n may_v be_v take_v in_o two_o sense_n 1._o as_o relate_v to_o the_o entire_a object_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o the_o answer_n be_v most_o direct_a and_o plain_a to_o the_o second_o question_n that_o the_o rule_n whereby_o we_o hold_v all_o the_o same_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v by_o the_o divine_a revelation_n contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o since_o we_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v there_o and_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v there_o that_o must_v contain_v the_o entire_a object_n of_o our_o faith._n and_o the_o word_n all_o must_v relate_v to_o that_o 2._o as_o to_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o particular_a person_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v as_o contain_v therein_o and_o so_o the_o question_n be_v put_v about_o the_o universal_a testimony_n to_o assure_v we_o i_o e._n all_o particular_a christian_n that_o the_o new_a testament_n contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n my_o answer_n be_v direct_a and_o apposite_a to_o this_o sense_n viz._n that_o the_o universal_a testimony_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o to_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o make_v we_o certain_a i._n e._n all_o particular_a person_n of_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n so_o that_o the_o substance_n of_o my_o answer_n lie_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o all_o our_o faith_n be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o thereby_o we_o hold_v all_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ii_o that_o although_o all_o particular_a person_n may_v not_o reach_v to_o the_o entire_a object_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o scripture_n yet_o they_o have_v thereby_o a_o certainty_n as_o to_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n iii_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o certainty_n as_o to_o both_o these_o be_v the_o universal_a testimony_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n concern_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o the_o word_n of_o my_o letter_n be_v we_o be_v to_o consider_v 17._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v our_o sole_a and_o entire_a rule_n of_o faith_n all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v contain_v therein_o and_o therefore_o the_o same_o testimony_n which_o deliver_v the_o scripture_n to_o we_o do_v deliver_v all_o the_o necessary_a article_n as_o contain_v therein_o
in_o matter_n of_o opinion_n or_o in_o doubtful_a or_o obscure_a place_n they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o skill_n and_o assistance_n of_o their_o teacher_n wherein_o be_v they_o to_o blame_v the_o scripture_n be_v still_o their_o rule_n but_o the_o help_n of_o their_o teacher_n be_v for_o the_o better_a understanding_n it_o and_o can_v our_o logician_n distinguish_v between_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o help_v to_o understand_v it_o suppose_v now_o a_o mother_n or_o a_o nurse_n shall_v quit_v honest_a tradition_n ●●_o as_o j._n s._n here_o call_v it_o and_o be_v so_o ill_o incline_v as_o to_o teach_v child_n to_o spell_n and_o to_o read_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v they_o come_v by_o degree_n to_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n preach_v and_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v and_o from_o thence_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o obey_v his_o command_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v into_o what_o these_o person_n do_v resolve_v their_o faith._n be_v it_o indeed_o into_o those_o who_o teach_v they_o to_o read_v or_o into_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n when_o they_o have_v be_v all_o along_o tell_v that_o the_o scripture_n alone_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o whatever_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v it_o be_v because_o it_o be_v contain_v therein_o and_o so_o by_o whatever_o mean_n they_o come_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v that_o alone_o they_o take_v for_o the_o rule_n and_o foundation_n of_o their_o faith._n if_o a_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o observe_v hypocrates_n his_o rule_n but_o find_v himself_o uncapable_a of_o understand_v he_o and_o therefore_o desire_v a_o physician_n help_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o he_o rely_v upon_o the_o skill_n of_o his_o interpreter_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o hypocrates_n it_o be_v possible_a his_o interpreter_n may_v in_o some_o doubtful_a and_o obscure_a place_n have_v mistake_v hypocrates_n his_o mean_v but_o however_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o keep_n to_o the_o rule_n be_v not_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o interpreter_n but_o of_o hypocrates_n but_o suppose_v a_o college_n of_o physician_n interpret_v hypocrates_n otherwise_o be_v he_o bind_v then_o to_o believe_v his_o own_o interpreter_n against_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o college_n i_o answer_v if_o a_o college_n of_o physician_n shall_v translate_v bread_n for_o cheese_n or_o by_o phlebotomy_n shall_v declare_v be_v mean_v cut_v of_o artery_n or_o of_o a_o man_n throat_n let_v they_o presume_v to_o be_v never_o so_o infallible_a i_o will_v trust_v any_o single_a interpreter_n with_o the_o help_n of_o lexicon_n and_o common_a sense_n against_o they_o all_o but_o especial_o if_o i_o can_v produce_v galen_n and_o the_o old_a physician_n who_o understand_v hypocrates_n best_o on_o my_o side_n this_o be_v our_o case_n as_o to_o the_o people_n about_o disputable_a point_n we_o do_v not_o set_v up_o our_o own_o authority_n against_o a_o church_n pretend_v to_o be_v infallible_a we_o never_o require_v they_o to_o trust_v whole_o to_o our_o judgement_n but_o we_o give_v they_o our_o best_a assistance_n and_o call_v in_o the_o old_a interpreter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o we_o desire_v they_o to_o use_v their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n with_o divine_a assistance_n for_o settle_v their_o mind_n if_o people_n be_v negligent_a and_o careless_a and_o will_v not_o take_v necessary_a pain_n to_o inform_v themselves_o which_o mr._n s._n suggest_v we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o observe_v our_o direction_n and_o i_o never_o yet_o know_v the_o negligent_a and_o careless_a bring_v into_o a_o dispute_n of_o religion_n for_o in_o this_o case_n we_o must_v suppose_v people_n to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o religion_n they_o own_v otherwise_o their_o example_n signify_v no_o more_o against_o our_o doctrine_n than_o debauchery_n do_v against_o the_o rule_n of_o hypocrates_n but_o suppose_v say_v mr._n s._n 29._o that_o one_o of_o my_o own_o flock_n shall_v tell_v i_o that_o i_o have_v err_v in_o interpret_n scripture_n he_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o i_o will_v say_v to_o he_o this_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a question_n and_o soon_o answer_v i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v he_o as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v and_o be_v that_o all_o and_o what_o will_v j._n s._n do_v more_o will_v he_o tell_v he_o he_o be_v infallible_a i_o think_v not_o but_o only_o as_o honest_a tradition_n make_v he_o so_o and_o how_o far_o that_o go_v towards_o it_o i_o shall_v examine_v afterward_o well_o but_o suppose_v john_n biddle_n against_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o parish_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o england_n to_o boot_v understand_v scripture_n to_o be_v plain_o against_o a_o trinity_n and_o christ_n divinity_n and_o it_o be_v but_o fair_a for_o i_o to_o suppose_v he_o maintain_v his_o heresy_n against_o j._n s._n and_o let_v any_o one_o judge_n whether_o of_o we_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o convince_v he_o he_o own_v the_o scripture_n and_o confess_v if_o we_o can_v prove_v our_o doctrine_n from_o thence_o he_o will_v yield_v but_o he_o laugh_v at_o oral_a tradition_n and_o think_v it_o a_o jest_n for_o any_o one_o to_o prove_v such_o a_o doctrine_n by_o it_o and_o true_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o proof_n from_o scripture_n i_o do_v much_o question_n whether_o any_o argument_n from_o mere_a tradition_n can_v ever_o confute_v such_o a_o one_o as_o john_n biddle_n but_o when_o we_o offer_v such_o proof_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v sufficient_a in_o themselves_o we_o take_v the_o only_a proper_a way_n to_o give_v he_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n suppose_v he_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v who_o can_v help_v that_o christ_n himself_o meet_v with_o wilful_a and_o obstinate_a unbeliever_n and_o be_v this_o any_o disparagement_n to_o his_o doctrine_n god_n himself_o have_v never_o promise_v to_o cure_v those_o who_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light._n 29._o shall_v the_o believe_a church_n then_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n against_o the_o teach_v church_n who_o ever_o assert_v any_o such_o thing_n we_o only_o say_v that_o the_o people_n be_v to_o understand_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o to_o judge_v by_o the_o best_a help_n they_o can_v what_o doctrine_n be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o to_o embrace_v what_o be_v so_o and_o to_o reject_v what_o be_v not_o but_o among_o those_o help_n we_o take_v in_o not_o bare_o the_o personal_a assistance_n of_o their_o own_o guide_n but_o the_o evidence_n he_o bring_v as_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o teach_v church_n in_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o after_o this_o it_o shall_v present_o follow_v 29._o it_o be_v evident_a hence_o that_o tradition_n of_o our_o father_n and_o teacher_n and_o not_o scripture_n letter_n be_v indeed_o our_o rule_n and_o by_o it_o we_o interpret_v scripture_n if_o this_o be_v so_o evident_a then_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a we_o shall_v set_v up_o the_o ecclesia_fw-la credens_fw-fr against_o the_o ecclesia_fw-la docens_fw-la as_o he_o charge_v we_o just_a before_o if_o tradition_n be_v our_o rule_n and_o we_o interpret_v scripture_n by_o it_o what_o fault_n then_o be_v we_o guilty_a of_o if_o tradition_n be_v such_o a_o infallible_a rule_n but_o methinks_v this_o hence_o look_v a_o little_a illogical_o upon_o the_o premise_n and_o if_o this_o be_v his_o conclusive_a evidence_n he_o must_v excuse_v i_o as_o to_o the_o make_v it_o a_o ground_n of_o my_o faith._n but_o he_o allow_v that_o we_o set_v up_o scripture_n as_o our_o rule_n when_o we_o dispute_v against_o they_o but_o when_o that_o be_v do_v we_o set_v up_o our_o own_o authority_n over_o the_o people_n and_o do_v not_o allow_v they_o that_o privilege_n against_o we_o which_o we_o take_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n this_o be_v all_o the_o strength_n of_o what_o i_o can_v make_v out_o of_o that_o paragraph_n for_o if_o all_o write_n be_v like_o he_o it_o will_v be_v the_o best_a argument_n for_o oral_a tradition_n his_o sense_n be_v so_o intricate_a and_o his_o conclusion_n so_o remote_a from_o his_o premise_n just_o before_o he_o say_v it_o be_v evident_a hence_o that_o we_o follow_v tradition_n and_o present_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a we_o do_v not_o follow_v it_o and_o set_v up_o our_o own_o authority_n against_o it_o we_o do_v interpret_v scripture_n by_o tradition_n and_o yet_o immediate_o we_o set_v up_o scripture_n against_o tradition_n we_o plead_v for_o the_o people_n right_a to_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o allow_v they_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n what_o invisible_a link_n have_v oral_a tradition_n to_o connect_v thing_n that_o seem_v so_o far_o asunder_o
esteem_v so_o disperse_v so_o constant_o read_v can_v be_v suffer_v to_o be_v lose_v among_o christian_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o so_o esteem_v at_o first_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o therefore_o may_v more_o easy_o be_v lose_v i_o answer_v that_o however_o they_o be_v not_o universal_o receive_v at_o first_o yet_o they_o be_v by_o those_o church_n to_o who_o they_o be_v write_v and_o among_o they_o they_o be_v not_o keep_v up_o but_o mighty_o disperse_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o lose_v they_o from_o the_o first_o spread_v of_o they_o abroad_o unless_o we_o can_v suppose_v such_o multitude_n of_o christian_n to_o conspire_v together_o to_o suppress_v a_o book_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n to_o themselves_o as_o if_o person_n who_o claim_v a_o estate_n by_o virtue_n of_o some_o deed_n shall_v all_o agree_v to_o imbezel_n they_o or_o any_o material_a part_n of_o they_o here_o be_v no_o pretence_n for_o register_n and_o abridgement_n which_o some_o make_v use_v of_o to_o lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o here_o we_o have_v the_o very_a authentic_a write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o own_o epistle_n in_o their_o own_o style_n and_o expression_n and_o suppose_v the_o church_n to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v to_o have_v receive_v they_o as_o their_o write_n and_o to_o have_v communicate_v they_o to_o other_o as_o they_o do_v i_o do_v not_o see_v under_o these_o circumstance_n how_o a_o book_n contain_v divine_a revelation_n can_v be_v lose_v ii_o he_o object_n 58._o that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o entire_a but_o deficient_a for_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n till_o the_o whole_a canon_n be_v collect_v and_o acknowledge_v and_o therefore_o so_o long_o the_o church_n have_v no_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith._n i_o answer_v i._o i_o distinguish_v between_o a_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o complete_a canon_n of_o scripture_n for_o if_o the_o book_n own_v and_o universal_o receive_v contain_v in_o they_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n than_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v complete_a although_o some_o particular_a book_n may_v be_v still_o in_o dispute_n as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o st._n jerom_n time_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o receive_v as_o canonical_a the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n have_v not_o that_o church_n therefore_o a_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n if_o god_n have_v so_o abundant_o provide_v for_o his_o church_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o full_a revelation_n of_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o rest_n than_o the_o dispute_v the_o authority_n of_o such_o a_o epistle_n do_v not_o derogate_v from_o the_o compleatness_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith._n for_o if_o they_o have_v all_o point_n of_o faith_n they_o must_v have_v a_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith._n ii_o it_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o true_a canon_n of_o scripture_n that_o some_o particular_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v for_o some_o time_n dispute_v by_o some_o particular_a church_n for_o if_o it_o be_v do_v without_o ground_n it_o do_v reflect_v more_o on_o those_o church_n than_o on_o those_o book_n especial_o when_o those_o very_a church_n afterward_o receive_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o to_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n st._n jerom_n affirm_v that_o not_o only_o the_o greek_a church_n all_o receive_v it_o dardanum_n but_o that_o all_o the_o ancient_a writer_n do_v so_o and_o not_o mere_o as_o a_o ecclesiastical_a but_o as_o a_o canonical_a epistle_n therefore_o this_o must_v be_v a_o late_a thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o in_o probability_n begin_v upon_o the_o novatian_a controversy_n which_o epistle_n be_v think_v too_o much_o to_o favour_v the_o novatian_a doctrine_n and_o when_o that_o controversy_n do_v abate_v that_o epistle_n recover_v its_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o mr._n s._n be_v angry_a with_o i_o 57_o for_o reflect_v on_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o not_o receive_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o st._n jerom_n be_v time_n which_o he_o think_v be_v a_o act_n of_o prudence_n antecedent_n to_o the_o judgement_n or_o determination_n of_o any_o church_n whether_o greek_n or_o latin._n one_o may_v see_v by_o this_o how_o well_o verse_v he_o be_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n when_o st._n jerom_n declare_v that_o not_o only_o all_o the_o greek_a writer_n receive_v it_o but_o all_o the_o ancient_n and_o that_o as_o canonical_a be_v here_o no_o antecedent_n judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n do_v not_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o ancient_a writer_n even_o in_o st._n jerom_n time_n make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n but_o he_o add_v that_o what_o i_o make_v a_o heinous_a crime_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o commendable_a caution_n in_o it_o that_o which_o i_o say_v be_v that_o it_o hence_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v far_o from_o be_v believe_v then_o to_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o make_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n or_o be_v infallible_a in_o faith._n and_o what_o say_v j._n s._n in_o answer_n to_o this_o not_o one_o syllable_n but_o run_v it_o off_o to_o another_o thing_n but_o why_o do_v i_o not_o as_o well_o blame_v the_o greek_a church_n for_o not_o receive_v the_o apocalypse_n they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o such_o authority_n and_o infallibility_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v i_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v some_o greek_n then_o to_o blame_v in_o reject_v the_o apocalypse_n but_o bellarmin_n say_v they_o be_v but_o few_o and_o obscure_a person_n and_o he_o produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n theophilus_n antiochenus_fw-la melito_n sardensis_n dionysius_n alexandrinus_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n origen_n and_o athanasius_n all_o approve_v it_o and_o the_o occasion_n of_o dispute_v it_o arise_v from_o the_o millenary_a opinion_n which_o some_o thought_n they_o can_v not_o confute_v as_o long_o as_o the_o apocalypse_n have_v such_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n and_o such_o dispute_n as_o these_o which_o wear_v off_o by_o degree_n be_v no_o real_a prejudice_n to_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v at_o first_o general_o receive_v and_o although_o some_o few_o book_n be_v contest_v for_o a_o time_n yet_o they_o recover_v their_o authority_n and_o have_v ever_o since_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n iii_o he_o object_n against_o this_o universal_a consent_n the_o testimony_n of_o martion_n ebion_n valentinus_n cerinthus_n 59_o and_o epiphanius_n his_o other_o heretic_n who_o reject_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v any_o man_n but_o j._n s._n make_v such_o a_o objection_n as_o this_o but_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o bring_v i_o in_o as_o a_o favourer_n of_o all_o heretic_n and_o as_o such_o another_o man_n of_o integrity_n have_v do_v of_o all_o anti-catholick_n and_o antichristian_a doctrine_n but_o where_o have_v i_o give_v any_o occasion_n for_o such_o spiteful_a reflection_n all_o that_o i_o say_v be_v we_o have_v the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n for_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n i._n e._n of_o all_o since_o the_o time_n that_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v receive_v in_o the_o latin_a and_o the_o apocalypse_n in_o the_o greek_a church_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o division_n they_o have_v since_o fall_v into_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o difference_n as_o to_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o this_o i_o insist_v on_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o certainty_n viz._n the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o great_a body_n of_o christian_n that_o have_v continue_v under_o different_a denomination_n to_o this_o day_n 74._o to_o this_o he_o give_v no_o other_o answer_n but_o that_o my_o answer_n to_o the_o five_o question_n be_v co-incident_a with_o that_o to_o the_o four_o i_o think_v j._n s._n in_o the_o self-evident_a way_n will_v have_v like_v my_o answer_n the_o better_a for_o it_o but_o he_o do_v not_o comprehend_v the_o design_n of_o it_o i_o have_v say_v before_o that_o we_o rely_v on_o the_o universal_a testimony_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n upon_o that_o the_o question_n be_v ask_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n my_o answer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o all_o christian_a church_n i._n e._n say_v j._n s._n that_o all_o the_o part_n make_v the_o whole_a and_o what_o incongruity_n be_v there_o when_o mr._n g._n say_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n may_v be_v take_v in_o several_a latitude_n he_o desire_v to_o know_v in_o