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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
book_n church_n faith_n true_a 3,070 5 4.9666 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59248 Sure-footing in Christianity, or Rational discourses on the rule of faith with short animadversions on Dr. Pierce's sermon : also on some passages in Mr. Whitby and M. Stillingfleet, which concern that rule / by J.S. Sergeant, John, 1622-1707. 1665 (1665) Wing S2595; ESTC R8569 122,763 264

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delivery_n and_o secure_a under_o the_o managery_n of_o their_o able_a head_n and_o pen_n i_o declare_v therefore_o that_o i_o intend_v no_o confutation_n of_o any_o of_o those_o author_n nor_o to_o share_v in_o the_o victory_n of_o those_o excellent_a champion_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v perhaps_o needless_a to_o the_o generality_n however_o very_o satisfactory_a to_o examine_v wit_n to_o confute_v that_o in_o common_a which_o be_v already_o confute_v by_o retail_n i_o write_v more_o against_o their_o way_n than_o their_o book_n yet_o if_o any_o will_v be_v so_o charitable_a as_o to_o judge_v my_o short_a hint_n to_o bear_v the_o force_n of_o a_o solid_a confutation_n because_o they_o radical_o and_o fundamental_o overthrow_v all_o their_o argument_n and_o very_a method_n of_o argue_v if_o it_o be_v truth_n be_v advantage_n i_o shall_v give_v god_n thanks_o for_o it_o and_o be_v glad_a of_o it_o but_o the_o main_n be_v it_o import_v not_o in_o maintain_v truth_n what_o other_o do_v or_o 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believe_v the_o forego_n especial_o in_o a_o matter_n carry_v along_o with_o it_o such_o powerful_a recommend_v and_o this_o out_o of_o its_o very_a nature_n as_o that_o the_o preserve_n and_o hold_v to_o it_o will_v bring_v they_o infinite_a good_n and_o the_o alter_v it_o infinite_a harm_n thus_o it_o go_v on_o and_o while_o it_o go_v on_o thus_o that_o be_v while_o this_o rule_n be_v follow_v it_o be_v self-evident_a no_o heresy_n can_v ever_o be_v disc._n 5._o §_o 8._o whence_o by_o the_o way_n if_o this_o be_v the_o only_a difficulty_n in_o tradition_n that_o be_v in_o case_n the_o next_o age_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o former_a tradition_n will_v still_o be_v follow_v and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v self-evident_a no_o heretic_n can_v be_v than_o it_o need_v no_o proof_n they_o have_v such_o a_o obligation_n for_o it_o be_v questionless_a there_o be_v a_o obligation_n for_o man_n not_o to_o be_v heretic_n 23._o well_o but_o a_o acute_a wit_n or_o great_a scholar_n arise_v 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passion-misled_n reason_n be_v ashamed_a of_o her_o want_n of_o principle_n and_o loath_a to_o show_v her_o head_n to_o pretend_v private_a inspiration_n which_o therefore_o be_v the_o last_o non_fw-la ultra_fw-la of_o all_o heresy_n and_o the_o flower_n or_o most_o refine_a quitessence_n of_o all_o faith-reformation_n but_o miracle_n fail_v these_o poor_a creature_n to_o show_v forth_o the_o hide_a divinity_n which_o they_o pretend_v possess_v they_o they_o quick_o fade_v away_o or_o if_o they_o make_v any_o further_a progress_n it_o be_v into_o frenzy_n or_o perfect_a madness_n as_o we_o experience_n in_o our_o most_o miserably-distracted_n country_n which_o disposition_n be_v therefore_o the_o caput_fw-la mortuum_fw-la or_o terra_fw-la damnata_fw-la of_o heresy_n and_o the_o last_o and_o most_o natural_a effect_n of_o relinquish_a tradition_n 24._o by_o this_o discourse_n be_v see_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o follow_a age_n and_o every_o person_n in_o it_o unlearned_a and_o 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appendix_n to_o his_o irenicum_fw-la §_o 6._o so_o rational_o character_n those_o for_o more_o zealous_a than_o judicious_a discourser_n who_o argue_v not_o out_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o here_o in_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o rational_a way_n of_o look_v into_o a_o point_n quite_o overleap_v all_o that_o concern_v either_o the_o nature_n or_o necessary_a circumstance_n of_o that_o thing_n and_o talk_v so_o raw_o in_o common_a that_o be_v not_o one_o word_n to_o that_o particular_a purpose_n observe_v the_o word_n oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v all_o just_a as_o their_o predecessor_n have_v do_v what_o mean_v the_o word_n all_o do_v he_o mean_v we_o hold_v they_o oblige_v to_o cut_v their_o beard_n or_o wear_v such_o garter_n and_o hatband_n as_o their_o forefather_n do_v his_o raw_a word_n reach_v no_o far_o what_o mean_v the_o word_n just_o do_v he_o think_v faith_n be_v plant_v in_o human_a that_o be_v rational_a nature_n will_v not_o propagate_v itself_o into_o consequent_a and_o subordinate_a tenet_n and_o practice_n all_o the_o wonder_n then_o of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o no-obligation_n lie_v in_o his_o crafty_a and_o sophistical_a express_v it_o which_o include_v a_o fallacy_n of_o non-causa_a pro_fw-la causa_fw-la for_o not_o any_o thing_n convey_v down_o on_o any_o fashion_n be_v hold_v by_o we_o thus_o oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o act_v according_o but_o such_o a_o doctrine_n and_o so_o convey_v as_o be_v before_o declare_v have_v he_o put_v our_o position_n thus_o as_o indeed_o he_o ought_v it_o be_v the_o true_a case_n child_n or_o immediate_a posterity_n teach_v by_o father_n or_o immediate_a ancestor_n rely_v on_o the_o way_n of_o sensation_n that_o such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v teach_v or_o deliver_v to_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o most_o sacred_a necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o ●_z by_o all_o be_v the_o way_n
manifest_v by_o reason_n take_v from_o thing_n or_o man_n mind_n natural_o and_o if_o we_o discourse_v against_o those_o who_o grant_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o first-preached_n doctrine_n supernatural_o affect_v or_o qualify_v as_o he_o see_v i_o have_v endeavour_v in_o my_o discourse_n 29._o so_o much_o for_o our_o way_n now_o for_o you_o who_o see_v not_o first_o how_o word_n as_o interpretable_a be_v its_o subject_n and_o if_o in_o the_o method_n you_o take_v to_o work_v upon_o they_o you_o lie_v one_o principle_n which_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o principle_n i_o dare_v undertake_v to_o be_v of_o mr._n stillingfleet_n persuasion_n he_o see_v in_o my_o transition_n our_o way_n lay_v open_a either_o let_v he_o acknowledge_v it_o solid_a or_o remember_v have_v provoke_v we_o he_o be_v challenge_v to_o produce_v something_o for_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o begin_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o hand_n that_o be_v of_o rule_n and_o faith_n and_o approve_v itself_o solider_fw-la than_o we_o but_o it_o be_v so_o impossible_a their_o cause_n can_v endure_v the_o trial_n of_o that_o clear_n method_n that_o i_o fear_v not_o either_o mr._n stillingfleet_n or_o any_o protestant_a writer_n of_o the_o least_o prudence_n will_v dare_v to_o attempt_v it_o 30._o will_v you_o see_v one_o example_n of_o our_o superficialness_n and_o mr._n stillingfleet_n solidness_n he_o give_v you_o both_o in_o his_o next_o word_n p._n 620._o and_o assure_v the_o reader_n we_o will_v prove_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n by_o such_o a_o argument_n as_o will_v prove_v the_o world_n ab_fw-la aeterno_fw-la how_o strange_o wide_a he_o rove_v from_o the_o mark_n our_o argument_n run_v thus_o beginning_n à_fw-la priori_fw-la cause_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n heavenly_a doctrine_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o conveyance_n down_o by_o testify_v to_o make_v its_o delivery_n continue_v hitherto_o à_fw-la posteriori_fw-la thus_o we_o find_v a_o present_a effect_n the_o present_a persuasion_n of_o christian_n their_o faith_n descend_v uninterrupted_o from_o christ_n impossible_a to_o be_v without_o such_o a_o cause_n existence_n or_o its_o have_v be_v at_o first_o teach_v by_o christ_n whence_o we_o conclude_v that_o faith_n come_v from_o christ_n let_v we_o parallel_v it_o then_o to_o he_o find_v he_o any_o such_o effect_n in_o the_o world_n at_o present_a apt_a to_o spring_v only_o from_o the_o world_n eternity_n as_o its_o cause_n or_o cause_n lay_v ab_fw-la aeterno_fw-la in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o world_n apt_a to_o continue_v it_o hitherto_o if_o he_o do_v he_o must_v hold_v it_o be_v eternal_a if_o not_o how_o unconsonant_n be_v his_o parallel_n he_o make_v our_o argument_n run_v thus_o the_o present_a age_n see_v no_o alteration_n in_o it_o and_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o what_o their_o forefather_n believe_v nor_o they_o in_o they_o and_o so_o on_o in_o infinitum_fw-la for_o no_o man_n do_v ever_o see_v the_o world_n make_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v never_o make_v and_o so_o eternal_a in_o return_n i_o must_v first_o profess_v there_o be_v not_o a_o tittle_n in_o it_o parallel_n to_o our_o medium_n and_o at_o next_o that_o i_o never_o see_v in_o my_o life_n more_o absurdity_n couch_v in_o so_o few_o word_n for_o first_o he_o shall_v have_v begin_v the_o present_a age_n have_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n it_o be_v ever_o or_o have_v allege_v some_o other_o effect_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o argue_v to_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o thing_n before_o or_o a_o cause_n 2_o lie_v he_o wrong_o suppose_v a_o belief_n in_o the_o former_a age_n of_o the_o world_n ever-existence_n say_v they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o what_o their_o forefather_n believe_v 4_o lie_v the_o word_n nor_o they_o in_o they_o false_o suppose_v a_o continuance_n of_o belief_n upward_o of_o the_o world_n eternity_n 5_o lie_v he_o say_v not_o whether_o this_o belief_n be_v found_v on_o eyesight_n at_o first_o or_o opinion_n if_o the_o late_a it_o be_v contrary_a and_o not_o parallel_v to_o our_o case_n if_o the_o former_a than_o he_o must_v suppose_v some_o man_n see_v the_o world_n make_v ab_fw-la aeterno_fw-la 6_o lie_v the_o word_n and_o so_o on_o in_o infinitum_fw-la suppose_v this_o belief_n do_v go_v on_o in_o infinitum_fw-la which_o put_v it_o be_v beyond_o question_n and_o place_v in_o the_o very_a term_n that_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a 7_o lie_v his_o reason_n for_o the_o last_o word_n thus_o for_o no_o man_n do_v ever_o see_v the_o world_n make_v be_v manifold_o faulty_a for_o it_o be_v a_o negative_a argument_n and_o as_o such_o inconsequent_a since_o the_o world_n may_v have_v be_v make_v whether_o any_o have_v see_v it_o or_o not_o again_o the_o first_o man_n may_v have_v know_v it_o certain_o to_o have_v be_v make_v whether_o they_o have_v see_v it_o make_v or_o no._n and_o last_o it_o be_v direct_o contradictory_n to_o what_o it_o shall_v parallel_v for_o we_o agree_v with_o they_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v teach_v a_o doctrine_n thus_o qualify_v first_o put_v its_o existence_n see_v and_o thence_o conclude_v the_o contrary_n can_v never_o come_v to_o be_v hold_v universal_o or_o else_o we_o take_v a_o present-belief_n of_o its_o then-existence_n as_o ever_o receive_v by_o testify_v neither_o of_o which_o have_v any_o correspondence_n with_o his_o ramble_a chimerical_a argument_n no_o two_o piece_n of_o which_o hang_v together_o with_o themselves_o or_o any_o thing_n else_o 31._o he_o say_v he_o can_v evidence_n the_o alteration_n of_o faith_n i_o wish_v he_o will_v tell_v we_o first_o what_o a_o evidence_n mean_v whether_o a_o strong_a fancy_n of_o his_o own_o or_o a_o demonstration_n only_o which_o can_v excuse_v he_o or_o not_o believe_v the_o former_a age_n attest_v his_o first_o proof_n be_v because_o the_o scripture_n suppose_v a_o degeneracy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n incomparable_o argue_v why_o see_v we_o not_o the_o place_n do_v it_o evident_o speak_v of_o faith_n or_o manner_n the_o universal_a church_n or_o particular_a person_n that_o be_v some_o heretic_n but_o be_v it_o in_o faith_n be_v it_o universal_a do_v it_o suppose_v this_o degeneracy_n already_o past_a which_o be_v only_o proper_a to_o your_o purpose_n or_o yet_o to_o come_v that_o be_v do_v it_o say_v there_o must_v be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n in_o faith_n before_o the_o year_n 1664_o alas_o he_o have_v forget_v this_o yet_o for_o such_o wretched_a proof_n as_o these_o baptize_v god_n word_n have_v they_o leave_v the_o evidently-attested_n doctrine_n and_o the_o union_n of_o the_o former_a church_n his_o next_o evidence_n be_v his_o own_o performance_n in_o some_o other_o part_n of_o his_o book_n true_o the_o miserableness_n of_o these_o evidence_n disinvite_v i_o from_o think_v the_o other_o worth_a a_o serious_a thought_n but_o if_o perhaps_o there_o be_v ever_o a_o testimony_n among_o they_o that_o be_v not_o coincident_a with_o some_o of_o dr._n pierce_n faulty_a one_o let_v he_o single_a it_o out_o and_o print_v it_o at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o rejoynder_n to_o this_o it_o shall_v have_v a_o fair_a answer_n from_o i_o or_o some_o other_o more_o proper_a finis_fw-la the_o head_n first_o discourse_n show_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o rule_n and_o faith_n what_o property_n belong_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 1._o second_o discourse_n show_v the_o two_o first_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n utter_o incompetent_a to_o scripture_n p._n 12._o three_o discourse_n that_o the_o three_o next_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v utter_o incompetent_a to_o scripture_n p._n 22._o four_o discourse_n that_o the_o two_o last_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v clear_o incompetent_a to_o scripture_n p._n 33._o five_o discourse_n show_v the_o notion_n of_o tradition_n and_o that_o all_o the_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v clear_o agree_v to_o it._n p._n 41._o six_o discourse_n endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v à_fw-la priori_fw-la the_o indefectibleness_n of_o tradition_n p._n 57_o seven_o discourse_n a_o objection_n clear_v and_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o a_o heresy_n connatural_o lay_v open_a p._n 65._o eight_o discourse_n endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v à_fw-la posteriori_fw-la the_o vninterruptedness_n of_o tradition_n hitherto_o p._n 75._o nine_o discourse_n open_v the_o incomparable_a strength_n of_o the_o church_n human_a authority_n and_o the_o infinite_a advantage_n accrue_v to_o it_o by_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n p._n 81._o corollary_n from_o the_o former_a discourse_n p._n 95._o consent_v of_o authority_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n p._n 126._o transition_n to_o the_o appendix_n p._n 157._o first_o appendix_n animadversion_n on_o the_o groundlesness_n of_o dr._n pierce_n sermon_n p._n 167_o second_v appendix_n animadversion_n on_o some_o passage_n in_o mr._n whitby_n p._n 179._o three_o appendix_n animadversion_n on_o some_o passage_n in_o mr._n stillingfleet_n p._n 201._o
one_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a task_n in_o the_o world_n the_o scripture_n letter_n then_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o §_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 10_o 11._o of_o our_o former_a discourse_n as_o want_v self-evidence_n of_o its_o existence_n easy_a evidenceableness_n of_o its_o rule_v virtue_n and_o power_n to_o establish_v and_o satisfy_v at_o least_o unlearned_a doubter_n 4._o second_o be_v it_o know_v that_o there_o be_v some_o book_n leave_v write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v yet_o it_o be_v unknown_a how_o many_o those_o book_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o which_o of_o the_o many_o controvert_v one_o may_v secure_o be_v put_v in_o that_o catalogue_n which_o not_o which_o it_o be_v most_o palpable_a that_o either_o few_o or_o at_o least_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a and_o common_a sort_n of_o mankind_n especial_o those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o faithful_a but_o look_v to_o come_v to_o faith_n which_o be_v do_v by_o know_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n can_v never_o be_v assure_v of_o either_o by_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o or_o by_o other_o skill_v they_o be_v already_o possess_v of_o the_o scripture_n letter_n then_o be_v from_o this_o head_n conclude_v defective_a in_o the_o forementioned_a property_n necessary_o belong_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 5._o three_o be_v the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o true_a book_n know_v yet_o how_o be_v it_o self-evident_a or_o easy_o evidenceable_a to_o the_o capacity_n above_o name_v if_o to_o any_o that_o the_o very_a original_a or_o a_o perfect_o true_a copy_n of_o these_o book_n be_v preserve_v indeficient_o entire_a out_o of_o which_o our_o translation_n be_v make_v can_v the_o rude_a sort_n either_o know_v this_o or_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o skill_n of_o other_o by_o which_o they_o know_v it_o the_o former_a be_v manifest_o impossible_a the_o late_a equal_o such_o since_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n in_o their_o head_n enable_v they_o to_o judge_v uner_o of_o the_o competency_n of_o other_o skill_n in_o such_o a_o particular_a wherefore_o scripture_n letter_n falter_v still_o in_o the_o primary_n most_o necessary_a and_o essential_a condition_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n 6._o four_o be_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o right_n original_a or_o true_a copy_n of_o it_o be_v preserve_v indefective_a yet_o very_a few_o that_o be_v only_o those_o who_o be_v perfect_a in_o those_o ancient_a language_n can_v arrive_v to_o the_o understanding_n so_o much_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o mankind_n must_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o translation_n and_o ere_o they_o can_v think_v it_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v a_o rule_n they_o must_v know_v it_o be_v right_o translate_v for_o which_o because_o they_o have_v no_o skill_n in_o those_o language_n themselves_o they_o must_v rely_v on_o the_o translator_n skill_n concern_v who_o sufficiency_n of_o understanding_n to_o be_v able_a to_o translate_v uner_o right_a and_o honesty_n of_o will_n or_o true_a intention_n to_o do_v it_o themselves_z at_o least_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a be_v not_o qualify_v enough_o to_o jndge_v assure_o that_o they_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v secure_o rely_v on_o so_o that_o we_o be_v still_o at_o a_o loss_n in_o this_o pretend_a rule_n of_o faith_n for_o our_o first_o and_o fundamental_a condition_n 7._o five_o let_v we_o pass_v by_o all_o these_o defect_n and_o grant_v it_o most_o true_o translate_v to_o a_o tittle_n and_o indeed_o to_o a_o tittle_n it_o shall_v be_v else_o a_o error_n may_v slip_v in_o instead_o of_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n for_o any_o thing_n the_o bare_a letter_n can_v assure_v we_o yet_o the_o innumerable_a copier_n before_o printing_n and_o since_o printer_n and_o corrector_n of_o the_o press_n be_v still_o ro_o be_v rely_v on_o and_o they_o only_o can_v have_v evidence_n of_o the_o right_a letter_n of_o scripture_n who_o stand_v at_o their_o elbow_n attentive_o watch_v they_o shall_v not_o err_v in_o make_v it_o perfect_o like_o a_o former_a copy_n and_o even_o then_o why_o may_v they_o not_o mistrust_v their_o own_o eye_n and_o aptness_n to_o oversee_v or_o be_v it_o grant_v these_o man_n err_v not_o nor_o themselves_o in_o overlook_v they_o yet_o the_o same_o difficulty_n occurr_v concern_v the_o former_a printer_n care_n if_o the_o former_a copy_n be_v print_v or_o the_o scrivener_n if_o manuscript_n which_o escape_v the_o view_n of_o our_o now-liver_n except_o we_o will_v examine_v they_o again_o from_o impression_n to_o impression_n or_o from_o copy_n to_o copy_n by_o other_o more_o ancient_a and_o still_o let_v we_o run_v as_o high_a as_o we_o will_v the_o same_o difficulty_n pursue_v we_o to_o which_o if_o we_o add_v that_o the_o printer_n corrector_n or_o transcriber_n may_v hap_v to_o be_v knave_n and_o either_o be_v heretic_n themselves_o or_o bribe_v by_o heretic_n who_o manner_n it_o be_v ever_o to_o make_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n their_o weapon_n they_o can_v wish_v no_o great_a advantage_n than_o to_o have_v it_o frame_v commodious_a to_o their_o hand_n and_o so_o will_v questionless_a endeavour_v it_o and_o history_n assure_v we_o they_o do_v so_o that_o we_o be_v still_o at_o the_o same_o or_o a_o great_a loss_n in_o our_o pretend_a rule_n of_o faith_n 8._o last_o be_v all_o this_o multitude_n of_o exception_n pardon_v still_o we_o be_v as_o far_o to_o seek_v unless_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o scripture_n letter_n to_o faith_n be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o which_o be_v find_v out_o by_o right_a interpretation_n now_o the_o numerous_a commentator_n upon_o it_o and_o infinite_a dispute_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o even_o in_o most_o concern_v point_n as_o in_o that_o of_o christ_n divinity_n beat_v it_o out_o so_o plain_a to_o we_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o task_n of_o the_o vulgar_a who_o yet_o be_v capable_a of_o salvation_n and_o so_o of_o faith_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o be_v perfect_a frenzy_n to_o deny_v it_o 9_o it_o may_v be_v allege_v that_o some_o of_o these_o defect_n may_v be_v provide_v against_o by_o skill_n in_o history_n but_o it_o be_v quick_o reply_v that_o then_o none_o can_v be_v secure_a of_o their_o rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o consequent_o have_v faith_n unless_o skilled_a in_o history_n or_o know_v ●hose_v man_n to_o be_v so_o and_o withal_o unbyast_o who_o ●hey_n converse_v with_o nay_o without_o know_v that_o those_o man_n know_v certain_o the_o historian_n who_o they_o rely_v on_o have_v secure_a ground_n and_o not_o bare_a hearsay_n for_o what_o they_o write_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o contradict_v by_o other_o either_o extant_a or_o perish_v now_o how_o few_o of_o the_o unlearned_a vulgar_a ●ay_v even_o of_o the_o middle_a sort_n of_o prudent_a man_n which_o make_v up_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n i_o may_v say_v of_o very_o good_a scholar_n can_v judge_v of_o these_o point_n and_o if_o they_o can_v how_o then_o be_v their_o faith_n rational_a or_o virtuous_a and_o not_o rather_o a_o hare-brained_a opinionative_n rashness_n to_o build_v their_o assent_n faith_n and_o salvation_n upon_o principle_n they_o can_v make_v no_o judgement_n of_o 10._o if_o necessity_n make_v some_o willing_a to_o reply_v what_o their_o judgement_n natural_o flow_v from_o their_o principle_n will_v not_o that_o god_n assist_v his_o church_n and_o therefore_o his_o providence_n will_v take_v care_n the_o contingency_n their_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o scripture_n letter_n be_v subject_a to_o shall_v be_v avoid_v it_o be_v ask_v how_o they_o be_v certain_a in_o their_o way_n of_o such_o a_o assistance_n but_o by_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o must_v first_o then_o prove_v that_o certain_a ere_o they_o mention_v the_o church_n or_o god_n assistance_n to_o she_o since_o this_o assistance_n be_v in_o their_o ground_n found_v upon_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o that_o letter_n beside_o a_o church_n be_v a_o 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passage_n which_o seem_v favourable_a to_o they_o or_o may_v
believe_v ancestor_n that_o they_o who_o do_v not_o so_o stand_v upon_o a_o precipice_n seeking_z what_o be_v beyond_o their_o power_n that_o be_v to_o hammer_v a_o certain_a faith_n out_o of_o scripture_n letter_n by_o their_o private_a wit._n which_o reflect_v on_o a_o little_a reason_n enlighten_v by_o so_o plain_a and_o manifold_a experience_n will_v easy_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o shallowness_n of_o their_o ground_n unable_a to_o satisfy_v rational_a nature_n which_o make_v so_o many_o of_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o seek_v for_o faith_n and_o so_o leave_v they_o and_o the_o solid_a secureness_n connaturalness_n and_o satisfactoriness_n of_o we_o which_o make_v few_o or_o none_o leave_v we_o and_o those_o who_o do_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o discover_v the_o motive_n of_o their_o revolt_n 11._o yet_o one_o more_o from_o this_o illustrious_a father_n as_o one_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o famous_a contrast_n with_o the_o impious_a arian_n it_o concern_v to_o be_v 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