Selected quad for the lemma: book_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
book_n jew_n old_a testament_n 3,348 5 8.0238 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A67102 Reason and religion, or, The certain rule of faith where the infallibility of the Roman Catholick Church is asserted, against atheists, heathens, Jewes, Turks, and all sectaries : with a refutation of Mr. Stillingfleets many gross errours / by E.W. E. W. (Edward Worsley), 1605-1676. 1672 (1672) Wing W3617; ESTC R34760 537,937 719

There are 13 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

a_o oracle_n of_o truth_n whilst_o all_o it_o teach_v now_o be_v fallible_a and_o may_v be_v false_a 7._o hence_o i_o argue_v what_o scripture_n say_v be_v true_a scripture_n here_o speak_v of_o a_o church_n found_v by_o christ_n of_o a_o ancient_n visible_a say_v a_o argument_n draw_v from_o what_o be_v now_o say_v society_n of_o her_o perpetual_a pastor_n without_o interruption_n of_o a_o church_n convert_n nation_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o it_o speak_v truth_n and_o point_n at_o a_o sure_a oracle_n mark_v with_o the_o note_n we_o plead_v for_o who_o ever_o then_o admit_n scripture_n must_v joint_o own_v these_o mark_n and_o signature_n of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o you_o sectary_n admit_v scripture_n and_o have_v no_o such_o mark_v church_n with_o antiquity_n continuance_n of_o pastor_n etc._n etc._n ergo_fw-la you_o be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n which_o must_v necessary_o be_v find_v in_o some_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n 8._o here_o by_o the_o way_n we_o must_v prevent_v a_o trivial_a objection_n for_o some_o less_o know_a adversary_n may_v reply_v we_o destroy_v our_o own_o ground_n and_o now_o prove_v the_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n by_o scripture_n whereas_o we_o suppose_v the_o scripture_n first_o prove_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n because_o the_o church_n manifest_v by_o her_o mark_n and_o motive_n say_v so_o 9_o i_o answer_v we_o prove_v the_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o form_n of_o her_o essential_a doctrine_n also_o by_o scripture_n but_o how_o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o the_o book_n be_v first_o prove_v divine_a by_o church_n authority_n thus_o much_o do_v it_o be_v a_o excellent_a principle_n but_o not_o primum_fw-la indemonstrabile_fw-la it_o be_v own_o self-euidence_n or_o first_o indemonstrable_a principle_n this_o truth_n be_v clear_a for_o no_o man_n go_v about_o to_o convert_v à_fw-fr jew_n by_o allege_v passage_n out_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o to_o draw_v a_o heathen_a to_o christianity_n by_o any_o thing_n write_v either_o in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a scripture_n as_o therefore_o that_o principle_n scripture_n not_o the_o first_o in_o demonstrable_a principle_n man_n will_v not_o be_v well_o in_o his_o wit_n who_o hope_v to_o convert_v à_fw-fr protestant_n by_o mere_o allege_v the_o definition_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o he_o slight_v so_o he_o will_v be_v as_o senseless_a do_v he_o hope_v to_o convert_v a_o heathen_a by_o scripture_n only_o as_o much_o underualued_a by_o he_o as_o the_o present_a definition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v by_o protestant_n hence_o you_o see_v how_o scripture_n be_v a_o principle_n against_o sectary_n who_o admit_v it_o and_o reject_v a_o infallible_a church_n by_o scripture_n we_o argue_v and_o convince_v they_o of_o error_n may_v the_o word_n thereof_o bear_v their_o proper_a sense_n without_o fancy_a gloss_n yet_o if_o we_o make_v a_o right_a analysis_n it_o be_v not_o the_o first_o indemonstrable_a principle_n but_o per_fw-la modum_fw-la suppositionis_fw-la only_o that_o be_v it_o must_v be_v either_o suppose_v or_o prove_v divine_a 10._o i_o say_v yet_o more_o though_o both_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_a own_a scripture_n as_o it_o true_o be_v a_o book_n indict_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n solue_v though_o it_o be_v so_o there_o yet_o remain_v a_o difficulty_n not_o to_o be_v solue_v yet_o they_o have_v but_o make_v one_o step_n as_o it_o be_v towards_o christianity_n for_o when_o such_o man_n look_v well_o about_o they_o and_o find_v scripture_n different_o sense_v by_o so_o many_o jar_a head_n as_o have_v it_o in_o their_o hand_n by_o arian_n socinian_o quaker_n protestant_n etc._n etc._n catholic_n dissent_v from_o they_o all_o where_o can_v i_o beseech_v you_o these_o half_a christian_n whether_o jews_n or_o heathen_n secure_o rest_v with_o who_o can_v they_o rational_o unite_v themselves_o who_o sense_n must_v they_o believe_v and_o own_v as_o the_o undoubted_a meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n prudent_o in_o so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n be_v impossible_a unless_o they_o first_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n true_a church_n which_o as_o well_o ascertain_n they_o of_o the_o scripture_n sense_n in_o all_o controverted_a point_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o do_v of_o the_o book_n be_v divinity_n now_o further_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o by_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o know_v the_o church_n but_o by_o her_o mark_n the_o essential_a doctrine_n thereof_o no_o more_o mark_n be_v itself_o as_o true_a than_o scripture_n doctrine_n denote_v its_o own_o divinity_n the_o sectary_n therefore_o that_o rob_n the_o church_n of_o her_o mark_n and_o the_o external_a glory_n of_o miracle_n conversion_n perpetuity_n etc._n etc._n be_v guilty_a of_o three_o heinous_a crime_n at_o once_o 11._o first_o he_o make_v the_o conversion_n of_o à_fw-fr jew_n to_o christianity_n impossible_a sectary_n make_v the_o conversion_n of_o jew_n impossible_a most_o impossible_a i_o will_v show_v you_o how_o the_o jew_n admit_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o draw_v from_o every_o passage_n which_o speak_v of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n à_fw-fr sense_n quite_o different_a from_o that_o which_o christian_n own_v the_o protestant_a admit_n both_o the_o old_a and_o new_a scripture_n and_o as_o we_o may_v suppose_v be_v at_o a_o hot_a dispute_n with_o à_fw-fr jew_n concern_v christian_a religion_n first_o say_v the_o jew_n lay_v sir_n your_o new_a testament_n aside_o which_o be_v no_o principle_n with_o i_o because_o it_o neither_o evidence_n itself_o immediate_o to_o be_v god_n word_n nor_o can_v you_o prove_v it_o divine_a upon_o any_o sure_a ground_n extrinsical_a to_o the_o book_n therefore_o we_o must_v argue_v by_o a_o principle_n common_a to_o we_o both_o the_o old_a testament_n only_o you_o read_v there_o i_o read_v also_o you_o know_v the_o original_a language_n so_o do_v i_o you_o compare_v text_n with_o text_n i_o do_v the_o like_a you_o gloss_n and_o i_o gloss_n against_o you_o yet_o after_o all_o be_v do_v you_o draw_v one_o sense_n out_o of_o this_o very_a scripture_n and_o will_v prove_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n i_o draw_v from_o thence_o a_o other_o quite_o contrary_a and_o say_v he_o be_v not_o my_o demand_n be_v whether_o christ_n prove_v the_o assertion_n prove_v who_o you_o adore_v have_v provide_v man_n of_o better_a mean_n than_o your_o gloss_n and_o i_o be_v whereby_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v what_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o scripture_n be_v if_o he_o have_v do_v so_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o a_o church_n manifest_v by_o supernatural_a sign_n and_o miracle_n for_o god_n now_o teach_v none_o by_o angel_n or_o enthusiasm_n if_o the_o guidance_n of_o a_o church_n be_v want_v we_o be_v all_o leave_v in_o darkness_n and_o know_v not_o what_o sense_n to_o make_v of_o scripture_n and_o this_o ill_n beseem_v the_o goodness_n of_o a_o saviour_n who_o as_o you_o say_v come_v to_o enlighten_v the_o world_n and_o teach_v all_o truth_n which_o be_v not_o do_v for_o he_o leave_v reason_n in_o darkness_n and_o teach_v not_o where_o his_o true_a church_n be_v it_o may_v well_o be_v the_o protestant_n will_v except_v against_o his_o adversary_n gloss_n but_o he_o be_v soon_o silence_v for_o say_v the_o jew_n you_o good_a man_n when_o you_o treat_v with_o papist_n interpret_v scripture_n as_o you_o please_v and_o why_o may_v not_o i_o proceed_v so_o with_o you_o and_o use_v the_o like_a liberty_n 12._o the_o second_o crime_n commit_v by_o the_o protestant_n who_o deprive_v the_o church_n of_o her_o external_a sign_n be_v that_o he_o eclipse_n that_o great_a light_n of_o the_o world_n which_o as_o origen_n say_v shine_v to_o all_o and_o make_v it_o as_o obscure_a as_o some_o protestant_n make_v their_o church_n invisible_a before_o luther_n what_o i_o say_v be_v certain_a for_o no_o man_n can_v find_v the_o church_n by_o reason_n when_o all_o rational_a motive_n be_v of_o what_o sectary_n be_v guilty_a of_o take_v from_o it_o and_o hold_v impertinent_a to_o illustrate_v that_o great_a moral_a body_n hence_o you_o see_v the_o three_o sin_n of_o sectary_n relate_v to_o scripture_n this_o book_n also_o lose_v all_o credit_n with_o christian_n because_o it_o euidence_v not_o its_o own_o divinity_n nor_o can_v any_o signalise_v church_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v divine_a or_o certain_o declare_v the_o true_a sense_n thereof_o to_o either_o learned_a or_o unlearned_a 13._o my_o last_o argument_n against_o the_o protestant_n be_v not_o topick_n nor_o bare_a probability_n but_o a_o plain_a demonstration_n the_o title_n say_v this_o reform_a man_n have_v no_o christian_a doctrine_n make_v credible_a to_o argument_n the_o last_o convince_a argument_n reason_n whilst_o he_o believe_v as_o protestant_n to_o prove_v the_o assertion_n three_o
infallible_a oracle_n and_o it_o be_v very_o true_a but_o we_o prove_v the_o like_a sign_n accompany_v and_o follow_v the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n therefore_o her_o hearer_n be_v also_o bind_v to_o acknowledge_v her_o a_o infallible_a oracle_n also_o in_o this_o place_n you_o shall_v have_v speak_v to_o the_o cause_n and_o show_v why_o or_o upon_o what_o account_n those_o first_o sign_n be_v so_o powerful_a to_o prove_v the_o apostle_n infallible_a and_o these_o latter_a of_o the_o church_n less_o pregnant_a to_o prove_v her_o infallible_a this_o and_o it_o be_v the_o main_a point_n you_o wise_o wave_n for_o it_o be_v unanswerable_a and_o most_o frigid_o tell_v we_o again_o the_o main_a point_n press_v again_o p._n 153._o you_o must_v be_v excuse_v as_o to_o what_o follow_v viz._n that_o those_o same_o motive_n move_v the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o we_o in_o our_o respective_a time_n to_o believe_v the_o church_n and_o why_o not_o dear_a sir_n give_v we_o the_o disparity_n and_o we_o have_v do_v but_o you_o can_v if_o therefore_o it_o answer_v which_o can_v be_v answer_v be_v à_fw-fr bold_a attempt_n to_o deny_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o church_n we_o plead_v for_o which_z s._n austin_n epist_n 166._o compare_v with_o the_o sun_n manifest_a to_o all_o usque_fw-la ad_fw-la terminos_fw-la ad_fw-la terrae_fw-la to_o the_o last_o bound_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o weaken_v the_o force_n of_o our_o inference_n when_o we_o say_n the_o church_n be_v prove_v by_o her_o motive_n a_o infallible_a oracle_n you_o next_o term_n this_o expression_n the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n à_fw-fr coccysm_n whereby_o it_o appear_v how_o little_a you_o be_v verse_v in_o school-divinity_n 29._o it_o seem_v in_o the_o page_n now_o cite_v your_o adversary_n urge_v this_o argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la if_o a_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v hominem_fw-la a_o argument_n urge_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la infallible_a in_o fundamental_o the_o last_o reason_n why_o you_o believe_v it_o infallible_a must_v rest_v upon_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o present_a church_n do_v infallible_o witness_v so_o much_o by_o her_o tradition_n to_o this_o you_o return_v a_o most_o dissatisfactory_a answer_n in_o these_o word_n when_o you_o ask_v ●s_a protestant_n why_o we_o believe_v such_o a_o article_n to_o be_v fundamental_a as_o f●r_v a_o instance_n christ_n will_v give_v eternal_a life_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v he_o answer_v the_o sectary_n answer_v ●e_z answer_v not_o because_o the_o church_n which_o be_v infallible_a in_o fundamental_o deliever_v it_o to_o be_v so_o for_o that_o be_v to_o answer_v idem_fw-la per_fw-la idem_fw-la but_o we_o speal_v to_o that_o common_a reason_n which_o be_v in_o mankind_n whether_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v true_a this_o can_v be_v any_o other_o than_o a_o fundamental_a article_n of_o it_o it_o be_v that_o without_o which_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o christian_a religion_n come_v to_o nothing_o 30._o good_a reader_n join_v here_o two_o thing_n together_o mr_n stillingfleet_n believe_v and_o mark_v the_o word_n such_o a_o article_n to_o be_v fundamental_a not_o upon_o scripture_n or_o church_n authority_n for_o neither_o make_v the_o distinction_n between_o fundamental_o and_o not_o fundamental_o why_o high_o dissatisfactory_a and_o why_o and_o again_o before_o he_o have_v prove_v by_o any_o infallible_a authority_n that_o such_o à_fw-fr distinction_n in_o his_o sense_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v he_o bring_v in_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n to_o judge_n in_o a_o matter_n which_o catholic_n say_v be_v de_fw-fr subiecto_fw-la non_fw-la supponente_fw-la not_o capable_a of_o judicature_n because_o there_o be_v no_o thing_n in_o be_v as_o he_o call_v fundamental_o distinguisable_a from_o other_o of_o a_o low_a rank_n moreover_o and_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o he_o believe_v such_o a_o article_n to_o be_v a_o truth_n because_o god_fw-we reueal_n it_n and_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o fundamental_a humane_a faith_n stand_v not_o upon_o two_o disserent_fw-la motive_n divine_a and_o humane_a truth_n upon_o this_o motive_n that_o common_a reason_n hold_v it_o so_o do_v not_o therefore_o this_o one_o act_n of_o faith_n rely_v upon_o two_o heterogeneal_a formal_a object_n as_o faith_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o god_n veracity_n as_o fundamental_a faith_n it_o stand_v totter_v upon_o man_n fallible_a reason_n 31._o what_o follow_v be_v as_o bad_a or_o worse_o it_o be_v sufficient_a say_v you_o that_o the_o church_n do_v deliver_v from_o the_o consent_n of_o universal_a tradition_n the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n which_o to_o be_v sure_a contain_n all_o thing_n fundamental_a in_o it_o though_o she_o never_o meddle_v with_o the_o decide_n what_o point_n be_v fundamental_a and_o what_o not_o pray_v you_o sir_n answer_n who_o shall_v dare_v to_o meddle_v with_o those_o fundamental_o be_v they_o supposable_a in_o yet_o worse_a doctrine_n yet_o your_o sense_n if_o the_o church_n do_v not_o what_o must_v your_o private_a judgement_n or_o i_o decide_v here_o quo_fw-la jure_fw-la by_o what_o law_n or_o authority_n whilst_o scripture_n say_v nothing_o and_o you_o will_v not_o permit_v the_o church_n to_o meddle_v in_o the_o business_n be_v there_o any_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v meddle_v with_o therefore_o you_o leave_v all_o to_o man_n private_a opinion_n to_o make_v what_o they_o please_v fundamental_a and_o exclude_v from_o fundamental_o every_o thing_n which_o like_v they_o not_o and_o here_o be_v your_o fumble_a way_n of_o believe_v no_o man_n know_v what_o whilst_o faith_n their_o break_a kind_n of_o faith_n the_o church_n tell_v you_o that_o every_o thing_n she_o proposes_n as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v fundamental_a this_o impregnable_a principle_n we_o establish_v in_o lieu_n of_o your_o loose_a faith_n and_o break_a way_n of_o argue_v also_o last_o you_o be_v out_o in_o the_o main_a supposition_n that_o scripture_n only_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o hereof_o enough_o be_v say_v in_o the_o first_o discourse_n 32._o the_o next_o thing_n i_o meet_v with_o worth_a any_o notice_n be_v p._n 158._o whereunto_o we_o also_o join_v he_o 170._o page_n it_o seem_v d._n lawd_n before_o mr_n stillingfleet_n write_v his_o account_n be_v urge_v to_o give_v a_o examine_v the_o main_a point_n concern_v scripture_n and_o its_o sense_n examine_v satisfactory_a reply_n to_o the_o question_n why_o or_o upon_o what_o ground_n protestant_n believe_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n scripture_n alone_o say_v not_o which_o book_n be_v canonical_a much_o less_o declare_v their_o sense_n in_o matter_n controvert_v sectary_n reject_v the_o church_n infallible_a authority_n and_o say_v she_o be_v not_o to_o tell_v we_o which_o book_n be_v scripture_n or_o what_o their_o sense_n be_v though_o admit_v as_o god_n word_n be_v it_o not_o very_o reasonable_a think_v you_o to_o demand_n a_o reasonable_a demand_n demand_v upon_o what_o ground_n these_o man_n stand_v when_o either_o they_o believe_v scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o give_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n for_o clear_v these_o difficulty_n you_o shall_v have_v mr_n stillingfleet_v own_o word_n p._n 170._o 33._o this_o question_n say_v he_o how_o we_o know_v scripture_n to_o be_v scripture_n may_v import_v two_o thing_n first_o how_o we_o know_v that_o all_o those_o book_n contain_v god_n word_n in_o they_o or_o second_o how_o we_o know_v the_o answer_n the_o substance_n of_o mr_n stillingfleet_v answer_n doctrine_n contain_v in_o these_o book_n to_o be_v divine_a if_o you_o then_o ask_v i_o whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o i_o believe_v with_o such_o à_fw-fr faith_n as_o be_v build_v upon_o divine_a testimony_n that_o these_o book_n call_v scripture_n contain_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a religion_n in_o they_o which_o we_o call_v god_n word_n i_o do_v and_o shall_v deny_v it_o viz._n that_o this_o belief_n be_v build_v on_o any_o divine_a testimony_n and_o my_o reason_n be_v because_o i_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o such_o a_o assent_n without_o any_o divine_a testimony_n but_o if_o you_o ask_v i_o ●●_o what_o ground_n i_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a which_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o book_n i_o then_o answer_v affirmative_o on_o a_o divine_a testimony_n because_o god_n have_v give_v abundant_a evidence_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n 34._o here_o be_v two_o assertion_n the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n contain_v god_n word_n in_o they_o and_o this_o can_v believe_v upon_o any_o divine_a testimony_n thus_o much_o grant_v it_o follow_v inevitable_o though_o one_o shall_v pertinacious_o reject_v the_o whole_a it_o drewes_n a_o ill_a consequence_n after_o it_o canon_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n or_o absolute_o affirm_v these_o book_v
and_o all_o the_o particular_a sentence_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v not_o god_n write_a word_n he_o can_v not_o yet_o for_o such_o à_fw-fr perverse_a denial_n be_v account_v a_o heretic_n i_o prove_v it_o none_o can_v incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o heresy_n but_o he_o who_o deny_v a_o truth_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v or_o which_o stand_v firm_a upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n but_o he_o that_o deny_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o contain_v divine_a heresy_n not_o incur_v though_o one_o deny_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v divine_a god_n word_n in_o they_o renounce_v no_o truth_n reveal_v by_o almighty_a god_n for_o say_v our_o adversary_n this_o be_v no_o reveal_v truth_n nor_o stand_v firm_a upon_o any_o divine_a testimony_n therefore_o he_o be_v no_o heretic_n now_o further_o if_o he_o may_v without_o the_o sin_n of_o heresy_n deny_v these_o book_n to_o be_v divine_a see_v god_n never_o say_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v to_o be_v divine_a upon_o any_o divine_a testimony_n yet_o mr_n stillingfleet_n think_v he_o may_v 35._o my_o reason_n be_v no_o man_n vnderstand'_v by_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o principle_n or_o doctrine_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v mere_o the_o paper_n or_o cover_n of_o the_o book_n but_o he_o must_v understand_v if_o he_o right_o conceive_v scripture_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n what_o scripture_n be_v the_o very_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o those_o writing_n for_o example_n here_o be_v one_o principle_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n gen._n 17._o 4._o god_n make_v a_o conuenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n for_o ever_o another_o in_o the_o new_a joan._n 1._o 14._o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh._n answer_v i_o beseech_v you_o can_v any_o man_n true_o affirm_v that_o these_o two_o principle_n the_o like_a be_v of_o innumerable_a other_o contain_v in_o scripture_n stand_v not_o firm_a upon_o god_n infallible_a testimony_n when_o it_o be_v manifest_a the_o whole_a christian_a world_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o with_o a_o faith_n ground_v upon_o the_o same_o infallible_a testimony_n that_o reveal_v they_o deny_v principle_n of_o religion_n deny_v it_o be_v therefore_o no_o little_a oversight_n in_o mr_n stillingfleet_n to_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a religion_n contain_v in_o a_o book_n call_v scripture_n and_o positive_o to_o assert_v these_o can_v be_v believe_v upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n this_o certain_o be_v not_o defensible_a 36._o some_o may_v yet_o reply_v two_o thing_n be_v here_o to_o be_v consider_v first_o the_o bare_a letter_n or_o outward_a word_n of_o scripture_n and_o these_o we_o believe_v not_o upon_o divine_a revelation_n but_o have_v they_o from_o universal_a tradition_n or_o the_o consent_n of_o nation_n diflinguish_v an_o answerto_o such_o as_o here_o diflinguish_v the_o second_o be_v the_o sense_n or_o divine_a doctrine_n which_o these_o outward_a sign_n or_o exterior_a word_n convey_v to_o us._n now_o this_o sense_n or_o the_o interior_a doctrine_n of_o scripture_n as_o contradistinct_a from_o the_o bare_a outward_a letter_n we_o pure_o believe_v upon_o the_o divine_a testimony_n cast_v the_o assent_n give_v to_o the_o word_n upon_o sense_n between_o the_o bare_a word_n and_o the_o sense_n other_o foreign_a principle_n i_o believe_v mr_n stillingfleet_n elsewhere_o say_v some_o such_o thing_n as_o this_o or_o must_v say_v it_o contra._n 1._o the_o mere_a outward_a word_n though_o pure_a be_v no_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o as_o separate_v from_o the_o sense_n and_o interior_a doctrine_n be_v neither_o principle_n of_o the_o jewish_a or_o christian_a religion_n nor_o in_o rigour_n god_n word_n for_o god_n never_o speak_v nor_o inspire_v other_o to_o write_v word_n but_o he_o joint_o convey_v with_o they_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o doctrine_n also_o and_o methinks_v its_o very_a hard_a to_o believe_v this_o doctrine_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n as_o god_n sacred_a word_n and_o not_o to_o believe_v those_o very_a word_n to_o come_v from_o god_n upon_o the_o same_o divine_a motive_n which_o support's_n the_o doctrine_n moses_n say_v our_o saviour_n john_n 5._o 47._o have_v write_v of_o divine_a word_n be_v divine_a i_o and_o if_o you_o will_v not_o believe_v his_o write_n how_o will_v you_o believe_v my_o word_n these_o outward_a sign_n therefore_o the_o very_a word_n of_o truth_n call_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1._o thess_n 2._o 13._o verbum_fw-la auditus_fw-la dei_fw-la word_n of_o hear_v or_o hear_v be_v in_o very_a deed_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o may_v well_o where_o none_o can_v rational_o doubt_v of_o their_o purity_n be_v assent_v to_o upon_o the_o same_o divine_a testimony_n with_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o 37._o the_o reason_n be_v god_n will_v have_v be_v the_o same_o verity_n he_o now_o be_v although_o he_o have_v reveal_v nothing_o that_o therefore_o which_o move_v or_o determin_n believer_n to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n reveal_v be_v not_o only_o his_o increated_a authority_n but_o the_o sincere_a external_a revelation_n with_o it_o also_o these_o two_o joint_o faith_n the_o first_o veritas_fw-la speak_v be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n concur_v as_o one_o motive_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o first_o verity_n as_o speak_v or_o reveal_v may_v be_v right_o call_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n i_o know_v divine_n vary_v about_o this_o question_n whether_o the_o external_a proposition_n be_v a_o partial_a motive_n with_o god_n internal_a verity_n or_o only_o a_o necessary_a condition_n whereby_o that_o verity_n the_o ultimate_a ground_n of_o faith_n be_v apply_v to_o believer_n herein_o much_o may_v be_v de_fw-fr nomine_fw-la but_o none_o of_o they_o all_o say_v the_o exterior_a revelation_n be_v assent_v to_o upon_o one_o principle_n which_o be_v not_o divine_a and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n convey_v by_o it_o be_v believe_v upon_o another_o most_o divine_a and_o infallible_a this_o be_v a_o novelty_n grand_a what_o sectary_n shall_v grand_a neither_o do_v i_o see_v how_o sectary_n can_v find_v that_o lustre_n that_o majesty_n and_o divinity_n so_o often_o talk_v of_o in_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o holy_a writ_n if_o they_o be_v not_o own_v as_o god_n true_a word_n upon_o his_o divine_a testimony_n 38._o let_v we_o now_o brief_o examine_v mr_n stillingfleet_n proposition_n without_o depend_v on_o what_o he_o teach_v or_o must_v teach_v concern_v the_o belief_n of_o word_n separate_v from_o the_o doctrine_n we_o believe_v say_v he_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n in_o itself_o examine_v scripture_n upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n because_o god_n have_v give_v abundant_a evidence_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v or_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n here_o be_v three_o thing_n distinguishable_a the_o doctrine_n believe_v the_o incarnation_n for_o example_n the_o testimony_n reveal_v the_o matter_n bebelieve_v and_o final_o the_o evidence_n whereby_o that_o testimony_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n now_o all_o our_o difficulty_n be_v concern_v the_o evidence_n of_o this_o divine_a testimony_n whereupon_o we_o believe_v any_o mystery_n and_o we_o ask_v from_o whence_o mr_n stillingfleet_n take_v his_o evidence_n he_o have_v you_o se_n abundance_n of_o it_o wherewith_o to_o prove_v that_o god_n ever_o say_v the_o divine_a word_n be_v make_v flesh_n 39_o the_o question_n seem_v reasonable_a because_o this_o testimony_n which_o all_o aught_o to_o believe_v and_o consequent_o do_v exist_v be_v not_o its_o own_o self_n evidence_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v evidence_v by_o another_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n whole_o as_o obscure_v to_o we_o that_o god_n speak_v evidence_n the_o divine_a testimony_n not_o its_o own_o self_n evidence_n that_o truth_n for_o so_o we_o shall_v go_v in_o insinitum_fw-la and_o prove_v one_o dark_a testimony_n by_o another_o equal_o as_o dark_a infallible_a tradition_n not_o write_v and_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n our_o adversary_n reject_v and_o may_v say_v b_n though_o admit_v be_v object_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o under_o t●at_a notion_n appear_v as_o little_a evident_a to_o we_o as_o the_o scripture_n testimony_n be_v we_o desire_v to_o prove_v therefore_o whatever_o be_v right_o call_v evidence_n in_o this_o matter_n whereby_o all_o will_v discover_v a_o obscure_a testimony_n not_o yet_o prove_v god_n word_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v extrinsical_a to_o the_o testimony_n itself_o and_o if_o extrinsic_a no_o other_o evidence_n can_v motive_n therefore_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o credibility_n must_v be_v take_v from_o extrinfick_a motive_n possible_o be_v have_v but_o that_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o know_a motive_n of_o credibility_n for_o by_o these_o the_o church_n be_v prove_v a_o oracle_n no_o less_o
a_o infinite_a goodness_n can_v permit_v either_o devil_n or_o false_a prophet_n to_o use_v the_o like_a way_n of_o speak_v i_o mean_v by_o sign_n peculiar_a god_n how_o this_o divine_a language_n be_v know_v to_o proceed_v from_o god_n to_o god_n and_o withal_o to_o utter_v a_o falsehood_n in_o his_o name_n for_o be_v this_o possible_a we_o infringe_v the_o great_a evidence_n which_o christianity_n have_v and_o must_v say_v though_o christ_n our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n significant_o speak_v to_o all_o in_o god_n name_n by_o their_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n yet_o neither_o jew_n nor_o gentile_n can_v be_v oblige_v after_o a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o teach_v the_o world_n 3._o now_o because_o this_o external_a language_n be_v twofold_a first_o private_a and_o immediate_a 2._o public_a and_o mediate_v both_o for_o our_o better_a satisfaction_n be_v to_o be_v declare_v concern_v the_o first_o imagine_v speak_v by_o one_o example_n g●ds_v immediate_a way_n of_o speak_v that_o one_o like_o another_o mofe_n be_v in_o a_o desert_n and_o see_v a_o bush_n burn_v yet_o not_o consume_v draw_v near_o he_o hear_v one_o speak_v out_o of_o the_o flame_n and_o ask_v who_o it_o be_v it_o be_v answer_v i_o be_o god_n that_o speak_v and_o command_v thou_o to_o believe_v and_o deliver_v to_o all_o what_o i_o say_v and_o to_o evidence_n that_o i_o be_o god_n i_o foretell_v thou_o now_o thing_n which_o shall_v happen_v in_o thy_o day_n beside_o thou_o shall_v see_v these_o declare_v be_v declare_v wonderful_a sign_n to_o confirm_v this_o truth_n that_o i_o speak_v put_v thy_o hand_n into_o thy_o bosom_n it_o shall_v become_v leprous_a and_o present_o why_o the_o language_n know_v to_o proceed_v from_o god_n and_o why_o pure_a again_o cast_v thy_o rod_n upon_o the_o ground_n i_o will_v make_v it_o à_fw-fr serpent_n and_o without_o delay_n turn_v it_o into_o what_o it_o be_v before_o and_o if_o these_o sign_n move_v thou_o not_o look_v into_o the_o next_o thicket_n there_o be_v one_o lie_v dead_a barbarous_o slay_v by_o his_o enemy_n this_o man_n i_o will_v raise_v up_o to_o life_n and_o thy_o own_o eye_n shall_v see_v the_o miracle_n for_o these_o wonder_n therefore_o thou_o must_v believe_v i_o be_o god_n who_o speak_v and_o know_v it_o belong_v to_o my_o providence_n not_o to_o permit_v such_o à_fw-fr signalise_v language_n to_o pass_v from_o i_o unless_o it_o be_v i_o thus_o we_o have_v god_n private_a and_o immediate_a way_n of_o speak_v 4._o hereupon_o this_o retire_a man_n leave_v his_o solitude_n go_v abroad_o and_o publish_v to_o all_o what_o he_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v but_o yet_o gain_n no_o credit_n he_o than_o tell_v his_o incredulous_a auditor_n god_n have_v send_v he_o as_o a_o messenger_n to_o speak_v in_o his_o name_n and_o prove_v his_o commission_n another_o the_o way_n of_o speak_v by_o another_o by_o work_v strange_a wonder_n he_o cure_v the_o sick_a dispossess_v devil_n raise_v the_o dead_a which_o do_v the_o most_o obdurate_a heart_n assent_v to_o what_o he_o teach_v and_o believe_v he_o be_v no_o impostor_n but_o a_o messenger_n indeed_o send_v from_o god_n for_o none_o as_o that_o prince_n among_o the_o jew_n argue_v above_o john_n 3._o 1._o can_v say_v he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o work_v such_o wonder_n unless_o god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o this_o be_v god_n public_a way_n of_o speak_v by_o another_o 5._o a._n 3._o principle_n whoever_o grant_n that_n god_n can_v speak_v immediate_o what_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o if_o god_n speak_v not_o immediate_o to_o man_n by_o a_o oracle_n distinct_a from_o himself_o must_v also_o if_o so_o great_a à_fw-fr majesty_n please_v not_o to_o impart_v his_o truth_n immediate_o hold_v it_o obligatory_a to_o hear_v the_o mediate_v language_n of_o that_o oracle_n whereby_o god_n speak_v 6._o imagine_v now_o you_o have_v a_o earnest_n seeker_n after_o truth_n a_o mere_a stranger_n to_o christ_n yet_o thoughtful_a of_o a_o long_a eternity_n that_o look_n about_o he_o and_o be_v resolve_v to_o find_v out_o what_o god_n have_v speak_v by_o the_o best_a oracle_n he_o read'_v aristotle_n plato_n and_o the_o like_a ancient_a philosopher_n and_o ponder_v all_o most_o diligent_o what_o proceed'_v how_o a_o zealous_a inquirer_n after_o ●tuth_n proceed'_v follow_v some_o few_o spark_n of_o light_n he_o find_v there_o but_o so_o mix_v with_o darkness_n and_o error_n that_o the_o ill_a lustre_n of_o it_o leave_v he_o quite_o dissatisfy_v perhaps_o he_o may_v hope_v to_o learn_v more_o from_o mahomet_n alcoran_n worse_a success_n here_o for_o no_o soon_o have_v he_o the_o book_n in_o his_o hand_n but_o the_o impudent_a lie_n the_o horrid_a imposture_n the_o filth_n and_o contradiction_n discover_v there_o so_o disquiet_v learning_n he_o meet_v we_o first_o with_o profane_a learning_n his_o trouble_a soul_n that_o be_v curse_n the_o book_n and_o right_o conclud'_v so_o foul_a à_fw-fr language_n can_v never_o come_v from_o god_n inquire_v moreover_o who_o this_o mahomet_n be_v he_o learn_v he_o be_v a_o counterfeit_n a_o ignorant_a a_o unpure_a and_o most_o cruel_a man_n only_o prays●ble_a in_o this_o that_o he_o own_v one_o god_n though_o he_o never_o adore_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n 7._o thus_o much_o do_v our_o zealous_a seeker_n hear_v of_o a_o book_n scripture_n fall_v next_o on_o the_o holy_a scripture_n call_v the_o holy_a scripture_n high_o reverence_v by_o christian_n he_o reads_z and_o rejoice_v for_o now_o he_o meet_v with_o a_o language_n beseem_v god_n grave_a sim●le_a familiar_a yet_o withal_o serious_a the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o book_n appear_v also_o most_o sacred_a but_o one_o '_o doubt_n occur_v '_o doubt_n occurr'_v concern_v the_o strange_a miracle_n and_o wonder_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n so_o do_v another_o in_o no_o few_o passage_n which_o there_o seem_v so_o obscure_a that_o he_o vnderstand'_v they_o not_o howe●er_n by_o what_o be_v discover_v most_o happy_a man_n be_v he_o can_v any_o ascertain_v he_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o now_o peruse_v and_o indubitable_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v god_n own_o infallible_a word_n 8._o in_o this_o restless_a condition_n he_o propose_v the_o doubt_n to_o one_o satisfaction_n he_o seek_n satisfaction_n or_o more_o of_o caluins_n follower_n and_o ask_v how_o they_o prove_v the_o scripture_n divinity_n they_o tell_v he_o the_o question_n be_v as_o impertinent_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v demand_v how_o light_a my_o be_v know_v to_o be_v light_n and_o not_o darkness_n white_a to_o be_v white_a and_o not_o black_a much_o dissatisfy_v with_o the_o answer_n whole_o as_o bad_a as_o that_o other_o proof_n be_v take_v from_o the_o private_a spirit_n the_o inquisitive_a person_n have_v catholic_n and_o repair_v to_o catholic_n hear_v of_o a_o know_a christian_a society_n call_v catholic_n address_v himself_o to_o some_o of_o the_o learned_a among_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o assure_v he_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o scripture_n this_o yet_o reach_v not_o home_n and_o though_o it_o be_v further_o answer_v the_o church_n positive_o teach_v so_o yet_o he_o may_v just_o demand_v how_o we_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o church_n testimony_n 9_o here_o whilst_o sectary_n be_v silent_a we_o proceed_v as_o the_o solitary_a man_n do_v and_o evidence_n god_n own_o language_n speak_v by_o one_o only_a oracle_n that_o be_v we_o lay_v forth_o the_o motive_n mention_v above_o which_o illustrate_v the_o church_n and_o most_o prudent_o convince_v that_o god_n speak_v by_o this_o oracle_n the_o motive_n be_v her_o undeniable_a miracle_n the_o eminent_a holiness_n of_o life_n in_o thousand_o the_o sanctity_n church_n he_o listen_v to_o god_n own_o language_n speak_v by_o the_o church_n and_o unity_n of_o her_o doctrine_n witness_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o so_o many_o different_a nation_n who_o all_o agree_v and_o will_v agree_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o faith_n to_o the_o end_n of_o age_n we_o add_v hereunto_o the_o constancy_n and_o fortitude_n of_o martyr_n those_o admirable_a conversion_n the_o church_n have_v wrought_v her_o amplitude_n extend_v the_o whole_a world_n over_o and_o yet_o to_o give_v more_o light_n we_o ask_v whether_o ever_o since_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o thing_n such_o multitude_n of_o professor_n so_o well_o unite_v in_o one_o faith_n so_o wise_a so_o learned_a so_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o religion_n not_o catholic_n who_o more_o exact_o comply_v with_o the_o law_n they_o live_v under_o or_o yield_v a_o ready_a obedience_n to_o it_o than_o those_o do_v and_o have_v do_v that_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n faith_n the_o ingenuous_a man_n say_v no_o and_o
reason_n and_o religion_n or_o the_o certain_a rule_n of_o faith_n where_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n be_v assert_v against_o atheist_n heathen_n jew_n turk_n and_o all_o sectary_n with_o a_o refutation_n of_o mr_n stillingfleet_v many_o gross_a error_n by_o e._n w._n author_n of_o the_o book_n call_v protestancy_n without_o principle_n poteram_fw-la ....._o omnes_fw-la propositionum_fw-la rivulos_fw-la uno_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la sole_a siccare_fw-la hier._n contra_fw-la lucifer_n c._n ult._n fine_a print_v at_o antwerp_n by_o michael_n cnobbaert_n in_o the_o year_n 1672._o permissu_fw-la su_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n religion_n that_o choice_n evangelical_n pearl_n matth_n 13._o the_o best_a inheritance_n and_o rich_a treasure_n god_n have_v bequeath_v to_o christian_n though_o find_v and_o strong_o guard_v meet_v we_o yet_o with_o many_o who_o long_o since_o have_v their_o weak_a attempt_n prevail_v will_v have_v throw_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n atheist_n deny_v a_o deity_n the_o only_a fundation_n of_o religion_n jew_n oppose_v christ_n the_o great_a master_n of_o truth_n and_o heretic_n band_n against_o a_o evidence_v universal_a church_n that_o large_a field_n wherein_o this_o precious_a jewel_n be_v find_v these_o adversary_n we_o encounter_v and_o our_o design_n be_v both_o to_o unbeguile_v and_o silence_v they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o attaque_fw-la those_o grosser_n enemy_n atheist_n jew_n turk_n and_o infidel_n this_o do_v we_o enter_v upon_o the_o main_a matter_n and_o friendly_a treat_v with_o our_o modern_a sectary_n by_o the_o force_n of_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a principle_n if_o these_o stand_v which_o none_o can_v shake_v protestancy_n fall_v to_o nothing_o i_o call_v this_o treatise_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n where_o you_o have_v the_o inducement_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o true_a religion_n clear_o propose_v and_o strong_o maintain_v against_o all_o opposer_n who_o cavil_n and_o calumny_n repugnant_a to_o truth_n will_v appear_v as_o they_o be_v vain_a and_o forceles_a after_o due_a ponderation_n of_o the_o principle_n we_o rely_v on_o the_o prudent_a search_n after_o religion_n be_v ever_o make_v and_o first_o begin_v with_o reason_n or_o a_o rational_a discourse_n for_o i_o hold_v this_o principle_n indubitable_a none_o can_v assent_v to_o the_o high_a reveal_v mystery_n of_o faith_n without_o previous_a evidence_n have_v of_o their_o credibility_n lay_v forth_o to_o reason_n now_o because_o atheist_n arian_n and_o all_o heretic_n hold_v what_o they_o teach_v reasonable_a it_o be_v necessary_a to_o distinguish_v between_o false_a and_o true_a reason_n as_o also_o rigid_o to_o examine_v what_o ever_o belong_v to_o that_o whole_a matter_n which_o be_v ample_o do_v in_o the_o 14_o the_o 15_o the_o and_o 16_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o three_o discourse_n where_o we_o prove_v that_o religion_n be_v only_o reasonable_a which_o heaven_n itself_o declare_v reasonable_a by_o such_o visible_a sensible_a and_o illustrious_a mark_n as_o have_v gain_v million_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o no_o other_o but_o god_n infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n can_v produce_v hereupon_o we_o lay_v forth_o the_o signal_n mark_v of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n clear_a cognisance_n of_o a_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n miracle_n most_o evident_a conversion_n of_o nation_n wrought_v by_o she_o succession_n of_o pastor_n ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n preach_v with_o a_o strict_a unity_n of_o one_o faith_n in_o all_o that_o profess_v her_o doctrine_n we_o look_v next_o upon_o this_o late_o rise_v protestancy_n and_o find_v it_o naked_a utter_o strip_v of_o all_o supernatural_a motive_n no_o miracle_n no_o conversion_n no_o unity_n in_o faith_n to_o countenance_v the_o novelty_n and_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o who_o seem_o stand_v for_o reason_n and_o slight_v a_o evidence_v church_n be_v most_o unreasonable_a and_o as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v mere_a sceptic_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n clemens_n rom._n in_o recog_n d._n petri._n hereafter_o cite_v give_v this_o wise_a counsel_n to_o every_o prudent_a seeker_n after_o truth_n before_o all_o thing_n examine_v well_o by_o the_o light_n of_o rational_a motive_n whether_o one_o that_o pretend'_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o call_v himself_o a_o prophet_n send_v to_o preach_v prove_v himself_o to_o be_v real_o so_o thus_o much_o learn_v and_o the_o knowledge_n be_v easy_o gain_v because_o ground_v upon_o evidence_n believe_v bold_o all_o he_o teach_v though_o his_o doctrine_n be_v sublime_a and_o seem_v difficult_a to_o weak_a reason_n the_o first_o convert_v christian_n be_v thus_o induce_v by_o the_o lustre_n of_o our_o saviour_n glorious_a miracle_n and_o other_o signal_n wonder_n to_o own_v he_o as_o he_o be_v a_o great_a prophet_n or_o the_o true_a messiah_n send_v from_o god_n and_o afterward_o believe_v what_o ever_o doctrine_n he_o teach_v upon_o his_o own_o infallible_a word_n apply_v what_o be_v here_o say_v to_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n you_o will_v find_v this_o great_a truth_n make_v manifest_a in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n viz._n that_o as_o no_o prophet_n no_o doctor_n ever_o come_v near_o christ_n our_o lord_n in_o the_o wonder_n he_o wrought_v so_o no_o society_n of_o man_n since_o the_o world_n stand_v be_v or_o be_v comparable_a in_o miracle_n and_o other_o cognisance_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n she_z as_o i_o now_o say_v and_o no_o other_o society_n show_v you_o a_o continue_a succession_n of_o pastor_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n since_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n she_z and_o no_o other_o have_v be_v always_o reverence_v all_o nation_n over_o and_o be_v never_o oppose_v by_o orthodox_n christian_n she_o give_v you_o a_o large_a catalogue_n of_o innumerable_a professor_n eminent_a in_o learning_n in_o wisdom_n and_o sanctity_n of_o life_n in_o her_o the_o ancient_a prediction_n of_o prophet_n be_v literal_o fulfil_v her_o universal_a extent_n far_o and_o near_o be_v evident_a the_o conversion_n wrought_v by_o she_o evident_a the_o courage_n and_o constancy_n of_o martyr_n who_o die_v for_o her_o faith_n evident_a her_o ancient_a possession_n of_o truth_n for_o confess_o she_o be_v once_o orthodox_n be_v undeniable_a and_o this_o be_v the_o church_n gentle_a reader_n our_o sectary_n will_v destroy_v this_o oracle_n though_o signalise_v with_o so_o many_o illustrious_a mark_n and_o indication_n proceed_v from_o god_n inspite_o of_o heaven_n they_o injurious_o calumniate_v as_o idolatrous_a and_o heretical_a and_o consequent_o make_v those_o million_o and_o million_o who_o both_o live_a and_o die_v zealous_o seek_v to_o serve_v no_o other_o but_o the_o great_a god_n of_o truth_n in_o this_o bless_a society_n fool_n madman_n idolater_n and_o heretic_n i_o say_v calumniate_v for_o all_o they_o have_v do_v hitherto_o or_o can_v do_v for_o the_o future_a come_v to_o no_o more_o but_o to_o a_o flat_a injurious_a calumny_n as_o be_v evidence_v in_o the_o three_o discourse_n c._n 19_o where_o you_o be_v tell_v that_o whoever_o impeache_n a_o ancient_a church_n once_o acknowledge_v orthodox_n of_o idolatry_n and_o prove_v not_o his_o charge_n by_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a principle_n calumniates_n must_v unjust_o and_o sin_n be_v damnable_o protestant_n do_v so_o as_o be_v there_o large_o prove_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v manifest_a in_o their_o own_o writing_n they_o tell_v we_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n though_o once_o right_a in_o faith_n change_v her_o ancient_a doctrine_n we_o just_o urge_v they_o to_o prove_v the_o assertion_n by_o some_o unquestionable_a principle_n more_o convince_a or_o of_o great_a weight_n and_o strength_n to_o persuade_v what_o they_o assert_v than_o the_o public_a judgement_n of_o all_o sound_a christian_n live_v at_o that_o time_n to_o persuade_v the_o contrary_a and_o mark_v a_o strange_a proceed_v the_o calumny_n itself_o be_v return_v upon_o we_o without_o either_o proof_n or_o probable_a principle_n to_o uphold_v it_o but_o their_o own_o bare_a and_o proofle_n word_n we_o be_v tell_v again_o there_o be_v ever_o a_o catholic_n church_n without_o blemish_n at_o least_o in_o fundamental_o for_o that_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n i_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n be_v true_a in_o all_o age_n we_o serious_o demand_v where_o or_o in_o what_o part_n of_o christendom_n that_o orthodox_n church_n distinct_a from_o the_o roman_n catholic_n have_v its_o be_v at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o roman_a fall_v from_o christ_n and_o become_v idolatrous_a there_o be_v such_o à_fw-fr church_n which_o censure_v and_o condemn_v the_o suppose_a roman_a error_n or_o not_o if_o not_o the_o world_n upon_o those_o suppose_a error_n be_v whole_o churchles_a grant_v a_o orthodox_n church_n distinct_a from_o the_o roman_a she_o certain_o oppose_v those_o imagine_a false_a roman_a doctrine_n which_o then_o begin_v to_o infect_v
ponderation_n of_o my_o reply_v be_v so_o far_o to_o judge_v between_o us._n but_o here_o be_v not_o all_o i_o must_v say_v more_o though_o i_o be_o as_o fallible_a in_o except_v against_o his_o gloss_n as_o he_o be_v in_o make_v they_o yet_o my_o faith_n depend_v not_o upon_o my_o exception_n but_o upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o my_o church_n the_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n and_o father_n these_o oblige_v i_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v as_o i_o do_v but_o all_o that_o mr_n still_v have_v for_o his_o faith_n be_v only_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o his_o own_o gloss_n no_o man_n build_v faith_n upon_o his_o own_o gloss_n conjecture_n ancient_a church_n he_o have_v none_o nor_o express_v scripture_n nor_o one_o clear_a sentence_n of_o any_o ancient_a father_n and_o will_v he_o dare_v to_o oblige_v i_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v his_o gloss_n or_o the_o opinion_n he_o will_v mantain_n by_o they_o upon_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o his_o weak_a conjecture_n i_o appeal_v to_o his_o own_o conscience_n for_o a_o answer_n well_o be_v it_o how_o you_o will_v thus_o much_o be_v evident_a and_o it_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n i_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o whole_a discourse_n if_o scripture_n and_o father_n be_v interpret_v in_o high_a matter_n of_o faith_n by_o two_o adversary_n of_o different_a religion_n when_o no_o sure_a principle_n be_v at_o hand_n to_o rely_v on_o but_o the_o fallible_a gloss_n of_o the_o one_o and_o a_o contrary_a fallible_a combat_v with_o those_o gloss_n in_o the_o other_o they_o may_v both_o as_o the_o world_n go_v now_o sit_v long_o at_o the_o sport_n before_o one_o controversy_n gloss_n other_o mean●_n to_o end_v controversy_n then_o mere_a gloss_n be_v end_v therefore_o god_n as_o i_o say_v above_o have_v provide_v we_o of_o a_o easy_a way_n to_o end_v these_o weighty_a difficulty_n or_o we_o may_v all_o turn_v sceptic_n some_o may_v say_v the_o old_a mode_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o dispute_v by_o scripture_n and_o father_n dare_v we_o reject_v this_o way_n of_o argue_v as_o insufficient_a answ_n no_o true_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a way_n among_o christian_n though_o insignificant_a to_o heathen_n when_o the_o adverse_a party_n can_v clear_a the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o father_n upon_o certain_a principle_n but_o if_o the_o very_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o father_n be_v call_v into_o question_n as_o now_o a_o day_n it_o be_v by_o sectary_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v recourse_n to_o a_o other_o more_o clear_a easy_a and_o indubitable_a mean_n of_o end_v all_o debate_n ever_o in_o use_n among_o the_o holy_a father_n whereof_o more_o afterward_o in_o the_o interim_n the_o ensue_a chapter_n may_v give_v you_o entertainment_n chap._n fourteen_o it_o be_v further_a prove_v that_o neither_o scripture_n alone_o nor_o any_o other_o principle_n distinct_a from_o a_o uner_a church_n can_v with_o certainty_n decide_v controversy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o regulate_v christian_n faith_n 1._o this_o assertion_n not_o slight_o prove_v in_o the_o other_o treatise_n disc_n 2._o c._n 4._o i_o hold_v so_o certain_a that_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n shall_v not_o rational_o contradict_v it_o and_o to_o give_v yet_o more_o light_a to_o what_o be_v there_o say_v be_v please_v to_o exclude_v or_o mental_o only_a to_o cast_v aside_o all_o think_v of_o a_o unerring_a church_n of_o her_o infallible_a tradition_n all_o so_o of_o the_o definition_n of_o general_a council_n for_o all_o these_o which_o sectary_n hold_v fallible_a be_v essential_a to_o a_o unerring_a church_n if_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o world_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o next_o look_v about_o you_o and_o consider_v well_o what_o remain's_n to_o end_v controversy_n withal_o or_o to_o regulate_v divine_a faith_n you_o have_v church_n what_o principle_n sectary_n can_v pretend_v to_o distinct_a from_o a_o infallible_a church_n first_o scripture_n which_o a_o pagan_a whole_o and_o a_o jew_n partly_o reject_v yet_o with_o such_o alien_n from_o christ_n à_fw-fr christian_n can_v argue_v rational_o yea_o and_o clear_o convince_v they_o as_o i_o shall_v prove_v in_o the_o second_o discourse_n after_o scripture_n you_o have_v the_o sublime_a mystery_n of_o faith_n the_o father_n doctrine_n lay_v forth_o in_o their_o volume_n and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n here_o be_v all_o the_o principle_n imaginable_a leave_v sectary_n beside_o their_o private_a spirit_n which_o can_v be_v no_o more_o a_o sound_a principle_n to_o they_o than_o the_o contrary_a spirit_n be_v to_o their_o adversary_n 2._o let_v we_o now_o see_v how_o weak_o the_o sectary_n endeavour_n to_o end_v any_o controversy_n by_o these_o principle_n without_o a_o infallible_a church_n and_o be_v please_v ever_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o adversary_n he_o treat'_v with_o if_o he_o attempt_v to_o do_v good_a on_o a_o heathen_a by_o scripture_n or_o bring_v we_o in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a religion_n the_o heathen_a and_o jew_n also_o laugh_v at_o his_o folly_n and_o wish_v he_o to_o prove_v his_o book_n to_o be_v divine_a if_o he_o prove_v that_o by_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o all_o call_v christian_n the_o heathen_a perhaps_o will_v not_o yet_o quarrel_v with_o he_o as_o i_o may_v hereafter_o about_o the_o fallibility_n or_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n but_o desire_v he_o to_o go_v among_o the_o chinese_n and_o lay_v his_o bible_n down_o by_o that_o book_n which_o their_o suppose_a prophet_n confusius_fw-la write_v full_a of_o excellent_a moral_a precept_n thus_o much_o do_v the_o contest_v begin_v the_o sectary_n say_v his_o bible_n be_v authorize_v by_o a_o great_a prophet_n call_v christ_n a_o learned_a bonzius_n answer_n be_v and_o he_o be_v also_o authorize_v by_o a_o great_a prophet_n call_v confusius_fw-la the_o sectary_n say_v all_o christian_n own_o his_o book_n upon_o à_fw-la never_o interrupt_a bible_n the_o protestant_n contest_v with_o ●_o heathen_a concern_v the_o bible_n tradition_n to_o be_v indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n the_o bonzius_n reply_n all_o china_n of_o a_o mighty_a vast_a extent_n age_n after_o age_n have_v the_o like_a perpetuate_v tradition_n for_o his_o bible_n what_o follow_v but_o that_o these_o two_o adversary_n peruse_v their_o bibles_n the_o bonzius_n read'_v we_o and_o reasonable_o ask_v whether_o the_o sectary_n can_v infallible_o prove_v such_o strange_a mystery_n as_o be_v register_v there_o for_o example_n à_fw-fr trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o divine_a word_n to_o be_v truth_n reveal_v by_o almighty_a god_n the_o sectary_n answer_v all_o the_o infallible_a certainty_n he_o have_v of_o these_o particular_a verity_n last_o rely_v only_o upon_o scripture_n itself_o for_o what_o ever_o principle_n can_v be_v imagine_v distinct_a from_o that_o write_a word_n whether_o church_n or_o tradition_n be_v fallible_a and_o may_v deceive_v if_o so_o say_v the_o heathen_a your_o bible_n gain_n no_o credit_n with_o i_o because_o you_o prove_v the_o mystery_n contain_v there_o by_o that_o which_o cause_v my_o doubt_n or_o be_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n for_o you_o say_v all_o i_o read_v be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n because_o your_o bible_n relate_v they_o and_o therefore_o make_v that_o à_fw-fr proof_n of_o your_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n or_o cause_v my_o doubt_n o_o say_v the_o sectary_n read_v on_o with_o humility_n and_o you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o very_a majesty_n of_o the_o style_n the_o energy_n of_o the_o word_n will_v quit_v you_o of_o doubt_v and_o to_o ease_v you_o of_o too_o much_o pain_n know_v we_o protestant_n hold_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o very_a few_o chief_a article_n or_o simple_a truth_n as_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o divine_a word_n be_v incarnate_v &c_n &c_n be_v faith_n enough_o to_o gain_v heaven_n contra_fw-la plea._n the_o heathen_a except'_v against_o the_o protestant_n plea._n reply_v the_o heathen_a i_o see_v no_o other_o majesty_n in_o the_o style_n of_o your_o bible_n than_o in_o i_o and_o other_o pious_a book_n the_o exterior_a syntax_n or_o join_v of_o word_n together_o be_v common_a to_o all_o such_o write_n but_o above_o all_o i_o wonder_v why_o you_o talk_v to_o i_o of_o no_o man_n know_v what_o splendour_n shine_v in_o the_o bare_a letter_n when_o you_o say_v that_o shine_v not_o to_o pagan_n but_o only_o to_o those_o who_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o be_v the_o elect_a among_o you_o now_o to_o what_o you_o add_v of_o a_o few_o chief_a article_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o no_o more_o i_o answer_v first_o your_o scripture_n say_v no_o such_o thing_n nor_o tell_v we_o i_o or_o you_o which_o article_n be_v necessary_a which_o not_o and_o if_o it_o do_v so_o you_o be_v only_o where_o you_o be_v before_o in_o darkness_n
must_v become_v papist_n or_o we_o turn_v arian_n and_o protestant_n or_o final_o be_v force_v to_o deny_v plain_a scripture_n a_o most_o convince_a argument_n 9_o the_o difficulty_n therefore_o be_v not_o and_o sectary_n seldom_o touchit_n whether_o scripture_n be_v true_a be_v the_o sense_n know_v or_o out_o of_o controversy_n but_o what_o that_o true_a sense_n be_v which_o lie_v in_o obscurity_n and_o can_v be_v know_v without_o a_o certain_a interpreter_n here_o be_v the_o only_a question_n debate_v between_o we_o and_o sectary_n one_o may_v scripture_n the_o only_a difficulty_n concern_v scripture_n reply_v it_o be_v no_o good_a objection_n to_o say_v learned_a man_n differ_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n ergo_fw-la it_o be_v not_o sufficient_o plain_a because_o a_o great_a wit_n may_v wrest_v the_o plain_a word_n god_n ever_o speak_v to_o a_o sinister_a sense_n contra._n 1._o but_o who_o know_v when_o two_o learned_a party_n contest_v in_o this_o matter_n which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o sinister_a wrester_n contra_fw-la 2._o when_o a_o whole_a society_n of_o man_n as_o the_o arian_n be_v and_o protestant_n be_v now_o tamper_n with_o a_o text_n which_o touch_v a_o essential_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o dissent_v from_o other_o as_o learned_a as_o themselves_o about_o the_o meaning_n the_o sense_n can_v be_v suppose_v more_o clear_a for_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o without_o a_o other_o rule_n certain_a and_o definitive_a pray_v you_o say_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o word_n my_o father_n be_v great_a than_o i_o indisputable_o clear_a for_o the_o arian_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o christ_n word_n this_o be_v my_o body_n without_o controversy_n clear_a for_o the_o protestant_n doctrine_n concern_v the_o sacrament_n when_o a_o whole_a learned_a church_n oppose_v both_o evident_o no._n therefore_o scripture_n sectary_n must_v acknowledge_v a_o obscurity_n in_o scripture_n our_o novellist_n must_v grant_v that_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o obscure_a in_o these_o two_o place_n but_o more_o that_o a_o judge_n be_v necessary_a to_o ascertain_v all_o of_o its_o true_a meaning_n as_o well_o in_o these_o as_o in_o a_o hundred_o other_o passage_n again_o if_o scripture_n want_v this_o clarity_n it_o can_v be_v its_o own_o self-evidence_n much_o less_o convince_v a_o obdurate_a adversary_n nay_o i_o say_v though_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o the_o sense_n thereof_o agree_v on_o by_o all_o call_v christian_n yet_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n scorn_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o book_n and_o say_v if_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n that_o must_v be_v prove_v by_o a_o certain_a rule_n extrinsical_a to_o scripture_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o immediate_o credible_a by_o itself_o or_o for_o itself_o last_o be_v scripture_n plain_a in_o itself_o yet_o and_o this_o utter_o ruin_v sectary_n the_o certain_a doctrine_n of_o it_o can_v never_o be_v apply_v indubitable_o to_o any_o understanding_n for_o our_o novellist_n say_v because_o all_o teacher_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v fallible_a none_o can_v make_v a_o infallible_a application_n of_o it_o to_o any_o or_o teaeh_a that_o doctrine_n infallible_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o infallible_a see_v more_o hereof_o in_o the_o other_o treatise_n disc_n 1._o c._n 2._o and_o c._n 4._o n._n s._n chap._n ii_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n assign_v the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o church_n ancient_a father_n assert_v that_o the_o church_n be_v easy_o find_v out_o her_o mark_n more_o clear_a than_o her_o essential_a doctrine_n 1._o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o present_a state_n manifest_o demonstrable_a by_o signal_n mark_n and_o motive_n be_v the_o only_a plain_a certain_a self-evident_a rule_n of_o faith_n apt_a to_o convince_v the_o most_o obdurate_a vnbeliever_n it_o be_v immediate_o credible_a and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o certain_o apply_v to_o à_fw-fr seeker_n after_o truth_n these_o assertion_n stand_v firm_a upon_o 3._o principle_n 2._o 1._o christ_n jesus_n have_v provide_v christian_n of_o a_o clear_a and_o easy_a rule_n otherwise_o all_o be_v leave_v in_o darkness_n and_o know_v not_o what_o or_o how_o to_o believe_v 3._o 2._o nothing_o assign_v by_o sectary_n be_v it_o scripture_n sole_o or_o what_o else_o imaginable_a carry_v so_o much_o as_o a_o weak_a probability_n of_o be_v a_o rule_n so_o plain_a easy_a and_o satisfactory_a as_o the_o true_a church_n be_v 4._o 3._o all_o the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n exact_o agree_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o her_o only_a 1._o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v plain_a faith_n christ_n church_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n so_o be_v church_n doctrine_n and_o much_o more_o plain_a than_o scripture_n i_o mean_v we_o easy_o understand_v what_o the_o church_n teach_v though_o the_o doctrine_n in_o itself_o be_v difficult_a 2._o a_o rule_n be_v its_o own_o self-evidence_n so_o the_o church_n be_v take_v with_o the_o mark_n and_o motive_n whereby_o she_o be_v demonstrate_v 3._o a_o rule_n be_v apt_a to_o convince_v the_o most_o obstinate_a adversary_n christ_n church_n have_v evident_o do_v so_o witness_v the_o innumerable_a conversion_n wrought_v by_o she_o upon_o jew_n gentile_n and_o most_o obdurate_a heretic_n 4._o a_o rule_n must_v be_v certain_a and_o certain_o apply_v to_o believer_n what_o christ_n true_a church_n teach_v be_v so_o for_o she_o be_v god_n own_o oracle_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v hereafter_o and_o teach_v her_o child_n infallible_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o particular_n will_v be_v more_o full_o lay_v forth_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o discourse_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v clear_v the_o first_o what_o we_o understand_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n 2._o how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v she_o may_v be_v know_v thus_o much_o do_v we_o shall_v easy_o find_v out_o those_o christian_n who_o be_v member_n of_o this_o happy_a society_n or_o essential_o constitute_v that_o visible_a moral_a body_n call_v the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n church_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o church_n 5._o concern_v the_o first_o we_o speak_v plain_o and_o understand_v by_o the_o church_n à_fw-fr visible_a society_n of_o true_a believer_n unite_v in_o one_o profession_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o communication_n of_o sacrament_n under_o the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n lawful_a commissioned_n pastor_n i_o say_v no_o more_o yet_o hope_v no_o sectary_n can_v just_o quarrel_v with_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n express_v in_o such_o general_a term_n and_o therefore_o wave_n at_o present_a that_o other_o worn-out_a controversy_n agitate_a by_o protestant_n viz._n whether_o the_o predestinate_a only_o make_v up_o the_o true_a church_n or_o great_a sinner_n also_o may_v be_v include_v that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o our_o purpose_n now_o when_o we_o only_o seek_v after_o a_o society_n of_o christian_n unite_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o own_o a_o due_a submission_n to_o lawful_a commissioned_n pastor_n whether_o those_o who_o teach_v or_o be_v teach_v be_v saint_n or_o sinner_n concern_v they_o it_o be_v true_a but_o not_o our_o present_a question_n of_o such_o believer_n there_o can_v be_v two_o or_o more_o church_n but_o one_o only_a and_o to_o avoid_v all_o confusion_n or_o the_o mingle_n of_o different_a question_n together_o we_o here_o move_v no_o doubt_n concern_v the_o head_n propose_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o question_n propose_v or_o chief_a authority_n of_o this_o church_n but_o immediatt_o ask_v whether_o there_o be_v now_o and_o have_v ever_o be_v since_o christ_n time_n a_o visible_a diffuse_a society_n of_o christian_n who_o have_v faithful_o believe_v the_o orthodox_n doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n well_o merit_n to_o be_v call_v the_o professor_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n of_o this_o universal_a spread_v society_n our_o saviour_n speak_v most_o clear_o or_o of_o none_o hell_n gate_n can_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n abide_v with_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n i_o think_v no_o sectary_n will_v deny_v such_o à_fw-fr church_n 6._o the_o only_a difficulty_n now_o be_v to_o find_v out_o this_o orthodox_n and_o large_a diffuse_a body_n of_o christian_n unite_v in_o one_o true_a faith_n and_o the_o sincere_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o consonant_a to_o reason_n more_o express_a in_o holy_a writ_n or_o more_o clear_o assert_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n than_o that_o the_o true_a church_n lay_v forth_o her_o own_o evidence_n or_o clear_a discernibility_n whereby_o she_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o heretical_a sect_n that_o be_v she_o lie_v manifest_o open_a to_o all_o eye_n and_o can_v but_o be_v most_o easy_o know_v she_o be_v a_o ci●●y_n build_v upon_o a_o mountain_n the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n a_o
principle_n be_v here_o suppose_v first_o that_o the_o mark_v of_o the_o protestant_a church_n or_o of_o its_o doctrine_n lie_n as_o these_o man_n will_v have_v it_o in_o the_o purity_n of_o scripture_n only_o 2._o that_o their_o church_n doctrine_n be_v either_o contain_v in_o the_o 39_o article_n or_o imply_v so_o much_o as_o all_o call_v christian_n believe_v and_o no_o more_o though_o plain_a heretic_n in_o many_o particular_a tenet_n 3._o that_o this_o protestant_a community_n as_o it_o teach_v be_v either_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n exclude_v other_o society_n or_o only_o a_o part_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n these_o principle_n suppose_v you_o have_v my_o demonstration_n 14._o scripture_n mark_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n church_n but_o it_o neither_o mention_v nor_o mark_n out_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o 39_o article_n for_o our_o new_a man_n call_v these_o inferior_a truth_n only_o and_o hold_v they_o not_o register_v in_o god_n word_n neither_o do_v it_o assert_v so_o much_o as_o dark_o that_o a_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n such_o as_o all_o heretic_n have_v own_v and_o do_v own_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n lest_o of_o all_o that_o a_o doctrine_n common_a to_o arian_n protestant_n and_o catholic_n be_v sufficient_a protestancy_n scripture_n disow_v protestancy_n to_o salvation_n last_o it_o say_v no_o where_o that_o the_o protestant_a church_n contain_v that_o reform_a doctrine_n be_v by_o itself_o the_o whole_a true_a church_n of_o christ_n exclude_v all_o other_o society_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o this_o i_o prove_v 15_o if_o as_o reform_v it_o be_v à_fw-fr part_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n the_o professor_n of_o it_o have_v now_o and_o have_v before_o luther_n some_o partner_n who_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o their_o reform_a doctrine_n but_o before_o luther_n they_o have_v not_o one_o sole_a man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o believe_v as_o they_o believe_v and_o so_o want_v fellowship_n because_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o partner_n be_v at_o all_o in_o be_v now_o at_o this_o instant_n they_o have_v no_o society_n of_o man_n call_v a_o church_n run_v over_o all_o the_o world_n which_o side_n be_v with_o they_o or_o hold_v either_o the._n 39_o article_n or_o a_o doctrine_n common_a to_o all_o christian_n to_o be_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n or_o of_o his_o universal_a church_n all_o this_o i_o say_v be_v evident_a and._n 16._o hence_o you_o see_v in_o what_o plight_n these_o man_n be_v who_o pretend_v to_o a_o church_n mark_v and_o make_v evident_a by_o scripture_n and_o sectary_n a_o clear_a inference_n against_o sectary_n when_o they_o have_v that_o sacred_a book_n in_o their_o hand_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v so_o much_o as_o one_o sentence_n or_o syllable_n in_o behalf_n of_o protestancy_n those_o other_o exterior_a sign_n of_o conversion_n miracle_n antiquity_n etc._n etc._n be_v of_o no_o account_n with_o they_o and_o be_v they_o otherwise_o most_o evident_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o reform_a doctrine_n of_o the_o english_a church_n here_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o sad_a news_n for_o sectary_n who_o have_v a_o church_n neither_o speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n nor_o manifest_v to_o reason_n by_o one_o supernatural_a wonder_n so_o unevidence_v a_o thing_n it_o be_v and_o consequent_o upon_o a_o double_a account_n no_o church_n at_o all_o 17._o the_o sectary_n may_v reply_v when_o he_o assert_v scripture_n mark_v the_o true_a church_n or_o her_o doctrine_n the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o it_o speak_v express_o the_o tenet_n of_o protestant_n but_o only_o say_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a repository_n of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o deliver_v so_o much_o plain_o what_o ever_o therefore_o be_v not_o plain_o teach_v in_o scripture_n cease_v to_o be_v necessary_a contra._n 1._o protestant_n answer_v a_o reply_n answer_v grant_v thus_o much_o may_v seek_v long_o before_o they_o find_v their_o particular_a tenet_n because_o scripture_n deliver_v none_o of_o they_o either_o express_o or_o by_o any_o clear_a deduction_n contra._n 2._o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_a regard_n not_o the_o plain_a truth_n in_o holy_a writ_n before_o the_o book_n be_v prove_v divine_a the_o most_o plain_a verity_n avail_v nothing_o with_o they_o yet_o god_n have_v afford_v mean_n to_o draw_v they_o to_o christianity_n but_o it_o seem_v our_o sectary_n in_o all_o their_o talk_n of_o the_o scripture_n clarity_n never_o reflect_v on_o these_o stranger_n from_o christ_n nor_o point_n at_o the_o mean_n whereby_o their_o conversion_n may_v be_v wrought_v contra._n 3._o the_o arian_n and_o the_o orthodox_n as_o high_o differ_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o plain_a scripture_n as_o the_o protestant_n and_o catholic_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o christ_n own_o word_n this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o these_o difference_n either_o touch_n on_o fundamental_a matter_n or_o there_o be_v none_o such_o in_o the_o whole_a bible_n contra._n 4._o the_o protestant_a only_o tell_v we_o what_o he_o say_v of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o speak_v his_o own_o sentiment_n bold_o without_o either_o proof_n or_o principle_n 18._o some_o object_n first_o god_n can_v indite_v a_o book_n in_o as_o plain_a solue_v a_o objection_n solue_v word_n as_o any_o man_n can_v speak_v and_o it_o be_v not_o suppose_v that_o he_o affect_v obscurity_n in_o his_o own_o scripture_n already_o write_v contra._n 1._o if_o scripture_n be_v not_o obscure_a how_o be_v it_o that_o christ_n tell_v the_o saducee_n they_o mistake_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o how_o be_v it_o that_o these_o protestant_a pillar_n luther_n and_o caluin_n so_o gross_o contradict_v one_o a_o other_o in_o their_o commentary_n make_v upon_o holy_a scripture_n and_o this_o in_o point_n most_o material_a how_o be_v it_o that_o innumerable_a other_o call_v christian_n profess_v to_o reverence_n to_o read_v to_o spend_v the_o great_a labour_n upon_o scripture_n and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v draw_v out_o of_o it_o plain_a contradiction_n in_o point_n as_o be_v n●w_o say_v most_o fundamental_a contra._n 2._o we_o question_v not_o what_o god_n can_v do_v but_o say_v he_o have_v not_o indict_v scripture_n plain_a de_fw-fr facto_fw-la s._n peter_n epist_n 2._o 3._o 16._o speak_v of_o s._n paul_n epistle_n be_v my_o warrant_n in_o which_o say_v he_o certain_a thing_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a deprave_v as_o also_o the_o rest_n of_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o perdition_n and_o the_o word_n relate_v not_o only_o to_o the_o mysterious_a matter_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n write_v but_o to_o his_o phrase_n and_o form_n of_o write_v also_o therefore_o the_o greeck_n copy_n have_v both_o in_o which_o thing_n and_o in_o which_o epistle_n and_o all_o expositor_n hitherto_o even_o s._n austin_n have_v acknowledge_v a_o obscure_a way_n of_o speak_v in_o s._n paul_n epistle_n chief_o in_o that_o to_o the_o roman_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o say_v that_o harshness_n truth_n express_v without_o harshness_n god_n affect_v obscurity_n the_o word_n be_v unmeet_a but_o speak_v thus_o his_o providence_n purposely_o will_v have_v scripture_n deliver_v in_o such_o à_fw-la dark_a manner_n that_o all_o may_v have_v recourse_n to_o a_o live_a oracle_n his_o true_a church_n which_o speak_v more_o plain_o and_o can_v swerve_v from_o any_o verity_n in_o scripture_n no_o offence_n be_v give_v to_o pious_a ear_n in_o a_o word_n you_o have_v à_fw-fr verity_n express_v with_o out_o harshness_n see_v s._n austin_n lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr doct._n christ_n c._n 6._o and_o s._n ambrose_n epist_n 44._o again_o vote_v scripture_n most_o plain_a what_o gain_v sectary_n by_o the_o clarity_n when_o they_o neither_o have_v plain_a nor_o obscure_a text_n through_o the_o whole_a bible_n for_o their_o protestancy_n 19_o hence_o we_o answer_v to_o a_o other_o petty_a objection_n scripture_n say_v some_o relate_v many_o thing_n not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o omit_v thing_n necessary_a contra_fw-la 1._o ergo_fw-la it_o speak_v some_o thing_n of_o pure_a protesstancy_n or_o nothing_o in_o that_o religion_n as_o reform_v be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n i_o will_v willing_o have_v a_o express_a text_n for_o this_o reform_a novelty_n and_o these_o few_o difficulty_n solue_v contra._n 2._o though_o the_o whole_a bible_n be_v without_o dispute_n most_o plain_a or_o tell_v we_o all_o thing_n necessary_a yet_o this_o neither_o move_v jew_n nor_o gentil_n nor_o draw_v any_o to_o christianity_n without_o further_a light_n as_o be_v already_o prove_v we_o have_v show_v above_o how_o scripture_n contain_n all_o thing_n necessary_a in_o the_o reflex_n part_v thereof_o it_o be_v now_o our_o task_n and_o intent_n to_o mark_n out_o the_o true_a
they_o so_o confident_o give_v out_o that_o he_o shall_v lose_v his_o life_n at_o japan_n and_o die_v a_o martyr_n reflect_v i_o true_a the_o calumny_n reject_v the_o miracle_n prove_v true_a beseech_v you_o have_v it_o not_o be_v in_o the_o high_a measure_n imprudent_a nay_o more_o than_o a_o foolish_a presumption_n of_o those_o father_n to_o have_v fill_v all_o man_n ear_n with_o that_o prophetical_a speech_n upon_o mere_a future_a uncertainty_n the_o performance_n whereof_o all_o know_v well_o be_v liable_a to_o a_o thousand_o disaster_n and_o casualty_n in_o that_o immense_a voyage_n from_o europe_n to_o the_o further_a part_n of_o the_o world_n speak_v impartial_o how_o easy_o may_v marcellus_n none_o of_o the_o strong_a constitution_n have_v dye_v in_o the_o way_n what_o if_o pirate_n have_v seize_v on_o the_o ship_n and_o cast_v he_o over_o board_n what_o if_o the_o vessel_n have_v perish_v by_o tempest_n with_o the_o virtuous_a man_n and_o other_o passenger_n how_o much_o scorn_v will_v the_o father_n have_v be_v who_o certain_o be_v never_o so_o strange_o besot_v as_o to_o expose_v themselves_o and_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o order_n to_o a_o public_a contempt_n upon_o mere_a contingency_n and_o weak_a conjecture_n hence_o i_o infer_v they_o have_v by_o virtue_n of_o s._n xaverius_n prophesy_v a_o high_a moral_a assurance_n of_o the_o event_n the_o prophesy_v speak_v some_o year_n before_o marcellus_n his_o martyrdom_n be_v true_a and_o the_o real_a effect_n of_o his_o death_n prove_v it_o true_a neither_o devil_n nor_o mortal_a man_n can_v certain_o foretell_v thing_n so_o remote_a and_o yet_o miracle_n god_n wrought_v the_o miracle_n to_o come_v god_n therefore_o be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o prediction_n and_o consequent_o his_o divine_a power_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o saint_n wrought_v the_o miracle_n 30._o it_o be_v high_a time_n now_o to_o reassume_v what_o i_o begin_v with_o and_o say_v above_o when_o jew_n and_o gentile_n read_v our_o scripture_n which_o with_o they_o may_v well_o deserve_v as_o much_o credit_n as_o humane_a faith_n give_v to_o caesar_n commentary_n or_o any_o other_o history_n when_o they_o find_v in_o that_o sacred_a book_n how_o strange_o christianity_n be_v first_o establish_v and_o introduce_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o our_o saviour_n glorious_a wonder_n when_o they_o fall_v low_a and_o see_v though_o still_o upon_o humane_a faith_n a_o evident_a continuance_n of_o the_o very_a like_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n through_o every_o age._n the_o conviction_n be_v by_o good_a law_n so_o strong_a the_o urge_v the_o proof_n hint_v at_o above_o urge_v proof_n for_o undeniable_a miracle_n so_o manifest_a to_o the_o dull_a gentile_n that_o he_o may_v as_o well_o deny_v as_o lipsius_n say_v the_o sun_n to_o shine_v as_o doubt_v of_o those_o most_o glorious_a visible_a wonder_n unquestionable_a in_o this_o one_o society_n of_o christian_n and_o this_o hold_v true_a although_o no_o more_o but_o humane_a faith_n rest_v on_o most_o certain_a authority_n inform_n we_o of_o these_o miracle_n for_o such_o à_fw-fr faith_n as_o great_a divine_n observe_v often_o come_v to_o so_o clear_a à_fw-fr degree_n of_o faith_n the_o weight_n of_o humane_a faith_n certitude_n that_o you_o may_v well_o call_v it_o a_o undubitable_a kind_n of_o evident_a how_o certain_o do_v we_o hold_v it_o be_v s._n augustine_n instance_n lib._n 6._o confess_v c._n 3._o that_o we_o be_v bear_v of_o such_o and_o such_o parent_n how_o certain_o do_v we_o believe_v and_o upon_o humane_a authority_n say_v snare_n tom._n 1._o de_fw-fr incarn_n disp_n 31._o sect._n 2._o that_o titus_n and_o vespasianus_n destroy_v jerusalem_n and_o can_v any_o cordial_a man_n question_n if_o he_o lay_v prejudice_n aside_o but_o that_o true_a and_o most_o glorious_a miracle_n have_v be_v as_o certain_o wrought_v in_o the_o church_n as_o that_o those_o two_o emperor_n destroy_v jerusalem_n or_o that_o such_o be_v our_o parent_n i_o appeal_v to_o every_o one_o conscience_n for_o answer_n 31._o by_o all_o now_o say_v we_o see_v first_o that_o what_o ever_o can_v be_v propose_v against_o our_o church_n miracle_n have_v like_o force_n against_o christ_n own_o glorious_a work_n and_o i_o challenge_v protestant_n to_o hint_n but_o at_o one_o argument_n which_o do_v not_o equal_o strike_v at_o why_o sectary_n just_o reprehensible_a and_o why_o both_o we_o see_v 2._o how_o hideous_a a_o sin_n sectary_n commit_v who_o scornful_o slight_v all_o those_o know_v and_o most_o evident_a miracle_n wrought_v among_o christian_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n by_o this_o their_o unworthy_a procedure_n they_o rob_v christ_n spouse_n of_o her_o great_a glory_n falsify_v his_o own_o sacred_a word_n prophesy_v of_o great_a wonder_n than_o he_o do_v and_o final_o make_v the_o conversion_n of_o jews_n and_o heathen_n to_o christianity_n impossible_a for_o give_v i_o a_o naked_a church_n without_o sign_n without_o mark_n without_o motive_n induce_v to_o truth_n and_o the_o most_o convince_a sign_n of_o all_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o miracle_n nothing_o remain's_n proposable_a to_o a_o poor_a infidel_n that_o be_v meet_a to_o convince_v his_o reason_n but_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o essential_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n which_o sole_o consider_v more_o affright_n weak_a reason_n natural_o averse_a from_o high_a mystery_n than_o bring_v it_o to_o any_o submission_n or_o acquiescency_n i_o say_v therefore_o the_o sin_n of_o sectary_n be_v grievous_a whilst_o miracle_n be_v slight_v by_o do_v so_o they_o slight_a the_o church_n yea_o christ_n himself_o and_o hasten_v apace_o to_o atheism_n chap._n ix_o a_o word_n to_o a_o few_o objection_n as_o also_o to_o mr_n stillingfleet_v unworthy_a exception_n against_o that_o evident_a miracle_n wrought_v at_o zaragosa_n in_o spain_n 1._o the_o objection_n be_v as_o few_o as_o fallacious_a and_o can_v be_v otherwise_o when_o as_o it_o be_v say_v all_o of_o they_o prove_v as_o much_o that_o be_v just_a nothing_o against_o our_o saviour_n own_o miracle_n as_o against_o those_o of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n to_o see_v this_o truth_n manifest_v and_o difficulty_n vanish_v into_o nothing_o be_v please_v to_o afford_v a_o little_a attention_n 2._o the_o sectary_n may_v object_n first_o none_o of_o we_o all_o know_v objection_n one_o objection_n what_o strange_a effect_n nature_n can_v produce_v in_o certain_a circumstance_n nor_o what_o power_n the_o devil_n have_v to_o work_v miracle_n when_o therefore_o scripture_n forwarn'_v us._n 2._o thess_n 2._o of_o antichrist_n great_a prodigy_n as_o also_o of_o false-christs_n and_o false-prophet_n appear_v with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n matt._n 24._o we_o may_v just_o suspect_v if_o nature_n alone_o can_v do_v such_o work_n that_o the_o devil_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o most_o of_o our_o church_n miracle_n contra._n 1._o and_o you_o see_v frivolous_a find_a weak_a and_o frivolous_a first_o the_o argument_n equal_o oppugn'_v christ_n own_o miracle_n licence_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o slight_v he_o as_o a_o false-prophet_n and_o his_o glorious_a wonder_v also_o contra._n 2._o not_o one_o of_o these_o false-prophet_n once_o raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n nor_o after_o their_o own_o death_n do_v any_o thing_n like_o a_o miracle_n as_o the_o depart_a saint_n of_o god_n church_n have_v do_v most_o frequent_o by_o a_o touch_n of_o their_o relic_n only_o which_o truth_n of_o mighty_a weight_n deserve_v reflection_n and_o refute_v what_o ever_o donatist_n or_o conjurer_n can_v say_v in_o behalf_n of_o counterfeit_a miracle_n contra._n 3._o and_o observe_v well_o the_o objection_n none_o know_v what_o nature_n or_o the_o devil_n can_v do_v etc._n etc._n what_o then_o i_o beseech_v you_o may_v one_o infer_v from_o our_o not_o know_v the_o devil_n power_n that_o this_o evil_a spirit_n have_v actual_o wrought_v all_o the_o miracle_n record_v in_o scripture_n and_o ecclesiastical_a history_n to_o assert_v this_o we_o must_v not_o only_o know_v how_o far_o his_o power_n reach_v but_o more_o have_v assurance_n also_o of_o his_o actual_o do_v such_o wonder_n and_o thus_o much_o manifest_o improbable_a neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v ascertain_v upon_o the_o weak_a principle_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o nature_n or_o grace_n we_o usual_o say_v the_o devil_n appear_v with_o a_o cleave_a foot_n that_o be_v you_o may_v easy_o discern_v his_o villainy_n and_o we_o know_v he_o never_o cast_v out_o evil_a spirit_n like_o himself_o from_o possess_v person_n which_o yet_o have_v be_v do_v and_o frequent_o in_o god_n devil_n church_n miracle_n above_o the_o power_n of_o devil_n church_n he_o can_v it_o be_v true_a if_o we_o believe_v history_n take_v up_o the_o divide_v part_n of_o a_o dead_a man_n and_o act_n with_o they_o for_o a_o while_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o motion_n no_o such_o operation_n in_o the_o dead_a
to_o entail_v church_n live_n upon_o luther_n progeny_n open_a rebel_n against_o the_o church_n the_o world_n never_o hear_v of_o great_a iniustlce_n 22._o now_o last_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o different_a sect_n and_o endless_a division_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n most_o undoubted_o the_o dissension_n be_v great_a the_o sect_n more_o numerous_a among_o protestant_n profess_v christianity_n than_o among_o the_o very_a jew_n that_o profess_v judaism_n a_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n a_o clear_a mark_n of_o his_o indignation_n set_v upon_o both_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o one_o for_o desert_v christ_n jew_n division_n more_o among_o sectary_n than_o jew_n have_v scatter_v that_o people_n up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o sectary_n for_o their_o desert_v a_o ancient_a church_n have_v more_o scatter_v and_o divide_v they_o into_o endless_a erroneous_a and_o most_o jar_a opinion_n upon_o these_o ground_n therefore_o that_o protestant_n believe_v not_o a_o oracle_n sign_v with_o the_o mark_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o reject_v a_o church_n clear_o prophesy_v of_o in_o holy_a write_v that_o they_o lie_v hide_v in_o unevidence_v conventicle_n and_o broach_v doctrine_n slight_v the_o whole_a world_n over_o that_o their_o open_a injustice_n and_o robbery_n cry_v to_o heaven_n for_o revenge_n practical_o i_o say_v they_o renounce_v christ_n church_n and_o all_o christianity_n with_o it_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o church_n evidence_n against_o sectary_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o a_o further_a consideration_n chap._n xi_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n make_v manifest_a to_o a_o heathen_a no_o prophet_n comparable_a to_o christ_n no_o church_n comparable_a to_o the_o roman_n catholic_n our_o glorious_a christ_n jesus_n exhibit_v a_o glorious_a church_n he_o be_v prove_v the_o only_a true_a messiah_n and_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n his_o only_a true_a sponse_n how_o the_o heathen_a discourse_n if_o rational_a and_o prudent_a christ_n and_o his_o church_n be_v so_o easy_o lay_v forth_o to_o a_o heathen_a that_o grant_v once_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o power_n omnipotent_a and_o infinite_o wise_a in_o the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n the_o main_a work_n be_v do_v reason_n if_o it_o contradict'_v not_o evidence_n soon_o find_v out_o the_o learn_v a_o deity_n suppose_a what_o the_o heathen_a will_v learn_v be_v easy_o learn_v one_o and_o other_o now_o if_o as_o s._n cyprian_a discourse_n it_o be_v à_fw-fr most_o heinous_a offence_n eum_n nescire_fw-la velle_fw-la quem_fw-la ignorare_fw-la non_fw-la poterant_fw-la not_o to_o know_v god_n who_o all_o can_v but_o know_v in_o like_a manner_n say_v i_o it_o must_v needs_o imply_v a_o supine_n negligence_n in_o our_o present_a state_n when_o christianity_n be_v diffuse_v all_o nation_n over_o not_o to_o come_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n whilst_o neither_o can_v be_v conceal_v the_o heathen_a than_o that_o own_o be_v a_o god_n and_o desire_n to_o serve_v he_o be_v suppose_v to_o demand_v of_o christian_n how_o or_o in_o what_o way_n due_a honour_n may_v be_v render_v to_o that_o infinite_a be_v for_o answer_n please_v to_o bear_v in_o mind_n these_o principle_n right_o call_v three_o strong_a evidence_n 2._o first_o true_a religion_n whereby_o we_o yield_v honour_n and_o due_a submission_n to_o god_n ever_o bear_v the_o ensign_n of_o its_o author_n and_o principle_n three_o principle_n show_v by_o certain_a mark_n it_o proceed_v from_o god_n no_o jew_n nor_o gentile_a no_o heretic_n can_v deny_v the_o principle_n deliver_v in_o these_o general_a term_n though_o dispute_n may_v arise_v concern_v some_o particular_a motive_n 2._o a_o great_a evidence_n of_o credibility_n in_o religion_n be_v a_o certain_a matk_n of_o its_o truth_n for_o whoever_o whether_o heathen_a jew_n or_o christian_a own_o be_v that_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o moses_n prevail_a against_o the_o egyptian_a magician_n or_o of_o s._n peter_n miracle_n set_v against_o that_o of_o simon_n magus_n be_fw-mi well_o by_o the_o force_n of_o great_a evidence_n that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n maintain_v truth_n against_o these_o sorcerer_n a_o three_o principle_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o truth_n of_o the_o great_a rational_a evidence_n for_o god_n truth_n great_a excess_n of_o rational_a evidence_n or_o a_o strong_a conviction_n in_o behalf_n of_o true_a religion_n than_o fdr_v sect_n unorthodox_n or_o false_a god_n be_v frustrate_v of_o his_o end_n and_o can_v oblige_v none_o to_o embrace_v true_a religion_n for_o this_o obligation_n necessary_o cease_v if_o a_o spurious_a faith_n can_v match_v the_o orthodox_n religion_n or_o outvie_v it_o in_o those_o glorious_a wonder_n which_o god_n evidence_n and_o have_v manifest_o appropriate_v to_o his_o own_o reveal_v truth_n only_o see_v more_o hereof_o in_o the_o other_o treatise_n disc_n 1._o c._n 8._o thus_o much_o premise_v 3._o we_o here_o represent_v in_o the_o first_o place_n our_o glorious_a lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a master_n and_o author_n of_o catholic_n religion_n and_o ask_v what_o credit_n the_o heathen_a give_v to_o that_o holy_a book_n we_o call_v scripture_n or_o to_o one_o part_n thereof_o which_o recount_n the_o prodigious_a wonder_n wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n will_v he_o own_v they_o upon_o humane_a faith_n for_o we_o urge_v he_o not_o yet_o to_o believe_v infallible_o as_o authentic_a or_o as_o well_o deserve_a credit_n as_o caesar_n commentary_n or_o any_o other_o receive_v history_n if_o he_o grant_v we_o infer_v these_o miracle_n far_o above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v god_n own_o work_n and_o manifest_o testify_v that_o none_o since_o the_o world_n begin_v whether_o heathen_a jew_n or_o heretic_n ever_o parallel_v christ_n our_o lord_n in_o the_o like_a wonder_n now_o if_o he_o whole_o flight_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o book_n we_o proceed_v further_o upon_o evidence_n power_n the_o heathen_a convince_a by_o the_o manifest_a sign_n of_o god_n power_n enough_o and_o lay_v before_o he_o those_o manifest_a effect_n which_o in_o â_fw-la short_a time_n follow_v our_o saviour_n preach_v most_o apparent_a in_o the_o first_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o continual_a increase_n of_o it_o herein_o the_o mark_n the_o ensign_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n clear_a to_o sense_n speak_v open_o without_o contradiction_n viz._n that_o no_o ancient_a prophet_n no_o heathen_a no_o jew_n no_o heretic_n ever_o oppose_v sensuality_n so_o strong_o as_o christ_n our_o lord_n do_v yet_o he_o gain_v million_o to_o submit_v to_o his_o law_n no_o prophet_n no_o heathen_a no_o heretic_n preach_v more_o difficult_a mystery_n yet_o as_o the_o world_n see_v he_o have_v draw_v whole_a kingdom_n and_o nation_n to_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n and_o if_o you_o go_v on_o or_o ask_v by_o what_o instrument_n this_o admirable_a work_n be_v happy_o accomplish_v the_o answer_n be_v ready_a twelve_o poor_a fisherman_n friendless_a unlearned_a despicable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o worldling_n be_v the_o chief_a oracle_n these_o make_v the_o incredulous_a believer_n stranger_n to_o christ_n his_o own_o domestic_n lofty_a spirit_n submiss_a to_o his_o law_n no_o heathen_a can_v doubt_v of_o such_o know_a effect_n signal_n evidence_n of_o god_n power_n cooperate_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o first_o euangelical_n preacher_n but_o because_o this_o argument_n be_v most_o full_o handle_v in_o the_o 4._o and_o 5._o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o discourse_n i_o petition_v the_o reader_n to_o return_v thither_o and_o once_o more_o to_o peruse_v that_o discourse_n which_o i_o hold_v unanswerable_a and_o most_o convince_a for_o our_o present_a intent_n 4._o to_o add_v yet_o more_o in_o behalf_n of_o our_o glorious_a redeemer_n and_o the_o verity_n of_o catholic_n religion_n for_o prove_v the_o one_o you_o prove_v the_o other_o i_o propose_v a_o second_o question_n to_o the_o heathen_a and_o ask_v whether_o our_o bless_a lord_n who_o call_v himself_o the_o long_o expect_a messiah_n and_o the_o true_a son_n of_o god_n speak_v truth_n or_o contrariwise_o most_o impudent_o assume_v to_o himself_o that_o so_o dilemma_n a_o unanswerable_a dilemma_n high_a prerogative_n grant_v the_o first_o he_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wonder_n he_o wrought_v be_v god_n own_o work_n therefore_o christian_a faith_n stand_v firm_a upon_o eternal_a truth_n manifest_v by_o most_o glorious_a sign_n say_n 2._o that_o impostor_n like_a he_o false_o make_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n when_o he_o be_v no_o more_o but_o à_fw-fr cheat._n it_o follow_v first_o that_o either_o god_n positive_o intend_v to_o draw_v the_o world_n into_o gross_a error_n by_o his_o perfidious_a preach_a which_o be_v horrid_a to_o think_v or_o we_o must_v grant_v that_o his_o gracious_a providence_n long_o before_o this_o day_n shall_v by_o one_o evident_a sign_n or_o other_o by_o some_o notorious_a mark_n of_o dishonour_n have_v make_v manifest_a consequence_n
to_o lay_v faith_n as_o low_a as_o may_v be_v to_o remove_v it_o from_o its_o own_o centre_n and_o fasten_v it_o upon_o no_o man_n know_v what_o moral_a ground_n be_v final_o to_o introduce_v a_o new_a weak_a and_o uncouth_a way_n of_o believe_v be_v the_o best_a service_n mr_n stillingfleet_n can_v do_v for_o god_n and_o christian_n but_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la 9_o i_o say_v first_o protestant_n have_v no_o ground_n distinct_a from_o the_o divine_a testimony_n whereby_o to_o discover_v any_o one_o particular_a truth_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v i_o prove_v the_o assertion_n these_o suppose_a ground_n be_v either_o reduce_v to_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o christian_a religion_n already_o refute_v as_o lay_v forth_o by_o mr_n stillingfleet_n or_o to_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o this_o say_v he._n page_n refute_v the_o doctrine_n refute_v 170._o we_o believe_v by_o faith_n upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n which_o therefore_o be_v not_o the_o antecedent_n reason_n or_o ground_n why_o we_o believe_v it_o for_o no_o verity_n assent_v to_o by_o faith_n can_v as_o assent_v to_o be_v the_o previous_a reason_n of_o our_o assent_n or_o a_o rational_a ground_n iuduce_v to_o believe_v therefore_o we_o say_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n believe_v by_o faith_n when_o belief_n rational_a inducement_n to_o faith_n be_v ever_o presuppose_v to_o belief_n we_o read_v scripture_n be_v not_o the_o inducement_n to_o believe_v they_o because_o a_o inducement_n to_o faith_n be_v ever_o presuppose_a and_o not_o involue_v in_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v but_o it_o be_v needle_n to_o say_v more_o of_o this_o for_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n if_o question_v by_o either_o jew_n or_o gentil_n why_o he_o believe_v the_o sacred_a trinity_n can_v for_o the_o last_o answer_n tell_v he_o he_o believe_v so_o because_o ●e_n believe_v it_o or_o because_o he_o read'_v that_o mystery_n in_o a_o book_n call_v scripture_n now_o beside_o these_o proofle_n inducement_n there_o be_v no_o other_o imaginable_a whereby_o the_o divine_a testimony_n can_v be_v discover_v convey_v or_o apply_v to_o believer_n but_o only_o those_o know_a catholic_n motive_n as_o miracle_n sanctity_n conversion_n slight_v church_n motive_n slight_v of_o nation_n &c_n &c_n which_o illustrate_v the_o universal_a roman_a church_n and_o these_o mr_n stillingfleet_n scornful_o call_v mute_a thing_n à_fw-fr grand_fw-fr salad_n too_o often_o serve_v up_o find_v very_o dry_a and_o insipid_a therefore_o he_o have_v no_o rational_a inducement_n moral_o certain_a for_o any_o one_o article_n of_o christian_a religion_n much_o less_o for_o the_o tenet_n of_o protestant_n 10._o i_o say_n 2._o if_o the_o ground_n or_o motive_n induce_v to_o believe_v let_v these_o be_v what_o this_o adversary_n please_v have_v infallible_a connexion_n with_o the_o divine_a testimony_n or_o convince_v upon_o metaphysical_a certitude_n that_o god_n speak_v the_o truth_n we_o believe_v the_o assent_n give_v to_o the_o motive_n be_v not_o moral_a but_o high_o infallible_a contrariwise_o if_o all_o motive_n previous_a motive_n faith_n can_v be_v build_v on_o fallible_a motive_n to_o belief_n be_v suppose_v so_o fallible_a that_o they_o may_v deceive_v faith_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v build_v upon_o they_o therefore_o mr_n stillingfleet_n err_v in_o say_v the_o near_a and_o most_o proper_a resolution_n of_o faith_n be_v into_o the_o ground_n induce_v to_o believe_v that_o such_o à_fw-fr testimony_n be_v divine_a 11._o to_o prove_v the_o assertion_n i_o demand_v whether_o god_n oblige_v all_o to_o believe_v his_o reveal_v verity_n upon_o his_o unerring_a testimony_n as_o the_o only_a formal_a object_n or_o to_o believe_v for_o motive_n extrinsical_a to_o that_o testimony_n which_o though_o moral_o certain_a may_v possible_o deceive_v grant_v the_o first_o faith_n stand_v fast_o prove_v the_o assertion_n prove_v upon_o its_o own_o foundation_n the_o divine_a testimony_n say_n 2._o it_o be_v joint_o build_v on_o motive_n as_o the_o near_a and_o most_o proper_a object_n which_o in_o rigour_n may_v deceive_v it_o hang_v as_o it_o be_v upon_o two_o heterogeneal_a principle_n the_o one_o most_o firm_a and_o infallible_a the_o other_o weak_a and_o fallible_a viz._n motive_n which_o be_v fallible_a can_v but_o contribute_v as_o much_o weakness_n to_o belief_n as_o the_o infallible_a testimony_n give_v it_o certainty_n and_o so_o these_o two_o principle_n by_o their_o different_a influence_n do_v and_o undo_v build_v and_o destroy_v wind_v on_o and_o wind_v off_o the_o one_o impart_v infallible_a certainty_n the_o other_o staike_v it_o away_o and_o make_v faith_n no_o more_o but_o a_o fluctuate_a moral_a and_o fallible_a assent_n 12._o to_o advance_v this_o proof_n yet_o further_o i_o ask_v again_o if_o all_o divine_a revelation_n be_v by_o a_o suppose_a impossibility_n not_o infallible_a but_o only_o moral_o certain_a whether_o then_o christian_n can_v believe_v the_o reveal_v mystery_n with_o a_o faith_n as_o certain_a as_o they_o now_o elicit_v upon_o revelation_n answer_v tea_n that_o perfection_n of_o infallibility_n essential_a to_o god_n revelation_n will_v then_o be_v useless_a and_o impertinent_a to_o support_n faith_n answer_v convince_v the_o proof_n further_o explain_v convince_v no_o or_o say_v faith_n if_o the_o hypothesis_n stand_v will_v not_o be_v divine_a and_o certain_a i_o infer_v ergo_fw-la it_o be_v neither_o divine_a nor_o certain_a de_fw-fr facto_fw-la my_o reason_n be_v so_o far_o and_o not_o further_o god_n infallible_a testimony_n or_o the_o divine_a revelation_n have_v influence_n upon_o faith_n as_o fallible_a motive_n apply_v it_o to_o believer_n or_o give_v it_o leave_v might_n one_o speak_v so_o to_o support_v that_o assent_n but_o these_o fallible_a motive_n which_o immediate_o apply_v the_o revelation_n to_o believer_n permit_v it_o not_o to_o raise_v that_o act_n to_o any_o great_a certitude_n than_o only_o moral_a which_o may_v be_v false_a therefore_o the_o revelation_n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la communicate_v no_o more_o certainty_n to_o belief_n than_o if_o it_o be_v only_o moral_o and_o not_o infallible_o certain_a for_o here_o be_v our_o adversary_n principle_n according_a to_o the_o proof_n and_o ground_n whereby_o we_o discover_v the_o divine_a testimony_n to_o be_v in_o be_v we_o believe_v but_o all_o these_o proof_n and_o ground_n say_v only_o moral_o and_o fallible_o that_o the_o testimony_n be_v now_o in_o be_v therefore_o faith_n also_o can_v be_v no_o more_o but_o only_o moral_a fallible_a and_o liable_a to_o error_n 13._o hence_o it_o follow_v first_o that_o neither_o the_o very_a apostle_n of_o ill_a consequence_n deduce_v out_o of_o nor_o any_o other_o believer_n ever_o fince_v that_o time_n have_v any_o sure_a faith_n than_o only_o moral_a which_o may_v be_v false_a it_o follow_v 2._o that_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o christian_a religion_n involue_v in_o it_o a_o possibility_n of_o salshood_n for_o be_v apply_v or_o propose_v to_o we_o upon_o doctrine_n sectary_n doctrine_n ground_n only_o fallible_a and_o moral_a we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o exigency_n and_o merit_n of_o such_o weak_a ground_n and_o therefore_o can_v esteem_v it_o no_o better_o than_o fallible_a it_o follow_v 3._o and_o this_o i_o will_v have_v note_v that_o faith_n in_o these_o man_n principle_n tend_v not_o absolute_o into_o the_o divine_a revelation_n but_o only_o with_o doubt_n and_o fear_n or_o mere_o conditional_o for_o every_o man_n may_v rational_o say_n lord_n if_o you_o have_v reveal_v this_o truth_n christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n i_o believe_v it_o as_o undoubted_o true_a but_o the_o certainty_n i_o have_v thereof_o be_v only_o settle_a upon_o motive_n which_o assent_n they_o make_v faith_n à_fw-fr conditional_a assent_n may_v deceive_v i_o therefore_o my_o faith_n can_v be_v no_o more_o but_o hypothetical_n or_o conditional_a to_o this_o sense_n if_o you_o have_v reveal_v it_o i_o believe_v if_o not_o i_o reject_v it_o hence_o you_o see_v it_o be_v much_o better_a can_v not_o the_o difficulty_n be_v otherwise_o solue_v to_o say_v the_o motive_n previous_a to_o faith_n convince_v with_o metaphysical_a certainty_n that_o god_n speak_v by_o his_o scripture_n and_o church_n than_o to_o make_v the_o revelation_n so_o strengthless_a that_o it_o can_v because_o weaken_v by_o fallible_a motive_n contribute_v no_o other_o certainty_n to_o belief_n but_o what_o be_v moral_a and_o may_v be_v false_a 14._o and_o thus_o much_o mr_n stillingfleet_n can_v he_o proceed_v consequent_o consequent_o this_o adversary_n proceed'_v not_o consequent_o as_o he_o do_v not_o shall_v assert_v for_o if_o as_o he_o say_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n moral_a certainty_n be_v as_o great_a or_o beget_n as_o firm_a a_o assent_n as_o any_o mathematical_a or_o physical_a certainty_n what_o be_v it_o that_o fright_n be_v the_o man_n from_o allow_v infallible_a certainty_n to_o faith_n or_o what_o gain_n he_o to_o substitute_n in_o lieu_n of_o
make_v their_o sense_n good_a in_o the_o passage_n allege_v when_o we_o now_o stand_v to_o scripture_n only_o i_o answer_v 2._o such_o dark_a inference_n draw_v from_o compare_v text_n together_o not_o ground_v on_o the_o very_a word_n ever_o imply_v a_o mixture_n of_o humane_a discourse_n which_o therefore_o be_v fallible_a and_o may_v be_v false_a whence_o it_o follow_v that_o sectary_n can_v believe_v none_o of_o these_o sense_n by_o divine_a faith_n because_o the_o last_o motive_n or_o formal_a object_n of_o their_o assent_n be_v a_o fallible_a reason_n only_o and_o this_o may_v err_v and_o here_o you_o may_v learn_v how_o necessary_a a_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n be_v without_o which_o we_o be_v cast_v upon_o mere_a uncertainty_n and_o unavoidable_a improbability_n 6._o the_o sectary_n may_v yet_o answer_v to_o the_o compare_v of_o text_n together_o he_o add'_v the_o sentiment_n of_o some_o father_n for_o his_o sense_n i_o say_v of_o some_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o have_v not_o all_o much_o less_o the_o universal_a consent_n or_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o every_o age_n if_o this_o be_v the_o reply_n i_o may_v well_o oppose_v it_o in_o mr_n still_v own_o word_n pag._n 216._o think_v not_o to_o fob_v we_o off_o with_o the_o ambiguous_a testimony_n of_o two_o or_o three_o father_n instead_o of_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n etc._n etc._n but_o what_o will_v you_o say_v if_o he_o have_v not_o one_o clear_a testimony_n of_o a_o give_v not_o on●_n ancient_a father_n clear_a for_o protestancy_n the_o reason_n be_v give_v father_n for_o he_o i_o bold_o assert_v it_o and_o urge_v he_o to_o produce_v but_o one_o the_o reason_n be_v whatever_o testimony_n of_o a_o father_n be_v allege_v for_o his_o sense_n will_v be_v at_o most_o if_o it_o come_v thither_o so_o notable_o ambiguous_a that_o weigh_v with_o all_o circumstance_n it_o may_v well_o have_v à_fw-fr catholic_n meaning_n that_o sense_n therefore_o must_v stand_v good_a without_o contest_v when_o it_o answer_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o whole_a learned_a church_n and_o the_o sectary_n have_v nothing_o to_o draw_v it_o to_o his_o particular_a opinion_n neither_o universal_a church_n nor_o universal_a tradition_n but_o only_o a_o few_o ambiguous_a word_n capable_a of_o interpretation_n and_o his_o own_o fancy_n to_o boot_v nay_o i_o say_v more_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o little_a appearance_n of_o ambiguous_a word_n for_o his_o sense_n pray_v you_o tell_v i_o and_o let_v protestant_n shame_v i_o if_o they_o can_v where_o have_v he_o any_o hint_n of_o a_o father_n doubtful_a word_n for_o his_o mince_a fit_v assistance_n only_o allow_v the_o church_n positive_o exclude_v infallible_a assistance_n for_o justification_n by_o faith_n only_o for_o two_o sacrament_n only_o for_o a_o sign_n only_o of_o christ_n presence_n in_o the_o eucharist_n yet_o these_o sense_n he_o vend'_v as_o the_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n without_o proof_n or_o probability_n therefore_o fancy_n only_o play_v here_o and_o thus_o you_o see_v the_o first_o part_n of_o my_o assertion_n demonstrative_o prove_v viz._n that_o protestant_n have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o weak_a probable_a assurance_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o essence_n of_o scripture_n i_o mean_v of_o the_o true_a sense_n intend_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o you_o know_v judgement_n tertullia_n judgement_n tertullian_n say_v lib._n the_o prescript_n cap._n 17._o tantum_n veritati_fw-la obstrepit_fw-la adulter_fw-la sensus_fw-la quantum_fw-la &_o corruptus_fw-la stylus_fw-la a_o fall_v sense_n deprave_v scripture_n as_o much_o as_o if_o the_o word_n be_v corrupt_v thus_o much_o premise_v and_o so_o full_o prove_v that_o sectary_n can_v return_v a_o probable_a answer_n i_o will_v add_v one_o consideration_n more_o to_o confirm_v what_o be_v say_v a_o discourse_n between_o a_o heathen_a and_o à_fw-fr christian_n 7._o imagine_v that_o à_fw-la well_o dispose_v gentil_n philosopher_n half_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n address_v himself_o to_o the_o most_o know_a protestant_a or_o arian_n and_o not_o to_o dissemble_v the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n to_o some_o learned_a catholic_n also_o he_o find'_v they_o strange_o divide_v about_o their_o canon_n of_o scripture_n about_o their_o translation_n and_o which_o be_v to_o our_o purpose_n now_o at_o high_a difference_n concern_v the_o meaning_n also_o the_o arian_n tell_v we_o he_o he_o have_v the_o scripture_n how_o man_n call_v christian_n differ_v about_o scripture_n true_a sense_n so_o do_v the_o donatist_n the_o protestant_n and_o catholic_n likewise_o the_o wise_a man_n be_v not_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o believe_v any_o of_o they_o upon_o their_o bare_a word_n although_o stentor-like_a they_o cry_v this_o and_o no_o other_o be_v divine_a doctrine_n therefore_o he_o conclude_v if_o reason_n may_v have_v place_n this_o way_n of_o find_v what_o he_o will_v know_v without_o the_o help_n of_o some_o other_o principle_n distinct_a from_o scripture_n and_o the_o fallible_a assertion_n of_o particular_a man_n opposite_a to_o one_o a_o other_o be_v so_o high_o dissatisfactory_a and_o whole_o insufficient_a that_o it_o can_v settle_v he_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n nay_o he_o may_v well_o argue_v further_o if_o i_o yet_o no_o christian_a can_v so_o much_o as_o know_v these_o very_a book_n to_o be_v divine_a because_o you_o say_v they_o be_v so_o when_o we_o gentile_n and_o jew_n in_o part_n hold_v they_o only_o humane_a if_o i_o though_o i_o own_o they_o as_o divine_a can_v learn_v from_o none_o of_o you_o what_o they_o say_v for_o i_o find_v you_o all_o at_o high_a contradiction_n about_o the_o sense_n how_o will_v you_o induce_v i_o by_o this_o your_o bible_n only_o to_o become_v christian_a or_o how_o can_v you_o when_o you_o dispute_v with_o one_o a_o other_o so_o much_o as_o propose_v a_o probable_a argument_n out_o of_o scripture_n in_o behalf_n of_o your_o different_a tenet_n for_o discourse_n the_o heathen_n discourse_n none_o of_o you_o yet_o know_v by_o scripture_n only_o the_o true_a meen_n of_o it_o you_o first_o suppose_v à_fw-fr sense_n and_o then_o argue_v whereas_o you_o shall_v clear_v the_o sense_n and_o prove_v it_o or_o your_o argument_n fall_v to_o nothing_o for_o example_n the_o protestant_a find_n in_o scripture_n that_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n be_v call_v bread_n suppose_v bread_n to_o signify_v natural_a bread_n or_o at_o most_o bread_n depute_v to_o a_o holy_a use_n the_o catholic_n deny_v this_o supposition_n and_o sense_n also_o he_o read_v again_o in_o s._n james_n c._n 4._o t_o 〈…〉_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n and_o judge_n who_o can_v destroy_v and_o free_v ergo_fw-la say_v the_o p_o 〈…〉_o stant_fw-la there_o be_v no_o other_o visible_a judge_n in_o the_o church_n to_o end_v co_z 〈…〉_o ersy_n as_o odd_a a_o inference_n as_o if_o one_o shall_v conclude_v because_o it_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n be_v not_o you_o call_v master_n for_o your_o master_n be_v one_o christ_n no_o other_o aught_o to_o be_v call_v master_n and_o therefore_o this_o sense_n and_o supposition_n in_o also_o deny_v and_o thus_o it_o must_v needs_o fall_v out_o whilst_o the_o sectary_n have_v not_o one_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n for_o his_o novelty_n whereas_o say_v the_o gentil_n the_o text_n seem_v clear_a enough_o for_o catholic_n doctrine_n take_v in_o a_o obvious_a sense_n yet_o not_o so_o clear_a but_o that_o a_o peevish_a glosser_n may_v pervert_v all_o by_o his_o wilful_a fancy_n 8._o yet_o the_o gentil_n argue_v you_o christian_n say_v there_o be_v true_a religion_n among_o you_o and_o that_o god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o have_v allow_v sectary_n the_o heathen_n argument_n clear_o propose_v against_o sectary_n mean_n abundant_o sufficient_a to_o knowit_v mean_v i_o say_v whereby_o not_o only_o gentile_n turk_n and_o jew_n but_o arian_n and_o other_o heretic_n also_o may_v be_v reclaim_v from_o their_o error_n thus_o much_o you_o must_v grant_v or_o say_v that_o christ_n have_v leave_v a_o unbelieved_n world_n under_o a_o impossibility_n of_o be_v convert_v and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o be_v if_o mean_n be_v want_v to_o know_v the_o verity_n of_o christian_a religion_n the_o gentil_n may_v blamles_o remain_v as_o he_o be_v and_o so_o may_v the_o turk_n jew_n and_o heretic_n also_o now_o say_v our_o heathen_a it_o be_v evident_a scripture_n alone_o without_o further_a light_n be_v no_o meet_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v any_o of_o they_o for_o the_o gentil_n slight_v your_o whole_a scripture_n and_o can_v that_o by_o itself_o draw_v he_o off_o his_o contempt_n again_o the_o bonzij_fw-la in_o that_o vast_a kingdom_n of_o china_n pretend_v to_o a_o other_o bible_n write_v long_o since_o by_o their_o suppose_a great_a prophet_n call_v confusius_fw-la and_o the_o book_n
be_v not_o like_o the_o turk_n alcoran_n stuff_v with_o foolery_n but_o as_o i_o be_o inform_v some_o who_o live_v long_o there_o and_o know_v the_o language_n well_o say_v it_o contain_n most_o excellent_a moral_a precept_n tend_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o justice_n and_o a_o civil_a life_n the_o jew_n deny_v the_o new_a testament_n the_o arian_n and_o other_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o scripture_n how_o therefore_o can_v scripture_n alone_o prove_v efficacious_a to_o convert_v these_o alien_n from_o christ_n or_o be_v suppose_v a_o fit_a mean_n oblige_v all_o to_o believe_v when_o yet_o they_o know_v not_o without_o more_o light_n what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v or_o why_o an_o other_o way_n therefore_o must_v be_v find_v out_o whereof_o more_o afterward_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n 9_o i_o true_o stand_v astonish_v when_o i_o consider_v how_o pitiful_o answer_n mr_n stillingfleet_n return_v no_o probable_a answer_n mr_n still_v endeavour_n to_o soul_n this_o most_o convince_a argument_n read_v he_o who_o will_n part._n 1._o chap._n 6._o from_o page_n 175._o to_o p._n 179._o and_o he_o shall_v find_v he_o tedious_o run_v on_o but_o never_o a_o whit_n more_o forward_o in_o his_o journey_n where_o he_o end_v then_o at_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v all_o a_o long_a à_fw-fr pure_a petitio_fw-la principij_fw-la and_o worse_o the_o question_n move_v be_v how_o the_o protestant_n can_v convert_v a_o heathen_a or_o prove_v infallible_o that_o the_o bible_n be_v god_n word_n mr_n still_v answer_n his_o lord_n primate_n undertake_v not_o this_o task_n in_o the_o first_o place_n nor_o offer_n be_v to_o convince_v a_o heathen_a that_o the_o bible_n must_v be_v infallible_o believe_v to_o be_v god_n word_n no_o but_o first_o the_o excellency_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a religion_n consider_v in_o itself_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o show_v that_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v just_a the_o promise_v such_o as_o may_v induce_v any_o reasonable_a man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o precept_n that_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n be_v very_o wise_o contrive_v that_o nothing_o be_v vain_a and_o impertinent_a in_o it_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v most_o hard_a to_o believe_v in_o this_o doctrine_n be_v not_o such_o thing_n ●s_n may_v have_v be_v spare_v out_o of_o it_o as_o though_o god_n do_v intend_v only_o to_o puzzle_v man_n reason_n with_o they_o and_o thus_o he_o go_v on_o in_o his_o draught_n or_o idea_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n by_o tell_v a_o heathen_a what_o it_o be_v or_o what_o it_o teach_v the_o heathen_a most_o just_o except'_v against_o these_o proof_n so_o may_v à_fw-fr christian_n too_o if_o no_o more_o be_v say_v and_o profess_v all_o this_o talk_n hitherto_o beside_o a_o mere_a beg_v the_o question_n seem_v to_o he_o à_fw-fr pure_a cheat_n and_o fallacy_n you_o proceed_v strange_o say_v the_o heathen_a for_o what_o be_v a_o suppose_a proof_n he_o make_v a_o mere_a supposition_n his_o proof_n verity_n among_o you_o christian_n you_o turn_v into_o a_o proof_n against_o i_o that_o deny_v your_o supposition_n you_o labour_v to_o take_v my_o difficulty_n away_o by_o propose_v to_o i_o those_o very_a thing_n which_o cause_n they_o mark_v well_o .._o you_o first_o make_v the_o excellency_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o itself_o a_o fit_a medium_n to_o prove_v scripture_n god_n infallible_a word_n whereas_o that_o suppose_a reasonableness_n of_o your_o religion_n be_v as_o dark_a and_o obscure_a to_o i_o who_o be_o not_o christian_n as_o the_o infallibility_n of_o your_o bible_n doctrine_n therefore_o you_o prove_v one_o unknown_a thing_n by_o a_o other_o whole_o as_o much_o unknown_a i_o deny_v both_o your_o bible_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o your_o religion_n prove_v the_o one_o or_o both_o or_o you_o speak_v not_o one_o word_n to_o the_o purpose_n 10._o you_o suppose_v 2._o a_o principle_n which_o neither_o catholic_n nor_o protestant_n ever_o yet_o own_v viz._n that_o that_o which_o you_o call_v christian_a religion_n be_v know_v ex_fw-la terminis_fw-la to_o be_v true_a by_o a_o mere_a declaration_n of_o its_o doctrine_n whereas_o no_o doctrine_n even_o the_o most_o primitive_a be_v ever_o make_v discernible_a from_o error_n by_o a_o bare_a say_n it_o be_v true_a without_o belief_n evidence_n of_o credibility_n lay_v forth_o to_o reason_n before_o belief_n some_o precedent_a evidence_n of_o its_o credibility_n lay_v forth_o to_o reason_n and_o therefore_o you_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o other_o treatise_n against_o mr_n poole_n ●_o 21._o that_o if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o only_o preach_v the_o high_a mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o speak_v as_o you_o do_v of_o the_o excellence_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o its_o precept_n or_o promise_n without_o further_a evidence_n they_o will_v have_v no_o more_o draw_v jew_n or_o gentile_n to_o their_o doctrine_n then_o twelve_o little_a child_n can_v now_o draw_v we_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o many_o other_o verity_n not_o yet_o reveal_v have_v god_n inspire_v they_o to_o teach_v without_o miracle_n or_o any_o other_o supernatural_a wonder_n my_o reason_n be_v as_o the_o bible_n evidence_n not_o itself_o to_o be_v divine_a scripture_n so_o the_o intrinsical_a reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n be_v no_o first_o evidence_n to_o itself_o both_o therefore_o must_v be_v prove_v by_o clear_a principle_n believe_v it_o have_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n only_o insist_v upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n the_o very_a jew_n will_v have_v silence_v they_o allege_v great_a previous_a evidence_n for_o their_o religion_n show_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n 3._o say_v the_o heathen_a because_o you_o dare_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o motive_n of_o credibility_n which_o you_o scornful_o call_v a_o grand_a salad_n too_o often_o serve_v up_o by_o papist_n you_o speak_v at_o random_n when_o you_o give_v i_o no_o other_o satisfaction_n to_o my_o difficulty_n than_o by_o tell_v i_o they_o be_v worth_a nothing_o you_o affirm_v 4._o nothing_o be_v impertinent_a in_o christian_a religion_n i_o answer_v the_o belief_n of_o à_fw-fr trinity_n of_o god_n make_v a_o infant_n your_o whole_a story_n of_o a_o serpent_n tempt_v eve_n and_o of_o samson_n weightless_a mr._n still_v proof_n find_v weightless_a with_o your_o mysterious_a book_n of_o apocalyps_n seem_v to_o my_o humane_a understanding_n not_o only_o impertinent_a but_o improbable_a you_o tell_v i_o 5._o of_o christian_a religion_n agree_v with_o those_o book_n you_o call_v the_o bible_n that_o be_v you_o will_v say_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n of_o the_o bible_n agree_v with_o the_o book_n which_o be_v idem_fw-la per_fw-la idem_fw-la and_o therefore_o highty_a dissatisfactory_a unless_o you_o prove_v both_o the_o bible_n and_o doctrine_n by_o further_a argument_n you_o say_v 6._o the_o heathen_a aught_o to_o believe_v some_o thing_n beside_o that_o he_o have_v hear_v or_o see_v upon_o the_o report_n of_o honest_a man_n he_o answer_v he_o do_v so_o far_o as_o those_o report_n move_v he_o to_o assent_v and_o therefore_o deny_v not_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o there_o be_v once_o such_o à_fw-fr person_n in_o the_o world_n as_o christ_n but_o because_o you_o say_v all_o this_o testimony_n be_v no_o more_o but_o moral_n and_o may_v be_v false_a the_o heathen_n belief_n go_v no_o high_a just_o so_o the_o turk_n believe_v there_o be_v such_o à_fw-fr man_n as_o mahomet_n the_o chinese_n such_o à_fw-fr man_n as_o confusius_fw-la but_o what_o get_v we_o by_o judge_v there_o be_v such_o person_n as_o these_o in_o the_o world_n do_v it_o here_o upon_o follow_v all_o they_o teach_v prove_v nothing_o yet_o prove_v be_v true_a or_o infallible_a doctrine_n no_o such_o matter_n you_o say_v 7._o the_o heathen_a must_v believe_v that_o christ_n die_v rise_v again_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n and_o send_v his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v his_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n he_o answer_v these_o be_v article_n of_o your_o faith_n register_v in_o scripture_n you_o sir_n either_o urge_v he_o to_o believe_v they_o as_o you_o ought_v to_o do_v certain_o and_o infallible_o and_o this_o you_o can_v exact_v for_o you_o believe_v they_o because_o they_o be_v in_o scripture_n and_o yet_o you_o have_v not_o prove_v to_o the_o heathen_a so_o much_o as_o probable_o that_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n therefore_o you_o suppose_v what_o he_o deny_v and_o pitiful_o beg_v the_o question_n 11._o or._n 2._o you_o will_v have_v he_o yield_v a_o assent_n to_o they_o upon_o the_o humane_a testimony_n of_o many_o christian_n which_o you_o say_v be_v fallible_a and_o may_v be_v false_a and_o that_o auail_n nothing_o for_o thus_o the_o turk_n believe_v the_o alcoran_n the_o chinese_n their_o bible_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o innumerable_a witness_n you_o say_v 8._o