many_o other_o give_v live_v voice_n a_o incomparable_a advantage_n over_o dead_a character_n in_o point_n of_o intelligibleness_n and_o expressiveness_n and_o though_o dr._n st._n may_v contend_v that_o whatever_o advantage_n in_o signify_v that_o have_v over_o this_o may_v possible_o be_v put_v in_o writing_n and_o express_v by_o mean_n of_o many_o large_a explication_n write_v by_o the_o person_n himself_o that_o be_v to_o deliver_v his_o mind_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o show_v that_o those_o multitude_n of_o word_n in_o those_o very_a explication_n have_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o significativeness_n and_o intelligibility_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v speak_v viuâ_fw-la voce_fw-mi by_o their_o author_n since_o they_o will_v still_o want_v all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o advantage_n now_o speak_v of_o which_o manifest_o determine_v the_o signification_n of_o word_n to_o omit_v that_o all_o this_o will_v little_o make_v for_o his_o purpose_n when_o he_o come_v to_o apply_v it_o since_o scripture_n have_v no_o such_o large_a explication_n write_v upon_o it_o to_o supply_v that_o less_o clearness_n of_o express_v which_o the_o way_n of_o writing_n be_v necessary_o subject_a to_o if_o compare_v with_o that_o of_o speak_v much_o less_o if_o daily_a practice_n go_v along_o with_o live_a voice_n to_o declare_v man_n mind_n as_o be_v find_v in_o tradition_n as_o for_o what_o he_o add_v and_o build_v on_o that_o scripture_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o he_o mean_v it_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v such_o according_a to_o the_o ground_n he_o proceed_v on_o he_o ought_v either_o to_o have_v put_v it_o among_o principle_n agree_v on_o by_o both_o side_n or_o else_o have_v prove_v it_o which_o he_o no_o where_o attempt_n but_o afterward_o princ._n 15._o very_o solid_o and_o learned_o disprove_v and_o confute_v while_o he_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o any_o infallible_a society_n of_o man_n to_o attest_v or_o explain_v those_o write_n for_o since_o in_o the_o bare_a letter_n as_o it_o lie_v there_o be_v find_v many_o passage_n which_o contradict_v one_o another_o and_o abstract_v from_o all_o interpretation_n and_o attestation_n of_o the_o letter_n no_o part_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v true_a than_o other_o for_o if_o it_o once_o lose_v the_o repute_n of_o be_v god_n word_n as_o in_o that_o case_n it_o must_v it_o be_v all_o equal_o liable_a to_o be_v false_a it_o follow_v that_o if_o there_o be_v neither_o any_o man_n infallible_a in_o attest_v nor_o in_o explain_v those_o write_n all_o the_o world_n may_v be_v deceive_v in_o perform_v both_o those_o duty_n and_o so_o all_o mankind_n may_v be_v deceive_v both_o in_o judge_v the_o scripture_n which_o we_o now_o have_v to_o be_v the_o same_o book_n which_o be_v write_v at_o first_o since_o there_o be_v no_o infallible_a attestation_n of_o it_o and_o also_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o judge_v there_o be_v not_o contradiction_n in_o it_o since_o there_o be_v no_o infallible_a explanation_n of_o it_o to_o secure_v it_o from_o many_o such_o imputation_n evident_a in_o the_o bare_a letter_n take_v it_o as_o un_fw-mi explain_v or_o uninterprete_v any_o man_n of_o reason_n will_v think_v that_o to_o leave_v scripture_n in_o such_o a_o pickle_n be_v but_o a_o slender_a provision_n to_o give_v it_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o will_v fit_v it_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n if_o he_o but_o reflect_v that_o that_o rule_n must_v be_v the_o basis_n of_o all_o our_o knowledge_n that_o god_n ever_o reveal_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o that_o be_v of_o all_o mankind_n way_n to_o salvation_n but_o suppose_v it_o thus_o grant_v that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v be_v fufficienty_n declare_v to_o man_n by_o writing_n in_o the_o manner_n declare_v above_o let_v we_o see_v what_o follow_v 11._o it_o be_v agree_v among_o all_o christian_n that_o although_o god_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n do_v reveal_v his_o mind_n to_o man_n immediate_o by_o a_o voice_n or_o secret_a inspiration_n yet_o afterward_o he_o do_v communicate_v his_o mind_n to_o some_o immediate_o inspire_v to_o write_v his_o will_n in_o book_n to_o be_v preserve_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o future_a age_n and_o particular_o that_o these_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o receive_v be_v so_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ._n this_o be_v grant_v only_o it_o be_v not_o agree_v among_o all_o that_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n of_o what_o nature_n this_o benefit_n be_v which_o god_n intend_v man_n in_o future_a age_n by_o the_o scripture_n whether_o of_o strengthen_v they_o in_o faith_n and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o good_a life_n or_o teach_v they_o their_o faith_n at_o first_o and_o assure_v it_o to_o they_o nor_o how_o this_o benefit_n come_v to_o be_v derive_v to_o the_o generality_n whether_o by_o immediate_a read_n and_o penetrate_v it_o themselves_o or_o through_o the_o preach_a and_o instruction_n of_o some_o other_o depute_v by_o god_n for_o that_o end_n who_o have_v faith_n in_o their_o heart_n already_o by_o some_o other_o mean_v but_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v dr._n st._n will_v in_o the_o process_n of_o his_o discourse_n clear_v this_o point_n solid_o and_o thorough_o for_o it_o be_v the_o main_a hinge_n of_o all_o this_o controveesie_n he_o go_v forward_o thus_o 12._o such_o write_n have_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o first_o age_n as_o divine_a and_o infallible_a and_o be_v deliver_v down_o as_o such_o to_o we_o by_o a_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o age_n since_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v own_v by_o we_o as_o the_o certain_a rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v what_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n unless_o it_o appear_v with_o a_o evidence_n equal_a to_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v those_o book_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v never_o intend_v for_o that_o end_n because_o of_o their_o obscurity_n or_o imperfection_n this_o whole_a paragraph_n amount_v to_o one_o proposition_n which_o be_v this_o such_o write_n viz._n pen_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o future_a age_n receive_v at_o first_o and_o deliver_v down_o ever_o since_o as_o divine_a and_o infallible_a be_v to_o be_v hold_v the_o certain_a rule_n of_o faith_n unless_o there_o be_v evidence_n of_o their_o defectiveness_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o their_o be_v god_n word_n which_o be_v a_o bare_a assertion_n neither_o prove_v from_o any_o principle_n agree_v or_o not_o agree_v on_o and_o therefore_o perfect_o groundless_a and_o unprove_v and_o false_a into_o the_o bargain_n though_o the_o main_a stress_n of_o his_o whole_a discourse_n rely_v on_o it_o now_o that_o it_o be_v false_a i_o prove_v because_o its_o contradictory_n be_v true_a for_o there_o may_v be_v write_n pen_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v and_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o as_o divine_a and_o infallible_a and_o yet_o we_o need_v not_o be_v bind_v to_o hold_v they_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n though_o we_o have_v not_o equal_a evidence_n of_o their_o defect_n as_o we_o have_v that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n since_o to_o be_v write_v by_o man_n divinely-inspired_a to_o be_v divine_a infallible_a and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n signify_v no_o more_o but_o that_o they_o be_v perfect_o holy_a and_o true_a in_o themselves_o and_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n in_o some_o way_n or_o other_o and_o this_o be_v the_o far_a these_o word_n will_v carry_v but_o that_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o of_o sufficient_a clearness_n to_o give_v sincerely-endeavouring_a person_n such_o security_n of_o their_o faith_n while_o they_o rely_v on_o they_o as_o can_v consist_v with_o error_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n these_o word_n signify_v not_o they_o may_v be_v most_o holy_a they_o may_v be_v most_o true_a in_o themselves_o they_o may_v be_v exceed_o useful_a or_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v endow_v with_o this_o property_n which_o yet_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v have_v and_o whereas_o he_o say_v they_o be_v for_o these_o reason_n to_o be_v own_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v we_o be_v for_o these_o reason_n to_o judge_v and_o profess_v they_o such_o unless_o it_o appear_v with_o a_o equal_a evidence_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o be_v defective_a sure_o he_o never_o understand_v what_o judge_v and_o profess_v be_v build_v on_o who_o can_v make_v such_o a_o discourse_n our_o assent_n or_o judgement_n be_v build_v on_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n which_o conclude_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v as_o we_o judge_v and_o not_o on_o our_o see_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a for_o in_o case_n the_o reason_n produce_v conclude_v not_o the_o thing_n to_o
that_o those_o thing_n he_o brag_v of_o and_o rely_v on_o as_o principle_n be_v in_o reality_n but_o so_o many_o paradox_n or_o impertinence_n i_o hope_v we_o may_v sâ—â—cease_v our_o fear_n and_o turn_v they_o into_o a_o more_o pleasant_a humour_n though_o the_o prognostic_n be_v very_o obvious_a what_o he_o can_v do_v in_o this_o case_n yet_o who_o know_v but_o for_o once_o he_o may_v work_v a_o impossibility_n who_o as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n have_v tell_v we_o so_o many_o contradiction_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n if_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o attempt_v any_o reply_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o former_a discourse_n what_o he_o be_v to_o do_v unless_o he_o will_v strange_o prevaricate_v from_o his_o duty_n viz._n either_o to_o disallow_v my_o settle_v here_o the_o nature_n of_o principle_n and_o state_n they_o better_o that_o be_v either_o to_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v to_o have_v any_o evidence_n or_o influence_n at_o all_o or_o else_o if_o he_o allow_v it_o to_o make_v out_o that_o his_o pretend_a principle_n have_v those_o qualification_n which_o be_v best_a do_v by_o resolve_v they_o into_o first_o principle_n and_o connect_v they_o distinct_o with_o their_o respective_a consequence_n and_o let_v he_o remember_v that_o till_o he_o do_v this_o he_o neither_o defend_v himself_o against_o my_o present_a answer_n nor_o give_v a_o home_n reply_v to_o protestancy_n without_o principle_n whatever_o gay_a thing_n or_o thing_n he_o say_v to_o particular_a passage_n in_o it_o since_o himself_o acknowledge_v these_o principle_n of_o his_o be_v intend_v a_o answer_n to_o that_o book_n and_o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o both_o treatise_n they_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o proper_a return_n to_o it_o i_o have_v no_o occasion_n nor_o be_v it_o my_o intent_n here_o to_o write_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o any_o of_o her_o legitimate_a son_n rather_o i_o must_v declare_v that_o in_o case_n they_o all_o hold_v as_o m._n thorndike_n a_o man_n of_o eminent_a learning_n &_o esteem_n among_o they_o declare_v himself_o to_o do_v just_a weight_n p._n 159._o that_o the_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o the_o perpetual_a practice_n of_o god_n church_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n which_o imply_v that_o practical_a tradition_n be_v that_o which_o give_v they_o christ_n sense_n or_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v their_o rule_n i_o must_v hearty_o applaud_v their_o join_n with_o catholic_n in_o the_o main_a point_n of_o all_o and_o which_o settle_a be_v apt_a to_o unite_v we_o in_o all_o the_o rest_n what_o i_o impugn_v then_o here_o be_v a_o pestilent_a tenet_n destructive_a to_o all_o episcopacy_n and_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o church_n make_v church-governor_n useless_a in_o their_o main_a duty_n of_o teach_v faith_n to_o their_o flock_n and_o lame_a in_o that_o of_o government_n for_o if_o every_o private_a man_n be_v to_o rely_v on_o his_o own_o interpretation_n he_o ought_v neither_o believe_v nor_o obey_v the_o church_n when_o the_o contrary_a seem_v to_o his_o fancy_n to_o be_v ground_v in_o scripture_n and_o if_o that_o man_n do_v but_o allege_v he_o judge_n in_o clear_a in_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o church_n be_v corrupt_a and_o err_v i_o see_v not_o with_o what_o justice_n according_a to_o these_o principle_n the_o church_n can_v either_o excommunicate_v he_o or_o bind_v he_o to_o his_o duty_n i_o expect_v dr._n st._n will_v object_v that_o i_o deny_v divers_a of_o his_o principle_n which_o some_o of_o we_o have_v grant_v for_o his_o friend_n dr._n t._n and_o he_o abound_v in_o such_o sleight_n topic_n to_o which_o though_o i_o can_v answer_v that_o unusquisque_fw-la in_o sensu_fw-la svo_fw-la abundat_fw-la in_o production_n of_o human_a reason_n yet_o i_o need_v only_o allege_v dr._n st_n ambi-dextrous_a and_o ambiguous_a way_n of_o contrive_v his_o principle_n to_o look_v so_o with_o different_a face_n that_o even_o the_o same_o man_n may_v sometime_o apprehend_v they_o to_o mean_v thus_o sometime_o otherwise_o beside_o all_o his_o confuter_n aim_n nâ—t_v at_o one_o end_v mr._n e._n w._n intend_v only_o to_o show_v they_o conclude_v not_o the_o point_n they_o pretend_v and_o which_o be_v superscribe_v to_o they_o mr._n n._n o._n to_o show_v their_o destructiveness_n to_o government_n while_o i_o take_v for_o my_o task_n to_o discover_v their_o oppositness_n to_o all_o logic_n true_a learning_n and_o common_a rationality_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o he_o of_o what_o be_v pretend_v neither_o principle_n consequence_n connexion_n conclusion_n reduction_n influence_n nor_o end_n nor_o must_v he_o think_v that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v grant_v by_o any_o for_o dispute_v sâ—ke_a be_v allow_v for_o good_a by_o the_o respondent_fw-la it_o be_v frequent_a to_o express_v we_o grant_v thing_n which_o we_o only_o pass_v as_o nothing_o to_o the_o main_a point_n which_o be_v to_o be_v conclude_v nor_o can_v dr._n st._n pretend_v with_o any_o reason_n that_o other_o have_v yield_v they_o to_o be_v principle_n whereas_o i_o deny_v it_o the_o author_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n p._n 650._o have_v pithy_o declare_v his_o 〈◊〉_d of_o they_o and_o their_o true_a merit_n in_o 〈◊〉_d word_n whether_o the_o forementioned_a principle_n be_v true_a false_a controvert_v or_o obscure_a no_o verity_n peculiar_a to_o 〈…〉_z be_v deduce_v from_o they_o which_o express_v their_o want_n of_o clear_a evidence_n and_o so_o quite_o degrade_v they_o from_o the_o dignity_n of_o principle_n if_o any_o think_v the_o title_n prefix_v to_o this_o book_n forestal_n immodest_o the_o reader_n judgement_n my_o reply_n usu_v be_v that_o i_o hope_v for_o reader_n of_o more_o prudence_n then_o to_o receive_v prejudice_n from_o so_o easy_a a_o occasion_n a_o counterfeit_n modesty_n spring_v from_o sceptical_a despair_n or_o disregard_n of_o truth_n will_v natural_o dislike_v such_o expression_n but_o those_o who_o hearty_o hold_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o truth_n and_o entire_o love_v it_o will_v esteem_v the_o open_a avow_v her_o complete_a victoriousness_n both_o fit_v and_o necessary_a and_o that_o she_o conquer_v at_o present_a i_o have_v all_o the_o best_a maxim_n of_o rational_a nature_n engage_v for_o my_o security_n index_n absolute_a certainty_n of_o faith_n assert_v p._n 21._o 22._o 50._o 51._o attribute_n of_o god_n not_o engage_v to_o preserve_v private_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n from_o damnable_a error_n p._n 81._o to_o 85._o not_o to_o be_v argue_v from_o alone_a p._n 32._o 33._o much_o less_o from_o power_n alone_o p._n 33._o 34._o certainty_n how_o abusive_o take_v p._n 164._o 165._o 166._o 168._o 173._o 174._o 179._o 180._o true_a certainty_n assert_v and_o from_o its_o deep_a ground_n explain_v p._n 167._o 168._o moral_a certainty_n in_o faith_n discuss_v p._n 176._o 177._o 178._o a_o christian_a life_n spiritual_a p._n 8._o 9_o 54._o 55._o 191._o to_o 195._o the_o church_n turn_v with_o the_o heel_n upward_o by_o dr._n st._n p._n 96._o 97._o his_o six_o conclusion_n examine_v p._n 211._o the_o nature_n of_o conclusion_n lay_v open_a p._n 222._o faith_n in_o catholic_n rational_a p._n 29._o infallibility_n requisite_a to_o faith_n p._n 92._o to_o 96._o 104._o 158._o 159._o 162._o how_o find_v in_o the_o vulgar_a how_o in_o other_o p._n 133._o to_o 157._o mankind_n how_o infallible_a and_o in_o what_o p._n 186._o to_o 189._o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n p._n 232._o 233._o 234._o principle_n agree_v to_o by_o both_o side_n examine_v p._n 7._o 8._o etc._n etc._n show_v to_o be_v twofold_a p._n 12._o principle_n not_o agree_v to_o examine_v the_o one_a p._n 20._o the_o 2d_o p._n 22._o the_o 3d._n p._n 23._o the_o four_o p._n 24._o the_o 5_o p._n 26._o the_o 6_o p._n 30._o the_o seven_o p._n 31._o the_o 8_o p._n 35._o the_o 9th_o p._n 38._o the_o 10_o p._n 53._o the_o 11_o p._n 72._o the_o 12_o p._n 73._o the_o 13_o p._n 81._o the_o 14_o p._n 85._o the_o 15_o p._n 90._o the_o 16_o p._n 96._o the_o 17_o p._n 104._o the_o 18_o p._n 106._o the_o 19_o p._n 114._o the_o 20_o p._n 128._o the_o 21th_o 22th_o 23th_o p._n 130._o the_o 24_o p._n 159._o the_o 25_o p._n 163._o the_o 26_o p._n 171._o the_o 27_o p._n 173._o the_o 28_o p._n 179._o the_o 29_o p._n 181._o the_o 30_o p._n 185._o rule_n of_o faith_n distinct_o clear_v p_o 44._o 45._o 49._o 54._o 55._o etc._n etc._n unanimous_o hold_v by_o catholic_n p._n 45._o 46._o how_o hold_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n p._n 47._o 48._o scripture_n not_o the_o rule_n p._n 60._o to_o 69._o p._n 79._o 80._o how_o perfect_a p._n 86._o 87._o etc._n etc._n 109._o to_o 113._o sophistry_n in_o dr._n st._n lay_v open_a p._n 25._o 26._o 27._o 28._o 30._o 31._o 74._o 75._o 131._o 132._o 161._o 164._o 165._o ignorance_n in_o
he_o can_v go_v to_o work_v more_o logical_o and_o exact_o in_o find_v out_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o notion_n of_o a_o rule_n and_o show_v i_o i_o take_v it_o improper_o i_o shall_v hearty_o thank_v he_o and_o acknowledge_v my_o mistake_n but_o i_o never_o yet_o discern_v any_o such_o attempt_n nor_o do_v i_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o fear_v any_o such_o performance_n and_o i_o much_o doubt_n shall_v any_o catholic_n divine_v out_o of_o a_o charitable_a intention_n of_o union_n which_o i_o shall_v ever_o commend_v and_o hearty_o approve_v trust_v to_o the_o equivocalness_n of_o the_o word_n say_v scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n or_o a_o rule_n i_o much_o doubt_v i_o say_v that_o when_o the_o thing_n come_v to_o be_v examine_v to_o the_o bottom_n it_o will_v scarce_o tend_v to_o any_o solid_a good_a for_o however_o word_n may_v bend_v yet_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o catholic_n faith_n be_v inflexible_a and_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n lest_o while_o we_o yield_v they_o the_o word_n 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to_o be_v ascertain_v that_o he_o who_o be_v real_o god_n infinite_a in_o all_o his_o attribute_n and_o infinite_o happy_a in_o himself_o shall_v pure_o out_o of_o his_o overflow_a goodness_n towards_o miserable_a mankind_n take_v his_o nature_n upon_o he_o become_v his_o brother_n friend_n physician_n master_n nay_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n many_o hardship_n during_o his_o life_n and_o at_o length_n buffet_n scourge_v crown_v with_o thorn_n and_o a_o most_o cruel_a death_n on_o the_o cross_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o remembrance_n of_o these_o many_o benefit_n warm_a in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v we_o after_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n his_o most_o precious_a body_n and_o blood_n in_o a_o sacrament_n institute_v for_o that_o end_n by_o this_o mean_v not_o only_o revive_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o former_a incomparable_a love-motive_n but_o also_o add_v new_a incitement_n to_o that_o best_a of_o virtue_n by_o our_o apprehend_n lively_o that_o he_o so_o dear_o embreast_n and_o embosom_v 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several_a distant_a country_n from_o the_o beginning_n which_o may_v by_o their_o perfect_a agreement_n bear_v testimony_n to_o one_o another_o and_o so_o assure_v we_o the_o text_n be_v keep_v hitherto_o inviolate_a even_o to_o a_o tittle_n and_o also_o remain_v a_o standard_n to_o correct_v all_o the_o multitude_n of_o diverse_a readins_n which_o as_o experience_n show_v we_o be_v apt_a otherwise_o to_o set_v the_o copy_n at_o variance_n with_o one_o another_o he_o can_v also_o have_v so_o order_v it_o that_o the_o original_a language_n may_v have_v be_v as_o well_o understand_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n as_o their_o own_o be_v &_o so_o have_v avoid_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o translation_n again_o lest_o crafty_a heretic_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n for_o the_o future_a by_o witty_o allude_v place_n or_o play_v upon_o word_n or_o other_o sophistries_n pervert_v the_o sense_n god_n power_n can_v have_v cause_v a_o book_n to_o be_v write_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o large_a prophecy_n foretell_v that_o in_o such_o a_o time_n 〈◊〉_d place_n such_o and_o such_o a_o heretic_n shall_v arise_v pervert_v such_o and_o such_o a_o point_n and_o forewarn_v man_n of_o his_o sophism_n and_o error_n this_o and_o much_o more_o may_v have_v be_v effect_v by_o god_n power_n to_o establish_v write_v such_o a_o absolute_o certain_a and_o intelligible_a way_n which_o why_o his_o wisdom_n shall_v not_o have_v do_v in_o case_n faith_n be_v a_o assent_n which_o while_o it_o rely_v on_o the_o ground_n god_n have_v leave_v for_o mankind_n can_v be_v a_o error_n as_o it_o may_v be_v if_o none_o can_v be_v absolute_o certain_a both_o of_o the_o text_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n i_o will_v glad_o be_v inform_v especial_o since_o dr._n st._n tell_v we_o here_o princ._n 15._o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o infallible_a society_n of_o man_n either_o to_o attest_v or_o explain_v they_o and_o all_o that_o be_v fallible_a as_o common_a sense_n tell_v we_o fall_v short_a of_o elevate_a it_o above_o possibility_n of_o be_v a_o error_n whence_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n on_o foot_n in_o the_o world_n tradition_n of_o the_o church_n fail_v or_o be_v set_v aside_o to_o secure_v we_o absolute_o of_o this_o it_o can_v only_o be_v have_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a operation_n of_o god_n power_n secure_v the_o letter_n of_o such_o write_n and_o render_v those_o write_n themselves_o perfect_o intelligible_a in_o the_o manner_n assign_v in_o case_n write_v be_v indeed_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n write_v then_o can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o able_a thus_o to_o ascertain_v faith_n to_o we_o if_o god_n infinite_a power_n undertake_v the_o frame_n it_o such_o as_o i_o have_v express_v but_o because_o experience_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v not_o so_o order_v let_v we_o leave_v this_o platonic_a way_n of_o consider_v how_o thing_n shall_v be_v in_o that_o supposition_n and_o follow_v the_o aristotelian_a consider_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v and_o according_o examine_v how_o gâ—ds_n wisdom_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o order_v such_o write_n actual_o and_o thence_o gather_v whether_o however_o it_o be_v agree_v between_o we_o they_o be_v most_o excellent_a for_o other_o use_n and_o end_n they_o be_v ever_o intend_v by_o the_o same_o wisdom_n for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o evince_v the_o contrary_a of_o which_o not_o to_o repeat_v those_o many_o argument_n i_o have_v bring_v elsewhere_o i_o fartner_n offer_v these_o reason_n first_o if_o the_o write_n of_o man_n divine_o inspire_v be_v mean_v for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n then_o either_o all_o such_o write_n as_o such_o be_v therefore_o to_o belong_v to_o that_o rule_n or_o some_o only_o if_o all_o then_o since_o some_o write_n grant_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o
such_o person_n be_v know_v to_o be_v lose_v it_o may_v be_v doubt_v nay_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o present_a write_a rule_n be_v defective_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n unless_o it_o be_v well_o make_v out_o that_o those_o divinely-inspired_a write_n which_o be_v lose_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n than_o these_o extant_a and_o therefore_o that_o they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o be_v a_o rule_n the_o proof_n for_o which_o point_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o pregnant_a and_o convince_a otherwise_o it_o may_v be_v question_v whether_o any_o book_n write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v have_v in_o they_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n or_o be_v intend_v for_o that_o end_n by_o god_n and_o this_o be_v particular_o enforce_v because_o dr._n sâ—_n here_o princ._n 28._o make_v scripture_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o if_o the_o measure_n fall_v short_a it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v the_o thing_n measure_v or_o faith_n will_v fall_v short_a likewise_o but_o if_o he_o say_v only_o some_o of_o those_o divinely-inspired_a write_n be_v sufficient_a it_o be_v very_o necessary_a it_o shall_v be_v make_v out_o how_o many_o be_v needful_a that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v thorough_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o precise_a ground_n of_o christian_a faith_n concern_v which_o yet_o there_o be_v much_o difference_n in_o opinion_n among_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o letter-rule_n which_o signify_v that_o none_o of_o they_o know_v distinct_o what_o themselves_o assign_v or_o hold_v to_o be_v that_o rule_n or_o if_o he_o say_v that_o only_a those_o which_o god_n providence_n have_v preserve_v be_v that_o rule_n then_o he_o must_v either_o say_v that_o god_n providence_n therefore_o preserve_v these_o because_o they_o contain_v holy_a doctrine_n and_o be_v write_v by_o man_n divinely-inspired_a or_o be_v apt_a to_o benefit_v future_a mankind_n and_o then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n those_o which_o perish_v shall_v have_v be_v preserve_v too_o or_o else_o that_o god_n preserve_v these_o in_o particular_a because_o these_o which_o remain_v be_v beside_o those_o qualification_n proper_a and_o sufficient_a to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o then_o he_o beg_v the_o question_n and_o suppose_v his_o own_o tenet_n true_a even_o while_o he_o be_v prove_v it_o so_o nexâ—_n suppose_v the_o original_n of_o these_o book_n now_o extant_a to_o have_v be_v once_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v requisite_a the_o church_n in_o the_o beginning_n shall_v have_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o such_o and_o consequent_o have_v make_v account_n for_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n till_o when_o they_o be_v not_o collect_v or_o universal_o propose_v it_o have_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n or_o entire_a body_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o of_o this_o we_o hear_v not_o that_o any_o have_v the_o least_o jealousy_n or_o that_o they_o look_v after_o book_n of_o scripture_n as_o thing_n without_o which_o the_o church_n be_v not_o either_o absolute_o certain_a of_o its_o faith_n or_o have_v not_o all_o its_o faith_n again_o have_v those_o book_n be_v then_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o consider_v that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v unacknowledged_a one_o scatter_v here_o another_o there_o accidental_o be_v senseless_a to_o imagine_v yet_o how_o can_v we_o â—ow_o or_o future_a age_n hereafter_o have_v absolute_a certainty_n that_o some_o substantial_a word_n or_o other_o be_v not_o alter_v omit_v or_o insert_v in_o those_o place_n that_o concern_v the_o main_a point_n of_o faith_n for_o example_n the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o real_a presence_n in_o case_n there_o be_v no_o infallible_a authority_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o which_o dr._n st._n deny_v here_o princ._n 15._o it_o be_v not_o evident_a he_o must_v say_v that_o none_o of_o these_o can_v be_v make_v out_o with_o absolute_a certainty_n and_o consequent_o confess_v with_o 118._o dr._n t._n that_o all_o this_o may_v be_v otherwise_o unless_o he_o have_v recourse_n to_o god_n extraordinary_a assistance_n to_o the_o multitude_n of_o transcriber_n and_o translator_n because_o of_o the_o necessity_n the_o letter_n shall_v be_v thus_o preserve_v still_o unchanged_a in_o regard_n otherwise_o none_o can_v say_v his_o faith_n be_v true_a which_o again_o beg_v the_o question_n and_o suppose_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n instead_o of_o prove_v it_o so_o far_o let_v the_o letter_n be_v suppose_v exact_o like_o the_o original_a how_o will_v that_o letter_n secure_a from_o all_o possible_a error_n all_o that_o rely_v on_o it_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n ought_v or_o to_o use_v dr._n st_n word_n princ._n 15._o reveal_v so_o plain_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n that_o no_o sober_a enquirer_n can_v miss_v of_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o salvation_n now_o if_o they_o can_v miss_v of_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o salvation_n they_o must_v needs_o hit_v on_o it_o and_o so_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n infallible_a as_o to_o that_o point_n while_o they_o rely_v thereon_o to_o put_v it_o to_o the_o trial_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o dispute_v there_o be_v out_o of_o scripture_n letter_n between_o socinian_o and_o their_o opposer_n about_o a_o trinity_n and_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o between_o catholic_n and_o their_o adversary_n about_o the_o real_a presence_n how_o many_o interpretation_n of_o this_n be_v my_o body_n how_o many_o allusion_n of_o one_o place_n to_o another_o in_o both_o those_o point_n to_o hammer_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o these_o agitate_a on_o both_o side_n by_o body_n of_o eminent_a man_n excellent_a scholar_n acute_a scripturist_n must_v every_o sober_a enquirer_n and_o every_o private_a ignorant_a person_n who_o sincere_o endeavour_v needs_o hit_v on_o the_o right_n and_o judge_v better_o of_o these_o point_n than_o all_o those_o learned_a man_n or_o must_v we_o needs_o conclude_v that_o all_o those_o learned_a enquirer_n find_v in_o each_o of_o those_o vast_a different_a party_n be_v mad_a or_o insincere_a i_o wish_v he_o will_v prove_v this_o it_o be_v his_o best_a interest_n and_o will_v give_v his_o argument_n some_o likelihood_n which_o till_o then_o have_v none_o for_o the_o fact_n be_v so_o notorious_a how_o earnest_o they_o all_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o point_n by_o the_o letter_n none_o will_v judge_v but_o that_o if_o their_o head_n or_o heart_n be_v not_o strange_o disorder_v by_o folly_n or_o insincerity_n the_o letter_n which_o shall_v inform_v they_o be_v strange_o incompetent_a for_o that_o end_n but_o it_o be_v remarkable_a how_o neat_o dr._n st._n skip_v aside_o from_o the_o point_n he_o undertake_v not_o to_o give_v we_o any_o assurance_n that_o his_o sober_a or_o sincere_a enquirer_n shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n find_v out_o that_o any_o one_o point_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v a_o absolute_o certain_a truth_n but_o only_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o miss_v of_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o salvation_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o err_v or_o at_o least_o not_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o so_o that_o for_o any_o thing_n appear_v by_o his_o discourse_n let_v he_o but_o read_v the_o scripture_n though_o he_o hold_v nothing_o but_o error_n by_o so_o do_v yet_o he_o be_v still_o in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n by_o the_o very_a read_n and_o run_v into_o error_n but_o this_o deserve_v a_o particular_a reflection_n hereafter_o last_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o genius_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o now_o be_v shows_z that_o however_o it_o be_v excellent_o useful_a for_o perfect_v the_o life_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o many_o regard_n yet_o it_o be_v never_o intend_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o to_o omit_v innumerable_a other_o reason_n frequent_o allege_v by_o our_o author_n its_o several_a part_n be_v evident_o write_v on_o several_a emergent_a occasion_n and_o have_v not_o the_o least_o semblance_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a have_v be_v purposely_o compile_v to_o deliver_v a_o entire_a body_n of_o faith_n nor_o do_v it_o observe_v any_o method_n tend_v to_o clear_v each_o several_a point_n for_o it_o neither_o begin_v with_o define_v or_o explain_v every_o word_n make_v use_v of_o in_o signify_v those_o point_n which_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o avoid_v equivocation_n the_o ground_n of_o all_o mistake_n nor_o do_v it_o pursue_v home_o the_o evidence_a any_o one_o point_n by_o make_v we_o aware_a of_o the_o sinister_a sense_n in_o which_o each_o word_n express_v that_o point_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v take_v nor_o do_v it_o put_v objection_n against_o each_o tenet_n and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o right_a apprehension_n of_o it_o by_o solve_v they_o nor_o distinguish_v by_o lay_v common_a rule_n to_o know_v when_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v take_v proper_o when_o metaphorical_o much_o less_o tell_v we_o particular_o in_o
christianity_n yet_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v or_o these_o crafty_a common_a word_n inform_v we_o they_o have_v still_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o save_v they_o that_o be_v though_o they_o go_v wrong_v all_o their_o life_n they_o be_v still_o all_o the_o while_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o i_o suppose_v dr._n st._n mean_n that_o no_o more_o be_v necessary_a for_o any_o one_o salvation_n than_o just_a as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v understand_v in_o scripture_n which_o i_o wish_v he_o will_v once_o begin_v to_o set_v himself_o to_o prove_v &_o make_v out_o by_o some_o convince_a argument_n i_o be_o hearty_o weary_a of_o speak_v still_o to_o his_o unproved_a and_o voluntary_a assertion_n 14._o to_o suppose_v the_o book_n so_o write_v to_o be_v imperfect_a i._n e._n that_o any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v be_v not_o contain_v in_o they_o be_v either_o to_o charge_v the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o with_o fraud_n and_o not_o deliver_v his_o whole_a mind_n or_o the_o writer_n with_o insincerity_n in_o not_o set_v it_o down_o and_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n of_o the_o first_o age_n with_o folly_n in_o believe_v the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n as_o far_o as_o i_o apprehend_v the_o forego_v principle_n be_v intend_v to_o show_v that_o scripture_n be_v sufficirnt_o intelligible_a to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o under_o examination_n be_v to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o faith_n as_o he_o call_v it_o princ._n 28._o and_o all_o he_o contend_v here_o be_v that_o it_o contain_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o multiply_v dispute_n i_o grant_v those_o holy_a book_n contain_v all_o he_o pretend_v some_o way_n or_o other_o either_o implicit_o or_o explicit_o either_o in_o express_v word_n or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n but_o that_o those_o book_n contain_v or_o signify_v for_o they_o be_v the_o same_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v so_o evident_o that_o all_o person_n who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v their_o meaning_n and_o this_o for_o all_o future_a age_n may_v thence_o alone_o as_o his_o discourse_n aim_v to_o evince_v that_o be_v without_o the_o church_n interpretation_n arrive_v to_o know_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n with_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o obligation_n annex_v to_o it_o i_o absolute_o deny_v and_o if_o he_o mean_v this_o by_o the_o word_n perfection_n which_o he_o add_v to_o fullness_n i_o deny_v also_o that_o either_o the_o first_o author_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o fraud_n since_o he_o promise_v no_o such_o thing_n or_o the_o writer_n with_o insincerity_n since_o they_o be_v not_o command_v nor_o do_v intend_v thus_o to_o express_v it_o nor_o as_o far_o as_o appear_v have_v any_o order_n from_o god_n to_o set_v down_o his_o whole_a mind_n but_o only_o write_v the_o several_a piece_n of_o it_o occasional_o nor_o do_v the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n ever_o attribute_v to_o scripture_n such_o a_o intelligibleness_n as_o that_o private_a person_n shall_v ground_v their_o faith_n upon_o their_o evidence_n without_o need_v the_o church_n interpretation_n if_o we_o speak_v of_o all_o point_n necessary_a to_o mankind_n salvation_n as_o he_o seem_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v and_o here_o i_o desire_v to_o enter_v this_o declaration_n to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o i_o attribute_v not_o the_o least_o imperfection_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n every_o thing_n have_v all_o the_o perfection_n it_o ought_v to_o have_v if_o it_o can_v do_v what_o it_o be_v intend_v to_o do_v and_o in_o the_o manner_n it_o be_v intend_v treatise_n of_o deep_a philosophy_n be_v not_o imperfect_a if_o they_o be_v not_o as_o plain_a as_o plain_a narrative_n history_n no_o not_o if_o they_o be_v ita_fw-la editi_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la sint_fw-la editi_fw-la in_o case_n they_o be_v mean_v as_o a_o matter_n for_o the_o author_n to_o explain_v and_o dilate_v upon_o to_o his_o scholar_n nor_o be_v the_o law_n imperfect_a though_o they_o often_o need_v learned_a judge_n to_o interpret_v they_o nor_o be_v we_o to_o expect_v that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n shall_v be_v as_o plain_a as_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o immediate_a end_n of_o write_v each_o piece_n as_o far_o as_o appear_v to_o we_o be_v occasional_a st._n paul_n epistle_n be_v evident_o so_o nor_o can_v i_o doubt_v but_o they_o be_v perfect_a in_o their_o kind_n and_o apt_a to_o signify_v competent_o to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v what_o he_o intend_v so_o that_o if_o they_o have_v any_o far_a doubt_n they_o may_v send_v to_o ask_v he_o or_o do_v it_o viva_fw-la voce_fw-mi and_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o even_o in_o those_o day_n when_o the_o complexion_n of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n be_v fresh_a and_o near_o than_o now_o some_o unlearned_a person_n err_v damnable_o in_o mistake_v and_o misconceive_a they_o that_o be_v while_o they_o go_v about_o to_o frame_v their_o faith_n out_o of_o they_o it_o be_v questionless_a also_o they_o rely_v upon_o they_o as_o god_n word_n or_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n else_o they_o have_v not_o so_o build_v upon_o they_o or_o adhere_v to_o they_o they_o may_v sincere_o endeavour_v too_o to_o know_v their_o meaning_n yet_o if_o the_o write_n be_v disproportion_v to_o their_o pitch_n they_o may_v err_v damnable_o for_o all_o that_o what_o far_a end_n god_n intend_v the_o h._n scripture_n for_o appear_v not_o by_o any_o express_v either_o promise_n or_o declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o out_o of_o the_o knowledge_n that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o person_n divine_o inspire_v and_o the_o experience_n the_o church_n have_v of_o their_o vsefulness_n towards_o instruction_n and_o good_a life_n join_v with_o the_o common_a knowledge_n we_o have_v that_o all_o good_n that_o come_v to_o the_o church_n happen_v through_o the_o order_n of_o god_n providence_n hence_o we_o just_o conclude_v as_o dr._n st._n well_o say_v that_o they_o be_v intend_v and_o write_v also_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o future_a age_n and_o from_o their_o vsefulness_n and_o the_o success_n of_o their_o use_n we_o may_v gather_v how_o god_n intend_v they_o for_o the_o church_n the_o learned_a and_o stable_a son_n of_o the_o church_n read_v they_o with_o much_o fruit_n to_o excite_v their_o will_n to_o goodness_n the_o pastore_n of_o the_o church_n make_v excellent_a use_n of_o they_o in_o exhort_v preach_v catchise_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o many_o other_o use_n of_o this_o sort_n they_o be_v excellent_o beneficial_a which_o be_v so_o many_o that_o be_v it_o now_o seasonable_a for_o i_o to_o lay_v they_o open_v at_o large_a as_o i_o true_o hold_v they_o none_o will_v think_v i_o have_v little_a reverence_n for_o scripture_n but_o in_o decide_v controversy_n or_o final_o silence_v heretic_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o do_v by_o the_o unavoidable_a evidence_n of_o the_o text_n to_o private_a person_n no_o use_n be_v ever_o make_v of_o they_o alone_o with_o any_o success_n as_o the_o father_n also_o complain_v unless_o the_o the_o church_n authority_n go_v along_o animate_v the_o dead_a letter_n in_o dogmatical_a passage_n and_o show_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n to_o have_v be_v perpetual_o hold_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o so_o give_v it_o the_o sense_n majesty_n authority_n and_o force_n of_o god_n word_n elevate_a it_o thus_o above_o the_o repute_n of_o be_v some_o private_a conceit_n or_o production_n of_o skill_n and_o wit_n interpret_n the_o letter_n scripture_n then_o be_v perfect_a or_o have_v all_o due_a to_o the_o nature_n god_n intend_v it_o if_o due_o make_v use_n of_o as_o the_o church_n best_a instrument_n it_o be_v able_a to_o work_v those_o effect_n speak_v of_o though_o it_o be_v not_o 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