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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
church_n according_a council_n pope_n 2,676 5 6.3346 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59812 A discourse concerning a judge of controversies in matters of religion being an answer to some papers asserting the necessity of such a judge : with an address to wavering protestants, shewing what little reason they have to think of any change of their religion : written for the private satisfaction of some scrupulous persons, and now published for common use : with a preface concerning the nature of certainty and infallibility. Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1686 (1686) Wing S3285; ESTC R8167 73,491 104

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other_o give_v of_o a_o true_a church_n there_o be_v one_o mark_v without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v certain_a which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o that_o be_v that_o she_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ._n for_o this_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o church_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n without_o it_o all_o other_o mark_n may_v deceive_v we_o for_o whatever_o other_o mark_n there_o be_v if_o there_o be_v not_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n there_o can_v be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n be_v break_v and_o divide_v into_o different_a and_o opposite_a communion_n whoever_o will_v find_v out_o the_o true_a church_n must_v examine_v her_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n bellarmine_n himself_o make_v the_o holiness_n of_o doctrine_n one_o essential_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o truth_n be_v antecedent_n to_o 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authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o it_o as_o they_o can_v have_v of_o the_o note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n which_o must_v be_v own_v for_o the_o infallible_a judge_n and_o if_o they_o be_v modest_a and_o understand_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o thankful_a to_o we_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v they_o as_o much_o and_o may_v not_o we_o then_o be_v as_o infallible_a as_o they_o for_o indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o moral_a certainty_n shall_v grow_v up_o into_o infallibility_n as_o for_o instance_n no_o man_n can_v be_v more_o certain_a of_o the_o decision_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n than_o he_o be_v of_o his_o infallibility_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o judge_n he_o can_v have_v a_o infallible_a certainty_n that_o he_o define_v infallible_o and_o thus_o the_o whole_a faith_n of_o a_o papist_n 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and_o the_o like_a have_v be_v think_v a_o just_a reason_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n to_o deny_v communion_n to_o all_o those_o church_n which_o reject_v they_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o all_o those_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n till_o now_o who_o never_o own_v nor_o impose_v those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n for_o which_o we_o now_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n which_o upon_o inquiry_n will_v be_v find_v a_o much_o more_o catholic_n communion_n then_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o we_o communicate_v with_o more_o age_n and_o with_o more_o church_n than_o they_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o now_o constitute_v in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o proportion_n be_v no_o old_a than_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o be_v some_o time_n since_o luther_n that_o we_o may_v with_o more_o reason_n ask_v they_o where_o their_o church_n be_v before_o the_o council_n of_o 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catholic_n church_n and_o in_o catholic_n communion_n which_o be_v all_o that_o we_o at_o present_a be_v concern_v for_o and_o let_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v as_o much_o for_o herself_o if_o she_o can_v upon_o these_o principle_n she_o now_o reject_v we_o it_o be_v plain_a she_o must_v have_v deny_v communion_n to_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v have_v deny_v communion_n to_o she_o and_o what_o be_v become_v then_o of_o her_o catholic_n communion_n which_o shut_v out_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolic_a church_n the_o paper_n and_o how_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n for_o that_o which_o i_o think_v make_v a_o corporation_n become_v a_o body_n of_o man_n be_v the_o obligation_n impose_v on_o those_o who_o live_v in_o that_o corporation_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o peculiar_a law_n and_o government_n there_o establish_v for_o even_o of_o those_o that_o make_v scripture_n their_o rule_n of_o all_o those_o church_n answer_n i_o suppose_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o be_v either_o false_a or_o hasty_o write_v if_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n in_o such_o a_o corporation_n as_o be_v under_o the_o same_o individual_a government_n or_o one_o govern_v head_n who_o must_v give_v law_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n this_o we_o utter_o deny_v and_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v prove_v christ_n at_o first_o commit_v the_o plant_n and_o govern_v his_o church_n to_o twelve_o apostle_n who_o as_o st._n cyprian_n affirm_v have_v all_o equal_a power_n and_o authority_n though_o christ_n name_v peter_n only_o in_o bestow_v the_o apostolical_a power_n not_o to_o give_v peter_n any_o superiority_n over_o the_o rest_n but_o only_o to_o signify_v that_o unity_n and_o harmony_n of_o consent_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o they_o in_o exercise_v the_o apostolical_a power_n that_o they_o be_v all_o to_o act_v as_o one_o man._n the_o apostle_n leave_v their_o power_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o several_a church_n who_o have_v the_o immediate_a inspection_n and_o sovereign_a power_n over_o their_o own_o church_n as_o the_o same_o father_n frequent_o assert_n but_o yet_o be_v to_o govern_v their_o several_a church_n with_o mutual_a advice_n and_o consent_n so_o that_o the_o unity_n of_o particular_a church_n consist_v in_o their_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o their_o bishop_n and_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v without_o necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a reason_n be_v schismatic_n who_o cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o subjection_n of_o one_o church_n to_o another_o but_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o agreement_n and_o concord_n of_o their_o bishop_n in_o own_v each_o other_o church_n and_o maintain_v communion_n with_o they_o upon_o catholic_n principle_n and_o govern_v their_o church_n as_o far_o as_o be_v expedient_a by_o common_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n this_o then_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n let_v we_o brief_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o unite_v particular_a church_n in_o catholic_n communion_n 1._o every_o particular_a church_n which_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o catholic_n faith_n be_v so_o far_o in_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o thus_o we_o own_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o she_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n though_o with_o a_o great_a mixture_n of_o dangerous_a error_n 2._o the_o communion_n of_o particular_a church_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o use_v the_o same_o liturgy_n or_o external_a rite_n of_o worship_n if_o their_o worship_n be_v a_o true_a christian_a worship_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o general_a law_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o every_o church_n have_v authority_n within_o herself_o to_o direct_v and_o model_n she_o own_o worship_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o it_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o receive_v her_o liturgy_n and_o worship_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o may_v use_v she_o own_o without_o be_v charge_v with_o schism_n for_o do_v so_o 3._o every_o catholic_n church_n be_v bind_v to_o receive_v each_o other_o member_n to_o communion_n when_o they_o come_v among_o they_o which_o make_v they_o all_o but_o one_o church_n one_o society_n &_o body_n the_o member_n of_o which_o have_v a_o mutual_a right_n and_o interest_n in_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n not_o to_o adhere_v so_o stiff_o to_o the_o 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a_o mind_n to_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o must_v go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o enlarge_v and_o improve_v their_o faith_n for_o we_o shall_v never_o believe_v they_o but_o if_o they_o can_v be_v content_v with_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n profess_v we_o have_v as_o much_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n for_o that_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o have_v and_o how_o they_o can_v better_v themselves_o by_o go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o to_o these_o point_n i_o can_v tell_v since_o we_o believe_v as_o orthodox_o as_o they_o second_o as_o for_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o we_o reject_v because_o we_o have_v no_o evidence_n for_o they_o but_o only_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v no_o evidence_n to_o we_o because_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a itself_o we_o think_v ourselves_o much_o safe_o in_o reject_v than_o we_o can_v be_v in_o own_v they_o and_o that_o for_o this_o plain_a reason_n that_o though_o we_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o reject_v such_o doctrine_n as_o we_o be_v very_o certain_a we_o be_v not_o yet_o they_o be_v such_o mistake_v as_o do_v no_o injury_n to_o common_a christianity_n no_o dishonour_n to_o our_o common_a saviour_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v dangerous_a to_o our_o soul_n whereas_o if_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v as_o we_o say_v they_o be_v innovation_n and_o corruption_n of_o christianity_n they_o be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a corruption_n as_o to_o show_v this_o in_o some_o few_o instance_n what_o injury_n be_v it_o to_o christianity_n not_o to_o believe_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o council_n while_o we_o believe_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o be_v infallible_a which_o be_v infallibility_n enough_o to_o direct_v the_o christian_a church_n for_o while_o we_o adhere_v to_o what_o they_o teach_v we_o can_v 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the_o church_n be_v never_o the_o worse_a church_n because_o it_o be_v not_o a_o universal_a monarchy_n which_o christ_n never_o intend_v it_o shall_v be_v but_o if_o we_o give_v the_o supremacy_n to_o the_o pope_n and_o he_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o by_o christ_n institution_n this_o be_v a_o invasion_n upon_o the_o right_n of_o all_o the_o christian_a bishop_n in_o the_o world_n make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o govern_v or_o reform_v their_o own_o church_n whatever_o occasion_n there_o be_v without_o leave_n from_o the_o pope_n which_o very_a thing_n have_v hinder_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o these_o last_o age_n when_o it_o have_v be_v so_o earnest_o press_v both_o by_o christian_a prince_n and_o bishop_n of_o that_o communion_n witness_v the_o managemént_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n nay_o this_o be_v a_o invasion_n on_o the_o right_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n to_o set_v a_o superior_a over_o they_o in_o their_o own_o dominion_n who_o can_v command_v their_o subject_n with_o a_o more_o sacred_a authority_n and_o how_o fatal_a this_o may_v prove_v to_o prince_n and_o what_o a_o snare_n and_o temptation_n to_o subject_n some_o example_n of_o former_a age_n may_v satisfy_v we_o suppose_v we_o shall_v be_v mistake_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o pray_v to_o saint_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o want_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n by_o not_o do_v it_o and_o certain_o our_o saviour_n can_v think_v it_o any_o injury_n to_o his_o mediation_n that_o we_o so_o whole_o rely_v upon_o his_o intercession_n that_o we_o desire_v no_o other_o advocate_n and_o that_o we_o be_v so_o jealous_a of_o his_o glory_n that_o we_o will_v not_o admit_v the_o most_o glorious_a saint_n to_o the_o least_o partnership_n with_o he_o and_o this_o will_v make_v he_o our_o advocate_n in_o deed_n when_o he_o see_v we_o will_v have_v no_o other_o but_o if_o he_o be_v our_o only_a mediator_n and_o advocate_n by_o god_n appointment_n and_o his_o own_o purchase_n let_v those_o who_o unnecessary_o apply_v themselves_o to_o so_o many_o other_o mediator_n consider_v how_o our_o only_a mediator_n will_v like_v it_o suppose_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o worship_n god_n or_o christ_n by_o image_n which_o we_o think_v express_o forbid_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n yet_o will_v they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o affront_n or_o injury_n to_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n to_o worship_v he_o without_o image_n if_o that_o lovely_a idea_n we_o have_v of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n if_o the_o remembrance_n of_o what_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o make_v we_o true_o and_o sincere_o and_o passionate_o devout_a what_o need_n have_v we_o of_o a_o image_n which_o be_v pretend_v only_o to_o be_v a_o help_n to_o devotion_n and_o therefore_o of_o no_o use_n to_o those_o who_o can_v be_v devout_a without_o it_o but_o he_o who_o consider_v what_o god_n jealousy_n mean_v must_v needs_o think_v it_o dangerous_a to_o worship_v the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o saint_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v be_v forbid_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o all_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v never_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o though_o latin_a prayer_n be_v lawful_a in_o english_a congregation_n who_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o yet_o be_v it_o unlawful_a to_o pray_v in_o english_a be_v it_o any_o dishonour_n to_o god_n any_o injury_n to_o religion_n that_o man_n pray_v with_o their_o understanding_n if_o true_a worship_n begin_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o our_o understanding_n must_v govern_v our_o affection_n i_o shall_v fear_v that_o to_o pray_v without_o understanding_n what_o i_o pray_v will_v not_o be_v accept_v by_o that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n and_o must_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o christ_n once_a offering_n himself_o upon_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o sufficient_a sacrifice_n propitiation_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n what_o injury_n do_v we_o to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n though_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v offer_v again_o every_o day_n in_o ten_o thousand_o mass_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o in_o the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o eat_v the_o sacramental_a body_n and_o drink_v the_o sacramental_a blood_n of_o christ_n which_o by_o his_o own_o institution_n do_v as_o real_o and_o effectual_o convey_v to_o we_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n as_o if_o we_o can_v eat_v his_o natural_a flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n what_o injury_n do_v the_o church_n suffer_v by_o deny_v transubstantiation_n and_o if_o when_o we_o approach_v his_o holy_a table_n we_o worship_v christ_n in_o heaven_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n be_v not_o this_o as_o true_a a_o honour_n to_o our_o saviour_n as_o to_o worship_v he_o under_o the_o species_n of_o bread_n but_o if_o transubstantiation_n be_v false_a what_o a_o hazard_n do_v that_o man_n run_v who_o worship_v a_o piece_n of_o bread_n which_o the_o most_o learned_a romanist_n themselves_o grant_v to_o be_v idolatry_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o christ_n alone_o have_v a_o judicial_a power_n to_o forgive_v sin_n and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o ministerial_a authority_n to_o take_v in_o or_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o only_a state_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o ministerial_a remit_v or_o retain_v of_o sin_n and_o sufficient_a to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v not_o this_o as_o much_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n as_o any_o christian_a have_v need_n of_o though_o we_o deny_v that_o the_o priest_n have_v a_o judicial_a
proof_n but_o themselves_o which_o show_v that_o the_o very_o high_a certainty_n of_o all_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o intuitive_a knowledge_n or_o the_o mind_n see_v and_o discern_v that_o natural_a evidence_n which_o be_v in_o thing_n and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o allow_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o certainty_n must_v reject_v all_o self-evident_a principle_n which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o but_o themselves_o at_o lest_o no_o better_o for_o we_o can_v reason_v in_o infinitum_fw-la and_o therefore_o must_v come_v to_o some_o first_o principle_n which_o be_v know_v only_o by_o their_o own_o light_n and_o evidence_n next_o to_o this_o be_v those_o notion_n and_o idea_n which_o be_v so_o easy_a and_o natural_a to_o our_o mind_n that_o most_o man_n believe_v they_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o natural_a sense_n and_o instinct_n without_o reason_v about_o they_o and_o those_o who_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o believe_v they_o 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nay_o we_o have_v no_o other_o certainty_n of_o the_o deduction_n and_o conclusion_n of_o reason_n but_o their_o manifest_a connexion_n to_o some_o principle_n and_o notion_n which_o may_v be_v know_v without_o reason_v which_o show_v as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o all_o natural_a certainty_n be_v at_o last_o resolve_v into_o a_o intuitive_a knowledge_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o reason_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o connect_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v by_o nature_n with_o those_o which_o we_o do_v six_o where_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o natural_a certainty_n end_n there_o revelation_n begin_v but_o still_o certainty_n be_v not_o infallibility_n but_o evidence_n and_o natural_a evidence_n too_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o communication_n between_o god_n and_o creature_n as_o to_o reveal_v his_o will_n but_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n whether_o the_o object_n be_v natural_o or_o supernatural_o reveal_v we_o have_v only_o our_o 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apostle_n even_o st._n peter_n himself_o have_v no_o other_o commission_n but_o to_o teach_v than_o their_o authority_n can_v not_o extend_v far_o than_o their_o teach_v that_o be_v they_o can_v not_o oblige_v man_n to_o believe_v more_o than_o they_o can_v make_v they_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o well_o but_o if_o christ_n have_v not_o appoint_v a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n what_o certainty_n can_v we_o have_v of_o our_o religion_n and_o what_o care_n have_v christ_n take_v of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n these_o be_v two_o point_n which_o must_v be_v consider_v and_o if_o we_o can_v give_v a_o fair_a account_n of_o they_o without_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n there_o will_v be_v so_o little_a need_n of_o such_o a_o judge_n that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o contend_v about_o he_o first_o as_o for_o certainty_n why_o can_v we_o be_v certain_a of_o our_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o matter_n without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n do_v any_o 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evidence_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v a_o honest_a man_n but_o not_o to_o compel_v a_o obstinate_a infidel_n or_o heretic_n to_o believe_v of_o this_o nature_n be_v that_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n miracle_n alone_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o do_v not_o prove_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n or_o christ_n for_o then_o all_o man_n who_o see_v his_o miracle_n must_v have_v believe_v he_o as_o they_o do_v moses_n but_o beside_o this_o they_o be_v to_o inquire_v whether_o his_o person_n answer_v the_o character_n the_o prophet_n have_v give_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o whether_o his_o doctrine_n be_v reconcileable_a with_o their_o law_n and_o here_o the_o passion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o lust_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n may_v interpose_v and_o corrupt_v and_o bias_n their_o judgement_n and_o whether_o they_o will_v believe_v or_o will_v not_o believe_v do_v very_o much_o depend_v upon_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o their_o mind_n hence_o our_o saviour_n attribute_n the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n to_o their_o pride_n and_o covetousness_n and_o such_o like_a evil_a cause_n and_o require_v a_o honest_a and_o teachable_a mind_n to_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v man_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n such_o he_o call_v his_o sheep_n you_o believe_v not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o my_o sheep_n as_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o i_o know_v they_o and_o they_o follow_v i_o john_n 10._o 26_o 27._o now_o if_o this_o be_v all_o the_o evidence_n he_o have_v afford_v the_o world_n of_o his_o own_o be_v the_o messiah_n which_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o superstructure_n can_v be_v more_o firm_a and_o certain_a than_o the_o foundation_n be_v and_o therefore_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o evidence_n which_o christ_n think_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n must_v be_v sufficient_a also_o for_o all_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n christ_n have_v no_o disciple_n but_o sincere_a honest_a man_n and_o therefore_o have_v give_v we_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n as_o may_v be_v a_o trial_n of_o our_o honesty_n it_o be_v of_o no_o concernment_n whether_o bad_a man_n be_v infidel_n or_o heretic_n and_o than_o if_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n to_o satisfy_v honest_a man_n it_o be_v enough_o and_o there_o be_v abundant_a evidence_n for_o this_o purpose_n without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o he_o and_o beside_o this_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n not_o only_o to_o work_v faith_n in_o all_o well_o dispose_v mind_n but_o to_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n and_o to_o guide_v they_o in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o mean_n he_o have_v prescribe_v to_o find_v out_o truth_n which_o though_o it_o do_v not_o make_v they_o absolute_o infallible_a which_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o to_o carry_v man_n to_o heaven_n yet_o it_o preserve_v they_o from_o all_o great_a and_o fatal_a mistake_v now_o i_o will_v desire_v any_o man_n to_o tell_v i_o what_o need_v there_o have_v be_v of_o the_o internal_a illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n if_o christ_n have_v provide_v such_o a_o external_a infallible_a mean_n as_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n and_o though_o honest_a man_n be_v not_o infallible_a yet_o they_o have_v this_o security_n as_o to_o their_o speculative_a mistake_v which_o have_v no_o ill_a influence_n upon_o their_o life_n that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n do_v as_o well_o extend_v to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o understanding_n as_o of_o our_o wi_n for_o if_o a_o involuntary_a ignorance_n will_v be_v some_o excuse_n even_o to_o bad_a man_n to_o lessen_v their_o punishment_n much_o more_o may_v we_o presume_v it_o will_v excuse_v good_a men._n to_o 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whole_o reject_v it_o or_o set_v up_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n and_o in_o my_o opinion_n the_o infidel_n seem_v to_o have_v the_o better_a of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o immediate_a consequence_n not_o to_o believe_v what_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o but_o i_o can_v see_v no_o connexion_n in_o the_o world_n between_o the_o want_n of_o certainty_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n something_o to_o be_v sure_o must_v come_v between_o to_o unite_v they_o together_o and_o the_o least_o we_o can_v think_v of_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v be_v certain_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o make_v we_o certain_a but_o a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o therefore_o since_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o religion_n without_o such_o a_o judge_n we_o must_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v one_o but_o now_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o want_v evidence_n to_o make_v christianity_n certain_a how_o do_v they_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v be_v certain_a of_o it_o which_o signify_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v be_v certain_a of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o certain_a and_o methinks_v it_o want_v a_o little_a proof_n too_o that_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n be_v the_o only_a possible_a way_n to_o make_v man_n certain_a i_o will_v advise_v all_o papist_n not_o to_o press_v this_o argument_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o religion_n too_o far_o lest_o when_o they_o come_v to_o consider_v it_o thorough_o it_o make_v they_o infidel_n but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v but_o reasonable_a what_o great_a certainty_n can_v they_o desire_v than_o we_o have_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o a_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a write_n which_o all_o honest_a and_o diligent_a inquirer_n at_o least_o with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o guide_n may_v understand_v in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o persuade_v we_o of_o the_o reason_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o pardon_v involuntary_a mistake_v second_o the_o next_o pretence_n for_o a_o infallible_a judge_n be_v unity_n for_o we_o see_v by_o sad_a experience_n that_o while_o every_o man_n judge_n for_o himself_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v divide_v into_o sect_n and_o party_n who_o first_o differ_v in_o their_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o then_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o communion_n and_o thus_o it_o necessary_o must_n and_o will_v be_v till_o all_o submit_v to_o one_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o unite_v in_o one_o visible_a head_n and_o therefore_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o christ_n intend_v that_o all_o his_o disciple_n shall_v live_v in_o unity_n with_o each_o other_o which_o he_o so_o strict_o enjoin_v and_o so_o passionate_o recommend_v we_o must_v conclude_v that_o he_o have_v appoint_v some_o effectual_a mean_n to_o end_v all_o controversy_n and_o to_o unite_v they_o in_o one_o communion_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o infallible_a and_o govern_v head_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o considenr_v 1._o that_o a_o supreme_a visible_a head_n as_o suppose_v the_o pope_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o if_o all_o christian_a church_n live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o they_o will_v be_v one_o church_n though_o they_o be_v all_o equal_a without_o own_v the_o supremacy_n of_o one_o over_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o that_o christ_n institute_v but_o one_o church_n and_o require_v all_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o one_o visible_a head_n because_o they_o may_v be_v one_o without_o such_o a_o head_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v all_o the_o unity_n christ_n intend_v but_o of_o this_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o follow_a paper_n 2._o though_o christ_n have_v make_v unity_n necessary_a with_o the_o necessity_n of_o duty_n it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o he_o have_v appoint_v infallible_a and_o necessary_a mean_n of_o unity_n i_o suppose_v all_o man_n will_v grant_v that_o christ_n have_v make_v holiness_n as_o necessary_a as_o unity_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v appoint_v no_o necessary_a and_o infallible_a mean_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n but_o we_o see_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n suffer_v as_o much_o by_o the_o wickedness_n as_o by_o the_o division_n of_o her_o member_n unity_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o so_o be_v holiness_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o both_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o own_o choice_n and_o liberty_n and_o if_o the_o command_v and_o exhortation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o another_o world_n with_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n will_v not_o make_v man_n do_v their_o duty_n i_o know_v of_o nothing_o else_o that_o can_v and_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o christ_n be_v more_o concern_v for_o the_o unity_n than_o for_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o church_n 3._o for_o three_o i_o think_v it_o a_o great_a mistake_n to_o attribute_v all_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n to_o want_v of_o evidence_n and_o all_o division_n to_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o lust_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o both_o or_o else_o both_o heresy_n and_o schism_n be_v more_o innocent_a thing_n than_o i_o take_v they_o to_o be_v all_o the_o world_n can_v preserve_v man_n who_o have_v any_o interest_n to_o serve_v by_o it_o from_o be_v heretic_n for_o interest_n will_v make_v man_n teach_v heresy_n without_o believe_v they_o or_o believe_v they_o without_o reason_n and_o interest_n and_o faction_n will_v divide_v the_o church_n where_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o 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we_o that_o there_o be_v never_o the_o few_o heresy_n nor_o schism_n for_o it_o by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o infallible_a remedy_n against_o they_o well!_o but_o it_o will_v be_v so_o if_o all_o man_n will_v submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o infallible_a judge_n very_o right_a and_o so_o any_o other_o way_n will_v do_v in_o which_o all_o man_n will_v agree_v for_o than_o i_o guess_v they_o will_v be_v all_o of_o a_o mind_n but_o this_o give_v no_o advantage_n to_o a_o infallible_a judge_n above_o any_o other_o mean_n of_o union_n and_o therefore_o the_o necessity_n of_o unity_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n for_o if_o the_o romanist_n be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o christ_n do_v appoint_v such_o a_o judge_n and_o such_o a_o judge_n be_v such_o a_o infallible_a mean_n of_o unity_n
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their_o religion_n what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v in_o answer_n to_o these_o paper_n seem_v to_o i_o so_o very_o clear_a and_o plain_a that_o i_o shall_v not_o much_o question_n its_o good_a effect_n even_o upon_o honest_a papist_n will_v they_o impartial_o read_v and_o consider_v it_o much_o more_o upon_o waver_a protestant_n if_o it_o be_v only_o some_o scruple_n not_o interest_n which_o sway_v they_o but_o the_o better_a to_o fix_v such_o people_n and_o that_o in_o the_o modern_a fashionable_a way_n without_o dispute_v all_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n i_o shall_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v how_o much_o more_o certainty_n and_o safety_n they_o have_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o they_o can_v have_v by_o go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o i_o think_v this_o be_v home_n to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v the_o same_o argument_n wherewith_o the_o roman_a priest_n endeavour_v to_o pervert_v our_o people_n and_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o these_o paper_n 1._o first_o then_o i_o observe_v that_o all_o the_o positive_a article_n of_o the_o protestant_a faith_n be_v own_v and_o believe_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o do_v not_o believe_v all_o that_o they_o believe_v but_o yet_o they_o believe_v all_o that_o we_o do_v for_o our_o faith_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n the_o apostle_n the_o nicene_n and_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n own_v as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o though_o we_o do_v not_o build_v our_o certainty_n on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o on_o the_o express_a revelation_n of_o scripture_n which_o contain_v all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o be_v as_o much_o certainty_n as_o we_o desire_v yet_o methinks_v even_o a_o modest_a romanist_n shall_v blush_v to_o charge_v our_o faith_n with_o uncertainty_n when_o our_o faith_n as_o far_o as_o it_o reach_v be_v the_o same_o with_o they_o sure_o they_o must_v grant_v that_o in_o these_o matter_n which_o we_o all_o consent_n in_o our_o faith_n be_v true_a and_o orthodox_n they_o must_v grant_v that_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v sound_a and_o orthodox_n also_o for_o thus_o they_o resolve_v their_o own_o faith_n they_o must_v grant_v that_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n not_o exclude_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o best_a external_n testimony_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n now_o when_o we_o believe_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o expound_v by_o the_o general_n faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n what_o appearance_n of_o uncertainty_n can_v be_v charge_v on_o such_o a_o faith_n we_o reject_v indeed_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n but_o what_o then_o will_v not_o a_o true_a orthodox_n faith_n save_v we_o unless_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o have_v no_o be_v when_o christianity_n be_v first_o plant_v in_o the_o world_n but_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o this_o for_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n because_o he_o can_v believe_v his_o creed_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o then_o i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v what_o that_o uncertainty_n be_v which_o they_o complain_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o if_o the_o positive_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v certain_a as_o it_o must_v be_v if_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o to_o these_o matter_n be_v certain_a why_o do_v 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