Selected quad for the lemma: church_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
church_n authority_n believe_v infallibility_n 2,951 5 11.3667 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A52138 Plain-dealing, or, A full and particular examination of a late treatise, entituled, Humane reason by A.M., a countrey gentleman. Marvell, Andrew, 1621-1678. 1675 (1675) Wing M876; ESTC R23029 77,401 164

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reason_n that_o be_v blind_v with_o interest_n prejudice_n or_o passion_n that_o be_v want_v in_o qualification_n necessary_a to_o inform_v themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v deceive_v by_o some_o one_o or_o all_o of_o these_o cause_n or_o else_o by_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o understanding_n do_v far_o exceed_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v wise_a sober_a and_o learned_a if_o he_o must_v affirm_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v it_o why_o then_o will_v he_o have_v every_o man_n leave_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o own_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o prevent_v heresy_n for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o let_v their_o subject_n follow_v their_o own_o will_n and_o passion_n etc._n etc._n the_o great_a part_n of_o which_o they_o must_v know_v will_v thereby_o be_v expose_v to_o irreligion_n and_o atheism_n as_o well_o as_o all_o kind_n of_o heresy_n and_o debauchery_n or_o else_o to_o restrain_v they_o by_o moderate_a penalty_n within_o the_o pale_a and_o limit_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o say_v our_o author_n it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n for_o fall_v into_o heresy_n by_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o understanding_n for_o say_v he_o pag._n 4._o they_o be_v neither_o hurtful_a to_o themselves_o nor_o other_o but_o hold_v sir_n i_o beseech_v you_o i_o have_v always_o think_v that_o wilful_a ignorance_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o excuse_v a_o fault_n that_o it_o make_v it_o much_o great_a so_o that_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o understanding_n if_o it_o may_v have_v be_v remedy_v by_o our_o industry_n and_o humility_n will_v in_o no_o wise_a excuse_n we_o for_o heresy_n nay_o i_o also_o think_v that_o suppose_v our_o ignorance_n that_o lead_v into_o any_o crime_n be_v invincible_a and_o therefore_o the_o sin_n may_v not_o be_v damnable_a to_o we_o yet_o it_o may_v chance_v to_o be_v as_o this_o of_o heresy_n especial_o be_v very_o hurtful_a nay_o damnable_a to_o other_o by_o lead_v they_o into_o it_o after_o our_o example_n for_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o excuse_n but_o their_o own_o folly_n i_o always_o therefore_o think_v it_o a_o very_a great_a duty_n in_o a_o gentleman_n to_o abstain_v from_o common_a and_o scandalous_a vice_n not_o only_o for_o fear_n of_o his_o own_o danger_n but_o for_o fear_n of_o endanger_v other_o man_n who_o i_o know_v be_v more_o lead_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o nobility_n and_o gentry_n then_o by_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o clergy_n though_o they_o shall_v speak_v like_o god_n or_o live_v like_o angel_n there_o be_v then_o so_o much_o danger_n from_o heresy_n it_o behove_v all_o person_n serious_o to_o consider_v whether_o their_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n by_o which_o they_o be_v lead_v into_o error_n and_o by_o which_o this_o gentleman_n will_v excuse_v all_o heresy_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o their_o own_o will_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v better_o inform_v for_o if_o their_o error_n and_o weakness_n do_v proceed_v from_o their_o obstinate_a perverse_a and_o contumacious_a resistance_n of_o authority_n this_o turn_v even_o the_o least_o of_o error_n into_o the_o most_o damnable_a and_o worst_a of_o heresy_n and_o this_o i_o hearty_o refer_v to_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o all_o those_o that_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o they_o tender_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o nation_n or_o the_o eternal_a safety_n of_o their_o own_o or_o other_o man_n soul_n that_o they_o examine_v themselves_o impartial_o whether_o ever_o they_o do_v inform_v themselves_o concern_v that_o which_o they_o dislike_v in_o the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o let_v they_o do_v it_o speedy_o and_o sincere_o for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o speak_v evil_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o understand_v not_o and_o of_o wilful_a schism_n and_o heresy_n as_o for_o that_o which_o our_o author_n say_v that_o to_o rely_v upon_o the_o church_n be_v to_o add_v perpetuity_n and_o universality_n to_o our_o error_n it_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n since_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o worst_a of_o her_o enemy_n can_v accuse_v she_o of_o enjoin_v the_o belief_n of_o any_o error_n if_o they_o can_v let_v they_o do_v it_o and_o i_o will_v promise_v they_o if_o it_o can_v be_v answer_v full_o and_o satisfactory_o to_o any_o unprejudiced_a judgement_n i_o myself_o will_v give_v they_o public_a thanks_o for_o their_o information_n if_o they_o can_v accuse_v she_o of_o any_o error_n in_o all_o her_o doctrine_n certain_o it_o must_v be_v a_o piece_n of_o the_o great_a folly_n not_o to_o say_v contumacy_n to_o continue_v in_o a_o wilful_a breach_n of_o her_o communion_n the_o second_o objection_n which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o hit_v off_o be_v the_o frailty_n uncertainty_n and_o disproportion_n of_o divine_a truth_n to_o our_o understanding_n etc._n etc._n pag._n 5_o 6._o i_o shall_v not_o quarrel_v with_o he_o as_o to_o the_o main_a of_o his_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n but_o i_o can_v agree_v with_o he_o in_o say_v as_o he_o do_v that_o every_o man_n soul_n have_v in_o itself_o so_o much_o light_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o our_o travel_n towards_o heaven_n pag._n 5._o for_o this_o i_o apprehend_v to_o be_v downright_a pelagianism_n a_o heresy_n long_o since_o condemn_v by_o saint_n augustine_n and_o the_o concur_v vote_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o if_o it_o be_v not_o pelagianism_n sure_o i_o be_o it_o be_v a_o much_o worse_a heresy_n if_o not_o the_o very_a renounce_n of_o christianity_n what_o luck_n the_o gentleman_n have_v to_o excuse_v the_o heresy_n just_a in_o the_o last_o paragraph_n since_o he_o fall_v into_o it_o himself_o in_o this_o god_n help_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o understanding_n but_o perhaps_o he_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o a_o heresy_n notwithstanding_o it_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o church_n or_o contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o sir_n what_o will_v you_o say_v if_o it_o be_v condemn_v by_o humane_a reason_n sure_o then_o you_o will_v confess_v it_o a_o heresy_n therefore_o that_o you_o may_v be_v convince_v be_v please_v to_o look_v back_o but_o three_o page_n and_o you_o will_v find_v it_o direct_o contradictory_n to_o what_o that_o book_n tell_v we_o pag._n 2._o l._n 14._o that_o to_o guide_v he_o in_o the_o right_a way_n one_o have_v great_a need_n of_o a_o better_a guide_n than_o that_o which_o be_v leave_v we_o by_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o forefather_n but_o what_o reed_n i_o pray_v you_o sir_n be_v there_o when_o you_o yourself_o tell_v we_o that_o every_o man_n soul_n have_v in_o itself_o so_o much_o light_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o our_o travel_n towards_o heaven_n be_v not_o this_o a_o sufficient_a example_n of_o the_o frailty_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o humane_a reason_n since_o this_o author_n who_o be_v the_o great_a pretender_n to_o it_o even_o in_o that_o book_n in_o which_o he_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o persuade_v other_o to_o follow_v it_o and_o nothing_o else_o do_v so_o ready_o fall_v into_o so_o apparent_a a_o heresy_n and_o contradiction_n to_o himself_o though_o by_o his_o book_n in_o which_o he_o have_v so_o well_o manage_v so_o ill_a a_o cause_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v he_o to_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o most_o man_n in_o strength_n of_o reason_n be_v not_o this_o enough_o to_o abate_v our_o overween_a confidence_n in_o our_o own_o opinion_n and_o make_v we_o a_o little_a afraid_a how_o we_o follow_v so_o uncertain_a a_o guide_n as_o our_o own_o reason_n which_o have_v so_o palpable_o deceive_v our_o author_n this_o i_o do_v acknowledge_v to_o he_o that_o by_o god_n freegrace_n and_o mercy_n concur_v with_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n every_o man_n have_v sufficient_a light_n to_o show_v he_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n if_o he_o will_v use_v those_o help_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o he_o to_o that_o purpose_n but_o as_o for_o his_o direction_n that_o we_o must_v seek_v truth_n in_o the_o centre_n and_o heart_n of_o ourselves_o if_o he_o give_v it_o universal_o to_o all_o man_n and_o concern_v all_o truth_n as_o he_o seem_v to_o do_v in_o that_o he_o have_v not_o at_o all_o limit_v it_o he_o may_v as_o well_o have_v bid_v man_n search_v there_o for_o all_o the_o demonstration_n of_o euclid_n though_o they_o never_o have_v time_n nor_o education_n enough_o to_o make_v they_o understand_v so_o much_o as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o ordinary_a operation_n in_o arithmetic_n nor_o one_o mathematical_a definition_n or_o postulatum_fw-la and_o he_o have_v as_o good_a damn_v such_o a_o man_n to_o the_o centre_n of_o
high-commission_n among_o they_o be_v ever_o man_n thus_o confident_a to_o assert_v thing_n thus_o palpable_o false_a which_o he_o and_o every_o one_o else_o must_v know_v to_o be_v so_o unless_o he_o know_v nothing_o of_o any_o history_n i_o suppose_v this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o truth_n which_o he_o smell_v out_o from_o the_o bottom_n viz._n that_o this_o quiet_a and_o happiness_n which_o be_v enjoy_v four_o thousand_o year_n among_o the_o heathen_a continue_v so_o long_o and_o so_o uninterrupted_a because_o every_o man_n follow_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n allow_v that_o liberty_n to_o other_o which_o he_o find_v so_o necessary_a for_o himself_o as_o he_o say_v pag._n 9_o in_o fine_a for_o the_o reason_n be_v only_o the_o quite_o contrary_a viz._n because_o they_o be_v so_o careful_a to_o preserve_v the_o public_a unity_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o law_n for_o i_o think_v i_o may_v just_o challenge_v our_o author_n to_o show_v i_o if_o he_o can_v any_o of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n that_o ever_o give_v a_o public_a toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n though_o if_o he_o can_v prove_v it_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o follow_v their_o example_n because_o we_o have_v a_o positive_a and_o state_v religion_n give_v we_o by_o god_n in_o a_o most_o clear_a and_o infallible_a revelation_n which_o our_o governor_n ought_v to_o establish_v and_o maintain_v so_o that_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o be_v there_o not_o law_n to_o restrain_v particular_a man_n public_a discourse_n there_o will_v soon_o be_v as_o many_o religion_n as_o there_o be_v man_n and_o so_o the_o argument_n remain_v as_o tragical_a as_o ever_o it_o do_v for_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o vote_n of_o all_o nation_n that_o variety_n and_o alteration_n in_o religion_n be_v always_o think_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o safety_n as_o for_o that_o sly_a insinuation_n with_o which_o he_o conclude_v that_o paragraph_n pag._n 10._o that_o even_o the_o stoic_n themselves_o that_o enslave_v the_o will_n dare_v never_o attempt_v this_o violence_n to_o the_o understanding_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o this_o gentleman_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n go_v about_o to_o enslave_v any_o man_n understanding_n have_v not_o every_o one_o in_o her_o communion_n a_o liberty_n of_o think_v what_o he_o please_v all_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n enjoin_v we_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v worship_v god_n decent_o and_o orderly_o and_o shall_v consent_v to_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o not_o contradict_v those_o few_o article_n which_o she_o have_v give_v we_o but_o for_o peace_n sake_n shall_v quiet_o submit_v to_o they_o and_o to_o her_o most_o moderate_a discipline_n i_o appeal_v even_o to_o this_o author_n himself_o whether_o the_o member_n of_o any_o society_n in_o the_o world_n either_o heathen_a or_o christian_n have_v a_o great_a freedom_n of_o exercise_v their_o understanding_n then_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o he_o can_v produce_v i_o any_o that_o have_v then_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v he_o talk_v to_o english_a man_n of_o violence_n to_o their_o understanding_n unless_o it_o be_v fortiter_fw-la calumniari_fw-la ut_fw-la aliquid_fw-la haereret_fw-la which_o be_v a_o practice_n so_o much_o below_o a_o gentleman_n that_o sure_a our_o author_n shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o or_o else_o he_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o the_o honourable_a title_n of_o a_o english_a gentleman_n i_o pray_v you_o sir_n tell_v i_o upon_o your_o reputation_n what_o you_o mean_v and_o of_o who_o you_o spáke_v those_o thing_n pag._n 12_o 13._o if_o you_o mean_v the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o you_o do_v not_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o she_o though_o she_o be_v your_o own_o mother_n do_v the_o church_n of_o england_n teach_v her_o follower_n to_o damn_v all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o way_n so_o far_o be_v she_o from_o it_o and_o so_o prodigious_o charitable_a that_o she_o do_v not_o exempt_a even_o those_o that_o die_v in_o a_o wilful_a separation_n from_o she_o unless_o they_o be_v actual_o excommunicate_v from_o her_o most_o christian_a form_n of_o burial_n in_o which_o she_o profess_v to_o hope_v of_o their_o salvation_n be_v there_o any_o son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o believe_v some_o error_n that_o be_v the_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o humane_a nature_n do_v exclude_v man_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o present_a church_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o future_a and_o as_o for_o that_o which_o he_o say_v that_o then_o we_o can_v not_o be_v so_o cruel_a to_o persecute_v those_o fault_n to_o which_o god_n be_v so_o merciful_a and_o from_o which_o we_o ourselves_o be_v not_o exempt_a i_o answer_v that_o our_o church_n punish_v no_o man_n for_o any_o error_n unless_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o contumacy_n and_o contempt_n of_o authority_n and_o do_v not_o every_o society_n in_o the_o world_n do_v the_o same_o if_o then_o he_o will_v needs_o call_v this_o cruelty_n and_o persecution_n he_o not_o only_o accuse_v our_o church_n but_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o those_o hard_a word_n he_o may_v i_o think_v well_o have_v spare_v all_o that_o discourse_n from_o pag._n 10_o to_o the_o 14._o about_o the_o cause_n of_o so_o much_o bloodshed_n since_o the_o reformation_n unless_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v the_o reformation_n guilty_a of_o all_o the_o blood_n shed_v ever_o since_o it_o first-began_a however_o sure_o i_o be_o he_o can_v lay_v it_o at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o church_n since_o there_o be_v none_o of_o her_o true_a son_n that_o ever_o be_v so_o mad_a to_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o of_o those_o cause_n which_o he_o give_v of_o it_o as_o for_o his_o confident_a assertion_n with_o which_o he_o conclude_v that_o section_n it_o be_v much_o more_o applicable_a to_o the_o papist_n and_o fanatic_n then_o to_o the_o true_o reform_v for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n live_v that_o so_o much_o tie_v infallibility_n to_o what_o they_o think_v truth_n and_o damnation_n to_o what_o they_o think_v error_n as_o they_o do_v at_o rome_n and_o geneva_n and_o such_o among_o we_o who_o have_v list_v themselves_o under_o their_o banner_n as_o for_o his_o peaceable_a doctrine_n he_o so_o much_o boast_v of_o pag._n 11_o 12._o viz._n that_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v suffer_v quiet_o to_o enjoy_v his_o own_o opinion_n and_o his_o own_o opinion_n be_v this_o that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v other_o to_o do_v the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o it_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v grant_v he_o for_o there_o be_v no_o society_n in_o the_o world_n that_o can_v take_v notice_n of_o matter_n of_o mere_a opinion_n but_o when_o those_o opinion_n break_v out_o into_o practice_n so_o as_o to_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n or_o at_o least_o to_o endanger_v a_o disturbance_n when_o man_n make_v use_v of_o they_o to_o draw_v party_n after_o they_o and_o to_o make_v faction_n in_o a_o nation_n than_o those_o governor_n must_v be_v blind_a that_o will_v not_o see_v to_o suppress_v they_o and_o this_o be_v not_o punish_v man_n for_o their_o opinion_n but_o their_o practice_n in_o divulge_v and_o propagate_a those_o opinion_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o public_a safety_n as_o for_o the_o second_o part_n of_o it_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v have_v that_o opinion_n implant_v in_o he_o to_o suffer_v all_o other_o to_o enjoy_v their_o opinion_n i_o answer_v first_o that_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v or_o that_o it_o ever_o can_v be_v the_o opinion_n of_o every_o man_n for_o if_o man_n do_v sincere_o believe_v that_o their_o opinion_n be_v the_o truth_n and_o necessary_a to_o happiness_n than_o they_o must_v also_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o propagate_v it_o to_o all_o other_o but_o second_o can_v we_o suppose_v this_o opinion_n to_o be_v in_o every_o man_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o maintain_v the_o peace_n of_o a_o nation_n if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n to_o restrain_v man_n from_o be_v lead_v by_o their_o passion_n and_o interest_n to_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o opinion_n for_o i_o appeal_v to_o themselves_o to_o know_v whether_o the_o papist_n and_o presbyterian_o do_v not_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n in_o promote_a a_o toleration_n of_o all_o opinion_n if_o they_o dare_v deny_v it_o it_o will_v be_v easy_o prove_v against_o they_o for_o the_o grand_a turk_n himself_o do_v not_o more_o violent_o persecute_v the_o christian_n than_o both_o these_o do_v all_o such_o as_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o religion_n where_o they_o have_v power_n enough_o to_o do_v it_o witness_v the_o inquisition_n at_o this_o
man_n though_o he_o can_v be_v so_o much_o a_o fool_n to_o follow_v it_o himself_o viz._n the_o rely_v on_o our_o naked_a reason_n so_o far_o as_o to_o exclude_v other_o more_o necessary_a help_n especial_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o of_o history_n concern_v which_o reason_n alone_o can_v be_v no_o competent_a judge_n but_o yet_o this_o gentleman_n be_v so_o confident_a positive_o to_o affirm_v pag._n 26._o that_o they_o that_o build_v their_o faith_n upon_o past_a or_o present_a age_n be_v in_o much_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o christian_a faith_n than_o those_o who_o remit_v the_o judgement_n of_o these_o thing_n whole_o to_o their_o own_o reason_n whereas_o if_o he_o have_v consider_v thing_n aright_o he_o must_v needs_o have_v see_v that_o the_o main_a cause_n why_o our_o reason_n will_v dictate_v to_o we_o that_o christianity_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n must_v be_v from_o the_o constant_a tradition_n of_o the_o former_a age_n of_o the_o church_n for_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o believe_v the_o historical_a part_n of_o it_o and_o by_o consequence_n from_o hence_o it_o must_v proceed_v that_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o but_o let_v we_o hear_v his_o reason_n for_o this_o bold_a assertion_n it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o this_o that_o there_o have_v be_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o hundred_o to_o one_o against_o christianity_n and_o that_o back_v with_o the_o universal_a agreement_n of_o three_o thousand_o year_n before_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o a_o satisfactory_a argument_n for_o do_v ever_o any_o body_n reckon_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o jew_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n do_v he_o not_o know_v that_o by_o tradition_n every_o christian_a that_o know_v what_o he_o say_v mean_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n can_v this_o than_o be_v any_o reason_n against_o it_o that_o the_o heathen_n and_o jew_n do_v not_o assert_v it_o i_o be_o altogether_o of_o his_o opinion_n that_o reason_n will_v demonstrate_v the_o christian_a above_o any_o other_o riligion_n but_o still_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n together_o with_o the_o gospel_n must_v acquaint_v we_o what_o christianity_n be_v otherwise_o mere_a reason_n can_v never_o know_v it_o so_o that_o let_v reason_n alone_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o well_o follow_v with_o constancy_n diligence_n and_o sobriety_n it_o can_v demonstrate_v nothing_o of_o christianity_n if_o it_o be_v not_o back_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n now_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o author_n himself_o to_o know_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v lead_v we_o into_o such_o error_n as_o shall_v cause_v we_o to_o deny_v christ_n be_v there_o ever_o any_o age_n of_o christian_n which_o do_v general_o fall_v into_o the_o denial_n of_o christ_n how_o can_v they_o then_o be_v call_v christian_n who_o renounce_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o christianity_n now_o because_o this_o author_n have_v not_o tell_v we_o what_o help_v and_o direction_n a_o christian_a must_v make_v use_n of_o to_o inform_v his_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v lay_v he_o down_o such_o a_o rule_n as_o can_v never_o fail_v he_o in_o his_o main_a end_n his_o future_a happiness_n unless_o he_o be_v false_a to_o his_o rule_n the_o rule_n in_o general_n be_v this_o the_o scripture_n right_o interpret_v to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o which_o be_v necessary_a a_o due_a meditation_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o scope_n and_o coherence_n of_o the_o word_n with_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o original_a language_n and_o the_o peculiar_a idiom_n of_o they_o together_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o time_n and_o place_n in_o which_o those_o thing_n be_v do_v speak_v and_o write_v which_o make_v all_o judaic_a and_o ecclesiastical_a author_n especial_o historian_n to_o be_v very_o requisite_a especial_o as_o to_o the_o understanding_n the_o new_a testament_n for_o many_o thing_n be_v but_o cursory_o mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o be_v best_a explain_v by_o the_o write_n of_o those_o that_o be_v conversant_a with_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n who_o do_v converse_v with_o they_o and_o so_o on_o which_o call_v in_o the_o assistance_n of_o all_o antiquity_n especial_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o three_o first_o century_n and_o the_o four_o first_o general_n council_n and_o after_o all_o a_o sound_a rational_a soul_n as_o necessary_a to_o lay_v these_o together_o where_o they_o agree_v and_o to_o judge_v which_o be_v most_o to_o be_v rely_v on_o where_o they_o differ_v and_o to_o draw_v well_o ground_v consequence_n from_o they_o together_o with_o the_o divine_a assistance_n concur_v with_o all_o these_o mean_n so_o that_o the_o common_a people_n that_o have_v not_o these_o advantage_n though_o they_o may_v have_v as_o good_a and_o sound_a rational_a faculty_n as_o the_o great_a scholar_n and_o can_v exercise_v they_o as_o judicious_o in_o other_o thing_n in_o which_o they_o have_v have_v convenience_n right_o to_o inform_v themselves_o be_v no_o more_o fit_a to_o interpret_v scripture_n than_o they_o be_v to_o comment_v on_o euclid_n or_o archimedes_n for_o that_o they_o have_v not_o those_o help_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o such_o a_o work_n but_o what_o then_o must_v they_o do_v they_o must_v use_v the_o best_a mean_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o i._n e._n the_o direction_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o those_o person_n who_o the_o church_n have_v by_o god_n commission_n ordain_v over_o they_o to_o be_v their_o guide_n and_o instructer_n and_o though_o perhaps_o by_o their_o guide_n unskilfulness_n or_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v member_n of_o though_o this_o last_o can_v be_v suppose_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n because_o it_o be_v free_a from_o all_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n they_o may_v be_v lead_v into_o error_n yet_o since_o they_o have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o best_a mean_n god_n have_v give_v they_o he_o do_v not_o require_v impossibility_n at_o their_o hand_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o impute_v those_o error_n to_o their_o fault_n which_o he_o have_v never_o give_v they_o power_n to_o help_v whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o every_o one_o of_o the_o common_a people_n must_v be_v leave_v whole_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n they_o must_v necessary_o run_v into_o as_o many_o religion_n as_o there_o be_v man_n and_o worship_v a_o several_a deity_n not_o only_o every_o day_n of_o the_o week_n but_o every_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n and_o by_o think_v themselves_o as_o wise_a as_o their_o teacher_n come_v to_o despise_v and_o contemn_v they_o and_o to_o trample_v under_o foot_n all_o order_n and_o decency_n to_o scorn_v the_o law_n of_o their_o magistrate_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o run_v themselves_o into_o all_o confusion_n danger_n and_o wickedness_n this_o some_o man_n see_v well_o enough_o to_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o opinion_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o make_v division_n among_o we_o do_v nothing_o else_o but_o cry_v up_o conscience_n and_o every_o man_n own_o reason_n for_o if_o they_o can_v but_o thus_o separate_v the_o sheep_n from_o the_o shepherd_n they_o will_v soon_o make_v they_o stray_v so_o far_o till_o they_o get_v they_o into_o their_o own_o pound_n these_o be_v the_o mighty_a advantage_n that_o the_o most_o of_o man_n will_v obtain_v by_o follow_v no_o other_o guide_n but_o their_o own_o reason_n the_o next_o advantage_n of_o his_o opinion_n be_v the_o great_a charitableness_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o it_o set_v the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n so_o wide_o open_a that_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o may_v enter_v this_o be_v charity_n indeed_o with_o a_o witness_n to_o fill_v heaven_n like_o noab_n ark_n with_o all_o sort_n of_o beast_n both_o clean_a and_o unclear_a but_o i_o be_o afraid_a there_o be_v something_o else_o in_o the_o case_n beside_o altogether_o charity_n that_o prompt_v the_o author_n to_o this_o opinion_n he_o tell_v we_o so_o himself_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v believe_v he_o that_o the_o humble_a consideration_n of_o his_o own_o weakness_n be_v another_o strong_a motive_n to_o he_o it_o seem_v the_o gentleman_n begin_v to_o think_v that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o entrance_n into_o heaven_n for_o jew_n turk_n heathen_n and_o atheist_n he_o himself_o shall_v scarce_o ever_o come_v there_o as_o for_o his_o opinion_n that_o all_o these_o be_v in_o a_o equal_a possibility_n of_o salvation_n with_o the_o unerring_a christian_a certain_o
nation_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n have_v a_o honour_n and_o reverence_n for_o their_o priest_n and_o always_o have_v so_o yet_o that_o sacred_a and_o honourable_a office_n among_o we_o must_v render_v the_o person_n contemptible_a i_o can_v but_o be_v concern_v as_o i_o be_o a_o gentleman_n and_o so_o i_o think_v aught_o every_o one_o that_o bear_v that_o title_n to_o see_v those_o who_o have_v many_o of_o they_o by_o their_o birth_n all_o of_o they_o by_o their_o education_n degree_n and_o order_n merit_v a_o just_a title_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o english_a gentry_n and_o that_o profession_n which_o be_v in_o all_o age_n before_o this_o last_o account_v in_o this_o nation_n the_o most_o honourable_a of_o all_o other_o and_o be_v so_o still_o account_v by_o our_o law_n to_o be_v now_o become_v so_o despicable_a that_o he_o pass_v for_o a_o wit_n that_o can_v but_o cast_v a_o affront_n upon_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o for_o how_o can_v our_o nobility_n and_o gentry_n dispose_v of_o their_o young_a son_n unless_o they_o will_v make_v the_o ottoman_a law_n to_o maintain_v their_o family_n when_o the_o most_o delightful_a most_o honourable_a and_o former_o the_o most_o usual_a way_n for_o they_o be_v block_v up_o by_o such_o grand_a discouragement_n but_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n now_o why_o this_o gentleman_n treat_v they_o so_o gentile_o and_o civil_o in_o the_o title_n and_o in_o the_o fault_n he_o cast_v upon_o they_o only_o this_o because_o like_o good_a shepherd_n they_o will_v not_o desert_v their_o flock_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o their_o care_n to_o be_v devour_v by_o the_o subtle_a fox_n of_o rome_n or_o by_o those_o wolf_n the_o sacrilegious_a atheist_n and_o schismatic_n of_o england_n thus_o the_o fox_n and_o the_o wolf_n have_v they_o this_o author_n humane_a reason_n and_o his_o way_n of_o express_v it_o will_v first_o endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o silly_a sheep_n hate_v their_o shepherd_n by_o tell_v they_o how_o malicious_a they_o have_v be_v to_o they_o in_o restrain_v they_o from_o play_v or_o feed_v in_o what_o pasture_n they_o please_v and_o then_o tell_v they_o that_o if_o they_o will_v follow_v they_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o general_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v but_o what_o will_v be_v the_o event_n shall_v the_o sheep_n stray_v from_o their_o shepherd_n to_o go_v along_o with_o these_o good_a nature_a guide_n will_v they_o not_o all_o soon_o be_v devour_v without_o any_o body_n to_o help_v they_o and_o will_v they_o not_o soon_o find_v by_o their_o sad_a experience_n that_o it_o have_v be_v much_o better_a for_o they_o to_o have_v continue_v under_o the_o restraint_n of_o their_o old_a plain_a honest_a shepherd_n then_o to_o have_v enjoy_v for_o a_o few_o minute_n their_o liberty_n which_o their_o new_a master_n flatter_v they_o withal_o on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v devour_v they_o aye_fw-mi but_o say_v this_o sweet-natured_a gentleman_n they_o may_v by_o write_v dispute_v preach_a and_o live_v etc._n etc._n reduce_v the_o world_n in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o its_o ancient_a healthful_a and_o natural_a temper_n if_o the_o author_n mean_v the_o ancient_a and_o healthful_a temper_n of_o popery_n or_o the_o pure_a natural_a temper_n of_o heathenism_n i_o be_o very_o much_o of_o his_o opinion_n that_o if_o toleration_n be_v once_o set_v up_o the_o world_n will_v in_o a_o short_a time_n be_v reduce_v to_o one_o of_o these_o for_o let_v the_o clergy_n do_v what_o they_o can_v by_o writing_n preach_v and_o live_v etc._n etc._n be_v they_o not_o defend_v by_o law_n and_o the_o nation_n guard_v from_o those_o swarm_n of_o caterpillar_n that_o will_v be_v send_v from_o rome_n to_o devour_v our_o nation_n i_o mean_v priest_n and_o friar_n to_o convert_v soul_n to_o pay_v the_o old_a gentleman_n peter-pence_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o st._n peter_n patrimony_n their_o preach_n and_o dispute_v will_v never_o be_v hear_v but_o will_v be_v quite_o drown_v with_o the_o noise_n of_o papist_n and_o other_o dissenter_n neither_o will_v the_o piety_n of_o their_o life_n be_v they_o angel_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o among_o that_o crowd_n of_o pretender_n to_o it_o who_o will_v all_o strive_v by_o outward_a show_n of_o it_o especial_o the_o papist_n by_o their_o magnificent_a procession_n and_o their_o specious_a pretence_n of_o miracle_n which_o must_v necessary_o take_v with_o the_o common_a people_n to_o draw_v all_o man_n eye_n from_o the_o true_a english_a clergy_n unlese_v it_o be_v th●se_a who_o be_v set_v as_o spy_n over_o they_o to_o discover_v their_o fault_n and_o to_o divulge_v they_o nay_o if_o they_o have_v no_o fault_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v of_o mere_a man_n rather_o then_o the_o people_n shall_v believe_v they_o innocent_a they_o will_v invent_v story_n and_o lie_n enough_o of_o they_o to_o take_v away_o all_o their_o reputation_n for_o this_o some_o of_o our_o sect_n especial_o the_o papist_n will_v think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o do_v from_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o their_o religion_n the_o main_a of_o which_o be_v this_o to_o promote_v their_o cause_n by_o any_o mean_n whatsoever_o so_o that_o this_o gentleman_n may_v be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o without_o the_o restraint_n of_o law_n or_o else_o the_o sword_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o maintain_v any_o settlement_n in_o religion_n but_o that_o we_o must_v necessary_o be_v hurry_v into_o popery_n atheism_n and_o all_o confusion_n neither_o let_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n flatter_v themselves_o with_o the_o hope_n that_o they_o shall_v easy_o run_v down_o the_o papist_n with_o the_o cry_n of_o antichrist_n superstition_n and_o idolatry_n for_o as_o to_o the_o two_o first_o they_o will_v easy_o retort_v they_o upon_o their_o accuser_n and_o will_v raise_v a_o far_o great_a cry_n for_o themselves_o of_o christian_a peace_n and_o unity_n of_o their_o church_n its_o antiquity_n universality_n infallibility_n and_o the_o most_o inexhaustible_a treasure_n of_o charity_n in_o her_o pardon_n and_o indulgence_n by_o which_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v allow_v underhand_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o debauchery_n so_o that_o they_o will_v but_o make_v a_o leg_n to_o the_o kind_a old_a doctor_n of_o st._n peter_n chair_n and_o as_o for_o idolatry_n they_o will_v easy_o answer_v that_o by_o the_o effect_n of_o division_n in_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n rom._n 2._o 21_o 22._o thou_o therefore_o that_o teach_v another_o teach_v thou_o not_o thyself_o thou_o that_o abhor_v idol_n do_v thou_o commit_v sacrilege_n there_o can_v be_v then_o but_o one_o way_n that_o can_v possible_o preserve_v we_o from_o popery_n without_o the_o present_a execution_n of_o our_o law_n and_o that_o be_v a_o stand_a army_n but_o i_o believe_v most_o true_a english_a gentleman_n will_v think_v this_o remedy_n little_o better_o than_o the_o disease_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v answer_v that_o the_o law_n may_v be_v execute_v against_o papist_n but_o a_o liberty_n allow_v to_o all_o other_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o this_o be_v very_o unequitable_a and_o severe_a that_o those_o person_n who_o suffer_v most_o of_o any_o except_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o his_o majesty_n cause_n shall_v now_o he_o be_v return_v be_v the_o only_a sufferer_n second_o that_o be_v other_o tolerate_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o discover_v the_o papist_n who_o will_v hide_v themselves_o under_o their_o cover_n there_o be_v no_o ready_a way_n of_o convict_v they_o but_o only_o this_o their_z not_o join_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o her_o constant_a public_a liturgy_n every_o lord_n day_n and_o in_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n with_o her_o three_o time_n a_o year_n which_o can_v never_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o toleration_n of_o all_o other_o religion_n among_o we_o i_o refer_v it_o therefore_o since_o his_o majesty_n have_v command_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o law_n to_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o our_o noble_n and_o gentleman_n whether_o they_o will_v choose_v to_o give_v themselves_o the_o trouble_n to_o execute_v our_o law_n and_o to_o enjoy_v their_o propriety_n under_o the_o protection_n of_o they_o or_o whether_o they_o will_v turn_v their_o throat_n to_o the_o long_a sword_n or_o submit_v their_o neck_n to_o the_o roman_a yoke_n which_o our_o wise_a father_n thought_n too_o hard_a for_o they_o to_o bear_v for_o one_o of_o these_o must_v be_v endure_v &_o it_o will_v in_o a_o short_a time_n be_v past_o all_o help_n to_o prevent_v the_o two_o latter_a without_o a_o speedy_a recourse_n to_o the_o former_a for_o if_o our_o sectary_n grow_v more_o numerous_a and_o seditious_a among_o we_o as_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v manage_v into_o any_o thing_n and_o as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n have_v more_o knave_n then_o wise_a man_n and_o honest_a
to_o be_v excuse_v for_o his_o contempt_n of_o authority_n because_o the_o different_a ceremony_n which_o he_o use_v in_o god_n worship_n do_v agree_v and_o consent_n in_o god_n glory_n for_o what_o he_o say_v p._n 53._o viz._n that_o as_o well_o may_v different_a thought_n represent_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n as_o different_a word_n can_v represent_v the_o same_o thought_n i_o can_v tell_v what_o he_o will_v have_v by_o it_o but_o this_o i_o know_v take_v it_o in_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o it_o it_o be_v as_o extravagant_a a_o assertion_n as_o one_o can_v easy_o meet_v withal_o for_o different_a word_n may_v signify_v the_o same_o thing_n because_o neither_o the_o thing_n nor_o man_n notion_n of_o thing_n do_v alter_v by_o the_o various_a word_n or_o language_n in_o which_o they_o be_v express_v but_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v essential_o place_v in_o the_o thought_n different_a thought_n must_v make_v different_a worship_n but_o perhaps_o this_o be_v to_o be_v typical_o or_o anagogical_o interpret_v as_o for_o that_o lash_n he_o give_v the_o roman_a church_n p._n 53._o the_o old_a gentleman_n of_o the_o infallible_a chair_n may_v well_o pardon_v he_o for_o it_o since_o he_o make_v he_o amends_o very_o speedy_o after_o p._n 56._o by_o draw_v in_o henry_n the_o eight_o by_o the_o head_n and_o shoulder_n first_o to_o be_v lash_v for_o his_o adultery_n and_o then_o for_o desert_v his_o good_a old_a friend_n the_o pope_n the_o last_o object_n he_o answer_v from_o p._n 54._o to_o p._n 62._o be_v that_o by_o which_o some_o will_v prove_v he_o guilty_a of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o greek_n by_o several_a text_n of_o scripture_n the_o error_n of_o the_o greek_n i_o suppose_v be_v this_o their_o follow_v vain_a and_o heathen_a philosophy_n or_o mere_a humane_a reason_n against_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o miracle_n and_o preach_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o from_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n be_v deride_v among_o they_o that_o the_o apostle_n preach_v be_v think_v foolishness_n and_o the_o cross_n a_o stumbling-block_n now_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o judicious_a and_o impartial_a reader_n whether_o this_o author_n have_v not_o drive_v on_o this_o same_o or_o a_o worse_a design_n in_o no_o small_a part_n of_o his_o book_n for_o he_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v excusable_a though_o he_o follow_v his_o humane_a reason_n to_o the_o denial_n of_o christianity_n i._n e._n in_o a_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o divine_a revelation_n nay_o he_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o jew_n heathen_n and_o atheist_n be_v in_o a_o equal_a possibility_n of_o salvation_n with_o the_o unerring_a christian._n now_o i_o desire_v this_o author_n to_o prove_v that_o ever_o the_o heathen_a greek_n have_v among_o they_o any_o question_n which_o they_o do_v defend_v more_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o his_o be_v which_o if_o he_o can_v do_v he_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o he_o have_v outdo_v they_o all_o at_o the_o wisdom_n of_o entice_a word_n to_o draw_v other_o from_o christianity_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o come_v far_o short_a of_o they_o at_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n will_v appear_v in_o that_o he_o have_v so_o much_o busy_v himself_o to_o prove_v that_o humane_a reason_n may_v tolerate_v atheism_n itself_o and_o consequent_o all_o kind_n of_o lust_n and_o wickedness_n whatsoever_o away_o with_o you_o dull_a greek_n for_o a_o company_n of_o old_a fool_n that_o can_v not_o improve_v your_o reason_n further_o then_o to_o the_o denial_n of_o christ_n mere_a gregory-grey-beard_n be_v you_o all_o in_o comparison_n of_o our_o author_n who_o can_v tell_v you_o present_o how_o to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n by_o humane_a reason_n and_o to_o excuse_v yourselves_o when_o you_o have_v do_v so_o exquisite_o have_v he_o find_v out_o a_o guide_n to_o happiness_n and_o so_o gentile_o have_v he_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n the_o gentleman_n in_o the_o next_o place_n proceed_v to_o establish_v his_o doctrine_n by_o positive_a argument_n and_o his_o first_o argument_n be_v from_o the_o safety_n of_o it_o which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v by_o compare_v his_o guide_n viz._n every_o man_n own_o reason_n with_o other_o that_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o as_o first_o with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o vision_n or_o revelation_n extrinsecal_o come_v into_o the_o soul_n p._n 62._o if_o he_o mean_v nothing_o but_o enthusiasm_n hereby_o i_o shall_v only_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v dispute_v betwixt_o he_o and_o his_o grateful_a friend_n the_o quaker_n for_o i_o know_v no_o christian_n that_o will_v follow_v or_o expect_v new_a light_n since_o god_n have_v give_v we_o the_o gospel_n a_o positive_a law_n to_o govern_v our_o life_n and_o action_n and_o since_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o gal._n 1._o 8._o that_o if_o he_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v hold_v accurse_v if_o he_o mean_v all_o revelation_n in_o general_n even_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n not_o except_v as_o what_o may_v not_o a_o man_n venture_v at_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o his_o humane_a reason_n which_o have_v already_o teach_v he_o to_o excuse_v infidelity_n and_o atheism_n i_o desire_v he_o to_o consider_v that_o since_o he_o himself_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o book_n that_o we_o have_v reason_n enough_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o strange_a kind_n of_o blasphemous_a aspersion_n he_o must_v cast_v upon_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n if_o he_o dare_v to_o assert_v that_o every_o man_n own_o reason_n be_v a_o safe_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o than_o that_o rule_n which_o god_n have_v particular_o reveal_v to_o we_o from_o heaven_n for_o that_o purpose_n unless_o therefore_o he_o can_v think_v our_o own_o reason_n more_o infallible_a than_o the_o reason_n of_o god_n himself_o he_o must_v conclude_v if_o he_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v god_n word_n as_o he_o profess_v to_o do_v that_o it_o be_v much_o safe_a to_o follow_v that_o law_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o than_o the_o law_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n for_o otherwise_o the_o divine_a revelation_n have_v be_v altogether_o vain_a and_o useless_a second_o the_o next_o guide_n he_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v less_o safe_a than_o humane_a reason_n be_v authority_n pag._n 63._o by_o which_o he_o have_v not_o explain_v what_o he_o mean_v so_o that_o by_o this_o discourse_n since_o he_o have_v no_o way_n limit_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n we_o may_v just_o judge_v he_o intend_v to_o set_v up_o every_o man_n reason_n as_o a_o safe_a guide_n than_o all_o authority_n his_o reason_n be_v this_o for_o if_o that_o authority_n prescribe_v truth_n we_o have_v good_a fortune_n and_o mere_o good_a fortune_n in_o our_o obedience_n but_o i_o pray_v you_o sir_n be_v there_o not_o many_o truth_n that_o can_v be_v no_o way_n make_v evident_a or_o at_o least_o not_o so_o evident_a as_o be_v convenient_a but_o by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o authority_n as_o the_o distinction_n of_o person_n in_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n the_o deity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o if_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o these_o point_n do_v not_o clear_o prove_v that_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v urge_v for_o they_o be_v to_o be_v so_o interpret_v it_o will_v not_o perhaps_o be_v so_o easy_a a_o matter_n to_o stop_v a_o subtle_a socinian_o mouth_n by_o mere_a scripture_n and_o much_o less_o by_o mere_a reason_n if_o we_o take_v authority_n in_o the_o other_o common_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n for_o lawful_a power_n the_o author_n assertion_n be_v still_o worse_o and_o much_o more_o false_a for_o in_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o doubtful_a matter_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o prescribe_v to_o we_o not_o our_o own_o reason_n only_o it_o be_v much_o safe_a for_o we_o to_o follow_v authority_n in_o those_o case_n then_o to_o be_v guide_v only_o by_o ourselves_o so_o that_o sir_n you_o see_v by_o this_o time_n that_o in_o most_o action_n of_o our_o life_n for_o most_o of_o they_o do_v concern_v indifferent_a thing_n we_o have_v not_o only_o good_a fortune_n but_o good_a reason_n in_o our_o obedience_n to_o authority_n nay_o in_o some_o case_n and_o those_o not_o a_o few_o authority_n be_v the_o only_a reason_n of_o our_o assent_n as_o in_o all_o
rib-roasted_n by_o his_o master_n for_o search_v for_o the_o hare_n at_o the_o top_n of_o the_o house_n because_o he_o do_v not_o look_v for_o she_o in_o the_o proper_a place_n to_o find_v she_o the_o three_o reason_n p._n 68_o because_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o believe_v error_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v damnable_a but_o if_o these_o error_n be_v fundamental_a and_o obstinate_o continue_v in_o against_o plain_a mean_n of_o conviction_n in_o opposition_n to_o authority_n in_o spite_n of_o our_o author_n reason_n i_o must_v believe_v they_o damnable_a oh_o no_o say_v he_o for_o this_o be_v most_o wild_o uncharitable_a but_o why_o so_o because_o this_o be_v to_o damn_v million_o of_o man_n for_o one_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o this_o damn_v none_o but_o such_o as_o wilful_o and_o obstinate_o continue_v in_o their_o error_n and_o thereby_o become_v heretic_n nor_o they_o neither_o for_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v live_v to_o repent_v and_o amend_v but_o if_o they_o die_v in_o heresy_n that_o they_o die_v in_o damnable_a sin_n we_o must_v believe_v if_o we_o will_v believe_v either_o st._n paul_n gal._n 5._o 19_o 20_o etc._n etc._n who_o reckon_v up_o sedition_n and_o heresy_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o black_a catalogue_n which_o shall_v shut_v we_o out_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o saint_n peter_n who_o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v damnable_a heresy_n 2_o pet._n ●_o 1._o now_o if_o this_o be_v contrary_a to_o charity_n to_o assert_v i_o can_v help_v it_o i_o have_v very_o good_a company_n in_o my_o uncharitableness_n for_o s._n peter_n and_o s._n paul_n be_v both_o guilty_a of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o i._o oh_o uncharitable_a apostle_n that_o have_v no_o more_o pity_n nor_o love_n nor_o compassion_n in_o you_o to_o those_o million_o of_o dissenter_n that_o be_v heretic_n in_o your_o time_n but_o that_o you_o must_v not_o only_o believe_v but_o pronounce_v the_o error_n in_o faith_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v damnable_a heresy_n even_o shift_n for_o yourselves_o good_a apostle_n for_o this_o author_n have_v charge_v you_o home_o with_o wild_a uncharitableness_n his_o four_o reason_n ibid._n and_o p._n 69._o we_o ought_v not_o to_o teach_v man_n that_o any_o error_n in_o belief_n overthrow_v our_o hope_n of_o salvation_n unless_o we_o can_v give_v they_o a_o catalogue_n of_o those_o error_n that_o do_v so_o but_o why_o because_o this_o will_v be_v more_o uncomfortable_a than_o the_o other_o be_v uncharitable_a for_o it_o will_v necessary_o lead_v man_n into_o despair_n what_o then_o must_v we_o teach_v they_o to_o throw_v away_o their_o bibles_n and_o renounce_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o whole_o to_o commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n as_o our_o author_n seem_v to_o do_v p._n 65._o and_o that_o then_o they_o shall_v be_v safe_a enough_o and_o need_v not_o further_o trouble_v their_o head_n with_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o religion_n no_o sure_o there_o be_v a_o middle_a way_n which_o be_v plain_a for_o all_o man_n to_o walk_v in_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v show_v they_o i._n e._n this_o that_o some_o error_n of_o faith_n be_v damnable_a though_o not_o all_o and_o we_o may_v easy_o give_v they_o a_o general_a catalogue_n of_o what_o error_n be_v so_o by_o which_o they_o may_v judge_v of_o particular_n those_o error_n of_o faith_n be_v damnable_a which_o be_v wilful_o run_v into_o and_o all_o such_o as_o be_v continue_v in_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n perverse_o and_o obstinate_o and_o thus_o our_o author_n have_v a_o general_a catalogue_n of_o what_o error_n be_v damnable_a let_v he_o make_v what_o use_n of_o it_o he_o can_v the_o five_o reason_n p._n 69._o and_o 70._o be_v this_o because_o we_o can_v know_v our_o fault_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o mean_n of_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o consequent_o can_v expect_v pardon_n for_o it_o there_o be_v no_o forgiveness_n without_o repentance_n and_o repentance_n impossible_a without_o knowledge_n of_o our_o fault_n but_o if_o this_o be_v true_a it_o will_v damn_v all_o mankind_n for_o who_o be_v there_o that_o have_v ever_o have_v a_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v so_o that_o there_o must_v be_v many_o of_o they_o according_a to_o this_o gentleman_n reason_n unrepented_a off_o and_o consequent_o unpardoned_a what_o be_v become_v of_o this_o gentleman_n great_a charity_n which_o he_o have_v always_o boast_v of_o for_o this_o opinion_n be_v much_o more_o uncharitable_a than_o any_o of_o those_o who_o uncharitableness_n he_o have_v so_o much_o declaim_v against_o but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n this_o be_v not_o true_a for_o sure_o we_o be_v david_n do_v repent_v he_o of_o those_o fault_n which_o he_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o ps._n 19_o 12._o in_o that_o prayer_n of_o he_o who_o can_v understand_v his_o error_n cleanse_v thou_o i_o from_o my_o secret_a fault_n by_o which_o the_o royal_a prophet_n must_v mean_v such_o fault_n as_o he_o himself_o have_v forget_v and_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o else_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o verse_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o follow_a petition_n can_v have_v no_o coherence_n with_o the_o latter_a which_o be_v the_o petition_n itself_o ground_v upon_o the_o former_a beside_o why_o can_v we_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o our_o fault_n unless_o it_o be_v commit_v against_o our_o own_o reason_n for_o though_o we_o err_v only_o against_o authority_n and_o be_v for_o a_o time_n blind_v with_o prejudice_n so_o that_o we_o can_v at_o present_v see_v our_o error_n be_v it_o not_o possible_a that_o the_o prejudice_n afterward_o may_v be_v remove_v by_o a_o du●_n information_n from_o other_o or_o by_o our_o own_o serious_a consideration_n assist_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a then_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o truth_n nor_o consequence_n in_o this_o reason_n his_o six_o reason_n p._n 70._o be_v this_o the_o great_a probability_n of_o truth_n on_o all_o side_n even_o the_o err_a one_o ought_v to_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v not_o punish_v those_o that_o err_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v if_o our_o error_n be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n or_o cause_n of_o any_o sin_n in_o we_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v but_o god_n will_v pardon_v they_o but_o if_o our_o error_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o wilful_a ignorance_n pride_n or_o idleness_n or_o if_o they_o have_v lead_v we_o into_o schism_n and_o heresy_n and_o contempt_n of_o authority_n than_o we_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n of_o pardon_n without_o amendment_n wherefore_o sin_n be_v most_o common_o either_o the_o cause_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o error_n or_o both_o it_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o small_a danger_n in_o they_o but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o great_a danger_n from_o error_n say_v this_o gentleman_n p._n 71._o for_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o have_v make_v truth_n so_o difficult_a to_o be_v find_v out_o if_o he_o intend_v to_o punish_v the_o miss_n of_o it_o with_o eternal_a punishment_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o where_o the_o difficulty_n surpass_v the_o help_n that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v that_o god_n will_v punish_v we_o eternal_o for_o not_o find_v out_o such_o truth_n for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v for_o our_o salvation_n they_o shall_v have_v be_v suit_v to_o our_o capacity_n but_o if_o we_o be_v wilful_o ignorant_a of_o any_o necessary_a truth_n than_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v we_o eternal_o for_o it_o as_o well_o as_o for_o any_o other_o sin_n which_o we_o die_v in_o without_o repentance_n for_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v as_o well_o be_v urge_v to_o free_a man_n from_o eternal_a punishment_n for_o most_o other_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o this_o of_o wilful_a error_n for_o since_o it_o be_v so_o very_o difficult_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o abstain_v from_o those_o sin_n which_o profit_n and_o pleasure_n tempt_v we_o to_o and_o so_o easy_a to_o run_v into_o they_o nay_o since_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n of_o exact_a virtue_n which_o be_v the_o middle_a way_n for_o those_o many_o hundred_o that_o lead_v to_o vicious_a extreme_n and_o as_o he_o say_v of_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o certain_a mark_n set_v upon_o that_o one_o to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o other_o he_o may_v therefore_o as_o well_o think_v it_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o punish_v man_n eternal_o for_o their_o vice_n as_o for_o their_o error_n since_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o very_a same_o in_o both_o but_o now_o suppose_v it_o
probable_a that_o they_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o study_v those_o thing_n must_v know_v they_o more_o certain_o than_o i_o who_o have_v never_o have_v time_n nor_o convenience_n to_o study_v they_o but_o suppose_v they_o shall_v deceive_v i_o as_o long_o as_o i_o be_o in_o this_o life_n i_o shall_v always_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o if_o i_o do_v follow_v these_o direction_n sure_o i_o be_o it_o be_v their_o fault_n and_o not_o i_o if_o they_o l●ad_v i_o into_o error_n for_o i_o have_v do_v what_o i_o can_v to_o prevent_v it_o and_o sure_o i_o be_o i_o can_v this_o way_n be_v lead_v into_o popery_n infidelity_n and_o atheism_n as_o i_o may_v be_v if_o i_o whole_o commit_v myself_o to_o the_o sole_a guidance_n of_o my_o own_o reason_n since_o our_o church_n have_v so_o plain_o guard_v we_o against_o the_o idolatry_n of_o rome_n in_o its_o plain_a homily_n and_o against_o infidelity_n and_o atheism_n by_o her_o full_a and_o short_a catechism_n and_o by_o allow_v we_o the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o dare_v confident_o aver_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n in_o the_o world_n leave_v for_o we_o that_o be_v unlearned_a to_o keep_v we_o without_o a_o miracle_n from_o heresy_n and_o schism_n or_o popery_n and_o atheism_n but_o only_o by_o this_o method_n that_o i_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o if_o i_o be_o mistake_v i_o shall_v be_v very_o thankful_a to_o any_o one_o that_o will_v show_v i_o wherein_o if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v i_o must_v desire_v our_o author_n to_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o think_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o safe_a guide_n to_o i_o then_o my_o own_o reason_n and_o consequent_o that_o all_o his_o boast_n of_o safety_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o mere_a impertinence_n and_o falsehood_n several_a thing_n it_o be_v possible_a will_v be_v object_v against_o this_o method_n which_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o all_o private_a gentleman_n and_o man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n especial_o for_o common_a people_n which_o be_v this_o that_o every_o one_o shall_v rely_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o those_o guide_n of_o conscience_n which_o she_o have_v authorize_v in_o all_o difficult_a case_n and_o doubtful_a matter_n which_o surpass_v his_o own_o ability_n to_o judge_v of_o against_o this_o it_o may_v be_v object_v first_o that_o this_o be_v ro_o run_v into_o the_o same_o implicit_a faith_n which_o we_o condemn_v in_o the_o romanist_n and_o put_v out_o our_o own_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v see_v with_o other_o man_n i_o answer_v not_o at_o all_o for_o i_o allow_v every_o one_o the_o free_a use_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o their_o own_o reason_n in_o all_o matter_n that_o be_v within_o the_o reach_n of_o their_o capacity_n and_o within_o their_o proper_a sphere_n of_o action_n and_o for_o all_o other_o that_o be_v above_o they_o i_o have_v show_v they_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o safe_a guide_n i_o can_v possible_o find_v if_o any_o body_n can_v produce_v a_o safe_a jet_n they_o and_o they_o will_v do_v very_o good_a service_n to_o the_o public_a second_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o by_o this_o direction_n they_o that_o be_v papist_n especial_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o they_o be_v in_o no_o possibility_n to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o roman_a yoke_n and_o consequent_o must_v continue_v in_o idolatry_n and_o therefore_o in_o most_o imminent_a peril_n of_o damnation_n i_o answer_v i_o give_v not_o this_o direction_n to_o papist_n or_o those_o that_o be_v without_o our_o church_n for_o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o but_o to_o those_o who_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v obedient_a child_n of_o the_o most_o christian_n and_o tender_a mother_n the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o corruption_n from_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n who_o enjoin_v the_o belief_n of_o no_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n nor_o no_o idolatrous_a worship_n nor_o command_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a to_o be_v obey_v the_o contrary_a to_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v most_o apparent_o guilty_a of_o now_o i_o refer_v it_o to_o any_o man_n or_o to_o all_o mankind_n to_o judge_v which_o be_v the_o safe_a way_n for_o we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n whether_o to_o persuade_v all_o of_o our_o communion_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o so_o to_o endanger_v the_o loss_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o that_o be_v now_o free_a and_o must_v continue_v so_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o obedience_n to_o our_o church_n from_o all_o fear_n of_o popish_a idolatry_n and_o thereby_o to_o expose_v they_o not_o only_o to_o all_o false_a religion_n but_o even_o to_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n at_o all_o for_o fear_v of_o use_v such_o argument_n to_o secure_v they_o as_o may_v if_o use_v to_o ignorant_a papist_n continue_v they_o in_o their_o error_n and_o obstruct_v their_o conversion_n to_o our_o church_n of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v half_o so_o great_a a_o probability_n as_o there_o be_v of_o lose_v or_o at_o least_o hazard_v their_o soul_n who_o now_o be_v not_o nor_o never_o can_v be_v in_o any_o danger_n so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o obedience_n to_o their_o own_o church_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v safe_a for_o they_o to_o be_v keep_v by_o law_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o her_o injunction_n in_o all_o honest_a and_o lawful_a thing_n which_o be_v all_o that_o our_o church_n require_v even_o of_o the_o clergy_n themselves_o three_o another_o objection_n may_v be_v this_o that_o possible_a it_o be_v our_o church_n may_v in_o time_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o former_o be_v a_o church_n as_o free_v from_o all_o corruption_n as_o we_o be_v now_o degenerate_a into_o the_o very_a same_o crime_n which_o we_o now_o blame_v rome_n for_o i_o answer_v that_o then_o our_o church_n must_v be_v quite_o alter_v from_o what_o it_o be_v at_o present_a and_o i_o only_o propose_v my_o method_n of_o safety_n to_o all_o illiterate_a person_n in_o her_o present_a communion_n and_o therefore_o be_o not_o at_o all_o concern_v for_o future_a contingency_n but_o if_o ever_o she_o shall_v be_v change_v from_o her_o primitive_a purity_n which_o god_n forbid_v then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o will_v this_o objection_n deserve_v a_o answer_n for_o if_o possibility_n of_o error_n may_v render_v separation_n allowable_a we_o must_v never_o be_v fix_v in_o any_o church_n till_o we_o can_v come_v to_o that_o which_o be_v triumphant_a in_o heaven_n nay_o neither_o can_v any_o man_n be_v free_a from_o a_o possibility_n of_o error_n as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n let_v he_o propose_v to_o himself_o what_o guide_v he_o can_v and_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o any_o man_n that_o be_v rational_a whether_o he_o must_v not_o think_v that_o his_o own_o reason_n may_v in_o all_o probability_n lead_v he_o into_o error_n much_o soon_o than_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o he_o be_v not_o a_o capable_a judge_n of_o for_o sure_o every_o man_n own_o reason_n be_v much_o more_o subject_a to_o a_o possibility_n of_o error_n than_o a_o whole_a church_n be_v to_o a_o possibility_n of_o a_o total_a change_n and_o alteration_n so_o that_o it_o must_v still_o remain_v much_o safe_a to_o rely_v upon_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n i_o have_v lay_v down_o than_o it_o be_v to_o rely_v whole_o upon_o our_o own_o reason_n 4._o the_o last_o objection_n i_o shall_v answer_v be_v this_o that_o if_o we_o that_o be_v illiterate_a must_v rely_v upon_o our_o church_n in_o all_o thing_n above_o our_o capacity_n that_o then_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v practise_v the_o same_o rule_n when_o we_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o consequent_o ought_v never_o to_o have_v separate_v from_o it_o and_o therefore_o that_o our_o reformer_n be_v schismatic_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o romish_a doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o their_o idolatry_n in_o worship_v the_o host_n etc._n etc._n beside_o the_o pope_n usurpation_n upon_o our_o regal_a authority_n be_v so_o direct_o contradictory_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o he_o must_v needs_o see_v it_o that_o do_v not_o wilful_o shut_v his_o eye_n second_o our_o reformation_n be_v carry_v on_o not_o by_o private_a person_n but_o by_o the_o public_a power_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o by_o all_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n in_o it_o and_o consequent_o it_o can_v be_v no_o schism_n it_o be_v grant_v upon_o so_o warrantable_a a_o cause_n and_o do_v in_o so_o orderly_a a_o manner_n to_o conclude_v