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church_n council_n infallibility_n infallible_a 4,066 5 9.7915 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A54944 A discourse concerning the trial of spirits wherein inquiry is made into mens pretences to inspiration for publishing doctrines, in the name of God beyond the rules of the sacred scriptures : in opposition to some principles and practices of papists and fanaticks, as they contradict the doctrines of the Church of England, defined in her Articles of Religion, established by her ecclesiastical canons, and confirmed by acts of Parliament / by Thomas Pittis ... Pittis, Thomas, 1636-1687. 1683 (1683) Wing P2313; ESTC R33964 135,179 370

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doctrine_n upon_o the_o world_n as_o rule_n for_o all_o to_o submit_v unto_o without_o any_o far_a examination_n and_o if_o they_o must_v be_v examine_v at_o all_o it_o must_v be_v by_o something_o of_o great_a credit_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n now_o that_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a be_v to_o be_v try_v whether_o true_a or_o false_a be_v plain_a to_o any_o that_o will_v give_v themselves_o leisure_n to_o consider_v not_o only_o that_o otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o false_a prophet_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o man_n true_a and_o false_a have_v the_o same_o evidence_n but_o that_o god_n himself_o give_v direction_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n how_o to_o know_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o deut._n 13.1_o and_o chap._n 18.22_o which_o rule_n have_v be_v vain_a and_o insignificant_a if_o by_o these_o man_n be_v not_o to_o try_v they_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o those_o that_o attribute_v great_a authority_n to_o christian_a general_n 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my_o understanding_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o my_o sense_n concern_v their_o own_o proper_a object_n where_o there_o be_v a_o true_a medium_n and_o a_o just_a distance_n if_o this_o which_o thus_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v bread_n and_o wine_n may_v yet_o not_o be_v so_o but_o the_o substantial_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o lord_n then_o i_o can_v have_v no_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o depend_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v at_o the_o first_o wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o these_o depend_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o sense_n who_o be_v then_o eyewitness_n to_o the_o miracle_n and_o if_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n may_v together_o be_v deceive_v about_o this_o sacrament_n the_o same_o possibility_n may_v make_v they_o so_o when_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o prove_v the_o gospel_n and_o then_o we_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o the_o whole_a gospel_n may_v prove_v a_o fable_n and_o its_o great_a confirmation_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o imposture_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v introduce_v into_o the_o world_n with_o pomp_n and_o ceremony_n and_o to_o render_v it_o authentic_a by_o a_o infallible_a authority_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o first_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n our_o sense_n be_v free_a and_o then_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v but_o that_o now_o since_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v sufficient_o authorize_v this_o very_a doctrine_n thus_o confirm_v tie_v up_o our_o sense_n since_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o submit_v they_o to_o divine_a revelation_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v any_o where_o thus_o impose_v upon_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n it_o will_v 1._o be_v difficult_a upon_o the_o same_o ground_n for_o i_o to_o believe_v that_o my_o eye_n be_v not_o impose_v upon_o when_o i_o read_v the_o word_n 2._o suppose_v that_o i_o do_v read_v they_o true_a and_o that_o be_v sufficient_o confirm_v that_o i_o understand_v what_o i_o read_v yet_o since_o no_o other_o text_n can_v be_v plead_v for_o transubstantiation_n beside_o this_o be_v my_o body_n why_o must_v i_o of_o necessity_n understand_v that_o by_o these_o word_n i_o be_o command_v to_o believe_v contrary_a to_o my_o sense_n when_o by_o a_o plain_a and_o easy_a construction_n agreeable_a to_o the_o usual_a sacramental_a phrase_n particular_o those_o which_o be_v use_v about_o the_o passeover_n my_o sense_n be_v still_o leave_v unto_o their_o liberty_n and_o no_o more_o than_o say_v this_o be_v my_o body_n that_o be_v this_o bread_n represent_v or_o signify_v my_o body_n will_v express_v the_o sense_n and_o baffle_v the_o objection_n it_o be_v so_o common_a to_o parallel_v this_o expression_n with_o i_o be_o the_o vine_n the_o way_n the_o door_n and_o that_o rock_n be_v christ_n this_o be_v my_o covenant_n this_o cup_n be_v the_o new_a testament_n etc._n etc._n where_o the_o verb_n be_v construe_v by_o represent_v signify_v and_o the_o like_a that_o i_o be_o ashamed_a we_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o continue_a repetition_n by_o the_o daily_a appearance_n of_o a_o baffle_a adversary_n thus_o we_o see_v by_o these_o three_o instance_n of_o erroneous_a determination_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o if_o ever_o they_o have_v infallibility_n they_o have_v lose_v it_o unless_o truth_n and_o error_n be_v reconcile_v and_o infallible_a falsehood_n be_v a_o proper_a expression_n seven_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o premise_n the_o romanist_n will_v yet_o hold_v the_o conclusion_n and_o affirm_v themselves_o to_o be_v infallible_a we_o must_v call_v upon_o they_o to_o prove_v it_o by_o miracle_n for_o this_o can_v no_o way_n become_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n to_o those_o that_o pretend_v it_o and_o whoever_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n aught_o to_o prove_v it_o by_o miracle_n when_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o the_o apostle_n prove_v their_o infallibility_n by_o miracle_n we_o must_v demand_v therefore_o the_o same_o from_o those_o that_o will_v pretend_v to_o the_o same_o privilege_n since_o the_o promise_n they_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o be_v complete_v in_o the_o apostle_n nay_o it_o will_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o tell_v story_n instead_o of_o miracle_n nor_o to_o produce_v something_o do_v among_o they_o of_o which_o the_o cause_n be_v behind_o the_o curtain_n no_o natural_a account_n can_v be_v give_v but_o they_o must_v be_v attend_v with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o may_v sufficient_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v divine_a and_o when_o this_o be_v accomplish_v which_o be_v impossible_a the_o infallibility_n pretend_v must_v be_v prove_v necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n and_o conduct_n of_o man_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o because_o they_o confirm_v a_o unnecessary_a thing_n and_o what_o suppose_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o may_v add_v more_o head_n of_o argument_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o baffle_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o proud_a capitol_n chap._n viii_o have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n spend_v a_o very_a large_a parenthesis_n upon_o the_o roman_a infallibility_n for_o fear_n that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v well_o understand_v by_o some_o who_o unthinking_a honesty_n may_v make_v they_o jealous_a of_o their_o power_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o conclude_v that_o i_o allow_v not_o authority_n enough_o to_o synod_n and_o council_n and_o that_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o private_a minister_n i_o assume_v too_o much_o judgement_n to_o myself_o in_o make_v use_n of_o my_o faculty_n without_o leave_n i_o answer_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_a leave_n from_o the_o article_n and_o canon_n establish_v in_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o england_n for_o what_o i_o have_v already_o write_v concern_v this_o matter_n yet_o i_o shall_v far_o explain_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o show_v that_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o attribute_v as_o much_o authority_n and_o honour_n to_o the_o best_a establish_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o as_o any_o man_n can_v possible_o do_v who_o do_v not_o pluck_v out_o his_o eye_n to_o do_v they_o service_n therefore_o notwithstanding_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o roman_a infallibility_n i_o ready_o yield_v that_o father_n and_o council_n and_o all_o congregation_n of_o holy_a and_o judicious_a christian_n much_o more_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n solemn_o assemble_v to_o treat_v concern_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o any_o point_n introduce_v into_o religion_n be_v reverent_o to_o be_v attend_v to_o reason_n urge_v a_o regard_n to_o those_o who_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o study_n or_o the_o prospect_n they_o have_v obtain_v from_o a_o high_a ground_n and_o according_a to_o the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o live_v be_v probable_o capacitate_v to_o assist_v our_o judgement_n and_o to_o determine_v a_o controversy_n better_o than_o ourselves_o when_o person_n of_o learning_n piety_n and_o authority_n also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v assemble_v in_o his_o name_n with_o a_o real_a intention_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o difficult_a and_o dispute_v proposition_n humble_o beg_v the_o divine_a assistance_n and_o blessing_n on_o their_o endeavour_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o incline_v to_o their_o determination_n when_o neither_o secular_a interest_n or_o a_o blind_a passion_n or_o the_o force_n of_o other_o gain_v their_o vote_n and_o procure_v their_o assent_n nay_o when_o these_o be_v our_o own_o lawful_a governor_n though_o nothing_o can_v force_v our_o belief_n we_o may_v in_o a_o improper_a sense_n call_v their_o determination_n infallible_a quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la because_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o avoid_v schism_n and_o to_o preserve_v a_o ecclesiastical_a union_n among_o we_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o they_o bind_v we_o not_o to_o contradict_v they_o public_o by_o any_o external_a solemn_a act_n since_o we_o ourselves_o have_v our_o assent_n virtual_o imply_v in_o canon_n or_o law_n make_v by_o those_o who_o public_o represent_v we_o although_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v every_o proposition_n thus_o determine_v to_o be_v exact_o true_a unless_o it_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o with_o sufficient_a evidence_n to_o convince_v our_o judgement_n if_o we_o have_v ability_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o proof_n themselves_o to_o restrain_v the_o external_a act_n and_o discourse_n of_o man_n when_o they_o oppose_v the_o public_a sanction_n and_o constitution_n of_o those_o who_o be_v fix_v in_o such_o place_n of_o authority_n be_v plain_o necessary_a to_o keep_v peace_n and_o order_n in_o any_o
they_o be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o be_v wear_v to_o remember_v they_o of_o the_o law_n as_o well_o as_o to_o difference_n the_o jew_n from_o other_o nation_n and_o to_o prevent_v idolatry_n as_o often_o as_o they_o look_v upon_o these_o fringe_n which_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n command_v they_o to_o wear_v numb_a 15.38_o scrupulous_a be_v these_o man_n in_o relation_n to_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n but_o they_o regard_v not_o so_o much_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o nor_o what_o these_o thing_n be_v ordain_v to_o signify_v and_o represent_v we_o read_v of_o some_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n that_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n who_o yet_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o 2._o tim._n 3.4_o and_o this_o continue_v still_o in_o the_o world_n and_o will_v so_o long_o as_o religion_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v veil_v with_o hypocrisy_n and_o one_o man_n can_v discern_v the_o inside_n of_o another_o it_o be_v but_o be_v strict_a in_o outward_a appearance_n and_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v be_v account_v a_o saint_n and_o if_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n be_v avoid_v mens_fw-la inside_n may_v be_v full_a of_o rottenness_n and_o corruption_n and_o they_o be_v canonize_v still_o thus_o the_o devil_n may_v be_v take_v for_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n if_o he_o can_v but_o hide_v his_o malice_n and_o his_o flame_n and_o man_n may_v cheat_v their_o neighbour_n commit_v adultery_n or_o secret_a murder_n if_o their_o action_n escape_v the_o notice_n of_o other_o and_o they_o make_v not_o themselves_o a_o spectacle_n to_o the_o world_n this_o the_o minister_n of_o satan_n do_v like_v he_o act_v deed_n of_o darkness_n within_o whilst_o yet_o a_o candle_n be_v hang_v out_o at_o their_o door_n that_o be_v earnest_a for_o reformation_n in_o other_o man_n but_o do_v not_o at_o all_o reform_v themselves_o only_o they_o endeavour_v to_o cover_v those_o fault_n which_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o strive_v to_o amend_v if_o they_o bless_v god_n with_o their_o mouth_n they_o care_v not_o if_o they_o blaspheme_v he_o in_o their_o heart_n because_o their_o business_n be_v not_o to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o god_n but_o unto_o those_o man_n who_o they_o designing_o delude_v god_n himself_o complain_v of_o such_o atheistical_a hypocrite_n that_o turn_v thing_n upside_o down_o that_o seek_v to_o hide_v their_o counsel_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o work_n be_v in_o the_o dark_a they_o draw_v near_o i_o say_v god_n with_o their_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o lip_n do_v honour_n i_o but_o have_v remove_v their_o heart_n far_o from_o i_o isai_n 29.13_o and_o there_o be_v yet_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o lament_v the_o sad_a state_n of_o professor_n of_o christianity_n who_o be_v still_o beguile_v with_o good_a word_n into_o ill_a practice_n and_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n be_v draw_v to_o renounce_v it_o but_o yet_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o such_o various_a principle_n preach_v to_o the_o world_n with_o noise_n and_o confidence_n with_o great_a zeal_n though_o little_a reason_n which_o therefore_o as_o a_o enemy_n some_o disgrace_n and_o vilify_v they_o distract_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o that_o be_v unsettle_a disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o all_o society_n both_o civil_a and_o religious_a draw_v man_n into_o heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n and_o make_v they_o think_v those_o prophet_n inspire_v with_o the_o breath_n of_o god_n that_o swell_v only_o with_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o disgorge_v themselves_o in_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n among_o mankind_n and_o the_o doctrine_n that_o cause_v these_o disorder_n they_o manage_v with_o such_o art_n and_o such_o suitable_a application_n and_o have_v so_o many_o plausible_a plea_n to_o the_o world_n by_o which_o they_o spread_v they_o with_o too_o much_o success_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o it_o must_v full_o convince_v we_o of_o a_o necessity_n to_o use_v diligence_n in_o our_o inquiry_n and_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o argument_n and_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o that_o come_v to_o preach_v religion_n among_o we_o let_v their_o pretension_n of_o authority_n be_v what_o they_o will_v though_o they_o arise_v as_o high_a as_o inspiration_n and_o aver_v their_o commission_n to_o be_v from_o heaven_n chap._n vi_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o my_o second_o particular_a propose_v about_o this_o duty_n of_o try_v spirit_n and_o that_o be_v to_o give_v you_o some_o direction_n how_o to_o know_v when_o doctrine_n propound_v as_o come_v from_o god_n be_v indeed_o reveal_v from_o heaven_n and_o the_o deliverer_n to_o be_v believe_v as_o inspire_v from_o above_o and_o according_o to_o be_v entertain_v in_o the_o world_n now_o because_o man_n be_v apt_a sometime_o to_o rely_v on_o false_a character_n of_o trial_n and_o there_o be_v several_a mark_n set_v up_o by_o man_n of_o various_a humour_n and_o interest_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n by_o which_o they_o pretend_v they_o be_v able_a to_o direct_v themselves_o and_o other_o and_o try_v doctrine_n and_o opinion_n i_o shall_v make_v some_o brief_a reflection_n on_o they_o that_o no_o prejudice_n may_v remain_v to_o hinder_v we_o from_o embrace_v the_o true_a method_n of_o try_v man_n proposition_n in_o religion_n especial_o those_o who_o come_v with_o so_o great_a a_o authority_n as_o inspiration_n and_o 1._o we_o meet_v with_o many_o in_o the_o world_n who_o suppose_v what_o they_o call_v the_o church_n which_o they_o make_v as_o narrow_a and_o little_a as_o they_o can_v to_o be_v either_o that_o into_o which_o they_o ultimate_o resolve_v their_o faith_n or_o at_o least_o to_o have_v such_o authority_n as_o to_o determine_v all_o point_n in_o religion_n and_o what_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v accept_v as_o divine_a and_o therefore_o by_o her_o judgement_n all_o spirit_n and_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o determine_v but_o this_o guide_n will_v many_o time_n be_v uncertain_a nay_o false_a too_o if_o a_o society_n of_o man_n call_v the_o church_n agree_v upon_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v erroneous_a which_o we_o find_v a_o thing_n not_o impossible_a when_o our_o present_a experience_n may_v inform_v we_o that_o rome_n which_o will_v be_v the_o only_a church_n and_o many_o separate_a congregation_n in_o the_o world_n who_o yet_o assume_v the_o honour_n of_o a_o church_n err_v in_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o in_o many_o way_n of_o discipline_n and_o manner_n and_o this_o be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o a_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n and_o that_o every_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o error_n and_o that_o all_o council_n be_v manage_v by_o vote_n and_o these_o many_o time_n be_v give_v wrong_a not_o only_o through_o ignorance_n or_o inadvertency_n but_o humour_n and_o interest_n so_o far_o prevail_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o many_o that_o we_o can_v yield_v their_o determination_n to_o be_v infallible_a especial_o since_o we_o often_o find_v great_a assembly_n manage_v by_o the_o trick_n and_o device_n of_o a_o few_o who_o design_n be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o multitude_n draw_v they_o by_o degree_n into_o the_o consent_n to_o what_o have_v they_o foresee_v they_o will_v never_o have_v yield_v be_v the_o promise_n indeed_o of_o a_o infallible_a direction_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v to_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o tie_v to_o the_o assembly_n which_o christian_n call_v council_n we_o can_v not_o reasonable_o dispute_v their_o determination_n but_o must_v obey_v they_o but_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v to_o publish_v a_o infallible_a rule_n to_o the_o world_n and_o neither_o make_v nor_o useful_a to_o future_a generation_n but_o only_o to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o every_o christian_a be_v to_o submit_v both_o his_o faith_n and_o practice_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o thing_n now_o ordain_v by_o any_o church_n or_o society_n of_o man_n whatever_o authority_n they_o may_v claim_v above_o we_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n have_v neither_o strength_n nor_o authority_n unless_o it_o may_v be_v declare_v that_o they_o may_v be_v take_v out_o of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o general_a council_n may_v err_v and_o have_v err_v in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n as_o our_o church_n declare_v in_o the_o twenty_o first_o article_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o they_o they_o be_v custodes_fw-la legis_fw-la the_o keeper_n
of_o the_o law_n so_o the_o church_n among_o the_o christian_n have_v the_o gospel_n commit_v to_o her_o custody_n and_o have_v a_o power_n to_o determine_v in_o indifferent_a matter_n to_o order_v all_o the_o circumstance_n in_o religion_n for_o decency_n order_n and_o edification_n and_o authority_n to_o restrain_v such_o controversy_n as_o tend_v to_o make_v a_o schism_n and_o separation_n and_o dissolve_v that_o unity_n which_o christian_n be_v frequent_o exhort_v to_o keep_v so_o that_o although_o the_o church_n be_v a_o witness_n and_o keeper_n of_o holy_a writ_n yet_o as_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o decree_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o same_o so_o beside_o the_o same_o ought_v it_o not_o to_o enforce_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v for_o necessity_n of_o salvation_n as_o our_o church_n declare_v in_o her_o twenty_o article_n i_o shall_v not_o deny_v nor_o can_v i_o without_o singular_a pride_n and_o arrogance_n but_o that_o father_n and_o council_n and_o all_o congregation_n of_o holy_a and_o judicious_a christian_n much_o more_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n treat_v about_o a_o point_n in_o religion_n attempt_v to_o be_v introduce_v a_o new_a or_o be_v old_a be_v controvert_v in_o the_o world_n be_v with_o great_a deference_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o for_o every_o man_n reason_n will_v urge_v this_o obligation_n to_o himself_o that_o his_o own_o judgement_n be_v render_v suspect_v when_o it_o oppose_v the_o common_a and_o unite_a determination_n of_o person_n that_o can_v just_o be_v reproach_v with_o want_n either_o of_o skill_n or_o honesty_n and_o it_o be_v ordinary_a for_o man_n to_o mistrust_v the_o sight_n of_o their_o own_o eye_n when_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o have_v the_o same_o advantage_n can_v behold_v what_o a_o single_a person_n pretend_v to_o see_v and_o in_o religious_a affair_n and_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n when_o person_n of_o learning_n piety_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n assemble_v with_o solemnity_n and_o have_v a_o real_a intention_n to_o employ_v with_o all_o faithfulness_n and_o diligence_n those_o part_n which_o god_n have_v bless_v and_o increase_v to_o they_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o peculiar_a education_n and_o study_n invoke_v a_o divine_a influence_n upon_o their_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o meaning_n of_o any_o difficult_a and_o controvert_v proposition_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o incline_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o these_o shall_v deliver_v for_o truth_n unless_o the_o contrary_a be_v so_o apparent_a to_o we_o upon_o sufficient_a enquiry_n that_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o hesitation_n at_o all_o this_o be_v the_o moderate_a opinion_n of_o our_o own_o church_n we_o be_v oppose_v in_o it_o both_o by_o the_o papist_n and_o fanatic_a the_o former_a assert_n that_o major_a est_fw-la autoritas_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la quam_fw-la scripturae_fw-la that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o traditiones_fw-la sunt_fw-la pari_fw-la pietatis_fw-la affectu_fw-la cum_fw-la scripture_n recipiendae_fw-la their_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o the_o same_o affection_n and_o devotion_n as_o the_o scripture_n and_o true_o the_o latter_a come_v not_o far_o short_a of_o these_o but_o as_o much_o confine_n when_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n the_o belief_n as_o well_o as_o practise_v of_o their_o member_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o assembly_n and_o little_o differ_v from_o the_o roman_a infallibility_n in_o the_o end_n and_o design_n for_o if_o any_o church_n among_o ourselves_o do_v yet_o affirm_v as_o they_o have_v former_o declare_v that_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n be_v to_o be_v the_o pattern_n of_o their_o reformation_n then_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o expect_v the_o same_o submission_n both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n to_o their_o assembly_n determination_n as_o a_o popish_a council_n do_v to_o their_o canon_n or_o the_o pope_n himself_o to_o his_o decree_n for_o to_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n 1638_o they_o swear_v that_o for_o judgement_n and_o practice_n they_o will_v adhere_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o it_o though_o perhaps_o they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o will_v determine_v but_o to_o leave_v the_o person_n of_o those_o that_o stretch_v the_o power_n of_o a_o church_n beyond_o the_o authority_n god_n have_v give_v she_o there_o be_v three_o reason_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o any_o church_n or_o council_n of_o man_n can_v lay_v down_o any_o proposition_n which_o derive_v their_o utmost_a authority_n from_o themselves_o that_o may_v be_v the_o ultimate_a rule_n by_o which_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o other_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v 1._o because_o god_n to_o who_o our_o religion_n relate_v have_v appoint_v a_o rule_n that_o be_v superior_a to_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n must_v bind_v their_o fancy_n and_o opinion_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o determine_v their_o faith_n with_o those_o general_a action_n that_o be_v deem_v religious_a to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o scripture_n give_v to_o the_o world_n if_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rule_n and_o direction_n to_o man_n nay_o god_n be_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o reason_n claim_v the_o supreme_a sovereignty_n over_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v make_v it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o impose_v what_o law_n he_o will_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o goodness_n to_o reveal_v they_o that_o man_n may_v not_o err_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n nor_o their_o thought_n contradict_v the_o will_n of_o their_o maker_n now_o this_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v sufficient_o authorize_v by_o his_o own_o sanction_n in_o that_o miracle_n attend_v their_o first_o publication_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n that_o prove_v they_o god_n own_o act_n and_o deed_n when_o they_o no_o way_n contradict_v the_o natural_a notion_n and_o the_o prime_a foundation_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o man_n the_o scripture_n therefore_o be_v thus_o give_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o must_v either_o be_v our_o supreme_a direction_n and_o a_o infallible_a guide_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o else_o they_o be_v deliver_v to_o no_o purpose_n or_o to_o cheat_v and_o delude_v mankind_n the_o former_a consist_v not_o with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o latter_a will_v contradict_v both_o his_o goodness_n and_o his_o truth_n all_o the_o difficulty_n than_o will_v be_v whether_o this_o rule_n be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o any_o new_a inspiration_n or_o any_o rule_n to_o be_v superad_v beyond_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n itself_o to_o conduct_v man_n in_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o consequent_o whether_o we_o may_v by_o they_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o roman_a infallibility_n or_o what_o be_v the_o same_o in_o another_o dress_n the_o unerring_a spirit_n of_o the_o enthusiast_n but_o admit_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n they_o themselves_o be_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n whilst_o they_o declare_v that_o they_o proceed_v from_o divine_a inspiration_n to_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 2._o no_o canon_n or_o decree_n of_o whatever_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o church_n or_o council_n can_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o try_v doctrine_n in_o religion_n so_o as_o to_o be_v ultimate_a and_o supreme_a because_o all_o the_o conclusion_n and_o proposition_n of_o these_o be_v themselves_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o man_n either_o with_o or_o without_o the_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n and_o all_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v try_v themselves_o for_o this_o must_v be_v include_v as_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o s._n john_n direction_n try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n that_o therefore_o which_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o high_a tribunal_n can_v be_v itself_o the_o high_a nor_o what_o be_v appoint_v sole_o to_o aid_v we_o in_o our_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o opinion_n nor_o the_o utmost_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o must_v examine_v they_o last_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n of_o old_a nay_o of_o christ_n himself_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o examination_n of_o man_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o mankind_n to_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o proposition_n before_o they_o believe_v they_o then_o certain_o no_o assembly_n of_o man_n can_v now_o in_o reason_n pretend_v such_o authority_n to_o impose_v their_o own_o
it_o be_v but_o call_v any_o one_o heretic_n and_o a_o dress_v he_o up_o with_o picture_n of_o devil_n and_o present_o he_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o flame_n and_o this_o be_v such_o a_o sovereign_a power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n that_o it_o reach_v not_o only_o the_o body_n but_o the_o soul_n thus_o as_o some_o flea_n the_o truth_n to_o prove_v it_o naked_a and_o instead_o of_o declare_v it_o expose_v it_o so_o other_o pretend_v to_o its_o safe_a custody_n permit_v none_o to_o understand_v it_o but_o themselves_o and_o so_o the_o rest_n must_v swallow_v a_o serpent_n for_o a_o fish_n and_o eat_v stone_n instead_o of_o bread_n as_o if_o impose_v cheat_n upon_o the_o world_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o prove_v a_o man_n insallible_a and_o delude_v other_o be_v the_o only_a argument_n to_o evidence_n that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v ourselves_o this_o be_v the_o great_a secret_a of_o the_o roman_a empire_n that_o do_v not_o only_a silence_n dispute_v but_o forbid_v enquiry_n that_o do_v not_o only_o stop_v the_o mouth_n but_o crack_v the_o skull_n of_o mankind_n take_v away_o our_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o our_o choice_n and_o metamorphosing_a man_n into_o beast_n and_o then_o they_o put_v the_o yoke_n upon_o we_o and_o whip_v we_o on_o to_o toil_n and_o drudgery_n that_o their_o own_o pasture_n may_v be_v cover_v with_o flock_n and_o their_o valley_n stand_v thick_a with_o corn_n whilst_o the_o high_a hill_n laugh_v and_o sing_v for_o if_o it_o be_v once_o suppose_v that_o their_o church_n be_v infallible_a whatever_o they_o determine_v must_v be_v true_a and_o when_o we_o have_v vow_v obedience_n to_o they_o it_o will_v be_v too_o late_o afterward_o to_o make_v enquiry_n a_o powerful_a way_n this_o be_v to_o reconcile_v man_n when_o contradiction_n themselves_o may_v thus_o meet_v and_o at_o any_o infinite_a distance_n embrace_v when_o the_o romanist_n please_v to_o declare_v they_o true_a if_o this_o one_o point_n be_v but_o admit_v it_o will_v be_v ridiculous_a to_o dispute_v the_o rest_n for_o all_o the_o article_n must_v certain_o be_v true_a which_o a_o church_n have_v determine_v that_o can_v err_v this_o be_v a_o new_a way_n indeed_o to_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n to_o pull_v out_o our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v see_v the_o better_a and_o instead_o of_o captivate_v our_o understanding_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n to_o deliver_v up_o our_o reason_n to_o another_o man_n this_o be_v perfect_o to_o enslave_v ourselves_o when_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a to_o entangle_v our_o neck_n in_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n and_o to_o leave_v the_o burden_n of_o the_o old_a law_n for_o the_o great_a load_n and_o oppression_n of_o a_o new_a and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o like_o gentle_a beast_n ready_o trap_v and_o furnish_v for_o other_o to_o ride_v we_o let_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n once_o be_v infallible_a and_o then_o they_o become_v as_o omniscient_a as_o apollo_n all_o their_o determination_n be_v ex_fw-la tripod_n and_o we_o must_v then_o become_v as_o silent_a as_o in_o the_o grave_a and_o make_v ourselves_o a_o prey_n to_o these_o worm_n we_o must_v kneel_v down_o at_o the_o pope_n foot_n and_o make_v ourselves_o fit_a to_o be_v tread_v upon_o but_o our_o reason_n be_v so_o proper_o our_o own_o that_o as_o no_o man_n have_v a_o right_a over_o it_o so_o be_v it_o strong_o fortify_v within_o we_o that_o none_o be_v able_a to_o take_v it_o from_o we_o unless_o we_o will_v deliver_v it_o up_o ourselves_o if_o we_o will_v suffer_v the_o philistine_n to_o deprive_v we_o of_o our_o strength_n and_o put_v out_o our_o eye_n they_o will_v certain_o then_o make_v sport_n with_o we_o and_o if_o we_o yield_v so_o great_a a_o point_n as_o they_o unjust_o challenge_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a we_o deserve_v then_o to_o be_v make_v a_o spectacle_n when_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o prove_v their_o authority_n but_o because_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o rule_v and_o we_o become_v such_o fool_n as_o to_o obey_v the_o prophet_n than_o may_v prophesy_v false_o and_o the_o priest_n bear_v rule_v by_o their_o mean_n when_o the_o people_n shall_v love_v to_o have_v it_o so_o and_o what_o will_v you_o do_v in_o the_o end_n thereof_o jer._n 5.31_o seneca_n say_v of_o man_n that_o be_v curious_a about_o trifle_n operose_fw-la nihil_fw-la agunt_fw-la de_n brev_v aquavitae_fw-la cap._n 13._o that_o they_o be_v very_o industrious_a about_o nothing_o and_o though_o the_o study_v of_o many_o of_o our_o modern_a controversy_n be_v like_o a_o emperor_n lock_v himself_o into_o his_o closet_n that_o he_o may_v be_v very_o busy_a in_o catch_v fly_n and_o we_o may_v say_v of_o some_o great_a controvertist_n in_o the_o world_n what_o seneca_n say_v of_o those_o that_o take_v abundance_n of_o pain_n to_o find_v out_o a_o few_o unprofitable_a experiment_n that_o by_o this_o they_o do_v not_o appear_v more_o learned_a but_o troublesome_a vid._n ut_fw-la sup_n yet_o when_o by_o admit_v a_o principle_n our_o reason_n be_v destroy_v and_o our_o religion_n in_o a_o eternal_a hazard_n by_o be_v at_o the_o devoir_n of_o another_o altogether_o as_o fallible_a as_o ourselves_o and_o of_o who_o honesty_n we_o can_v always_o be_v assure_v we_o must_v then_o rally_v our_o argument_n to_o resist_v or_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v lead_v into_o slavery_n that_o there_o be_v not_o therefore_o a_o foundation_n from_o any_o text_n for_o the_o romanist_n pretend_v infallibility_n nor_o any_o argument_n ground_v upon_o reason_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v brief_o to_o make_v appear_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v yet_o believe_v ourselves_o to_o be_v man_n and_o the_o pope_n himself_o to_o be_v no_o other_o because_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a promise_n of_o entire_a infallibility_n make_v to_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n but_o only_o with_o limitation_n and_o restriction_n i_o ready_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v promise_n of_o infallibility_n in_o some_o text_n but_o these_o be_v make_v good_a in_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n and_o yet_o though_o deliver_v in_o general_a term_n they_o be_v to_o be_v restrain_v not_o only_o to_o the_o person_n to_o who_o our_o saviour_n speak_v but_o to_o thing_n necessary_a for_o they_o to_o know_v in_o relation_n to_o that_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v inspire_v and_o these_o be_v only_o such_o truth_n as_o our_o saviour_n deliver_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n for_o posterity_n to_o guide_v themselves_o by_o in_o relation_n to_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n this_o be_v plain_a both_o from_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n of_o which_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n guide_v into_o all_o truth_n joh._n 6.3_o be_v the_o former_a and_o from_o the_o comparison_n of_o this_o text_n with_o another_o in_o the_o verse_n of_o which_o this_o text_n be_v a_o part_n we_o have_v this_o add_v to_o confirm_v the_o promise_n lest_o any_o shall_v think_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n shall_v not_o prove_v equal_o certain_a with_o the_o declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v hear_v that_o shall_v he_o speak_v whatsoever_o he_o shall_v be_v commission_v to_o inspire_v you_o with_o that_o shall_v he_o communicate_v unto_o you_o which_o be_v still_o include_v in_o these_o two_o particular_n 1._o in_o what_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v deliver_v to_o they_o or_o 2._o in_o what_o he_o shall_v suggest_v to_o they_o to_o make_v their_o defence_n before_o king_n and_o ruler_n which_o need_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v they_o who_o ignorance_n in_o the_o law_n may_v cause_v they_o to_o fear_v because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v teach_v they_o in_o the_o same_o hour_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o say_v luke_o 12.11_o 12._o this_o only_o be_v superad_v and_o he_o will_v show_v you_o thing_n to_o come_v which_o must_v either_o relate_v to_o the_o gnostick_n defection_n and_o the_o perdition_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v predict_v matth._n 24._o or_o else_o to_o the_o spiritual_a nature_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o prejudice_v against_o to_o inform_v they_o that_o this_o with_o some_o other_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v not_o bear_v whilst_o he_o be_v with_o they_o in_o the_o flesh_n they_o shall_v at_o last_o be_v satisfy_v in_o joh._n 10.12_o or_o else_o it_o must_v include_v those_o prediction_n of_o prophet_n more_o frequent_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n such_o be_v that_o of_o agabus_n act_n 11.28_o who_o foretell_v the_o famine_n that_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o day_n of_o claudius_n caesar_n and_o that_o prediction_n of_o s._n paul_n bond_n and_o imprisonment_n act_n 21.11_o all_o which_o
all_o church_n must_v be_v infallible_a or_o none_o especial_o all_o that_o be_v able_a to_o derive_v their_o succession_n from_o any_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n that_o be_v once_o bishop_n and_o preside_v there_o and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v infallible_a because_o s._n james_n the_o less_o be_v appoint_v their_o bishop_n either_o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o as_o some_o say_v or_o else_o immediate_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o other_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n because_o this_o be_v the_o bishopric_n of_o s._n mark_n must_v become_v as_o infallible_a as_o that_o of_o rome_n that_o of_o constantinople_n because_o found_v by_o s._n andrew_n that_o of_o ephesus_n because_o s._n john_n be_v seat_v there_o nay_o those_o also_o of_o smyrna_n pergamus_n thyatira_n sardis_n philadelphia_n and_o laodicea_n because_o this_o apostle_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o they_o nay_o and_o our_o own_o church_n of_o britain_n too_o which_o our_o adversary_n will_v hardly_o yield_v infallible_a because_o simon_n the_o zealot_n preach_v here_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n and_o at_o last_o suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o native_a soil_n have_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o bone_n if_o the_o greek_a menology_n may_v obtain_v any_o credit_n among_o man_n but_o to_o bring_v this_o business_n near_o to_o a_o head_n if_o this_o infallibility_n will_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o all_o church_n of_o the_o apostle_n plant_v nor_o to_o those_o over_o which_o they_o more_o especial_o preside_v as_o they_o certain_o will_v never_o yield_v it_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o keep_v it_o unto_o themselves_o yet_o why_o shall_v not_o antioch_n become_v infallible_a which_o be_v a_o church_n of_o s._n peter_n plant_v at_o least_o seven_o year_n before_o he_o come_v to_o rome_n must_v the_o elder_a sister_n become_v a_o fool_n that_o the_o young_a may_v appear_v infallible_a or_o must_v we_o deny_v the_o privilege_n of_o antioch_n because_o it_o will_v invalidate_v that_o of_o rome_n the_o latter_a seem_v their_o most_o probable_a conjecture_n though_o it_o be_v easy_o prove_v s._n peter_n be_v at_o antioch_n but_o eager_o dispute_v whether_o ever_o he_o be_v at_o rome_n but_o allow_v s._n peter_n to_o have_v be_v at_o rome_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o have_v be_v bishop_n there_o and_o the_o present_a pope_n to_o be_v his_o successor_n which_o yet_o be_v hard_a for_o they_o to_o prove_v especial_o when_o the_o succession_n be_v to_o be_v trace_v through_o their_o anti-popes_n and_o pope_n joan_n must_v become_v a_o holy_a father_n too_o how_o come_v this_o promise_n of_o infallibility_n to_o be_v fix_v only_o upon_o s._n peter_n when_o it_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o whole_a apostolical_a college_n if_o you_o will_v say_v that_o the_o infallibility_n can_v be_v fix_v but_o in_o one_o and_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o discourse_n of_o many_o omnipotents_a as_o many_o infallible_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v with_o equal_a success_n be_v the_o infallibility_n not_o capable_a of_o restraint_n yet_o why_o must_v it_o be_v fix_v upon_o s._n peter_n and_o not_o on_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n s._n paul_n though_o a_o late_a apostle_n have_v as_o much_o to_o plead_v for_o a_o settlement_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o gentile_n as_o ever_o s._n peter_n to_o fix_v it_o upon_o the_o jew_n nay_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o derive_v it_o from_o s._n paul_n than_o ever_o they_o have_v for_o derive_v it_o from_o s._n peter_n unless_o they_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o succeed_v the_o circumcision_n of_o which_o s._n peter_n be_v only_a bishop_n but_o perhaps_o they_o will_v plead_v infallibility_n from_o supremacy_n and_o afterward_o if_o occasion_n serve_v plead_v supremacy_n from_o infallibility_n again_o yet_o still_o s._n paul_n will_v bid_v as_o fair_a for_o the_o supremacy_n too_o if_o we_o take_v time_n to_o examine_v his_o plea_n saint_n paul_n be_v not_o only_o design_v to_o his_o apostleship_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n before_o he_o have_v any_o merit_n in_o himself_o be_v a_o choose_a vessel_n to_o bear_v christ_n name_n among_o the_o gentile_n when_o he_o be_v appoint_v to_o his_o office_n from_o his_o mother_n womb_n gal._n 1.15_o but_o his_o conversion_n be_v attend_v with_o miracle_n and_o from_o a_o persecutor_n when_o the_o design_n be_v lay_v and_o his_o malice_n big_a against_o the_o christian_a church_n he_o be_v strike_v down_o with_o a_o dart_n from_o heaven_n and_o convince_v by_o that_o light_n which_o make_v he_o blind_a he_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o religion_n with_o pomp_n and_o ceremony_n and_o usher_v into_o the_o church_n with_o a_o train_n of_o circumstance_n that_o be_v herald_n to_o his_o honour_n and_o proclaim_v he_o great_a act_n 9_o nor_o be_v he_o great_a in_o his_o apostleship_n than_o in_o his_o suffering_n for_o after_o a_o large_a catalogue_n of_o his_o misery_n two_o cor._n 11._o he_o make_v the_o tragedy_n complete_a by_o his_o death_n he_o be_v throw_v into_o prison_n with_o s._n peter_n and_o if_o baronius_n may_v be_v credit_v the_o pillar_n be_v yet_o remain_v at_o which_o they_o be_v both_o bind_v and_o scourge_v and_o have_v he_o not_o be_v a_o roman_a he_o may_v have_v be_v crucify_v with_o s._n peter_n but_o be_v such_o like_o a_o person_n of_o honour_n he_o be_v behead_v in_o the_o time_n he_o live_v he_o labour_v more_o abundant_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 15.10_o nor_o be_v he_o in_o any_o respect_n behind_o the_o very_a chief_a of_o they_o 2_o cor._n 11.5_o he_o neither_o yield_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o interest_n when_o he_o receive_v his_o first_o conviction_n nor_o do_v he_o when_o he_o be_v baptize_v or_o illuminate_v from_o above_o and_o by_o inspiration_n have_v receive_v a_o sufficient_a commission_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n go_v to_o derive_v his_o authority_n from_o the_o apostle_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v inferior_a unto_o they_o but_o he_o straightway_o preach_v christ_n in_o the_o synagogue_n though_o to_o the_o amazement_n of_o all_o that_o hear_v he_o act_n 9.20_o 21._o he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n though_o his_o former_a zeal_n another_o way_n may_v be_v and_o be_v object_v to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o may_v sufficient_o evidence_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o apostleship_n he_o go_v into_o the_o untrodden_a path_n of_o the_o world_n where_o none_o have_v adventure_v to_o preach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n before_o he_o for_o so_o say_v he_o have_v i_o strive_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n not_o where_o christ_n be_v name_v lest_o i_o shall_v build_v upon_o another_o foundation_n rom._n 15.20_o all_o this_o we_o have_v draw_v into_o a_o narrow_a compass_n gal._n 1.16_o 17._o but_o it_o please_v god_n who_o separate_v i_o from_o my_o mother_n womb_n and_o call_v i_o by_o his_o grace_n to_o reveal_v his_o son_n in_o i_o that_o i_o may_v preach_v he_o among_o the_o heathen_a immediate_o i_o confer_v not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n neither_o go_v i_o up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o those_o which_o be_v apostle_n before_o i_o as_o he_o be_v most_o just_o style_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n for_o the_o care_n of_o all_o their_o church_n lay_v upon_o he_o and_o i_o hope_v the_o roman_n be_v not_o then_o jew_n let_v they_o be_v whatever_o they_o will_v since_o and_o come_v more_o upon_o he_o every_o day_n two_o cor._n 11.28_o he_o oppose_v the_o principal_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o give_v no_o place_n by_o subjection_n no_o not_o for_o a_o hour_n since_o they_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o add_v nothing_o in_o conference_n to_o his_o knowledge_n but_o perceive_v he_o to_o be_v appoint_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o s._n peter_n be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o come_v to_o antioch_n he_o withstand_v peter_n to_o the_o very_a face_n because_o say_v he_o he_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o that_o both_o he_o himself_o have_v dissemble_v with_o the_o jew_n and_o have_v persuade_v james_n and_o barnabas_n into_o the_o same_o compliance_n and_o upon_o the_o whole_a neither_o of_o they_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o this_o difference_n be_v upon_o no_o small_a point_n than_o this_o that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n gal._n 2._o it_o be_v plain_a s._n paul_n have_v here_o in_o a_o proper_a sense_n the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n not_o only_o in_o that_o they_o admit_v he_o into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o they_o give_v he_o the_o pre-eminence_n among_o they_o and_o s._n peter_n
society_n much_o more_o in_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v pure_o christian_a that_o we_o may_v be_v regular_a and_o uniform_a in_o our_o practice_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o division_n among_o we_o and_o that_o the_o common_a act_n which_o we_o be_v to_o join_v in_o as_o a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o christian_a man_n may_v not_o be_v disturb_v by_o particular_a member_n withdraw_v from_o they_o or_o render_v indecent_a or_o invalid_a by_o noise_n or_o confusion_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n upon_o any_o man_n to_o resign_v either_o his_o sense_n or_o reason_n in_o any_o point_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o capable_a judge_n but_o only_o to_o captivate_v it_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n in_o such_o point_n as_o be_v apparent_o reveal_v by_o god_n though_o the_o point_n themselves_o may_v be_v above_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o no_o authority_n can_v oblige_v we_o to_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o stand_a law_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n because_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o law_n both_o to_o our_o governor_n and_o ourselves_o antecedent_o to_o the_o law_n and_o canon_n of_o man_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o we_o reject_v the_o pretence_n of_o aspire_a man_n to_o any_o absolute_a and_o complete_a infallibility_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o promise_n suppose_v to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o sacred_a apostle_n because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o promise_n make_v to_o any_o but_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o writer_n and_o publisher_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n who_o write_n be_v to_o be_v our_o stand_a rule_n in_o all_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n nay_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o first_o divine_a and_o infallible_a guidance_n be_v only_o to_o introduce_v a_o new_a law_n superstruct_v upon_o the_o old_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o free_a religion_n from_o the_o corrupt_a gloss_n and_o custom_n of_o man_n who_o abuse_v their_o authority_n have_v false_o impose_v thing_n on_o other_o to_o obliterate_v the_o old_a ceremonial_a injunction_n prescribe_v to_o the_o jew_n to_o draw_v the_o gentile_n from_o their_o heathen_a idolatry_n and_o to_o erect_v the_o christian_a church_n among_o man_n that_o all_o nation_n may_v flock_v to_o it_o be_v shelter_v in_o one_o fold_n be_v redeem_v from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o destroyer_n and_o feed_v together_o under_o the_o government_n and_o conduct_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o our_o saviour_n promise_v the_o immediate_a and_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o his_o apostle_n that_o be_v before_o of_o mean_a capacity_n they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o understand_v his_o law_n so_o well_o as_o to_o publish_v they_o to_o the_o world_n as_o the_o stand_a rule_n to_o all_o future_a generation_n but_o this_o rule_n be_v once_o complete_v by_o the_o information_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n whilst_o he_o be_v with_o they_o and_o by_o the_o continue_a inspiration_n and_o assistance_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n to_o explain_v some_o thing_n and_o bring_v other_o to_o their_o remembrance_n and_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o publish_v the_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o in_o write_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a law_n of_o religion_n to_o which_o all_o future_a age_n may_v have_v recourse_n for_o guidance_n both_o in_o faith_n and_o manner_n when_o this_o law_n be_v full_o and_o complete_o write_v which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o great_a and_o only_a rule_n of_o man_n religion_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o stand_a infallibility_n to_o interpret_v what_o be_v so_o fair_o write_v that_o in_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n none_o but_o idiot_n can_v possible_o be_v mistake_v and_o none_o but_o knave_n will_v endeavour_v to_o mislead_v they_o for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o have_v humility_n enough_o to_o use_v the_o help_n of_o the_o learned_a in_o religion_n and_o grace_n enough_o to_o implore_v the_o ordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o god_n give_v to_o those_o that_o ask_v he_o but_o if_o he_o endeavour_v with_o sincerity_n to_o live_v according_a to_o what_o he_o already_o know_v and_o faithful_o and_o honest_o apply_v his_o rational_a faculty_n to_o the_o diligent_a search_n of_o divine_a truth_n he_o shall_v certain_o attain_v such_o degree_n and_o advancement_n of_o knowledge_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n if_o he_o do_v not_o too_o much_o strive_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v and_o if_o after_o all_o this_o he_o chance_v to_o fall_v into_o any_o error_n through_o the_o naked_a infirmity_n of_o human_a nature_n it_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o will_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o foundation_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v so_o severe_o lay_v to_o his_o charge_n as_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o condemn_v he_o hereafter_o when_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o own_o power_n to_o help_v it_o the_o scripture_n certain_o be_v first_o design_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o a_o rule_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o all_o who_o be_v to_o take_v their_o measure_n by_o it_o may_v be_v able_a by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o to_o compare_v their_o belief_n and_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n and_o also_o to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o the_o whole_a nay_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o rational_a power_n together_o with_o those_o assistance_n we_o be_v direct_v to_o and_o make_v use_n of_o these_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n yield_v this_o to_o be_v true_a unless_o we_o will_v be_v perverse_a and_o obstinate_a in_o every_o thing_n for_o if_o we_o think_v upon_o the_o quality_n of_o 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apostle_n be_v write_v or_o else_o we_o receive_v they_o faithful_o translate_v especial_o in_o necessary_a doctrine_n and_o rule_n which_o the_o critic_n themselves_o can_v well_v torture_n because_o they_o be_v often_o than_o once_o deliver_v from_o several_a pious_a and_o learned_a man_n who_o more_o perfect_o and_o complete_o understand_v they_o why_o shall_v thing_n therefore_o that_o be_v at_o first_o plain_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a be_v so_o obscure_a to_o we_o that_o we_o must_v want_v a_o guide_n who_o be_v infallible_a to_o direct_v we_o almost_o in_o all_o our_o way_n and_o what_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o he_o split_v we_o at_o last_o against_o a_o stone_n if_o god_n have_v not_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o bridle_v mankind_n so_o as_o to_o curb_v they_o from_o become_a sinner_n but_o have_v in_o this_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o
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like_o the_o jew_n in_o barbary_n refuse_v to_o eat_v of_o that_o meat_n which_o be_v dress_v by_o one_o of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n or_o to_o drink_v in_o the_o same_o cup_n with_o a_o moor_n when_o he_o be_v a_o person_n of_o a_o wholesome_a constitution_n until_o it_o have_v undergo_v the_o ceremony_n of_o wash_v truth_n in_o this_o world_n will_v be_v blend_v with_o error_n and_o it_o be_v the_o prudence_n as_o well_o as_o piety_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o make_v a_o separation_n of_o the_o wheat_n from_o the_o chaff_n and_o not_o to_o slight_v and_o refuse_v the_o one_o because_o the_o other_o have_v be_v mix_v with_o it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o as_o mr._n hales_n express_v it_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o apostle_n which_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n be_v make_v good_a unto_o they_o by_o private_a and_o secret_a inform_v their_o understanding_n with_o high_a and_o heavenly_a mystery_n which_o never_o enter_v into_o the_o conceit_n of_o man_n and_o to_o we_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v good_a because_o what_o be_v write_v by_o revelation_n in_o their_o heart_n for_o our_o instruction_n they_o have_v write_v in_o their_o book_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o assistance_n the_o spirit_n give_v we_o for_o though_o he_o do_v not_o inspire_v we_o with_o any_o new_a doctrine_n you_o he_o open_v our_o understanding_n to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o old_a i_o be_o far_o from_o admit_v the_o conceit_n of_o a_o impulse_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o life_n because_o we_o know_v what_o mischief_n have_v overspread_v the_o world_n when_o proposition_n have_v be_v veil_v with_o such_o a_o pretence_n and_o it_o may_v be_v our_o own_o as_o well_o as_o s._n augustine_n observation_n tanto_fw-la sunt_fw-la ad_fw-la seditionem_fw-la faciliores_fw-la quanto_fw-la sibi_fw-la videntur_fw-la spiritu_fw-la excellere_fw-la man_n be_v the_o more_o prone_a to_o sedition_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o they_o seem_v to_o excel_v in_o their_o inspiration_n yet_o there_o can_v appear_v the_o same_o danger_n where_o the_o spirit_n only_o assist_v our_o understanding_n to_o apprehend_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v already_o deliver_v and_o incline_v our_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o embrace_v they_o when_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o s._n john_n we_o be_v not_o so_o credulous_a as_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o 1_o john_n 4.1_o now_o then_o only_o may_v we_o reasonable_o conclude_v our_o understanding_n to_o be_v influence_v by_o the_o spirit_n when_o our_o notion_n agree_v with_o the_o write_a word_n for_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n say_v the_o prophet_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o morning_n or_o light_n in_o they_o isa_n 8.20_o there_o be_v divers_a mean_n natural_a in_o themselves_o and_o rational_o appoint_v by_o almighty_a god_n for_o the_o inform_a man_n in_o the_o truth_n that_o concern_v they_o read_v meditation_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v proper_a method_n to_o inform_v our_o understanding_n and_o to_o guide_v we_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n but_o prayer_n be_v therefore_o wont_a to_o be_v superad_v not_o only_o to_o compose_v our_o mind_n and_o make_v they_o fit_a for_o divine_a contemplation_n by_o a_o sequestration_n of_o our_o thought_n from_o those_o external_a object_n that_o by_o intermix_v themselves_o with_o those_o that_o be_v more_o spiritual_a confound_v our_o idea_n and_o notice_n of_o thing_n and_o render_v our_o mind_n more_o loose_a and_o extravagant_a but_o because_o prayer_n supplicate_v those_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o facilitate_v our_o apprehension_n of_o truth_n by_o remove_v object_n that_o crumble_v and_o disorder_v they_o and_o it_o