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among_o themselves_o which_o can_v never_o yet_o be_v decide_v and_o yet_o till_o it_o be_v decide_v infallibility_n if_o they_o have_v it_o will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o they_o for_o the_o end_n of_o controversy_n five_o there_o be_v no_o such_o absolute_a need_n as_o be_v pretend_v of_o determine_v all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n if_o man_n will_v divest_v themselves_o of_o prejudice_n and_o interest_n as_o they_o ought_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o necessary_a thing_n of_o religion_n be_v plain_a enough_o and_o man_n will_v general_o agree_v well_o enough_o about_o they_o but_o if_o man_n will_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v bias_v by_o these_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o a_o infallible_a judge_n if_o there_o be_v one_o or_o they_o will_v find_v out_o some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o call_v his_o infallibility_n into_o question_n and_o as_o for_o doubtful_a and_o lesser_a matter_n in_o religion_n charity_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n among_o christian_n will_v make_v the_o church_n as_o peaceable_a and_o happy_a as_o perhaps_o it_o be_v ever_o design_v to_o be_v in_o this_o world_n without_o absolute_a unity_n in_o opinion_n six_o and_o last_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o man_n judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o religion_n yet_o take_v this_o principle_n with_o the_o caution_n i_o have_v give_v i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o inconvenience_n be_v far_o the_o least_o on_o that_o side_n the_o present_a condition_n of_o humane_a nature_n do_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o constitution_n of_o thing_n whether_o in_o religion_n or_o civil_a matter_n which_o be_v free_a from_o all_o kind_n of_o exception_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o be_v the_o best_a state_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o least_o and_o few_o if_o man_n be_v modest_a and_o humble_a and_o willing_a to_o learn_v god_n have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o church_n without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o be_v so_o i_o can_v tell_v what_o will_v be_v sufficient_a i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v heresy_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o those_o who_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v certain_o guide_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n god_n have_v appoint_v guide_n and_o teacher_n for_o we_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o we_o will_v be_v content_v to_o be_v instruct_v by_o they_o in_o those_o necessary_a article_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v plain_o contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v counsel_v and_o direct_v by_o they_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o doubtful_a and_o difficult_a i_o do_v not_o see_v why_o we_o may_v not_o do_v well_o enough_o without_o any_o infallible_a judge_n or_o guide_n but_o still_o it_o will_v be_v say_v who_o shall_v judge_v what_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o what_o doubtful_a the_o answer_n to_o this_o in_o my_o opinion_n be_v not_o difficult_a for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n plain_a in_o religion_n every_o man_n that_o have_v be_v due_o instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n can_v judge_v of_o it_o or_o else_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a but_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o religion_n so_o very_o plain_a that_o no_o guide_n or_o judge_n can_v in_o reason_n claim_v that_o authority_n over_o man_n as_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o believe_v or_o do_v the_o contrary_a no_o though_o he_o pretend_v to_o infallibility_n no_o though_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n though_o he_o be_v a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n s._n paul_n put_v the_o case_n so_o high_a gal._n 1.8_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o what_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v which_o plain_o suppose_v that_o christian_n may_v and_o can_v judge_v when_o
a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o white-hall_n april_n the_o four_o 1679._o by_o john_n tillotson_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o canterbury_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n publish_a by_o his_o majesty_n special_a command_n london_n print_v for_o brabazon_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n over_o against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n and_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o maidenhead_n over_o against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n mdclxxix_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n april_n the_o four_o 1679._o i_o john_n iu.i._n belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n this_o caution_n and_o counsel_n be_v give_v upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o false_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n that_o be_v rise_v up_o in_o the_o church_n who_o endeavour_v to_o seduce_v man_n from_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o these_o teach_n contrary_a thing_n can_v not_o both_o be_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o st._n john_n call_v upon_o christian_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n and_o pretence_n of_o those_o new_a teacher_n whether_o they_o be_v from_o god_n or_o not_o believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n that_o be_v not_o every_o one_o that_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v inspire_v and_o to_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n that_o be_v examine_v those_o that_o make_v this_o pretence_n whether_o it_o be_v real_a or_o not_o and_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o bring_v because_o there_o be_v many_o impostor_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n in_o which_o there_o be_v contain_v these_o four_o proposition_n first_o that_o man_n may_v and_o often_o do_v false_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o the_o apostle_n ground_n this_o exhortation_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n therefore_o we_o shall_v try_v who_o be_v true_a and_o who_o be_v false_a second_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v every_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v inspire_v and_o to_o teach_v a_o divine_a doctrine_n this_o follow_v upon_o the_o former_a because_o man_n may_v false_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v every_o one_o that_o make_v this_o pretence_n for_o any_o man_n that_o have_v but_o confidence_n enough_o and_o conscience_n little_a enough_o may_v pretend_v to_o come_v from_o god_n and_o if_o we_o admit_v all_o pretence_n of_o this_o kind_n we_o lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o crafty_a and_o confident_a man_n to_o be_v lead_v by_o he_o into_o what_o delusion_n he_o please_v three_o neither_o be_v we_o to_o reject_v all_o that_o pretend_v to_o come_v from_o god_n this_o be_v sufficient_o imply_v in_o the_o text_n for_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n he_o suppose_v we_o be_v to_o believe_v some_o and_o when_o he_o say_v try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n he_o suppose_v some_o to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o those_o which_o be_v so_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v these_o three_o observation_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o i_o need_v only_o to_o name_v they_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o four_o which_o i_o principal_o design_v to_o insist_v upon_o from_o these_o word_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v some_o way_n to_o discern_v mere_a pretender_n to_o inspiration_n from_o those_o who_o be_v true_o and_o divine_o inspire_v and_o this_o be_v necessary_o imply_v in_o the_o apostle_n bid_v we_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o make_v any_o trial_n if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o discern_v between_o pretend_a and_o real_a inspiration_n now_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o will_v give_v occasion_n to_o two_o very_a material_a inquiry_n and_o useful_a to_o be_v resolve_v i._o how_o we_o may_v discern_v between_o true_a and_o counterfeit_a doctrine_n those_o which_o real_o be_v from_o god_n and_o those_o which_o only_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o ii_o to_o who_o this_o judgement_n of_o discern_v do_v appertain_v i._o how_o we_o may_v discern_v between_o true_a and_o counterfeit_a doctrine_n and_o revelation_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o follow_a proposition_n 1._o that_o reason_n be_v the_o faculty_n whereby_o revelation_n be_v to_o be_v discern_v or_o to_o use_v the_o phrase_n in_o the_o text_n it_o be_v that_o whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_n what_o spirit_n be_v of_o god_n and_o what_o not_o for_o all_o revelation_n from_o god_n suppose_v we_o to_o be_v man_n and_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o reason_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o create_v new_a faculty_n in_o we_o but_o propound_v new_a object_n to_o that_o faculty_n which_o be_v in_o we_o before_o whatever_o doctrine_n god_n reveal_v to_o man_n be_v propound_v to_o their_o understanding_n and_o by_o this_o faculty_n we_o be_v to_o examine_v all_o doctrine_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n and_o upon_o examination_n to_o judge_n whether_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o receive_v they_o as_o divine_a or_o to_o reject_v they_o as_o imposture_n 2._o all_o supernatural_a revelation_n suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n we_o must_v first_o be_v assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n before_o we_o can_v know_v that_o he_o have_v make_v any_o revelation_n of_o himself_o and_o we_o must_v know_v that_o all_o his_o word_n be_v true_a otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o revelation_n which_o he_o make_v to_o we_o and_o we_o must_v believe_v his_o authority_n over_o we_o and_o that_o he_o will_v reward_v our_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o punish_v our_o breach_n of_o they_o otherwise_o there_o will_v neither_o be_v sufficient_a obligation_n nor_o encouragement_n to_o obedience_n these_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v true_a and_o natural_o know_v to_o we_o antecedent_o to_o all_o supernatural_a revelation_n otherwise_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o we_o nor_o be_v of_o any_o force_n with_o we_o 3._o all_o reason_v about_o divine_a revelation_n must_v necessary_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o be_v by_o those_o apprehension_n which_o man_n natural_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o by_o the_o clear_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o be_v imprint_v upon_o our_o nature_n because_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o judge_n what_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n and_o credible_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o he_o and_o what_o not_o but_o by_o the_o natural_a notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o essential_a perfection_n which_o because_o we_o know_v he_o to_o be_v immutable_a we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v he_o will_v never_o contradict_v and_o by_o these_o principle_n likewise_o we_o be_v to_o interpret_v what_o god_n have_v reveal_v and_o when_o any_o doubt_n arise_v concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o be_v to_o govern_v ourselves_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o by_o what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o those_o natural_a notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reject_v that_o sense_n which_o be_v contrary_a thereto_o for_o instance_n when_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o have_v a_o humane_a shape_n eye_n ear_n and_o hand_n the_o notion_n which_o man_n natural_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n do_v sufficient_o direct_v we_o to_o interpret_v these_o expression_n in_o a_o sense_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o understand_v they_o as_o rather_o speak_v to_o our_o capacity_n and_o in_o a_o figure_n than_o to_o be_v literal_o intend_v and_o this_o will_v proportionable_o hold_v in_o many_o other_o case_n 4._o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n which_o plain_o contradict_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n or_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o they_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n because_o this_o be_v a_o contradiction_n in_o term_n so_o likewise_o to_o pretend_v a_o command_n from_o god_n that_o we_o be_v to_o hate_v and_o despise_v he_o because_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o god_n shall_v require_v any_o thing_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n so_o unsuitable_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o to_o their_o obligation_n to_o he_o beside_o that_o such_o a_o law_n
be_v their_o best_a security_n and_o if_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v place_v they_o under_o such_o guide_n as_o do_v seduce_v they_o into_o error_n their_o ignorance_n be_v invincible_a and_o god_n will_v not_o condemn_v they_o for_o it_o so_o long_o as_o they_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o they_o know_v it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o especial_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o ignorance_n be_v so_o industrious_o cherish_v i_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n as_o to_o hope_v well_o concern_v many_o of_o they_o and_o see_v that_o church_n teach_v and_o enjoin_v the_o people_n to_o worship_v image_n it_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n charitable_o do_v of_o they_o not_o to_o let_v they_o know_v the_o second_o commandment_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_v against_o so_o plain_a a_o law_n have_v premise_v these_o caution_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o ii_o place_n to_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n viz._n that_o we_o allow_v private_a person_n to_o judge_n for_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n first_o because_o many_o thing_n in_o religion_n especial_o those_o which_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v be_v so_o plain_a that_o every_o man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n after_o competent_a instruction_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v always_o to_o be_v suppose_v can_v as_o well_o judge_v of_o they_o for_o himself_o as_o any_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v judge_v for_o he_o because_o in_o these_o he_o have_v a_o plain_a rule_n to_o go_v by_o natural_a light_n and_o clear_a revelation_n of_o scripture_n and_o this_o be_v no_o new_a principle_n of_o the_o protestant_n but_o most_o express_o own_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n whatever_o thing_n be_v necessary_a be_v plain_a say_v st._n chrysostom_n all_o thing_n be_v plain_o contain_v in_o scripture_n which_o concern_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a life_n say_v st._n austin_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v plain_a to_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o every_o man_n judgement_n for_o every_o man_n can_v judge_n of_o what_o be_v plain_a of_o evident_a truth_n and_o falsehood_n virtue_n and_o vice_n of_o doctrine_n and_o law_n plain_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n if_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o which_o it_o be_v next_o to_o madness_n to_o deny_v i_o will_v refer_v it_o to_o no_o man_n judgement_n upon_o earth_n to_o determine_v for_o i_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o not_o whether_o murder_n and_o perjury_n be_v sin_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a in_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o become_v man_n and_o die_v for_o we_o and_o rise_v again_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o judge_n in_o these_o case_n nor_o can_v i_o possiby_o believe_v any_o man_n to_o be_v so_o absolute_o infallible_a as_o not_o to_o call_v his_o infallibility_n into_o question_n if_o he_o determin_n any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o what_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a to_o all_o mankind_n for_o if_o he_o shall_v determine_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v worship_v or_o that_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v and_o reward_v man_n or_o which_o be_v the_o case_n that_o bellarmine_n put_v that_o virtue_n be_v vice_n and_o vice_n virtue_n he_o will_v hereby_o take_v away_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o religion_n and_o how_o can_v i_o look_v upon_o he_o any_o long_o as_o a_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o religion_n if_o he_o have_v judge_v and_o determine_v right_o second_o the_o scripture_n plain_o allow_v this_o liberty_n to_o particular_a and_o private_a person_n to_o judge_n for_o themselves_o and_o for_o this_o i_o need_v go_v no_o far_o than_o my_o text_n which_o bid_v man_n try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n i_o do_v not_o think_v this_o be_v speak_v only_o to_o the_o pope_n or_o a_o general_n council_n but_o to_o christian_n in_o general_a for_o to_o these_o the_o apostle_n write_v now_o if_o st._n john_n have_v believe_v that_o god_n have_v constitute_v a_o infallible_a judge_n in_o his_o church_n to_o who_o sentence_n and_o determination_n all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v he_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o have_v refer_v christian_n to_o he_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o spirit_n and_o not_o have_v leave_v it_o to_o every_o man_n private_a judgement_n to_o examine_v and_o to_o determine_v these_o thing_n but_o it_o seem_v st._n paul_n be_v likewise_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o though_o he_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o expect_v that_o man_n shall_v blind_o submit_v to_o his_o doctrine_n nay_o so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o that_o that_o he_o commend_v the_o berean_o for_o that_o very_a thing_n for_o which_o i_o dare_v say_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v have_v check_v they_o most_o severe_o namely_o for_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v whether_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v be_v so_o or_o not_o this_o liberty_n st._n paul_n allow_v and_o though_o he_o be_v inspire_v by_o god_n yet_o he_o treat_v those_o who_o he_o teach_v like_o man_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n that_o a_o necessity_n of_o believe_v divine_a revelation_n and_o reject_v imposture_n shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o christian_n and_o yet_o the_o liberty_n of_o judge_v whether_o a_o doctrine_n be_v from_o god_n or_o not_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o three_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o be_v force_v to_o grant_v that_o which_o in_o effect_n be_v as_o much_o as_o we_o contend_v for_o for_o though_o they_o deny_v a_o liberty_n of_o judge_v in_o particular_a point_n of_o religion_n yet_o they_o be_v force_v to_o grant_v man_n a_o liberty_n of_o judge_v upon_o the_o whole_a when_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v persuade_v a_o jew_n or_o a_o heathen_a to_o become_v a_o christian_a or_o a_o heretic_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v we_o to_o come_v over_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n and_o offer_v argument_n to_o induce_v they_o thereto_o they_o do_v by_o this_o very_a thing_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o make_v that_o man_n judge_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n because_o it_o will_v be_v ridiculous_a to_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o turn_v to_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o urge_v he_o with_o reason_n to_o do_v so_o and_o yet_o to_o deny_v he_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n whether_o their_o reason_n be_v sufficient_a to_o move_v he_o to_o make_v such_o a_o change_n now_o as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n in_o another_o case_n if_o man_n be_v fit_a to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o so_o great_a and_o important_a a_o matter_n as_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o religion_n why_o shall_v they_o be_v think_v unworthy_a to_o judge_v in_o lesser_a matter_n they_o tell_v we_o indeed_o that_o a_o man_n may_v use_v his_o judgement_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o his_o religion_n but_o when_o he_o have_v once_o choose_v he_o be_v then_o for_o ever_o to_o resign_v up_o his_o judgement_n to_o their_o church_n but_o what_o tolerable_a reason_n can_v any_o man_n give_v why_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v fit_a to_o judge_v upon_o the_o whole_a and_o yet_o unfit_a to_o judge_v upon_o particular_a point_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o no_o man_n can_v make_v a_o discreet_a judgement_n of_o any_o religion_n before_o he_o have_v examine_v the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o it_o and_o make_v a_o judgement_n concern_v they_o â—s_v it_o credible_a that_o god_n shall_v give_v a_o man_n judgement_n in_o the_o most_o fundamental_a and_o important_a matter_n of_o all_o viz._n to_o discern_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o true_a church_n from_o the_o false_a for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o enable_v he_o to_o choose_v once_o for_o all_o to_o who_o he_o shall_v resign_v and_o enslave_v his_o judgement_n for_o ever_o which_o be_v just_a as_o reasonable_a as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o god_n have_v give_v a_o man_n eye_n for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o look_v out_o once_o for_o all_o and_o to_o pitch_v upon_o a_o discreet_a person_n to_o lead_v he_o about_o blindfold_a all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o iii_o thing_n i_o propound_v which_o be_v to_o answer_v the_o main_a objection_n of_o our_o adversary_n against_o this_o principle_n and_o likewise_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o reason_n and_o necessity_n for_o a_o universal_a infallible_a judge_n as_o
doctrine_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n what_o not_o believe_v a_o apostle_n nor_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n if_o he_o shall_v teach_v any_o thing_n evident_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o he_o shall_v determine_v virtue_n to_o be_v vice_n and_o vice_n to_o be_v virtue_n no_o not_o a_o apostle_n nor_o a_o angel_n because_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o this_o will_v confound_v and_o overturn_v all_o thing_n in_o religion_n and_o yet_o bellarmine_n put_v this_o very_a case_n and_o say_v if_o the_o pope_n shall_v so_o â—â—termine_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v he_o unless_o we_o will_v sin_v against_o conscience_n i_o will_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n by_o put_v a_o very_a plain_a and_o familiar_a case_n by_o which_o it_o will_v appear_v what_o credit_n and_o authority_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v give_v to_o a_o guide_n and_o what_o not_o suppose_v i_o come_v a_o stranger_n into_o england_n and_o land_v at_o dover_n take_v a_o guide_n there_o to_o conduct_v i_o in_o my_o way_n to_o york_n which_o i_o know_v before_o by_o the_o map_n to_o lie_v north_n of_o dover_n have_v commit_v myself_o to_o he_o if_o he_o lead_v i_o for_o two_o or_o three_o day_n together_o out_o of_o any_o plain_a road_n and_o many_o time_n over_o hedge_n and_o ditch_n i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o in_o a_o civil_a and_o well-inhabited_n country_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o highway_n from_o one_o part_n of_o it_o to_o another_o yet_o thus_o far_o i_o submit_v to_o he_o though_o not_o without_o some_o regret_n and_o impatience_n but_o then_o if_o after_o this_o for_o two_o or_o three_o day_n more_o he_o lead_v i_o direct_o south_n and_o with_o my_o face_n full_a upon_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n and_o at_o last_o bring_v i_o back_o again_o to_o dover_n pere_n and_o still_o bid_v i_o follow_v he_o then_o certain_o no_o modesty_n do_v oblige_v a_o man_n not_o to_o dispute_v with_o his_o guide_n and_o to_o tell_v he_o sure_o that_o can_v be_v no_o way_n because_o it_o be_v sea_n now_o though_o he_o set_v never_o so_o bold_a a_o face_n upon_o the_o matter_n and_o tell_v i_o with_o all_o the_o gravity_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o sea_n but_o dry_a land_n under_o the_o species_n and_o appearance_n of_o water_n and_o that_o whatever_o my_o eye_n tell_v i_o have_v once_o commit_v myself_o to_o his_o guidance_n i_o must_v not_o trust_v my_o own_o sense_n in_o the_o case_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a sort_n of_o infidelity_n for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v his_o own_o eye_n rather_o than_o his_o faithful_a and_o infallible_a guide_n all_o this_o move_v i_o not_o but_o i_o begin_v to_o expostulate_v roundly_o with_o he_o and_o to_o let_v he_o understand_v that_o if_o i_o must_v not_o believe_v what_o i_o see_v he_o be_v like_a to_o be_v of_o no_o far_o use_v to_o i_o because_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a at_o this_o rate_n to_o know_v whether_o i_o have_v a_o guide_n and_o whether_o i_o follow_v he_o or_o not_o in_o short_a i_o tell_v he_o plain_o that_o when_o i_o take_v he_o for_o my_o guide_n i_o do_v not_o take_v he_o to_o tell_v i_o the_o difference_n between_o north_n and_o south_n between_o a_o hedge_n and_o a_o highway_n between_o sea_n and_o dry_a land_n all_o this_o i_o know_v before_o as_o well_o as_o he_o or_o any_o man_n else_o can_v tell_v i_o but_o i_o take_v he_o to_o conduct_v and_o direct_v i_o the_o near_a way_n to_o york_n and_o therefore_o after_o all_o his_o impertinent_a talk_n after_o all_o his_o motive_n of_o credibility_n to_o persuade_v i_o to_o believe_v he_o and_o all_o his_o confident_a say_n which_o he_o grave_o call_v demonstration_n i_o stand_v stiff_o upon_o the_o shore_n and_o leave_v my_o learned_a and_o reverend_a guide_n to_o take_v his_o own_o course_n and_o to_o dispose_v of_o himself_o as_o he_o please_v but_o firm_o resolve_v not_o to_o follow_v he_o and_o be_v any_o man_n to_o be_v blame_v that_o break_v with_o his_o guide_n upon_o these_o term_n and_o this_o be_v true_o the_o case_n when_o a_o man_n commit_v himself_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o any_o person_n or_o church_n if_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o authority_n they_o will_v needs_o persuade_v i_o out_o of_o my_o sense_n and_o not_o to_o believe_v what_o i_o see_v but_o what_o they_o say_v that_o virtue_n be_v vice_n and_o vice_n virtue_n if_o they_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o because_o they_o say_v they_o be_v infallible_a i_o be_o to_o receive_v all_o their_o dictate_v for_o oracle_n though_o never_o so_o evident_o false_a and_o absurd_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o mankind_n in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v ride_v of_o these_o unreasonable_a people_n but_o to_o desire_v of_o they_o since_o one_o kindness_n deserve_v another_o and_o all_o contradiction_n be_v alike_o easy_a to_o be_v believe_v thâ—t_v they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o believe_v that_o infidelity_n be_v faith_n and_o that_o when_o i_o absolute_o renounce_v their_o authority_n i_o do_v yield_v a_o most_o perfect_a submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o it_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n all_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n of_o man_n go_v upon_o this_o presumption_n that_o man_n be_v not_o stark_a fool_n but_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v their_o interest_n and_o have_v some_o regard_n to_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o to_o secure_a man_n from_o mistake_n in_o matter_n of_o belief_n as_o god_n have_v afford_v to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n he_o have_v make_v no_o effectual_a and_o infallible_a provision_n that_o man_n shall_v not_o sin_n and_o yet_o it_o will_v puzzle_v any_o man_n to_o give_v a_o good_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v take_v more_o care_n to_o secure_a man_n against_o error_n in_o belief_n than_o against_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o their_o life_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o draw_v three_o or_o four_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n which_o i_o have_v make_v and_o so_o conclude_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n who_o have_v ability_n and_o capacity_n for_o it_o to_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o religion_n for_o to_o try_v doctrine_n be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o which_o the_o better_a any_o man_n understand_v the_o more_o firm_o he_o will_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v the_o more_o resolute_a in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o the_o better_a able_a to_o withstand_v the_o art_n and_o assault_n of_o cunning_a adversary_n and_o the_o fierce_a storm_n of_o persecution_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o man_n will_v soon_o be_v move_v from_o his_o steadfastness_n who_o never_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o belief_n when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n he_o that_o have_v but_o little_a to_o say_v for_o his_o religion_n will_v probable_o neither_o do_v nor_o suffer_v much_o for_o it_o 2._o that_o all_o doctrine_n be_v vehement_o to_o be_v suspect_v which_o decline_v trial_n and_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o light_n which_o will_v not_o endure_v a_o fair_a examination_n but_o magisterial_o require_v a_o implicit_a faith_n whereas_o truth_n be_v bold_a and_o full_a of_o courage_n and_o love_v to_o appear_v open_o and_o be_v so_o secure_a and_o confident_a of_o her_o own_o strength_n as_o to_o offer_v herself_o to_o the_o severe_a trial_n and_o examination_n but_o to_o deny_v all_o liberty_n of_o enquiry_n and_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o great_a injury_n and_o disparagement_n to_o truth_n that_o can_v be_v and_o a_o tacit_a acknowledgement_n that_o she_o lie_v under_o some_o disadvantage_n and_o that_o there_o be_v less_o to_o be_v say_v for_o she_o than_o for_o error_n i_o have_v often_o wonder_v why_o the_o people_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o suspect_v their_o teacher_n and_o guide_n to_o have_v some_o ill_a design_n upon_o they_o when_o they_o do_v so_o industrious_o debar_v they_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n and_o be_v so_o very_o loath_a to_o let_v they_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v to_o say_v against_o their_o religion_n for_o can_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v more_o suspicious_a than_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o put_v out_o their_o eye_n upon_o promise_n that_o they_o will_v help_v they_o to_o a_o much_o better_a and_o more_o faithful_a guide_n if_o any_o church_n any_o profession_n of_o man_n be_v unwilling_a their_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v expose_v to_o trial_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n they_o know_v something_o by_o