lexicon_n commentator_n and_o ancient_a writer_n and_o to_o use_v all_o other_o help_v that_o he_o may_v both_o satisfy_v himself_o and_o also_o be_v able_a to_o inform_v other_o xxvi_o but_o perhaps_o i_o shall_v be_v tell_v that_o when_o a_o man_n have_v do_v all_o this_o to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o power_n yet_o after_o all_o he_o may_v be_v mistake_v as_o it_o appear_v that_o many_o learned_a man_n be_v since_o 〈◊〉_d oppose_v and_o contradict_v one_o another_o about_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o this_o janswer_n that_o since_o i_o have_v show_v §_o 3._o that_o all_o necessary_a thing_n whether_o as_o to_o belief_n or_o practice_n in_o religion_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v i_o must_v from_o hence_o conclude_v that_o a_o sober_a and_o honest_a enquirer_n can_v easy_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o those_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o do_v contain_v any_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o as_o for_o other_o part_n and_o passage_n of_o it_o if_o man_n will_v be_v but_o peaceable_a which_o be_v plain_o enough_o command_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n their_o mistake_v about_o they_o can_v do_v no_o harm_n and_o again_o since_o i_o have_v show_v §_o 14._o that_o god_n require_v no_o more_o from_o a_o man_n but_o his_o best_a endeavour_n to_o know_v and_o perform_v his_o will_n i_o do_v hence_o conclude_v that_o if_o a_o man_n be_v mistake_v in_o his_o interpretation_n even_o of_o any_o such_o place_n as_o contain_v some_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n yet_o if_o this_o mistake_v be_v pure_o a_o error_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o neglect_n or_o wilful_a fault_n of_o the_o person_n so_o mistake_v god_n will_v never_o be_v offend_v with_o he_o for_o it_o and_o then_o what_o hurt_n can_v there_o be_v in_o such_o a_o mistake_n as_o this_o xxvii_o but_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v what_o shall_v they_o do_v to_o find_v out_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o new_a 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will_v not_o be_v offend_v with_o he_o neither_o for_o it_o xxviii_o and_o one_o thing_n more_o let_v i_o add_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o skill_v in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n viz._n that_o since_o there_o have_v many_o translation_n be_v make_v of_o the_o new_a testament_n most_o of_o they_o by_o person_n well_o skill_v in_o language_n of_o good_a repute_n for_o their_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n and_o who_o can_v not_o but_o know_v beforehand_o that_o their_o translation_n will_v be_v narrow_o sift_v and_o examine_v by_o learned_a man_n which_o must_v needs_o make_v they_o careful_a to_o commit_v as_o few_o fault_n as_o they_o can_v and_o since_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n require_v from_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o be_v understand_v §_o 3._o and_o therefore_o easy_a to_o be_v translate_v and_o express_v in_o any_o language_n i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o a_o sober_a and_o impartial_a enquirer_n may_v be_v very_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n even_o from_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o greek_a original_a and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v of_o the_o matter_n if_o man_n do_v stand_v only_o upon_o the_o honest_a and_o downright_a sense_n and_o mean_v of_o plain_a place_n which_o only_o can_v stive_a we_o good_a assurance_n in_o religion_n and_o will_v not_o quarrel_v about_o critical_a nicety_n in_o such_o text_n as_o be_v confess_o obscure_a i_o believe_v there_o be_v scarce_o any_o translation_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o defective_a but_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a guide_n to_o any_o sober_a man_n to_o lead_v he_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n xxix_o have_v thus_o speak_v what_o i_o design_v of_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o come_v to_o say_v something_o of_o the_o old_a and_o here_o that_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o day_n of_o jesus_n have_v among_o they_o a_o book_n write_v in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o 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from_o the_o obligation_n of_o they_o xxx_o moreover_o since_o this_o book_n have_v be_v translate_v into_o as_o many_o language_n and_o as_o many_o copy_n of_o the_o original_a have_v be_v careful_o keep_v in_o distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o do_v conclude_v that_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n which_o just_o now_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o word_n the_o mean_v and_o way_n of_o interpret_n the_o new_a testament_n will_v hold_v good_a concern_v the_o old_a testament_n also_o as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v be_v accommodate_v to_o it_o xxxi_o there_o be_v some_o certain_a book_n and_o fragment_n which_o among_o the_o protestant_n be_v well_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o apocryphal_a to_o which_o the_o papist_n give_v the_o title_n of_o deuterocanonical_a these_o piece_n the_o papist_n contend_v to_o be_v a_o real_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o other_o book_n of_o it_o but_o the_o protestant_n will_v not_o allow_v their_o authority_n to_o be_v sacred_a although_o they_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v many_o useful_a and_o profitable_a thing_n contain_v in_o they_o now_o he_o that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o search_v into_o antiquity_n for_o the_o resolve_v of_o this_o controversy_n may_v by_o another_o way_n be_v satisfy_v about_o it_o for_o since_o the_o jew_n from_o who_o the_o christian_n original_o receive_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v all_o of_o they_o and_o ever_o do_v unanimous_o reject_v these_o same_o apocryphal_a book_n and_o fragment_n as_o be_v no_o part_n of_o their_o holy_a scripture_n i_o think_v it_o may_v from_o hence_o be_v sufficient_o conclude_v that_o as_o to_o the_o controversy_n about_o the_o apocryphal_a scripture_n the_o protestant_n be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o the_o papist_n in_o the_o wrong_n and_o yet_o if_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o piece_n be_v as_o great_a as_o the_o papist_n will_v have_v it_o i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v make_v any_o alteration_n in_o my_o religion_n for_o i_o do_v not_o find_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o but_o what_o be_v easy_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n xxxii_o but_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n which_o seem_v to_o arise_v concern_v what_o i_o have_v discourse_v to_o which_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o give_v a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n and_o first_o if_o all_o be_v grant_v that_o have_v hitherto_o be_v say_v yet_o how_o shall_v i_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v not_o only_o true_o but_o also_o full_o and_o entire_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v as_o a_o part_n of_o his_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o
this_o i_o may_v answer_v that_o there_o be_v several_a passage_n in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o do_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o man_n to_o know_v they_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o holy_a write_n as_o the_o protestant_a divine_n do_v sufficient_o make_v appear_v in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o controversy_n against_o the_o papist_n but_o wave_v this_o i_o think_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o impossible_a in_o itself_o but_o that_o jesus_n may_v have_v make_v know_v other_o particular_n of_o doctrine_n and_o of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n beside_o what_o be_v consign_v to_o we_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o any_o man_n can_v effectual_o prove_v that_o any_o such_o doctrine_n or_o precept_n be_v deliver_v by_o he_o i_o think_v that_o whosoever_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o proof_n aught_o to_o believe_v that_o doctrine_n and_o obey_v that_o precept_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o deliver_v but_o he_o that_o do_v his_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o the_o doctrine_n and_o will_n of_o god_n deliver_v to_o man_n by_o jesus_n and_o be_v not_o able_a with_o all_o his_o diligence_n to_o discover_v any_o more_o of_o it_o than_o what_o be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n if_o he_o faithful_o keep_v and_o observe_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o he_o be_v able_a there_o to_o discover_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o god_n require_v no_o more_o from_o he_o §_o 14._o and_o therefore_o certain_o will_v not_o punish_v he_o for_o want_v of_o any_o thing_n far_o xxxiii_o second_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o in_o read_v these_o book_n there_o do_v appear_v to_o be_v some_o passage_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_n dictate_v of_o every_o man_n reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o some_o which_o be_v irreconcilable_a with_o one_o another_o now_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n be_v certain_o true_a must_v be_v allow_v because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o god_n that_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o man_n and_o no_o man_n i_o think_v can_v own_o that_o for_o a_o truth_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o plain_n dictate_v of_o his_o reason_n and_o understanding_n which_o to_o every_o man_n be_v and_o must_v be_v the_o standard_n of_o all_o truth_n whatsoever_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o any_o man_n receive_v and_o own_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o truth_n but_o only_o because_o he_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v conformable_a unto_o the_o plain_a and_o self-evident_a notion_n which_o be_v already_o plant_v in_o his_o mind_n here_o than_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o it_o canbe_n possible_a that_o these_o scripture_n shall_v contain_v the_o true_a and_o uncorrupted_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n of_o jesus_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o i_o can_v find_v any_o appearance_n of_o a_o contradiction_n throughout_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o rule_n of_o manner_n but_o what_o be_v so_o easy_a and_o obvious_a to_o be_v reconcile_v that_o no_o man_n i_o think_v of_o candour_n and_o ingenuity_n but_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o object_v it_o second_o and_o as_o for_o those_o few_o seem_a discordance_n which_o do_v occur_v in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o some_o historical_a narration_n though_o i_o perhaps_o be_o not_o able_a to_o reconcile_v they_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v that_o the_o thing_n themselves_o may_v not_o be_v absolute_o irreconcilable_a but_o suppose_v they_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v no_o derogation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n as_o to_o the_o main_a substance_n of_o it_o or_o of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o some_o of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n have_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o some_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a circumstance_n there_o be_v several_a historian_n and_o chronicler_n which_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o life_n and_o reign_n of_o many_o of_o our_o king_n of_o england_n and_o although_o they_o differ_v in_o many_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n yet_o this_o be_v never_o make_v a_o argument_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o main_a history_n wherein_o they_o all_o agree_v and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o scripture-historian_n be_v as_o favourable_o censure_v as_o all_o other_o historian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v three_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o my_o reason_n and_o understanding_n which_o i_o can_v comprehend_v in_o my_o mind_n nor_o frame_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o which_o yet_o i_o can_v say_v be_v contrary_a to_o my_o reason_n because_o though_o they_o be_v above_o my_o reach_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o do_v contradict_v any_o of_o those_o plain_a and_o self-evident_a principle_n which_o be_v implant_v in_o my_o understanding_n for_o example_n i_o be_o not_o able_a distinct_o to_o apprehend_v how_o the_o small_a particle_n of_o matter_n which_o can_v be_v assign_v be_v yet_o in_o itself_o capable_a of_o be_v for_o ever_o divide_v so_o that_o no_o part_n of_o matter_n though_o ever_o so_o small_a can_v ever_o be_v so_o much_o as_o convince_v to_o be_v absolute_o invisible_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v contrary_a to_o my_o reason_n that_o my_o reason_n itself_o do_v full_o satisfy_v i_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o though_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o the_o same_o thing_n also_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o some_o thing_n be_v without_o any_o beginning_n of_o which_o see_v §_o 5_o 6._o now_o if_o i_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v thus_o above_o my_o reason_n but_o not_o contrary_a to_o it_o i_o can_v refuse_v my_o assent_n unto_o it_o i_o mean_v always_o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o the_o word_n do_v appear_v evident_o to_o carry_v such_o a_o sense_n for_o i_o can_v conclude_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v impossible_a because_o i_o do_v not_o find_v it_o contrary_n to_o my_o reason_n though_o above_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o my_o apprehension_n possible_a i_o must_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a when_o i_o find_v that_o god_n have_v declare_v it_o so_o to_o be_v other_o thing_n again_o there_o be_v which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a unto_o those_o self-evident_a notion_n and_o principle_n which_o my_o reason_n find_v to_o be_v connatural_a with_o itself_o for_o example_n that_o a_o part_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o whole_a and_o such_o like_a absurdity_n now_o if_o any_o such_o proposition_n as_o these_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o my_o reason_n shall_v occur_v to_o i_o in_o scripture_n i_o can_v possible_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v true_a in_o a_o literal_a sense_n for_o that_o be_v to_o renounce_v the_o clear_a dictate_v of_o my_o reason_n and_o understanding_n upon_o which_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o i_o believe_v or_o know_v be_v ultimate_o build_v and_o without_o which_o i_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v needs_o understand_v they_o to_o be_v mean_v figurative_o and_o that_o figure_n which_o best_o agree_v to_o such_o word_n according_a to_o the_o most_o common_a custom_n of_o speech_n and_o be_v most_o conformable_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n i_o think_v be_v always_o to_o be_v prefer_v i_o never_o read_v any_o book_n to_o my_o knowledge_n but_o in_o it_o i_o find_v many_o expression_n which_o take_v literal_o and_o strict_o be_v absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a but_o take_v figurative_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v intend_v do_v contain_v very_o good_a sense_n and_o mean_v since_o then_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v write_v in_o such_o word_n and_o expression_n as_o be_v common_o use_v among_o man_n in_o speak_v and_o write_v why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o strange_a in_o they_o which_o be_v so_o usual_a in_o all_o other_o book_n xxxiv_o three_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o this_o doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v teach_v leave_v every_o man_n entire_o to_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n now_o since_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o notion_n and_o sentiment_n of_o different_a man_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o all_o man_n be_v leave_v whole_o to_o themselves_o there_o must_v necessary_o be_v great_a variety_n and_o even_o contrariety_n of_o opinion_n among_o they_o concern_v religion_n and_o if_o god_n require_v no_o more_o from_o every_o man_n but_o to_o do_v his_o best_a endeavour_n and_o to_o choose_v
least_o that_o what_o i_o have_v here_o do_v may_v move_v some_o more_o able_a and_o judicious_a person_n to_o take_v the_o work_n in_o hand_n and_o supply_v those_o defect_n of_o which_o i_o have_v be_v guilty_a the_o continuation_n of_o a_o gentleman_n religion_n be_v the_o second_o part_n 1._o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a authentic_a record_n that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o find_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o they_o do_v express_v divine_a matter_n real_o and_o true_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o deliver_v be_v most-certain_o true_a although_o many_o time_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o understand_v the_o design_n and._n mean_v of_o some_o expression_n and_o passage_n which_o do_v occur_v therein_o i_o think_v it_o indeed_o to_o be_v very_o proper_a that_o man_n of_o any_o reasonable_a learning_n and_o prudence_n shall_v modest_o offer_v their_o thought_n to_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o explain_v of_o such_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o appear_v to_o be_v abstruse_a and_o difficult_a but_o he_o who_o speak_v his_o own_o word_n and_o not_o those_o of_o scripture_n can_v therein_o only_o offer_v his_o own_o apprehension_n to_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o subscribe_v any_o far_a than_o as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o own_o reason_n convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o their_o consonancy_n with_o the_o scripture_n 2._o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v that_o a_o implicit_a faith_n be_v due_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o challenge_v it_o part_n 1_o §_o 21._o much_o less_o sure_a to_o any_o other_o church_n which_o do_v not_o require_v it_o when_o therefore_o any_o church_n much_o more_o when_o any_o private_a man_n do_v offer_v i_o any_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o own_o word_n i_o think_v i_o ought_v to_o consider_v first_o whether_o what_o they_o say_v be_v intelligible_a for_o though_o we_o may_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n to_o comprehend_v part_v 1_o §_o 33._o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o give_v a_o explicit_a assent_n to_o any_o form_n of_o word_n if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o second_o whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o self-evident_a principle_n of_o reason_n for_o if_o i_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o believe_v it_o part_v 1_o §_o 33._o nor_o must_v any_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v interpret_v above_o the_o level_n of_o plain_a and_o self-evident_a reason_n whatever_o the_o literal_a sense_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v and_o three_o whether_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o any_o solid_a argument_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o scripture_n for_o though_o a_o doctrine_n be_v both_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a yet_o still_o it_o may_v be_v false_a and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v except_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v these_o rule_n i_o have_v endeavour_v strict_o to_o observe_v in_o the_o trial_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o i_o be_o now_o about_o to_o propose_v and_o i_o desire_v my_o reader_n careful_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v offer_v unto_o he_o but_o here_o i_o must_v desire_v he_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o i_o do_v fuppose_v he_o to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o also_o with_o the_o common_a argument_n upon_o which_o the_o several_a party_n of_o christian_n do_v ground_n and_o maintain_v their_o opinion_n and_o therefore_o for_o his_o ease_n as_o well_o as_o my_o own_o i_o shall_v save_v myself_o the_o labour_n of_o mention_v such_o argument_n and_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o be_v usual_o bring_v to_o prove_v those_o point_n which_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o even_o in_o those_o point_n which_o be_v controvert_v between_o different_a party_n i_o shall_v ordinary_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o hint_n at_o some_o of_o those_o text_n and_o argument_n which_o be_v use_v on_o either_o side_n of_o which_o i_o can_v scarce_o suppose_v any_o man_n to_o be_v ignorant_a that_o be_v but_o moderate_o acquaint_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o several_a party_n that_o profess_v it_o 3._o to_o believe_v what_o god_n make_v know_v and_o to_o do_v what_o he_o command_v be_v what_o all_o man_n call_v religion_n but_o thing_n that_o be_v impossible_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n require_v from_o no_o man_n part_n 1_o §_o 14._o when_o therefore_o damnation_n be_v denounce_v in_o scripture_n against_o those_o who_o receive_v not_o the_o gospel_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o they_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o not_o of_o such_o who_o be_v invincible_o ignorant_a either_o for_o want_v of_o capacity_n john_n 9_o 41._o or_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n joh._n 15._o 22._o but_o for_o a_o man_n who_o have_v both_o the_o capacity_n and_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n through_o negligence_n to_o continue_v in_o ignorance_n of_o god_n will_n my_o reason_n tell_v i_o be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n beside_o all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o do_v require_v we_o diligent_o to_o seek_v after_o knowledge_n 4._o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v sufficient_o to_o be_v prove_v from_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o observation_n but_o full_o to_o comprehend_v his_o nature_n or_o declare_v in_o all_o point_n what_o he_o be_v be_v by_o all_o allow_a to_o be_v impossible_a to_o we_o 5._o that_o god_n never_o have_v a_o beginning_n i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o conclude_v part_n 1_o §_o 6._o and_o if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v not_o tell_v i_o that_o he_o be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a yet_o my_o own_o reason_n will_v have_v infer_v that_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o decay_n nor_o ever_o shall_v have_v a_o end_v 6._o the_o nature_n of_o every_o material_a be_v seem_v necessary_o to_o imply_v a_o possibility_n of_o have_v its_o part_n disjoin_v and_o separate_v one_o from_o another_o and_o consequent_o of_o be_v dissolve_v and_o destroy_v and_o theresore_n i_o conclude_v that_o the_o eternal_a god_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o matter_n and_o that_o be_v which_o be_v intelligent_a and_o do_v not_o consist_v of_o any_o material_a part_n i_o call_v a_o spirit_n and_o this_o be_v what_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n as_o for_o those_o expression_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o such_o like_a which_o do_v occur_v sometime_o in_o scripture_n and_o seem_v to_o imply_v bodily_a part_n it_o be_v manifest_o obvious_a that_o they_o must_v be_v pure_o metaphorical_a 7._o our_o experience_n do_v sufficient_o testify_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v visible_a to_o we_o be_v ever_o material_a since_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o matter_n i_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v invisible_a to_o mortal_a eye_n as_o the_o scripture_n positive_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v and_o all_o those_o text_n which_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v be_v see_v by_o man_n i_o think_v must_v of_o necessity_n be_v interpret_v some_o other_o way_n viz._n either_o 1._o of_o a_o angel_n appear_v in_o a_o glorious_a and_o majestatick_a manner_n or_o 2._o of_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n assume_v a_o bodily_a appearance_n as_o after_o he_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o or_o 3._o of_o some_o visible_a and_o extraordinary_a sign_n and_o token_n that_o the_o invisible_a god_n be_v there_o present_a in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n or_o 4._o of_o those_o mystical_a and_o hieroglyphical_a representation_n which_o god_n have_v sometime_o be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o not_o to_o the_o sense_n but_o to_o the_o imagination_n and_o understanding_n of_o his_o prophet_n in_o their_o extatick_a dream_n and_o vision_n 8._o among_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o can_v conceive_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v i._n e._n to_o imply_v no_o contradiction_n i_o can_v find_v nothing_o which_o to_o i_o appear_v more_o difficult_a than_o what_o god_n have_v already_o do_v in_o the_o structure_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o god_n can_v do_v whatsoever_o in_o its_o self_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v what_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v that_o he_o be_v almighty_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o sure_a who_o will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v do_v such_o thing_n as_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o attribute_n 9_o that_o god_n who_o make_v all_o thing_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n appear_v to_o
because_o such_o action_n do_v tend_v to_o the_o general_a happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n who_o he_o love_v §_o 16._o and_o for_o the_o contrary_a reason_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o hate_v and_o abhor_v all_o action_n that_o be_v evil_a and_o this_o be_v what_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v that_o god_n be_v most_o holy_a 19_o all_o possible_a excellency_n or_o perfection_n that_o i_o can_v conceive_v be_v reducible_a unto_o these_o five_o head_n viz._n 1._o perfection_n of_o be_v which_o consist_v in_o perpetual_a duration_n without_o any_o decay_n or_o infirmity_n 2._o perfection_n of_o understanding_n which_o consist_v in_o such_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n as_o be_v free_a all_o mistake_n or_o ignorance_n 3._o perfection_n of_o the_o will_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o free_a liberty_n to_o choose_v or_o refuse_v without_o any_o constraint_n or_o fatal_a necessity_n 4._o perfection_n of_o power_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o ability_n to_o do_v every_o thing_n and_o 5._o moral_a perfection_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o inflexible_a resolution_n always_o to_o do_v and_o encourage_v that_o which_o be_v moral_o good_a and_o to_o avoid_v and_o discourage_v whatsoever_o be_v moral_o evil_a now_o since_o all_o these_o perfection_n be_v in_o god_n in_o the_o most_o absolute_a manner_n as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n paragraph_n from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o god_n be_v most_o absolute_o perfect_a 20._o and_o since_o he_o who_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a can_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o nothing_o it_o must_v also_o follow_v that_o god_n be_v most_o perfect_o happy_a in_o himself_o 21._o as_o my_o reason_n do_v evident_o demonstrate_v unto_o i_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n so_o do_v it_o not_o in_o the_o least_o suggest_v to_o i_o any_o argument_n to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v any_o more_o but_o one_o god_n and_o it_o be_v absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o multiply_v being_n without_o any_o ground_n or_o reason_n for_o it_o 22._o that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a and_o not_o only_o a_o nominal_a distinction_n between_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v frequent_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o such_o term_n as_o we_o ordinary_o use_v when_o we_o speak_v of_o three_o person_n although_o sometime_o this_o expression_n holy_a ghost_n or_o holy_a spirit_n may_v be_v put_v to_o signify_v not_o so_o much_o the_o person_n as_o the_o power_n effect_v or_o energy_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o although_o the_o son_n be_v often_o speak_v of_o as_o real_o and_o true_o a_o man_n yet_o many_o thing_n be_v say_v of_o he_o which_o can_v agree_v to_o a_o mere_a man_n or_o to_o any_o create_v be_v whatsoever_o and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n also_o speak_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o can_v be_v accommodate_v unto_o a_o creature_n moreover_o that_o the_o son_n derive_v his_o be_v from_o and_o always_o depend_v upon_o the_o father_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v from_o and_o upon_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v in_o my_o opinion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o one_o who_o will_v but_o interpret_v the_o holy_a scripture_n according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a sense_n and_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n thereof_o and_o not_o according_a to_o his_o own_o prejudices_fw-la or_o preconceive_a opinion_n and_o although_o the_o socinian_o do_v clear_o enough_o expound_v some_o of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o with_o more_o zeal_n than_o reason_n be_v sometime_o urge_v against_o they_o yet_o as_o to_o the_o principal_a passage_n which_o be_v allege_v to_o prove_v what_o i_o have_v now_o assert_v i_o think_v their_o interpretation_n of_o they_o not_o only_o to_o be_v harsh_a and_o strain_a which_o in_o a_o manner_n be_v acknowledge_v even_o by_o their_o own_o acute_a and_o brief_a historian_n in_o the_o last_o paragraph_n of_o his_o second_o letter_n but_o also_o many_o time_n to_o be_v utter_o irreconcilable_a unto_o the_o word_n and_o context_n and_o now_o to_o explain_v those_o conception_n which_o arise_v in_o my_o mind_n upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o text_n here_o hint_v at_o as_o well_o as_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o abstruse_a and_o remote_a from_o my_o sense_n i_o be_o able_a since_o i_o can_v find_v a_o more_o proper_a term_n to_o express_v the_o distinction_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n by_o i_o call_v they_o three_o person_n and_o not_o know_v what_o other_o title_n to_o give_v a_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v no_o creature_n i_o call_v each_o person_n god_n but_o i_o give_v the_o title_n of_o god_n in_o a_o more_o emphatical_a manner_n unto_o the_o father_n than_o unto_o the_o son_n or_o holy_a ghost_n because_o the_o father_n depend_v on_o none_o but_o they_o do_v depend_v on_o he_o and_o since_o both_o my_o reason_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v teach_v i_o to_o own_o no_o more_o than_o one_o god_n i_o be_o of_o necessity_n compel_v to_o say_v that_o these_o three_o be_v so_o unite_v together_o though_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v above_o my_o understanding_n as_o to_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o although_o it_o argue_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o imperfection_n in_o humane_a speech_n that_o for_o want_v of_o other_o fit_a and_o proper_a term_n we_o be_v force_v to_o give_v the_o same_o appellation_n to_o each_o person_n single_o and_o to_o the_o three_o conjoint_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o imply_v any_o manner_n of_o contradiction_n as_o some_o do_v object_n because_o when_o we_o apply_v the_o word_n god_n to_o one_o single_a person_n it_o have_v not_o the_o same_o exact_a and_o adequate_a signification_n as_o when_o we_o ascribe_v it_o unto_o the_o three_o person_n conjoint_o for_o that_o will_v imply_v that_o each_o single_a person_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o three_o person_n and_o so_o confound_v that_o distinction_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v so_o often_o and_o apparent_o make_v between_o they_o and_o this_o analogical_a difference_n in_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n god_n will_v easy_o solve_v most_o of_o those_o objection_n which_o the_o socinian_o do_v bring_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o because_o i_o know_v no_o better_a word_n to_o express_v that_o unity_n which_o i_o apprehend_v to_o be_v between_o the_o three_o person_n i_o therefore_o say_v that_o they_o be_v one_o in_o essence_n or_o substance_n for_o unity_n of_o concord_n or_o consent_n alone_o do_v not_o seem_v enough_o to_o i_o to_o denominate_v they_o to_o be_v one_o god_n and_o because_o i_o find_v that_o the_o son_n be_v say_v to_o be_v beget_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o proceed_v or_o be_v send_v or_o emit_v i_o therefore_o make_v use_n of_o these_o term_n without_o pretend_v to_o assign_v the_o difference_n between_o generation_n and_o procession_n and_o although_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v each_o of_o they_o god_n be_v and_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n equal_a with_o the_o father_n yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o equality_n must_v be_v understand_v with_o a_o allowance_n for_o the_o absolute_a independence_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o he_o 23._o all_o the_o objection_n that_o i_o can_v remember_v to_o be_v make_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n thus_o state_v i_o think_v be_v easy_a enough_o to_o be_v solve_v by_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v except_v two_o which_o must_v be_v particular_o answer_v the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o joh._n 10._o 33._o etc._n etc._n but_o though_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o here_o assert_v his_o divinity_n when_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v occasion_n for_o it_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o god_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o his_o custom_n to_o give_v full_a and_o complete_a answer_n unto_o such_o captious_a question_n and_o objection_n as_o be_v put_v to_o he_o but_o sometime_o he_o content_v himself_o only_o with_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o those_o who_o propose_v they_o of_o which_o we_o have_v one_o instance_n mat._n 21._o 23._o etc._n etc._n and_o another_o joh._n 8._o 3._o etc._n etc._n and_o as_o some_o think_v another_o mat._n 22._o 17._o etc._n etc._n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o conclude_v that_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n for_o what_o he_o do_v because_o he_o do_v not_o declare_v it_o when_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n question_v it_o mat._n 21._o 23._o as_o deny_v his_o divinity_n because_o he_o do_v not_o express_o maintain_v it_o when_o on_o that_o account_n he_o be_v charge_v with_o blasphemy_n the_o other_o objection_n be_v draw_v from_o mar._n 13._o
bless_a trinity_n or_o between_o the_o two_o nature_n which_o be_v in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o three_o thing_n be_v take_v for_o grant_v the_o question_n that_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v be_v whether_o or_o no_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o a_o man_n to_o deny_v his_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n because_o they_o be_v above_o his_o reason_n 16._o and_o here_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o although_o we_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n comprehend_v the_o thing_n themselves_o yet_o we_o do_v so_o far_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o term_n in_o which_o these_o doctrine_n be_v express_v as_o clear_o to_o perceive_v that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o company_n of_o insignificant_a word_n put_v together_o to_o make_v a_o sound_n and_o signify_v nothing_o what_o a_o person_n be_v we_o know_v though_o we_o can_v tell_v what_o sort_n of_o person_n the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v and_o how_o their_o personal_a distinction_n between_o themselves_o particular_o and_o full_o differ_v from_o that_o of_o man_n one_o from_o another_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v one_o we_o well_o understand_v although_o we_o can_v frame_v a_o idea_n of_o that_o special_a union_n which_o be_v between_o those_o divine_a person_n what_o it_o be_v for_o one_o be_v to_o generate_v another_o and_o what_o to_o proceed_v from_o another_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a although_o the_o peculiar_a manner_n of_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v beyond_o our_o capacity_n to_o conceive_v and_o last_o what_o it_o be_v for_o two_o being_n to_o be_v unite_v together_o we_o can_v very_o well_o apprehend_v although_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o know_v the_o manner_n of_o that_o union_n which_o be_v between_o the_o two_o nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o whence_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o these_o doctrine_n though_o above_o our_o reason_n do_v yet_o so_o far_o stand_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o those_o doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v term_v reconcilable_a to_o reason_n sect._n 8._o that_o as_o our_o reason_n may_v be_v plain_o and_o positive_a convince_v from_o its_o own_o principle_n alone_o of_o the_o possibility_n of_o the_o one_o so_o be_v there_o no_o principle_n of_o our_o reason_n which_o can_v reach_v so_o far_o as_o to_o prove_v or_o demonstrate_v any_o impossibility_n in_o the_o other_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n or_o impossibility_n in_o a_o doctrine_n it_o will_v undeniable_o follow_v that_o that_o same_o doctrine_n may_v possible_o be_v true_a and_o where_o ever_o a_o man_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o possibility_n of_o a_o doctrine_n if_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o same_o doctrine_n appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v restify_v by_o any_o person_n of_o who_o veracity_n he_o can_v entertain_v any_o manner_n of_o doubt_n he_o can_v refuse_v to_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o it_o as_o i_o have_v say_v sect._n 13._o since_o then_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n admit_v of_o no_o manner_n of_o doubt_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v by_o both_o party_n in_o this_o dispute_n allow_v of_o as_o most_o authentic_a record_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n which_o god_n have_v make_v know_v and_o reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o last_o since_o we_o here_o suppose_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o that_o of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n do_v neither_o of_o they_o contain_v or_o imply_v any_o impossibility_n or_o contradiction_n although_o they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o above_o our_o reason_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o all_o or_o any_o of_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v these_o doctrine_n be_v expound_v according_a to_o the_o common_a way_n of_o interpret_n all_o book_n of_o which_o see_v part_n 1_o sect._n 25._o do_v fair_o and_o without_o be_v wrest_v contain_v either_o in_o themselves_o or_o their_o evident_a consequence_n those_o same_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v allege_v to_o establish_v there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n why_o any_o man_n shall_v deny_v his_o assent_n to_o they_o but_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o it_o be_v still_o urge_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n explicit_o to_o believe_v a_o thing_n of_o which_o he_o can_v frame_v no_o conception_n or_o idea_n i_o must_v refer_v he_o to_o the_o story_n of_o the_o blind_a man_n sect._n 14._o which_o seem_v to_o i_o abundant_o to_o evince_v the_o contrary_n and_o why_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o well_o as_o the_o blind_a man_n do_v the_o existence_n of_o light_n and_o colour_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o man_n join_v with_o that_o collateral_a experiment_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v i_o profess_v i_o can_v see_v no_o manner_n of_o reason_n 17._o and_o as_o in_o my_o book_n part_n 3_o sect._n 71._o i_o have_v advertise_v my_o reader_n that_o i_o have_v purposely_o avoid_v the_o use_n of_o certain_a word_n and_o term_n for_o the_o reason_n there_o give_v so_o must_v i_o desire_v he_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o for_o the_o like_a reason_n i_o have_v both_o in_o my_o book_n and_o in_o this_o appendix_n omit_v so_o much_o as_o to_o mention_v the_o word_n mystery_n about_o which_o so_o great_a a_o noise_n have_v of_o late_o be_v make_v whether_o this_o same_o term_n mystery_n be_v always_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o very_a same_o and_o no_o other_o signification_n as_o it_o be_v understand_v by_o heathen_a author_n or_o whether_o other_o sort_n of_o thing_n by_o a_o very_a allowable_a analogy_n be_v not_o also_o there_o call_v mystery_n upon_o account_n of_o their_o obscurity_n because_o we_o know_v they_o but_o in_o part_n and_o see_v they_o but_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n dark_o or_o last_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o christianity_n which_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o mystery_n according_a to_o the_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o that_o term_n to_o i_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o more_o but_o a_o contention_n about_o a_o word_n which_o the_o apostle_n express_o forbid_v 2_o tim._n 2._o 14._o but_o whatever_o may_v be_v determine_v concern_v the_o propriety_n of_o the_o word_n the_o thing_n if_o self_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n in_o christianity_n which_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n and_o yet_o that_o this_o be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o denial_n of_o our_o assent_n to_o they_o 18._o and_o if_o i_o be_o tell_v that_o after_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o great_a obscurity_n in_o any_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n than_o what_o there_o be_v in_o all_o natural_a being_n with_o which_o we_o most_o familiar_o converse_v who_o real_a essence_n we_o can_v penetrate_v but_o must_v content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o sort_n of_o superficial_a knowledge_n of_o they_o which_o be_v cause_v by_o those_o impression_n which_o they_o make_v upon_o our_o outward_a organ_n which_o at_o most_o can_v be_v term_v but_o a_o nominal_a essence_n so_o that_o even_o a_o spire_n of_o grass_n a_o stick_n a_o stone_n or_o any_o other_o natural_a be_v may_v upon_o this_o account_n as_o true_o be_v term_v mystericus_fw-la as_o the_o most_o sublime_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v only_o answer_v that_o it_o mighty_o raise_v my_o wonder_n to_o hear_v man_n so_o free_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o every_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v something_o which_o be_v above_o their_o reason_n and_o to_o which_o their_o understanding_n can_v reach_v and_o yet_o that_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o same_o in_o religion_n 19_o but_o i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o the_o first_o of_o those_o three_o supposition_n which_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o sect._n 15._o will_n by_o no_o mean_n be_v grant_v by_o the_o unitarian_n for_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o allow_v the_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n to_o be_v any_o way_n sufficient_a to_o that_o purpose_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o do_v with_o the_o great_a assurance_n undertake_v to_o bring_v other_o and_o contrary_a interpetation_n of_o those_o very_a passage_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v far_o more_o rational_a and_o natural_a to_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o appendix_n that_o the_o issue_n of_o these_o controversy_n may_v be_v place_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a foundation_n for_o it_o i_o mean_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o blind_a man_n will_v not_o take_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o reason_n to_o discuss_v problem_n and_o frame_v conclusion_n concern_v light_n and_o colour_n of_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o true_a or_o sufficient_a idea_n i_o be_o very_o sensible_a that_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v their_o mind_n strong_o prepossess_v with_o any_o opinion_n may_v by_o their_o criticism_n and_o paraphrase_n and_o such_o like_a engine_n torture_n and_o screw_v almost_o any_o text_n of_o scripture_n till_o they_o make_v it_o look_v with_o another_o aspect_n from_o what_o be_v true_o its_o own_o and_o seem_v to_o confess_v what_o real_o it_o never_o think_v or_o mean_v but_o if_o we_o will_v always_o take_v those_o interpretation_n which_o flow_v of_o themselves_o and_o not_o those_o which_o be_v violent_o press_v from_o the_o scripture_n which_o i_o think_v be_v the_o fair_a way_n of_o expound_v all_o speech_n and_o discourse_n whatsoever_o i_o can_v for_o my_o part_n see_v how_o we_o can_v otherwise_o conclude_v concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n than_o as_o i_o have_v do_v part_v 2._o sect._n 22._o 37._o finis_fw-la
there_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v eminent_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o have_v accuse_v each_o other_o of_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o even_o of_o heresy_n itself_o but_o three_o and_o last_o there_o do_v appear_v to_o i_o to_o be_v much_o strong_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v actual_o err_v and_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o case_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o some_o other_o her_o tenant_n than_o any_o that_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v she_o to_o be_v infallible_a and_o until_o i_o can_v be_v otherwise_o convince_v i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o to_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o embrace_v the_o true_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n xxii_o some_o there_o be_v who_o tell_v i_o that_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n i_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o thus_o they_o set_v forth_o the_o matter_n first_o they_o suppose_v that_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n be_v undoubted_o teach_v by_o his_o apostle_n and_o first_o disciple_n second_o that_o if_o any_o one_o do_v or_o shall_v have_v go_v about_o to_o spread_v any_o false_a or_o spurious_a doctrine_n whilst_o these_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n be_v yet_o alive_a they_o who_o be_v send_v on_o purpose_n by_o jesus_n to_o preach_v his_o doctrine_n and_o be_v own_v and_o submit_v to_o according_o by_o all_o christian_a church_n both_o can_v and_o will_v immediate_o convince_v all_o church_n of_o the_o falseness_n and_o spuriousness_n of_o such_o pretend_a doctrine_n three_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n be_v in_o all_o church_n public_o and_o constant_o teach_v and_o preach_v every_o succeed_a age_n and_o generation_n must_v needs_o know_v and_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v ignorant_a what_o their_o father_n and_o immediate_a predecessor_n own_v and_o teach_v as_o such_o four_o that_o therefore_o if_o at_o any_o time_n whatsoever_o any_o new_a or_o spurious_a doctrine_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v vent_v by_o any_o person_n or_o person_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n all_o christian_n must_v present_o know_v that_o this_o be_v none_o of_o his_o doctrine_n because_o it_o be_v not_o teach_v they_o as_o such_o by_o their_o immediate_a predecessor_n five_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o new_a and_o spurious_a doctrine_n can_v ever_o be_v broach_v in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n but_o it_o must_v needs_o meet_v with_o great_a opposition_n for_o all_o christian_n do_v maintain_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o teach_v or_o know_o to_o own_o any_o thing_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n which_o be_v not_o real_o so_o six_o that_o however_o some_o man_n out_o of_o pride_n or_o interest_n may_v own_o and_o contend_v for_o any_o such_o novel_a doctrine_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o such_o doctrine_n shall_v ever_o come_v to_o be_v universal_o receive_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n except_o we_o can_v suppose_v either_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n shall_v join_v together_o to_o involve_v themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n for_o ever_o in_o a_o sin_n or_o else_o that_o a_o few_o man_n who_o first_o shall_v vent_v a_o opinion_n can_v so_o impose_v upon_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o to_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o what_o they_o all_o must_v know_v to_o be_v a_o new_a and_o upstart_a thing_n because_o they_o receive_v it_o not_o from_o their_o father_n and_o predecessor_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n which_o be_v all_o along_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n deliver_v down_o to_o they_o both_o which_o thing_n be_v absurd_a to_o conceive_v or_o imagine_v and_o last_o that_o no_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n once_o deliver_v can_v ever_o be_v obliterated_a or_o whole_o forget_v in_o the_o world_n because_o every_o age_n of_o christian_n from_o the_o very_a first_o who_o undoubted_o receive_v the_o whole_a and_o entire_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n know_v themselves_o to_o be_v indispensable_o oblige_v both_o by_o god_n command_n and_o also_o by_o that_o love_n and_o charity_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o their_o posterity_n to_o teach_v the_o same_o full_a and_o entire_a doctrine_n which_o they_o receive_v unto_o their_o child_n and_o those_o who_o be_v to_o come_v after_o they_o go_v therefore_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n say_v the_o papist_n to_o the_o universal_a church_n i._n e._n to_o all_o christian_n say_v some_o protestant_n and_o see_v what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v and_o have_v be_v universal_o maintain_v of_o who_o beginning_n no_o other_o account_n can_v be_v give_v but_o that_o jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v they_o to_o the_o world_n and_o there_o you_o have_v the_o entire_a and_o uncorrupted_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o indeed_o where_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a or_o a_o very_a large_a and_o general_a tradition_n concern_v any_o thing_n and_o where_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v high_o rational_a and_o probable_a that_o there_o be_v not_o or_o can_v not_o be_v any_o error_n or_o mistake_n in_o the_o matter_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o no_o man_n i_o think_v but_o a_o obstinate_a sceptic_a will_v offer_v to_o withstand_v the_o evidence_n of_o such_o a_o tradition_n but_o let_v a_o tradition_n be_v ever_o so_o general_a or_o even_o universal_a yet_o if_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o possibility_n but_o also_o a_o fair_a likelihood_n and_o probability_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o business_n then_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v just_o be_v blame_v if_o he_o refuse_v or_o suspend_v his_o assent_n until_o the_o testimony_n of_o such_o a_o tradition_n be_v clear_v and_o vindicate_v from_o those_o rational_a prejudices_fw-la and_o exception_n which_o may_v lie_v against_o it_o now_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o all_o error_n and_o mistake_v do_v ever_o immediate_o appear_v in_o their_o perfect_a form_n and_o full_a growth_n at_o their_o very_a beginning_n than_o it_o be_v most_o rational_a to_o conclude_v that_o all_o man_n must_v needs_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o first_o appearance_n and_o consequent_o that_o in_o all_o likelihood_n any_o such_o error_n must_v needs_o meet_v with_o many_o more_o opponent_n than_o abettor_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v that_o error_n may_v have_v spring_v up_o in_o the_o world_n from_o such_o small_a beginning_n and_o by_o such_o slow_a and_o unperceivable_a degree_n that_o after_o some_o age_n it_o may_v be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v error_n except_o he_o have_v some_o other_o rule_n beside_o tradition_n to_o try_v they_o by_o viz._n either_o the_o rule_n of_o common_a reason_n or_o some_o ancient_a and_o unaltered_a write_n as_o for_o example_n it_o be_v not_o rational_a to_o conceive_v that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n they_o who_o preach_v and_o write_v popular_a discourse_n might_n very_o innocent_o and_o to_o good_a purpose_n make_v use_n of_o rhetorical_a flight_n and_o figurative_a expression_n to_o strike_v the_o fancy_n and_o move_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o people_n to_o virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o be_v it_o not_o likely_a enough_o that_o those_o who_o come_v after_o they_o may_v not_o only_o strive_v to_o imitate_v but_o also_o to_o outdo_v they_o in_o bold_a flight_n and_o more_o strain_a scheme_n of_o expression_n and_o be_v it_o not_o also_o probable_a enough_o that_o in_o long_a process_n of_o time_n ignorance_n general_o overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v join_v with_o a_o profound_a veneration_n for_o those_o ancient_a preacher_n and_o writer_n may_v begin_v to_o interpret_v some_o of_o these_o rhetorical_a and_o figurative_a expression_n in_o a_o literal_a and_o logical_a sense_n and_o then_o conceive_v that_o such_o their_o interpretation_n be_v real_o and_o true_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n deliver_v down_o to_o they_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o there_o may_v have_v be_v some_o man_n of_o great_a power_n and_o repute_n in_o the_o world_n who_o may_v have_v take_v a_o pride_n and_o delight_n or_o who_o interest_n it_o may_v have_v be_v to_o amuse_n the_o people_n with_o mysterious_a notion_n and_o fancy_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o ignorant_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o thus_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o also_o probable_a enough_o that_o error_n and_o mistake_v as_o to_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n may_v come_v to_o be_v general_o receive_v without_o any_o considerable_a or_o notorious_a opposition_n
give_v to_o they_o or_o that_o such_o opposition_n may_v soon_o be_v suppress_v and_o overrule_v by_o the_o power_n and_o reputation_n of_o such_o prevail_a men._n from_o all_o which_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o though_o the_o general_a tradition_n or_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v a_o good_a help_n yet_o it_o may_v not_o always_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n to_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o entire_a and_o unaltered_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n xxiii_o other_o there_o be_v who_o tell_v i_o that_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a and_o entire_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n i_o must_v apply_v myself_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o the_o book_n common_o call_v the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o because_o i_o look_v upon_o this_o to_o be_v the_o right_a way_n i_o shall_v brief_o and_o plain_o deliver_v my_o thought_n in_o relation_n to_o these_o book_n and_o first_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o it_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o greek_a toegue_n have_v be_v ever_o universal_o own_v by_o all_o christian_n as_o contain_v a_o true_a though_o some_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o full_a account_v of_o the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o notorious_a and_o so_o universal_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o can_v find_v the_o least_o ground_n or_o reason_n to_o question_v it_o now_o the_o history_n and_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n be_v so_o well_o know_v unto_o the_o first_o christian_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n and_o they_o be_v so_o ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o ever_o they_o will_v so_o ready_o and_o universal_o receive_v and_o own_v such_o a_o book_n if_o it_o have_v contain_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o which_o be_v dissonant_n from_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o be_v confess_v indeed_o that_o some_o of_o those_o book_n which_o make_v up_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n that_o of_o st._n james_n the_o second_o of_o st._n peter_n that_o of_o st._n judas_n the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o st._n john_n and_o the_o revelation_n be_v not_o so_o soon_o and_o so_o universal_o receive_v throughout_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o which_o apparent_o be_v not_o that_o these_o book_n contain_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o contrary_a to_o what_o be_v deliver_v it_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o he_o that_o read_v the_o whole_a will_v plain_o find_v that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a complete_a agreement_n between_o they_o the_o only_a seem_a discord_n of_o st._n paul_n justification_n by_o faith_n and_o st._n james_n justification_n by_o work_n be_v exact_o and_o full_o reconcile_v by_o consider_v that_o st._n paul_n mean_v no_o other_o faith_n but_o such_o as_o work_v by_o love_n gal._n 5._o 6._o and_o st._n james_n no_o other_o work_n but_o such_o as_o proceed_v from_o faith_n jam._n 2._o 22._o but_o because_o it_o be_v not_o at_o first_o universal_o know_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o which_o abundant_o show_v the_o care_n and_o caution_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o not_o be_v hasty_a to_o receive_v and_o admit_v any_o book_n as_o authentic_a record_n of_o their_o doctrine_n without_o very_o good_a warrant_n for_o so_o do_v and_o therefore_o since_o these_o same_o book_n be_v in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n after_o receive_v and_o own_a to_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o can_v but_o from_o thence_o conclude_v that_o those_o church_n which_o at_o the_o first_o doubt_v concern_v those_o book_n do_v soon_o receive_v most_o full_a and_o ample_a satisfaction_n in_o that_o matter_n from_o those_o who_o have_v before_o receive_v they_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o the_o 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authentic_a word_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o although_o some_o mistake_v might_n creep_v into_o some_o copy_n either_o through_o the_o wickedness_n or_o negligence_n of_o some_o particular_a man_n yet_o where_o so_o many_o copy_n of_o a_o book_n have_v be_v so_o careful_o preserve_v and_o in_o such_o distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o selfsame_a error_n in_o any_o expression_n shall_v ever_o be_v propagate_v through_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o second_o that_o where_o the_o word_n or_o expression_n of_o divers_a greek_a copy_n do_v differ_v one_o from_o another_o yet_o if_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v be_v exact_o the_o same_o in_o all_o or_o almost_o all_o there_o we_o have_v certain_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o mean_v of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o apprehend_v that_o a_o transcriber_n may_v by_o a_o small_a mistake_n put_v one_o word_n or_o expression_n of_o the_o same_o signification_n in_o stead_n of_o another_o but_o that_o the_o same_o sense_n shall_v be_v punctual_o preserve_v in_o all_o or_o almost_o all_o copies_n be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v except_o it_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n deliver_v from_o the_o beginning_n three_o that_o if_o there_o may_v be_v find_v any_o different_a readins_n in_o divers_a copy_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o disagree_v in_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o in_o word_n which_o scarce_o ever_o happen_v in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v account_v a_o material_a point_n of_o religion_n than_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o fit_a and_o proper_a to_o admit_v of_o that_o read_n and_o sense_n which_o best_o agree_v with_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o whole_a with_o the_o ancient_a and_o best_a esteem_a translation_n and_o with_o the_o evident_a principle_n of_o sound_a reason_n and_o if_o any_o place_n be_v so_o obscure_a as_o that_o none_o of_o these_o way_n will_v afford_v any_o light_n into_o its_o mean_v than_o i_o think_v that_o no_o stress_n ought_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o it_o in_o any_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n xxv_o but_o some_o will_v demand_v how_o be_v we_o sure_a of_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v even_o of_o those_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n about_o the_o word_n in_o answar_n to_o this_o i_o have_v already_o show_v §_o 21._o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o know_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n nor_o therefore_o consequent_o to_o know_v the_o true_a mean_v of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o which_o his_o doctrine_n be_v own_v to_o be_v contain_v i_o have_v show_v also_o §_o 22._o that_o though_o general_a tradition_n may_v be_v a_o good_a help_n yet_o may_v it_o not_o always_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n to_o lead_v one_o to_o the_o unaltered_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n nor_o therefore_o consequent_o to_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a interpretation_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n since_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v find_v i_o conclude_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v the_o same_o way_n that_o other_o book_n be_v that_o be_v by_o consider_v the_o sense_n and_o property_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sentence_n and_o the_o ordinary_a figure_n of_o speech_n as_o they_o be_v common_o use_v in_o the_o same_o book_n and_o in_o other_o write_v in_o the_o same_o language_n and_o about_o the_o same_o time_n together_o with_o the_o scope_n drift_n coherence_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o discourse_n to_o which_o end_n every_o man_n that_o be_v learned_a be_v bind_v to_o use_v his_o best_a endeavour_n to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v show_v §_o 14._o be_v oblige_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o learning_n to_o consult_v