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faith_n article_n church_n fundamental_a 4,539 5 10.3758 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A58804 The Christian life. Vol. 5 and last wherein is shew'd : I. The worth and excellency of the soul, II. The divinity and incarnation of our Saviour, III. The authority of the Holy Scripture, IV. A dissuasive from apostacy / by John Scott ... Scott, John, 1639-1695. 1699 (1699) Wing S2059; ESTC R3097 251,737 514

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it_o be_v not_o so_o bad_a as_o to_o continue_v a_o heretic_n but_o if_o i_o have_v never_o be_v one_o it_o will_v be_v very_o bad_a and_o a_o certain_a way_n to_o make_v i_o one_o which_o methinks_v look_n very_o odd_a that_o the_o use_v of_o my_o reason_n shall_v be_v necessary_a to_o reduce_v i_o from_o heresy_n and_o the_o disuse_n of_o it_o as_o necessary_a when_o i_o be_o reduce_v to_o preserve_v i_o from_o relapse_v into_o heresy_n it_o be_v a_o memorable_a passage_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o st._n mark_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n that_o secular_o be_v oblige_v humble_o to_o obey_v that_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v give_v they_o by_o the_o church_n without_o dispute_v or_o think_v far_o of_o it_o where_o by_o the_o church_n he_o mean_v the_o clergy_n assemble_v in_o that_o council_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o man●s_n doctrine_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o people_n be_v a_o mere_a beast_n of_o burden_n that_o right_a or_o wrong_n must_v bear_v all_o the_o 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and_o curiosity_n of_o succeed_a age_n start_v disputable_a opinion_n and_o as_o they_o prevail_v adopt_v they_o into_o the_o family_n of_o faith_n insomuch_o that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n sundry_a opinion_n be_v receive_v that_o be_v never_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o apostolical_a age_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v receive_v they_o be_v present_o declare_v necessary_a article_n and_o as_o for_o the_o contradictory_n opinion_n though_o christianity_n be_v little_a or_o nothing_o concern_v whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a yet_o they_o seldom_o undergo_v any_o mild_a name_n than_o heresy_n or_o gentle_a doom_n than_o damnation_n which_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o grand_a occasion_n of_o all_o the_o rupture_n and_o division_n that_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o as_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v of_o a_o much_o less_o bulk_n than_o what_o it_o be_v now_o arrive_v to_o by_o roll_v 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not_o perfect_o understand_v and_o in_o which_o theophilus_n have_v not_o be_v before_o instruct_v thus_o also_o st._n john_n testify_v of_o his_o gospel_n chap._n 20._o 31._o these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n and_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o by_o these_o thing_n the_o apostle_n only_o mean_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o motive_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o not_o his_o doctrine_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o this_o be_v notorious_o false_a since_o by_o these_o thing_n st._n john_n mean_v his_o gospel_n in_o which_o not_o only_o the_o miracle_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v contain_v and_o therefore_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n chap._n 5._o 13._o he_o say_v these_o thing_n have_v i_o write_v unto_o you_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v 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law_n which_o they_o call_v the_o cabala_n or_o the_o law_n by_o tradition_n not_o that_o this_o traditional_a contain_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o write_a law_n but_o because_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v obscure_o contain_v in_o the_o type_n of_o the_o write_a law_n be_v explain_v and_o interpret_v in_o this_o their_o traditional_a law_n but_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o type_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v not_o full_o explain_v in_o this_o traditional_a law_n till_o after_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n after_o which_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n and_o after_o he_o ezekiel_n begin_v to_o speak_v more_o plain_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o eternal_a life_n begin_v to_o be_v more_o open_o teach_v among_o the_o common_a people_n till_o about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n when_o it_o be_v bring_v forth_o in_o the_o light_n from_o under_o those_o type_n in_o 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my_o affection_n towards_o you_o what_o one_o action_n be_v i_o ever_o guilty_a of_o in_o all_o my_o conversation_n among_o you_o that_o can_v give_v you_o the_o least_o suspicion_n that_o ever_o i_o will_v prove_v a_o austere_a master_n to_o you_o or_o that_o i_o will_v not_o be_v ready_a to_o construe_v you_o in_o the_o most_o favourable_a sense_n and_o to_o pity_n and_o pardon_v you_o wheresoever_o you_o be_v excusable_a do_v i_o ever_o give_v you_o any_o occasion_n to_o think_v that_o i_o be_v of_o a_o peevish_a or_o captious_a nature_n apt_a to_o be_v provoke_v with_o trifle_n yea_o have_v you_o not_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o conclude_v from_o the_o sweetness_n of_o my_o temper_n that_o i_o will_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o consider_v your_o infirmity_n and_o pity_v your_o weakness_n and_o judge_v you_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o a_o friend_n and_o do_v you_o now_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v the_o dread_a of_o my_o severity_n that_o dishearten_v you_o from_o 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know_v the_o primitive_a tradition_n never_o admit_v as_o part_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o it_o be_v notorious_a to_o all_o the_o world_n how_o many_o book_n and_o write_n they_o have_v forge_v and_o how_o many_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n they_o have_v geld_v and_o interpolate_v to_o defend_v and_o support_v those_o pretend_a tradition_n which_o they_o have_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n as_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o after_o she_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o so_o many_o apparent_a falsification_n we_o can_v but_o think_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a case_n that_o we_o shall_v still_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v she_o upon_o her_o own_o bare_a word_n for_o in_o the_o three_o place_n at_o this_o rate_n of_o proceed_v we_o must_v in_o many_o instance_n condemn_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o compliment_n to_o those_o of_o the_o present_a roman_a which_o if_o we_o believe_v our_o own_o eye_n and_o the_o most_o authentic_a history_n and_o 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faith_n have_v not_o this_o effect_n upon_o we_o st._n james_n assure_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o dead_a faith_n and_o will_v profit_v we_o nothing_o but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o our_o believe_v such_o and_o such_o proposition_n shall_v move_v and_o persuade_v we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o know_v what_o those_o proposition_n be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o mean_v of_o they_o what_o man_n can_v be_v persuade_v by_o such_o proposal_n as_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o of_o which_o he_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o explicit_a knowledge_n a_o heathen_a that_o believe_v that_o whatsoever_o god_n teach_v be_v true_a do_v implicit_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v from_o god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n because_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n teach_v this_o but_o what_o be_v he_o the_o better_a for_o this_o his_o implicit_a belief_n what_o influence_n can_v it_o have_v upon_o his_o heart_n and_o manner_n who_o perhaps_o never_o hear_v of_o 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up_o our_o faith_n upon_o trust_n from_o fallible_a teacher_n who_o may_v mislead_v we_o into_o damnable_a error_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v we_o must_v be_v liable_a to_o answer_v for_o it_o in_o our_o person_n and_o at_o our_o own_o eternal_a peril_n or_o which_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n we_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o inquire_v and_o judge_v for_o ourselves_o at_o least_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n see_v therefore_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o the_o scripture_n itself_o oblige_v i_o upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v it_o hence_o necessary_o follow_v that_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o scripture_n oblige_v i_o to_o believe_v what_o it_o teach_v it_o oblige_v i_o to_o understand_v what_o it_o teach_v otherwise_o i_o must_v believe_v i_o know_v not_o what_o which_o be_v impossible_a and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n oblige_v i_o to_o understand_v what_o it_o teach_v it_o must_v oblige_v i_o to_o 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it_o be_v write_v viz._n search_v the_o scripture_n so_o also_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n harken_v you_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o harken_v you_o that_o be_v near_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v hide_v from_o no_o man_n it_o be_v a_o light_n common_a to_o all_o man_n and_o there_o be_v no_o darkness_n in_o it_o so_o also_o st._n austin_n gent._n think_v it_o not_o sufficient_a that_o you_o hear_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o church_n but_o do_v you_o also_o read_v the_o scripture_n yourselves_o in_o your_o own_o house_n or_o get_v some_o other_o to_o read_v they_o to_o you_o so_o also_o st._n jerom_n 86._o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o gospel_n not_o that_o a_o few_o but_o all_o shall_v understand_v and_o elsewhere_o speak_v of_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v at_o bethlehem_n with_o paula_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a say_v he_o for_o any_o one_o of_o all_o the_o sister_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o psalm_n nor_o to_o pass_v over_o any_o day_n without_o learning_n some_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o elsewhere_o 3._o we_o be_v teach_v say_v he_o that_o the_o lay-people_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o only_o sufficient_o but_o also_o with_o abundance_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v and_o counsel_v other_o so_o also_o st._n chrysostome_n 9_o hear_v i_o o_o layty_n get_v you_o the_o bible_n the_o most_o wholesome_a remedy_n for_o the_o soul_n and_o if_o you_o will_v no_o more_o at_o least_o get_v the_o new_a testament_n st._n paul_n epistle_n and_o the_o act_n that_o they_o may_v be_v your_o continual_a and_o earnest_a teacher_n and_o elsewhere_o he_o affirm_v 3._o that_o it_o be_v more_o necessary_a for_o the_o lay-people_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n than_o either_o for_o the_o monk_n or_o priest_n or_o any_o other_o and_o to_o cite_v no_o more_o of_o the_o infinite_a authority_n of_o the_o father_n to_o this_o purpose_n st._n basil_n observe_v 1_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n be_v like_o a_o apothecary_n shop_n full_a of_o medicine_n of_o sundry_a sort_n that_o so_o every_o man_n may_v there_o choose_v a_o convenient_a remedy_n for_o his_o disease_n and_o that_o the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o the_o priest_n be_v then_o allow_v the_o use_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v evident_a from_o a_o notorious_a matter_n of_o fact_n for_o when_o the_o roman_a emperor_n endeavour_v to_o force_v the_o christian_n by_o persecution_n and_o torment_n to_o deliver_v up_o their_o bibles_n to_o be_v burn_v that_o so_o by_o extinguish_v those_o sacred_a record_n they_o may_v extinguish_v christianity_n they_o examine_v not_o only_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n but_o also_o the_o people_n of_o all_o degree_n and_o both_o sex_n many_o of_o who_o as_o well_o woman_n as_o man_n own_a that_o they_o have_v bibles_n but_o rather_o choose_v to_o die_v than_o to_o deliver_v they_o up_o and_o many_o other_o who_o to_o avoid_v death_n deliver_v up_o their_o bibles_n and_o be_v therefore_o brand_v with_o the_o ignominious_a name_n of_o traditor_n for_o which_o they_o be_v exclude_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o can_v not_o be_v readmit_v without_o a_o long_a and_o severe_a penance_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o people_n can_v have_v be_v traditor_n if_o they_o have_v have_v no_o bibles_n to_o deliver_v up_o and_o therefore_o be_v so_o be_v a_o undeniable_a argument_n that_o the_o people_n be_v then_o allow_v the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o the_o priest_n and_o by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o any_o community_n of_o christian_n shall_v think_v that_o a_o proper_a way_n to_o extinguish_v heresy_n which_o those_o heathen_a persecutor_n make_v use_v of_o to_o extinguish_v christianity_n but_o that_o in_o those_o first_o age_n the_o people_n be_v allow_v the_o
either_o through_o fear_n of_o persecution_n or_o hope_v of_o temporal_a advantage_n or_o the_o knavish_a art_n and_o sly_a insinuation_n of_o false_a teacher_n 2._o the_o second_o term_n to_o be_v here_o explain_v be_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n conscience_n in_o general_n be_v nothing_o but_o our_o practical_a judgement_n direct_v we_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o to_o avoid_v and_o approve_v or_o reprove_v according_a as_o we_o follow_v its_o direction_n or_o run_v counter_a to_o they_o the_o conscience_n therefore_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a according_a as_o the_o direction_n be_v which_o it_o give_v for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n if_o our_o judgement_n be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a and_o direct_v we_o to_o do_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o avoid_v or_o to_o avoid_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o be_v a_o bad_a conscience_n that_o instead_o of_o be_v a_o light_n to_o guide_v our_o step_n in_o the_o path_n of_o 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to_o mistake_v evil_a for_o good_a and_o good_a for_o evil._n second_o it_o imply_v our_o follow_v the_o dictate_v and_o direction_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n our_o do_v what_o it_o bid_v and_o abstain_v from_o what_o it_o forbid_v and_o faithful_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o its_o conduct_n and_o government_n and_o not_o to_o be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o any_o temptation_n whatsoever_o to_o act_v counter_a to_o its_o sense_n and_o persuasion_n in_o short_a to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n be_v to_o live_v in_o a_o strict_a conformity_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o a_o well-informed_n judgement_n and_o not_o to_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o any_o course_n of_o action_n which_o this_o vice-god_n within_o we_o forbid_v or_o disapprove_v 3._o the_o three_o term_n to_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o text_n be_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o put_v away_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o be_v direct_o oppose_v here_o to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n must_v denote_v the_o contrary_n to_o it_o to_o put_v away_o a_o good_a conscience_n therefore_o be_v either_o f●rst_o to_o corrupt_v our_o own_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o action_n out_o of_o vicious_a affection_n or_o worldly_a interest_n and_o impose_v upon_o ourselves_o false_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a or_o second_o to_o act_v direct_o contrary_a to_o our_o sense_n and_o persuasion_n to_o leave_v undo_v those_o thing_n which_o our_o own_o conscience_n tell_v we_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o it_o tell_v we_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v in_o short_a to_o put_v away_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v to_o live_v in_o any_o know_a course_n of_o sin_n either_o of_o omission_n or_o commission_n to_o practice_v contradiction_n to_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o inclination_n of_o our_o will_n against_o the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n 4._o the_o last_o enquiry_n be_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v here_o set_v in_o opposition_n to_o hold_v or_o keep_v the_o faith_n must_v signify_v opposite_o and_o consequent_o must_v denote_v not_o hold_v and_o keep_v it_o or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n lose_v and_o abandon_v it_o for_o in_o this_o allegory_n the_o true_a christian_a faith_n be_v represent_v as_o a_o ship_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o a_o pure_a and_o holy_a life_n as_o the_o pilot_n that_o steer_v and_o govern_v it_o and_o indeed_o in_o that_o state_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o other_o pilot_n but_o purity_n of_o conscience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n be_v able_a to_o conduct_v and_o preserve_v this_o ship_n and_o carry_v it_o safe_a through_o those_o incessant_a storm_n of_o persecution_n wherein_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v toss_v and_o agitate_a for_o when_o christian_n have_v once_o throw_v off_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n by_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o a_o wicked_a and_o dissolute_a life_n what_o be_v there_o left_a to_o restrain_v they_o from_o abandon_v their_o faith_n when_o it_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o their_o worldly_a ease_n and_o interest_n and_o though_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o competition_n between_o their_o faith_n and_o interest_n but_o they_o may_v free_o enjoy_v they_o both_o without_o any_o disturbance_n yet_o their_o wicked_a life_n will_v natural_o tempt_v they_o to_o corrupt_v their_o faith_n with_o wicked_a principle_n of_o which_o late_a in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o give_v a_o eminent_a instance_n in_o hymenaeus_n who_o have_v not_o whole_o desert_v christianity_n but_o only_o renounce_v one_o fundamental_a article_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a as_o of_o the_o former_a he_o give_v another_o instance_n in_o alexander_n who_o as_o it_o seem_v probable_a have_v through_o the_o fear_n of_o persecution_n desert_v christianity_n itself_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v may_v be_v resolve_v into_o this_o sense_n that_o man_n live_v wicked_o against_o the_o conviction_n and_o obligation_n of_o their_o conscience_n ●oth_v very_o much_o expose_v they_o to_o apostasy_n from_o true_a religion_n into_o gross_a and_o impious_a error_n thus_o to_o the_o love_n of_o money_n which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a the_o apostle_n attribute_n man_n err_v from_o the_o faith_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 10._o and_o that_o which_o expose_v those_o silly_a woman_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 6._o to_o the_o seduction_n of_o false_a teacher_n be_v their_o be_v lade_v with_o sin_n and_o lead_v away_o with_o divers_a lust_n and_o the_o same_o apostle_n ascribe_v demas_n apostasy_n to_o his_o covetousness_n or_o inordinate_a love_n of_o this_o present_a world_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 10._o but_o that_o i_o may_v evince_v this_o truth_n more_o full_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o particular_a instance_n of_o the_o mighty_a tendency_n there_o be_v in_o every_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n to_o error_n and_o apostasy_n from_o true_a religion_n 1._o it_o corrupt_v and_o debauch_n man_n reason_n and_o understanding_n 2._o it_o render_v the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n uneasy_a to_o their_o mind_n 3._o it_o deprive_v man_n of_o the_o high_a encouragement_n to_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n 4._o it_o weaken_v the_o natural_a force_n of_o their_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o great_a restraint_n from_o apostasy_n 5._o it_o strengthen_v the_o temptation_n to_o apostasy_n 6._o it_o provoke_v god_n to_o give_v we_o up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o delusion_n 1._o live_v in_o any_o know_v and_o wilful_a course_n of_o sin_n corrupt_v and_o debauch_n mens_fw-la reason_n and_o understanding_n so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n he_o do_v not_o only_o live_v without_o but_o against_o his_o reason_n which_o instead_o of_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o his_o action_n have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o do_v with_o they_o but_o like_o a_o idle_a spectator_n do_v only_o behold_v the_o brutish_a scene_n without_o any_o part_n or_o 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