to_o evince_v it_o though_o obstinate_a person_n and_o such_o as_o maintain_v tenet_n in_o despite_n of_o evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a may_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o they_o it_o be_v the_o church_n in_o its_o full_a latitude_n and_o extent_n that_o be_v eminent_o christ_n body_n and_o his_o spouse_n and_o it_o be_v his_o body_n and_o spouse_n that_o he_o be_v conjoin_v and_o marry_v to_o now_o for_o any_o one_o to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o vincula_fw-la that_o be_v between_o he_o and_o individual_a believer_n be_v to_o run_v himself_o into_o the_o absurdity_n which_o we_o common_o call_v a_o circle_n for_o if_o the_o copula_fw-la of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n be_v their_o society_n and_o fellowship_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o the_o vinculum_fw-la between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n be_v through_o the_o cohesion_n of_o particular_a believer_n to_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o that_o our_o author_n must_v be_v entangle_v in_o a_o circle_n or_o else_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o circular_a define_n and_o discourse_v and_o to_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o church_n belief_n of_o his_o revelation_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n be_v but_o instead_o of_o lose_v the_o knot_n to_o tie_v it_o fast_o for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o aggregate_v body_n of_o believer_n she_o can_v no_o other_o way_n embrace_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o yield_v obedience_n to_o its_o command_n but_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o what_o her_o particular_a constituent_a member_n do_v 2._o that_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n even_o suppose_v it_o a_o mere_a political_a relation_n shall_v be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v repugnant_a to_o that_o conception_n and_o idea_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n catholick-visible_a and_o much_o more_o particular_a institute_v church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o christian_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v in_o priority_n of_o nature_n be_v christian_n before_o they_o can_v any_o way_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n now_o to_o suppose_v they_o christian_n i_o speak_v of_o adult_n person_n without_o their_o previous_a own_v the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n through_o a_o belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o a_o profess_a subjection_n to_o his_o law_n be_v a_o absurd_a and_o self-contradictious_a imagination_n 3._o if_o the_o apostle_n be_v immediate_o unite_v to_o christ_n without_o any_o antecedent_n relation_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o see_v no_o cause_n why_o every_o individual_a christian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v hold_v unite_v to_o he_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o they_o be_v for_o the_o apostle_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n under_o the_o formal_a consideration_n of_o their_o be_v christian_n and_o not_o under_o the_o reduplication_n of_o their_o be_v apostle_n it_o follow_v by_o a_o short_a and_o easy_a train_n of_o ratiocination_n that_o all_o who_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o denomination_n of_o christian_n be_v unite_v by_o the_o same_o bond_n and_o stand_v in_o the_o same_o immediateness_n of_o conjunction_n with_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v yea_o paul_n have_v say_v enough_o to_o set_v this_o beyond_o all_o suspect_n in_o that_o speak_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n he_o reckon_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o classis_fw-la of_o member_n with_o other_o believer_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o 28._o now_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o any_o antecedent_n relation_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o that_o their_o relation_n of_o oneness_n with_o he_o be_v immediate_a there_o be_v unanswerable_a argument_n at_o hand_n to_o demonstrate_v but_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v one_o namely_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a church_n pre-existent_a to_o they_o into_o who_o society_n and_o fellowship_n they_o can_v be_v admit_v i_o have_v thus_o far_o discourse_v these_o thing_n with_o mr._n sherlock_n take_v the_o church_n for_o the_o universal_a catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o most_o favourable_a acceptation_n to_o befriend_v the_o notion_n of_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o this_o acceptation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o our_o communion_n with_o it_o be_v the_o medium_fw-la and_o bond_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n mr._n sherlock_n find_v himself_o in_o some_o case_n necessitate_v to_o retreat_n to_o if_o say_v he_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o â—hrist_n 165._o and_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o as_o it_o may_v happen_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n or_o some_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n then_o consist_v in_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o law_n which_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n though_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n to_o communicate_v with_o now_o if_o the_o notion_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n by_o the_o medium_fw-la of_o a_o previous_a interest_n in_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n be_v not_o defensible_a much_o less_o be_v it_o maintainable_a on_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o a_o union_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o the_o vinculum_fw-la and_o foundation_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o most_o of_o our_o author_n discourse_n be_v frame_v in_o countenance_n of_o this_o namely_o that_o individual_a christian_n be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n but_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o some_o particular_a church_n hence_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o we_o can_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n 164._o that_o be_v can_v own_v his_o authority_n and_o government_n till_o we_o unite_v ourselves_o to_o the_o public_a society_n of_o christian_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o public_a instruction_n authority_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v make_v the_o motive_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o live_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n where_o providence_n have_v cast_v we_o so_o long_o as_o she_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o authority_n because_o 166._o as_o our_o author_n say_v this_o unite_v we_o to_o christ._n mr._n sherlock_n so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o conjecture_v be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o think_v what_o be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o the_o hypothesis_n he_o have_v espouse_v or_o what_o be_v most_o disserviceable_a to_o it_o all_o immediate_a union_n of_o particular_a christian_n with_o christ_n save_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o deny_v but_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v take_v by_o communion_n with_o which_o we_o come_v to_o be_v copulate_v with_o jesus_n christ_n he_o dare_v not_o determine_v at_o one_o time_n it_o be_v by_o our_o be_v member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n at_o another_o it_o be_v by_o our_o fellowship_n with_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n 165._o who_o member_n be_v in_o regular_a subjection_n to_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o ruler_n 163.165_o and_o live_v in_o concord_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o and_o in_o a_o mutual_a discharge_n of_o all_o christian_a office_n but_o that_o communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o a_o christian_n union_n with_o christ_n i_o come_v under_o the_o influence_n and_o command_n of_o these_o reason_n to_o believe_v 1._o there_o may_v be_v some_o individual_a christian_n where_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a institute_v church_n of_o christ_n into_o which_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v nor_o may_v this_o only_o be_v suppose_v but_o there_o be_v divers_a instance_n in_o ecclesiastical_a story_n to_o evince_v it_o yea_o there_o can_v be_v no_o particular_a church_n without_o the_o pre-existence_n of_o individual_a believer_n see_v it_o be_v of_o such_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v constitute_v and_o form_v we_o may_v as_o well_o build_v a_o house_n without_o pre-existent_a material_n as_o erect_v a_o particular_a church_n without_o believer_n to_o constitute_v it_o of_o there_o must_v be_v live_a stone_n of_o which_o this_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v build_v and_o frame_v the_o be_v saint_n through_o the_o effectual_a vocation_n and_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o first_o ground_n presuppose_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o adscription_n of_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o church_n to_o any_o nor_o be_v the_o duty_n require_v of_o those_o that_o stand_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n relation_n possible_a to_o be_v perform_v but_o by_o such_o as_o be_v sincere_a christian_n 2._o christian_n in_o the_o very_a
virtue_n and_o upon_o the_o alone_a motive_n of_o their_o be_v believer_n may_v be_v oblige_v and_o that_o upon_o no_o mean_a inducement_n than_o their_o loyalty_n to_o christ_n to_o renounce_v communion_n not_o only_o with_o the_o particular_a church_n with_o which_o they_o have_v walk_v but_o to_o suspend_v fellowship_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n that_o lie_v within_o the_o circle_n and_o compass_v of_o their_o knowledge_n if_o any_o church_n shall_v so_o degenerate_a as_o to_o forsake_v the_o common_a faith_n it_o become_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o honest_a christian_n to_o forsake_v that_o church_n and_o renounce_v all_o external_a communion_n with_o she_o and_o yet_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v say_v that_o the_o person_n so_o act_v cease_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n than_o his_o disclaim_v fellowship_n with_o those_o who_o have_v revolt_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o christian_n may_v be_v injurious_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n not_o only_o of_o one_o but_o of_o every_o particular_a church_n and_o yet_o remain_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o consequent_o their_o union_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v be_v the_o bond_n of_o their_o cohesion_n to_o he_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v predict_v it_o to_o be_v the_o fate_n sometime_o of_o believer_n to_o be_v so_o entertain_v and_o have_v according_o advise_v his_o disciple_n to_o expect_v it_o as_o their_o lot_n and_o to_o resent_v it_o as_o their_o honour_n to_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o separate_v for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n sake_n luk._n 6.22_o the_o term_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d render_v they_o shall_v separate_v you_o be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d joh._n 16.2_o yea_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o that_o a_o person_n may_v be_v just_o seclude_v for_o a_o time_n from_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o yet_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n not_o be_v dissolve_v a_o scandalous_a sin_n in_o a_o professor_n provide_v the_o party_n offend_v give_v not_o evidence_n of_o his_o sincere_a repentance_n be_v foundation_n enough_o for_o the_o church_n to_o proceed_v to_o such_o a_o censure_n yea_o the_o maintain_v she_o own_o dignity_n and_o honour_n and_o the_o make_v christianity_n appear_v to_o be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o exact_a purity_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o celsus_n and_o julian_n reproach_v it_o do_v not_o allow_v impunity_n to_o criminal_n oblige_v she_o to_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v unsafe_a to_o pronounce_v of_o every_o person_n that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o those_o censure_n that_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n or_o that_o all_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v interrupt_v and_o dissolve_v 4._o our_o union_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v a_o assertion_n so_o remote_a from_o all_o truth_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a none_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o member_n into_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o upon_o a_o presumption_n that_o christ_n have_v first_o receive_v they_o without_o previous_a ground_n of_o judge_a man_n to_o be_v believer_n we_o be_v not_o only_o destitute_a of_o all_o warranty_n to_o admit_v they_o but_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n yea_o by_o principle_n of_o reason_n consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o society_n not_o to_o do_v it_o a_o church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a corporation_n wherein_o privilege_n be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v upon_o term_n antecedent_o require_v and_o these_o term_n be_v at_o least_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n authority_n through_o a_o belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o a_o profess_a subjection_n to_o his_o law_n which_o be_v the_o notion_n and_o idea_n of_o a_o political_a union_n with_o he_o to_o suppose_v our_o union_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o relation_n of_o oneness_n with_o christ_n involve_v no_o less_o than_o a_o contradiction_n 5._o it_o be_v a_o person_n submit_v himself_o to_o the_o law_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v that_o wherein_o mr._n sherlock_n himself_o state_v the_o political_a union_n of_o christian_n with_o christ_n to_o consist_v that_o sway_v and_o influence_v he_o to_o submit_v himself_o to_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o to_o join_v with_o other_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o consequence_n our_o union_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a our_o union_n with_o he_o be_v the_o motive_n &_o inducement_n of_o our_o join_n into_o fellowship_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v that_o we_o mean_v by_o union_n with_o it_o the_o account_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o macedonian_n be_v that_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o unto_o they_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o it_o be_v by_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o observance_n of_o christ_n command_n that_o they_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o coalesce_v into_o church-society_n 6._o i_o shall_v only_o add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n for_o it_o be_v not_o number_n but_o strength_n of_o argument_n that_o man_n be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o that_o a_o imagination_n of_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o a_o union_n with_o the_o church_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o papal_a vicarious_a political_n head_n nor_o be_v this_o my_o apprehension_n alone_o but_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n also_o of_o episcopius_n a_o person_n who_o judgement_n &_o testimony_n mr._n sherlock_n will_v not_o undervalue_v and_o to_o speak_v my_o inward_a thought_n 4._o it_o be_v all_o he_o say_v to_o purpose_n upon_o this_o theme_n though_o he_o undertake_v to_o treat_v it_o with_o some_o industry_n be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o most_o other_o particular_n rather_o florid_n than_o nervous_a beside_o a_o brisk_a air_n that_o display_v itself_o in_o his_o manner_n of_o handle_v thing_n there_o be_v little_a solid_a or_o beyond_o what_o be_v vulgar_a and_o common_a in_o he_o but_o to_o return_v into_o this_o supposition_n that_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o immedidiate_n political_n head_n of_o his_o church_n be_v the_o substitution_n of_o a_o universal_a vicarious_a head_n resolve_v and_o to_o do_v the_o papist_n right_a if_o believer_n even_o in_o a_o political_a sense_n be_v not_o immediate_o unite_v to_o christ_n it_o be_v more_o congruous_a to_o reason_n to_o establish_v one_o vicarious_a catholic_n visible_a head_n than_o five_o thousand_o and_o though_o upon_o the_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o head_n the_o pope_n may_v fail_v in_o his_o claym_v to_o it_o yet_o i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o if_o the_o honour_n and_o privilege_v of_o it_o be_v refuse_v he_o some_o one_o or_o other_o must_v have_v the_o credit_n of_o it_o thus_o admit_v that_o be_v all_o the_o union_n which_o intercede_v between_o christ_n and_o believer_n mere_o such_o a_o political_a relation_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n yet_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v prove_v that_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v nevertheless_o immediate_a i_o be_o sure_a the_o king_n of_o england_n through_o his_o govern_v his_o subject_n by_o subordinate_a officer_n delegated_a to_o rule_n by_o his_o authority_n do_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o immediate_a head_n to_o all_o his_o subject_n and_o to_o every_o individual_a person_n among_o they_o there_o remain_v only_o before_o i_o advance_v to_o the_o second_o conclusion_n some_o exception_n of_o our_o author_n to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o upon_o a_o survey_n of_o what_o he_o have_v muster_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o hypothesis_n i_o can_v but_o ascribe_v to_o he_o a_o faculty_n of_o press_v any_o thing_n that_o come_v in_o his_o way_n to_o fight_v for_o he_o nor_o shall_v i_o here_o only_o rescue_v some_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o some_o receive_a doctrine_n from_o the_o rape_n which_o our_o author_n have_v commit_v upon_o they_o and_o from_o that_o involuntary_a service_n into_o which_o they_o be_v compel_v but_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o defeat_v his_o cause_n by_o they_o 143._o the_o one_a be_v draw_v from_o the_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n which_o say_v he_o do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o not_o to_o every_o individual_a christian._n thus_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o head_n but_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n as_o the_o husband_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o wife_n eph._n 5.23_o 24._o
be_v the_o same_o pleasure_n to_o i_o to_o have_v my_o notion_n confute_v when_o unsound_a as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v restore_v to_o health_n when_o i_o have_v be_v sick_a §_o 8._o have_v brief_o view_v the_o serviceableness_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o the_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v ere_o we_o make_v any_o further_o proceed_v infer_v and_o conclude_v from_o hence_o its_o authority_n for_o upon_o its_o divine_a original_a do_v its_o authority_n bear_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o submit_v our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n to_o the_o bible_n be_v god_n speak_v in_o it_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v his_o right_n to_o command_v and_o require_v obedience_n and_o it_o be_v found_v not_o only_o in_o the_o supereminence_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o his_o relation_n to_o we_o as_o our_o maker_n have_v make_v we_o rational_a creature_n capable_a of_o moral_a government_n he_o may_v according_o rule_v we_o by_o law_n back_v with_o promise_n and_o threaten_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la man_n may_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o under_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o may_v deny_v he_o obedience_n but_o that_o militate_v nothing_o against_o the_o right_n that_o be_v vest_v in_o he_o of_o rule_v they_o nor_o the_o obligation_n that_o they_o be_v under_o of_o obey_v he_o now_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n arise_v from_o its_o be_v god_n word_n and_o his_o speak_n in_o it_o nor_o be_v the_o most_o momentous_a reason_n of_o that_o significancy_n to_o determine_v our_o assent_n as_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o person_n of_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o truth_n what_o great_a assurance_n can_v we_o have_v to_o ascertain_v our_o belief_n than_o that_o the_o affirmer_n be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o can_v be_v deceive_v himself_o and_o infinite_o good_a and_o can_v deceive_v other_o to_o say_v as_o the_o papist_n do_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v its_o authority_n in_o se_fw-la in_o its_o self_n from_o its_o self_n but_o that_o it_o have_v its_o authority_n quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la with_o respect_n to_o we_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o talk_v without_o either_o reason_n or_o sense_n for_o 1_o authority_n be_v a_o relative_n term_n nothing_o can_v have_v authority_n in_o itself_o which_o have_v it_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o nothing_o be_v a_o law_n proper_o but_o what_o be_v a_o law_n to_o some_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o suppose_v a_o actual_a right_n in_o any_o to_o command_n without_o suppose_v a_o obligation_n in_o some_o to_o obey_v if_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o itself_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o it_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o authority_n in_o its_o self_n 3._o at_o all_o 2_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o authority_n with_o respect_n to_o we_o but_o what_o it_o have_v from_o the_o church_n how_o come_v the_o church_n itself_o to_o be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o receive_v and_o obey_v it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o obligation_n but_o in_o relation_n to_o some_o antecedent_n authority_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o authority_n oblige_v the_o church_n to_o receive_v the_o scripture_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o sin_n in_o her_o reject_v it_o 3_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o authority_n from_o its_o self_n and_o god_n speak_v in_o it_o with_o respect_n to_o we_o than_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v the_o first_o credible_a which_o be_v altogether_o false_a it_o be_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o both_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n and_o how_o far_o her_o testimony_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v to_o 4._o every_o testimony_n be_v posterior_n to_o the_o thing_n testify_v and_o be_v according_o true_a or_o false_a as_o it_o be_v agreeable_a or_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o bear_v witness_v to_o if_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n have_v any_o authority_n with_o respect_n to_o we_o upon_o the_o testimonial_a of_o the_o church_n it_o behove_v to_o have_v it_o antecedent_o in_o a_o word_n if_o god_n have_v not_o a_o right_n of_o command_v we_o independent_o on_o the_o testimonial_n of_o the_o church_n then_o no_o private_a revelation_n that_o ever_o god_n make_v or_o can_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o any_o be_v of_o the_o least_o force_n or_o significancy_n nor_o can_v they_o to_o who_o god_n by_o vision_n dream_n inspiration_n or_o otherwise_o make_v himself_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n know_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o give_v forth_o and_o publish_v to_o other_o what_o be_v thus_o reveal_v to_o they_o till_o they_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o be_v authentic_a have_v establish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o its_o true_a basis_n namely_o on_o its_o be_v god_n word_n and_o speak_v in_o it_o now_o forasmuch_o as_o no_o man_n either_o be_v or_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v a_o lie_n we_o may_v hence_o learn_v what_o to_o judge_n of_o that_o notion_n of_o des-cartes_n and_o some_o other_o 24._o viz._n deum_fw-la posse_fw-la fallere_fw-la si_fw-la velit_fw-la that_o god_n can_v deceive_v if_o he_o please_v no_o one_o deny_v but_o there_o both_o may_v be_v and_o be_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o man_n may_v turn_v into_o occasion_n of_o be_v deceive_v all_o that_o be_v contend_v for_o be_v this_o that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n which_o may_v be_v a_o proper_a cause_n of_o error_n to_o say_v that_o god_n may_v deceive_v if_o he_o will_v be_v no_o less_o than_o to_o affirm_v that_o he_o may_v cease_v to_o be_v god_n if_o he_o will_v god_n can_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o in_o sensu_fw-la diviso_fw-la abstract_v from_o his_o decree_n to_o the_o contrary_a he_o may_v will_n to_o do_v if_o we_o prove_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o deceive_v his_o creature_n we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v contradictory_n to_o his_o power_n to_o do_v so_o first_o then_o if_o god_n may_v deceive_v if_o he_o please_v what_o assurance_n have_v we_o but_o that_o he_o have_v and_o may_v choose_v to_o do_v it_o nor_o be_v it_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o for_o if_o he_o may_v deceive_v at_o all_o i_o know_v nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o he_o may_v even_o then_o deceive_v we_o when_o he_o inform_v we_o he_o will_v not_o second_o no_o one_o can_v deceive_v a_o other_o but_o it_o must_v proceed_v either_o from_o ignorance_n error_n or_o malice_n but_o all_o these_o interfere_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n this_o posse_fw-la fallere_fw-la lie_v cross_v to_o his_o nature_n also_o to_o deceive_v argue_v either_o want_n of_o wisdom_n goodness_n or_o veracity_n and_o therefore_o in_o no_o sense_n can_v god_n deceive_v see_v he_o can_v neither_o cease_v to_o be_v wise_a nor_o give_v over_o to_o be_v good_a nor_o fail_v to_o be_v true_a three_o though_o a_o finite_a ignorant_a and_o mistake_v creature_n may_v impose_v upon_o we_o without_o say_v one_o thing_n when_o he_o think_v another_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o infinite_a wise_a and_o omniscient_a be_v shall_v deceive_v any_o but_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o must_v lie_v but_o that_o god_n can_v lie_v we_o have_v both_o the_o testimony_n of_o scrpture_n tit._n 1.2_o and_o the_o high_a assurance_n that_o reason_n can_v give_v we_o hence_o no_o one_o ever_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n but_o he_o withal_o include_v in_o his_o nature_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o speak_v nothing_o but_o truth_n §_o 9_o have_v unfold_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o motive_n that_o our_o assent_n to_o the_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n be_v raise_v on_o we_o may_v hence_o infer_v that_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a for_o as_o doctor_n hammond_n say_v in_o another_o case_n 3_o if_o the_o person_n affirm_v be_v infallible_a then_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o person_n infallible_a also_o so_o if_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o assent_n to_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n be_v infallible_a our_o assent_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o these_o ground_n be_v infallible_a likewise_o assent_n be_v not_o specificate_v and_o denominate_v from_o their_o object_n nor_o yet_o from_o the_o faculty_n that_o elicit_v they_o but_o from_o the_o foundation_n and_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o be_v raise_v whilst_o then_o the_o motive_n upon_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n be_v more_o than_o moral_a our_o assurance_n of_o its_o divinity_n be_v more_o than_o moral_a also_o for_o as_o we_o distinguish_v between_o the_o consequent_a and_o the_o
consequence_n the_o thing_n infer_v and_o the_o manner_n of_o infer_v it_o and_o as_o we_o reckon_v every_o consequent_a right_o deduce_v from_o a_o infallible_a antecedent_n to_o be_v infallible_a also_o though_o the_o faculty_n by_o which_o it_o be_v deduce_v be_v in_o its_o nature_n fallible_a and_o in_o its_o operation_n liable_a to_o prevaricate_v and_o mistake_v so_o every_o assent_n build_v upon_o infallible_a inducement_n be_v a_o infallible_a assent_n though_o the_o instrument_n by_o which_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o such_o inducement_n arrive_v with_o we_o may_v in_o their_o nature_n be_v liable_a to_o error_n beside_o the_o incertitude_n of_o the_o subject_a or_o mind_n do_v not_o at_o all_o weaken_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o object_n or_o the_o certainty_n of_o its_o motive_n that_o god_n be_v be_v in_o itself_o certain_a and_o there_o be_v indubitable_a argument_n by_o which_o his_o be_v may_v be_v demonstrate_v though_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v hesitate_n either_o about_o his_o existence_n or_o suspect_v a_o fallacy_n in_o the_o media_fw-la of_o its_o probation_n the_o incertitude_n of_o the_o mind_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o any_o fallacy_n of_o the_o media_n but_o from_o want_n of_o evidence_n into_o and_o cognition_n of_o they_o the_o principal_a ground_n of_o our_o receive_v the_o bible_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v it_o be_v internal_a motive_n or_o argument_n impress_v upon_o it_o nor_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o its_o conveyance_n from_o age_n to_o age_n of_o so_o great_a import_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o some_o do_v imagine_v for_o shall_v we_o have_v light_n on_o it_o by_o chance_n or_o have_v it_o drop_v out_o of_o the_o cloud_n yet_o while_o it_o carry_v these_o signature_n upon_o it_o which_o it_o do_v we_o may_v by_o the_o mere_a exercise_n of_o our_o rational_a faculty_n without_o the_o testimonial_n of_o any_o man_n or_o church_n have_v conclude_v that_o it_o can_v have_v proceed_v from_o none_o but_o from_o god_n and_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o convey_n down_o the_o miracle_n and_o other_o external_n evidence_n that_o be_v bring_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v do_v by_o humane_a and_o fallible_a mean_n yet_o it_o no_o way_n follow_v that_o our_o assent_n to_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o build_v upon_o those_o motive_n be_v fallible_a for_o tradition_n be_v not_o the_o formal_a ground_n of_o our_o belief_n in_o this_o case_n but_o only_o a_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o hand_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o to_o we_o nor_o do_v i_o think_v but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v defend_v that_o as_o the_o external_n motive_n upon_o which_o we_o receive_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o themselves_o infallible_a that_o they_o be_v also_o infallible_a in_o their_o manner_n of_o conveyance_n to_o we_o for_o as_o it_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o first_o reporter_n of_o these_o evidence_n be_v infallible_o inspire_v in_o the_o report_v they_o make_v and_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o record_n which_o they_o leave_v behind_o they_o so_o it_o may_v be_v likewise_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v watch_v over_o the_o preserve_v they_o down_o to_o we_o the_o exception_n make_v by_o a_o very_a learned_a person_n that_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o certainty_n as_o to_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o there_o can_v be_v degree_n of_o infallibility_n may_v i_o think_v easy_o be_v take_v off_o for_o if_o by_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n he_o mean_v no_o more_o but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o have_v their_o faith_n establish_v upon_o more_o media_n than_o other_o have_v they_o there_o be_v thus_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n as_o well_o as_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o certainty_n and_o though_o faith_n superstruct_v upon_o any_o infallible_a medium_fw-la be_v essential_o a_o a_o infallible_a faith_n yet_o that_o which_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o plurality_n of_o such_o media_n may_v be_v style_v a_o faith_n intensive_o &_o gradual_o more_o infallible_a but_o if_o by_o infallibility_n 5._o he_o mean_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o mind_n than_o i_o must_v crave_v leave_n to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o as_o in_o a_o apodictical_a syllogism_n there_o may_v be_v a_o certainty_n both_o in_o the_o consequent_a and_o consequence_n and_o yet_o our_o mind_n through_o either_o not_o discern_v the_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o the_o term_n of_o the_o antecedent_n or_o not_o see_v into_o the_o regular_a and_o orderly_a deduction_n of_o the_o consequent_a from_o the_o antecedent_n may_v remain_v uncertain_a so_o our_o assent_n build_v upon_o unerrable_a motive_n be_v a_o infallible_a assent_n though_o the_o mind_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n through_o not_o discover_v the_o infallibility_n of_o those_o motive_n may_v remain_v subject_a to_o doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o indeed_o the_o schoolman_n call_v the_o certitude_n of_o the_o act_n only_o by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o certainty_n of_o infallibility_n whereas_o they_o style_v the_o certitude_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o certainty_n of_o adhesion_n 1_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o act_n of_o assent_n result_v from_o the_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o the_o motive_n which_o ground_n such_o assent_n but_o the_o firm_a adhesion_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o that_o which_o we_o have_v call_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o mind_n though_o it_o radical_o arise_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o motive_n yet_o it_o do_v withal_o &_o that_o immediate_o connotate_v a_o perception_n of_o the_o motive_n themselves_o that_o they_o be_v infallible_a and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v venture_v our_o faith_n upon_o without_o either_o fear_n doubt_n or_o jealousy_n and_o herein_o lie_v our_o first_o duty_n about_o the_o scripture_n that_o our_o faith_n answer_v their_o credibility_n and_o that_o the_o adhesion_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o they_o be_v as_o firm_a as_o the_o object_n themselves_o be_v immutable_a or_o the_o motive_n afford_v we_o in_o their_o confirmation_n be_v infallible_a and_o sure_a §_o 10._o have_v declare_v the_o great_a serviceableness_n of_o reason_n in_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v next_o inquire_v into_o the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o our_o attainment_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n god_n in_o vouchsafe_v the_o world_n a_o supernatural_a revelation_n suppose_v we_o not_o only_o furnish_v with_o the_o sensitive_a faculty_n of_o see_v and_o hear_v but_o endow_v with_o intellectual_a principle_n by_o which_o we_o may_v understand_v it_o judge_n of_o and_o assent_v to_o it_o be_v we_o destitute_a of_o the_o latter_a scripture_n be_v of_o no_o more_o significancy_n to_o we_o than_o to_o brute_n and_o be_v the_o former_a deny_v we_o we_o be_v no_o more_o capable_a of_o be_v transact_v with_o in_o this_o way_n than_o stock_n and_o stone_n be_v now_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o bible_n without_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v not_o proper_o the_o scripture_n nor_o will_v it_o avail_v we_o to_o any_o end_n or_o purpose_n more_o than_o the_o have_v a_o shell_n without_o a_o kernel_n word_n be_v of_o no_o further_a use_n than_o as_o they_o be_v representation_n of_o conception_n &_o image_n of_o thing_n can_v we_o communicate_v our_o conception_n to_o one_o another_o immediate_o or_o by_o any_o other_o sign_n and_o that_o with_o the_o same_o facility_n and_o certainty_n as_o we_o do_v by_o word_n there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n for_o word_n nor_o any_o need_n of_o they_o as_o conception_n be_v the_o representation_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o mind_n so_o word_n be_v the_o representation_n of_o these_o conception_n to_o other_o but_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o can_v have_v no_o perception_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o another_o though_o he_o shall_v express_v they_o in_o speech_n or_o writing_n unless_o we_o first_o know_v that_o such_o and_o such_o word_n be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mankind_n apply_v to_o denote_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n therefore_o all_o word_n as_o they_o be_v manifestative_a sign_n of_o conception_n so_o they_o be_v suppositive_a sign_n of_o thing_n and_o though_o they_o be_v first_o indicative_a of_o conception_n in_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o speaker_n yet_o as_o to_o execution_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o hearer_n they_o be_v first_o manifestative_a of_o thing_n for_o unless_o we_o know_v what_o thing_n such_o and_o such_o word_n be_v ordain_v to_o signify_v they_o can_v be_v no_o interpreter_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v i_o know_v no_o great_a disparagement_n that_o can_v be_v put_v upon_o the_o bible_n nor_o affront_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v to_o the_o author_n of_o it_o than_o to_o style_v it_o a_o little_a ink_n various_o figure_v