much_o that_o in_o some_o matter_n of_o very_a great_a moment_n the_o scripture_n be_v a_o very_a sufficient_a rule_n and_o ground_n of_o certainty_n as_o to_o all_o point_n between_o we_o and_o infidel_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o as_o to_o these_o point_n then_o why_o not_o as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o point_n consequent_a upon_o these_o if_o christ_n be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n in_o opposition_n to_o heathen_a deity_n and_o we_o can_v know_v he_o by_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o than_o we_o may_v as_o well_o know_v he_o to_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n in_o opposition_n to_o arian_n and_o socinian_o if_o against_o the_o heathen_n we_o can_v prove_v from_o scripture_n that_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n why_o will_v not_o this_o as_o well_o hold_v against_o nestorian_n and_o eutychian_o and_o so_o the_o scripture_n become_v a_o very_a sufficient_a rule_n to_o distinguish_v light_n and_o darkness_n in_o such_o point_n among_o christian_n too_o for_o be_v it_o ever_o the_o less_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o rule_n because_o both_o party_n own_o it_o but_o they_o differ_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o controversy_n can_v never_o be_v end_v by_o it_o if_o church-history_n deceive_v we_o not_o the_o great_a controversy_n be_v end_v by_o it_o before_o general_a council_n be_v hear_v of_o and_o more_o than_o have_v be_v since_o many_o of_o those_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o first_o age_n be_v quite_o lay_v asleep_o 3._o as_o theodoret_n observe_v but_o since_o church-authority_n interpose_v in_o the_o most_o reasonable_a manner_n some_o difference_n have_v be_v perpetuate_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o nestorian_a and_o eutychian_a controversy_n i_o do_v not_o blame_v the_o authority_n of_o council_n proceed_v as_o they_o then_o do_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n but_o the_o event_n show_v that_o the_o most_o probable_a mean_n be_v sometime_o very_o ineffectual_a for_o end_v controversy_n and_o those_o which_o man_n think_v will_n most_o effectual_o suppress_v heresy_n do_v often_o give_v a_o new_a life_n and_o spirit_n to_o they_o so_o vain_a be_v the_o imagination_n of_o man_n about_o put_v a_o end_n to_o controversy_n till_o they_o do_v come_v to_o a_o certainty_n about_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v possible_a to_o stop_v man_n mouth_n by_o force_n and_o power_n but_o nothing_o bring_v man_n to_o a_o true_a satisfaction_n but_o inward_a conviction_n as_o to_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rational_a certainty_n as_o to_o these_o point_n without_o it_o if_o controversy_n be_v not_o end_v let_v we_o not_o blame_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n for_o god_n do_v not_o always_o appoint_v the_o mean_n most_o effectual_a in_o our_o judgement_n but_o such_o as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o own_o design_n and_o we_o see_v reason_n enough_o to_o blame_v the_o folly_n and_o weakness_n the_o prejudice_n and_o partiality_n the_o wilfulness_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o mankind_n and_o till_o human_a nature_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o better_a temper_n we_o may_v despair_v of_o see_v any_o end_n of_o controversy_n man_n may_v dispute_v and_o for_o all_o that_o i_o know_v will_v do_v to_o the_o world_n end_n about_o the_o method_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o dispute_n for_o the_o controversy_n about_o certainty_n and_o fatality_n have_v be_v always_o the_o matter_n of_o debate_n among_o dispute_v man_n under_o several_a name_n and_o hypothesis_n and_o be_v like_o so_o to_o be_v to_o the_o general_a conflagration_n iv._o he_o say_v 26._o scripture_n be_v not_o our_o distinguish_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o our_o own_o particular_a judgement_n about_o scripture_n for_o that_o which_o distinguish_v my_o rule_n from_o that_o of_o the_o most_o abominable_a heresy_n can_v only_o be_v my_o own_o judgement_n upon_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n and_o wriggle_v which_o way_n i_o will_v there_o it_o will_v and_o must_v end_v at_o last_o i_o wish_v mr._n s._n have_v be_v a_o little_a better_a conversant_a in_o the_o old_a dispute_n about_o certainty_n for_o it_o will_v have_v save_v i_o the_o trouble_n of_o answer_v some_o impertinent_a objection_n such_o as_o this_o before_o we_o for_o they_o will_v have_v be_v think_v mean_a logician_n who_o can_v not_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o rule_n of_o judgement_n and_o the_o judgement_n which_o a_o man_n make_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n suppose_v the_o question_n be_v about_o sense_n whether_o that_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n or_o not_o to_o judge_v by_o and_o epicurus_n shall_v affirm_v it_o and_o say_v he_o so_o firm_o believe_v it_o that_o he_o judge_v the_o sun_n to_o be_v no_o big_a than_o he_o seem_v to_o his_o sense_n will_v not_o he_o have_v be_v think_v ridiculous_a who_o shall_v have_v say_v this_o fancy_n of_o epicurus_n be_v his_o rule_n the_o rule_n he_o go_v by_o be_v in_o itself_o certain_a but_o he_o make_v a_o wrong_a judgement_n upon_o it_o but_o that_o be_v not_o his_o rule_n so_o it_o be_v here_o we_o declare_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v our_o only_a certain_a and_o stand_a rule_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o we_o understand_v it_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v and_o form_v our_o judgement_n by_o it_o but_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o our_o judgement_n be_v our_o rule_n we_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o our_o judgement_n but_o our_o rule_n be_v infallible_a we_o may_v differ_v in_o our_o judgement_n but_o our_o rule_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o those_o who_o differ_v in_o judgement_n to_o have_v the_o same_o rule_n if_o our_o rule_n and_o our_o judgement_n be_v the_o same_o for_o than_o their_o rule_n must_v be_v as_o different_a as_o their_o judgement_n i_o know_v not_o what_o modern_a logic_n mr._n s._n learn_v but_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o learn_v not_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v from_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n who_o discourse_v about_o the_o criterion_n after_o another_o manner_n than_o our_o great_a pretender_n to_o logic_n do_v 26._o v._o he_o object_n that_o our_o people_n do_v not_o make_v scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n not_o one_o in_o a_o million_o rely_v upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o this_o pretence_n of_o i_o he_o say_v book_n like_o a_o mere_a jest_n and_o he_o can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o i_o be_o in_o earnest_n while_o i_o advance_v such_o a_o paradox_n what_o do_v j._n s._n mean_v to_o call_v one_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o church_n a_o jest_n and_o a_o paradox_n for_o the_o word_n of_o our_o six_o article_n be_v holy_a scripture_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o read_v therein_o nor_o may_v be_v prove_v thereby_o be_v not_o to_o be_v require_v of_o any_o man_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v believe_v as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o be_v think_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n do_v j._n s._n now_o take_v this_o for_o a_o paradox_n among_o we_o i_o assure_v he_o i_o love_v not_o to_o make_v jest_n about_o scripture_n nor_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o salvation_n but_o wherein_o do_v this_o jest_n lie_v why_o forsooth_o i_o make_v the_o people_n to_o make_v scripture_n their_o rule_n and_o not_o one_o in_o a_o million_o think_v of_o rely_v on_o it_o have_v they_o then_o any_o other_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o rely_v upon_o what_o be_v it_o i_o pray_v be_v it_o the_o church_n infallibility_n no._n be_v it_o pius_n the_o four_o creed_n no_o true_o while_o they_o be_v child_n 27._o they_o believe_v tradition_n now_o i_o think_v j._n s._n have_v hit_v it_o tradition_n be_v indeed_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o child_n who_o be_v very_o apt_a simple_o to_o believe_v their_o father_n and_o teacher_n but_o suppose_v they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n what_o rule_n of_o faith_n have_v they_o then_o have_v they_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n then_o no_o this_o be_v another_o jest._n for_o he_o suppose_v all_o our_o people_n to_o be_v a_o dull_a sort_n of_o animal_n that_o understand_v nothing_o of_o scripture_n or_o faith_n themselves_o i_o wonder_v then_o that_o they_o make_v no_o more_o convert_v among_o they_o but_o trust_v their_o parson_n for_o all_o for_o boves_fw-la arabant_fw-la &_o asinae_fw-la pascebantur_fw-la juxta_fw-la eos_fw-la therefore_o the_o people_n have_v no_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n 2.2.9.4.2.6_o i_o hope_v j._n s._n know_v who_o jest_n or_o rather_o argument_n that_o be_v whatever_o he_o insinuate_v as_o to_o our_o people_n i_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v far_o better_o of_o they_o and_o that_o all_o those_o who_o mind_n their_o salvation_n do_v serious_o read_v and_o consider_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith._n but_o if_o
certain_a to_o those_o who_o use_v it_o aright_o although_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o man_n through_o their_o own_o fault_n to_o mistake_v about_o it_o and_o this_o be_v no_o way_n disagree_v to_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o deal_v with_o we_o as_o with_o rational_a creature_n and_o have_v put_v faculty_n into_o we_o that_o we_o may_v use_v they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o faith._n and_o such_o moral_a qualification_n be_v require_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o order_n to_o the_o discern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o as_o humility_n of_o mind_n purity_n of_o heart_n prayer_n to_o god_n sincere_a endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o repugnant_a to_o the_o design_n of_o it_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n alone_o will_v give_v a_o man_n immediate_a and_o certain_a direction_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n be_v apply_v to_o it_o therefore_o a_o easy_a answer_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o mr._n s_n great_a difficulty_n viz._n how_o the_o sense_n draw_v from_o the_o letter_n can_v any_o more_o fail_v to_o be_v true_a than_o the_o line_n draw_v by_o the_o rule_n to_o be_v straight_o for_o we_o say_v that_o the_o sense_n true_o draw_v from_o the_o scripture_n can_v never_o fail_v to_o be_v true_a but_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o man_n must_v draw_v the_o true_a sense_n from_o the_o scripture_n for_o although_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n yet_o unless_o every_o man_n that_o make_v use_v of_o it_o be_v infallible_a he_o may_v mistake_v in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o and_o this_o to_o i_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o to_o make_v a_o infallible_a rule_n in_o his_o sense_n he_o must_v make_v every_o person_n that_o use_v it_o infallible_a or_o else_o he_o may_v err_v in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o but_o the_o right_a way_n say_v mr._n s._n will_v certain_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o his_o journey_n end_v 6._o and_o the_o way_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o wrong_a way_n if_o it_o do_v it_o not_o the_o right_a way_n will_v certain_o bring_v they_o to_o their_o journey_n end_v if_o they_o continue_v in_o it_o but_o here_o we_o must_v consider_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o journey_n end._n if_o by_o it_o be_v understand_v their_o salvation_n than_o we_o say_v that_o those_o who_o do_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o keep_v in_o that_o way_n shall_v not_o fail_v of_o their_o journey_n end._n but_o if_o by_o it_o be_v understand_v the_o certain_a truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o every_o opinion_n try_v by_o the_o scripture_n than_o i_o answer_v that_o although_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v infallible_o true_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o design_v as_o a_o infallible_a way_n for_o we_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n of_o all_o particular_a opinion_n by_o for_o as_o mr._n s._n well_o observe_v salvation_n be_v that_o which_o chief_o import_v we_o and_o it_o be_v for_o that_o end_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o and_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a way_n to_o it_o if_o man_n continue_v therein_o but_o for_o judge_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o opinion_n without_o respect_n to_o salvation_n as_o the_o end_n it_o be_v not_o intend_v as_o a_o infallible_a way_n to_o every_o one_o that_o make_v use_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o man_n to_o mistake_v in_o judge_v by_o it_o of_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o design_v for_o as_o if_o a_o man_n design_v to_o observe_v all_o the_o old_a roman_a city_n and_o station_n here_o and_o be_v tell_v the_o old_a roman_a way_n will_v be_v a_o certain_a way_n to_o lead_v he_o to_o they_o with_o the_o help_n of_o the_o roman_a itinerary_n if_o that_o man_n object_n that_o this_o will_v not_o do_v for_o he_o can_v find_v out_o all_o the_o modern_a town_n and_o village_n by_o this_o mean_n be_v it_o not_o a_o just_a and_o reasonable_a answer_n to_o say_v that_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a way_n which_o lead_v a_o man_n to_o that_o which_o it_o be_v design_v for_o and_o the_o roman_a way_n be_v only_o intend_v for_o roman_a foundation_n but_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o because_o it_o do_v not_o lead_v you_o to_o all_o modern_a town_n and_o village_n so_o say_v i_o here_o the_o scripture_n be_v design_v by_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n and_o thither_o it_o will_v infallible_o lead_v we_o if_o we_o keep_v to_o it_o but_o if_o beside_o this_o we_o will_v know_v by_o it_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n we_o blame_v it_o for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o original_a intention_n and_o design_n of_o it_o for_o when_o we_o make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o be_v our_o rule_n of_o judgement_n mere_o as_o to_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n of_o thing_n not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o be_v not_o because_o it_o be_v design_v for_o that_o end_n but_o because_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o so_o be_v the_o sure_a standard_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o we_o be_v sure_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n for_o we_o to_o judge_v beside_o from_o whence_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o reject_v any_o point_n of_o faith_n impose_v upon_o we_o which_o be_v neither_o contain_v in_o scripture_n nor_o can_v be_v prove_v from_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v our_o positive_a rule_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o all_o necessary_a article_n and_o our_o negative_a rule_n as_o to_o all_o pretend_a point_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o prove_v from_o thence_o ii_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o method_n of_o mr._n s._n will_v overthrow_v the_o possibility_n of_o any_o rule_n of_o faith_n because_o none_o can_v be_v assign_v which_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o misapprehend_v and_o to_o mistake_v about_o it_o let_v we_o at_o present_a suppose_v mr._n s._n to_o substitute_n his_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o stead_n of_o scripture_n viz._n oral_a and_o practical_a tradition_n why_o may_v not_o man_n mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o tradition_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v tradition_n more_o infallible_a in_o itself_o be_v it_o deliver_v by_o person_n more_o infallible_a do_v it_o make_v those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v deliver_v infallible_a why_o then_o may_v not_o those_o who_o deliver_v it_o and_o those_o who_o receive_v it_o both_o be_v mistake_v about_o it_o this_o i_o have_v mention_v in_o my_o second_o letter_n that_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a to_o mistake_v the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o tradition_n 7._o and_o i_o instance_a in_o that_o of_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n where_o the_o traditionary_a word_n may_v be_v keep_v and_o yet_o a_o heretical_a sense_n may_v be_v contain_v under_o they_o mr._n s._n answer_n 6._o that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v convey_v down_o by_o tradition_n this_o be_v brave_o say_v if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v out_o and_o will_v present_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o dispute_n for_o if_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v derive_v down_o to_o we_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o we_o can_v mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o we_o must_v be_v all_o agree_v whether_o we_o will_v or_o not_o for_o how_o can_v we_o disagree_v if_o we_o can_v mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o tradition_n not_o while_o we_o hold_v to_o tradition_n then_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v possible_a not_o to_o hold_v to_o tradition_n and_o if_o so_o we_o have_v find_v a_o terrible_a flaw_n in_o human_a nature_n that_o will_v let_v in_o error_n in_o abundance_n viz._n that_o it_o may_v gross_o err_v about_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n yea_o so_o far_o as_o to_o renounce_v it_o but_o how_o be_v this_o possible_a if_o the_o sense_n of_o tradition_n be_v infallible_o convey_v for_o be_v not_o tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n any_o part_n of_o it_o we_o must_v in_o reason_n suppose_v this_o and_o if_o we_o do_v so_o how_o can_v person_n renounce_v its_o be_v the_o rule_n while_o they_o can_v but_o believe_v its_o be_v the_o rule_n if_o man_n may_v mistake_v about_o tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n why_o may_v we_o not_o suppose_v they_o may_v as_o well_o mistake_v about_o any_o point_n convey_v by_o it_o for_o the_o great_a security_n lie_v in_o the_o rule_n there_o must_v be_v more_o care_n take_v about_o that_o than_o about_o the_o point_v convey_v by_o it_o but_o let_v we_o see_v how_o he_o prove_v that_o man_n can_v mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o tradition_n in_o particular_a point_n the_o force_n of_o what_o he_o say_v be_v that_o man_n be_v always_o man_n and_o christian_n be_v always_o christian_n and_o
of_o faith_n and_o have_v he_o find_v out_o the_o church_n authority_n too_o without_o the_o church_n help_v and_o yet_o do_v he_o want_v some_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n then_o it_o follow_v that_o after_o the_o submit_v to_o the_o church_n authority_n there_o be_v still_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n which_o may_v be_v want_v and_o then_o a_o absolute_a submission_n be_v not_o all_o that_o be_v require_v of_o one_o that_o have_v find_v out_o the_o church_n authority_n but_o my_o whole_a argument_n there_o proceed_v upon_o a_o supposition_n viz._n that_o if_o one_o may_v without_o the_o church_n help_v find_v out_o the_o church_n authority_n in_o scripture_n then_o why_o not_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o it_o go_v upon_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n and_o i_o see_v no_o answer_n at_o all_o give_v or_o pretend_v but_o only_o he_o endeavour_v to_o stop_v my_o mouth_n with_o a_o handful_n of_o dirt._n thus_o i_o have_v dispatch_v this_o long_a argument_n 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the_o great_a certainty_n iii_o those_o write_n be_v not_o intend_v only_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n then_o be_v but_o for_o future_a age_n and_o thence_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v so_o receive_v and_o esteem_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n iv._o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n write_v the_o same_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v and_o for_o that_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o faith._n v._o the_o most_o certain_a way_n we_o now_o have_v to_o know_v what_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n teach_v be_v by_o their_o write_n since_o they_o teach_v and_o write_v the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o we_o be_v certain_a we_o have_v the_o doctrine_n they_o write_v but_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v certain_a what_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v vii_o he_o object_n that_o the_o question_n be_v put_v concern_v the_o new_a testament_n contain_v all_o divine_a revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o give_v no_o direct_a answer_n 40._o but_o shuffle_v it_o off_o to_o matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o set_v out_o of_o this_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o some_o page_n to_o which_o i_o give_v a_o easy_a answer_n the_o question_n concern_v the_o new_a testament_n contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n may_v be_v take_v in_o two_o sense_n 1._o as_o relate_v to_o the_o entire_a object_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o the_o answer_n be_v most_o direct_a and_o plain_a to_o the_o second_o question_n that_o the_o rule_n whereby_o we_o hold_v all_o the_o same_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v by_o the_o divine_a revelation_n contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o since_o we_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v there_o and_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v there_o that_o must_v contain_v the_o entire_a object_n of_o our_o faith._n and_o the_o word_n all_o must_v relate_v to_o that_o 2._o as_o to_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o particular_a person_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v as_o contain_v therein_o and_o so_o the_o question_n be_v put_v about_o the_o universal_a testimony_n to_o assure_v we_o i_o e._n all_o particular_a christian_n that_o the_o new_a testament_n contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n my_o answer_n be_v direct_a and_o apposite_a to_o this_o sense_n viz._n that_o the_o universal_a testimony_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o to_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o make_v we_o certain_a i._n e._n all_o particular_a person_n of_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n so_o that_o the_o substance_n of_o my_o answer_n lie_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o all_o our_o faith_n be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o thereby_o we_o hold_v all_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o 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dr._n stillingfleet_n answer_n to_o j._n s_n catholic_n letter_n imprimatur_fw-la libre_fw-la cui_fw-la titulus_fw-la a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o cerrainty_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n jan._n 5._o 1687._o h._n maurice_n rmo_n in_o christo_fw-la p._n d._n wilhelmo_n archiep._n cantuariensi_fw-la a_o sacris_fw-la a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n in_o answer_n to_o j._n s._n his_o catholic_n letter_n by_o edw._n stillingfleet_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n london_n print_v for_o henry_n mortlock_n at_o the_o phoenix_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdclxxxviii_o the_o content_v the_o title_n of_o catholic_n letter_n examine_v page_n 1_o how_o j._n s._n come_v to_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o debate_n 3_o his_o doctrine_n deny_v to_o be_v catholic_n by_o the_o sorbon_n doctor_n and_o other_o 5_o his_o self-contradiction_n about_o it_o in_o seven_o particular_n 7_o the_o state_n of_o the_o present_a controversy_n about_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n 15_o how_o it_o be_v alter_v by_o j._n s._n 25_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n 27_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n lay_v down_o by_o the_o general_n consent_v of_o the_o school-divines_a 31_o j._n s_n main_a argument_n against_o our_o certainty_n of_o faith_n answer_v and_o retort_v 34_o a_o evident_a proof_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n without_o infallibility_n 37_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n explain_v 38_o the_o sense_n of_o tradition_n may_v be_v mistake_v as_o well_o as_o scripture_n 43_o the_o instance_n of_o it_o defend_v 44_o the_o second_o argument_n about_o fallible_a certainty_n answer_v 49_o the_o three_o about_o our_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v common_a to_o all_o heresy_n answer_v 50_o the_o four_o about_o make_v our_o private_a judgement_n our_o rule_n answer_v 53_o the_o five_o about_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n consider_v and_o answer_v 54_o how_o far_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o rule_n to_o our_o people_n 55_o what_o certainty_n they_o have_v as_o to_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n 61_o what_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n allow_v by_o he_o 62_o that_o it_o do_v not_o serve_v only_o to_o find_v a_o infallible_a authority_n prove_v at_o large_a 64_o his_o severe_a conclusion_n of_o his_o three_o letter_n answer_v 69_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o argument_n sum_v up_o 71_o the_o six_o argument_n about_o the_o apostle_n not_o use_v a_o write_a rule_n in_o their_o preach_v answer_v 73_o the_o seven_o about_o point_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n answer_v 74_o the_o similitude_n of_o the_o purse_n defend_v 76_o scripture_n own_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n though_o not_o complete_a by_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 78_o and_o that_o all_o point_n simple_o necessary_a be_v therein_o contain_v 81_o j._n s._n his_o concession_n that_o all_o point_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o all_o person_n 83_o some_o man_n uncertainty_n overthrow_v not_o the_o certainty_n of_o other_o 85_o the_o eight_o argument_n about_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n 86_o j._n s._n overthrow_v it_o by_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v correct_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o faithful_a 87_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o certainty_n lay_v down_o 89_o of_o human_a and_o divine_a faith_n 91_o the_o last_o argument_n about_o the_o number_n of_o canonical_a book_n answer_v 92_o no_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n lose_v 93_o how_o the_o canon_n be_v entire_a in_o the_o first_o age_n 95_o of_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n 97_o the_o demonstration_n for_o oral_a tradition_n lay_v down_o 100_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n not_o answer_v 101_o the_o argument_n itself_o consider_v 104_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a answer_n give_v to_o it_o and_o its_o notorious_a fallacy_n lay_v open_a 105_o how_o error_n may_v come_v into_o the_o church_n 109_o the_o late_a instance_n of_o molinos_n produce_v 109_o 110_o many_o other_o cause_n of_o error_n beside_o forgetfulness_n and_o malice_n set_v down_o ibid._n the_o charge_n of_o pelagianism_n defend_v against_o j._n s._n 113_o of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n proceed_v on_o tradition_n 115_o the_o proof_n that_o it_o do_v not_o refer_v to_o another_o discourse_n 116_o errata_fw-la page_n 16._o line_n 9_o for_o as_o mr._n g._n read_v as_o mr._n s._n p._n 32._o marg._n for_o 9.6_o time_n r._n q._n for_o 19.9_o r._n 1_o 2._o q._n ibid._n marg._n l._n 9_o for_o the_o 2_o d._n 13._o r._n a._n 10._o p._n 62._o l._n 23._o r._n and_o how_o far_o and._n p._n 105._o l._n 15._o blot_n out_o not_o before_o real_o l._n 16._o add_v not_o after_o be_v a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o nature_n &_o ground_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n when_o i_o publish_v my_o two_o letter_n to_o mr._n g._n i_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o expect_v a_o answer_n from_o he_o who_o begin_v the_o 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absolute_o certain_a as_o that_o god_n can_v deceive_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v our_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o then_o whether_o such_o point_n be_v contain_v in_o that_o rule_n and_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v not_o self-evident_a and_o therefore_o these_o must_v be_v deduce_v by_o all_o the_o best_a method_n of_o reason_v from_o a_o write_a rule_n and_o when_o person_n have_v examine_v the_o scripture_n with_o all_o the_o care_n and_o diligence_n which_o one_o who_o will_v arrive_v at_o certainty_n think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o than_o i_o do_v affirm_v that_o such_o a_o man_n may_v attain_v to_o a_o true_a certainty_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n about_o it_o and_o that_o true_a certainty_n be_v attainable_a without_o infallibility_n i_o shall_v prove_v by_o a_o undeniable_a instance_n if_o a_o instance_n will_v be_v allow_v and_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v as_o reasonable_a for_o i_o to_o produce_v instance_n as_o himself_o and_o that_o 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all_o its_o dimension_n fix_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v apply_v to_o material_a thing_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o understanding_n no_o such_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v the_o philosopher_n who_o dispute_v so_o much_o about_o certainty_n will_v have_v laugh_v at_o any_o man_n who_o have_v apply_v a_o material_a rule_n to_o intellectual_a thing_n yet_o this_o be_v mr._n s_n great_a example_n i_o take_v my_o ruler_n 25._o say_v he_o and_o draw_v a_o line_n by_o it_o do_v the_o straightness_n or_o crookedness_n of_o this_o line_n depend_v upon_o my_o understanding_n by_o no_o mean_n but_o be_v there_o any_o such_o intellectual_a rule_n as_o this_o there_o have_v be_v great_a dispute_n in_o the_o world_n among_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o subtilty_n about_o the_o certainty_n of_o human_a knowledge_n whether_o any_o infallible_a criterion_n can_v be_v find_v to_o discern_v truth_n and_o falsehood_n but_o they_o never_o imagine_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o intellectual_a ruler_n to_o draw_v 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mistake_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o apply_v it_o and_o therefore_o care_n and_o diligence_n and_o impartiality_n be_v require_v by_o which_o some_o may_v attain_v to_o that_o certainty_n which_o other_o miss_v off_o as_o in_o the_o point_n he_o mention_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o socinian_o differ_v about_o such_o high_a fundamental_o as_o the_o trinity_n and_o godhead_n of_o christ._n 1._o why_o presbyterian_o and_o socinian_o i_o beseech_v he_o there_o be_v a_o notable_a insinuation_n in_o this_o as_o though_o we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v socinian_n in_o those_o point_n and_o none_o but_o papist_n and_o presbyterian_o be_v orthodox_n in_o they_o but_o this_o be_v a_o insinuation_n which_o have_v as_o much_o folly_n as_o malice_n in_o it_o since_o our_o solemn_a and_o express_a declaration_n be_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o he_o may_v as_o well_o call_v we_o papist_n as_o socinian_o since_o our_o write_n be_v as_o plain_o against_o one_o as_o the_o other_o 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man_n follow_v the_o rule_n of_o arithmetic_n may_v mistake_v in_o cast_v up_o a_o sum_n do_v any_o man_n question_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o rule_n for_o man_n blunder_a in_o their_o account_n yet_o this_o be_v his_o way_n of_o reason_v and_o i_o will_v put_v it_o just_a with_o his_o proposition_n i._o arithmetic_n prescribe_v a_o certain_a way_n by_o addition_n and_o substraction_n for_o we_o to_o find_v out_o any_o sum._n ii_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v such_o that_o they_o who_o take_v it_o shall_v arrive_v by_o it_o at_o the_o exact_a sum._n iii_o but_o two_o man_n who_o have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o way_n differ_v at_o least_o a_o hundred_o in_o cast_v up_o the_o sum._n iv._o therefore_o arithmetic_n do_v not_o prescribe_v a_o certain_a way_n to_o attain_v at_o a_o certain_a sum._n v._o therefore_o they_o who_o take_v only_o that_o way_n can_v by_v it_o arrive_v at_o the_o certain_a sum._n be_v not_o this_o clear_a and_o evident_a demonstration_n but_o those_o who_o consider_v a_o little_a better_o than_o mr._n s._n have_v do_v will_v distinguish_v between_o the_o rule_n and_o the_o application_n of_o it_o the_o rule_n of_o arithmetic_n may_v be_v nevertheless_o certain_a although_o those_o who_o want_v skill_n or_o care_n and_o diligence_n may_v mistake_v in_o cast_v up_o a_o particular_a account_n the_o same_o we_o say_v here_o scripture_n be_v a_o certain_a rule_n in_o all_o fundamental_a point_n to_o such_o as_o have_v capacity_n and_o use_v due_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o find_v they_o but_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o man_n through_o prejudice_n weakness_n want_v of_o attention_n authority_n of_o false_a teacher_n impatience_n of_o thorough_o examine_v thing_n and_o not_o use_v proper_a help_n may_v run_v into_o gross_a error_n such_o as_o these_o about_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n but_o still_o the_o rule_n be_v
mr._n s._n be_v always_o mr._n s._n pretend_v demonstration_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o like_o it_o if_o man_n be_v always_o man_n they_o be_v always_o apt_a to_o be_v deceive_v and_o unless_o christian_n by_o be_v such_o be_v infallible_a they_o be_v liable_a to_o mistake_v but_o the_o high_a mean_n to_o convey_v the_o sense_n of_o word_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o tradition_n i_o be_o quite_o of_o another_o opinion_n i_o think_v it_o the_o most_o uncertain_a way_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o evident_a proof_n of_o it_o when_o there_o be_v all_o possible_a advantage_n of_o tradition_n and_o yet_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v strange_o corrupt_v although_o they_o be_v plain_a easy_a few_o of_o the_o high_a importance_n and_o man_n live_v so_o long_o to_o inculcate_v they_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o their_o child_n if_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o tradition_n the_o world_n may_v then_o degenerate_v into_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n what_o absurdity_n be_v it_o to_o suppose_v that_o notwithstanding_o tradition_n the_o christian_a doctrine_n may_v be_v corrupt_v likewise_o but_o mr._n s._n allege_v not_o only_a word_n but_o action_n to_o determine_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o as_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o give_v divine_a reverence_n to_o christ_n without_o stint_v they_o or_o make_v they_o scruple_n lest_o they_o give_v too_o much_o or_o commit_v idolatry_n by_o give_v that_o to_o a_o creature_n which_o be_v due_a only_a to_o god._n and_o do_v not_o this_o practice_n beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n insinuate_v into_o they_o that_o he_o be_v equal_o to_o be_v adore_v with_o god_n the_o father_n or_o coequal_a to_o he_o and_o so_o not_o a_o creature_n but_o very_o god_n of_o very_o god_n i_o answer_v i._o will_v not_o the_o very_a same_o reason_v have_v make_v the_o come_n in_o of_o idolatry_n impossible_a for_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a god_n be_v evident_a from_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n be_v give_v only_o to_o he_o as_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o it_o how_o then_o can_v man_n so_o foul_o mistake_v as_o to_o give_v proper_a divine_a worship_n to_o any_o creature_n there_o be_v a_o infinite_a distance_n between_o god_n and_o his_o creature_n which_o every_o child_n can_v not_o but_o know_v by_o a_o constant_a tradition_n from_o adam_n ii_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o external_n act_v of_o worship_n shall_v so_o infallible_o prove_v christ_n to_o be_v true_a god_n if_o all_o external_n act_n of_o worship_n be_v of_o a_o equivocal_a nature_n and_o receive_v their_o determination_n from_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o mind_n do_v not_o the_o arian_n use_v the_o same_o external_n act_n of_o worship_n with_o other_o with_o respect_n to_o christ_n where_o do_v they_o ever_o separate_v from_o the_o christian_a assembly_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o worship_n give_v to_o christ_n if_o not_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a from_o thence_o to_o prove_v christ_n not_o to_o be_v a_o creature_n so_o that_o this_o be_v very_o far_o from_o put_v the_o point_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n beyond_o the_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n especial_o when_o solemn_a invocation_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o natural_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n come_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o mere_a creature_n all_o the_o difference_n that_o can_v be_v assign_v then_o must_v be_v from_o man_n word_n and_o profession_n and_o not_o from_o their_o external_n action_n iii_o the_o same_o divine_a reverence_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o apostolical_a time_n and_o the_o utmost_a care_n use_v to_o instruct_v people_n in_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o then_o we_o find_v that_o person_n do_v err_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o proposition_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god._n for_o even_o then_o the_o ebionite_n and_o cerinthian_o understand_v it_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o nature_n but_o adoption_n and_o so_o do_v the_o artemonite_n and_o samosatenian_o afterward_o and_o how_o can_v that_o be_v prove_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v which_o we_o show_v be_v actual_o do_v man_n do_v notorious_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v receive_v by_o tradition_n and_o yet_o mr._n s._n pretend_v it_o can_v be_v mistake_v if_o it_o be_v so_o receive_v 14._o mr._n s._n still_o urge_v that_o faith_n have_v sense_n in_o it_o and_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n not_o to_o hold_v some_o sense_n or_o other_o and_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_n not_o to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o that_o sense_n and_o i_o think_v word_n write_v have_v as_o much_o sense_n in_o they_o as_o word_n speak_v and_o less_o liable_a to_o mistake_v there_o be_v no_o such_o mixture_n of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o man_n in_o a_o write_a rule_n as_o in_o oral_a tradition_n but_o instance_n be_v unlucky_a thing_n to_o be_v bring_v against_o demonstration_n and_o such_o be_v that_o of_o the_o cerinthian_o and_o artemonite_n who_o plead_v tradition_n for_o their_o sense_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v man_n and_o pretend_v to_o deliver_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o their_o disciple_n i_o allege_v another_o instance_n how_o the_o sense_n of_o tradition_n may_v be_v mistake_v and_o that_o be_v about_o a_o real_a presence_n in_o the_o eucharist_n which_o may_v be_v understand_v in_o very_o different_a sense_n no_o say_v mr._n s._n that_o can_v be_v for_o faith_n work_v on_o our_o devout_a affection_n which_o must_v either_o oblige_v we_o to_o pay_v a_o infinite_a veneration_n to_o a_o creature_n if_o christ_n real_a body_n and_o consequent_o god_n be_v not_o there_o or_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a deviation_n from_o true_a religion_n that_o be_v possible_a or_o else_o to_o be_v high_o irreverent_a and_o to_o 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