to_o to_o our_o sense_n testimony_n be_v sufficient_a to_o do_v it_o so_o it_o be_v sufficient_o qualify_v that_o be_v the_o best_a and_o on_o the_o best_a manner_n support_v that_o any_o ordinary_a mean_n can_v be_v such_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n or_o tradition_n which_o beside_o what_o be_v find_v in_o humane_a testimony_n have_v also_o the_o whole_a body_n &_o joint_a force_n of_o supernatural_a motive_n to_o preserve_v the_o testifier_n attentive_a and_o veracious_a thus_o the_o church_n or_o the_o christian_a society_n of_o man_n be_v establish_v infallible_a in_o deliver_v down_o faith_n need_v not_o prove_v her_o infallibility_n by_o miracle_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a the_o faithful_a believe_v that_o christ_n promise_v to_o protect_v she_o from_o error_n and_o consequent_o to_o believe_v the_o a_o est_fw-fr of_o her_o infallibility_n or_o that_o she_o be_v infallible_a upon_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o believe_v all_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o scripture_n too_o viz._n upon_o tradition_n and_o that_o her_o controversiall_a divine_n who_o be_v to_o defend_v faith_n by_o way_n of_o reason_n or_o argument_n prove_v the_o quid_fw-la est_fw-la of_o this_o infallibility_n or_o make_v out_o in_o what_o it_o consist_v or_o in_o what_o second_o cause_n this_o ordinary_a and_o constant_a assistance_n be_v found_v and_o consequent_o prove_v its_o force_n by_o such_o maxim_n as_o ground_v the_o certainty_n of_o humane_a testimony_n and_o if_o the_o reader_n comprehend_v they_o by_o the_o strange_a efficacy_n of_o supernatural_a motive_n also_o conspire_v to_o strengthen_v nature_n as_o to_o that_o effect_n of_o right_o testify_v the_o doctrine_n receive_v and_o believe_v to_o be_v christ_n 8._o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n then_o of_o prove_v this_o infallibility_n mere_o by_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o infallibility_n nor_o do_v the_o faithful_a or_o the_o church_n commit_v a_o circle_n in_o believe_v that_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a upon_o tradition_n for_o first_o take_v they_o as_o faithful_a precise_o they_o be_v mere_o believer_n not_o reasoner_n or_o such_o as_o put_v one_o proposition_n artificial_o before_o or_o after_o another_o next_o they_o believe_v only_o the_o supernatural_a infallibility_n build_v on_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v on_o the_o church_n sanctity_n and_o this_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o human_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v be_v ever_o hold_v since_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o force_n of_o the_o human_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v prove_v by_o maxim_n of_o mere_a reason_n add_v that_o the_o certainty_n of_o such_o a_o vaâ—t_a testimony_n be_v self-evident_a practical_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v self-evident_a that_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o england_n can_v deceive_v we_o in_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o king_n james_n whence_o no_o circle_n can_v possible_o be_v commit_v if_o it_o be_v believe_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n or_o rather_o know_v by_o its_o own_o light_n though_o there_o will_v be_v if_o discourse_v it_o rational_o we_o shall_v put_v the_o same_o proposition_n to_o be_v before_o and_o after_o itself_o 9_o since_o those_o who_o have_v the_o least_o capacity_n of_o penetrate_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o according_a to_o dr._n st._n have_v the_o few_o motive_n of_o good_a life_n apply_v to_o they_o may_v frequent_o live_v among_o great_a temptation_n that_o be_v in_o circumstance_n of_o need_v the_o most_o it_o be_v a_o blind_a undertake_n and_o no_o secure_a nor_o wise_a than_o idle_a fortune-telling_n to_o bear_v man_n in_o hand_n that_o person_n of_o all_o capacity_n who_o sincere_o endeavour_n shall_v understand_v scripture_n in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n 10._o since_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o private_a judgement_n may_v err_v in_o understand_a scripture_n but_o not_o evident_a that_o christ_n have_v not_o promise_v his_o church_n security_n from_o err_v in_o faith_n they_o run_v the_o great_a hazard_n by_o far_o who_o rely_v on_o their_o private_a sense_n of_o scripture_n than_o those_o do_v who_o rely_v on_o the_o church_n especial_o since_o the_o church_n deny_v not_o scripture_n but_o profess_v to_o go_v according_a to_o it_o and_o so_o in_o common_a reason_n be_v likely_a to_o comprehend_v its_o meaning_n far_o better_o than_o private_a man_n but_o most_o especial_o since_o our_o modern_n when_o they_o first_o begin_v to_o rely_v on_o their_o own_o judgement_n of_o scripture_n for_o their_o faith_n revolt_v from_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o rebel_v against_o pastor_n and_o lawful_a superior_n which_o both_o god_n law_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v they_o they_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o submit_v to_o thus_o our_o new_a apostle_n of_o the_o private_a spirit_n of_o gift_n and_o new_a light_n have_v endeavour_v to_o pull_v down_o the_o church_n and_o subvert_v the_o foundation_n lay_v by_o christ_n and_o instead_o thereof_o to_o set_v up_o as_o many_o church_n as_o there_o be_v private_a and_o proud_a fancy_n in_o the_o world_n each_o of_o which_o may_v by_o this_o devilish_a doctrine_n defy_v the_o church_n for_o teach_v he_o his_o faith_n or_o for_o govern_v he_o as_o as_o a_o church_n that_o be_v govern_v he_o as_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a for_o she_o can_v bind_v never_o a_o subject_n in_o conscience_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o herself_o and_o each_o man_n judge_n to_o be_v true_a and_o sound_a wherefore_o if_o any_o or_o each_o private_a person_n understand_v scripture_n another_o way_n than_o she_o do_v he_o be_v enfranchise_v by_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o ought_v not_o relinquish_v from_o her_o authority_n she_o may_v in_o that_o case_n wish_v he_o well_o and_o pity_v he_o as_o every_o old_a wife_n may_v also_o do_v and_o he_o in_o return_n may_v wish_v well_o to_o the_o church_n end_n pity_v she_o she_o may_v endeavour_v to_o admonish_v and_o instruct_v he_o better_o so_o to_o pluck_v he_o out_o of_o his_o error_n and_o he_o in_o requital_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v behindhand_o with_o the_o church_n in_o courtesy_n may_v with_o equal_a nay_o better_a title_n admonish_v the_o church_n of_o her_o fail_n and_o endeavour_v to_o pull_v she_o out_o of_o her_o error_n or_o as_o the_o new_a phrase_n be_v reform_v she_o for_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o he_o have_v all_o the_o security_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o error_n that_o may_v be_v nor_o can_v he_o be_v thus_o gift_v want_v power_n to_o preach_v to_o she_o and_o other_o for_o certain_o the_o world_n will_v be_v most_o perverse_o order_v if_o they_o who_o be_v in_o error_n shall_v have_v licence_n and_o power_n to_o propagate_v their_o error_n and_o those_o who_o follow_v truth_n shall_v have_v no_o leave_n to_o propagate_v truth_n thus_o the_o church_n have_v lose_v all_o power_n that_o be_v have_v lose_v herself_o be_v able_a neither_o to_o lead_v nor_o drive_v her_o equally-gifted_n subject_n so_o that_o her_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n over_o they_o will_v by_o this_o wicked_a doctrine_n be_v a_o most_o tyrannical_a persecution_n and_o every_o such_o private_a man_n refractory_a disobedience_n see_v the_o wonderful_a gift_n of_o the_o private_a spirit_n will_v become_v a_o most_o glorious_a confession_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o every_o rebel_n act_v against_o the_o church_n so_o he_o be_v but_o so_o self-conceited_a as_o to_o judge_v he_o know_v more_o of_o god_n mind_n in_o the_o scripture_n than_o all_o the_o church_n beside_o will_v by_o this_o doctrine_n in_o case_n the_o secular_a power_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o curb_v his_o insolence_n be_v a_o most_o bless_a martyr_n such_o no_o doubt_n as_o john_n fox'e_v be_v the_o five_o examen_fw-la sift_v the_o eleven_o remain_a principle_n which_o seem_v chief_o to_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n whoever_o have_v peruse_v the_o forego_n examine_v and_o reflect_v well_o upon_o what_o a_o sandy_a foundation_n dr._n st._n have_v build_v his_o faith_n will_v doubtless_o expect_v that_o he_o will_v assign_v it_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o be_v of_o no_o exceed_v great_a strength_n for_o fear_n lest_o his_o weak_a ground_n '_o shall_v not_o support_v his_o superstructure_n nor_o his_o proof_n carry_v home_o to_o his_o conclusion_n now_o the_o conceit_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n have_v of_o faith_n import_v its_o true_a nature_n be_v that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o assent_n as_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v a_o error_n or_o false_a whence_o follow_v that_o its_o ground_n be_v likewise_o such_o and_o indeed_o since_o all_o hold_n that_o faith_n be_v a_o immovable_a and_o unalterable_a assent_n which_o be_v to_o
the_o church_n may_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n if_o infallibility_n be_v deny_v or_o last_o how_o will_v their_o evidence_n be_v clear_a if_o the_o nature_n of_o mâ—ral_a thing_n will_v not_o bear_v so_o clear_a a_o evidence_n or_o afford_v we_o so_o much_o light_n of_o themselves_o as_o by_o it_o to_o conclude_v absolute_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o point_n i_o foresee_v both_o these_o profound_a admirer_n of_o moral_a certainty_n will_v hearty_o maintain_v and_o dr._n t._n in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o sermon_n p._n 29._o in_o express_a term_n blame_v i_o for_o expect_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o whereas_o he_o say_v it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v that_o thâ—se_a who_o be_v certain_a of_o what_o they_o believe_v may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n not_o know_v but_o it_o may_v be_v false_a i_o grant_v it_o absurd_a nay_o more_o i_o affirm_v that_o in_o case_n they_o be_v true_o certain_a that_o be_v in_o case_n their_o certainty_n be_v take_v from_o the_o thing_n or_o object_n than_o not_o only_o they_o may_v not_o knâ—w_v at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o it_o may_v be_v false_a but_o not_o at_o any_o time_n ever_o afterward_o unless_o the_o thing_n itself_o hap_v to_o be_v in_o that_o regard_n alterable_a for_o true_a certainty_n be_v build_v on_o the_o thing_n be_v be_v as_o it_o be_v and_o nothing_o can_v ever_o be_v true_o know_v to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v but_o if_o he_o take_v certainty_n in_o a_o wrong_a sense_n for_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a however_o that_o assent_n be_v ground_v then_o though_o upon_o supposition_n he_o firm_o assent_v he_o can_v at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n be_v shake_v in_o that_o assent_n or_o not_o firm_o assent_v yet_o he_o be_v far_o in_o that_o case_n from_o any_o knowledge_n or_o intellectual_a certainty_n one_o way_n or_o other_o because_o he_o regard_v not_o the_o thing_n or_o object_n whence_o only_o true_a knowledge_n can_v be_v have_v whatever_o he_o deem_v or_o imagine_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o he_o firm_o assent_v to_o laâ—tly_o these_o excuse_n be_v quite_o beside_o the_o purposex_v i_o never_o accuse_v their_o thought_n they_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o my_o sight_n but_o their_o discourse_n and_o write_n i_o can_v see_v and_o discover_v that_o they_o make_v faith_n possible_a to_o oâ—_n false_a as_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a in_o reason_n against_o raillery_n i_o meddle_v not_o then_o with_o what_o they_o assent_n to_o or_o whether_o or_o no_o they_o can_v or_o do_v hold_v the_o contrary_a what_o i_o object_v be_v that_o their_o word_n in_o their_o book_n import_v the_o possible_a falsehood_n of_o faith_n for_o which_o they_o yet_o owe_v satisfaction_n to_o all_o christian_n for_o the_o common_a injury_n do_v to_o faith_n and_o as_o yet_o they_o have_v give_v none_o at_o all_o 26._o whatever_o necessary_o prove_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n prâ—ve_v it_o impâ—ssible_a to_o be_v false_a because_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o same_o thing_n shall_v be_v true_a and_o false_a at_o the_o same_o time_n therefore_o they_o who_o assent_n firm_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o true_a do_v thereby_o declare_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o the_o first_o part_n i_o easy_o grant_v and_o the_o reason_n for_o it_o to_o be_v most_o valid_a and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o expect_v he_o will_v in_o counterchange_n grant_v i_o this_o proposition_n that_o whatever_o word_n say_v prove_v or_o imply_v a_o thing_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n say_v prove_v or_o imply_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_o true_a and_o then_o dr._n t._n must_v consider_v how_o he_o will_v avoid_v the_o force_n of_o it_o who_o make_v scripture_n the_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o only_a mean_n for_o mankind_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o their_o faith_n and_o yet_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 118._o profess_v that_o both_o the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o the_o protestant_n take_v they_o to_o be_v which_o in_o case_n they_o take_v their_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a must_v mean_v possible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o true_a that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a whether_o his_o own_o contrary_a position_n hang_v together_o or_o no_o be_v not_o my_o concern_v as_o for_o his_o inference_n i_o deny_v that_o assent_v be_v a_o interior_a act_n be_v declare_v one_o belief_n but_o i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v it_o thus_o therefore_o they_o who_o declare_v they_n assent_v firm_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o true_a do_v thereby_o declare_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o this_o be_v ready_o also_o grant_v only_o in_o requital_n i_o expect_v he_o shall_v for_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o must_v grant_v i_o this_o counter-proposition_n that_o therefore_o they_o who_o declare_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n in_o faith_n and_o its_o ground_n or_o of_o the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v thereby_o declare_v they_o do_v not_o assent_v firm_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o true_a which_o do_v let_v dr._n st._n and_o his_o friend_n look_v to_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o it_o lie_v still_o very_o heavy_a upon_o their_o credit_n as_o writer_n and_o ever_o must_v till_o they_o retract_v it_o no_o sincere_a protestant_a who_o love_v his_o faith_n more_o than_o their_o write_n will_v ever_o be_v bring_v to_o endure_v it_o if_o he_o once_o set_v himself_o serious_o to_o consider_v it_o 27._o the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n do_v receive_v several_a name_n either_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o proof_n or_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o assent_n thus_o moral_a certainty_n may_v be_v so_o call_v either_o as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o mathematical_a evidence_n but_o imply_v a_o firm_a assent_n upon_o the_o high_a evidence_n that_o moral_a thing_n can_v receive_v or_o as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o high_a degree_n of_o certainty_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n so_o moral_a certainty_n imply_v only_o great_a probability_n of_o one_o side_n than_o the_o other_o in_o the_o former_a sense_n we_o assert_v the_o certainty_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o be_v moral_a but_o not_o only_o in_o the_o latter_a this_o principle_n be_v pernicious_a to_o human_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o destructive_a to_o all_o principle_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v true_a one_o and_o not_o like_o itself_o first_o it_o design_n to_o give_v we_o the_o several_a name_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n do_v receive_v but_o it_o do_v indeed_o acquaint_v we_o with_o some_o species_n or_o kind_n of_o certainty_n unless_o he_o will_v say_v that_o the_o moral_a certainty_n he_o assign_v to_o faith_n be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o probability_n which_o i_o perceive_v he_o be_v loath_a to_o own_o next_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o discourse_v of_o one_o or_o more_o sort_n of_o certainty_n or_o to_o distinguish_v its_o notion_n unless_o we_o firâ—t_o know_v the_o common_a notion_n of_o certainty_n itself_o the_o word_n moral_a which_o be_v one_o of_o its_o difference_n and_o chief_o intend_v to_o be_v explain_v here_o be_v hard_a enough_o of_o itself_o alone_o but_o when_o to_o this_o shall_v be_v add_v a_o new_a difficulty_n of_o not_o know_v what_o certainty_n which_o be_v the_o genus_fw-la mean_n we_o be_v like_a to_o make_v a_o wise_a business_n of_o it_o now_o all_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v hitherto_o gain_v of_o certainty_n in_o a_o discourse_n purposely_o intend_v to_o make_v we_o understand_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o fallible_a certainty_n both_o manifest_o imply_v in_o his_o discourse_n where_o all_o that_o we_o can_v gather_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n by_o the_o former_a be_v that_o perhaps_o it_o be_v asleep_o fix_v or_o rest_v in_o some_o tenet_n without_o any_o ground_n and_o by_o the_o late_a that_o it_o be_v a_o chimaera_n or_o nonsense_n three_o he_o distinguish_v certainty_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o proof_n or_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o assent_n but_o i_o vehement_o deny_v it_o as_o the_o most_o absurd_a position_n imaginable_a that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o kind_n of_o certainty_n take_v from_o the_o degree_n â—f_v the_o assent_n in_o contradistinction_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o proof_n for_o this_o will_v make_v as_o if_o the_o subject_n or_o person_n assent_v more_o or_o less_o do_v constitute_v
and_o ground_v upon_o they_o hope_n and_o this_o all-over-powering_a love_n of_o heaven_n the_o main_a part_n of_o our_o obedience_n be_v true_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a if_o then_o dr._n st._n take_v the_o word_n know_v in_o this_o signification_n this_o principle_n be_v grant_v if_o in_o any_o other_o or_o for_o a_o great_a hope_n only_o that_o they_o be_v true_a as_o i_o fear_v when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o point_n he_o intend_v no_o more_o i_o must_v for_o the_o reason_n here_o give_v and_o many_o more_o allege_v in_o faith_n vindicated_n and_o reason_n against_o raillery_n deny_v that_o no_o other_o way_n of_o revelation_n be_v necessary_a and_o put_v he_o to_o prove_v it_o which_o he_o neither_o have_v do_v nor_o can_v do_v 2._o man_n be_v frame_v a_o rational_a creature_n capable_a of_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o may_v antecedent_o to_o any_o external_n revelation_n certain_o know_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o his_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v natural_o please_v unto_o he_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o any_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n god_n the_o true_a god_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o so_o evident_a that_o every_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n may_v arrive_v to_o know_v he_o however_o some_o few_o may_v and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o right_a nature_n all._n and_o in_o case_n he_o take_v the_o word_n certain_o know_v in_o their_o proper_a signification_n than_o he_o may_v consider_v how_o ill_o his_o friend_n dr._n tillotson_n discourse_n who_o profess_v not_o to_o have_v even_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o christianity_n that_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n which_o as_o dr._n still_o say_v be_v attainable_a by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o natural_a reason_n 3._o all_o supernatural_a and_o external_n revelation_n must_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o natural_a religion_n for_o unless_o we_o be_v antecedent_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v he_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o we_o by_o any_o supernatural_a mean_n if_o he_o mean_v here_o priority_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v to_o be_v grant_v for_o this_o proposition_n god_n have_v reveal_v imply_v and_o presuppose_v as_o its_o basis_n god_n be_v butler_n if_o he_o understand_v it_o of_o priority_n of_o time_n as_o i_o conceive_v he_o do_v than_o i_o both_o deny_v the_o proposition_n and_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o reason_n give_v for_o it_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a both_o by_o reason_n and_o experience_n that_o manifest_a and_o convictive_a miracle_n which_o be_v supernatural_a and_o external_a revelation_n do_v before_o the_o heathen_n who_o yet_o know_v not_o the_o true_a god_n in_o testimony_n of_o christianty_n at_o once_o or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n make_v it_o certain_a that_o he_o who_o we_o adore_v be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o also_o that_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n by_o supernatural_a mean_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a as_o dr._n st._n here_o affirm_v to_o be_v certain_a of_o such_o a_o revelation_n without_o know_v any_o time_n before_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n nor_o must_v all_o supernatural_a and_o external_n revelation_n need_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o be_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o he_o pretend_v since_o such_o a_o revelation_n may_v cause_v that_o knowledge_n and_o so_o antecede_v it_o not_o be_v antecedent_n to_o it_o 4_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v for_o divine_a revelation_n which_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o must_v be_v antecedent_o suppose_v to_o all_o divine_a revelation_n for_o that_o be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n this_o discourse_n seem_v at_o the_o first_o show_n to_o carry_v so_o clear_a a_o evidence_n with_o it_o that_o nothing_o appear_v so_o irrational_a as_o to_o doubt_v or_o dispute_v it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o less_o if_o the_o word_n in_o which_o it_o be_v couch_v be_v not_o equivocal_o take_v but_o still_o be_v mean_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n to_o prevent_v then_o the_o growth_n of_o a_o witty_a piece_n of_o sophistry_n which_o i_o foresee_v creep_v in_o under_o the_o disguise_n of_o a_o ambiguous_a word_n i_o be_o to_o provide_v against_o it_o with_o a_o distinction_n both_o pertinent_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o present_a matter_n these_o word_n divine_a revelation_n may_v either_o mean_v the_o way_n or_o act_n of_o reveal_v or_o else_o they_o may_v mean_v the_o thing_n divine_o reveal_v that_o be_v the_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o differ_v as_o show_v and_o thing_n show_v or_o as_o a_o action_n and_o its_o effect_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o word_n tradition_n be_v sometime_o take_v for_o the_o way_n of_o delivery_n sometime_o for_o the_o thing_n or_o point_n deliver_v when_o they_o be_v take_v for_o the_o one_o when_o for_o the_o other_o partly_o the_o circumstance_n and_o the_o aim_n of_o the_o discourse_n determine_v partly_o some_o annex_v particle_n or_o variation_n of_o the_o word_n so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v take_v for_o the_o thing_n reveal_v or_o deliver_v and_o be_v express_v singular_o it_o be_v call_v a_o divine_a revelation_n or_o a_o tradition_n if_o plural_o divine_a revelation_n or_o tradition_n now_o it_o seem_v something_o doubtful_a in_o whether_o sense_n it_o be_v take_v here_o for_o §_o 1._o he_o speak_v of_o the_o way_n of_o revelation_n which_o can_v only_o mean_a reveal_n and_o in_o the_o two_o follow_a one_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o word_n god_n have_v reveal_v find_v in_o the_o three_o but_o this_o matter_n not_o much_o so_o it_o be_v here_o take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n throughout_o which_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o word_n revelation_n be_v here_o make_v use_n of_o thrice_o and_o in_o the_o first_o and_o last_o place_n it_o seem_v plain_o to_o mean_v the_o point_v reveal_v in_o the_o middle_a the_o way_n or_o act_n of_o reveal_v yet_o the_o two_o follow_a principle_n incline_v the_o doubtfulness_n of_o the_o expression_n to_o mean_v the_o point_n of_o faith_n themselves_o though_o this_o be_v to_o speak_v moderate_o by_o far_o the_o more_o preposterous_a and_o absurd_a tenet_n as_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v show_v but_o i_o be_o to_o provide_v for_o both_o part_n since_o i_o be_o to_o skirmish_v with_o such_o a_o ambidextrous_a adversary_n and_o therefore_o apply_v this_o discourse_n to_o his_o proposition_n i_o distinguish_v thus_o and_o grant_v that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v for_o divine_a revelation_n take_v those_o word_n to_o signify_v the_o act_n of_o reveal_v which_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o must_v be_v antecedent_o suppose_v to_o the_o act_n of_o reveal_v also_o i_o grant_v that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v for_o divine_a revelation_n take_v those_o word_n to_o signify_v point_n of_o faith_n reveal_v which_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o must_v be_v antecedent_o suppose_v to_o those_o point_n this_o be_v candid_a and_o clear_a deal_n and_o far_o from_o that_o sophistical_a and_o equivocate_a ambiguity_n which_o contrary_a to_o the_o genius_n of_o truth_n he_o so_o constant_o and_o so_o industrious_o affect_v 5._o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o mean_n imagine_v whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o a_o faculty_n in_o we_o of_o discern_a truth_n and_o falsehood_n in_o matter_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o exercise_v in_o judge_v the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n we_o must_v be_v impose_v upon_o by_o every_o thing_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o here_o be_v many_o quaint_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v for_o if_o dr._n st._n mean_n that_o we_o can_v judge_v of_o truth_n without_o a_o faculty_n to_o judge_v of_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o 〈…〉_z principle_n though_o very_a littâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d his_o purpose_n but_o it_o be_v most_o 〈◊〉_d paradoxical_a to_o say_v that_o no_o other_o mean_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o judge_v of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o such_o a_o faculty_n for_o if_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o mean_n imagine_v but_o this_o faculty_n than_o this_o be_v all_o the_o mean_n and_o so_o those_o knowledge_n which_o be_v to_o inform_v and_o direct_v this_o faculty_n be_v no_o mean_n at_o all_o whence_o all_o motive_n to_o faith_n rule_n of_o faith_n all_o teach_v nay_o scripture_n itself_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o none_o of_o these_o be_v our_o faculty_n of_o
act_v as_o they_o adjudge_v have_v both_o lead_v they_o into_o actual_a error_n and_o punish_v they_o thus_o grievous_o in_o that_o case_n for_o adhere_v to_o truth_n which_o be_v too_o horrid_a blasphemy_n to_o be_v hear_v or_o imagine_v but_o if_o they_o mean_v only_o for_o some_o time_n of_o that_o law_n or_o some_o age_n immediate_o before_o christ_n when_o the_o synagogue_n be_v most_o corrupt_a this_o imply_v a_o confession_n that_o such_o a_o society_n be_v necessary_a in_o the_o age_n forego_v and_o then_o dr._n st._n be_v to_o show_v we_o why_o it_o be_v not_o equal_o necessary_a in_o the_o late_a as_o in_o the_o former_a and_o not_o suppose_v it_o gratis_o nor_o be_v the_o synagogue_n ever_o more_o corrupt_a than_o in_o our_o saviour_n day_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v how_o severe_o he_o enjoin_v the_o jew_n of_o that_o time_n to_o obey_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n because_o they_o sit_v in_o moses_n his_o chair_n which_o it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o say_v christ_n can_v do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o secure_v their_o doctrine_n from_o be_v erroneous_a that_o be_v preserve_v they_o inerrable_a in_o that_o affair_n add_v that_o be_v all_o grant_v yet_o there_o be_v far_o more_o necessity_n of_o explain_v the_o scripture_n now_o than_o at_o that_o time_n for_o the_o law_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o of_o it_o either_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v do_v or_o moral_a duty_n and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o nature_n whence_o both_o of_o these_o be_v far_o more_o easy_o expressible_a in_o proper_a language_n and_o consequent_o intelligible_a than_o the_o sublime_a spiritual_a and_o mysterious_a tenet_n of_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v more_o hard_a to_o be_v express_v in_o per_fw-la word_n and_o be_v more_o remove_v from_o our_o knowledge_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v more_o hard_a to_o be_v penetrate_v and_o so_o those_o word_n more_o difficult_a to_o be_v right_o comprehend_v and_o understand_v without_o a_o interpreter_n than_o be_v those_o other_o 16._o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o intolerable_a usurpation_n upon_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n than_o for_o any_o person_n or_o society_n of_o man_n to_o pretend_v to_o a_o assistance_n as_o infallible_a in_o what_o they_o propose_v as_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n without_o give_v a_o equal_a degree_n of_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v so_o assist_v as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v viz._n by_o miracle_n as_o great_a public_a and_o convince_a as_o they_o be_v by_o which_o i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v wrought_v by_o those_o very_a person_n who_o challenge_v this_o infallibility_n and_o with_o a_o design_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o thus_o the_o dr._n make_v sure_a work_n against_o the_o infallibility_n of_o any_o church_n which_o overthrow_v his_o single_a self_n nay_o any_o private_a man_n or_o woman_n that_o have_v but_o self-conceit_n and_o confidence_n enough_o to_o proceed_v open_o upon_o these_o principle_n of_o he_o be_v upon_o even_a ground_n with_o the_o best_a nay_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o the_o main_a point_n of_o understanding_n and_o determine_v what_o be_v faith_n what_o not_o nay_o more_o may_v defy_v all_o the_o governor_n of_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n if_o he_o or_o she_o be_v but_o conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o they_o sincere_o endeavour_v and_o sober_o inquire_v for_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o divine_a write_n for_o these_o be_v their_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v assuâ—ed_v by_o dr._n st._n that_o they_o can_v miss_v if_o they_o sober_o inquire_v of_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o salvation_n and_o be_v inform_v by_o common_a reason_n that_o it_o be_v a_o point_n very_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o christian_a or_o one_o who_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o adore_v christ_n to_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v god_n and_o so_o may_v without_o fear_n of_o idolatry_n have_v divine_a honour_n give_v he_o or_o no_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o in_o case_n it_o shall_v seem_v to_o the_o best_a judgement_n of_o such_o a_o man_n and_o let_v he_o be_v for_o example_n one_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o new_o turn_v socinian_n that_o christ_n be_v not_o god_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o relinquish_v his_o rule_n of_o faith_n at_o any_o rate_n nor_o what_o he_o judge_v the_o scripture_n sense_n of_o it_o this_o be_v his_o faith_n but_o maintain_v it_o bold_o against_o all_o his_o pastor_n talk_v and_o quote_v scripture_n as_o brisk_o as_o the_o best_a of_o they_o all_o desy_v they_o to_o their_o face_n nay_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o his_o interpretation_n of_o it_o and_o be_v a_o special_a martyr_n though_o he_o take_v his_o death_n upon_o it_o that_o all_o his_o lawful_a pastor_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o member_n be_v most_o hainons_a idolater_n for_o give_v the_o worship_n proper_a to_o god_n to_o a_o man_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o oblige_v he_o to_o believe_v her_o interpretation_n of_o scriptuâ—e_n alas_o all_o such_o power_n be_v quite_o take_v out_o of_o her_o hand_n by_o these_o new_a principle_n not_o to_o act_v exterior_o as_o she_o do_v for_o that_o be_v to_o oblige_v he_o to_o deny_v his_o faith_n in_o his_o action_n and_o carriage_n and_o this_o in_o so_o heinous_a a_o point_n as_o commit_v flat_a idolatry_n and_o which_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n tell_v he_o be_v such_o nor_o to_o acquiesce_v so_o far_o as_o to_o hold_v his_o tongue_n and_o not_o contradict_v the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v both_o ingratitude_n to_o god_n who_o have_v so_o plain_o reveal_v it_o to_o he_o in_o scripture_n not_o to_o stand_v up_o for_o his_o honour_n so_o wicked_o violate_v by_o the_o church_n and_o withal_o most_o uncharitable_a to_o his_o neighbour_n not_o to_o communicate_v to_o he_o the_o light_n he_o have_v receive_v by_o such_o plain_a revelation_n from_o god_n word_n and_o to_o endeavour_v his_o reducement_n from_o so_o grievous_a a_o idolatry_n especial_o if_o this_o man_n be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o office_n and_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o hold_v forth_o or_o preach_v what_o he_o judge_v god_n word_n nay_o though_o it_o be_v a_o layman_n or_o a_o lay-woman_n all_o be_v a_o case_n why_o may_v they_o not_o with_o as_o much_o reason_n make_v know_v so_o concern_v a_o truth_n plain_o reveal_v to_o they_o as_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n do_v of_o old_a as_o for_o all_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o restrain_v they_o that_o be_v quite_o throw_v out_o of_o door_n humane_a command_n can_v have_v no_o force_n when_o the_o best_a duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n be_v neglect_v by_o obey_v and_o the_o more_o the_o church_n be_v obstinate_a and_o oppose_v this_o private_a man_n or_o woman_n by_o so_o much_o great_a be_v the_o necessity_n of_o his_o or_o she_o inform_v the_o church_n right_a and_o stand_v up_o for_o the_o truth_n hereafter_o more_o of_o this_o at_o present_a let_v we_o see_v how_o he_o destroy_v infallibility_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o chief_a design_n and_o indeed_o it_o make_v very_o much_o for_o his_o purpose_n for_o i_o so_o far_o concur_v with_o he_o that_o if_o it_o be_v but_o fallible_a in_o attest_v or_o explain_v scripture_n it_o be_v little_a available_a to_o the_o ground_v christian_a faith_n so_o that_o if_o infallibility_n be_v but_o overthrow_v and_o these_o principle_n settle_v in_o its_o stead_n every_o private_a man_n be_v a_o church_n which_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n love_v liberty_n will_v no_o doubt_v be_v very_o take_v and_o please_v the_o rabble_n exceed_o he_o be_v so_o earnest_a at_o his_o work_n that_o he_o stumble_v for_o haste_n for_o first_o who_o do_v ever_o pretend_v to_o a_o infallibility_n equal_a to_o what_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n as_o his_o word_n import_v christ_n be_v essential_o infallible_a the_o apostle_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n from_o god_n the_o church_n pretend_v indeed_o to_o be_v infallible_o assist_v but_o that_o she_o pretend_v to_o have_v it_o either_o essential_o as_o god_n have_v it_o or_o by_o way_n of_o immediate_a inspiration_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n i_o never_o yet_o learn_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o justify_v her_o constant_a claim_n of_o infallible_a assistance_n that_o she_o have_v it_o mediate_o or_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o natural_a and_o supernatural_a cause_n so_o she_o but_o have_v it_o and_o to_o have_v it_o this_o way_n seem_v far_o more_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n than_o the_o other_o of_o immediate_a inspiration_n as_o to_o have_v by_o way_n of_o immediate_a inspiration_n be_v far_o more_o fit_v for_o the_o apostle_n for_o
some_o certainty_n without_o any_o kind_n of_o nature_n of_o proof_n that_o be_v without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o the_o object_n after_o this_o he_o acquaint_v we_o with_o one_o kind_n of_o morâ—l_v certainty_n watch_v he_o say_v be_v oppose_v to_o mathematical_a evidence_n now_o i_o neither_o discern_v how_o moral_a and_o mathematical_a come_v to_o be_v opposite_a to_o one_o another_o more_o than_o moral_a or_o physical_a and_o metaphysical_a or_o theological_a less_o do_v i_o see_v how_o certainty_n anâ—_n evidence_n have_v such_o a_o opposition_n and_o antipathy_n i_o think_v they_o may_v have_v be_v both_o on_o the_o same_o side_n but_o i_o conceive_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o natural_a reason_n make_v he_o at_o unaware_o join_v certainty_n to_o moral_a and_o evidence_n to_o mathematical_a thereby_o confess_v that_o this_o moral_a certainty_n as_o he_o apprehend_v it_o be_v indeed_o the_o issue_n of_o no_o kind_n of_o evidence_n at_o all_o but_o of_o mere_a obscurity_n or_o at_o best_o of_o some_o conjectural_a glance_n of_o likelihood_n but_o he_o describe_v or_o give_v we_o some_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o this_o moral_a certainty_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o imply_v a_o firm_a assent_n upon_o the_o high_a evidence_n that_o moral_a thing_n can_v receive_v and_o this_o he_o assign_v to_o christian_a faith_n where_o first_o i_o will_v know_v whether_o this_o moral_a certainty_n here_o mention_v be_v a_o infallible_a certainty_n or_o a_o fallible_a one_o and_o i_o presume_v he_o will_v answer_v it_o be_v a_o fallible_a one_o for_o infallible_a and_o moral_a certainty_n be_v opposite_a which_o be_v a_o fair_a beginning_n towards_o the_o ascertaning_n faith_n next_o i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o speak_v out_o candid_o and_o tell_v i_o whether_o this_o moral_a certainty_n put_v faith_n absolute_o out_o of_o possibility_n of_o be_v false_a or_o whither_o notwithstanding_o this_o certainty_n it_o may_v with_o truth_n be_v say_v that_o still_o absolute_o speak_v all_o christian_a faith_n may_v be_v a_o error_n or_o mistake_n of_o the_o world_n i_o presume_v he_o will_v not_o say_v it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v all_o a_o mistake_v because_o it_o be_v so_o protect_v by_o this_o moral_a certainty_n for_o he_o make_v this_o a_o less_o degree_n of_o certainty_n than_o mathematical_a certainty_n be_v and_o dr._n t._n have_v tell_v we_o there_o can_v be_v no_o degree_n in_o absolute_a impossibility_n beside_o i_o see_v not_o how_o a_o fallible_a certainty_n can_v establish_v any_o tenet_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n which_o be_v incomparable_o above_o that_o can_v do_v no_o more_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o his_o credit_n for_o it_o be_v indeed_o blasphemous_a to_o say_v that_o all_o christian_a faith_n may_v possible_o be_v a_o lie_a imposture_n for_o any_o thing_n any_o man_n live_v know_v or_o that_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n though_o rely_v and_o proceed_v to_o their_o power_n on_o the_o mean_n god_n have_v appoint_v to_o establish_v they_o in_o true_a faith_n may_v notwithstanding_o be_v possible_o in_o a_o error_n i_o suppose_v than_o he_o will_v recur_v to_o his_o late_a excuse_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o no_o man_n who_o firm_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n as_o true_a can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n entertain_v any_o suspicion_n of_o its_o falsehood_n but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o our_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o his_o judgement_n but_o his_o doctrine_n which_o stand_v impeach_v not_o his_o thought_n but_o his_o word_n and_o discourse_n let_v he_o clear_v those_o to_o the_o world_n and_o i_o be_o to_o remit_v secret_a thing_n to_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n i_o leave_v then_o he_o and_o his_o frâ—end_n to_o shuffâ—le_v about_o for_o better_a evasion_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a can_v never_o be_v candid_a and_o scholarlike_o but_o some_o learned_a quirk_n and_o jeer_n and_o address_v myself_o to_o a_o far_a examination_n of_o this_o worthy_a principle_n 3_o than_o i_o will_v ask_v whether_o the_o firmness_n of_o this_o assent_n which_o he_o say_v here_o moral_a certainty_n imply_v be_v take_v from_o the_o object_n or_o from_o the_o subject_a i_o suppose_v he_o will_v say_v here_o from_o the_o object_n because_o he_o say_v it_o be_v upon_o the_o high_a evidence_n moral_a thing_n can_v receive_v but_o i_o perceive_v he_o dispose_v even_o while_o he_o say_v so_o to_o blame_v the_o thing_n for_o receive_v no_o more_o i_o doubt_v he_o shall_v rather_o blame_v himself_o for_o receive_v no_o more_o from_o those_o moral_a object_n who_o be_v both_o as_o able_a and_o as_o ready_a to_o afford_v he_o perfect_a evidence_n as_o perhaps_o any_o other_o thing_n in_o nature_n do_v he_o dispose_v himself_o to_o receive_v it_o for_o be_v not_o moral_a thing_n as_o firm_o establish_v in_o their_o respective_a determinate_a nature_n as_o natural_a and_o mathematical_a thing_n from_o which_o establishment_n all_o our_o science_n be_v take_v be_v not_o a_o will_v as_o certain_o a_o will_n and_o liberty_n as_o necessary_o liberty_n as_o a_o triangle_n be_v a_o triangle_n again_o be_v not_o voluntary_a liberty_n virtue_n vice_n and_o such_o like_a very_o intelligible_a word_n and_o consequent_o the_o nature_n of_o moral_a thing_n knowable_a as_o well_o as_o other_o in_o other_o science_n i_o wonder_v then_o why_o the_o evidence_n of_o moral_a thing_n can_v be_v as_o high_a as_o that_o of_o mathematical_a thing_n since_o the_o nature_n of_o both_o be_v equal_o firm_a both_o nature_n can_v be_v know_v and_o so_o engage_v in_o our_o discourse_n of_o they_o and_o from_o they_o and_o all_o science_n or_o evidence_n spring_v from_o engage_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n the_o sum_n than_o be_v dr._n st._n have_v give_v faith_n excellent_a good_a word_n in_o tell_v we_o its_o moral_a certainty_n imply_v a_o firm_a assent_n upon_o the_o high_a evidence_n moral_a thing_n can_v receive_v but_o look_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o meaning_n he_o intend_v it_o only_o a_o fallible_a certainty_n or_o such_o as_o may_v still_o permit_v it_o to_o be_v false_a and_o so_o the_o right_a descant_n upon_o his_o fine_a word_n be_v in_o true_a construction_n this_o he_o allow_v faith_n such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v uncertain_a such_o a_o firmness_n as_o may_v both_o bow_n and_o break_v such_o a_o evidence_n in_o its_o ground_n as_o be_v obscure_a and_o consequent_o make_v it_o such_o a_o assent_n as_o be_v irrational_a all_o which_o and_o much_o more_o must_v needs_o follow_v from_o this_o reject_v infallible_a certainty_n in_o the_o gronnd_n of_o faith_n if_o he_o think_v i_o wrong_v he_o let_v we_o put_v it_o to_o the_o test_n let_v he_o take_v the_o best_a of_o those_o evidence_n or_o proof_n which_o ground_n his_o moral_a certainty_n and_o put_v it_o with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o little_a logic_n into_o a_o syllogism_n or_o two_o and_o then_o tell_v i_o whether_o it_o do_v necessary_o conclude_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n or_o no._n if_o it_o conclude_v why_o do_v he_o not_o say_v faith_n be_v absolute_o certain_a but_o mince_v it_o with_o moral_a if_o it_o conclude_v not_o how_o can_v all_o the_o world_n avoid_v but_o his_o pretend_a evidence_n be_v obscure_a his_o pretend_a certainty_n build_v on_o that_o evidence_n uncertain_a the_o firmness_n of_o that_o assent_n infirm_a and_o the_o assent_n itself_o to_o a_o conclusion_n thus_o unprove_v and_o no_o way_n evident_a in_o a_o man_n capable_a to_o comprehend_v what_o ought_v in_o due_a of_o right_a reason_n cause_n assent_v privative_o irrational_a or_o faulty_a 28._o a_o christian_a be_v thus_o certain_a to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o a_o firm_a assent_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n his_o faith_n be_v thereby_o resolve_v into_o the_o scripture_n as_o into_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o what_o he_o be_v to_o believe_v as_o it_o be_v into_o that_o veracity_n of_o god_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o believe_v what_o be_v therein_o contain_v a_o christian_n who_o be_v no_o better_o certain_a then_o thus_o that_o be_v by_o ground_n allow_v only_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v not_o absolute_o or_o true_o conclusive_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n as_o dr._n st._n intend_v no_o more_o by_o his_o moral_a certainty_n be_v not_o certain_a at_o all_o as_o appear_v far_a by_o the_o next_o word_n certain_a to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o a_o firm_a assent_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o must_v be_v that_o this_o high_a degree_n of_o a_o firm_a assent_n either_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o certainty_n he_o intend_v his_o faith_n according_a to_o his_o former_a doctrine_n and_o constitute_v or_o explicate_v it_o or_o else_o that_o at_o least_o it_o help_v to_o make_v up_o this_o certainty_n that_o be_v perfect_a it_o within_o its_o notion_n and_o
make_v it_o more_o a_o certainty_n or_o a_o better_a certainty_n which_o make_v the_o conclusiveness_n or_o evidence_n have_v from_o the_o object_n needless_a to_o create_v a_o certainty_n and_o signify_v thus_o much_o in_o plain_a term_n think_v or_o imagine_v what_o you_o will_v so_o you_o imagine_v it_o strong_o and_o hold_v it_o stiff_o you_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v have_v he_o say_v a_o christian_n be_v or_o may_v be_v thus_o certain_a by_o such_o a_o proof_n have_v from_o the_o object_n as_o be_v true_o conclusive_a of_o the_o thing_n how_o genuine_a coherent_a &_o clear_a have_v his_o expression_n be_v which_o now_o be_v force_v incongruous_a and_o obscure_a how_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n as_o all_o mankind_n understand_v it_o which_o now_o be_v most_o irrational_a and_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o same_o nature_n how_o honourable_a and_o creditable_a have_v it_o be_v to_o his_o cause_n and_o to_o himself_o too_o as_o a_o writer_n but_o man_n that_o have_v not_o truth_n on_o their_o side_n and_o consequent_o be_v quite_o destitnte_a of_o find_v principle_n and_o true_a ground_n must_v not_o dare_v to_o speak_v sense_n himself_o tell_v we_o princ._n 20._o that_o the_o nature_n of_o assent_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o it_o in_o our_o mind_n let_v he_o remember_v then_o that_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o a_o firm_a assent_n require_v in_o reason_n the_o high_a gree_n of_o clear_a evidence_n to_o beget_v it_o which_o yet_o he_o late_o deny_v to_o be_v have_v from_o moral_a thing_n and_o attribute_v it_o peculiar_o to_o the_o mathematics_n so_o that_o all_o be_v incoherent_a all_o be_v common_a and_o big_a word_n hollow_a and_o so_o of_o a_o loud_a and_o high_a sound_n but_o without_o any_o determinate_a sense_n again_o how_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o a_o christian_a be_v thus_o certain_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o therefore_o his_o faith_n be_v thereby_o resolve_v into_o the_o scripture_n as_o into_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o what_o he_o be_v to_o believe_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o show_n of_o consequence_n for_o this_o unless_o he_o have_v first_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v intend_v to_o speak_v so_o clear_a in_o the_o scripture_n as_o every_o private_a understanding_n shall_v not_o sail_v of_o be_v secure_v from_o mistake_n while_o it_o rely_v upon_o it_o as_o also_o that_o god_n have_v speak_v to_o we_o no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o the_o write_a word_n which_o he_o have_v no_o where_o prove_v nor_o can_v ever_o prove_v and_o if_o the_o former_a of_o these_o as_o experience_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v be_v want_v it_o be_v not_o a_o rule_n to_o those_o person_n if_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v not_o necessary_o the_o measure_n of_o what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v 29._o no_o christian_a can_v be_v oblige_v under_o any_o pretence_n of_o infallibility_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o that_o book_n wherein_o he_o believe_v his_o will_n to_o be_v contain_v and_o consequent_o be_v bind_v to_o reject_v whatsoever_o be_v offer_v to_o be_v impose_v upon_o his_o faith_n which_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n or_o be_v contrary_a thereto_o which_o rejection_n be_v no_o make_v negative_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o apply_v the_o general_a ground_n of_o faith_n to_o particular_a instance_n as_o because_o i_o believe_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n therefore_o no_o such_o particular_a thing_n which_o neither_o be_v there_o nor_o can_v be_v deduce_v thence_o if_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o hold_v that_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o whole_a will_n in_o that_o book_n and_o this_o so_o clear_o that_o all_o or_o most_o christian_n can_v not_o miss_v of_o understand_v it_o right_o so_o as_o thereby_o to_o be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o their_o faith_n than_o indeed_o the_o first_o half_a of_o his_o principle_n here_o run_v very_o current_o and_o smooth_o but_o these_o rub_n lie_v still_o in_o the_o way_n which_o dr._n st._n have_v not_o in_o the_o least_o remould_v they_o be_v also_o satisfy_v by_o the_o general_n conceit_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o the_o nature_n and_o genius_n of_o christian_a faith_n that_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v a_o error_n or_o lie_n and_o consequent_o muâ—t_o have_v such_o ground_n as_o can_v possible_o permit_v all_o the_o world_n to_o be_v in_o a_o error_n while_o they_o rely_v on_o they_o that_o be_v ground_n which_o be_v infallible_o secure_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n observe_v both_o by_o experience_n and_o reason_n that_o scripture_n be_v not_o such_o a_o ground_n as_o that_o private_a understanding_n apply_v to_o it_o be_v thereby_o perserve_v from_o possibility_n of_o err_v as_o dr._n st._n also_o confess_v in_o his_o next_o principle_n hence_o they_o be_v invite_v strong_o to_o conceive_v that_o god_n have_v leave_v some_o person_n on_o earth_n easy_o to_o be_v find_v who_o may_v supply_v what_o be_v want_v of_o clearness_n to_o scripture_n letter_n in_o the_o high_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o god_n will_v some_o way_n or_o other_o perserve_v they_o from_o err_a and_o that_o while_o thus_o protect_v by_o god_n signal_n providence_n whether_o this_o be_v perform_v natural_o supernatural_o or_o both_o way_n they_o can_v err_v in_o that_o affair_n or_o in_o acquaint_v we_o with_o right_a faith_n so_o that_o unless_o dr._n st._n make_v out_o solid_o that_o scripture_n have_v in_o it_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n of_o itself_o and_o without_o need_v any_o church_n he_o must_v expect_v in_o reason_n that_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o faith_n will_v necessary_o incline_v all_o sincere_a person_n who_o have_v due_a care_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o of_o find_v out_o true_a faith_n to_o believe_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n and_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o their_o rejection_n of_o such_o point_n which_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n or_o be_v contrary_a thereto_o be_v no_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o apply_v the_o general_a ground_n of_o faith_n to_o particular_a instance_n he_o discourse_v therein_o very_o consonant_o to_o his_o own_o ground_n be_v they_o worth_a any_o thing_n yet_o i_o have_v one_o thing_n to_o propose_v to_o his_o consideration_n which_o be_v that_o to_o justify_v his_o reformer_n he_o must_v produce_v ground_n full_a as_o good_a or_o rather_o better_a for_o the_o rejection_n of_o those_o point_n as_o for_o his_o faith_n or_o to_o speak_v more_o distinct_o he_o must_v have_v as_o perfect_v or_o rather_o perfect_a certainty_n for_o these_o two_o proposition_n nothing_o it_o to_o be_v believe_v which_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n and_o this_o or_o that_o reject_a point_n have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n as_o he_o have_v for_o any_o point_n of_o christian_a faith_n for_o since_o upon_o the_o evidence_n they_o have_v of_o these_o two_o proposition_n they_o disobey_v and_o rebel_v against_o their_o then_o lawful_a superior_n and_o church_n pastor_n and_o break_v church-union_n which_o be_v evident_o forbid_v by_o god_n law_n and_o so_o the_o preserve_a union_n &_o obey_v they_o be_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o which_o themselves_o confess_v be_v such_o and_o bind_v they_o as_o such_o in_o case_n the_o reason_n for_o their_o impose_v new_a point_n be_v not_o valid_a that_o be_v if_o these_o two_o proposition_n on_o who_o evidence_n they_o rely_v when_o they_o allege_v they_o be_v wrongful_o impose_v and_o thence_o reject_v they_o be_v not_o true_a it_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v at_o least_o have_v equal_a evidence_n nay_o more_o for_o bare_a equality_n will_v only_o balance_v they_o in_o a_o doubtful_a suspense_n berween_v either_o side_n that_o those_o proposition_n on_o which_o they_o ground_n their_o rejection_n of_o those_o article_n and_o disobedience_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o superior_n be_v true_a as_o they_o have_v for_o their_o faith_n and_o if_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o rejection_n ought_v to_o be_v more_o certain_a than_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n there_o be_v either_o some_o thing_n wrong_v in_o the_o pretend_a ground_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o else_o their_o negative_a article_n ought_v to_o be_v allow_v the_o honour_n of_o be_v point_n of_o faith_n too_o since_o their_o great_a certainty_n give_v they_o fair_a and_o equal_a title_n to_o it_o if_o not_o absolute_a pre-eminence_n 30._o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a way_n to_o prevent_v man_n mistake_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o man_n be_v fallible_a be_v subject_a to_o than_o the_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o mistake_v in_o a_o matter_n wherein_o their_o salvation_n