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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
reason_n mean_n mean_v motive_n 2,730 5 12.8411 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59222 Five Catholick letters concerning the means of knowing with absolute certainty what faith now held was taught by Jesus Christ written by J. Sergeant upon occasion of a conference between Dr. Stillingfleet and Mr. Peter Gooden. Sergeant, John, 1622-1707.; Stillingfleet, Edward, 1635-1699.; Gooden, Peter, d. 1695. 1688 (1688) Wing S2568; ESTC R28132 302,336 458

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to_o justify_v themselves_o for_o not_o believe_v rash_o or_o for_o fear_n of_o make_v they_o sure_o of_o their_o salvation_n 4._o i_o have_v allege_v far_o that_o till_o protestant_n produce_v the_o ground_n which_o prove_v their_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a it_o can_v with_o reason_n be_v hold_v truth_n you_o put_v my_o discourse_n first_o in_o my_o word_n only_o leave_v out_o those_o which_o do_v not_o please_v you_o and_o then_o disguise_v it_o in_o your_o own_o and_o laugh_v at_o it_o for_o be_v too_o plain_o true_a for_o plain_a truth_n it_o seem_v be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n with_o you_o and_o you_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o more_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o you_o ought_v to_o bring_v your_o proof_n the_o less_o you_o be_v oblige_v to_o bring_v they_o thence_o you_o start_v aside_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o vulgar_a catholic_a have_v less_o certainty_n than_o the_o vulgar_a protestant_n because_o the_o one_o have_v only_o the_o word_n of_o his_o priest_n the_o other_o 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yet_o for_o all_o his_o flourish_n about_o criterion_n he_o have_v say_v nothing_o to_o those_o reason_n only_o he_o have_v make_v a_o sleight_n discourse_n of_o his_o own_o p._n 53.54_o but_o never_o show_v any_o particular_a mean_n secure_v his_o party_n from_o err_v more_o than_o the_o vile_a heretic_n use_v why_o little_a or_o no_o regard_n to_o my_o reason_n show_v that_o scripture_n interpretable_a by_o their_o private_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o protestant_n rely_v on_o 26.27.28.29_o which_o if_o true_a utter_o overthrow_v his_o whole_a pretence_n to_o that_o for_o his_o rule_n he_o blunder_v indeed_o about_o it_o in_o clear_a word_n and_o tell_v his_o own_o tale_n very_o pretty_o but_o he_o have_v not_o answer_v my_o reason_n as_o the_o reader_n may_v discern_v who_o be_v please_v to_o compare_v they_o with_o his_o reply_n last_o why_o no_o answer_n to_o each_o particular_a proposition_n of_o my_o short_a discourse_n 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all_o but_o what_o his_o unskillful_a or_o partial_a hand_n bestow_v upon_o they_o if_o we_o expect_v reason_n from_o he_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o never_o undertake_v to_o prove_v but_o to_o reflect_v a_o very_a pretty_a come_v off_o p._n i_o wonder_v what_o answer_n be_v proper_a to_o a_o man_n who_o prove_v nothing_o nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o undertake_v it_o thus_o much_o for_o his_o method_n but_o the_o trick_n and_o shift_n in_o manage_v it_o be_v innumerable_a it_o be_v almost_o as_o easy_a to_o determine_v how_o many_o word_n may_v be_v make_v of_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o letter_n as_o to_o trace_v all_o the_o anagram_n he_o make_v of_o my_o sense_n by_o weave_v it_o in_o his_o loom_n to_o suit_v his_o own_o fancy_n or_o interest_n when_o our_o question_n be_v only_o about_o a_o certain_a rule_n of_o faith_n he_o alter_v it_o when_o he_o list_v to_o a_o certain_a rule_n of_o life_n p._n 33._o as_o if_o we_o pretend_v scripture_n not_o clear_a in_o moral_a point_n by_o which_o mean_n he_o turn_v the_o whole_a question_n to_o a_o quite_o different_a subject_n his_o contradiction_n be_v frequent_a for_o he_o never_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o concern_v our_o dispute_n but_o he_o constant_o fall_v into_o that_o irrecoverable_a lapse_n as_o he_o turn_v the_o precise_a duty_n of_o prove_v into_o the_o needless_a impertinency_n of_o reflect_v so_o tell_v he_o of_o falsification_n he_o tell_v you_o p._n 52._o he_o mean_v they_o for_o ironies_n and_o indeed_o his_o whole_a reflexionary_n if_o i_o may_v call_v it_o so_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o continue_a irony_n it_o be_v very_o hard_o to_o know_v when_o he_o be_v in_o jest_n when_o in_o earnest_a only_o he_o garnish_n his_o scorn_n with_o demure_a pretence_n of_o charity_n and_o civility_n that_o so_o he_o may_v affront_v his_o adversary_n with_o a_o more_o plausible_a garb_n of_o affect_a gravity_n and_o godliness_n 87._o as_o for_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o reason_n since_o one_o instance_n be_v hold_v by_o dr_n st._n and_o he_o a_o competent_a answer_n to_o a_o pretend_a demonstration_n i_o hope_v one_o pregnant_a instance_n how_o he_o quite_o miss_v the_o whole_a matter_n in_o hand_n may_v be_v allow_v sufficient_a to_o render_v insignificant_a his_o hopping_n and_o skip_a dialogue_n by_o show_v plain_o that_o his_o ill-levelled_a reflection_n hit_v not_o i_o but_o squint_a aside_o to_o other_o subject_n ere_o i_o come_v to_o my_o instance_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o bear_v in_o remembrance_n for_o i_o can_v repeat_v it_o too_o often_o because_o my_o adversary_n be_v resolve_v never_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o that_o our_o controversy_n suppose_n as_o agree_v to_o by_o both_o party_n that_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v divine_a and_o that_o our_o whole_a question_n be_v about_o the_o mean_n to_o bring_v down_o to_o we_o those_o sublime_a spiritual_a article_n of_o christian_a faith_n with_o such_o a_o certainty_n and_o clearness_n as_o may_v 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rational_a creature_n can_v possible_o act_v without_o a_o motive_n or_o a_o reason_n and_o be_v withal_o endow_v with_o such_o and_o such_o faculty_n belong_v to_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o also_o from_o the_o practical_a nature_n &_o high_a import_n of_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v deliver_v and_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o most_o powerful_a motive_n oblige_v the_o generality_n to_o who_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o transmit_v down_o faithful_o a_o doctrine_n hold_v divine_a and_o last_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o divers_a circumstance_n of_o the_o universe_n all_o which_o be_v lay_v out_o in_o my_o second_o cath._n letter_n p._n 57.58.59.60_o to_o which_o nothing_o but_o a_o very_a sleight_n return_v with_o many_o omission_n have_v be_v give_v we_o by_o he_o and_o nothing_o at_o all_o by_o dr_n st._n though_o these_o as_o the_o reader_n may_v see_v if_o he_o please_v to_o review_v they_o be_v the_o most_o forcible_a part_n of_o that_o treatise_n to_o prove_v the_o uninterrupted_a 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scripture_n than_o be_v the_o letter_n which_o be_v antecedent_n and_o presuppose_v to_o the_o interpretation_n as_o it_o be_v matter_n or_o object_n nor_o have_v you_o your_o faith_n though_o you_o have_v the_o letter_n till_o you_o have_v interpret_v it_o and_o beside_o the_o proper_a and_o immediate_a effect_n of_o interpretation_n be_v to_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o word_n and_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v your_o faith_n and_o so_o your_o own_o private_a interpretation_n be_v avoidable_a your_o rule_n if_o then_o you_o will_v vouch_v as_o you_o do_v all_o over_o that_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n give_v you_o your_o rule_n it_o must_v attest_v your_o way_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n too_o by_o private_a judgement_n nay_o it_o must_v moreover_o attest_v that_o way_n to_o be_v absolute_o certain_a otherwise_o you_o can_v never_o show_v how_o your_o kind_n of_o protestant_a faith_n no_o better_o ground_v can_v be_v absolute_o 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be_v so_o strong_o support_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v a_o parallel_n to_o equal_a or_o come_v nigh_o it_o and_o unless_o this_o be_v do_v all_o his_o argument_n against_o it_o stand_v thus_o a_o lesser_a force_n can_v do_v a_o effect_n therefore_o a_o great_a can_v a_o odd_a piece_n of_o logic_n but_o suitable_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n rest_n 25._o his_o four_o reason_n represent_v tradition_n to_o be_v mere_o verbal_a and_o not_o practical_a 28._o that_o it_o alone_o be_v to_o bring_v down_o particular_a matter_n of_o fact_n or_o historical_a passage_n nay_o the_o speculative_a whimsy_n of_o the_o old_a heathen_a philosopher_n none_o of_o which_o be_v ever_o pretend_v and_o so_o all_o his_o discourse_n run_v upon_o his_o old_a and_o oft-repeated_n error_n in_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o tradition_n tradition_n 26._o the_o reason_n he_o give_v for_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n we_o allow_v to_o a_o tittle_n and_o we_o add_v to_o they_o one_o 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grace_n 30._o or_o of_o the_o internal_a satisfaction_n which_o good_a soul_n who_o be_v already_o faithful_a or_o as_o st._n thomas_n of_o aquin_n cite_v by_o he_o express_v himself_o have_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o they_o have_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o virtue_n receive_v concern_v scripture_n and_o christ_n doctrine_n or_o that_o they_o confirm_v man_n more_o than_o demonstration_n do_v argument_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o preliminary_n to_o faith_n or_o search_n after_o it_o but_o the_o inward_a satisfaction_n that_o that_o heavenly_a doctrine_n rectify_v and_o purify_v the_o soul_n and_o level_v it_o direct_o towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o last_o blissful_a end_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o kind_n of_o experience_n and_o as_o it_o be_v possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o humane_a argument_n previous_a to_o faith_n have_v be_v look_v after_o and_o contend_v for_o i_o suppose_v gentleman_n 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therefore_o whatever_o often_o happen_v through_o the_o imperfection_n of_o creature_n such_o a_o irrational_a assent_n can_v never_o have_v be_v intend_v by_o god._n whence_o as_o it_o belong_v to_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o give_v those_o who_o sincere_o seek_v for_o truth_n the_o grace_n to_o embrace_v it_o so_o it_o belong_v to_o infinite_a wisdom_n to_o lay_v such_o mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o our_o case_n such_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o both_o evince_n it_o be_v truth_n to_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a according_a to_o the_o most_o exact_a method_n of_o true_a reason_n and_o withal_o perfect_o 135._o secure_v those_o from_o error_n who_o follow_v that_o rule_n let_v they_o be_v as_o weak_a as_o they_o will._n if_o then_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o embrace_v christian_a faith_n as_o a_o truth_n and_o profess_v it_o to_o be_v so_o it_o must_v be_v indeed_o such_o and_o therefore_o the_o ground_n leave_v we_o by_o god_n must_v be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o to_o prove_v or_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v such_o and_o if_o dr._n st._n have_v no_o such_o ground_n that_o what_o he_o hold_v be_v real_o christ_n doctrine_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o handle_v or_o preach_v controversy_n since_o he_o must_v necessary_o disgrace_v and_o weaken_v christian_a faith_n when_o he_o be_v to_o credit_n and_o establish_v it_o nay_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o pretend_v he_o have_v that_o most_o firm_a and_o most_o strongly-supported_n assent_v call_v faith_n which_o depend_v necessary_o on_o the_o certainty_n that_o it_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n but_o candid_o yield_v he_o have_v opinion_n only_o in_o that_o point_n not_o a_o unalterable_a belief_n it_o be_v true_a but_o only_o a_o good_a conceit_n or_o hope_n that_o it_o be_v so_o or_o may_v be_v so_o too_o weak_a a_o prop_n to_o sustain_v its_o truth_n as_o it_o lean_v on_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n have_v teach_v it_o or_o to_o settle_v the_o basis_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a life_n life_n 28._o and_o now_o let_v we_o apply_v this_o discourse_n to_o his_o ground_n or_o rule_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v thus_o assure_v or_o able_a to_o assure_v you_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o controvert_v point_n which_o you_o hear_v so_o warm_o dispute_v in_o the_o world_n and_o which_o it_o so_o much_o import_v you_o to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o it_o be_v scripture_n letter_n in_o text_n that_o be_v think_v to_o relate_v to_o those_o point_n as_o understand_v or_o interpret_v by_o himself_o or_o any_o other_o private_a judgement_n what_o he_o have_v then_o to_o do_v be_v to_o make_v out_o with_o absolute_a certainty_n that_o this_o method_n of_o arrive_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n true_a doctrine_n as_o to_o those_o point_n can_v be_v deceitful_a and_o erroneous_a otherwise_o it_o be_v unavoidable_a his_o faith_n and_o all_o christian_a faith_n no_o better_o ground_v may_v be_v false_a and_o by_o consequence_n be_v not_o true._n he_o will_v tell_v you_o twenty_o fine_a story_n and_o give_v you_o many_o pretty_a word_n of_o its_o be_v sufficient_o certain_a moral_o certain_a that_o it_o have_v such_o assurance_n as_o man_n accept_v for_o other_o matter_n etc._n etc._n but_o ask_v he_o smart_o and_o close_o if_o any_o of_o these_o certainty_n or_o assurance_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o he_o must_v not_o nor_o will_v deny_v it_o for_o shall_v he_o say_v it_o he_o must_v pretend_v he_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o his_o understanding_n those_o text_n right_a which_o he_o can_v not_o do_v without_o profess_v infallibility_n in_o that_o particular_a observe_v i_o beseech_v you_o where_o the_o stress_n of_o the_o whole_a question_n lie_v it_o be_v in_o this_o whether_o this_o ground_n or_o method_n of_o he_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o faith_n be_v able_a to_o prove_v it_o to_o have_v be_v true_o and_o indeed_o teach_v by_o christ_n so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o by_o this_o test_n if_o you_o examine_v the_o 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whole_a business_n in_o hand_n and_o seek_v to_o shelter_v himself_o and_o hide_v his_o head_n in_o a_o wilderness_n but_o he_o shall_v not_o shift_v the_o question_n thus_o and_o fall_v to_o ramble_v into_o endless_a dispute_n himself_o confess_v second_a letter_n p._n 20._o our_o question_n be_v about_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o not_o the_o particular_a certainty_n as_o to_o this_o or_o that_o doctrine_n and_o i_o join_v issue_n with_o he_o upon_o the_o same_o to_o run_v to_o particular_a point_n while_n that_o be_v a_o settle_v be_v to_o put_v the_o conclusion_n before_o the_o premise_n and_o to_o go_v about_o to_o ascertain_v thing_n depend_v entire_o on_o a_o method_n or_o rule_n without_o ascertain_v that_o method_n or_o rule_n first_o be_v to_o begin_v at_o the_o wrong_a end_n and_o make_v the_o cart_n draw_v the_o horse_n horse_n 29._o i_o owe_v he_o yet_o a_o answer_n to_o st._n austin_n he_o allege_v that_o father_n p._n 16._o who_o testimony_n say_v 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speak_v of_o the_o same_o point_n and_o a_o contradiction_n must_v be_v ad_fw-la idem_fw-la second_o our_o divine_n bring_v motive_n of_o credibility_n to_o prove_v christian_a faith_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o true_a such_o as_o be_v miracle_n the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n the_o suffering_n of_o the_o martyr_n etc._n etc._n very_o good_a will_v dr_n st._n reply_n these_o may_v prove_v the_o faith_n profess_v in_o those_o time_n to_o be_v true_a but_o you_o have_v alter_v that_o faith_n since_o and_o therefore_o you_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o faith_n you_o profess_v now_o be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v of_o old_a so_o that_o out_o of_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o our_o circumstance_n this_o be_v the_o only_a point_n between_o we_o and_o the_o main_a business_n of_o our_o controversy_n about_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o ground_n that_o can_v justify_v its_o invariable_a conveyance_n downward_o for_o this_o be_v make_v out_o by_o we_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v admit_v 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faith_n to_o be_v divine_a be_v on_o foot_n and_o if_o so_o why_o not_o with_o the_o same_o labour_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o bring_v it_o down_o from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o we_o must_v allege_v it_o be_v we_o not_o oblige_v as_o disputant_n to_o bring_v such_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o authority_n certain_a as_o do_v conclude_v that_o point_n if_o they_o do_v not_o what_o be_v they_o good_a for_o in_o a_o controversy_n or_o what_o signify_v a_o proof_n that_o conclude_v nothing_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o my_o procedure_n and_o my_o reason_n for_o it_o in_o short_a which_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o show_v to_o any_o man_n of_o sense_n that_o while_o the_o doctor_n object_n our_o school-divines_a to_o one_o in_o my_o circumstance_n his_o hand_n be_v all_o the_o while_n in_o the_o wrong_a box_n as_o will_v more_o at_o large_a be_v show_v hereafter_o he_o may_v have_v see_v cite_v by_o i_o in_o my_o 212._o clypeus_fw-la 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and_o their_o consequence_n which_o he_o think_v will_v not_o be_v for_o his_o credit_n to_o discover_v in_o mysterious_a reserve_v the_o like_a shuffle_n he_o use_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o certainty_n or_o any_o other_o that_o be_v of_o concern_v in_o our_o present_a dispute_n for_o he_o be_v a_o very_a impartial_a man_n and_o treat_v they_o all_o alike_o ask_v he_o then_o if_o faith_n be_v absolute_o certain_a by_o his_o ground_n he_o will_v not_o say_v it_o but_o more_o than_o once_o hint_n the_o contrary_a be_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o at_o least_o absolute_o certain_a though_o he_o make_v they_o such_o ill-natured_a thing_n that_o contrary_a to_o all_o other_o ground_n in_o the_o world_n they_o keep_v their_o absolute_a certainty_n to_o themselves_o and_o will_v let_v faith_n have_v none_o of_o it_o yes_o he_o will_v tell_v you_o they_o be_v provide_v
irregular_o he_o hinder_v any_o conclusion_n from_o follow_v false_a because_o no_o two_o man_n can_v differ_v in_o a_o sum_n unless_o they_o wrong_v or_o abuse_v the_o rule_n of_o computation_n irregular_a because_o instead_o of_o the_o word_n who_o take_v that_o way_n find_v in_o his_o second_o proposition_n and_o in_o our_o discourse_n he_o cog_v in_o the_o word_n make_v use_n of_o that_o way_n which_o be_v not_o so_o express_v in_o sense_n as_o the_o word_n take_v be_v which_o import_v follow_v whither_o it_o lead_v or_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o it_o and_o it_o will_v have_v be_v too_o palpable_o absurd_a to_o say_v a_o man_n take_v a_o way_n who_o leave_v it_o as_o a_o ill-reckone_a must_v needs_o leave_v the_o true_a rule_n of_o arithmetic_n but_o those_o who_o both_o take_v and_o follow_v all_o along_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o their_o private_a self_n and_o this_o to_o their_o power_n and_o be_v skilful_a in_o language_n &_o in_o compare_v place_n do_v yet_o go_v wrong_n therefore_o his_o way_n be_v no_o way_n and_o his_o rule_n be_v no_o rule_n then_o follow_v the_o triumph_n over_o my_o inconsiderateness_n in_o not_o distinguish_v between_o the_o rule_n and_o its_o application_n and_o i_o tell_v he_o the_o take_v it_o follow_v it_o or_o hold_v to_o it_o be_v the_o apply_v it_o and_o all_o the_o application_n it_o can_v need_v nor_o shall_v all_o his_o start_a hole_n and_o trick_n ever_o be_v able_a to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n 40._o 43._o his_o discourse_n of_o moral_a qualification_n requisite_a to_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o apply_v to_o our_o present_a question_n amount_v to_o this_o that_o no_o man_n can_v see_v the_o force_n of_o a_o natural_a medium_fw-la lead_v to_o faith_n without_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 god_n will_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o for_o want_n of_o a_o good_a argument_n he_o have_v leave_v off_o dispute_v and_o fall_v to_o preach_v though_o he_o have_v have_v but_o ill_a success_n in_o his_o guildhall_n sermon_n it_o be_v grant_v all_o these_o be_v excellent_a mean_n to_o purge_v the_o will_n from_o by-affection_n and_o by_o do_v so_o to_o leave_v the_o understanding_n free_a to_o see_v the_o force_n of_o the_o proof_n and_o thence_o infer_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v prove_v or_o show_v to_o our_o reason_n but_o where_o be_v this_o proof_n where_o be_v this_o truth_n all_o the_o while_n must_v we_o produce_v such_o invisible_a thing_n for_o open_a proof_n if_o all_o these_o moral_a qualification_n be_v requisite_a as_o he_o say_v to_o make_v man_n certain_a of_o christ_n doctrine_n he_o must_v prove_v that_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o sober_a enquirer_n which_o be_v the_o member_n of_o his_o private-spirited_n church_n have_v all_o these_o qualification_n ere_o we_o or_o any_o man_n live_v can_v be_v certain_a they_o have_v true_a faith._n again_o how_o will_v he_o satisfy_v doubter_n and_o convince_v acute_a opposer_n and_o adversary_n what_o be_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n will_v the_o allege_v invisible_a qualification_n do_v the_o work_n moreover_o he_o be_v certain_a of_o his_o faith_n by_o his_o rule_n and_o yet_o his_o rule_n of_o scripture_n ascertain_v none_o by_o his_o doctrine_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o moral_a qualification_n these_o than_o be_v either_o his_o rule_n or_o the_o best_a part_n of_o it_o at_o least_o he_o maintain_v here_o they_o be_v requisite_a and_o that_o otherwise_o scripture_n be_v no_o rule_n he_o must_v then_o prove_v he_o have_v these_o qualification_n or_o he_o can_v show_v he_o have_v any_o rule_n or_o any_o faith._n in_o a_o word_n we_o be_v dispute_v as_o controvertist_n and_o demand_v open_a &_o intelligible_a proof_n and_o he_o send_v we_o to_o invisible_a hole_n which_o only_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n can_v find_v out_o and_o be_v not_o this_o mighty_a learned_a i_o wonder_v how_o he_o can_v pretend_v to_o convert_v any_o man_n to_o christ_n true_a doctrine_n by_o these_o principle_n all_o he_o can_v do_v be_v to_o allege_v and_o compare_v text_n to_o prove_v it_o certain_o christ_n doctrine_n i_o but_o sir_n say_v the_o other_o how_o shall_v i_o be_v satisfy_v you_o have_v humility_n of_o mind_n purity_n of_o heart_n etc._n etc._n without_o which_o yourself_o confess_v you_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n at_o all_o what_o be_v the_o doctor_n have_v to_o satisfy_v he_o in_o this_o hard_a point_n i_o know_v not_o but_o set_v the_o doctor_n be_v faith_n aside_o what_o provision_n have_v he_o make_v for_o the_o stand_a visible_a body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v she_o have_v christ_n true_a faith_n none_o in_o the_o world_n by_o his_o principle_n unless_o she_o can_v prove_v she_o have_v all_o these_o moral_a qualification_n so_o that_o all_o be_v leave_v to_o each_o private_a man_n breast_n and_o if_o he_o have_v but_o this_o good_a conceit_n of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v endow_v with_o all_o those_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o fancy_n that_o he_o pray_v better_a than_o all_o his_o neighbour_n let_v they_o be_v socinian_o quaker_n or_o what_o you_o will_v he_o be_v certain_a of_o his_o faith_n mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o self-conceit_n that_o he_o be_v such_o a_o saint_n since_o by_o dr._n st_n principle_n without_o firm_a assurance_n that_o he_o be_v thus_o requisit_o qualify_v he_o can_v never_o have_v any_o assurance_n at_o all_o of_o his_o faith._n may_v he_o not_o as_o well_o have_v tell_v we_o in_o one_o word_n that_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o friend_n be_v pure_a saint_n and_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v certain_a they_o have_v these_o rare_a qualification_n and_o by_o they_o assurance_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o christ_n doctrine_n but_o that_o all_o who_o do_v not_o think_v as_o they_o do_v want_v those_o qualification_n be_v of_o the_o wicked_a and_o child_n of_o darkness_n and_o so_o can_v never_o have_v any_o light_n to_o know_v whether_o they_o have_v christ_n true_a doctrine_n or_o not_o this_o then_o be_v the_o rare_a resolution_n of_o dr._n st_n faith._n i_o expect_v he_o shall_v produce_v clear_a argument_n as_o become_v a_o controvertist_n and_o he_o allege_v the_o most_o hide_a mean_n in_o the_o world_n as_o become_v a_o enthusiast_n 14._o 44._o yet_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o oblige_v he_o to_o confess_v that_o the_o right_a way_n will_v certain_o bring_v man_n to_o their_o journey_n end_v if_o they_o continue_v in_o it_o i_o subsume_v but_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n interpretable_a by_o private_a judgement_n do_v not_o bring_v the_o socinian_o to_o their_o end_n that_o be_v to_o know_v sure_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v though_o they_o continue_v in_o it_o whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o scripture_n letter_n interpretable_a by_o private_a judgement_n be_v not_o the_o right_a way_n to_o know_v sure_o what_o christ_n &_o his_o apostle_n teach_v to_o escape_v this_o most_o evident_a conclusion_n which_o utter_o overthrow_v his_o whole_a cause_n he_o start_v aside_o with_o one_o if_o to_o the_o remote_a end_n salvation_n whereas_o the_o end_v i_o speak_v of_o in_o my_o discourse_n which_o he_o be_v now_o answer_v be_v express_o to_o know_v assure_o christ_n doctrine_n then_o after_o a_o second_o if_o he_o tell_v we_o scripture_n be_v not_o design_v as_o a_o infallible_a way_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n on_o falsehood_n of_o particular_a opinion_n by_o 20.21_o what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o opinion_n we_o speak_v of_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o instanced_a express_o in_o the_o bless_a trinity_n and_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ._n be_v these_o with_o he_o but_o opinion_n indeed_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v but_o opinion_n with_o he_o nay_o he_o ought_v to_o doubt_v they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v worse_o than_o opinion_n viz._n heretical_a falsehood_n unless_o he_o think_v himself_o absolute_o certain_a of_o his_o moral_a qualification_n for_o it_o be_v those_o it_o seem_v must_v do_v the_o deed_n when_o all_o argument_n fail_v as_o for_o infallibility_n there_o be_v no_o such_o word_n in_o my_o discourse_n and_o he_o ought_v to_o answer_v my_o argument_n in_o the_o word_n i_o put_v it_o and_o not_o to_o start_v into_o such_o evasion_n and_o logomachy_n though_o the_o allow_v of_o natural_a infallibility_n have_v be_v prove_v against_o he_o by_o reason_n and_o authority_n of_o those_o even_o of_o his_o own_o church_n he_o never_o answer_v it_o but_o bare_o say_v over_o again_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o infallibility_n in_o
keep_v we_o from_o err_a especial_o in_o matter_n only_o knowable_a by_o authority_n but_o our_o dr_n have_v a_o judgement_n or_o discretion_n of_o another_o mould_n than_o reason_n have_v frame_v for_o he_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o answer_n give_v he_o to_o my_o reason_n for_o the_o contrary_a position_n and_o that_o the_o rely_v on_o a_o certain_a authority_n be_v to_o keep_v our_o eye_n in_o our_o head_n still_o 102._o in_o do_v this_o we_o do_v not_o at_o all_o relinquish_v our_o reason_n but_o follow_v and_o exercise_v it_o for_o nothing_o be_v more_o rational_a than_o to_o submit_v to_o a_o authority_n which_o my_o reason_n have_v tell_v i_o be_v abso_fw-la lute_o certain_a in_o thing_n which_o the_o same_o reason_n assure_v i_o can_v no_o other_o way_n be_v know_v certain_o but_o by_o that_o authority_n this_o seem_v plain_a sense_n and_o comprize_v the_o whole_a point_n and_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n he_o think_v it_o not_o safe_a to_o meddle_v with_o it_o but_o instead_o of_o do_v so_o to_o amuse_v the_o reader_n with_o 69._o seven_o impertinent_a discourse_n of_o his_o own_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v he_o answer_v my_o catholic_n letter_n 56._o hitherto_o he_o content_v himself_o to_o impugn_v i_o with_o false_a suggestion_n nimble_a avoidance_n pretend_a ignorance_n of_o our_o know_a and_o oft-repeated_n tenet_n and_o with_o merry_a conceit_n 69._o but_o now_o he_o thunder_v out_o his_o dreadful_a indignation_n against_o i_o with_o angry_a viper_n venomous_a froth_n spleen_n gall_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o place_n i_o press_v upon_o be_v very_o raw_a and_o sore_a at_o the_o end_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o repeat_v 21._o his_o avow_v position_n that_o every_o sober_a enquirer_n may_v without_o the_o church_n help_v find_v out_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n in_o scripture_n this_o be_v a_o paradox_n so_o pestilential_a in_o its_o self_n and_o so_o pernicious_a to_o church-government_n and_o to_o all_o the_o dear_a and_o most_o sacred_a concern_v of_o christianity_n i_o can_v do_v no_o less_o out_o my_o zeal_n for_o those_o best_a good_n than_o brand_v it_o with_o these_o just_a censure_n viz._n 104._o that_o it_o be_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n nay_o the_o quintessence_n of_o all_o heresy_n fanaticism_n in_o the_o egg_n perfect_a enthusiasm_n when_o hatch_v and_o downright_a atheism_n when_o fledge_v this_o i_o say_v and_o thus_o i_o justify_v my_o charge_n to_o make_v private_a man_n competent_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o christian_a faith_n without_o the_o church_n help_v and_o yet_o not_o to_o furnish_v they_o with_o any_o certain_a mean_n of_o not_o err_v or_o mistake_v its_o sense_n be_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n of_o all_o heresy_n for_o joan._n non_fw-la enim_fw-la natae_fw-la sunt_fw-la haereses_fw-la nisi_fw-la dum_fw-la scripturae_fw-la bonae_fw-la intelliguntur_fw-la non_fw-la bene_fw-la no_o 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ground_n be_v none_o if_o it_o carry_v not_o thorough_a to_o the_o particular_a point_n especial_o to_o those_o which_o be_v most_o fundamental_a unless_o grant_v it_o in_o effect_n p._n 36._o and_o allow_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n to_o any_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v call_v a_o answer_n 32._o why_o no_o excuse_n for_o his_o skew_a comment_n upon_o his_o own_o answer_n which_o speak_v of_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o all_o christ_n doctrine_n which_o consist_v of_o such_o and_o such_o particular_a tenet_n to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n whereas_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o write_v in_o mr._n g_n question_n or_o in_o his_o own_o answer_n either_o nor_o any_o notice_n take_v of_o my_o argument_n 32.33_o manifest_v that_o a_o resolution_n of_o faith_n speak_v connexion_n of_o the_o motive_n that_o be_v to_o prove_v it_o christ_n doctrine_n to_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n lay_v home_o to_o he_o in_o a_o close_a discourse_n demonstrate_v the_o necessity_n it_o shall_v be_v such_o 33.34_o why_o no_o account_n of_o his_o distinguish_n between_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o so_o he_o may_v misrepresent_v tradition_n and_o alter_v the_o question_n from_o a_o public_a to_o a_o private_a delivery_n why_o no_o reason_n give_v of_o his_o not_o resolve_v his_o faith_n into_o the_o apostle_n preach_v but_o only_o into_o their_o write_n i_o mean_v 34.35_o no_o answer_n to_o my_o reason_n why_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v resolve_v it_o into_o the_o former_a at_o least_o equal_o 35._o why_o no_o answer_n to_o my_o reason_n show_v from_o his_o ill-laid_a principle_n that_o perfect_a contradictory_n point_n of_o faith_n and_o wicked_a heresy_n opposite_a to_o they_o be_v both_o equal_o certain_a why_o no_o excuse_n for_o his_o shuffle_n from_o the_o new_a testament_n contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n 36.37_o to_o the_o church_n make_v man_n fix_v by_o degree_n upon_o the_o certain_a canon_n of_o it_o which_o be_v there_o show_v and_o indeed_o appear_v of_o itself_o to_o be_v a_o quite_o disparate_a business_n why_o not_o the_o least_o excuse_v for_o his_o most_o abominable_a fourfold_a prevarication_n in_o answer_v to_o one_o single_a question_n expose_v there_o at_o large_a 37.38.39.40_o and_o why_o no_o defence_n or_o particular_a explication_n of_o his_o belove_a sufficient_a certainty_n nor_o any_o application_n of_o it_o to_o the_o nature_n end_n and_o use_v of_o a_o firm_a faith_n that_o any_o point_n be_v christ_n true_a doctrine_n show_v that_o his_o feeble_a motive_n be_v sufficient_a for_o those_o particular_a purpose_n 42.43.44.45_o why_o to_o make_v his_o odd_a similitude_n of_o scripture_n be_v a_o purse_n apposite_a do_v he_o not_o show_v we_o some_o certain_a way_n how_o the_o gold_n and_o silver_n point_v of_o faith_n as_o he_o call_v they_o may_v be_v get_v out_o of_o it_o without_o danger_n of_o extract_v thence_o the_o impure_a dross_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n instead_o of_o true_a faith_n again_o to_o make_v it_o square_n why_o do_v he_o not_o rather_o make_v the_o head_n and_o heart_n of_o the_o first_o faithful_a the_o purse_n since_o as_o be_v show_v he_o faith_n be_v more_o proper_o contain_a there_o then_o in_o a_o book_n 45.46.47_o or_o if_o he_o will_v needs_o make_v use_n of_o a_o improper_a container_n of_o faith_n too_o why_o do_v not_o he_o put_v two_o purse_n viz._n the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o scripture_n and_o why_o not_o a_o word_n of_o reply_n to_o my_o plain_a reason_n why_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v both_o these_o 48.49_o why_o no_o answer_n to_o my_o reason_n prove_v that_o all_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o for_o the_o church_n otherwise_o than_o by_o ramble_v to_o transubstantiation_n p._n 84._o and_o that_o he_o see_v no_o necessity_n of_o it_o which_o make_v his_o often-alledged_a distinction_n of_o necessary_a &_o unnecessary_a point_n 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doctrine_n continue_v all_o along_o in_o the_o breast_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o correct_v the_o letter_n in_o text_n that_o contain_v faith_n why_o no_o reply_n to_o my_o many_o reason_n 53.54.55.56_o show_v that_o the_o ancient_a church_n allow_v our_o way_n of_o tradition_n and_o disallow_v his_o of_o scripture_n private_o interpret_v why_o do_v he_o not_o confute_v my_o discourse_n 56._o manifest_v that_o he_o can_v have_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n by_o his_o principle_n of_o the_o number_n of_o book_n or_o of_o each_o chapter_n verse_n 57_o and_o material_a word_n in_o each_o verse_n that_o concern_v any_o point_n of_o faith_n without_o do_v which_o he_o can_v pretend_v to_o have_v certainty_n of_o the_o letter_n nor_o consequent_o of_o any_o one_o of_o those_o point_n 58.59_o why_o no_o reply_n to_o that_o important_a objection_n that_o if_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o primitive_a church_n have_v for_o some_o time_n but_o half_a 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source_n which_o give_v it_o its_o chief_a force_n than_o his_o be_v for_o scripture_n letter_n why_o do_v he_o not_o clear_v himself_o of_o his_o prefer_v his_o sober_a enquirer_n before_o the_o church_n 61.62.23.64.65_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o which_o be_v urge_v home_o against_o he_o nor_o justify_v his_o weak_a discourse_n in_o some_o sleigter_n passage_n lay_v open_a p._n 64.65_o why_o not_o a_o syllable_n of_o answer_n to_o that_o most_o highly-concerning_a discourse_n and_o which_o if_o it_o stand_v in_o its_o full_a force_n overthrow_v all_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o his_o doctrine_n viz._n that_o a_o rule_n or_o ground_n be_v relative_n word_n and_o therefore_o scripture_n letter_n can_v be_v a_o absolute_a certain_a rule_n or_o ground_n unless_o its_o ascertain_a virtue_n affect_v the_o article_n know_v by_o it_o this_o point_n have_v be_v press_v upon_o he_o so_o vigorous_o 66.67.68.69.70.71_o
one_o to_o all_o heretic_n he_o be_v still_o deaf_a on_o that_o ear_n last_o since_o faith_n be_v truth_n instead_o of_o a_o rule_n contain_v all_o he_o shall_v have_v assign_v a_o rule_n ascertain_v it_o all_o to_o be_v true_a and_o that_o none_o of_o the_o tenet_n he_o hold_v to_o be_v in_o scripture_n be_v heretical_a but_o he_o thank_v you_o he_o will_v not_o burn_v his_o finger_n with_o handle_v such_o hot_a point_n he_o allege_v that_o the_o mosaical_a and_o mahometan_a law_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o alcoran_n 26._o but_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o point_n it_o be_v as_o wide_a from_o the_o purpose_n as_o what_o be_v most_o have_v there_o be_v such_o high_a and_o most_o important_a mystery_n contain_v in_o those_o law_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n deliver_v down_o and_o profess_v open_o by_o those_o body_n from_o which_o multitude_n have_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o recede_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o 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manage_v by_o maxim_n of_o pure_a reason_n 37._o this_o point_n then_o settle_v 28._o let_v we_o trace_v our_o prevaricatour_n in_o his_o wander_n he_o tell_v we_o very_o grave_o god_n be_v not_o want_v by_o his_o grace_n to_o make_v necessary_a point_v know_v to_o man_n of_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n what_o we_o demand_v of_o he_o be_v some_o natural_a medium_fw-la or_o argument_n within_o our_o ken_n conclude_v that_o what_o be_v hold_v by_o he_o now_o be_v christ_n doctrine_n he_o confess_v he_o have_v none_o for_o he_o mock_v at_o conclusive_a evidence_n but_o pretend_v god_n grace_n will_v do_v it_o for_o he_o we_o tell_v he_o that_o without_o such_o conclusive_a reason_n to_o prove_v our_o present_a faith_n to_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o christ_n we_o can_v maintain_v or_o make_v out_o that_o our_o faith_n be_v true._n and_o he_o tell_v we_o god_n be_v not_o want_v by_o his_o grace_n to_o make_v necessary_a point_n know_v to_o man_n of_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n and_o 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not_o one_o single_a word_n of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o which_o be_v our_o present_a point_n as_o his_o friend_n 6._o dr._n t._n have_v tell_v he_o and_o then_o he_o conclude_v like_o a_o triumphant_a hero_n that_o i_o be_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o own_o church_n or_o a_o obstinate_a opposer_n of_o it_o alas_o for_o he_o he_o obstinate_o oppose_v while_o he_o cite_v they_o the_o know_a state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o be_v such_o a_o stranger_n to_o school-divinity_n that_o he_o can_v distinguish_v betwixt_o that_o and_o controversy_n and_o when_o he_o be_v take_v tardy_a thus_o miserable_o he_o think_v to_o salve_v all_o with_o swagger_v and_o vapour_a 38._o at_o length_n he_o sum_v up_o his_o performance_n with_o impertinent_a distinction_n of_o all_o the_o thing_n he_o be_v certain_a of_o 33._o as_o 1._o that_o he_o be_v absolute_o certain_a that_o whatever_o god_n reveal_v be_v true._n who_o deny_v it_o or_o what_o be_v the_o certainty_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o believe_a right_n unless_o he_o be_v absolute_o certain_a that_o the_o particular_a point_n he_o hold_v be_v indeed_o reveal_v by_o god_n or_o to_o speak_v more_o pertinent_o to_o our_o purpose_n be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n 2._o he_o be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o his_o rule_n and_o it_o be_v contain_v all_o necessary_a point_n and_o what_o be_v he_o the_o better_a for_o certainty_n of_o this_o if_o still_o he_o remain_v uncertain_a of_o all_o the_o particular_a article_n he_o be_v to_o believe_v by_o it_o 3._o that_o god_n grace_n be_v requisite_a to_o faith_n formal_o divine_a which_o be_v grant_v but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o prove_v it_o by_o a_o natural_a medium_fw-la to_o have_v come_v from_o christ_n as_o he_o must_v do_v to_o those_o who_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o faith_n conclusive_a evidence_n must_v be_v produce_v for_o this_o or_o the_o proof_n must_v fall_v short_a of_o conclude_v whether_o we_o have_v grace_n or_o no_o and_o so_o leave_v it_o unprove_v and_o uncertain_a 4._o he_o say_v particular_a point_n of_o faith_n be_v more_o or_o less_o certain_a according_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o deduction_n from_o scripture_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith._n this_o only_a seem_v to_o touch_v the_o point_n in_o hand_n and_o it_o touch_v it_o very_o gingerly_o let_v he_o speak_v out_o and_o tell_v we_o whether_o he_o be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o all_o particular_n of_o his_o faith_n nay_o even_o of_o a_o trinity_n and_o christ_n godhead_n by_o his_o rule_n or_o whether_o any_o man_n live_v be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o they_o by_o his_o principle_n if_o not_o than_o all_o faith_n may_v be_v a_o lie_a story_n for_o any_o thing_n he_o or_o any_o man_n else_o can_v tell_v and_o that_o this_o be_v his_o true_a tenet_n be_v evident_a by_o his_o omit_v 16._o here_o when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o 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certainty_n for_o his_o faith._n 39_o he_o proceed_v next_o to_o answer_v my_o short_a discourse_n demonstrate_v that_o he_o and_o those_o of_o his_o principle_n can_v not_o be_v sure_a they_o have_v right_a faith._n i_o presume_v he_o can_v not_o do_v it_o he_o say_v he_o have_v let_v we_o see_v which_o of_o we_o be_v disappoint_v it_o consist_v of_o five_o plain_a proposition_n 1._o god_n have_v leave_v we_o some_o way_n to_o know_v sure_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v 2._o therefore_o this_o way_n 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 end_v it_o be_v intend_v for_o that_o be_v know_v sure_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v 3._o scripture_n letter_n interpretable_a by_o private_a judgement_n be_v not_o that_o way_n for_o we_o experience_v presbyterian_o and_o socinian_o for_o example_n both_o take_v that_o way_n yet_o differ_v in_o such_o high_a fundamental_o as_o the_o trinity_n &_o godhead_n of_o 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