Selected quad for the lemma: reason_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
reason_n mean_v motive_n use_v 3,459 5 9.8497 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59220 Errour non-plust, or, Dr. Stillingfleet shown to be the man of no principles with an essay how discourses concerning Catholick grounds bear the highest evidence. Sergeant, John, 1622-1707. 1673 (1673) Wing S2565; ESTC R18785 126,507 288

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be_v borrow_a and_o cause_v but_o herein_o consist_v dr._n st_n masterpiece_n that_o though_o his_o principle_n be_v never_o so_o dark_a his_o conclusion_n be_v yet_o as_o light_v as_o noonday_n but_o i_o m●st_v not_o forestall_v the_o reader_n be_v mirth_n what_o i_o be_o to_o do_v be_v to_o declare_v in_o short_a what_o kind_n of_o thing_n conclusion_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o do_v which_o i_o will_v say_v no_o more_o than_o all_o man_n of_o art_n in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o who_o understand_v common_a reason_n will_v yield_v to_o be_v evident_a a_o conclusion_n then_o 1._o be_v a_o proposition_n which_o follow_v out_o of_o premise_n which_o be_v its_o principle_n 2._o the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o verity_n depend_v on_o our_o know_v that_o the_o premise_n its_o prinple_n be_v true_a 3._o therefore_o the_o verity_n of_o these_o premise_n must_v be_v more_o know_v to_o he_o who_o we_o intend_v to_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o conclusion_n than_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o conclusion_n it_o self_n otherwise_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v he_o of_o this_o by_o the_o other_o 4._o the_o consequence_n or_o follow_v of_o the_o conclusion_n out_o of_o the_o premise_n or_o the_o con●uxion_n between_o they_o must_v be_v make_v know_v for_o if_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o coherence_n it_o follow_v not_o thence_o it_o may_v be_v perhaps_o a_o great_a truth_n but_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o a_o conclusion_n 5._o to_o do_v this_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o each_o particular_a conclusion_n shall_v either_o be_v put_v immediate_o after_o it●s_n particular_a premise_n or_o else_o be_v relate_v to_o they_o otherwise_o how_o shall_v any_o one_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v whether_o they_o cohere_v or_o no_o if_o he_o know_v not_o what_o thing_n be_v to_o cohere_v last_o the_o conclusion_n must_v be_v such_o as_o that_o in_o the_o grant_n it_o the_o victory_n of_o the_o opponent_n consist_v and_o so_o it_o must_v come_v home_o and_o close_o 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a_o little_a what_o be_v needless_a be_v needless_a or_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o put_v that_o which_o be_v of_o no_o purpose_n when_o put_v or_o of_o no_o purpose_n to_o be_v put_v which_o be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o can_v admit_v proof_n be_v not_o this_o a_o rare_a man_n who_o first_o lay_v such_o obscure_a principle_n as_o need_v proof_n and_o so_o ought_v to_o be_v call_v conclusion_n and_o then_o pretend_v to_o infer_v such_o conclusion_n as_o can_v possible_o need_v prove_v be_v self-evident_a and_o so_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v call_v first_o principle_n what_o i_o desire_v at_o present_a be_v that_o he_o will_v please_v to_o acquaint_v we_o out_o of_o which_o of_o his_o ●o_o principle_n it_o follow_v that_o what_o need_v not_o need_v not_o if_o out_o of_o none_o this_o be_v no_o conclusion_n though_o it_o be_v a_o most_o evident_a truth_n 2._o the_o infallibility_n of_o that_o society_n of_o man_n who_o call_v themselves_o the_o 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retentive_a faculty_n in_o examine_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o it_o if_o he_o mean_v by_o rule_n of_o trial_n and_o motive_n the_o maxim_n and_o reason_n we_o have_v for_o hold_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n as_o he_o can_v mean_v no_o other_o then_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o take_v divine_a revelation_n for_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n reveal_v it_o be_v infallibility_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o same_o mean_v other_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v conclude_v infallible_o true_a as_o other_o point_n of_o faith_n also_o be_v because_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v show_v to_o be_v engage_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o again_o take_v those_o word_n to_o signify_v the_o act_n or_o way_n of_o reveal_v which_o go_v before_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v the_o object_n of_o mere_a natural_a reason_n it_o be_v evident_a its_o infallibility_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o same_o maxim_n as_o the_o 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the_o twelve_o have_v nothing_o new_a but_o what_o be_v build_v on_o this_o manifest_a truth_n none_o can_v be_v assure_v without_o mean_n to_o assure_v which_o since_o mean_v speak_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o which_o as_o a_o necessary_a requisite_a a_o end_n s_o to_o be_v compass_v that_o be_v without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v compass_v amount_v to_o this_o self-evident_a truth_n that_o can_v be_v do_v which_o can_v be_v do_v §_o 13._o the_o thirteen_o have_v for_o its_o basis_n this_o undeniable_a verity_n it_o be_v presumable_a that_o they_o who_o constant_o maintain_v a_o tenet_n do_v hold_v the_o same_o tenet_n and_o judge_v it_o available_a to_o their_o cause_n or_o for_o their_o purpose_n and_o that_o they_o who_o write_v against_o it_o and_o vilify_v it_o do_v not_o hold_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n nor_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v available_a to_o their_o cause_n both_o which_o be_v perfect_o the_o same_o with_o this_o proposition_n which_o practice_n make_v self-evident_a man_n 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unknown_a to_o the_o accuser_n and_o that_o rational_a which_o be_v ground_v on_o matter_n of_o fact_n notorious_a to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n §_o 16._o the_o sixteen_o subsist_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o evident_a truth_n a_o universal_a change_n in_o matter_n both_o manifest_a to_o sense_n and_o most_o concern_v must_v needs_o be_v notorious_a which_o engage_v that_o principle_n man_n be_v sensitive_a or_o a_o animal_n whence_o this_o be_v a_o direct_a part_n of_o the_o definition_n of_o man_n it_o be_v consequent_o self-evident_a §_o 17._o the_o seventeen_o be_v reduce_v to_o this_o plain_a proposition_n men_n of_o reason_n can_v hold_v and_o own_v themselves_o and_o propose_v to_o other_o point_n most_o difficult_a to_o believe_v upon_o pretence_n that_o they_o come_v from_o christ_n and_o yet_o yield_v nor_o own_o any_o reason_n why_o they_o hold_v they_o come_v from_o christ_n or_o thus_o man_n either_o have_v or_o else_o yield_v no_o reason_n where_o there_o be_v 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no_o fault_n in_o it_o but_o that_o it_o express_v not_o all_o the_o truth_n it_o ought_v for_o god_n not_o only_o can_v act_v contrary_a to_o those_o essential_a attribute_n but_o he_o be_v oblige_v by_o his_o very_a nature_n to_o act_v perfect_o according_a to_o they_o in_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o a_o way_n or_o rule_n to_o make_v know_v his_o will_n unto_o man_n by_o as_o shall_v be_v all_o thing_n consider_v most_o proper_a for_o mankind_n that_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o respective_a capacity_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o that_o so_o their_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o far_o as_o they_o spring_v from_o the_o provision_n of_o motive_n lay_v by_o god_n may_v be_v pefect_o rational_a and_o also_o most_o effectual_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n intend_v that_o rule_n and_o faith_n which_o depend_v on_o it_o these_o be_v the_o six_o principle_n dr._n st._n propose_v as_o agree_v to_o by_o both_o side_n which_o in_o the_o main_a and_o thus_o 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rope_n of_o ●and_n for_o want_n of_o declare_v their_o relation_n to_o other_o and_o though_o now_o and_o then_o they_o counterfeit_v a_o semblance_n of_o some_o sleight_n coherence_n yet_o their_o whole_a frame_n be_v loose_a and_o ill-built_a for_o want_v of_o a_o orderly_a and_o visible_a dependence_n of_o one_o part_n on_o another_o now_o this_o odd_a variety_n in_o their_o complexion_n put_v a_o attentive_a considerer_n at_o some_o loss_n what_o to_o name_v they_o no_o apellation_n fit_v the_o thirty_o but_o that_o which_o be_v common_a to_o such_o quantity_n of_o matter_n or_o multitude_n of_o line_n whether_o it_o be_v sense_n or_o nonsense_n such_o as_o be_v paragraph_n section_n and_o such_o like_a since_o their_o motley_n nature_n will_v neither_o let_v we_o call_v they_o deduction_n nor_o conclusion_n nor_o principle_n nor_o proposition_n nor_o discourse_n nor_o inference_n nor_o postulatum_n nor_o axiom_n nor_o maxim_n nor_o proof_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o any_o such_o nature_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n the_o superscription_n be_v the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n reduce_v to_o principle_n 3._o it_o be_v not_o amiss_o for_o all_o that_o to_o consider_v what_o dr._n st._n himself_o call_v they_o and_o to_o hope_v thence_o for_o some_o better_a knowledge_n of_o their_o nature_n than_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o by_o our_o own_o consideration_n but_o he_o be_v at_o variance_n with_o himself_o about_o the_o point_n no_o one_o common_a name_n be_v capable_a to_o fit_v they_o all_o where_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v name_v be_v of_o so_o many_o parish_n or_o family_n all_o he_o do_v as_o appear_v by_o his_o transition_n to_o make_v they_o all_o take_v together_o amount_v to_o a_o inquiry_n into_o the_o particular_a way_n which_o god_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o for_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n i_o do_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n like_o this_o
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 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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 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discern_a truth_n and_o falsehood_n again_o what_o be_v mean_v here_o by_o divine_v revelation_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o formal_a act_n of_o reveal_v then_o it_o be_v false_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o judge_v of_o its_o truth_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 for_o these_o matter_n be_v point_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v a_o madness_n to_o think_v we_o must_v begin_v with_o examine_v their_o truth_n ere_o we_o can_v know_v that_o god_n have_v true_o or_o indeed_o reveal_v they_o since_o the_o knowledge_n that_o god_n have_v reveal_v or_o speak_v be_v have_v ordinary_o by_o natural_a mean_n antecedent_n even_o to_o the_o revelation_n itself_o much_o more_o antecedent_n to_o those_o point_n viz._n by_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o show_v the_o divine_a authority_n engage_v for_o their_o truth_n but_o if_o he_o mean_v by_o divine_a revelation_n the_o thing_n or_o 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by_o he_o and_o what_o be_v agreeable_a can_v now_o who_o see_v not_o that_o this_o signify_v nothing_o either_o to_o the_o exclusion_n or_o admission_n of_o any_o particular_a way_n unless_o we_o subsume_v thus_o but_o this_o or_o that_o be_v most_o agreeable_a or_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o say_a attribute_n whence_o follow_v therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v or_o reject_v by_o he_o whence_o it_o be_v clear_o see_v that_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o those_o attribute_n alone_o without_o take_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o way_n itself_o and_o its_o sufficiency_n or_o insufficiency_n as_o dr._n st._n himself_o confess_v in_o common_a at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 8_o principle_n though_o he_o perpetual_o avoid_v to_o examine_v the_o particular_a nature_n of_o his_o way_n and_o its_o fitness_n of_o mankind_n to_o build_v faith_n upon_o its_o evidence_n yet_o let_v we_o see_v at_o least_o though_o it_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o point_n how_o 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only_o in_o the_o word_n it_o be_v agree_v then_o among_o we_o all_o that_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v be_v god_n word_n or_o his_o will_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o salvation_n all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o know_v with_o absolute_a certainty_n what_o be_v the_o first_o teach_v doctrine_n or_o christ_n sense_n and_o whatever_o can_v thus_o assure_v we_o of_o that_o be_v deserve_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n now_o the_o word_n rule_v make_v use_n of_o to_o mean_v a_o spiritual_a or_o intellectual_a direction_n be_v metaphorical_a or_o translate_v from_o some_o material_a thing_n as_o most_o word_n that_o express_v spiritual_a notion_n be_v and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o those_o kind_n of_o metaphor_n which_o be_v transfer_v from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o for_o some_o proportion_n or_o resemblance_n between_o they_o for_o as_o a_o material_a rule_n be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o if_o one_o endeavour_n to_o go_v 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fire_v to_o burn_v etc._n etc._n it_o follow_v that_o since_o to_o preserve_v all_o that_o rely_v on_o it_o in_o right_a faith_n be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n what_o have_v not_o in_o itself_o the_o power_n to_o do_v this_o and_o this_o of_o its_o self_n independent_o on_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o on_o god_n who_o establish_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v certain_a power_n to_o produce_v their_o proper_a effect_n be_v not_o in_o true_a speech_n a_o rule_n of_o faith_n since_o than_o not_o one_o catholic_n in_o the_o world_n hold_v that_o scripture_n letter_n of_o itself_o and_o independent_o on_o something_o else_o viz_o th●_n church_n tradition_n attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o letter_n and_o interpret_n it_o have_v in_o itself_o power_n thus_o to_o certify_v person_n of_o all_o capacity_n of_o christian_a faith_n without_o possibility_n of_o err_v nor_o any_o one_o but_o hold_v the_o church_n authority_n be_v able_a alone_o to_o 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that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v to_o have_v faith_n by_o rely_v on_o it_o may_v by_o so_o do_v be_v absolute_o secure_v from_o err_a which_o be_v requisite_a over_o and_o above_o to_o make_v it_o in_o true_a speech_n deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o rule_n the_o council_n say_v nothing_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v far_o from_o say_v that_o people_n of_o all_o sort_n read_v the_o scripture_n and_o attend_v sole_o to_o the_o letter_n as_o interpret_v and_o understand_v by_o their_o private_a self_n shall_v be_v sure_a never_o to_o err_v in_o right_a faith_n nay_o it_o engage_v not_o for_o their_o security_n from_o err_v so_o much_o as_o in_o any_o one_o point_n which_o yet_o ought_v to_o be_v say_v if_o scripture_n in_o itself_o and_o of_o itself_o have_v the_o power_n of_o regulate_v they_o in_o their_o faith_n or_o be_v a_o rule_n rather_o the_o council_n by_o its_o carriage_n say_v the_o direct_a contrary_n for_o though_o be_v about_o to_o define_v against_o heretic_n it_o profess_v to_o follow_v in_o its_o definition_n the_o write_a word_n yet_o it_o be_v observable_a 146._o that_o it_o no_o where_o build_v on_o any_o place_n of_o scripture_n but_o it_o profess_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o build_v its_o interpretation_n of_o that_o place_n on_o tradition_n which_o evident_o argue_v that_o though_o scripture_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o council_n contain_v the_o point_n yet_o that_o which_o indeed_o regulate_v the_o council_n in_o its_o definition_n be_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o also_o express_o declare_v where_o ever_o it_o define_v and_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o catholic_n in_o the_o world_n who_o think_v the_o council_n know_v not_o both_o what_o and_o how_o to_o define_v against_o luther_n and_o calvin_n at_o that_o time_n without_o need_v to_o seek_v its_o faith_n anew_o in_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o plain_o conclude_v that_o the_o council_n be_v not_o regulate_v by_o it_o or_o look_v upon_o it_o 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position_n abate_v the_o degree_n of_o it_o for_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v equal_o or_o more_o absurd_a not_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o infallibility_a of_o a_o great_a body_n of_o man_n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v pretend_v whatever_o reason_n or_o tradition_n appear_v for_o it_o without_o a_o evident_a miracle_n the_o second_o part_n be_v likewise_o grant_v in_o case_n it_o suppose_v as_o it_o seem_v to_o do_v the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o infallibility_n derive_v only_o from_o those_o very_a book_n which_o they_o recommend_v and_o in_o passage_n which_o they_o be_v to_o explicate_v ere_o they_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o such_o a_o infallibility_n otherwise_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o book_n obscure_a in_o multitude_n of_o other_o passage_n may_v be_v clear_a in_o that_o one_o which_o relate_v they_o to_o the_o church_n or_o that_o body_n which_o they_o be_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v as_o to_o the_o proper_a interpreter_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o dogmatical_a and_o controvert_v passage_n which_o belong_v to_o faith_n but_o the_o dr._n shall_v do_v well_o to_o show_v we_o any_o society_n of_o man_n or_o church_n that_o pretend_v to_o build_v her_o infallibility_n only_o on_o the_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o that_o very_a infallibility_n otherwise_o it_o will_v not_o touch_v our_o church_n who_o claim_v the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o her_o rule_n of_o faith_n tradition_n and_o as_o for_o her_o be_v natural_o support_v from_o error_n in_o attest_v former_a doctrine_n it_o be_v ground_v by_o those_o who_o discourse_n of_o that_o point_n upon_o humane_a nature_n as_o to_o its_o infallible_a sensation_n and_o on_o its_o rationality_n which_o render_v it_o incapable_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o a_o motive_n as_o they_o must_v do_v shall_v they_o transmit_v a_o not-delivered_a that_o be_v a_o evidently-new_a doctrine_n for_o a_o old_a or_o deliver_v one_o 18._o there_o can_v be_v no_o hazard_n to_o any_o person_n in_o mistake_v the_o meaning_n of_o any_o particular_a place_n in_o those_o book_n suppose_v he_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o understand_v they_o comparable_a to_o that_o which_o every_o one_o run_v who_o believe_v any_o person_n or_o society_n of_o man_n to_o be_v infallible_a who_o be_v not_o for_o in_o this_o late_a he_o run_v unavoidable_o into_o one_o great_a error_n and_o by_o that_o may_v be_v lead_v into_o a_o thousand_o but_o in_o the_o former_a god_n have_v promise_v either_o he_o shall_v not_o err_v or_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o this_o whole_a paragraph_n be_v build_v on_o a_o false_a and_o unproved_a supposition_n viz._n that_o any_o adversary_n of_o he_o believe_v any_o society_n of_o man_n to_o be_v infallible_a which_o be_v not_o other_o fault_n there_o be_v in_o it_o and_o that_o good_a store_n as_o grant_v in_o effect_n here_o what_o he_o late_o deny_v that_o a_o man_n use_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o understand_a scripture_n may_v mistake_v the_o meaning_n of_o any_o particular_a place_n though_o not_o with_o a_o hazard_n incomparable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o other_o whereas_o if_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o he_o contend_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o man_n rely_v and_o proceed_v upon_o it_o and_o use_v that_o mean_n in_o the_o best_a manner_n he_o can_v possible_o shall_v come_v to_o err_v in_o his_o faith_n for_o in_o this_o case_n the_o man_n have_v do_v all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o he_o as_o to_o the_o understanding_n the_o rule_n the_o fault_n must_v needs_o be_v in_o his_o judge_n that_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n which_o be_v none_o but_o this_o main_a and_o fundamental_a error_n be_v couch_v in_o the_o last_o word_n in_o the_o former_a god_n have_v promise_v he_o shall_v not_o err_v or_o shall_v not_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o what_o mean_v in_o the_o former_a case_n etc._n etc._n this_o certain_o and_o nothing_o but_o this_o if_o we_o may_v trust_v his_o own_o word_n in_o mistake_v the_o meaning_n of_o any_o particular_a place_n in_o th●se_a book_n suppose_v he_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o understand_v they_o now_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n to_o i_o that_o god_n shall_v promise_v that_o a_o man_n mistake_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o book_n shall_v not_o err_v in_o so_o do_v but_o omit_v this_o slip_n of_o dr._n st_n reason_n or_o memory_n i_o ask_v what_o mean_v this_o disjunctive_a promise_n either_o of_o not_o err_v or_o not_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o why_o it_o mean_v that_o dr._n st._n know_v not_o well_o himself_o what_o to_o say_v to_o the_o point_n or_o whether_o he_o shall_v stand_v to_o it_o or_o no_o that_o a_o man_n use_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o understand_a scripture_n that_o be_v according_a to_o he_o the_o best_a mean_n lest_o by_o god_n for_o he_o to_o arrive_v at_o faith_n shall_v not_o err_v and_o therefore_o he_o wary_o subjoin_v or_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o and_o then_o he_o think_v himself_o secure_a enough_o from_o confute_v 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word_n i_o have_v reserve_v till_o now_o and_o that_o i_o may_v do_v he_o all_o right_a imaginable_a i_o will_v press_v his_o argument_n or_o rather_o indeed_o bare_a say_n in_o behalf_n of_o scripture_n as_o far_o as_o my_o reason_n can_v carry_v it_o none_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o very_a few_o point_n be_v sufficient_a for_o well-meaning_a particular_a person_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o jewe●_n that_o be_v save_v and_o many_o silly_a and_o weak_a christian_n since_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v deny_v but_o every_o one_o that_o read_v scripture_n or_o hear_v it_o read_v by_o one_o they_o dare_v trust_v may_v understand_v some_o few_o good_a thing_n to_o which_o if_o they_o live_v up_o hearty_o and_o
it_o be_v a_o excellent_a world_n for_o heretic_n if_o this_o notion_n of_o certainty_n will_v take_v for_o these_o be_v obstinate_a in_o their_o error_n no_o man_n more_o firm_o assent_v to_o falsehood_n than_o they_o and_o questionless_a the_o generality_n of_o they_o judge_v what_o they_o hold_v true_a too_o nay_o they_o must_v all_o do_v so_o if_o they_o once_o be_v put_v firm_o assent_v as_o in_o our_o case_n for_o to_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n be_v to_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v indeed_o true_a by_o which_o mean_v all_o heretic_n in_o the_o world_n be_v certain_a of_o their_o error_n and_o if_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o they_o common_a sense_n tell_v they_o they_o ought_v to_o hold_v what_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o again_o ●light_a probability_n make_v many_o weak_a people_n firm_o assent_v so_o do_v passion_n and_o interest_n yet_o they_o be_v all_o by_o this_o new_a doctrine_n certain_a of_o what_o they_o hold_v and_o so_o all_o be_v well_o it_o be_v now_o come_v to_o light_v what_o kind_n of_o certainty_n d._n st._n intend_v to_o pr●scribe_v for_o faith_n after_o he_o have_v reject_v infallibility_n namely_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o one_o may_v have_v whether_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o no_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o firm_o assent_v to_o it_o as_o true_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v he_o be_v certain_a of_o his_o faith_n and_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o requite_v i_o with_o maintain_v that_o i_o be_o certain_a of_o my_o faith_n too_o for_o we_o ●oth_v firm_o assent_v to_o they_o as_o truth_n and_o so_o we_o be_v both_o very_a good_a friend_n and_o by_o the_o same_o method_n so_o be_v turk_n and_o jew_n atone_v to_o christian_n nothing_o be_v so_o proper_a to_o reconcile_v contradiction_n as_o a_o chimaera_n viz._n a_o fallible_a certainty_n or_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v none_o identical_a proposition_n be_v mere_a toy_n to_o they_o or_o as_o dr._n t._n say_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o fallible_a certainty_n or_o certainty_n that_o be_v no_o certainty_n can_v work_v wonder_n and_o even_o do_v more_o than_o miracle_n ridiculous_a folly_n not_o to_o see_v that_o when_o any_o one_o say_v i_o be_o certain_a of_o such_o a_o thing_n all_o mankind_n understand_v he_o to_o mean_v he_o have_v such_o ground_n as_o infer_v that_o thing_n be_v as_o he_o say_v and_o not_o only_o that_o he_o have_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o it_o as_o true_a without_o intend_v that_o he_o have_v any_o ground_n to_o enforce_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o this_o be_v what_o i_o often_o reflect_v upon_o in_o dr._n t._n reason_n against_o raillery_n that_o his_o discourse_n still_o aim_v to_o take_v the_o business_n of_o certainty_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o object_n and_o put_v it_o constant_o upon_o the_o subject_a and_o to_o make_v account_n he_o be_v sure_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o because_o he_o very_o judge_v it_o or_o do_v not_o doubt_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o dr._n st._n be_v here_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o wise_a plot_n to_o which_o he_o begin_v to_o make_v way_n in_o his_o 20_o princip_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o assent_n be_v not_o build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o their_o evidence_n to_o we_o '_o indeed_o if_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o assent_n which_o it_o matter_n not_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a or_o rather_o which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v false_a it_o be_v mere_o build_v on_o our_o own_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n which_o i_o suppose_v he_o must_v mean_v there_o by_o the_o word_n evidence_n but_o if_o the_o assent_n we_o speak_v of_o and_o to_o which_o himself_o apply_v it_o be_v that_o of_o faith_n which_o must_v necessary_o be_v true_a both_o it_o and_o the_o evidence_n which_o immediate_o breed_v it_o must_v forcible_o either_o be_v build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o else_o on_o nothing_o and_o so_o both_o the_o pretend_a evidence_n be_v a_o false_a light_n and_o the_o assent_n itself_o false_a and_o chimerical_a on_o the_o 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discourse_n now_o make_v must_v forcible_o be_v admit_v then_o fallible_a certainty_n come_v into_o great_a credit_n or_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v firm_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a whether_o ●t_a be_v true_a or_o no_o that_o be_v such_o certainty_n as_o be_v no_o certainty_n but_o wilful_a adhesion_n such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v no_o faith_n but_o fancy_n such_o a_o religion_n as_o be_v no_o religion_n but_o folly_n or_o interest_n and_o such_o truth_n as_o be_v no_o truth_n but_o possible_a falsehood_n in_o a_o word_n the_o object_n set_v aside_o and_o the_o dependence_n of_o our_o assent_n upon_o thing_n without_o we_o as_o the_o dr._n will_v have_v it_o the_o subject_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o hold_v and_o say_v what_o best_o like_v the_o spirit_n within_o they_o or_o their_o voluntary_a fancy_n in_o which_o consist_v the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o d._n st_n bless_a reformation_n i_o grant_v he_o then_o ●hat_n 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 i_o deny_v that_o this_o plea_n will_v either_o acquit_v he_o or_o dr._n t._n from_o the_o imputation_n of_o make_v christian_a faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a which_o be_v object_v for_o why_o may_v not_o this_o man_n who_o firm_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a now_o or_o to_o day_n both_o suspect_n and_o see_v it_o to_o be_v false_a to_o morrow_n unless_o he_o can_v show_v that_o that_o assent_n of_o he_o depend_v on_o the_o object_n or_o be_v build_v on_o the_o unchangeably-fixt_a nature_n of_o thing_n which_o dr._n st._n deny_v in_o express_a term_n princ._n 20._o or_o what_o can_v establish_v he_o in_o his_o assent_n of_o faith_n if_o that_o do_v not_o be_v it_o not_o evident_a he_o may_v change_v if_o he_o may_v see_v true_a reason_n may_v be_v bring_v against_o it_o what_o will_v do_v he_o credit_v in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o offer_v to_o make_v it_o out_o that_o assent_n require_v evidence_n and_o so_o firm_a assent_n clear_a evidence_n he_o have_v this_o clear_a evidence_n from_o the_o object_n to_o ground_v this_o firm_a assent_n for_o than_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a his_o assent_n will_v be_v unalterable_a and_o solidly-grounded_n or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o become_v faith_n not_o desultory_n inconstant_a and_o weakly-built_a as_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o opinion_n but_o this_o my_o two_o adversary_n must_v not_o do_v for_o how_o can_v they_o pretend_v to_o a_o unalterable_a assent_n if_o assent_n be_v not_o build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n only_o which_o be_v unchangeable_a or_o how_o to_o clear_a evidence_n if_o they_o may_v notwithstanding_o that_o evidence_n be_v still_o deceive_v as_o they_o must_v say_v all_o
gratis_o this_o position_n that_o nothing_o but_o miracle_n ought_v to_o serve_v whether_o there_o be_v other_o mean_v lay_v or_o no_o or_o that_o no_o proof_n but_o miracle_n can_v possible_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v man_n reason_n in_o a_o thing_n subject_a to_o reason_n for_o the_o natural_a assistance_n of_o the_o church_n be_v such_o of_o itself_o and_o the_o suppernatural_a suppose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sanctity_n in_o the_o church_n be_v as_o plain_a reason_n as_o that_o the_o great_a motive_n to_o goodness_n and_o interior_a goodness_n cause_v by_o those_o motive_n will_v make_v those_o good_a man_n who_o have_v it_o act_n as_o good_a man_n ought_v and_o be_v apt_a to_o do_v the_o 17_o proceed_v whole_o upon_o a_o false_a imputation_n lay_v on_o our_o church_n and_o on_o his_o confound_a most_o absurd_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n with_o that_o of_o the_o school_n or_o rather_o take_v a_o few_o speculative_a divine_n and_o those_o the_o weak_a to_o be_v the_o church_n the_o 18_o be_v again_o build_v on_o a_o unproved_a supposition_n of_o which_o kind_n of_o ground_n he_o be_v still_o very_o free_a and_o on_o a_o false_o pretend_a promise_n from_o god_n so_o to_o secure_v any_o private-spirited_n contemner_n of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n whether_o he_o err●_n or_o no_o though_o as_o common_a sense_n and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n give_v it_o he_o forfeit_v both_o his_o reason_n and_o his_o virtue_n by_o not_o hear_v his_o lawful_a and_o learned_a pastor_n rather_o than_o his_o self-conceited_a ignorant_a self_n the_o 19_o have_v the_o same_o fault_n with_o the_o former_a and_o be_v whole_o false_a even_o though_o his_o own_o supposition_n mention_v in_o the_o close_a be_v free_o grant_v he_o which_o it_o be_v not_o the_o four_o principle_n follow_v be_v make_v up_o of_o these_o error_n 1._o that_o we_o hold_v that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v a_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n unless_o he_o see_v and_o know_v that_o the_o proponent_n be_v infallible_a 2._o that_o the_o nature_n of_o assent_n when_o rational_a depend_v not_o on_o the_o object_n 3._o that_o one_o can_v have_v a_o infallible_a assent_n in_o faith_n without_o infallible_a assistance_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n themselves_o 4._o that_o there_o be_v no_o middle_n between_o no_o particular_a person_n and_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v formal_o infallible_a whereas_o my_o tenet_n be_v that_o some_o must_v be_v so_o most_o may_v be_v so_o and_o all_o need_v not_o be_v so_o 5._o that_o because_o all_o must_v be_v material_o infallible_a or_o in_o the_o true_a faith_n but_o know_v not_o how_o they_o be_v so_o therefore_o it_o be_v useless_a that_o any_o shall_v know_v how_o to_o make_v out_o those_o ground_n to_o settle_v explain_v and_o defend_v faith_n and_o its_o certainty_n these_o with_o his_o self-contradiction_n be_v the_o jar_a element_n which_o compound_v these_o four_o terrible_a principle_n with_o which_o he_o hope_v to_o undermine_v and_o blow_v up_o the_o church_n infallibility_n and_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o all_o christian_a faith_n the_o 24_o give_v good_a word_n in_o common_a of_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n but_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o former_a fallible_a certainty_n by_o the_o late_a only_o some_o probability_n or_o improbability_n so_o it_o but_o appear_v so_o to_o the_o subject_a and_o be_v a_o total_a prevarication_n from_o settle_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n to_o not_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o question_n the_o 25_o hold_v forth_o a_o most_o wicked_a and_o gross_a absurdity_n destructive_a of_o all_o certainty_n evidence_n faith_n christianity_n and_o even_o manhood_n viz._n that_o to_o assent_v firm_o to_o any_o thing_n as_o true_a be_v to_o be_v certain_a of_o it_o and_o intimate_v two_o other_o viz._n that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v now_o certain_a of_o a_o thing_n may_v at_o another_o time_n know_v that_o thing_n to_o be_v false_a though_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o also_o that_o such_o a_o certainty_n be_v competent_a for_o belief_n or_o faith_n the_o 26._o speak_v evident_a truth_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o but_o be_v nothing_o available_a to_o his_o cause_n but_o rather_o against_o he_o the_o inference_n thence_o be_v false_a be_v defective_o express_v and_o when_o rectify_v be_v also_o a_o clear_a truth_n but_o high_o prejudices_fw-la himself_o the_o 27._o be_v utter_o 〈◊〉_d of_o common_a sense_n certainty_n faith_n and_o christianity_n the_o 28._o principle_n be_v a_o weak_a and_o inconsistent_a discourse_n the_o 29._o suppose_n scripture_n intelligible_a enough_o in_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n without_o the_o church_n and_o to_o contain_v express_o god_n whole_a will_n o●_n every_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o at_o least_o with_o such_o a_o ground_n of_o it_o there_o as_o that_o it_o be_v deducible_a thence_o by_o private_a understanding_n with_o a_o certainty_n competent_a for_o faith_n none_o of_o which_o he_o have_v at_o all_o prove_v nor_o ever_o will_n the_o 30_o and_o last_o confess_v all_o man_n liable_a to_o error_n in_o faith_n though_o rely_v on_o the_o mean_v leave_v by_o god_n to_o secure_v they_o from_o it_o which_o evident_o make_v that_o mean_v to_o be_v none_o and_o assign_v a_o way_n for_o their_o best_a security_n which_o all_o err_v sect_n in_o the_o world_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v discern_v take_v and_o yet_o still_o err_v and_o last_o for_o a_o upshot_n he_o make_v account_n like_o a_o solid_a divine_a that_o our_o christian_a life_n be_v not_o at_o all_o interior_a but_o only_o exterior_a and_o consequent_o that_o faith_n be_v no_o part_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n nor_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o nor_o infidelity_n and_o heresy_n a_o sin_n or_o vice_n and_o then_o all_o be_v safe_a and_o his_o principle_n stand_v firm_a for_o then_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o every_o private_a 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in_o this_o proposition_n which_o he_o pretend_v follow_v from_o they_o as_o a_o conclusion_n 5._o to_o disow_v what_o be_v so_o teach_v by_o such_o a_o church_n be_v not_o to_o question_v the_o veracity_n of_o god_n but_o so_o firm_o to_o adhere_v to_o that_o in_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o man_n dare_v not_o out_o of_o love_n to_o their_o soul_n reject_v what_o be_v so_o teach_v the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o former_a for_o the_o word_n such_o a_o church_n and_o so_o teach_v mean_v absurd_o and_o repugnant_o to_o first_o principle_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v full_a as_o self-evident_a to_o all_o christian_n who_o hold_v god_n the_o author_n of_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v that_o the_o author_n of_o truth_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o lie_n the_o rest_n of_o it_o which_o will_v seem_v to_o put_v the_o opposite_a to_o the_o forego_n part_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o disow_v what_o be_v so_o teach_v by_o such_o a_o church_n be_v firm_o to_o adhere_v to_o what_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n be_v absolute_o false_a for_o to_o disow_v what_o be_v so_o teach_v by_o such_o a_o church_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o but_o to_o hold_v to_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n in_o point_n conrrary_a to_o those_o principle_n obtrude_v by_o that_o church_n which_o a_o man_n may_v do_v and_o yet_o be_v a_o atheist_n for_o any_o thing_n dr._n st._n have_v bring_v to_o make_v he_o adhere_v to_o scripture_n for_o i_o much_o doubt_n that_o a_o profess_a fallible_a certainty_n for_o such_o wonderful_a &_o extraordinary_a point_n as_o he_o will_v be_v bind_v to_o believe_v if_o he_o become_v a_o christian_n will_v scarce_o be_v able_a to_o give_v he_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o their_o truth_n if_o he_o guide_v himself_o by_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o dr._n st._n pretend_v he_o shall_v nor_o be_v it_o in_o dr._n st_n love_n of_o his_o soul_n as_o he_o like_v a_o saint_n pretend_v here_o but_o humour_n and_o interest_n to_o adhere_v so_o firm_o to_o his_o private_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n for_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o can_v but_o see_v have_v not_o in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o rule_n nor_o consequent_o be_v ever_o intend_v by_o god_n for_o such_o a_o end_n since_o renounce_v infallibility_n in_o man_n he_o must_v confess_v that_o all_o possible_a mean_n be_v use_v to_o find_v out_o truth_n by_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n no_o better_o ground_v it_o still_o leave_v all_o the_o relier_n on_o it_o in_o a_o possibility_n of_o be_v mistake_v as_o himself_o also_o confess_v princ._n 30._o that_o be_v insecure_a that_o their_o faith_n be_v true_a or_o only_o fallible_o certain_a of_o their_o faith_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o his_o six_o and_o last_o conclusion_n it_o be_v not_o amiss_o to_o examine_v these_o according_a to_o the_o no●es_v put_v down_o former_o contain_v some_o qualification_n 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palpable_o evident_a that_o dr._n st._n most_o absurd_o unskilful_o and_o prepo●cerously_o make_v those_o his_o principle_n which_o be_v obscure_a and_o ungranted_a and_o have_v hundred_o of_o exception_n against_o they_o and_o so_o need_v proof_n that_o be_v make_v those_o his_o principle_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v his_o con●lusions_n and_o put_v those_o for_o his_o conclusion_n which_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n self-evident_a and_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o mankind_n and_o which_o natural_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o major_n in_o any_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_a that_o be_v he_o mistake_v principle_n for_o conclusion_n and_o conclusion_n for_o principle_n which_o perhaps_o be_v the_o reason_n he_o make_v use_v of_o those_o word_n reduce_v to_o principle_n in_o stead_n of_o deduce_v from_o principle_n intimate_v thereby_o that_o his_o conclusion_n be_v all_o of_o they_o indeed_o principle_n do_v ever_o logic_n and_o common_a sense_n go_v thus_o to_o wrack_n his_o 6_o 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to_o cut_v it_o off_o also_o whether_o it_o can_v be_v cut_v off_o or_o who_o be_v likely_a to_o cut_v it_o off_o without_o which_o the_o church_n case_n must_v needs_o be_v most_o desperate_a to_o be_v almost_o from_o top_n to_o to●_n as_o full_a of_o disease_n as_o she_o can_v well_o hold_v and_o no_o mean_n extant_a to_o give_v her_o help_n but_o alas_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o world_n but_o herself_o and_o some_o few_o sect_n that_o have_v manifest_o go_v out_o from_o she_o and_o it_o sound_v so_o unnatural_o to_o say_v the_o tree_n can_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o its_o branch_n that_o whatever_o such_o talker_n may_v say_v in_o common_a yet_o come_v once_o to_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o bewray_v the_o falsehood_n of_o tenet_n but_o to_o come_v close_o to_o this_o voluntary_a say_n of_o he_o either_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n rely_v for_o the_o certainty_n of_o her_o faith_n on_o the_o right_a 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christianity_n but_o all_o we_o have_v to_o do_v be_v to_o find_v out_o what_o god_n have_v say_v or_o which_o in_o our_o case_n be_v all_o one_o what_o christ_n have_v teach_v and_o that_o whatever_o it_o be_v which_o acqnaint_v we_o with_o this_o we_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o that_o which_o regulate_v our_o belief_n concern_v christ_n doctrine_n or_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n now_o i_o affirm_v i●_n may_v be_v obvious_a reason_n be_v discover_v which_o this_o rule_n be_v and_o that_o by_o look_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o or_o consider_v what_o kind_n of_o thing_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o attentive_o to_o reflect_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o two_o ordinary_a word_n rule_v &_o faith_n 8._o and_o both_o of_o they_o acquaint_v we_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v the_o mean_n to_o assure_v we_o infallible_o what_o christ_n teach_v for_o in_o case_n a_o rule_n though_o we_o apply_v it_o to_o our_o power_n and_o 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