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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n church_n true_a visible_a 7,129 5 9.3865 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A30400 A rational method for proving the truth of the Christian religion, as it is professed in the Church of England in answer to A rational compendious way to convince without dispute all persons whatsoever dissenting from the true religion, by J.K. / by Gilbert Burnet. Burnet, Gilbert, 1643-1715. 1675 (1675) Wing B5846; ESTC R32583 48,508 114

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of_o faith_n if_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o that_o he_o strike_v at_o the_o divine_a veracity_n for_o among_o man_n who_o think_v that_o any_o wrong_v his_o veracity_n if_o another_o mistake_v his_o meaning_n and_o understand_v his_o word_n in_o a_o different_a sense_n from_o what_o he_o intend_v and_o express_v certain_o he_o who_o so_o mistake_v after_o the_o true_a meaning_n be_v clear_v can_v be_v understand_v to_o have_v fasten_v any_o reproach_n upon_o the_o candour_n of_o he_o who_o word_n he_o mistake_v all_o the_o blame_n be_v to_o be_v cast_v only_o on_o his_o want_n of_o right_a understanding_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o hard_a case_n if_o all_o our_o mistake_n of_o divine_a revelation_n do_v infer_v a_o charge_v god_n with_o error_n or_o corruption_n but_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o have_v spend_v too_o many_o word_n about_o it_o and_o this_o argument_n of_o i._o k_n can_v but_o upon_o first_o read_v appear_v to_o all_o that_o be_v accustom_v to_o weigh_v and_o examine_v truth_n to_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o crude_a ill_n digest_v and_o ill_o palliate_v sophistry_n thus_o far_o have_v i_o follow_v i._n k._n through_o those_o six_o point_n he_o imagine_v he_o have_v demonstrate_v and_o have_v show_v how_o true_a the_o first_o four_o be_v but_o how_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v to_o account_v they_o such_o for_o any_o thing_n he_o say_v for_o their_o proof_n and_o how_o false_a the_o other_o two_o be_v and_o i_o suppose_v he_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o if_o what_o be_v already_o set_v down_o hold_v true_a and_o be_v found_v on_o good_a reason_n i_o need_v not_o follow_v he_o through_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o book_n it_o be_v only_o a_o direction_n to_o his_o gentle_a courteous_a reader_n how_o to_o manage_v this_o method_n of_o argue_v so_o as_o to_o convince_v all_o person_n that_o dissent_v from_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o he_o think_v be_v a_o mathematical_a and_o sure_a way_n of_o proceed_v and_o such_o as_o no_o 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and_o endless_a wrangling_n of_o the_o school_n in_o matter_n of_o philosophy_n in_o which_o man_n be_v accustom_v to_o that_o game_n of_o dispute_v and_o subtilise_v about_o nothing_o and_o go_v from_o those_o study_n to_o divinity_n and_o carrying_z that_o same_o temper_n and_o fiery_a edge_n along_o with_o they_o they_o make_v all_o that_o work_n about_o it_o which_o have_v now_o so_o long_o divide_v the_o world_n they_o be_v also_o by_o a_o long_a practice_n habituate_v to_o many_o maxim_n and_o axiom_n which_o be_v lay_v down_o for_o rule_n not_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o or_o deny_v come_v real_o to_o believe_v those_o be_v true_a and_o to_o carry_v they_o along_o with_o they_o to_o all_o their_o theological_a debate_n all_o which_o will_v appear_v very_o evident_a to_o any_o that_o compare_v their_o philosophical_a and_o theological_a work_n from_o which_o many_o of_o their_o strange_a inference_n and_o position_n do_v take_v their_o rise_n and_o i_o be_o afraid_a do_v still_o receive_v their_o nourishment_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v discourse_v of_o the_o several_a prejudices_fw-la the_o power_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n do_v lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o apprehend_n and_o judge_v aright_o of_o divine_a truth_n and_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o the_o moral_a philosophy_n will_v concur_v to_o teach_v all_o man_n that_o before_o their_o mind_n can_v be_v right_o qualify_v for_o the_o understanding_n any_o intellectual_a truth_n but_o most_o chief_o divine_a truth_n we_o must_v abstract_n from_o all_o those_o figure_n of_o thing_n which_o our_o sense_n present_a to_o we_o and_o rise_v above_o all_o grosser_n phantasm_n it_o be_v no_o less_o necessary_a that_o our_o thought_n be_v serene_a and_o free_a of_o passion_n that_o we_o may_v free_o and_o at_o leisure_n consider_v what_o lie_v before_o we_o without_o the_o bias_n of_o preconceive_a opinion_n or_o interest_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o rational_a with_o these_o that_o we_o have_v modest_a mind_n not_o 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along_o with_o he_o in_o all_o his_o inquiry_n which_o certain_o will_v not_o be_v want_v if_o he_o bring_v with_o he_o a_o sincere_a &_o well_o prepare_v mind_n not_o bias_v nor_o prepossess_v and_o of_o this_o we_o may_v be_v well_o assure_v both_o from_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o veracity_n for_o as_o he_o have_v promise_v that_o whoso_o seek_v shall_v find_v so_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequent_a of_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o assist_v all_o that_o sincere_o seek_v after_o life_n and_o happiness_n but_o if_o any_o come_v to_o this_o study_n without_o he_o be_v due_o prepare_v he_o have_v himself_o to_o thank_v if_o he_o fall_v into_o error_n and_o mistake_n the_o next_o thing_n a_o exact_a searcher_n into_o religion_n must_v labour_v in_o be_v once_o to_o observe_v the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o great_a design_n of_o it_o and_o in_o this_o he_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o small_a game_n of_o some_o particular_a and_o obscure_a passage_n but_o to_o observe_v through_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n what_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o our_o saviour_n speak_v and_o do_v and_o his_o disciple_n testify_v and_o write_v if_o once_o we_o comprehend_v this_o a_o right_a it_o will_v be_v a_o thread_n to_o carry_v we_o through_o particular_a disquisition_n for_o as_o there_o be_v many_o natural_a truth_n of_o which_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v though_o philosophy_n offer_v we_o some_o argument_n against_o they_o in_o the_o answer_v which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o satisfy_v our_o reason_n so_o there_o may_v be_v some_o divine_a truth_n very_o certain_o make_v out_o to_o we_o and_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v place_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v so_o to_o contradict_v those_o truth_n that_o they_o can_v be_v well_o answer_v again_o a_o serious_a enquirer_n will_v see_v good_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n must_v be_v plain_a evident_a and_o clear_a since_o they_o be_v at_o first_o direct_v to_o man_n of_o very_a 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which_o yet_o be_v as_o moral_o certain_a as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v let_v then_o the_o simple_a man_n in_o england_n provide_v himself_o of_o two_o new_a testament_n one_o publish_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n another_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o be_v that_o of_o rheims_n now_o he_o know_v well_o what_o animosity_n be_v betwixt_o the_o divine_n of_o these_o church_n and_o that_o they_o be_v engage_v so_o hot_o one_o against_o another_o that_o they_o agree_v in_o nothing_o but_o where_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n do_v bind_v they_o and_o yet_o he_o compare_v these_o new_a testament_n will_v find_v that_o though_o the_o phrase_n the_o position_n of_o word_n and_o in_o some_o few_o place_n perhaps_o the_o sense_n vary_v but_o upon_o a_o survey_n of_o the_o whole_a he_o find_v that_o they_o do_v plain_o agree_v in_o all_o matter_n of_o moment_n so_o that_o from_o this_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o both_o have_v the_o same_o 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trent_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v he_o himself_o say_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o be_v plain_o and_o certain_o to_o be_v know_v yet_o every_o reader_n must_v expound_v they_o to_o himself_o in_o that_o easy_a and_o clear_a sense_n which_o best_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n be_v this_o therefore_o to_o set_v up_o a_o private_a spirit_n to_o interpret_v these_o canon_n i_o know_v he_o will_v say_v and_o with_o good_a reason_n too_o that_o it_o be_v far_o from_o it_o and_o with_o the_o same_o warrant_n do_v i_o assert_v that_o the_o consider_v of_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o method_n propose_v be_v not_o to_o interpret_v it_o by_o a_o private_a spirit_n but_o by_o the_o clear_a conduct_n of_o our_o understanding_n direct_v by_o the_o divine_a grace_n which_o be_v free_o give_v to_o all_o that_o ask_v it_o if_o after_o all_o this_o it_o be_v reply_v how_o be_v it_o then_o that_o there_o be_v such_o different_a expositor_n and_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n the_o answer_n be_v plain_a by_o send_v back_o the_o reader_n to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o as_o long_o as_o man_n live_v so_o ill_a as_o they_o do_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o expect_v they_o shall_v think_v or_o understand_v aright_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o every_o man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o know_v and_o conceive_v aright_o under_o the_o hazard_n of_o damnation_n and_o about_o which_o there_o may_v be_v dispute_n and_o different_a opinion_n without_o any_o hazard_n if_o any_o set_v up_o particular_a opinion_n in_o matter_n just_o controvertible_a and_o of_o less_o moment_n and_o impose_v these_o on_o all_o with_o severe_a sanction_n and_o if_o he_o have_v authority_n to_o cast_v all_o out_o of_o the_o church_n society_n that_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o he_o or_o if_o he_o have_v not_o that_o authority_n if_o he_o do_v separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v or_o hearken_v to_o his_o conceit_n he_o be_v a_o schismatic_a for_o a_o dogmatize_v and_o dictate_v spirit_n if_o strengthen_v with_o power_n do_v always_o lead_v to_o persecution_n and_o if_o it_o want_v it_o to_o separation_n and_o thus_o i_o think_v enough_o be_v say_v for_o prove_v that_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n be_v not_o at_o all_o uncertain_a in_o our_o church_n since_o it_o be_v no_o other_o but_o that_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v consecrate_v through_o his_o flesh_n but_o in_o this_o we_o be_v strong_o confirm_v when_o we_o find_v the_o ancient_a martyr_n father_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n go_v in_o the_o same_o method_n and_o by_o it_o convert_v the_o nation_n endure_v martyrdom_n and_o give_v glory_n to_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o to_o its_o most_o holy_a author_n who_o decree_n when_o meet_v in_o council_n and_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o their_o write_n do_v so_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o decline_v not_o to_o put_v the_o whole_a debate_n between_o we_o and_o they_o to_o this_o trial_n i._o k._n think_v we_o can_v know_v what_o father_n or_o what_o council_n to_o receive_v but_o by_o first_o acknowledge_v a_o true_a church_n which_o must_v tell_v what_o father_n and_o council_n to_o receive_v but_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o it_o as_o of_o all_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v transact_v some_o age_n ago_o and_o by_o the_o evidence_n of_o testimony_n be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n concern_v the_o father_n and_o council_n and_o their_o write_n and_o decree_n we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o decline_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o latter_a age_n since_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o upon_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o western_a empire_n by_o the_o goth_n and_o vandal_n and_o other_o northern_a nation_n and_o of_o the_o eastern_a empire_n by_o the_o saracen_n and_o other_o mahometan_n religion_n and_o learning_n be_v quick_o bring_v under_o sad_a and_o last_a decay_n which_o be_v confess_v by_o writer_n on_o all_o side_n and_o what_o 1_n k._n say_v that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o expect_v the_o whole_a gospel_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o s._n matthew_n as_o all_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o four_o general_n council_n be_v very_o impertinent_o allege_v do_v we_o ask_v for_o all_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o canon_n of_o nice_a his_o comparison_n may_v well_o take_v place_n but_o it_o can_v be_v fit_o use_v in_o our_o case_n who_o say_v we_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_n apostolic_a christian_n because_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n agree_v with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v during_o their_o great_a purity_n both_o in_o the_o persecution_n and_o after_o those_o for_o two_o age_n certain_o if_o we_o hold_v all_o that_o faith_n they_o then_o hold_v and_o if_o they_o be_v save_v we_o may_v be_v so_o too_o and_o you_o can_v pass_v a_o severe_a sentence_n on_o we_o which_o will_v not_o likewise_o take_v hold_v of_o they_o i._o k._n can_v deny_v but_o they_o state_v the_o christian_a faith_n in_o very_o formal_a creed_n and_o one_o of_o they_o express_o decree_v that_o no_o new_a addition_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o the_o creed_n and_o so_o we_o who_o receive_v that_o creed_n though_o at_o all_o this_o distance_n from_o they_o be_v real_o in_o communion_n with_o they_o from_o which_o those_o have_v depart_v who_o have_v make_v such_o vast_a addition_n to_o the_o creed_n and_o thus_o it_o appear_v we_o be_v in_o the_o same_o way_n which_o our_o saviour_n first_o open_v and_o in_o which_o that_o glorious_a cloud_n of_o witness_n follow_v he_o and_o be_v still_o in_o communion_n with_o rome_n as_o she_o be_v when_o her_o faith_n be_v speak_v of_o through_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a way_n to_o salvation_n but_o because_o christian_n must_v live_v together_o in_o unity_n and_o charity_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n must_v associate_v together_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o mutual_a council_n and_o other_o necessary_a part_n of_o government_n and_o some_o external_n rite_n for_o maintain_v the_o visible_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o faith_n therefore_o we_o have_v rule_v give_v in_o scripture_n no_o less_o express_v for_o obey_v the_o civil_a power_n in_o all_o their_o command_n that_o be_v not_o plain_o contrary_a either_o to_o natural_a or_o reveal_v religion_n which_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o constant_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v satisfy_v if_o our_o mind_n be_v right_o prepare_v and_o qualify_v as_o be_v before_o set_v down_o and_o if_o by_o
propagate_v as_o it_o be_v it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v make_v out_o that_o it_o be_v true_a and_o if_o so_o what_o must_v have_v be_v the_o strong_a argument_n use_v for_o it_o before_o it_o be_v so_o propagate_v either_o these_o be_v convince_a or_o not_o if_o they_o be_v not_o convince_a than_o it_o be_v propagate_v by_o weak_a and_o unconclude_a argument_n we_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o it_o or_o believe_v it_o if_o these_o argument_n be_v convince_a we_o either_o know_v they_o or_o we_o know_v they_o not_o if_o we_o know_v they_o not_o how_o can_v we_o judge_v they_o be_v convince_a if_o we_o know_v they_o than_o we_o may_v be_v as_o well_o convince_v by_o they_o as_o those_o be_v to_o who_o they_o be_v at_o first_o propose_v the_o great_a argument_n the_o apostle_n offer_v be_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n wrought_v many_o miracle_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o he_o be_v dead_a and_o lay_v in_o the_o grave_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o after_o a_o long_a stay_n with_o they_o on_o earth_n they_o see_v he_o ascend_v with_o great_a glory_n to_o heaven_n of_o all_o which_o they_o be_v witness_n now_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n so_o positive_o attest_v by_o so_o many_o eye-witness_n who_o be_v man_n of_o great_a probity_n that_o can_v not_o be_v cast_v on_o the_o pretence_n of_o their_o be_v hire_v or_o bribe_v there_o be_v no_o interest_n can_v lead_v they_o to_o give_v that_o testimony_n but_o only_a truth_n all_o other_o consideration_n deter_v they_o from_o it_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n then_o and_o remain_v so_o still_o to_o believe_v this_o true_a whether_o the_o world_n have_v embrace_v it_o or_o not_o and_o i_o will_v ask_v i._n k._n what_o if_o the_o gentile_n have_v reject_v their_o testimony_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v yet_o if_o these_o sacred_a write_n have_v be_v with_o a_o most_o religious_a care_n convey_v down_o to_o we_o have_v we_o not_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n certain_o we_o have_v for_o the_o apostle_n be_v man_n who_o upon_o the_o strict_a trial_n of_o law_n must_v be_v admit_v as_o competent_a witness_n they_o be_v well_o inform_v of_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o see_v for_o a_o tract_n of_o three_o or_o four_o year_n they_o be_v plain_a simple_a man_n who_o can_v not_o in_o reason_n be_v suspect_v of_o deep_a design_n or_o contrivance_n they_o in_o the_o testimony_n they_o give_v do_v not_o only_o vouch_v private_a story_n that_o be_v transact_v in_o corner_n but_o public_a matter_n see_v and_o know_v of_o many_o hundred_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o their_o testimony_n so_o that_o the_o fume_n of_o melancholy_n can_v not_o lead_v so_o many_o into_o such_o a_o agreement_n of_o mistake_n their_o testimony_n if_o false_a may_v have_v be_v easy_o disprove_v the_o chief_a power_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n who_o neither_o want_v power_n cunning_a nor_o malice_n and_o in_o fine_a the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n appear_v in_o their_o constant_a adhere_n to_o it_o from_o which_o neither_o imprisonment_n whip_n torture_n no_o not_o death_n itself_o can_v divert_v they_o from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a as_o be_v possible_a any_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v be_v that_o their_o testimony_n be_v true_a and_o this_o discourse_n must_v hold_v good_a whether_o the_o world_n have_v receive_v and_o believe_v their_o report_n or_o not_o which_o be_v the_o more_o full_o confirm_v by_o the_o miraculous_a operation_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o they_o do_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o cure_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n and_o to_o this_o they_o appeal_v in_o their_o epistle_n and_o act_n which_o be_v publish_v at_o that_o time_n wherein_o have_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n not_o be_v true_a they_o have_v be_v brand_v as_o bold_a and_o impudent_a impostor_n we_o have_v also_o a_o series_n of_o book_n in_o all_o age_n cite_v the_o write_n wherein_o these_o testimony_n be_v contain_v by_o which_o we_o know_v they_o be_v write_v at_o that_o very_a time_n and_o the_o apologist_n for_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o their_o apology_n appeal_v to_o the_o wonder_n that_o be_v still_o wrought_v for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o faith_n nor_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n not_o to_o say_v modesty_n and_o ingenuity_n will_v have_v appeal_v to_o proof_n that_o be_v slender_a and_o false_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o great_a confirmation_n of_o our_o saviour_n from_o his_o miracle_n be_v make_v good_a by_o another_o way_n of_o proof_n than_o by_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o which_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v do_v very_o strong_o make_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o yet_o be_v rather_o a_o consequent_a confirmation_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v than_o a_o antecedent_n argument_n for_o prove_v it_o so_o though_o it_o be_v far_o from_o my_o thought_n to_o weaken_v this_o way_n of_o confirm_a christian_a religion_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o extraordinary_a propagation_n will_v not_o infer_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n though_o it_o be_v allow_v it_o be_v do_v by_o miracle_n since_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v these_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o good_a spirit_n till_o we_o first_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n they_o confirm_v whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o not_o it_o do_v also_o appear_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o miracle_n be_v make_v out_o abundant_o to_o we_o abstract_v from_o the_o way_n of_o propagate_a they_o but_o in_o end_n we_o must_v a_o little_a examine_v what_o this_o way_n of_o propagate_a they_o be_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o calumny_n and_o lesser_a persecution_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o derision_n of_o the_o philosopher_n of_o the_o prejudice_n carnal_a lust_n and_o appetite_n lay_v in_o the_o way_n and_o above_o all_o of_o the_o violent_a opposition_n give_v it_o by_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o spare_v no_o cruelty_n for_o a_o succession_n of_o three_o age_n and_o ten_o persecution_n that_o hell_n or_o hellish_a man_n can_v devise_v for_o destroy_v it_o yet_o it_o prevail_v and_o in_o a_o few_o year_n do_v spread_v to_o the_o astonishment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o other_o religion_n be_v not_o only_o overthrow_v by_o the_o many_o convert_v be_v daily_o flock_v in_o to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o by_o the_o ruin_n of_o these_o very_a religion_n judaisme_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n by_o the_o subversion_n of_o their_o temple_n and_o the_o total_a ruin_n and_o dispersion_n of_o their_o state_n begin_v by_o vespasian_n and_o titus_n and_o complete_v by_o trajan_n and_o hadrian_n nor_o can_v their_o attempt_n though_o cherish_v by_o a_o apostate_n emperor_n succeed_v for_o the_o rebuilding_n their_o temple_n heaven_n and_o earth_n combine_v to_o break_v off_o the_o work_n heathenism_n do_v also_o receive_v a_o mortal_a blow_n by_o the_o silence_v the_o oracle_n upon_o the_o 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whether_o occasion_v by_o the_o irregular_a appetite_n of_o their_o own_o carnal_a lust_n or_o by_o the_o outward_a opposition_n they_o meet_v with_o and_o thus_o far_o i_o have_v consider_v how_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n can_v be_v make_v out_o against_o the_o opposition_n of_o atheist_n infidel_n or_o deist_n hitherto_o i_o have_v wait_v on_o i._n k._n in_o the_o survey_n of_o these_o truth_n about_o which_o we_o be_v agree_v and_o i_o hope_v upon_o a_o review_n of_o what_o we_o have_v both_o perform_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o i_o have_v strengthen_v his_o position_n with_o the_o accession_n of_o many_o more_o and_o better_a argument_n than_o any_o he_o bring_v so_o that_o if_o he_o be_v in_o earnest_n zealous_a for_o these_o four_o great_a truth_n he_o will_v rejoice_v to_o
see_v such_o a_o supplement_n to_o what_o he_o have_v so_o scant_o propose_v but_o i_o be_o afraid_a and_o perhaps_o not_o without_o reason_n that_o he_o know_v how_o weak_a his_o argument_n must_v needs_o be_v for_o the_o two_o position_n that_o follow_v and_o yet_o design_v to_o impose_v on_o the_o reader_n all_o the_o six_o as_o equal_o certain_a he_o will_v needs_o disguise_v the_o first_o four_o and_o propose_v they_o so_o weak_o guard_v that_o the_o proof_n of_o all_o the_o six_o may_v be_v of_o a_o piece_n but_o i_o have_v hitherto_o help_v i._n k._n henceforth_o i_o quit_v that_o part_n and_o go_v to_o enter_v in_o a_o downright_a opposition_n to_o he_o in_o what_o remain_v chap_n v._n it_o be_v consider_v if_o j._n k._n prove_v convince_o that_o the_o roman_n catholic_n religion_n be_v true_a j._n k._n now_o come_v to_o that_o which_o he_o drive_v at_o all_o along_o and_o prove_v it_o thus_o if_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a than_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v the_o same_o proof_n that_o it_o have_v at_o least_o any_o of_o they_o that_o be_v solid_a must_v needs_o be_v true_a since_o then_o the_o miraculous_a propagation_n of_o christianity_n be_v a_o common_a solid_a and_o evident_a proof_n of_o its_o truth_n therefore_o the_o roman_n catholic_n religion_n must_v be_v true_a since_o it_o be_v solid_o prove_v by_o the_o like_a propagation_n for_o though_o it_o contain_v very_o hard_a mystery_n in_o it_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a reason_n as_o transubstantiation_n and_o some_o very_a hard_a precept_n and_o counsel_n as_o vow_n fast_n confession_n prohibition_n for_o priest_n to_o marry_v etc._n etc._n yet_o it_o have_v be_v propagate_v over_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n without_o the_o help_n of_o arm_n or_o humane_a enticement_n by_o stranger_n who_o have_v convert_v nation_n from_o paganism_n to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n as_o s._n austin_n the_o monk_n do_v in_o england_n and_o xaverius_n in_o the_o indies_n and_o many_o other_o in_o other_o place_n which_o can_v be_v manifest_o prove_v from_o history_n nor_o can_v any_o exception_n be_v make_v against_o it_o which_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n may_v not_o make_v against_o the_o same_o pro●f_n bring_v for_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o use_v s._n augustine_n dilemma_n this_o propagation_n of_o roman_n catholic_n religion_n be_v either_o with_o or_o without_o miracle_n if_o with_o miracle_n it_o must_v be_v true_a since_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n if_o without_o they_o than_o no_o miracle_n be_v great_a than_o this_o propagation_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v we_o have_v as_o good_a ground_n to_o be_v roman_a catholic_n as_o we_o have_v to_o be_v christian_n by_o this_o time_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v clear_a enough_o why_o i._o k._n will_v bring_v no_o better_a proof_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o now_o he_o think_v he_o have_v gain_v his_o design_n but_o what_o i_o say_v in_o the_o former_a section_n have_v undermine_v this_o fabric_n since_o it_o be_v make_v out_o that_o the_o miraculous_a propagation_n be_v neither_o the_o only_a nor_o the_o chief_a proof_n of_o christianity_n but_o that_o before_o we_o believe_v even_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v of_o god_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v make_v out_o the_o one_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v all_o holy_a and_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o other_o be_v that_o all_o he_o say_v and_o deliver_v agree_v with_o the_o prophecy_n have_v go_v before_o so_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o proceed_v we_o must_v first_o see_v that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n be_v holy_a and_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o then_o that_o they_o 〈◊〉_d as_o full_o with_o both_o the_o testament_n as_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n do_v with_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o prophet_n if_o this_o method_n be_v take_v i_o be_o afraid_a i._n k._n will_v find_v it_o a_o hard_a task_n to_o prove_v the_o holiness_n of_o all_o the_o roman_a doctrine_n what_o a_o sanctuary_n for_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o impiety_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d power_n of_o dispense_v pardon_v and_o give_v indulgence_n for_o all_o sin_n upon_o such_o trifle_a account_n witness_v the_o present_a year_n with_o all_o the_o favour_n and_o indulgence_n to_o such_o as_o go_v to_o the_o threshold_n of_o the_o apostle_n what_o a_o patrociny_n to_o impenitence_n be_v their_o opinion_n of_o a_o simple_a attrition_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o whole_a trade_n of_o their_o penance_n and_o absolution_n look_n like_o a_o design_n to_o quiet_a all_o man_n conscience_n let_v they_o lead_v as_o bad_a life_n as_o they_o will_n beside_o who_o can_v believe_v that_o to_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n that_o have_v tolerate_v a_o great_a many_o casuist_n who_o have_v find_v out_o distinction_n to_o excuse_v man_n from_o all_o the_o duty_n they_o owe_v god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n and_o have_v study_v to_o satisfy_v man_n in_o the_o most_o impious_a and_o immoral_a practice_n a_o woman_n that_o entertain_v common_a and_o avow_a prostitute_n will_v never_o be_v think_v a_o honest_a woman_n though_o none_o can_v prove_v herself_o guilty_a of_o any_o base_a act_n so_o that_o church_n that_o not_o only_o entertain_v but_o cherish_v those_o who_o have_v study_v to_o discharge_v mankind_n of_o all_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n can_v never_o pass_v for_o a_o pure_a church_n nor_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o church_n tend_v whole_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o our_o saviour_n do_v for_o what_o great_a dishonour_n can_v be_v do_v he_o than_o to_o worship_n he_o in_o a_o way_n which_o himself_o have_v so_o often_o condemn_v and_o never_o since_o allow_v by_o the_o representation_n of_o picture_n and_o image_n and_o that_o instead_o of_o address_v their_o adoration_n and_o prayer_n to_o he_o by_o his_o son_n have_v find_v out_o a_o great_a many_o other_o mediator_n both_o angel_n and_o saint_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n sure_o this_o be_v high_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n when_o the_o soul_n of_o people_n be_v turn_v off_o from_o their_o faith_n and_o dependence_n on_o he_o and_o his_o bless_a son_n into_o a_o trust_n to_o and_o call_n on_o creature_n and_o when_o instead_o of_o that_o plain_a simple_a and_o rational_a worship_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o please_v to_o he_o the_o mimical_a pageantry_n of_o a_o thousand_o little_a apish_a practice_n and_o a_o unknown_a worship_n be_v bring_v into_o his_o church_n if_o we_o likewise_o consider_v and_o measure_v the_o roman_a religion_n by_o the_o second_o great_a topick_n by_o which_o our_o saviour_n clear_v himself_o which_o be_v his_o appeal_n to_o the_o scripture_n we_o will_v quick_o find_v good_a reason_n to_o suspect_v they_o guilty_a there_o since_o they_o study_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o suppress_n and_o conceal_v the_o scripture_n and_o by_o all_o mean_n labour_v to_o prove_v it_o a_o incompetent_a rule_n to_o decide_v controversy_n by_o and_o yet_o i_o be_o sure_a i._n k._n will_v give_v i_o no_o reason_n to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n a_o unproper_a rule_n for_o decide_v controversy_n and_o that_o we_o must_v submit_v to_o the_o verdict_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n that_o may_v not_o with_o more_o strength_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o jew_n against_o our_o saviour_n and_o if_o i_o carry_v this_o consideration_n as_o far_o as_o it_o will_v go_v it_o must_v necessary_o lead_v i_o to_o compare_v all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n with_o the_o scripture_n and_o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n have_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n there_o have_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o have_v believe_v he_o for_o all_o his_o mighty_a deed_n which_o in_o that_o case_n may_v just_o have_v be_v impute_v to_o evil_a spirit_n so_o now_o shall_v a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n teach_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o this_o doctrine_n and_o gospel_n he_o must_v be_v anathematise_v even_o though_o he_o wrought_v mighty_a wonder_n therefore_o we_o be_v with_o the_o berean_o to_o examine_v all_o new_a doctrine_n by_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o till_o that_o appear_v we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v on_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v as_o miraculous_a and_o thus_o far_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o convince_v i._o k._n that_o though_o what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o miraculous_a propagation_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n be_v true_a it_o do_v not_o from_o that_o follow_v that_o the_o religion_n itself_o must_v be_v true_a but_o i_o go_v next_o to_o convince_v he_o how_o much_o he_o mistake_v himself_o in_o his_o account_n when_o he_o assert_v that_o the_o christian_a and_o the_o
of_o those_o age_n and_o the_o chief_a preservative_n of_o piety_n and_o good_a manner_n so_o as_o they_o have_v it_o among_o they_o it_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a engine_n of_o hell_n for_o drive_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n all_o sense_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o good_a life_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o some_o priest_n among_o they_o make_v good_a use_n of_o it_o but_o those_o be_v very_o few_o it_o do_v give_v but_o a_o small_a allay_n to_o the_o gross_a corruption_n which_o even_o many_o grave_n and_o pious_a writer_n of_o their_o own_o communion_n complain_v of_o and_o condemn_v shall_v i_o here_o mention_v the_o give_a absolution_n and_o admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o confession_n before_o any_o part_n of_o the_o penance_n be_v perform_v the_o trifle_a penance_n be_v often_o enjoin_v the_o take_a confession_n from_o person_n unknown_a the_o receive_v it_o when_o it_o be_v apparent_a they_o be_v only_o recite_v their_o sin_n without_o any_o compunction_n and_o for_o contrition_n they_o confess_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a now_o the_o generality_n of_o that_o church_n be_v persuade_v that_o if_o they_o confess_v with_o a_o little_a attrition_n and_o be_v absolve_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n they_o stand_v clear_a and_o innocent_a in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n whatever_o their_o former_a life_n have_v be_v or_o their_o present_a temper_n may_v be_v be_v not_o here_o a_o very_a sure_a way_n to_o defeat_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o religion_n and_o holiness_n when_o man_n be_v teach_v so_o eadie_a a_o way_n of_o get_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n without_o repent_v of_o and_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n confession_n be_v no_o severity_n but_o a_o thing_n very_o grateful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o last_o particular_a i._n k._n instance_n be_v the_o prohibition_n of_o priest_n to_o marry_o true_o if_o to_o reckon_v that_o impure_a which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n have_v declare_v honourable_a in_o all_o without_o exception_n be_v a_o great_a sublimity_n they_o may_v well_o glory_n in_o it_o our_o saviour_n recommend_v cellbate_v only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v able_a to_o receive_v it_o but_o the_o roman_a church_n will_v force_v all_o in_o order_n to_o receive_v it_o whether_o they_o can_v or_o not_o and_o though_o s._n paul_n make_v it_o one_o of_o the_o character_n of_o a_o person_n fit_a to_o be_v a_o bishop_n that_o he_o have_v be_v marry_v and_o educate_v his_o child_n well_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o stretch_v so_o far_o as_o either_o the_o greek_a or_o the_o russian_a church_n do_v now_o and_o do_v not_o at_o all_o command_v he_o to_o abandon_v she_o and_o have_v elsewhere_o condemn_v that_o in_o all_o person_n without_o exception_n except_o it_o be_v for_o a_o time_n in_o order_n to_o fast_v and_o prayer_n 5._o and_o conform_v to_o this_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v not_o require_v the_o clergy_n to_o abandon_v their_o wife_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n do_v condemn_v such_o as_o do_v yet_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v most_o tyrannical_o impose_v this_o on_o all_o the_o clergy_n and_o although_o we_o read_v that_o god_n will_v judge_v whoremonger_n and_o adulterer_n but_o no_o where_o that_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o marry_a yet_o they_o have_v be_v very_o gentle_a to_o these_o cry_a scandal_n which_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n and_o have_v allow_v the_o concubinate_a when_o they_o condemn_v the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n by_o which_o they_o show_v they_o prefer_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o far_o i_o have_v examine_v this_o branch_n of_o the_o parallel_n 1._o k._n make_v between_o the_o roman_a and_o the_o christian_a religion_n wherein_o i_o have_v be_v long_o than_o i_o intend_v but_o as_o short_a as_o the_o particular_n he_o name_v do_v allow_v when_o he_o bring_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o &c._n &c._n i_o doubt_v not_o it_o shall_v appear_v they_o be_v a_o sequel_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a consideration_n will_v clear_v but_o i_o must_v follow_v his_o next_o step_n that_o the_o roman_a religion_n have_v be_v propagate_v over_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n without_o the_o help_n of_o arm_n or_o humane_a enticement_n by_o stranger_n who_o convert_v many_o from_o paganism_n that_o allow_v liberty_n to_o their_o religion_n that_o teach_v severity_n and_o mortification_n to_o all_o which_o i_o reply_v that_o since_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v still_o christian_a i_o deny_v not_o but_o god_n may_v bless_v the_o honest_a endeavour_n of_o a_o great_a many_o of_o that_o communion_n so_o that_o their_o labour_n may_v have_v great_a success_n on_o infidel_n in_o convert_v they_o to_o christianity_n herein_o god_n bless_v they_o as_o he_o do_v the_o hebrew_n midwife_n who_o charitable_a tender_a heart_n god_n reward_v build_v they_o house_n pass_v over_o their_o lie_n but_o i._o k._n must_v not_o insist_v on_o this_o as_o a_o good_a argument_n otherways_o he_o will_v be_v drive_v into_o great_a absurdity_n do_v not_o the_o arrian_n by_o ulphilas_n his_o mean_n who_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o goth_n that_o be_v a_o barbarous_a cruel_a and_o yet_o vast_o numerous_a people_n convert_v they_o both_o to_o christianity_n and_o arrianism_n at_o once_o from_o whence_o we_o find_v the_o whole_a roman_a empire_n very_o soon_o overrun_v by_o arrianism_n upon_o the_o incursion_n of_o the_o goth_n vandal_n and_o longobard_n philostorgius_n do_v also_o inform_v we_o that_o theophilus_n a_o arrian_n convert_v the_o indian_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n do_v not_o the_o greek_a church_n when_o it_o be_v break_v from_o the_o roman_a convert_v many_o nation_n the_o bulgar_o the_o muscovite_n and_o many_o other_o northern_a kingdom_n in_o fine_a what_o will_v i._o k._n answer_v according_a to_o his_o own_o argument_n to_o the_o great_a progress_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o luther_n and_o zuinglius_fw-la who_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n they_o meet_v and_o all_o the_o persecution_n their_o follower_n suffer_v yet_o do_v so_o strange_o propagate_v their_o doctrine_n that_o before_o half_a a_o age_n go_v about_o the_o great_a half_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n fall_v off_o from_o the_o obedience_n of_o that_o see_v to_o their_o doctrine_n which_o hold_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o more_o and_o instead_o of_o all_o the_o juggle_n the_o roman_a priest_n have_v bring_v in_o teach_v man_n a_o easy_a way_n to_o heaven_n do_v preach_v all_o the_o severity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n which_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v and_o as_o they_o teach_v a_o severe_a course_n of_o life_n to_o all_o christian_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o particular_a severity_n of_o some_o order_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o what_o must_v be_v the_o necessary_a 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show_v we_o how_o their_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v distinct_a from_o the_o common_o receive_v truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o miraculous_o propagate_v and_o that_o in_o the_o point_n which_o we_o chief_o challenge_v as_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n with_o his_o be_v the_o universal_a bishop_n of_o the_o church_n the_o forbid_v the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o laic_n and_o the_o worship_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o use_n of_o image_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o invocate_a of_o saint_n and_o angel_n the_o belief_n of_o transubstantiation_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n and_o the_o take_v the_o chalice_n from_o the_o people_n the_o belief_n of_o purgatory_n the_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n and_o indulgence_n with_o a_o long_a etc._n etc._n i._o k._n know_v well_o that_o many_o have_v give_v very_o particular_a and_o full_a history_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o these_o abuse_n with_o which_o we_o charge_v 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of_o little_a observance_n which_o may_v be_v receive_v and_o yet_o the_o life_n of_o sin_n remain_v still_o strong_a and_o in_o vigour_n three_o the_o first_o propagator_n of_o christianity_n study_v by_o all_o possible_a mean_n to_o wean_v people_n from_o all_o kind_n of_o idolatry_n and_o to_o make_v the●_n serve_v the_o live_a god_n and_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n now_o how_o far_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v decline_v from_o this_o be_v apparent_a and_o that_o they_o have_v study_v rather_o to_o change_v than_o overthrow_v their_o idolatry_n give_v they_o little_a picture_n medal_n and_o agnus_n dei_n and_o relic_n for_o their_o worship_n four_o those_o that_o labour_v first_o to_o convert_v the_o world_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n study_v to_o make_v all_o understand_v what_o they_o teach_v they_o give_v they_o the_o scripture_n in_o their_o own_o tongue_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n which_o they_o understand_v and_o can_v well_o make_v use_n of_o 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vast_a a_o superfetation_n of_o they_o that_o few_o even_o of_o their_o own_o communion_n can_v read_v these_o legend_n of_o their_o grand_a apostle_n without_o a_o just_a disdain_n at_o such_o palp●●●●_n imposture_n sixth_o the_o first_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n be_v when_o there_o be_v no_o secular_a power_n to_o support_v it_o or_o those_o who_o labour_v in_o it_o so_o that_o they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o danger_n of_o hunger_n and_o cold_a of_o scorn_n and_o reproach_n be_v assure_v of_o no_o supply_n not_o assistance_n from_o man_n and_o yet_o god_n appear_v so_o extraordinary_o with_o they_o that_o their_o success_n be_v plain_o the_o work_n of_o heaven_n but_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n become_v great_a prince_n send_v out_o agent_n to_o make_v new_a conquest_n well_o furnish_v and_o powerful_o support_v so_o that_o they_o go_v like_o ambassador_n from_o one_o prince_n to_o another_o to_o treat_v a_o alliance_n wherein_o there_o be_v little_a hazard_n and_o great_a hope_n of_o success_n by_o the_o advantageous_a term_n be_v offer_v on_o both_o side_n and_o therefore_o after_o charles_n the_o great_a have_v conquer_v germany_n and_o be_v become_v a_o terror_n to_o the_o northern_a king_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n send_v their_o agent_n to_o labour_n in_o their_o conversion_n which_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n and_o have_v no_o difficulty_n in_o it_o and_o seven_o the_o first_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n to_o christianity_n be_v signal_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n since_o though_o it_o meet_v with_o the_o great_a opposition_n from_o the_o secular_a power_n and_o be_v persecute_v every_o where_o and_o for_o many_o age_n yet_o it_o prevail_v and_o though_o the_o first_o convert_v be_v poor_a mechanical_a and_o simple_a person_n yet_o great_a wisdom_n and_o constancy_n appear_v in_o they_o to_o the_o amazement_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o other_o
a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o of_o the_o great_a and_o visible_a inconvenience_n that_o appear_v from_o the_o want_n of_o it_o in_o those_o church_n that_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o roman_a communion_n i_o have_v not_o long_o ago_o propose_v a_o great_a many_o query_n to_o one_o of_o i_o k_n brethren_n in_o which_o i_o have_v set_v before_o he_o the_o many_o difficulty_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v involve_v in_o by_o clear_v who_o this_o infallible_a judge_n must_v be_v and_o i_o shall_v here_o repeat_v nothing_o of_o what_o i_o say_v then_o but_o shall_v go_v on_o to_o show_v upon_o what_o clear_a and_o certain_a ground_n we_o may_v rest_v our_o persuasion_n about_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o divine_a truth_n all_o art_n and_o science_n must_v be_v acquire_v by_o some_o rule_n and_o method_n by_o which_o a_o progress_n may_v be_v make_v from_o plain_a thing_n to_o those_o that_o be_v more_o involve_v and_o difficult_a and_o if_o any_o will_v desire_v to_o understand_v any_o 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