Selected quad for the lemma: scripture_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n according_a rule_n spirit_n 2,864 5 5.4436 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

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

There are 11 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

aught_o they_o will_v as_o god_n command_n the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o common_a reason_n oblige_v they_o be_v rather_o willing_a to_o trust_v their_o pastor_n who_o be_v better_a qualify_v for_o such_o knowledge_n and_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o to_o instruct_v they_o what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n than_o trust_v their_o own_o private_a shallow_a judgement_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o dr._n st_n discourse_v all_o along_o concern_v this_o point_n be_v a_o plain_a beg_v the_o question_n for_o if_o god_n have_v leave_v a_o church_n and_o command_v the_o faithful_a to_o hear_v it_o and_o conform_v to_o its_o faith_n and_o consequent_o to_o receive_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o point_n of_o faith_n from_o it_o than_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o scripture_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v plain_a to_o all_o capacity_n of_o itself_o nor_o of_o think_v man_n may_v sincere_o desire_v to_o know_v god_n will_n in_o scripture_n and_o use_v due_a mean_n to_o understand_v it_o without_o make_v use_n of_o the_o church_n judgement_n in_o that_o affair_n upon_o which_o false_a supposition_n dr._n st._n whole_o build_v his_o otherwise_o perfect_o ruinous_a discourse_n wherefore_o his_o supposition_n be_v deny_v i_o must_v reply_v that_o those_o who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o know_v god_n wisl_n have_v a_o certain_a virtue_n in_o they_o call_v humility_n and_o this_o teach_v they_o not_o to_o overween_v in_o their_o own_o opinion_n but_o to_o think_v that_o their_o pastor_n appoint_v by_o god_n to_o teach_v they_o be_v general_o wise_a than_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v teach_v and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v wise_a know_v better_o than_o those_o who_o be_v less_o wise_a a_o little_a of_o this_o plain_a honest_a rational_a humility_n will_v quite_o spoil_v all_o dr._n st_n discourse_n and_o convince_v all_o his_o principle_n to_o be_v a_o plausible_a piece_n of_o sedition_n and_o licentious_a presumption_n tend_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n utter_o to_o destroy_v all_o church_n and_o church-government_n and_o if_o apply_v to_o that_o subject_a temporal_a too_o i_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o know_v what_o mean_v the_o word_n such_o in_o the_o last_o line_n if_o he_o mean_v infallible_a and_o that_o the_o church_n pretend_v to_o infallibility_n must_v have_v infallible_a assurance_n that_o she_o be_v infallible_a it_o be_v assert_v by_o we_o and_o his_o supposition_n that_o she_o be_v not_o be_v absolute_o deny_v for_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_o certain_a that_o christ_n promise_n to_o she_o shall_v not_o fail_v and_o also_o infallible_o certain_a by_o constant_a tradition_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o good_a christian_n in_o all_o age_n that_o christ_n have_v promise_v she_o this_o security_n or_o immunity_n from_o error_n in_o faith_n none_o question_v it_o but_o those_o who_o have_v rebel_v and_o revolt_v from_o she_o in_o a_o word_n this_o whole_a principle_n be_v faulty_a be_v build_v on_o a_o false_a and_o unproved_a supposition_n and_o be_v the_o supposition_n grant_v and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v fallible_a still_o it_o be_v false_a that_o his_o faithful_a will_v have_v great_a assurance_n of_o their_o faith_n than_o we_o as_o have_v be_v partly_o now_o show_v and_o more_o ample_o in_o my_o reply_n to_o the_o forego_n principle_n recapitulation_n the_o sum_n then_o of_o dr._n st_n performance_n in_o these_o ten_o principle_n of_o he_o which_o most_o fundamental_o concern_v his_o faith_n and_o the_o pretend_a reduction_n of_o it_o to_o principle_n be_v brief_o this_o that_o he_o have_v not_o bring_v so_o much_o as_o one_o single_a argument_n prove_v either_o that_o scripture_n letter_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o that_o tradition_n or_o the_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o god_n church_n be_v not_o it_o and_o as_o for_o the_o particular_a maxim_n or_o say_n of_o he_o on_o which_o he_o chief_o rely_v they_o have_v be_v one_o by_o one_o disprove_v and_o the_o opposite_a truth_n establish_v as_o 1._o that_o faith_n be_v such_o a_o assent_n as_o when_o build_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v on_o the_o mean_v leave_v by_o god_n for_o mankind_n to_o rely_v ou_fw-fr be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o so_o that_o mean_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v necessary_o such_o as_o while_o man_n rely_v upon_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v err_v these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v so_o as_o i_o have_v large_o prove_v in_o faith_n vindicated_n and_o the_o introductory_n discourse_n to_o this_o present_a examine_v dr._n st._n have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v a_o offer_n or_o attempt_v to_o show_v that_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 2._o that_o since_o it_o be_v agree_v god_n can_v contrive_v write_n sufficient_o intelligible_a for_o that_o end_n or_o sufficient_o clear_a to_o ascertain_v those_o who_o rely_v upon_o they_o of_o their_o faith_n and_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v evident_a god_n have_v not_o the_o facto_fw-la do_v this_o or_o contrive_v such_o method_n and_o way_n as_o our_o reason_n tell_v we_o evident_o be_v proper_a mean_n to_o keep_v those_o write_n call_v the_o scripture_n from_o be_v thus_o misunderstand_a by_o several_a party_n even_o in_o fundamental_a point_n as_o we_o experience_v they_o be_v it_o follow_v hence_o most_o manifest_o that_o god_n never_o intend_v the_o way_n of_o write_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 3._o since_o several_a party_n of_o excellent_a capacity_n in_o understand_a word_n aright_o and_o both_o own_n scripture_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o apply_v themselves_o with_o great_a diligence_n to_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o do_v notwithstanding_o differ_v in_o those_o fundamental_a point_n of_o a_o trinity_n and_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o scripture_n be_v not_o able_a so_o secure_a those_o who_o rely_v on_o it_o to_o their_o power_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 4._o again_o since_o in_o passage_n that_o concern_v faith_n the_o know_v whether_o the_o word_n be_v take_v proper_o or_o improper_o be_v that_o which_o determine_v what_o be_v faith_n what_o not_o and_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o have_v from_o scripture_n it_o follow_v that_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 5._o god_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v still_o assist_v those_o who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o compass_v a_o end_n in_o case_n they_o take_v a_o way_n disproportion_v to_o attain_v that_o end_n and_o which_o way_n be_v consequent_o never_o intend_v by_o he_o for_o such_o a_o end_n for_o this_o be_v to_o engage_v himself_o to_o do_v perpetual_a miracle_n when_o ever_o any_o one_o shall_v act_v irrational_o wherefore_o unless_o it_o be_v first_o solid_o prove_v that_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o apt_a of_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o give_v those_o who_o rely_v on_o it_o inerrable_a security_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n while_o they_o thus_o rely_v on_o it_o and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v intend_v by_o god_n for_o such_o a_o end_n none_o can_v just_o lay_v claim_n to_o god_n assistance_n or_o tax_v his_o justice_n or_o veracity_n if_o they_o fall_v into_o error_n much_o less_o if_o they_o neglect_v those_o duty_n which_o nature_n make_v evident_a to_o they_o and_o common_a christianity_n teach_v viz._n to_o obey_v and_o hear_v their_o governor_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n ordain_v by_o god_n and_o rely_v on_o their_o own_o private_a wit_n or_o god_n immediate_a assistance_n to_o their_o single_a self_n rather_o than_o to_o those_o public_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n god_n have_v appoint_v to_o govern_v and_o direct_v they_o for_o this_o intolerable_a spiritual_a pride_n be_v so_o odious_a and_o pernicious_a that_o it_o most_o just_o entitle_v they_o to_o delusion_n error_n and_o heresy_n 6._o hence_o since_o god_n have_v leave_v some_o mean_n for_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o say_v that_o those_o who_o rely_v according_a to_o their_o utmost_a power_n on_o the_o mean_v leave_v and_o intend_v by_o god_n to_o lead_v man_n into_o truth_n can_v while_o they_o do_v so_o run_v into_o error_n which_o yet_o private_a understanding_n as_o be_v see_v may_v rely_v on_o the_o write_a word_n it_o follow_v 〈◊〉_d unavoidable_o that_o some_o other_o way_n be_v leave_v which_o be_v not_o write_v to_o secure_v the_o relyer_n on_o it_o from_o error_n in_o faith_n or_o to_o be_v to_o they_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 7._o scripture_n not_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v once_o settle_v and_o accept_v in_o the_o christian_a part_n of_o the_o world_n by_o mean_n of_o miracle_n there_o need_v no_o more_o but_o to_o derive_v it_o down_o to_o future_a age_n and_o this_o doctrine_n be_v practical_a and_o so_o object_v
to_o to_o our_o sense_n testimony_n be_v sufficient_a to_o do_v it_o so_o it_o be_v sufficient_o qualify_v that_o be_v the_o best_a and_o on_o the_o best_a manner_n support_v that_o any_o ordinary_a mean_n can_v be_v such_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n or_o tradition_n which_o beside_o what_o be_v find_v in_o humane_a testimony_n have_v also_o the_o whole_a body_n &_o joint_a force_n of_o supernatural_a motive_n to_o preserve_v the_o testifier_n attentive_a and_o veracious_a thus_o the_o church_n or_o the_o christian_a society_n of_o man_n be_v establish_v infallible_a in_o deliver_v down_o faith_n need_v not_o prove_v her_o infallibility_n by_o miracle_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a the_o faithful_a believe_v that_o christ_n promise_v to_o protect_v she_o from_o error_n and_o consequent_o to_o believe_v the_o a_o est_fw-fr of_o her_o infallibility_n or_o that_o she_o be_v infallible_a upon_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o believe_v all_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o scripture_n too_o viz._n upon_o tradition_n and_o that_o her_o controversiall_a divine_n who_o be_v to_o defend_v faith_n by_o way_n of_o reason_n or_o argument_n prove_v the_o quid_fw-la est_fw-la of_o this_o infallibility_n or_o make_v out_o in_o what_o it_o consist_v or_o in_o what_o second_o cause_n this_o ordinary_a and_o constant_a assistance_n be_v found_v and_o consequent_o prove_v its_o force_n by_o such_o maxim_n as_o ground_v the_o certainty_n of_o humane_a testimony_n and_o if_o the_o reader_n comprehend_v they_o by_o the_o strange_a efficacy_n of_o supernatural_a motive_n also_o conspire_v to_o strengthen_v nature_n as_o to_o that_o effect_n of_o right_o testify_v the_o doctrine_n receive_v and_o believe_v to_o be_v christ_n 8._o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n then_o of_o prove_v this_o infallibility_n mere_o by_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o infallibility_n nor_o do_v the_o faithful_a or_o the_o church_n commit_v a_o circle_n in_o believe_v that_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a upon_o tradition_n for_o first_o take_v they_o as_o faithful_a precise_o they_o be_v mere_o believer_n not_o reasoner_n or_o such_o as_o put_v one_o proposition_n artificial_o before_o or_o after_o another_o next_o they_o believe_v only_o the_o supernatural_a infallibility_n build_v on_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v on_o the_o church_n sanctity_n and_o this_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o human_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v be_v ever_o hold_v since_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o force_n of_o the_o human_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v prove_v by_o maxim_n of_o mere_a reason_n add_v that_o the_o certainty_n of_o such_o a_o va●t_a testimony_n be_v self-evident_a practical_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v self-evident_a that_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o england_n can_v deceive_v we_o in_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o king_n james_n whence_o no_o circle_n can_v possible_o be_v commit_v if_o it_o be_v believe_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n or_o rather_o know_v by_o its_o own_o light_n though_o there_o will_v be_v if_o discourse_v it_o rational_o we_o shall_v put_v the_o same_o proposition_n to_o be_v before_o and_o after_o itself_o 9_o since_o those_o who_o have_v the_o least_o capacity_n of_o penetrate_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o according_a to_o dr._n st._n have_v the_o few_o motive_n of_o good_a life_n apply_v to_o they_o may_v frequent_o live_v among_o great_a temptation_n that_o be_v in_o circumstance_n of_o need_v the_o most_o it_o be_v a_o blind_a undertake_n and_o no_o secure_a nor_o wise_a than_o idle_a fortune-telling_n to_o bear_v man_n in_o hand_n that_o person_n of_o all_o capacity_n who_o sincere_o endeavour_n shall_v understand_v scripture_n in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n 10._o since_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o private_a judgement_n may_v err_v in_o understand_a scripture_n but_o not_o evident_a that_o christ_n have_v not_o promise_v his_o church_n security_n from_o err_v in_o faith_n they_o run_v the_o great_a hazard_n by_o far_o who_o rely_v on_o their_o private_a sense_n of_o scripture_n than_o those_o do_v who_o rely_v on_o the_o church_n especial_o since_o the_o church_n deny_v not_o scripture_n but_o profess_v to_o go_v according_a to_o it_o and_o so_o in_o common_a reason_n be_v likely_a to_o comprehend_v its_o meaning_n far_o better_o than_o private_a man_n but_o most_o especial_o since_o our_o modern_n when_o they_o first_o begin_v to_o rely_v on_o their_o own_o judgement_n of_o scripture_n for_o their_o faith_n revolt_v from_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o rebel_v against_o pastor_n and_o lawful_a superior_n which_o both_o god_n law_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v they_o they_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o submit_v to_o thus_o our_o new_a apostle_n of_o the_o private_a spirit_n of_o gift_n and_o new_a light_n have_v endeavour_v to_o pull_v down_o the_o church_n and_o subvert_v the_o foundation_n lay_v by_o christ_n and_o instead_o thereof_o to_o set_v up_o as_o many_o church_n as_o there_o be_v private_a and_o proud_a fancy_n in_o the_o world_n each_o of_o which_o may_v by_o this_o devilish_a doctrine_n defy_v the_o church_n for_o teach_v he_o his_o faith_n or_o for_o govern_v he_o as_o as_o a_o church_n that_o be_v govern_v he_o as_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a for_o she_o can_v bind_v never_o a_o subject_n in_o conscience_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o herself_o and_o each_o man_n judge_n to_o be_v true_a and_o sound_a wherefore_o if_o any_o or_o each_o private_a person_n understand_v scripture_n another_o way_n than_o she_o do_v he_o be_v enfranchise_v by_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o ought_v not_o relinquish_v from_o her_o authority_n she_o may_v in_o that_o case_n wish_v he_o well_o and_o pity_v he_o as_o every_o old_a wife_n may_v also_o do_v and_o he_o in_o return_n may_v wish_v well_o to_o the_o church_n end_n pity_v she_o she_o may_v endeavour_v to_o admonish_v and_o instruct_v he_o better_o so_o to_o pluck_v he_o out_o of_o his_o error_n and_o he_o in_o requital_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v behindhand_o with_o the_o church_n in_o courtesy_n may_v with_o equal_a nay_o better_a title_n admonish_v the_o church_n of_o her_o fail_n and_o endeavour_v to_o pull_v she_o out_o of_o her_o error_n or_o as_o the_o new_a phrase_n be_v reform_v she_o for_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o he_o have_v all_o the_o security_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o error_n that_o may_v be_v nor_o can_v he_o be_v thus_o gift_v want_v power_n to_o preach_v to_o she_o and_o other_o for_o certain_o the_o world_n will_v be_v most_o perverse_o order_v if_o they_o who_o be_v in_o error_n shall_v have_v licence_n and_o power_n to_o propagate_v their_o error_n and_o those_o who_o follow_v truth_n shall_v have_v no_o leave_n to_o propagate_v truth_n thus_o the_o church_n have_v lose_v all_o power_n that_o be_v have_v lose_v herself_o be_v able_a neither_o to_o lead_v nor_o drive_v her_o equally-gifted_n subject_n so_o that_o her_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n over_o they_o will_v by_o this_o wicked_a doctrine_n be_v a_o most_o tyrannical_a persecution_n and_o every_o such_o private_a man_n refractory_a disobedience_n see_v the_o wonderful_a gift_n of_o the_o private_a spirit_n will_v become_v a_o most_o glorious_a confession_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o every_o rebel_n act_v against_o the_o church_n so_o he_o be_v but_o so_o self-conceited_a as_o to_o judge_v he_o know_v more_o of_o god_n mind_n in_o the_o scripture_n than_o all_o the_o church_n beside_o will_v by_o this_o doctrine_n in_o case_n the_o secular_a power_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o curb_v his_o insolence_n be_v a_o most_o bless_a martyr_n such_o no_o doubt_n as_o john_n fox'e_v be_v the_o five_o examen_fw-la sift_v the_o eleven_o remain_a principle_n which_o seem_v chief_o to_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n whoever_o have_v peruse_v the_o forego_n examine_v and_o reflect_v well_o upon_o what_o a_o sandy_a foundation_n dr._n st._n have_v build_v his_o faith_n will_v doubtless_o expect_v that_o he_o will_v assign_v it_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o be_v of_o no_o exceed_v great_a strength_n for_o fear_n lest_o his_o weak_a ground_n '_o shall_v not_o support_v his_o superstructure_n nor_o his_o proof_n carry_v home_o to_o his_o conclusion_n now_o the_o conceit_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n have_v of_o faith_n import_v its_o true_a nature_n be_v that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o assent_n as_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v a_o error_n or_o false_a whence_o follow_v that_o its_o ground_n be_v likewise_o such_o and_o indeed_o since_o all_o hold_n that_o faith_n be_v a_o immovable_a and_o unalterable_a assent_n which_o be_v to_o
be_v formal_o infallible_a in_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o able_a to_o discourse_v of_o those_o ground_n and_o make_v out_o their_o absolute_a certainty_n by_o way_n of_o skill_n or_o art_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v moreover_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o church_n formally-infallible_a in_o discern_v the_o true_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o each_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n for_o these_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o state_n of_o life_n which_o be_v to_o meditate_v on_o god_n law_n day_n and_o night_n their_o perpetual_a converse_n with_o the_o affair_n of_o faith_n by_o preach_v teach_v catechise_v exhort_v their_o concern_v to_o overlook_v their_o flock_n lest_o any_o innovatour_n shall_v infect_v they_o with_o novelty_n their_o constant_a addiction_n to_o observe_v exact_o their_o rule_n tradition_n the_o standard_n by_o which_o they_o govern_v themselves_o in_o distinguish_v the_o true_a faithful_a from_o revolt_a apostat_n or_o heretic_n their_o duty_n to_o be_v well_o verse_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o father_n and_o act_n of_o former_a council_n and_o according_a to_o these_o sober_o and_o grave_o not_o quirkingly_a and_o with_o witty_a trick_n to_o understand_v and_o interpret_v holy_a scripture_n these_o eminent_a personage_n and_o chief_a magistrate_n and_o master_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v t●us_o furnish_v with_o all_o requisite_a endowment_n to_o give_v they_o a_o most_o distinct_a and_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n descend_v to_o they_o by_o tradition_n and_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n in_o case_n any_o heretic_n revolt_v open_o from_o the_o former_o deliver_v faith_n these_o man_n i_o say_v be_v by_o the_o majesty_n and_o sway_n of_o their_o mo●t_o venerable_a and_o most_o ample_a authority_n to_o quash_n and_o subdue_v his_o petty_a party_n new_o spring_v up_o and_o either_o reduce_v he_o to_o his_o duty_n by_o wholesome_a advice_n and_o discipline_n or_o if_o he_o persist_v in_o his_o obstinacy_n to_o cut_v he_o off_o solemn_o from_o the_o church_n by_o excommunication_n that_o so_o the_o sound_a faithful_a may_v look_v upon_o he_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n command_n as_o on_o a_o heathen_a or_o a_o publican_n it_o be_v thus_o make_v evident_a that_o he_o stand_v against_o all_o his_o superiors_n and_o rebel_n against_o the_o most_o sacred_a authority_n upon_o earth_n or_o in_o case_n that_o heretic_n cloak_n his_o poisonous_a doctrine_n in_o ambiguous_a expression_n or_o go_v about_o to_o pervert_v the_o word_n use_v former_o by_o the_o church_n by_o draw_v they_o to_o a_o sinister_a sense_n never_o intend_v by_o she_o they_o be_v perfect_o acquaint_v with_o the_o language_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o invent_v and_o assign_v proper_a word_n to_o express_v the_o church_n sense_n and_o such_o as_o be_v pertinent_a and_o effectual_a for_o the_o present_a juncture_n and_o exigency_n to_o defeat_v the_o crafty_a attempt_n of_o those_o quibble_v underminer_n of_o faith_n or_o else_o they_o be_v to_o clear_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o former_a word_n use_v by_o the_o church_n by_o declare_v in_o what_o meaning_n the_o church_n take_v and_o ever_o take_v they_o and_o sometime_o too_o beat_v the_o heretic_n at_o his_o own_o weapon_n scripture_n letter_n by_o avow_v this_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n in_o which_o the_o church_n ever_o take_v such_o and_o such_o place_n hence_o they_o be_v say_v to_o define_v faith_n that_o be_v to_o express_v in_o distinct_a word_n it_o be_v precise_a limit_n and_o bound_n that_o so_o no_o leaven_n of_o error_n may_v possible_o intermingle_v itself_o and_o to_o seal_v and_o recommend_v their_o act_n by_o stamp_v on_o they_o the_o most_o grave_a most_o venerable_a and_o most_o sacred_a authority_n in_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n now_o that_o this_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n representative_a be_v infallible_a in_o know_v the_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o on_o the_o best_a manner_n be_v prove_v hence_o because_o if_o such_o a_o learned_a body_n consist_v of_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o know_v personage_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v deceive_v while_o they_o rely_v on_o the_o mean_n leave_v by_o god_n to_o preserve_v mankind_n from_o error_n in_o understand_v the_o point_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v evident_a no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v ●●cured_v thereby_o from_o error_n and_o so_o the_o mean_n will_v be_v no_o mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o truth_n but_o rather_o a_o mean_n to_o lead_v man_n into_o error_n since_o they_o err_v rely_v sole_o on_o that_o which_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v intend_v by_o god_n for_o a_o contrary_a end_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a 5._o though_o the_o substance_n or_o essence_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o believe_v what_o be_v true_a upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n certain_o engage_v for_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o formal_a motive_n of_o believe_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o trne_v faith_n that_o the_o ●generality_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o vulgar_a be_v material_o infallible_a in_o their_o faith_n yet_o it_o add_v evident_o a_o great_a perfection_n to_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v formal_o infallible_a and_o that_o the_o faithful_a see_v with_o infallible_a certainty_n that_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v actual_o engage_v when_o they_o believe_v first_o because_o faith_n be_v a_o intellectual_a virtue_n and_o so_o to_o proceed_v know_o upon_o its_o ground_n make_v it_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o understanding_n and_o perfective_a of_o it_o 2._o because_o the_o more_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v engage_v the_o more_o hearty_o those_o who_o reverence_v it_o be_v dispose_v to_o submit_v their_o judgement_n by_o believe_v whence_o faith_n in_o such_o person_n be_v more_o lively_a firm_a and_o immovable_a also_o more_o efficacious_a and_o if_o other_o consideration_n be_v equal_a more_o apt_a to_o work_v through_o charity_n than_o it_o be_v in_o other_o moreover_o such_o faithful_a be_v incomparable_o more_o able_a to_o satisfy_v and_o convert_v other_o being_z able_a as_o be_v suppose_v to_o make_v ●ut_v evident_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n wherefore_o every_o thing_n be_v then_o in_o its_o perfect_a state_n when_o it_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v its_o like_a or_o another_o of_o it_o be_v own_o kind_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o faith_n in_o such_o man_n be_v ripe_a manly_n and_o perfect_a since_o it_o be_v able_a to_o propagate_v it_o s●lf_o to_o other_o or_o as_o s._n paul_n phrase_n it_o gignere_fw-la in_fw-la evangelio_n whence_o those_o who_o be_v to_o convert_v soul_n and_o propagate_v faith_n be_v oblige_v to_o labour_v all_o that_o may_v be_v to_o accomplish_v themselves_o in_o this_o particular_a lest_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o this_o perfection_n which_o seem_v proper_o and_o peculiar_o due_a to_o their_o state_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o opprobrious_a to_o the_o laity_n to_o be_v unable_a to_o perform_v this_o but_o it_o be_v high_o so_o to_o they_o because_o they_o be_v lame_a without_o it_o 6._o notwithstanding_o this_o it_o be_v god_n will_n that_o all_o the_o faithful_n shall_v be_v formal_o infallible_a in_o their_o faith_n or_o know_v infallible_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v false_a as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a for_o this_o be_v as_o be_v late_o show_v a_o perfection_n in_o faith_n and_o god_n who_o be_v essential_a goodness_n not_o be_v envious_a but_o desirous_a his_o creature_n shall_v have_v all_o the_o good_a they_o be_v capable_a to_o receive_v especial_o such_o good_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o better_n their_o soul_n and_o promote_a they_o towards_o heaven_n it_o follow_v that_o he_o will_v they_o this_o perfection_n in_o faith_n as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v stand_v with_o the_o universal_a order_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o particular_a nature_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a to_o receive_v it_o 7._o he_o have_v therefore_o ordain_v such_o a_o mean_n by_o which_o to_o know_v his_o will_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v our_o belief_n or_o what_o he_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v that_o be_v he_o have_v constitute_v such_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o its_o certainty_n may_v be_v most_o easy_o penetrable_a by_o all_o degree_n and_o sort_n of_o the_o faithful_a whence_o follow_v most_o evident_o that_o tradition_n and_o not_o scripture_n be_v that_o rule_n for_o of_o all_o way_n of_o know_v and_o ascertain_v imaginable_a nothing_o be_v more_o easy_a to_o be_v comprehend_v or_o to_o satisfy_v people_n of_o all_o sort_n than_o be_v that_o of_o witness_v authority_n as_o we_o experience_n in_o their_o perfect_a belief_n of_o k._n james_n or_o k._n h._n 8th_n existence_n and_o such_o like_a the_o ground_n of_o which_o truth_n not_o need_v to_o be_v
such_o firm_a and_o evident_a ground_n but_o i_o presume_v i_o have_v already_o perform_v this_o in_o my_o sure-footing_a and_o its_o corollary_n as_o also_o in_o faith_n vindicated_n and_o its_o inference_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v needful_a or_o be_v require_v of_o i_o by_o learned_a man_n it_o may_v perhaps_o hereafter_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o close_a and_o more_o rigorous_a form_n yet_o that_o it_o may_v be_v see_v how_o easy_o our_o discourse_n concern_v the_o certainty_n and_o ground_n of_o faith_n be_v resolvable_a into_o evident_a principle_n i_o shall_v annex_v for_o a_o instance_n a_o small_a peace_n of_o i_o whi●h_o though_o it_o be_v never_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o severe_a process_n by_o way_n of_o principle_n but_o only_o mean_v for_o a_o connected_a discourse_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o each_o main_a joint_n of_o it_o where_o it_o speak_v assertive_o have_v a_o firm_a and_o evident_a principle_n at_o the_o bottom_n giving_z it_o stability_n and_o evidence_n and_o through_o virtue_n of_o these_o qualification_n render_v it_o solid_o and_o absolute_o convictive●_n the_o method_n to_o arrive_v at_o satisfaction_n in_o religion_n 1._o since_o all_o superstructure_n mn●t_v needs_o be_v weak_a who_o foundation_n be_v not_o sure_o lay_v he_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o religion_n aught_o to_o begin_v with_o search_v out_o and_o establish_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o religion_n be_v build_v that_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n into_o which_o the_o several_a point_n of_o faith_n be_v resolve_v and_o on_o which_o their_o certainty_n as_o to_o we_o depend_v 2._o to_o do_v this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o a_o church_n be_v a_o congregation_n of_o faithful_a and_o faithful_a be_v those_o who_o have_v true_a faith_n wherefore_o till_o it_o be_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n it_o can_v be_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n again_o a_o council_n be_v a_o representative_a a_o father_n a_o eminent_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o witness_n of_o her_o doctrine_n wherefore_o till_o it_o be_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n it_o can_v be_v know_v which_o be_v a_o council_n or_o who_o a_o father_n last_o since_o we_o can_v know_v which_o be_v scripture_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o recommend_v it_o and_o of_o heretic_n we_o can_v have_v no_o security_n that_o they_o have_v not_o corrupt_v it_o in_o favour_n of_o their_o false_a tenet_n neither_o can_v we_o be_v secure_a which_o be_v scripture_n till_o we_o be_v satisfy_v who_o be_v the_o true_o faithful_a on_o who_o testimony_n we_o may_v safe_o rely_v in_o this_o affair_n 3._o wherefore_o he_o who_o sincere_o aim_v at_o satisfaction_n in_o religion_n ought_v first_o of_o all_o to_o find_v out_o and_o establish_v some_o assure_a mean_n or_o rule_n by_o which_o he_o may_v be_v secure_v which_o be_v true_a faith_n for_o till_o this_o be_v do_v he_o can_v be_v secure_a either_o of_o scripture_n church_n council_n or_o father_n but_o have_v once_o do_v this_o be_v in_o a_o ready_a way_n to_o judge_n certain_o of_o all_o whereas_o if_o he_o begin_v with_o any_o of_o the_o other_o or_o indeed_o argue_v from_o they_o at_o all_o till_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v first_o settle_v he_o take_v a_o wrong_a method_n and_o break_v the_o law_n of_o discourse_n by_o beginning_n with_o what_o be_v less_o cortain_a and_o indeed_o to_o he_o as_o yet_o uncertain_a and_o in_o effect_n put_v the_o conclusion_n before_o the_o premise_n unless_o he_o argue_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la or_o against_o the_o personal_a tenet_n of_o his_o adversary_n which_o be_v a_o good_a way_n to_o confute_v but_o not_o to_o satisfy_v 4._o and_o because_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v know_v before_o faith_n can_v be_v know_v and_o faith_n before_o scripture_n church_n council_n and_o father_n it_o appear_v that_o to_o the_o find_v out_o this_o rule_n no_o assistance_n of_o book_n will_v be_v requisite_a for_o every_o one_o who_o need_v faith_n be_v not_o capable_a to_o read_v and_o understand_v book_n there_o be_v leave_v then_o only_a reason_n to_o use_v in_o this_o inquiry_n and_o since_o people_n of_o all_o capacity_n be_v to_o be_v save_v much_o sharpness_n and_o depth_n of_o wit_n will_v not_o be_v requisite_a but_o plain_a natural_a reason_n right_o direct_v will_v suffice_v 5._o this_o be_v so_o the_o method_n of_o seek_v satisfaction_n in_o religion_n be_v become_v strange_o both_o more_o short_a and_o easy_a for_o here_o will_v need_v no_o tedious_a turn_n over_o library_n nor_o learning_n language_n nor_o endless_a compare_v voluminous_a quotation_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o the_o skill_n to_o read_v english_a all_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o consider_v one_o single_a point_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o bear_v all_o along_o with_o it_o and_o this_o too_o comprehensible_a as_o will_v appear_v to_o a_o mean_a understanding_n again_o the_o large_a debate_v particular_a point_n in_o a_o controversiall_a way_n be_v by_o this_o mean_v avoid_v for_o when_o the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v certain_o know_v then_o as_o certain_o as_o there_o be_v any_o faith_n in_o the_o world_n all_o that_o be_v receive_v on_o that_o rule_n be_v certain_a and_o of_o faith_n not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n too_o to_o cherish_v and_o strengthen_v the_o faith_n especial_o of_o young_a believer_n by_o show_v each_o particular_a point_n agreeable_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o christian_a principle_n and_o record_v express_o in_o or_o deduce_v by_o consequence_n from_o the_o divinely-inspired_n book_n 6._o last_o this_o method_n be_v particular_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o sincere_a inquirer_n who_o if_o they_o want_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o native_a indifferency_n and_o be_v awe_v by_o any_o authority_n whatever_o before_o that_o authority_n be_v make_v out_o can_v but_o remain_v unsatisfy_a and_o inward_o feel_v they_o proceed_v not_o according_a to_o nature_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o unbyast_a reason_n whereas_o when_o the_o authority_n be_v once_o make_v evident_a reason_n will_v clear_o inform_v they_o that_o it_o become_v their_o nature_n to_o assent_v to_o it_o 7._o but_o how_o will_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v so_o easy_o determinable_a by_o common_a reason_n which_o be_v the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n very_o evident_o but_o first_o we_o must_v observe_v the_o assent_n call_v faith_n depend_v upon_o two_o proposition_n what_o god_n have_v say_v be_v true_a and_o god_n have_v say_v this_o out_o of_o which_o two_o necessary_o follow_v the_o conclusion_n that_o this_o or_o that_o in_o particular_a be_v true_a of_o these_o two_o we_o be_v concern_v only_o in_o the_o late_a for_o to_o examine_v why_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v when_o he_o have_v say_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o call_v the_o formal_a motive_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o task_n for_o those_o who_o own_o 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 swerve_v not_o from_o it_o leave_v we_o still_o deceivable_a in_o those_o point_n in_o which_o it_o shall_v regulate_v we_o we_o need_v another_o rule_n to_o secure_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o actual_o deceive_v and_o so_o this_o other_o and_o not_o the_o former_a be_v our_o rule_n next_o faith_n speak_v of_o christian_a faith_n differ_v ●rom_o opinion_n in_o this_o that_o opinion_n may_v be_v false_a but_o faith_n can_v wherefore_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n both_o as_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n and_o as_o it_o ground_n faith_n double_o involve_v infallibility_n in_o its_o notion_n 9_o let_v we_o apply_v this_o to_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n for_o set_v aside_o the_o light_n of_o the_o private_a spirit_n ground_v phanaticism_n there_o be_v no_o more_o which_o claim_n to_o be_v rule_n of_o faith_n &_o see_v to_o which_o of_o they_o this_o
of_o his_o ever_o have_v from_o the_o church_n which_o argue_v its_o perfect_a conformity_n to_o the_o church_n sense_n in_o settle_v and_o state_v the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n i_o transcribe_v then_o from_o this_o ancient_n and_o learned_a father_n his_o whole_a second_o chapter_n in_o his_o treatise_n entitle_v against_o the_o profane_a innovation_n of_o heresy_n which_o be_v this_o hic_fw-la for_o sit_v a_o requirat_fw-la aliquis_fw-la etc._n etc._n here_o perhaps_o some_o may_v ask_v since_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v perfect_a and_o enough_o nay_o more_o th●●_n enough_o suffice_v to_o itself_o for_o all_o thing_n what_o need_n be_v there_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n sense_n shall_v be_v join_v to_o it_o because_o all_o man_n do_v not_o take_v the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o depth_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o meaning_n but_o divers_a man_n interpret_v its_o say_n diverse_o so_o that_o as_o many_o opinion_n in_o a_o manner_n as_o there_o be_v man_n seem_v possible_a to_o be_v draw_v thence_o for_o novatian_n expound_v it_o one_o way_n photinus_n another_o sabellius_n another_o and_o donatus_n another_o arius_n eunomius_n macedonius_n take_v it_o in_o one_o sense_n apollinaris_n priscillianus_n in_o another_o sense_n jovinian_a pelagius_n coelestius_n understand_v it_o thus_o and_o last_o nestorius_n otherwise_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a by_o reason_n of_o so_o great_a wind_n of_o so_o various_a error_n that_o the_o line_n of_o the_o prophetical_a and_o apostolical_a interpretation_n may_v be_v direct_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a and_o catholic_n sense_n from_o which_o place_n we_o may_v note_n 1._o that_o though_o he_o allow_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n perfect_a and_o sufficient_a for_o all_o thing_n yet_o by_o show_v it_o interpretable_a divers_a way_n and_o this_o by_o great_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o so_o that_o they_o fall_v into_o multitude_n of_o error_n by_o those_o inerpretation_n and_o thence_o require_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n sense_n as_o necessary_a to_o understand_v it_o right_o so_o as_o to_o build_v faith_n on_o it_o he_o plain_o show_v that_o scripture_n alone_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o this_o end_n since_o it_o need_v another_o to_o achieve_v it_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v not_o say_v simple_o it_o suffice_v for_o all_o thing_n but_o sufficit_fw-la sibi_fw-la ad●omnia_fw-la it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o itself_o for_o all_o thing_n which_o can_v only_o mean_v that_o it_o have_v all_o the_o perfection_n due_a to_o it_o be_v own_o nature_n as_o i_o show_v above_o p._n 87_o 88_o 89._o or_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o end_v god_n intend_v it_o for_o reckon_v up_o by_o s._n paul_n to_o timothy_n among_o which_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v find_v as_o sufficiency_n of_o clearness_n to_o every_o sober_a enquirer_n so_o as_o to_o build_v his_o faith_n on_o his_o private_a interpretation_n of_o it_o without_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o church_n sense_n only_o which_o will_v come_v to_o dr._n st_n purpose_n since_o than_o i_o allow_v scripture_n all_o sufficiency_n and_o perfection_n but_o this_o of_o be_v sufficient_o clear_a to_o private_a understanding_n so_o as_o to_o build_v their_o faith_n on_o their_o own_o interpretation_n of_o it_o i_o allow_v it_o all_o this_o learned_a father_n or_o the_o ancient_a church_n ever_o do_v 2._o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o put_v not_o the_o fault_n in_o the_o person_n but_o give_v for_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o misunderstanding_n it_o the_o depth_n or_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o argue_v that_o though_o some_o few_o out_o of_o wickedness_n wilful_o mistake_v yet_o the_o general_n reason_n of_o the_o miscarriage_n be_v the_o disproportion_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o private_a understand_n in_o dogmatical_a point_n of_o christianity_n as_o i_o constant_o maintain_v 3._o he_o call_v the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o a_o line_n which_o be_v flexible_a and_o dirigible_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o rule_n which_o lie_v firm_a as_o apt_a to_o direct_v another_o and_o so_o with_o i_o he_o make_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n 4._o this_o sense_n of_o he_o church_n be_v intimate_v to_o be_v antecedent_n to_o all_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n must_v have_v have_v this_o sense_n or_o knowledge_n of_o faith_n by_o tradition_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n become_v god_n ordinary_a providence_n but_o these_o two_o 5._o these_o thing_n be_v so_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o when_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n he_o mention_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n mean_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n he_o mean_v they_o joint_o as_o appear_v express_o by_o the_o very_a next_o word_n begin_v this_o present_a chapter_n nor_o do_v he_o speak_v there_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o faith_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o do_v but_o of_o keep_v they_o in_o faith_n or_o preserve_v they_o from_o slide_v into_o heresy_n and_o since_o he_o attribute_n in_o this_o chapter_n convictiveness_n of_o what_o be_v faith_n only_a to_o the_o church_n sense_n it_o be_v manifest_a all_o that_o remain_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o scripture_n be_v agreeableness_n of_o its_o letter_n if_o a_o good_a pastor_n expound_v it_o to_o the_o present_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n to_o see_v which_o exceed_o comfort_n faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o already-faithful_a who_o must_v need_n be_v have_v a_o high_a reverence_n for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n authority_n the_o whole_a strain_n then_o of_o my_o discourse_n here_o against_o dr._n st._n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v perfect_o consonant_a to_o this_o learned_a father_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o all_o antiquity_n only_o our_o frequent_a and_o close_o contest_v with_o our_o acute_a modern_a dissenter_n have_v oblige_v we_o to_o a_o more_o scholarlike_o way_n of_o distinguish_v our_o notion_n exact_o which_o the_o ancient_n do_v not_o and_o faith_n be_v contain_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o scripture_n and_o the_o breast_n of_o the_o church_n of_o determine_v which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o proper_a ascertainer_n of_o faith_n to_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v convert_v and_o so_o in_o true_a and_o exact_a speech_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o both_o this_o father_n and_o evident_a reason_n give_v it_o to_o be_v the_o church_n what_o then_o dr._n st._n be_v to_o do_v in_o this_o point_n if_o he_o make_v any_o such_o attempt_n be_v to_o allege_v convince_v testimony_n that_o the_o ancient_a father_n hold_v scripture_n so_o plain_a to_o every_o sober_a enquirer_n as_o to_o give_v he_o such_o certainty_n that_o he_o may_v safe_o build_v his_o faith_n on_o his_o own_o interpretation_n thereof_o without_o need_v the_o church_n when_o he_o produce_v such_o testimony_n as_o come_v home_o to_o this_o or_o a_o equivalent_a sense_n he_o will_v work_v wonder_n and_o unless_o he_o do_v this_o he_o do_v just_a nothing_o but_o i_o foresee_v two_o unlucky_a difficulty_n one_o that_o he_o will_v not_o find_v one_o testimony_n of_o any_o authority_n which_o exclude_v the_o church_n from_o this_o office_n as_o himself_o direct_o do_v next_o that_o can_v he_o produce_v thousand_o he_o will_v spoil_v they_o all_o at_o the_o next_o word_n and_o render_v they_o inconclusive_a that_o be_v insignificant_a with_o tell_v we_o very_o sober_o they_o be_v all_o fallible_a as_o to_o that_o effect_n and_o consequent_o be_v perhaps_o in_o a_o error_n in_o all_o they_o say_v finis_fw-la finis_fw-la see_v sure_o foot_v 2d_o ed._n p._n 145_o 146._o 146._o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 118._o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 153._o reason_n against_o raillery_n p._n 190_o 191_o etc._n etc._n etc._n rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 118._o see_v his_o preface_n to_o his_o sermon_n p._n last_o
be_v so_o the_o not_o appear_v to_o be_v otherwise_o will_v avail_v nothing_o to_o conclude_v it_o so_o all_o it_o can_v effect_n be_v to_o make_v we_o maintain_v our_o liberty_n of_o suspense_n and_o indifferency_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v void_a of_o forestalment_n or_o prejudice_n and_o free_a to_o believe_v it_o when_o competent_a or_o conclusive_a reason_n shall_v appear_v to_o evince_v it_o what_o then_o dr._n st._n be_v to_o do_v be_v to_o produce_v conclusive_a reason_n to_o evince_v that_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n have_v such_o a_o perspicuity_n and_o other_o perfection_n belong_v to_o such_o a_o rule_n as_o must_v ground_v that_o most_o firm_a unalterable_a and_o if_o right_o ground_v inerrable_a assent_n call_v christian_a faith_n and_o this_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n the_o effect_n which_o be_v to_o proceed_v from_o faith_n and_o obligation_n issue_v from_o it_o and_o incumbent_a on_o the_o faithful_a as_o such_o but_o in_o stead_n of_o perform_v this_o necessary_a duty_n of_o he_o to_o argue_v as_o if_o though_o the_o reason_n he_o bring_v conclude_v it_o not_o yet_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o because_o we_o have_v no_o evidence_n it_o be_v not_o so_o be_v so_o pleasant_a and_o new_o invent_v a_o way_n of_o argue_v that_o he_o must_v find_v the_o world_n a_o new_a logic_n and_o mankind_n itself_o a_o new_a nature_n ere_o he_o will_v arrive_v by_o mean_n of_o such_o discourse_n at_o any_o conclusion_n and_o whereas_o he_o seem_v to_o build_v much_o on_o the_o word_n equal_a allege_v that_o we_o must_v for_o the_o reason_n there_o give_v hold_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n unless_o it_o appear_v they_o be_v defective_a with_o a_o evidence_n equal_a to_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v those_o book_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v absolute_o deny_v not_o only_o for_o the_o reason_n late_o give_v in_o common_a that_o none_o can_v be_v bind_v in_o reason_n to_o hold_v or_o own_o any_o unproved_a position_n but_o particular_o because_o of_o the_o peculiar_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o be_v discourse_v of_o for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o which_o be_v to_o tell_v we_o god_n say_v such_o or_o such_o thing_n or_o engage_v the_o divine_a authority_n for_o their_o verity_n if_o we_o shall_v happen_v to_o misuse_v scripture_n letter_n by_o let_v loose_a people_n of_o all_o capacity_n to_o rely_v on_o it_o as_o their_o rule_n of_o faith_n then_o in_o case_n it_o shall_v peradventure_o not_o have_v be_v intend_v by_o god_n for_o this_o end_n but_o for_o some_o other_o we_o expose_v ourselves_o and_o other_o to_o the_o desperate_a danger_n of_o run_v into_o endless_a error_n by_o this_o misusage_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o adhere_v to_o those_o error_n as_o firm_o as_o if_o god_n himself_o have_v speak_v they_o that_o be_v we_o hazard_v err_v irrecoverable_o in_o matter_n which_o eat_v the_o proper_a mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o blaspheme_a god_n daily_o in_o make_v he_o the_o patron_n of_o lie_n in_o this_o case_n then_o there_o be_v particular_a caution_n to_o be_v use_v and_o so_o if_o upon_o sincere_a and_o strict_a examination_n it_o be_v but_o any_o thing_n dubious_a that_o scripture_n be_v never_o intend_v by_o god_n for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o can_v never_o be_v oblige_v to_o hold_v or_o own_v it_o for_o such_o especial_o not_o have_v any_o certain_a argument_n to_o conclude_v it_o such_o much_o less_o must_v we_o be_v oblige_v to_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v such_o unless_o we_o have_v eqval_a evidence_n of_o its_o unfitness_n to_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v those_o book_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unless_o dr._n st._n will_v say_v that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o restrain_v a_o man_n from_o hazard_v the_o great_a mischief_n in_o the_o world_n but_o perfect_a evidence_n that_o no_o harm_n will_v come_v of_o it_o so_o that_o still_o his_o main_a business_n and_o without_o which_o he_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o remain_v yet_o to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v to_o bring_v solid_a convince_a proof_n that_o god_n intend_v scripture_n or_o his_o write_a word_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v for_o such_o a_o rule_n as_o people_n of_o all_o sort_n rely_v on_o it_o shall_v be_v infallible_o or_o absolutely-secured_a from_o error_n by_o so_o do_v in_o make_v good_a which_o concern_v point_n he_o have_v hitherto_o trifle_v exceed_o nay_o himself_n here_o be_v afraid_a to_o own_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o own_o proof_n otherwise_o he_o will_v never_o have_v think_v it_o fit_a to_o annex_v those_o word_n unless_o it_o appear_v with_o a_o evidence_n equal_a to_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v those_o book_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v never_o intend_v for_o that_o end_n because_o of_o their_o obscurity_n or_o imperfection_n for_o the_o evidence_n whereby_o it_o appear_v those_o book_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v be_v conclusive_a else_o according_a to_o his_o ground_n we_o can_v never_o conclude_v one_o word_n of_o faith_n true_a and_o so_o a_o evidence_n equal_a to_o it_o must_v be_v conclusive_a likewise_o if_o then_o he_o have_v think_v his_o reason_n to_o prove_v scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v good_a and_o conclusive_a common_a sense_n will_v have_v forbid_v he_o to_o add_v these_o cautious_a word_n unless_o it_o appear_v with_o a_o equal_a evidence_n etc._n etc._n for_o common_a sense_n tell_v we_o no_o conclusive_a reason_n can_v possible_o be_v bring_v for_o the_o negative_a if_o conclusive_a reason_n be_v once_o produce_v or_o be_v producible_a for_o the_o affirmative_a it_o appear_v then_o by_o this_o behaviour_n of_o he_o on_o this_o occasion_n that_o he_o distrust_v that_o either_o he_o have_v produce_v any_o conclusive_a reason_n for_o that_o main_a point_n of_o scripture_n be_v intend_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o that_o any_o can_v be_v produce_v last_o that_o we_o may_v give_v perfect_a satisfaction_n to_o this_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o he_o though_o perhaps_o there_o be_v not_o evidence_n scripture_n letter_n be_v never_o intend_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n equal_a to_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v those_o book_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o regard_n we_o believe_v this_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n church_n which_o be_v support_v with_o the_o whole_a strength_n of_o best_a nature_n and_o supernatural_n yet_o we_o have_v rigorous_a and_o conclusive_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o pen_v in_o the_o very_o best_a way_n imaginable_a to_o avoid_v all_o ambiguity_n of_o word_n and_o forestall_a mistake_n as_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v by_o god_n who_o work_n be_v perfect_a if_o it_o have_v be_v intend_v by_o he_o to_o be_v our_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o i_o shall_v presume_v i_o have_v already_o bring_v conclusive_a evidence_n both_o à_fw-la priori_fw-la and_o also_o à_fw-la posteriori_fw-la in_o my_o answer_n to_o his_o 10_o principle_n to_o evince_v that_o it_o 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 it_o intend_v by_o god_n to_o be_v such_o a_o rule_n how_o incomparable_o excellent_a soever_o it_o be_v for_o other_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v indeed_o and_o sole_o intend_v but_o omit_v all_o the_o rest_n at_o present_a i_o remind_v he_o of_o one_o which_o i_o can_v too_o often_o repeat_v and_o enforce_v it_o upon_o he_o thus_o he_o can_v deny_v but_o the_o point_n of_o a_o trinity_n and_o christ_n godhead_n be_v most_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n he_o can_v deny_v but_o both_o protestant_n and_o socinian_o rely_v on_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o sole_a rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o which_o be_v all_o he_o require_v on_o the_o person_n side_n he_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o notwithstanding_o this_o one_o party_n hold_v there_o be_v no_o trinity_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o god_n the_o other_o that_o there_o be_v a_o trinity_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o so_o one_o side_n err_v most_o fundamental_o he_o can_v deny_v but_o error_n be_v a_o defect_n there_o must_v be_v a_o fault_n somewhere_o to_o beget_v this_o error_n that_o be_v either_o in_o the_o person_n judge_v of_o what_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n tell_v they_o or_o else_o in_o judge_v that_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n which_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n for_o in_o case_n they_o err_v in_o neither_o of_o these_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v err_v or_o misconceive_v at_o all_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n he_o can_v deny_v in_o any_o reason_n but_o the_o person_n on_o both_o side_n be_v such_o acute_a man_n and_o excellent_o well_o verse_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n have_v both_o capacity_n
enough_o and_o apply_v that_o capacity_n to_o their_o power_n by_o as_o great_a a_o diligence_n as_o any_o nor_o can_v he_o in_o charity_n deny_v but_o they_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o in_o such_o point_n therefore_o he_o can_v deny_v but_o the_o person_n attend_v to_o the_o rule_n be_v faultless_a either_o in_o understand_v scripture_n in_o these_o point_n if_o it_o be_v to_o private_a understanding_n clear_o intelligible_a or_o will_v to_o understand_v it_o if_o they_o can_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v incredible_a they_o shall_v not_o will_n or_o desire_v this_o since_o they_o use_v such_o exact_a diligence_n in_o it_o and_o solemn_o profess_v to_o rely_v on_o the_o letter_n alone_o or_o that_o do_v they_o indeed_o sleight_v the_o letter_n or_o purposely_o decline_v rely_v on_o it_o their_o bias_n shall_v not_o manifest_o appear_v in_o so_o long_a time_n and_o they_o be_v brand_v for_o evident_a insincerity_n he_o can_v deny_v then_o but_o the_o person_n be_v faultless_a as_o to_o their_o capacity_n and_o will_n to_o understand_v the_o rule_n therefore_o unless_o he_o will_v renounce_v his_o reason_n he_o can_v deny_v but_o the_o fault_n must_v be_v in_o the_o same_o person_n judge_v that_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n which_o be_v not_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o alone_o and_o of_o itself_o clear_a and_o intelligible_a enough_o to_o preserve_v private_a man_n both_o capable_a and_o diligent_a and_o rely_v sole_o on_o it_o from_o possibility_n of_o error_n no_o not_o from_o actual_o err_v in_o most_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n nor_o consequent_o have_v it_o in_o it_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o since_o god_n never_o intend_v any_o thing_n shall_v do_v what_o its_o nature_n reach_v not_o to_o do_v that_o be_v shall_v do_v what_o it_o can_v do_v it_o be_v manifest_a scripture_n letter_n be_v never_o intend_v by_o god_n for_o that_o end_n or_o to_o be_v such_o a_o rule_n 13._o although_o we_o can_v argue_v against_o any_o particular_a way_n of_o revelation_n from_o the_o necessary_a attribute_n of_o god_n yet_o such_o away_o as_o writing_n be_v make_v choce_fw-mi of_o by_o he_o we_o may_v just_o say_v that_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o design_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n ●f_n god_n to_o give_v infallible_a assurance_n to_o person_n in_o write_v his_o will_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n if_o those_o write_n may_v not_o be_v understand_v by_o all_o person_n who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n it_o be_v not_o yet_o prove_v nor_o ever_o will_v that_o god_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o the_o way_n of_o write_v for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o design_v it_o for_o that_o end_n nor_o that_o the_o benefit_n he_o mean_v mankind_n by_o such_o write_n be_v to_o ground_n their_o faith_n on_o what_o appear_v to_o their_o private_a judgement_n to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o letter_n therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o all_o person_n shall_v hap_v to_o misunderstand_v it_o even_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n notwithstanding_o their_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o since_o god_n have_v never_o promise_v that_o any_o who_o take_v a_o way_n never_o intend_v by_o he_o for_o such_o a_o end_n shall_v infallible_o arrive_v at_o that_o end_n by_o such_o a_o way_n nor_o be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o godness_n of_o god_n at_o all_o concern_v in_o preserve_v any_o from_o error_n if_o they_o take_v such_o a_o way_n especial_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o these_o follow_a consideration_n first_o that_o god_n have_v no_o where_o engage_v his_o word_n to_o secure_v every_o single_a or_o private_a man_n from_o error_n who_o shall_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o find_v his_o faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n in_o case_n he_o rely_v on_o his_o own_o private_a judgement_n &_o neglect_n to_o hear_v his_o pastor_n whence_o if_o such_o private_a person_n rely_v on_o god_n promise_a assistance_n to_o such_o a_o end_n they_o rely_v on_o what_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v and_o so_o no_o wonder_n their_o hope_n fail_v they_o if_o those_o hope_n be_v groundless_a second_o they_o can_v but_o know_v if_o but_o mean_o verse_v in_o the_o world_n that_o whole_a body_n of_o man_n and_o among_o they_o divers_a of_o great_a learning_n interpret_v scripture_n several_a way_n in_o very_o concern_v point_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o favour_v of_o a_o proud_a self-conceit_n in_o any_o person_n to_o think_v god_n regard_v his_o single_a self_n more_o than_o he_o do_v whole_a body_n and_o great_a multitude_n again_o it_o can_v without_o a_o strange_a unreasonableness_n &_o uncharitableness_n be_v imagine_v or_o judge_v that_o not_o one_o person_n of_o those_o many_o who_o adhere_v to_o the_o opposite_a tenet_n as_o clear_v to_o they_o in_o scripture_n according_a to_o their_o best_a judgement_n do_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o sacred_a book_n and_o if_o they_o do_v then_o common_a sense_n tell_v this_o private_a person_n that_o the_o whole_a foundation_n on_o which_o his_o hope_n be_v build_v be_v unsound_a and_o that_o more_o be_v requisite_a than_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n and_o a_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o understand_v it_o and_o that_o if_o these_o suffice_v to_o direct_v he_o right_o they_o ought_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v another_o and_o so_o he_o ought_v to_o doubt_v whether_o himself_o or_o those_o other_o proceed_v on_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o have_v the_o same_o mean_n be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o be_v he_o ought_v to_o doubt_v of_o his_o faith_n no_o better_o ground_v last_o this_o private_a man_n belong_v to_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o have_v pastor_n and_o governor_n set_v over_o he_o to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v he_o and_o those_o too_o as_o we_o will_v suppose_v read_v and_o rely_v on_o the_o scripture_n also_o he_o must_v judge_v this_o church_n sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n for_o this_o be_v the_o requisite_a condition_n to_o find_v right_a faith_n without_o this_o his_o church_n have_v no_o right_a faith_n and_o so_o be_v no_o church_n now_o for_o a_o private_a man_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o such_o a_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o that_o church_n not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o church_n and_o his_o lawful_a pastor_n as_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o his_o faith_n even_o though_o they_o be_v sincere_a endeavour_n as_o well_o as_o he_o but_o to_o adhere_v to_o that_o for_o his_o faith_n which_o appear_v to_o his_o private_a self_n to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n though_o he_o contradict_v and_o defy_v all_o the_o church_n he_o his_o a_o member_n of_o in_o so_o do_v which_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v if_o he_o proceed_v on_o this_o principle_n that_o scripture_n may_v be_v understand_v by_o all_o person_n who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o his_o salvatiou_n for_o he_o ought_v not_o for_o any_o man_n sake_n relinquish_v his_o faith_n or_o its_o rule_n i_o say_v to_o behave_v himself_o thus_o as_o in_o that_o supposition_n he_o ought_v be_v such_o a_o intolerable_a ma_fw-fr apart_a presumption_n so_o senseless_a and_o unnatural_a and_o self-condemning_a a_o rebellion_n and_o such_o a_o fanatic_a spiritual_a pride_n as_o i_o much_o doubt_n will_v give_v a_o man_n but_o small_a title_n to_o hope_v for_o especial_a assistance_n from_o god_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n at_o present_a i_o only_a remark_n the_o fault_n of_o this_o principle_n which_o be_v these_o first_o that_o it_o suppose_v god_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o or_o design_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v this_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o private_a person_n next_o that_o god_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n be_v engage_v that_o it_o be_v thus_o intelligible_a to_o every_o sincere_a eadeavourer_n neither_o of_o which_o be_v in_o the_o least_o prove_v or_o provable_a last_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o close_a instead_o of_o make_v it_o so_o intelligible_a as_o that_o all_o sincere_a endeavour_n may_v thereby_o be_v absolute_o secure_v from_o err_v as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n see_v very_o well_o these_o slight_a ground_n be_v not_o able_a to_o carry_v so_o far_o he_o substitute_n in_o their_o room_n these_o waty_a word_n in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n so_o that_o though_o they_o err_v in_o all_o the_o main_a point_n of_o
to_o attest_v or_o explain_v these_o write_n among_o christian_n any_o more_o than_o there_o be_v for_o some_o age_n before_o christ_n of_o such_o a_o body_n of_o man_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o attest_v or_o explain_v to_o they_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o prophet_n he_o that_o own_v this_o must_v own_v it_o without_o reason_n for_o any_o thing_n appear_v yet_o for_o dr._n st._n have_v afford_v we_o hitherto_o nothing_o to_o prove_v this_o point_n but_o a_o few_o word_n crafty_o lay_v together_o which_o when_o look_v into_o have_v not_o a_o jot_n of_o reason_n in_o they_o and_o the_o like_a empty_a inside_n we_o find_v in_o this_o present_a principle_n for_o if_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n then_o in_o case_n nothing_o else_o be_v requisite_a to_o understand_v god_n will_v but_o the_o disposition_n of_o sober_o inquire_v as_o he_o put_v no_o other_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o no_o sober_a enquirer_n can_v miss_v of_o know_v there_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o since_o every_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v part_n of_o god_n will_n it_o will_v follow_v hence_o that_o every_o sober_a enquirer_n may_v understand_v all_o faith_n in_o scripture_n which_o yet_o the_o dr._n be_v not_o dispose_v to_o say_v as_o appear_v by_o his_o avoid_n to_o put_v down_o what_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o discourse_n require_v namely_o that_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o no_o sober_a enquirer_n can_v miss_v of_o know_v his_o whole_a will_n there_o and_o instead_o of_o it_o substitute_v that_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o no_o sober_a inquirer_n can_v miss_v of_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o salvation_n which_o word_n may_v be_v true_a though_o they_o fall_v far_o short_a of_o know_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n by_o that_o mean_n next_o it_o be_v very_o material_a and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o requisite_a to_o know_v how_o a_o man_n must_v be_v qualify_v to_o be_v a_o sober_a enquirer_n in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o may_v reflect_v that_o as_o be_v say_v before_o it_o ought_v in_o reason_n be_v judge_v god_n will_n that_o we_o shall_v know_v whether_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o whether_o his_o body_n and_o consequent_o himself_o be_v real_o in_o the_o sacrament_n lest_o we_o either_o want_v the_o best_a incitement_n to_o devotion_n if_o he_o be_v and_o we_o judge_v he_o be_v not_o or_o else_o commit_v material_a idolatry_n by_o judge_v he_o to_o be_v so_o when_o he_o be_v not_o so_o now_o i_o will_v have_v he_o clear_o show_v clear_o i_o say_v for_o all_o depend_v upon_o it_o according_a to_o his_o ground_n in_o what_o either_o the_o roman_a catholic_n or_o the_o socinian_o fall_v short_a in_o point_n of_o be_v sober_a enquirer_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o must_v both_o fall_v short_a of_o be_v such_o if_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n be_v clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n since_o the_o former_a hold_v christ_n be_v real_o in_o the_o sacrament_n the_o other_o that_o he_o be_v not_o god_n the_o contrary_a to_o both_o which_o i_o suppose_v dr._n st._n hold_v to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n far_o if_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n of_o any_o infallible_a society_n of_o man_n either_o to_o attest_v or_o explain_v those_o write_n it_o be_v evident_a there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o fallible_a society_n of_o man_n for_o those_o ends._n for_o if_o write_n which_o be_v attest_v or_o explain_v by_o a_o fallible_a society_n of_o man_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o ground_n god_n have_v leave_v we_o to_o build_v our_o faith_n on_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o fallible_a attestation_n or_o explication_n may_v possible_o lead_v we_o into_o nothing_o but_o error_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o god_n himself_o may_v possible_o have_v lead_v all_o christian_n hitherto_o and_o still_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n into_o actual_a error_n since_o a_o reliance_n on_o fallible_a mean_n of_o know_v the_o letter_n and_o sense_n can_v possible_o raise_v any_o assent_n beyond_o possibility_n of_o be_v erroneous_a there_o need_v therefore_o by_o dr._n st_n discourse_n neither_o infallible_a nor_o fallible_a society_n and_o so_o according_a to_o his_o principle_n farewell_o all_o church_n both_o catholic_n and_o protestant_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v these_o two_o main_a duty_n on_o which_o all_o else_o depend_v again_o though_o all_o this_o be_v true_a and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v own_a as_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n so_o plain_o reveal_v that_o no_o sober_a enquirer_n can_v miss_v of_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o therefore_o there_o need_v no_o church_n to_o explain_v they_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a consequence_n that_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n of_o any_o infallible_a society_n of_o man_n to_o attest_v they_o or_o to_o witness_v that_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n be_v right_a this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o follow_v out_o of_o the_o former_a part_n of_o his_o discourse_n that_o the_o contrary_a aught_o to_o follow_v 〈…〉_z prejudice_a his_o own_o pretence_n that_o 〈◊〉_d conduce_v exceed_o to_o it_o for_o certain●y_o his_o sober_a enquirer_n will_v less_o be_v in_o doubt_n to_o miss_v of_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n in_o case_n the_o letter_n on_o which_o all_o depend_v be_v well_o attest_v than_o if_o it_o be_v not_o and_o most_o certain_o a_o infallible_a society_n of_o man_n can_v better_o attest_v that_o letter_n than_o a_o fallible_a one_o and_o those_o write_n can_v with_o better_a show_n of_o reason_n be_v own_v to_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o their_o letter_n be_v attest_v beyond_o possibility_n of_o be_v wrong_n than_o if_o leave_v in_o a_o possibility_n of_o be_v such_o for_o if_o the_o letter_n be_v wrong_a all_o be_v wrong_a in_o this_o case_n it_o may_v seem_v wonderful_a then_o what_o it_o be_v that_o thus_o byass_n dr._n st._n against_o his_o own_o interest_n and_o i_o wish_v i_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v it_o be_v not_o a_o kind_n of_o innate_a antipathy_n against_o not_o only_o our_o church_n but_o church_n in_o common_a and_o a_o desire_n to_o attribute_v as_o little_a to_o it_o as_o he_o can_v possible_o though_o he_o hazard_v some_o prejudice_n to_o his_o own_o cause_n and_o even_o all_o christian_a faith_n into_o the_o bargain_n his_o whole_a way_n of_o discourse_n here_o bend_v strong_o towards_o the_o take_n away_o all_o divine_a institution_n of_o pastor_n for_o this_o will_v oblige_v the_o people_n to_o hear_v they_o and_o level_v all_o into_o a_o fanatic_a anarchy_n i_o will_v glad_o interpret_v he_o otherwise_o and_o imagine_v that_o perhaps_o he_o mean_v that_o since_o it_o be_v own_a the_o scripture_n thus_o contain_v god_n will_n therefore_o there_o need_v not_o be_v suppose_v any_o infallible_a society_n of_o man_n either_o to_o attest_v or_o explain_v they_o but_o i_o can_v conceive_v he_o shall_v think_v scripture_n letter_n must_v be_v own_a to_o be_v right_a without_o some_o either_o fallible_a or_o infallible_a authority_n to_o attest_v it_o to_o be_v such_o or_o that_o however_o he_o may_v sceptical_o dread_v no_o authority_n can_v be_v infallible_a yet_o that_o he_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v good_a there_o be_v such_o a_o authority_n to_o attest_v scripture_n letter_n nay_o needful_a too_o in_o case_n he_o hearty_o hold_v that_o christian_a faith_n build_v according_a to_o his_o ground_n sole_o on_o that_o letter_n may_v not_o possible_o all_o be_v a_o lie_n which_o common_a sense_n tell_v we_o it_o may_v be_v in_o case_n we_o may_v all_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o letter_n last_o that_o for_o some_o age_n before_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o body_n of_o man_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o attest_v or_o explain_v to_o they_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v first_o not_o prove_v and_o yet_o dr._n st._n build_v upon_o it_o as_o confident_o as_o if_o it_o be_v evident_o conclude_v or_o else_o self-evident_a next_o what_o mean_v those_o word_n for_o some_o age_n before_o christ_n if_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o the_o mosaical_a law_n then_o it_o be_v evident_o false_a since_o deut._n 17._o v_o 10_o 11_o etc._n etc._n god_n command_v upon_o pain_n of_o death_n to_o do_v according_a as_o some_o person_n he_o have_v appoint_v for_o that_o end_n shall_v explain_v the_o write_n belong_v to_o that_o law_n and_o if_o these_o man_n have_v not_o some_o way_n or_o other_o be_v secure_v from_o error_n god_n by_o command_v the_o subject_a laity_n under_o so_o heavy_a a_o penalty_n to_o
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 conclusion_n remain_v yet_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o and_o it_o be_v this_o 6._o though_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n declaree_v to_o be_v so_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o neither_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o any_o sound_a part_n or_o member_n of_o it_o this_o be_v far_o from_o be_v self-evident_a as_o be_v the_o former_a but_o of_o itself_o as_o obscure_a as_o may_v be_v and_o in_o that_o regard_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v a_o conclusion_n have_v there_o be_v any_o premise_n to_o infer_v it_o it_o come_v home_n also_o to_o the_o point_n as_o far_o as_o his_o intent_n be_v to_o impugn_v catholic_n for_o be_v that_o which_o it_o contain_v conclude_v it_o will_v import_v no_o less_o than_o the_o utter_a overthrow_n of_o the_o roman_a cause_n but_o where_o be_v the_o premise_n or_o principle_n which_o be_v to_o infer_v it_o must_v every_o bold_a and_o unprove_v say_v and_o which_o beg_v the_o whole_a question_n be_v call_v a_o conclusion_n whether_o it_o have_v any_o principle_n or_o no_o to_o prove_v it_o by_o if_o then_o it_o have_v none_o why_o do_v he_o put_v it_o for_o a_o conclusion_n and_o so_o pretend_v he_o have_v conclude_v it_o if_o any_o why_o do_v he_o not_o show_v we_o they_o and_o relate_v to_o they_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o important_a then_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o those_o perilous_a all-overturning_a principle_n on_o which_o a_o conclusion_n so_o desperate_o destructive_a to_o rome_n be_v ground_v or_o may_v we_o not_o just_o suspect_v that_o not_o give_v we_o notice_n with_o which_o of_o his_o insignificant_a thirty_o principle_n this_o romantical_a six_o conclusion_n have_v any_o commerce_n he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o it_o follow_v from_o none_o of_o they_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o have_v a_o mighty_a mind_n to_o be_v think_v to_o have_v conclude_v it_o he_o therefore_o very_o politic_o call_v his_o own_o say_v a_o conclusion_n i_o know_v he_o have_v pretend_v elsewhere_o idolatrous_a worship_n forsooth_o have_v corrupt_v she_o and_o make_v her_o unsound_a and_o twenty_o other_o flaw_n he_o find_v in_o she_o but_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v make_v this_o proposition_n be_v relate_v to_o those_o discourse_n and_o not_o pretend_v they_o follow_v out_o of_o his_o thirty_o principle_n where_o not_o a_o word_n to_o that_o purpose_n be_v find_v moreover_o these_o church_n now_o in_o communion_n with_o rome_n be_v once_o true_a church_n how_o come_v they_o then_o or_o when_o to_o be_v now_o so_o rot_v and_o unsound_a let_v the_o time_n be_v assign_v when_o by_o alter_v their_o faith_n and_o worship_n they_o become_v corrupt_v let_v the_o person_n place_n manner_n of_o beginning_n proceed_v and_o other_o circumstance_n be_v particularise_v that_o so_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o this_o manifest_a and_o concern_v nature_n may_v be_v make_v credible_a above_o all_o how_o it_o happen_v that_o matter_n of_o this_o notorious_a and_o important_a nature_n shall_v remain_v unrecord_v and_o still_o believe_v that_o no_o such_o change_n be_v and_o this_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o a_o testify_a authority_n so_o great_a that_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v even_o by_o our_o enemy_n that_o it_o be_v never_o hear_v since_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o so_o many_o vast_a nation_n shall_v swallow_v so_o prodigious_a a_o error_n so_o tame_o in_o a_o most_o manifest_a and_o most_o concern_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o which_o if_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o error_n none_o can_v be_v absolute_o secure_a of_o the_o existence_n of_o any_o former_a king_n or_o action_n do_v before_o our_o time_n much_o less_o of_o the_o authority_n or_o text_n of_o any_o book_n in_o the_o world_n but_o i_o suppose_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v press_v the_o best_a answer_n will_v be_v some_o text_n of_o scripture_n as_o that_o the_o enemy_n sow_v tare_n while_o man_n sleep_v which_o interpret_v by_o dr._n st_n private_a spirit_n shall_v sanctify_v to_o we_o this_o prodigious_a piece_n of_o nonsense_n that_o the_o roman-catholick_n church_n alter_v her_o faith_n and_o christian_a practice_n and_o yet_o none_o observe_v it_o or_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o that_o be_v that_o those_o many_o million_o of_o her_o subject_n begin_v as_o they_o must_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o if_o she_o indeed_o alter_v her_o faith_n to_o believe_v and_o practise_v otherwise_o then_o they_o do_v yet_o none_o of_o they_o know_v they_o do_v so_o all_o sleep_v and_o be_v wrap_v up_o god_n wot_v in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o ignorance_n till_o owl-eyed_a luther_n even_o at_o that_o midnight_n of_o infidelity_n most_o bless_o espy_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n dawn_v and_o show_v it_o to_o dr._n st_n predecessor_n now_o whoever_o reflect_v how_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o christianity_n those_o church_n in_o communion_n with_o rome_n make_v and_o how_o many_o abominable_a corruption_n or_o sickness_n there_o be_v in_o she_o if_o those_o of_o dr._n st_n private-spirited_n church_n may_v be_v trust_v will_v with_o good_a reason_n conclude_v that_o the_o church_n have_v as_o many_o disease_n in_o she_o as_o a_o old_a horse_n and_o very_o few_o limb_n of_o her_o free_a so_o that_o it_o will_v appear_v she_o for_o who_o sake_n whole_a nature_n be_v make_v be_v the_o great_a monster_n for_o wretchedness_n and_o that_o her_o condition_n be_v more_o miserable_a than_o any_o other_o thing_n in_o nature_n and_o consequent_o that_o god_n providence_n have_v a_o slendere_a care_n of_o his_o church_n then_o of_o the_o most_o trifle_a toy_n in_o the_o world_n which_o ill_a suit_n with_o the_o great_a wonder_n and_o extraordinary_a thing_n he_o have_v do_v for_o she_o as_o be_v make_v man_n die_v for_o she_o and_o such_o like_a it_o be_v good_a too_o to_o know_v how_o long_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v remain_v unsound_a ere_o it_o be_v time_n 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 rule_n of_o faith_n appoint_v by_o god_n or_o she_o do_v not_o if_o not_o she_o have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o but_o only_a opinion_n however_o she_o may_v hap_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o many_o point_n she_o hold_v for_o her_o assent_n will_v want_v the_o certainty_n requisite_a to_o faith_n as_o not_o be_v build_v on_o the_o stable_a ground_n god_n have_v lay_v to_o give_v it_o that_o certainty_n and_o if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v no_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a she_o shall_v be_v a_o church_n or_o any_o part_n of_o a_o church_n sound_n or_o unsound_a as_o want_v what_o be_v most_o essential_a true_a faith_n and_o so_o dr._n st._n have_v provide_v rare_o well_o for_o the_o mission_n of_o his_o own_o church_n for_o if_o we_o be_v no_o church_n she_o have_v no_o
be_v so_o as_o it_o happen_v in_o many_o controvertist_n who_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n yet_o not_o so_o well_o verse_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o particular_a point_n but_o believe_v they_o only_o by_o implicit_a faith_n or_o else_o one_o of_o their_o knowledge_n may_v be_v more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a than_o the_o other_o and_o so_o serve_v to_o perfect_a and_o advance_v it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o art_n do_v nature_n lest_o of_o all_o can_v it_o follow_v that_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n representative_a be_v needless_a for_o this_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o teach_v the_o faithful_a their_o faith_n at_o first_o nor_o do_v i_o remember_v ever_o to_o have_v see_v a_o general_n council_n cite_v in_o a_o catechism_n but_o this_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o church_n diffusive_a by_o her_o practice_n and_o language_n and_o by_o her_o pastor_n in_o their_o catechism_n and_o instruction_n but_o it_o be_v use_n be_v to_o secure_v and_o preserve_v faith_n already_o teach_v and_o know_v from_o receive_v any_o taint_n by_o the_o equivocate_a heretic_n and_o to_o recommend_v it_o more_o authoritative_o to_o the_o faithful_a when_o clear_v and_o whoever_o read_v my_o four_o note_n will_v see_v so_o many_o particularity_n in_o the_o member_n which_o compound_v a_o representative_a church_n above_o other_o who_o be_v pure_o part_v of_o ecclesia_fw-la credens_fw-fr that_o he_o can_v in_o any_o reason_n judge_v they_o vseless_a though_o those_o other_o be_v in_o a_o inferior_a degree_n certain_a of_o their_o faith_n too_o for_o all_o this_o while_n the_o word_n infallible_a which_o seem_v to_o have_v so_o loud_a a_o sound_n and_o be_v make_v such_o a_o monstrous_a piece_n of_o business_n by_o the_o denier_n of_o it_o be_v in_o plain_a term_n no_o more_o but_o just_o bare_o certain_a as_o i_o have_v prove_v faith_n vind._n p._n 37._o 38._o and_o reason_n against_o rail_n p._n 113._o to_o come_v close_o up_o then_o to_o my_o adversary_n his_o 20_o principle_n which_o speak_v of_o assent_n in_o common_a be_v whole_o build_v upon_o a_o false_a supposition_n that_o it_o can_v only_o be_v ground_v upon_o evidence_n for_o however_o indeed_o in_o perfect_a reflecter_n that_o be_v unbya_v evidence_n of_o the_o object_n or_o of_o the_o credibleness_n of_o the_o authority_n be_v always_o requisite_a to_o breed_v assent_n yet_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o assent_n in_o weak_a and_o unreflect_a person_n be_v frequent_o build_v on_o a_o great_a probability_n sometime_o a_o very_a little_a one_o and_o sometime_o man_n assent_v upon_o little_a or_o no_o reason_n at_o all_o their_o passion_n or_o interest_n byass_v their_o will_n and_o by_o it_o their_o understanding_n and_o this_o many_o time_n even_o against_o such_o reason_n as_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o another_o again_o material_a infallibility_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o that_o assent_n we_o speak_v of_o precise_o and_o sole_o consider_v depend_v sole_o at_o least_o principal_o on_o the_o object_n contrary_a to_o what_o be_v there_o assert_v and_o whereas_o he_o say_v princ._n 29._o that_o the_o infallibility_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v not_o assert_v by_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o a_o church_n he_o see_v by_o this_o discourse_n it_o both_o be_v and_o must_v be_v assert_v and_o that_o we_o maintain_v that_o every_o particular_a person_n must_v be_v material_o infallible_a or_o incapable_a of_o err_v while_o he_o rely_v on_o the_o ground_n lay_v and_o recommend_v by_o god_n that_o be_v while_o he_o believe_v the_o church_n which_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o render_v the_o formal_a infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n useless_a unless_o he_o will_v say_v that_o because_o it_o suffice_v for_o the_o pitch_n of_o weak_a people_n who_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o to_o maintain_v and_o make_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v simple_o in_o the_o right_n or_o void_a of_o error_n and_o that_o they_o see_v after_o a_o gross_a manner_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o though_o they_o can_v defend_v it_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o those_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o do_v so_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o penetrate_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o explicate_v prove_v and_o maintain_v it_o to_o be_v true_a nor_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o though_o the_o generality_n be_v after_o a_o rude_a and_o gross_a manner_n formal_o infallible_a in_o their_o belief_n that_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a and_o therefore_o that_o the_o point_n she_o propose_v be_v all_o likewise_o infallibly-true_a it_o will_v not_o follow_v i_o say_v hence_o that_o a_o great_a and_o clear_a and_o more_o penetrative_a degree_n of_o formal_a infallibility_n be_v useless_a in_o church-governor_n for_o as_o appear_v by_o my_o four_o note_n there_o be_v many_o other_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v by_o they_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o the_o church_n which_o far_o exceed_v the_o pitch_n and_o posture_n of_o those_o dull_a knower_n of_o the_o low_a class_n which_o be_v the_o next_o degree_n above_o ignorance_n and_o be_v unauthorise_v to_o meddle_v in_o such_o affair_n unless_o he_o will_v say_v that_o art_n be_v needless_a because_o there_o be_v nature_n or_o that_o there_o need_v no_o judge_n to_o decide_v such_o case_n in_o which_o the_o law_n seem_v plain_a and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o clear_n this_o concern_v point_n in_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o principle_n i_o shall_v be_v brief_a but_o i_o must_v not_o pass_v over_o his_o transition_n to_o they_o which_o be_v this_o we_o be_v further_a to_o inquire_v what_o certainty_n man_n may_v have_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n suppose_v no_o external_n proponent_a to_o be_v infallible_a and_o he_o need_v not_o go_v far_o to_o satisfy_v his_o enquiry_n for_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a by_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o protestant_n and_o socinian_o that_o scripture_n need_v some_o external_n proposer_n of_o its_o true_a meaning_n in_o such_o kind_n of_o point_n as_o also_o some_o external_n proposer_n or_o attester_n that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a text_n of_o it_o on_o which_o all_o be_v build_v also_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o dr._n st._n princ._n 15._o deny_v any_o infallible_a proposer_n of_o either_o of_o these_o and_o that_o here_o again_o he_o pursue_v close_o the_o same_o doctrine_n last_o this_o proposer_n be_v such_o that_o however_o we_o can_v have_v certainty_n without_o it_o that_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v yet_o we_o must_v depend_v on_o it_o for_o the_o knowledge_n when_o and_o where_o it_o be_v engage_v that_o be_v we_o must_v depend_v on_o it_o for_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o follow_v that_o in_o case_n this_o proponent_n be_v not_o infallible_a it_o can_v never_o be_v make_v out_o with_o infallible_a certainty_n that_o the_o divine_a authority_n stand_v engage_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o one_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o certainty_n man_n have_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o infallilible_n one_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n which_o faith_n have_v as_o he_o no_o where_o challenge_n but_o very_o laborious_o disprove_v it_o he_o need_v not_o go_v far_o to_o inquire_v or_o learn_v what_o certainty_n it_o must_v have_v for_o common_a sense_n tell_v he_o and_o every_o man_n who_o have_v the_o least_o spark_n of_o natural_a logic_n that_o if_o faith_n must_v have_v certainty_n as_o he_o grant_v and_o have_v not_o infallible_a certainty_n it_o must_v either_o have_v fallible_a certainty_n or_o none_o at_o all_o there_o be_v no_o middle_a between_o they_o and_o so_o we_o must_v make_v account_n that_o because_o it_o overstrain_v d._n st_n weak_a ground_n to_o assert_v faith_n to_o be_v infallible_o certain_a therefore_o his_o next_o attempt_n must_v be_v to_o overstrain_v common_a sense_n and_o to_o the_o inestimable_a honour_n of_o christian_a religion_n maintain_v that_o all_o christian_a faith_n be_v fallibly-certain_a but_o he_o must_v do_v it_o smooth_o and_o wary_o and_o however_o he_o name_v the_o word_n infallible_a loud_v enough_o and_o oft_o enough_o when_o he_o be_v confute_v it_o yet_o he_o must_v take_v heed_n how_o he_o name_v the_o word_n fallible_a certainty_n when_o he_o be_v assert_v it_o lest_o it_o breed_v laughter_n or_o dislike_n though_o it_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o very_a term_n that_o he_o who_o confute_v infallible_a certainty_n must_v maintain_v fallible_a certainty_n sf_n he_o maintain_v any_o but_o now_o he_o begin_v his_o defence_n of_o faith_n fallible_a certainty_n and_o it_o be_v fit_a we_o shall_v listen_v monstrous_a thing_n use_v to_o challenge_v and_o even_o force_v attention_n from_o the_o most_o unconcern_v 24._o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o certainty_n to_o be_v attain_v according_a to_o the_o
different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n and_o measure_n of_o divine_a assistance_n but_o every_o christian_a by_o the_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o common_a help_n of_o grace_n may_v attain_v to_o so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o certainty_n from_o the_o convince_v argument_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n on_o which_o man_n doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o they_o may_v as_o well_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v most_o evident_a to_o sense_n &_o reason_n i_o wish_v d._n s._n have_v explain_v himself_o here_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n whither_o some_o glance_n or_o likely_a appearance_n of_o truth_n call_v great_a or_o lesser_a probability_n or_o such_o intellectual_a sight_n at_o the_o least_o of_o they_o discover_v the_o th●ng_n th●●_n evidence_v to_o ●e_v be_v indeed_o so_o or_o true_a i_o suspect_v much_o he_o mean_v the_o former_a because_o th●se_a be_v the_o most_o proper_a ground_n for_o fallible_a certainty_n which_o he_o be_v now_o go_v to_o establish_v whereas_o the_o latter_a sort_n of_o evidence_n will_v hazard_v to_o carry_v too_o far_o and_o to_o beget_v infallible_a certainty_n which_o will_v quite_o spoil_v his_o most_o excellent_a design_n of_o settle_v the_o fallible_a certainty_n of_o faith_n for_o those_o evidence_n which_o show_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a show_v it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a whence_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o that_o such_o evidence_n as_o these_o will_v utter_o destroy_v his_o belove_a fallible_a certainty_n and_o endanger_v to_o introduce_v again_o by_o necessary_a and_o enforce_v consequence_n that_o popish_a doctrine_n of_o infallibility_n which_o he_o have_v new_o discard_v when_o he_o add_v that_o every_o christian_a may_v by_o the_o mean_n here_o assign_v attain_v to_o so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o certainty_n etc._n etc._n i_o have_v think_v he_o have_v mean_v certainty_n of_o the_o point_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o my_o hope_n be_v much_o defeat_v when_o come_v to_o the_o point_n he_o fly_v off_o to_o his_o christian_n not_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o convince_a argument_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o this_o be_v far_o wide_a of_o our_o purpose_n and_o his_o promise_n which_o be_v to_o reduce_v the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n to_o principle_n whereas_o these_o word_n signify_v no_o more_o but_o not_o to_o doubt_v of_o christianity_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n or_o scripture_n be_v god_n word_n but_o reach_v not_o to_o what_o be_v those_o point_n of_o christianity_n or_o determinate_a sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o particular_a which_o constitute_v protestantism_n and_o only_o concern_v our_o debate_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o roman-catholic_n profess_v not_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o convince_a ground_n of_o christianity_n nor_o yet_o of_o scripture_n but_o to_o hold_v that_o christianity_n be_v the_o only-true_a religion_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v holy_a and_o god_n word_n and_o yet_o we_o differ_v so_o much_o from_o protestant_n that_o he_o think_v we_o idolater_n what_o we_o be_v then_o in_o reason_n to_o expect_v from_o dr._n st._n be_v that_o he_o will_v bring_v we_o ground_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o faith_n as_o to_o determinate_a point_n viz._n christ_n godhead_n a_o trinity_n reality_n or_o not-reality_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o eucharist_n and_o such_o like_a and_o those_o so_o certain_a as_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o doubt_v of_o what_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v most_o evident_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n as_o doubt_v of_o they_o as_o he_o here_o pretend_v and_o not_o put_v we_o off_o with_o common_a word_n in_o stead_n of_o particular_a satisfaction_n concern_v his_o faith_n and_o the_o certainty_n thereof_o i_o will_v ask_v he_o then_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o socinian_n who_o he_o will_v not_o deny_v to_o have_v both_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o common_a help_n of_o grace_n and_o both_o the_o convince_a argument_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o authority_n of_o scripture_n to_o make_v use_n of_o how_o i_o say_v he_o come_v so_o to_o fall_v short_a of_o evidence_n and_o consequent_o certainty_n spring_v from_o that_o evidence_n concern_v christ_n godhead_n which_o be_v a_o fundamental_a point_n of_o christian_a faith_n that_o he_o doubt_v it_o nay_o utter_o deny_v it_o whereas_o yet_o the_o protestant_a have_v the_o same_o mean_n to_o work_v with_o judges_z he_o have_v evidence_n and_o certainty_n ground_v on_o that_o evidence_n that_o christ_n be_v god_n yet_o all_o this_o while_n they_o dissent_v not_o at_o all_o in_o thing_n most_o evident_a to_o sense_n or_o reason_n i_o much_o fear_v our_o drs._n big_a word_n concern_v his_o degree_n of_o evidence_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o faith_n build_v on_o those_o degree_n will_v when_o examine_v amount_v to_o a_o very_a obscure_a evidence_n and_o a_o problematical_a kind_n of_o assuredness_n much_o like_o those_o comfortable_a light_n which_o both_o party_n have_v when_o they_o lie_v even_o wager_n at_o cockfighting_n &_o such_o game_n give_v good_a hope_n to_o both_o side_n but_o good_a security_n to_o neither_o but_o so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v if_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o infallible_o but_o only_o fallibly-certain_a which_o be_v all_o he_o be_v bend_v to_o prove_v 25._o no_o man_n who_o firm_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n as_o true_a can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n entertain_v any_o suspicion_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o for_o that_o be_v to_o make_v he_o certain_a and_o uncertain_a of_o the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v therefore_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o these_o who_o be_v certain_a of_o what_o they_o believe_v may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n not_o know_v but_o it_o may_v be_v false_a which_o be_v a_o apparent_a contradiction_n and_o overthrow_v any_o faculty_n in_o we_o of_o judge_v of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n this_o principle_n and_o the_o next_o be_v i_o conceive_v intend_v to_o preserve_v the_o dr_n and_o his_o friend_n credit_v against_o the_o inference_n at_o the_o end_n of_o faith_n vindicate_v and_o diverse_a other_o passage_n show_v they_o either_o to_o be_v far_o from_o good_a christian_n in_o hold_v that_o all_o christian_a faith_n may_v possible_o be_v a_o error_n and_o lie_v imposture_n or_o else_o very_o bad_a discourser_n of_o their_o own_o thought_n whilst_o they_o equivalent_o express_v themselves_o in_o divers_a place_n to_o be_v possible_o in_o a_o error_n in_o all_o they_o believe_v nay_o more_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n this_o if_o justify_v can_v but_o reflect_v on_o they_o be_v so_o concern_v a_o lapse_n and_o i_o have_v at_o dr._n st_n brisk_a instigation_n charge_v it_o home_o in_o reason_n against_o raillery_n though_o i_o still_o express_v myself_o to_o incline_v to_o the_o more_o civil_a and_o more_o charitable_a side_n and_o rather_o lay_v the_o blame_n on_o their_o understanding_n then_o on_o their_o will_n and_o intention_n which_o book_n have_v dr._n st._n see_v when_o he_o write_v this_o he_o will_v have_v discern_v the_o triflingness_n of_o these_o weak_a excuse_n but_o let_v we_o see_v what_o he_o say_v his_o fir●t_o part_n be_v build_v on_o a_o most_o gross_a and_o senseless_a error_n which_o be_v that_o he_o who_o firm_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a be_v certain_a of_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n for_o this_o be_v to_o make_v he_o certain_a and_o uncertain_a of_o the_o same_o thing_n i_o wonder_v exceed_o where_o the_o dr._n ●earned_v this_o notion_n of_o certainty_n not_o from_o mankind_n i_o be_o sure_a at_o least_o not_o from_o those_o who_o have_v the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n for_o all_o these_o already_o know_v it_o to_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o man_n may_v firm_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a and_o yet_o that_o thing_n be_v false_a must_v that_o man_n therefore_o be_v certain_a of_o that_o falsehood_n and_o that_o it_o be_v though_o in_o reality_n it_o be_v not_o we_o experience_n that_o opposite_a party_n firm_o assent_v to_o contrary_a tenet_n as_o true_a for_o example_n the_o socinian_o firm_o assent_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o god_n we_o and_o the_o protestant_n that_o christ_n be_v god_n catholic_n assent_v firm_o that_o they_o be_v not_o idolater_n when_o they_o make_v use_v of_o holy_a image_n in_o divine_a worship_n d._n st._n firm_o assent_v they_o be_v at_o least_o he_o will_v persuade_v his_o 〈◊〉_d by_o his_o book_n he_o do_v so_o be_v all_o these_o opposite_a side_n certain_a of_o their_o several_a tenet_n because_o each_o side_n firm_o assent_v to_o they_o as_o true_a