Selected quad for the lemma: scripture_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n authority_n church_n rely_v 2,745 5 11.3463 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59220 Errour non-plust, or, Dr. Stillingfleet shown to be the man of no principles with an essay how discourses concerning Catholick grounds bear the highest evidence. Sergeant, John, 1622-1707. 1673 (1673) Wing S2565; ESTC R18785 126,507 288

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only_o in_o the_o word_n it_o be_v agree_v then_o among_o we_o all_o that_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v be_v god_n word_n or_o his_o will_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o salvation_n all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o know_v with_o absolute_a certainty_n what_o be_v the_o first_o teach_v doctrine_n or_o christ_n sense_n and_o whatever_o can_v thus_o assure_v we_o of_o that_o be_v deserve_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n now_o the_o word_n rule_v make_v use_n of_o to_o mean_v a_o spiritual_a or_o intellectual_a direction_n be_v metaphorical_a or_o translate_v from_o some_o material_a thing_n as_o most_o word_n that_o express_v spiritual_a notion_n be_v and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o those_o kind_n of_o metaphor_n which_o be_v transfer_v from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o for_o some_o proportion_n or_o resemblance_n between_o they_o for_o as_o a_o material_a rule_n be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o if_o one_o endeavour_n to_o go_v 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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 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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
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
which_o place_n each_o word_n be_v to_o be_v take_v thus_o or_o thus_o nor_o can_v it_o justify_v with_o absolute_a or_o infallible_a certainty_n either_o its_o text_n or_o copy_n to_o be_v substantial_o like_o the_o original_a nor_o if_o we_o may_v trust_v dr._n st._n here_o princ._n 15._o can_v any_o authority_n on_o earth_n supply_v that_o necessary_a duty_n for_o it_o nor_o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o compare_v one_o place_n to_o another_o so_o to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n do_v it_o tell_v we_o which_o place_n be_v to_o be_v compare_v to_o another_o as_o its_o proper_a explainer_n nor_o of_o the_o two_o allude_v place_n which_o be_v to_o stand_v firm_a and_o be_v take_v as_o the_o letter_n lie_v which_o to_o bend_v its_o signification_n in_o correspondency_n to_o that_o other_o without_o foreknowledge_n of_o which_o it_o be_v pure_a folly_n to_o think_v to_o avail_v ourselves_o by_o compare_v place_n none_o of_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n letter_n as_o it_o lie_v which_o notwithstanding_o and_o perhaps_o many_o other_o such_o like_a it_o have_v be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o have_v give_v it_o in_o case_n it_o have_v be_v intend_v by_o he_o for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o such_o a_o direction_n by_o rely_v on_o which_o people_n of_o all_o capacity_n may_v have_v so_o wellgrounded_n a_o assent_n to_o those_o point_n as_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v a_o error_n while_o they_o thus_o rely_v on_o it_o which_o assent_n in_o christian_a language_n we_o call_v faith_n on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o of_o some_o point_n it_o give_v only_o accidental_a hint_n here_o and_o there_o without_o insist_v upon_o they_o ample_o or_o explain_v they_o full_o and_o that_o book_n which_o be_v most_o design_o intend_v to_o assert_v christ_n divinity_n be_v yet_o so_o far_o from_o put_v it_o out_o of_o all_o dispute_n or_o preserve_v it_o from_o be_v oppose_v and_o call_v in_o question_n that_o never_o yet_o do_v heresy_n prevail_v so_o much_o against_o god_n church_n as_o do_v the_o arian_n who_o deny_v that_o very_a point_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o need_v more_o to_o evince_v this_o point_n than_o these_o two_o argument_n one_o à_fw-la priori_fw-la the_o other_o à_fw-la posteriori_fw-la all_o word_n be_v either_o proper_a or_o improper_a and_o metaphorical_a of_o which_o proper_a one_o express_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v indeed_o or_o in_o reality_n so_o but_o improper_a one_o that_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o or_o in_o reality_n so_o whence_o it_o happen_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o so_o exact_a truth_n as_o point_n of_o faith_n especial_o when_o the_o point_n be_v of_o main_a concern_v it_o import_v a_o plain_a heresy_n either_o to_o take_v a_o proper_a word_n for_o a_o improper_a or_o a_o improper_a one_o for_o a_o proper_a for_o example_n those_o text_n express_v that_o god_n have_v hand_n foot_n repent_v grieve_v be_v move_v by_o our_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n be_v if_o take_v proper_o wicked_a heresy_n and_o destroy_v the_o spiritual_a and_o unchangeable_a nature_n of_o the_o godhead_n also_o to_o take_v those_o word_n christ_n be_v man_n suffer_v die_v rise_v again_o etc._n etc._n improper_o be_v wicked_a heresy_n too_o and_o take_v away_o the_o main_a support_n of_o our_o salvation_n this_o be_v so_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o absolutely-certain_a knowledge_n when_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v take_v proper_o when_o not_o be_v determinative_a of_o what_o be_v true_a faith_n what_o heresy_n it_o must_v be_v have_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n itself_o and_o so_o from_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n if_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o rule_n but_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o have_v from_o the_o scripture_n letter_n for_o this_o must_v either_o be_v do_v by_o that_o letter_n signify_v in_o each_o place_n express_o or_o equivalent_o that_o the_o word_n be_v proper_o or_o improper_o there_o take_v which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v show_v nor_o be_v ever_o pretend_v or_o else_o by_o signify_v the_o contrary_a point_n in_o another_o place_n and_o this_o as_o far_o as_o the_o bare_a letter_n carry_v or_o abstract_v from_o all_o interpretation_n can_v only_o signify_v that_o the_o letter_n in_o one_o place_n seem_v to_o contradict_v itself_o in_o another_o place_n and_o this_o as_o far_o as_o the_o bare_a letter_n carry_v or_o abstract_v from_o all_o interpretation_n can_v only_o signify_v that_o the_o letter_n in_o one_o place_n seem_v to_o contradict_v itself_o in_o another_o place_n which_o be_v far_o short_a of_o give_v we_o a_o unerring_a security_n which_o side_n be_v truth_n or_o if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o letter_n alone_o give_v we_o not_o this_o security_n without_o some_o interpretation_n than_o this_o interpretation_n perform_v what_o the_o letter_n if_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n ought_v but_o can_v not_o and_o determine_v with_o absolute_a certainty_n when_o the_o word_n be_v take_v proper_o when_o not_o that_o be_v give_v we_o our_o faith_n and_o consequent_o that_o light_n or_o knowledge_n whatever_o it_o be_v which_o the_o interpreter_n bring_v with_o he_o and_o have_v it_o not_o from_o the_o letter_n give_v we_o the_o right_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o so_o it_z not_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n from_o the_o effect_n or_o à_fw-la posteriori_fw-la i_o argue_v thus_o we_o experience_v that_o great_a body_n of_o man_n of_o divers_a sect_n with_o equal_a earnestness_n as_o far_o as_o appear_v to_o we_o go_v about_o to_o find_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n letter_n and_o equal_o profess_v to_o rely_v upon_o god_n assistance_n to_o that_o end_n wherefore_o either_o we_o must_v be_v force_v to_o judge_v that_o none_o of_o those_o several_a sect_n do_v sincere_o desire_v to_o find_v true_a faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o by_o dr._n st_n principle_n no_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n have_v right_a faith_n which_o quite_o take_v away_o all_o christianity_n or_o else_o we_o must_v think_v all_o of_o they_o true_o desire_v to_o find_v right_a faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o rely_v on_o god_n help_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o which_o case_n since_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o they_o take_v as_o apply_v themselves_o to_o their_o rule_n and_o rely_v on_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v manife_a they_o differ_v that_o be_v one_o side_n err_v in_o most_o fundamental_a point_n as_o in_o the_o trinity_n divinity_n of_o christ_n real_a presence_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n it_o follow_v unavoidable_o that_o the_o faul●_n be_v in_o those_o person_n in_o hold_v it_o their_o rule_n for_o in_o case_n they_o err_v not_o in_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n that_o be_v in_o case_n it_o be_v indeed_o apt_a to_o ascertain_v they_o absolute_o if_o they_o apply_v it_o and_o that_o they_o do_v actual_o apply_v it_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v ever_o err_v scripture_n letter_n then_o be_v far_o from_o secure_v man_n of_o all_o sort_n while_o they_o rely_v on_o it_o from_o error_n since_o whole_a body_n of_o man_n and_o among_o those_o multitude_n of_o great_a scholar_n and_o learned_a scripturist_n err_v grievous_o and_o that_o in_o most_o fundamental_a point_n even_o while_o they_o rely_v upon_o it_o which_o if_o it_o destroy_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n i_o know_v not_o what_o do_v this_o discourse_n be_v forelay_v we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o make_v short_a work_n with_o his_o principle_n to_o which_o we_o now_o address_v whereas_o then_o in_o his_o ten_o principle_n he_o contend_v that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v to_o man_n by_o writing_n i_o answer_v that_o by_o extraordinary_a contrivance_n and_o act_n of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o power_n it_o may_v but_o that_o this_o will_v avail_v he_o little_a since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la god_n have_v not_o thus_o exert_v his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n in_o make_v scripture_n letter_n fit_a for_o that_o end_n whence_o we_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v never_o mean_v for_o a_o rule_n and_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o word_n be_v equal_o capable_a of_o be_v understand_v speak_v or_o write_v i_o deny_v it_o absolute_o for_o nature_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o countenance_n and_o carriage_n of_o the_o speaker_n the_o accent_n of_o the_o voice_n the_o giving_z a_o due_a and_o live_a emphasis_n to_o the_o word_n with_o the_o whole_a complexion_n of_o circumstance_n in_o which_o the_o speaker_n be_v find_v and_o which_o general_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v and_o among_o these_o principal_o his_o apply_v himself_o pertinent_o to_o the_o present_a exigency_n thought_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o hearer_n all_o these_o i_o say_v and_o
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
christianity_n yet_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v or_o these_o crafty_a common_a word_n inform_v we_o they_o have_v still_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o save_v they_o that_o be_v though_o they_o go_v wrong_v all_o their_o life_n they_o be_v still_o all_o the_o while_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o i_o suppose_v dr._n st._n mean_n that_o no_o more_o be_v necessary_a for_o any_o one_o salvation_n than_o just_a as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v understand_v in_o scripture_n which_o i_o wish_v he_o will_v once_o begin_v to_o set_v himself_o to_o prove_v &_o make_v out_o by_o some_o convince_a argument_n i_o be_o hearty_o weary_a of_o speak_v still_o to_o his_o unproved_a and_o voluntary_a assertion_n 14._o to_o suppose_v the_o book_n so_o write_v to_o be_v imperfect_a i._n e._n that_o any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v be_v not_o contain_v in_o they_o be_v either_o to_o charge_v the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o with_o fraud_n and_o not_o deliver_v his_o 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and_o near_o than_o now_o some_o unlearned_a person_n err_v damnable_o in_o mistake_v and_o misconceive_a they_o that_o be_v while_o they_o go_v about_o to_o frame_v their_o faith_n out_o of_o they_o it_o be_v questionless_a also_o they_o rely_v upon_o they_o as_o god_n word_n or_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n else_o they_o have_v not_o so_o build_v upon_o they_o or_o adhere_v to_o they_o they_o may_v sincere_o endeavour_v too_o to_o know_v their_o meaning_n yet_o if_o the_o write_n be_v disproportion_v to_o their_o pitch_n they_o may_v err_v damnable_o for_o all_o that_o what_o far_a end_n god_n intend_v the_o h._n scripture_n for_o appear_v not_o by_o any_o express_v either_o promise_n or_o declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o out_o of_o the_o knowledge_n that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o person_n divine_o inspire_v and_o the_o experience_n the_o church_n have_v of_o their_o vsefulness_n towards_o instruction_n and_o good_a life_n join_v with_o the_o common_a knowledge_n 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controversy_n or_o final_o silence_v heretic_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o do_v by_o the_o unavoidable_a evidence_n of_o the_o text_n to_o private_a person_n no_o use_n be_v ever_o make_v of_o they_o alone_o with_o any_o success_n as_o the_o father_n also_o complain_v unless_o the_o the_o church_n authority_n go_v along_o animate_v the_o dead_a letter_n in_o dogmatical_a passage_n and_o show_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n to_o have_v be_v perpetual_o hold_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o so_o give_v it_o the_o sense_n majesty_n authority_n and_o force_n of_o god_n word_n elevate_a it_o thus_o above_o the_o repute_n of_o be_v some_o private_a conceit_n or_o production_n of_o skill_n and_o wit_n interpret_n the_o letter_n scripture_n then_o be_v perfect_a or_o have_v all_o due_a to_o the_o nature_n god_n intend_v it_o if_o due_o make_v use_n of_o as_o the_o church_n best_a instrument_n it_o be_v able_a to_o work_v those_o effect_n speak_v of_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o evident_a or_o self-authorized_a as_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o give_v it_o absolute_a pre-eminence_n in_o its_o kind_n that_o be_v above_o all_o other_o write_n that_o ever_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o prefer_v before_o it_o tradition_n or_o god_n church_n which_o be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o consist_v of_o the_o live_a temple_n of_o the_o h._n ghost_n for_o who_o sole_a good_a as_o its_o final_a end_n scripture_n itself_o be_v intend_v and_o write_v 15._o these_o write_n be_v own_v 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 for_o salvation_n there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n suppose_v of_o any_o infallible_a society_n of_o man_n either_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 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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 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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 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make_v it_o more_o a_o certainty_n or_o a_o better_a certainty_n which_o make_v the_o conclusiveness_n or_o evidence_n have_v from_o the_o object_n needless_a to_o create_v a_o certainty_n and_o signify_v thus_o much_o in_o plain_a term_n think_v or_o imagine_v what_o you_o will_v so_o you_o imagine_v it_o strong_o and_o hold_v it_o stiff_o you_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v have_v he_o say_v a_o christian_n be_v or_o may_v be_v thus_o certain_a by_o such_o a_o proof_n have_v from_o the_o object_n as_o be_v true_o conclusive_a of_o the_o thing_n how_o genuine_a coherent_a &_o clear_a have_v his_o expression_n be_v which_o now_o be_v force_v incongruous_a and_o obscure_a how_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n as_o all_o mankind_n understand_v it_o which_o now_o be_v most_o irrational_a and_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o same_o nature_n how_o honourable_a and_o creditable_a have_v it_o be_v to_o his_o cause_n and_o to_o himself_o too_o as_o a_o 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faith_n be_v thereby_o resolve_v into_o the_o scripture_n as_o into_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o what_o he_o be_v to_o believe_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o show_n of_o consequence_n for_o this_o unless_o he_o have_v first_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v intend_v to_o speak_v so_o clear_a in_o the_o scripture_n as_o every_o private_a understanding_n shall_v not_o sail_v of_o be_v secure_v from_o mistake_n while_o it_o rely_v upon_o it_o as_o also_o that_o god_n have_v speak_v to_o we_o no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o the_o write_a word_n which_o he_o have_v no_o where_o prove_v nor_o can_v ever_o prove_v and_o if_o the_o former_a of_o these_o as_o experience_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v be_v want_v it_o be_v not_o a_o rule_n to_o those_o person_n if_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v not_o necessary_o the_o measure_n of_o what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v 29._o no_o christian_a can_v be_v oblige_v under_o any_o pretence_n of_o infallibility_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o that_o book_n wherein_o he_o believe_v his_o will_n to_o be_v contain_v and_o consequent_o be_v bind_v to_o reject_v whatsoever_o be_v offer_v to_o be_v impose_v upon_o his_o faith_n which_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n or_o be_v contrary_a thereto_o which_o rejection_n be_v no_o make_v negative_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o apply_v the_o general_a ground_n of_o faith_n to_o particular_a instance_n as_o because_o i_o believe_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n therefore_o no_o such_o particular_a thing_n which_o neither_o be_v there_o nor_o can_v be_v deduce_v thence_o if_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o hold_v that_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o whole_a will_n in_o that_o book_n and_o this_o so_o clear_o that_o all_o or_o most_o christian_n can_v not_o miss_v of_o understand_v it_o right_o so_o as_o thereby_o to_o be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o their_o faith_n than_o indeed_o the_o first_o half_a of_o his_o principle_n here_o run_v very_o current_o and_o smooth_o but_o these_o rub_n lie_v still_o in_o the_o way_n which_o dr._n st._n have_v not_o in_o the_o least_o remould_v they_o be_v also_o satisfy_v by_o the_o general_n conceit_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o the_o nature_n and_o genius_n of_o christian_a faith_n that_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v a_o error_n or_o lie_n and_o consequent_o mu●t_o have_v such_o ground_n as_o can_v possible_o permit_v all_o the_o world_n to_o be_v in_o a_o error_n while_o they_o rely_v on_o they_o that_o be_v ground_n which_o be_v infallible_o secure_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n observe_v both_o by_o experience_n and_o reason_n that_o scripture_n be_v not_o such_o a_o ground_n as_o that_o private_a understanding_n apply_v to_o it_o be_v thereby_o perserve_v from_o possibility_n of_o err_v as_o dr._n st._n also_o confess_v in_o his_o next_o principle_n hence_o they_o be_v invite_v strong_o to_o 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and_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o their_o rejection_n of_o such_o point_n which_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n or_o be_v contrary_a thereto_o be_v no_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o apply_v the_o general_a ground_n of_o faith_n to_o particular_a instance_n he_o discourse_v therein_o very_o consonant_o to_o his_o own_o ground_n be_v they_o worth_a any_o thing_n yet_o i_o have_v one_o thing_n to_o propose_v to_o his_o consideration_n which_o be_v that_o to_o justify_v his_o reformer_n he_o must_v produce_v ground_n full_a as_o good_a or_o rather_o better_a for_o the_o rejection_n of_o those_o point_n as_o for_o his_o faith_n or_o to_o speak_v more_o distinct_o he_o must_v have_v as_o perfect_v or_o rather_o perfect_a certainty_n for_o these_o two_o proposition_n nothing_o it_o to_o be_v believe_v which_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n and_o this_o or_o that_o reject_a point_n have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n as_o he_o have_v for_o any_o point_n of_o christian_a faith_n for_o since_o upon_o the_o evidence_n they_o have_v of_o these_o two_o proposition_n they_o disobey_v and_o rebel_v against_o their_o then_o lawful_a superior_n and_o church_n pastor_n and_o break_v church-union_n which_o be_v evident_o forbid_v by_o god_n law_n and_o so_o the_o preserve_a union_n &_o obey_v they_o be_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o which_o themselves_o confess_v be_v such_o and_o bind_v they_o as_o such_o in_o case_n the_o reason_n for_o their_o impose_v new_a point_n be_v not_o valid_a that_o be_v if_o these_o two_o proposition_n on_o who_o evidence_n they_o rely_v when_o they_o allege_v they_o be_v wrongful_o impose_v and_o thence_o reject_v they_o be_v not_o true_a it_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v at_o least_o have_v equal_a evidence_n nay_o more_o for_o bare_a equality_n will_v only_o balance_v they_o in_o a_o doubtful_a suspense_n berween_v either_o side_n that_o those_o proposition_n on_o which_o they_o ground_n their_o rejection_n of_o those_o article_n and_o disobedience_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o superior_n be_v true_a as_o they_o have_v for_o their_o faith_n and_o if_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o rejection_n ought_v to_o be_v more_o certain_a than_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n there_o be_v either_o some_o thing_n wrong_v in_o the_o pretend_a ground_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o else_o their_o negative_a article_n ought_v to_o be_v allow_v the_o honour_n of_o be_v point_n of_o faith_n too_o since_o their_o great_a certainty_n give_v they_o fair_a and_o equal_a title_n to_o it_o if_o not_o absolute_a pre-eminence_n 30._o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a way_n to_o prevent_v man_n mistake_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o man_n be_v fallible_a be_v subject_a to_o than_o the_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o mistake_v in_o a_o matter_n wherein_o their_o salvation_n
be_v concern_v and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o that_o may_v not_o serve_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v make_v use_n of_o as_o the_o mean_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o sin_n in_o their_o life_n unless_o any_o imagine_v that_o error_n in_o opinion_n be_v far_o more_o dangerous_a to_o man_n soul_n then_o a_o vicious_a life_n be_v and_o therefore_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o take_v more_o care_n to_o prevent_v the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o the_o dr._n be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v notwithstanding_o all_o his_o promise_n to_o reduce_v faith_n to_o principle_n and_o to_o prove_v its_o certainty_n leave_v it_o still_o uncertain_a think_v it_o his_o best_a expedient_a to_o close_v his_o blind_a principle_n with_o a_o speed_a one_o which_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o all_o principle_n shall_v maintain_v that_o it_o need_v not_o be_v certain_a though_o he_o couch_v this_o sense_n wary_o as_o it_o behoove_v he_o he_o seem_v to_o ground_v his_o sceptical_a discourse_n on_o this_o that_o man_n be_v fallible_a and_o so_o subject_a to_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o wish_v he_o will_v speak_v out_o once_o in_o his_o life_n and_o tell_v we_o plain_o whether_o all_o mankind_n be_v fallible_a in_o every_o thing_n or_o only_o in_o some_o thing_n and_o in_o some_o circumstance_n again_o whether_o he_o mean_v that_o man_n be_v natural_o fallible_a or_o supernatural_o that_o be_v by_o mean_n of_o god_n infinite_a power_n if_o it_o shall_v set_v it_o ●elf_n to_o deceive_v they_o if_o the_o late_a it_o be_v not_o nor_o aught_o to_o be_v our_o question_n for_o no_o man_n who_o have_v any_o reverence_n for_o god_n or_o his_o attribute_n will_v ever_o think_v that_o he_o will_v do_v miracle_n still_o to_o lead_v mankind_n into_o error_n but_o rather_o judge_v it_o become_v his_o goodness_n to_o provide_v in_o case_n the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o church_n shall_v require_v that_o some_o 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for_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v man_n discourse_v with_o he_o if_o all_o his_o sense_n be_v fallible_a himself_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o discourse_n or_o no_o i_o ask_v still_o further_o be_v man_n natural_o fallible_a in_o some_o thing_n not_o have_v immediate_o from_o sense_n for_o example_n in_o know_v that_o the_o world_n be_v on_o foot_n a_o year_n before_o we_o be_v bear_v or_o in_o first_o principle_n as_o aequale_fw-la est_fw-la aequale_fw-la sibi_fw-la a_o equal_a equal_a to_o itself_o or_o in_o a_o conclusion_n immediate_o depend_v on_o such_o principle_n as_o that_o therefore_o three_o line_n draw_v from_o the_o centre_n to_o the_o circumference_n be_v equal_a and_o such_o like_a i_o think_v he_o will_v not_o say_v it_o we_o see_v then_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o infallibility_n or_o certainty_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n wherefore_o they_o can_v aim_v at_o it_o and_o desire_v it_o especial_o in_o faith_n which_o be_v of_o so_o high_a a_o concern_v to_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o basis_n of_o all_o their_o spiritual_a building_n therefore_o both_o for_o that_o reason_n and_o very_o many_o other_o recount_v and_o enforce_v by_o i_o in_o faith_n vindicated_n and_o elsewhere_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v this_o certainty_n especial_o since_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n be_v neither_o provable_a maintainable_a nor_o professible_a without_o it_o in_o case_n such_o a_o certainty_n be_v not_o in_o itself_o impossible_a and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o i_o have_v say_v something_o both_o in_o my_o reason_n against_o raillery_n p._n 64._o to_o 67._o and_o p._n 112._o to_o p._n 116._o as_o also_o in_o this_o present_a treatise_n in_o my_o answer_n to_o the_o 27._o principle_n but_o set_v this_o aside_o we_o will_v proceed_v and_o demand_v still_o far_o be_v man_n deceivable_a in_o know_v what_o one_o another_o mean_n in_o ordinary_a conversation_n or_o domestic_a affair_n can_v the_o ma●●er_n and_o the_o man_n the_o mistress_n and_o her_o maid_n understand_v one_o another_o or_o in_o case_n some_o ambiguous_a expression_n intermingle_v itself_o can_v the_o speaker_n upon_o the_o other_o be_v signify_v his_o dissatisfaction_n absolute_o clear_v his_o doubt_n and_o make_v himself_o be_v thorough_o understand_v experience_n tell_v we_o they_o can_v and_o that_o they_o may_v as_o easy_o be_v mistake_v in_o their_o sensation_n as_o in_o such_o kind_n of_o expression_n we_o see_v then_o man_n be_v infallible_a in_o many_o thing_n and_o even_o in_o understand_v word_n aright_o in_o same_o case_n if_o then_o they_o be_v fallible_a in_o understand_a scripture_n and_o this_o in_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o christianity_n as_o be_v show_v above_o it_o be_v evident_a this_o fallibility_n be_v not_o to_o be_v refund_v total_o into_o the_o subject_a or_o man_n since_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o infallible_a certainty_n in_o other_o thing_n but_o into_o the_o want_n of_o clearness_n in_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o such_o point_n in_o proportion_n to_o private_a understanding_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v never_o intend_v by_o god_n for_o their_o rule_n of_o faith_n since_o though_o both_o side_n rely_v on_o this_o yet_o one_o even_o while_o do_v thus_o be_v still_o in_o a_o error_n and_o such_o a_o error_n as_o be_v a_o heresy_n since_o than_o what_o we_o hold_v be_v that_o man_n be_v infallible_a in_o affair_n belong_v to_o faith_n and_o this_o while_o they_o rely_v on_o the_o ground_n leave_v by_o god_n for_o they_o to_o embrace_v faith_n i_o will_v ask_v he_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o he_o hold_v all_o man_n may_v be_v deceive_v in_o that_o very_a affair_n even_o while_o they_o do_v this_o to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o power_n if_o he_o say_v they_o can_v it_o be_v unavoidable_a all_o the_o christian_a world_n may_v possible_o be_v now_o in_o a_o error_n and_o all_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o mere_a lie_n as_o also_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o that_o case_n god_n will_v have_v leave_v no_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o secure_v his_o church_n or_o any_o man_n in_o it_o from_o error_n &_o last_o that_o god_n lead_v man_n into_o error_n s●nce_o they_o act_v to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o power_n as_o be_v suppose_v their_o error_n can_v be_v refund_v into_o they_o but_o into_o the_o defectiveness_n of_o those_o mean_n that_o be_v their_o want_n of_o perspicuity_n or_o sufficient_a plainness_n to_o their_o addict_v and_o faithfully-endeavouring_a understanding_n even_o as_o to_o those_o main_a point_n thus_o much_o to_o show_v how_o crafty_o dr._n st._n to_o avoid_v reflection_n on_o the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o rule_n he_o assign_v put_v it_o only_o upon_o man_n being_n fallible_a and_o how_o unreasonable_o he_o behave_v himself_o in_o so_o do_v let_v we_o now_o see_v how_o he_o provide_v against_o this_o fallibility_n lest_o otherwise_o all_o mankind_n shall_v err_v in_o their_o faith_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a way_n to_o prevent_v man_n mistake_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o man_n be_v fallible_a be_v subject_a to_o than_o the_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o mistake_v in_o a_o matter_n wherein_o their_o salvation_n be_v concern_v well_o put_v this_o consideration_n in_o man_n be_v any_o of_o they_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o yet_o infallible_a or_o secure_v from_o err_v in_o understand_a scripture_n if_o not_o all_o mankind_n may_v yet_o according_a to_o his_o ground_n be_v in_o a_o error_n in_o matter_n belong_v to_o faith_n and_o so_o all_o christian_a faith_n may_v still_o possible_o be_v false_a notwithstanding_o all_o the_o provision_n put_v by_o he_o to_o secure_v they_o and_o it._n but_o if_o this_o render_v they_o absolute_o secure_v from_o err_v than_o we_o may_v hope_v god_n church_n too_o may_v have_v the_o grace_n give_v she_o by_o god_n
the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o i_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n oppose_v he_o and_o his_o friend_n for_o advance_v uncertainty_n and_o consequent_o scepticism_n in_o faith_n however_o they_o and_o their_o angry_a passionate_a party_n be_v please_v to_o apprehend_v i_o i_o perceive_v dr._n st._n will_v hope_v to_o evade_v by_o say_v that_o christian_a virtue_n may_v be_v uphold_v by_o the_o certainty_n we_o have_v of_o some_o point_n of_o faith_n though_o other_o be_v uncertain_a which_o point_n to_o make_v his_o uncertainty_n of_o faith_n go_v down_o the_o better_a he_o call_v here_o opinion_n but_o if_o he_o mean_v by_o opinion_n the_o tenet_n of_o a_o trinity_n christ_n godhead_n and_o presence_n in_o the_o b._n sacrament_n all_o most_o high_o concern_v christian_n life_n one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o which_o we_o discern_v great_a party_n differ_v who_o all_o admit_v the_o scripture_n and_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o interpret_v it_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v perceive_v nay_o and_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o mistake_v too_o which_o he_o make_v the_o very_o best_a mean_n of_o all_o if_o i_o say_v these_o and_o such_o as_o these_o be_v the_o opinion_n he_o speak_v of_o and_o counterpose_v they_o to_o mean_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n in_o their_o life_n and_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n he_o assign_v leaf_n whole_a body_n of_o relier_n on_o it_o in_o actual_a error_n in_o such_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o most_o high_a concernment_n to_o good_a life_n as_o have_v be_v show_v even_o while_o they_o proceed_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n god_n intend_v his_o church_n and_o mankind_n to_o build_v their_o faith_n on_o and_o so_o none_o can_v presume_v of_o security_n of_o mistake_n by_o rely_v pure_o upon_o it_o but_o all_o of_o concern_v not_o know_v before_o by_o some_o other_o mean_n that_o be_v all_o which_o it_o alone_o hold_v forth_o may_v be_v also_o liable_a to_o be_v a_o mistake_n likewise_o unless_o some_o other_o authority_n more_o ascertainable_a to_o we_o than_o it_o abet_n its_o letter_n in_o such_o passage_n as_o be_v plain_a because_o they_o be_v either_o mere_o moral_a or_o narrative_n or_o explain_v its_o sense_n in_o other_o which_o be_v more_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a and_o so_o more_o peculiar_a and_o fundamental_a to_o christianity_n recapitulation_n to_o meet_v with_o the_o absurd_a position_n express_v or_o else_o imply_v in_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v here_o by_o dr._n st._n in_o these_o last_o eleven_o principle_n of_o he_o i_o take_v leave_n to_o remind_n the_o reader_n of_o these_o few_o opposite_a truth_n establish_v in_o my_o former_a discourse_n 1._o that_o assent_n call_v faith_n take_v as_o build_v on_o the_o motive_n leave_v by_o god_n to_o light_a mankind_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n that_o be_v take_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v and_o as_o it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o generality_n be_v for_o that_o reason_n absolute_o that_o be_v more_o than_o moral_o certain_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a 2._o though_o the_o nature_n of_o assent_n depend_v immediate_o on_o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o it_o in_o our_o mind_n when_o it_o be_v rational_a yet_o in_o case_n it_o be_v true_a as_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v it_o must_v necessary_o be_v build_v and_o depend_v fundamental_o on_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n since_o without_o dependence_n on_o it_o this_o evidence_n itself_o can_v possible_o be_v have_v 3._o a_o man_n may_v be_v material_o infallible_a or_o out_o of_o possibility_n of_o be_v actual_o deceive_v in_o judge_v the_o divine_a authority_n be_v engage_v by_o adhere_v to_o another_o judgement_n who_o be_v infallible_a or_o in_o the_o right_n in_o thus_o judge_v though_o he_o penetrate_v not_o the_o reason_n why_o that_o other_o man_n come_v to_o be_v infallible_a also_o he_o who_o be_v thus_o infallible_a be_v in_o possession_n of_o those_o truth_n relieve_v upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n as_o the_o formal_a motive_n of_o believe_v they_o which_o truth_n as_o principle_n beget_v those_o good_a affection_n in_o he_o in_o which_o consist_v our_o christian_a life_n such_o a_o man_n i_o say_v have_v consequent_o enough_o speak_v abstract_o for_o the_o essence_n of_o save_v faith_n though_o he_o be_v not_o formal_o or_o know_o infallible_a by_o penetrate_v the_o conclusiveness_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n 4._o to_o be_v thus_o material_o infallible_a or_o thus_o in_o the_o right_n in_o judge_v the_o divine_a authority_n be_v engage_v be_v requisite_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o essence_n of_o faith_n otherwise_o the_o believe_v upon_o the_o divin_n authority_n when_o it_o be_v not_o engage_v and_o so_o perhaps_o the_o believe_a and_o hold_v firm_o to_o abominable_a error_n and_o heretical_a tenet_n may_v be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n to_o assert_v which_o be_v both_o absurd_a and_o most_o impious_a 5._o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v formal_o or_o know_o infallible_a that_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v engage_v for_o since_o it_o hazard_v heresy_n and_o error_n to_o judge_v that_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v engage_v for_o any_o point_n when_o it_o be_v not_o it_o ought_v to_o breed_v suspense_n and_o caution_n in_o reflecter_n till_o they_o see_v it_o engage_v &_o consequent_o the_o better_a they_o see_v this_o the_o more_o hearty_a they_o be_v apt_a to_o assent_v to_o the_o point_n upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n so_o that_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o ground_n which_o conclude_v the_o divine_a authority_n engage_v better_n and_o strengthen_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n 6._o however_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o those_o who_o downright_a rudeness_n let_v they_o not_o reflect_v at_o all_o to_o be_v only_o material_o infallible_a that_o god_n authority_n be_v engage_v yet_o it_o be_v beside_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o reflecter_n who_o raise_v doubt_n especial_o for_o those_o who_o be_v very_o acute_a to_o discern_v some_o reason_n which_o can_v deceive_v they_o or_o to_o be_v formal_o or_o know_o infallible_a that_o it_o be_v indeed_o actual_o engage_v for_o those_o point_n otherwise_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o provision_n enough_o have_v be_v make_v by_o god_n to_o satisfy_v or_o cause_n save_v faith_n in_o fool_n and_o none_o at_o all_o to_o breed_v faith_n wise_a man_n which_o without_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o in_o point_n be_v in_o possible_a to_o be_v expect_v in_o such_o through-sighted_n reflecter_n the_o same_o formal_a infallibility_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o wise_a sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o church_n both_o to_o de●end_v faith_n and_o establish_v its_o ground_n in_o a_o scholarlike_o way_n as_o also_o for_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n and_o other_o obligation_n incumbent_a on_o they_o as_o faithful_a and_o last_o for_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v to_o be_v breed_v in_o they_o by_o faith_n certainty_n 7._o though_o then_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n need_v not_o to_o be_v actual_o penetrate_v by_o all_o the_o faithful_a while_o they_o proceed_v unreflect_o yet_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o qualify_v that_o it_o may_v satisfy_v all_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o reflect_v and_o so_o to_o doubt_v of_o their_o faith_n that_o be_v it_o be_v ruling_n power_n ought_v to_o be_v penetrable_a or_o evidenceable_a to_o they_o if_o they_o come_v to_o doubt_v and_o also_o so_o connatural_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o unelevated_a and_o unreflect_a thought_n of_o man_n of_o all_o sort_n that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o apt_a that_o maybe_o to_o establish_v the_o faithful_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n and_o preserve_v they_o from_o doubt_v of_o their_o faith_n both_o these_o be_v find_v in_o tradition_n or_o testify_a authority_n and_o not_o in_o scripture_n letter_n that_o therefore_o and_o not_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 8._o infallible_a certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v reject_v the_o moral_a certain●y_n he_o substitute_n must_v either_o be_v a_o fallible_a certainty_n or_o none_o this_o late_a be_v impious_a the_o former_a be_v nonsense_n wherefore_o all_o dr._n st_n discourse_n of_o faith_n while_o he_o reject_v infallibility_n must_v forcible_o have_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o of_o these_o qualification_n 9_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a render_v no_o man_n certain_a of_o what_o he_o thus_o assent_v to_o for_o so_o heretic_n may_v be_v true_o certain_a of_o all_o the_o pestilent_a error_n they_o hold_v so_o they_o but_o firm_o assent_v they_o be_v true_a 10._o faith_n be_v the_o basis_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n on_o which_o all_o our_o spiritual_a edifice_n be_v build_v and_o from_o whence_o we_o derive_v all_o the_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 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to_o cut_v it_o off_o also_o whether_o it_o can_v be_v cut_v off_o or_o who_o be_v likely_a to_o cut_v it_o off_o without_o which_o the_o church_n case_n must_v needs_o be_v most_o desperate_a to_o be_v almost_o from_o top_n to_o to●_n as_o full_a of_o disease_n as_o she_o can_v well_o hold_v and_o no_o mean_n extant_a to_o give_v her_o help_n but_o alas_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o world_n but_o herself_o and_o some_o few_o sect_n that_o have_v manifest_o go_v out_o from_o she_o and_o it_o sound_v so_o unnatural_o to_o say_v the_o tree_n can_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o its_o branch_n that_o whatever_o such_o talker_n may_v say_v in_o common_a yet_o come_v once_o to_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o bewray_v the_o falsehood_n of_o tenet_n but_o to_o come_v close_o to_o this_o voluntary_a say_n of_o he_o either_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n rely_v for_o the_o certainty_n of_o her_o faith_n on_o the_o right_a 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christianity_n but_o all_o we_o have_v to_o do_v be_v to_o find_v out_o what_o god_n have_v say_v or_o which_o in_o our_o case_n be_v all_o one_o what_o christ_n have_v teach_v and_o that_o whatever_o it_o be_v which_o acqnaint_v we_o with_o this_o we_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o that_o which_o regulate_v our_o belief_n concern_v christ_n doctrine_n or_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n now_o i_o affirm_v i●_n may_v be_v obvious_a reason_n be_v discover_v which_o this_o rule_n be_v and_o that_o by_o look_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o or_o consider_v what_o kind_n of_o thing_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o attentive_o to_o reflect_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o two_o ordinary_a word_n rule_v &_o faith_n 8._o and_o both_o of_o they_o acquaint_v we_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v the_o mean_n to_o assure_v we_o infallible_o what_o christ_n teach_v for_o in_o case_n a_o rule_n though_o we_o apply_v it_o to_o our_o power_n and_o 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