much_o that_o in_o some_o matter_n of_o very_a great_a moment_n the_o scripture_n be_v a_o very_a sufficient_a rule_n and_o ground_n of_o certainty_n as_o to_o all_o point_n between_o we_o and_o infidel_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o as_o to_o these_o point_n then_o why_o not_o as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o point_n consequent_a upon_o these_o if_o christ_n be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n in_o opposition_n to_o heathen_a deity_n and_o we_o can_v know_v he_o by_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o than_o we_o may_v as_o well_o know_v he_o to_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n in_o opposition_n to_o arian_n and_o socinian_o if_o against_o the_o heathen_n we_o can_v prove_v from_o scripture_n that_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n why_o will_v not_o this_o as_o well_o hold_v against_o nestorian_n and_o eutychian_o and_o so_o the_o scripture_n become_v a_o very_a sufficient_a rule_n to_o distinguish_v light_n and_o darkness_n in_o such_o point_n among_o christian_n too_o for_o be_v it_o ever_o the_o less_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o rule_n because_o both_o party_n own_o it_o but_o they_o differ_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o controversy_n can_v never_o be_v end_v by_o it_o if_o church-history_n deceive_v we_o not_o the_o great_a controversy_n be_v end_v by_o it_o before_o general_a council_n be_v hear_v of_o and_o more_o than_o have_v be_v since_o many_o of_o those_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o first_o age_n be_v quite_o lay_v asleep_o 3._o as_o theodoret_n observe_v but_o since_o church-authority_n interpose_v in_o the_o most_o reasonable_a manner_n some_o difference_n have_v be_v perpetuate_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o nestorian_a and_o eutychian_a controversy_n i_o do_v not_o blame_v the_o authority_n of_o council_n proceed_v as_o they_o then_o do_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n but_o the_o event_n show_v that_o the_o most_o probable_a mean_n be_v sometime_o very_o ineffectual_a for_o end_v controversy_n and_o those_o which_o man_n think_v will_n most_o effectual_o suppress_v heresy_n do_v often_o give_v a_o new_a life_n and_o spirit_n to_o they_o so_o vain_a be_v the_o imagination_n of_o man_n about_o put_v a_o end_n to_o controversy_n till_o they_o do_v come_v to_o a_o certainty_n about_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v possible_a to_o stop_v man_n mouth_n by_o force_n and_o power_n but_o nothing_o bring_v man_n to_o a_o true_a satisfaction_n but_o inward_a conviction_n as_o to_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rational_a certainty_n as_o to_o these_o point_n without_o it_o if_o controversy_n be_v not_o end_v let_v we_o not_o blame_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n for_o god_n do_v not_o always_o appoint_v the_o mean_n most_o effectual_a in_o our_o judgement_n but_o such_o as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o own_o design_n and_o we_o see_v reason_n enough_o to_o blame_v the_o folly_n and_o weakness_n the_o prejudice_n and_o partiality_n the_o wilfulness_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o mankind_n and_o till_o human_a nature_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o better_a temper_n we_o may_v despair_v of_o see_v any_o end_n of_o controversy_n man_n may_v dispute_v and_o for_o all_o that_o i_o know_v will_v do_v to_o the_o world_n end_n about_o the_o method_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o dispute_n for_o the_o controversy_n about_o certainty_n and_o fatality_n have_v be_v always_o the_o matter_n of_o debate_n among_o dispute_v man_n under_o several_a name_n and_o hypothesis_n and_o be_v like_o so_o to_o be_v to_o the_o general_a conflagration_n iv._o he_o say_v 26._o scripture_n be_v not_o our_o distinguish_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o our_o own_o particular_a judgement_n about_o scripture_n for_o that_o which_o distinguish_v my_o rule_n from_o that_o of_o the_o most_o abominable_a heresy_n can_v only_o be_v my_o own_o judgement_n upon_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n and_o wriggle_v which_o way_n i_o will_v there_o it_o will_v and_o must_v end_v at_o last_o i_o wish_v mr._n s._n have_v be_v a_o little_a better_a conversant_a in_o the_o old_a dispute_n about_o certainty_n for_o it_o will_v have_v save_v i_o the_o trouble_n of_o answer_v some_o impertinent_a objection_n such_o as_o this_o before_o we_o for_o they_o will_v have_v be_v think_v mean_a logician_n who_o can_v not_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o rule_n of_o judgement_n and_o the_o judgement_n which_o a_o man_n make_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n suppose_v the_o question_n be_v about_o sense_n whether_o that_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n or_o not_o to_o judge_v by_o and_o epicurus_n shall_v affirm_v it_o and_o say_v he_o so_o firm_o believe_v it_o that_o he_o judge_v the_o sun_n to_o be_v no_o big_a than_o he_o seem_v to_o his_o sense_n will_v not_o he_o have_v be_v think_v ridiculous_a who_o shall_v have_v say_v this_o fancy_n of_o epicurus_n be_v his_o rule_n the_o rule_n he_o go_v by_o be_v in_o itself_o certain_a but_o he_o make_v a_o wrong_a judgement_n upon_o it_o but_o that_o be_v not_o his_o rule_n so_o it_o be_v here_o we_o declare_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v our_o only_a certain_a and_o stand_a rule_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o we_o understand_v it_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v and_o form_v our_o judgement_n by_o it_o but_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o our_o judgement_n be_v our_o rule_n we_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o our_o judgement_n but_o our_o rule_n be_v infallible_a we_o may_v differ_v in_o our_o judgement_n but_o our_o rule_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o those_o who_o differ_v in_o judgement_n to_o have_v the_o same_o rule_n if_o our_o rule_n and_o our_o judgement_n be_v the_o same_o for_o than_o their_o rule_n must_v be_v as_o different_a as_o their_o judgement_n i_o know_v not_o what_o modern_a logic_n mr._n s._n learn_v but_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o learn_v not_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v from_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n who_o discourse_v about_o the_o criterion_n after_o another_o manner_n than_o our_o great_a pretender_n to_o logic_n do_v 26._o v._o he_o object_n that_o our_o people_n do_v not_o make_v scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n not_o one_o in_o a_o million_o rely_v upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o this_o pretence_n of_o i_o he_o say_v book_n like_o a_o mere_a jest_n and_o he_o can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o i_o be_o in_o earnest_n while_o i_o advance_v such_o a_o paradox_n what_o do_v j._n s._n mean_v to_o call_v one_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o church_n a_o jest_n and_o a_o paradox_n for_o the_o word_n of_o our_o six_o article_n be_v holy_a scripture_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o read_v therein_o nor_o may_v be_v prove_v thereby_o be_v not_o to_o be_v require_v of_o any_o man_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v believe_v as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o be_v think_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n do_v j._n s._n now_o take_v this_o for_o a_o paradox_n among_o we_o i_o assure_v he_o i_o love_v not_o to_o make_v jest_n about_o scripture_n nor_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o salvation_n but_o wherein_o do_v this_o jest_n lie_v why_o forsooth_o i_o make_v the_o people_n to_o make_v scripture_n their_o rule_n and_o not_o one_o in_o a_o million_o think_v of_o rely_v on_o it_o have_v they_o then_o any_o other_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o rely_v upon_o what_o be_v it_o i_o pray_v be_v it_o the_o church_n infallibility_n no._n be_v it_o pius_n the_o four_o creed_n no_o true_o while_o they_o be_v child_n 27._o they_o believe_v tradition_n now_o i_o think_v j._n s._n have_v hit_v it_o tradition_n be_v indeed_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o child_n who_o be_v very_o apt_a simple_o to_o believe_v their_o father_n and_o teacher_n but_o suppose_v they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n what_o rule_n of_o faith_n have_v they_o then_o have_v they_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n then_o no_o this_o be_v another_o jest._n for_o he_o suppose_v all_o our_o people_n to_o be_v a_o dull_a sort_n of_o animal_n that_o understand_v nothing_o of_o scripture_n or_o faith_n themselves_o i_o wonder_v then_o that_o they_o make_v no_o more_o convert_v among_o they_o but_o trust_v their_o parson_n for_o all_o for_o boves_fw-la arabant_fw-la &_o asinae_fw-la pascebantur_fw-la juxta_fw-la eos_fw-la therefore_o the_o people_n have_v no_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n 2.2.9.4.2.6_o i_o hope_v j._n s._n know_v who_o jest_n or_o rather_o argument_n that_o be_v whatever_o he_o insinuate_v as_o to_o our_o people_n i_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v far_o better_o of_o they_o and_o that_o all_o those_o who_o mind_n their_o salvation_n do_v serious_o read_v and_o consider_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith._n but_o if_o
that_o none_o be_v save_v but_o metaphysical_a speculator_n that_o perch_n upon_o the_o specific_a nature_n of_o thing_n and_o dig_v into_o the_o intrinsical_a ground_n of_o truth_n if_o this_o be_v his_o opinion_n how_o few_o can_v be_v save_v but_o if_o salvation_n be_v the_o end_n the_o mean_n must_v be_v suitable_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o mankind_n and_o i_o do_v not_o think_v the_o intrinsical_a ground_n of_o truth_n be_v so_o but_o aftey_v all_o he_o say_v that_o i_o stifle_v any_o further_a talk_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o protestent_fw-la faith._n how_o can_v that_o be_v when_o i_o own_v no_o protestant_n faith_n but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n or_o may_v be_v deduce_v from_o it_o according_a to_o the_o six_o article_n of_o our_o church_n i_o be_o not_o conscious_a to_o myself_o of_o any_o art_n in_o the_o matter_n which_o he_o charge_v i_o with_o and_o he_o say_v i_o avoid_v what_o can_v be_v perform_v what_o be_v that_o to_o make_v out_o that_o protestant_n be_v absolute_o certain_a that_o they_o now_o hold_v all_o the_o same_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n if_o all_o that_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o they_o hold_v the_o scripture_n by_o ground_n of_o absolute_a certainty_n than_o protestant_n must_v be_v certain_a that_o they_o hold_v all_o the_o same_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n afterward_o mr._n s._n start_v something_o that_o come_v near_a to_o the_o business_n which_o be_v that_o certainty_n of_o faith_n and_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n be_v two_o thing_n for_o those_o who_o have_v as_o much_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n as_o we_o may_v have_v not_o only_o a_o uncertain_a but_o a_o wrong_a faith_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o concern_v to_o show_v not_o only_o that_o protestant_n have_v certainty_n of_o their_o rule_n but_o of_o the_o faith_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v from_o that_o rule_n that_o which_o i_o be_o now_o upon_o be_v to_o settle_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n about_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith._n in_o the_o conference_n my_o first_o answer_n be_v that_o we_o be_v absolute_o certain_a that_o we_o now_o hold_v all_o the_o same_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o when_o the_o question_n be_v ask_v by_o what_o certain_a rule_n do_v we_o hold_v it_o i_o answer_v by_o the_o divine_a revelation_n contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o that_o the_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n be_v that_o which_o i_o be_v oblige_v to_o answer_v to_o now_o come_v j._n s._n and_o he_o find_v fault_n with_o mr._n g_n management_n because_o he_o ask_v question_n about_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o rule_n whereas_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v go_v another_o way_n to_o work_v so_o that_o now_o mr._n g._n be_v give_v up_o and_o a_o new_a controversy_n be_v begin_v upon_o other_o ground_n and_o the_o word_n which_o i_o use_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o rule_n be_v apply_v to_o particular_a doctrine_n he_o say_v the_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o point_n for_o which_o the_o conference_n be_v how_o come_v he_o to_o know_v better_a than_o mr._n g._n unless_o he_o direct_v the_o point_n and_o mr._n g._n mistake_v and_o lose_v it_o in_o the_o management_n but_o i_o be_o now_o bind_v to_o manifest_v that_o protestant_n have_v absolute_a certainty_n not_o only_o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o rule_n but_o of_o the_o faith_n they_o have_v from_o that_o rule_n or_o else_o to_o own_o that_o i_o can_v it_o seem_v mr._n g's_o good_a nature_n betray_v he_o when_o he_o ask_v question_n about_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o the_o main_a point_n be_v lose_v yet_o methinks_v it_o be_v not_o mere_a good_a nature_n in_o mr._n g._n for_o when_o we_o be_v ask_v about_o the_o ground_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o faith_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a we_o shall_v answer_v more_o pertinent_o than_o to_o assign_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o we_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v the_o scripture_n by_o which_o we_o judge_v what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o what_o not_o and_o therefore_o if_o any_o ask_v we_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v answer_v it_o be_v whatever_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v our_o rule_n if_o they_o ask_v we_o how_o we_o come_v to_o know_v these_o book_n to_o be_v write_v by_o such_o person_n we_o say_v it_o be_v by_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n if_o they_o ask_v we_o why_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o those_o book_n than_o our_o answer_n be_v from_o the_o divine_a testimony_n which_o make_v we_o certain_a that_o it_o come_v from_o god._n and_o thus_o we_o answer_v both_o to_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o material_a and_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o we_o be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o these_o we_o must_v be_v so_o of_o our_o faith._n if_o we_o ask_v a_o jew_n about_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o say_v he_o be_v certain_a of_o it_o because_o all_o his_o faith_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o he_o be_v well_o assure_v they_o be_v write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n if_o we_o ask_v a_o mahometan_a of_o his_o faith_n his_o answer_n be_v that_o his_o faith_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o alcoran_n and_o by_o prove_v that_o he_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o if_o that_o be_v disprove_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o be_v overthrow_v those_o who_o resolve_v their_o faith_n into_o a_o write_a rule_n must_v go_v thither_o when_o question_n be_v ask_v they_o about_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o faith._n for_o if_o i_o believe_v every_o thing_n in_o it_o and_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v in_o it_o there_o lie_v my_o faith_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o my_o rule_n but_o i_o must_v show_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n as_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o rule_n not_o certain_o when_o the_o question_n be_v ask_v about_o the_o entire_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o when_o we_o be_v to_o show_v how_o we_o hold_v all_o the_o same_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o word_n all_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o assign_v our_o rule_n wherein_o that_o all_o be_v contain_v if_o he_o ask_v we_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o any_o particular_a point_n of_o our_o faith_n than_o we_o be_v to_o make_v it_o out_o that_o this_o be_v contain_v in_o our_o rule_n and_o our_o certainty_n be_v according_a to_o the_o evidence_n we_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v for_o it_o for_o the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o as_o to_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n with_o that_o of_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith._n a_o jew_n firm_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o with_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o certainty_n but_o whether_o the_o resurrection_n can_v be_v prove_v certain_o from_o those_o book_n be_v a_o particular_a point_n and_o he_o may_v have_v absolute_a certainty_n of_o all_o contain_v in_o those_o book_n though_o he_o may_v not_o have_v it_o as_o to_o such_o a_o particular_a point_n and_o when_o we_o come_v to_o particular_a point_n their_o case_n be_v not_o only_o different_a from_o the_o general_n rule_n of_o faith_n but_o such_o point_n be_v very_o different_a both_o among_o themselves_o and_o as_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o for_o 1_o there_o be_v some_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v reveal_v because_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ._n for_o as_o mr._n s._n say_v salvation_n be_v the_o thing_n of_o great_a importance_n and_o therefore_o on_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v that_o we_o have_v a_o firm_a and_o establish_a faith_n in_o he_o and_o of_o these_o point_n of_o faith_n the_o church_n have_v give_v a_o summary_n in_o the_o creed_n which_o be_v propose_v to_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a and_o not_o only_a st._n augustin_n but_o aquinas_n say_v these_o be_v take_v out_o of_o scripture_n 1._o and_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o to_o we_o do_v depend_v not_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n propose_v they_o but_o the_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n for_o they_o which_o be_v very_o much_o confirm_v to_o we_o by_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n i._n e._n as_o to_o the_o main_a article_n for_o that_o there_o
in_o matter_n of_o opinion_n or_o in_o doubtful_a or_o obscure_a place_n they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o skill_n and_o assistance_n of_o their_o teacher_n wherein_o be_v they_o to_o blame_v the_o scripture_n be_v still_o their_o rule_n but_o the_o help_n of_o their_o teacher_n be_v for_o the_o better_a understanding_n it_o and_o can_v our_o logician_n distinguish_v between_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o help_v to_o understand_v it_o suppose_v now_o a_o mother_n or_o a_o nurse_n shall_v quit_v honest_a tradition_n â—â—_o as_o j._n s._n here_o call_v it_o and_o be_v so_o ill_o incline_v as_o to_o teach_v child_n to_o spell_n and_o to_o read_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v they_o come_v by_o degree_n to_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n preach_v and_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v and_o from_o thence_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o obey_v his_o command_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v into_o what_o these_o person_n do_v resolve_v 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say_v the_o contrary_a tenet_n be_v ridiculous_a as_o what_o be_v most_o nay_o that_o it_o be_v sottishness_n to_o hold_v it_o and_o to_o deprive_v mankind_n of_o this_o privilege_n of_o judge_v thus_o be_v to_o debar_v he_o of_o the_o light_n and_o use_v of_o his_o reason_n when_o it_o be_v most_o useful_a for_o he_o be_v not_o all_o this_o very_o oblige_v but_o where_o now_o lie_v the_o difference_n why_o true_o if_o his_o discretion_n lead_v he_o to_o the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o tradition_n all_o be_v well_o but_o if_o not_o it_o be_v no_o long_a discretion_n what_o have_v he_o be_v judge_n of_o all_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o already_o and_o be_v he_o to_o seek_v for_o his_o rule_n still_o what_o discretion_n have_v he_o all_o that_o time_n to_o judge_v without_o a_o rule_n what_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n have_v we_o find_v at_o last_o methinks_v the_o sober_a enquirer_n far_o exceed_v he_o in_o point_n of_o common_a discretion_n for_o he_o never_o pretend_v to_o 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unkind_o after_o so_o good_a service_n iv._o be_v all_o people_n capable_a of_o this_o certain_a reason_n or_o not_o it_o require_v it_o seem_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o logic_n to_o prove_v this_o certain_a authority_n or_o this_o infallible_a guide_n by_o reason_n and_o i_o be_o one_o of_o those_o that_o think_v it_o can_v never_o be_v do_v suppose_v then_o some_o of_o we_o dull_a people_n can_v never_o comprehend_v the_o force_n of_o this_o reason_n which_o be_v to_o lead_v we_o to_o a_o infallible_a guide_n what_o be_v like_a to_o become_v of_o we_o uncapable_a people_n be_v we_o all_o to_o be_v damn_v for_o dunce_n and_o blockhead_n no_o not_o so_o neither_o this_o be_v real_o some_o comfort_n for_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v we_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n without_o find_v out_o this_o certain_a authority_n and_o then_o we_o may_v have_v true_a faith_n without_o it_o this_o be_v still_o better_a and_o better_o and_o then_o i_o pray_v what_o need_n have_v i_o to_o find_v out_o 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faith_n because_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god._n if_o you_o do_v not_o own_v it_o to_o be_v so_o but_o resolve_v all_o into_o tradition_n we_o know_v what_o you_o be_v but_o if_o you_o do_v own_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n how_o can_v you_o pretend_v to_o set_v up_o any_o certain_a authority_n in_o comparison_n with_o it_o vi_o if_o this_o certain_a authority_n be_v only_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o certain_a sense_n of_o scripture_n than_o it_o must_v be_v either_o into_o the_o sense_n of_o plain_a place_n or_o of_o difficult_a and_o obscure_a if_o of_o plain_a place_n than_o it_o be_v to_o kindle_v a_o torch_n to_o behold_v the_o sun_n if_o of_o obscure_a place_n than_o who_o have_v appoint_v this_o certain_a authority_n to_o explain_v they_o who_o be_v to_o appoint_v such_o a_o certain_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o explain_v his_o word_n but_o god_n himself_o and_o we_o desire_v to_o see_v some_o plain_a place_n that_o set_v up_o this_o authority_n to_o explain_v those_o which_o be_v obscure_a and_o doubtful_a we_o think_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o read_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o especial_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o we_o find_v very_o great_a occasion_n for_o this_o certain_a authority_n to_o be_v mention_v we_o find_v church_n new_o settle_v and_o many_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n start_v among_o they_o and_o those_o of_o great_a and_o dangerous_a consequence_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n give_v frequent_a advice_n to_o these_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o these_o difference_n and_o with_o great_a earnestness_n give_v caution_n against_o seducer_n and_o warn_v they_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o they_o but_o not_o one_o word_n can_v we_o find_v in_o all_o their_o epistle_n tend_v this_o way_n or_o mention_v
of_o faith_n and_o have_v he_o find_v out_o the_o church_n authority_n too_o without_o the_o church_n help_v and_o yet_o do_v he_o want_v some_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n then_o it_o follow_v that_o after_o the_o submit_v to_o the_o church_n authority_n there_o be_v still_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n which_o may_v be_v want_v and_o then_o a_o absolute_a submission_n be_v not_o all_o that_o be_v require_v of_o one_o that_o have_v find_v out_o the_o church_n authority_n but_o my_o whole_a argument_n there_o proceed_v upon_o a_o supposition_n viz._n that_o if_o one_o may_v without_o the_o church_n help_v find_v out_o the_o church_n authority_n in_o scripture_n then_o why_o not_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o it_o go_v upon_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n and_o i_o see_v no_o answer_n at_o all_o give_v or_o pretend_v but_o only_o he_o endeavour_v to_o stop_v my_o mouth_n with_o a_o handful_n of_o dirt._n thus_o i_o have_v dispatch_v this_o long_a argument_n about_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o i_o shall_v now_o sum_v up_o my_o answer_n in_o these_o particular_n i._o every_o christian_n as_o such_o be_v bind_v to_o inquire_v after_o the_o true_a way_n to_o salvation_n and_o have_v a_o capacity_n of_o judge_v concern_v it_o ii_o every_o christian_a proceed_v according_o to_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o judge_v have_v reason_n to_o receive_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith._n iii_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_a in_o all_o necessary_n and_o god_n have_v promise_v such_o assistance_n to_o they_o that_o sincere_o seek_v it_o that_o none_o who_o do_v so_o shall_v want_v the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n iv._o when_o any_o thing_n be_v offer_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n every_o christian_a have_v a_o right_a and_o liberty_n of_o judge_v whether_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o necessary_a or_o not_o v._o we_o do_v not_o allow_v to_o particular_a person_n the_o same_o faculty_n of_o judge_v in_o doubtful_a point_n of_o controversy_n which_o we_o do_v as_o to_o matter_n that_o immediate_o concern_v their_o salvation_n vi_o no_o pretence_n of_o infallibility_n or_o authority_n can_v take_v away_o that_o right_n of_o judge_v which_o be_v allow_v they_o by_o the_o apostle_n who_o authority_n be_v infallible_a vii_o this_o right_n of_o judge_v do_v not_o exclude_v the_o church_n due_a authority_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o controversy_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v declare_v art._n 20._o of_o our_o church_n but_o all_o that_o we_o now_o plead_v for_o be_v not_o any_o authority_n as_o to_o other_o but_o a_o right_n of_o judge_v as_o to_o themselves_o in_o matter_n that_o concern_v their_o salvation_n viii_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o they_o depend_v upon_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o clearness_n of_o scripture_n about_o they_o which_o imply_v the_o certainty_n of_o reason_n 2._o the_o promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n which_o make_v their_o faith_n divine_a both_o as_o to_o its_o principle_n its_o ground_n and_o its_o effect_n but_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o end_v his_o objection_n about_o our_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o 34._o vi_o he_o object_n that_o we_o can_v necessary_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n only_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n that_o we_o can_v necessary_o resolve_v it_o i_o think_v we_o must_v resolve_v it_o into_o a_o write_a rule_n till_o we_o see_v another_o prove_v do_v the_o apostle_n when_o they_o go_v to_o convert_v the_o world_n go_v with_o book_n in_o their_o hand_n or_o word_n in_o their_o mouth_n doubtless_o with_o word_n in_o their_o mouth_n or_o be_v those_o word_n a_o jot_n less_o sacred_a when_o they_o come_v from_o their_o mouth_n than_o when_o they_o put_v they_o in_o a_o book_n not_o one_o jot_n or_o last_o do_v any_o command_n from_o christ_n appear_v to_o write_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n or_o any_o revelation_n before_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o future_a church_n no_o such_o matter_n and_o the_o accidental_a occasion_n of_o its_o writing_n at_o first_o and_o its_o acceptation_n afterward_o bar_v any_o such_o pretence_n on_o the_o other_o side_n their_o grand_a commission_n be_v not_o scribite_fw-la but_o only_o predicate_v evangelium_fw-la i_o have_v give_v a_o account_n so_o late_o of_o the_o reason_n and_o occasion_n of_o write_v the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o i_o need_v only_o here_o to_o give_v these_o general_a answer_n i._o whatsoever_o be_v do_v as_o to_o the_o write_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v do_v by_o the_o immediate_a direction_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 20.31_o ii_o the_o reason_n give_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o gospel_n themselves_o be_v that_o matter_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v deliver_v with_o the_o great_a certainty_n iii_o those_o write_n be_v not_o intend_v only_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n then_o be_v but_o for_o future_a age_n and_o thence_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v so_o receive_v and_o esteem_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n iv._o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n write_v the_o same_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v and_o for_o that_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o faith._n v._o the_o most_o certain_a way_n we_o now_o have_v to_o know_v what_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n teach_v be_v by_o their_o write_n since_o they_o teach_v and_o write_v the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o we_o be_v certain_a we_o have_v the_o doctrine_n they_o write_v but_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v certain_a what_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v vii_o he_o object_n that_o the_o question_n be_v put_v concern_v the_o new_a testament_n contain_v all_o divine_a revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o give_v no_o direct_a answer_n 40._o but_o shuffle_v it_o off_o to_o matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o set_v out_o of_o this_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o some_o page_n to_o which_o i_o give_v a_o easy_a answer_n the_o question_n concern_v the_o new_a testament_n contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n may_v be_v take_v in_o two_o sense_n 1._o as_o relate_v to_o the_o entire_a object_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o the_o answer_n be_v most_o direct_a and_o plain_a to_o the_o second_o question_n that_o the_o rule_n whereby_o we_o hold_v all_o the_o same_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v by_o the_o divine_a revelation_n contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o since_o we_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v there_o and_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v there_o that_o must_v contain_v the_o entire_a object_n of_o our_o faith._n and_o the_o word_n all_o must_v relate_v to_o that_o 2._o as_o to_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o particular_a person_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v as_o contain_v therein_o and_o so_o the_o question_n be_v put_v about_o the_o universal_a testimony_n to_o assure_v we_o i_o e._n all_o particular_a christian_n that_o the_o new_a testament_n contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n my_o answer_n be_v direct_a and_o apposite_a to_o this_o sense_n viz._n that_o the_o universal_a testimony_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o to_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o make_v we_o certain_a i._n e._n all_o particular_a person_n of_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n so_o that_o the_o substance_n of_o my_o answer_n lie_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o all_o our_o faith_n be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o thereby_o we_o hold_v all_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ii_o that_o although_o all_o particular_a person_n may_v not_o reach_v to_o the_o entire_a object_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o scripture_n yet_o they_o have_v thereby_o a_o certainty_n as_o to_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n iii_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o certainty_n as_o to_o both_o these_o be_v the_o universal_a testimony_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n concern_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o the_o word_n of_o my_o letter_n be_v we_o be_v to_o consider_v 17._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v our_o sole_a and_o entire_a rule_n of_o faith_n all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v contain_v therein_o and_o therefore_o the_o same_o testimony_n which_o deliver_v the_o scripture_n to_o we_o do_v deliver_v all_o the_o necessary_a article_n as_o contain_v therein_o
esteem_v so_o disperse_v so_o constant_o read_v can_v be_v suffer_v to_o be_v lose_v among_o christian_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o so_o esteem_v at_o first_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o therefore_o may_v more_o easy_o be_v lose_v i_o answer_v that_o however_o they_o be_v not_o universal_o receive_v at_o first_o yet_o they_o be_v by_o those_o church_n to_o who_o they_o be_v write_v and_o among_o they_o they_o be_v not_o keep_v up_o but_o mighty_o disperse_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o lose_v they_o from_o the_o first_o spread_v of_o they_o abroad_o unless_o we_o can_v suppose_v such_o multitude_n of_o christian_n to_o conspire_v together_o to_o suppress_v a_o book_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n to_o themselves_o as_o if_o person_n who_o claim_v a_o estate_n by_o virtue_n of_o some_o deed_n shall_v all_o agree_v to_o imbezel_n they_o or_o any_o material_a part_n of_o they_o here_o be_v no_o pretence_n for_o register_n and_o abridgement_n which_o some_o make_v use_v of_o to_o lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o here_o we_o have_v the_o very_a authentic_a write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o own_o epistle_n in_o their_o own_o style_n and_o expression_n and_o suppose_v the_o church_n to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v to_o have_v receive_v they_o as_o their_o write_n and_o to_o have_v communicate_v they_o to_o other_o as_o they_o do_v i_o do_v not_o see_v under_o these_o circumstance_n how_o a_o book_n contain_v divine_a revelation_n can_v be_v lose_v ii_o he_o object_n 58._o that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o entire_a but_o deficient_a for_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n till_o the_o whole_a canon_n be_v collect_v and_o acknowledge_v and_o therefore_o so_o long_o the_o church_n have_v no_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith._n i_o answer_v i._o i_o distinguish_v between_o a_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o complete_a canon_n of_o scripture_n for_o if_o the_o book_n own_v and_o universal_o receive_v contain_v in_o they_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n than_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v complete_a although_o some_o particular_a book_n may_v be_v still_o in_o dispute_n as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o st._n jerom_n time_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o receive_v as_o canonical_a the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n have_v not_o that_o church_n therefore_o a_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n if_o god_n have_v so_o abundant_o provide_v for_o his_o church_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o full_a revelation_n of_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o rest_n than_o the_o dispute_v the_o authority_n of_o such_o a_o epistle_n do_v not_o derogate_v from_o the_o compleatness_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith._n for_o if_o they_o have_v all_o point_n of_o faith_n they_o must_v have_v a_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith._n ii_o it_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o true_a canon_n of_o scripture_n that_o some_o particular_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v for_o some_o time_n dispute_v by_o some_o particular_a church_n for_o if_o it_o be_v do_v without_o ground_n it_o do_v reflect_v more_o on_o those_o church_n than_o on_o those_o book_n especial_o when_o those_o very_a church_n afterward_o receive_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o to_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n st._n jerom_n affirm_v that_o not_o only_o the_o greek_a church_n all_o receive_v it_o dardanum_n but_o that_o all_o the_o ancient_a writer_n do_v so_o and_o not_o mere_o as_o a_o ecclesiastical_a but_o as_o a_o canonical_a epistle_n therefore_o this_o must_v be_v a_o late_a thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o in_o probability_n begin_v upon_o the_o novatian_a controversy_n which_o epistle_n be_v think_v too_o much_o to_o favour_v the_o novatian_a doctrine_n and_o when_o that_o controversy_n do_v abate_v that_o epistle_n recover_v its_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o mr._n s._n be_v angry_a with_o i_o 57_o for_o reflect_v on_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o not_o receive_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o st._n jerom_n be_v time_n which_o he_o think_v be_v a_o act_n of_o prudence_n antecedent_n to_o the_o judgement_n or_o determination_n of_o any_o church_n whether_o greek_n or_o latin._n one_o may_v see_v by_o this_o how_o well_o verse_v he_o be_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n when_o st._n jerom_n declare_v that_o not_o only_o all_o the_o greek_a writer_n receive_v it_o but_o all_o the_o ancient_n and_o that_o as_o canonical_a be_v here_o no_o antecedent_n judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n do_v not_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o ancient_a writer_n even_o in_o st._n jerom_n time_n make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n but_o he_o add_v that_o what_o i_o make_v a_o heinous_a crime_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o commendable_a caution_n in_o it_o that_o which_o i_o say_v be_v that_o it_o hence_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v far_o from_o be_v believe_v then_o to_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o make_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n or_o be_v infallible_a in_o faith._n and_o what_o say_v j._n s._n in_o answer_n to_o this_o not_o one_o syllable_n but_o run_v it_o off_o to_o another_o thing_n but_o why_o do_v i_o not_o as_o well_o blame_v the_o greek_a church_n for_o not_o receive_v the_o apocalypse_n they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o such_o authority_n and_o infallibility_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v i_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v some_o greek_n then_o to_o blame_v in_o reject_v the_o apocalypse_n but_o bellarmin_n say_v they_o be_v but_o few_o and_o obscure_a person_n and_o he_o produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n theophilus_n antiochenus_fw-la melito_n sardensis_n dionysius_n alexandrinus_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n origen_n and_o athanasius_n all_o approve_v it_o and_o the_o occasion_n of_o dispute_v it_o arise_v from_o the_o millenary_a opinion_n which_o some_o thought_n they_o can_v not_o confute_v as_o long_o as_o the_o apocalypse_n have_v such_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n and_o such_o dispute_n as_o these_o which_o wear_v off_o by_o degree_n be_v no_o real_a prejudice_n to_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v at_o first_o general_o receive_v and_o although_o some_o few_o book_n be_v contest_v for_o a_o time_n yet_o they_o recover_v their_o authority_n and_o have_v ever_o since_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n iii_o he_o object_n against_o this_o universal_a consent_n the_o testimony_n of_o martion_n ebion_n valentinus_n cerinthus_n 59_o and_o epiphanius_n his_o other_o heretic_n who_o reject_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v any_o man_n but_o j._n s._n make_v such_o a_o objection_n as_o this_o but_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o bring_v i_o in_o as_o a_o favourer_n of_o all_o heretic_n and_o as_o such_o another_o man_n of_o integrity_n have_v do_v of_o all_o anti-catholick_n and_o antichristian_a doctrine_n but_o where_o have_v i_o give_v any_o occasion_n for_o such_o spiteful_a reflection_n all_o that_o i_o say_v be_v we_o have_v the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n for_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n i._n e._n of_o all_o since_o the_o time_n that_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v receive_v in_o the_o latin_a and_o the_o apocalypse_n in_o the_o greek_a church_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o division_n they_o have_v since_o fall_v into_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o difference_n as_o to_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o this_o i_o insist_v on_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o certainty_n viz._n the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o great_a body_n of_o christian_n that_o have_v continue_v under_o different_a denomination_n to_o this_o day_n 74._o to_o this_o he_o give_v no_o other_o answer_n but_o that_o my_o answer_n to_o the_o five_o question_n be_v co-incident_a with_o that_o to_o the_o four_o i_o think_v j._n s._n in_o the_o self-evident_a way_n will_v have_v like_v my_o answer_n the_o better_a for_o it_o but_o he_o do_v not_o comprehend_v the_o design_n of_o it_o i_o have_v say_v before_o that_o we_o rely_v on_o the_o universal_a testimony_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n upon_o that_o the_o question_n be_v ask_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n my_o answer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o all_o christian_a church_n i._n e._n say_v j._n s._n that_o all_o the_o part_n make_v the_o whole_a and_o what_o incongruity_n be_v there_o when_o mr._n g._n say_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n may_v be_v take_v in_o several_a latitude_n he_o desire_v to_o know_v in_o
absolute_o certain_a as_o that_o god_n can_v deceive_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v our_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o then_o whether_o such_o point_n be_v contain_v in_o that_o rule_n and_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v not_o self-evident_a and_o therefore_o these_o must_v be_v deduce_v by_o all_o the_o best_a method_n of_o reason_v from_o a_o write_a rule_n and_o when_o person_n have_v examine_v the_o scripture_n with_o all_o the_o care_n and_o diligence_n which_o one_o who_o will_v arrive_v at_o certainty_n think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o than_o i_o do_v affirm_v that_o such_o a_o man_n may_v attain_v to_o a_o true_a certainty_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n about_o it_o and_o that_o true_a certainty_n be_v attainable_a without_o infallibility_n i_o shall_v prove_v by_o a_o undeniable_a instance_n if_o a_o instance_n will_v be_v allow_v and_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v as_o reasonable_a for_o i_o to_o produce_v instance_n as_o himself_o and_o that_o be_v concern_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n viz._n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n the_o proof_n of_o this_o depend_v on_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a interpreter_n rely_v upon_o in_o this_o case_n as_o to_o christ_n himself_o although_o he_o real_o be_v so_o yet_o we_o suppose_v the_o question_n to_o be_v about_o he_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o infallible_a teacher_n or_o not_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o suppose_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v as_o to_o the_o public_a interpretation_n which_o mr._n s._n make_v his_o infallible_a rule_n if_o that_o be_v to_o be_v rely_v upon_o than_o a_o jew_n be_v bind_v not_o to_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n because_o the_o public_a interpretation_n be_v against_o he_o and_o the_o traditional_a sense_n of_o the_o prophecy_n be_v against_o he_o be_v for_o a_o temporal_a prince_n i_o now_o demand_v of_o mr._n s._n whether_o the_o jew_n be_v capable_a of_o certainty_n in_o this_o point_n or_o not_o if_o not_o than_o the_o jew_n be_v excuse_v in_o their_o infidelity_n if_o they_o be_v then_o true_a certainty_n may_v be_v have_v without_o a_o infallible_a guide_n although_o the_o public_a interpretation_n and_o tradition_n be_v against_o it_o and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v have_v in_o so_o difficult_a a_o case_n which_o depend_v on_o the_o sense_n of_o obscure_a prophecy_n much_o more_o certain_o under_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o all_o necessary_a point_n be_v lay_v down_o with_o so_o much_o clearness_n that_o the_o fault_n must_v be_v more_o in_o man_n will_n than_o their_o understand_n if_o they_o do_v not_o apprehend_v they_o 2._o the_o second_o false_a supposition_n be_v that_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v a_o mechanical_a rule_n and_o not_o a_o rational_a i._n e._n it_o must_v be_v like_o a_o carpenter_n rule_n that_o have_v all_o its_o dimension_n fix_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v apply_v to_o material_a thing_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o understanding_n no_o such_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v the_o philosopher_n who_o dispute_v so_o much_o about_o certainty_n will_v have_v laugh_v at_o any_o man_n who_o have_v apply_v a_o material_a rule_n to_o intellectual_a thing_n yet_o this_o be_v mr._n s_n great_a example_n i_o take_v my_o ruler_n 25._o say_v he_o and_o draw_v a_o line_n by_o it_o do_v the_o straightness_n or_o crookedness_n of_o this_o line_n depend_v upon_o my_o understanding_n by_o no_o mean_n but_o be_v there_o any_o such_o intellectual_a rule_n as_o this_o there_o have_v be_v great_a dispute_n in_o the_o world_n among_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o subtilty_n about_o the_o certainty_n of_o human_a knowledge_n whether_o any_o infallible_a criterion_n can_v be_v find_v to_o discern_v truth_n and_o falsehood_n but_o they_o never_o imagine_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o intellectual_a ruler_n to_o draw_v line_n by_o but_o that_o there_o be_v certain_a difference_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n which_o man_n may_v find_v out_o but_o not_o without_o diligence_n and_o application_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o it_o and_o notwithstanding_o the_o character_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n be_v in_o themselves_o certain_a yet_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o mistake_v about_o they_o not_o only_o for_o want_v of_o judgement_n but_o of_o diligence_n and_o impartiality_n so_o we_o say_v here_o as_o to_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o do_v not_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o material_a rule_n i._n e._n if_o a_o man_n take_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o any_o opinion_n he_o must_v present_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o it_o be_v a_o rational_a and_o intellectual_a rule_n which_o be_v absolute_o certain_a in_o itself_o and_o whatever_o agree_v to_o it_o be_v true_a and_o whatever_o do_v not_o be_v false_a but_o still_o there_o may_v be_v mistake_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o apply_v it_o and_o therefore_o care_n and_o diligence_n and_o impartiality_n be_v require_v by_o which_o some_o may_v attain_v to_o that_o certainty_n which_o other_o miss_v off_o as_o in_o the_o point_n he_o mention_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o socinian_o differ_v about_o such_o high_a fundamental_o as_o the_o trinity_n and_o godhead_n of_o christ._n 1._o why_o presbyterian_o and_o socinian_o i_o beseech_v he_o there_o be_v a_o notable_a insinuation_n in_o this_o as_o though_o we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v socinian_n in_o those_o point_n and_o none_o but_o papist_n and_o presbyterian_o be_v orthodox_n in_o they_o but_o this_o be_v a_o insinuation_n which_o have_v as_o much_o folly_n as_o malice_n in_o it_o since_o our_o solemn_a and_o express_a declaration_n be_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o he_o may_v as_o well_o call_v we_o papist_n as_o socinian_o since_o our_o write_n be_v as_o plain_o against_o one_o as_o the_o other_o what_o our_o sense_n as_o to_o these_o matter_n be_v he_o may_v find_v in_o the_o dialogue_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o transubstantiation_n compare_v not_o long_o since_o publish_v by_o a_o divine_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o to_o pass_v this_o over_o 2._o suppose_v the_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o socinian_o what_o then_o both_o take_v the_o same_o way_n of_o scripture_n letter_n interpretable_a by_o private_a judgement_n and_o yet_o differ_v in_o these_o fundamental_a point_n and_o what_o follow_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o certain_a rule_n by_o no_o mean_n but_o that_o the_o socinian_o may_v err_v and_o certain_o do_v in_o misinterpret_v this_o rule_n but_o how_o can_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n if_o man_n that_o use_v it_o may_v err_v in_o use_v it_o how_o can_v reason_n be_v certain_a in_o any_o thing_n if_o man_n follow_v reason_n may_v mistake_v how_o can_v arithmetic_n be_v a_o certain_a way_n of_o computation_n if_o man_n follow_v the_o rule_n of_o arithmetic_n may_v mistake_v in_o cast_v up_o a_o sum_n do_v any_o man_n question_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o rule_n for_o man_n blunder_a in_o their_o account_n yet_o this_o be_v his_o way_n of_o reason_v and_o i_o will_v put_v it_o just_a with_o his_o proposition_n i._o arithmetic_n prescribe_v a_o certain_a way_n by_o addition_n and_o substraction_n for_o we_o to_o find_v out_o any_o sum._n ii_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v such_o that_o they_o who_o take_v it_o shall_v arrive_v by_o it_o at_o the_o exact_a sum._n iii_o but_o two_o man_n who_o have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o way_n differ_v at_o least_o a_o hundred_o in_o cast_v up_o the_o sum._n iv._o therefore_o arithmetic_n do_v not_o prescribe_v a_o certain_a way_n to_o attain_v at_o a_o certain_a sum._n v._o therefore_o they_o who_o take_v only_o that_o way_n can_v by_v it_o arrive_v at_o the_o certain_a sum._n be_v not_o this_o clear_a and_o evident_a demonstration_n but_o those_o who_o 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which_o be_v there_o receive_v as_o in_o the_o lump_n and_o if_o we_o receive_v the_o book_n which_o contain_v all_o we_o must_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n receive_v all_o contain_v in_o it_o as_o if_o a_o purse_n be_v leave_v to_o a_o man_n by_o his_o father_n will_n full_a of_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o this_o by_o the_o executor_n be_v declare_v to_o contain_v all_o the_o gold_n and_o silver_n his_o father_n leave_v he_o they_o who_o deliver_v this_o purse_n to_o he_o from_o the_o executor_n do_v certain_o deliver_v to_o he_o all_o the_o gold_n and_o silver_n leave_v he_o by_o his_o father_n but_o if_o he_o suspect_v there_o be_v both_o gold_n and_o silver_n leave_v he_o by_o his_o father_n which_o be_v not_o in_o that_o purse_n than_o he_o must_v call_v in_o question_n the_o integrity_n of_o the_o executor_n who_o declare_v that_o all_o be_v contain_v therein_o this_o be_v now_o the_o case_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o to_o all_o divine_a truth_n which_o respect_n man_n salvation_n the_o primitive_a church_n who_o answer_n to_o the_o executor_n in_o the_o other_o case_n do_v unanimous_o declare_v that_o all_o such_o truth_n be_v undoubted_o contain_v in_o the_o write_a word_n although_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v a_o real_a difference_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v as_o there_o be_v between_o gold_n and_o silver_n yet_o he_o that_o receive_v all_o must_v receive_v one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n they_o that_o receive_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n upon_o ground_n of_o certainty_n must_v be_v assure_v that_o therein_o they_o receive_v all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n never_o be_v any_o purse_n so_o rifle_v as_o this_o be_v by_o j._n s._n he_o examine_v not_o only_o the_o coin_n in_o it_o but_o the_o very_a string_n and_o lining_n of_o it_o he_o be_v a_o dreadful_a man_n at_o ransack_v a_o metaphor_n 40._o he_o tell_v i_o my_o similitude_n be_v so_o far_o from_o run_v on_o four_o leg_n that_o it_o be_v in_o many_o regard_v lame_a on_o the_o right_n and_o indeed_o only_o foot_v it_o ought_v to_o stand_v on_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o perhaps_o against_o myself_o the_o sum_n of_o it_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o because_o scripture_n contain_v all_o and_o protestant_n have_v scripture_n therefore_o they_o have_v all_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o discourse_n as_o if_o because_o they_o have_v it_o in_o a_o book_n therefore_o they_o have_v it_o in_o their_o mind_n and_o soul_n in_o which_o and_o no_o where_o else_o faith_n be_v to_o reside_v but_o be_v not_o the_o question_n put_v whether_o we_o have_v all_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o our_o saviour_n teach_v and_o how_o can_v i_o answer_v a_o question_n about_o all_o but_o by_o show_v where_o we_o have_v all_o if_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v there_o we_o must_v be_v certain_a we_o have_v all_o if_o we_o have_v the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v all_o but_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o have_v it_o in_o a_o book_n i_o grant_v it_o but_o still_o if_o you_o ask_v where_o all_o my_o faith_n be_v contain_v i_o must_v refer_v you_o to_o that_o book_n which_o contain_v all_o for_o i_o profess_v to_o believe_v every_o thing_n there_o and_o nothing_o as_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o be_v there_o we_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o person_n to_o say_v their_o faith_n be_v in_o such_o a_o book_n but_o we_o grant_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o read_v and_o search_v and_o actual_o believe_v what_o ever_o they_o find_v in_o that_o book_n but_o still_o all_o point_n be_v not_o equal_o necessary_a to_o all_o person_n that_o be_v therein_o contain_v but_o all_o such_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n lie_v there_o open_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o who_o desire_v to_o know_v they_o now_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o thing_n j._n s._n find_v fault_n with_o this_o similitude_n of_o a_o purse_n for_o viz._n that_o people_n think_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o open_v and_o as_o easy_a to_o come_v at_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o take_v money_n out_o of_o a_o purse_n it_o be_v but_o pluck_v the_o string_n and_o the_o deed_n be_v do_v and_o be_v this_o any_o disparagement_n to_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o all_o person_n we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o any_o person_n by_o open_v the_o scripture_n may_v present_o attain_v to_o the_o certain_a sense_n of_o all_o place_n of_o scripture_n but_o that_o which_o i_o assert_v be_v that_o no_o man_n who_o set_v himself_o to_o read_v and_o consider_v the_o scripture_n as_o he_o ought_v and_o pray_v for_o wisdom_n from_o god_n shall_v miss_v of_o know_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o his_o salvation_n but_o mr._n s._n be_v for_o mend_v the_o similitude_n and_o true_o he_o do_v it_o after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n he_o will_v allow_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o purse_n provide_v the_o purse_n mouth_n be_v tie_v up_o with_o a_o knot_n of_o such_o a_o mysterious_a contrivance_n that_o none_o can_v open_v it_o but_o those_o who_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o bequeather_n and_o that_o the_o church_n to_o which_o it_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o legacy_n have_v knowledge_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o so_o can_v open_v it_o whilst_z other_o only_o perplex_v themselves_o more_o while_o they_o go_v about_o it_o the_o point_n then_o between_o we_o be_v whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v leave_v only_o to_o the_o church_n to_o interpret_v it_o to_o the_o people_n in_o all_o point_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o general_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o as_o thereby_o to_o direct_v themselves_o in_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o consequent_o whether_o it_o may_v not_o be_v open_v and_o understand_v by_o all_o person_n in_o matter_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n 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thousand_o and_o million_o beside_o ever_o to_o apprehend_v let_v we_o do_v our_o utmost_a nay_o we_o can_v apprehend_v such_o be_v our_o dulness_n that_o we_o can_v have_v any_o certainty_n as_o to_o sense_n or_o reason_n if_o we_o hold_v it_o we_o hope_v therefore_o j._n s._n will_v enlarge_v his_o number_n and_o not_o talk_v only_o of_o some_o few_o that_o may_v be_v save_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o deep_a mystery_n we_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o his_o number_n for_o true_o our_o capacity_n can_v never_o be_v stretch_v so_o far_o as_o to_o comprehend_v the_o possibility_n of_o transubstantiation_n suppose_v our_o motive_n be_v slender_a yet_o they_o be_v such_o as_o move_v we_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o we_o can_v overcome_v the_o reluctancy_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o revelation_n and_o tradition_n against_o it_o ibid._n but_o mr._n s._n bring_v himself_o off_o with_o a_o salvo_n though_o all_o point_n be_v not_o necessary_a for_o every_o particular_a person_n yet_o all_o of_o they_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n who_o pastor_n be_v to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o they_o and_o apply_v the_o efficacy_n of_o they_o to_o their_o soul_n as_o their_o capacity_n admit_v and_o exigency_n require_v it_o seem_v still_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o particular_a person_n but_o according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o exigency_n but_o they_o be_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n but_o how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n for_o instance_n the_o point_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v a_o very_a deep_a point_n and_o although_o particular_a person_n may_v be_v save_v without_o believe_v it_o yet_o i_o can_v understand_v how_o this_o deep_a point_n come_v to_o be_v necessary_a in_o any_o respect_n for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n i_o hope_v j._n s._n will_v not_o deny_v this_o to_o be_v one_o of_o his_o necessary_a church-point_n let_v he_o then_o show_v how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v so_o necessary_a for_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o it_o my_o capacity_n i_o assure_v he_o will_v not_o reach_v to_o this_o and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v be_v excuse_v and_o in_o his_o own_o word_n my_o mind_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v cultivate_v by_o such_o elevate_a consideration_n i_o do_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o such_o danger_n of_o the_o flock_n die_v 49._o or_o fall_v short_a of_o their_o full_a growth_n they_o may_v have_v have_v in_o the_o plentiful_a pasturage_n of_o the_o church_n as_o j._n s._n elegant_o speak_v if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v transubstantiation_n or_o any_o such_o deep_a point_n but_o still_o we_o have_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o our_o high_a fundamental_o no_o we_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a and_o from_o absolute_o certain_a ground_n it_o be_v absolute_o certain_a that_o whatever_o god_n reveal_v be_v true_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o and_o we_o be_v as_o absolute_o certain_a as_o scripture_n and_o reason_n can_v make_v we_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v the_o fundamental_o of_o our_o faith._n but_o there_o be_v experience_n to_o the_o contrary_a what_o experience_n that_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a we_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v and_o who_o can_v tell_v best_o how_o come_v mr._n s._n to_o know_v we_o be_v not_o certain_a when_o we_o say_v we_o be_v but_o all_o be_v not_o as_o socinian_o etc._n etc._n what_o be_v they_o to_o we_o be_v not_o we_o certain_a because_o some_o be_v not_o certain_a what_o pitiful_a reason_v be_v this_o be_v mr._n s._n certain_a of_o his_o infallible_a ground_n of_o certainty_n oral_a tradition_n why_o do_v i_o ask_v such_o a_o question_n for_o very_o good_a reason_n because_o there_o be_v some_o not_o certain_a of_o it_o and_o even_o in_o his_o own_o church_n but_o cry_v out_o upon_o it_o as_o fallible_a fallacious_a dangerous_a and_o destructive_a of_o faith_n and_o 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truth_n of_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n but_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a we_o have_v the_o right_a letter_n unless_o we_o have_v a_o right_a translation_n and_o that_o must_v be_v from_o a_o true_a copy_n no_o copy_n can_v be_v true_a unless_o conformable_a to_o the_o original_a and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o failure_n in_o any_o of_o these_o nay_o if_o we_o have_v not_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o all_o these_o we_o can_v have_v any_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o our_o faith._n this_o objection_n those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o believe_v scripture_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n though_o not_o the_o complete_a be_v concern_v to_o answer_n as_o well_o as_o we_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v convey_v to_o their_o mind_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n
but_o mr._n s._n say_v their_o case_n be_v different_a from_o we_o do_v not_o they_o make_v the_o vulgar_a translation_n authentic_a 51._o and_o will_v not_o the_o same_o objection_n than_o lie_v against_o all_o those_o who_o rely_v upon_o it_o let_v we_o see_v how_o j._n s._n clear_v this_o matter_n 1._o the_o canon_n of_o the_o book_n come_v down_o say_v he_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v true_o christian_n and_o we_o say_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o book_n come_v down_o by_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n however_o differ_v in_o other_o thing_n and_o herein_o i_o think_v we_o have_v much_o the_o advantage_n for_o we_o do_v not_o except_v against_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o christian_a church_n nor_o condemn_v they_o as_o not_o true_o christian_n till_o their_o cause_n be_v better_a hear_v and_o examine_v 2._o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n say_v he_o transfuse_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a both_o teach_v they_o how_o 51._o and_o oblige_v they_o to_o correct_v the_o copy_n in_o those_o particular_a text_n that_o concern_v faith._n what_o be_v this_o but_o in_o plain_a term_n to_o expose_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n who_o will_v desire_v no_o better_o a_o concession_n than_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v correct_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n if_o this_o be_v grant_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v any_o true_a original_a text_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o the_o church_n do_v correct_v the_o copy_n in_o those_o particular_a text_n which_o concern_v faith_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o faithful_a then_o the_o church_n in_o every_o age_n may_v so_o correct_v it_o and_o consequent_o we_o can_v never_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o text_n continue_v the_o same_o for_o any_o two_o age_n together_o unless_o it_o be_v first_o 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sixtus_n the_o five_o have_v publish_v his_o for_o a_o exact_a edition_n 3._o there_o be_v still_o complaint_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o want_n of_o exactness_n in_o the_o vulgar_a latin._n 4._o after_o all_o this_o be_v but_o human_a diligence_n and_o no_o such_o absolute_a certainty_n as_o j._n s._n require_v from_o we_o but_o it_o may_v be_v he_o will_v say_v that_o he_o do_v not_o at_o all_o make_v it_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n let_v he_o declare_v so_o much_o and_o then_o we_o know_v what_o to_o answer_v this_o be_v still_o put_v off_o therefore_o i_o will_v give_v a_o distinct_a answer_n i._o we_o do_v utter_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v in_o any_o church_n power_n to_o correct_v original_a text_n because_o they_o contradict_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o present_a church_n or_o any_o translation_n any_o far_o than_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o original_n and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o assertion_n that_o shake_v more_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o scripture_n than_o 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