be_v not_o immediate_o inspire_v of_o god_n have_v sufficient_o certain_a evidence_n in_o reason_n to_o the_o discern_a and_o choose_v of_o infallible_a guide_n that_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v §_o 15._o whether_o infallibility_n admit_v of_o degree_n and_o in_o what_o respect_n every_o truth_n be_v equal_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o all_o thing_n that_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n be_v equal_o because_o utter_o impossible_a all_o be_v alike_o infallible_a in_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v infallible_a and_o therein_o they_o can_v be_v more_o infallible_a because_o therein_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v deceive_v and_o so_o it_o can_v be_v more_o impossible_a than_o it_o be_v already_o nevertheless_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n for_o be_v infallible_a in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o matter_n likewise_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o be_v infallible_a and_o so_o the_o sure_a knowledge_n of_o be_v infallible_a admit_v of_o degree_n that_o knowledge_n that_o be_v sufficient_o certain_a may_v be_v advance_v to_o be_v abundant_o certain_a and_o that_o which_o be_v abundant_a may_v be_v advance_v to_o yet_o more_o abundant_a whereupon_o i_o conclude_v that_o though_o infallibility_n in_o its_o formal_a reason_n admit_v of_o no_o degree_n yet_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o the_o evidence_n and_o the_o clear_a apprehension_n thereof_o moreover_o infallibility_n be_v in_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o perfect_a state_n in_o one_o subject_n than_o in_o another_o and_o so_o the_o infallibility_n of_o a_o superior_a intellect_n as_o that_o of_o angel_n be_v in_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a than_o the_o hypothetical_a and_o the_o unlimited_a than_o the_o limit_a in_o the_o same_o subject_a infallibility_n may_v be_v in_o a_o more_o perfect_a state_n at_o one_o time_n than_o another_o according_a to_o the_o rise_n or_o fall_v of_o the_o evidence_n thereof_o §_o 16._o of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o sense_n that_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o sense_n right_o circumstantiate_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o that_o which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o sense_n right_o circumstantiate_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v true_a for_o that_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v false_a and_o that_o the_o other_o shall_v be_v true_a imply_v a_o contradiction_n suppose_v the_o sensitive_a faculty_n to_o be_v true_a and_o if_o the_o sensitive_a faculty_n be_v not_o true_a it_o infer_v that_o impious_a and_o absurd_a opinion_n that_o god_n can_v or_o will_v not_o govern_v the_o material_a world_n but_o by_o falsehood_n the_o popish_a opinion_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v no_o deception_n of_o the_o sense_n but_o of_o the_o understanding_n for_o they_o that_o have_v persuade_v themselves_o to_o believe_v it_o do_v not_o say_v they_o see_v or_o taste_v or_o feel_v christ_n body_n and_o blood_n but_o acknowledge_v what_o they_o see_v feel_v and_o taste_v to_o be_v the_o accident_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n which_o they_o say_v remain_v after_o transubstantion_n wherefore_o the_o impose_v be_v not_o upon_o the_o sense_n but_o upon_o the_o understanding_n which_o ought_v to_o judge_n by_o sense_n of_o matter_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o sense_n §_o 17._o of_o infallibility_n of_o reason_n if_o sense_n may_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o infallibility_n why_o may_v not_o the_o understanding_n be_v so_o which_o be_v a_o more_o excellent_a faculty_n in_o the_o kind_n of_o perception_n or_o knowledge_n if_o the_o understanding_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o certainty_n why_o not_o also_o of_o infallibility_n in_o that_o limit_a sense_n as_o have_v be_v before_o explain_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o certainty_n be_v not_o that_o which_o may_v or_o may_v not_o be_v but_o that_o which_o must_v be_v or_o which_o be_v know_v to_o be_v such_o a_o indubitable_a certainty_n be_v acknowledge_v and_o from_o a_o indubitable_a certainty_n proper_o so_o call_v i_o think_v a_o good_a inference_n be_v make_v unto_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n to_o be_v indubitable_a in_o a_o matter_n be_v to_o be_v sure_a that_o i_o be_o not_o therein_o deceive_v and_o i_o can_v rational_o be_v sure_a that_o i_o be_o not_o deceive_v unless_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o it_o can_v be_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v otherwise_o than_o i_o apprehend_v and_o if_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o than_o i_o apprehend_v i_o be_o as_o to_o that_o particular_a infallible_a because_o man_n in_o their_o most_o confident_a persuasion_n be_v common_o deceive_v by_o prejudice_n from_o passion_n interest_n education_n and_o the_o like_a it_o follow_v not_o that_o none_o can_v be_v secure_a from_o deception_n that_o be_v to_o know_v that_o it_o can_v be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v deceive_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o matter_n certain_o a_o impartial_a and_o unbiased_a judgement_n may_v be_v find_v §_o 18._o logical_a physical_a moral_a and_o theological_a conclusision_n as_o well_o as_o mathematical_a admit_v of_o demonstrative_a evidence_n upon_o the_o forego_n inquiry_n i_o judge_v it_o very_o disadvantageous_a to_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n to_o speak_v as_o some_o do_v of_o a_o low_a evidence_n for_o it_o than_o demonstration_n and_o such_o as_o the_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o whereas_o i_o suppose_v there_o be_v not_o sure_a and_o clear_a evidence_n for_o any_o thing_n than_o for_o true_a religion_n not_o only_o mathematical_a but_o logical_a physical_a moral_a and_o theological_a conclusion_n admit_v of_o demonstrative_a evidence_n whereas_o some_o say_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o mathematical_o demonstrable_a because_o only_o mathematical_a matter_n admit_v such_o kind_n of_o evidence_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o that_o special_a evidence_n that_o be_v in_o the_o mathematics_n it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o evidence_n in_o general_n as_o demonstrative_a as_o mathematical_a evidence_n it_o be_v false_a for_o this_o truth_n admit_v the_o clear_a and_o strict_a demonstration_n this_o proposition_n that_o god_n be_v be_v demonstrative_a in_o the_o strict_a sense_n by_o a_o demonstration_n a_o posteriori_fw-la viz_o of_o the_o necessary_a cause_n from_o the_o effect_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o world_n for_o that_o we_o can_v attribute_v the_o be_v of_o the_o phanomena_n or_o visible_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o any_o other_o cause_n than_o such_o a_o be_v as_o we_o conceive_v god_n to_o be_v but_o we_o must_v offer_v violence_n to_o our_o own_o faculty_n this_o proposition_n that_o every_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v according_a to_o the_o true_a and_o full_a intent_n of_o it_o be_v demonstrative_a in_o the_o strict_a sense_n a_o priori_fw-la from_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o god_n be_v true_a as_o that_o he_o be_v as_o the_o existence_n so_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n have_v demonstrative_a evidence_n unless_o you_o have_v rather_o call_v they_o indemonstrable_a principle_n as_o have_v the_o great_a self-evidence_n from_o the_o essence_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o man_n dependence_n on_o he_o and_o relation_n to_o he_o moral_a and_o theological_a truth_n of_o demonstrative_a evidence_n be_v infer_v as_o touch_v god_n moral_a law_n the_o good_a of_o conformity_n and_o the_o evil_a of_o inconformity_n thereunto_o and_o a_o just_a retribution_n to_o man_n according_a to_o that_o difference_n §_o 19_o of_o the_o infallible_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o ground_n here_o lay_v as_o the_o existence_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o man_n dependence_n on_o he_o and_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o his_o obligation_n thence_o arise_v may_v be_v demonstrate_v so_o also_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v of_o god_n as_o the_o author_n and_o that_o the_o contrary_n will_v involve_v a_o contradiction_n and_o i_o take_v this_o to_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o learned_a man_n and_o need_v not_o here_o be_v large_o insist_v on_o only_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o a_o little_a of_o that_o much_o that_o have_v be_v write_v by_o mr._n baxter_n we_o may_v infallible_o know_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n by_o his_o unimitable_a image_n or_o impression_n which_o be_v upon_o it_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o historical_a part_n likewise_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o historical_a part_n namely_o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o those_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o he_o and_o they_o which_o the_o scripture_n mention_v we_o may_v know_v infallible_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o first_o witness_n know_v it_o infallible_o themselves_o by_o their_o present_a sense_n and_o reason_n with_o the_o concomitance_n of_o
supernatural_a help_n in_o remember_v and_o attest_v it_o the_o first_o church_n receive_v the_o testimony_n from_o the_o first_o witness_n upon_o natural_o certain_a and_o infallible_a evidence_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o those_o witness_n can_v by_o combination_n deceive_v the_o world_n in_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o very_a age_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o the_o thing_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v do_v and_o say_v and_o these_o church_n have_v the_o concomitance_n of_o supernatural_a attestation_n in_o themselves_o by_o the_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o by_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o they_o the_o christian_n or_o church_n of_o the_o next_o age_n receive_v the_o testimony_n from_o those_o of_o the_o first_o with_o a_o great_a evidence_n of_o natural_a infallible_a certainty_n for_o that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v to_o they_o in_o the_o record_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o both_o the_o miracle_n and_o reporter_n be_v more_o numerous_a and_o they_o be_v disperse_v over_o much_o of_o the_o world_n and_o with_o these_o also_o be_v the_o supernatural_a evidence_n of_o miracle_n we_o of_o the_o present_a age_n receive_v it_o insallible_o from_o the_o church_n of_o all_o precedent_a age_n successive_o to_o this_o day_n by_o the_o same_o way_n with_o great_a advantage_n in_o some_o respect_n and_o with_o lesser_a in_o other_o not_o upon_o the_o church_n bare_a authority_n but_o the_o natural_a cerainty_n of_o the_o infallible_a tradition_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o record_n of_o this_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o perpetual_a exercise_n thereof_o according_a to_o those_o record_n in_o all_o essential_a point_n wherein_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a for_o the_o precedent_a age_n to_o impose_v falsehood_n upon_o the_o subsequent_a and_o this_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o church_n tradition_n be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o history_n of_o heathen_n and_o the_o concession_n of_o the_o church_n enemy_n infidel_n and_o heretic_n all_o which_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o verity_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n there_o be_v natural_a evidence_n of_o the_o impossibility_n that_o all_o the_o witness_n and_o reporter_n be_v so_o many_o of_o such_o condition_n and_o in_o such_o circumstance_n shall_v agree_v to_o deceive_v and_o never_o be_v detect_v for_o there_o be_v no_o possible_a sufficient_a cause_n that_o so_o many_o thousand_o believer_n and_o reporter_n in_o so_o many_o several_a country_n throughout_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v deceive_v or_o be_v herein_o mad_a or_o senseless_a and_o that_o those_o many_o thousand_o shall_v be_v able_a in_o these_o matter_n unanimous_o to_o agree_v to_o deceive_v more_o than_o themselves_o into_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o untruth_n in_o the_o very_a time_n and_o place_n where_o the_o thing_n be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v and_o no_o sufficient_a cause_n can_v be_v give_v but_o that_o some_o among_o so_o many_o malicious_a enemy_n shall_v have_v detect_v the_o deceit_n especial_o consider_v the_o number_n of_o apostate_n and_o the_o contention_n of_o heritick_n beside_o all_o this_o there_o be_v a_o succession_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o hearer_n continue_v to_o this_o day_n and_o be_v wrought_v by_o their_o doctrine_n §_o 20._o of_o the_o infallible_a knowledge_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o we_o may_v be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o likewise_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n at_o least_o in_o point_n fundamental_a or_o essential_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o without_o a_o infallible_a teacher_n we_o may_v certain_o know_v that_o a_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n repugnant_a to_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o sense_n right_o circumstantiate_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v true_a if_o we_o can_v certain_o know_v any_o thing_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v true_a and_o consequent_o we_o may_v infallible_o know_v it_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o many_o thing_n and_o those_o most_o material_a to_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n be_v so_o evident_a from_o the_o plain_a open_a and_o ample_a expression_n thereof_o that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v it_o if_o his_o understanding_n be_v notorious_o prejudice_v and_o if_o we_o can_v know_v the_o say_a sense_n to_o be_v necessary_o true_a we_o can_v know_v nothing_o to_o be_v so_o and_o so_o we_o be_v at_o uncertainty_n for_o every_o thing_n it_o will_v sure_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o we_o may_v as_o certain_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o thing_n plainy_n and_o ample_o express_v as_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o other_o writing_n as_o for_o instance_n of_o the_o write_n of_o euclid_n in_o the_o definition_n and_o axiom_n in_o which_o man_n be_v universal_o agree_v if_o any_o say_v the_o word_n in_o which_o the_o say_a definition_n and_o axiom_n be_v express_v may_v possible_o bear_v another_o sense_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o they_o may_v absolute_o consider_v because_o word_n which_o have_v their_o sense_n ad_fw-la placitum_fw-la and_o from_o common_a use_n be_v absolute_o consider_v may_v have_v a_o divers_a sense_n from_o what_o they_o have_v by_o common_a use_n but_o those_o word_n be_v respective_o consider_v as_o settle_v by_o use_n can_v possible_o bear_v another_o sense_n unless_o we_o imagine_v the_o great_a absurdity_n imaginable_a in_o the_o writer_n beside_o they_o that_o pretend_v the_o possibility_n of_o another_o sense_n i_o suppose_v do_v mean_a sense_n and_o not_o nonsense_n and_o how_o a_o divers_a sense_n of_o all_o those_o word_n in_o euclid_n that_o be_v not_o pure_a nonsense_n shall_v arise_v out_o of_o the_o same_o word_n and_o so_o conjoin_v be_v by_o i_o incomprehensible_a but_o if_o the_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v comprehensible_a or_o so_o great_a a_o absurdity_n be_v imaginable_a in_o a_o writer_n lead_v only_o by_o a_o humane_a spirit_n it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a in_o writer_n divine_o inspire_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v write_v unintelligible_o and_o whole_o diverse_o from_o the_o common_a use_n of_o word_n in_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v impossible_a if_o a_o infallible_a teacher_n be_v necessary_a to_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o no_o other_o sense_n than_o what_o be_v so_o give_v can_v be_v safe_o rest_v in_o then_o either_o the_o right_a sense_n of_o that_o infallible_a teacher_n word_n if_o he_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o some_o other_o present_a infallible_a teacher_n or_o else_o that_o pretend_a infallible_a teacher_n be_v more_o able_a or_o more_o willing_a to_o ascertain_v we_o of_o his_o meaning_n than_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n to_o speak_v of_o seek_v the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o sense_n that_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v thereof_o be_v but_o vain_a talk_n for_o first_o the_o catholic_n church_n never_o yet_o have_v and_o never_o be_v like_a to_o come_v together_o till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o declare_v their_o sense_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n nor_o have_v they_o write_v it_o in_o any_o book_n or_o number_n of_o book_n 2._o never_o do_v any_o true_a representative_a of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o any_o thing_n like_o it_o as_o yet_o come_v together_o or_o any_o way_n declare_v what_o be_v their_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n nor_o be_v ever_o like_a to_o do_v 3._o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v err_v in_o the_o essential_o of_o christian_a religion_n as_o indeed_o no_o true_a member_n thereof_o can_v for_o it_o will_v involve_v a_o contradiction_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o assurance_n from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n but_o that_o a_o great_a if_o not_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v err_v in_o the_o integral_n much_o more_o in_o the_o accidental_n of_o religion_n yea_o there_o be_v no_o assurance_n from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n but_o that_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n may_v err_v at_o lest_o per_fw-la vice_n in_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o some_o in_o one_o thing_n some_o in_o another_o and_o all_o this_o be_v testify_v by_o experience_n in_o the_o great_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n about_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n yea_o and_o by_o the_o difference_n of_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o large_a part_n thereof_o even_o from_o those_o among_o we_o who_o hold_v this_o principle_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o stand_v to_o their_o judgement_n wherefore_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o god_n put_v man_n upon_o such_o dissiculty_n yea_o impossibility_n of_o find_v out_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n at_o least_o in_o the_o main_a point_n of_o
christianity_n sure_o god_n require_v of_o we_o no_o more_o than_o he_o have_v give_v and_o that_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o faculty_n wherewith_o he_o have_v endue_v we_o how_o can_v we_o apprehend_v any_o doctrine_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o write_a word_n but_o by_o our_o faculty_n of_o understanding_n and_o how_o can_v we_o make_v judgement_n thereof_o i_o mean_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n but_o by_o make_v use_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n this_o be_v not_o to_o subject_a matter_n of_o religion_n to_o a_o private_a spirit_n but_o to_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v apprehend_v in_o the_o right_n and_o due_a use_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v a_o public_a and_o evident_a thing_n and_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o man_n §_o 21._o what_o certainty_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o save_v faith_n thus_o upon_o the_o ground_n before_o lay_v we_o may_v have_v a_o natural_a infallible_a certainty_n of_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n it_o remain_v to_o be_v consider_v whether_o the_o have_v of_o this_o certainty_n both_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o save_v faith_n here_o let_v it_o be_v note_v that_o a_o person_n may_v have_v some_o doubt_n of_o a_o matter_n whereof_o he_o see_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o doubt_v and_o howsoever_o man_n may_v possible_o argue_v against_o this_o assertion_n yet_o experience_n make_v it_o good_a and_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o it_o in_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o mind_n contract_v by_o the_o fall_n whereby_o ofttimes_o we_o be_v confident_a of_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o see_v we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o or_o disbelieve_v and_o whereby_o we_o doubt_v of_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o see_v we_o have_v just_a cause_n most_o firm_o to_o believe_v i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v evident_a in_o that_o say_n i_o believe_v lord_n help_v my_o unbelief_n and_o against_o this_o it_o can_v be_v say_v here_o be_v a_o effect_n without_o a_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o though_o there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n or_o reason_n of_o the_o doubt_n yet_o for_o it_o be_v a_o defect_n there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n namely_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o mind_n he_o that_o say_v to_o our_o saviour_n i_o believe_v lord_n help_v my_o unbelief_n have_v say_v faith_n and_o his_o faith_n that_o he_o profess_v and_o his_o unbelief_n that_o he_o complain_v of_o appear_v by_o the_o context_n not_o to_o relate_v to_o his_o interest_n in_o christ_n but_o to_o christ_n himself_o as_o able_a to_o help_v he_o and_o so_o from_o this_o instance_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o not_o have_v of_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o the_o object_n deny_v not_o the_o be_v of_o save_a faith_n at_o least_o where_o a_o man_n be_v so_o far_o clear_a as_o to_o see_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o doubt_n though_o he_o do_v somewhat_o doubt_v a_o man_n that_o see_v not_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n to_o be_v infallible_o assure_v touch_v the_o firmness_n of_o the_o ground_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o yet_o see_v no_o sufficient_a evidence_n for_o the_o reject_v of_o that_o doctrine_n may_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o thing_n therein_o treat_v of_o and_o the_o probability_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v induce_v entire_o and_o hearty_o to_o embrace_v that_o doctrine_n with_o purpose_n to_o live_v according_o and_o to_o perform_v that_o purpose_n that_o this_o may_v be_v be_v evident_a for_o humane_a prudence_n do_v strong_o oblige_v a_o man_n in_o that_o case_n to_o make_v such_o a_o choice_n for_o himself_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o make_v such_o choice_n he_o do_v not_o act_n with_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n will_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o humane_a prudence_n in_o the_o case_n i_o answer_v that_o god_n can_v give_v that_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n whereby_o a_o man_n will_n shall_v be_v enable_v to_o make_v its_o choice_n according_a to_o prudence_n against_o its_o natural_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o god_n can_v give_v this_o assistance_n very_o congruous_o or_o agreeable_o to_o his_o holy_a wisdom_n whosoever_o in_o the_o case_n aforesaid_a do_v make_v such_o a_o choice_n and_o live_v according_o have_v save_v faith_n for_o his_o so_o do_v do_v imply_v a_o unfeigned_a love_n to_o and_o prefer_v of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o holiness_n above_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o must_v needs_o suppose_v faith_n unfeigned_a and_o god_n proceed_v according_a to_o his_o grace_n in_o christ_n will_v not_o impute_v unto_o condemnation_n such_o a_o one_o culpable_a defect_n of_o certainty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o do_v not_o hinder_v his_o sincere_a trust_n in_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o his_o entire_a and_o hearty_a love_n to_o he_o §_o 22._o of_o our_o certainty_n of_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n it_o may_v last_o be_v inquire_v what_o certainty_n one_o may_v have_v of_o his_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n as_o for_o the_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n that_o be_v a_o different_a inquiry_n and_o depend_v on_o another_o question_n touch_v the_o certainty_n of_o perseverance_n in_o a_o justify_v state_n which_o be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v meddle_v with_o and_o we_o inquire_v not_o whether_o one_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o his_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n by_o special_a revelation_n but_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n that_o any_o one_o ordinary_o shall_v have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o his_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n suppose_v his_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o god_n have_v declare_v in_o his_o word_n that_o they_o which_o have_v such_o and_o such_o qualification_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n 2._o that_o he_o himself_o be_v so_o qualify_v for_o it_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o these_o two_o premise_n the_o one_o whereof_o be_v the_o object_n of_o divine_a faith_n and_o the_o other_o of_o a_o clear_a and_o right_a self-knowledg_n the_o certainty_n of_o the_o former_a viz._n that_o god_n have_v declare_v person_n so_o qualify_v to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n none_o deny_v that_o acknowledge_v the_o certainty_n of_o christ_n gospel_n the_o certainty_n of_o the_o latter_a be_v the_o matter_n of_o debate_n whether_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o whether_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v have_v it_o be_v not_o inquire_v whether_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o latter_a viz._n whether_o the_o person_n himself_o be_v so_o qualify_v be_v a_o certainty_n of_o divine_a faith_n for_o the_o object_n of_o such_o certainty_n be_v only_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v that_o this_o or_o that_o man_n have_v faith_n and_o repentance_n but_o this_o be_v only_o a_o point_n of_o self-knowledg_n here_o interpose_v we_o something_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o protestant_n and_o papist_n about_o the_o certainty_n of_o this_o matter_n the_o protestant_n in_o assert_v that_o the_o certainty_n of_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o certainty_n of_o divine_a faith_n do_v mean_v no_o more_o but_o that_o one_o of_o the_o proposition_n viz._n whosoever_o unfeigned_o believe_v be_v justify_v rest_v sole_o on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o other_o viz._n i_o unfeigned_o believe_v be_v know_v by_o internal_a sense_n and_o experience_n but_o whether_o the_o conclusion_n therefore_o i_o be_o justify_v or_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v right_o call_v a_o conclusion_n of_o divine_a faith_n i_o leave_v to_o other_o to_o judge_n not_o care_v to_o strive_v about_o word_n when_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v agree_v upon_o and_o doubtless_o no_o sober_a protestant_n will_v assert_v that_o the_o certainty_n which_o we_o have_v of_o this_o conclusion_n be_v a_o certainty_n of_o the_o same_o reason_n with_o that_o which_o we_o have_v of_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n either_o so_o firmness_n or_o necessity_n the_o papist_n in_o deny_v the_o certainty_n of_o justification_n to_o be_v a_o certainty_n of_o divine_a faith_n do_v not_o deny_v all_o certainty_n thereof_o but_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o reason_n with_o the_o certainty_n which_o we_o have_v of_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n because_o though_o one_o of_o the_o premise_n on_o which_o it_o be_v found_v be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n yet_o the_o other_o be_v know_v but_o by_o internal_a sense_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o late_a of_o the_o premise_n which_o be_v know_v but_o by_o internal_a sense_n and_o
certain_a that_o the_o sun_n that_o be_v set_v will_v rise_v again_o in_o our_o horizon_n after_o such_o a_o space_n of_o time_n it_o be_v natural_o certain_a that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o vicissitude_n of_o summer_n and_o winter_n in_o our_o climate_n for_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o according_a to_o particular_a nature_n or_o in_o a_o natural_a way_n it_o be_v impossible_a these_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o ordinance_n of_o heaven_n by_o the_o sureness_n whereof_o god_n set_v forth_o the_o stability_n of_o his_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o that_o certainty_n be_v great_a that_o be_v found_v in_o the_o universal_a and_o unchangeable_a reason_n of_o thing_n or_o in_o the_o eternal_a law_n which_o be_v found_v in_o the_o unchangeable_a nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n for_o this_o can_v never_o fail_v there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o impossibility_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n but_o a_o absolute_a and_o utter_a impossibility_n that_o a_o apprehension_n or_o assent_n found_v herein_o shall_v be_v falseâ—â—ho_n in_o the_o course_n of_o partirular_a nature_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o the_o sun_n shall_v go_v down_o at_o the_o state_v time_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o utter_o impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v not_o but_o it_o may_v stand_v still_o or_o go_v back_o in_o the_o firmament_n as_o in_o holy_a scripture_n we_o read_v it_o have_v do_v and_o consequent_o we_o can_v have_v a_o absolute_a certainty_n thereof_o but_o we_o be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o whatsoever_o truth_n rest_v upon_o the_o unchangeable_a reason_n of_o thing_n for_o the_o contrary_a thereof_o be_v a_o contradiction_n §_o 4._o of_o supernatural_a certainty_n supernatural_a certainty_n be_v a_o assent_n upon_o indubitable_a superna-natural_a evidence_n viz._n divine_a revelation_n supernatural_a a_o divine_a evidence_n be_v the_o high_a kind_n of_o proof_n and_o cause_v certainty_n if_o any_o thing_n can_v cause_v it_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o sure_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n than_o god_n veracity_n and_o nothing_o more_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o certainty_n of_o that_o which_o bring_v a_o divine_a supernatural_a evidence_n or_o discovery_n than_o to_o know_v that_o it_o be_v divine_a or_o of_o god_n wherefore_o supernatural_a certainty_n presuppose_v two_o thing_n 1._o the_o natural_a certainty_n of_o this_o principle_n that_o god_n be_v immutable_o true_a 2._o a_o natural_a certainty_n that_o the_o supernatural_a discovery_n or_o revelation_n that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o assent_n be_v from_o god_n here_o by_o natural_a certainty_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o full_a objective_n evidence_n nevertheless_o the_o certainty_n that_o be_v natural_a in_o the_o say_a respect_n may_v in_o another_o respect_n be_v supernatural_a namely_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o mind_n unto_o that_o certainty_n or_o firmness_n of_o assent_n it_o be_v natural_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o objective_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o supernatural_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o faculty_n to_o apprehend_v it_o §_o 5._o the_o distinction_n of_o certainty_n into_o evident_a and_o obscure_a consider_v certainty_n have_v be_v distinguish_v into_o evident_a and_o obscure_a evident_a certainty_n be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v some_o way_n clear_o perceive_v namely_o either_o the_o first_o principle_n or_o conclusion_n evident_o draw_v from_o they_o or_o object_n of_o sense_n obscure_a certainty_n be_v only_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o hold_v by_o belief_n or_o opinion_n namely_o thing_n believe_v upon_o divine_a authority_n or_o humane_a authority_n or_o infer_v from_o sign_n and_o conjecture_n but_o i_o conceive_v that_o to_o distinguish_v certainty_n into_o evident_a and_o obscure_a be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o distinguish_v it_o into_o certain_a and_o uncertain_a for_o evidence_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o certainty_n and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n so_o far_o we_o have_v evidence_n thereof_o and_o no_o far_o than_o we_o have_v evidence_n can_v we_o have_v any_o certainty_n and_o it_o rise_v or_o fall_v in_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o according_a as_o the_o degree_n of_o evidence_n be_v more_o or_o less_o i_o take_v certainty_n and_o obscurity_n to_o be_v opposite_a in_o nature_n all_o certainty_n connote_v knowledge_n obscurity_n belong_v not_o to_o knowledge_n as_o such_o but_o to_o ignorance_n and_o obscure_a knowledge_n be_v but_o knowledge_n mix_v with_o ignorance_n especial_o i_o judge_v it_o much_o amiss_o to_o place_v the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a faith_n under_o the_o head_n of_o obscure_a certainty_n for_o that_o i_o judge_v we_o have_v as_o good_a and_o sure_a evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o matter_n of_o divine_a faith_n as_o for_o any_o conclusion_n of_o science_n as_o shall_v be_v show_v howbeit_o i_o grant_v that_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o firm_o and_o right_o assent_v unto_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o obscure_a and_o unseen_a as_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v know_v only_o by_o supernatural_a revelation_n yet_o in_o the_o certainty_n or_o firm_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n about_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v not_o obscurity_n but_o evidence_n for_o it_o rest_v upon_o such_o ground_n as_o be_v of_o clear_a and_o evident_a truth_n as_o be_v abundant_o prove_v by_o divers_a author_n who_o have_v assert_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n §_o 6._o whether_o certainty_n admit_v of_o degree_n certainty_n strict_o so_o call_v do_v admit_v of_o degree_n a_o firm_a assent_n without_o waver_v or_o doubt_v may_v be_v more_o firm_a my_o assent_n to_o this_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v firm_a without_o waver_v and_o yet_o i_o may_v have_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o assurance_n thereof_o and_o doubtless_o the_o angel_n that_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o god_n have_v a_o great_a certainty_n or_o firmness_n of_o assent_n to_o the_o aforesaid_a truth_n than_o mortal_n upon_o earth_n the_o degree_n of_o firmness_n of_o knowledge_n or_o right_a assent_n rise_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o evidence_n i_o say_v not_o this_o of_o the_o firmness_n of_o all_o assent_n but_o of_o right_a assent_n which_o be_v knowledge_n and_o in_o which_o be_v true_a certainty_n there_o may_v be_v firmness_n of_o assent_n which_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o high_a confidence_n in_o the_o great_a mistake_n but_o no_o certainty_n which_o always_o suppose_v the_o true_a perception_n of_o its_o object_n that_o that_o which_o be_v now_o evident_a or_o clear_o perceive_v may_v become_v more_o evident_a be_v a_o truth_n which_o i_o suppose_v can_v be_v deny_v and_o i_o think_v common_a experience_n confirm_v it_o to_o every_o observe_a man_n that_o thing_n sufficient_o or_o indubitable_o evident_a be_v common_o make_v more_o and_o more_o evident_a by_o sufficient_a evidence_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o give_v we_o assurance_n that_o the_o thing_n can_v be_v otherwise_o than_o we_o apprehend_v there_o be_v many_o divine_a truth_n that_o be_v now_o evident_a which_o no_o true_a christian_a doubt_n shall_v be_v make_v more_o evident_a in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v what_o we_o know_v here_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o not_o perfect_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o that_o which_o be_v make_v glorious_a have_v no_o glory_n in_o this_o respect_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o excel_v that_o be_v that_o which_o positive_o be_v glorious_a comparative_o be_v inglorious_a so_o we_o may_v say_v that_o which_o positive_o be_v evident_a comparative_o be_v obscure_a all_o our_o present_a evidence_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v but_o obscurity_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o glorious_a clearness_n that_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o firm_a assent_n of_o divine_a faith_n may_v be_v call_v weak_a assent_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o assent_n of_o intuitive_a knowledge_n in_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n the_o low_a degree_n of_o true_a knowledge_n be_v ignorance_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o high_a and_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o strength_n and_o firmness_n sufficient_a in_o its_o own_o place_n be_v but_o weakness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o high_a especial_o those_o transcendent_a degree_n in_o heaven_n and_o where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o privative_a there_o may_v be_v a_o negative_a imperfection_n §_o 7._o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n certainty_n may_v be_v either_o of_o sense_n or_o of_o reason_n or_o of_o belief_n there_o be_v a_o certainty_n of_o sense_n or_o sensitive_a knowledge_n and_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v without_o denial_n of_o all_o certainty_n 1._o because_o almost_o all_o knowledge_n come_v in_o first_o by_o the_o sense_n 2._o all_o knowledge_n which_o
more_o prevalent_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n than_o the_o superadded_a error_n and_o corruption_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o renounce_v those_o error_n and_o corruption_n if_o they_o see_v their_o inconsistence_n with_o the_o essential_o be_v true_a christian_n otherwise_o they_o be_v not_o such_o the_o same_o church_n may_v be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o false_a church_n in_o different_a respect_n or_o formal_a consideration_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o essential_o of_o christian_a faith_n worship_n and_o ministry_n it_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o some_o devise_a church-form_n superad_v by_o which_o over_o and_o above_o the_o say_a essential_o it_o be_v constitute_v and_o denominate_v it_o may_v be_v in_o that_o distinct_a formal_a consideration_n a_o false_a church_n of_o the_o ministry_n §_o 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o holy_a ministry_n in_o general_n the_o holy_a ministry_n be_v a_o state_n of_o authority_n and_o obligation_n to_o perform_v some_o special_a holy_a work_n and_o service_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o whosoever_o be_v in_o a_o holy_a order_n or_o office_n be_v qua_fw-la talis_fw-la authorize_v and_o oblige_v to_o the_o work_n and_o service_n that_o be_v appropriate_v to_o it_o and_o whosoever_o stated_o and_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la do_v the_o work_n and_o service_n appropriate_v to_o a_o holy_a order_n be_v real_o in_o or_o of_o that_o order_n although_o man_n may_v not_o give_v he_o the_o name_n thereof_o whether_o the_o magistratical_a and_o ministerial_a office_n may_v reside_v together_o in_o the_o same_o person_n be_v not_o here_o consider_v but_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o may_v they_o will_v essential_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o for_o the_o magistrate_n as_o such_o have_v receive_v no_o authority_n formal_o ministerial_a nor_o have_v any_o minister_n as_o such_o the_o power_n of_o a_o civil_a magistrate_n some_o thus_o distinguish_v between_o the_o magistratical_a and_o ministerial_a authority_n that_o the_o one_o be_v directive_n and_o the_o other_o imperative_fw-it i_o take_v not_o this_o to_o be_v a_o competent_a distinction_n for_o that_o authority_n that_o infer_v a_o obligation_n on_o the_o subject_n to_o obey_v be_v proper_o imperative_fw-it and_o the_o ministerial_a authority_n do_v so_o as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v express_o heb._n 13.17_o paul_n be_v no_o magistrate_n but_o as_o a_o minister_n he_o speak_v 2_o cor._n 10.6_o have_v in_o readiness_n to_o revenge_v all_o disobedience_n and_o he_o express_o declare_v his_o ministerial_a authority_n to_o be_v imperative_fw-it phil._n v._n 8._o the_o i_o may_v make_v hold_n in_o christ_n to_o enjoin_v thou_o that_o which_o be_v convenient_a etc._n etc._n and_o v._o 21._o have_v confidence_n in_o thy_o obedience_n i_o write_v unto_o thou_o now_o they_o have_v right_o distinguish_v if_o instead_o of_o imperative_fw-it they_o have_v put_v coercive_a coactive_a or_o imperial_a for_o all_o directive_n authority_n by_o special_a office_n be_v imperative_fw-it whosoever_o do_v by_o special_a office_n direct_v unto_o duty_n in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o king_n and_o according_a to_o his_o will_n as_o a_o minister_n do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n do_v therein_o command_v but_o a_o coactive_a power_n be_v something_o more_o an_o belong_v not_o to_o a_o minister_n as_o such_o the_o magistrate_n rule_v by_o the_o sword_n and_o the_o minister_n by_o the_o word_n §_o 2._o of_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o its_o authority_n as_o christ_n alone_o have_v the_o power_n of_o appoint_v the_o work_n or_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ministry_n to_o be_v do_v in_o his_o name_n either_o towards_o believer_n or_o the_o unbelieving_a towards_o the_o church_n joint_o or_o towards_o particular_a person_n several_o so_o he_o alone_o have_v the_o power_n of_o appoint_v the_o holy_a order_n or_o office_n that_o contain_v a_o authority_n and_o obligation_n to_o perform_v the_o same_o and_o see_v christ_n have_v already_o appoint_v all_o the_o ministerial_a work_n and_o appropriate_v the_o same_o to_o certain_a ministerial_a order_n no_o new_a order_n or_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a ministry_n can_v be_v institute_v by_o man_n for_o they_o can_v institute_v other_o ministerial_a work_n to_o be_v do_v in_o christ_n name_n than_o what_o he_o have_v appoint_v but_o the_o circumstance_n and_o accidental_a mode_n and_o subservient_fw-fr office_n about_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o that_o they_o well_o may_v be_v appoint_v by_o man_n and_o according_o the_o officer_n for_o the_o management_n thereof_o may_v be_v so_o appoint_v and_o such_o mode_n and_o circumstance_n be_v necessary_o subject_a to_o great_a variation_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a diversity_n of_o occasion_n can_v well_o be_v pre-defined_n the_o holy_a ministry_n and_o power_n belong_v to_o it_o be_v confer_v neither_o by_o magistrate_n nor_o by_o prelate_n nor_o by_o any_o spiritual_a officer_n or_o officer_n as_o the_o proper_a giver_n thereof_o but_o by_o christ_n alone_o and_o though_o christ_n give_v it_o in_o some_o respect_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o man_n yet_o not_o by_o they_o as_o give_v the_o office_n power_n but_o as_o instrument_n either_o of_o design_v the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o give_v it_o or_o of_o the_o solemn_a investiture_n of_o that_o person_n therein_o as_o the_o king_n be_v the_o immediate_a giver_n of_o the_o power_n of_o a_o mayor_n in_o a_o town_n corporate_a when_o he_o give_v it_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o elector_n not_o as_o give_v the_o power_n but_o design_v the_o person_n to_o be_v invest_v with_o it_o or_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o some_o other_o officer_n as_o instrument_n of_o the_o solemn_a investiture_n neither_o magistrate_n nor_o prelate_n nor_o any_o spiritual_a officer_n or_o officer_n can_v dsiannul_v or_o take_v away_o that_o spiritual_a office_n whereof_o they_o be_v not_o the_o author_n nor_o in_o proper_a sense_n the_o giver_n nor_o can_v they_o enlarge_v or_o lessen_v it_o as_o to_o its_o essential_a state_n or_o define_v it_o otherwise_o than_o christ_n have_v define_v it_o and_o if_o the_o ordainer_n in_o convey_v the_o holy_a office_n or_o order_n shall_v use_v any_o any_o word_n or_o action_n that_o import_v the_o lessen_v thereof_o in_o its_o essential_a state_n they_o be_v void_a and_o null_a as_o if_o a_o minister_n that_o join_v a_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o marriage_n according_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n of_o that_o ordinance_n shall_v add_v some_o word_n that_o forbid_v the_o husband_n the_o government_n of_o his_o wife_n that_o addition_n be_v a_o nullity_n §_o 3._o of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n elder_n or_o pastor_n the_o ministry_n of_o god_n appointment_n be_v either_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a as_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o evangelist_n also_o if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v only_o the_o itinerary_a assistant_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o ordinary_a and_o perpetual_a as_o that_o of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n the_o word_n elder_a bishop_n pastor_n be_v name_n of_o the_o same_o sacred_a office_n as_o appear_v act_n 20.17_o 28._o where_o their_o ministry_n towards_o the_o church_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o paul_n word_n to_o the_o elder_n which_o he_o send_v for_o from_o ephesus_n to_o miletum_n take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n the_o apostle_n beside_o their_o extraordinary_a office_n of_o apostleship_n have_v also_o the_o ordinary_a office_n of_o bishop_n pastor_n and_o elder_n or_o to_o speak_v peradventure_o more_o proper_o they_o have_v these_o ordinary_a office_n include_v in_o their_o apostleship_n christ_n say_v to_o peter_n feed_v my_o sheep_n and_o peter_n call_v himself_o a_o elder_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o and_o john_n in_o his_o second_o and_o three_o epistle_n so_o call_v himself_o and_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o they_o can_v have_v no_o successor_n or_o partaker_n howbeit_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o no_o evidence_n of_o their_o be_v fix_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n to_o particular_a church_n as_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o name_n the_o word_n bishop_n import_v a_o overseer_n elder_n be_v a_o name_n of_o authority_n borrow_v from_o age_n and_o apply_v to_o a_o ruling-officer_n the_o word_n pastor_n be_v metaphorical_a signify_v that_o this_o officer_n be_v to_o the_o congregation_n of_o god_n as_o a_o shepherd_n to_o a_o flock_n of_o sheep_n to_o feed_v they_o this_o feed_n consist_v in_o teach_v and_o rule_v so_o that_o every_o pastor_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o office_n a_o teacher_n and_o he_o feed_v by_o doctrine_n and_o indeed_o pastoral_a ruling_n be_v by_o
against_o the_o episcopacy_n of_o a_o bishop_n infimi_fw-la gradus_fw-la over_o many_o church_n make_v not_o against_o the_o right_n of_o a_o overseer_n of_o other_o bishop_n such_o as_o titus_n must_v needs_o be_v if_o he_o be_v indeed_o bishop_n of_o crete_n which_o contain_v a_o hundred_o city_n and_o where_o bishop_n or_o elder_n be_v ordain_v in_o every_o city_n if_o either_o scripture_n or_o prudence_n guide_v by_o scripture_n be_v for_o such_o a_o office_n i_o oppose_v it_o not_o now_o a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o twofold_a notion_n either_o for_o one_o of_o a_o high_a order_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o a_o office_n specifical_o different_a from_o the_o subordinate_a bishop_n or_o for_o one_o of_o a_o high_a degree_n only_o in_o the_o same_o order_n i_o suppose_v our_o archbishop_n of_o province_n do_v not_o own_o the_o former_a notion_n of_o a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n but_o the_o latter_a only_o but_o the_o bishop_n of_o a_o diocese_n be_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o which_o the_o archbishop_n of_o a_o province_n do_v not_o own_o namely_o a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n in_o a_o different_a order_n from_o the_o presbyter_n of_o his_o diocese_n who_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v from_o scripture_n to_o be_v bishop_n hereupon_o the_o present_a inquiry_n be_v whether_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v warrant_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n in_o either_o of_o the_o say_a notion_n and_o in_o this_o inquiry_n i_o shall_v consider_v what_o kind_n of_o government_n the_o apostle_n have_v over_o the_o pastor_n or_o elder_n of_o particular_a church_n 2._o the_o episcopacy_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n much_o allege_v by_o the_o hierarchical_a divine_n 3._o the_o preeminence_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asian_a apoc._n 1._o and_o 2._o §_o 9_o the_o bishop_n plen_n of_o be_v the_o apostle_n successor_n in_o their_o governing-power_n examine_v though_o the_o apostle_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o in_o they_o which_o be_v common_a to_o other_o officer_n call_v themselves_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n but_o never_o bishop_n yet_o it_o be_v assert_v by_o the_o asserter_n of_o prelacy_n that_o bishop_n superior_a to_o presbyter_n be_v the_o apostle_n successor_n and_o thereupon_o have_v a_o governing-power_n over_o presbyter_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n governing-power_n and_o the_o say_a bishop_n right_a of_o succession_n thereunto_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o touch_v this_o claim_v succession_n in_o the_o govern_n power_n the_o defender_n of_o prelacy_n say_v that_o presbyter_n qua_fw-la presbyter_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o office_n of_o govern_v but_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o warrant_v this_o divide_n of_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v and_o govern_v and_o if_o the_o division_n can_v be_v prove_v in_o case_n there_o be_v a_o succession_n it_o must_v be_v into_o the_o whole_a and_o not_o into_o a_o part_n and_o so_o the_o presbyter_n must_v succeed_v as_o well_o in_o rule_v as_o in_o teach_v beside_o it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o a_o authoritative_a teacher_n of_o the_o church_n be_v qua_fw-la talis_fw-la a_o ruler_n the_o apostle_n have_v no_o successor_n in_o their_o special_a office_n of_o apostleship_n for_o not_o only_o the_o unction_n or_o qualification_n of_o a_o apostle_n but_o also_o the_o entire_a apostolic_a office_n as_o in_o its_o formal_a state_n or_o specific_a difference_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o expire_v with_o their_o person_n it_o be_v a_o office_n by_o immediate_a vocation_n from_o christ_n without_o the_o intervention_n of_o man_n by_o election_n or_o ordination_n for_o the_o authentic_a promulgation_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o the_o erect_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n which_o be_v build_v on_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o for_o the_o govern_n of_o all_o church_n wherever_o they_o come_v and_o it_o eminent_o contain_v all_o the_o power_n of_o ordinary_a bishop_n and_o pastor_n the_o continuation_n of_o teach_v and_o govern_v in_o the_o church_n do_v no_o more_o prove_v that_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v and_o govern_v in_o the_o apostle_n be_v quoad_fw-la formale_n a_o ordinary_a office_n than_o that_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v and_o govern_v in_o christ_n himself_o be_v so_o but_o their_o teach_n and_o govern_v be_v by_o immediate_a call_n and_o authentic_a and_o uncontrollable_a and_o therefore_o extraordinary_a and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o the_o bishop_n say_v they_o be_v apostle_n though_o they_o say_v they_o be_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n moreover_o in_o proper_a speak_n the_o ordinary_a bishop_n or_o elder_n can_v be_v reckon_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o they_o be_v not_o succedaneous_a to_o they_o but_o contemporary_a with_o they_o from_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o church_n and_o do_v by_o divine_a right_n receive_v and_o exercise_v their_o governing-power_n and_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n of_o all_o succeed_a age_n be_v proper_o the_o successor_n of_o those_o first_o bishop_n or_o elder_n and_o can_v rightful_o claim_v no_o more_o power_n than_o they_o have_v nevertheless_o let_v the_o apostle_n govern_v power_n be_v inquire_v into_o as_o also_o what_o interest_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o hierarchical_a state_n have_v therein_o and_o in_o this_o query_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o presbyter_n who_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v and_o govern_v be_v bishop_n both_o in_o name_n and_o thing_n and_o consequent_o their_o example_n of_o ordain_v and_o rule_v such_o presbyter_n be_v not_o right_o allege_v to_o prove_v that_o bishop_n as_o their_o successor_n have_v a_o appropriate_v power_n of_o ordain_v and_o rule_v presbyter_n of_o a_o inferior_a order_n which_o in_o scripture_n time_n be_v not_o in_o be_v further_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v whether_o the_o say_a governing-power_n be_v only_o a_o supereminent_a authority_n which_o they_o have_v as_o apostle_n and_o infallible_a and_o to_o who_o the_o last_o appeal_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v make_v or_o a_o ordinary_a govern_v power_n over_o the_o church_n and_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n thereof_o i_o conceive_v it_o most_o rational_a to_o take_v it_o in_o the_o former_a sense_n for_o we_o find_v that_o the_o ordinary_a state_v government_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v in_o the_o particular_a bishop_n or_o elder_n and_o we_o find_v not_o that_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v take_v away_o the_o same_o from_o they_o or_o that_o it_o be_v supercede_v by_o their_o presence_n or_o that_o they_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o a_o negative_a voice_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n now_o if_o their_o govern_n power_n be_v only_o the_o say_v supereminent_a apostolic_a authority_n they_o have_v no_o successor_n therein_o and_o though_o teach_n and_o rule_v be_v of_o stand_a necessity_n and_o consequent_o of_o perpetual_a duration_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o stand_a necessity_n of_o that_o teach_n and_o rule_v as_o take_v formal_o in_o that_o extraordinary_a state_n and_o manner_n as_o before_o express_v but_o if_o they_o exercise_v a_o ordinary_a governing-power_n over_o the_o church_n and_o bishop_n to_o be_v continue_v by_o succession_n such_o kind_n of_o bishop_n over_o who_o that_o power_n be_v exercise_v can_v claim_v a_o right_n of_o succession_n into_o the_o same_o but_o they_o must_v be_v officer_n of_o a_o high_a orb_n consequent_o if_o the_o hierarchical_a bishop_n claim_v the_o right_n of_o succession_n to_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o governing-power_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o a_o high_a orb_n than_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o particular_a church_n over_o who_o that_o power_n be_v exercise_v and_o if_o this_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o ordinary_a governing-power_n over_o the_o church_n and_o bishop_n do_v sufficient_o prove_v the_o right_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n of_o a_o high_a orb_n in_o the_o same_o power_n i_o shall_v not_o oppose_v it_o but_o only_o i_o take_v notice_n that_o these_o high_a bishop_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o those_o first_o bishop_n that_o be_v under_o that_o govern_n power_n and_o of_o which_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v diocesan_n bishop_n be_v not_o consistent_a with_o their_o apostolic_a office_n be_v a_o general_a charge_n extend_v to_o the_o church_n universal_a that_o any_o apostle_n do_v appropriate_v a_o diocese_n to_o himself_o and_o challenge_v the_o sole_a episcopal_a authority_n therein_o can_v be_v prove_v the_o several_a apostle_n for_o the_o better_a carry_v on_o of_o the_o work_n of_o their_o office_n do_v make_v choice_n of_o several_a region_n more_o especial_o to_o exercise_v their_o function_n in_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n that_o peter_n shall_v go_v to_o the_o circumcision_n and_o paul_n to_o the_o uncircumcision_n but_o as_o