sense_n and_o the_o mystical_a that_o they_o do_v both_o together_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a complete_a sense_n of_o the_o place_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o in_o all_o proposition_n which_o admit_v a_o literal_a and_o a_o mystical_a sense_n though_o there_o be_v but_o one_o explicite_fw-la enunciation_n yet_o there_o be_v two_o implicit_o and_o if_o any_o have_v a_o mind_n upon_o this_o account_n to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o literal_a sense_n and_o the_o mystical_a they_o may_v for_o i_o nor_o will_v i_o quarrel_v with_o they_o but_o to_o assign_v a_o plurality_n of_o coordinate_a or_o ambiguous_a sense_n to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o text_n i._n be_v the_o height_n of_o madness_n invent_v only_o to_o reproach_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o expound_v of_o it_o mare_n and_o be_v indeed_o repugnant_a not_o only_o to_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o end_n of_o god_n reveal_v the_o word_n which_o be_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o multiplicity_n of_o disparate_a sense_n we_o can_v never_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o any_o one_o proposition_n now_o when_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o asseâ—t_v its_o be_v intelligible_a we_o always_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o object_n and_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o subject_a actual_o to_o understand_v it_o the_o easiness_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o respect_n of_o itself_o and_o our_o disposedness_n to_o understand_v it_o right_n be_v thing_n vast_o distant_a the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n may_v be_v in_o itself_o facile_a and_o plain_a though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o remain_v dark_a and_o obscure_a to_o those_o who_o have_v shut_v their_o eye_n or_o that_o have_v their_o understanding_n defile_v tinctured_a and_o darken_v by_o fuliginous_a vapour_n the_o bible_n be_v only_o plain_a to_o such_o who_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o it_o without_o prepossession_n prejudice_n and_o forestall_a judgement_n &_o be_v withal_o humble_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n to_o find_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o though_o the_o ethereal_a region_n be_v replenish_v with_o ray_n of_o light_n emit_v from_o the_o great_a luminary_n yet_o it_o be_v both_o necessary_a that_o man_n have_v eye_n and_o that_o they_o open_v they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o discover_v and_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o if_o our_o understanding_n either_o from_o that_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n which_o they_o be_v envelop_v and_o muffle_v with_o through_o the_o fall_n or_o from_o malignant_a habit_n occasion_v either_o by_o unhappy_a education_n or_o sensual_a lust_n do_v not_o discern_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v no_o impeachment_n of_o its_o perspicuity_n but_o a_o manifestation_n of_o our_o weakness_n corruption_n and_o folly_n beside_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o plainness_n of_o the_o scripture_n &_o its_o easiness_n to_o be_v understand_v we_o always_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o scripture_n text_n relate_v to_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n &_o manner_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o such_o of_o who_o sense_n we_o may_v be_v safe_o ignorant_a the_o doctrine_n they_o refer_v to_o have_v no_o indispensable_a connexion_n with_o salvation_n the_o whole_a will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o to_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v in_o order_n to_o our_o duty_n and_o happiness_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n without_o any_o such_o ambiguity_n or_o obscurity_n as_o shall_v hinder_v it_o from_o be_v understand_v though_o god_n in_o his_o sovereign_a wisdom_n have_v in_o many_o thing_n who_o simple_a ignorance_n do_v not_o interpose_v with_o salvation_n leave_v many_o hard_a and_o difficult_a text_n partly_o to_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o understanding_n partly_o to_o employ_v our_o mind_n unto_o diligence_n partly_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o implore_v divine_a instruction_n and_o to_o make_v we_o depend_v upon_o god_n for_o illumination_n and_o partly_o to_o exercise_v our_o soul_n unto_o reverence_n but_o in_o fundamental_a truth_n the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o for_o the_o end_n give_v measure_n and_o fix_v bound_n unto_o mean_n it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n yea_o nor_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o leave_v that_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o upon_o no_o less_o peril_n than_o the_o hazard_n of_o salvation_n he_o have_v require_v the_o indispensable_a knowledge_n of_o as_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n need_v no_o proof_n of_o their_o truth_n be_v self-evident_a to_o every_o one_o that_o understand_v the_o import_n of_o term_n so_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n carry_v a_o evidence_n in_o the_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n of_o their_o revelation_n that_o every_o one_o who_o read_v the_o bible_n without_o prejudice_n and_o a_o perverse_a mind_n may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o such_o doctrine_n be_v there_o propose_v nor_o be_v it_o any_o argument_n that_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n where_o such_o article_n be_v reveal_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v because_o some_o out_o of_o prejudice_n or_o perverseness_n have_v wrest_v they_o to_o a_o corrupt_a sense_n see_v god_n do_v not_o indite_v the_o bible_n for_o the_o froward_a and_o captious_a but_o for_o such_o who_o will_v read_v it_o with_o a_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o as_o aristotle_n say_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o self_n evident_a principle_n be_v not_o evident_a to_o all_o man_n but_o only_o to_o such_o who_o have_v find_v and_o undepraved_a understanding_n topic._n 6._o cap._n 4._o so_o it_o be_v no_o impeachment_n of_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o religion_n that_o man_n who_o have_v their_o mind_n defile_v and_o darken_v by_o lust_n infect_v with_o evil_a opinion_n and_o fill_v with_o prejudices_fw-la do_v not_o believe_v and_o acknowledge_v they_o and_o by_o the_o way_n while_o all_o truth_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v be_v easy_a and_o plain_a and_o while_o we_o be_v indispensable_o oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o receive_v whatsoever_o be_v so_o a_o enumeration_n of_o fundamental_a truth_n be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o useful_a and_o possible_o not_o safe_a now_o as_o all_o doctrine_n necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v so_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o be_v so_o so_o be_v understand_v they_o be_v as_o well_o the_o standard_n and_o measure_n by_o which_o dark_a and_o obscure_a text_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v as_o the_o key_n to_o the_o open_n of_o they_o as_o curve_v line_n be_v best_a discern_v when_o apply_v to_o straight_o so_o be_v heterodox_n sense_n impose_v on_o obscure_a text_n of_o scripture_n best_o perceive_v when_o examine_v by_o their_o habitude_n to_o necessary_a and_o plain_a truth_n whatsoever_o bear_v not_o a_o symmetry_n with_o the_o foundation_n can_v be_v no_o superstruction_n of_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o notion_n either_o formal_o or_o virtual_o direct_o or_o consequential_o interfere'_v with_o a_o fundamental_a truth_n though_o never_o so_o many_o text_n be_v press_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o we_o maybe_o sure_a both_o of_o its_o falsity_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o wrest_a and_o mistake_v but_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v most_o plain_a in_o point_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n yet_o no_o one_o text_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v in_o itself_o unintelligible_a dialogue_n for_o as_o dr._n more_o say_v to_o affirm_v that_o the_o holy_a writ_n be_v in_o it_o elf_n unintelligible_a be_v equivalent_a to_o the_o pronounce_v it_o nonsense_n or_o to_o aver_v that_o such_o and_o such_o book_n or_o passage_n of_o it_o be_v never_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o man_n be_v to_o insinuate_v as_o if_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o play_v with_o the_o child_n of_o man_n but_o even_o fool_n with_o they_o mons._n wolzogen_n therefore_o in_o his_o late_a book_n de_fw-fr interpret_v scripturarum_fw-la have_v not_o only_o in_o this_o matter_n shameful_o betray_v the_o protestant_a cause_n but_o reflect_v reproach_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n there_o be_v something_n say_v he_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o can_v understand_v 174._o not_o through_o any_o defect_n or_o fault_n of_o our_o mind_n or_o through_o the_o sublimity_n &_o majesty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o but_o through_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v reveal_v if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o
in_o the_o bible_n nor_o can_v we_o impeach_v the_o genuine_a issue_n of_o reason_n without_o reflection_n upon_o god_n who_o have_v endow_v we_o with_o a_o faculty_n necessary_o sway_v we_o to_o those_o determination_n the_o connexion_n of_o one_o thing_n with_o another_o together_o with_o their_o mutual_a dependency_n arise_v not_o from_o the_o arbitrarious_fw-la appointment_n and_o designation_n of_o man_n but_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o essence_n of_o being_n and_o result_v from_o the_o habitude_n which_o the_o sovereign_a author_n have_v link_v they_o in_o one_o to_o another_o ipsa_fw-la veritas_fw-la connexionum_fw-la non_fw-la instituta_fw-la sed_fw-la animadversa_fw-la est_fw-la ab_fw-la hominibus_fw-la &_o notata_fw-la ut_fw-la eam_fw-la possint_fw-la vel_fw-la discere_fw-la vel_fw-la docere_fw-la nam_fw-la est_fw-la in_o rerum_fw-la ratione_fw-la perpetua_fw-la &_o divinitus_fw-la instituta_fw-la august_n lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr doctr._n christ._n cap._n 31._o may_v we_o not_o upon_o proleptical_a principle_n which_o be_v assent_v to_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o term_n be_v understand_v superstruct_v innumerable_a other_o there_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o meditation_n study_n ratiocination_n and_o dispute_n all_o our_o knowledge_n will_v be_v either_o intelligence_n instead_o of_o science_n or_o else_o we_o must_v in_o all_o thing_n save_o a_o few_o self-evidents_a introduce_v and_o establish_v scepticism_n be_v there_o no_o secondary_a principle_n which_o when_o once_o deduce_v from_o self-evident_a maxim_n we_o may_v with_o safety_n rely_v on_o we_o must_v either_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o habitude_n relation_n dependency_n or_o opposition_n betwixt_o one_o thing_n and_o a_o other_o or_o we_o must_v affirm_v the_o rational_a faculty_n to_o be_v in_o it_o be_v natural_a exercise_n universal_o fallacious_a the_o indissoluble_a connexion_n that_o be_v betwixt_o one_o thing_n and_o another_o transfer_v the_o denomination_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o act_n of_o our_o mind_n style_v judgement_n and_o the_o declaration_n of_o these_o act_n to_o other_o call_v enunciation_n whensoever_o we_o judge_v and_o pronounce_v of_o thing_n as_o they_o real_o be_v for_o as_o the_o philosopher_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o ready_o grant_v that_o partly_o through_o the_o weakness_n and_o darkness_n which_o have_v arrest_v our_o understanding_n partly_o through_o the_o nature_n quality_n extent_n and_o arduousness_n of_o object_n and_o our_o inadequate_a conception_n of_o they_o partly_o through_o prepossession_n prejudices_fw-la and_o the_o bâ—as_v of_o lust_n and_o passion_n that_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o partly_o through_o supineness_n sloth_n and_o inadvertency_n we_o do_v often_o prevaricate_v in_o make_v deduction_n and_o inference_n from_o self-evident_a and_o universal_a maxim_n and_o thereupon_o establish_v mistake_v and_o erroneous_a consequence_n as_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n but_o then_o this_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o philosopher_n not_o of_o philosophy_n or_o of_o philosophy_n in_o the_o concrete_a as_o exist_v in_o this_o or_o that_o person_n not_o in_o the_o abstract_n as_o involve_v such_o a_o mischief_n in_o its_o nature_n and_o idea_n our_o intellectual_a faculty_n be_v vitiate_a &_o tincture_v with_o lust_n enthrall_v by_o predices_n darken_v by_o passion_n engage_v by_o vain_a and_o corrupt_a interest_n distort_v by_o pride_n and_o self-love_n and_o fasten_v to_o earthly_a image_n do_v often_o impose_v upon_o we_o and_o lead_v we_o to_o obtrude_v upon_o other_o absurd_a axom_n for_o undoubted_a and_o incontestable_a principle_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d adulterate_a reason_n which_o we_o charge_v for_o be_v unfriendly_a to_o religion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o ground_n shall_v be_v afterward_o evince_v for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o most_o malignant_a heresy_n which_o have_v infect_v the_o church_n have_v their_o foundation_n in_o vulgar_a and_o receive_v axiom_n of_o philosophy_n whoever_o will_v trace_v the_o error_n which_o have_v invade_v divinity_n to_o their_o source_n must_v resolve_v they_o into_o absurd_a maxim_n of_o philosophy_n as_o their_o chief_a seminary_n herein_o we_o intend_v not_o to_o offer_v any_o disparagement_n to_o reason_n but_o rather_o to_o pay_v it_o our_o utmost_a respect_n by_o rescue_v it_o from_o be_v accountable_a for_o every_o vain_a imagination_n and_o false_a consequence_n which_o be_v super-scribed_n with_o the_o venerable_a name_n of_o principle_n of_o reason_n §_o 4._o have_v settle_v the_o notion_n of_o reason_n we_o be_v next_o to_o fix_v the_o meaning_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o needful_a in_o that_o man_n have_v always_o have_v the_o art_n of_o baptise_v their_o weakness_n foolery_n yea_o blasphemy_n with_o the_o sacred_a name_n of_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o afterward_o defend_v they_o from_o the_o assault_n of_o reason_n by_o say_v they_o be_v mystery_n against_o which_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hearken_v to_o by_o matter_n of_o religion_n then_o we_o mean_v in_o general_a as_o well_o the_o agenda_fw-la as_o the_o credenda_fw-la of_o it_o what_o we_o be_v to_o perform_v as_o well_o as_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v what_o relate_v to_o obedience_n as_o well_o as_o what_o relate_v to_o faith_n now_o the_o rule_n measure_n and_o standard_n of_o both_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n the_o bible_n be_v now_o the_o only_a perfect_a code_n and_o register_n of_o natural_a religion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o only_a systeme_n of_o supernatural_a those_o very_a article_n of_o belief_n and_o duty_n of_o obedience_n which_o be_v former_o natural_a with_o respect_n to_o their_o manner_n of_o promulgation_n be_v now_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o they_o also_o supernatural_a the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a canon_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o practice_n so_o the_o apostle_n style_n be_v it_o in_o more_o than_o one_o place_n phil._n 3.16_o nevertheless_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v what_o ever_o dissension_n there_o be_v among_o we_o in_o lesser_a thing_n let_v we_o orderly_o regulate_v our_o life_n and_o course_n for_o that_o be_v the_o import_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n gal._n 6.16_o as_o many_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n peace_n be_v on_o they_o etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n have_v to_o do_v with_o such_o as_o introduce_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o other_o gospel_n gal._n 1.6_o 7._o for_o their_o conviction_n and_o plain_a refutation_n he_o give_v we_o a_o brief_a epitome_n and_o summary_n both_o of_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n and_o at_o last_o shut_v up_o the_o whole_a debate_n with_o this_o that_o whoever_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o canon_n or_o rule_n peace_n shall_v be_v on_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v original_o either_o a_o reed_n make_v into_o a_o instrument_n wherewith_o they_o measure_v building_n or_o the_o limit_n and_o bound_n of_o land_n or_o a_o small_a line_n which_o architect_n square_v out_o their_o work_n by_o that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o may_v bear_v a_o just_a symmetry_n &_o proportion_n one_o to_o another_o and_o from_o this_o proper_a use_n of_o it_o it_o be_v metaphorical_o transfer_v to_o signify_v any_o kind_n of_o rule_n thus_o aristotle_n use_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o that_o which_o be_v right_a we_o know_v both_o its_o self_n and_o that_o which_o be_v crooked_a for_o the_o canon_n be_v the_o judge_n of_o both_o and_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d canon_n be_v a_o law_n that_o can_v err_v and_o a_o infallible_a measure_n phavorin_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v that_o which_o be_v over_o scale_n common_o call_v the_o tongue_n of_o the_o balance_n which_o be_v the_o director_n whereby_o whatsoever_o be_v put_v into_o the_o scale_n be_v try_v and_o have_v its_o just_a weight_n adjudge_v so_o the_o scholiast_n upon_o aristophanes_n tell_v we_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v that_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d over_o the_o scale_n &_o which_o bring_v they_o to_o equality_n ran._n this_o original_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n also_o have_v give_v rise_n to_o its_o metaphorical_a use_n of_o denote_v any_o rule_n or_o measure_n by_o which_o either_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n be_v try_v and_o adjust_v and_o thus_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o true_a and_o only_o perfect_a rule_n of_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o exact_a balance_n and_o rule_n or_o canon_n of_o all_o truth_n 69._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rule_n of_o immutable_a and_o unshaken_a truth_n austin_n improve_v this_o notion_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
to_o believe_v what_o god_n have_v say_v the_o first_o argument_n levy_v from_o scripture_n for_o this_o warfare_n be_v draw_v from_o what_o the_o magician_n do_v in_o their_o contest_v with_o moses_n in_o egypt_n whereof_o we_o have_v a_o account_n in_o the_o 7_o the_o and_o 8_o the_o chapter_n of_o exodus_fw-la to_o which_o i_o reply_v 1._o that_o most_o yea_o all_o save_v one_o or_o two_o interpreter_n deny_v any_o thing_n do_v by_o they_o to_o have_v be_v true_o miracle_n 2._o the_o way_n manner_n and_o rite_n they_o use_v in_o effect_v what_o they_o attempt_v do_v plain_o acquit_v god_n from_o any_o agency_n about_o their_o work_n further_o than_o the_o permit_v they_o for_o they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v so_o by_o their_o enchantment_n exod._n 7.11_o and_o 8.7_o i_o dare_v not_o think_v that_o god_n be_v at_o the_o magician_n beck_n or_o that_o he_o will_v conciliate_v credit_n to_o their_o hellish_a art_n by_o subserve_v they_o or_o that_o he_o will_v exert_v his_o sacred_a and_o almighty_a power_n in_o honour_n of_o satan_n institution_n and_o ceremony_n 3._o the_o magician_n find_v themselves_o outdo_v by_o moses_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o turn_v dust_n into_o louse_n cry_v out_o that_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n be_v there_o exod._n 8.19_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o acknowledgement_n that_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v do_v before_o they_o have_v do_v it_o by_o magic_n and_o that_o it_o be_v through_o the_o influence_n and_o agency_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o their_o rod_n have_v be_v turn_v into_o serpent_n and_o that_o frog_n have_v be_v bring_v upon_o the_o land_n 4_o lie_n though_o what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o two_o first_o instance_n wherein_o they_o confront_v moses_n seem_v to_o bear_v such_o a_o resemblance_n to_o true_a miracle_n that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o first_o easy_a to_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o effect_v be_v not_o without_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o power_n of_o daemon_n and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o power_n by_o which_o moses_n act_v be_v different_a from_o that_o by_o which_o they_o act_v god_n therefore_o wise_o order_v it_o that_o his_o rod_n shall_v devour_v they_o thereby_o leave_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d singular_a peculiarity_n in_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n to_o witness_v their_o divine_a original_a the_o second_o argument_n muster_v from_o scripture_n to_o fight_v in_o this_o cause_n be_v bring_v from_o mat._n 24.24_o 2_o thes._n 2.9_o apoc._n 13.13_o to_o all_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o by_o grant_v that_o the_o expression_n be_v lofty_a wherein_o the_o holy_a ghost_n predict_v the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n be_v to_o work_v yet_o i_o think_v we_o be_v not_o to_o conclude_v from_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o term_n in_o which_o they_o be_v foretell_v that_o the_o work_v themselves_o be_v real_a miracle_n but_o that_o god_n will_v intimate_v to_o we_o either_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o will_v so_o huge_o resemble_v true_a miracle_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o detect_v they_o or_o that_o he_o will_v thereby_o awaken_v we_o to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n by_o their_o consonancy_n to_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v then_o give_v out_o and_o establish_v rather_o than_o implicit_o to_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o every_o wonder-monger_n 2._o the_o best_a key_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n there_o foretell_v whether_o they_o be_v true_a miracle_n or_o not_o be_v to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a work_n record_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o pretend_a jewish_a messiah_n and_o the_o apostatical_a roman_a church_n one_o or_o both_o of_o who_o be_v refer_v to_o in_o the_o object_v place_n and_o if_o we_o will_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o this_o method_n of_o trial_n i_o dare_v undertake_v that_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o sign_n or_o wonder_v true_o record_v concern_v they_o which_o may_v not_o be_v solve_v either_o by_o a_o co-incidence_a of_o natural_a cause_n or_o by_o the_o hide_a power_n of_o daemon_n 3._o they_o be_v express_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lie_v wonder_n and_o that_o not_o so_o much_o respectu_fw-la finis_fw-la because_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o a_o falsity_n as_o respectu_fw-la materiae_fw-la because_o they_o only_o ape_v true_a miracle_n but_o in_o truth_n be_v not_o such_o yea_o as_o if_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o acquit_v god_n from_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o they_o be_v express_o ascribe_v to_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d agency_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o three_o and_o last_o argument_n bring_v in_o relief_n of_o their_o opinion_n who_o think_v that_o god_n may_v exert_v a_o miracle-working_a power_n in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o falsity_n be_v take_v from_o deut._n 13.1_o 2_o 3._o to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o the_o place_n do_v more_o especial_o relate_v to_o the_o foretell_v of_o event_n than_o to_o the_o work_n of_o wonder_n and_o therefore_o if_o god_n never_o lend_v his_o omniscience_n to_o the_o service_n of_o a_o impostor_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o he_o shall_v lend_v his_o omnipotency_n to_o the_o service_n of_o one_o and_o if_o all_o the_o prediction_n of_o false_a prophet_n may_v be_v salve_v without_o recourse_n to_o divine_a inspiration_n as_o indeed_o they_o may_v i_o suppose_v their_o wonder_n may_v be_v also_o salve_v without_o recourse_n to_o god_n infinite_a power_n 2._o they_o be_v the_o prophet_n after_o the_o promulgation_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o and_o therefore_o the_o law_n be_v give_v out_o as_o the_o test_n of_o after-revelation_n at_o least_o during_o that_o oeconomy_n god_n tell_v his_o people_n that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o try_v the_o mission_n of_o prophet_n only_o by_o miracle_n but_o especial_o by_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o their_o doctrine_n to_o that_o of_o moses_n and_o this_o may_v be_v a_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o other_o penman_n of_o old-testament_n scripture_n be_v honour_v with_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n i_o know_v indeed_o that_o some_o prophet_n be_v entrust_v with_o miraculous_a power_n but_o so_o far_o as_o i_o remember_v there_o be_v not_o one_o beside_o moses_n who_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o give_v forth_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o old-testament-church_n that_o have_v this_o privilege_n confer_v on_o he_o have_v thus_o make_v appear_v that_o all_o miracle_n be_v effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o that_o wheresoever_o god_n exert_v his_o miracle-working_a power_n in_o confirmation_n of_o any_o doctrine_n he_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v of_o and_o from_o himself_o and_o to_o be_v unquestionable_o true_a i_o shall_v not_o now_o insist_v on_o the_o prove_v that_o the_o bible_n be_v justify_v by_o innumerable_a great_a and_o undeniable_a miracle_n that_o be_v large_o and_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o reply_n do_v by_o other_o hand_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o even_o those_o who_o suppose_v that_o god_n may_v sometime_o put_v forth_o his_o wonder-working_a power_n in_o attestation_n of_o a_o error_n do_v not_o hereby_o design_n to_o rob_v we_o of_o the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n for_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o script_n for_o as_o none_o have_v go_v beyond_o they_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o general_n so_o no_o one_o have_v improve_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o miracle_n to_o better_a purpose_n as_o they_o have_v show_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o a_o great_a number_n of_o miracle_n and_o those_o both_o more_o eminent_a more_o conspicuous_a long_o continue_v and_o often_o repeat_v than_o ever_o any_o error_n either_o be_v or_o ever_o can_v be_v so_o they_o not_o only_o prove_v that_o god_n never_o wrought_v a_o miracle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o a_o falsity_n for_o trial_n till_o he_o have_v first_o incontestable_o establish_v his_o own_o truth_n but_o they_o also_o declare_v that_o he_o can_v not_o it_o be_v not_o then_o upon_o a_o apprehension_n of_o their_o have_v disserve_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o this_o particular_a that_o i_o have_v assume_v the_o freedom_n of_o discourse_v these_o thing_n but_o that_o a_o opportunity_n of_o more_o light_n in_o this_o matter_n may_v be_v afford_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v suffer_v nothing_o in_o the_o main_a on_o what_o side_n soever_o this_o controversy_n issue_v and_o as_o i_o know_v myself_o in_o more_o need_n of_o be_v instruct_v than_o of_o capacity_n to_o offer_v information_n to_o any_o so_o it_o
be_v the_o same_o pleasure_n to_o i_o to_o have_v my_o notion_n confute_v when_o unsound_a as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v restore_v to_o health_n when_o i_o have_v be_v sick_a §_o 8._o have_v brief_o view_v the_o serviceableness_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o the_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v ere_o we_o make_v any_o further_o proceed_v infer_v and_o conclude_v from_o hence_o its_o authority_n for_o upon_o its_o divine_a original_a do_v its_o authority_n bear_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o submit_v our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n to_o the_o bible_n be_v god_n speak_v in_o it_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v his_o right_n to_o command_v and_o require_v obedience_n and_o it_o be_v found_v not_o only_o in_o the_o supereminence_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o his_o relation_n to_o we_o as_o our_o maker_n have_v make_v we_o rational_a creature_n capable_a of_o moral_a government_n he_o may_v according_o rule_v we_o by_o law_n back_v with_o promise_n and_o threaten_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la man_n may_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o under_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o may_v deny_v he_o obedience_n but_o that_o militate_v nothing_o against_o the_o right_n that_o be_v vest_v in_o he_o of_o rule_v they_o nor_o the_o obligation_n that_o they_o be_v under_o of_o obey_v he_o now_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n arise_v from_o its_o be_v god_n word_n and_o his_o speak_n in_o it_o nor_o be_v the_o most_o momentous_a reason_n of_o that_o significancy_n to_o determine_v our_o assent_n as_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o person_n of_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o truth_n what_o great_a assurance_n can_v we_o have_v to_o ascertain_v our_o belief_n than_o that_o the_o affirmer_n be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o can_v be_v deceive_v himself_o and_o infinite_o good_a and_o can_v deceive_v other_o to_o say_v as_o the_o papist_n do_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v its_o authority_n in_o se_fw-la in_o its_o self_n from_o its_o self_n but_o that_o it_o have_v its_o authority_n quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la with_o respect_n to_o we_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o talk_v without_o either_o reason_n or_o sense_n for_o 1_o authority_n be_v a_o relative_n term_n nothing_o can_v have_v authority_n in_o itself_o which_o have_v it_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o nothing_o be_v a_o law_n proper_o but_o what_o be_v a_o law_n to_o some_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o suppose_v a_o actual_a right_n in_o any_o to_o command_n without_o suppose_v a_o obligation_n in_o some_o to_o obey_v if_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o itself_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o it_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o authority_n in_o its_o self_n 3._o at_o all_o 2_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o authority_n with_o respect_n to_o we_o but_o what_o it_o have_v from_o the_o church_n how_o come_v the_o church_n itself_o to_o be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o receive_v and_o obey_v it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o obligation_n but_o in_o relation_n to_o some_o antecedent_n authority_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o authority_n oblige_v the_o church_n to_o receive_v the_o scripture_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o sin_n in_o her_o reject_v it_o 3_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o authority_n from_o its_o self_n and_o god_n speak_v in_o it_o with_o respect_n to_o we_o than_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v the_o first_o credible_a which_o be_v altogether_o false_a it_o be_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o both_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n and_o how_o far_o her_o testimony_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v to_o 4._o every_o testimony_n be_v posterior_n to_o the_o thing_n testify_v and_o be_v according_o true_a or_o false_a as_o it_o be_v agreeable_a or_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o bear_v witness_v to_o if_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n have_v any_o authority_n with_o respect_n to_o we_o upon_o the_o testimonial_a of_o the_o church_n it_o behove_v to_o have_v it_o antecedent_o in_o a_o word_n if_o god_n have_v not_o a_o right_n of_o command_v we_o independent_o on_o the_o testimonial_n of_o the_o church_n then_o no_o private_a revelation_n that_o ever_o god_n make_v or_o can_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o any_o be_v of_o the_o least_o force_n or_o significancy_n nor_o can_v they_o to_o who_o god_n by_o vision_n dream_n inspiration_n or_o otherwise_o make_v himself_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n know_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o give_v forth_o and_o publish_v to_o other_o what_o be_v thus_o reveal_v to_o they_o till_o they_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o be_v authentic_a have_v establish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o its_o true_a basis_n namely_o on_o its_o be_v god_n word_n and_o speak_v in_o it_o now_o forasmuch_o as_o no_o man_n either_o be_v or_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v a_o lie_n we_o may_v hence_o learn_v what_o to_o judge_n of_o that_o notion_n of_o des-cartes_n and_o some_o other_o 24._o viz._n deum_fw-la posse_fw-la fallere_fw-la si_fw-la velit_fw-la that_o god_n can_v deceive_v if_o he_o please_v no_o one_o deny_v but_o there_o both_o may_v be_v and_o be_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o man_n may_v turn_v into_o occasion_n of_o be_v deceive_v all_o that_o be_v contend_v for_o be_v this_o that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n which_o may_v be_v a_o proper_a cause_n of_o error_n to_o say_v that_o god_n may_v deceive_v if_o he_o will_v be_v no_o less_o than_o to_o affirm_v that_o he_o may_v cease_v to_o be_v god_n if_o he_o will_v god_n can_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o in_o sensu_fw-la diviso_fw-la abstract_v from_o his_o decree_n to_o the_o contrary_a he_o may_v will_n to_o do_v if_o we_o prove_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o deceive_v his_o creature_n we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v contradictory_n to_o his_o power_n to_o do_v so_o first_o then_o if_o god_n may_v deceive_v if_o he_o please_v what_o assurance_n have_v we_o but_o that_o he_o have_v and_o may_v choose_v to_o do_v it_o nor_o be_v it_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o for_o if_o he_o may_v deceive_v at_o all_o i_o know_v nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o he_o may_v even_o then_o deceive_v we_o when_o he_o inform_v we_o he_o will_v not_o second_o no_o one_o can_v deceive_v a_o other_o but_o it_o must_v proceed_v either_o from_o ignorance_n error_n or_o malice_n but_o all_o these_o interfere_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n this_o posse_fw-la fallere_fw-la lie_v cross_v to_o his_o nature_n also_o to_o deceive_v argue_v either_o want_n of_o wisdom_n goodness_n or_o veracity_n and_o therefore_o in_o no_o sense_n can_v god_n deceive_v see_v he_o can_v neither_o cease_v to_o be_v wise_a nor_o give_v over_o to_o be_v good_a nor_o fail_v to_o be_v true_a three_o though_o a_o finite_a ignorant_a and_o mistake_v creature_n may_v impose_v upon_o we_o without_o say_v one_o thing_n when_o he_o think_v another_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o infinite_a wise_a and_o omniscient_a be_v shall_v deceive_v any_o but_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o must_v lie_v but_o that_o god_n can_v lie_v we_o have_v both_o the_o testimony_n of_o scrpture_n tit._n 1.2_o and_o the_o high_a assurance_n that_o reason_n can_v give_v we_o hence_o no_o one_o ever_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n but_o he_o withal_o include_v in_o his_o nature_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o speak_v nothing_o but_o truth_n §_o 9_o have_v unfold_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o motive_n that_o our_o assent_n to_o the_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n be_v raise_v on_o we_o may_v hence_o infer_v that_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a for_o as_o doctor_n hammond_n say_v in_o another_o case_n 3_o if_o the_o person_n affirm_v be_v infallible_a then_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o person_n infallible_a also_o so_o if_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o assent_n to_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n be_v infallible_a our_o assent_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o these_o ground_n be_v infallible_a likewise_o assent_n be_v not_o specificate_v and_o denominate_v from_o their_o object_n nor_o yet_o from_o the_o faculty_n that_o elicit_v they_o but_o from_o the_o foundation_n and_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o be_v raise_v whilst_o then_o the_o motive_n upon_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n be_v more_o than_o moral_a our_o assurance_n of_o its_o divinity_n be_v more_o than_o moral_a also_o for_o as_o we_o distinguish_v between_o the_o consequent_a and_o the_o
consequence_n the_o thing_n infer_v and_o the_o manner_n of_o infer_v it_o and_o as_o we_o reckon_v every_o consequent_a right_o deduce_v from_o a_o infallible_a antecedent_n to_o be_v infallible_a also_o though_o the_o faculty_n by_o which_o it_o be_v deduce_v be_v in_o its_o nature_n fallible_a and_o in_o its_o operation_n liable_a to_o prevaricate_v and_o mistake_v so_o every_o assent_n build_v upon_o infallible_a inducement_n be_v a_o infallible_a assent_n though_o the_o instrument_n by_o which_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o such_o inducement_n arrive_v with_o we_o may_v in_o their_o nature_n be_v liable_a to_o error_n beside_o the_o incertitude_n of_o the_o subject_a or_o mind_n do_v not_o at_o all_o weaken_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o object_n or_o the_o certainty_n of_o its_o motive_n that_o god_n be_v be_v in_o itself_o certain_a and_o there_o be_v indubitable_a argument_n by_o which_o his_o be_v may_v be_v demonstrate_v though_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v hesitate_n either_o about_o his_o existence_n or_o suspect_v a_o fallacy_n in_o the_o media_fw-la of_o its_o probation_n the_o incertitude_n of_o the_o mind_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o any_o fallacy_n of_o the_o media_n but_o from_o want_n of_o evidence_n into_o and_o cognition_n of_o they_o the_o principal_a ground_n of_o our_o receive_v the_o bible_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v it_o be_v internal_a motive_n or_o argument_n impress_v upon_o it_o nor_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o its_o conveyance_n from_o age_n to_o age_n of_o so_o great_a import_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o some_o do_v imagine_v for_o shall_v we_o have_v light_n on_o it_o by_o chance_n or_o have_v it_o drop_v out_o of_o the_o cloud_n yet_o while_o it_o carry_v these_o signature_n upon_o it_o which_o it_o do_v we_o may_v by_o the_o mere_a exercise_n of_o our_o rational_a faculty_n without_o the_o testimonial_n of_o any_o man_n or_o church_n have_v conclude_v that_o it_o can_v have_v proceed_v from_o none_o but_o from_o god_n and_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o convey_n down_o the_o miracle_n and_o other_o external_n evidence_n that_o be_v bring_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v do_v by_o humane_a and_o fallible_a mean_n yet_o it_o no_o way_n follow_v that_o our_o assent_n to_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o build_v upon_o those_o motive_n be_v fallible_a for_o tradition_n be_v not_o the_o formal_a ground_n of_o our_o belief_n in_o this_o case_n but_o only_o a_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o hand_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o to_o we_o nor_o do_v i_o think_v but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v defend_v that_o as_o the_o external_n motive_n upon_o which_o we_o receive_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o themselves_o infallible_a that_o they_o be_v also_o infallible_a in_o their_o manner_n of_o conveyance_n to_o we_o for_o as_o it_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o first_o reporter_n of_o these_o evidence_n be_v infallible_o inspire_v in_o the_o report_v they_o make_v and_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o record_n which_o they_o leave_v behind_o they_o so_o it_o may_v be_v likewise_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v watch_v over_o the_o preserve_v they_o down_o to_o we_o the_o exception_n make_v by_o a_o very_a learned_a person_n that_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o certainty_n as_o to_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o there_o can_v be_v degree_n of_o infallibility_n may_v i_o think_v easy_o be_v take_v off_o for_o if_o by_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n he_o mean_v no_o more_o but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o have_v their_o faith_n establish_v upon_o more_o media_n than_o other_o have_v they_o there_o be_v thus_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n as_o well_o as_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o certainty_n and_o though_o faith_n superstruct_v upon_o any_o infallible_a medium_fw-la be_v essential_o a_o a_o infallible_a faith_n yet_o that_o which_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o plurality_n of_o such_o media_n may_v be_v style_v a_o faith_n intensive_o &_o gradual_o more_o infallible_a but_o if_o by_o infallibility_n 5._o he_o mean_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o mind_n than_o i_o must_v crave_v leave_n to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o as_o in_o a_o apodictical_a syllogism_n there_o may_v be_v a_o certainty_n both_o in_o the_o consequent_a and_o consequence_n and_o yet_o our_o mind_n through_o either_o not_o discern_v the_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o the_o term_n of_o the_o antecedent_n or_o not_o see_v into_o the_o regular_a and_o orderly_a deduction_n of_o the_o consequent_a from_o the_o antecedent_n may_v remain_v uncertain_a so_o our_o assent_n build_v upon_o unerrable_a motive_n be_v a_o infallible_a assent_n though_o the_o mind_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n through_o not_o discover_v the_o infallibility_n of_o those_o motive_n may_v remain_v subject_a to_o doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o indeed_o the_o schoolman_n call_v the_o certitude_n of_o the_o act_n only_o by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o certainty_n of_o infallibility_n whereas_o they_o style_v the_o certitude_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o certainty_n of_o adhesion_n 1_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o act_n of_o assent_n result_v from_o the_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o the_o motive_n which_o ground_n such_o assent_n but_o the_o firm_a adhesion_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o that_o which_o we_o have_v call_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o mind_n though_o it_o radical_o arise_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o motive_n yet_o it_o do_v withal_o &_o that_o immediate_o connotate_v a_o perception_n of_o the_o motive_n themselves_o that_o they_o be_v infallible_a and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v venture_v our_o faith_n upon_o without_o either_o fear_n doubt_n or_o jealousy_n and_o herein_o lie_v our_o first_o duty_n about_o the_o scripture_n that_o our_o faith_n answer_v their_o credibility_n and_o that_o the_o adhesion_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o they_o be_v as_o firm_a as_o the_o object_n themselves_o be_v immutable_a or_o the_o motive_n afford_v we_o in_o their_o confirmation_n be_v infallible_a and_o sure_a §_o 10._o have_v declare_v the_o great_a serviceableness_n of_o reason_n in_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v next_o inquire_v into_o the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o our_o attainment_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n god_n in_o vouchsafe_v the_o world_n a_o supernatural_a revelation_n suppose_v we_o not_o only_o furnish_v with_o the_o sensitive_a faculty_n of_o see_v and_o hear_v but_o endow_v with_o intellectual_a principle_n by_o which_o we_o may_v understand_v it_o judge_n of_o and_o assent_v to_o it_o be_v we_o destitute_a of_o the_o latter_a scripture_n be_v of_o no_o more_o significancy_n to_o we_o than_o to_o brute_n and_o be_v the_o former_a deny_v we_o we_o be_v no_o more_o capable_a of_o be_v transact_v with_o in_o this_o way_n than_o stock_n and_o stone_n be_v now_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o bible_n without_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v not_o proper_o the_o scripture_n nor_o will_v it_o avail_v we_o to_o any_o end_n or_o purpose_n more_o than_o the_o have_v a_o shell_n without_o a_o kernel_n word_n be_v of_o no_o further_a use_n than_o as_o they_o be_v representation_n of_o conception_n &_o image_n of_o thing_n can_v we_o communicate_v our_o conception_n to_o one_o another_o immediate_o or_o by_o any_o other_o sign_n and_o that_o with_o the_o same_o facility_n and_o certainty_n as_o we_o do_v by_o word_n there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n for_o word_n nor_o any_o need_n of_o they_o as_o conception_n be_v the_o representation_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o mind_n so_o word_n be_v the_o representation_n of_o these_o conception_n to_o other_o but_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o can_v have_v no_o perception_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o another_o though_o he_o shall_v express_v they_o in_o speech_n or_o writing_n unless_o we_o first_o know_v that_o such_o and_o such_o word_n be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mankind_n apply_v to_o denote_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n therefore_o all_o word_n as_o they_o be_v manifestative_a sign_n of_o conception_n so_o they_o be_v suppositive_a sign_n of_o thing_n and_o though_o they_o be_v first_o indicative_a of_o conception_n in_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o speaker_n yet_o as_o to_o execution_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o hearer_n they_o be_v first_o manifestative_a of_o thing_n for_o unless_o we_o know_v what_o thing_n such_o and_o such_o word_n be_v ordain_v to_o signify_v they_o can_v be_v no_o interpreter_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v i_o know_v no_o great_a disparagement_n that_o can_v be_v put_v upon_o the_o bible_n nor_o affront_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v to_o the_o author_n of_o it_o than_o to_o style_v it_o a_o little_a ink_n various_o figure_v
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o equivalent_a or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o sense_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o way_n of_o consequence_n it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v there_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o effect_n and_o though_o some_o conclusion_n lie_v more_o connect_v with_o the_o principle_n from_o which_o they_o be_v deduce_v than_o other_o yet_o they_o be_v both_o equal_o true_a provide_v the_o principle_n be_v so_o whence_o they_o be_v infer_v let_v the_o train_n of_o ratiocination_n be_v short_a or_o long_o nothing_o can_v flow_v from_o truth_n but_o truth_n only_o there_o be_v more_o difficulty_n in_o the_o deduction_n and_o more_o liableness_n to_o mistake_v in_o the_o illation_n of_o the_o latter_a than_o the_o former_a and_o according_o we_o desire_v no_o man_n to_o assent_v to_o the_o thing_n conclude_v till_o he_o have_v examine_v or_o at_o lest_o may_v and_o be_v satisfy_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o false_a and_o sophistical_a in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o its_o deducement_n though_o our_o understanding_n be_v in_o some_o case_n subject_a to_o mistake_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o suppose_v that_o they_o universal_o do_v so_o though_o our_o faculty_n be_v fallible_a in_o their_o ratiocination_n yet_o there_o be_v connate_a notion_n and_o congenite_fw-la criteria_n by_o which_o we_o may_v discern_v when_o they_o deceive_v we_o and_o when_o not_o there_o be_v certain_a rule_n which_o the_o universal_a reason_n of_o mankind_n have_v agree_v on_o as_o the_o test_n and_o standard_n to_o judge_v of_o legitimate_a deduction_n by_o and_o of_o those_o we_o have_v as_o infallible_a certainty_n as_o that_o it_o be_v day_n when_o the_o sun_n be_v in_o the_o meridian_n as_o we_o discern_v pure_a metal_n from_o embase_v by_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o touchstone_n so_o we_o discern_v regular_a consequence_n from_o sophistical_a by_o inconte_v maxim_n to_o argue_v agagainst_a the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o draw_v conclusion_n from_o undoubted_a principle_n preclude_v the_o whole_a service_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n and_o lead_v to_o the_o worst_a of_o scepticism_n whosoever_o impeach_v the_o fitness_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o draw_v conclusion_n from_o evident_a article_n of_o revelation_n do_v equal_o indite_v they_o of_o ineptitude_n to_o deduce_v inference_n from_o first_o maxim_n of_o natural_a light_n scripture_n principle_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o any_o in_o philosophy_n and_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o same_o habitude_n of_o congruity_n and_o incongruity_n to_o other_o thing_n that_o first_o principle_n of_o science_n do_v &_o therefore_o if_o we_o may_v not_o argue_v from_o those_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v lawful_a to_o argue_v from_o these_o nor_o be_v we_o otherwise_o secure_a in_o any_o ratiocination_n of_o philosophy_n no_o more_o than_o theologie_n unless_o god_n have_v give_v we_o a_o logic_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o argumentation_n as_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o scripture_n to_o inform_v we_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o a_o word_n we_o must_v either_o implicit_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o every_o one_o that_o acco_v we_o or_o we_o must_v as_o brutish_o reject_v they_o unless_o there_o be_v both_o a_o rule_n to_o which_o we_o may_v apply_v and_o by_o which_o we_o may_v try_v they_o &_o some_o certain_a measure_n by_o which_o we_o may_v discern_v whether_o we_o have_v right_o commensurate_v and_o examine_v they_o in_o order_n to_o discern_v what_o of_o they_o be_v false_a and_o what_o be_v true_a now_o though_o reason_n be_v the_o instrument_n of_o deduce_a conclusion_n from_o principle_n of_o faith_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o foundation_n and_o ground_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v and_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n so_o deduce_v nor_o do_v reason_n judge_n of_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o conclusion_n but_o only_o of_o the_o regularity_n of_o the_o deduction_n of_o it_o when_o a_o architect_n apply_v his_o line_n or_o square_a to_o a_o building_n they_o only_o be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o he_o judge_v of_o the_o symmetry_n of_o his_o work_n but_o it_o be_v his_o eye_n that_o serve_v he_o to_o discern_v how_o the_o work_n agree_v to_o the_o rule_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n as_o austin_n say_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o proposition_n 4._o and_o another_o to_o understand_v the_o rule_n of_o connexion_n and_o law_n of_o argumentation_n and_o as_o camero_n say_v to_o determine_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o conclusion_n or_o its_o regular_a illation_n from_o its_o premise_n be_v the_o work_n of_o reason_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o logic_n which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o theology_n as_o in_o natural_a philosophy_n or_o in_o mathematics_n but_o to_o determine_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o conclusion_n be_v the_o work_n of_o faith_n through_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o word_n as_o a_o demonstration_n in_o geometry_n do_v not_o constitute_v that_o a_o truth_n which_o be_v not_o one_o before_o but_o only_o evidence_v it_o to_o the_o mind_n so_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v a_o conclusion_n to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n upon_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o its_o deduction_n but_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o bible_n argumentation_n serve_v only_o to_o show_v that_o god_n have_v say_v it_o as_o computation_n in_o arithmetic_n do_v not_o constitute_v the_o total_a of_o the_o lesser_a number_n but_o only_o collect_v and_o adju_v it_o so_o ratiocination_n from_o principle_n of_o revelation_n do_v not_o make_v a_o conclusion_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o only_o show_v that_o it_o be_v so_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o weight_n in_o that_o exception_n that_o in_o all_o conclusion_n of_o this_o nature_n one_o of_o the_o premise_n only_o be_v of_o revelation_n the_o other_o be_v fetch_v either_o from_o reason_n sense_n or_o experience_n for_o as_o that_o act_n which_o we_o can_v not_o have_v exert_v without_o the_o assistance_n and_o influence_n of_o a_o supernatural_a subjective_n principle_n be_v right_o style_v a_o supernatural_a act_n though_o it_o be_v elicit_v by_o our_o nutural_a faculty_n so_o every_o conclusion_n which_o we_o arrive_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o through_o the_o assistance_n and_o conduct_n of_o revelation_n be_v right_o style_v a_o conclusion_n of_o faith_n and_o esteem_v a_o part_n of_o revelation_n though_o a_o proposition_n of_o another_o kind_n be_v assume_v to_o help_v we_o in_o the_o deduction_n of_o it_o as_o a_o child_n be_v federal_o holy_a wheresoever_o one_o of_o the_o parent_n be_v a_o believer_n 7.14_o though_o the_o other_o remain_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n a_o infidel_n so_o from_o the_o conjunction_n of_o two_o proposition_n whereof_o the_o one_o be_v of_o faith_n there_o result_v a_o conclusion_n of_o faith_n though_o the_o other_o proposition_n be_v draw_v only_o from_o principle_n of_o reason_n or_o evidence_n of_o sense_n all_o man_n acknowledge_v that_o particular_n be_v include_v in_o universals_z and_o if_o the_o universal_a be_v of_o revelation_n the_o several_a particular_n involve_v in_o it_o be_v reveal_v also_o for_o as_o much_o then_o as_o there_o be_v not_o one_o conclusion_n which_o we_o deduce_v from_o principle_n of_o faith_n that_o may_v not_o be_v infer_v by_o some_o syllogism_n or_o other_o in_o the_o first_o figure_n where_o the_o major_a proposition_n be_v always_o universal_a and_o the_o conclusion_n be_v either_o contain_v in_o it_o as_o a_o species_n or_o as_o a_o particular_a it_o natural_o follow_v that_o the_o major_a be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o a_o object_n of_o faith_n the_o conclusion_n must_v be_v esteem_v reveal_v and_o admit_v for_o a_o object_n of_o faith_n also_o while_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o conclusion_n be_v include_v in_o the_o middle_a term_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n and_o the_o predicate_v of_o both_o be_v the_o same_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a and_o evident_a than_o that_o if_o the_o major_a proposition_n be_v of_o revelation_n and_o to_o be_v believe_v with_o a_o divine_a faith_n the_o conclusion_n be_v so_o likewise_o yea_o be_v it_o so_o that_o the_o minor_a proposition_n be_v only_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o while_o the_o major_n which_o be_v fetch_v from_o some_o inconte_v maxim_n of_o reason_n contain_v either_o the_o whole_a or_o a_o part_n of_o the_o definition_n or_o the_o correlate_n or_o the_o essential_a property_n or_o the_o contradictory_n or_o the_o contrary_a of_o the_o predicate_v of_o the_o assumption_n which_o be_v from_o scripture_n one_o of_o which_o it_o always_o do_v the_o conclusion_n must_v needs_o be_v reck'n_v as_o a_o part_n of_o scripture_n and_o submit_v to_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o we_o do_v to_o that_o which_o carry_v the_o
3.6_o and_o the_o rationalness_n of_o his_o deduction_n from_o thence_o though_o make_v by_o the_o join_n of_o a_o proposition_n of_o another_o nature_n to_o it_o which_o they_o pay_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o multitude_n be_v sway_v in_o this_o case_n by_o the_o mere_a strength_n and_o weight_n of_o his_o argument_n and_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o have_v be_v astonish_v at_o his_o doctrine_n mat._n 22.33_o they_o admire_v his_o wonderful_a wisdom_n and_o profound_a sagacity_n nor_o be_v they_o influence_v by_o any_o authority_n they_o hold_v he_o vest_v with_o nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o any_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o profound_a wisdom_n or_o of_o his_o insight_n into_o the_o scripture_n to_o argue_v from_o media_n which_o have_v no_o further_o convince_a efficacy_n or_o force_n but_o what_o they_o borrow_v from_o his_o authority_n that_o use_v they_o in_o brief_a either_o the_o text_n quote_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v sufficient_a antecedent_o to_o christ_n use_v of_o it_o and_o abstract_v from_o his_o authority_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o resurrection_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v than_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o from_o his_o authority_n that_o they_o come_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o a_o belief_n of_o that_o conclusion_n if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o how_o come_v christ_n to_o lodge_v their_o unbelief_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o resurrection_n upon_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n marc._n 12.24_o mat._n 22.31_o for_o if_o they_o stand_v not_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o consequence_n but_o mere_o because_o of_o his_o authority_n than_o the_o best_a acquaintance_n imaginable_a with_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o that_o place_n can_v have_v minister_v they_o no_o relief_n in_o that_o point_n yea_o it_o have_v be_v utter_o unlawful_a to_o have_v draw_v any_o such_o inference_n from_o it_o 5._o exclude_v scripture-consequence_n and_o the_o papist_n be_v not_o able_a to_o impugn_v one_o tenet_n of_o the_o protestant_n nor_o be_v they_o in_o capacity_n to_o prove_v the_o first_o article_n of_o the_o roman_a faith_n namely_o the_o pretend_a infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n while_o they_o wrest_v such_o weapon_n out_o of_o our_o hand_n they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n disarm_v themselves_o and_o by_o endeavour_v to_o disserve_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n they_o utter_o undo_v their_o own_o for_o if_o our_o reason_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v insignificant_a against_o they_o they_o be_v also_o insignificant_a against_o we_o and_o by_o the_o same_o art_n that_o they_o endeavour_v to_o blunt_v the_o edge_n of_o our_o sword_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o throw_v away_o their_o own_o i_o shall_v discourse_v this_o no_o far_o only_o shut_v it_o up_o with_o a_o say_n of_o justin_n martyr_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o philosophy_n and_o right_a reason_n there_o can_v be_v no_o knowledge_n nor_o science_n in_o the_o world_n §_o 12._o the_o next_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n regard_v those_o doctrine_n which_o beside_o the_o foundation_n that_o they_o have_v in_o revelation_n have_v also_o evidence_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o as_o i_o intimate_v before_o §_o 5._o more_o be_v allowable_a to_o reason_n in_o and_o about_o these_o than_o about_o those_o we_o be_v indebt_v only_o to_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o declaration_n of_o they_o as_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o how_o they_o be_v there_o express_v etc._n etc._n but_o we_o be_v further_a to_o see_v what_o media_n there_o be_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v both_o discern_v and_o confirm_v yet_o i_o shall_v here_o crave_v liberty_n to_o premise_v that_o where_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v own_v our_o chief_a topic_n in_o all_o theological_a debate_n ought_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o sacred_a record_n thence_o we_o shall_v both_o frame_v our_o idea_n of_o they_o and_o borrow_v as_o well_o the_o argument_n as_o the_o colour_n and_o ornament_n by_o which_o we_o will_v commend_v they_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o believer_n especial_o a_o regard_n ought_v to_o be_v have_v to_o this_o in_o popular_a discourse_n and_o sermon_n as_o humane_a authority_n ought_v to_o have_v very_o little_a place_n if_o any_o at_o all_o in_o the_o pulpit_n so_o we_o ought_v not_o there_o to_o serve_v ourselves_o too_o much_o from_o maxim_n of_o philosophy_n and_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o god_n have_v impress_v more_o of_o his_o authority_n upon_o the_o scripture_n than_o upon_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n know_v by_o so_o there_o be_v a_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n promise_v to_o attend_v the_o naked_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n beyond_o what_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o accompany_v our_o ratiocination_n from_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o faith_n prepare_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n to_o a_o submission_n to_o what_o they_o hear_v immediate_o out_o of_o the_o bible_n so_o there_o be_v something_o great_a and_o elevate_v which_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o express_v in_o truth_n as_o naked_o deliver_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o argumentation_n from_o natural_a maxim_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n obnubilate_v and_o darken_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o command_n we_o deliver_v do_v above_o all_o thing_n most_o attract_v the_o respect_n of_o our_o auditor_n nor_o do_v we_o at_o any_o time_n so_o effectual_o persuade_v as_o by_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o he_o in_o who_o name_n we_o speak_v yet_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o rational_a proof_n be_v of_o great_a use_n not_o only_o to_o such_o with_o who_o scripture-testimony_n signify_v nothing_o but_o even_o to_o those_o who_o own_o and_o adore_v its_o authority_n by_o show_v that_o as_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v whatsoever_o god_n have_v say_v so_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v agreeable_a to_o and_o have_v foundation_n in_o reason_n and_o the_o two_o light_n of_o revelation_n and_o nature_n do_v excellent_o harmonise_v this_o be_v premise_v among_o other_o truth_n which_o beside_o their_o be_v plain_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v also_o evidence_n give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o providence_n be_v especial_o remarkable_a it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v many_o other_o doctrine_n of_o this_o quality_n viz._n the_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n moral_a good_a and_o evil_a etc._n etc._n all_o which_o as_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n so_o they_o be_v demonstrable_a from_o undoubted_a principle_n of_o reason_n but_o wave_v these_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o by_o way_n of_o essay_n and_o with_o all_o imaginable_a brevity_n consider_v what_o media_fw-la there_o be_v in_o nature_n by_o which_o the_o two_o former_a may_v be_v evince_v and_o the_o serviceableness_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o age_n wherein_o we_o live_v do_v render_v the_o inculcation_n of_o this_o truth_n not_o only_o seasonable_a but_o necessary_a man_n have_v degrade_v themselves_o into_o beast_n by_o practice_n they_o thence_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o allow_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o themselves_o and_o the_o pitifull_a brute_n but_o that_o matter_n in_o they_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o more_o lucky_a texture_n and_o modification_n to_o justify_v their_o sensuality_n they_o contend_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o but_o their_o animal_n inclination_n to_o gratify_v and_o indeed_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o brute_n will_v very_o well_o serve_v all_o the_o end_n that_o some_o man_n propound_v to_o themselves_o next_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a be_v the_o hinge_n upon_o which_o all_o religion_n turn_v it_o be_v this_o that_o lead_v we_o both_o to_o contemn_v the_o gratification_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o be_v solicitous_a about_o a_o happiness_n hereafter_o though_o it_o be_v with_o the_o undergo_n of_o present_a inconvenience_n rather_o than_o here_o there_o be_v no_o one_o truth_n have_v a_o more_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o present_a life_n than_o a_o steady_a and_o vigorous_a belief_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a now_o when_o we_o assert_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o do_v nâ—t_o intend_v that_o it_o be_v immortal_a in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o that_o by_o no_o cause_n it_o can_v be_v annihilate_v god_n alone_o be_v thus_o immortal_a for_o as_o there_o be_v no_o principle_n of_o corruption_n in_o his_o nature_n so_o there_o be_v no_o foreign_a
rational_o in_o surrender_v themselves_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o it_o the_o article_n itself_o may_v be_v plain_o reveal_v and_o yet_o not_o only_o the_o reason_n and_o mode_n of_o it_o lie_v altogether_o hide_v but_o the_o thing_n itself_o may_v overpower_v our_o faculty_n and_o dazzle_v they_o with_o its_o majesty_n and_o splendour_n 1._o reason_n be_v often_o nonplus_v and_o puzzle_v about_o its_o own_o proper_a object_n and_o the_o phaenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o a_o competent_a judge_n of_o object_n it_o be_v never_o adapt_v for_o it_o be_v below_o many_o of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o much_o more_o below_o mystery_n of_o revelation_n see_v this_o argument_n elegant_o and_o strenuous_o handle_v by_o bradwardine_n de_fw-fr causa_fw-la dei_fw-la lib._n 1._o c._n 1._o here_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o admire_v but_o must_v never_o hope_v full_o to_o understand_v our_o work_n here_o be_v to_o believe_v not_o to_o inquire_v 2._o if_o our_o mind_n will_v not_o submit_v to_o a_o revelation_n until_o they_o see_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o proposition_n they_o do_v not_o believe_v or_o obey_v at_o all_o because_o they_o do_v not_o submit_v till_o they_o can_v choose_v faith_n bear_v not_o upon_o demonstration_n but_o upon_o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o therefore_o to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o do_v comprehend_v be_v not_o to_o believe_v but_o to_o argue_v and_o be_v science_n not_o faith_n 17._o you_o that_o will_v believe_v in_o the_o gospel_n what_o you_o please_v and_o what_o you_o think_v fit_a you_o will_v not_o believe_v you_o renounce_v the_o gospel_n say_v austin_n to_o the_o manichee_n for_o you_o believe_v yourselves_o not_o it_o 3._o to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v be_v to_o remonstrate_v to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n at_o least_o to_o challenge_v to_o ourselves_o a_o omniscience_n proportionable_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o omnipotence_n 4._o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v certain_a but_o no_o man_n reason_n universal_o be_v so_o because_o one_o man_n reason_n reject_v what_o another_o assent_n to_o every_o man_n pretend_v to_o right_a reason_n but_o who_o have_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o tell_v if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o one_o man_n to_o reject_v a_o plain_a revelation_n in_o one_o particular_a because_o he_o can_v comprehend_v it_o why_o may_v not_o a_o second_o do_v the_o same_o with_o reference_n to_o revelation_n in_o another_o particular_a as_o the_o socinian_o by_o make_v their_o reason_n judge_n of_o what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v will_v not_o admit_v many_o of_o the_o prime_a article_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o the_o philosopher_n will_v make_v their_o reason_n judge_n of_o what_o they_o shall_v receive_v &_o their_o reason_n will_v not_o admit_v the_o gospel_n at_o all_o 5._o the_o certainty_n of_o revelation_n be_v prefer_v to_o all_o other_o evidence_n and_o we_o be_v command_v to_o subject_v our_o reason_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o consequence_n reason_n can_v be_v the_o positive_a measure_n of_o religion_n the_o sacred_a writer_n do_v every_o where_o remit_v we_o to_o the_o scripture_n itself_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o reason_n herein_o be_v the_o socinian_o just_o impeachable_a for_o though_o sometime_o they_o acknowledge_v religion_n to_o be_v above_o reason_n as_o we_o late_o hear_v yet_o at_o other_o time_n they_o speak_v in_o a_o very_a indifferent_a manner_n 2._o by_o reason_n alone_o say_v smalcius_n can_v we_o define_v what_o be_v possible_a and_o what_o be_v impossible_a in_o matter_n of_o faith_n see_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n ostorod_n instit._fw-la cap._n 6._o schlict_v de_fw-fr trinit_fw-la advers._fw-la meisner_n p._n 67._o etc._n etc._n hence_o that_o of_o socinus_n that_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v christ_n to_o have_v satisfy_v for_o our_o sin_n though_o he_o shall_v read_v it_o not_o only_o once_o but_o often_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o revealer_n have_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o establish_v it_o 4._o suppose_v christ_n to_o have_v say_v it_o and_o to_o have_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o declare_v his_o own_o veracity_n unless_o he_o have_v declare_v it_o by_o its_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o so_o show_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o to_o which_o agree_v a_o passage_n of_o smalcius_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n joan._n that_o he_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o it_o though_o he_o shall_v meet_v with_o it_o not_o only_o often_o but_o in_o express_a term_n in_o the_o bible_n i_o wish_v other_o do_v not_o say_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n but_o while_o they_o renounce_v doctrine_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o their_o incomprehensibleness_n or_o because_o we_o can_v full_o fathom_v they_o they_o must_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o think_v who_o principle_n they_o have_v drink_v in_o and_o who_o cause_n they_o plead_v thus_o have_v i_o discourse_v the_o whole_a interest_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n and_o as_o i_o know_v not_o that_o i_o have_v say_v any_o more_o in_o this_o matter_n than_o what_o be_v general_o maintain_v by_o all_o the_o sober_a nonconformist_n so_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v that_o the_o charge_n which_o some_o man_n have_v fasten_v upon_o we_o as_o if_o we_o whole_o renounce_v reason_n in_o all_o concernment_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o no_o contradiction_n can_v astonish_v or_o stagger_v we_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o support_v of_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o party_n especial_o among_o vulgar_a hearer_n be_v a_o false_a aspersion_n groundless_a calumny_n and_o a_o impudent_a crimination_n and_o though_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o it_o savour_n of_n overmuch_o modesty_n that_o a_o few_o young_a theologue_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o indeed_o they_o be_v so_o shall_v monopolise_v to_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o rational_a divine_n yet_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o neither_o envy_v they_o the_o title_n nor_o have_v any_o quarrel_n with_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n it_o be_v indeed_o their_o want_n of_o reason_n that_o i_o find_v fault_n with_o and_o as_o it_o have_v general_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o other_o who_o have_v too_o much_o boast_v of_o and_o rely_v upon_o reason_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o most_o irrational_a sentiment_n so_o i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o it_o be_v in_o a_o very_a great_a measure_n the_o misfortune_n of_o our_o new_a rationalist_n as_o the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a make_v reason_n their_o only_a rule_n and_o yet_o most_o of_o their_o religious_a opinion_n whether_o in_o reference_n to_o faith_n worship_n or_o moral_a obedience_n be_v perfect_o irrational_a and_o as_o the_o socinian_o pretend_v to_o pay_v more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a veneration_n to_o reason_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o world_n who_o tenet_n lie_v more_o cross_a to_o the_o fundamental_a maxim_n of_o it_o than_o some_o of_o they_o do_v for_o to_o give_v religious_a adoration_n to_o a_o mere_a creature_n for_o such_o they_o allow_v christ_n only_o to_o be_v to_o deny_v god_n the_o fore_n knowledge_n of_o future_a contingent_n &_o to_o ascribe_v passion_n and_o affection_n to_o god_n in_o the_o manner_n they_o be_v incident_a to_o we_o be_v such_o repugnancy_n to_o reason_n that_o a_o man_n have_v need_n renounce_v that_o as_o well_o as_o revelation_n ere_o he_o can_v admit_v they_o so_o i_o account_v it_o of_o easy_a proof_n that_o many_o of_o the_o darling_n notion_n about_o original_a sin_n convert_v grace_n the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n and_o justification_n itself_o etc._n etc._n of_o our_o pretend_a late_o rational_a divine_n be_v as_o well_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n as_o they_o be_v to_o scripture_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o import_n and_o use_v of_o scripture-metaphor_n sect_n i._o some_o man_n have_v espouse_v corrupt_a design_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o pursuance_n thereof_o lead_v to_o method_n which_o may_v subserve_v and_o countenance_v their_o undertake_n for_o the_o end_n be_v fix_v mean_n must_v be_v find_v out_o and_o adapt_v for_o the_o compass_v of_o it_o now_o among_o other_o little_a art_n and_o contrivance_n suppose_v conducible_a to_o their_o undertake_n i_o find_v some_o late_a writer_n improve_n their_o skill_n and_o industry_n especial_o in_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o under_o pretence_n of_o banish_v all_o wrangle_n brawl_a and_o vain_a talk_n they_o study_v to_o cashier_v and_o discharge_v all_o dispute_n in_o and_o about_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v become_v their_o interest_n upon_o two_o account_n so_o to_o do_v 1._o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o liberty_n to_o vent_v
of_o discretion_n in_o a_o ordinary_a author_n to_o accommodate_v himself_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o to_o who_o he_o speak_v or_o write_v and_o not_o to_o oblige_v himself_o mere_o to_o suit_n and_o please_v the_o son_n of_o art_n how_o much_o more_o do_v it_o become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o see_v he_o design_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o universal_a instruction_n of_o mankind_n so_o to_o adapt_v and_o dispose_v the_o phraseology_n of_o it_o as_o that_o all_o may_v be_v edifyed_a by_o it_o now_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o vulgus_fw-la who_o scarce_o understand_v any_o thing_n but_o in_o proportion_n to_o their_o sense_n and_o in_o dependence_n on_o material_a phantasm_n what_o method_n can_v be_v more_o likely_a to_o affect_v their_o mind_n with_o and_o raise_v they_o unto_o spiritual_a thing_n than_o to_o have_v they_o propose_v under_o the_o name_n and_o illustrate_v by_o the_o property_n and_o operation_n of_o those_o thing_n with_o who_o nature_n and_o affection_n they_o be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v much_o of_o every_o man_n knowledge_n begin_v at_o his_o sense_n and_o reason_n inoculate_v and_o superstruct_v upon_o they_o especial_o they_o of_o weak_a intellect_n need_v the_o relief_n of_o sensible_a adumbration_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n according_o therefore_o have_v god_n dispose_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o with_o that_o provision_n and_o caution_n that_o by_o a_o very_a ordinary_a attendance_n and_o care_n we_o may_v see_v spiritual_a thing_n to_o be_v intend_v and_o design_v and_o that_o our_o be_v not_o to_o be_v arrest_v by_o those_o sensible_a representation_n hence_o we_o have_v not_o only_o a_o wonderful_a variation_n give_v to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o proposition_n and_o the_o same_o thing_n manifest_v and_o inculcate_v under_o different_a form_n of_o speech_n but_o beside_o in_o those_o very_a place_n where_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v most_o bring_v down_o to_o our_o sense_n there_o be_v enough_o either_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o or_o in_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o speaker_n or_o in_o the_o context_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o there_o be_v only_o a_o metaphor_n similitude_n or_o allegory_n in_o the_o expression_n for_o indeed_o there_o can_v be_v no_o corporeal_a image_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n only_o by_o consider_v the_o property_n and_o affection_n etc._n etc._n of_o thing_n material_a to_o which_o they_o be_v compare_v we_o be_v guide_v the_o better_a to_o understand_v and_o know_v their_o spiritual_a nature_n §_o 5._o have_v unfold_v the_o nature_n of_o metaphor_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o frequent_a usage_n of_o metaphorical_a term_n in_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v next_o to_o state_n when_o a_o expression_n be_v to_o be_v account_v metaphorical_a that_o so_o we_o may_v neither_o mistake_v proper_a expression_n for_o figurative_a nor_o substitute_v a_o figure_n where_o there_o be_v none_o we_o have_v already_o intimate_v §_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o humour_n of_o some_o in_o order_n to_o serve_v a_o design_n and_o minister_a to_o a_o hypothesis_n to_o transform_v the_o plain_a truth_n into_o metaphor_n and_o thereby_o to_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n from_o its_o true_a sense_n to_o a_o befriend_v their_o prepossession_n &_o prejudices_fw-la allow_v but_o man_n the_o liberty_n of_o suppose_v metaphor_n where_o their_o lust_n and_o forestallment_n influence_n they_o to_o such_o imagination_n &_o there_o be_v not_o that_o gospel-truth_n whâ—ch_o may_v not_o be_v supplant_v notwithstanding_o the_o plain_a testimony_n give_v to_o it_o in_o the_o bible_n if_o man_n may_v be_v permit_v to_o forsake_v the_o natural_a and_o genuine_a sense_n of_o word_n where_o the_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o they_o may_v notwithstanding_o their_o declare_v themselves_o to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n yet_o believe_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n two_o thing_n therefore_o be_v careful_o to_o be_v attend_v to_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n 1._o that_o we_o impose_v not_o a_o proper_a sense_n where_o the_o word_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o tropical_a figurative_a metaphorick_n or_o allegoric_a one_o numerous_a instance_n may_v be_v assign_v how_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v pervert_v from_o its_o true_a intendment_n by_o the_o usurp_a word_n in_o a_o proper_a sense_n where_o a_o metaphorical_a or_o allegoric_a aught_o only_a to_o be_v allow_v thus_o the_o anthropomorphites_n of_o old_a and_o some_o socinian_o of_o late_a for_o all_o of_o they_o have_v not_o think_v so_o contemptible_o of_o the_o deity_n by_o take_v those_o text_n which_o attribute_v humane_a member_n to_o god_n in_o a_o proper_a sense_n have_v fancy_v he_o to_o be_v corporeal_a &_o have_v ascribe_v a_o material_a humane_a shape_n to_o he_o whereas_o the_o meaning_n of_o such_o place_n be_v only_o to_o affirm_v those_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o such_o member_n in_o we_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o corporeity_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o mankind_n concern_v he_o and_o contradictious_a to_o what_o the_o scripture_n in_o other_o place_n reveal_v of_o his_o essence_n and_o perfection_n so_o that_o the_o attribute_v bodily_a member_n to_o he_o must_v be_v construe_v as_o so_o many_o metaphor_n declare_v only_o such_o attribute_n and_o operation_n to_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o those_o organ_n and_o member_n in_o we_o denote_v and_o be_v the_o apparatus_n and_o instrument_n of_o thus_o also_o the_o jew_n write_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n on_o their_o frontlet_n and_o phylacteries_n take_v its_o rise_n from_o affix_v a_o proper_a meaning_n to_o exodus_fw-la 13.16_o &_o deut_n 6.8_o whereas_o indeed_o the_o word_n be_v metaphorical_a &_o do_v only_o intimate_v that_o they_o be_v to_o have_v the_o law_n in_o continual_a remembrance_n not_o but_o that_o i_o acknowledge_v lock_n or_o fringe_n fasten_v to_o the_o skirt_n of_o their_o garment_n 22.12_o as_o a_o badge_n of_o that_o subjection_n and_o reverence_n they_o be_v to_o abide_v in_o towards_o god_n and_o his_o law_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o wander_v after_o false_a worship_n to_o have_v be_v enjoin_v they_o but_o that_o the_o ten_o commandment_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v to_o be_v write_v upon_o they_o i_o read_v not_o and_o do_v apprehend_v that_o custom_n to_o have_v derive_v its_o original_a from_o the_o mistake_n already_o suggest_v in_o like_a manner_n their_o imagine_v isa_n 19.18_o 19_o 20._o to_o be_v intend_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n give_v occasion_n to_o onias_n building_n a_o temple_n resemble_v that_o of_o jerusalem_n in_o egypt_n at_o least_o be_v plead_v in_o justification_n of_o it_o whereas_o the_o import_n of_o the_o place_n be_v only_o to_o declare_v the_o gentile_n admission_n into_o the_o church_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o prophet_n predict_v and_o describe_v in_o term_n and_o phrase_n adapt_v to_o the_o o._n t._n oeconomy_n and_o dispensation_n i_o may_v here_o add_v that_o all_o the_o jewish_a mistake_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o messiah_n as_o if_o he_o to_o be_v a_o triumphant_a king_n subdue_a the_o earth_n by_o the_o terror_n of_o his_o legion_n and_o to_o conferâ—_n on_o they_o all_o terrene_a pomp_n &_o magnificence_n etc._n etc._n do_v arise_v principal_o from_o obtrude_a a_o proper_a sense_n upon_o some_o of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n whereas_o in_o truth_n their_o phraseology_n be_v whole_o metaphorick_n god_n choose_v by_o word_n which_o proper_o denote_v and_o import_v thing_n terrene_a and_o temporal_a to_o instruct_v we_o concern_v the_o spiritual_a benefit_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o by_o and_o through_o the_o messiah_n the_o impose_v a_o proper_a sense_n upon_o word_n which_o christ_n intend_v only_o in_o a_o metaphorical_a give_v rise_v to_o one_o of_o the_o article_n of_o indictment_n which_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n prefer_v against_o he_o see_v joh._n 2.19_o compare_v with_o mark_n 14.58_o it_o be_v true_a they_o withal_o alter_v his_o word_n for_o whereas_o christ_n have_v only_o say_v destroy_v this_o temple_n and_o in_o three_o day_n i_o will_v raise_v it_o up_o the_o false_a witness_n depose_v that_o they_o hear_v he_o say_v i_o will_v destroy_v this_o temple_n etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o their_o main_a prevarication_n and_o that_o without_o which_o the_o other_o alteration_n can_v have_v no_o way_n serve_v their_o design_n be_v their_o construe_v his_o word_n in_o a_o proper_a sense_n as_o refer_v to_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n whereas_o he_o design_v they_o only_o in_o a_o metaphorical_a to_o denote_v his_o body_n 20._o
and_o continuation_n think_v he_o have_v sufficient_o acquit_v himself_o by_o reply_v that_o may_v be_v the_o sky_n will_v fall_v to_o morrow_n and_o it_o may_v be_v s._n paul_n steeple_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v rebuilt_a will_v remove_v itself_o to_o the_o east-indies_n though_o he_o shall_v withal_o have_v remember_v that_o the_o foresay_a learned_a person_n have_v also_o tell_v he_o that_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v make_v evident_a when_o particular_n shall_v be_v instance_a in_o supra_fw-la viz._n that_o the_o metaphor_n the_o nonconformist_n be_v charge_v with_o be_v no_o other_o but_o expression_n of_o gospel_n mystery_n not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a but_o the_o author_n of_o the_o defence_n judge_v it_o meet_v there_o to_o bear_v back_o reckon_v that_o he_o come_v off_o with_o triumph_n enough_o and_o sufficient_o load_v with_o the_o spoil_n of_o his_o enemy_n by_o railly_v upon_o a_o may_v be_v i_o shall_v therefore_o not_o account_v it_o enough_o bare_o to_o assert_v that_o some_o of_o the_o expression_n reflect_v on_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v such_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o have_v precede_v they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o and_o that_o to_o the_o very_a same_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o produce_v they_o but_o see_v nothing_o less_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n either_o for_o the_o vindicate_v they_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o cant_v or_o to_o beget_v more_o modesty_n in_o their_o adversary_n i_o shall_v present_v the_o reader_n with_o some_o instance_n where_o it_o be_v so_o and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v think_v to_o design_n the_o disparagement_n of_o any_o party_n of_o man_n by_o quote_v testimony_n from_o divers_a of_o their_o author_n who_o rather_o than_o not_o strain_v up_o the_o dregs_n of_o their_o choler_n against_o the_o fanatic_n for_o their_o phraseology_n have_v even_o write_v in_o derogation_n of_o scripture-phrase_n and_o make_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o subject_a of_o their_o derision_n as_o well_o as_o the_o nonconformist_n i_o say_v to_o avoid_v this_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o mr._n sherlock_n alone_o i'faith_o say_v he_o first_o be_v very_o lucky_o call_v come_v to_o christ_n whence_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v to_o go_v to_o he_o for_o salvation_n which_o metaphor_n of_o come_v and_o go_v be_v a_o very_a intelligible_a explication_n of_o believe_v now_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o be_v guilty_a as_o well_o of_o profane_v the_o scripture_n as_o of_o incivility_n to_o the_o nonconformist_n for_o this_o very_a metaphor_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n joh._n 5.40_o and._n 6.35_o 37_o 44._o to_o signify_v believe_v of_o which_o as_o profane_o as_o sarcastical_o our_o author_n style_v it_o a_o very_a intelligible_a explication_n but_o mr._n sherlock_n seem_v to_o be_v one_o of_o those_o who_o never_o think_v any_o thing_n intelligible_a when_o declare_v in_o scripture-term_n i_o will_v crave_v of_o the_o reader_n to_o peruse_v the_o 104_o 105_o and_o 106_o page_n of_o his_o book_n for_o i_o do_v not_o love_v to_o foul_a these_o leaf_n more_o than_o i_o needs_o must_v with_o passage_n opprobrious_a against_o god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n though_o it_o be_v only_o to_o expose_v and_o confute_v they_o and_o then_o to_o tell_v i_o whether_o the_o very_a scripture-expression_n in_o their_o proper_a sense_n be_v not_o make_v to_o bear_v a_o share_n in_o his_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n though_o the_o receive_v of_o christ_n be_v a_o phrase_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n express_v faith_n in_o he_o and_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o word_n and_o doctrine_n by_o joh._n 1.11_o 12._o and_o 3.32_o 33._o and_o 17.8_o act._n 1.41_o and_o 8.14_o and_o 17.11_o col._n 2.6_o 1_o thes._n 2.13_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o secure_v it_o from_o the_o lash_n of_o our_o author_n pen._n it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v man_n to_o speak_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o the_o term_n &_o phrase_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v but_o where_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v first_o dislike_v it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o his_o expression_n come_v to_o be_v dislike_v also_o but_o sure_o the_o expose_v they_o to_o make_v their_o reader_n sport_n what_o ever_o of_o wit_n it_o argue_v it_o declare_v a_o profane_a sauciness_n one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o scripture_n express_v faith_n in_o christ_n by_o trust_n eph._n 1.12_o 13._o man_n without_o obloquy_n may_v do_v the_o like_a but_o that_o phrase_n also_o be_v make_v the_o pleasure_n of_o mr._n sherlock_n scorn_n and_o the_o use_n of_o it_o turn_v into_o open_a ridicule_n now_o we_o have_v christ_n say_v he_o in_o mockage_n and_o derision_n we_o must_v trust_v and_o lean_v upon_o he_o distrust_v of_o ourselves_o &_o dependence_n on_o christ_n for_o continual_a supply_n against_o entanglement_n from_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n be_v not_o only_o make_v our_o duty_n though_o not_o so_o as_o to_o supersede_n our_o own_o watchfulness_n and_o best_a endeavour_n but_o the_o latter_a be_v certain_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o believer_n nor_o do_v the_o new_a covenant_n excel_v the_o old_a in_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o in_o this_o that_o god_n have_v herein_o undertake_v to_o watch_v over_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o to_o continue_v those_o sovereign_a supply_n of_o grace_n to_o we_o whereby_o we_o shall_v be_v keep_v unto_o salvation_n and_o beside_o what_o may_v be_v tender_v in_o justification_n of_o this_o from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n with_o who_o sapience_n it_o seem_v not_o consistent_a final_o to_o leave_v we_o after_o he_o have_v engrave_v his_o image_n upon_o we_o consider_v that_o he_o prevent_v we_o with_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n when_o we_o be_v in_o our_o pollution_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o care_n believer_n be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n commit_v joh._n 17.12_o and_o 18.9_o plead_v also_o for_o it_o yea_o the_o scripture_n likewise_o give_v in_o its_o express_a testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n 2_o tim_n 1.12_o assure_v we_o that_o on_o our_o be_v find_v in_o a_o attendance_n upon_o institute_v mean_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o duty_n and_o endeavour_n which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o god_n will_v work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o do_v philip._n 2.13_o and_o keep_v we_o by_o his_o own_o power_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n 1_o pet._n 1.15_o yet_o this_o mr._n sherlock_n have_v some_o venomous_a spawn_n to_o bestow_v upon_o and_o the_o fanatic_n must_v upon_o this_o account_n be_v make_v the_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o sly_a but_o petulant_a mockage_n and_o now_o say_v he_o we_o have_v thus_o bring_v our_o soul_n to_o christ_n we_o must_v commit_v they_o to_o his_o trust_n 105._o to_o take_v charge_n of_o they_o and_o save_v they_o and_o if_o they_o perish_v it_o will_v be_v his_o fault_n and_o he_o must_v give_v account_n of_o it_o and_o as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o profaneness_n &_o satyr_n enough_o in_o this_o the_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v be_v bring_v in_o to_o bear_v a_o share_n in_o his_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n thus_o st._n paul_n do_v say_v he_o 2_o tim._n 1.12_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v what_o i_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o against_o that_o day_n can_v he_o not_o be_v content_a to_o expose_v the_o nonconformist_n without_o involve_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o same_o condemnation_n or_o be_v st._n paul_n case_n and_o they_o so_o much_o the_o same_o that_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o wreak_v himself_o upon_o they_o without_o make_v he_o suffer_v under_o the_o same_o imputation_n i_o confess_v mr._n sherlock_n be_v not_o the_o only_a man_n who_o seem_v displease_v with_o st._n paul_n for_o beside_o that_o 5._o one_o tell_v we_o his_o style_n be_v often_o the_o most_o obscure_a he_o ever_o read_v another_o make_v it_o a_o part_n of_o a_o guild-hall_n declamation_n that_o the_o 9_o the_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v study_v more_o than_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n and_o that_o the_o firebrand_n of_o the_o church_n have_v use_v to_o fetch_v all_o their_o heat_n from_o st._n paul_n write_n and_o have_v think_v themselves_o tolerate_v if_o not_o encourage_v by_o his_o example_n to_o dispute_v every_o thing_n ibid._n p._n 10._o in_o which_o word_n there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o false_a and_o invidious_a supposition_n that_o there_o be_v some_o of_o the_o fanatic_n who_o prefer_v st._n paul_n write_n to_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o other_o sacred_a book_n but_o there_o be_v withal_o a_o
affirm_v withal_o that_o till_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n effectual_o infallible_o and_o by_o a_o unresisted_a operation_n transform_v we_o into_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o communicate_v to_o we_o a_o vital_a seed_n we_o remain_v pollute_v unholy_a and_o uncapable_a of_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o all_o that_o dueness_n of_o circumstance_n as_o may_v commend_v we_o or_o our_o performance_n to_o god_n acceptance_n not_o but_o that_o antecedent_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n renew_v we_o by_o a_o communication_n of_o grace_n to_o we_o we_o may_v both_o dogmatical_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v find_v in_o a_o discharge_n of_o the_o material_a part_n not_o only_o of_o natural_a duty_n but_o of_o the_o act_n of_o institute_v religion_n but_o to_o say_v that_o we_o ought_v thereupon_o to_o be_v denominate_v holy_a be_v to_o remonstrate_v to_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o thousand_o place_n and_o to_o overthrow_v the_o very_a tenor_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o while_o we_o remain_v thus_o un-ho_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v actual_o unite_v to_o christ_n or_o capable_a subject_n of_o justification_n and_o forgiveness_n that_o till_o we_o be_v actual_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o renew_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o union_n with_o he_o or_o have_v a_o right_n to_o pardon_n of_o sin_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o ensue_v or_o depend_v thereupon_o by_o he_o i_o know_v not_o one_o among_o the_o nonconformist_n who_o affirm_v that_o wicked_a man_n while_o they_o continue_v such_o be_v actual_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o thereby_o have_v a_o actual_a right_n to_o pardon_n and_o righteousness_n 353_o and_o eternal_a life_n yea_o that_o they_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n if_o ever_o they_o be_v unite_v while_o they_o continue_v in_o sin_n as_o mr._n sherlock_n be_v please_v without_o respect_n either_o to_o modesty_n or_o truth_n to_o brand_v they_o nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o opinion_n maintain_v by_o they_o that_o draw_v such_o a_o pernicious_a consequence_n after_o it_o but_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n with_o some_o if_o the_o deduction_n be_v odious_a and_o reproachful_a whether_o it_o be_v rational_a and_o coherent_a or_o not_o all_o that_o we_o plead_v for_o be_v this_o that_o as_o previous_o to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n we_o be_v pollute_v and_o un-ho_o so_o by_o that_o very_a act_n whereby_o he_o unite_v we_o to_o himself_o he_o infuse_v those_o principle_n into_o we_o by_o which_o our_o nature_n be_v cleanse_v and_o we_o come_v to_o be_v denominate_v holy_a and_o pure_a the_o foundation_n of_o our_o union_n and_o that_o by_o w_z ch_z we_o become_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 6.17_o ligue_v and_o cement_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o inward_a purity_n and_o the_o vital_a seed_n and_o live_a principle_n of_o our_o follow_a obedience_n by_o the_o same_o act_n that_o he_o assume_v we_o into_o union_n with_o himself_o he_o transform_v our_o nature_n and_o by_o have_v make_v a_o change_n in_o the_o heart_n there_o infallible_o follow_v a_o change_n in_o the_o conversation_n those_o very_a principle_n by_o which_o we_o be_v regenerate_v be_v both_o the_o ligament_n which_o knit_v and_o unite_v we_o to_o he_o and_o the_o spring_n &_o source_n of_o all_o our_o gospel_n obedience_n it_o be_v a_o needless_a enquiry_n whether_o our_o renovation_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n precede_v our_o union_n with_o christ_n or_o whether_o our_o union_n go_v before_o our_o renovation_n see_v in_o order_n of_o time_n they_o be_v not_o only_o inseparable_a but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o new_a creature_n the_o seed_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a nature_n in_o we_o be_v the_o very_a bond_n of_o our_o cohesion_n and_o as_o none_o continue_v un-ho_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n so_o neither_o do_v our_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o destroy_v our_o obligation_n to_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n for_o the_o future_a 352_o of_o which_o mr._n sherlock_n foolish_o as_o well_o invidious_o impeach_v it_o for_o beside_o that_o both_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n distinguish_v mercy_n in_o the_o renew_n our_o nature_n will_v be_v a_o forcible_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o holiness_n and_o the_o principle_n already_o inlay_v into_o our_o heart_n like_o a_o vital_a form_n in_o the_o soul_n turn_v it_o into_o a_o universal_a consent_n with_o god_n own_o will_n adapt_v connaturalise_v and_o incline_v we_o to_o it_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o regeneration_n continue_v both_o to_o watch_v over_o cherish_v foster_v excite_v and_o draw_v forth_o those_o principle_n and_o habit_n which_o he_o have_v already_o infuse_v into_o our_o soul_n and_o to_o communicate_v such_o far_a supply_n as_o upon_o our_o serve_v his_o promise_n god_n in_o his_o sovereign_a infinite_a wisdom_n in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o glory_n think_v meet_v these_o we_o have_v describe_v be_v the_o person_n who_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n we_o plead_v for_o which_o i_o hope_v neither_o derive_v a_o dishonour_n upon_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n 350._o nor_o offer_v any_o contradiction_n to_o his_o gospel_n we_o disclaim_v be_v the_o patron_n and_o advocate_n of_o the_o union_n of_o any_o unholy_a person_n while_o he_o continue_v such_o to_o christ_n nor_o be_v our_o adversary_n able_a by_o any_o rule_n of_o argumentation_n to_o infer_v it_o from_o any_o of_o our_o opinion_n how_o far_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o prejudice_v those_o against_o we_o who_o be_v lead_v by_o noise_n clamour_n and_o confidence_n instead_o of_o calm_a and_o sedate_v reason_n i_o know_v not_o but_o among_o person_n of_o a_o better_a figure_n who_o will_v not_o mere_o be_v talk_v into_o a_o contempt_n of_o we_o who_o hate_v we_o not_o out_o of_o interest_n and_o so_o regulate_v their_o faith_n concern_v we_o by_o their_o indignation_n i_o defy_v he_o a_o proselyte_n i_o wish_v mr._n sherlock_n be_v not_o in_o this_o very_a particular_a liable_a to_o have_v that_o retort_v upon_o himself_o which_o he_o have_v as_o unjust_o as_o invidious_o fasten_v upon_o we_o for_o as_o i_o shall_v be_v sorry_a that_o any_o thing_n in_o our_o own_o opinion_n shall_v lie_v in_o such_o a_o inconsistency_n to_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o entitle_v unholy_a person_n to_o a_o actual_a union_n with_o christ_n so_o it_o be_v no_o pleasure_n at_o all_o to_o i_o to_o find_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o adversary_n pregnant_a with_o consequence_n subversive_a of_o true_a holiness_n but_o we_o must_v take_v thing_n here_o as_o they_o be_v and_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v offend_v to_o have_v his_o own_o notion_n in_o this_o matter_n modest_o expose_v have_v with_o so_o much_o satyr_n and_o contempt_n injurious_o represent_v the_o opinion_n of_o other_o and_o first_o he_o grant_v in_o so_o many_o word_n that_o in_o one_o sense_n we_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v be_v holy_a 349._o and_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o because_o the_o first_o &_o low_a degree_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v a_o belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o obedience_n it_o must_v needs_o go_v before_o it_o while_n mr._n sherlock_n impeach_v we_o as_o disserve_v holiness_n and_o religion_n by_o our_o notion_n of_o union_n who_o yet_o allow_v no_o man_n to_o be_v in_o christ_n 5.17_o who_o be_v not_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o that_o christ_n only_o dwell_v in_o we_o and_o we_o in_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o 4.13_o he_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o unhappy_a and_o so_o little_a mindful_a of_o what_o he_o say_v as_o not_o only_o consequential_o but_o in_o terminis_fw-la to_o plead_v that_o man_n must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o they_o can_v be_v holy_a i_o know_v he_o add_v that_o our_o union_n be_v not_o perfect_v without_o actual_a obedience_n 350_o 146.147_o but_o if_o to_o be_v in_o christ_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o sincere_a christian_n as_o our_o author_n tell_v we_o elsewhere_o i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o union_n be_v complete_v as_o well_o as_o begin_v without_o a_o man_n be_v holy_a see_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n be_v no_o more_o in_o its_o full_a import_n than_o to_o be_v in_o he_o yea_o as_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v enough_o bare_o to_o assert_v that_o man_n while_o they_o continue_v in_o sin_n may_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n the_o scripture_n must_v be_v suborn_v to_o countenance_v it_o 146.147_o christ_n say_v he_o speak_v of_o such_o branch_n in_o he_o as_o bear_v no_o fruit_n and_o therefore_o