Selected quad for the lemma: scripture_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n call_v word_n write_n 2,295 5 9.6341 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59220 Errour non-plust, or, Dr. Stillingfleet shown to be the man of no principles with an essay how discourses concerning Catholick grounds bear the highest evidence. Sergeant, John, 1622-1707. 1673 (1673) Wing S2565; ESTC R18785 126,507 288

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aught_o they_o will_v as_o god_n command_n the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o common_a reason_n oblige_v they_o be_v rather_o willing_a to_o trust_v their_o pastor_n who_o be_v better_a qualify_v for_o such_o knowledge_n and_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o to_o instruct_v they_o what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n than_o trust_v their_o own_o private_a shallow_a judgement_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o dr._n st_n discourse_v all_o along_o concern_v this_o point_n be_v a_o plain_a beg_v the_o question_n for_o if_o god_n have_v leave_v a_o church_n and_o command_v the_o faithful_a to_o hear_v it_o and_o conform_v to_o its_o faith_n and_o consequent_o to_o receive_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o point_n of_o faith_n from_o it_o than_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o scripture_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v plain_a to_o all_o capacity_n of_o itself_o nor_o of_o think_v man_n may_v sincere_o desire_v to_o know_v god_n will_n in_o scripture_n and_o use_v 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short_a likewise_o but_o if_o he_o say_v only_o some_o of_o those_o divinely-inspired_a write_n be_v sufficient_a it_o be_v very_o necessary_a it_o shall_v be_v make_v out_o how_o many_o be_v needful_a that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v thorough_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o precise_a ground_n of_o christian_a faith_n concern_v which_o yet_o there_o be_v much_o difference_n in_o opinion_n among_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o letter-rule_n which_o signify_v that_o none_o of_o they_o know_v distinct_o what_o themselves_o assign_v or_o hold_v to_o be_v that_o rule_n or_o if_o he_o say_v that_o only_a those_o which_o god_n providence_n have_v preserve_v be_v that_o rule_n then_o he_o must_v either_o say_v that_o god_n providence_n therefore_o preserve_v these_o because_o they_o contain_v holy_a doctrine_n and_o be_v write_v by_o man_n divinely-inspired_a or_o be_v apt_a to_o benefit_v future_a mankind_n and_o then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n those_o which_o perish_v shall_v have_v be_v preserve_v too_o or_o else_o that_o god_n preserve_v these_o in_o particular_a because_o these_o which_o remain_v be_v beside_o those_o qualification_n proper_a and_o sufficient_a to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o then_o he_o beg_v the_o question_n and_o suppose_v his_o own_o tenet_n true_a even_o while_o he_o be_v prove_v it_o so_o nex●_n suppose_v the_o original_n of_o these_o book_n now_o extant_a to_o have_v be_v once_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v requisite_a the_o church_n in_o the_o beginning_n shall_v have_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o such_o and_o consequent_o have_v make_v account_n for_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n till_o when_o they_o be_v not_o collect_v or_o universal_o propose_v it_o have_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n or_o entire_a body_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o of_o this_o we_o hear_v not_o that_o any_o have_v the_o least_o jealousy_n or_o that_o they_o look_v after_o book_n of_o scripture_n as_o thing_n without_o which_o the_o church_n be_v not_o either_o absolute_o certain_a of_o its_o faith_n or_o have_v not_o all_o its_o faith_n again_o have_v those_o book_n be_v then_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o consider_v that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v unacknowledged_a one_o scatter_v here_o another_o there_o accidental_o be_v senseless_a to_o imagine_v yet_o how_o can_v we_o ●ow_o or_o future_a age_n hereafter_o have_v absolute_a certainty_n that_o some_o substantial_a word_n or_o other_o be_v not_o alter_v omit_v or_o insert_v in_o those_o place_n that_o concern_v the_o main_a point_n of_o faith_n for_o example_n the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o real_a presence_n in_o case_n there_o be_v no_o infallible_a authority_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o which_o dr._n st._n deny_v here_o princ._n 15._o it_o be_v not_o evident_a he_o must_v say_v that_o none_o of_o these_o can_v be_v make_v out_o with_o absolute_a certainty_n and_o consequent_o confess_v with_o 118._o dr._n t._n that_o all_o this_o may_v be_v otherwise_o unless_o he_o have_v recourse_n to_o god_n extraordinary_a assistance_n to_o the_o multitude_n of_o transcriber_n and_o translator_n because_o of_o the_o necessity_n the_o letter_n shall_v be_v thus_o preserve_v still_o unchanged_a in_o regard_n otherwise_o none_o can_v say_v his_o faith_n be_v true_a which_o again_o beg_v the_o question_n and_o suppose_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n instead_o of_o prove_v it_o so_o far_o let_v the_o letter_n be_v suppose_v exact_o like_o the_o original_a how_o will_v that_o letter_n secure_a from_o all_o possible_a error_n all_o that_o rely_v on_o it_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n ought_v or_o to_o use_v dr._n st_n word_n princ._n 15._o reveal_v so_o plain_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n that_o no_o sober_a enquirer_n can_v miss_v of_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o salvation_n now_o if_o they_o can_v miss_v of_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o salvation_n they_o must_v needs_o hit_v on_o it_o and_o so_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n infallible_a as_o to_o that_o point_n while_o they_o rely_v thereon_o to_o put_v it_o to_o the_o trial_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o dispute_v there_o be_v out_o of_o scripture_n letter_n between_o socinian_o and_o their_o opposer_n about_o a_o trinity_n and_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o between_o catholic_n and_o their_o adversary_n about_o the_o real_a presence_n how_o many_o interpretation_n of_o this_n be_v my_o body_n how_o many_o allusion_n of_o one_o place_n to_o another_o in_o both_o those_o point_n to_o hammer_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o these_o agitate_a on_o both_o side_n by_o body_n of_o eminent_a man_n excellent_a scholar_n acute_a scripturist_n must_v every_o sober_a enquirer_n and_o every_o private_a ignorant_a person_n who_o sincere_o endeavour_v needs_o hit_v on_o the_o right_n and_o judge_v better_o of_o these_o point_n than_o all_o those_o learned_a man_n or_o must_v we_o needs_o conclude_v that_o all_o those_o learned_a enquirer_n find_v in_o each_o of_o those_o vast_a different_a party_n be_v mad_a or_o insincere_a i_o wish_v he_o will_v prove_v this_o it_o be_v his_o best_a interest_n and_o will_v give_v his_o argument_n some_o likelihood_n which_o till_o then_o have_v none_o for_o the_o fact_n be_v so_o notorious_a how_o earnest_o they_o all_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o point_n by_o the_o letter_n none_o will_v judge_v but_o that_o if_o their_o head_n or_o heart_n be_v not_o strange_o disorder_v by_o folly_n or_o insincerity_n the_o letter_n which_o shall_v inform_v they_o be_v strange_o incompetent_a for_o that_o end_n but_o it_o be_v remarkable_a how_o neat_o dr._n st._n skip_v aside_o from_o the_o point_n he_o undertake_v not_o to_o give_v we_o any_o assurance_n that_o his_o sober_a or_o sincere_a enquirer_n shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n find_v out_o that_o any_o one_o point_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v a_o absolute_o certain_a truth_n but_o only_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o miss_v of_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o salvation_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o err_v or_o at_o least_o not_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o so_o that_o for_o any_o thing_n appear_v by_o his_o discourse_n let_v he_o but_o read_v the_o scripture_n though_o he_o hold_v nothing_o but_o error_n by_o so_o do_v yet_o he_o be_v still_o in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n by_o the_o very_a read_n and_o run_v into_o error_n but_o this_o deserve_v a_o particular_a reflection_n hereafter_o last_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o genius_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o now_o be_v shows_z that_o however_o it_o be_v excellent_o useful_a for_o perfect_v the_o life_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o many_o regard_n yet_o it_o be_v never_o intend_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o to_o omit_v innumerable_a other_o reason_n frequent_o allege_v by_o our_o author_n its_o several_a part_n be_v evident_o write_v on_o several_a emergent_a occasion_n and_o have_v not_o the_o least_o semblance_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a have_v be_v purposely_o compile_v to_o deliver_v a_o entire_a body_n of_o faith_n nor_o do_v it_o observe_v any_o method_n tend_v to_o clear_v each_o several_a point_n for_o it_o neither_o begin_v with_o define_v or_o explain_v every_o word_n make_v use_v of_o in_o signify_v those_o point_n which_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o avoid_v equivocation_n the_o ground_n of_o all_o mistake_n nor_o do_v it_o pursue_v home_o the_o evidence_a any_o one_o point_n by_o make_v we_o aware_a of_o the_o sinister_a sense_n in_o which_o each_o word_n express_v that_o point_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v take_v nor_o do_v it_o put_v objection_n against_o each_o tenet_n and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o right_a apprehension_n of_o it_o by_o solve_v they_o nor_o distinguish_v by_o lay_v common_a rule_n to_o know_v when_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v take_v proper_o when_o metaphorical_o much_o less_o tell_v we_o particular_o in_o
christianity_n yet_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v or_o these_o crafty_a common_a word_n inform_v we_o they_o have_v still_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o save_v they_o that_o be_v though_o they_o go_v wrong_v all_o their_o life_n they_o be_v still_o all_o the_o while_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o i_o suppose_v dr._n st._n mean_n that_o no_o more_o be_v necessary_a for_o any_o one_o salvation_n than_o just_a as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v understand_v in_o scripture_n which_o i_o wish_v he_o will_v once_o begin_v to_o set_v himself_o to_o prove_v &_o make_v out_o by_o some_o convince_a argument_n i_o be_o hearty_o weary_a of_o speak_v still_o to_o his_o unproved_a and_o voluntary_a assertion_n 14._o to_o suppose_v the_o book_n so_o write_v to_o be_v imperfect_a i._n e._n that_o any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v be_v not_o contain_v in_o they_o be_v either_o to_o charge_v the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o with_o fraud_n and_o not_o deliver_v his_o whole_a mind_n or_o the_o writer_n with_o insincerity_n in_o not_o set_v it_o down_o and_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n of_o the_o first_o age_n with_o folly_n in_o believe_v the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n as_o far_o as_o i_o apprehend_v the_o forego_v principle_n be_v intend_v to_o show_v that_o scripture_n be_v sufficirnt_o intelligible_a to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o under_o examination_n be_v to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o faith_n as_o he_o call_v it_o princ._n 28._o and_o all_o he_o contend_v here_o be_v that_o it_o contain_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o multiply_v dispute_n i_o grant_v those_o holy_a book_n contain_v all_o he_o pretend_v some_o way_n or_o other_o either_o implicit_o or_o explicit_o either_o in_o express_v word_n or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n but_o that_o those_o book_n contain_v or_o signify_v for_o they_o be_v the_o same_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v so_o evident_o that_o all_o person_n who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v their_o meaning_n and_o this_o for_o all_o future_a age_n may_v thence_o alone_o as_o his_o discourse_n aim_v to_o evince_v that_o be_v without_o the_o church_n interpretation_n arrive_v to_o know_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n with_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o obligation_n annex_v to_o it_o i_o absolute_o deny_v and_o if_o he_o mean_v this_o by_o the_o word_n perfection_n which_o he_o add_v to_o fullness_n i_o deny_v also_o that_o either_o the_o first_o author_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o fraud_n since_o he_o promise_v no_o such_o thing_n or_o the_o writer_n with_o insincerity_n since_o they_o be_v not_o command_v nor_o do_v intend_v thus_o to_o express_v it_o nor_o as_o far_o as_o appear_v have_v any_o order_n from_o god_n to_o set_v down_o his_o whole_a mind_n but_o only_o write_v the_o several_a piece_n of_o it_o occasional_o nor_o do_v the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n ever_o attribute_v to_o scripture_n such_o a_o intelligibleness_n as_o that_o private_a person_n shall_v ground_v their_o faith_n upon_o their_o evidence_n without_o need_v the_o church_n interpretation_n if_o we_o speak_v of_o all_o point_n necessary_a to_o mankind_n salvation_n as_o he_o seem_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v and_o here_o i_o desire_v to_o enter_v this_o declaration_n to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o i_o attribute_v not_o the_o least_o imperfection_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n every_o thing_n have_v all_o the_o perfection_n it_o ought_v to_o have_v if_o it_o can_v do_v what_o it_o be_v intend_v to_o do_v and_o in_o the_o manner_n it_o be_v intend_v treatise_n of_o deep_a philosophy_n be_v not_o imperfect_a if_o they_o be_v not_o as_o plain_a as_o plain_a narrative_n history_n no_o not_o if_o they_o be_v ita_fw-la editi_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la sint_fw-la editi_fw-la in_o case_n they_o be_v mean_v as_o a_o matter_n for_o the_o author_n to_o explain_v and_o dilate_v upon_o to_o his_o scholar_n nor_o be_v the_o law_n imperfect_a though_o they_o often_o need_v learned_a judge_n to_o interpret_v they_o nor_o be_v we_o to_o expect_v that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n shall_v be_v as_o plain_a as_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o immediate_a end_n of_o write_v each_o piece_n as_o far_o as_o appear_v to_o we_o be_v occasional_a st._n paul_n epistle_n be_v evident_o so_o nor_o can_v i_o doubt_v but_o they_o be_v perfect_a in_o their_o kind_n and_o apt_a to_o signify_v competent_o to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v what_o he_o intend_v so_o that_o if_o they_o have_v any_o far_a doubt_n they_o may_v send_v to_o ask_v he_o or_o do_v it_o viva_fw-la voce_fw-mi and_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o even_o in_o those_o day_n when_o the_o complexion_n of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n be_v fresh_a and_o near_o than_o now_o some_o unlearned_a person_n err_v damnable_o in_o mistake_v and_o misconceive_a they_o that_o be_v while_o they_o go_v about_o to_o frame_v their_o faith_n out_o of_o they_o it_o be_v questionless_a also_o they_o rely_v upon_o they_o as_o god_n word_n or_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n else_o they_o have_v not_o so_o build_v upon_o they_o or_o adhere_v to_o they_o they_o may_v sincere_o endeavour_v too_o to_o know_v their_o meaning_n yet_o if_o the_o write_n be_v disproportion_v to_o their_o pitch_n they_o may_v err_v damnable_o for_o all_o that_o what_o far_a end_n god_n intend_v the_o h._n scripture_n for_o appear_v not_o by_o any_o express_v either_o promise_n or_o declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o out_o of_o the_o knowledge_n that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o person_n divine_o inspire_v and_o the_o experience_n the_o church_n have_v of_o their_o vsefulness_n towards_o instruction_n and_o good_a life_n join_v with_o the_o common_a knowledge_n we_o have_v that_o all_o good_n that_o come_v to_o the_o church_n happen_v through_o the_o order_n of_o god_n providence_n hence_o we_o just_o conclude_v as_o dr._n st._n well_o say_v that_o they_o be_v intend_v and_o write_v also_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o future_a age_n and_o from_o their_o vsefulness_n and_o the_o success_n of_o their_o use_n we_o may_v gather_v how_o god_n intend_v they_o for_o the_o church_n the_o learned_a and_o stable_a son_n of_o the_o church_n read_v they_o with_o much_o fruit_n to_o excite_v their_o will_n to_o goodness_n the_o pastore_n of_o the_o church_n make_v excellent_a use_n of_o they_o in_o exhort_v preach_v catchise_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o many_o other_o use_n of_o this_o sort_n they_o be_v excellent_o beneficial_a which_o be_v so_o many_o that_o be_v it_o now_o seasonable_a for_o i_o to_o lay_v they_o open_v at_o large_a as_o i_o true_o hold_v they_o none_o will_v think_v i_o have_v little_a reverence_n for_o scripture_n but_o in_o decide_v controversy_n or_o final_o silence_v heretic_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o do_v by_o the_o unavoidable_a evidence_n of_o the_o text_n to_o private_a person_n no_o use_n be_v ever_o make_v of_o they_o alone_o with_o any_o success_n as_o the_o father_n also_o complain_v unless_o the_o the_o church_n authority_n go_v along_o animate_v the_o dead_a letter_n in_o dogmatical_a passage_n and_o show_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n to_o have_v be_v perpetual_o hold_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o so_o give_v it_o the_o sense_n majesty_n authority_n and_o force_n of_o god_n word_n elevate_a it_o thus_o above_o the_o repute_n of_o be_v some_o private_a conceit_n or_o production_n of_o skill_n and_o wit_n interpret_n the_o letter_n scripture_n then_o be_v perfect_a or_o have_v all_o due_a to_o the_o nature_n god_n intend_v it_o if_o due_o make_v use_n of_o as_o the_o church_n best_a instrument_n it_o be_v able_a to_o work_v those_o effect_n speak_v of_o though_o it_o be_v not_o 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to_o attest_v or_o explain_v these_o write_n among_o christian_n any_o more_o than_o there_o be_v for_o some_o age_n before_o christ_n of_o such_o a_o body_n of_o man_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o attest_v or_o explain_v to_o they_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o prophet_n he_o that_o own_v this_o must_v own_v it_o without_o reason_n for_o any_o thing_n appear_v yet_o for_o dr._n st._n have_v afford_v we_o hitherto_o nothing_o to_o prove_v this_o point_n but_o a_o few_o word_n crafty_o lay_v together_o which_o when_o look_v into_o have_v not_o a_o jot_n of_o reason_n in_o they_o and_o the_o like_a empty_a inside_n we_o find_v in_o this_o present_a principle_n for_o if_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n then_o in_o case_n nothing_o else_o be_v requisite_a to_o understand_v god_n will_v but_o the_o disposition_n of_o sober_o inquire_v as_o he_o put_v no_o other_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o no_o sober_a enquirer_n can_v miss_v of_o know_v there_o 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may_v seem_v wonderful_a then_o what_o it_o be_v that_o thus_o byass_n dr._n st._n against_o his_o own_o interest_n and_o i_o wish_v i_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v it_o be_v not_o a_o kind_n of_o innate_a antipathy_n against_o not_o only_o our_o church_n but_o church_n in_o common_a and_o a_o desire_n to_o attribute_v as_o little_a to_o it_o as_o he_o can_v possible_o though_o he_o hazard_v some_o prejudice_n to_o his_o own_o cause_n and_o even_o all_o christian_a faith_n into_o the_o bargain_n his_o whole_a way_n of_o discourse_n here_o bend_v strong_o towards_o the_o take_n away_o all_o divine_a institution_n of_o pastor_n for_o this_o will_v oblige_v the_o people_n to_o hear_v they_o and_o level_v all_o into_o a_o fanatic_a anarchy_n i_o will_v glad_o interpret_v he_o otherwise_o and_o imagine_v that_o perhaps_o he_o mean_v that_o since_o it_o be_v own_a the_o scripture_n thus_o contain_v god_n will_n therefore_o there_o need_v not_o be_v suppose_v any_o infallible_a society_n 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as_o well_o as_o a_o private_a man_n to_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o mistake_v also_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o as_o much_o concern_v she_o and_o so_o the_o church_n or_o as_o he_o call_v it_o a_o society_n of_o man_n may_v also_o be_v infallible_a in_o understanding_n and_o explain_v scripture_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n we_o be_v come_v about_o again_o to_o a_o infallible_a proponent_n which_o we_o have_v so_o zealous_o labour_v to_o avoid_v in_o a_o word_n after_o he_o have_v put_v all_o mean_n leave_v by_o god_n to_o be_v certain_a of_o our_o faith_n and_o all_o the_o diligence_n and_o care_n possible_a to_o be_v use_v by_o man_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o those_o mean_n let_v he_o either_o acknowledge_v that_o any_o particular_a man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o a_o fortiori_fw-la god_n church_n or_o any_o s●ciety_n of_o man_n exact_o follow_v &_o rely_v on_o those_o mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o right_a faith_n be_v by_o so_o do_v infallible_a in_o that_o thing_n or_o in_o 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a_o very_a good_a wit_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o sole_a application_n to_o verbal_a divinity_n which_o never_o reach_v the_o ground_n or_o bottom_n of_o any_o thing_n it_o talk_v of_o be_v very_o ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o christian_a life_n and_o its_o opposite_a vice_n or_o sin_n i_o will_v take_v a_o little_a pain_n to_o inform_v he_o better_o he_o may_v please_v then_o to_o know_v that_o it_o suit_v best_o with_o god_n wisdom_n to_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o way_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n he_o carry_v on_o the_o course_n of_o his_o ordinary_a providence_n even_o in_o supernatural_n by_o mean_n of_o disposition_n the_o whole_a design_n then_o of_o his_o goodness_n be_v to_o plant_v those_o disposition_n in_o our_o soul_n by_o mean_n of_o religion_n as_o may_v make_v we_o most_o comfortable_a to_o himself_o that_o so_o ascensiones_fw-la in_o cord_n nostro_fw-la disponendo_fw-la asceendamus_fw-la de_fw-la virtute_fw-la in_o virtutem_fw-la donec_fw-la videatur_fw-la deus_fw-la deorum_fw-la in_o zion_n that_o be_v by_o order_v those_o rise_a step_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o may_v ascend_v from_o virtue_n to_o virtue_n till_o the_o god_n of_o god_n be_v see_v in_o zion_n hence_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o such_o be_v spiritual_a and_o the_o proper_a way_n for_o he_o to_o worship_n god_n be_v in_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o spiritual_a act_n or_o habit_n to_o perfect_v his_o soul_n or_o that_o part_n in_o we_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o dispose_n be_v for_o heaven_n but_o error_n be_v also_o spiritual_a and_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o perfect_v our_o soul_n therefore_o truth_n must_v go_v along_o with_o it_o and_o so_o we_o be_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n hence_o the_o first_o of_o virtue_n in_o priority_n of_o nature_n be_v true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o motive_n or_o mean_n to_o attain_v he_o and_o the_o only_a way_n for_o the_o generality_n to_o arrive_v at_o these_o be_v by_o believe_v his_o divine_a authority_n upon_o some_o way_n of_o revelation_n which_o give_v his_o church_n and_o by_o she_o and_o all_o other_o absolute_a certainty_n it_o be_v engage_v by_o which_o mean_n we_o be_v perfect_o secure_a that_o what_o we_o proceed_v upon_o be_v god_n sense_n or_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o basis_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a building_n out_o of_o these_o knowledge_n be_v apt_a to_o spring_v adoration_n reverence_n hope_n and_o love_n of_o he_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o christian_a language_n call_v charity_n the_o queen_n of_o all_o virtue_n major_a autem_fw-la horuni_fw-la charitas_fw-la say_v st._n paul_n and_o out_o of_o this_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o in_o the_o heartiness_n of_o which_o or_o the_o have_v that_o rational_a disposition_n in_o our_o heart_n to_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v to_o consist_v the_o keep_n all_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o second_o table_n which_o be_v also_o our_o good_a for_o so_o more_o undisturbed_a by_o passion_n or_o vexation_n from_o the_o exterior_a world_n who_o order_n we_o violate_v in_o transgress_v against_o these_o we_o be_v more_o free_a to_o practise_v those_o other_o virtue_n which_o be_v to_o elevate_v we_o towards_o heaven_n and_o fit_v we_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o out_o pitch_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o bliss_n hence_o be_v see_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o sin_n or_o vice_n for_o this_o be_v formal_o a_o defect_n be_v only_o a_o want_n of_o the_o opposite_a good_a disposition_n or_o virtue_n the_o chief_a vice_n then_o be_v hatred_n of_o god_n or_o a_o very_a slight_v and_o perfect_o deliberate_a disregard_n &_o posthabition_n of_o his_o incomparable_a self_n our_o final_a bliss_n to_o a_o creature_n next_o despair_n irreverence_n infidelity_n total_o as_o in_o heathenism_n or_o in_o some_o particular_a as_o tur●ism_n judaism_n heresy_n in_o the_o last_o place_n come_v the_o want_n of_o that_o due_a love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n for_o god_n sake_n as_o leave_v our_o will_n dispose_v as_o far_o as_o that_o motive_n carry_v we_o to_o do_v he_o any_o injury_n for_o our_o own_o temporal_a convenience_n in_o which_o consist_v the_o violation_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o second_o table_n insomuch_o as_o though_o a_o man_n commit_v not_o one_o of_o those_o act_n there_o forbid_v out_o of_o the_o motive_n of_o worldly_a honour_n civility_n fear_v or_o any_o other_o such_o like_a yet_o if_o he_o want_v that_o rightly-grounded_n interior_a love_n of_o his_o neighbour_n and_o build_v not_o his_o avoidance_n of_o harm_v he_o on_o that_o motive_n that_o be_v if_o he_o be_v dispose_v to_o commit_v they_o all_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o motive_n will_v hinder_v he_o however_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n or_o exterior_o he_o keep_v those_o commandment_n yet_o be_v he_o guilty_a of_o they_o all_o interiorly_a or_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o apply_v this_o then_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n it_o be_v see_v hence_o that_o faith_n be_v the_o basis_n of_o all_o virtuous_a life_n and_o consequent_o the_o want_n of_o it_o the_o ruin_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o all_o vice_n and_o sin_n for_o external_a act_v or_o avoid_v be_v nothing_o to_o christian_a virtue_n unless_o they_o spring_v from_o a_o christian_a motive_n and_o it_o be_v only_a faith_n which_o give_v we_o those_o motive_n and_o the_o stability_n well-groundedness_a or_o truth_n of_o faith_n which_o render_v those_o motive_n effectual_a wherefore_o unless_o the_o faithful_a be_v material_o infallible_a while_o they_o believe_v god_n have_v reveal_v such_o and_o fuch_o thing_n that_o be_v unless_o god_n do_v indeed_o reveal_v they_o and_o so_o their_o faith_n be_v real_o true_a all_o god_n worship_n and_o good_a life_n be_v ill-built_a ruinous_a and_o false_a to_o the_o ground_n and_o unless_o some_o of_o they_o or_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a to_o understand_v it_o to_o be_v true_a be_v formal_o infallible_a it_o will_v work_v less_o effectual_o in_o all_o those_o who_o shall_v re●lect_v that_o they_o see_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v false_a or_o be_v make_v so_o reflect_v by_o other_o who_o be_v enemy_n to_o faith_n nor_o can_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v defend_v or_o make_v out_o or_o be_v justifiable_o recommend_v to_o other_o as_o true_a nor_o with_o wisdom_n and_o honesty_n be_v profess_v true_a by_o those_o who_o judge_v themselves_o capable_a to_o look_v through_o its_o ground_n and_o yet_o see_v nothing_o conclusive_a of_o truth_n in_o they_o wherefore_o this_o fallible_a certainty_n of_o he_o destroy_v all_o efficacy_n all_o defence_n and_o even_a essence_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o radical_o subvert_v and_o overthrow_v all_o christian_a virtue_n and_o all_o true_a goodness_n which_o i_o attest_v
the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o i_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n oppose_v he_o and_o his_o friend_n for_o advance_v uncertainty_n and_o consequent_o scepticism_n in_o faith_n however_o they_o and_o their_o angry_a passionate_a party_n be_v please_v to_o apprehend_v i_o i_o perceive_v dr._n st._n will_v hope_v to_o evade_v by_o say_v that_o christian_a virtue_n may_v be_v uphold_v by_o the_o certainty_n we_o have_v of_o some_o point_n of_o faith_n though_o other_o be_v uncertain_a which_o point_n to_o make_v his_o uncertainty_n of_o faith_n go_v down_o the_o better_a he_o call_v here_o opinion_n but_o if_o he_o mean_v by_o opinion_n the_o tenet_n of_o a_o trinity_n christ_n godhead_n and_o presence_n in_o the_o b._n sacrament_n all_o most_o high_o concern_v christian_n life_n one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o which_o we_o discern_v great_a party_n differ_v who_o all_o admit_v the_o scripture_n and_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o interpret_v it_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v perceive_v nay_o and_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o mistake_v too_o which_o he_o make_v the_o very_o best_a mean_n of_o all_o if_o i_o say_v these_o and_o such_o as_o these_o be_v the_o opinion_n he_o speak_v of_o and_o counterpose_v they_o to_o mean_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n in_o their_o life_n and_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n he_o assign_v leaf_n whole_a body_n of_o relier_n on_o it_o in_o actual_a error_n in_o such_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o most_o high_a concernment_n to_o good_a life_n as_o have_v be_v show_v even_o while_o they_o proceed_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n god_n intend_v his_o church_n and_o mankind_n to_o build_v their_o faith_n on_o and_o so_o none_o can_v presume_v of_o security_n of_o mistake_n by_o rely_v pure_o upon_o it_o but_o all_o of_o concern_v not_o know_v before_o by_o some_o other_o mean_n that_o be_v all_o which_o it_o alone_o hold_v forth_o may_v be_v also_o liable_a to_o be_v a_o mistake_n likewise_o unless_o some_o other_o authority_n more_o ascertainable_a to_o we_o than_o it_o abet_n its_o letter_n in_o such_o passage_n as_o be_v plain_a because_o they_o be_v either_o mere_o moral_a or_o narrative_n or_o explain_v its_o sense_n in_o other_o which_o be_v more_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a and_o so_o more_o peculiar_a and_o fundamental_a to_o christianity_n recapitulation_n to_o meet_v with_o the_o absurd_a position_n express_v or_o else_o imply_v in_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v here_o by_o dr._n st._n in_o these_o last_o eleven_o principle_n of_o he_o i_o take_v leave_n to_o remind_n the_o reader_n of_o these_o few_o opposite_a truth_n establish_v in_o my_o former_a discourse_n 1._o that_o assent_n call_v faith_n take_v as_o build_v on_o the_o motive_n leave_v by_o god_n to_o light_a mankind_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n that_o be_v take_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v and_o as_o it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o generality_n be_v for_o that_o reason_n absolute_o that_o be_v more_o than_o moral_o certain_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a 2._o though_o the_o nature_n of_o assent_n depend_v immediate_o on_o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o it_o in_o our_o mind_n when_o it_o be_v rational_a yet_o in_o case_n it_o be_v true_a as_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v it_o must_v necessary_o be_v build_v and_o depend_v fundamental_o on_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n since_o without_o dependence_n on_o it_o this_o evidence_n itself_o can_v possible_o be_v have_v 3._o a_o man_n may_v be_v material_o infallible_a or_o out_o of_o possibility_n of_o be_v actual_o deceive_v in_o judge_v the_o divine_a authority_n be_v engage_v by_o adhere_v to_o another_o judgement_n who_o be_v infallible_a or_o in_o the_o right_n in_o thus_o judge_v though_o he_o penetrate_v not_o the_o reason_n why_o that_o other_o man_n come_v to_o be_v infallible_a also_o he_o who_o be_v thus_o infallible_a be_v in_o possession_n of_o those_o truth_n relieve_v upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n as_o the_o formal_a motive_n of_o believe_v they_o which_o truth_n as_o principle_n beget_v those_o good_a affection_n in_o he_o in_o which_o consist_v our_o christian_a life_n such_o a_o man_n i_o say_v have_v consequent_o enough_o speak_v abstract_o for_o the_o essence_n of_o save_v faith_n though_o he_o be_v not_o formal_o or_o know_o infallible_a by_o penetrate_v the_o conclusiveness_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n 4._o to_o be_v thus_o material_o infallible_a or_o thus_o in_o the_o right_n in_o judge_v the_o divine_a authority_n be_v engage_v be_v requisite_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o essence_n of_o faith_n otherwise_o the_o believe_v upon_o the_o divin_n authority_n when_o it_o be_v not_o engage_v and_o so_o perhaps_o the_o believe_a and_o hold_v firm_o to_o abominable_a error_n and_o heretical_a tenet_n may_v be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n to_o assert_v which_o be_v both_o absurd_a and_o most_o impious_a 5._o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v formal_o or_o know_o infallible_a that_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v engage_v for_o since_o it_o hazard_v heresy_n and_o error_n to_o judge_v that_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v engage_v for_o any_o point_n when_o it_o be_v not_o it_o ought_v to_o breed_v suspense_n and_o caution_n in_o reflecter_n till_o they_o see_v it_o engage_v &_o consequent_o the_o better_a they_o see_v this_o the_o more_o hearty_a they_o be_v apt_a to_o assent_v to_o the_o point_n upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n so_o that_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o ground_n which_o conclude_v the_o divine_a authority_n engage_v better_n and_o strengthen_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n 6._o however_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o those_o who_o downright_a rudeness_n let_v they_o not_o reflect_v at_o all_o to_o be_v only_o material_o infallible_a that_o god_n authority_n be_v engage_v yet_o it_o be_v beside_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o reflecter_n who_o raise_v doubt_n especial_o for_o those_o who_o be_v very_o acute_a to_o discern_v some_o reason_n which_o can_v deceive_v they_o or_o to_o be_v formal_o or_o know_o infallible_a that_o it_o be_v indeed_o actual_o engage_v for_o those_o point_n otherwise_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o provision_n enough_o have_v be_v make_v by_o god_n to_o satisfy_v or_o cause_n save_v faith_n in_o fool_n and_o none_o at_o all_o to_o breed_v faith_n wise_a man_n which_o without_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o in_o point_n be_v in_o possible_a to_o be_v expect_v in_o such_o through-sighted_n reflecter_n the_o same_o formal_a infallibility_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o wise_a sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o church_n both_o to_o de●end_v faith_n and_o establish_v its_o ground_n in_o a_o scholarlike_o way_n as_o also_o for_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n and_o other_o obligation_n incumbent_a on_o they_o as_o faithful_a and_o last_o for_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v to_o be_v breed_v in_o they_o by_o faith_n certainty_n 7._o though_o then_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n need_v not_o to_o be_v actual_o penetrate_v by_o all_o the_o faithful_a while_o they_o proceed_v unreflect_o yet_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o qualify_v that_o it_o may_v satisfy_v all_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o reflect_v and_o so_o to_o doubt_v of_o their_o faith_n that_o be_v it_o be_v ruling_n power_n ought_v to_o be_v penetrable_a or_o evidenceable_a to_o they_o if_o they_o come_v to_o doubt_v and_o also_o so_o connatural_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o unelevated_a and_o unreflect_a thought_n of_o man_n of_o all_o sort_n that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o apt_a that_o maybe_o to_o establish_v the_o faithful_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n and_o preserve_v they_o from_o doubt_v of_o their_o faith_n both_o these_o be_v find_v in_o tradition_n or_o testify_a authority_n and_o not_o in_o scripture_n letter_n that_o therefore_o and_o not_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 8._o infallible_a certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v reject_v the_o moral_a certain●y_n he_o substitute_n must_v either_o be_v a_o fallible_a certainty_n or_o none_o this_o late_a be_v impious_a the_o former_a be_v nonsense_n wherefore_o all_o dr._n st_n discourse_n of_o faith_n while_o he_o reject_v infallibility_n must_v forcible_o have_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o of_o these_o qualification_n 9_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a render_v no_o man_n certain_a of_o what_o he_o thus_o assent_v to_o for_o so_o heretic_n may_v be_v true_o certain_a of_o all_o the_o pestilent_a error_n they_o hold_v so_o they_o but_o firm_o assent_v they_o be_v true_a 10._o faith_n be_v the_o basis_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n on_o which_o all_o our_o spiritual_a edifice_n be_v build_v and_o from_o whence_o we_o derive_v all_o the_o