be_v of_o a_o mean_a capacity_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v he_o may_v by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o teacher_n be_v bring_v to_o understand_v they_o without_o any_o great_a pain_n and_o such_o teacher_n god_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n for_o this_o very_a purpose_n and_o a_o succession_n of_o they_o to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o word_n when_o we_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a to_o all_o capacity_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a we_o mean_v that_o any_o man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n by_o his_o own_o diligence_n and_o care_n in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o help_n and_o advantage_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o in_o the_o due_a use_n of_o they_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o every_o thing_n necessary_a to_o his_o salvation_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o book_n in_o the_o world_n more_o plain_a and_o better_o fit_v to_o teach_v a_o man_n any_o art_n or_o science_n than_o the_o bible_n be_v to_o direct_v and_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v every_o man_n fault_n if_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n necessary_a for_o he_o to_o believe_v or_o do_v in_o order_n to_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n iii_o good_a man_n be_v likewise_o secure_v from_o fatal_a error_n in_o religion_n by_o the_o infallible_a promise_n of_o god_n if_o so_o be_v that_o with_o honest_a mind_n and_o due_a diligence_n they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o that_o purpose_n god_n have_v promise_v to_o gaide_n and_o teach_v the_o humble_a and_o meek_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o submissive_a and_o teachable_a temper_n desirous_a and_o diligent_a to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o truth_n prov._n 2._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o if_o thou_o incline_v thy_o ear_n to_o wisdom_n and_o apply_v thy_o heart_n to_o understanding_n yea_o if_o thou_o cry_v after_o knowledge_n and_o lift_a up_o thy_o voice_n for_o understanding_n if_o thou_o seek_v she_o as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n then_o shall_v thou_o understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o that_o if_o any_o man_n be_v desirous_a to_o do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o i._n e._n he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v from_o god_n this_o be_v the_o provision_n which_o god_n have_v make_v for_o our_o security_n from_o fatal_n mistake_v in_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v a_o better_a security_n and_o more_o likely_a to_o guide_n and_o conduct_v we_o safe_o to_o heaven_n than_o any_o infallible_a church_n and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o it_o be_v much_o more_o certain_a that_o god_n have_v make_v this_o provision_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v than_o that_o there_o be_v a_o infallible_a church_n appoint_v and_o assist_v by_o he_o to_o this_o purpose_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o infallible_a and_o adequate_a rule_n and_o sufficient_o plain_a in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a i_o have_v already_o prove_v and_o i_o add_v further_o that_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o so_o declare_v by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o father_n of_o it_o for_o many_o age_n and_o that_o all_o council_n in_o their_o determination_n of_o faith_n proceed_v upon_o this_o rule_n till_o the_o second_o council_n of_o nice_a i_o have_v likewise_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v provide_v a_o succession_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o his_o church_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o this_o rule_n and_o that_o we_o have_v god_n infallible_a promise_n for_o our_o security_n from_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v if_o with_o a_o honest_a mind_n and_o due_a diligence_n we_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o understand_v this_o rule_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o that_o purpose_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o infallible_a church_n appoint_v and_o assist_v by_o god_n to_o declare_v and_o determine_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v a_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o certain_a because_o there_o be_v no_o clear_a and_o express_a text_n of_o scripture_n to_o that_o purpose_n that_o any_o church_n whatsoever_o much_o less_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v this_o power_n and_o privilege_n nay_o i_o add_v further_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o this_o shall_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n because_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n we_o can_v know_v either_o which_o be_v the_o true_a book_n of_o scripture_n or_o what_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o from_o the_o authority_n and_o infallible_a declaration_n of_o that_o church_n and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v first_o know_v and_o prove_v before_o we_o can_v either_o know_v the_o scripture_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o till_o we_o know_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o nothing_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o they_o now_o to_o pretend_v to_o prove_v the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n by_o scripture_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o declare_v that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a book_n of_o scripture_n and_o what_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o can_v only_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o their_o church_n be_v a_o plain_a and_o shameful_a circle_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o escape_n and_o consequent_o that_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o infallible_a church_n be_v impossible_a according_a to_o their_o principle_n ever_o to_o be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n and_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o no_o other_o proof_n for_o that_o god_n will_v infallible_o assist_v any_o society_n of_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v know_v but_o by_o divine_a revelation_n so_o that_o unless_o they_o can_v prove_v it_o by_o some_o other_o revelation_n than_o that_o of_o scripture_n which_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v at_o all_o yes_o they_o say_v by_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o what_o those_o mark_n be_v must_v either_o be_v know_v from_o scripture_n or_o some_o other_o divine_a revelation_n and_o then_o the_o same_o difficulty_n return_v beside_o that_o one_o of_o the_o most_o essential_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n must_v be_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o than_o it_o must_v first_o be_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n before_o we_o can_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o they_o say_v that_o no_o man_n can_v learn_v the_o true_a faith_n but_o from_o the_o true_a church_n and_o this_o run_v they_o unavoidable_o into_o another_o circle_n as_o shameful_a as_o the_o other_o so_o that_o which_o way_n soever_o they_o go_v to_o prove_v a_o infallible_a church_n they_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o a_o plain_a circle_n and_o must_v either_o prove_v the_o scripture_n by_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n by_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o true_a church_n by_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o the_o true_a faith_n by_o the_o true_a church_n second_o this_o provision_n and_o security_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v be_v more_o humane_a better_o accommodate_v and_o suit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n because_o it_o do_v not_o suppose_v and_o need_v a_o stand_n and_o perpetual_a miracle_n as_o the_o other_o way_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n do_v all_o inspiration_n be_v supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a and_o this_o infallible_a assistance_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n claim_v to_o herself_o must_v either_o be_v such_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v which_o be_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n or_o something_o equal_a to_o it_o and_o alike_o supernatural_a but_o god_n do_v not_o work_v miracle_n without_o need_n or_o continue_v they_o when_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o they_o when_o god_n deliver_v the_o law_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n it_o be_v accompany_v with_o miracle_n and_o the_o prophet_n which_o he_o send_v to_o they_o from_o time_n to_o time_n have_v a_o immediate_a inspiration_n but_o their_o supreme_a judicature_n or_o their_o general_n council_n which_o they_o call_v the_o sanhedrim_n be_v not_o infallible_o assist_v in_o the_o expound_v of_o the_o law_n when_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n arise_v about_o it_o no_o nor_o in_o judge_v of_o true_a and_o false_a prophet_n but_o they_o determine_v this_o and_o all_o other_o emergent_a cause_n by_o the_o stand_a
roman_a church_n that_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o general_n council_n confirm_v by_o the_o pope_n be_v not_o obligatory_a unless_o they_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n from_o whence_o these_o two_o great_a inconvenience_n will_v unavoidable_o follow_v iâ—_n that_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v such_o definition_n till_o he_o certain_o know_v that_o they_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o how_o he_o shall_v certain_o much_o less_o infallible_o know_v i_o can_v understand_v unless_o he_o either_o speak_v with_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n or_o the_o representative_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n return_v back_o and_o meet_v again_o in_o council_n to_o declare_v that_o the_o universal_a church_n have_v receive_v their_o definition_n which_o i_o think_v be_v never_o yet_o do_v ii_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o general_n council_n confirm_v by_o the_o pope_n be_v not_o infallible_a till_o they_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o if_o they_o be_v infallible_a without_o that_o they_o will_v be_v obligatory_a without_o it_o because_o a_o infallible_a definition_n if_o we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o lay_v a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v it_o whether_o it_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n or_o not_o and_o if_o such_o definition_n be_v not_o infallible_a till_o they_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n they_o can_v become_v infallible_a afterward_o because_o if_o the_o definition_n be_v not_o infallible_a before_o they_o can_v be_v receive_v as_o such_o by_o the_o universal_a church_n nor_o by_o the_o mere_a reception_n of_o they_o be_v make_v to_o be_v infallible_a definition_n if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o before_o but_o if_o we_o shall_v pass_v over_o all_o these_o difficulty_n there_o be_v a_o great_a yet_o behind_o and_o that_o be_v suppose_v the_o definition_n of_o general_a council_n confirm_v by_o the_o pope_n to_o be_v infallible_a particular_a christian_n can_v be_v secure_v infallible_o from_o error_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o definition_n and_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n imaginable_a of_o convey_v this_o knowledge_n to_o they_o either_o by_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o their_o particular_a pastor_n who_o they_o be_v implicit_o to_o believe_v in_o these_o matter_n but_o particular_a pastor_n be_v fallible_a as_o they_o themselves_o grant_v and_o therefore_o their_o word_n can_v neither_o be_v a_o infallible_a foundation_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o infallible_a mean_n of_o convey_v it_o and_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a they_o say_v for_o man_n that_o own_o themselves_o to_o be_v fallible_a to_o require_v a_o implicit_a belief_n to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o or_o else_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o definition_n of_o council_n must_v be_v convey_v to_o particular_a christian_n by_o write_v and_o if_o so_o then_o there_o will_v only_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n but_o no_o live_v infallible_a judge_n and_o if_o a_o infallible_a rule_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n we_o have_v the_o scripture_n which_o we_o be_v sure_o be_v infallible_a and_o therefore_o at_o least_o as_o good_a as_o any_o other_o rule_n but_o they_o say_v that_o the_o definition_n of_o council_n give_v we_o a_o infallible_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o we_o but_o do_v not_o the_o definition_n of_o council_n sometime_o also_o need_v explication_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o certain_a sense_n of_o they_o without_o which_o we_o can_v know_v the_o doctrine_n define_v yes_o certain_o they_o need_v explication_n as_o much_o as_o scripture_n if_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n about_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o and_o there_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v great_a difference_n among_o those_o of_o their_o own_o church_n about_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o and_o if_o the_o explication_n of_o general_a council_n need_v themselves_o to_o be_v explain_v then_o there_o be_v nothing_o get_v by_o they_o and_o we_o be_v but_o where_o we_o be_v before_o for_o difference_n about_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o definition_n of_o general_a council_n make_v as_o great_a difficulty_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o faith_n as_o the_o difference_n about_o the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n well_o but_o the_o people_n have_v the_o live_a voice_n of_o their_o particular_a pastor_n to_o explain_v the_o definition_n of_o council_n to_o they_o but_o this_o do_v not_o help_v the_o matter_n neither_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o particular_a pastor_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o explain_v the_o definition_n of_o general_a council_n the_o council_n of_o trent_n have_v by_o express_a decree_n reserve_v to_o the_o pope_n and_o to_o he_o only_o the_o power_n to_o explain_v the_o definition_n of_o the_o council_n if_o any_o difference_n arise_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n about_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o any_o of_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o council_n particular_a pastor_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o explain_v they_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n or_o difference_n about_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o the_o explication_n of_o they_o second_o but_o suppose_v they_o have_v authority_n to_o explain_v they_o this_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a security_n to_o the_o people_n that_o they_o explain_v they_o right_n both_o because_o particular_a pastor_n be_v fallible_a and_o likewise_o because_o we_o see_v in_o experience_n that_o they_o differ_v in_o their_o explication_n witness_v the_o bishop_n of_o condom_n exposition_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o of_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o be_v in_o many_o material_a point_n very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o bellarmine_n and_o many_o other_o famous_a doctor_n of_o that_o church_n and_o which_o be_v more_o witness_v the_o many_o difference_n betwixt_o ambroâ—ius_n catharinus_n and_o dominicus_n asoto_n about_o the_o definition_n of_o that_o council_n in_o which_o they_o be_v both_o present_a and_o hear_v the_o debate_n and_o themselves_o bear_v a_o great_a part_n in_o they_o now_o if_o they_o who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o definition_n of_o that_o council_n can_v agree_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v from_o those_o that_o be_v absent_a second_o this_o provision_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v be_v likewise_o as_o good_a a_o way_n to_o prevent_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o controversy_n in_o religion_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v be_v prevent_v or_o have_v a_o end_n put_v to_o they_o as_o any_o infallible_a church_n will_v be_v if_o there_o be_v one_o and_o this_o be_v another_o reason_n why_o a_o infallible_a church_n be_v so_o much_o insist_v upon_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o a_o final_a decision_n of_o controversy_n which_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v because_o they_o be_v only_o a_o dead_a rule_n which_o can_v end_v no_o controversy_n without_o a_o live_a judge_n ready_a at_o hand_n to_o interpret_v and_o apply_v that_o rule_n upon_o emergent_a occasion_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n shall_v either_o be_v prevent_v or_o decide_v this_o the_o church_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v infallible_a can_v pretend_v to_o have_v do_v because_o there_o be_v manifold_a controversy_n even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o concern_v matter_n of_o religion_n which_o still_o remain_v undecided_a and_o in_o their_o commentary_n upon_o scripture_n many_o difference_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o several_a text_n concern_v which_o she_o have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o give_v a_o infallible_a interpretation_n and_o where_o their_o pope_n and_o several_a of_o their_o general_a council_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o meddle_v with_o scripture_n they_o have_v apply_v and_o interpret_v text_n more_o improper_o and_o absurd_o than_o even_o their_o private_a doctor_n and_o which_o be_v more_o in_o difference_n about_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v pretend_v on_o both_o side_n to_o be_v fundamental_a this_o church_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o they_o by_o her_o infallible_a decision_n after_o two_o hundred_o year_n brangle_v about_o they_o for_o instance_n in_o that_o fierce_a and_o long_a difference_n about_o the_o immaculate_a conception_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n which_o on_o both_o side_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o for_o which_o contrary_a revelation_n of_o their_o canonize_v saint_n be_v so_o frequent_o pretend_v and_o yet_o neither_o pope_n nor_o general_n council_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o exert_v their_o infallibility_n for_o the_o decision_n of_o this_o controversy_n so_o that_o if_o their_o church_n have_v this_o talon_n of_o infallibility_n ever_o commit_v to_o they_o they_o have_v with_o the_o slothful_a servant_n
because_o the_o pope_n it_o seem_v and_o no_o body_n else_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o council_n at_o least_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o declare_v it_o and_o therefore_o one_o may_v just_o wonder_v at_o the_o presumption_n of_o those_o who_o after_o this_o declaration_n of_o the_o council_n have_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o expound_v the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o to_o represent_v that_o religion_n to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v define_v in_o that_o council_n because_o if_o there_o be_v any_o controversy_n about_o the_o meaning_n of_o its_o definition_n as_o there_o have_v be_v a_o great_a many_o even_o betwixt_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o council_n when_o those_o definition_n be_v make_v none_o but_o the_o pope_n himself_o can_v certain_o tell_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o now_o in_o this_o creed_n of_o pope_n pius_n there_o be_v add_v to_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n twelve_o or_o thirteen_o new_a article_n as_o concern_v purgatory_n transubstantiation_n the_o worship_n of_o image_n the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n the_o communion_n in_o one_o kind_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n to_o be_v have_v out_o of_o it_o and_o several_a other_o point_n all_o which_o have_v either_o no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n or_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o none_o of_o they_o ever_o esteem_v as_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n for_o the_o first_o five_o hundred_o year_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v now_o obtrude_v upon_o christian_n as_o of_o equal_a necessity_n to_o salvation_n with_o the_o twelve_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o this_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o infallibility_n which_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o will_v not_o have_v justify_v a_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n in_o make_v such_o addition_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o impose_v of_o any_o thing_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o so_o declare_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o say_v for_o this_o be_v that_o we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o be_v infallible_a but_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n to_o decide_v these_o controversy_n and_o to_o he_o they_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v which_o be_v just_a as_o if_o in_o a_o plain_a matter_n of_o right_n a_o contentious_a and_o confiâ—â—nt_a man_n shall_v desire_v a_o reference_n and_o contrive_v the_o matter_n so_o as_o to_o have_v it_o refer_v to_o himself_o upon_o a_o sleeveless_a pretence_n without_o any_o proof_n or_o evidence_n that_o he_o be_v the_o only_a person_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v authority_n and_o infallible_a skill_n to_o decide_v all_o such_o difference_n thus_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v deal_v with_o we_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o the_o noonday_n as_o whether_o god_n have_v forbid_v the_o worship_n of_o image_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n whether_o our_o saviour_n do_v institute_n the_o sacrament_n in_o both_o kind_n whether_o the_o people_n ought_v not_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o have_v the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n these_o and_o the_o like_a they_o will_v have_v we_o refer_v to_o a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o when_o we_o ask_v who_o he_o be_v they_o tell_v we_o that_o their_o church_n which_o have_v impose_v these_o thing_n upon_o christian_n and_o make_v these_o addition_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o infallible_a judge_n but_o if_o she_o be_v as_o infallible_a as_o she_o pretend_v to_o be_v even_o as_o a_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n st._n paul_n have_v denounce_v a_o anathema_n against_o she_o for_o preach_v another_o gospel_n and_o make_v those_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o inference_n from_o all_o this_o discourse_n in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o by_o the_o confident_a pretence_n of_o seducer_n to_o be_v remove_v from_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o common_a term_n of_o salvation_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o if_o any_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o it_o be_v his_o own_o fault_n and_o if_o any_o go_v about_o to_o impose_v upon_o we_o any_o thing_n as_o of_o necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o declare_v to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o authority_n soever_o they_o pretend_v for_o it_o yea_o though_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o to_o be_v insallible_a the_o apostle_n have_v plain_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o think_v of_o they_o for_o he_o have_v put_v the_o case_n as_o high_a as_o be_v possible_a here_o in_o the_o text_n when_o he_o say_v though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o that_o counsel_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n revel_v 3._o 3_o remember_v therefore_o how_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v and_o hold_v fast_o and_o chap._n 2._o 10._o fear_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o thou_o shall_v suffer_v be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n a_o sermon_n on_o john_n vii_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o since_o there_o be_v so_o many_o different_a opinion_n and_o apprehension_n in_o the_o world_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o every_o sect_n and_o party_n do_v with_o so_o much_o confidence_n pretend_v that_o they_o and_o they_o only_a be_v in_o the_o truth_n the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o question_n be_v by_o what_o mean_v man_n may_v be_v secure_v from_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o religion_n for_o this_o end_n some_o have_v think_v it_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o infallible_a church_n in_o the_o communion_n whereof_o every_o man_n may_v be_v secure_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o wrong_a belief_n but_o if_o seem_v god_n have_v not_o think_v this_o necessary_a if_o he_o have_v he_o will_v have_v reveal_v this_o very_a thing_n more_o plain_o than_o any_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n whatsoever_o he_o will_v have_v tell_v we_o express_o and_o in_o the_o plain_a term_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o infallible_a guide_n and_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o will_v likewise_o have_v tell_v we_o as_o plain_o who_o he_o be_v and_o where_o we_o may_v find_v he_o and_o have_v recourse_n to_o he_o upon_o all_o occasion_n because_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o faith_n depend_v upon_o he_o we_o can_v not_o be_v safe_a from_o mistake_n in_o particular_a point_n without_o so_o plain_a and_o clear_v a_o revelation_n of_o this_o infallible_a judge_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o mistake_n about_o he_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o any_o other_o controversy_n in_o religion_n unless_o this_o infallible_a judge_n both_o that_o there_o be_v one_o and_o who_o he_o be_v be_v out_o of_o controversy_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v so_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a from_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o guide_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n much_o less_o be_v it_o plain_a who_o he_o be_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o infallible_a guide_n and_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n because_o he_o have_v reveal_v no_o such_o thing_n to_o we_o and_o that_o bishop_n and_o that_o church_n who_o only_o have_v arrogate_a infallibility_n to_o themselves_o have_v give_v the_o great_a evidence_n in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o have_v be_v detect_v and_o stand_v convince_v of_o the_o great_a error_n and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o any_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n to_o pretend_v to_o infallibility_n so_o long_o as_o the_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v deceive_v be_v much_o great_a and_o clear_a than_o any_o proof_n they_o can_v produce_v for_o their_o infallibility_n if_o then_o god_n have_v not_o provide_v a_o infallible_a guide_n and_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v some_o other_o way_n whereby_o man_n may_v be_v
lay_v it_o up_o in_o a_o napkin_n and_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n rule_n have_v long_o since_o forfeit_v it_o for_o not_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o whereas_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a râ—lâ—_n which_o can_v end_v no_o controversy_n without_o a_o live_a judge_n ready_a at_o hand_n to_o interpret_v and_o apply_v that_o rule_n upon_o emergent_a occasion_n the_o same_o objection_n lie_v against_o they_o unless_o a_o general_n council_n which_o be_v their_o live_a judge_n be_v always_o sit_v for_o the_o dâ—finitions_n of_o their_o council_n in_o write_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o and_o great_a objection_n than_o the_o write_a rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o in_o difference_n about_o lesser_a matter_n mutual_a charity_n and_o forbearance_n will_v secure_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n though_o the_o difference_n remain_v undecided_a and_o in_o great_a matter_n a_o infallible_a rule_n search_v into_o with_o a_o honest_a mind_n and_o due_a diligence_n and_o with_o the_o help_n of_o good_a instruction_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o extinguish_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o such_o difference_n than_o any_o infallible_a judge_n if_o there_o be_v one_o because_o a_o humble_a and_o honest_a mind_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o yield_v to_o reason_n than_o a_o perverse_a and_o cavil_v temper_n be_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n unless_o it_o be_v back_v with_o a_o inquisition_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n suppose_v herself_o infallible_a and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o she_o find_v that_o some_o question_n and_o deny_v her_o infallibility_n and_o then_o her_o sentence_n signify_v nothing_o and_o of_o those_o who_o own_o it_o many_o dispute_n the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o her_o sentence_n and_o whether_o they_o deny_v the_o infallibility_n of_o her_o sentence_n or_o dispute_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o in_o neither_o of_o these_o case_n will_v it_o prove_v effectual_a to_o the_o decide_n of_o any_o difference_n but_o after_o all_o this_o provision_n which_o we_o pretend_v god_n have_v make_v for_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n do_v we_o not_o see_v that_o man_n fall_v into_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a error_n who_o yet_o can_v without_o great_a uncharitableness_n be_v suppose_v not_o to_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v brief_o return_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o that_o the_o same_o error_n be_v not_o equal_o damnable_a to_o all_o the_o innocent_a and_o human_o speak_v almost_o invincible_a prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n in_o some_o person_n even_o against_o a_o fundamental_a truth_n the_o different_a capacity_n of_o man_n and_o the_o different_a mean_n of_o conviction_n afford_v to_o they_o the_o great_a and_o lesser_a degree_n of_o obstinacy_n and_o a_o faulty_a will_n in_o oppose_v the_o truth_n propose_v to_o they_o all_o these_o and_o perhaps_o several_a other_o consideration_n beside_o may_v make_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o guilt_n of_o man_n error_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o they_o ii_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o matter_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o god_n who_o only_o knowâ—th_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o men._n we_o can_v see_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n nor_o know_v all_o their_o circumstance_n and_o how_o they_o may_v have_v provoke_v god_n to_o forsake_v they_o and_o give_v they_o up_o to_o error_n and_o delusion_n because_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n god_n will_v consider_v all_o man_n circumstance_n and_o the_o disadvantage_n they_o be_v under_o for_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o make_v allowance_n to_o man_n for_o their_o invincible_a error_n and_o forgive_v they_o upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o who_o see_v the_o insincerity_n of_o man_n and_o that_o the_o error_n of_o their_o understanding_n do_v procee_v from_o gross_a fault_n of_o their_o life_n will_v deal_v with_o they_o according_o but_o if_o man_n be_v honest_a and_o sincere_a god_n who_o have_v say_v if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n will_v certain_o be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n it_o now_o remain_v only_o to_o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o three_o first_o from_o this_o text_n and_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v upon_o it_o we_o may_v infer_v how_o slender_a and_o ill-grounded_a the_o pretence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o infallibility_n be_v whether_o they_o place_v it_o in_o the_o pope_n or_o in_o a_o general_n council_n or_o in_o both_o the_o last_o be_v the_o most_o general_a opinion_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o understand_v how_o infallibility_n can_v result_v from_o the_o pope_n confirmation_n of_o a_o general_n council_n when_o neither_o the_o council_n be_v infallible_a in_o frame_v its_o definition_n nor_o the_o pope_n in_o confirm_v they_o if_o the_o council_n be_v infallible_a in_o frame_v they_o then_o they_o need_v no_o confirmation_n if_o they_o be_v not_o then_o infallibility_n be_v only_o in_o the_o pope_n that_o confirm_v they_o and_o then_o it_o be_v the_o pope_n only_o that_o be_v infallible_a but_o no_o man_n that_o read_v these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n will_v ever_o imagine_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n whoever_o he_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v be_v secure_v from_o all_o fatal_a error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n much_o less_o that_o he_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o judge_v what_o doctrine_n be_v from_o god_n and_o what_o not_o for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o many_o of_o their_o pope_n have_v be_v notorious_o wicked_a and_o vicious_a in_o their_o life_n nay_o bellarmine_n himself_o acknowledge_v that_o for_o a_o succession_n of_o fifty_o pope_n together_o there_o be_v not_o one_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a man_n that_o sit_v in_o that_o chair_n and_o some_o of_o their_o pope_n have_v be_v condemn_v and_o depose_v for_o heresy_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o govern_v part_n of_o that_o church_n will_v bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n that_o he_o be_v infallible_a but_o if_o this_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n be_v true_a that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o his_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n then_o every_o honest_a man_n that_o sincere_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n to_o infallibility_n and_o a_o clear_a text_n for_o it_o than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o whole_a bible_n for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n what_o will_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n give_v that_o theâ—e_n be_v but_o as_o express_v a_o text_n in_o scripture_n for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o pope_n as_o this_o be_v for_o the_o security_n of_o every_o good_a man_n in_o his_o judgement_n of_o doctrine_n which_o make_v infallibility_n needless_a what_o a_o unsufferable_a noise_n and_o what_o endless_a triumph_n will_v they_o make_v upon_o it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v any_o where_o say_v in_o the_o bible_n that_o if_o any_o man_n be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o sit_v in_o st._n peter_n chair_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o my_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n have_v there_o be_v but_o such_o a_o text_n as_o this_o we_o shall_v never_o have_v be_v trouble_v with_o their_o impertinent_a citation_n of_o text_n and_o their_o remote_a and_o blind_a inference_n from_o pasce_fw-la oves_fw-la and_o super_fw-la hanc_fw-la petram_fw-la feed_v my_o sheep_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n to_o prove_v the_o pope_n infallibility_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n of_o sense_n or_o reason_n ever_o extend_v the_o text_n i_o be_o speak_v to_o so_o far_o as_o to_o attempt_v to_o prove_v from_o it_o the_o infallibility_n of_o every_o good_a man_n but_o only_o his_o security_n from_o â—atal_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o religion_n the_o large_a promise_n that_o be_v make_v in_o scripture_n of_o security_n from_o error_n and_o mistake_v about_o divine_a thing_n be_v make_v to_o good_a man_n who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o we_o must_v conclude_v several_a pope_n to_o have_v be_v the_o further_a from_o infallibility_n of_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o compendious_a way_n to_o persuade_v man_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o fable_n than_o to_o set_v up_o a_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a man_n for_o the_o oracle_n
imperfect_a state_n we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o see_v many_o thing_n very_o imperfect_o but_o when_o we_o shall_v come_v into_o a_o more_o perfect_a state_n that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a shall_v be_v do_v away_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n shall_v scatter_v all_o those_o mist_n and_o cloud_n which_o be_v now_o upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o hinder_v we_o from_o a_o clear_a sight_n and_o judgement_n of_o thing_n we_o shall_v then_o see_v god_n and_o other_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v and_o be_v free_v from_o all_o that_o ignorance_n and_o those_o many_o childish_a mistake_v which_o we_o be_v liable_a to_o here_o below_o and_o till_o then_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v secure_v from_o they_o humility_n under_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o ignorance_n be_v better_a for_o we_o than_o infallibility_n will_v be_v second_o this_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o be_v a_o certain_a security_n against_o fatal_n mistake_v in_o religion_n and_o a_o final_a continuance_n in_o such_o error_n as_o will_v prove_v damnable_a and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o this_o discourse_n pretend_v to_o or_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v in_o this_o text._n and_o consider_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n nothing_o be_v more_o improbable_a than_o that_o a_o honest_a mind_n that_o seek_v impartial_o after_o truth_n shall_v miss_v of_o it_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o if_o we_o can_v suppose_v such_o a_o man_n to_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o error_n either_o it_o will_v not_o be_v fundamental_a to_o he_o have_v not_o be_v perhaps_o propose_v to_o he_o with_o sufficient_a evidence_n and_o will_v be_v forgive_v he_o upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n for_o all_o sin_n and_o error_n know_v or_o unknown_a or_o he_o will_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o continue_v in_o it_o but_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v find_v out_o some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o error_n and_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o he_o may_v be_v save_v god_n will_v rather_o speak_v to_o he_o immediate_o from_o heaven_n as_o he_o do_v to_o st._n paul_n than_o suffer_v he_o to_o continue_v in_o such_o a_o error_n as_o will_v infallible_o carry_v he_o to_o hell_n three_o there_o be_v no_o such_o depth_n of_o judgement_n and_o subtlety_n of_o wit_n require_v to_o discern_v between_o gross_a and_o damnable_a error_n in_o religion_n and_o necessary_a and_o save_v truth_n but_o that_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n may_v be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o there_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o line_n draw_v between_o great_a truth_n and_o gross_a error_n that_o it_o be_v visible_a to_o every_o capacity_n and_o a_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o be_v not_o under_o a_o violent_a prejudice_n or_o blind_v by_o some_o vice_n or_o fault_n of_o the_o will_n may_v easy_o discern_v it_o indeed_o in_o matter_n of_o lesser_a moment_n and_o concernment_n and_o which_o have_v no_o such_o considerable_a and_o immediate_a influence_n upon_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o truth_n and_o error_n be_v not_o always_o so_o gross_a and_o sensible_a as_o to_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o unprejudiced_a eye_n but_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v such_o as_o to_o make_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o any_o man_n which_o by_o the_o help_n of_o due_a instruction_n may_v not_o be_v make_v sufficient_o plain_a to_o a_o common_a understanding_n god_n have_v so_o tender_a a_o care_n of_o good_a man_n who_o sincere_o love_v he_o and_o his_o truth_n that_o we_o may_v reasonable_o presume_v that_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v they_o under_o a_o unavoidable_a mistake_n concern_v those_o matter_n upon_o which_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n do_v depend_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n will_v do_v right_a and_o then_o we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v not_o condemn_v any_o man_n for_o no_o fault_n and_o make_v he_o for_o ever_o miserable_a for_o fall_v into_o a_o error_n which_o with_o all_o his_o care_n and_o diligence_n he_o can_v not_o possible_o either_o discern_v or_o avoid_v four_o god_n have_v make_v abundant_a provision_n for_o our_o security_n from_o fatal_a and_o dangerous_a error_n in_o religion_n by_o these_o three_o way_n i._o by_o a_o a_o infallible_a rule_n sufficient_o plain_a in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a ii_o by_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o instruction_n to_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v this_o rule_n iii_o by_o a_o infallible_a promise_n of_o security_n from_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v if_o with_o a_o honest_a mind_n and_o due_a diligence_n we_o will_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o understand_v this_o rule_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o that_o purpose_n first_o god_n have_v give_v we_o a_o infallible_a rule_n sufficient_o plain_a in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v give_v at_o first_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n i._n e._n by_o man_n infallible_o assist_v in_o the_o write_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n and_o all_o scripture_n divine_o inspire_v be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o speak_v there_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n as_o to_o the_o inspire_a write_n of_o the_o new_a now_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n and_o profitable_a for_o doctrine_n and_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n i._n e._n to_o teach_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v it_o follow_v of_o necessity_n that_o they_o be_v sufficient_o plain_a in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a life_n otherwise_o they_o can_v not_o be_v useful_a for_o doctrine_n and_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n for_o a_o rule_n that_o be_v not_o plain_a to_o we_o in_o these_o thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o be_v direct_v by_o it_o be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o we_o that_o be_v in_o truth_n it_o be_v no_o rule_n for_o a_o rule_n must_v have_v these_o two_o property_n it_o must_v be_v perfect_a and_o it_o must_v be_v plain_a the_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n because_o the_o writer_n of_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v be_v infallible_a and_o they_o must_v likewise_o be_v plain_a otherwise_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o perfect_a they_o can_v be_v of_o no_o more_o use_n to_o direct_v our_o faith_n and_o practice_n than_o a_o sundial_n in_o a_o dark_a room_n be_v to_o tell_v we_o the_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n for_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o exact_o make_v unless_o the_o sun_n shine_v clear_o upon_o it_o we_o have_v as_o good_a be_v without_o it_o a_o rule_n that_o be_v not_o plain_a to_o we_o what_o ever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o itself_o be_v of_o no_o use_n at_o all_o to_o we_o till_o it_o be_v make_v plain_a and_o we_o understand_v it_o ii_o god_n have_v likewise_o provide_v sufficient_a mean_n of_o instruction_n to_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v this_o rule_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o a_o rule_n shall_v be_v so_o plain_a that_o we_o shall_v perfect_o understand_v it_o at_o first_o sight_n it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o it_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o those_o of_o better_a capacity_n and_o understanding_n may_v with_o due_a diligence_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n come_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o those_o of_o a_o low_a and_o more_o ordinary_a capacity_n by_o the_o help_n and_o instruction_n of_o a_o teacher_n euclid_n element_n be_v a_o book_n sufficient_o plain_a to_o teach_v a_o man_n geometry_n but_o yet_o not_o so_o plain_a that_o any_o man_n at_o first_o read_v shall_v understand_v it_o perfect_o but_o that_o by_o diligent_a read_n by_o a_o due_a application_n and_o steady_a attention_n of_o mind_n a_o man_n of_o extraordinary_a sagacity_n and_o understanding_n may_v come_v to_o understand_v the_o principle_n and_o demonstration_n of_o it_o and_o those_o of_o a_o more_o ordinary_a capacity_n with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o teacher_n may_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o so_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a life_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o every_o man_n at_o first_o hear_v or_o read_v of_o these_o thing_n in_o it_o shall_v perfect_o understand_v they_o but_o by_o diligent_a read_n and_o consideration_n if_o he_o be_v of_o good_a apprehension_n and_o capacity_n he_o may_v come_v to_o a_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o if_o he_o
of_o our_o religion_n but_o by_o their_o own_o writer_n also_o nor_o be_v this_o mischief_n only_o confine_v to_o that_o order_n their_o casuist_n in_o general_a and_o even_o the_o more_o ancient_a of_o they_o who_o write_v before_o the_o order_n of_o jesuit_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n have_v give_v such_o a_o liberty_n and_o loose_a to_o great_a immorality_n in_o several_a kind_n as_o be_v infinite_o to_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n insomuch_o that_o sir_n tho._n moor_n himself_o who_o be_v a_o great_a zealot_n for_o that_o religion_n can_v not_o forbear_v to_o make_v a_o loud_a complaint_n of_o it_o and_o to_o pass_v this_o severe_a censure_n upon_o the_o generality_n of_o their_o casuist_n that_o their_o great_a business_n seem_v to_o be_v not_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n but_o to_o teach_v they_o quam_fw-la propè_fw-la ad_fw-la pecâ—atum_fw-la liceat_fw-la accedere_fw-la sine_fw-la peccato_fw-la how_o near_o to_o sin_n they_o may_v lawful_o come_v without_o sin_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v like_a to_o be_v well_o direct_v when_o instead_o of_o give_v man_n plain_a rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o clear_a resolution_n of_o the_o material_a doubt_n which_o frequent_o occur_v in_o humane_a life_n they_o entangle_v they_o in_o nicety_n and_o endless_a scrupulosity_n teach_v they_o to_o split_v hair_n in_o divinity_n and_o how_o with_o great_a art_n and_o cunning_a they_o may_v avoid_v the_o commit_n of_o any_o sin_n and_o yet_o come_v as_o near_o to_o it_o as_o be_v possible_a this_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o a_o most_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o if_o man_n be_v but_o once_o encourage_v to_o pass_v to_o the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o what_o be_v lawful_a the_o next_o step_n will_v be_v into_o that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a so_o that_o unless_o faith_n without_o work_n will_v save_v man_n notwithstanding_o the_o infallible_a security_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o give_v man_n of_o a_o sound_n and_o right_a belief_n if_o it_o be_v real_o as_o much_o as_o they_o talk_v of_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n will_v still_o be_v in_o great_a hazard_n and_o uncertainty_n for_o want_v of_o better_a and_o safe_a direction_n for_o a_o good_a life_n than_o be_v ordinary_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o casuistical_a write_n of_o that_o church_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v lock_v up_o from_o the_o people_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n where_o the_o sure_a and_o plain_a direction_n for_o a_o good_a life_n be_v most_o plentiful_o to_o be_v have_v insomuch_o that_o a_o man_n have_v better_o want_v all_o the_o volume_n of_o casuistical_a divinity_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v in_o the_o world_n than_o to_o be_v without_o the_o bible_n by_o the_o diligent_a study_v of_o which_o book_n alone_o he_o may_v soon_o learn_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n than_o by_o all_o the_o book_n in_o the_o world_n without_o it_o five_o and_o last_o this_o provision_n which_o god_n have_v make_v be_v when_o all_o be_v do_v as_o good_a a_o security_n against_o fatal_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o religion_n as_o a_o infallible_a church_n can_v give_v if_o there_o be_v one_o and_o it_o be_v as_o good_a a_o way_n to_o prevent_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o controversy_n in_o religion_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v prevent_v and_o have_v a_o end_n put_v to_o they_o and_o these_o be_v the_o two_o great_a reason_n why_o a_o infallible_a judge_n be_v so_o importunate_o demand_v and_o insist_v upon_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o these_o distinct_o and_o several_o but_o because_o they_o will_v require_v a_o long_a discourse_n than_o the_o time_n will_v allow_v i_o shall_v not_o enter_v upon_o they_o at_o present_a but_o refer_v they_o to_o another_o opportunity_n the_o three_o sermon_n on_o john_n vii_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o when_o i_o make_v entrance_n into_o these_o wâ—â—ds_n i_o propose_v from_o this_o text_n first_o to_o show_v that_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n and_o a_o hearty_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a security_n and_o best_a preservative_n against_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o proceed_v to_o remove_v a_o objection_n to_o which_o my_o discourse_n upon_o this_o subject_n may_v seem_v liable_a some_o perhaps_o may_v ask_v be_v every_o good_a man_n then_o secure_a from_o all_o error_n and_o mistaâ—e_n in_o maâ—ters_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v a_o mighty_a privilege_n indeed_o but_o do_v we_o not_o find_v the_o contrary_a in_o experience_n that_o a_o honest_a heart_n and_o a_o weak_a head_n do_v often_o meet_v together_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o lay_v down_o several_a proposition_n by_o the_o last_o of_o which_o i_o show_v that_o god_n have_v make_v abundant_a provision_n for_o our_o security_n from_o fatal_a and_o dangerous_a error_n in_o religion_n both_o by_o the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o by_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o instruction_n to_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v this_o rule_n and_o by_o his_o infallible_a promise_n of_o assist_v we_o if_o with_o honest_a mind_n and_o a_o due_a diligence_n we_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o the_o use_n of_o these_o mean_n and_o this_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v a_o better_a security_n and_o more_o likely_a to_o conduct_v we_o safe_a to_o heaven_n than_o any_o infallible_a church_n whatsoever_o and_o that_o for_o five_o reason_n four_o of_o which_o i_o have_v already_o treat_v of_o and_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o five_o and_o last_o viz._n because_o this_o provision_n which_o i_o have_v show_v god_n have_v make_v be_v both_o as_o good_a a_o security_n against_o fatal_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o religion_n as_o a_o infallible_a church_n can_v give_v if_o there_o be_v one_o and_o it_o be_v likewise_o as_o good_a a_o way_n to_o prevent_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o controversy_n in_o religion_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v be_v prevent_v or_o have_v a_o end_n put_v to_o they_o and_o these_o be_v the_o two_o great_a reason_n why_o a_o infallible_a judge_n be_v so_o importunate_o demand_v and_o insist_v upon_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o these_o two_o point_n distinct_o and_o several_o first_o because_o this_o be_v as_o good_a a_o security_n against_o fatal_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o religion_n as_o a_o infallible_a church_n can_v give_v if_o there_o be_v one_o for_o a_o infallible_a church_n if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o upon_o earth_n can_v not_o infallible_o secure_v particular_a christian_n against_o error_n in_o faith_n any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o the_o definition_n and_o declaration_n of_o those_o who_o be_v infallible_a in_o that_o church_n and_o there_o be_v but_o three_o that_o pretend_v to_o it_o either_o the_o pope_n or_o a_o council_n general_n or_o the_o pope_n and_o a_o general_n council_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o definition_n not_o the_o pope_n by_o himself_o nor_o the_o general_n council_n without_o the_o pope_n because_o the_o church_n which_o pretend_v to_o infallibility_n be_v not_o agree_v that_o either_o of_o these_o alone_a be_v infallible_a and_o therefore_o their_o definition_n can_v be_v no_o certain_a much_o less_o infallible_a foundation_n of_o faith_n no_o not_o to_o that_o church_n which_o pretend_v to_o infallibility_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o infallible_a oracle_n in_o that_o church_n it_o must_v be_v the_o pope_n and_o council_n in_o conjunction_n or_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o council_n confirm_v by_o the_o pope_n now_o in_o that_o case_n either_o the_o council_n be_v infallible_a in_o its_o definition_n before_o they_o have_v the_o pope_n confirmation_n or_o not_o if_o the_o council_n be_v infallible_a in_o its_o definition_n before_o they_o have_v the_o pope_n confirmation_n then_o the_o council_n alone_o and_o of_o its_o self_n be_v infallible_a which_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n deny_v and_o then_o it_o need_v not_o the_o pope_n confirmation_n to_o make_v it_o infallible_a or_o else_o a_o general_n council_n be_v not_o infallible_a in_o its_o definition_n before_o they_o receive_v the_o pope_n confirmation_n and_o then_o the_o pope_n confirmation_n can_v make_v it_o so_o for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o infallible_o define_v by_o the_o council_n can_v be_v make_v infallible_a by_o the_o pope_n confirmation_n but_o there_o be_v another_o difficulty_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n general_o receive_v and_o that_o even_o in_o the_o
elsewhere_o express_o make_v it_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n heb._n 5._o 9_o christ_n be_v there_o say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o thereby_o imply_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n but_o those_o that_o obey_v the_o gospel_n heb._n 12._o 14._o follow_v holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n rom._n 2._o 7_o 8_o 9_o to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n god_n will_v give_v eternal_a life_n but_o to_o they_o who_o be_v contentious_a and_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil._n i_o can_v well_o imagine_v what_o can_v reasonable_o be_v answer_v to_o such_o plain_a text_n but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o be_v common_o answer_v namely_o that_o god_n give_v the_o condition_n which_o he_o require_v and_o therefore_o though_o these_o promise_v run_v in_o a_o conditional_a form_n yet_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v absolute_a because_o he_o that_o make_v a_o promise_n to_o another_o upon_o a_o condition_n which_o he_o will_v also_o perform_v do_v in_o effect_n make_v a_o absolute_a promise_n as_o if_o a_o man_n promise_v another_o such_o a_o estate_n upon_o condition_n he_o pay_v such_o a_o sum_n for_o it_o and_o do_v promise_n withal_o to_o furnish_v he_o with_o that_o sum_n this_o in_o effect_n amount_v to_o a_o absolute_a promise_n of_o the_o estate_n and_o this_o be_v very_o well_o argue_v if_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o but_o god_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v to_o work_v the_o condition_n in_o we_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o our_o own_o endeavour_n god_n may_v and_o oftentimes_o do_v prevent_v man_n by_o his_o grace_n but_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n but_o to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o and_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v to_o continue_v his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o we_o unless_o we_o will_v use_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n nay_o in_o case_n we_o do_v not_o he_o have_v threaten_v to_o take_v away_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n from_o we_o and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o only_o seem_v to_o be_v conditional_a but_o be_v real_o so_o and_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v doubt_v of_o this_o who_o consider_v how_o frequent_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o gospel_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o covenant_n since_o a_o covenant_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o do_v imply_v a_o mutual_a obligation_n between_o the_o party_n that_o enter_v into_o it_o but_o if_o the_o gospel_n contain_v only_a blessing_n which_o be_v promise_v on_o god_n part_n without_o any_o thing_n require_v to_o be_v do_v and_o perform_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o those_o blessing_n than_o the_o gospel_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o promise_n or_o deed_n of_o gift_n make_v over_o certain_a benefit_n and_o blessing_n to_o we_o but_o can_v in_o no_o propriety_n of_o language_n in_o the_o world_n be_v call_v a_o covenant_n but_o if_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n require_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o we_o as_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v than_o the_o promise_n be_v plain_o conditional_a to_o instance_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n repent_v that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o that_o be_v upon_o this_o condition_n that_o you_o repent_v of_o your_o sin_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o not_o otherwise_o can_v there_o be_v any_o plain_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n than_o be_v in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o you_o forgive_v man_n their_o trespass_n your_o heavenly_a father_n will_v also_o forgive_v your_o trespass_n but_o if_o you_o forgive_v not_o man_n their_o trespass_n neither_o will_v your_o heavenly_a father_n forgive_v your_o trespass_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o freeness_n of_o god_n grace_n who_o be_v infinite_o gracious_a in_o offer_v such_o great_a blessing_n to_o we_o upon_o any_o condition_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v yet_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o absurde_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v grant_v to_o man_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n let_v they_o behave_v themselves_o as_o they_o will._n four_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v for_o the_o explain_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v to_o consider_v when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o these_o promise_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a upon_o good_a ground_n to_o apply_v they_o to_o themselves_o and_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o easy_a namely_o when_o they_o find_v the_o condition_n of_o these_o promise_n in_o themselves_o and_o not_o till_o then_o when_o a_o man_n have_v true_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n so_o as_o to_o forsake_v they_o and_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n and_o when_o he_o do_v from_o his_o heart_n forgive_v those_o that_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o have_v lay_v down_o all_o animosity_n against_o they_o and_o thought_n of_o revenge_n then_o have_v he_o a_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o may_v apply_v to_o himself_o in_o particular_a what_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o general_a that_o god_n will_v blot_v out_o all_o his_o transgression_n and_o remember_v his_o iniquity_n no_o more_o when_o a_o man_n do_v constant_o and_o earnest_o implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o yield_v to_o the_o motion_n of_o it_o and_o do_v faithful_o make_v use_n of_o that_o strength_n and_o assistance_n which_o god_n afford_v he_o than_o he_o may_v expect_v the_o continuance_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o further_a degree_n of_o it_o when_o a_o man_n make_v it_o the_o constant_a and_o sinsincere_a endeavour_n of_o his_o life_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n blameless_a and_o be_v effectual_o teach_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n than_o he_o may_v with_o comfort_n and_o joy_n wait_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n then_o he_o may_v with_o confidence_n depend_v upon_o god_n in_o sure_a and_o certain_a hope_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v when_o he_o can_v say_v with_o st._n paul_n i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n than_o he_o may_v likewise_o triumph_v as_o he_o do_v henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o in_o that_o day_n upon_o these_o term_n and_o in_o these_o case_n man_n may_v upon_o good_a ground_n apply_v to_o themselves_o these_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o far_o as_o any_o man_n be_v doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a of_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v so_o far_o he_o must_v necessary_o question_v his_o right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o blessing_n promise_v and_o if_o any_o man_n think_v this_o doctrine_n too_o uncomfortable_a and_o be_v willing_a to_o reject_v it_o upon_o this_o account_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v this_o that_o man_n may_v cheat_v themselves_o if_o they_o please_v but_o most_o certain_o they_o will_v never_o find_v any_o true_a and_o solid_a comfort_n in_o any_o other_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o sensible_a account_n of_o a_o man_n confidence_n and_o good_a hope_n in_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o apply_v any_o promise_n to_o himself_o before_o he_o find_v the_o condition_n in_o himself_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o either_o fancy_n or_o presumption_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o very_a preposterous_a course_n which_o many_o take_v to_o advise_v and_o exhort_v man_n with_o so_o much_o earnestness_n to_o apply_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a unbelief_n in_o not_o doint_v it_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o exhort_v man_n to_o be_v to_o â—ndeavour_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o god_n have_v promise_v any_o blessing_n to_o