Selected quad for the lemma: scripture_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n certain_a church_n tradition_n 2,998 5 9.0938 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59812 A discourse concerning a judge of controversies in matters of religion being an answer to some papers asserting the necessity of such a judge : with an address to wavering protestants, shewing what little reason they have to think of any change of their religion : written for the private satisfaction of some scrupulous persons, and now published for common use : with a preface concerning the nature of certainty and infallibility. Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1686 (1686) Wing S3285; ESTC R8167 73,491 104

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judge_n between_o they_o and_o by_o his_o providence_n prevent_v or_o overrule_v all_o those_o disorder_n which_o may_v happen_v either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n in_o this_o world_n and_o reward_n or_o punish_v both_o governor_n and_o subject_n according_a to_o their_o desert_n in_o the_o next_o and_o this_o supresede_v all_o far_a dispute_n about_o some_o hard_a case_n or_o the_o sincerity_n or_o insincerity_n of_o governor_n or_o subject_n for_o every_o man_n must_v of_o necessity_n judge_v for_o himself_o and_o god_n will_v govern_v and_o judge_v we_o all_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o government_n of_o ourselves_o the_o paper_n but_o i_o know'tis_o urge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v guide_v by_o antiquity_n for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n but_o every_o one_o know_v that_o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n in_o that_o too_o even_o for_o scholar_n at_o least_o i_o 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such_o a_o faith_n we_o reject_v indeed_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n but_o what_o then_o will_v not_o a_o true_a orthodox_n faith_n save_v we_o unless_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o have_v no_o be_v when_o christianity_n be_v first_o plant_v in_o the_o world_n but_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o this_o for_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n because_o he_o can_v believe_v his_o creed_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o then_o i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v what_o that_o uncertainty_n be_v which_o they_o complain_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o if_o the_o positive_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v certain_a as_o it_o must_v be_v if_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o to_o these_o matter_n be_v certain_a why_o do_v they_o leave_v we_o for_o want_v of_o certainty_n which_o be_v now_o the_o popular_a argument_n to_o seduce_v man_n from_o our_o communion_n if_o they_o think_v we_o do_v not_o believe_v enough_o let_v they_o say_v so_o and_o make_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o departure_n from_o we_o but_o if_o as_o far_o as_o our_o faith_n go_v we_o have_v certain_a and_o evident_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n how_o do_v our_o faith_n come_v to_o be_v uncertain_a as_o for_o those_o particular_a doctrine_n which_o be_v in_o dispute_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o grant_v we_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o they_o nay_o more_o than_o that_o we_o say_v no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o they_o how_o confident_a soever_o he_o be_v for_o they_o be_v found_v neither_o on_o reason_n nor_o scripture_n nor_o any_o good_a authority_n for_o we_o do_v not_o take_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v good_a authority_n and_o if_o this_o be_v all_o 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nou._n 15._o 1686._o imprimatur_fw-la jo._n batte_o a_o discourse_n concern_v a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o answer_n to_o some_o paper_n assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o judge_n with_o a_o address_n to_o waver_a protestant_n show_v what_o little_a reason_n they_o have_v to_o think_v of_o any_o change_n of_o their_o religion_n write_a for_o the_o private_a satisfaction_n of_o some_o scrupulous_a person_n and_o now_o publish_v for_o common_a use._n with_o a_o preface_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n and_o infallibility_n london_n print_v for_o robert_n clavell_n at_o the_o peacock_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1686._o the_o preface_n when_o i_o first_o undertake_v to_o answer_v these_o paper_n i_o little_o think_v of_o write_v a_o book_n but_o when_o it_o be_v write_v i_o be_v more_o easy_o persuade_v to_o make_v it_o public_a for_o such_o kind_n of_o objection_n as_o these_o our_o people_n be_v daily_o assault_v with_o and_o our_o minister_n daily_o trouble_v to_o answer_v and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o both_o to_o print_v such_o a_o plain_a discourse_n as_o this_o which_o whatever_a defect_n it_o may_v have_v i_o be_o pretty_a confident_a do_v sufficient_o expose_v the_o weakness_n and_o sophistry_n of_o such_o argument_n the_o truth_n be_v this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v make_v a_o dispute_n and_o the_o fundamental_a miscarriage_n be_v that_o our_o people_n be_v not_o teach_v or_o will_v not_o learn_v to_o reject_v such_o captious_a question_n as_o tend_v only_o to_o sceptism_n and_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v confute_v which_o i_o think_v i_o may_v have_v liberty_n to_o say_v now_o i_o have_v confute_v they_o and_o to_o show_v the_o reason_n i_o have_v to_o say_v so_o shall_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o preface_n it_o be_v think_v and_o certain_o it_o be_v so_o the_o most_o compendious_a way_n to_o reduce_v protestant_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n of_o their_o religion_n without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o infallibility_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n now_o can_v they_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v infallible_a this_o indeed_o will_v be_v a_o irresistible_a reason_n to_o return_v to_o her_o communion_n but_o this_o they_o say_v little_a of_o nowadays_o this_o they_o will_v glad_o have_v we_o take_v for_o grant_v especial_o if_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o therefore_o this_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o to_o run_v down_o protestant_n certainty_n and_o first_o to_o make_v man_n sceptic_n in_o religion_n and_o then_o to_o settle_v they_o upon_o infallibility_n now_o the_o way_n they_o take_v to_o do_v this_o be_v not_o by_o show_v that_o the_o reason_n on_o which_o protestant_n build_v their_o faith_n either_o of_o christianity_n in_o general_n or_o of_o those_o particular_a doctrine_n which_o they_o profess_v be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o found_v a_o rational_a certainty_n on_o for_o this_o will_v engage_v they_o in_o particular_a dispute_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o as_o industrious_o avoid_v as_o if_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o it_o but_o instead_o of_o this_o they_o declaim_v in_o general_a about_o the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n ask_v we_o how_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v certain_a if_o we_o rely_v upon_o reason_n other_o man_n do_v not_o reason_n as_o we_o do_v and_o yet_o think_v their_o reason_n as_o good_a as_o we_o if_o on_o scripture_n we_o see_v how_o many_o different_a and_o contrary_a exposition_n there_o be_v of_o scripture_n and_o how_o can_v we_o be_v certain_a than_o that_o we_o only_o be_v in_o the_o right_n when_o other_o man_n be_v as_o confident_a and_o as_o full_o persuade_v as_o we_o now_o all_o this_o be_v palpable_a sophistry_n and_o no_o other_o direct_a answer_n can_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o but_o to_o let_v they_o know_v that_o after_o all_o they_o can_v say_v we_o find_v ourselves_o very_o certain_a and_o that_o their_o attempt_n to_o prove_v we_o u._fw-mi certain_a without_o confute_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o certainty_n be_v very_o fallacious_a 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o whether_o i_o be_o certain_a or_o not_o no_o body_n can_v tell_v but_o myself_o for_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o sense_n as_o sight_n and_o hear_v be_v and_o they_o may_v as_o well_o ask_v i_o how_o i_o know_v that_o i_o see_v and_o hear_v as_o how_o i_o know_v that_o i_o be_o certain_a i_o feel_v that_o i_o be_o so_o and_o that_o be_v answer_n enough_o 2._o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o ask_v i_o how_o i_o know_v that_o i_o be_o certain_a if_o this_o question_n have_v any_o sense_n in_o it_o it_o must_v signify_v on_o what_o reason_n i_o find_v my_o certainty_n for_o nothing_o can_v create_v certainty_n in_o the_o mind_n but_o that_o reason_n and_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v of_o thing_n as_o we_o can_v see_v with_o nothing_o but_o light_n now_o if_o certainty_n result_v only_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o expect_v any_o other_o answer_n to_o that_o question_n how_o i_o be_o certain_a than_o my_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o my_o faith_n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n of_o certainty_n than_o those_o particular_a reason_n for_o which_o i_o believe_v any_o thing_n and_o this_o of_o necessity_n bring_v the_o controversy_n to_o particular_n there_o be_v no_o one_o reason_n of_o my_o certainty_n because_o the_o same_o reason_n will_v not_o serve_v for_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o before_o i_o can_v give_v they_o my_o reason_n i_o must_v know_v what_o they_o require_v a_o reason_n of_o and_o then_o i_o will_v give_v it_o they_o and_o thus_o we_o be_v just_a where_o we_o be_v and_o if_o they_o will_v prove_v that_o we_o have_v no_o certainty_n they_o must_v confute_v all_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o dispute_v over_o all_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o a_o task_n which_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o undertake_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o prove_v the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n uncertain_a but_o by_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v no_o certain_a reason_n of_o their_o faith_n yes_o you_o will_v say_v it_o be_v proof_n enough_o that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a because_o we_o every_o day_n find_v so_o many_o confident_a man_n mistake_v who_o yet_o think_v themselves_o as_o certain_a as_o we_o do_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v be_v mistake_v notwithstanding_o all_o our_o assurance_n and_o confidence_n that_o we_o be_v not_o now_o this_o indeed_o will_v be_v a_o unanswerable_a argument_n do_v we_o find_v our_o certainty_n upon_o the_o mere_a strength_n and_o confidence_n of_o persuasion_n for_o man_n may_v be_v very_o confident_a because_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o we_o ready_o grant_v that_o a_o ignorant_a confidence_n may_v betray_v man_n into_o the_o gross_a error_n and_o therefore_o though_o every_o confident_a man_n think_v himself_o in_o the_o right_n we_o never_o think_v another_o man_n in_o the_o right_a mere_o because_o we_o see_v he_o confident_a which_o be_v a_o plain_a sign_n that_o all_o man_n distinguish_v between_o confidence_n and_o certainty_n wise_a man_n who_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o their_o confidence_n do_v not_o outrun_v their_o reason_n for_o reason_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o certainty_n and_o no_o man_n can_v have_v great_a certainty_n than_o he_o have_v evidence_n for_o what_o he_o believe_v now_o since_o man_n may_v be_v equal_o confident_a with_o or_o without_o reason_n the_o only_a way_n to_o try_v the_o certainty_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v to_o examine_v the_o reason_n whereon_o it_o be_v found_v if_o we_o can_v confute_v their_o reason_n we_o destroy_v their_o certainty_n if_o we_o can_v it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o charge_v their_o faith_n with_o uncertainty_n for_o that_o be_v a_o certain_a faith_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o certain_a and_o immovable_a reason_n and_o if_o the_o certainty_n of_o reason_n make_v man_n certain_a and_o some_o man_n faith_n may_v be_v build_v upon_o certain_a reason_n though_o other_o be_v mistake_v than_o the_o confident_a mistake_v of_o some_o man_n be_v no_o proof_n that_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o man_n be_v uncertain_a i_o be_o sure_a all_o mankind_n think_v thus_o who_o think_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v a_o good_a sign_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a natural_a thought_n no_o man_n think_v himself_o the_o less_o certain_a because_o he_o see_v other_o man_n differ_v from_o he_o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o very_a argument_n against_o protestant_a certainty_n own_v this_o the_o argument_n be_v that_o we_o can_v never_o know_v when_o we_o be_v certain_a because_o of_o
be_v certain_a what_o shall_v make_v i_o uncertain_a quest._n do_v you_o not_o see_v that_o reason_n itself_o be_v uncertain_a how_o do_v man_n differ_v in_o their_o reason_n what_o contrary_a exposition_n of_o scripture_n do_v they_o give_v and_o what_o certainty_n then_o in_o this_o way_n answ._n i_o hope_v sir_n you_o will_v not_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o true_a reason_n or_o that_o true_a reason_n be_v uncertain_a or_o that_o scripture_n true_o expound_v be_v a_o uncertain_a rule_n now_o though_o other_o man_n reason_v foolish_o and_o interpret_v scripture_n perverse_o what_o be_v that_o to_o i_o if_o i_o reason_v right_a and_o expound_v scripture_n true_o as_o i_o believe_v i_o do_v and_o shall_v believe_v so_o till_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o i_o do_v my_o certainty_n i_o tell_v you_o be_v found_v upon_o certain_a evidence_n and_o you_o can_v never_o shake_v my_o certainty_n till_o you_o can_v shake_v that_o it_o will_v be_v great_a and_o contemptible_a weakness_n in_o i_o to_o distrust_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o convince_a reason_n because_o you_o tell_v i_o that_o other_o man_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n if_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o their_o reason_n be_v better_a than_o i_o i_o will_v yield_v to_o the_o best_a reason_n but_o i_o can_v renounce_v my_o reason_n while_o i_o believe_v it_o true_a nor_o suspect_v it_o while_o i_o believe_v it_o certain_a quest._n when_o two_o man_n differ_v in_o their_o opinion_n and_o oppose_v reason_n to_o reason_n must_v not_o one_o of_o they_o be_v mistake_v answ._n yes_o it_o may_v be_v both_o but_o neither_o of_o they_o think_v themselves_o mistake_v mere_o because_o they_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o for_o that_o will_v end_v the_o dispute_n if_o the_o difference_n in_o religion_n be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o religion_n for_o infallibility_n itself_o can_v not_o escape_v which_o be_v deny_v by_o more_o christian_n than_o believe_v it_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o will_v be_v certain_a must_v look_v well_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o those_o who_o will_v prove_v my_o faith_n to_o be_v uncertain_a must_v prove_v that_o the_o reason_n on_o which_o i_o believe_v be_v either_o false_a or_o uncertain_a and_o those_o who_o be_v not_o content_v with_o this_o quarrel_n with_o the_o state_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o may_v help_v themselves_o as_o they_o can_v this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a for_o a_o preface_n to_o this_o discourse_n let_v but_o protestant_n maintain_v their_o ground_n and_o not_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o have_v no_o certain_a foundation_n for_o their_o faith_n till_o papist_n have_v confute_v the_o particular_a reason_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o i_o dare_v undertake_v they_o will_v never_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o question_v their_o faith_n nor_o find_v any_o want_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n but_o yet_o since_o some_o man_n so_o despise_v that_o certainty_n which_o result_v from_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n in_o comparison_n with_o infallibility_n let_v we_o brief_o consider_v what_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o infallibility_n be_v and_o how_o much_o it_o excel_v a_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n 1._o first_o then_o i_o observe_v that_o infallibility_n belong_v to_o person_n not_o to_o thing_n a_o proposition_n can_v be_v fallible_a or_o infallible_a but_o true_a or_o false_a for_o fallible_a signify_v that_o which_o can_v be_v deceive_v infallible_a that_o which_o can_v be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v apply_v only_o to_o intelligent_a being_n who_o be_v capable_a of_o either_o so_o that_o to_o say_v that_o any_o proposition_n be_v injallible_o true_a beside_o the_o impropriety_n of_o the_o expression_n add_v nothing_o to_o truth_n for_o that_o which_o be_v true_a be_v true_a and_o can_v neither_o be_v more_o nor_o less_o true_a second_o perfect_a infallibility_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o universal_a certainty_n of_o knowledge_n as_o for_o instance_n god_n only_o be_v infallible_a by_o nature_n but_o infallibility_n be_v a_o negative_a and_o there_o be_v no_o negative_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v understand_v what_o god_n infallibility_n be_v we_o must_v reduce_v it_o to_o some_o positive_a perfection_n and_o that_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o infinite_a knowledge_n for_o this_o reason_n we_o say_v that_o god_n be_v infallible_a because_o he_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o he_o who_o know_v all_o thing_n can_v never_o mistake_v so_o that_o it_o be_v knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n infallibility_n be_v only_o a_o mode_n of_o speech_n to_o signify_v the_o most_o perfect_a certainty_n of_o knowledge_n three_o and_o therefore_o infallibility_n be_v not_o oppose_v to_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o perception_n for_o infallibility_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o certainty_n and_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o result_v from_o the_o most_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v in_o god_n which_o be_v only_o true_a infallibility_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o certainty_n and_o infallibility_n in_o god_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o certainty_n of_o creature_n and_o the_o infallibility_n of_o god_n be_v this_o that_o the_o one_o be_v a_o finite_a and_o the_o other_o a_o infinite_a knowledge_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v by_o nature_n infallible_a but_o infinite_a knowledge_n but_o a_o finite_a knowledge_n which_o do_v not_o extend_v to_o every_o thing_n may_v in_o some_o thing_n be_v deceive_v but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o reach_v it_o may_v be_v certain_a and_o that_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o finite_a infallibility_n a_o fallible_a creature_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o be_v which_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a but_o a_o be_v which_o have_v not_o a_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v without_o the_o sphere_n of_o its_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n because_o we_o be_v not_o infallible_a as_o to_o say_v that_o we_o can_v know_v nothing_o because_o we_o do_v not_o know_v all_o thing_n four_o and_o therefore_o fallibility_n or_o infallibility_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n what_o be_v the_o certainty_n of_o god_n but_o those_o clear_a and_o bright_a idea_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o divine_a mind_n for_o he_o be_v not_o certain_a because_o he_o be_v infallible_a but_o he_o be_v infallible_a because_o he_o be_v certain_a and_o thus_o in_o proportion_n to_o that_o distance_n which_o be_v between_o god_n and_o creature_n our_o certainty_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o perception_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o wherever_o this_o be_v how_o fallible_a soever_o the_o person_n be_v in_o other_o matter_n he_o be_v certain_a so_o far_o and_o to_o demand_v any_o far_a reason_n of_o certainty_n than_o the_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v to_o demand_v some_o other_o reason_n of_o certainty_n than_o knowledge_n and_o thus_o we_o may_v doubt_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o of_o man_n if_o we_o do_v not_o allow_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n to_o be_v certainty_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o beyond_o this_o five_o and_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o as_o to_o thing_n which_o be_v knowable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n our_o certainty_n result_v from_o the_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o depend_v on_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n as_o for_o instance_n those_o impression_n which_o our_o sense_n make_v on_o we_o and_o those_o perception_n they_o awaken_v in_o our_o mind_n 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the_o protestant_a religion_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n purge_v from_o the_o corruption_n and_o innovation_n of_o popery_n now_o it_o will_v be_v very_o pleasant_a to_o hear_v a_o popish_a priest_n in_o a_o dispute_n with_o turk_n or_o pagan_n about_o christianity_n urge_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o instruct_v a_o infidel_n who_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o judge_n what_o christian_a religion_n be_v and_o to_o convince_v he_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o by_o reason_n and_o scripture_n either_o this_o be_v a_o good_a way_n or_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a foundation_n for_o christianity_n and_o let_v any_o man_n show_v i_o a_o reason_n why_o christian_n may_v not_o understand_v their_o religion_n the_o same_o way_n that_o heathen_n must_v be_v teach_v it_o this_o be_v the_o way_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n take_v with_o 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this_o be_v not_o a_o solid_a foundation_n the_o christian_a faith_n have_v none_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n though_o they_o be_v infallible_a make_v their_o own_o infallibility_n the_o only_a reason_n of_o man_n faith_n but_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n which_o they_o expound_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o honest_a and_o teachable_a mind_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v upon_o these_o term_n they_o must_v continue_v infidel_n and_o that_o this_o way_n of_o resolve_v faith_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n be_v not_o know_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o yet_o methinks_v st._n peter_n authority_n if_o he_o have_v any_o such_o authority_n shall_v have_v be_v better_o know_v in_o those_o day_n than_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n of_o time_n be_v evident_a from_o those_o early_a heresy_n which_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n for_o let_v any_o reasonable_a man_n tell_v 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that_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n will_v do_v this_o or_o else_o this_o argument_n can_v prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n if_o then_o the_o appointment_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n will_v certain_o prevent_v all_o heresy_n and_o yet_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n there_o have_v be_v heresy_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n there_o be_v no_o visible_a judge_n in_o those_o day_n well_o but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n how_o shall_v we_o arrive_v at_o any_o certainty_n in_o our_o religion_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o a_o demonstration_n not_o plain_a even_o in_o what_o we_o dare_v not_o disow_v to_o be_v fundamental_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n now_o 1._o suppose_v there_o be_v some_o difficult_a passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o obvious_a to_o every_o common_a understanding_n can_v we_o not_o therefore_o understand_v what_o be_v plain_a because_o 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text_n second_o i_o do_v affirm_v that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v be_v plain_a in_o scripture_n for_o else_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o we_o must_v believe_v it_o or_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o then_o by_o plain_a i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o every_o man_n and_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o man_n who_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v skill_n and_o ability_n to_o do_v it_o and_o may_v be_v make_v plain_a to_o every_o man_n who_o have_v the_o common_a understanding_n of_o a_o man_n without_o any_o bias_n and_o interest_n who_o will_v attend_v to_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o this_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o call_v it_o plain_a if_o learned_a man_n by_o study_n and_o industry_n can_v understand_v it_o and_o if_o the_o unlearned_a may_v
pretence_n of_o such_o a_o judge_n if_o we_o can_v know_v what_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n without_o a_o judge_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o judge_n for_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o know_v this_o but_o by_o the_o scripture_n if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o judge_n appoint_v in_o scripture_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o own_v he_o and_o if_o we_o can_v tell_v what_o scripture_n be_v without_o a_o judge_n how_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o judge_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o though_o the_o objection_n be_v make_v only_o against_o some_o particular_a book_n of_o scripture_n yet_o in_o truth_n it_o equal_o lie_v against_o the_o whole_a canon_n for_o if_o we_o can_v know_v any_o one_o particular_a book_n of_o scripture_n without_o a_o judge_n why_o not_o the_o rest_n no_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v doubt_v of_o right_a by_o some_o church_n who_o do_v not_o know_v they_o till_o they_o be_v satisfy_v by_o those_o church_n which_o keep_v those_o sacred_a record_n that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o a_o book_n which_o have_v be_v doubt_v of_o when_o that_o doubt_n be_v remove_v have_v not_o as_o certain_a authority_n as_o the_o rest_n if_o it_o can_v not_o then_o and_o can_v to_o this_o day_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v genuine_a why_o be_v it_o receive_v what_o obligation_n be_v we_o under_o to_o own_v it_o if_o any_o book_n which_o we_o call_v canonical_a be_v still_o doubtful_a it_o be_v more_o natural_a and_o reasonable_a to_o reject_v they_o than_o to_o set_v up_o a_o judge_n without_o any_o authority_n to_o give_v authority_n to_o they_o for_o whether_o any_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v canonical_a be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n themselves_o do_v not_o extend_v infallibility_n to_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o then_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n there_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n but_o we_o must_v content_v ourselves_o with_o such_o moral_a certainty_n as_o may_v be_v have_v and_o if_o catholic_n tradition_n be_v so_o uncertain_a that_o we_o can_v learn_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n from_o it_o what_o become_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o their_o unwritten_a tradition_n which_o they_o so_o much_o boast_v of_o thus_o some_o man_n if_o they_o can_v but_o make_v a_o show_n of_o say_v any_o thing_n never_o attend_v to_o consequence_n nor_o consider_v whether_o their_o objection_n do_v not_o make_v as_o much_o against_o themselves_o and_o common_a christianity_n as_o against_o protestant_n three_o the_o last_o argument_n be_v that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o paper_n can_v make_v those_o article_n of_o the_o nicene_n creed_n one_o holy_a catholic_n apostolic_a church_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n agree_v with_o the_o protestant_a religion_n here_o be_v a_o little_a blunder_n in_o call_v this_o the_o nicene_n creed_n though_o easy_o pardonable_a for_o it_o be_v a_o jumble_v 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of_o christendom_n be_v not_o one_o church_n and_o what_o then_o how_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n more_o concern_v in_o this_o than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v we_o believe_v one_o church_n in_o the_o creed_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o division_n of_o christendom_n do_v the_o mere_a division_n of_o christendom_n prove_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v that_o one_o church_n or_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v no_o member_n of_o this_o one_o church_n in_o the_o creed_n the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o from_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o it_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o well_o as_o we_o must_v own_v that_o it_o be_v but_o one_o church_n notwithstanding_o the_o several_a division_n that_o have_v be_v in_o it_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o now_o and_o therefore_o the_o unity_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o be_v estimate_v by_o any_o one_o age_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o apostolic_a age_n must_v be_v the_o standard_n of_o catholic_n unity_n and_o communion_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n suppose_v all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n at_o this_o day_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n except_v the_o church_n of_o england_n why_o then_o you_o will_v say_v it_o will_v be_v plain_a the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o from_o catholic_n communion_n right_n from_o the_o church_n of_o this_o age_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o this_o age_n be_v but_o a_o very_a little_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n where_o it_o be_v sound_a and_o orthodox_n for_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v allow_v the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o three_o first_o age_n to_o be_v the_o best_a and_o pure_a part_n of_o the_o one_o catholic_n church_n and_o that_o we_o must_v still_o maintain_v communion_n with_o they_o if_o then_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v separate_v from_o all_o the_o church_n of_o this_o age_n yet_o if_o she_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a church_n she_o be_v in_o catholic_n commun_n on_o still_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v in_o catholic_n communion_n to_o know_v then_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a catholic_n church_n and_o in_o catholic_n communion_n we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v to_o inquire_v what_o church_n she_o communicate_v with_o now_o as_o whether_o she_o be_v in_o the_o apostolic_a communion_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o original_a of_o catholic_n communion_n now_o if_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v such_o as_o to_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o will_v have_v own_v our_o communion_n have_v we_o be_v in_o their_o day_n how_o do_v we_o come_v to_o be_v schismatic_n now_o and_o out_o of_o catholic_n communion_n for_o if_o catholic_n communion_n be_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n from_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o apostolic_a church_n be_v the_o true_a measure_n and_o standard_n of_o true_a catholic_n communion_n than_o those_o church_n which_o to_o this_o day_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o true_a catholic_n communion_n and_o this_o test_n we_o will_v stand_v by_o though_o i_o will_v not_o advise_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o do_v so_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v reject_v our_o communion_n for_o those_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n now_o reject_v we_o will_v st._n paul_n have_v reject_v our_o communion_n because_o we_o will_v not_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n which_o he_o himself_o forbid_v 1_o cor._n 14._o because_o we_o will_v not_o worship_v saint_n and_o angel_n and_o image_n which_o the_o romanist_n confess_v be_v neither_o command_v nor_o practise_v in_o those_o day_n and_o which_o we_o say_v be_v forbid_v then_o and_o understand_v to_o be_v so_o by_o all_o christian_n for_o not_o own_v the_o supremacy_n of_o peter_n when_o st._n paul_n himself_o withstand_v he_o as_o much_o as_o we_o do_v the_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o upon_o a_o much_o less_o occasion_n gal._n 2._o 11._o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o african_a church_n long_o after_o in_o the_o day_n of_o st._n cyprian_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n forbid_v all_o appeal_n to_o the_o bishop_n or_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o a_o word_n will_v the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n indulgence_n purgatory_n communion_n in_o one_o kind_n private_a and_o solitary_a mass_n
a_o mind_n to_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o must_v go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o enlarge_v and_o improve_v their_o faith_n for_o we_o shall_v never_o believe_v they_o but_o if_o they_o can_v be_v content_v with_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n profess_v we_o have_v as_o much_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n for_o that_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o have_v and_o how_o they_o can_v better_v themselves_o by_o go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o to_o these_o point_n i_o can_v tell_v since_o we_o believe_v as_o orthodox_o as_o they_o second_o as_o for_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o we_o reject_v because_o we_o have_v no_o evidence_n for_o they_o but_o only_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v no_o evidence_n to_o we_o because_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a itself_o we_o think_v ourselves_o much_o safe_o in_o reject_v than_o we_o can_v be_v in_o own_v they_o and_o that_o for_o this_o plain_a reason_n that_o though_o we_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o reject_v such_o doctrine_n as_o we_o be_v very_o certain_a we_o be_v not_o yet_o they_o be_v such_o mistake_v as_o do_v no_o injury_n to_o common_a christianity_n no_o dishonour_n to_o our_o common_a saviour_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v dangerous_a to_o our_o soul_n whereas_o if_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v as_o we_o say_v they_o be_v innovation_n and_o corruption_n of_o christianity_n they_o be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a corruption_n as_o to_o show_v this_o in_o some_o few_o instance_n what_o injury_n be_v it_o to_o christianity_n not_o to_o believe_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o council_n while_o we_o believe_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o be_v infallible_a which_o be_v infallibility_n enough_o to_o direct_v the_o christian_a church_n for_o while_o we_o adhere_v to_o what_o they_o teach_v we_o can_v 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the_o church_n be_v never_o the_o worse_a church_n because_o it_o be_v not_o a_o universal_a monarchy_n which_o christ_n never_o intend_v it_o shall_v be_v but_o if_o we_o give_v the_o supremacy_n to_o the_o pope_n and_o he_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o by_o christ_n institution_n this_o be_v a_o invasion_n upon_o the_o right_n of_o all_o the_o christian_a bishop_n in_o the_o world_n make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o govern_v or_o reform_v their_o own_o church_n whatever_o occasion_n there_o be_v without_o leave_n from_o the_o pope_n which_o very_a thing_n have_v hinder_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o these_o last_o age_n when_o it_o have_v be_v so_o earnest_o press_v both_o by_o christian_a prince_n and_o bishop_n of_o that_o communion_n witness_v the_o managemént_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n nay_o this_o be_v a_o invasion_n on_o the_o right_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n to_o set_v a_o superior_a over_o they_o in_o their_o own_o dominion_n who_o can_v command_v their_o subject_n with_o a_o more_o sacred_a authority_n and_o how_o fatal_a this_o may_v prove_v to_o prince_n and_o what_o a_o snare_n and_o temptation_n to_o subject_n some_o example_n of_o former_a age_n may_v satisfy_v we_o suppose_v we_o shall_v be_v mistake_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o pray_v to_o saint_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o want_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n by_o not_o do_v it_o and_o certain_o our_o saviour_n can_v think_v it_o any_o injury_n to_o his_o mediation_n that_o we_o so_o whole_o rely_v upon_o his_o intercession_n that_o we_o desire_v no_o other_o advocate_n and_o that_o we_o be_v so_o jealous_a of_o his_o glory_n that_o we_o will_v not_o admit_v the_o most_o glorious_a saint_n to_o the_o least_o partnership_n with_o he_o and_o this_o will_v make_v he_o our_o advocate_n in_o deed_n when_o he_o see_v we_o will_v have_v no_o other_o but_o if_o he_o be_v our_o only_a mediator_n and_o advocate_n by_o god_n appointment_n and_o his_o own_o purchase_n let_v those_o who_o unnecessary_o apply_v themselves_o to_o so_o many_o other_o mediator_n consider_v how_o our_o only_a mediator_n will_v like_v it_o suppose_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o worship_n god_n or_o christ_n by_o image_n which_o we_o think_v express_o forbid_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n yet_o will_v they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o affront_n or_o injury_n to_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n to_o worship_v he_o without_o image_n if_o that_o lovely_a idea_n we_o have_v of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n if_o the_o remembrance_n of_o what_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o make_v we_o true_o and_o sincere_o and_o passionate_o devout_a what_o need_n have_v we_o of_o a_o image_n which_o be_v pretend_v only_o to_o be_v a_o help_n to_o devotion_n and_o therefore_o of_o no_o use_n to_o those_o who_o can_v be_v devout_a without_o it_o but_o he_o who_o consider_v what_o god_n jealousy_n mean_v must_v needs_o think_v it_o dangerous_a to_o worship_v the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o saint_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v be_v forbid_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o all_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v never_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o though_o latin_a prayer_n be_v lawful_a in_o english_a congregation_n who_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o yet_o be_v it_o unlawful_a to_o pray_v in_o english_a be_v it_o any_o dishonour_n to_o god_n any_o injury_n to_o religion_n that_o man_n pray_v with_o their_o understanding_n if_o true_a worship_n begin_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o our_o understanding_n must_v govern_v our_o affection_n i_o shall_v fear_v that_o to_o pray_v without_o understanding_n what_o i_o pray_v will_v not_o be_v accept_v by_o that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n and_o must_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o christ_n once_a offering_n himself_o upon_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o sufficient_a sacrifice_n propitiation_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n what_o injury_n do_v we_o to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n though_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v offer_v again_o every_o day_n in_o ten_o thousand_o mass_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o in_o the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o eat_v the_o sacramental_a body_n and_o drink_v the_o sacramental_a blood_n of_o christ_n which_o by_o his_o own_o institution_n do_v as_o real_o and_o effectual_o convey_v to_o we_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n as_o if_o we_o can_v eat_v his_o natural_a flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n what_o injury_n do_v the_o church_n suffer_v by_o deny_v transubstantiation_n and_o if_o when_o we_o approach_v his_o holy_a table_n we_o worship_v christ_n in_o heaven_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n be_v not_o this_o as_o true_a a_o honour_n to_o our_o saviour_n as_o to_o worship_v he_o under_o the_o species_n of_o bread_n but_o if_o transubstantiation_n be_v false_a what_o a_o hazard_n do_v that_o man_n run_v who_o worship_v a_o piece_n of_o bread_n which_o the_o most_o learned_a romanist_n themselves_o grant_v to_o be_v idolatry_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o christ_n alone_o have_v a_o judicial_a power_n to_o forgive_v sin_n and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o ministerial_a authority_n to_o take_v in_o or_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o only_a state_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o ministerial_a remit_v or_o retain_v of_o sin_n and_o sufficient_a to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v not_o this_o as_o much_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n as_o any_o christian_a have_v need_n of_o though_o we_o deny_v that_o the_o priest_n have_v a_o judicial_a