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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n church_n err_v infallible_a 2,189 5 9.8254 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59220 Errour non-plust, or, Dr. Stillingfleet shown to be the man of no principles with an essay how discourses concerning Catholick grounds bear the highest evidence. Sergeant, John, 1622-1707. 1673 (1673) Wing S2565; ESTC R18785 126,507 288

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to_o to_o our_o sense_n testimony_n be_v sufficient_a to_o do_v it_o so_o it_o be_v sufficient_o qualify_v that_o be_v the_o best_a and_o on_o the_o best_a manner_n support_v that_o any_o ordinary_a mean_n can_v be_v such_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n or_o tradition_n which_o beside_o what_o be_v find_v in_o humane_a testimony_n have_v also_o the_o whole_a body_n &_o joint_a force_n of_o supernatural_a motive_n to_o preserve_v the_o testifier_n attentive_a and_o veracious_a thus_o the_o church_n or_o the_o christian_a society_n of_o man_n be_v establish_v infallible_a in_o deliver_v down_o faith_n need_v not_o prove_v her_o infallibility_n by_o miracle_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a the_o faithful_a believe_v that_o christ_n promise_v to_o protect_v she_o from_o error_n and_o consequent_o to_o believe_v the_o a_o est_fw-fr of_o her_o infallibility_n or_o that_o she_o be_v infallible_a upon_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o believe_v all_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o 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according_a to_o it_o and_o decline_v not_o from_o it_o preserve_v one_o from_o go_v crooked_a so_o this_o intellectual_a rule_n call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o if_o one_o go_v according_a to_o it_o and_o swerve_v not_o from_o it_o it_o preserve_v one_o from_o go_v wrong_a or_o from_o err_v in_o his_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v true_a or_o first-delivered_a faith_n and_o faith_n be_v intend_v for_o person_n of_o all_o sort_n or_o capacity_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v able_a to_o preserve_v even_o those_o of_o the_o mean_a capacity_n from_o err_v in_o faith_n while_o they_o rely_v upon_o it._n agian_a this_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o primary_n effect_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o every_o nature_n that_o be_v have_v essential_o in_o itself_o a_o power_n to_o produce_v of_o its_o self_n and_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o other_o its_o primary_n effect_v or_o rather_o be_v itself_o that_o power_n as_o man_n to_o discourse_n fire_v to_o burn_v etc._n etc._n it_o follow_v that_o since_o to_o preserve_v all_o that_o rely_v on_o it_o in_o right_a faith_n be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n what_o have_v not_o in_o itself_o the_o power_n to_o do_v this_o and_o this_o of_o its_o self_n independent_o on_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o on_o god_n who_o establish_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v certain_a power_n to_o produce_v their_o proper_a effect_n be_v not_o in_o true_a speech_n a_o rule_n of_o faith_n since_o than_o not_o one_o catholic_n in_o the_o world_n hold_v that_o scripture_n letter_n of_o itself_o and_o independent_o on_o something_o else_o viz_o th●_n church_n tradition_n attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o letter_n and_o interpret_n it_o have_v in_o itself_o power_n thus_o to_o certify_v person_n of_o all_o capacity_n of_o christian_a faith_n without_o possibility_n of_o err_v nor_o any_o one_o but_o hold_v the_o church_n authority_n be_v able_a alone_o to_o do_v this_o effect_n since_o it_o be_v know_v and_o confess_v it_o actual_o perform_v this_o in_o the_o beginning_n there_o be_v not_o one_o catholic_n that_o i_o know_v of_o who_o hold_v either_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n take_v the_o word_n in_o this_o sense_n or_o that_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o church_n live_v voice_n and_o practice_n or_o tradition_n be_v it_o and_o so_o take_v the_o word_n proper_o as_o i_o do_v they_o all_o agree_v with_o i_o on_o the_o other_o side_n take_v those_o word_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o contain_v faith_n or_o that_o may_v signify_v it_o with_o absolute_a certainty_n to_o people_n of_o all_o sort_n not_o of_o itself_o but_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o another_o who_o power_n of_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o letter_n in_o those_o passage_n at_o least_o that_o concern_v christian_a faith_n and_o of_o uner_o interpret_n it_o lend_v it_o to_o be_v thus_o certain_o significative_a of_o god_n will_n take_z i_o say_v rule_v of_o faith_n in_o this_o sense_n as_o some_o of_o we_o do_v i_o grant_v with_o they_o that_o scripture_n be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o still_o i_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o thing_n only_o i_o dissent_v from_o they_o in_o the_o word_n and_o judge_v that_o this_o container_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n as_o now_o describe_v be_v but_o improper_o call_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o not_o have_v in_o itself_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o rule_n that_o be_v not_o have_v a_o power_n in_o itself_o and_o of_o its_o self_n thus_o to_o ascertain_v faith_n by_o absolute_o engage_v the_o divine_a authority_n this_o distinction_n now_o give_v i_o learn_v from_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o no_o where_o say_v that_o scripture_n be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o do_v express_o of_o tradition_n sess._n 5._o but_o only_a that_o it_o contain_v faith_n as_o also_o tradition_n do_v but_o whether_o it_o contain_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v to_o have_v faith_n by_o rely_v on_o it_o may_v by_o so_o do_v be_v absolute_o secure_v from_o err_a which_o be_v requisite_a over_o and_o above_o to_o make_v it_o in_o true_a speech_n deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o rule_n the_o council_n say_v nothing_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v far_o from_o say_v that_o people_n of_o all_o sort_n read_v the_o scripture_n and_o attend_v sole_o to_o the_o letter_n as_o interpret_v and_o understand_v by_o their_o private_a self_n shall_v be_v sure_a never_o to_o err_v in_o right_a faith_n nay_o it_o engage_v not_o for_o their_o security_n from_o err_v so_o much_o as_o in_o any_o one_o point_n which_o yet_o ought_v to_o be_v say_v if_o scripture_n in_o itself_o and_o of_o itself_o have_v the_o power_n of_o regulate_v they_o in_o their_o faith_n or_o be_v a_o rule_n rather_o the_o council_n by_o its_o carriage_n say_v the_o direct_a contrary_n for_o though_o be_v about_o to_o define_v against_o heretic_n it_o profess_v to_o follow_v in_o its_o definition_n the_o write_a word_n yet_o it_o be_v observable_a 146._o that_o it_o no_o where_o build_v on_o any_o place_n of_o scripture_n but_o it_o profess_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o build_v its_o interpretation_n of_o that_o place_n on_o tradition_n which_o evident_o argue_v that_o though_o scripture_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o council_n contain_v the_o point_n yet_o that_o which_o indeed_o regulate_v the_o council_n in_o its_o definition_n be_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o also_o express_o declare_v where_o ever_o it_o define_v and_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o catholic_n in_o the_o world_n who_o think_v the_o council_n know_v not_o both_o what_o and_o how_o to_o define_v against_o luther_n and_o calvin_n at_o that_o time_n without_o need_v to_o seek_v its_o faith_n anew_o in_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o plain_o conclude_v that_o the_o council_n be_v not_o regulate_v by_o it_o or_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o her_o rule_n but_o only_o consider_v it_o as_o of_o a_o sacred_a authority_n and_o available_a against_o heretic_n profess_v to_o rely_v on_o scripture_n and_o accuse_v the_o church_n for_o go_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nay_o the_o council_n define_v that_o none_o shall_v dare_v to_o interpret_v scripture_n contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n which_o our_o h._n mother_n the_o catholic_n church_n have_v hold_v and_o do_v hold_v which_o clear_o take_v it_o out_o of_o private_a hand_n and_o make_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n ever_o hold_v the_o only_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o extend_v to_o all_o scripture_n which_o unavoidable_o make_v it_o no_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o distinction_n now_o give_v show_v my_o sentiment_n consistent_a if_o not_o perfect_o agree_v with_o that_o common_a opinion_n of_o our_o divine_n that_o scripture_n be_v a_o partial_a rule_n or_o that_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n integrate_a one_o complete_a rule_n for_o they_o clear_o mean_v by_o those_o word_n that_o faith_n be_v partly_o contain_v in_o scripture_n partly_o in_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o what_o they_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o in_o so_o do_v be_v not_o the_o evidence_n requisite_a to_o a_o rule_n but_o only_o the_o degree_n of_o extent_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o mean_v only_o that_o scripture_n contain_v some_o part_n of_o faith_n which_o i_o perfect_o allow_v to_o it_o and_o perhaps_o more_o this_o be_v my_o judgement_n concern_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o what_o be_v such_o a_o rule_n and_o these_o my_o reason_n for_o that_o judgement_n if_o any_o one_o think_v
christianity_n yet_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v or_o these_o crafty_a common_a word_n inform_v we_o they_o have_v still_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o save_v they_o that_o be_v though_o they_o go_v wrong_v all_o their_o life_n they_o be_v still_o all_o the_o while_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o i_o suppose_v dr._n st._n mean_n that_o no_o more_o be_v necessary_a for_o any_o one_o salvation_n than_o just_a as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v understand_v in_o scripture_n which_o i_o wish_v he_o will_v once_o begin_v to_o set_v himself_o to_o prove_v &_o make_v out_o by_o some_o convince_a argument_n i_o be_o hearty_o weary_a of_o speak_v still_o to_o his_o unproved_a and_o voluntary_a assertion_n 14._o to_o suppose_v the_o book_n so_o write_v to_o be_v imperfect_a i._n e._n that_o any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v be_v not_o contain_v in_o they_o be_v either_o to_o charge_v the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o with_o fraud_n and_o not_o deliver_v his_o whole_a mind_n or_o the_o writer_n with_o insincerity_n in_o not_o set_v it_o down_o and_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n of_o the_o first_o age_n with_o folly_n in_o believe_v the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n as_o far_o as_o i_o apprehend_v the_o forego_v principle_n be_v intend_v to_o show_v that_o scripture_n be_v sufficirnt_o intelligible_a to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o under_o examination_n be_v to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o faith_n as_o he_o call_v it_o princ._n 28._o and_o all_o he_o contend_v here_o be_v that_o it_o contain_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o multiply_v dispute_n i_o grant_v those_o holy_a book_n contain_v all_o he_o pretend_v some_o way_n or_o other_o either_o implicit_o or_o explicit_o either_o in_o express_v word_n or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n but_o that_o those_o book_n contain_v or_o signify_v for_o they_o be_v the_o same_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v so_o evident_o that_o all_o person_n who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v their_o meaning_n and_o this_o for_o all_o future_a age_n may_v thence_o alone_o as_o his_o discourse_n aim_v to_o evince_v that_o be_v without_o the_o church_n interpretation_n arrive_v to_o know_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n with_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o obligation_n annex_v to_o it_o i_o absolute_o deny_v and_o if_o he_o mean_v this_o by_o the_o word_n perfection_n which_o he_o add_v to_o fullness_n i_o deny_v also_o that_o either_o the_o first_o author_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o fraud_n since_o he_o promise_v no_o such_o thing_n or_o the_o writer_n with_o insincerity_n since_o they_o be_v not_o command_v nor_o do_v intend_v thus_o to_o express_v it_o nor_o as_o far_o as_o appear_v have_v any_o order_n from_o god_n to_o set_v down_o his_o whole_a mind_n but_o only_o write_v the_o several_a piece_n of_o it_o occasional_o nor_o do_v the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n ever_o attribute_v to_o scripture_n such_o a_o intelligibleness_n as_o that_o private_a person_n shall_v ground_v their_o faith_n upon_o their_o evidence_n without_o need_v the_o church_n interpretation_n if_o we_o speak_v of_o all_o point_n necessary_a to_o mankind_n salvation_n as_o he_o seem_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v and_o here_o i_o desire_v to_o enter_v this_o declaration_n to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o i_o attribute_v not_o the_o least_o imperfection_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n every_o thing_n have_v all_o the_o perfection_n it_o ought_v to_o have_v if_o it_o can_v do_v what_o it_o be_v intend_v to_o do_v and_o in_o the_o manner_n it_o be_v intend_v treatise_n of_o deep_a philosophy_n be_v not_o imperfect_a if_o they_o be_v not_o as_o plain_a as_o plain_a narrative_n history_n no_o not_o if_o they_o be_v ita_fw-la editi_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la sint_fw-la editi_fw-la in_o case_n they_o be_v mean_v as_o a_o matter_n for_o the_o author_n to_o explain_v and_o dilate_v upon_o to_o his_o scholar_n nor_o be_v the_o law_n imperfect_a though_o they_o often_o need_v learned_a judge_n to_o interpret_v they_o nor_o be_v we_o to_o expect_v that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n shall_v be_v as_o plain_a as_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o immediate_a end_n of_o write_v each_o piece_n as_o far_o as_o appear_v to_o we_o be_v occasional_a st._n paul_n epistle_n be_v evident_o so_o nor_o can_v i_o doubt_v but_o they_o be_v perfect_a in_o their_o kind_n and_o apt_a to_o signify_v competent_o to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v what_o he_o intend_v so_o that_o if_o they_o have_v any_o far_a doubt_n they_o may_v send_v to_o ask_v he_o or_o do_v it_o viva_fw-la voce_fw-mi and_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o even_o in_o those_o day_n when_o the_o complexion_n of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n be_v fresh_a and_o near_o than_o now_o some_o unlearned_a person_n err_v damnable_o in_o mistake_v and_o misconceive_a they_o that_o be_v while_o they_o go_v about_o to_o frame_v their_o faith_n out_o of_o they_o it_o be_v questionless_a also_o they_o rely_v upon_o they_o as_o god_n word_n or_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n else_o they_o have_v not_o so_o build_v upon_o they_o or_o adhere_v to_o they_o they_o may_v sincere_o endeavour_v too_o to_o know_v their_o meaning_n yet_o if_o the_o write_n be_v disproportion_v to_o their_o pitch_n they_o may_v err_v damnable_o for_o all_o that_o what_o far_a end_n god_n intend_v the_o h._n scripture_n for_o appear_v not_o by_o any_o express_v either_o promise_n or_o declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o out_o of_o the_o knowledge_n that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o person_n divine_o inspire_v and_o the_o experience_n the_o church_n have_v of_o their_o vsefulness_n towards_o instruction_n and_o good_a life_n join_v with_o the_o common_a knowledge_n 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aught_o they_o will_v as_o god_n command_n the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o common_a reason_n oblige_v they_o be_v rather_o willing_a to_o trust_v their_o pastor_n who_o be_v better_a qualify_v for_o such_o knowledge_n and_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o to_o instruct_v they_o what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n than_o trust_v their_o own_o private_a shallow_a judgement_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o dr._n st_n discourse_v all_o along_o concern_v this_o point_n be_v a_o plain_a beg_v the_o question_n for_o if_o god_n have_v leave_v a_o church_n and_o command_v the_o faithful_a to_o hear_v it_o and_o conform_v to_o its_o faith_n and_o consequent_o to_o receive_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o point_n of_o faith_n from_o it_o than_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o scripture_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v plain_a to_o all_o capacity_n of_o itself_o nor_o of_o think_v man_n may_v sincere_o desire_v to_o know_v god_n will_n in_o scripture_n and_o use_v 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and_o unproved_a supposition_n and_o be_v the_o supposition_n grant_v and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v fallible_a still_o it_o be_v false_a that_o his_o faithful_a will_v have_v great_a assurance_n of_o their_o faith_n than_o we_o as_o have_v be_v partly_o now_o show_v and_o more_o ample_o in_o my_o reply_n to_o the_o forego_n principle_n recapitulation_n the_o sum_n then_o of_o dr._n st_n performance_n in_o these_o ten_o principle_n of_o he_o which_o most_o fundamental_o concern_v his_o faith_n and_o the_o pretend_a reduction_n of_o it_o to_o principle_n be_v brief_o this_o that_o he_o have_v not_o bring_v so_o much_o as_o one_o single_a argument_n prove_v either_o that_o scripture_n letter_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o that_o tradition_n or_o the_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o god_n church_n be_v not_o it_o and_o as_o for_o the_o particular_a maxim_n or_o say_n of_o he_o on_o which_o he_o chief_o rely_v they_o have_v be_v one_o by_o one_o disprove_v and_o the_o opposite_a 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do_v this_o or_o contrive_v such_o method_n and_o way_n as_o our_o reason_n tell_v we_o evident_o be_v proper_a mean_n to_o keep_v those_o write_n call_v the_o scripture_n from_o be_v thus_o misunderstand_a by_o several_a party_n even_o in_o fundamental_a point_n as_o we_o experience_v they_o be_v it_o follow_v hence_o most_o manifest_o that_o god_n never_o intend_v the_o way_n of_o write_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 3._o since_o several_a party_n of_o excellent_a capacity_n in_o understand_a word_n aright_o and_o both_o own_n scripture_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o apply_v themselves_o with_o great_a diligence_n to_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o do_v notwithstanding_o differ_v in_o those_o fundamental_a point_n of_o a_o trinity_n and_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o scripture_n be_v not_o able_a so_o secure_a those_o who_o rely_v on_o it_o to_o their_o power_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 4._o again_o since_o in_o passage_n that_o concern_v faith_n the_o know_v whether_o the_o word_n be_v take_v proper_o or_o improper_o be_v that_o which_o determine_v what_o be_v faith_n what_o not_o and_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o have_v from_o scripture_n it_o follow_v that_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 5._o god_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v still_o assist_v those_o who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o compass_v a_o end_n in_o case_n they_o take_v a_o way_n disproportion_v to_o attain_v that_o end_n and_o which_o way_n be_v consequent_o never_o intend_v by_o he_o for_o such_o a_o end_n for_o this_o be_v to_o engage_v himself_o to_o do_v perpetual_a miracle_n when_o ever_o any_o one_o shall_v act_v irrational_o wherefore_o unless_o it_o be_v first_o solid_o prove_v that_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o apt_a of_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o give_v those_o who_o rely_v on_o it_o inerrable_a security_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n while_o they_o thus_o rely_v on_o it_o and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v intend_v by_o god_n for_o such_o a_o end_n none_o can_v just_o lay_v claim_n to_o god_n assistance_n or_o tax_v his_o justice_n or_o veracity_n if_o they_o fall_v into_o error_n much_o less_o if_o they_o neglect_v those_o duty_n which_o nature_n make_v evident_a to_o they_o and_o common_a christianity_n teach_v viz._n to_o obey_v and_o hear_v their_o governor_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n ordain_v by_o god_n and_o rely_v on_o their_o own_o private_a wit_n or_o god_n immediate_a assistance_n to_o their_o single_a self_n rather_o than_o to_o those_o public_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n god_n have_v appoint_v to_o govern_v and_o direct_v they_o for_o this_o intolerable_a spiritual_a pride_n be_v so_o odious_a and_o pernicious_a that_o it_o most_o just_o entitle_v they_o to_o delusion_n error_n and_o heresy_n 6._o hence_o since_o god_n have_v leave_v some_o mean_n for_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o say_v that_o those_o who_o rely_v according_a to_o their_o utmost_a power_n on_o the_o mean_v leave_v and_o intend_v by_o god_n to_o lead_v man_n into_o truth_n can_v while_o they_o do_v so_o run_v into_o error_n which_o yet_o private_a understanding_n as_o be_v see_v may_v rely_v on_o the_o write_a word_n it_o follow_v 〈◊〉_d unavoidable_o that_o some_o other_o way_n be_v leave_v which_o be_v not_o write_v to_o secure_v the_o relyer_n on_o it_o from_o error_n in_o faith_n or_o to_o be_v to_o they_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 7._o scripture_n not_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v once_o settle_v and_o accept_v in_o the_o christian_a part_n of_o the_o world_n by_o mean_n of_o miracle_n there_o need_v no_o more_o but_o to_o derive_v it_o down_o to_o future_a age_n and_o this_o doctrine_n be_v practical_a and_o so_o object_v
as_o well_o as_o a_o private_a man_n to_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o mistake_v also_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o as_o much_o concern_v she_o and_o so_o the_o church_n or_o as_o he_o call_v it_o a_o society_n of_o man_n may_v also_o be_v infallible_a in_o understanding_n and_o explain_v scripture_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n we_o be_v come_v about_o again_o to_o a_o infallible_a proponent_n which_o we_o have_v so_o zealous_o labour_v to_o avoid_v in_o a_o word_n after_o he_o have_v put_v all_o mean_n leave_v by_o god_n to_o be_v certain_a of_o our_o faith_n and_o all_o the_o diligence_n and_o care_n possible_a to_o be_v use_v by_o man_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o those_o mean_n let_v he_o either_o acknowledge_v that_o any_o particular_a man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o a_o fortiori_fw-la god_n church_n or_o any_o s●ciety_n of_o man_n exact_o follow_v &_o rely_v on_o those_o mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o right_a faith_n be_v by_o so_o do_v infallible_a in_o that_o thing_n or_o in_o 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a_o very_a good_a wit_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o sole_a application_n to_o verbal_a divinity_n which_o never_o reach_v the_o ground_n or_o bottom_n of_o any_o thing_n it_o talk_v of_o be_v very_o ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o christian_a life_n and_o its_o opposite_a vice_n or_o sin_n i_o will_v take_v a_o little_a pain_n to_o inform_v he_o better_o he_o may_v please_v then_o to_o know_v that_o it_o suit_v best_o with_o god_n wisdom_n to_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o way_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n he_o carry_v on_o the_o course_n of_o his_o ordinary_a providence_n even_o in_o supernatural_n by_o mean_n of_o disposition_n the_o whole_a design_n then_o of_o his_o goodness_n be_v to_o plant_v those_o disposition_n in_o our_o soul_n by_o mean_n of_o religion_n as_o may_v make_v we_o most_o comfortable_a to_o himself_o that_o so_o ascensiones_fw-la in_o cord_n nostro_fw-la disponendo_fw-la asceendamus_fw-la de_fw-la virtute_fw-la in_o virtutem_fw-la donec_fw-la videatur_fw-la deus_fw-la deorum_fw-la in_o zion_n that_o be_v by_o order_v those_o rise_a step_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o may_v ascend_v from_o virtue_n to_o virtue_n till_o the_o god_n of_o god_n be_v see_v in_o zion_n hence_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o such_o be_v spiritual_a and_o the_o proper_a way_n for_o he_o to_o worship_n god_n be_v in_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o spiritual_a act_n or_o habit_n to_o perfect_v his_o soul_n or_o that_o part_n in_o we_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o dispose_n be_v for_o heaven_n but_o error_n be_v also_o spiritual_a and_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o perfect_v our_o soul_n therefore_o truth_n must_v go_v along_o with_o it_o and_o so_o we_o be_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n hence_o the_o first_o of_o virtue_n in_o priority_n of_o nature_n be_v true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o motive_n or_o mean_n to_o attain_v he_o and_o the_o only_a way_n for_o the_o generality_n to_o arrive_v at_o these_o be_v by_o 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also_o our_o good_a for_o so_o more_o undisturbed_a by_o passion_n or_o vexation_n from_o the_o exterior_a world_n who_o order_n we_o violate_v in_o transgress_v against_o these_o we_o be_v more_o free_a to_o practise_v those_o other_o virtue_n which_o be_v to_o elevate_v we_o towards_o heaven_n and_o fit_v we_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o out_o pitch_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o bliss_n hence_o be_v see_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o sin_n or_o vice_n for_o this_o be_v formal_o a_o defect_n be_v only_o a_o want_n of_o the_o opposite_a good_a disposition_n or_o virtue_n the_o chief_a vice_n then_o be_v hatred_n of_o god_n or_o a_o very_a slight_v and_o perfect_o deliberate_a disregard_n &_o posthabition_n of_o his_o incomparable_a self_n our_o final_a bliss_n to_o a_o creature_n next_o despair_n irreverence_n infidelity_n total_o as_o in_o heathenism_n or_o in_o some_o particular_a as_o tur●ism_n judaism_n heresy_n in_o the_o last_o place_n come_v the_o want_n of_o that_o due_a love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n for_o god_n sake_n as_o leave_v our_o will_n dispose_v as_o far_o as_o that_o motive_n carry_v we_o to_o do_v he_o any_o injury_n for_o our_o own_o temporal_a convenience_n in_o which_o consist_v the_o violation_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o second_o table_n insomuch_o as_o though_o a_o man_n commit_v not_o one_o of_o those_o act_n there_o forbid_v out_o of_o the_o motive_n of_o worldly_a honour_n civility_n fear_v or_o any_o other_o such_o like_a yet_o if_o he_o want_v that_o rightly-grounded_n interior_a love_n of_o his_o neighbour_n and_o build_v not_o his_o avoidance_n of_o harm_v he_o on_o that_o motive_n that_o be_v if_o he_o be_v dispose_v to_o commit_v they_o all_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o motive_n will_v hinder_v he_o however_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n or_o exterior_o he_o keep_v those_o commandment_n yet_o be_v he_o guilty_a of_o they_o all_o interiorly_a or_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o apply_v this_o then_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n it_o be_v see_v hence_o that_o faith_n be_v the_o basis_n of_o all_o virtuous_a life_n and_o consequent_o the_o want_n of_o it_o the_o ruin_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o all_o vice_n and_o sin_n for_o external_a act_v or_o avoid_v be_v nothing_o to_o christian_a virtue_n unless_o they_o spring_v from_o a_o christian_a motive_n and_o it_o be_v only_a faith_n which_o give_v we_o those_o motive_n and_o the_o stability_n well-groundedness_a or_o truth_n of_o faith_n which_o render_v those_o motive_n effectual_a wherefore_o unless_o the_o faithful_a be_v material_o infallible_a while_o they_o believe_v god_n have_v reveal_v such_o and_o fuch_o thing_n that_o be_v unless_o god_n do_v indeed_o reveal_v they_o and_o so_o their_o faith_n be_v real_o true_a all_o god_n worship_n and_o good_a life_n be_v ill-built_a ruinous_a and_o false_a to_o the_o ground_n and_o unless_o some_o of_o they_o or_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a to_o understand_v it_o to_o be_v true_a be_v formal_o infallible_a it_o will_v work_v less_o effectual_o in_o all_o those_o who_o shall_v re●lect_v that_o they_o see_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v false_a or_o be_v make_v so_o reflect_v by_o other_o who_o be_v enemy_n to_o faith_n nor_o can_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v defend_v or_o make_v out_o or_o be_v justifiable_o recommend_v to_o other_o as_o true_a nor_o with_o wisdom_n and_o honesty_n be_v profess_v true_a by_o those_o who_o judge_v themselves_o capable_a to_o look_v through_o its_o ground_n and_o yet_o see_v nothing_o conclusive_a of_o truth_n in_o they_o wherefore_o this_o fallible_a certainty_n of_o he_o destroy_v all_o efficacy_n all_o defence_n and_o even_a essence_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o radical_o subvert_v and_o overthrow_v all_o christian_a virtue_n and_o all_o true_a goodness_n which_o i_o attest_v
certainty_n we_o have_v of_o all_o that_o concern_v it_o aught_o by_o consequence_n be_v better_a ground_v and_o firm_a than_o any_o or_o all_o its_o superstructure_n also_o it_o be_v ill_a divinity_n to_o counterpose_v matter_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o mean_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n in_o their_o life_n since_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v the_o very_o best_a of_o those_o mean_n or_o to_o pretend_v that_o error_n in_o opinion_n i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v in_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o point_n be_v not_o more_o dangerous_a to_o man_n soul_n than_o a_o vicious_a life_n for_o this_o suppose_v faith_n no_o part_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n nor_o infide_o heresy_n judaism_n or_o turcism_n to_o be_v vice_n which_o by_o consequence_n degrade_n christian_a faith_n from_o be_v a_o virtue_n contrary_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o all_o christianity_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v hope_v from_o any_o impartial_a and_o intelligent_a reader_n who_o be_v a_o christian_n that_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v these_o posi●ions_n of_o my_o bear_n a_o clear_a evidence_n either_o in_o the●_n s●lves_n or_o in_o their_o proof_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o opposite_a one_o advance_v either_o explicitly_a or_o implicit_o by_o dr._n st._n be_v both_o obscure_a and_o which_o be_v worse_o untrue_a the_o total_a account_v of_o dr._n st_n principle_n thus_o have_v i_o speak_v distinct_o and_o full_o to_o dr._n st_n principle_n it_o be_v not_o amiss_o to_o sum_v up_o their_o merit_n in_o brief_a and_o give_v a_o short_a character_n of_o they_o that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v see_v how_o infinite_o short_a they_o fall_v of_o deserve_v so_o honourable_a a_o name_n but_o first_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n or_o two_o to_o the_o principle_n agree_v on_o by_o both_o side_n of_o which_o the_o first_o and_o three_o be_v great_a truth_n and_o the_o word_n god_n and_o obedience_n due_a to_o god_n now_o &_o then_o bare_o name_v but_o no_o kind_n of_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v from_o those_o two_o particular_a proposition_n influential_a to_o the_o end_n intend_v viz._n to_o reduce_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o protestant_n to_o principle_n whence_o though_o they_o be_v most_o certain_a truth_n yet_o as_o stand_v here_o they_o be_v no_o principle_n the_o 2d_o and_o four_o which_o concern_v god_n attribute_n be_v not_o at_o all_o use_v neither_o for_o he_o can_v use_v they_o alone_o to_o evince_v scripture_n letter_n be_v the_o rule_n unless_o he_o first_o prove_v that_o scripture_n letter_n be_v the_o fit_a for_o that_o end_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o become_v gods_n attribute_n to_o choose_v it_o which_o he_o no_o where_o do_v and_o whereas_o he_o will_v argue_v thus_o princ._n 7._o god_n have_v choose_v it_o for_o a_o rule_n therefore_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o attribute_n it_o be_v both_o frivolous_a because_o all_o be_v already_o conclude_v between_o we_o if_o he_o prove_v god_n have_v choose_v scripture_n for_o that_o end_n for_o then_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o it_o must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o attribute_n and_o also_o preposterous_a for_o he_o make_v that_o the_o conclusion_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o case_n he_o argue_v from_o god_n attribute_n the_o principle_n for_o his_o argument_n ought_v in_o that_o case_n to_o run_v thus_o god_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v choose_v that_o for_o a_o rule_n which_o be_v wise_a and_o best_a to_o be_v choose_v but_o scripture_n letter_n be_v such_o therefore_o he_o have_v choose_v it_o for_o a_o rule_n the_o four_o and_o 5_o be_v either_o never_o make_v use_n of_o by_o he_o as_o principle_n or_o else_o they_o make_v direct_o against_o himself_o for_o fallible_a certainty_n only_o which_o have_v discard_v that_o which_o be_v infallible_a he_o sustain_v can_v never_o make_v any_o one_o know_v what_o be_v god_n will_n this_o be_v a_o ill_a beginning_n and_o a_o very_a slender_a success_n hitherto_o let_v we_o see_v next_o whether_o he_o have_v better_a luck_n with_o his_o own_o principle_n the_o first_o take_v the_o word_n literal_o and_o proper_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v in_o principle_n be_v against_o himself_o for_o he_o confess_v there_o that_o such_o a_o way_n of_o revelation_n be_v in_o itself_o neccessary_a to_o our_o entire_a obedience_n to_o god_n will_n as_o may_v make_v we_o know_v what_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v but_o common_a sense_n tell_v we_o that_o fallible_a certainty_n which_o only_o have_v reject_v infallible_a certainty_n he_o can_v maintain_v be_v far_o from_o make_v we_o know_v this_o principle_n therefore_o be_v either_o against_o himself_o or_o if_o he_o mean_v to_o go_v less_o by_o the_o word_n know_v than_o what_o be_v apt_a absolute_o and_o true_o to_o ascertain_v it_o be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n for_o so_o it_o can_v only_o settle_v opinion_n and_o not_o faith_n the_o second_o be_v useless_a impertinent_a and_o in_o part_n false_a the_o three_o be_v false_a and_o impertinent_a to_o boot_v the_o four_o be_v ambiguous_a and_o take_v in_o that_o sense_n when_o distinguish_v which_o he_o seem_v to_o aim_n at_o it_o be_v absolute_o false_a the_o 5_o be_v absurd_a preposterous_a and_o against_o all_o art_n in_o put_v we_o to_o argue_v from_o what_o be_v less_o know_v to_o what_o be_v more_o know_v and_o withal_o total_o false_a the_o 6_o be_v sophistical_o ambiguous_a and_o in_o great_a part_n false_a the_o seven_o build_v on_o a_o groundless_a pretence_n and_o contain_v a_o notorious_a 〈…〉_z the_o 8_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n or_o sin●●_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o process_n of_o his_o discourse_n he_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n certain_o and_o know_v only_a fallible_a certainty_n which_o be_v none_o at_o all_o he_o can_v possible_o advance_v by_o such_o a_o discourse_n towards_o the_o settle_v we_o a_o certain_a rule_n of_o faith_n beside_o he_o either_o suppose_v scripture_n as_o it_o now_o stand_v sufficient_a which_o be_v to_o beg_v the_o question_n or_o else_o he_o confound_v god_n ordinary_a power_n work_v with_o the_o cause_n now_o on_o foot_n in_o the_o world_n which_o only_o concern_v the_o present_a point_n with_o his_o extraordinary_n or_o what_o he_o can_v possible_o effect_v by_o his_o divine_a omnipitence_n the_o 9th_o only_o enumerate_v the_o several_a way_n how_o god_n may_v be_v conceive_v to_o make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o in_o do_v so_o either_o mince_v or_o else_o quite_o leave_v out_o the_o tradition_n of_o god_n church_n as_o if_o it_o be_v vnconceivable_a god_n shall_v speak_v to_o man_n by_o their_o lawful_a pastor_n in_o the_o church_n whereas_o yet_o himself_o must_v confess_v that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n faith_n either_o be_v signify_v and_o certify_v by_o that_o or_o no_o way_n the_o 10_o go_v upon_o a_o false_a supposition_n and_o include_v two_o fallace_n call_v by_o logician_n non_fw-la causa_fw-la pro_fw-la causa_fw-la or_o assign_v a_o wrong_a cause_n and_o omit_v the_o true_a one_o also_o it_o be_v in_o part_n false_a in_o say_v word_n be_v equal_o oapable_a of_o be_v understand_v speak_v or_o write_v and_o last_o it_o confound_v again_o god_n ordinary_a power_n with_o his_o extraordinary_a the_o 11_o make_v account_n there_o be_v no_o benefit_n of_o divine_a write_n but_o in_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v against_o common_a sense_n and_o daily_a experience_n the_o 12_o come_v home_n to_o the_o point_n but_o it_o be_v perfect_o groundless_a unproved_a false_a and_o as_o full_a of_o absurdity_n of_o several_a sort_n as_o it_o can_v well_o ●old_a the_o 13_o begin_v with_o a_o false_a position_n proceed_v with_o a_o false_a and_o unproved_a supposition_n and_o endeavour_n to_o induce_v a_o most_o extravagant_a conclusion_n only_o from_o premise_n grant_v kind_o by_o himself_o to_o himself_o without_o the_o least_o proof_n the_o 14tb_n contain_v three_o false_a and_o unproved_a supposition_n viz._n that_o god_n promise_v his_o church_n to_o deliver_v his_o whole_a will_n in_o write_n or_o that_o the_o writer_n of_o scripture_n have_v any_o order_n from_o god_n to_o write_v his_o whole_a will_n explicit_o or_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n believe_v it_o to_o have_v such_o a_o perfection_n as_o to_o signify_v without_o need_v the_o church_n all_o save_a truth_n to_o every_o sincere_a reader_n with_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o faith_n the_o 15_o begin_v again_o with_o a_o false_a and_o unproved_a supposition_n and_o draw_v thence_o a_o consequence_n not_o contain_v in_o the_o proof_n and_o in_o part_n against_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o own_o tenet_n and_o last_o bring_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o a_o instance_n which_o make_v against_o himself_o the_o 16_o putt_n upon_o catholic_n a_o tenet_n they_o never_o hold_v and_o be_v whole_o false_a irrational_a and_o absurd_a assume_v
that_o those_o thing_n he_o brag_v of_o and_o rely_v on_o as_o principle_n be_v in_o reality_n but_o so_o many_o paradox_n or_o impertinence_n i_o hope_v we_o may_v s●●cease_v our_o fear_n and_o turn_v they_o into_o a_o more_o pleasant_a humour_n though_o the_o prognostic_n be_v very_o obvious_a what_o he_o can_v do_v in_o this_o case_n yet_o who_o know_v but_o for_o once_o he_o may_v work_v a_o impossibility_n who_o as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n have_v tell_v we_o so_o many_o contradiction_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n if_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o attempt_v any_o reply_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o former_a discourse_n what_o he_o be_v to_o do_v unless_o he_o will_v strange_o prevaricate_v from_o his_o duty_n viz._n either_o to_o disallow_v my_o settle_v here_o the_o nature_n of_o principle_n and_o state_n they_o better_o that_o be_v either_o to_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v to_o have_v any_o evidence_n or_o influence_n at_o all_o or_o else_o if_o he_o allow_v it_o to_o make_v out_o that_o his_o pretend_a principle_n have_v those_o qualification_n which_o be_v best_a do_v by_o resolve_v they_o into_o first_o principle_n and_o connect_v they_o distinct_o with_o their_o respective_a consequence_n and_o let_v he_o remember_v that_o till_o he_o do_v this_o he_o neither_o defend_v himself_o against_o my_o present_a answer_n nor_o give_v a_o home_n reply_v to_o protestancy_n without_o principle_n whatever_o gay_a thing_n or_o thing_n he_o say_v to_o particular_a passage_n in_o it_o since_o himself_o acknowledge_v these_o principle_n of_o his_o be_v intend_v a_o answer_n to_o that_o book_n and_o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o both_o treatise_n they_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o proper_a return_n to_o it_o i_o have_v no_o occasion_n nor_o be_v it_o my_o intent_n here_o to_o write_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o any_o of_o her_o legitimate_a son_n rather_o i_o must_v declare_v that_o in_o case_n they_o all_o hold_v as_o m._n thorndike_n a_o man_n of_o eminent_a learning_n &_o esteem_n among_o they_o declare_v himself_o to_o do_v just_a weight_n p._n 159._o that_o the_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o the_o perpetual_a practice_n of_o god_n church_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n which_o imply_v that_o practical_a tradition_n be_v that_o which_o give_v they_o christ_n sense_n or_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v their_o rule_n i_o must_v hearty_o applaud_v their_o join_n with_o catholic_n in_o the_o main_a point_n of_o all_o and_o which_o settle_a be_v apt_a to_o unite_v we_o in_o all_o the_o rest_n what_o i_o impugn_v then_o here_o be_v a_o pestilent_a tenet_n destructive_a to_o all_o episcopacy_n and_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o church_n make_v church-governor_n useless_a in_o their_o main_a duty_n of_o teach_v faith_n to_o their_o flock_n and_o lame_a in_o that_o of_o government_n for_o if_o every_o private_a man_n be_v to_o rely_v on_o his_o own_o interpretation_n he_o ought_v neither_o believe_v nor_o obey_v the_o church_n when_o the_o contrary_a seem_v to_o his_o fancy_n to_o be_v ground_v in_o scripture_n and_o if_o that_o man_n do_v but_o allege_v he_o judge_n in_o clear_a in_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o church_n be_v corrupt_a and_o err_v i_o see_v not_o with_o what_o justice_n according_a to_o these_o principle_n the_o church_n can_v either_o excommunicate_v he_o or_o bind_v he_o to_o his_o duty_n i_o expect_v dr._n st._n will_v object_v that_o i_o deny_v divers_a of_o his_o principle_n which_o some_o of_o we_o have_v grant_v for_o his_o friend_n dr._n t._n and_o he_o abound_v in_o such_o sleight_n topic_n to_o which_o though_o i_o can_v answer_v that_o unusquisque_fw-la in_o sensu_fw-la svo_fw-la abundat_fw-la in_o production_n of_o human_a reason_n yet_o i_o need_v only_o allege_v dr._n st_n ambi-dextrous_a and_o ambiguous_a way_n of_o contrive_v his_o principle_n to_o look_v so_o with_o different_a face_n that_o even_o the_o same_o man_n may_v sometime_o apprehend_v they_o to_o mean_v thus_o sometime_o otherwise_o beside_o all_o his_o confuter_n aim_n n●t_v at_o one_o end_v mr._n e._n w._n intend_v only_o to_o show_v they_o conclude_v not_o the_o point_n they_o pretend_v and_o which_o be_v superscribe_v to_o they_o mr._n n._n o._n to_o show_v their_o destructiveness_n to_o government_n while_o i_o take_v for_o my_o task_n to_o discover_v their_o oppositness_n to_o all_o logic_n true_a learning_n and_o common_a rationality_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o he_o of_o what_o be_v pretend_v neither_o principle_n consequence_n connexion_n conclusion_n reduction_n influence_n nor_o end_n nor_o must_v he_o think_v that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v grant_v by_o any_o for_o dispute_v s●ke_a be_v allow_v for_o good_a by_o the_o respondent_fw-la it_o be_v frequent_a to_o express_v we_o grant_v thing_n which_o we_o only_o pass_v as_o nothing_o to_o the_o main_a point_n which_o be_v to_o be_v conclude_v nor_o can_v dr._n st._n pretend_v with_o any_o reason_n that_o other_o have_v yield_v they_o to_o be_v principle_n whereas_o i_o deny_v it_o the_o author_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n p._n 650._o have_v pithy_o declare_v his_o 〈◊〉_d of_o they_o and_o their_o true_a merit_n in_o 〈◊〉_d word_n whether_o the_o forementioned_a principle_n be_v true_a false_a controvert_v or_o obscure_a no_o verity_n peculiar_a to_o 〈…〉_z be_v deduce_v from_o they_o which_o express_v their_o want_n of_o clear_a evidence_n and_o so_o quite_o degrade_v they_o from_o the_o dignity_n of_o principle_n if_o any_o think_v the_o title_n prefix_v to_o this_o book_n forestal_n immodest_o the_o reader_n judgement_n my_o reply_n usu_v be_v that_o i_o hope_v for_o reader_n of_o more_o prudence_n then_o to_o receive_v prejudice_n from_o so_o easy_a a_o occasion_n a_o counterfeit_n modesty_n spring_v from_o sceptical_a despair_n or_o disregard_n of_o truth_n will_v natural_o dislike_v such_o expression_n but_o those_o who_o hearty_o hold_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o truth_n and_o entire_o love_v it_o will_v esteem_v the_o open_a avow_v her_o complete_a victoriousness_n both_o fit_v and_o necessary_a and_o that_o she_o conquer_v at_o present_a i_o have_v all_o the_o best_a maxim_n of_o rational_a nature_n engage_v for_o my_o security_n index_n absolute_a certainty_n of_o faith_n assert_v p._n 21._o 22._o 50._o 51._o attribute_n of_o god_n not_o engage_v to_o preserve_v private_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n from_o damnable_a error_n p._n 81._o to_o 85._o not_o to_o be_v argue_v from_o alone_a p._n 32._o 33._o much_o less_o from_o power_n alone_o p._n 33._o 34._o certainty_n how_o abusive_o take_v p._n 164._o 165._o 166._o 168._o 173._o 174._o 179._o 180._o true_a certainty_n assert_v and_o from_o its_o deep_a ground_n explain_v p._n 167._o 168._o moral_a certainty_n in_o faith_n discuss_v p._n 176._o 177._o 178._o a_o christian_a life_n spiritual_a p._n 8._o 9_o 54._o 55._o 191._o to_o 195._o the_o church_n turn_v with_o the_o heel_n upward_o by_o dr._n st._n p._n 96._o 97._o his_o six_o conclusion_n examine_v p._n 211._o the_o nature_n of_o conclusion_n lay_v open_a p._n 222._o faith_n in_o catholic_n rational_a p._n 29._o infallibility_n requisite_a to_o faith_n p._n 92._o to_o 96._o 104._o 158._o 159._o 162._o how_o find_v in_o the_o vulgar_a how_o in_o other_o p._n 133._o to_o 157._o mankind_n how_o infallible_a and_o in_o what_o p._n 186._o to_o 189._o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n p._n 232._o 233._o 234._o principle_n agree_v to_o by_o both_o side_n examine_v p._n 7._o 8._o etc._n etc._n show_v to_o be_v twofold_a p._n 12._o principle_n not_o agree_v to_o examine_v the_o one_a p._n 20._o the_o 2d_o p._n 22._o the_o 3d._n p._n 23._o the_o four_o p._n 24._o the_o 5_o p._n 26._o the_o 6_o p._n 30._o the_o seven_o p._n 31._o the_o 8_o p._n 35._o the_o 9th_o p._n 38._o the_o 10_o p._n 53._o the_o 11_o p._n 72._o the_o 12_o p._n 73._o the_o 13_o p._n 81._o the_o 14_o p._n 85._o the_o 15_o p._n 90._o the_o 16_o p._n 96._o the_o 17_o p._n 104._o the_o 18_o p._n 106._o the_o 19_o p._n 114._o the_o 20_o p._n 128._o the_o 21th_o 22th_o 23th_o p._n 130._o the_o 24_o p._n 159._o the_o 25_o p._n 163._o the_o 26_o p._n 171._o the_o 27_o p._n 173._o the_o 28_o p._n 179._o the_o 29_o p._n 181._o the_o 30_o p._n 185._o rule_n of_o faith_n distinct_o clear_v p_o 44._o 45._o 49._o 54._o 55._o etc._n etc._n unanimous_o hold_v by_o catholic_n p._n 45._o 46._o how_o hold_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n p._n 47._o 48._o scripture_n not_o the_o rule_n p._n 60._o to_o 69._o p._n 79._o 80._o how_o perfect_a p._n 86._o 87._o etc._n etc._n 109._o to_o 113._o sophistry_n in_o dr._n st._n lay_v open_a p._n 25._o 26._o 27._o 28._o 30._o 31._o 74._o 75._o 131._o 132._o 161._o 164._o 165._o ignorance_n in_o
he_o can_v go_v to_o work_v more_o logical_o and_o exact_o in_o find_v out_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o notion_n of_o a_o rule_n and_o show_v i_o i_o take_v it_o improper_o i_o shall_v hearty_o thank_v he_o and_o acknowledge_v my_o mistake_n but_o i_o never_o yet_o discern_v any_o such_o attempt_n nor_o do_v i_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o fear_v any_o such_o performance_n and_o i_o much_o doubt_n shall_v any_o catholic_n divine_v out_o of_o a_o charitable_a intention_n of_o union_n which_o i_o shall_v ever_o commend_v and_o hearty_o approve_v trust_v to_o the_o equivocalness_n of_o the_o word_n say_v scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n or_o a_o rule_n i_o much_o doubt_v i_o say_v that_o when_o the_o thing_n come_v to_o be_v examine_v to_o the_o bottom_n it_o will_v scarce_o tend_v to_o any_o solid_a good_a for_o however_o word_n may_v bend_v yet_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o catholic_n faith_n be_v inflexible_a and_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n lest_o while_o we_o yield_v they_o the_o word_n 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to_o be_v ascertain_v that_o he_o who_o be_v real_o god_n infinite_a in_o all_o his_o attribute_n and_o infinite_o happy_a in_o himself_o shall_v pure_o out_o of_o his_o overflow_a goodness_n towards_o miserable_a mankind_n take_v his_o nature_n upon_o he_o become_v his_o brother_n friend_n physician_n master_n nay_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n many_o hardship_n during_o his_o life_n and_o at_o length_n buffet_n scourge_v crown_v with_o thorn_n and_o a_o most_o cruel_a death_n on_o the_o cross_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o remembrance_n of_o these_o many_o benefit_n warm_a in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v we_o after_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n his_o most_o precious_a body_n and_o blood_n in_o a_o sacrament_n institute_v for_o that_o end_n by_o this_o mean_v not_o only_o revive_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o former_a incomparable_a love-motive_n but_o also_o add_v new_a incitement_n to_o that_o best_a of_o virtue_n by_o our_o apprehend_n lively_o that_o he_o so_o dear_o embreast_n and_o embosom_v 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a_o large_a prophecy_n foretell_v that_o in_o such_o a_o time_n 〈◊〉_d place_n such_o and_o such_o a_o heretic_n shall_v arise_v pervert_v such_o and_o such_o a_o point_n and_o forewarn_v man_n of_o his_o sophism_n and_o error_n this_o and_o much_o more_o may_v have_v be_v effect_v by_o god_n power_n to_o establish_v write_v such_o a_o absolute_o certain_a and_o intelligible_a way_n which_o why_o his_o wisdom_n shall_v not_o have_v do_v in_o case_n faith_n be_v a_o assent_n which_o while_o it_o rely_v on_o the_o ground_n god_n have_v leave_v for_o mankind_n can_v be_v a_o error_n as_o it_o may_v be_v if_o none_o can_v be_v absolute_o certain_a both_o of_o the_o text_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n i_o will_v glad_o be_v inform_v especial_o since_o dr._n st._n tell_v we_o here_o princ._n 15._o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o infallible_a society_n of_o man_n either_o to_o attest_v or_o explain_v they_o and_o all_o that_o be_v fallible_a as_o common_a sense_n tell_v we_o fall_v short_a 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many_o other_o give_v live_v voice_n a_o incomparable_a advantage_n over_o dead_a character_n in_o point_n of_o intelligibleness_n and_o expressiveness_n and_o though_o dr._n st._n may_v contend_v that_o whatever_o advantage_n in_o signify_v that_o have_v over_o this_o may_v possible_o be_v put_v in_o writing_n and_o express_v by_o mean_n of_o many_o large_a explication_n write_v by_o the_o person_n himself_o that_o be_v to_o deliver_v his_o mind_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o show_v that_o those_o multitude_n of_o word_n in_o those_o very_a explication_n have_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o significativeness_n and_o intelligibility_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v speak_v viuâ_fw-la voce_fw-mi by_o their_o author_n since_o they_o will_v still_o want_v all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o advantage_n now_o speak_v of_o which_o manifest_o determine_v the_o signification_n of_o word_n to_o omit_v that_o all_o this_o will_v little_o make_v for_o his_o purpose_n when_o he_o come_v to_o apply_v it_o since_o 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and_o yet_o we_o need_v not_o be_v bind_v to_o hold_v they_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n though_o we_o have_v not_o equal_a evidence_n of_o their_o defect_n as_o we_o have_v that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n since_o to_o be_v write_v by_o man_n divinely-inspired_a to_o be_v divine_a infallible_a and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n signify_v no_o more_o but_o that_o they_o be_v perfect_o holy_a and_o true_a in_o themselves_o and_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n in_o some_o way_n or_o other_o and_o this_o be_v the_o far_a these_o word_n will_v carry_v but_o that_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o of_o sufficient_a clearness_n to_o give_v sincerely-endeavouring_a person_n such_o security_n of_o their_o faith_n while_o they_o rely_v on_o they_o as_o can_v consist_v with_o error_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n these_o word_n signify_v not_o they_o may_v be_v most_o holy_a they_o may_v be_v most_o true_a in_o themselves_o they_o may_v be_v exceed_o useful_a or_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v endow_v with_o this_o property_n which_o yet_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v have_v and_o whereas_o he_o say_v they_o be_v for_o these_o reason_n to_o be_v own_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v we_o be_v for_o these_o reason_n to_o judge_v and_o profess_v they_o such_o unless_o it_o appear_v with_o a_o equal_a evidence_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o be_v defective_a sure_o he_o never_o understand_v what_o judge_v and_o profess_v be_v build_v on_o who_o can_v make_v such_o a_o discourse_n our_o assent_n or_o judgement_n be_v build_v on_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n which_o conclude_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v as_o we_o judge_v and_o not_o on_o our_o see_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a for_o in_o case_n the_o reason_n produce_v conclude_v not_o the_o thing_n to_o
enough_o and_o apply_v that_o capacity_n to_o their_o power_n by_o as_o great_a a_o diligence_n as_o any_o nor_o can_v he_o in_o charity_n deny_v but_o they_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o in_o such_o point_n therefore_o he_o can_v deny_v but_o the_o person_n attend_v to_o the_o rule_n be_v faultless_a either_o in_o understand_v scripture_n in_o these_o point_n if_o it_o be_v to_o private_a understanding_n clear_o intelligible_a or_o will_v to_o understand_v it_o if_o they_o can_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v incredible_a they_o shall_v not_o will_n or_o desire_v this_o since_o they_o use_v such_o exact_a diligence_n in_o it_o and_o solemn_o profess_v to_o rely_v on_o the_o letter_n alone_o or_o that_o do_v they_o indeed_o sleight_v the_o letter_n or_o purposely_o decline_v rely_v on_o it_o their_o bias_n shall_v not_o manifest_o appear_v in_o so_o long_a time_n and_o they_o be_v brand_v for_o evident_a insincerity_n he_o can_v deny_v then_o but_o the_o person_n be_v faultless_a as_o to_o their_o capacity_n and_o will_n to_o understand_v the_o rule_n therefore_o unless_o he_o will_v renounce_v his_o reason_n he_o can_v deny_v but_o the_o fault_n must_v be_v in_o the_o same_o person_n judge_v that_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n which_o be_v not_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o alone_o and_o of_o itself_o clear_a and_o intelligible_a enough_o to_o preserve_v private_a man_n both_o capable_a and_o diligent_a and_o rely_v sole_o on_o it_o from_o possibility_n of_o error_n no_o not_o from_o actual_o err_v in_o most_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n nor_o consequent_o have_v it_o in_o it_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o since_o god_n never_o intend_v any_o thing_n shall_v do_v what_o its_o nature_n reach_v not_o to_o do_v that_o be_v shall_v do_v what_o it_o can_v do_v it_o be_v manifest_a scripture_n letter_n be_v never_o intend_v by_o god_n for_o that_o end_n or_o to_o be_v such_o a_o rule_n 13._o although_o we_o can_v argue_v against_o any_o particular_a way_n of_o revelation_n from_o the_o necessary_a attribute_n of_o god_n yet_o such_o away_o as_o writing_n be_v make_v choce_fw-mi of_o by_o he_o we_o may_v just_o say_v that_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o design_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n ●f_n god_n to_o give_v infallible_a assurance_n to_o person_n in_o write_v his_o will_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n if_o those_o write_n may_v not_o be_v understand_v by_o all_o person_n who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n it_o be_v not_o yet_o prove_v nor_o ever_o will_v that_o god_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o the_o way_n of_o write_v for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o design_v it_o for_o that_o end_n nor_o that_o the_o benefit_n he_o mean_v mankind_n by_o such_o write_n be_v to_o ground_n their_o faith_n on_o what_o appear_v to_o their_o private_a judgement_n to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o letter_n therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o all_o person_n shall_v hap_v to_o misunderstand_v it_o even_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n notwithstanding_o their_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o since_o god_n have_v never_o promise_v that_o any_o who_o take_v a_o way_n never_o intend_v by_o he_o for_o such_o a_o end_n shall_v infallible_o arrive_v at_o that_o end_n by_o such_o a_o way_n nor_o be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o godness_n of_o god_n at_o all_o concern_v in_o preserve_v any_o from_o error_n if_o they_o take_v such_o a_o way_n especial_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o these_o follow_a consideration_n first_o that_o god_n have_v no_o where_o engage_v his_o word_n to_o secure_v every_o single_a or_o private_a man_n from_o error_n who_o shall_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o find_v his_o faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n in_o case_n he_o rely_v on_o his_o own_o private_a judgement_n &_o neglect_n to_o hear_v his_o pastor_n whence_o if_o such_o private_a person_n rely_v on_o god_n promise_a assistance_n to_o such_o a_o end_n they_o rely_v on_o what_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v and_o so_o no_o wonder_n their_o hope_n fail_v they_o if_o those_o hope_n be_v groundless_a second_o they_o can_v but_o know_v if_o but_o mean_o verse_v in_o the_o world_n that_o whole_a body_n of_o man_n and_o among_o they_o divers_a of_o great_a learning_n interpret_v scripture_n several_a way_n in_o very_o concern_v point_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o favour_v of_o a_o proud_a self-conceit_n in_o any_o person_n to_o think_v god_n regard_v his_o single_a self_n more_o than_o he_o do_v whole_a body_n and_o great_a multitude_n again_o it_o can_v without_o a_o strange_a unreasonableness_n &_o uncharitableness_n be_v imagine_v or_o judge_v that_o not_o one_o person_n of_o those_o many_o who_o adhere_v to_o the_o opposite_a tenet_n as_o clear_v to_o they_o in_o scripture_n according_a to_o their_o best_a judgement_n do_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o sacred_a book_n and_o if_o they_o do_v then_o common_a sense_n tell_v this_o private_a person_n that_o the_o whole_a foundation_n on_o which_o his_o hope_n be_v build_v be_v unsound_a and_o that_o more_o be_v requisite_a than_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n and_o a_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o understand_v it_o and_o that_o if_o these_o suffice_v to_o direct_v he_o right_o they_o ought_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v another_o and_o so_o he_o ought_v to_o doubt_v whether_o himself_o or_o those_o other_o proceed_v on_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o have_v the_o same_o mean_n be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o be_v he_o ought_v to_o doubt_v of_o his_o faith_n no_o better_o ground_v last_o this_o private_a man_n belong_v to_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o have_v pastor_n and_o governor_n set_v over_o he_o to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v he_o and_o those_o too_o as_o we_o will_v suppose_v read_v and_o rely_v on_o the_o scripture_n also_o he_o must_v judge_v this_o church_n sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n for_o this_o be_v the_o requisite_a condition_n to_o find_v right_a faith_n without_o this_o his_o church_n have_v no_o right_a faith_n and_o so_o be_v no_o church_n now_o for_o a_o private_a man_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o such_o a_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o that_o church_n not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o church_n and_o his_o lawful_a pastor_n as_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o his_o faith_n even_o though_o they_o be_v sincere_a endeavour_n as_o well_o as_o he_o but_o to_o adhere_v to_o that_o for_o his_o faith_n which_o appear_v to_o his_o private_a self_n to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n though_o he_o contradict_v and_o defy_v all_o the_o church_n he_o his_o a_o member_n of_o in_o so_o do_v which_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v if_o he_o proceed_v on_o this_o principle_n that_o scripture_n may_v be_v understand_v by_o all_o person_n who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o his_o salvatiou_n for_o he_o ought_v not_o for_o any_o man_n sake_n relinquish_v his_o faith_n or_o its_o rule_n i_o say_v to_o behave_v himself_o thus_o as_o in_o that_o supposition_n he_o ought_v be_v such_o a_o intolerable_a ma_fw-fr apart_a presumption_n so_o senseless_a and_o unnatural_a and_o self-condemning_a a_o rebellion_n and_o such_o a_o fanatic_a spiritual_a pride_n as_o i_o much_o doubt_n will_v give_v a_o man_n but_o small_a title_n to_o hope_v for_o especial_a assistance_n from_o god_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n at_o present_a i_o only_a remark_n the_o fault_n of_o this_o principle_n which_o be_v these_o first_o that_o it_o suppose_v god_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o or_o design_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v this_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o private_a person_n next_o that_o god_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n be_v engage_v that_o it_o be_v thus_o intelligible_a to_o every_o sincere_a eadeavourer_n neither_o of_o which_o be_v in_o the_o least_o prove_v or_o provable_a last_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o close_a instead_o of_o make_v it_o so_o intelligible_a as_o that_o all_o sincere_a endeavour_n may_v thereby_o be_v absolute_o secure_v from_o err_v as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n see_v very_o well_o these_o slight_a ground_n be_v not_o able_a to_o carry_v so_o far_o he_o substitute_n in_o their_o room_n these_o waty_a word_n in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n so_o that_o though_o they_o err_v in_o all_o the_o main_a point_n of_o
act_v as_o they_o adjudge_v have_v both_o lead_v they_o into_o actual_a error_n and_o punish_v they_o thus_o grievous_o in_o that_o case_n for_o adhere_v to_o truth_n which_o be_v too_o horrid_a blasphemy_n to_o be_v hear_v or_o imagine_v but_o if_o they_o mean_v only_o for_o some_o time_n of_o that_o law_n or_o some_o age_n immediate_o before_o christ_n when_o the_o synagogue_n be_v most_o corrupt_a this_o imply_v a_o confession_n that_o such_o a_o society_n be_v necessary_a in_o the_o age_n forego_v and_o then_o dr._n st._n be_v to_o show_v we_o why_o it_o be_v not_o equal_o necessary_a in_o the_o late_a as_o in_o the_o former_a and_o not_o suppose_v it_o gratis_o nor_o be_v the_o synagogue_n ever_o more_o corrupt_a than_o in_o our_o saviour_n day_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v how_o severe_o he_o enjoin_v the_o jew_n of_o that_o time_n to_o obey_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n because_o they_o sit_v in_o moses_n his_o chair_n which_o it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o say_v christ_n can_v do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o secure_v their_o doctrine_n from_o be_v erroneous_a that_o be_v preserve_v they_o inerrable_a in_o that_o affair_n add_v that_o be_v all_o grant_v yet_o there_o be_v far_o more_o necessity_n of_o explain_v the_o scripture_n now_o than_o at_o that_o time_n for_o the_o law_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o of_o it_o either_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v do_v or_o moral_a duty_n and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o nature_n whence_o both_o of_o these_o be_v far_o more_o easy_o expressible_a in_o proper_a language_n and_o consequent_o intelligible_a than_o the_o sublime_a spiritual_a and_o mysterious_a tenet_n of_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v more_o hard_a to_o be_v express_v in_o per_fw-la word_n and_o be_v more_o remove_v from_o our_o knowledge_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v more_o hard_a to_o be_v penetrate_v and_o so_o those_o word_n more_o difficult_a to_o be_v right_o comprehend_v and_o understand_v without_o a_o interpreter_n than_o be_v those_o other_o 16._o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o intolerable_a usurpation_n upon_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n than_o for_o any_o person_n or_o society_n of_o man_n to_o pretend_v to_o a_o assistance_n as_o infallible_a in_o what_o they_o propose_v as_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n without_o give_v a_o equal_a degree_n of_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v so_o assist_v as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v viz._n by_o miracle_n as_o great_a public_a and_o convince_a as_o they_o be_v by_o which_o i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v wrought_v by_o those_o very_a person_n who_o challenge_v this_o infallibility_n and_o with_o a_o design_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o thus_o the_o dr._n make_v sure_a work_n against_o the_o infallibility_n of_o any_o church_n which_o overthrow_v his_o single_a self_n nay_o any_o private_a man_n or_o woman_n that_o have_v but_o self-conceit_n and_o confidence_n enough_o to_o proceed_v open_o upon_o these_o principle_n of_o he_o be_v upon_o even_a ground_n with_o the_o best_a nay_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o the_o main_a point_n of_o understanding_n and_o determine_v what_o be_v faith_n what_o not_o nay_o more_o may_v defy_v all_o the_o governor_n of_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n if_o he_o or_o she_o be_v but_o conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o they_o sincere_o endeavour_v and_o sober_o inquire_v for_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o divine_a write_n for_o these_o be_v their_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v assu●ed_v by_o dr._n st._n that_o they_o can_v miss_v if_o they_o sober_o inquire_v of_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o salvation_n and_o be_v inform_v by_o common_a reason_n that_o it_o be_v a_o point_n very_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o christian_a or_o one_o who_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o adore_v christ_n to_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v god_n and_o so_o may_v without_o fear_n of_o idolatry_n have_v divine_a honour_n give_v he_o or_o no_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o in_o case_n it_o shall_v seem_v to_o the_o best_a judgement_n of_o such_o a_o man_n and_o let_v he_o be_v for_o example_n one_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o new_o turn_v socinian_n that_o christ_n be_v not_o god_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o relinquish_v his_o rule_n of_o faith_n at_o any_o rate_n nor_o what_o he_o judge_v the_o scripture_n sense_n of_o it_o this_o be_v his_o faith_n but_o maintain_v it_o bold_o against_o all_o his_o pastor_n talk_v and_o quote_v scripture_n as_o brisk_o as_o the_o best_a of_o they_o all_o desy_v they_o to_o their_o face_n nay_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o his_o interpretation_n of_o it_o and_o be_v a_o special_a martyr_n though_o he_o take_v his_o death_n upon_o it_o that_o all_o his_o lawful_a pastor_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o member_n be_v most_o hainons_a idolater_n for_o give_v the_o worship_n proper_a to_o god_n to_o a_o man_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o oblige_v he_o to_o believe_v her_o interpretation_n of_o scriptu●e_n alas_o all_o such_o power_n be_v quite_o take_v out_o of_o her_o hand_n by_o these_o new_a principle_n not_o to_o act_v exterior_o as_o she_o do_v for_o that_o be_v to_o oblige_v he_o to_o deny_v his_o faith_n in_o his_o action_n and_o carriage_n and_o this_o in_o so_o heinous_a a_o point_n as_o commit_v flat_a idolatry_n and_o which_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n tell_v he_o be_v such_o nor_o to_o acquiesce_v so_o far_o as_o to_o hold_v his_o tongue_n and_o not_o contradict_v the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v both_o ingratitude_n to_o god_n who_o have_v so_o plain_o reveal_v it_o to_o he_o in_o scripture_n not_o to_o stand_v up_o for_o his_o honour_n so_o wicked_o violate_v by_o the_o church_n and_o withal_o most_o uncharitable_a to_o his_o neighbour_n not_o to_o communicate_v to_o he_o the_o light_n he_o have_v receive_v by_o such_o plain_a revelation_n from_o god_n word_n and_o to_o endeavour_v his_o reducement_n from_o so_o grievous_a a_o idolatry_n especial_o if_o this_o man_n be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o office_n and_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o hold_v forth_o or_o preach_v what_o he_o judge_v god_n word_n nay_o though_o it_o be_v a_o layman_n or_o a_o lay-woman_n all_o be_v a_o case_n why_o may_v they_o not_o with_o as_o much_o reason_n make_v know_v so_o concern_v a_o truth_n plain_o reveal_v to_o they_o as_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n do_v of_o old_a as_o for_o all_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o restrain_v they_o that_o be_v quite_o throw_v out_o of_o door_n humane_a command_n can_v have_v no_o force_n when_o the_o best_a duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n be_v neglect_v by_o obey_v and_o the_o more_o the_o church_n be_v obstinate_a and_o oppose_v this_o private_a man_n or_o woman_n by_o so_o much_o great_a be_v the_o necessity_n of_o his_o or_o she_o inform_v the_o church_n right_a and_o stand_v up_o for_o the_o truth_n hereafter_o more_o of_o this_o at_o present_a let_v we_o see_v how_o he_o destroy_v infallibility_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o chief_a design_n and_o indeed_o it_o make_v very_o much_o for_o his_o purpose_n for_o i_o so_o far_o concur_v with_o he_o that_o if_o it_o be_v but_o fallible_a in_o attest_v or_o explain_v scripture_n it_o be_v little_a available_a to_o the_o ground_v christian_a faith_n so_o that_o if_o infallibility_n be_v but_o overthrow_v and_o these_o principle_n settle_v in_o its_o stead_n every_o private_a man_n be_v a_o church_n which_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n love_v liberty_n will_v no_o doubt_v be_v very_o take_v and_o please_v the_o rabble_n exceed_o he_o be_v so_o earnest_a at_o his_o work_n that_o he_o stumble_v for_o haste_n for_o first_o who_o do_v ever_o pretend_v to_o a_o infallibility_n equal_a to_o what_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n as_o his_o word_n import_v christ_n be_v essential_o infallible_a the_o apostle_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n from_o god_n the_o church_n pretend_v indeed_o to_o be_v infallible_o assist_v but_o that_o she_o pretend_v to_o have_v it_o either_o essential_o as_o god_n have_v it_o or_o by_o way_n of_o immediate_a inspiration_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n i_o never_o yet_o learn_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o justify_v her_o constant_a claim_n of_o infallible_a assistance_n that_o she_o have_v it_o mediate_o or_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o natural_a and_o supernatural_a cause_n so_o she_o but_o have_v it_o and_o to_o have_v it_o this_o way_n seem_v far_o more_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n than_o the_o other_o of_o immediate_a inspiration_n as_o to_o have_v by_o way_n of_o immediate_a inspiration_n be_v far_o more_o fit_v for_o the_o apostle_n for_o
position_n abate_v the_o degree_n of_o it_o for_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v equal_o or_o more_o absurd_a not_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o infallibility_a of_o a_o great_a body_n of_o man_n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v pretend_v whatever_o reason_n or_o tradition_n appear_v for_o it_o without_o a_o evident_a miracle_n the_o second_o part_n be_v likewise_o grant_v in_o case_n it_o suppose_v as_o it_o seem_v to_o do_v the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o infallibility_n derive_v only_o from_o those_o very_a book_n which_o they_o recommend_v and_o in_o passage_n which_o they_o be_v to_o explicate_v ere_o they_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o such_o a_o infallibility_n otherwise_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o book_n obscure_a in_o multitude_n of_o other_o passage_n may_v be_v clear_a in_o that_o one_o which_o relate_v they_o to_o the_o church_n or_o that_o body_n which_o they_o be_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v as_o to_o the_o proper_a interpreter_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o dogmatical_a and_o controvert_v passage_n which_o belong_v to_o faith_n but_o the_o dr._n shall_v do_v well_o to_o show_v we_o any_o society_n of_o man_n or_o church_n that_o pretend_v to_o build_v her_o infallibility_n only_o on_o the_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o that_o very_a infallibility_n otherwise_o it_o will_v not_o touch_v our_o church_n who_o claim_v the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o her_o rule_n of_o faith_n tradition_n and_o as_o for_o her_o be_v natural_o support_v from_o error_n in_o attest_v former_a doctrine_n it_o be_v ground_v by_o those_o who_o discourse_n of_o that_o point_n upon_o humane_a nature_n as_o to_o its_o infallible_a sensation_n and_o on_o its_o rationality_n which_o render_v it_o incapable_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o a_o motive_n as_o they_o must_v do_v shall_v they_o transmit_v a_o not-delivered_a that_o be_v a_o evidently-new_a doctrine_n for_o a_o old_a or_o deliver_v one_o 18._o there_o can_v be_v no_o hazard_n to_o any_o person_n in_o mistake_v the_o meaning_n of_o any_o particular_a place_n in_o those_o book_n suppose_v he_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o understand_v they_o comparable_a to_o that_o which_o every_o one_o run_v who_o believe_v any_o person_n or_o society_n of_o man_n to_o be_v infallible_a who_o be_v not_o for_o in_o this_o late_a he_o run_v unavoidable_o into_o one_o great_a error_n and_o by_o that_o may_v be_v lead_v into_o a_o thousand_o but_o in_o the_o former_a god_n have_v promise_v either_o he_o shall_v not_o err_v or_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o this_o whole_a paragraph_n be_v build_v on_o a_o false_a and_o unproved_a supposition_n viz._n that_o any_o adversary_n of_o he_o believe_v any_o society_n of_o man_n to_o be_v infallible_a which_o be_v not_o other_o fault_n there_o be_v in_o it_o and_o that_o good_a store_n as_o grant_v in_o effect_n here_o what_o he_o late_o deny_v that_o a_o man_n use_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o understand_a scripture_n may_v mistake_v the_o 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be_v formal_o infallible_a in_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o able_a to_o discourse_v of_o those_o ground_n and_o make_v out_o their_o absolute_a certainty_n by_o way_n of_o skill_n or_o art_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v moreover_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o church_n formally-infallible_a in_o discern_v the_o true_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o each_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n for_o these_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o state_n of_o life_n which_o be_v to_o meditate_v on_o god_n law_n day_n and_o night_n their_o perpetual_a converse_n with_o the_o affair_n of_o faith_n by_o preach_v teach_v catechise_v exhort_v their_o concern_v to_o overlook_v their_o flock_n lest_o any_o innovatour_n shall_v infect_v they_o with_o novelty_n their_o constant_a addiction_n to_o observe_v exact_o their_o rule_n tradition_n the_o standard_n by_o which_o they_o govern_v themselves_o in_o distinguish_v the_o 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believe_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o trne_v faith_n that_o the_o ●generality_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o vulgar_a be_v material_o infallible_a in_o their_o faith_n yet_o it_o add_v evident_o a_o great_a perfection_n to_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v formal_o infallible_a and_o that_o the_o faithful_a see_v with_o infallible_a certainty_n that_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v actual_o engage_v when_o they_o believe_v first_o because_o faith_n be_v a_o intellectual_a virtue_n and_o so_o to_o proceed_v know_o upon_o its_o ground_n make_v it_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o understanding_n and_o perfective_a of_o it_o 2._o because_o the_o more_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v engage_v the_o more_o hearty_o those_o who_o reverence_v it_o be_v dispose_v to_o submit_v their_o judgement_n by_o believe_v whence_o faith_n in_o such_o person_n be_v more_o lively_a firm_a and_o immovable_a also_o more_o efficacious_a and_o if_o other_o consideration_n 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as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a to_o receive_v it_o 7._o he_o have_v therefore_o ordain_v such_o a_o mean_n by_o which_o to_o know_v his_o will_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v our_o belief_n or_o what_o he_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v that_o be_v he_o have_v constitute_v such_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o its_o certainty_n may_v be_v most_o easy_o penetrable_a by_o all_o degree_n and_o sort_n of_o the_o faithful_a whence_o follow_v most_o evident_o that_o tradition_n and_o not_o scripture_n be_v that_o rule_n for_o of_o all_o way_n of_o know_v and_o ascertain_v imaginable_a nothing_o be_v more_o easy_a to_o be_v comprehend_v or_o to_o satisfy_v people_n of_o all_o sort_n than_o be_v that_o of_o witness_v authority_n as_o we_o experience_n in_o their_o perfect_a belief_n of_o k._n james_n or_o k._n h._n 8th_n existence_n and_o such_o like_a the_o ground_n of_o which_o truth_n not_o need_v to_o be_v
be_v so_o as_o it_o happen_v in_o many_o controvertist_n who_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n yet_o not_o so_o well_o verse_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o particular_a point_n but_o believe_v they_o only_o by_o implicit_a faith_n or_o else_o one_o of_o their_o knowledge_n may_v be_v more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a than_o the_o other_o and_o so_o serve_v to_o perfect_a and_o advance_v it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o art_n do_v nature_n lest_o of_o all_o can_v it_o follow_v that_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n representative_a be_v needless_a for_o this_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o teach_v the_o faithful_a their_o faith_n at_o first_o nor_o do_v i_o remember_v ever_o to_o have_v see_v a_o general_n council_n cite_v in_o a_o catechism_n but_o this_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o church_n diffusive_a by_o her_o practice_n and_o language_n and_o by_o her_o pastor_n in_o their_o catechism_n and_o instruction_n but_o it_o be_v use_n be_v to_o secure_v and_o preserve_v faith_n already_o teach_v and_o know_v from_o receive_v any_o taint_n by_o the_o equivocate_a heretic_n and_o to_o recommend_v it_o more_o authoritative_o to_o the_o faithful_a when_o clear_v and_o whoever_o read_v my_o four_o note_n will_v see_v so_o many_o particularity_n in_o the_o member_n which_o compound_v a_o representative_a church_n above_o other_o who_o be_v pure_o part_v of_o ecclesia_fw-la credens_fw-fr that_o he_o can_v in_o any_o reason_n judge_v they_o vseless_a though_o those_o other_o be_v in_o a_o inferior_a degree_n certain_a of_o their_o faith_n too_o for_o all_o this_o while_n the_o word_n infallible_a which_o seem_v to_o have_v so_o loud_a a_o sound_n and_o be_v make_v such_o a_o monstrous_a piece_n of_o business_n by_o the_o denier_n of_o it_o be_v in_o plain_a term_n no_o more_o but_o just_o bare_o certain_a as_o i_o have_v prove_v faith_n vind._n p._n 37._o 38._o and_o reason_n against_o rail_n p._n 113._o to_o come_v close_o up_o then_o to_o my_o adversary_n his_o 20_o principle_n which_o speak_v of_o assent_n in_o common_a be_v whole_o build_v upon_o a_o false_a supposition_n that_o it_o can_v only_o be_v ground_v upon_o evidence_n for_o however_o indeed_o in_o perfect_a reflecter_n that_o be_v unbya_v evidence_n of_o the_o object_n or_o of_o the_o credibleness_n of_o the_o authority_n be_v always_o requisite_a to_o breed_v assent_n yet_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o assent_n in_o weak_a and_o unreflect_a person_n be_v frequent_o build_v on_o a_o great_a probability_n sometime_o a_o very_a little_a one_o and_o sometime_o man_n assent_v upon_o little_a or_o no_o reason_n at_o all_o their_o passion_n or_o interest_n byass_v their_o will_n and_o by_o it_o their_o understanding_n and_o this_o many_o time_n even_o against_o such_o reason_n as_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o another_o again_o material_a infallibility_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o that_o assent_n we_o speak_v of_o precise_o and_o sole_o consider_v depend_v sole_o at_o least_o principal_o on_o the_o object_n contrary_a to_o what_o be_v there_o assert_v and_o whereas_o he_o say_v princ._n 29._o that_o the_o infallibility_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v not_o assert_v by_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o a_o church_n he_o see_v by_o this_o discourse_n it_o both_o be_v and_o must_v be_v assert_v and_o that_o we_o maintain_v that_o every_o particular_a person_n must_v be_v material_o infallible_a or_o incapable_a of_o err_v while_o he_o rely_v on_o the_o ground_n lay_v and_o recommend_v by_o god_n that_o be_v while_o he_o believe_v the_o church_n which_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o render_v the_o formal_a infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n useless_a unless_o he_o will_v say_v that_o because_o it_o suffice_v for_o the_o pitch_n of_o weak_a people_n who_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o to_o maintain_v and_o make_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v simple_o in_o the_o right_n or_o void_a of_o error_n and_o that_o they_o see_v after_o a_o gross_a manner_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o though_o they_o can_v defend_v it_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o those_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o do_v so_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o penetrate_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o explicate_v prove_v and_o maintain_v it_o to_o be_v true_a nor_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o though_o the_o generality_n be_v after_o a_o rude_a and_o gross_a manner_n formal_o infallible_a in_o their_o belief_n that_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a and_o therefore_o that_o the_o point_n she_o propose_v be_v all_o likewise_o infallibly-true_a it_o will_v not_o follow_v i_o say_v hence_o that_o a_o great_a and_o clear_a and_o more_o penetrative_a degree_n of_o formal_a infallibility_n be_v useless_a in_o church-governor_n for_o as_o appear_v by_o my_o four_o note_n there_o be_v many_o other_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v by_o they_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o the_o church_n which_o far_o exceed_v the_o pitch_n and_o posture_n of_o those_o dull_a knower_n of_o the_o low_a class_n which_o be_v the_o next_o degree_n above_o ignorance_n and_o be_v unauthorise_v to_o meddle_v in_o such_o affair_n unless_o he_o will_v say_v that_o art_n be_v needless_a because_o there_o be_v nature_n or_o that_o there_o need_v no_o judge_n to_o decide_v such_o case_n in_o which_o the_o law_n seem_v plain_a and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o clear_n this_o concern_v point_n in_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o principle_n i_o shall_v be_v brief_a but_o i_o must_v not_o pass_v over_o his_o transition_n to_o they_o which_o be_v this_o we_o be_v further_a to_o inquire_v what_o certainty_n man_n may_v have_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n suppose_v no_o external_n proponent_a to_o be_v infallible_a and_o he_o need_v not_o go_v far_o to_o satisfy_v his_o enquiry_n for_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a by_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o protestant_n and_o socinian_o that_o scripture_n need_v some_o external_n proposer_n of_o its_o true_a meaning_n in_o such_o kind_n of_o point_n as_o also_o some_o external_n proposer_n or_o attester_n that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a text_n of_o it_o on_o which_o all_o be_v build_v also_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o dr._n st._n princ._n 15._o deny_v any_o infallible_a proposer_n of_o either_o of_o these_o and_o that_o here_o again_o he_o pursue_v close_o the_o same_o doctrine_n last_o this_o proposer_n be_v such_o that_o however_o we_o can_v have_v certainty_n without_o it_o that_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v yet_o we_o must_v depend_v on_o it_o for_o the_o knowledge_n when_o and_o where_o it_o be_v engage_v that_o be_v we_o must_v depend_v on_o it_o for_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o follow_v that_o in_o case_n this_o proponent_n be_v not_o infallible_a it_o can_v never_o be_v make_v out_o with_o infallible_a certainty_n that_o the_o divine_a authority_n stand_v engage_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o one_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o certainty_n man_n have_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o infallilible_n one_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n which_o faith_n have_v as_o he_o no_o where_o challenge_n but_o very_o laborious_o disprove_v it_o he_o need_v not_o go_v far_o to_o inquire_v or_o learn_v what_o certainty_n it_o must_v have_v for_o common_a sense_n tell_v he_o and_o every_o man_n who_o have_v the_o least_o spark_n of_o natural_a logic_n that_o if_o faith_n must_v have_v certainty_n as_o he_o grant_v and_o have_v not_o infallible_a certainty_n it_o must_v either_o have_v fallible_a certainty_n or_o none_o at_o all_o there_o be_v no_o middle_a between_o they_o and_o so_o we_o must_v make_v account_n that_o because_o it_o overstrain_v d._n st_n weak_a ground_n to_o assert_v faith_n to_o be_v infallible_o certain_a therefore_o his_o next_o attempt_n must_v be_v to_o overstrain_v common_a sense_n and_o to_o the_o inestimable_a honour_n of_o christian_a religion_n maintain_v that_o all_o christian_a faith_n be_v fallibly-certain_a but_o he_o must_v do_v it_o smooth_o and_o wary_o and_o however_o he_o name_v the_o word_n infallible_a loud_v enough_o and_o oft_o enough_o when_o he_o be_v confute_v it_o yet_o he_o must_v take_v heed_n how_o he_o name_v the_o word_n fallible_a certainty_n when_o he_o be_v assert_v it_o lest_o it_o breed_v laughter_n or_o dislike_n though_o it_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o very_a term_n that_o he_o who_o confute_v infallible_a certainty_n must_v maintain_v fallible_a certainty_n sf_n he_o maintain_v any_o but_o now_o he_o begin_v his_o defence_n of_o faith_n fallible_a certainty_n and_o it_o be_v fit_a we_o shall_v listen_v monstrous_a thing_n use_v to_o challenge_v and_o even_o force_v attention_n from_o the_o most_o unconcern_v 24._o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o certainty_n to_o be_v attain_v according_a to_o the_o
make_v it_o more_o a_o certainty_n or_o a_o better_a certainty_n which_o make_v the_o conclusiveness_n or_o evidence_n have_v from_o the_o object_n needless_a to_o create_v a_o certainty_n and_o signify_v thus_o much_o in_o plain_a term_n think_v or_o imagine_v what_o you_o will_v so_o you_o imagine_v it_o strong_o and_o hold_v it_o stiff_o you_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v have_v he_o say_v a_o christian_n be_v or_o may_v be_v thus_o certain_a by_o such_o a_o proof_n have_v from_o the_o object_n as_o be_v true_o conclusive_a of_o the_o thing_n how_o genuine_a coherent_a &_o clear_a have_v his_o expression_n be_v which_o now_o be_v force_v incongruous_a and_o obscure_a how_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n as_o all_o mankind_n understand_v it_o which_o now_o be_v most_o irrational_a and_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o same_o nature_n how_o honourable_a and_o creditable_a have_v it_o be_v to_o his_o cause_n and_o to_o himself_o too_o as_o a_o writer_n but_o man_n that_o have_v not_o truth_n on_o their_o side_n and_o consequent_o be_v quite_o destitnte_a of_o find_v principle_n and_o true_a ground_n must_v not_o dare_v to_o speak_v sense_n himself_o tell_v we_o princ._n 20._o that_o the_o nature_n of_o assent_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o it_o in_o our_o mind_n let_v he_o remember_v then_o that_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o a_o firm_a assent_n require_v in_o reason_n the_o high_a gree_n of_o clear_a evidence_n to_o beget_v it_o which_o yet_o he_o late_o deny_v to_o be_v have_v from_o moral_a thing_n and_o attribute_v it_o peculiar_o to_o the_o mathematics_n so_o that_o all_o be_v incoherent_a all_o be_v common_a and_o big_a word_n hollow_a and_o so_o of_o a_o loud_a and_o high_a sound_n but_o without_o any_o determinate_a sense_n again_o how_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o a_o christian_a be_v thus_o certain_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o therefore_o his_o faith_n be_v thereby_o resolve_v into_o the_o scripture_n as_o into_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o what_o he_o be_v to_o believe_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o show_n of_o consequence_n for_o this_o unless_o he_o have_v first_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v intend_v to_o speak_v so_o clear_a in_o the_o scripture_n as_o every_o private_a understanding_n shall_v not_o sail_v of_o be_v secure_v from_o mistake_n while_o it_o rely_v upon_o it_o as_o also_o that_o god_n have_v speak_v to_o we_o no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o the_o write_a word_n which_o he_o have_v no_o where_o prove_v nor_o can_v ever_o prove_v and_o if_o the_o former_a of_o these_o as_o experience_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v be_v want_v it_o be_v not_o a_o rule_n to_o those_o person_n if_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v not_o necessary_o the_o measure_n of_o what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v 29._o no_o christian_a can_v be_v oblige_v under_o any_o pretence_n of_o infallibility_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o that_o book_n wherein_o he_o believe_v his_o will_n to_o be_v contain_v and_o consequent_o be_v bind_v to_o reject_v whatsoever_o be_v offer_v to_o be_v impose_v upon_o his_o faith_n which_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n or_o be_v contrary_a thereto_o which_o rejection_n be_v no_o make_v negative_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o apply_v the_o general_a ground_n of_o faith_n to_o particular_a instance_n as_o because_o i_o believe_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n therefore_o no_o such_o particular_a thing_n which_o neither_o be_v there_o nor_o can_v be_v deduce_v thence_o if_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o hold_v that_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o whole_a will_n in_o that_o book_n and_o this_o so_o clear_o that_o all_o or_o most_o christian_n can_v not_o miss_v of_o understand_v it_o right_o so_o as_o thereby_o to_o be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o their_o faith_n than_o indeed_o the_o first_o half_a of_o his_o principle_n here_o run_v very_o current_o and_o smooth_o but_o these_o rub_n lie_v still_o in_o the_o way_n which_o dr._n st._n have_v not_o in_o the_o least_o remould_v they_o be_v also_o satisfy_v by_o the_o general_n conceit_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o the_o nature_n and_o genius_n of_o christian_a faith_n that_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v a_o error_n or_o lie_n and_o consequent_o mu●t_o have_v such_o ground_n as_o can_v possible_o permit_v all_o the_o world_n to_o be_v in_o a_o error_n while_o they_o rely_v on_o they_o that_o be_v ground_n which_o be_v infallible_o secure_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n observe_v both_o by_o experience_n and_o reason_n that_o scripture_n be_v not_o such_o a_o ground_n as_o that_o private_a understanding_n apply_v to_o it_o be_v thereby_o perserve_v from_o possibility_n of_o err_v as_o dr._n st._n also_o confess_v in_o his_o next_o principle_n hence_o they_o be_v invite_v strong_o to_o conceive_v that_o god_n have_v leave_v some_o person_n on_o earth_n easy_o to_o be_v find_v who_o may_v supply_v what_o be_v want_v of_o clearness_n to_o scripture_n letter_n in_o the_o high_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o god_n will_v some_o way_n or_o other_o perserve_v they_o from_o err_a and_o that_o while_o thus_o protect_v by_o god_n signal_n providence_n whether_o this_o be_v perform_v natural_o supernatural_o or_o both_o way_n they_o can_v err_v in_o that_o affair_n or_o in_o acquaint_v we_o with_o right_a faith_n so_o that_o unless_o dr._n st._n make_v out_o solid_o that_o scripture_n have_v in_o it_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n of_o itself_o and_o without_o need_v any_o church_n he_o must_v expect_v in_o reason_n that_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o faith_n will_v necessary_o incline_v all_o sincere_a person_n who_o have_v due_a care_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o of_o find_v out_o true_a faith_n to_o believe_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n and_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o their_o rejection_n of_o such_o point_n which_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n or_o be_v contrary_a thereto_o be_v no_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o apply_v the_o general_a ground_n of_o faith_n to_o particular_a instance_n he_o discourse_v therein_o very_o consonant_o to_o his_o own_o ground_n be_v they_o worth_a any_o thing_n yet_o i_o have_v one_o thing_n to_o propose_v to_o his_o consideration_n which_o be_v that_o to_o justify_v his_o reformer_n he_o must_v produce_v ground_n full_a as_o good_a or_o rather_o better_a for_o the_o rejection_n of_o those_o point_n as_o for_o his_o faith_n or_o to_o speak_v more_o distinct_o he_o must_v have_v as_o perfect_v or_o rather_o perfect_a certainty_n for_o these_o two_o proposition_n nothing_o it_o to_o be_v believe_v which_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n and_o this_o or_o that_o reject_a point_n have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n as_o he_o have_v for_o any_o point_n of_o christian_a faith_n for_o since_o upon_o the_o evidence_n they_o have_v of_o these_o two_o proposition_n they_o disobey_v and_o rebel_v against_o their_o then_o lawful_a superior_n and_o church_n pastor_n and_o break_v church-union_n which_o be_v evident_o forbid_v by_o god_n law_n and_o so_o the_o preserve_a union_n &_o obey_v they_o be_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o which_o themselves_o confess_v be_v such_o and_o bind_v they_o as_o such_o in_o case_n the_o reason_n for_o their_o impose_v new_a point_n be_v not_o valid_a that_o be_v if_o these_o two_o proposition_n on_o who_o evidence_n they_o rely_v when_o they_o allege_v they_o be_v wrongful_o impose_v and_o thence_o reject_v they_o be_v not_o true_a it_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v at_o least_o have_v equal_a evidence_n nay_o more_o for_o bare_a equality_n will_v only_o balance_v they_o in_o a_o doubtful_a suspense_n berween_v either_o side_n that_o those_o proposition_n on_o which_o they_o ground_n their_o rejection_n of_o those_o article_n and_o disobedience_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o superior_n be_v true_a as_o they_o have_v for_o their_o faith_n and_o if_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o rejection_n ought_v to_o be_v more_o certain_a than_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n there_o be_v either_o some_o thing_n wrong_v in_o the_o pretend_a ground_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o else_o their_o negative_a article_n ought_v to_o be_v allow_v the_o honour_n of_o be_v point_n of_o faith_n too_o since_o their_o great_a certainty_n give_v they_o fair_a and_o equal_a title_n to_o it_o if_o not_o absolute_a pre-eminence_n 30._o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a way_n to_o prevent_v man_n mistake_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o man_n be_v fallible_a be_v subject_a to_o than_o the_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o mistake_v in_o a_o matter_n wherein_o their_o salvation_n
the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o i_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n oppose_v he_o and_o his_o friend_n for_o advance_v uncertainty_n and_o consequent_o scepticism_n in_o faith_n however_o they_o and_o their_o angry_a passionate_a party_n be_v please_v to_o apprehend_v i_o i_o perceive_v dr._n st._n will_v hope_v to_o evade_v by_o say_v that_o christian_a virtue_n may_v be_v uphold_v by_o the_o certainty_n we_o have_v of_o some_o point_n of_o faith_n though_o other_o be_v uncertain_a which_o point_n to_o make_v his_o uncertainty_n of_o faith_n go_v down_o the_o better_a he_o call_v here_o opinion_n but_o if_o he_o mean_v by_o opinion_n the_o tenet_n of_o a_o trinity_n christ_n godhead_n and_o presence_n in_o the_o b._n sacrament_n all_o most_o high_o concern_v christian_n life_n one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o which_o we_o discern_v great_a party_n differ_v who_o all_o admit_v the_o scripture_n and_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o interpret_v it_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v perceive_v nay_o and_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o mistake_v too_o which_o he_o make_v the_o very_o best_a mean_n of_o all_o if_o i_o say_v these_o and_o such_o as_o these_o be_v the_o opinion_n he_o speak_v of_o and_o counterpose_v they_o to_o mean_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n in_o their_o life_n and_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n he_o assign_v leaf_n whole_a body_n of_o relier_n on_o it_o in_o actual_a error_n in_o such_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o most_o high_a concernment_n to_o good_a life_n as_o have_v be_v show_v even_o while_o they_o proceed_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n god_n intend_v his_o church_n and_o mankind_n to_o build_v their_o faith_n on_o and_o so_o none_o can_v presume_v of_o security_n of_o mistake_n by_o rely_v pure_o upon_o it_o but_o all_o of_o concern_v not_o know_v before_o by_o some_o other_o mean_n that_o be_v all_o which_o it_o alone_o hold_v forth_o may_v be_v also_o liable_a to_o be_v a_o mistake_n likewise_o unless_o some_o other_o authority_n more_o ascertainable_a to_o we_o than_o it_o abet_n its_o letter_n in_o such_o passage_n as_o be_v plain_a because_o they_o be_v either_o mere_o moral_a or_o narrative_n or_o explain_v its_o sense_n in_o other_o which_o be_v more_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a and_o so_o more_o peculiar_a and_o fundamental_a to_o christianity_n recapitulation_n to_o meet_v with_o the_o absurd_a position_n express_v or_o else_o imply_v in_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v here_o by_o dr._n st._n in_o these_o last_o eleven_o principle_n of_o he_o i_o take_v leave_n to_o remind_n the_o reader_n of_o these_o few_o opposite_a truth_n establish_v in_o my_o former_a discourse_n 1._o that_o assent_n call_v faith_n take_v as_o build_v on_o the_o motive_n leave_v by_o god_n to_o light_a mankind_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n that_o be_v take_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v and_o as_o it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o generality_n be_v for_o that_o reason_n absolute_o that_o be_v more_o than_o moral_o certain_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a 2._o though_o the_o nature_n of_o assent_n depend_v immediate_o on_o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o it_o in_o our_o mind_n when_o it_o be_v rational_a yet_o in_o case_n it_o be_v true_a as_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v it_o must_v necessary_o be_v build_v and_o depend_v fundamental_o on_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n since_o without_o dependence_n on_o it_o this_o evidence_n itself_o can_v possible_o be_v have_v 3._o a_o man_n may_v be_v material_o infallible_a or_o out_o of_o possibility_n of_o be_v actual_o deceive_v in_o judge_v the_o divine_a authority_n be_v engage_v by_o adhere_v to_o another_o judgement_n who_o be_v infallible_a or_o in_o the_o right_n in_o thus_o judge_v though_o he_o penetrate_v not_o the_o reason_n why_o that_o other_o man_n come_v to_o be_v infallible_a also_o he_o who_o be_v thus_o infallible_a be_v in_o possession_n of_o those_o truth_n relieve_v upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n as_o the_o formal_a motive_n of_o believe_v they_o which_o truth_n as_o principle_n beget_v those_o good_a affection_n in_o he_o in_o which_o consist_v our_o christian_a life_n such_o a_o man_n i_o say_v have_v consequent_o enough_o speak_v abstract_o for_o the_o essence_n of_o save_v faith_n though_o he_o be_v not_o formal_o or_o know_o infallible_a by_o penetrate_v the_o conclusiveness_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n 4._o to_o be_v thus_o material_o infallible_a or_o thus_o in_o the_o right_n in_o judge_v the_o divine_a authority_n be_v engage_v be_v requisite_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o essence_n of_o faith_n otherwise_o the_o believe_v upon_o the_o divin_n authority_n when_o it_o be_v not_o engage_v and_o so_o perhaps_o the_o believe_a and_o hold_v firm_o to_o abominable_a error_n and_o heretical_a tenet_n may_v be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n to_o assert_v which_o be_v both_o absurd_a and_o most_o impious_a 5._o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v formal_o or_o know_o infallible_a that_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v engage_v for_o since_o it_o hazard_v heresy_n and_o error_n to_o judge_v that_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v engage_v for_o any_o point_n when_o it_o be_v not_o it_o ought_v to_o breed_v suspense_n and_o caution_n in_o reflecter_n till_o they_o see_v it_o engage_v &_o consequent_o the_o better_a they_o see_v this_o the_o more_o hearty_a they_o be_v apt_a to_o assent_v to_o the_o point_n upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n so_o that_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o ground_n which_o conclude_v the_o divine_a authority_n engage_v better_n and_o strengthen_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n 6._o however_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o those_o who_o downright_a rudeness_n let_v they_o not_o reflect_v at_o all_o to_o be_v only_o material_o infallible_a that_o god_n authority_n be_v engage_v yet_o it_o be_v beside_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o reflecter_n who_o raise_v doubt_n especial_o for_o those_o who_o be_v very_o acute_a to_o discern_v some_o reason_n which_o can_v deceive_v they_o or_o to_o be_v formal_o or_o know_o infallible_a that_o it_o be_v indeed_o actual_o engage_v for_o those_o point_n otherwise_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o provision_n enough_o have_v be_v make_v by_o god_n to_o satisfy_v or_o cause_n save_v faith_n in_o fool_n and_o none_o at_o all_o to_o breed_v faith_n wise_a man_n which_o without_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o in_o point_n be_v in_o possible_a to_o be_v expect_v in_o such_o through-sighted_n reflecter_n the_o same_o formal_a infallibility_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o wise_a sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o church_n both_o to_o de●end_v faith_n and_o establish_v its_o ground_n in_o a_o scholarlike_o way_n as_o also_o for_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n and_o other_o obligation_n incumbent_a on_o they_o as_o faithful_a and_o last_o for_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v to_o be_v breed_v in_o they_o by_o faith_n certainty_n 7._o though_o then_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n need_v not_o to_o be_v actual_o penetrate_v by_o all_o the_o faithful_a while_o they_o proceed_v unreflect_o yet_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o qualify_v that_o it_o may_v satisfy_v all_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o reflect_v and_o so_o to_o doubt_v of_o their_o faith_n that_o be_v it_o be_v ruling_n power_n ought_v to_o be_v penetrable_a or_o evidenceable_a to_o they_o if_o they_o come_v to_o doubt_v and_o also_o so_o connatural_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o unelevated_a and_o unreflect_a thought_n of_o man_n of_o all_o sort_n that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o apt_a that_o maybe_o to_o establish_v the_o faithful_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n and_o preserve_v they_o from_o doubt_v of_o their_o faith_n both_o these_o be_v find_v in_o tradition_n or_o testify_a authority_n and_o not_o in_o scripture_n letter_n that_o therefore_o and_o not_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 8._o infallible_a certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v reject_v the_o moral_a certain●y_n he_o substitute_n must_v either_o be_v a_o fallible_a certainty_n or_o none_o this_o late_a be_v impious_a the_o former_a be_v nonsense_n wherefore_o all_o dr._n st_n discourse_n of_o faith_n while_o he_o reject_v infallibility_n must_v forcible_o have_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o of_o these_o qualification_n 9_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a render_v no_o man_n certain_a of_o what_o he_o thus_o assent_v to_o for_o so_o heretic_n may_v be_v true_o certain_a of_o all_o the_o pestilent_a error_n they_o hold_v so_o they_o but_o firm_o assent_v they_o be_v true_a 10._o faith_n be_v the_o basis_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n on_o which_o all_o our_o spiritual_a edifice_n be_v build_v and_o from_o whence_o we_o derive_v all_o the_o
gratis_o this_o position_n that_o nothing_o but_o miracle_n ought_v to_o serve_v whether_o there_o be_v other_o mean_v lay_v or_o no_o or_o that_o no_o proof_n but_o miracle_n can_v possible_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v man_n reason_n in_o a_o thing_n subject_a to_o reason_n for_o the_o natural_a assistance_n of_o the_o church_n be_v such_o of_o itself_o and_o the_o suppernatural_a suppose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sanctity_n in_o the_o church_n be_v as_o plain_a reason_n as_o that_o the_o great_a motive_n to_o goodness_n and_o interior_a goodness_n cause_v by_o those_o motive_n will_v make_v those_o good_a man_n who_o have_v it_o act_n as_o good_a man_n ought_v and_o be_v apt_a to_o do_v the_o 17_o proceed_v whole_o upon_o a_o false_a imputation_n lay_v on_o our_o church_n and_o on_o his_o confound_a most_o absurd_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n with_o that_o of_o the_o school_n or_o rather_o take_v a_o few_o speculative_a divine_n and_o those_o the_o weak_a to_o be_v the_o church_n the_o 18_o be_v again_o build_v on_o a_o unproved_a supposition_n of_o which_o kind_n of_o ground_n he_o be_v still_o very_o free_a and_o on_o a_o false_o pretend_a promise_n from_o god_n so_o to_o secure_v any_o private-spirited_n contemner_n of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n whether_o he_o err●_n or_o no_o though_o as_o common_a sense_n and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n give_v it_o he_o forfeit_v both_o his_o reason_n and_o his_o virtue_n by_o not_o hear_v his_o lawful_a and_o learned_a pastor_n rather_o than_o his_o self-conceited_a ignorant_a self_n the_o 19_o have_v the_o same_o fault_n with_o the_o former_a and_o be_v whole_o false_a even_o though_o his_o own_o supposition_n mention_v in_o the_o close_a be_v free_o grant_v he_o which_o it_o be_v not_o the_o four_o principle_n follow_v be_v make_v up_o of_o these_o error_n 1._o that_o we_o hold_v that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v a_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n unless_o he_o see_v and_o know_v that_o the_o proponent_n be_v infallible_a 2._o that_o the_o nature_n of_o assent_n when_o rational_a depend_v not_o on_o the_o object_n 3._o that_o one_o can_v have_v a_o infallible_a assent_n in_o faith_n without_o infallible_a assistance_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n themselves_o 4._o that_o there_o be_v no_o middle_n between_o no_o particular_a person_n and_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v formal_o infallible_a whereas_o my_o tenet_n be_v that_o some_o must_v be_v so_o most_o may_v be_v so_o and_o all_o need_v not_o be_v so_o 5._o that_o because_o all_o must_v be_v material_o infallible_a or_o in_o the_o true_a faith_n but_o know_v not_o how_o they_o be_v so_o therefore_o it_o be_v useless_a that_o any_o shall_v know_v how_o to_o make_v out_o those_o ground_n to_o settle_v explain_v and_o defend_v faith_n and_o its_o certainty_n these_o with_o his_o self-contradiction_n be_v the_o jar_a element_n which_o compound_v these_o four_o terrible_a principle_n with_o which_o he_o hope_v to_o undermine_v and_o blow_v up_o the_o church_n infallibility_n and_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o all_o christian_a faith_n the_o 24_o give_v good_a word_n in_o common_a of_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n but_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o former_a fallible_a certainty_n by_o the_o late_a only_o some_o probability_n or_o improbability_n so_o it_o but_o appear_v so_o to_o the_o subject_a and_o be_v a_o total_a prevarication_n from_o settle_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n to_o not_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o question_n the_o 25_o hold_v forth_o a_o most_o wicked_a and_o gross_a absurdity_n destructive_a of_o all_o certainty_n evidence_n faith_n christianity_n and_o even_o manhood_n viz._n that_o to_o assent_v firm_o to_o any_o thing_n as_o true_a be_v to_o be_v certain_a of_o it_o and_o intimate_v two_o other_o viz._n that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v now_o certain_a of_o a_o thing_n may_v at_o another_o time_n know_v that_o thing_n to_o be_v false_a though_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o also_o that_o such_o a_o certainty_n be_v competent_a for_o belief_n or_o faith_n the_o 26._o speak_v evident_a truth_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o but_o be_v nothing_o available_a to_o his_o cause_n but_o rather_o against_o he_o the_o inference_n thence_o be_v false_a be_v defective_o express_v and_o when_o rectify_v be_v also_o a_o clear_a truth_n but_o high_o prejudices_fw-la himself_o the_o 27._o be_v utter_o 〈◊〉_d of_o common_a sense_n certainty_n faith_n and_o christianity_n the_o 28._o principle_n be_v a_o weak_a and_o inconsistent_a discourse_n the_o 29._o suppose_n scripture_n intelligible_a enough_o in_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n without_o the_o church_n and_o to_o contain_v express_o god_n whole_a will_n o●_n every_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o at_o least_o with_o such_o a_o ground_n of_o it_o there_o as_o that_o it_o be_v deducible_a thence_o by_o private_a understanding_n with_o a_o certainty_n competent_a for_o faith_n none_o of_o which_o he_o have_v at_o all_o prove_v nor_o ever_o will_n the_o 30_o and_o last_o confess_v all_o man_n liable_a to_o error_n in_o faith_n though_o rely_v on_o the_o mean_v leave_v by_o god_n to_o secure_v they_o from_o it_o which_o evident_o make_v that_o mean_v to_o be_v none_o and_o assign_v a_o way_n for_o their_o best_a security_n which_o all_o err_v sect_n in_o the_o world_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v discern_v take_v and_o yet_o still_o err_v and_o last_o for_o a_o upshot_n he_o make_v account_n like_o a_o solid_a divine_a that_o our_o christian_a life_n be_v not_o at_o all_o interior_a but_o only_o exterior_a and_o consequent_o that_o faith_n be_v no_o part_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n nor_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o nor_o infidelity_n and_o heresy_n a_o sin_n or_o vice_n and_o then_o all_o be_v safe_a and_o his_o principle_n stand_v firm_a for_o then_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o every_o private_a man_n may_v reject_v the_o church_n at_o pleasure_n and_o be_v sure_a to_o understand_v as_o much_o in_o scripture_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o if_o these_o be_v no_o sin_n and_o so_o do_v not_o damn_v a_o man_n either_o immediate_o or_o mediate_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o will_n but_o indeed_o in_o dr._n st_n kind_n of_o reformation_n they_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v account_v cardinal_n and_o fundamental_a virtue_n such_o senseless_a principle_n ought_v to_o produce_v no_o better_a fruit_n for_o this_o suit_n their_o practice_n and_o his_o principle_n rebel_n against_o god_n church_n break_v the_o most_o sacred_a order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o do_v but_o talk_v stout_o and_o with_o a_o bold_a grace_n and_o a_o pretty_a way_n of_o expression_n of_o scripture_n and_o god_n word_n and_o then_o all_o be_v holy_a and_o good_n reflect_v then_o back_o on_o the_o nature_n of_o principle_n and_o consider_v that_o to_o deserve_v that_o name_n they_o must_v necessary_o have_v in_o they_o two_o qualification_n viz._n evidence_n in_o themselves_o and_o influence_n upon_o some_o other_o proposition_n which_o be_v to_o derive_v their_o evidence_n from_o they_o and_o it_o be_v manifest_a both_o out_o of_o this_o short_a review_n and_o much_o more_o out_o of_o the_o full_a reply_v to_o each_o of_o they_o that_o not_o one_o of_o those_o which_o d._n st._n here_o call_v principle_n but_o be_v either_o vnevident_a and_o false_a or_o if_o true_a impertinent_a and_o void_a of_o any_o the_o least_o influence_n upon_o the_o point_n he_o aim_v to_o prove_v by_o they_o they_o be_v clear_o convince_v to_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o like_o principle_n or_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o that_o name_n and_o that_o he_o may_v with_o far_o more_o reason_n have_v call_v they_o conceit_n paradox_n quodlibet_n or_o crotchet_n and_o i_o know_v no_o better_a way_n for_o he_o to_o vindicate_v they_o but_o to_o entreat_v his_o fellow-hater_n of_o infallibility_n dr._n t._n who_o have_v a_o special_a gift_n at*_n last_o put_v principle_n into_o categorical_a and_o hypothetical_n syllogism_n to_o undertake_v these_o that_o so_o the_o world_n may_v see_v the_o rare_a consequence_n that_o arise_v from_o they_o to_o which_o lest_o he_o shall_v fail_v his_o friend_n we_o now_o address_v the_o six_o examen_fw-la of_o dr._n st_n six_o conclusion_n any_o man_n who_o have_v either_o hear_v of_o logic_n or_o reflect_v a_o little_a upon_o nature_n will_v very_o have_v think_v that_o such_o obscure_a principle_n shall_v necessary_o have_v produce_v more_o obscure_a conclusion_n since_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o late_a be_v derive_v only_o from_o the_o former_a and_o participate_v from_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v find_v in_o a_o lesser_a degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o these_o than_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o those_o former_a from_o whence_o it_o
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church-authority_n and_o if_o she_o have_v none_o herself_o it_o be_v evident_a she_o can_v give_v none_o whence_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o reform_a church_n derive_v nothing_o which_o be_v constitutive_a of_o a_o church_n from_o any_o forego_v one_o but_o be_v whole_o erect_v anew_o and_o then_o i_o will_v know_v what_o authority_n under_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o constitute_v the_o church_n at_o first_o have_v power_n to_o constitute_v it_o anew_o but_o if_o dr._n st._n say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n rely_v on_o the_o mean_n leave_v by_o god_n to_o ascert●●_n faith_n then_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o do_v so_o she_o can_v not_o err_v in_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v as_o sound_a as_o may_v be_v whatever_o our_o talk_v disputant_n say_v since_o than_o there_o be_v no_o middle_n between_o rely_v on_o the_o mean_v leave_v by_o god_n to_o ascertain_v faith_n and_o not_o rely_v on_o it_o and_o so_o that_o body_n in_o communion_n with_o the_o roman_a church_n must_v 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conclude_v that_o in_o case_n the_o church_n of_o england_n own_v his_o way_n of_o discourse_v her●_n and_o hold_v not_o that_o the_o tradition_n practice_n and_o sense_n of_o god_n church_n be_v to_o give_v we_o that_o assurance_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o build_v faith_n on_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o every_o private_a man_n fancy_n to_o be_v his_o own_o judge_n in_o that_o affair_n nothing_o but_o either_o a_o invincibly-weak_a ignorance_n or_o the_o wicked_a sin_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n make_v private_a man_n scorn_v to_o submit_v their_o judgement_n to_o person_n wise_a than_o themselves_o or_o to_o be_v teach_v by_o their_o lawful_a pastor_n who_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o that_o end_n can_v make_v any_o man_n remain_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o not_o unite_v himself_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n especial_o since_o they_o all_o hold_v that_o faith_n can_v possible_o be_v false_a &_o so_o must_v hold_v that_o the_o mean_n to_o faith_n can_v possible_o lead_v the_o relier_n on_o it_o into_o error_n and_o yet_o if_o but_o mean_o verse_v in_o the_o world_n they_o must_v needs_o experience_n that_o those_o who_o do_v rely_v on_o their_o own_o sense_n of_o scripture_n differ_v in_o most_o fundamental_a point_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o oneside_n necessary_o err_v in_o so_o do_v finis_fw-la transition_n to_o the_o follow_v discourse_n have_v thus_o total_o defeat_v dr._n st_n attempt_v to_o reduce_v his_o faith_n to_o principle_n and_o show_v that_o in_o stead_n of_o perform_v this_o all_o the_o most_o substantial_a part_n of_o his_o discourse_n be_v reduce_v to_o so_o many_o contradictious_a it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v expect_v i_o shall_v assert_v the_o truth_n of_o my_o own_o by_o show_v that_o it_o be_v build_v on_o
such_o firm_a and_o evident_a ground_n but_o i_o presume_v i_o have_v already_o perform_v this_o in_o my_o sure-footing_a and_o its_o corollary_n as_o also_o in_o faith_n vindicated_n and_o its_o inference_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v needful_a or_o be_v require_v of_o i_o by_o learned_a man_n it_o may_v perhaps_o hereafter_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o close_a and_o more_o rigorous_a form_n yet_o that_o it_o may_v be_v see_v how_o easy_o our_o discourse_n concern_v the_o certainty_n and_o ground_n of_o faith_n be_v resolvable_a into_o evident_a principle_n i_o shall_v annex_v for_o a_o instance_n a_o small_a peace_n of_o i_o whi●h_o though_o it_o be_v never_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o severe_a process_n by_o way_n of_o principle_n but_o only_o mean_v for_o a_o connected_a discourse_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o each_o main_a joint_n of_o it_o where_o it_o speak_v assertive_o have_v a_o firm_a and_o evident_a principle_n at_o the_o bottom_n giving_z it_o stability_n and_o evidence_n and_o through_o virtue_n of_o these_o qualification_n render_v it_o solid_o and_o absolute_o convictive●_n the_o method_n to_o arrive_v at_o satisfaction_n in_o religion_n 1._o since_o all_o superstructure_n mn●t_v needs_o be_v weak_a who_o foundation_n be_v not_o sure_o lay_v he_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o religion_n aught_o to_o begin_v with_o search_v out_o and_o establish_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o religion_n be_v build_v that_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n into_o which_o the_o several_a point_n of_o faith_n be_v resolve_v and_o on_o which_o their_o certainty_n as_o to_o we_o depend_v 2._o to_o do_v this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o a_o church_n be_v a_o congregation_n of_o faithful_a and_o faithful_a be_v those_o who_o have_v true_a faith_n wherefore_o till_o it_o be_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n it_o can_v be_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n again_o a_o council_n be_v a_o representative_a a_o father_n a_o eminent_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o witness_n of_o her_o doctrine_n wherefore_o till_o it_o be_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n it_o can_v be_v know_v which_o be_v a_o council_n or_o who_o a_o father_n last_o since_o we_o can_v know_v which_o be_v scripture_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o recommend_v it_o and_o of_o heretic_n we_o can_v have_v no_o security_n that_o they_o have_v not_o corrupt_v it_o in_o favour_n of_o their_o false_a tenet_n neither_o can_v we_o be_v secure_a which_o be_v scripture_n till_o we_o be_v satisfy_v who_o be_v the_o true_o faithful_a on_o who_o testimony_n we_o may_v safe_o rely_v in_o this_o affair_n 3._o wherefore_o he_o who_o sincere_o aim_v at_o satisfaction_n in_o religion_n ought_v first_o of_o all_o to_o find_v out_o and_o establish_v some_o assure_a mean_n or_o rule_n by_o which_o he_o may_v be_v secure_v which_o be_v true_a faith_n for_o till_o this_o be_v do_v he_o can_v be_v secure_a either_o of_o scripture_n church_n council_n or_o father_n but_o have_v once_o do_v this_o be_v in_o a_o ready_a way_n to_o judge_n certain_o of_o all_o whereas_o if_o he_o begin_v with_o any_o of_o the_o other_o or_o indeed_o argue_v from_o they_o at_o all_o till_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v first_o settle_v he_o take_v a_o wrong_a method_n and_o break_v the_o law_n of_o discourse_n by_o beginning_n with_o what_o be_v less_o cortain_a and_o indeed_o to_o he_o as_o yet_o uncertain_a and_o in_o effect_n put_v the_o conclusion_n before_o the_o premise_n unless_o he_o argue_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la or_o against_o the_o personal_a tenet_n of_o his_o adversary_n which_o be_v a_o good_a way_n to_o confute_v but_o not_o to_o satisfy_v 4._o and_o because_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v know_v before_o faith_n can_v be_v know_v and_o faith_n before_o scripture_n church_n council_n and_o father_n it_o appear_v that_o to_o the_o find_v out_o this_o rule_n no_o assistance_n of_o book_n will_v be_v requisite_a for_o every_o one_o who_o need_v faith_n be_v not_o capable_a to_o read_v and_o understand_v book_n there_o be_v leave_v then_o only_a reason_n to_o use_v in_o this_o inquiry_n and_o since_o people_n of_o all_o capacity_n be_v to_o be_v save_v much_o sharpness_n and_o depth_n of_o wit_n will_v not_o be_v requisite_a but_o plain_a natural_a reason_n right_o direct_v will_v suffice_v 5._o this_o be_v so_o the_o method_n of_o seek_v satisfaction_n in_o religion_n be_v become_v strange_o both_o more_o short_a and_o easy_a for_o here_o will_v need_v no_o tedious_a turn_n over_o library_n nor_o learning_n language_n nor_o endless_a compare_v voluminous_a quotation_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o the_o skill_n to_o read_v english_a all_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o consider_v one_o single_a point_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o bear_v all_o along_o with_o it_o and_o this_o too_o comprehensible_a as_o will_v appear_v to_o a_o mean_a understanding_n again_o the_o large_a debate_v particular_a point_n in_o a_o controversiall_a way_n be_v by_o this_o mean_v avoid_v for_o when_o the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v certain_o know_v then_o as_o certain_o as_o there_o be_v any_o faith_n in_o the_o world_n all_o that_o be_v receive_v on_o that_o rule_n be_v certain_a and_o of_o faith_n not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n too_o to_o cherish_v and_o strengthen_v the_o faith_n especial_o of_o young_a believer_n by_o show_v each_o particular_a point_n agreeable_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o christian_a principle_n and_o record_v express_o in_o or_o deduce_v by_o consequence_n from_o the_o divinely-inspired_n book_n 6._o last_o this_o method_n be_v particular_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o sincere_a inquirer_n who_o if_o they_o want_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o native_a indifferency_n and_o be_v awe_v by_o any_o authority_n whatever_o before_o that_o authority_n be_v make_v out_o can_v but_o remain_v unsatisfy_a and_o inward_o feel_v they_o proceed_v not_o according_a to_o nature_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o unbyast_a reason_n whereas_o when_o the_o authority_n be_v once_o make_v evident_a reason_n will_v clear_o inform_v they_o that_o it_o become_v their_o nature_n to_o assent_v to_o it_o 7._o but_o how_o will_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v so_o easy_o determinable_a by_o common_a reason_n which_o be_v the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n very_o evident_o but_o first_o we_o must_v observe_v the_o assent_n call_v faith_n depend_v upon_o two_o proposition_n what_o god_n have_v say_v be_v true_a and_o god_n have_v say_v this_o out_o of_o which_o two_o necessary_o follow_v the_o conclusion_n that_o this_o or_o that_o in_o particular_a be_v true_a of_o these_o two_o we_o be_v concern_v only_o in_o the_o late_a for_o to_o examine_v why_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v when_o he_o have_v say_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o call_v the_o formal_a motive_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o task_n for_o those_o who_o own_o christianity_n but_o all_o we_o have_v to_o do_v be_v to_o find_v out_o what_o god_n have_v say_v or_o which_o in_o our_o case_n be_v all_o one_o what_o christ_n have_v teach_v and_o that_o whatever_o it_o be_v which_o acqnaint_v we_o with_o this_o we_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o that_o which_o regulate_v our_o belief_n concern_v christ_n doctrine_n or_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n now_o i_o affirm_v i●_n may_v be_v obvious_a reason_n be_v discover_v which_o this_o rule_n be_v and_o that_o by_o look_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o or_o consider_v what_o kind_n of_o thing_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o attentive_o to_o reflect_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o two_o ordinary_a word_n rule_v &_o faith_n 8._o and_o both_o of_o they_o acquaint_v we_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v the_o mean_n to_o assure_v we_o infallible_o what_o christ_n teach_v for_o in_o case_n a_o rule_n though_o we_o apply_v it_o to_o our_o power_n and_o swerve_v not_o from_o it_o leave_v we_o still_o deceivable_a in_o those_o point_n in_o which_o it_o shall_v regulate_v we_o we_o need_v another_o rule_n to_o secure_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o actual_o deceive_v and_o so_o this_o other_o and_o not_o the_o former_a be_v our_o rule_n next_o faith_n speak_v of_o christian_a faith_n differ_v ●rom_o opinion_n in_o this_o that_o opinion_n may_v be_v false_a but_o faith_n can_v wherefore_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n both_o as_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n and_o as_o it_o ground_n faith_n double_o involve_v infallibility_n in_o its_o notion_n 9_o let_v we_o apply_v this_o to_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n for_o set_v aside_o the_o light_n of_o the_o private_a spirit_n ground_v phanaticism_n there_o be_v no_o more_o which_o claim_n to_o be_v rule_n of_o faith_n &_o see_v to_o which_o of_o they_o this_o
the_o true_a church_n likewise_o that_o a_o representative_a of_o that_o body_n be_v a_o true_a council_n and_o that_o a_o eminent_a member_n of_o it_o deliver_v down_o to_o the_o next_o age_n the_o doctrine_n believe_v in_o his_o whether_o by_o express_o avouch_v it_o the_o chnrches_n sense_n or_o confute_v heretic_n be_v a_o true_a father_n last_o they_o can_v have_v infallible_a certainty_n both_o of_o the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v faith_n for_o if_o any_o fault_n which_o shock_n their_o faith_n whether_o of_o translator_n or_o transcriber_n creep_v into_o any_o passage_n or_o if_o the_o text_n be_v indeed_o right_a but_o yet_o ambiguous_a they_o can_v rectify_v the_o letter_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o assign_v it_o a_o sense_n agreeable_a to_o the_o faith_n which_o they_o find_v there_o between_o which_o and_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a writer_n they_o be_v sure_o there_o can_v be_v no_o disagreement_n as_o be_v both_o inspire_v by_o the_o same_o unerring_a light_n 22._o contrariwise_o those_o that_o follow_v not_o this_o rule_n and_o so_o be_v out_o of_o this_o church_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o first_o can_v have_v no_o true_a faith_n themselves_o it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o and_o usual_a that_o some_o and_o not_o seldom_o many_o of_o the_o point_n to_o which_o they_o assent_n be_v true_a and_o the_o same_o the_o true_o faithful_a assent_n to_o yet_o their_o assent_n to_o they_o be_v not_o faith_n for_o faith_n speak_v of_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o assent_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v false_a and_o not_o only_o the_o point_n assent_v to_o but_o the_o assent_n itself_o must_v have_v that_o distance_n from_o falsehood_n as_o be_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o faith_n vindicate_v else_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o degenerate_v into_o a_o low_a act_n and_o be_v call_v opinion_n now_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o assent_n rational_o make_v depend_v upon_o the_o strength_n of_o its_o ground_n &_o all_o ground_n of_o that_o assent_n call_v faith_n i_o mean_v such_o ground_n as_o tell_v we_o what_o christ_n teach_v beside_o tradition_n be_v prove_v §_o 10._o weak_a and_o none_o without_o it_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a faith_n next_o for_o want_v of_o that_o only_a infallble_a ground_n they_o can_v have_v certainty_n which_o be_v true_a faith_n who_o true_o faithful_a which_o the_o true_a church_n which_o a_o true_a council_n who_o a_o true_a father_n nor_o last_o which_o be_v either_o the_o letter_n or_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o dogmatical_a passage_n that_o concern_v faith_n and_o since_o they_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n they_o have_v no_o right_n nor_o ought_v in_o a_o discourse_n about_o faith_n be_v admit_v to_o quote_v any_o of_o they_o but_o be_v themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a cause_n conclude_v in_o this_o single_a inquiry_n who_o have_v a_o competent_a that_o be_v a_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a or_o infallible_a rule_n to_o arrive_v at_o faith_n 23._o the_o solid_a satisfaction_n therefore_o of_o those_o who_o inquire_v after_o true_a faith_n be_v only_o to_o be_v gain_v by_o examine_v who_o have_v or_o who_o have_v not_o such_o a_o rule_n this_o method_n be_v short_a and_o easy_a and_o yet_o alone_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n all_o other_o till_o this_o be_v have_v be_v superficial_a tedious_a and_o for_o want_v of_o ground_n insignificant_a the_o former_a discourse_n reduce_v to_o principle_n to_o show_v the_o precedent_n discourse_v build_v on_o most_o firm_a and_o most_o evident_a principle_n and_o such_o as_o i_o have_v describe_v in_o my_o preface_n i_o request_v the_o reader_n to_o look_v back_o with_o attentive_a consideration_n upon_o its_o several_a part_n and_o he_o will_v discern_v that_o §_o 1._o the_o first_o paragraph_n be_v only_o a_o descant_n upon_o this_o proposition_n the_o ground_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v before_o the_o superstructure_n or_o which_o come_v to_o the_o same_o that_o he_o who_o build_v must_v build_v upon_o something_o or_o to_o put_v it_o in_o more_o immediate_a term_n what_o be_v first_o be_v to_o be_v begin_v with_o that_o be_v what_o be_v first_o be_v to_o be_v first_o which_o be_v resolve_v final_o into_o this_o proposition_n supreme_o identical_a a_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v §_o 2._o the_o second_o rely_v on_o that_o famous_a maxim_n of_o logician_n that_o the_o definition_n be_v more_o know_v than_o the_o thing_n define_v which_o be_v self-evident_a speculative_o for_o the_o word_n once_o understand_v it_o come_v to_o this_o that_o what_o clear_v another_o thing_n must_v be_v clear_a itself_o that_o what_o explain_v must_v explain_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o it_o imply_v that_o in_o plain_a thing_n depend_v on_o authority_n honest_a man_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v before_o knave_n which_o be_v self-evident_a practical_o §_o 3._o the_o three_o be_v but_o a_o inference_n from_o the_o two_o foregoing_a one_o and_o manifest_o depend_v on_o the_o same_o self-evident_a principle_n §_o 4._o the_o four_o be_v a_o far_a deduction_n and_o since_o to_o satisfy_v rational_o be_v to_o make_v man_n know_v one_o way_n or_o other_o plain_o amount_v to_o this_o what_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o all_o must_v be_v possible_a to_o be_v know_v by_o all_o which_o be_v as_o self-evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o that_o can_v or_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v ●tne_n §_o 5._o the_o five_o be_v only_o a_o short_a descant_n upon_o the_o foregoing_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o so_o be_v reduce_v into_o the_o same_o ground_n with_o they_o §_o 6._o the_o six_o be_v as_o evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o man_n be_v not_o to_o assent_v upon_o authority_n or_o believe_v if_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o or_o that_o rational_a agent_n be_v to_o act_v rational_o §_o 7._o the_o seven_o state_n the_o question_n concern_v the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o show_v the_o way_n to_o look_v after_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o plain_a truth_n the_o mean_v of_o the_o word_n signify_v any_o natune_n be_v the_o nature_n signify_v by_o that_o word_n or_o which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o any_o word_n be_v mean_v by_o that_o word_n §_o 8._o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o 8_o be_v resume_v into_o this_o clear_a truth_n what_o leave_v we_o in_o need_n of_o a_o rule_n be_v not_o a_o rule_n or_o a_o rule_n be_v able_a to_o regulate_v which_o be_v perfect_o equivalent_a to_o this_o a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n the_o second_o part_n averr_v that_o faith_n take_v it_o for_o a_o assent_n upon_o the_o motive_n lay_v by_o god_n which_o can_v lead_v into_o error_n be_v not_o its_o opposite_a opinion_n which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o this_o faith_n be_v faith_n §_o 9_o the_o nine_o only_o direct_v our_o application_n of_o the_o two_o precede_a paragraph_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n §_o 10._o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o ten_o be_v full_a as_o evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o scholar_n as_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v not_o can_v be_v satisfy_v d_o rational_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o require_v scholarship_n which_o since_o to_o be_v satisfy_v rational_o signify_v to_o know_v import_v thus_o much_o that_o those_o who_o can_v know_v can_v know_v and_o the_o second_o part_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o it_o be_v that_o that_o be_v not_o the_o way_n which_o multitude_n take_v &_o yet_o go_v wrong_v which_o since_o a_o way_n be_v that_o which_o be_v to_o carry_v one_o right_a be_v as_o palpable_o self-evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o a_o way_n be_v a_o way_n §_o 11._o the_o eleven_o which_o contain_v the_o main_a and_o in_o a_o manner_n the_o only_a point_n have_v two_o part_n one_o that_o mankind_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o do_v for_o since_o both_o reason_n and_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o sense_n in_o man_n be_v conveyer_n of_o outward_a impression_n to_o the_o know_v power_n shall_v impression_n upon_o those_o part_v not_o be_v convey_v thither_o they_o will_v in_o that_o case_n not_o be_v sensitive_a or_o animal_n and_o so_o no_o man_n and_o do_v they_o not_o perceive_v when_o such_o impression_n be_v convey_v as_o they_o ought_v they_o will_v be_v destitute_a of_o a_o power_n receive_v knowledge_n by_o sense_n and_o so_o again_o no_o men._n so_o that_o this_o first_o part_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o mankind_n be_v mankind_n and_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o §_o direct_o engage_v this_o identical_a proposition_n the_o same_n be_v the_o same_o with_o its_o self_n that_o be_v both_o of_o they_o be_v self-evident_a or_o immediate_o imply_v what_o be_v so_o §_o 12._o
of_o his_o ever_o have_v from_o the_o church_n which_o argue_v its_o perfect_a conformity_n to_o the_o church_n sense_n in_o settle_v and_o state_v the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n i_o transcribe_v then_o from_o this_o ancient_n and_o learned_a father_n his_o whole_a second_o chapter_n in_o his_o treatise_n entitle_v against_o the_o profane_a innovation_n of_o heresy_n which_o be_v this_o hic_fw-la for_o sit_v a_o requirat_fw-la aliquis_fw-la etc._n etc._n here_o perhaps_o some_o may_v ask_v since_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v perfect_a and_o enough_o nay_o more_o th●●_n enough_o suffice_v to_o itself_o for_o all_o thing_n what_o need_n be_v there_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n sense_n shall_v be_v join_v to_o it_o because_o all_o man_n do_v not_o take_v the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o depth_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o meaning_n but_o divers_a man_n interpret_v its_o say_n diverse_o so_o that_o as_o many_o opinion_n in_o a_o manner_n as_o there_o be_v man_n seem_v possible_a to_o be_v draw_v thence_o for_o novatian_n expound_v it_o one_o way_n photinus_n another_o sabellius_n another_o and_o donatus_n another_o arius_n eunomius_n macedonius_n take_v it_o in_o one_o sense_n apollinaris_n priscillianus_n in_o another_o sense_n jovinian_a pelagius_n coelestius_n understand_v it_o thus_o and_o last_o nestorius_n otherwise_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a by_o reason_n of_o so_o great_a wind_n of_o so_o various_a error_n that_o the_o line_n of_o the_o prophetical_a and_o apostolical_a interpretation_n may_v be_v direct_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a and_o catholic_n sense_n from_o which_o place_n we_o may_v note_n 1._o that_o though_o he_o allow_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n perfect_a and_o sufficient_a for_o all_o thing_n yet_o by_o show_v it_o interpretable_a divers_a way_n and_o this_o by_o great_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o so_o that_o they_o fall_v into_o multitude_n of_o error_n by_o those_o inerpretation_n and_o thence_o require_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n sense_n as_o necessary_a to_o understand_v it_o right_o so_o as_o to_o build_v faith_n on_o it_o he_o plain_o show_v that_o scripture_n alone_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o this_o end_n since_o it_o need_v another_o to_o achieve_v it_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v not_o say_v simple_o it_o suffice_v for_o all_o thing_n but_o sufficit_fw-la sibi_fw-la ad●omnia_fw-la it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o itself_o for_o all_o thing_n which_o can_v only_o mean_v that_o it_o have_v all_o the_o perfection_n due_a to_o it_o be_v own_o nature_n as_o i_o show_v above_o p._n 87_o 88_o 89._o or_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o end_v god_n intend_v it_o for_o reckon_v up_o by_o s._n paul_n to_o timothy_n among_o which_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v find_v as_o sufficiency_n of_o clearness_n to_o every_o sober_a enquirer_n so_o as_o to_o build_v his_o faith_n on_o his_o private_a interpretation_n of_o it_o without_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o church_n sense_n only_o which_o will_v come_v to_o dr._n st_n purpose_n since_o than_o i_o allow_v scripture_n all_o sufficiency_n and_o perfection_n but_o this_o of_o be_v sufficient_o clear_a to_o private_a understanding_n so_o as_o to_o build_v their_o faith_n on_o their_o own_o interpretation_n of_o it_o i_o allow_v it_o all_o this_o learned_a father_n or_o the_o ancient_a church_n ever_o do_v 2._o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o put_v not_o the_o fault_n in_o the_o person_n but_o give_v for_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o misunderstanding_n it_o the_o depth_n or_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o argue_v that_o though_o some_o few_o out_o of_o wickedness_n wilful_o mistake_v yet_o the_o general_n reason_n of_o the_o miscarriage_n be_v the_o disproportion_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o private_a understand_n in_o dogmatical_a point_n of_o christianity_n as_o i_o constant_o maintain_v 3._o he_o call_v the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o a_o line_n which_o be_v flexible_a and_o dirigible_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o rule_n which_o lie_v firm_a as_o apt_a to_o direct_v another_o and_o so_o with_o i_o he_o make_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n 4._o this_o sense_n of_o he_o church_n be_v intimate_v to_o be_v antecedent_n to_o all_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n must_v have_v have_v this_o sense_n or_o knowledge_n of_o faith_n by_o tradition_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n become_v god_n ordinary_a providence_n but_o these_o two_o 5._o these_o thing_n be_v so_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o when_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n he_o mention_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n mean_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n he_o mean_v they_o joint_o as_o appear_v express_o by_o the_o very_a next_o word_n begin_v this_o present_a chapter_n nor_o do_v he_o speak_v there_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o faith_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o do_v but_o of_o keep_v they_o in_o faith_n or_o preserve_v they_o from_o slide_v into_o heresy_n and_o since_o he_o attribute_n in_o this_o chapter_n convictiveness_n of_o what_o be_v faith_n only_a to_o the_o church_n sense_n it_o be_v manifest_a all_o that_o remain_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o scripture_n be_v agreeableness_n of_o its_o letter_n if_o a_o good_a pastor_n expound_v it_o to_o the_o present_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n to_o see_v which_o exceed_o comfort_n faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o already-faithful_a who_o must_v need_n be_v have_v a_o high_a reverence_n for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n authority_n the_o whole_a strain_n then_o of_o my_o discourse_n here_o against_o dr._n st._n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v perfect_o consonant_a to_o this_o learned_a father_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o all_o antiquity_n only_o our_o frequent_a and_o close_o contest_v with_o our_o acute_a modern_a dissenter_n have_v oblige_v we_o to_o a_o more_o scholarlike_o way_n of_o distinguish_v our_o notion_n exact_o which_o the_o ancient_n do_v not_o and_o faith_n be_v contain_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o scripture_n and_o the_o breast_n of_o the_o church_n of_o determine_v which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o proper_a ascertainer_n of_o faith_n to_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v convert_v and_o so_o in_o true_a and_o exact_a speech_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o both_o this_o father_n and_o evident_a reason_n give_v it_o to_o be_v the_o church_n what_o then_o dr._n st._n be_v to_o do_v in_o this_o point_n if_o he_o make_v any_o such_o attempt_n be_v to_o allege_v convince_v testimony_n that_o the_o ancient_a father_n hold_v scripture_n so_o plain_a to_o every_o sober_a enquirer_n as_o to_o give_v he_o such_o certainty_n that_o he_o may_v safe_o build_v his_o faith_n on_o his_o own_o interpretation_n thereof_o without_o need_v the_o church_n when_o he_o produce_v such_o testimony_n as_o come_v home_o to_o this_o or_o a_o equivalent_a sense_n he_o will_v work_v wonder_n and_o unless_o he_o do_v this_o he_o do_v just_a nothing_o but_o i_o foresee_v two_o unlucky_a difficulty_n one_o that_o he_o will_v not_o find_v one_o testimony_n of_o any_o authority_n which_o exclude_v the_o church_n from_o this_o office_n as_o himself_o direct_o do_v next_o that_o can_v he_o produce_v thousand_o he_o will_v spoil_v they_o all_o at_o the_o next_o word_n and_o render_v they_o inconclusive_a that_o be_v insignificant_a with_o tell_v we_o very_o sober_o they_o be_v all_o fallible_a as_o to_o that_o effect_n and_o consequent_o be_v perhaps_o in_o a_o error_n in_o all_o they_o say_v finis_fw-la finis_fw-la see_v sure_o foot_v 2d_o ed._n p._n 145_o 146._o 146._o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 118._o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 153._o reason_n against_o raillery_n p._n 190_o 191_o etc._n etc._n etc._n rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 118._o see_v his_o preface_n to_o his_o sermon_n p._n last_o