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mr._n s._n be_v always_o mr._n s._n pretend_v demonstration_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o like_o it_o if_o man_n be_v always_o man_n they_o be_v always_o apt_a to_o be_v deceive_v and_o unless_o christian_n by_o be_v such_o be_v infallible_a they_o be_v liable_a to_o mistake_v but_o the_o high_a mean_n to_o convey_v the_o sense_n of_o word_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o tradition_n i_o be_o quite_o of_o another_o opinion_n i_o think_v it_o the_o most_o uncertain_a way_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o evident_a proof_n of_o it_o when_o there_o be_v all_o possible_a advantage_n of_o tradition_n and_o yet_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v strange_o corrupt_v although_o they_o be_v plain_a easy_a few_o of_o the_o high_a importance_n and_o man_n live_v so_o long_o to_o inculcate_v they_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o their_o child_n if_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o tradition_n the_o world_n may_v then_o 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understand_v it_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o nature_n but_o adoption_n and_o so_o do_v the_o artemonite_n and_o samosatenian_o afterward_o and_o how_o can_v that_o be_v prove_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v which_o we_o show_v be_v actual_o do_v man_n do_v notorious_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v receive_v by_o tradition_n and_o yet_o mr._n s._n pretend_v it_o can_v be_v mistake_v if_o it_o be_v so_o receive_v 14._o mr._n s._n still_o urge_v that_o faith_n have_v sense_n in_o it_o and_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n not_o to_o hold_v some_o sense_n or_o other_o and_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_n not_o to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o that_o sense_n and_o i_o think_v word_n write_v have_v as_o much_o sense_n in_o they_o as_o word_n speak_v and_o less_o liable_a to_o mistake_v there_o be_v no_o such_o mixture_n of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o man_n in_o a_o write_a rule_n as_o in_o oral_a tradition_n but_o instance_n be_v unlucky_a thing_n to_o be_v bring_v against_o demonstration_n and_o such_o be_v that_o of_o the_o cerinthian_o and_o artemonite_n who_o plead_v tradition_n for_o their_o sense_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v man_n and_o pretend_v to_o deliver_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o their_o disciple_n i_o allege_v another_o instance_n how_o the_o sense_n of_o tradition_n may_v be_v mistake_v and_o that_o be_v about_o a_o real_a presence_n in_o the_o eucharist_n which_o may_v be_v understand_v in_o very_o different_a sense_n no_o say_v mr._n s._n that_o can_v be_v for_o faith_n work_v on_o our_o devout_a affection_n which_o must_v either_o oblige_v we_o to_o pay_v a_o infinite_a veneration_n to_o a_o creature_n if_o christ_n real_a body_n and_o consequent_o god_n be_v not_o there_o or_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a deviation_n from_o true_a religion_n that_o be_v possible_a or_o else_o to_o be_v high_o irreverent_a and_o to_o 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apt_a to_o excite_v and_o elevate_v our_o devotion_n as_o the_o believe_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v there_o real_o present_a but_o it_o be_v observable_a what_o mr._n s._n here_o grant_v that_o if_o christ_n body_n be_v not_o there_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o pay_v a_o infinite_a veneration_n to_o a_o creature_n which_o be_v the_o great_a deviation_n from_o true_a religion_n that_o be_v possible_a and_o upon_o my_o word_n then_o they_o have_v need_n have_v better_a assurance_n than_o what_o he_o offer_v to_o prove_v christ_n real_a body_n to_o be_v there_o for_o if_o as_o great_a reverence_n may_v be_v pay_v to_o christ_n in_o heaven_n as_o if_o he_o be_v in_o the_o element_n i_o can_v see_v how_o the_o posture_n of_o adoration_n can_v any_o way_n determine_v the_o sense_n of_o tradition_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o thus_o mr._n s._n have_v leave_v the_o sense_n of_o tradition_n as_o uncertain_a as_o he_o pretend_v that_o of_o scripture_n to_o be_v and_o if_o his_o argument_n will_v hold_v against_o the_o one_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o will_v do_v as_o great_a a_o kindness_n for_o the_o other_o also_o thus_o i_o have_v full_o answer_v his_o main_a argument_n against_o scripture_n be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v be_v so_o free_a with_o i_o as_o to_o tell_v i_o i_o can_v answer_v 32._o and_o he_o and_o i_o must_v now_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n be_v judgement_n the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v i._o we_o distinguish_v necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n from_o matter_n of_o speculation_n ii_o we_o distinguish_v certainty_n of_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n and_o certainty_n of_o opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o controversy_n iii_o we_o distinguish_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o rule_n from_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o application_n of_o that_o rule_n
in_o matter_n of_o opinion_n or_o in_o doubtful_a or_o obscure_a place_n they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o skill_n and_o assistance_n of_o their_o teacher_n wherein_o be_v they_o to_o blame_v the_o scripture_n be_v still_o their_o rule_n but_o the_o help_n of_o their_o teacher_n be_v for_o the_o better_a understanding_n it_o and_o can_v our_o logician_n distinguish_v between_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o help_v to_o understand_v it_o suppose_v now_o a_o mother_n or_o a_o nurse_n shall_v quit_v honest_a tradition_n â—â—_o as_o j._n s._n here_o call_v it_o and_o be_v so_o ill_o incline_v as_o to_o teach_v child_n to_o spell_n and_o to_o read_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v they_o come_v by_o degree_n to_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n preach_v and_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v and_o from_o thence_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o obey_v his_o command_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v into_o what_o these_o person_n do_v resolve_v their_o faith._n be_v it_o indeed_o into_o those_o who_o teach_v they_o to_o read_v or_o into_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n when_o they_o have_v be_v all_o along_o tell_v that_o the_o scripture_n alone_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o whatever_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v it_o be_v because_o it_o be_v contain_v therein_o and_o so_o by_o whatever_o mean_n they_o come_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v that_o alone_o they_o take_v for_o the_o rule_n and_o foundation_n of_o their_o faith._n if_o a_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o observe_v hypocrates_n his_o rule_n but_o find_v himself_o uncapable_a of_o understand_v he_o and_o therefore_o desire_v a_o physician_n help_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o he_o rely_v upon_o the_o skill_n of_o his_o interpreter_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o hypocrates_n it_o be_v possible_a his_o interpreter_n may_v in_o some_o doubtful_a and_o obscure_a place_n have_v mistake_v hypocrates_n his_o mean_v but_o however_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o keep_n to_o the_o rule_n be_v not_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o interpreter_n but_o of_o hypocrates_n but_o suppose_v a_o college_n of_o physician_n interpret_v hypocrates_n otherwise_o be_v he_o bind_v then_o to_o believe_v his_o own_o interpreter_n against_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o college_n i_o answer_v if_o a_o college_n of_o physician_n shall_v translate_v bread_n for_o cheese_n or_o by_o phlebotomy_n shall_v declare_v be_v mean_v cut_v of_o artery_n or_o of_o a_o man_n throat_n let_v they_o presume_v to_o be_v never_o so_o infallible_a i_o will_v trust_v any_o single_a interpreter_n with_o the_o help_n of_o lexicon_n and_o common_a sense_n against_o they_o all_o but_o especial_o if_o i_o can_v produce_v galen_n and_o the_o old_a physician_n who_o understand_v hypocrates_n best_o on_o my_o side_n this_o be_v our_o case_n as_o to_o the_o people_n about_o disputable_a point_n we_o do_v not_o set_v up_o our_o own_o authority_n against_o a_o church_n pretend_v to_o be_v infallible_a we_o never_o require_v they_o to_o trust_v whole_o to_o our_o judgement_n but_o we_o give_v they_o our_o best_a assistance_n and_o call_v in_o the_o old_a interpreter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o we_o desire_v they_o to_o use_v their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n with_o divine_a assistance_n for_o settle_v their_o mind_n if_o people_n be_v negligent_a and_o careless_a and_o will_v not_o take_v necessary_a pain_n to_o inform_v themselves_o which_o mr._n s._n suggest_v we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o observe_v our_o direction_n and_o i_o never_o yet_o know_v the_o negligent_a and_o careless_a bring_v into_o a_o dispute_n of_o religion_n for_o in_o this_o case_n we_o must_v suppose_v people_n to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o religion_n they_o own_v otherwise_o their_o example_n signify_v no_o more_o against_o our_o doctrine_n than_o debauchery_n do_v against_o the_o rule_n of_o hypocrates_n but_o suppose_v say_v mr._n s._n 29._o that_o one_o of_o my_o own_o flock_n shall_v tell_v i_o that_o i_o have_v err_v in_o interpret_n scripture_n he_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o i_o will_v say_v to_o he_o this_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a question_n and_o soon_o answer_v i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v he_o as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v and_o be_v that_o all_o and_o what_o will_v j._n s._n do_v more_o will_v he_o tell_v he_o he_o be_v infallible_a i_o think_v not_o but_o only_o as_o honest_a tradition_n make_v he_o so_o and_o how_o far_o that_o go_v towards_o it_o i_o shall_v examine_v afterward_o well_o but_o suppose_v john_n biddle_n against_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o parish_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o england_n to_o boot_v understand_v scripture_n to_o be_v plain_o against_o a_o trinity_n and_o christ_n divinity_n and_o it_o be_v but_o fair_a for_o i_o to_o suppose_v he_o maintain_v his_o heresy_n against_o j._n s._n and_o let_v any_o one_o judge_n whether_o of_o we_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o convince_v he_o he_o own_v the_o scripture_n and_o confess_v if_o we_o can_v prove_v our_o doctrine_n from_o thence_o he_o will_v yield_v but_o he_o laugh_v at_o oral_a tradition_n and_o think_v it_o a_o jest_n for_o any_o one_o to_o prove_v such_o a_o doctrine_n by_o it_o and_o true_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o proof_n from_o scripture_n i_o do_v much_o question_n whether_o any_o argument_n from_o mere_a tradition_n can_v ever_o confute_v such_o a_o one_o as_o john_n biddle_n but_o when_o we_o offer_v such_o proof_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v sufficient_a in_o themselves_o we_o take_v the_o only_a proper_a way_n to_o give_v he_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n suppose_v he_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v who_o can_v help_v that_o christ_n himself_o meet_v with_o wilful_a and_o obstinate_a unbeliever_n and_o be_v this_o any_o disparagement_n to_o his_o doctrine_n god_n himself_o have_v never_o promise_v to_o cure_v those_o who_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light._n 29._o shall_v the_o believe_a church_n then_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n against_o the_o teach_v church_n who_o ever_o assert_v any_o such_o thing_n we_o only_o say_v that_o the_o people_n be_v to_o understand_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o to_o judge_v by_o the_o best_a help_n they_o can_v what_o doctrine_n be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o to_o embrace_v what_o be_v so_o and_o to_o reject_v what_o be_v not_o but_o among_o those_o help_n we_o take_v in_o not_o bare_o the_o personal_a assistance_n of_o their_o own_o guide_n but_o the_o evidence_n he_o bring_v as_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o teach_v church_n in_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o after_o this_o it_o shall_v present_o follow_v 29._o it_o be_v evident_a hence_o that_o tradition_n of_o our_o father_n and_o teacher_n and_o not_o scripture_n letter_n be_v indeed_o our_o rule_n and_o by_o it_o we_o interpret_v scripture_n if_o this_o be_v so_o evident_a then_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a we_o shall_v set_v up_o the_o ecclesia_fw-la credens_fw-fr against_o the_o ecclesia_fw-la docens_fw-la as_o he_o charge_v we_o just_a before_o if_o tradition_n be_v our_o rule_n and_o we_o interpret_v scripture_n by_o it_o what_o fault_n then_o be_v we_o guilty_a of_o if_o tradition_n be_v such_o a_o infallible_a rule_n but_o methinks_v this_o hence_o look_v a_o little_a illogical_o upon_o the_o premise_n and_o if_o this_o be_v his_o conclusive_a evidence_n he_o must_v excuse_v i_o as_o to_o the_o make_v it_o a_o ground_n of_o my_o faith._n but_o he_o allow_v that_o we_o set_v up_o scripture_n as_o our_o rule_n when_o we_o dispute_v against_o they_o but_o when_o that_o be_v do_v we_o set_v up_o our_o own_o authority_n over_o the_o people_n and_o do_v not_o allow_v they_o that_o privilege_n against_o we_o which_o we_o take_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n this_o be_v all_o the_o strength_n of_o what_o i_o can_v make_v out_o of_o that_o paragraph_n for_o if_o all_o write_n be_v like_o he_o it_o will_v be_v the_o best_a argument_n for_o oral_a tradition_n his_o sense_n be_v so_o intricate_a and_o his_o conclusion_n so_o remote_a from_o his_o premise_n just_o before_o he_o say_v it_o be_v evident_a hence_o that_o we_o follow_v tradition_n and_o present_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a we_o do_v not_o follow_v it_o and_o set_v up_o our_o own_o authority_n against_o it_o we_o do_v interpret_v scripture_n by_o tradition_n and_o yet_o immediate_o we_o set_v up_o scripture_n against_o tradition_n we_o plead_v for_o the_o people_n right_a to_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o allow_v they_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n what_o invisible_a link_n have_v oral_a tradition_n to_o connect_v thing_n that_o seem_v so_o far_o asunder_o
and_o then_o my_o answer_n lie_v in_o these_o thing_n i._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o certain_a rule_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o all_o point_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o all_o such_o as_o make_v use_n of_o it_o as_o such_o and_o do_v not_o through_o their_o own_o fault_n make_v a_o wrong_a application_n thereof_o ii_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o design_v for_o a_o certain_a rule_n as_o to_o unnecessary_a opinion_n and_o therefore_o man_n not_o arrive_v at_o a_o certainty_n in_o they_o do_v not_o hinder_v its_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith._n iii_o that_o scripture_n be_v our_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o reject_v all_o pretend_a article_n of_o faith_n which_o can_v with_o certainty_n be_v prove_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o so_o the_o proof_n of_o certainty_n lie_v upon_o those_o who_o affirm_v such_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o upon_o we_o who_o deny_v they_o this_o argument_n be_v mr._n s_n goliath_n and_o now_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o his_o lesser_a man_n at_o arm_n soon_o quit_v the_o field_n but_o i_o must_v take_v some_o notice_n of_o they_o lest_o they_o be_v magnify_v by_o be_v slight_v his_o next_o argument_n be_v that_o i_o contradict_v myself_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v in_o the_o beginning_n make_v he_o unwilling_a to_o repeat_v such_o a_o charge_n against_o i_o till_o he_o have_v clear_v himself_o but_o wherein_o be_v it_o in_o another_o place_n he_o say_v i_o deny_v any_o absolute_a certainty_n as_o to_o tradition_n attest_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o in_o the_o conference_n i_o assert_v i_o have_v look_v in_o the_o place_n he_o refer_v to_o and_o there_o i_o find_v nothing_o like_o it_o i_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o any_o infallible_a society_n of_o man_n either_o to_o attest_v or_o explain_v the_o scripture_n where_o by_o a_o infallible_a society_n of_o man_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o have_v a_o divine_a assistance_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n we_o have_v of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n by_o universal_a tradition_n but_o he_o urge_v it_o further_o if_o this_o society_n be_v not_o infallible_a than_o it_o be_v fallible_a and_o if_o it_o be_v fallible_a than_o we_o can_v be_v more_o than_o fallible_o certain_a and_o so_o we_o can_v have_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n from_o a_o fallible_a testimony_n this_o be_v the_o whole_a force_n of_o what_o he_o say_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v i._o i_o understand_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o infallibility_n in_o mankind_n but_o by_o immediate_a divine_a assistance_n i_o grant_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n may_v where_o he_o please_v preserve_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o any_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n as_o to_o those_o thing_n wherein_o it_o do_v enlighten_v they_o but_o set_v aside_o this_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o infallibility_n the_o utmost_a be_v a_o rational_a certainty_n build_v on_o clear_a and_o convince_a motive_n where_o the_o motive_n be_v mere_o probable_a there_o may_v be_v opinion_n but_o no_o certainty_n where_o the_o evidence_n be_v think_v so_o strong_a as_o to_o determine_v assent_n there_o be_v a_o certainty_n as_o to_o the_o mind_n as_o when_o we_o common_o say_v we_o be_v certain_a of_o such_o thing_n we_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o that_o we_o firm_o believe_v they_o but_o when_o the_o evidence_n be_v the_o high_a which_o in_o point_n of_o reason_n the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o then_o there_o be_v that_o which_o i_o call_v absolute_a certainty_n i._n e._n such_o as_o depend_v not_o mere_o on_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o the_o evidence_n which_o justify_v that_o assent_n two_o if_o by_o be_v fallible_o certain_a he_o mean_v any_o suspicion_n that_o notwithstanding_o such_o evidence_n in_o all_o its_o circumstance_n i_o may_v be_v deceive_v than_o i_o utter_o deny_v it_o for_o otherwise_o i_o can_v not_o be_v absolute_o certain_a but_o if_o he_o mean_v only_o that_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a infallibility_n and_o i_o know_v no_o other_o than_o i_o own_o that_o there_o be_v still_o human_a fallibility_n consistent_a with_o this_o absolute_a certainty_n but_o mr._n s._n will_v have_v absolute_a certainty_n to_o be_v infallible_a if_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v he_o but_o human_a i._n e._n fallible_a infallibility_n much_o good_a may_v it_o do_v he_o but_o i_o much_o rather_o choose_v proper_a term_n which_o i_o know_v the_o certain_a meaning_n of_o than_o improper_a though_o they_o make_v a_o far_o great_a noise_n i_o do_v own_o a_o absolute_a certainty_n in_o some_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o inward_a perception_n as_o that_o i_o think_v i_o doubt_v and_o that_o i_o be_o i_o do_v own_o a_o absolute_a certainty_n as_o to_o common_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o as_o to_o some_o deduction_n of_o reason_n i_o do_v own_o a_o absolute_a certainty_n as_o to_o some_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o a_o concurrence_n of_o circumstance_n but_o for_o all_o that_o i_o do_v not_o account_v human_a nature_n infallible_a nor_o this_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n unless_o it_o be_v take_v in_o another_o sense_n than_o divine_v take_v it_o in_o for_o even_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o well_o as_o we_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o a_o human_a and_o acquisite_a certainty_n and_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a and_o if_o mr._n s._n by_o divine_a mean_n human_a and_o by_o infallible_a no_o more_o than_o certain_a he_o must_v not_o think_v he_o have_v gain_v any_o great_a matter_n when_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o word_n in_o a_o improper_a and_o unusual_a sense_n 25._o iii_o his_o next_o argument_n be_v that_o our_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o heresy_n in_o the_o world_n which_o pretend_v scripture_n as_o well_o as_o we_o this_o be_v just_a the_o old_a sceptical_a argument_n against_o certainty_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o certainty_n you_o must_v assign_v such_o a_o criterion_n which_o be_v not_o common_a to_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n but_o if_o you_o can_v assign_v any_o such_o mark_n of_o truth_n which_o may_v not_o as_o well_o agree_v to_o what_o be_v false_a then_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o certainty_n to_o be_v have_v in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o proof_n must_v not_o lie_v in_o general_n but_o we_o must_v come_v to_o particular_n to_o show_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o certainty_n viz._n as_o to_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o if_o we_o can_v show_v why_o we_o believe_v those_o point_n and_o reject_v the_o opposite_a heresy_n as_o arianism_n sabellianism_n eutychianism_n etc._n etc._n then_o we_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o want_v of_o certainty_n in_o these_o point_n but_o not_o before_o but_o this_o he_o say_v be_v to_o make_v light_a and_o darkness_n very_o consistent_a and_o christ_n and_o belial_n very_o good_a friend_n it_o seem_v then_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n to_o be_v find_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n between_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v this_o in_o truth_n your_o avow_a principle_n do_v you_o in_o earnest_n believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v such_o a_o chaos_n where_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n of_o light_n and_o darkness_n and_o that_o nothing_o but_o confusion_n can_v be_v find_v in_o it_o and_o we_o can_v tell_v by_o it_o whether_o we_o be_v to_o worship_n god_n or_o the_o devil_n if_o mr._n s._n grant_v that_o there_o be_v enough_o in_o scripture_n to_o distinguish_v these_o two_o than_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n so_o far_o as_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o light_n and_o darkness_n between_o christ_n and_o belial_n and_o so_o these_o expression_n must_v be_v disow_v as_o little_o less_o than_o blasphemous_a for_o all_o his_o pitiful_a defence_n of_o they_o in_o his_o second_o letter_n which_o be_v 74._o that_o he_o never_o say_v that_o christ_n and_o belial_n can_v be_v reconcile_v or_o advance_v any_o position_n that_o imply_v it_o but_o he_o say_v that_o to_o make_v scripture_n our_o rule_n be_v to_o make_v light_a and_o darkness_n consistent_a and_o christ_n and_o belial_n very_o good_a friend_n and_o be_v not_o this_o blasphemy_n against_o scripture_n and_o imply_v that_o if_o we_o go_v by_o that_o rule_n only_o they_o may_v be_v very_o good_a friend_n how_o can_v this_o be_v unless_o he_o assert_n that_o by_o scripture_n alone_o we_o can_v find_v no_o certain_a difference_n between_o light_n and_o darkness_n between_o christ_n and_o belial_n let_v mr._n s._n answer_v to_o this_o and_o not_o think_v to_o escape_v with_o such_o a_o poor_a evasion_n if_o he_o own_v the_o scripture_n a_o certain_a rule_n as_o to_o the_o difference_n of_o christ_n and_o belial_n and_o light_n and_o darkness_n than_o we_o have_v gain_v thus_o
much_o that_o in_o some_o matter_n of_o very_a great_a moment_n the_o scripture_n be_v a_o very_a sufficient_a rule_n and_o ground_n of_o certainty_n as_o to_o all_o point_n between_o we_o and_o infidel_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o as_o to_o these_o point_n then_o why_o not_o as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o point_n consequent_a upon_o these_o if_o christ_n be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n in_o opposition_n to_o heathen_a deity_n and_o we_o can_v know_v he_o by_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o than_o we_o may_v as_o well_o know_v he_o to_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n in_o opposition_n to_o arian_n and_o socinian_o if_o against_o the_o heathen_n we_o can_v prove_v from_o scripture_n that_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n why_o will_v not_o this_o as_o well_o hold_v against_o nestorian_n and_o eutychian_o and_o so_o the_o scripture_n become_v a_o very_a sufficient_a rule_n to_o distinguish_v light_n and_o darkness_n in_o such_o point_n among_o christian_n too_o for_o be_v it_o ever_o the_o less_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o rule_n because_o both_o party_n own_o it_o but_o they_o differ_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o controversy_n can_v never_o be_v end_v by_o it_o if_o church-history_n deceive_v we_o not_o the_o great_a controversy_n be_v end_v by_o it_o before_o general_a council_n be_v hear_v of_o and_o more_o than_o have_v be_v since_o many_o of_o those_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o first_o age_n be_v quite_o lay_v asleep_o 3._o as_o theodoret_n observe_v but_o since_o church-authority_n interpose_v in_o the_o most_o reasonable_a manner_n some_o difference_n have_v be_v perpetuate_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o nestorian_a and_o eutychian_a controversy_n i_o do_v not_o blame_v the_o authority_n of_o council_n proceed_v as_o they_o then_o do_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n but_o the_o event_n show_v that_o the_o most_o probable_a mean_n be_v sometime_o very_o ineffectual_a for_o end_v controversy_n and_o those_o which_o man_n think_v will_n most_o effectual_o suppress_v heresy_n do_v often_o give_v a_o new_a life_n and_o spirit_n to_o they_o so_o vain_a be_v the_o imagination_n of_o man_n about_o put_v a_o end_n to_o controversy_n till_o they_o do_v come_v to_o a_o certainty_n about_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v possible_a to_o stop_v man_n mouth_n by_o force_n and_o power_n but_o nothing_o bring_v man_n to_o a_o true_a satisfaction_n but_o inward_a conviction_n as_o to_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rational_a certainty_n as_o to_o these_o point_n without_o it_o if_o controversy_n be_v not_o end_v let_v we_o not_o blame_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n for_o god_n do_v not_o always_o appoint_v the_o mean_n most_o effectual_a in_o our_o judgement_n but_o such_o as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o own_o design_n and_o we_o see_v reason_n enough_o to_o blame_v the_o folly_n and_o weakness_n the_o prejudice_n and_o partiality_n the_o wilfulness_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o mankind_n and_o till_o human_a nature_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o better_a temper_n we_o may_v despair_v of_o see_v any_o end_n of_o controversy_n man_n may_v dispute_v and_o for_o all_o that_o i_o know_v will_v do_v to_o the_o world_n end_n about_o the_o method_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o dispute_n for_o the_o controversy_n about_o certainty_n and_o fatality_n have_v be_v always_o the_o matter_n of_o debate_n among_o dispute_v man_n under_o several_a name_n and_o hypothesis_n and_o be_v like_o so_o to_o be_v to_o the_o general_a conflagration_n iv._o he_o say_v 26._o scripture_n be_v not_o our_o distinguish_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o our_o own_o particular_a judgement_n about_o scripture_n for_o that_o which_o distinguish_v my_o rule_n from_o that_o of_o the_o most_o abominable_a heresy_n can_v only_o be_v my_o own_o judgement_n upon_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n and_o wriggle_v which_o way_n i_o will_v there_o it_o will_v and_o must_v end_v at_o last_o i_o wish_v mr._n s._n have_v be_v a_o little_a better_a conversant_a in_o the_o old_a dispute_n about_o certainty_n for_o it_o will_v have_v save_v i_o the_o trouble_n of_o answer_v some_o impertinent_a objection_n such_o as_o this_o before_o we_o for_o they_o will_v have_v be_v think_v mean_a logician_n who_o can_v not_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o rule_n of_o judgement_n and_o the_o judgement_n which_o a_o man_n make_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n suppose_v the_o question_n be_v about_o sense_n whether_o that_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n or_o not_o to_o judge_v by_o and_o epicurus_n shall_v affirm_v it_o and_o say_v he_o so_o firm_o believe_v it_o that_o he_o judge_v the_o sun_n to_o be_v no_o big_a than_o he_o seem_v to_o his_o sense_n will_v not_o he_o have_v be_v think_v ridiculous_a who_o shall_v have_v say_v this_o fancy_n of_o epicurus_n be_v his_o rule_n the_o rule_n he_o go_v by_o be_v in_o itself_o certain_a but_o he_o make_v a_o wrong_a judgement_n upon_o it_o but_o that_o be_v not_o his_o rule_n so_o it_o be_v here_o we_o declare_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v our_o only_a certain_a and_o stand_a rule_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o we_o understand_v it_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v and_o form_v our_o judgement_n by_o it_o but_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o our_o judgement_n be_v our_o rule_n we_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o our_o judgement_n but_o our_o rule_n be_v infallible_a we_o may_v differ_v in_o our_o judgement_n but_o our_o rule_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o those_o who_o differ_v in_o judgement_n to_o have_v the_o same_o rule_n if_o our_o rule_n and_o our_o judgement_n be_v the_o same_o for_o than_o their_o rule_n must_v be_v as_o different_a as_o their_o judgement_n i_o know_v not_o what_o modern_a logic_n mr._n s._n learn_v but_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o learn_v not_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v from_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n who_o discourse_v about_o the_o criterion_n after_o another_o manner_n than_o our_o great_a pretender_n to_o logic_n do_v 26._o v._o he_o object_n that_o our_o people_n do_v not_o make_v scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n not_o one_o in_o a_o million_o rely_v upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o this_o pretence_n of_o i_o he_o say_v book_n like_o a_o mere_a jest_n and_o he_o can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o i_o be_o in_o earnest_n while_o i_o advance_v such_o a_o paradox_n what_o do_v j._n s._n mean_v to_o call_v one_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o church_n a_o jest_n and_o a_o paradox_n for_o the_o word_n of_o our_o six_o article_n be_v holy_a scripture_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o read_v therein_o nor_o may_v be_v prove_v thereby_o be_v not_o to_o be_v require_v of_o any_o man_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v believe_v as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o be_v think_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n do_v j._n s._n now_o take_v this_o for_o a_o paradox_n among_o we_o i_o assure_v he_o i_o love_v not_o to_o make_v jest_n about_o scripture_n nor_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o salvation_n but_o wherein_o do_v this_o jest_n lie_v why_o forsooth_o i_o make_v the_o people_n to_o make_v scripture_n their_o rule_n and_o not_o one_o in_o a_o million_o think_v of_o rely_v on_o it_o have_v they_o then_o any_o other_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o rely_v upon_o what_o be_v it_o i_o pray_v be_v it_o the_o church_n infallibility_n no._n be_v it_o pius_n the_o four_o creed_n no_o true_o while_o they_o be_v child_n 27._o they_o believe_v tradition_n now_o i_o think_v j._n s._n have_v hit_v it_o tradition_n be_v indeed_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o child_n who_o be_v very_o apt_a simple_o to_o believe_v their_o father_n and_o teacher_n but_o suppose_v they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n what_o rule_n of_o faith_n have_v they_o then_o have_v they_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n then_o no_o this_o be_v another_o jest._n for_o he_o suppose_v all_o our_o people_n to_o be_v a_o dull_a sort_n of_o animal_n that_o understand_v nothing_o of_o scripture_n or_o faith_n themselves_o i_o wonder_v then_o that_o they_o make_v no_o more_o convert_v among_o they_o but_o trust_v their_o parson_n for_o all_o for_o boves_fw-la arabant_fw-la &_o asinae_fw-la pascebantur_fw-la juxta_fw-la eos_fw-la therefore_o the_o people_n have_v no_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n 2.2.9.4.2.6_o i_o hope_v j._n s._n know_v who_o jest_n or_o rather_o argument_n that_o be_v whatever_o he_o insinuate_v as_o to_o our_o people_n i_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v far_o better_o of_o they_o and_o that_o all_o those_o who_o mind_n their_o salvation_n do_v serious_o read_v and_o consider_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith._n but_o if_o
say_v the_o contrary_a tenet_n be_v ridiculous_a as_o what_o be_v most_o nay_o that_o it_o be_v sottishness_n to_o hold_v it_o and_o to_o deprive_v mankind_n of_o this_o privilege_n of_o judge_v thus_o be_v to_o debar_v he_o of_o the_o light_n and_o use_v of_o his_o reason_n when_o it_o be_v most_o useful_a for_o he_o be_v not_o all_o this_o very_o oblige_v but_o where_o now_o lie_v the_o difference_n why_o true_o if_o his_o discretion_n lead_v he_o to_o the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o tradition_n all_o be_v well_o but_o if_o not_o it_o be_v no_o long_a discretion_n what_o have_v he_o be_v judge_n of_o all_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o already_o and_o be_v he_o to_o seek_v for_o his_o rule_n still_o what_o discretion_n have_v he_o all_o that_o time_n to_o judge_v without_o a_o rule_n what_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n have_v we_o find_v at_o last_o methinks_v the_o sober_a enquirer_n far_o exceed_v he_o in_o point_n of_o common_a discretion_n for_o he_o never_o pretend_v to_o judge_v without_o a_o rule_n much_o less_o all_o the_o controversy_n between_o us._n but_o this_o discreet_a judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n first_o determin_n all_o the_o point_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v this_o he_o find_v out_o his_o rule_n of_o all_o the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n that_o have_v be_v yet_o talk_v of_o commend_v i_o to_o this_o set_v up_o by_o j._n s._n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o judge_v amiss_o who_o have_v no_o rule_n to_o judge_v by_o you_o see_v say_v he_o how_o we_o allow_v they_o the_o use_v of_o their_o reason_n and_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n 102._o till_o it_o bring_v they_o to_o find_v a_o certain_a authority_n and_o when_o they_o have_v once_o find_v that_o the_o same_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n which_o show_v they_o that_o authority_n be_v absolute_o certain_a oblige_v they_o to_o trust_v it_o when_o it_o tell_v they_o what_o be_v christ_n faith_n without_o use_v their_o private_a judgement_n any_o long_o about_o the_o particular_a point_n themselves_o thus_o ascertain_v to_o they_o but_o submit_v to_o it_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v i._o the_o same_o reason_n which_o enable_v man_n to_o find_v out_o this_o infallible_a guide_n or_o certain_a authority_n will_v help_v they_o to_o judge_v concern_v this_o authority_n and_o the_o matter_n propose_v by_o it_o for_o either_o he_o have_v a_o rule_n to_o find_v out_o this_o authority_n or_o he_o have_v none_o if_o he_o have_v a_o rule_n it_o must_v be_v either_o scripture_n or_o pure_a natural_a reason_n if_o scripture_n that_o only_o afford_v fallible_a certainty_n he_o say_v over_o and_o over_o and_o so_o a_o man_n can_v never_o come_v certain_o to_o this_o authority_n and_o if_o the_o foundation_n be_v uncertain_a what_o can_v the_o rule_n do_v but_o mr._n s._n do_v not_o pretend_v scripture_n but_o reason_n for_o his_o infallible_a rule_n then_o i_o demand_v whether_o reason_n do_v afford_v a_o infallible_a ground_n of_o certainty_n as_o to_o this_o certain_a authority_n or_o not_o if_o it_o do_v we_o be_v yet_o but_o fallible_o certain_a if_o it_o do_v not_o then_o what_o need_v this_o certain_a authority_n for_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o reasonable_a man_n certain_a reason_n be_v better_a than_o certain_a authority_n and_o he_o can_v deny_v the_o certainty_n of_o reason_n who_o build_v the_o certainty_n of_o authority_n upon_o it_o ii_o suppose_v the_o particular_a point_n propose_v by_o this_o certain_a authority_n be_v repugnant_a to_o that_o certainty_n of_o reason_n by_o which_o i_o be_o require_v to_o believe_v it_o as_o suppose_v this_o authority_n tell_v i_o i_o be_o no_o long_o to_o rely_v upon_o my_o reason_n but_o bare_o to_o submit_v although_o the_o matter_n propose_v be_v never_o so_o much_o against_o it_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n i_o be_o to_o believe_v this_o certain_a authority_n on_o the_o account_n of_o reason_n and_o that_o require_v i_o to_o believe_v such_o thing_n as_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o reason_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o i_o to_o rely_v on_o this_o certain_a authority_n on_o the_o certainty_n of_o reason_n when_o that_o authority_n tell_v i_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o reason_n iii_o must_v i_o believe_v reason_n to_o be_v certain_a just_o so_o far_o and_o no_o further_o but_o who_o set_v the_o bound_n have_v god_n almighty_a do_v it_o when_o and_o where_o i_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o use_v my_o reason_n in_o search_v after_o this_o certain_a authority_n and_o judge_v all_o controversy_n in_o order_n to_o the_o find_v it_o out_o all_o this_o be_v allow_v but_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o this_o certain_a authority_n be_v discover_v then_o good-night_n reason_n i_o have_v now_o no_o more_o use_n for_o you_o but_o who_o bid_v you_o be_v so_o ungrateful_a to_o that_o certain_a reason_n which_o conduct_v you_o so_o far_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a it_o may_v be_v as_o useful_a still_o why_o then_o do_v you_o turn_v reason_n off_o so_o unkind_o after_o so_o good_a service_n iv._o be_v all_o people_n capable_a of_o this_o certain_a reason_n or_o not_o it_o require_v it_o seem_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o logic_n to_o prove_v this_o certain_a authority_n or_o this_o infallible_a guide_n by_o reason_n and_o i_o be_o one_o of_o those_o that_o think_v it_o can_v never_o be_v do_v suppose_v then_o some_o of_o we_o dull_a people_n can_v never_o comprehend_v the_o force_n of_o this_o reason_n which_o be_v to_o lead_v we_o to_o a_o infallible_a guide_n what_o be_v like_a to_o become_v of_o we_o uncapable_a people_n be_v we_o all_o to_o be_v damn_v for_o dunce_n and_o blockhead_n no_o not_o so_o neither_o this_o be_v real_o some_o comfort_n for_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v we_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n without_o find_v out_o this_o certain_a authority_n and_o then_o we_o may_v have_v true_a faith_n without_o it_o this_o be_v still_o better_a and_o better_o and_o then_o i_o pray_v what_o need_n have_v i_o to_o find_v out_o 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if_o there_o be_v oral_a tradition_n for_o it_o how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v condemn_v if_o not_o then_o notwithstanding_o oral_a tradition_n dangerous_a doctrine_n may_v get_v in_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o a_o more_o sublime_a and_o spiritual_a way_n of_o perfection_n than_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v in_o the_o dull_a and_o heavy_a way_n of_o tradition_n from_o father_n to_o son._n iii_o by_o a_o pretence_n to_o a_o more_o secret_a tradition_n and_o thus_o christianity_n be_v at_o first_o corrupt_v by_o such_o as_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o mystical_a doctrine_n deliver_v by_o christ_n of_o a_o more_o purify_n nature_n than_o the_o plain_a and_o common_a doctrine_n teach_v to_o all_o people_n by_o the_o apostle_n so_o hegesippus_n in_o eusebius_n affirm_v 22._o that_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v corrupt_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n irenaeus_n so_o that_o tradition_n be_v so_o far_o from_o secure_v the_o church_n from_o error_n that_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o bring_v it_o in_o and_o the_o public_a tradition_n can_v not_o hinder_v this_o come_n in_o of_o error_n because_o the_o secret_a tradition_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v more_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a the_o other_o be_v only_o for_o babe_n and_o this_o for_o grow_v christian_n iv._o by_o difference_n among_o church-guide_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o samosatenian_a arian_n pelagian_a nestorian_a and_o eutychian_a controversy_n neither_o of_o the_o party_n disow_v scripture_n or_o tradition_n and_o those_o who_o be_v just_o condemn_v pretend_v still_o to_o adhere_v to_o both_o and_o if_o such_o flame_n can_v not_o be_v prevent_v so_o much_o near_a the_o apostle_n time_n by_o the_o help_n of_o tradition_n what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o expect_v it_o so_o long_o after_o v._o by_o too_o great_a a_o veneration_n to_o some_o particular_a teacher_n not_o far_o from_o the_o apostolical_a time_n in_o regard_n 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primitive_a christianity_n but_o by_o degree_n those_o superstition_n prevail_v and_o the_o original_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n thereby_o corrupt_v vii_o by_o implicit_a faith_n which_o put_v it_o into_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church-guide_n to_o introduce_v what_o doctrine_n they_o think_v fit_a when_o the_o best_a of_o the_o people_n be_v tell_v it_o be_v against_o the_o fundamental_a right_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o they_o to_o examine_v any_o opinion_n which_o be_v propose_v to_o they_o by_o their_o guide_n that_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o understand_v they_o and_o when_o once_o this_o point_n be_v gain_v people_n never_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o scripture_n or_o tradition_n for_o all_o they_o have_v to_o do_v be_v only_o to_o know_v what_o be_v decree_v by_o the_o church_n though_o with_o a_o nonobstante_a to_o a_o divine_a institution_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o council_n of_o constance_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o trick_n to_o avoid_v it_o if_o then_o error_n may_v come_v into_o the_o church_n all_o these_o way_n what_o a_o vain_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o pretend_v that_o oral_a tradition_n will_v keep_v from_o any_o possibility_n of_o error_n and_o so_o i_o need_v give_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o his_o last_o proposition_n that_o if_o man_n do_v innovate_v in_o faith_n it_o must_v be_v either_o through_o forgetfulness_n or_o malice_n for_o i_o have_v show_v many_o other_o cause_n beside_o these_o especial_o since_o i_o intend_v to_o show_v in_o a_o particular_a discourse_n how_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n we_o charge_v on_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v come_v into_o it_o my_o design_n here_o be_v only_o to_o show_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o there_o remain_v only_o two_o thing_n which_o deserve_v any_o consideration_n 1._o about_o the_o charge_n of_o pelagianism_n 2._o about_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n proceed_v on_o tradition_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o a_o easy_a dispatch_n i._o as_o to_o the_o charge_n of_o pelagianism_n it_o do_v not_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o he_o require_v any_o rational_a inducement_n to_o faith_n which_o we_o do_v assert_v as_o well_o as_o he_o but_o it_o lay_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n i._o that_o a_o divine_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o a_o natural_a infallibility_n for_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o divine_a faith_n must_v have_v infallible_a ground_n and_o when_o we_o come_v to_o examine_v they_o we_o find_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o now_o to_o avoid_v the_o charge_n of_o pelagianism_n this_o divine_a faith_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v mere_a human_a faith_n 24._o and_o so_o human_a faith_n be_v say_v to_o have_v infallible_a ground_n but_o divine_a faith_n must_v shift_v for_o itself_o for_o say_v j._n s._n it_o be_v confess_v and_o ever_o be_v that_o the_o human_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n or_o tradition_n beget_v only_o human_a faith_n as_o its_o immediate_a effect_n but_o by_o bring_v it_o up_o to_o christ_n it_o lead_v we_o to_o what_o be_v divine_a well_o but_o what_o infallible_a ground_n be_v there_o for_o this_o divine_a faith_n where_o do_v that_o fix_v be_v it_o on_o the_o infallibibility_n of_o tradition_n or_o not_o if_o not_o than_o we_o may_v have_v divine_a faith_n without_o it_o if_o it_o do_v then_o divine_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o natural_a mean_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o pelagianism_n ii_o that_o he_o exclude_v the_o pious_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_n 155._o from_o piece_v out_o as_o he_o call_v it_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o exclude_v the_o will_n assistance_n in_o these_o word_n that_o faith_n or_o a_o firm_a and_o immovable_a assent_n upon_o authority_n be_v not_o thorough_o rational_a 157._o and_o by_o consequence_n partly_o faulty_a if_o the_o motive_n be_v not_o alone_o able_a to_o convince_v a_o understanding_n right_o dispose_v without_o the_o will_n assistance_n how_o then_o can_v a_o pious_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_v be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v it_o not_o pelagianism_n to_o exclude_v it_o therefore_o i_o be_v in_o the_o right_n when_o i_o say_v that_o this_o way_n of_o oral_a tradition_n resolve_v all_o into_o a_o mere_a human_a faith_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o it_o no_o he_o say_v he_o resolve_v all_o into_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n teach_v 27._o how_o ridiculous_a be_v this_o for_o do_v not_o pelagius_n and_o coelestius_n the_o very_a same_o and_o the_o thing_n i_o charge_v upon_o they_o be_v that_o they_o go_v no_o far_o upon_o this_o principle_n than_o they_o do_v upon_o this_o he_o ask_v a_o very_a impertinent_a question_n but_o if_o i_o do_v not_o answer_v it_o i_o know_v what_o clamour_n will_v follow_v pray_v do_v you_o hold_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o mere_a man_n or_o that_o believe_v he_o be_v a_o mere_a human_a faith_n or_o that_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o he_o or_o they_o be_v mere_o human_a what_o occasion_n have_v i_o give_v for_o such_o a_o question_n but_o i_o perceive_v there_o be_v a_o design_n among_o some_o to_o make_v i_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v no_o christian._n i_o pray_v god_n forgive_v the_o malice_n of_o such_o men._n i_o thank_v god_n i_o have_v better_a ground_n for_o my_o faith_n than_o oral_a tradition_n i_o do_v believe_v christ_n to_o be_v more_o than_o mere_a man_n even_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v divine_a and_o his_o apostle_n have_v infallible_a assistance_n in_o deliver_v it_o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o present_a question_n i_o perceive_v some_o man_n when_o they_o be_v hard_o pinch_v cry_v out_o that_o their_o adversary_n be_v atheist_n or_o socinian_n etc._n etc._n and_o hope_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o divert_v they_o
absolute_o certain_a as_o that_o god_n can_v deceive_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v our_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o then_o whether_o such_o point_n be_v contain_v in_o that_o rule_n and_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v not_o self-evident_a and_o therefore_o these_o must_v be_v deduce_v by_o all_o the_o best_a method_n of_o reason_v from_o a_o write_a rule_n and_o when_o person_n have_v examine_v the_o scripture_n with_o all_o the_o care_n and_o diligence_n which_o one_o who_o will_v arrive_v at_o certainty_n think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o than_o i_o do_v affirm_v that_o such_o a_o man_n may_v attain_v to_o a_o true_a certainty_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n about_o it_o and_o that_o true_a certainty_n be_v attainable_a without_o infallibility_n i_o shall_v prove_v by_o a_o undeniable_a instance_n if_o a_o instance_n will_v be_v allow_v and_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v as_o reasonable_a for_o i_o to_o produce_v instance_n as_o himself_o and_o that_o be_v concern_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n viz._n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n the_o proof_n of_o this_o depend_v on_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a interpreter_n rely_v upon_o in_o this_o case_n as_o to_o christ_n himself_o although_o he_o real_o be_v so_o yet_o we_o suppose_v the_o question_n to_o be_v about_o he_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o infallible_a teacher_n or_o not_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o suppose_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v as_o to_o the_o public_a interpretation_n which_o mr._n s._n make_v his_o infallible_a rule_n if_o that_o be_v to_o be_v rely_v upon_o than_o a_o jew_n be_v bind_v not_o to_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n because_o the_o public_a interpretation_n be_v against_o he_o and_o the_o traditional_a sense_n of_o the_o prophecy_n be_v against_o he_o be_v for_o a_o temporal_a prince_n i_o now_o demand_v of_o mr._n s._n whether_o the_o jew_n be_v capable_a of_o certainty_n in_o this_o point_n or_o not_o if_o not_o than_o the_o jew_n be_v excuse_v in_o their_o infidelity_n if_o they_o be_v then_o true_a certainty_n may_v be_v have_v without_o a_o infallible_a guide_n although_o the_o public_a interpretation_n and_o tradition_n be_v against_o it_o and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v have_v in_o so_o difficult_a a_o case_n which_o depend_v on_o the_o sense_n of_o obscure_a prophecy_n much_o more_o certain_o under_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o all_o necessary_a point_n be_v lay_v down_o with_o so_o much_o clearness_n that_o the_o fault_n must_v be_v more_o in_o man_n will_n than_o their_o understand_n if_o they_o do_v not_o apprehend_v they_o 2._o the_o second_o false_a supposition_n be_v that_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v a_o mechanical_a rule_n and_o not_o a_o rational_a i._n e._n it_o must_v be_v like_o a_o carpenter_n rule_n that_o have_v all_o its_o dimension_n fix_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v apply_v to_o material_a thing_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o understanding_n no_o such_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v the_o philosopher_n who_o dispute_v so_o much_o about_o certainty_n will_v have_v laugh_v at_o any_o man_n who_o have_v apply_v a_o material_a rule_n to_o intellectual_a thing_n yet_o this_o be_v mr._n s_n great_a example_n i_o take_v my_o ruler_n 25._o say_v he_o and_o draw_v a_o line_n by_o it_o do_v the_o straightness_n or_o crookedness_n of_o this_o line_n depend_v upon_o my_o understanding_n by_o no_o mean_n but_o be_v there_o any_o such_o intellectual_a rule_n as_o this_o there_o have_v be_v great_a dispute_n in_o the_o world_n among_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o subtilty_n about_o the_o certainty_n of_o human_a knowledge_n whether_o any_o infallible_a criterion_n can_v be_v find_v to_o discern_v truth_n and_o falsehood_n but_o they_o never_o imagine_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o intellectual_a ruler_n to_o draw_v line_n by_o but_o that_o there_o be_v certain_a difference_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n which_o man_n may_v find_v out_o but_o not_o without_o diligence_n and_o application_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o it_o and_o notwithstanding_o the_o character_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n be_v in_o themselves_o certain_a yet_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o mistake_v about_o they_o not_o only_o for_o want_v of_o judgement_n but_o of_o diligence_n and_o impartiality_n so_o we_o say_v here_o as_o to_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o do_v not_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o material_a rule_n i._n e._n if_o a_o man_n take_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o any_o opinion_n he_o must_v present_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o it_o be_v a_o rational_a and_o intellectual_a rule_n which_o be_v absolute_o certain_a in_o itself_o and_o whatever_o agree_v to_o it_o be_v true_a and_o whatever_o do_v not_o be_v false_a but_o still_o there_o may_v be_v mistake_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o apply_v it_o and_o therefore_o care_n and_o diligence_n and_o impartiality_n be_v require_v by_o which_o some_o may_v attain_v to_o that_o certainty_n which_o other_o miss_v off_o as_o in_o the_o point_n he_o mention_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o socinian_o differ_v about_o such_o high_a fundamental_o as_o the_o trinity_n and_o godhead_n of_o christ._n 1._o why_o presbyterian_o and_o socinian_o i_o beseech_v he_o there_o be_v a_o notable_a insinuation_n in_o this_o as_o though_o we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v socinian_n in_o those_o point_n and_o none_o but_o papist_n and_o presbyterian_o be_v orthodox_n in_o they_o but_o this_o be_v a_o insinuation_n which_o have_v as_o much_o folly_n as_o malice_n in_o it_o since_o our_o solemn_a and_o express_a declaration_n be_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o he_o may_v as_o well_o call_v we_o papist_n as_o socinian_o since_o our_o write_n be_v as_o plain_o against_o one_o as_o the_o other_o what_o our_o sense_n as_o to_o these_o matter_n be_v he_o may_v find_v in_o the_o dialogue_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o transubstantiation_n compare_v not_o long_o since_o publish_v by_o a_o divine_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o to_o pass_v this_o over_o 2._o suppose_v the_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o socinian_o what_o then_o both_o take_v the_o same_o way_n of_o scripture_n letter_n interpretable_a by_o private_a judgement_n and_o yet_o differ_v in_o these_o fundamental_a point_n and_o what_o follow_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o certain_a rule_n by_o no_o mean_n but_o that_o the_o socinian_o may_v err_v and_o certain_o do_v in_o misinterpret_v this_o rule_n but_o how_o can_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n if_o man_n that_o use_v it_o may_v err_v in_o use_v it_o how_o can_v reason_n be_v certain_a in_o any_o thing_n if_o man_n follow_v reason_n may_v mistake_v how_o can_v arithmetic_n be_v a_o certain_a way_n of_o computation_n if_o man_n follow_v the_o rule_n of_o arithmetic_n may_v mistake_v in_o cast_v up_o a_o sum_n do_v any_o man_n question_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o rule_n for_o man_n blunder_a in_o their_o account_n yet_o this_o be_v his_o way_n of_o reason_v and_o i_o will_v put_v it_o just_a with_o his_o proposition_n i._o arithmetic_n prescribe_v a_o certain_a way_n by_o addition_n and_o substraction_n for_o we_o to_o find_v out_o any_o sum._n ii_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v such_o that_o they_o who_o take_v it_o shall_v arrive_v by_o it_o at_o the_o exact_a sum._n iii_o but_o two_o man_n who_o have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o way_n differ_v at_o least_o a_o hundred_o in_o cast_v up_o the_o sum._n iv._o therefore_o arithmetic_n do_v not_o prescribe_v a_o certain_a way_n to_o attain_v at_o a_o certain_a sum._n v._o therefore_o they_o who_o take_v only_o that_o way_n can_v by_v it_o arrive_v at_o the_o certain_a sum._n be_v not_o this_o clear_a and_o evident_a demonstration_n but_o those_o who_o consider_v a_o little_a better_o than_o mr._n s._n have_v do_v will_v distinguish_v between_o the_o rule_n and_o the_o application_n of_o it_o the_o rule_n of_o arithmetic_n may_v be_v nevertheless_o certain_a although_o those_o who_o want_v skill_n or_o care_n and_o diligence_n may_v mistake_v in_o cast_v up_o a_o particular_a account_n the_o same_o we_o say_v here_o scripture_n be_v a_o certain_a rule_n in_o all_o fundamental_a point_n to_o such_o as_o have_v capacity_n and_o use_v due_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o find_v they_o but_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o man_n through_o prejudice_n weakness_n want_v of_o attention_n authority_n of_o false_a teacher_n impatience_n of_o thorough_o examine_v thing_n and_o not_o use_v proper_a help_n may_v run_v into_o gross_a error_n such_o as_o these_o about_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n but_o still_o the_o rule_n be_v
thing_n or_o manner_n but_o the_o revelation_n of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n so_o that_o if_o these_o point_n be_v own_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n they_o must_v be_v so_o plain_a that_o man_n may_v understand_v their_o duty_n to_o believe_v they_o for_o that_o be_v the_o bind_v i_o keep_v myself_o within_o that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o our_o duty_n to_o believe_v they_o but_o if_o not_o we_o may_v err_v without_o prejudice_n to_o our_o salvation_n mr_n s._n ask_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n nothing_o but_o what_o all_o other_o do_v mean_a by_o it_o 48._o do_v christ_n say_v he_o teach_v any_o unnecessary_a point_n alas_o for_o he_o but_o be_v all_o point_v teach_v by_o christ_n or_o write_v in_o scripture_n equal_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o people_n no_o he_o say_v present_o after_o that_o he_o will_v grant_v that_o few_o mean_n than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o christ_n teach_v may_v suffice_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n very_o well_o now_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v make_v something_o of_o the_o main_a business_n in_o hand_n viz._n to_o prove_v that_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o all_o that_o christ_n teach_v be_v necessary_a to_o man_n salvation_n when_o he_o grant_v that_o some_o may_v be_v save_v without_o so_o much_o as_o know_v all_o that_o christ_n teach_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v all_o this_o heat_n about_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o all_o that_o christ_n teach_v if_o at_o last_o some_o may_v be_v save_v without_o so_o much_o as_o know_v it_o how_o do_v mr._n s._n prove_v that_o those_o some_o be_v only_o the_o ignorant_a people_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o that_o all_o we_o be_v tie_v to_o no_o less_o than_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o all_o that_o christ_n teach_v he_o will_v have_v do_v well_o to_o have_v prove_v such_o a_o privilege_n for_o ignorance_n to_o have_v be_v limit_v to_o their_o communion_n and_o that_o no_o claim_n can_v be_v allow_v as_o to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o any_o other_o particular_a person_n some_o few_o he_o say_v again_o may_v be_v save_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o and_o such_o point_n 48._o slender_a motive_n be_v enough_o for_o their_o circumstance_n i_o thank_v mr._n s._n for_o this_o it_o seem_v the_o point_n as_o to_o salvation_n be_v gain_v unless_o particular_a person_n among_o we_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v none_o of_o these_o few_o but_o wherever_o they_o be_v it_o seem_v they_o may_v be_v save_v but_o i_o hope_v not_o without_o true_a and_o save_v faith_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o such_o faith_n have_v no_o necessary_a relation_n to_o these_o high_a point_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o infallible_a certainty_n as_o to_o they_o of_o all_o christ_n teach_v one_o of_o these_o high_a point_n be_v that_o of_o transubstantiation_n too_o high_a for_o i_o and_o thousand_o and_o million_o beside_o ever_o to_o apprehend_v let_v we_o do_v our_o utmost_a nay_o we_o can_v apprehend_v such_o be_v our_o dulness_n that_o we_o can_v have_v any_o certainty_n as_o to_o sense_n or_o reason_n if_o we_o hold_v it_o we_o hope_v therefore_o j._n s._n will_v enlarge_v his_o number_n and_o not_o talk_v only_o of_o some_o few_o that_o may_v be_v save_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o deep_a mystery_n we_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o his_o number_n for_o true_o our_o capacity_n can_v never_o be_v stretch_v so_o far_o as_o to_o comprehend_v the_o possibility_n of_o transubstantiation_n suppose_v our_o motive_n be_v slender_a yet_o they_o be_v such_o as_o move_v we_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o we_o can_v overcome_v the_o reluctancy_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o revelation_n and_o tradition_n against_o it_o ibid._n but_o mr._n s._n bring_v himself_o off_o with_o a_o salvo_n though_o all_o point_n be_v not_o necessary_a for_o every_o particular_a person_n yet_o all_o of_o they_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n who_o pastor_n be_v to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o they_o and_o apply_v the_o efficacy_n of_o they_o to_o their_o soul_n as_o their_o capacity_n admit_v and_o exigency_n require_v it_o seem_v still_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o particular_a person_n but_o according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o exigency_n but_o they_o be_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n but_o how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n for_o instance_n the_o point_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v a_o very_a deep_a point_n and_o although_o particular_a person_n may_v be_v save_v without_o believe_v it_o yet_o i_o can_v understand_v how_o this_o deep_a point_n come_v to_o be_v necessary_a in_o any_o respect_n for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n i_o hope_v j._n s._n will_v not_o deny_v this_o to_o be_v one_o of_o his_o necessary_a church-point_n let_v he_o then_o show_v how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v so_o necessary_a for_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o it_o my_o capacity_n i_o assure_v he_o will_v not_o reach_v to_o this_o and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v be_v excuse_v and_o in_o his_o own_o word_n my_o mind_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v cultivate_v by_o such_o elevate_a consideration_n i_o do_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o such_o danger_n of_o the_o flock_n die_v 49._o or_o fall_v short_a of_o their_o full_a growth_n they_o may_v have_v have_v in_o the_o plentiful_a pasturage_n of_o the_o church_n as_o j._n s._n elegant_o speak_v if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v transubstantiation_n or_o any_o such_o deep_a point_n but_o still_o we_o have_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o our_o high_a fundamental_o no_o we_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a and_o from_o absolute_o certain_a ground_n it_o be_v absolute_o certain_a that_o whatever_o god_n reveal_v be_v true_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o and_o we_o be_v as_o absolute_o certain_a as_o scripture_n and_o reason_n can_v make_v we_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v the_o fundamental_o of_o our_o faith._n but_o there_o be_v experience_n to_o the_o contrary_a what_o experience_n that_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a we_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v and_o who_o can_v tell_v best_o how_o come_v mr._n s._n to_o know_v we_o be_v not_o certain_a when_o we_o say_v we_o be_v but_o all_o be_v not_o as_o socinian_o etc._n etc._n what_o be_v they_o to_o we_o be_v not_o we_o certain_a because_o some_o be_v not_o certain_a what_o pitiful_a reason_v be_v this_o be_v mr._n s._n certain_a of_o his_o infallible_a ground_n of_o certainty_n oral_a tradition_n why_o do_v i_o ask_v such_o a_o question_n for_o very_o good_a reason_n because_o there_o be_v some_o not_o certain_a of_o it_o and_o even_o in_o his_o own_o church_n but_o cry_v out_o upon_o it_o as_o fallible_a fallacious_a dangerous_a and_o destructive_a of_o faith_n and_o lead_v to_o atheism_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v on_o mr._n s_n principle_n that_o he_o can_v be_v certain_a himself_o because_o other_o be_v not_o nay_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v have_v any_o certainty_n on_o his_o own_o ground_n for_o he_o can_v have_v no_o rule_n of_o certainty_n as_o i_o shall_v evident_o prove_v from_o his_o own_o word_n a_o rule_n must_v have_v absolute_a certainty_n absolute_a certainty_n there_o can_v be_v where_o person_n be_v leave_v uncertain_a but_o there_o be_v many_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o not_o only_o doubt_v of_o his_o rule_n of_o infallible_a certainty_n but_o utter_o deny_v it_o and_o dispute_v against_o it_o how_o be_v it_o then_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o be_v certain_a of_o it_o on_o his_o own_o ground_n but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o proceed_v to_o another_o objection_n against_o our_o rule_n of_o faith._n 50._o viii_o j._n s._n say_v we_o can_v be_v no_o more_o certain_a of_o our_o rule_n than_o we_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n but_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a we_o have_v the_o right_a letter_n unless_o we_o have_v a_o right_a translation_n and_o that_o must_v be_v from_o a_o true_a copy_n no_o copy_n can_v be_v true_a unless_o conformable_a to_o the_o original_a and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o failure_n in_o any_o of_o these_o nay_o if_o we_o have_v not_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o all_o these_o we_o can_v have_v any_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o our_o faith._n this_o objection_n those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o believe_v scripture_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n though_o not_o the_o complete_a be_v concern_v to_o answer_n as_o well_o as_o we_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v convey_v to_o their_o mind_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n
suspect_v any_o fraud_n or_o design_n in_o the_o alteration_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o manuscript_n copies_n and_o as_o to_o translation_n that_o have_v be_v make_v among_o we_o the_o people_n who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o examine_v they_o by_o the_o original_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v they_o as_o to_o any_o matter_n of_o faith._n not_o mere_o from_o the_o skill_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o person_n and_o the_o care_n that_o have_v be_v take_v but_o because_o it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o concernment_n of_o some_o man_n to_o have_v lessen_v the_o credit_n of_o our_o translation_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v shake_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o consider_v man._n if_o it_o be_v say_v after_o all_o this_o be_v but_o human_a faith_n and_o not_o divine_a i_o answer_v iu._n we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o distinguish_v the_o certainty_n of_o human_a and_o divine_a faith_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o we_o have_v a_o absolute_a divine_a certainty_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v only_o capable_a of_o human_a certainty_n and_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o we_o have_v only_o human_a certainty_n of_o thing_n capable_a of_o divine_a certainty_n if_o the_o question_n be_v put_v concern_v the_o object_n of_o divine_a faith_n than_o we_o do_v answer_v that_o we_o have_v a_o divine_a certainty_n of_o they_o from_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o divine_a faith_n because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n we_o believe_v the_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v write_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n because_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v fulfil_v upon_o they_o and_o especial_o in_o a_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n but_o if_o the_o question_n be_v ask_v only_o concern_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o whether_o the_o book_n that_o bear_v such_o name_n be_v write_v by_o the_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v then_o i_o can_v have_v no_o great_a certainty_n than_o belong_v to_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o than_o it_o be_v so_o circumstantiate_v that_o i_o have_v a_o great_a and_o more_o absolute_a certainty_n as_o to_o this_o than_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o want_v the_o proof_n that_o this_o have_v and_o if_o as_o to_o book_n and_o copy_n and_o translation_n we_o have_v as_o high_a a_o certainty_n as_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o be_v madness_n to_o expect_v and_o require_v more_o for_o where_o there_o be_v but_o a_o human_a testimony_n there_o can_v be_v the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a faith_n which_o must_v not_o only_o have_v a_o divine_a object_n but_o must_v rest_v on_o a_o divine_a testimony_n but_o where_o the_o testimony_n be_v human_a the_o certainty_n must_v be_v such_o as_o relate_v to_o the_o high_a of_o that_o kind_n but_o still_o such_o a_o faith_n may_v have_v absolute_a certainty_n of_o its_o kind_n and_o although_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o testimony_n it_o be_v human_a faith_n yet_o in_o regard_n both_o of_o its_o object_n its_o inward_a cause_n and_o its_o effect_n it_o may_v be_v true_o call_v divine_a ix_o the_o last_o objection_n be_v concern_v the_o number_n of_o canonical_a book_n 58._o pray_v satisfy_v we_o say_v mr._n s._n about_o this_o exact_a number_n of_o book_n and_o how_o many_o will_v just_o serve_v turn_n one_o will_v think_v by_o his_o objection_n j._n s._n be_v prepare_v matter_n for_o the_o critical_a history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n he_o seem_v so_o concern_v to_o lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v answer_v the_o objection_n he_o offer_v 56._o 1._o there_o may_v have_v be_v book_n lose_v that_o be_v write_v by_o person_n divine_o inspire_v and_o we_o have_v no_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o there_o be_v none_o lose_v and_o those_o book_n may_v contain_v matter_n different_a from_o or_o to_o be_v superad_v to_o the_o canon_n we_o have_v now_o and_o without_o this_o we_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n that_o the_o book_n we_o have_v now_o contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n i_o answer_v i._o if_o we_o have_v the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o we_o have_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n entire_a than_o we_o have_v their_o consent_n that_o there_o be_v no_o book_n write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n lose_v and_o this_o appear_v by_o the_o contest_v in_o the_o iv._o century_n about_o the_o just_a number_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n the_o church_n then_o differ_v about_o some_o book_n not_o then_o universal_o receive_v as_o the_o apocalypse_n in_o some_o and_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o other_o which_o show_v that_o the_o church_n be_v then_o so_o solicitous_a to_o preserve_v any_o book_n that_o appear_v to_o be_v write_v by_o person_n inspire_a that_o although_o these_o do_v then_o want_v universal_a consent_n yet_o they_o be_v still_o keep_v and_o read_v and_o disperse_v till_o upon_o further_a examination_n they_o come_v to_o be_v universal_o read_v it_o be_v not_o therefore_o in_o the_o least_o probable_a they_o shall_v suffer_v any_o apostolical_a write_n to_o be_v lose_v ii_o this_o be_v to_o charge_v the_o christian_a church_n with_o so_o gross_a a_o neglect_n as_o overthrow_v the_o force_n of_o all_o his_o argument_n for_o tradition_n for_o we_o must_v suppose_v a_o apostolical_a write_n send_v to_o some_o church_n by_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o yet_o that_o church_n be_v so_o notorious_o careless_a as_o to_o lose_v a_o book_n contain_v in_o it_o many_o point_n of_o faith_n now_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o one_o of_o common_a sense_n whether_o he_o can_v trust_v their_o word_n for_o matter_n of_o faith_n who_o can_v be_v so_o negligent_a as_o to_o lose_v a_o great_a many_o point_n of_o faith_n at_o once_o and_o the_o more_o such_o a_o book_n be_v disperse_v the_o argument_n be_v still_o strong_a against_o tradition_n beside_o this_o show_v the_o great_a insufficiency_n of_o oral_a tradition_n if_o these_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v lose_v because_o such_o a_o book_n be_v lose_v wherein_o they_o be_v contain_v if_o tradition_n have_v be_v so_o effectual_a a_o mean_n of_o convey_v matter_n of_o faith_n it_o shall_v have_v appear_v in_o such_o a_o case_n viz._n in_o preserve_v such_o matter_n of_o faith_n though_o the_o book_n be_v lose_v but_o we_o find_v nothing_o like_o this_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v although_o it_o be_v much_o easy_o pretend_v than_o prove_v iii_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n not_o to_o be_v immediate_o concern_v in_o preserve_a book_n write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n mr._n s._n do_v real_o suppose_v that_o book_n write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n may_v have_v be_v lose_v or_o at_o least_o that_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o but_o we_o think_v it_o a_o considerable_a proof_n that_o they_o can_v not_o because_o the_o divine_a providence_n do_v so_o immediate_o concern_v itself_o in_o preserve_v that_o which_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n if_o a_o hair_n do_v not_o fall_v from_o our_o head_n nor_o a_o sparrow_n fall_v on_o the_o ground_n without_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n as_o our_o saviour_n affirm_v be_v it_o not_o very_o unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o a_o divine_a book_n 30._o write_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v be_v whole_o lose_v especial_o consider_v the_o extraordinary_a care_n the_o first_o christian_n take_v in_o time_n of_o the_o great_a persecution_n to_o preserve_v the_o scripture_n and_o no_o force_n or_o violence_n can_v extort_v they_o out_o of_o their_o hand_n on_o mr._n s_n supposition_n it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o a_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v lose_v viz._n if_o the_o several_a book_n have_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o custody_n of_o some_o man_n in_o trust_n for_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o thing_n as_o they_o real_o be_v it_o will_v appear_v hardly_o possible_a for_o the_o book_n be_v not_o keep_v up_o at_o first_o in_o a_o few_o hand_n but_o disperse_v abroad_o in_o multitude_n of_o copy_n and_o receive_v with_o mighty_a veneration_n both_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o they_o be_v read_v both_o in_o public_a and_o in_o private_a they_o hear_v they_o in_o their_o assembly_n and_o they_o make_v they_o their_o constant_a employment_n at_o home_n they_o be_v their_o rule_n of_o life_n as_o well_o as_o of_o faith._n and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o suppose_v any_o book_n so_o receive_v so_o