one_o theodatus_fw-la artemon_n and_o beryllus_n and_o sabellius_n in_o the_o four_o century_n by_o arius_n eunomius_n and_o some_o other_o and_o in_o the_o same_o age_n the_o personality_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v deny_v by_o macedonius_n and_o some_o other_o who_o be_v there_o brand_v by_o a_o particular_a name_n and_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d oppugner_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n these_o heterodox_n opinion_n beginning_n to_o spread_v and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o some_o other_o ill_a opinion_n arise_v too_o several_a general_n council_n be_v summon_v by_o several_a christian_a emperor_n the_o nicene_n council_n by_o constantine_n the_o great_a who_o main_a work_n be_v to_o examine_v the_o opinion_n of_o arius_n the_o council_n of_o constantinople_n call_v by_o theodosius_n the_o first_o to_o debate_v the_o opinion_n of_o macedonius_n the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n call_v by_o theodosius_n the_o second_o to_o consider_v the_o opinion_n of_o nestorius_n and_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n summon_v by_o the_o emperor_n martian_a to_o consult_v about_o the_o opinion_n of_o eutyches_n these_o council_n consist_v of_o some_o hundred_o of_o bishop_n have_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n the_o settlement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o eye_n and_o the_o bible_n in_o their_o hand_n do_v after_o a_o mature_a deliberation_n pronounce_v the_o opinion_n of_o these_o man_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o obstinate_a defender_n of_o they_o to_o be_v heretic_n and_o certain_o the_o determination_n of_o these_o general_a council_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o person_n exemplary_a for_o their_o piety_n and_o eminent_a for_o their_o learning_n who_o resolve_v on_o nothing_o without_o mature_a advice_n and_o deliberation_n be_v of_o as_o great_a authority_n and_o afford_v as_o much_o satisfaction_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o any_o thing_n of_o man_n can_v be_v or_o do_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n once_o teach_v the_o world_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v unchangeable_a for_o ever_o and_o our_o bibles_n which_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n to_o measure_v religion_n by_o continue_v one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o that_o which_o be_v a_o error_n in_o those_o early_a day_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o error_n still_o and_o that_o which_o be_v a_o truth_n then_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o truth_n now_o and_o if_o we_o can_v think_v of_o any_o more_o proper_a mean_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n and_o error_n than_o the_o deliberate_a and_o unanimous_a judgement_n of_o so_o many_o hundred_o pious_a learned_a and_o unbiased_a man_n assemble_v together_o then_o certain_o the_o determination_n of_o those_o ancient_a council_n be_v very_o considerable_a evidence_n for_o truth_n and_o against_o error_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o they_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n who_o beside_o their_o eminent_a piety_n and_o learning_n have_v the_o great_a advantage_n of_o live_v near_o the_o apostle_n age_n and_o thereby_o be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o inform_v themselves_o and_o we_o what_o be_v certain_o believe_v and_o do_v in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n sect_n ix_o 3._o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n those_o especial_o that_o live_v within_o the_o first_o six_o century_n wherever_o they_o agree_v and_o be_v not_o since_o corrupt_v or_o maim_v by_o the_o fraud_n and_o forgery_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v of_o singular_a use_n in_o this_o matter_n too_o that_o ignatius_n clemens_n origen_n athanasius_n cyril_n nazianzen_n basil_n chrysostom_n hierom_n austin_n and_o many_o other_o both_o in_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n be_v indeed_o person_n of_o great_a piety_n and_o excellent_a part_n our_o socinian_n without_o breach_n of_o modesty_n can_v deny_v and_o although_o some_o of_o these_o great_a name_n in_o some_o particular_a matter_n have_v their_o peculiar_a mistake_n and_o show_v themselves_o to_o be_v but_o man_n yet_o in_o all_o point_n where_o we_o find_v a_o unanimous_a consent_n among_o they_o we_o be_v to_o have_v so_o much_o veneration_n for_o their_o authority_n as_o not_o easy_o to_o suspect_v or_o contradict_v it_o true_a it_o be_v if_o we_o take_v these_o father_n single_o man_n by_o man_n where_o we_o find_v any_o of_o they_o alone_o in_o their_o opinion_n as_o origen_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o punishment_n of_o hell_n and_o st._n austin_n in_o reference_n to_o infant_n that_o die_v unbaptise_v we_o be_v not_o in_o this_o case_n much_o more_o oblige_v to_o accept_v their_o judgement_n than_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o single_a person_n yet_o alive_a but_o if_o we_o take_v all_o the_o father_n who_o live_v within_o six_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n together_o and_o in_o a_o lump_n where_o we_o find_v they_o one_o in_o judgement_n they_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o wise_a council_n than_o any_o have_v be_v since_o their_o time_n they_o be_v enough_o to_o inform_v we_o what_o be_v error_n and_o what_o be_v truth_n but_o sect_n x._o 4._o because_o learned_a man_n who_o fortune_n be_v mean_a can_v purchase_v and_o unlearned_a man_n who_o intellectual_n be_v weak_a can_v read_v and_o understand_v the_o voluminous_a write_n of_o the_o father_n we_o have_v several_a system_n of_o divinity_n confession_n of_o faith_n short_a abridgement_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v especial_o to_o unlearned_a person_n great_a help_n in_o this_o matter_n too_o and_o here_o methinks_v those_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o apostle_n nice_n and_o athanasius_n which_o be_v so_o general_o receive_v by_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n to_o settle_v our_o judgement_n in_o the_o main_a and_o most_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n beside_o we_o have_v many_o choice_n and_o excellent_a catechism_n compose_v by_o man_n that_o be_v pious_a judicious_a acquaint_v with_o scripture_n well_o verse_v in_o the_o primitive_a council_n and_o father_n these_o short_a catechism_n compile_v by_o person_n of_o singular_a endowment_n and_o approve_v by_o the_o church_n be_v little_o less_o than_o contract_v bibles_n contain_v in_o they_o whatever_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o know_v and_o deliver_v enough_o in_o easy_a term_n to_o inform_v we_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o error_n and_o confirm_v our_o judgement_n in_o all_o the_o great_a point_n of_o faith_n in_o short_a the_o substance_n of_o my_o answer_n to_o this_o argument_n be_v this_o since_o we_o have_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v our_o rule_n and_o since_o this_o word_n in_o some_o material_a case_n according_a to_o the_o different_a fancy_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n have_v different_a interpretation_n give_v concern_v its_o true_a sense_n and_o mean_v it_o be_v our_o safe_a way_n for_o our_o better_a satisfaction_n to_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o the_o most_o able_a faithful_a and_o unbiased_a judge_n and_o they_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a council_n and_o the_o primitive_a father_n who_o judgement_n be_v declare_v in_o our_o several_a creed_n in_o other_o public_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o orthodox_n catechism_n set_v forth_o or_o approve_v by_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o since_o we_o be_v very_o well_o store_v with_o these_o excellent_a help_n i_o do_v once_o more_o conclude_v that_o no_o man_n whether_o learned_a or_o unlearned_a can_v need_v any_o new_a argument_n from_o the_o press_n to_o confirm_v his_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n sect_n xi_o 7._o this_o author_n seven_o allegation_n against_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n run_v thus_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o let_v the_o press_n continue_v free_a lest_o it_o furnish_v man_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o one_o party_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o it_o must_v be_v as_o unlawful_a to_o examine_v those_o reason_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v thus_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o party_n and_o party_n between_o one_o who_o be_v orthodox_n and_o one_o who_o be_v heretical_a this_o distinction_n be_v premise_v i_o shall_v resolve_v this_o hypothetical_n proposition_n into_o these_o two_o categorical_a one_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o many_o orthodox_n christian_n to_o examine_v those_o reason_n which_o heretic_n may_v urge_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o ill_a opinion_n and_o therefore_o that_o the_o press_n shall_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o furnish_v such_o christian_n with_o any_o such_o reason_n it_o be_v notorious_o know_v that_o there_o be_v among_o we_o vast_a number_n of_o person_n who_o be_v of_o weak_a judgement_n not_o firm_o establish_v in_o their_o faith_n not_o able_a to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n in_o a_o fallacious_a argument_n and_o therefore_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o by_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n now_o for_o such_o
convince_v as_o well_o he_o may_v be_v by_o such_o text_n of_o scripture_n as_o can_v with_o any_o tolerable_a sense_n be_v otherwise_o interpete_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v true_o god_n and_o true_o man_n what_o need_v such_o a_o person_n to_o see_v the_o opinion_n and_o weigh_v the_o argument_n of_o arian_n and_o socinian_o against_o this_o fundamental_a point_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n to_o he_o who_o belief_n be_v already_o ground_v upon_o the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n be_v right_o understand_v the_o sight_n of_o different_a opinion_n and_o the_o argument_n for_o they_o signify_v nothing_o such_o a_o man_n do_v not_o need_v the_o confutation_n of_o heretical_a cavil_n to_o confirm_v that_o faith_n of_o he_o which_o be_v already_o bottom_v upon_o a_o rock_n which_o be_v immovable_a and_o as_o the_o sight_n of_o different_a opinion_n and_o the_o examination_n of_o argument_n plead_v for_o they_o be_v not_o needful_a to_o confirm_v a_o strong_a and_o well_o ground_a faith_n so_o it_o be_v dangerous_a and_o tend_v to_o impair_v and_o shake_v a_o weak_a one_o for_o well_o meaning_n christian_n breed_v up_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v of_o too_o easy_a belief_n of_o slender_a judgement_n and_o not_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v probable_o be_v pervert_v by_o heretical_a book_n as_o be_v unable_a to_o discern_v the_o fallacy_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o to_o cite_v such_o text_n as_o may_v confute_v they_o but_o here_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v who_o must_v judge_v whether_o such_o or_o such_o a_o opinion_n be_v justify_v or_o condemn_v by_o such_o or_o such_o a_o text_n i_o answer_v where_o text_n be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a every_o discreet_a and_o intelligent_a person_n may_v judge_v for_o himself_o but_o when_o text_n be_v somewhat_o abstruse_a and_o difficult_a when_o knotty_a question_n and_o controversy_n be_v raise_v about_o they_o than_o the_o judge_n must_v be_v no_o single_a person_n no_o nor_o any_o small_a party_n of_o man_n who_o be_v bias_v prejudice_v and_o wed_v to_o their_o own_o opinion_n but_o the_o judge_n must_v be_v the_o catholic_n church_n i_o mean_v its_o representative_a in_o the_o four_o first_o general_a council_n which_o consist_v of_o man_n not_o overawe_v by_o authority_n nor_o tempt_v by_o interest_n but_o man_n as_o religious_a as_o they_o be_v learned_a as_o well_o verse_v in_o holy_a writ_n as_o able_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n as_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n bear_v since_o those_o early_a day_n and_o this_o i_o think_v to_o be_v the_o great_a human_a authority_n to_o warrant_v the_o sense_n of_o such_o and_o such_o text_n and_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n ground_v on_o they_o now_o since_o we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v blessed_v with_o the_o free_a use_n of_o our_o bibles_n and_o favour_v with_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o best_a expositor_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o text_n which_o tend_v most_o to_o determine_v those_o dispute_n which_o have_v arise_v betwixt_o protestant_n and_o papist_n betwixt_o trinitarian_n and_o anti-trinitarians_a we_o can_v have_v no_o need_n of_o any_o search_n for_o truth_n to_o consult_v the_o print_a paper_n of_o this_o age_n many_o of_o which_o do_v tend_v to_o promote_v error_n much_o rather_o than_o discover_v truth_n and_o very_o when_o the_o licenser_n of_o book_n do_v reject_v and_o suppress_v heretical_a paper_n he_o do_v good_a service_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o if_o such_o paper_n chance_v to_o steal_v the_o press_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v treat_v like_o other_o thief_n who_o to_o prevent_v their_o do_v any_o future_a mischief_n be_v apprehend_v condemn_v and_o execute_v and_o so_o i_o quit_v this_o argument_n and_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o sect_n v._o 3._o this_o author_n three_o allegation_n against_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n run_v thus_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n hinder_v truth_n from_o have_v any_o great_a influence_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o be_v owe_v chief_o to_o examination_n because_o that_o which_o do_v not_o convince_v the_o understanding_n will_v have_v but_o little_a or_o no_o effect_n upon_o the_o will._n i_o answer_v thus_o what_o this_o author_n do_v here_o assert_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o understanding_n upon_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v true_a in_o general_a nor_o can_v it_o be_v just_o deny_v that_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o proper_a mean_n to_o convince_v the_o understanding_n of_o its_o truth_n but_o although_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o this_o allegation_n be_v true_a in_o the_o general_a yet_o here_o it_o be_v misapply_v and_o very_o impertinent_a to_o the_o case_n now_o in_o hand_n for_o this_o argument_n as_o the_o former_a do_v do_v proceed_v upon_o a_o false_a hypothesis_n for_o it_o suppose_v that_o if_o the_o press_n shall_v chance_v to_o be_v restrain_v for_o time_n to_o come_v man_n will_v be_v deprive_v of_o all_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o due_a examination_n of_o their_o religion_n it_o be_v st._n paul_n command_n prove_v all_o thing_n it_o be_v st._n john_n command_n try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n these_o command_n must_v needs_o suppose_v that_o in_o those_o day_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n by_o which_o religion_n may_v be_v try_v and_o the_o same_o rule_n in_o its_o full_a force_n and_o virtue_n be_v stand_v still_o tell_v i_o then_o be_v our_o bibles_n out_o of_o print_n or_o take_v from_o we_o have_v we_o no_o catechism_n no_o system_n of_o divinity_n leave_v among_o we_o nay_o be_v there_o not_o book_n of_o controversy_n expose_v to_o sale_n in_o our_o city_n great_a town_n and_o both_o our_o university_n nay_o more_o be_v there_o not_o popish_a and_o socinian_n catechism_n to_o be_v have_v in_o england_n do_v not_o these_o book_n already_o extant_a contain_v the_o strong_a argument_n which_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n of_o all_o party_n be_v able_a to_o urge_v in_o favour_n of_o their_o respective_a opinion_n and_o may_v not_o man_n by_o weigh_v these_o reason_n which_o be_v already_o make_v public_a give_v a_o judgement_n which_o religion_n be_v true_a and_o which_o be_v false_a as_o well_o as_o by_o any_o new_a paper_n yet_o to_o be_v print_v but_o although_o there_o be_v a_o great_a variety_n of_o book_n which_o may_v help_v to_o guide_v we_o in_o our_o search_n after_o truth_n yet_o i_o must_v still_o mind_v my_o reader_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a adequate_a and_o authentic_a rule_n whereby_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o any_o religion_n must_v be_v determine_v and_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o those_o conviction_n of_o man_n understanding_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o immediate_a word_n of_o god_n be_v like_a to_o have_v a_o more_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n than_o any_o other_o conviction_n arise_v from_o any_o such_o argument_n as_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o dictate_v and_o collection_n of_o humane_a reason_n which_o be_v fallible_a and_o may_v deceive_v we_o whereas_o the_o word_n of_o god_n well_o understand_v can_v do_v so_o and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o author_n three_o allegation_n sect_n vi_o 4._o the_o four_o be_v this_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n be_v that_o which_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n hold_v the_o truth_n if_o they_o chance_v to_o light_v on_o any_o guilty_a and_o the_o reason_n which_o he_o give_v be_v this_o because_o that_o will_v not_o be_v accept_v if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o impartial_a examination_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v thus_o i_o can_v pass_v by_o this_o without_o observe_v that_o this_o author_n have_v hitherto_o much_o harp_v upon_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o have_v hitherto_o bottom_v all_o his_o argument_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o a_o very_a slippery_a one_o too_o he_o have_v propose_v his_o allegation_n as_o distinct_a in_o their_o number_n but_o in_o their_o proof_n there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o difference_n to_o be_v find_v for_o he_o tell_v first_o that_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n tend_v to_o make_v man_n blind_o submit_v to_o the_o religion_n they_o chance_v to_o be_v educate_v in_o second_o that_o it_o deprive_v man_n of_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o best_a mean_n to_o discover_v truth_n three_o that_o it_o hinder_v truth_n from_o have_v any_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n four_o that_o it_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n hold_v the_o truth_n if_o they_o chance_v to_o light_v on_o any_o guilty_o these_o indeed_o be_v very_o considerable_a objection_n against_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n be_v they_o true_a but_o how_o do_v our_o author_n prove_v they_o so_o to_o be_v to_o prove_v they_o all_o he_o have_v yet_o make_v use_n
a_o modest_a plea_n for_o the_o due_a regulation_n of_o the_o press_n in_o answer_n to_o several_a reason_n late_o print_v against_o it_o humble_o submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o authority_n quae_fw-la est_fw-la pejor_fw-la mors_fw-la animae_fw-la quam_fw-la libertas_fw-la erroris_fw-la august_n in_o epist_n 166._o by_o francis_n gregory_n d._n d._n and_o rector_n of_o hambleden_n in_o the_o county_n of_o buck_n london_n print_v for_o r._n sare_n at_o greys-inn-gate_n in_o holborn_n m_o dc_o xc_o viii_o a_o modest_a plea_n for_o the_o due_a regulation_n of_o the_o press_n etc._n etc._n sect_n i._o good_a reader_n it_o be_v not_o long_o since_o i_o accidental_o meet_v with_o a_o print_a paper_n entitle_v a_o letter_n to_o a_o member_n of_o parliament_n show_v that_o a_o restraint_n on_o the_o press_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o dangerous_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o nation_n this_o title_n at_o the_o first_o view_n do_v startle_v and_o make_v i_o wonder_v for_o i_o can_v not_o imagine_v how_o the_o content_n of_o this_o letter_n can_v possible_o justify_v such_o a_o inscription_n but_o whether_o this_o letter_n be_v real_o send_v or_o only_o pretend_v and_o by_o who_o i_o can_v tell_v for_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o think_v it_o a_o act_n of_o prudence_n to_o conceal_v his_o name_n as_o well_o as_o his_o opinion_n but_o if_o he_o be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o heretic_n i_o mean_v a_o socinian_n it_o be_v his_o great_a misfortune_n and_o no_o small_a fault_n that_o he_o have_v give_v his_o reader_n just_a cause_n to_o think_v he_o so_o for_o 1._o this_o author_n treat_v our_o common_a people_n with_o extraordinary_a civility_n he_o plead_v for_o the_o full_a liberty_n of_o every_o man_n conscience_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o every_o man_n have_v as_o much_o right_a to_o communicate_v his_o thought_n to_o his_o neighbour_n as_o to_o think_v they_o himself_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o every_o man_n be_v to_o judge_v for_o himself_o even_o in_o the_o controvert_v point_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o able_a divine_n of_o our_o church_n nor_o can_v we_o wonder_v that_o a_o socinian_n shall_v thus_o flatter_v the_o vulgar_a for_o they_o who_o design_n to_o instil_v their_o opinion_n into_o the_o head_n of_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o policy_n by_o fair_a word_n and_o courtship_n first_o to_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o their_o heart_n 2._o this_o author_n treat_v the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o incivility_n and_o scurrilous_a language_n he_o load_v its_o governor_n with_o several_a calumny_n which_o be_v no_o way_n deserve_v he_o call_v they_o imposer_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n tyrant_n lord_n of_o the_o people_n faith_n but_o it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n to_o wipe_v off_o his_o unjust_a reproach_n but_o to_o answer_v his_o groundless_a argument_n but_o however_o it_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o a_o socinian_n shall_v thus_o bespatter_v the_o clergy_n of_o our_o church_n to_o render_v we_o odious_a to_o the_o people_n because_o they_o know_v that_o our_o divine_n be_v the_o most_o able_a man_n to_o defend_v those_o great_a article_n of_o our_o creed_n which_o they_o oppose_v and_o to_o confute_v those_o detestable_a doctrine_n which_o they_o promote_v but_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o maintain_v so_o long_o as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n shall_v continue_v as_o well_o store_v with_o learned_a man_n as_o now_o it_o be_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o disparage_v and_o vilify_v our_o divine_n in_o hope_n that_o our_o people_n disesteem_v our_o person_n may_v show_v the_o less_o regard_n to_o what_o we_o plead_v in_o defence_n of_o truth_n 3._o this_o author_n show_v himself_o yet_o more_o manifest_o to_o be_v a_o socinian_n because_o according_a to_o the_o know_a practice_n of_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n he_o high_o magnify_v humane_a reason_n exalt_v it_o far_o above_o its_o proper_a sphere_n advance_v it_o to_o that_o sublime_a and_o sacred_a office_n which_o as_o now_o it_o be_v it_o can_v never_o discharge_v for_o in_o that_o preliminary_n discourse_n which_o he_o premise_v as_o a_o introduction_n to_o the_o main_a body_n and_o substance_n of_o his_o letter_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n have_v give_v man_n his_o reason_n which_o be_v his_o only_a light_n not_o only_o to_o discover_v that_o there_o be_v a_o religion_n but_o to_o distinguish_v the_o true_a from_o the_o many_o false_a one_o he_o tell_v we_o again_o p._n 15._o that_o god_n have_v give_v man_n no_o other_o guide_n but_o their_o reason_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o happiness_n and_o yet_o again_o p_o 17._o he_o say_v that_o the_o people_n common_a notion_n be_v the_o test_n and_o standard_n of_o all_o truth_n now_o my_o own_o reason_n such_o as_o it_o be_v tell_v i_o that_o all_o these_o assertion_n be_v as_o false_a as_o bold_a and_o dare_a for_o what_o great_a encomium_n can_v have_v be_v give_v to_o humane_a reason_n be_v we_o still_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n though_o in_o that_o state_n the_o reason_n of_o man_n may_v shine_v like_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o full_a glory_n not_o a_o cloud_n interpose_v yet_o by_o and_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n be_v become_v like_o the_o moon_n lie_v under_o though_o not_o a_o total_a yet_o a_o very_a great_a eclipse_n solomon_n the_o wise_a of_o man_n have_v leave_v our_o reason_n no_o better_o title_n than_o this_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o â—â—_o style_v a_o blaze_a torch_n but_o a_o candle_n which_o be_v but_o a_o diminutive_a light_n and_o so_o much_o the_o less_o because_o it_o be_v full_a of_o snuff_n it_o be_v cloud_v with_o mist_n and_o fog_n of_o ignorance_n and_o in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n true_a it_o be_v that_o this_o little_a light_n of_o nature_n be_v well_o attend_v to_o be_v enough_o to_o discover_v to_o we_o some_o truth_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o natural_a religion_n the_o reason_n of_o man_n exercise_v itself_o in_o contemplate_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n be_v enough_o to_o convince_v he_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o this_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v worship_v but_o there_o be_v some_o other_o truth_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o the_o most_o improve_a reason_n of_o man_n without_o some_o other_o help_n can_v never_o have_v discover_v in_o all_o case_n the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v lumen_fw-la sine_fw-la quo_fw-la non_fw-la a_o light_n without_o which_o we_o can_v discern_v no_o truth_n at_o all_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o light_n by_o which_o we_o can_v discern_v every_o truth_n which_o do_v concern_v we_o our_o lord_n have_v true_o say_v the_o light_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o eye_n and_o 2d_o yet_o this_o eye_n be_v it_o never_o so_o clear_a and_o strong_a without_o the_o help_n of_o some_o other_o light_n beside_o its_o own_o can_v see_v very_o little_a or_o nothing_o so_o here_o the_o light_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v its_o reason_n and_o yet_o this_o reason_n without_o some_o other_o assistance_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n can_v discern_v but_o very_o little_a there_o be_v among_o the_o heathen_n many_o sober_a virtuous_a and_o industrious_a moralist_n man_n of_o raise_a intellectual_n man_n of_o excellent_a part_n both_o natural_a and_o acquire_v and_o yet_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o show_v themselves_o mere_a 21._o sot_n and_o dunce_n they_o become_v as_o st._n paul_n say_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n they_o exceed_o dote_v in_o their_o notion_n concern_v the_o nature_n will_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n there_o be_v several_a religious_a and_o necessary_a truth_n whereunto_o their_o own_o reason_n though_o much_o improve_v be_v not_o only_o a_o perfect_a stranger_n but_o a_o profess_a adversary_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o creation_n stand_v oppose_v by_o that_o know_a maxim_n which_o their_o reason_n entertain_v as_o a_o undoubted_a truth_n ex_fw-la nihilo_fw-la nihil_fw-la fit_a out_o of_o nothing_o nothing_o be_v or_o can_v be_v make_v and_o as_o for_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n man_n of_o reason_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o 24._o celsus_n speak_v in_o origen_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o a_o thing_n impossible_a and_o abominable_a and_o according_a to_o these_o notion_n they_o take_v st._n paul_n who_o preach_v this_o glorious_a but_o difficult_a doctrine_n to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o vain_a babbler_n but_o whence_o may_v this_o gross_a ignorance_n of_o they_o arise_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o man_n so_o acute_a and_o lucky_a in_o search_v and_o find_v out_o many_o secret_a mystery_n both_o of_o art_n and_o nature_n shall_v be_v so_o dull_a and_o
man_n to_o peep_v into_o heretical_a book_n can_v be_v lawful_a because_o they_o do_v thereby_o run_v themselves_o into_o a_o very_a dangerous_a temptation_n 1â—_n our_o lord_n have_v leave_v we_o this_o caution_n beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n it_o seem_v they_o be_v dangerous_a man_n so_o we_o be_v tell_v again_o and_o again_o they_o creep_v into_o house_n and_o there_o find_v success_n for_o 11._o they_o lead_v captive_a silly_a woman_n and_o again_o they_o overthrow_v the_o faith_n of_o some_o nay_o they_o subvert_v whole_a house_n it_o seem_v that_o heresy_n be_v a_o contagious_a disease_n apt_a to_o overrun_v whole_a family_n and_o doubtless_o this_o poison_n may_v be_v convey_v in_o a_o piece_n of_o paper_n as_o successful_o as_o any_o other_o way_n this_o infection_n may_v be_v receive_v as_o well_o by_o the_o eye_n from_o a_o book_n as_o by_o the_o ear_n from_o a_o tongue_n for_o when_o unlearned_a man_n meet_v with_o socinian_n argument_n draw_v either_o from_o humane_a reason_n or_o abuse_v scripture_n since_o they_o themselves_o can_v confute_v they_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o yield_v up_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o give_v up_o those_o truth_n for_o lose_v which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o defend_v and_o i_o think_v that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o breach_n of_o charity_n if_o i_o tell_v my_o reader_n that_o i_o be_o very_o persuade_v that_o the_o great_a reason_n why_o this_o author_n plead_v so_o many_o argument_n though_o no_o good_a one_o for_o the_o unlimited_a liberty_n of_o the_o press_n be_v this_o namely_o that_o our_o socinian_n may_v without_o control_n publish_v their_o book_n full_a of_o subtle_a but_o fallacious_a argument_n to_o surprise_n and_o captivate_v the_o judgement_n of_o illiterate_a and_o undiscerning_a men._n we_o know_v that_o in_o the_o late_a reign_n a_o universal_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v plead_v for_o and_o grant_v by_o a_o declaration_n upon_o a_o design_n to_o bring_v in_o popery_n so_o now_o a_o universal_a liberty_n of_o the_o press_n be_v contend_v for_o by_o those_o man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o introduce_v socinianism_n the_o very_o worst_a of_o heresy_n for_o it_o total_o subvert_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n and_o hope_n indeed_o to_o my_o best_a observation_n this_o author_n have_v not_o in_o his_o whole_a letter_n so_o much_o as_o once_o name_v socinian_n nor_o drop_v one_o plain_a word_n in_o favour_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o latet_fw-la anguis_fw-la in_o herba_fw-la this_o be_v very_o prudent_o do_v to_o prevent_v suspicion_n but_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n of_o that_o sort_n why_o do_v he_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o the_o press_n must_v be_v regulate_v it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o some_o layman_n for_o which_o he_o can_v have_v no_o substantial_a reason_n save_v only_o this_o namely_o because_o from_o a_o clergyman_n no_o socinian_n book_n can_v ever_o expect_v a_o imprimatur_fw-la but_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d only_o by_o the_o way_n in_o short_a the_o substance_n of_o my_o answer_n to_o this_o allegation_n be_v this_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o man_n of_o weak_a understanding_n to_o mind_n subtle_a argument_n contain_v in_o heretical_a book_n lest_o thereby_o they_o may_v be_v ensnare_v and_o for_o that_o reason_n the_o press_n shall_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o publish_v any_o such_o book_n unless_o security_n can_v be_v give_v that_o they_o shall_v never_o come_v into_o vulgar_a hand_n sect_n xii_o 8._o this_o author_n eight_o allegation_n against_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n be_v this_o the_o press_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v because_o the_o reformation_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o it_o i_o answer_v there_o be_v no_o liberty_n deny_v to_o any_o english_a press_n to_o publish_v any_o book_n which_o tend_v to_o help_v the_o devotion_n to_o reform_v the_o life_n or_o confirm_v the_o judgement_n of_o man_n in_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n but_o as_o for_o the_o establish_v religion_n of_o our_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n it_o be_v so_o well_o refine_v already_o from_o the_o dregs_o of_o popery_n and_o superstition_n that_o we_o do_v not_o need_v another_o luther_n nor_o the_o help_n of_o any_o press_n to_o reform_v and_o make_v it_o better_o he_o that_o will_v reform_v our_o religion_n in_o any_o of_o its_o substantial_a part_n must_v reform_v the_o scripture_n too_o for_o our_o church_n teach_v no_o other_o doctrine_n in_o the_o great_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v the_o world_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v those_o sacred_a write_n which_o they_o have_v leave_v we_o but_o since_o i_o have_v already_o under_o another_o head_n give_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o allegation_n i_o need_v not_o here_o say_v any_o more_o about_o it_o sect_n xiii_o 9_o the_o nine_o allegation_n which_o this_o author_n urge_v against_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o press_n be_v this_o our_o divine_n condemn_v the_o popish_a clergy_n for_o not_o suffer_v their_o laity_n to_o read_v protestant_a author_n we_o do_v so_o and_o very_o just_o too_o but_o what_o then_o the_o inference_n which_o he_o intend_v must_v be_v this_o our_o protestant_a clergy_n must_v be_v condemn_v for_o not_o suffer_v our_o laity_n to_o read_v socinian_n book_n and_o for_o watch_v the_o press_n to_o prevent_v it_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v thus_o this_o inference_n be_v a_o non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la it_o be_v wild_a and_o extravagant_a for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o case_n the_o prohibition_n of_o book_n may_v be_v a_o act_n either_o to_o be_v blame_v or_o commend_v according_a as_o the_o book_n prohibit_v be_v either_o real_o good_a or_o real_o bad_a to_o forbid_v man_n the_o use_n of_o such_o book_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n the_o advantage_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n be_v a_o act_n impious_a and_o tyrannical_a and_o this_o be_v the_o know_a practice_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o forbid_v layman_n to_o read_v the_o bible_n and_o the_o write_n of_o such_o protestant_a author_n as_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o for_o this_o do_v we_o very_o just_o condemn_v they_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o forbid_v injudicious_a man_n the_o use_n of_o such_o book_n as_o tend_v to_o promote_v error_n and_o heresy_n to_o distract_v their_o reader_n judgement_n and_o rather_o to_o shake_v their_o faith_n than_o to_o confirm_v it_o be_v a_o act_n laudable_a charitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o for_o those_o prediction_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o again_o false_a 1_o teacher_n shall_v be_v among_o you_o be_v fulfil_v in_o these_o time_n for_o there_o be_v among_o we_o romish_a priest_n and_o jesuit_n yea_o and_o some_o far_o more_o dangerous_a than_o they_o i_o mean_v our_o socinian_n who_o can_v corrupt_v so_o many_o soul_n by_o their_o personal_a conference_n as_o they_o may_v by_o their_o book_n and_o be_v it_o not_o high_a time_n to_o watch_v the_o press_n lest_o any_o thing_n steal_v from_o thence_o which_o may_v poison_n the_o head_n of_o unwary_a man_n or_o must_v the_o press_n be_v permit_v free_o to_o spread_v that_o destructive_a heresy_n which_o have_v be_v long_o since_o condemn_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o its_o representative_n meet_v in_o general_a council_n but_o here_o this_o author_n to_o justify_v his_o own_o opinion_n cites_n a_o learned_a divine_a of_o our_o own_o church_n and_o borrow_v this_o passage_n from_o he_o they_o that_o have_v a_o good_a cause_n will_v not_o fright_v man_n from_o consider_v what_o their_o adversary_n say_v against_o they_o nor_o forbid_v they_o to_o read_v their_o book_n but_o rather_o encourage_v they_o so_o to_o do_v that_o they_o may_v see_v the_o difference_n between_o truth_n and_o error_n reason_n and_o sophistry_n with_o their_o own_o eye_n etc._n etc._n that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o little_a service_n this_o passage_n do_v our_o author_n let_v we_o view_v it_o again_o they_o who_o have_v a_o good_a cause_n but_o who_o be_v they_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o this_o good_a man_n mean_v the_o church_n of_o england_n of_o which_o he_o himself_o be_v a_o very_a worthy_a minister_n but_o what_o say_v he_o of_o this_o church_n of_o we_o it_o will_v not_o fright_v man_n from_o consider_v etc._n etc._n but_o what_o man_n this_o eminent_a divine_a be_v the_o lecturer_n of_o gray_n inn_n where_o his_o auditory_a do_v chief_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n as_o have_v be_v blessed_v with_o a_o learned_a education_n and_o may_v charitable_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v well_o skill_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o law_n of_o man._n now_o that_o this_o