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truth_n ancient_a church_n doctrine_n 1,896 5 6.2759 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A60585 A sermon concerning the doctrine, unity, and profession of the Christian faith preached before the University of Oxford : to which is added an appendix concerning the Apostles Creed / by Tho. Smith ... Smith, Thomas, 1638-1710. 1682 (1682) Wing S4249; ESTC R17775 29,525 52

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for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v bodily_a into_o heaven_n and_o the_o like_a as_o to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o that_o he_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n beget_v of_o the_o father_n before_o all_o world_n and_o god_n of_o the_o same_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o fundamental_o of_o his_o religion_n but_o leave_v the_o business_n of_o propagate_a a_o church_n which_o he_o have_v found_v by_o his_o blood_n to_o his_o apostle_n to_o they_o we_o be_v to_o have_v recourse_n 21._o as_o to_o the_o infallible_a relator_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n here_o then_o be_v to_o be_v the_o trial_n of_o
the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n whatever_o therefore_o the_o church_n believe_v or_o propose_v to_o be_v believe_v must_v necessary_o be_v found_v upon_o such_o a_o revelation_n and_o consequent_o that_o doctrine_n if_o it_o be_v of_o faith_n must_v original_o derive_v from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o what_o he_o and_o they_o from_o he_o have_v deliver_v and_o consequent_o one_o and_o the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o that_o be_v in_o all_o age_n now_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o this_o faith_n and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v i_o shall_v inquire_v in_o the_o next_o place_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o proposition_n that_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n only_o respect_v the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o i_o will_v premise_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o form_n of_o word_n contain_v a_o brief_a summary_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v presuppose_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o most_o probable_o may_v be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o st._n paul_n advise_v timothy_n to_o hold_v fast_o 2_o epist._n 1._o 13._o and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o good_a depositum_fw-la or_o doctrine_n commit_v to_o his_o trust_n which_o undoubted_o refer_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n pure_o and_o abstract_o consider_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o which_o he_o be_v precise_o to_o adhere_v against_o all_o the_o noise_n and_o clamour_n of_o vain_a and_o idly-curious_a talker_n and_o the_o contradiction_n of_o the_o gnostic_n the_o heretic_n of_o that_o age_n who_o not_o content_a with_o the_o express_a and_o plain_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n pretend_v to_o high_a and_o great_a degree_n and_o measure_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 20._o o_o timothy_n keep_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o thy_o trust_n avoid_v profane_a and_o vain_a babble_n and_o opposition_n of_o science_n false_o so_o call_v it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n if_o there_o be_v no_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o countenance_n and_o make_v out_o the_o supposition_n that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o new_a convert_v put_v the_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n together_o into_o certain_a head_n of_o discourse_n and_o that_o to_o these_o they_o shall_v refer_v as_o to_o a_o rule_n gal._n 6._o 16._o phil._n 3._o 16._o as_o to_o a_o form_n of_o doctrine_n rom._n 6._o 17._o as_o to_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n heb._n 5._o 12._o as_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n heb._n 6._o 1._o and_o as_o to_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n judas_n v._n 3._o all_o which_o several_a circumlocution_n be_v expressive_a of_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o suppose_v those_o doctrine_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v universal_o teach_v and_o as_o universal_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v but_o appendix_n whether_o this_o form_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n which_o undoubted_o in_o the_o main_n be_v very_o ancient_a and_o most_o probable_o as_o ancient_a as_o their_o time_n the_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n indeed_o to_o serve_v and_o maintain_v the_o interest_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n against_o the_o innovation_n and_o assault_n of_o heresy_n add_v several_a clause_n and_o expression_n to_o it_o be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v dispute_v at_o large_a but_o however_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o long_o before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o council_n at_o nice_a there_o be_v a_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o use_n among_o christian_n as_o the_o standard_n of_o catholic_n verity_n as_o be_v demonstrable_a from_o the_o testimony_n of_o irenoeus_n tertullian_n and_o other_o which_o creed_n rufinus_n though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o variation_n of_o expression_n in_o it_o that_o be_v excludi_fw-la may_v be_v more_o contract_v or_o enlarge_v at_o different_a time_n yet_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a as_o to_o the_o sense_n and_o word_v too_o of_o most_o of_o the_o article_n be_v of_o general_a usage_n and_o of_o great_a authority_n derive_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o from_o the_o canon_n or_o decree_n of_o any_o council_n it_o may_v more_o than_o probable_o be_v suppose_v from_o the_o spread_a and_o universal_a reception_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o east_n and_o west_n and_o from_o the_o general_a silence_n of_o its_o first_o establishment_n that_o it_o be_v deliver_v down_o from_o the_o very_a first_o age_n as_o have_v the_o apostle_n for_o its_o author_n against_o this_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o if_o such_o a_o creed_n have_v be_v extant_a at_o that_o time_n the_o same_o respect_n and_o reverence_n will_v have_v be_v give_v to_o it_o as_o to_o their_o other_o write_n and_o consequent_o that_o there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o addition_n nor_o alteration_n of_o it_o much_o less_o any_o new_a form_n as_o the_o nicene_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v frame_v and_o introduce_v as_o if_o the_o other_o have_v be_v defective_a it_o may_v be_v full_o and_o satisfactory_o reply_v that_o whosoever_o consider_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o southern_a part_n of_o the_o empire_n 4._o that_o be_v in_o egypt_n and_o libya_n and_o thebais_n under_o constantine_n how_o it_o be_v rend_v and_o tear_v and_o the_o dissolution_n of_o its_o very_a be_v threaten_v by_o the_o new_a and_o blasphemous_a opinion_n of_o arius_n and_o his_o numerous_a follower_n he_o will_v quick_o find_v that_o the_o father_n who_o be_v convene_v at_o nice_a to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o those_o commotion_n and_o allay_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o tempest_n which_o begin_v to_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o government_n as_o well_o as_o of_o religion_n lay_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o fence_v about_o the_o hitherto_o uncontradict_v and_o establish_v doctrine_n of_o christianity_n with_o a_o large_a and_o more_o explicit_a form_n of_o word_n retain_v for_o the_o most_o part_n though_o with_o some_o little_a interpolation_n refer_v to_o the_o arian_n controversy_n which_o they_o hope_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o way_n the_o old_a form_n which_o eusebius_n bishop_n of_o coesarea_n in_o palestine_n present_v the_o emperor_n and_o that_o council_n as_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o the_o bishop_n his_o predecessor_n and_o which_o himself_o and_o the_o catechumeni_fw-la be_v first_o teach_v and_o profess_v at_o their_o baptism_n and_o by_o these_o mean_n 〈◊〉_d add_v a_o commentary_n and_o explication_n of_o what_o be_v more_o close_o couch_v in_o the_o apostolical_a form_n which_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o alter_v but_o to_o draw_v forth_o in_o its_o full_a meaning_n and_o consequence_n for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o the_o arian_n to_o say_v which_o be_v the_o plea_n of_o the_o socinian_o at_o this_o day_n that_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o subscribe_v to_o it_o unless_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o will_v admit_v the_o full_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o several_a proposition_n that_o be_v necessary_o include_v in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v and_o have_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n from_o the_o first_o time_n of_o christianity_n for_o if_o they_o pretend_v to_o say_v they_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n in_o a_o private_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o his_o godhead_n that_o be_v if_o they_o will_v not_o for_o all_o this_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v god_n beget_v of_o his_o father_n before_o all_o world_n but_o fancy_n there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o he_o be_v not_o and_o so_o make_v he_o a_o creature_n though_o the_o most_o glorious_a and_o perfect_a of_o all_o the_o creation_n and_o so_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o destroy_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n to_o make_v a_o mock-profession_n of_o faith_n to_o retain_v the_o apostle_n word_n only_o and_o deny_v in_o the_o mean_a while_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v intend_v to_o establish_v and_o so_o afterward_o when_o the_o heresy_n of_o macedonius_n break_v out_o threaten_v new_a trouble_n and_o distract_n the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n with_o their_o blasphemous_a novelty_n annexit_fw-la the_o article_n concern_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v enlarge_v by_o the_o assessor_n of_o the_o first_o general_n council_n hold_v at_o
apostle_n st._n paul_n say_v if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v rom._n 8._o 9_o where_o this_o article_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a suppose_v the_o rest_n and_o be_v here_o express_o mention_v as_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n mission_n and_o doctrine_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a grievous_a error_n to_o fancy_n that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o mere_a indifference_n what_o our_o belief_n be_v in_o particular_a and_o that_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o we_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n without_o oblige_v ourselves_o to_o believe_v all_o the_o just_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o that_o proposition_n mere_o because_o that_o one_o single_a act_n of_o faith_n qualify_v the_o first_o convert_v for_o baptism_n when_o that_o only_o be_v mention_v as_o the_o foundation_n and_o basis_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o do_v necessary_o include_v all_o the_o other_o doctrinal_a point_n that_o depend_v upon_o it_o 3._o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o profess_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n as_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o as_o out_o of_o they_o it_o be_v brief_o sum_v up_o in_o the_o creed_n the_o explication_n which_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v make_v of_o that_o rule_n so_o that_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n after_o this_o acknowledgement_n it_o be_v unjust_a to_o demand_v a_o more_o particular_a and_o distinct_a account_n or_o catalogue_n of_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n that_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o age_n which_o be_v so_o in_o the_o first_o so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o believe_v less_o and_o to_o reject_v any_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o teach_v the_o contrary_a be_v just_o chargeable_a with_o the_o guilt_n of_o heresy_n and_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o wariness_n but_o of_o pride_n and_o obstinacy_n the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o believe_v the_o testimony_n that_o he_o have_v give_v of_o his_o son_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o divine_a authority_n on_o which_o they_o be_v found_v be_v sufficient_a argument_n to_o move_v we_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o though_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v so_o far_o above_o our_o comprehension_n they_o be_v mystery_n and_o necessary_o must_v be_v such_o and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v adore_v and_o submit_v to_o with_o that_o humility_n that_o befit_v creature_n conscious_a of_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o faileurs_fw-fr and_o of_o the_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a majesty_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o if_o this_o trouble_v they_o they_o may_v as_o well_o murmur_v and_o quarrel_n and_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n as_o obscure_v and_o un-intelligible_a there_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v all_o who_o will_v be_v content_a with_o just_a proof_n of_o it_o though_o not_o to_o take_v away_o all_o possible_a doubt_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o must_v side_n with_o the_o follower_n of_o epicurus_n in_o their_o idle_a and_o foolish_a and_o impious_a attempt_n to_o raze_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o extinguish_v and_o destroy_v all_o religion_n out_o of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v not_o impose_v upon_o they_o or_o do_v violence_n to_o their_o reason_n as_o they_o object_n only_o upon_o this_o pretence_n because_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o as_o evident_a and_o clear_a to_o their_o understanding_n as_o visible_a object_n be_v to_o the_o eye_n in_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a light_n for_o than_o they_o will_v cease_v to_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o lose_v their_o name_n and_o fall_v under_o the_o comprehension_n of_o science_n and_o indeed_o so_o long_o as_o they_o retain_v this_o unreasonable_a principle_n that_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v by_o the_o narrow_a rule_n of_o philosophy_n and_o natural_a reason_n which_o can_v be_v no_o proper_a medium_n of_o prove_v thing_n only_o knowable_a by_o revelation_n they_o may_v well_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o power_n to_o change_v their_o opinion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o bring_v their_o understanding_n to_o admit_v they_o but_o can_v they_o hope_v that_o this_o shall_v justify_v their_o pertinaciousness_n and_o excuse_v they_o at_o god_n tribunal_n be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o unjust_a prejudices_fw-la which_o they_o entertain_v arise_v from_o a_o perverse_a will_n and_o from_o obstinacy_n and_o pride_n and_o peevishness_n and_o not_o from_o any_o dissatisfactoriness_n at_o the_o inevidence_n and_o incertainty_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o motive_n of_o their_o credibility_n it_o be_v only_a god_n who_o can_v convince_v such_o man_n by_o the_o mighty_a influence_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o remove_v these_o prejudices_fw-la which_o obstruct_v the_o reception_n of_o his_o truth_n to_o who_o mercy_n we_o leave_v they_o for_o we_o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o our_o profession_n of_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o god_n be_v faithful_a who_o have_v call_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n if_o you_o understand_v aright_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o you_o to_o be_v debauch_v and_o pervert_v either_o by_o socinian_n or_o jesuit_n or_o sectary_n all_o their_o pretend_a demonstration_n for_o error_n and_o delusion_n be_v usual_o very_o bold_a and_o confident_a be_v mere_a sophism_n and_o argument_n of_o deceit_n trick_n and_o artifices_fw-la of_o wit_n without_o any_o foundation_n of_o true_a reason_n in_o the_o one_o or_o of_o scripture_n or_o apostolical_a tradition_n in_o the_o other_o if_o as_o i_o say_v before_o the_o primitive_a christian_n go_v to_o heaven_n you_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o same_o hope_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o you_o add_v to_o a_o sound_a faith_n the_o practice_n of_o a_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a and_o true_o christian_a life_n and_o if_o you_o perform_v the_o vow_n you_o make_v at_o your_o baptism_n and_o renew_v every_o time_n you_o receive_v the_o most_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o so_o adorn_v the_o primitive_a faith_n with_o primitive_a purity_n and_o holiness_n appendix_n concern_v the_o apostle_n creed_n this_o form_n of_o faith_n be_v call_v by_o 1._o irenaeus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o invariable_a rule_n of_o faith_n receive_v and_o open_o profess_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o new_a convert_n at_o his_o baptism_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o in_o several_a other_o place_n he_o refer_v not_o only_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o general_n but_o to_o a_o fix_a and_o know_v rule_n of_o it_o as_o lib._n 1._o cap._n 19_o cum_fw-la teneamus_fw-la autem_fw-la nos_fw-la regulam_fw-la veritatis_fw-la and_o lib._n 2._o cap._n 43._o nusquam_fw-la transferentes_fw-la regulam_fw-la neque_fw-la errantes_fw-la ab_fw-la artifice_n neque_fw-la abjicientes_fw-la fidem_fw-la this_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v call_v somewhere_o by_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o little_a body_n or_o system_v of_o article_n contain_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n tertullian_n do_v also_o often_o mention_v the_o regula_fw-la fidei_fw-la as_o a_o thing_n every_o where_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v as_o in_o his_o book_n against_o hermogenes_n in_o the_o beginning_n the_o prescript_n cap._n 13._o apol._n cap._n 47._o and_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr velandis_fw-la virginibus_fw-la in_o the_o beginning_n regula_n quidem_fw-la fidei_fw-la una_fw-la omnino_fw-la est_fw-la soia_fw-la immobilis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o irreformabilis_fw-la and_o be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o he_o call_v soon_o after_o lex_fw-la fidei_fw-la or_o the_o unalterable_a law_n of_o faith_n which_o admit_v of_o no_o change_n whereas_o the_o church_n have_v a_o power_n in_o matter_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o external_a behaviour_n to_o make_v what_o alteration_n shall_v be_v judge_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o piety_n prudence_n decency_n and_o to_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n of_o place_n and_o time_n and_o other_o accident_n hâc_fw-la lege_fw-la fidei_fw-la manente_fw-la cetera_fw-la jam_fw-la disciplinae_fw-la &_o conversationis_fw-la admittunt_fw-la novitatem_fw-la correction_n operante_fw-la scilicet_fw-la &_o persiciente_a usque_fw-la in_o finem_fw-la gratiâ_fw-la dei_fw-la thus_o in_o general_a there_o be_v a_o explicit_a rule_n of_o faith_n