neither_o be_v it_o in_o their_o day_n accept_v by_o a_o great_a portion_n of_o the_o world_n that_o christ_n be_v god_n or_o his_o doctrine_n truth_n that_o so_o they_o may_v receive_v it_o transmit_v from_o the_o forego_n divine_o assist_v church_n that_o these_o and_o these_o doctrine_n be_v his_o but_o they_o be_v the_o first_o that_o be_v to_o propagate_v this_o doctrine_n and_o publish_v and_o make_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o not_o can_v their_o own_o testimony_n avail_v to_o the_o end_n intend_v for_o what_o can_v they_o testify_v that_o christ_n say_v thus_o and_o do_v such_o and_o such_o miracle_n to_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n or_o that_o the_o h._n ghost_n inspire_v they_o the_o latter_a be_v latent_fw-la and_o the_o hearer_n have_v but_o their_o own_o word_n for_o it_o the_o other_o be_v patent_n indeed_o and_o so_o full_o convictive_a to_o those_o who_o know_v and_o converse_v with_o they_o and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o circumstance_n but_o to_o remote_a nation_n whither_o two_o or_o three_o of_o they_o be_v to_o go_v and_o preach_v it_o signify_v little_a and_o depend_v upon_o their_o bare_a word_n hence_o miracle_n be_v at_o first_o and_o shall_v till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o like_a case_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v such_o unheard_a of_o tenet_n enter_v and_o sink_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o great_a multitude_n how_o circumstance_v soever_o but_o when_o afterward_o a_o world_n or_o vast_a body_n of_o man_n be_v by_o those_o extraordinary_a mean_n settle_v unanimous_o in_o a_o firm_a beleif_n that_o christ_n be_v god_n or_o at_o least_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v true_a there_o can_v need_v no_o more_o but_o to_o know_v it_o be_v continue_v down_o all_o along_o the_o same_o to_o make_v deserter_n of_o his_o church_n against_o who_o we_o dispute_v at_o present_a accept_v it_o and_o it_o be_v visible_a audible_a and_o practical_a and_o so_o subject_a to_o sense_n hence_o attestation_n of_o the_o forego_n age_n to_o the_o age_n succeed_v be_v the_o most_o proper_a way_n to_o continue_v it_o down_o and_o perfect_o certain_a be_v now_o grow_v so_o ample_a and_o vast_a and_o the_o attester_n be_v intelligent_a person_n and_o have_v the_o sense_n of_o christ_n law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n can_v deliver_v and_o explain_v themselves_o pertinent_o to_o all_o arise_v difficulty_n and_o clear_v all_o possible_a misunderstanding_n which_o the_o dead_a letter_n can_v not_o and_o so_o this_o live_a rule_n be_v perfect_o intelligible_a too_o i_o omit_v here_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n which_o those_o who_o comprehend_v what_o most_o effectual_a mean_n of_o sanctity_n there_o be_v in_o the_o doctrine_n sacrament_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o as_o appear_v by_o divers_a excellent_a effect_n of_o it_o the_o product_n also_o of_o those_o mean_n or_o holiness_n in_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o faithful_a will_v see_v and_o acknowledge_v do_v incomparable_o strengthen_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o deliver_v down_o right_a faith_n hence_o appear_v our_o dâ—s_n unreasonableness_n intimate_v to_o we_o in_o this_o principle_n that_o though_o connatural_a and_o ordinary_a mean_n be_v now_o lay_v in_o the_o world_n to_o continue_v christ_n doctrine_n from_o ouâ—_n time_n forward_o and_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o first_o age_n to_o continue_v it_o along_o hitherto_o though_o common_a reason_n and_o as_o i_o remember_v st._n austin_n have_v teach_v he_o that_o into_o the_o place_n of_o miracle_n succeed_v the_o consent_n of_o country_n &_o nation_n though_o mr._n baxter_n who_o perhaps_o he_o hold_v as_o holy_a a_o father_n as_o great_a a_o saint_n and_o as_o eminent_a a_o scholar_n as_o st._n austin_n himself_o have_v tell_v he_o in_o his_o more_a reason_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n etc._n etc._n p._n 32._o that_o humane_a testimony_n may_v be_v so_o circumstance_v as_o amount_n to_o a_o natural_a infallible_a certainty_n instance_v in_o the_o existence_n of_o king_n james_n and_o our_o law_n be_v make_v by_o king_n and_o parliament_n which_o how_o dr._n t._n his_o scholar_n will_v like_v i_o know_v not_o and_o so_o the_o church_n infallibility_n in_o faith_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n may_v descend_v down_o to_o we_o by_o testimony_n to_o have_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n without_o need_v new_a miracle_n do_v still_o to_o evince_v it_o nay_o though_o himself_o in_o correspondency_n to_o both_o these_o doctor_n do_v in_o his_o rational_a account_n p._n 205._o make_v tradition_n of_o the_o same_o use_n to_o we_o now_o which_o our_o eye_n and_o ear_n have_v be_v if_o we_o have_v be_v actual_o present_a when_o christ_n deliver_v his_o doctrine_n and_o wrought_v his_o miracle_n and_o so_o can_v as_o well_o certify_v we_o of_o the_o first_o teach_v doctrine_n as_o if_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v it_o and_o consequent_o of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n in_o case_n that_o be_v a_o point_n of_o doctrine_n teach_v at_o first_o yet_o now_o one_o of_o his_o principle_n must_v be_v that_o no_o argument_n though_o never_o so_o strong_a and_o convictive_a no_o tradition_n how_o well_o qualify_v soever_o it_o be_v nor_o any_o plea_n in_o the_o world_n though_o never_o so_o legal_a and_o evident_a shall_v acquit_v the_o church_n from_o a_o most_o intolerable_a usurpation_n if_o she_o challenge_v infallibility_n but_o down_o right_a miracle_n full_a as_o great_a observe_v his_o â—igour_n public_a and_o convince_a as_n be_v those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o wrought_v by_o those_o very_a person_n that_o challenge_v this_o infallibility_n nay_o and_o wrought_v with_o a_o design_n too_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o how_o shrewd_o sure_a this_o romeâ—destroying_a principle_n be_v lay_v but_o if_o one_o shall_v ask_v serious_o whether_o a_o convince_v reason_n to_o prove_v this_o infallibility_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o one_o as_o evident_o conclude_v the_o point_n may_v not_o do_v without_o a_o miracle_n i_o know_v no_o rational_a man_n that_o ever_o will_v deny_v his_o assent_n upon_o such_o a_o condition_n nor_o will_v dr._n st._n perhaps_o in_o another_o occasion_n but_o here_o oh_o here_o it_o be_v another_o case_n his_o hatred_n against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n infallibility_n be_v so_o vigorous_a that_o he_o profess_v to_o desy_v demonstration_n itself_o that_o be_v renounce_v humane_a nature_n rather_o than_o admit_v it_o nothing_o but_o miracle_n with_o all_o the_o nice_a caution_n imaginable_a shall_v serve_v the_o turn_n a_o notable_a resolution_n and_o only_o parallel_v to_o he_o who_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n but_o the_o miraculous_a appearance_n of_o his_o angel_n guardian_n but_o the_o miracle_n not_o be_v grant_v he_o he_o die_v a_o atheist_n in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o church_n ever_o usurpt_v the_o pretence_n of_o infallibility_n i_o hope_v she_o first_o invade_v it_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o now_o since_o as_o long_o ago_o as_o st._n paul_n time_n she_o we_o be_v call_v by_o that_o good_a man_n columna_fw-la &_o firmamentum_fw-la veritatis_fw-la the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n which_o word_n ill_o consist_v with_o a_o fallible_a proposer_n of_o such_o truth_n as_o belong_v to_o her_o sphere_n oâ—_n point_v of_o faith_n he_o ought_v to_o show_v and_o make_v out_o when_o the_o church_n lose_v that_o title_n and_o pre-eminence_n otherwise_o since_o she_o be_v find_v claim_v it_o now_o and_o actual_o hold_v and_o possess_v it_o upon_o the_o tenure_n of_o tradition_n as_o promise_v she_o by_o christ_n we_o have_v very_o good_a reason_n to_o hold_v she_o never_o usurp_v it_o at_o all_o but_o inherit_v it_o by_o a_o continue_a line_n of_o succession_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n to_o this_o very_a day_n nor_o have_v it_o ever_o seem_v intolerable_a to_o any_o but_o to_o those_o who_o nothing_o will_v content_v but_o new_a fangle_a innovation_n and_o alter_v the_o long-established_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n deliver_v down_o perpetual_o from_o his_o time_n 17._o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a then_o to_o pretend_v the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o infallible_a commission_n and_o assistance_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n and_o to_o interpret_v they_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o prove_v that_o commission_n from_o those_o write_n from_o which_o we_o be_v tell_v nothing_o can_v be_v certain_o deduce_v such_o a_o assurance_n not_o be_v suppose_v or_o to_o pretend_v that_o infallibility_n in_o a_o body_n of_o man_n be_v not_o at_o liable_a to_o doubt_n and_o dispute_v as_o in_o those_o book_n from_o whence_o only_o they_o derive_v their_o infalliblity_n the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o principle_n be_v grant_v as_o to_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o
to_o to_o our_o sense_n testimony_n be_v sufficient_a to_o do_v it_o so_o it_o be_v sufficient_o qualify_v that_o be_v the_o best_a and_o on_o the_o best_a manner_n support_v that_o any_o ordinary_a mean_n can_v be_v such_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n or_o tradition_n which_o beside_o what_o be_v find_v in_o humane_a testimony_n have_v also_o the_o whole_a body_n &_o joint_a force_n of_o supernatural_a motive_n to_o preserve_v the_o testifier_n attentive_a and_o veracious_a thus_o the_o church_n or_o the_o christian_a society_n of_o man_n be_v establish_v infallible_a in_o deliver_v down_o faith_n need_v not_o prove_v her_o infallibility_n by_o miracle_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a the_o faithful_a believe_v that_o christ_n promise_v to_o protect_v she_o from_o error_n and_o consequent_o to_o believe_v the_o a_o est_fw-fr of_o her_o infallibility_n or_o that_o she_o be_v infallible_a upon_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o believe_v all_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o scripture_n too_o viz._n upon_o tradition_n and_o that_o her_o controversiall_a divine_n who_o be_v to_o defend_v faith_n by_o way_n of_o reason_n or_o argument_n prove_v the_o quid_fw-la est_fw-la of_o this_o infallibility_n or_o make_v out_o in_o what_o it_o consist_v or_o in_o what_o second_o cause_n this_o ordinary_a and_o constant_a assistance_n be_v found_v and_o consequent_o prove_v its_o force_n by_o such_o maxim_n as_o ground_v the_o certainty_n of_o humane_a testimony_n and_o if_o the_o reader_n comprehend_v they_o by_o the_o strange_a efficacy_n of_o supernatural_a motive_n also_o conspire_v to_o strengthen_v nature_n as_o to_o that_o effect_n of_o right_o testify_v the_o doctrine_n receive_v and_o believe_v to_o be_v christ_n 8._o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n then_o of_o prove_v this_o infallibility_n mere_o by_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o infallibility_n nor_o do_v the_o faithful_a or_o the_o church_n commit_v a_o circle_n in_o believe_v that_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a upon_o tradition_n for_o first_o take_v they_o as_o faithful_a precise_o they_o be_v mere_o believer_n not_o reasoner_n or_o such_o as_o put_v one_o proposition_n artificial_o before_o or_o after_o another_o next_o they_o believe_v only_o the_o supernatural_a infallibility_n build_v on_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v on_o the_o church_n sanctity_n and_o this_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o human_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v be_v ever_o hold_v since_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o force_n of_o the_o human_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v prove_v by_o maxim_n of_o mere_a reason_n add_v that_o the_o certainty_n of_o such_o a_o vaâ—t_a testimony_n be_v self-evident_a practical_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v self-evident_a that_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o england_n can_v deceive_v we_o in_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o king_n james_n whence_o no_o circle_n can_v possible_o be_v commit_v if_o it_o be_v believe_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n or_o rather_o know_v by_o its_o own_o light_n though_o there_o will_v be_v if_o discourse_v it_o rational_o we_o shall_v put_v the_o same_o proposition_n to_o be_v before_o and_o after_o itself_o 9_o since_o those_o who_o have_v the_o least_o capacity_n of_o penetrate_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o according_a to_o dr._n st._n have_v the_o few_o motive_n of_o good_a life_n apply_v to_o they_o may_v frequent_o live_v among_o great_a temptation_n that_o be_v in_o circumstance_n of_o need_v the_o most_o it_o be_v a_o blind_a undertake_n and_o no_o secure_a nor_o wise_a than_o idle_a fortune-telling_n to_o bear_v man_n in_o hand_n that_o person_n of_o all_o capacity_n who_o sincere_o endeavour_n shall_v understand_v scripture_n in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n 10._o since_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o private_a judgement_n may_v err_v in_o understand_a scripture_n but_o not_o evident_a that_o christ_n have_v not_o promise_v his_o church_n security_n from_o err_v in_o faith_n they_o run_v the_o great_a hazard_n by_o far_o who_o rely_v on_o their_o private_a sense_n of_o scripture_n than_o those_o do_v who_o rely_v on_o the_o church_n especial_o since_o the_o church_n deny_v not_o scripture_n but_o profess_v to_o go_v according_a to_o it_o and_o so_o in_o common_a reason_n be_v likely_a to_o comprehend_v its_o meaning_n far_o better_o than_o private_a man_n but_o most_o especial_o since_o our_o modern_n when_o they_o first_o begin_v to_o rely_v on_o their_o own_o judgement_n of_o scripture_n for_o their_o faith_n revolt_v from_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o rebel_v against_o pastor_n and_o lawful_a superior_n which_o both_o god_n law_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v they_o they_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o submit_v to_o thus_o our_o new_a apostle_n of_o the_o private_a spirit_n of_o gift_n and_o new_a light_n have_v endeavour_v to_o pull_v down_o the_o church_n and_o subvert_v the_o foundation_n lay_v by_o christ_n and_o instead_o thereof_o to_o set_v up_o as_o many_o church_n as_o there_o be_v private_a and_o proud_a fancy_n in_o the_o world_n each_o of_o which_o may_v by_o this_o devilish_a doctrine_n defy_v the_o church_n for_o teach_v he_o his_o faith_n or_o for_o govern_v he_o as_o as_o a_o church_n that_o be_v govern_v he_o as_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a for_o she_o can_v bind_v never_o a_o subject_n in_o conscience_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o herself_o and_o each_o man_n judge_n to_o be_v true_a and_o sound_a wherefore_o if_o any_o or_o each_o private_a person_n understand_v scripture_n another_o way_n than_o she_o do_v he_o be_v enfranchise_v by_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o ought_v not_o relinquish_v from_o her_o authority_n she_o may_v in_o that_o case_n wish_v he_o well_o and_o pity_v he_o as_o every_o old_a wife_n may_v also_o do_v and_o he_o in_o return_n may_v wish_v well_o to_o the_o church_n end_n pity_v she_o she_o may_v endeavour_v to_o admonish_v and_o instruct_v he_o better_o so_o to_o pluck_v he_o out_o of_o his_o error_n and_o he_o in_o requital_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v behindhand_o with_o the_o church_n in_o courtesy_n may_v with_o equal_a nay_o better_a title_n admonish_v the_o church_n of_o her_o fail_n and_o endeavour_v to_o pull_v she_o out_o of_o her_o error_n or_o as_o the_o new_a phrase_n be_v reform_v she_o for_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o he_o have_v all_o the_o security_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o error_n that_o may_v be_v nor_o can_v he_o be_v thus_o gift_v want_v power_n to_o preach_v to_o she_o and_o other_o for_o certain_o the_o world_n will_v be_v most_o perverse_o order_v if_o they_o who_o be_v in_o error_n shall_v have_v licence_n and_o power_n to_o propagate_v their_o error_n and_o those_o who_o follow_v truth_n shall_v have_v no_o leave_n to_o propagate_v truth_n thus_o the_o church_n have_v lose_v all_o power_n that_o be_v have_v lose_v herself_o be_v able_a neither_o to_o lead_v nor_o drive_v her_o equally-gifted_n subject_n so_o that_o her_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n over_o they_o will_v by_o this_o wicked_a doctrine_n be_v a_o most_o tyrannical_a persecution_n and_o every_o such_o private_a man_n refractory_a disobedience_n see_v the_o wonderful_a gift_n of_o the_o private_a spirit_n will_v become_v a_o most_o glorious_a confession_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o every_o rebel_n act_v against_o the_o church_n so_o he_o be_v but_o so_o self-conceited_a as_o to_o judge_v he_o know_v more_o of_o god_n mind_n in_o the_o scripture_n than_o all_o the_o church_n beside_o will_v by_o this_o doctrine_n in_o case_n the_o secular_a power_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o curb_v his_o insolence_n be_v a_o most_o bless_a martyr_n such_o no_o doubt_n as_o john_n fox'e_v be_v the_o five_o examen_fw-la sift_v the_o eleven_o remain_a principle_n which_o seem_v chief_o to_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n whoever_o have_v peruse_v the_o forego_n examine_v and_o reflect_v well_o upon_o what_o a_o sandy_a foundation_n dr._n st._n have_v build_v his_o faith_n will_v doubtless_o expect_v that_o he_o will_v assign_v it_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o be_v of_o no_o exceed_v great_a strength_n for_o fear_n lest_o his_o weak_a ground_n '_o shall_v not_o support_v his_o superstructure_n nor_o his_o proof_n carry_v home_o to_o his_o conclusion_n now_o the_o conceit_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n have_v of_o faith_n import_v its_o true_a nature_n be_v that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o assent_n as_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v a_o error_n or_o false_a whence_o follow_v that_o its_o ground_n be_v likewise_o such_o and_o indeed_o since_o all_o hold_n that_o faith_n be_v a_o immovable_a and_o unalterable_a assent_n which_o be_v to_o
discern_a truth_n and_o falsehood_n again_o what_o be_v mean_v here_o by_o divine_v revelation_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o formal_a act_n of_o reveal_v then_o it_o be_v false_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o judge_v of_o its_o truth_n but_o a_o faculty_n in_o we_o of_o discern_a truth_n and_o falsehood_n in_o matter_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n for_o these_o matter_n be_v point_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v a_o madness_n to_o think_v we_o must_v begin_v with_o examine_v their_o truth_n ere_o we_o can_v know_v that_o god_n have_v true_o or_o indeed_o reveal_v they_o since_o the_o knowledge_n that_o god_n have_v reveal_v or_o speak_v be_v have_v ordinary_o by_o natural_a mean_n antecedent_n even_o to_o the_o revelation_n itself_o much_o more_o antecedent_n to_o those_o point_n viz._n by_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o show_v the_o divine_a authority_n engage_v for_o their_o truth_n but_o if_o he_o mean_v by_o divine_a revelation_n the_o thing_n or_o point_n divine_o reveal_v and_o as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n matter_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n he_o bend_v strong_o that_o way_n than_o the_o sense_n be_v evident_o this_o that_o we_o must_v judge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n by_o exercise_v a_o faculty_n of_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o point_n and_o since_o to_o judge_n be_v to_o exercise_v our_o faculty_n of_o judge_v it_o amount_v plain_o to_o this_o that_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o point_n of_o faith_n by_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o identical_a proposition_n and_o perfect_o true_a but_o not_o at_o all_o to_o his_o purpose_n yet_o it_o be_v too_o for_o it_o be_v creditable_a now_o and_o then_o to_o speak_v clear_a evidence_n however_o in_o reality_n they_o prove_v impertinency_n but_o if_o dr._n st._n mean_v nothing_o but_o that_o we_o must_v use_v our_o faculty_n of_o discern_a truth_n and_o falsehood_n that_o be_v indeed_o our_o reason_n even_o in_o assent_v to_o thing_n above_o reason_n or_o to_o mystery_n of_o faith_n he_o say_v very_o right_a for_o it_o be_v most_o rational_a to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o god_n who_o be_v essential_a verity_n have_v say_v and_o exceed_o rational_a to_o believe_v god_n have_v say_v it_o or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o in_o our_o case_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v teach_v it_o upon_o a_o authority_n inerrable_n in_o that_o affair_n and_o thus_o my_o faith_n may_v be_v most_o rational_a without_o exercise_v my_o reason_n in_o scan_v and_o debate_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o the_o matter_n propose_v to_o my_o belief_n or_o examine_v the_o point_n of_o faith_n themselves_o nay_o more_o this_o method_n of_o he_o be_v most_o preposterous_a and_o absurd_a for_o the_o mystery_n or_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v elevate_v above_o the_o pitch_n of_o our_o ordinary_a natural_a reason_n and_o such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o which_o god_n infinity_o most_v exert_n as_o we_o may_v say_v it_o be_v utmost_a but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o ascertain_v to_o we_o the_o divine_a revelation_n or_o that_o god_n have_v tell_v we_o they_o lie_v level_a to_o our_o reason_n as_o inform_v by_o natural_a knowledge_n hence_o to_o relinquish_v the_o method_n of_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n by_o those_o knowledge_n which_o lie_v within_o our_o own_o ken_n and_o to_o begin_v with_o those_o which_o be_v most_o elevate_v above_o it_o as_o it_o be_v to_o comprehend_v the_o extent_n of_o god_n infinite_a power_n be_v both_o against_o all_o art_n and_o common_a sense_n both_o which_o tell_v we_o we_o must_v begin_v with_o what_o be_v more_o easy_o knowable_a and_o thence_o proceed_v to_o what_o be_v less_o knowable_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o danger_n of_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o everything_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o dr._n scruple_n as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n can_v lie_v and_o that_o god_n have_v say_v this_o for_o these_o put_v the_o thing_n be_v most_o certain_o true_a 6._o the_o pretence_n of_o infallibility_n in_o any_o person_n or_o society_n of_o man_n must_v be_v judge_v in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v for_o that_o infallibility_n be_v challenge_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o supernatural_a assistance_n and_o for_o that_o end_n to_o assure_v man_n what_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o mean_n must_v be_v use_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o that_o as_o for_o any_o other_o supernatural_a way_n of_o god_n make_v know_v his_o will_n to_o man_n here_o the_o word_n he_o divine_v revelation_n which_o he_o now_o first_o use_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o dr._n st._n mean_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o god_n reveal_v it_o or_o divine_a revelation_n which_o word_n he_o use_v former_o and_o this_o be_v far_o confirm_v by_o his_o say_n that_o that_o infallibility_n which_o be_v challenge_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o supernatural_a assistance_n must_v be_v judge_v in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v for_o such_o a_o infallibility_n through_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n consist_v in_o the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o the_o word_n he_o divine_v revelation_n which_o he_o join_v and_o parallel_v to_o it_o must_v mean_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n also_o whence_o be_v discern_v what_o marvellous_a dexterity_n dr._n st._n have_v use_v to_o gain_v a_o notable_a point_n against_o we_o and_o how_o smooth_o he_o have_v slide_v from_o god_n reveal_v faith_n to_o we_o or_o the_o act_n call_v revelation_n to_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n reveal_v in_o hope_n by_o this_o confound_a one_o with_o another_o to_o persuade_v his_o unattentive_a reader_n that_o because_o it_o be_v the_o only_a right_a way_n of_o procedure_v to_o begin_v with_o the_o use_v our_o natural_a reason_n so_o to_o judge_v whether_o god_n have_v reveal_v such_o a_o point_n or_o no_o therefore_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o begin_v with_o the_o same_o method_n in_o examine_v the_o point_n of_o faith_n themselves_o which_o pretend_v to_o be_v reveal_v and_o thence_o conclude_v whether_o they_o be_v indeed_o divine_o reveal_v or_o no_o which_o how_o absurd_a it_o be_v have_v late_o be_v show_v but_o to_o come_v close_o and_o apply_v this_o to_o his_o present_a discourse_n the_o pretence_n of_o infallibility_n by_o virtue_n of_o supernatural_a assistance_n must_v indeed_o be_v judge_v in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v for_o both_o of_o they_o be_v point_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o same_o way_n all_o other_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v viz._n by_o the_o evidence_n there_o be_v that_o the_o divine_a authority_n can_v deceive_v and_o that_o it_o stand_v engage_v for_o those_o point_n 7._o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o several_a way_n of_o reveal_v 〈◊〉_d will_v to_o we_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o dispute_v from_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o necessity_n of_o one_o particular_a wâ—y_n to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o all_o other_o but_o we_o ought_v to_o inquire_v what_o way_n god_n himself_o have_v choose_v and_o whatever_o he_o have_v do_v we_o be_v sure_o can_v be_v repugnant_a to_o infinite_a justice_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o truth_n i_o do_v not_o remember_v to_o have_v hear_v that_o any_o man_n live_v ever_o go_v about_o to_o dispute_v from_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n alone_o the_o necessity_n of_o one_o particular_a way_n to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o all_o other_o nor_o do_v it_o appear_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o do_v it_o without_o consider_v also_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o several_a way_n of_o reveal_v in_o do_v which_o if_o we_o come_v to_o discover_v that_o only_a one_o be_v as_o thing_n stand_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a for_o that_o end_n and_o all_o other_o pretend_v to_o by_o those_o against_o who_o we_o dispute_v depend_v on_o it_o for_o their_o certainty_n than_o they_o can_v safe_o argue_v from_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n particular_o his_o wisdom_n that_o none_o but_o this_o can_v have_v be_v actual_o choose_v by_o he_o so_o that_o dr._n st._n seem_v here_o to_o counterfeit_v a_o imaginary_a adversary_n have_v never_o a_o real_a one_o this_o will_v better_o appear_v if_o we_o attempt_v to_o frame_v a_o discourse_n from_o god_n attribute_n alone_o in_o endeavour_v which_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o all_o we_o can_v argue_v from_o that_o single_a head_n be_v this_o that_o what_o be_v disagreeable_a to_o god_n infinite_a justice_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o truth_n can_v be_v will_v
act_v as_o they_o adjudge_v have_v both_o lead_v they_o into_o actual_a error_n and_o punish_v they_o thus_o grievous_o in_o that_o case_n for_o adhere_v to_o truth_n which_o be_v too_o horrid_a blasphemy_n to_o be_v hear_v or_o imagine_v but_o if_o they_o mean_v only_o for_o some_o time_n of_o that_o law_n or_o some_o age_n immediate_o before_o christ_n when_o the_o synagogue_n be_v most_o corrupt_a this_o imply_v a_o confession_n that_o such_o a_o society_n be_v necessary_a in_o the_o age_n forego_v and_o then_o dr._n st._n be_v to_o show_v we_o why_o it_o be_v not_o equal_o necessary_a in_o the_o late_a as_o in_o the_o former_a and_o not_o suppose_v it_o gratis_o nor_o be_v the_o synagogue_n ever_o more_o corrupt_a than_o in_o our_o saviour_n day_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v how_o severe_o he_o enjoin_v the_o jew_n of_o that_o time_n to_o obey_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n because_o they_o sit_v in_o moses_n his_o chair_n which_o it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o say_v christ_n can_v do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o secure_v their_o doctrine_n from_o be_v erroneous_a that_o be_v preserve_v they_o inerrable_a in_o that_o affair_n add_v that_o be_v all_o grant_v yet_o there_o be_v far_o more_o necessity_n of_o explain_v the_o scripture_n now_o than_o at_o that_o time_n for_o the_o law_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o of_o it_o either_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v do_v or_o moral_a duty_n and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o nature_n whence_o both_o of_o these_o be_v far_o more_o easy_o expressible_a in_o proper_a language_n and_o consequent_o intelligible_a than_o the_o sublime_a spiritual_a and_o mysterious_a tenet_n of_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v more_o hard_a to_o be_v express_v in_o per_fw-la word_n and_o be_v more_o remove_v from_o our_o knowledge_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v more_o hard_a to_o be_v penetrate_v and_o so_o those_o word_n more_o difficult_a to_o be_v right_o comprehend_v and_o understand_v without_o a_o interpreter_n than_o be_v those_o other_o 16._o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o intolerable_a usurpation_n upon_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n than_o for_o any_o person_n or_o society_n of_o man_n to_o pretend_v to_o a_o assistance_n as_o infallible_a in_o what_o they_o propose_v as_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n without_o give_v a_o equal_a degree_n of_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v so_o assist_v as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v viz._n by_o miracle_n as_o great_a public_a and_o convince_a as_o they_o be_v by_o which_o i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v wrought_v by_o those_o very_a person_n who_o challenge_v this_o infallibility_n and_o with_o a_o design_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o thus_o the_o dr._n make_v sure_a work_n against_o the_o infallibility_n of_o any_o church_n which_o overthrow_v his_o single_a self_n nay_o any_o private_a man_n or_o woman_n that_o have_v but_o self-conceit_n and_o confidence_n enough_o to_o proceed_v open_o upon_o these_o principle_n of_o he_o be_v upon_o even_a ground_n with_o the_o best_a nay_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o the_o main_a point_n of_o understanding_n and_o determine_v what_o be_v faith_n what_o not_o nay_o more_o may_v defy_v all_o the_o governor_n of_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n if_o he_o or_o she_o be_v but_o conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o they_o sincere_o endeavour_v and_o sober_o inquire_v for_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o divine_a write_n for_o these_o be_v their_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v assuâ—ed_v by_o dr._n st._n that_o they_o can_v miss_v if_o they_o sober_o inquire_v of_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o salvation_n and_o be_v inform_v by_o common_a reason_n that_o it_o be_v a_o point_n very_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o christian_a or_o one_o who_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o adore_v christ_n to_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v god_n and_o so_o may_v without_o fear_n of_o idolatry_n have_v divine_a honour_n give_v he_o or_o no_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o in_o case_n it_o shall_v seem_v to_o the_o best_a judgement_n of_o such_o a_o man_n and_o let_v he_o be_v for_o example_n one_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o new_o turn_v socinian_n that_o christ_n be_v not_o god_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o relinquish_v his_o rule_n of_o faith_n at_o any_o rate_n nor_o what_o he_o judge_v the_o scripture_n sense_n of_o it_o this_o be_v his_o faith_n but_o maintain_v it_o bold_o against_o all_o his_o pastor_n talk_v and_o quote_v scripture_n as_o brisk_o as_o the_o best_a of_o they_o all_o desy_v they_o to_o their_o face_n nay_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o his_o interpretation_n of_o it_o and_o be_v a_o special_a martyr_n though_o he_o take_v his_o death_n upon_o it_o that_o all_o his_o lawful_a pastor_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o member_n be_v most_o hainons_a idolater_n for_o give_v the_o worship_n proper_a to_o god_n to_o a_o man_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o oblige_v he_o to_o believe_v her_o interpretation_n of_o scriptuâ—e_n alas_o all_o such_o power_n be_v quite_o take_v out_o of_o her_o hand_n by_o these_o new_a principle_n not_o to_o act_v exterior_o as_o she_o do_v for_o that_o be_v to_o oblige_v he_o to_o deny_v his_o faith_n in_o his_o action_n and_o carriage_n and_o this_o in_o so_o heinous_a a_o point_n as_o commit_v flat_a idolatry_n and_o which_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n tell_v he_o be_v such_o nor_o to_o acquiesce_v so_o far_o as_o to_o hold_v his_o tongue_n and_o not_o contradict_v the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v both_o ingratitude_n to_o god_n who_o have_v so_o plain_o reveal_v it_o to_o he_o in_o scripture_n not_o to_o stand_v up_o for_o his_o honour_n so_o wicked_o violate_v by_o the_o church_n and_o withal_o most_o uncharitable_a to_o his_o neighbour_n not_o to_o communicate_v to_o he_o the_o light_n he_o have_v receive_v by_o such_o plain_a revelation_n from_o god_n word_n and_o to_o endeavour_v his_o reducement_n from_o so_o grievous_a a_o idolatry_n especial_o if_o this_o man_n be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o office_n and_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o hold_v forth_o or_o preach_v what_o he_o judge_v god_n word_n nay_o though_o it_o be_v a_o layman_n or_o a_o lay-woman_n all_o be_v a_o case_n why_o may_v they_o not_o with_o as_o much_o reason_n make_v know_v so_o concern_v a_o truth_n plain_o reveal_v to_o they_o as_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n do_v of_o old_a as_o for_o all_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o restrain_v they_o that_o be_v quite_o throw_v out_o of_o door_n humane_a command_n can_v have_v no_o force_n when_o the_o best_a duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n be_v neglect_v by_o obey_v and_o the_o more_o the_o church_n be_v obstinate_a and_o oppose_v this_o private_a man_n or_o woman_n by_o so_o much_o great_a be_v the_o necessity_n of_o his_o or_o she_o inform_v the_o church_n right_a and_o stand_v up_o for_o the_o truth_n hereafter_o more_o of_o this_o at_o present_a let_v we_o see_v how_o he_o destroy_v infallibility_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o chief_a design_n and_o indeed_o it_o make_v very_o much_o for_o his_o purpose_n for_o i_o so_o far_o concur_v with_o he_o that_o if_o it_o be_v but_o fallible_a in_o attest_v or_o explain_v scripture_n it_o be_v little_a available_a to_o the_o ground_v christian_a faith_n so_o that_o if_o infallibility_n be_v but_o overthrow_v and_o these_o principle_n settle_v in_o its_o stead_n every_o private_a man_n be_v a_o church_n which_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n love_v liberty_n will_v no_o doubt_v be_v very_o take_v and_o please_v the_o rabble_n exceed_o he_o be_v so_o earnest_a at_o his_o work_n that_o he_o stumble_v for_o haste_n for_o first_o who_o do_v ever_o pretend_v to_o a_o infallibility_n equal_a to_o what_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n as_o his_o word_n import_v christ_n be_v essential_o infallible_a the_o apostle_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n from_o god_n the_o church_n pretend_v indeed_o to_o be_v infallible_o assist_v but_o that_o she_o pretend_v to_o have_v it_o either_o essential_o as_o god_n have_v it_o or_o by_o way_n of_o immediate_a inspiration_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n i_o never_o yet_o learn_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o justify_v her_o constant_a claim_n of_o infallible_a assistance_n that_o she_o have_v it_o mediate_o or_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o natural_a and_o supernatural_a cause_n so_o she_o but_o have_v it_o and_o to_o have_v it_o this_o way_n seem_v far_o more_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n than_o the_o other_o of_o immediate_a inspiration_n as_o to_o have_v by_o way_n of_o immediate_a inspiration_n be_v far_o more_o fit_v for_o the_o apostle_n for_o