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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
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 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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
be_v borrow_a and_o cause_v but_o herein_o consist_v dr._n st_n masterpiece_n that_o though_o his_o principle_n be_v never_o so_o dark_a his_o conclusion_n be_v yet_o as_o light_v as_o noonday_n but_o i_o mâ—st_v not_o forestall_v the_o reader_n be_v mirth_n what_o i_o be_o to_o do_v be_v to_o declare_v in_o short_a what_o kind_n of_o thing_n conclusion_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o do_v which_o i_o will_v say_v no_o more_o than_o all_o man_n of_o art_n in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o who_o understand_v common_a reason_n will_v yield_v to_o be_v evident_a a_o conclusion_n then_o 1._o be_v a_o proposition_n which_o follow_v out_o of_o premise_n which_o be_v its_o principle_n 2._o the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o verity_n depend_v on_o our_o know_v that_o the_o premise_n its_o prinple_n be_v true_a 3._o therefore_o the_o verity_n of_o these_o premise_n must_v be_v more_o know_v to_o he_o who_o we_o intend_v to_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o conclusion_n than_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o 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just_a thirty_o principle_n and_o just_a six_o conclusion_n i_o see_v no_o such_o great_a mystery_n or_o remarkableness_n in_o that_o observation_n as_o shall_v deserve_v such_o a_o caution_n or_o care_n he_o shall_v then_o either_o have_v omit_v these_o or_o else_o to_o show_v they_o useful_a have_v afford_v we_o a_o few_o figure_n more_o relate_v each_o conclusion_n to_o to_o it_o be_v respective_a premise_n or_o principle_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o carriage_n be_v manifest_a for_o have_v he_o do_v this_o we_o may_v have_v examine_v what_o coherence_n each_o conclusion_n have_v with_o its_o premise_n and_o whether_o it_o follow_v from_o they_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n or_o no_o also_o whether_o the_o premise_n be_v more_o evident_a than_o itself_o be_v and_o all_o those_o other_o property_n of_o a_o conclusion_n late_o note_v without_o which_o it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o nonsense_n to_o call_v any_o say_n a_o conclusion_n have_v these_o consideration_n come_v to_o 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paraphrase_v a_o little_a what_o be_v needless_a be_v needless_a or_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o put_v that_o which_o be_v of_o no_o purpose_n when_o put_v or_o of_o no_o purpose_n to_o be_v put_v which_o be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o can_v admit_v proof_n be_v not_o this_o a_o rare_a man_n who_o first_o lay_v such_o obscure_a principle_n as_o need_v proof_n and_o so_o ought_v to_o be_v call_v conclusion_n and_o then_o pretend_v to_o infer_v such_o conclusion_n as_o can_v possible_o need_v prove_v be_v self-evident_a and_o so_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v call_v first_o principle_n what_o i_o desire_v at_o present_a be_v that_o he_o will_v please_v to_o acquaint_v we_o out_o of_o which_o of_o his_o â—o_o principle_n it_o follow_v that_o what_o need_v not_o need_v not_o if_o out_o of_o none_o this_o be_v no_o conclusion_n though_o it_o be_v a_o most_o evident_a truth_n 2._o the_o infallibility_n of_o that_o society_n of_o man_n who_o call_v themselves_o 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retentive_a faculty_n in_o examine_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o it_o if_o he_o mean_v by_o rule_n of_o trial_n and_o motive_n the_o maxim_n and_o reason_n we_o have_v for_o hold_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n as_o he_o can_v mean_v no_o other_o then_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o take_v divine_a revelation_n for_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n reveal_v it_o be_v infallibility_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o same_o mean_v other_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v conclude_v infallible_o true_a as_o other_o point_n of_o faith_n also_o be_v because_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v show_v to_o be_v engage_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o again_o take_v those_o word_n to_o signify_v the_o act_n or_o way_n of_o reveal_v which_o go_v before_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v the_o object_n of_o mere_a natural_a reason_n it_o be_v evident_a its_o infallibility_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o same_o maxim_n as_o the_o 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divinity_n p._n 191._o 192._o in_o logic_n p._n 228._o 236._o 237._o his_o performance_n reduce_v to_o their_o proper_a principle_n contradiction_n p._n 236._o tradition_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 45._o 46._o 141._o 142._o union_n how_o to_o be_v hope_v p._n 51._o 52._o write_v how_o capable_a to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 36._o 37._o 38._o errata_fw-la page_n 2._o line_n 4._o receive_v p._n 11._o l._n 21._o perfect_o p._n 15._o l_o 2._o disparate_a p._n 32._o l._n 1â—_n than_o we_o can_v p._n 45._o l._n 12._o again_o p._n 67._o l._n 27._o deal_n and_o this_o as_o far_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o line_n after_o p._n 81._o l._n 29._o deal_n of_o p._n 84._o l._n 2._o endeavorer_n l._n 29._o endeavorer_n p._n 104._o l._n 4._o deal_n we_o p._n 100l_n l._n 5._o his_fw-la p._n 124._o l._n 5._o and._n p._n 131._o l._n 30._o deal_n in_o the._n p._n â—_o 2._o l._n 11._o infallible_o l._n 23._o then_o p._n 834._o l._n 17._o be_v false_a l._n 20._o about_o 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thirty_o other_o which_o since_o they_o go_v before_o his_o conclusion_n we_o be_v to_o think_v he_o mean_v for_o principle_n too_o and_o thence_o draw_v in_o the_o close_a six_o inference_n or_o sequels_fw-fr which_o be_v most_o manifest_o to_o deduce_v from_o principle_n not_o to_o reduce_v to_o they_o 5._o but_o however_o it_o be_v unblamable_a in_o one_o who_o own_v himself_o a_o scholar_n especial_o pretend_v the_o rigorous_a and_o learned_a way_n of_o proceed_v by_o principle_n not_o to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o way_n himself_o take_v yet_o let_v we_o kind_o suppose_v that_o dr._n st._n out_o of_o a_o unwariness_n only_o make_v use_v by_o chance_n of_o a_o improper_a word_n which_o be_v but_o a_o human_a lapse_n be_v more_o easy_o pardonable_a especial_o since_o the_o method_n he_o here_o undertake_v viz._n to_o begin_v with_o principle_n be_v if_o right_o manage_v and_o perform_v the_o most_o honourable_a for_o a_o scholar_n and_o the_o most_o satisfactory_a that_o may_v be_v and_o so_o deserve_v to_o make_v amends_o for_o many_o great_a fault_n let_v he_o then_o by_o reduce_v to_o principle_n mean_v deduce_v from_o principle_n yet_o since_o both_o reduce_n and_o deduce_v imply_v the_o show_v a_o connexion_n between_o those_o principle_n and_o what_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o they_o and_o this_o either_o immediate_a as_o to_o every_o particular_a conclusion_n or_o mediate_v we_o be_v to_o expect_v dr._n st._n shall_v still_o show_v we_o this_o connexion_n which_o be_v best_a and_o most_o clear_o do_v by_o relate_v each_o of_o his_o six_o conclusion_n to_o their_o respective_a premise_n or_o principle_n that_o so_o by_o this_o distinct_a proceed_n and_o own_v
particular_o whence_o each_o deduction_n follow_v we_o may_v be_v better_o enable_v to_o discover_v the_o goodness_n of_o his_o consequence_n and_o thence_o discern_v clear_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o conclusion_n which_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v his_o intention_n in_o make_v those_o discourse_n 6._o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o be_v to_o weigh_v very_o well_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o that_o signal_n and_o particularise_v word_n protestant_n for_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o these_o and_o these_o only_a which_o he_o undertake_v here_o to_o reduce_v to_o principle_n and_o i_o will_v have_v the_o kindness_n for_o he_o as_o to_z suppose_v he_o so_o much_o zeal_n the_o purity_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n as_o not_o to_o defile_v she_o with_o the_o mixture_n of_o anabaptist_n independent_o quaker_n and_o such_o like_a much_o less_o the_o most_o abominable_a socinian_o who_o deny_v the_o trinity_n and_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ._n therefore_o these_o be_v seclude_v from_o the_o notion_n and_o name_n of_o protestant_n we_o be_v encourage_v by_o this_o title_n to_o expect_v such_o a_o discourse_n as_o be_v not_o proper_a for_o socinian_o or_o any_o of_o those_o other_o sect_n to_o allege_v for_o themselves_o otherwise_o it_o may_v and_o ought_v with_o as_o much_o right_a be_v entitle_v the_o faith_n of_o socinian_o quaker_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n reduce_v to_o principle_n the_o sum_n then_o of_o what_o we_o be_v by_o this_o title_n to_o expect_v from_o dr._n st._n be_v this_o viz._n to_o show_v we_o such_o ground_n for_o our_o assent_n to_o point_n as_o divine_o reveal_v as_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v erroneous_a and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o competent_a allegation_n for_o socinian_o arian_n etc._n etc._n but_o proper_a to_o protestant_n only_o also_o that_o these_o ground_n or_o principle_n be_v such_o as_o be_v either_o self-evident_a or_o make_v evident_a and_o this_o he_o be_v oblige_v necessary_o to_o do_v unless_o he_o will_v sustain_v either_o that_o socinian_o fift-monarchists_a etc._n etc._n be_v protestant_n or_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n be_v but_o opinion_n or_o that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o principle_n which_o be_v neither_o evident_a of_o themselves_o nor_o by_o mean_n of_o other_o that_o be_v no_o way_n evident_a or_o not_o evident_a at_o all_o or_o last_o that_o he_o can_v show_v we_o any_o conclusion_n reduce_v to_o principle_n or_o deduce_v from_o they_o without_o show_v we_o that_o it_o be_v connect_v with_o they_o this_o then_o be_v what_o dr._n st_n word_n bid_v we_o expect_v from_o he_o let_v we_o see_v now_o how_o he_o answer_v this_o expectation_n second_o examen_fw-la six_o principle_n agree_v on_o by_o both_o side_n examine_v and_o their_o import_n and_o use_v weigh_v 1._o he_o begin_v with_o lay_v down_o six_o principle_n agree_v on_o by_o both_o side_n and_o they_o be_v as_o to_o the_o main_a all_o of_o they_o very_o true_a and_o grant_v by_o we_o if_o right_o understand_v wherefore_o in_o case_n any_o ambiguous_a word_n do_v occur_v i_o be_o to_o explain_v it_o that_o so_o our_o perfect_a concurrence_n with_o he_o in_o admit_v they_o may_v be_v right_o apprehend_v and_o the_o discourse_n more_o unoffensive_o proceed_v in_o case_n these_o principle_n shall_v come_v hereafter_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o they_o be_v these_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n from_o who_o man_n and_o all_o other_o creature_n have_v their_o be_v 2._o that_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n do_v imply_v that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a and_o therefore_o justice_n goodness_n wisdom_n and_o truth_n must_v be_v in_o he_o to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n these_o two_o first_o be_v rigorous_o and_o literal_o true_a and_o word_v very_o exact_o 3._o that_o man_n receive_v his_o be_v from_o god_n be_v thereby_o bind_v to_o obey_v his_o will_n and_o consequent_o be_v liable_a to_o punishment_n in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n this_o proposition_n be_v also_o most_o true_a yet_o that_o it_o may_v more_o thorough_o be_v penetrate_v and_o right_o apprehend_v it_o be_v not_o amiss_o to_o note_v that_o though_o the_o word_n obey_v general_o among_o we_o signify_v do_v some_o outward_a action_n will_v by_o another_o yet_o in_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v to_o signify_v also_o nay_o principal_o the_o exercise_v interior_a act_n of_o our_o soul_n viz._n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n in_o which_o kind_n of_o act_n consist_v our_o spiritual_a life_n as_o we_o be_v christian_n that_o then_o this_o principle_n may_v be_v better_o understand_v i_o discourse_v it_o thus_o that_o because_o god_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v his_o own_o inclination_n or_o rather_o nature_n precise_o out_o of_o his_o overflow_a goodness_n will_v all_o good_a and_o among_o the_o rest_n the_o mean_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n to_o his_o creature_n and_o the_o believe_v in_o he_o hope_v all_o good_a from_o he_o and_o love_v he_o be_v such_o virtue_n or_o perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o be_v apt_a and_o connatural_a mean_n to_o raise_v and_o dispose_v it_o towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o bliss_n or_o fruition_n of_o the_o deity_n hence_o he_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v believe_v on_o he_o hope_v in_o he_o and_o love_v he_o whence_o be_v apt_a to_o follow_v the_o outward_a observance_n of_o his_o law_n and_o if_o they_o follow_v not_o out_o of_o these_o motive_n they_o be_v not_o proper_o virtue_n or_o true_o perfective_a of_o the_o soul_n in_o order_n to_o its_o last_o end_n nor_o available_a in_o the_o least_o to_o the_o attainment_n of_o bliss_n nor_o act_v of_o obedience_n to_o god_n will_n nor_o in_o true_a speech_n the_o keep_v his_o commandment_n god_n therefore_o will_v we_o happiness_n to_o be_v attain_v through_o the_o proper_a mean_n to_o it_o it_o follow_v that_o those_o who_o disobey_v this_o holy_a will_n of_o he_o that_o be_v those_o who_o do_v not_o cultivate_v their_o mind_n with_o the_o say_a virtue_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n become_v liable_a by_o such_o their_o disobedience_n to_o eternal_a misery_n as_o want_v through_o this_o neglect_n the_o proper_a mean_n which_o be_v to_o elevate_v they_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o attain_v heaven_n 4._o that_o in_o order_n to_o man_n obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o be_v necessary_a he_o know_v what_o it_o be_v for_o which_o some_o manifestation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a both_o that_o man_n may_v know_v what_o he_o have_v to_o do_v and_o that_o god_n may_v just_o punish_v he_o if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o 5._o whatever_o god_n reveal_v to_o man_n be_v infallible_o true_a and_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o man_n obedience_n may_v be_v certain_o know_v to_o be_v his_o will._n i_o approve_v very_o well_o of_o these_o two_o principle_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o make_v it_o my_o request_n to_o the_o proposer_n of_o they_o that_o the_o word_n manifestation_n and_o certain_o know_a may_v be_v understand_v in_o their_o proper_a signification_n for_o that_o which_o be_v true_a or_o absolute_a certainty_n and_o not_o be_v take_v abusive_o as_o dr._n t._n still_o take_v it_o for_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v indeed_o incertainty_n as_o be_v show_v at_o large_a in_o reason_n against_o raillery_n and_o faith_n vindicate_v again_o that_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o this_o be_v a_o principle_n agree_v to_o by_o both_o side_n as_o dr._n st._n pretend_v i_o shall_v first_o put_v down_o our_o tenet_n which_o be_v that_o at_o least_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v to_o teach_v the_o faithful_a convert_v unbeliever_n among_o who_o be_v many_o acute_a wit_n as_o also_o to_o defend_v their_o faith_n and_o make_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o may_v nay_o must_v have_v infallible_a ground_n and_o so_o be_v infallible_o or_o know_o certain_a of_o what_o god_n reveal_v to_o man_n that_o be_v of_o their_o faith_n if_o then_o dr._n st._n grant_v the_o wise_a portion_n in_o god_n church_n to_o be_v thus_o infallible_o certain_a of_o their_o faith_n we_o agree_v with_o he_o in_o this_o proposition_n but_o if_o he_o deny_v this_o kind_n of_o certainty_n to_o they_o and_o consequent_o there_o be_v no_o middle_n between_o infallible_a and_o fallible_a say_v they_o and_o so_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v only_o fallibly-certain_a of_o what_o they_o believe_v he_o both_o speak_v nonsense_n and_o lay_v for_o a_o principle_n agree_v on_o by_o both_o side_n that_o which_o be_v absolute_o deny_v by_o we_o and_o indeed_o the_o main_a point_n in_o controversy_n between_o we_o 6._o god_n can_v act_v contrary_a to_o those_o essential_a attribute_n of_o justice_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o truth_n in_o any_o way_n which_o he_o make_v choice_n of_o to_o make_v know_v his_o will_n unto_o man_n by_o this_o principle_n be_v absolute_o grant_v have_v
and_o ground_v upon_o they_o hope_n and_o this_o all-over-powering_a love_n of_o heaven_n the_o main_a part_n of_o our_o obedience_n be_v true_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a if_o then_o dr._n st._n take_v the_o word_n know_v in_o this_o signification_n this_o principle_n be_v grant_v if_o in_o any_o other_o or_o for_o a_o great_a hope_n only_o that_o they_o be_v true_a as_o i_o fear_v when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o point_n he_o intend_v no_o more_o i_o must_v for_o the_o reason_n here_o give_v and_o many_o more_o allege_v in_o faith_n vindicated_n and_o reason_n against_o raillery_n deny_v that_o no_o other_o way_n of_o revelation_n be_v necessary_a and_o put_v he_o to_o prove_v it_o which_o he_o neither_o have_v do_v nor_o can_v do_v 2._o man_n be_v frame_v a_o rational_a creature_n capable_a of_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o may_v antecedent_o to_o any_o external_n revelation_n certain_o know_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o his_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v natural_o please_v unto_o he_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o any_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n god_n the_o true_a god_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o so_o evident_a that_o every_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n may_v arrive_v to_o know_v he_o however_o some_o few_o may_v and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o right_a nature_n all._n and_o in_o case_n he_o take_v the_o word_n certain_o know_v in_o their_o proper_a signification_n than_o he_o may_v consider_v how_o ill_o his_o friend_n dr._n tillotson_n discourse_n who_o profess_v not_o to_o have_v even_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o christianity_n that_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n which_o as_o dr._n still_o say_v be_v attainable_a by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o natural_a reason_n 3._o all_o supernatural_a and_o external_n revelation_n must_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o natural_a religion_n for_o unless_o we_o be_v antecedent_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v he_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o we_o by_o any_o supernatural_a mean_n if_o he_o mean_v here_o priority_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v to_o be_v grant_v for_o this_o proposition_n god_n have_v reveal_v imply_v and_o presuppose_v as_o its_o basis_n god_n be_v butler_n if_o he_o understand_v it_o of_o priority_n of_o time_n as_o i_o conceive_v he_o do_v than_o i_o both_o deny_v the_o proposition_n and_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o reason_n give_v for_o it_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a both_o by_o reason_n and_o experience_n that_o manifest_a and_o convictive_a miracle_n which_o be_v supernatural_a and_o external_a revelation_n do_v before_o the_o heathen_n who_o yet_o know_v not_o the_o true_a god_n in_o testimony_n of_o christianty_n at_o once_o or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n make_v it_o certain_a that_o he_o who_o we_o adore_v be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o also_o that_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n by_o supernatural_a mean_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a as_o dr._n st._n here_o affirm_v to_o be_v certain_a of_o such_o a_o revelation_n without_o know_v any_o time_n before_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n nor_o must_v all_o supernatural_a and_o external_n revelation_n need_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o be_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o he_o pretend_v since_o such_o a_o revelation_n may_v cause_v that_o knowledge_n and_o so_o antecede_v it_o not_o be_v antecedent_n to_o it_o 4_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v for_o divine_a revelation_n which_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o must_v be_v antecedent_o suppose_v to_o all_o divine_a revelation_n for_o that_o be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n this_o discourse_n seem_v at_o the_o first_o show_n to_o carry_v so_o clear_a a_o evidence_n with_o it_o that_o nothing_o appear_v so_o irrational_a as_o to_o doubt_v or_o dispute_v it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o less_o if_o the_o word_n in_o which_o it_o be_v couch_v be_v not_o equivocal_o take_v but_o still_o be_v mean_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n to_o prevent_v then_o the_o growth_n of_o a_o witty_a piece_n of_o sophistry_n which_o i_o foresee_v creep_v in_o under_o the_o disguise_n of_o a_o ambiguous_a word_n i_o be_o to_o provide_v against_o it_o with_o a_o distinction_n both_o pertinent_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o present_a matter_n these_o word_n divine_a revelation_n may_v either_o mean_v the_o way_n or_o act_n of_o reveal_v or_o else_o they_o may_v mean_v the_o thing_n divine_o reveal_v that_o be_v the_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o differ_v as_o show_v and_o thing_n show_v or_o as_o a_o action_n and_o its_o effect_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o word_n tradition_n be_v sometime_o take_v for_o the_o way_n of_o delivery_n sometime_o for_o the_o thing_n or_o point_n deliver_v when_o they_o be_v take_v for_o the_o one_o when_o for_o the_o other_o partly_o the_o circumstance_n and_o the_o aim_n of_o the_o discourse_n determine_v partly_o some_o annex_v particle_n or_o variation_n of_o the_o word_n so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v take_v for_o the_o thing_n reveal_v or_o deliver_v and_o be_v express_v singular_o it_o be_v call_v a_o divine_a revelation_n or_o a_o tradition_n if_o plural_o divine_a revelation_n or_o tradition_n now_o it_o seem_v something_o doubtful_a in_o whether_o sense_n it_o be_v take_v here_o for_o §_o 1._o he_o speak_v of_o the_o way_n of_o revelation_n which_o can_v only_o mean_a reveal_n and_o in_o the_o two_o follow_a one_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o word_n god_n have_v reveal_v find_v in_o the_o three_o but_o this_o matter_n not_o much_o so_o it_o be_v here_o take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n throughout_o which_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o word_n revelation_n be_v here_o make_v use_n of_o thrice_o and_o in_o the_o first_o and_o last_o place_n it_o seem_v plain_o to_o mean_v the_o point_v reveal_v in_o the_o middle_a the_o way_n or_o act_n of_o reveal_v yet_o the_o two_o follow_a principle_n incline_v the_o doubtfulness_n of_o the_o expression_n to_o mean_v the_o point_n of_o faith_n themselves_o though_o this_o be_v to_o speak_v moderate_o by_o far_o the_o more_o preposterous_a and_o absurd_a tenet_n as_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v show_v but_o i_o be_o to_o provide_v for_o both_o part_n since_o i_o be_o to_o skirmish_v with_o such_o a_o ambidextrous_a adversary_n and_o therefore_o apply_v this_o discourse_n to_o his_o proposition_n i_o distinguish_v thus_o and_o grant_v that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v for_o divine_a revelation_n take_v those_o word_n to_o signify_v the_o act_n of_o reveal_v which_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o must_v be_v antecedent_o suppose_v to_o the_o act_n of_o reveal_v also_o i_o grant_v that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v for_o divine_a revelation_n take_v those_o word_n to_o signify_v point_n of_o faith_n reveal_v which_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o must_v be_v antecedent_o suppose_v to_o those_o point_n this_o be_v candid_a and_o clear_a deal_n and_o far_o from_o that_o sophistical_a and_o equivocate_a ambiguity_n which_o contrary_a to_o the_o genius_n of_o truth_n he_o so_o constant_o and_o so_o industrious_o affect_v 5._o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o mean_n imagine_v whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_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 which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o exercise_v in_o judge_v the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n we_o must_v be_v impose_v upon_o by_o every_o thing_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o here_o be_v many_o quaint_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v for_o if_o dr._n st._n mean_n that_o we_o can_v judge_v of_o truth_n without_o a_o faculty_n to_o judge_v of_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o 〈…〉_z principle_n though_o very_a littâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d his_o purpose_n but_o it_o be_v most_o 〈◊〉_d paradoxical_a to_o say_v that_o no_o other_o mean_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o judge_v of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o such_o a_o faculty_n for_o if_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o mean_n imagine_v but_o this_o faculty_n than_o this_o be_v all_o the_o mean_n and_o so_o those_o knowledge_n which_o be_v to_o inform_v and_o direct_v this_o faculty_n be_v no_o mean_n at_o all_o whence_o all_o motive_n to_o faith_n rule_n of_o faith_n all_o teach_v nay_o scripture_n itself_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o none_o of_o these_o be_v our_o faculty_n of_o
which_o place_n each_o word_n be_v to_o be_v take_v thus_o or_o thus_o nor_o can_v it_o justify_v with_o absolute_a or_o infallible_a certainty_n either_o its_o text_n or_o copy_n to_o be_v substantial_o like_o the_o original_a nor_o if_o we_o may_v trust_v dr._n st._n here_o princ._n 15._o can_v any_o authority_n on_o earth_n supply_v that_o necessary_a duty_n for_o it_o nor_o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o compare_v one_o place_n to_o another_o so_o to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n do_v it_o tell_v we_o which_o place_n be_v to_o be_v compare_v to_o another_o as_o its_o proper_a explainer_n nor_o of_o the_o two_o allude_v place_n which_o be_v to_o stand_v firm_a and_o be_v take_v as_o the_o letter_n lie_v which_o to_o bend_v its_o signification_n in_o correspondency_n to_o that_o other_o without_o foreknowledge_n of_o which_o it_o be_v pure_a folly_n to_o think_v to_o avail_v ourselves_o by_o compare_v place_n none_o of_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n letter_n as_o it_o lie_v which_o notwithstanding_o and_o perhaps_o many_o other_o such_o like_a it_o have_v be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o have_v give_v it_o in_o case_n it_o have_v be_v intend_v by_o he_o for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o such_o a_o direction_n by_o rely_v on_o which_o people_n of_o all_o capacity_n may_v have_v so_o wellgrounded_n a_o assent_n to_o those_o point_n as_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v a_o error_n while_o they_o thus_o rely_v on_o it_o which_o assent_n in_o christian_a language_n we_o call_v faith_n on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o of_o some_o point_n it_o give_v only_o accidental_a hint_n here_o and_o there_o without_o insist_v upon_o they_o ample_o or_o explain_v they_o full_o and_o that_o book_n which_o be_v most_o design_o intend_v to_o assert_v christ_n divinity_n be_v yet_o so_o far_o from_o put_v it_o out_o of_o all_o dispute_n or_o preserve_v it_o from_o be_v oppose_v and_o call_v in_o question_n that_o never_o yet_o do_v heresy_n prevail_v so_o much_o against_o god_n church_n as_o do_v the_o arian_n who_o deny_v that_o very_a point_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o need_v more_o to_o evince_v this_o point_n than_o these_o two_o argument_n one_o à _fw-la priori_fw-la the_o other_o à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la all_o word_n be_v either_o proper_a or_o improper_a and_o metaphorical_a of_o which_o proper_a one_o express_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v indeed_o or_o in_o reality_n so_o but_o improper_a one_o that_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o or_o in_o reality_n so_o whence_o it_o happen_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o so_o exact_a truth_n as_o point_n of_o faith_n especial_o when_o the_o point_n be_v of_o main_a concern_v it_o import_v a_o plain_a heresy_n either_o to_o take_v a_o proper_a word_n for_o a_o improper_a or_o a_o improper_a one_o for_o a_o proper_a for_o example_n those_o text_n express_v that_o god_n have_v hand_n foot_n repent_v grieve_v be_v move_v by_o our_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n be_v if_o take_v proper_o wicked_a heresy_n and_o destroy_v the_o spiritual_a and_o unchangeable_a nature_n of_o the_o godhead_n also_o to_o take_v those_o word_n christ_n be_v man_n suffer_v die_v rise_v again_o etc._n etc._n improper_o be_v wicked_a heresy_n too_o and_o take_v away_o the_o main_a support_n of_o our_o salvation_n this_o be_v so_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o absolutely-certain_a knowledge_n when_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v take_v proper_o when_o not_o be_v determinative_a of_o what_o be_v true_a faith_n what_o heresy_n it_o must_v be_v have_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n itself_o and_o so_o from_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n if_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o rule_n but_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o have_v from_o the_o scripture_n letter_n for_o this_o must_v either_o be_v do_v by_o that_o letter_n signify_v in_o each_o place_n express_o or_o equivalent_o that_o the_o word_n be_v proper_o or_o improper_o there_o take_v which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v show_v nor_o be_v ever_o pretend_v or_o else_o by_o signify_v the_o contrary_a point_n in_o another_o place_n and_o this_o as_o far_o as_o the_o bare_a letter_n carry_v or_o abstract_v from_o all_o interpretation_n can_v only_o signify_v that_o the_o letter_n in_o one_o place_n seem_v to_o contradict_v itself_o in_o another_o place_n and_o this_o as_o far_o as_o the_o bare_a letter_n carry_v or_o abstract_v from_o all_o interpretation_n can_v only_o signify_v that_o the_o letter_n in_o one_o place_n seem_v to_o contradict_v itself_o in_o another_o place_n which_o be_v far_o short_a of_o give_v we_o a_o unerring_a security_n which_o side_n be_v truth_n or_o if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o letter_n alone_o give_v we_o not_o this_o security_n without_o some_o interpretation_n than_o this_o interpretation_n perform_v what_o the_o letter_n if_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n ought_v but_o can_v not_o and_o determine_v with_o absolute_a certainty_n when_o the_o word_n be_v take_v proper_o when_o not_o that_o be_v give_v we_o our_o faith_n and_o consequent_o that_o light_n or_o knowledge_n whatever_o it_o be_v which_o the_o interpreter_n bring_v with_o he_o and_o have_v it_o not_o from_o the_o letter_n give_v we_o the_o right_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o so_o it_z not_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n from_o the_o effect_n or_o à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la i_o argue_v thus_o we_o experience_v that_o great_a body_n of_o man_n of_o divers_a sect_n with_o equal_a earnestness_n as_o far_o as_o appear_v to_o we_o go_v about_o to_o find_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n letter_n and_o equal_o profess_v to_o rely_v upon_o god_n assistance_n to_o that_o end_n wherefore_o either_o we_o must_v be_v force_v to_o judge_v that_o none_o of_o those_o several_a sect_n do_v sincere_o desire_v to_o find_v true_a faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o by_o dr._n st_n principle_n no_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n have_v right_a faith_n which_o quite_o take_v away_o all_o christianity_n or_o else_o we_o must_v think_v all_o of_o they_o true_o desire_v to_o find_v right_a faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o rely_v on_o god_n help_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o which_o case_n since_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o they_o take_v as_o apply_v themselves_o to_o their_o rule_n and_o rely_v on_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v manife_a they_o differ_v that_o be_v one_o side_n err_v in_o most_o fundamental_a point_n as_o in_o the_o trinity_n divinity_n of_o christ_n real_a presence_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n it_o follow_v unavoidable_o that_o the_o faulâ—_n be_v in_o those_o person_n in_o hold_v it_o their_o rule_n for_o in_o case_n they_o err_v not_o in_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n that_o be_v in_o case_n it_o be_v indeed_o apt_a to_o ascertain_v they_o absolute_o if_o they_o apply_v it_o and_o that_o they_o do_v actual_o apply_v it_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v ever_o err_v scripture_n letter_n then_o be_v far_o from_o secure_v man_n of_o all_o sort_n while_o they_o rely_v on_o it_o from_o error_n since_o whole_a body_n of_o man_n and_o among_o those_o multitude_n of_o great_a scholar_n and_o learned_a scripturist_n err_v grievous_o and_o that_o in_o most_o fundamental_a point_n even_o while_o they_o rely_v upon_o it_o which_o if_o it_o destroy_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n i_o know_v not_o what_o do_v this_o discourse_n be_v forelay_v we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o make_v short_a work_n with_o his_o principle_n to_o which_o we_o now_o address_v whereas_o then_o in_o his_o ten_o principle_n he_o contend_v that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v to_o man_n by_o writing_n i_o answer_v that_o by_o extraordinary_a contrivance_n and_o act_n of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o power_n it_o may_v but_o that_o this_o will_v avail_v he_o little_a since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la god_n have_v not_o thus_o exert_v his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n in_o make_v scripture_n letter_n fit_a for_o that_o end_n whence_o we_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v never_o mean_v for_o a_o rule_n and_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o word_n be_v equal_o capable_a of_o be_v understand_v speak_v or_o write_v i_o deny_v it_o absolute_o for_o nature_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o countenance_n and_o carriage_n of_o the_o speaker_n the_o accent_n of_o the_o voice_n the_o giving_z a_o due_a and_o live_a emphasis_n to_o the_o word_n with_o the_o whole_a complexion_n of_o circumstance_n in_o which_o the_o speaker_n be_v find_v and_o which_o general_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v and_o among_o these_o principal_o his_o apply_v himself_o pertinent_o to_o the_o present_a exigency_n thought_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o hearer_n all_o these_o i_o say_v and_o
enough_o and_o apply_v that_o capacity_n to_o their_o power_n by_o as_o great_a a_o diligence_n as_o any_o nor_o can_v he_o in_o charity_n deny_v but_o they_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o in_o such_o point_n therefore_o he_o can_v deny_v but_o the_o person_n attend_v to_o the_o rule_n be_v faultless_a either_o in_o understand_v scripture_n in_o these_o point_n if_o it_o be_v to_o private_a understanding_n clear_o intelligible_a or_o will_v to_o understand_v it_o if_o they_o can_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v incredible_a they_o shall_v not_o will_n or_o desire_v this_o since_o they_o use_v such_o exact_a diligence_n in_o it_o and_o solemn_o profess_v to_o rely_v on_o the_o letter_n alone_o or_o that_o do_v they_o indeed_o sleight_v the_o letter_n or_o purposely_o decline_v rely_v on_o it_o their_o bias_n shall_v not_o manifest_o appear_v in_o so_o long_a time_n and_o they_o be_v brand_v for_o evident_a insincerity_n he_o can_v deny_v then_o but_o the_o person_n be_v faultless_a as_o to_o their_o capacity_n and_o will_n to_o understand_v the_o rule_n therefore_o unless_o he_o will_v renounce_v his_o reason_n he_o can_v deny_v but_o the_o fault_n must_v be_v in_o the_o same_o person_n judge_v that_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n which_o be_v not_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o alone_o and_o of_o itself_o clear_a and_o intelligible_a enough_o to_o preserve_v private_a man_n both_o capable_a and_o diligent_a and_o rely_v sole_o on_o it_o from_o possibility_n of_o error_n no_o not_o from_o actual_o err_v in_o most_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n nor_o consequent_o have_v it_o in_o it_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o since_o god_n never_o intend_v any_o thing_n shall_v do_v what_o its_o nature_n reach_v not_o to_o do_v that_o be_v shall_v do_v what_o it_o can_v do_v it_o be_v manifest_a scripture_n letter_n be_v never_o intend_v by_o god_n for_o that_o end_n or_o to_o be_v such_o a_o rule_n 13._o although_o we_o can_v argue_v against_o any_o particular_a way_n of_o revelation_n from_o the_o necessary_a attribute_n of_o god_n yet_o such_o away_o as_o writing_n be_v make_v choce_fw-mi of_o by_o he_o we_o may_v just_o say_v that_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o design_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n â—f_n god_n to_o give_v infallible_a assurance_n to_o person_n in_o write_v his_o will_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n if_o those_o write_n may_v not_o be_v understand_v by_o all_o person_n who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n it_o be_v not_o yet_o prove_v nor_o ever_o will_v that_o god_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o the_o way_n of_o write_v for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o design_v it_o for_o that_o end_n nor_o that_o the_o benefit_n he_o mean_v mankind_n by_o such_o write_n be_v to_o ground_n their_o faith_n on_o what_o appear_v to_o their_o private_a judgement_n to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o letter_n therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o all_o person_n shall_v hap_v to_o misunderstand_v it_o even_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n notwithstanding_o their_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o since_o god_n have_v never_o promise_v that_o any_o who_o take_v a_o way_n never_o intend_v by_o he_o for_o such_o a_o end_n shall_v infallible_o arrive_v at_o that_o end_n by_o such_o a_o way_n nor_o be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o godness_n of_o god_n at_o all_o concern_v in_o preserve_v any_o from_o error_n if_o they_o take_v such_o a_o way_n especial_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o these_o follow_a consideration_n first_o that_o god_n have_v no_o where_o engage_v his_o word_n to_o secure_v every_o single_a or_o private_a man_n from_o error_n who_o shall_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o find_v his_o faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n in_o case_n he_o rely_v on_o his_o own_o private_a judgement_n &_o neglect_n to_o hear_v his_o pastor_n whence_o if_o such_o private_a person_n rely_v on_o god_n promise_a assistance_n to_o such_o a_o end_n they_o rely_v on_o what_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v and_o so_o no_o wonder_n their_o hope_n fail_v they_o if_o those_o hope_n be_v groundless_a second_o they_o can_v but_o know_v if_o but_o mean_o verse_v in_o the_o world_n that_o whole_a body_n of_o man_n and_o among_o they_o divers_a of_o great_a learning_n interpret_v scripture_n several_a way_n in_o very_o concern_v point_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o favour_v of_o a_o proud_a self-conceit_n in_o any_o person_n to_o think_v god_n regard_v his_o single_a self_n more_o than_o he_o do_v whole_a body_n and_o great_a multitude_n again_o it_o can_v without_o a_o strange_a unreasonableness_n &_o uncharitableness_n be_v imagine_v or_o judge_v that_o not_o one_o person_n of_o those_o many_o who_o adhere_v to_o the_o opposite_a tenet_n as_o clear_v to_o they_o in_o scripture_n according_a to_o their_o best_a judgement_n do_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o sacred_a book_n and_o if_o they_o do_v then_o common_a sense_n tell_v this_o private_a person_n that_o the_o whole_a foundation_n on_o which_o his_o hope_n be_v build_v be_v unsound_a and_o that_o more_o be_v requisite_a than_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n and_o a_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o understand_v it_o and_o that_o if_o these_o suffice_v to_o direct_v he_o right_o they_o ought_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v another_o and_o so_o he_o ought_v to_o doubt_v whether_o himself_o or_o those_o other_o proceed_v on_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o have_v the_o same_o mean_n be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o be_v he_o ought_v to_o doubt_v of_o his_o faith_n no_o better_o ground_v last_o this_o private_a man_n belong_v to_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o have_v pastor_n and_o governor_n set_v over_o he_o to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v he_o and_o those_o too_o as_o we_o will_v suppose_v read_v and_o rely_v on_o the_o scripture_n also_o he_o must_v judge_v this_o church_n sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n for_o this_o be_v the_o requisite_a condition_n to_o find_v right_a faith_n without_o this_o his_o church_n have_v no_o right_a faith_n and_o so_o be_v no_o church_n now_o for_o a_o private_a man_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o such_o a_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o that_o church_n not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o church_n and_o his_o lawful_a pastor_n as_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o his_o faith_n even_o though_o they_o be_v sincere_a endeavour_n as_o well_o as_o he_o but_o to_o adhere_v to_o that_o for_o his_o faith_n which_o appear_v to_o his_o private_a self_n to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n though_o he_o contradict_v and_o defy_v all_o the_o church_n he_o his_o a_o member_n of_o in_o so_o do_v which_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v if_o he_o proceed_v on_o this_o principle_n that_o scripture_n may_v be_v understand_v by_o all_o person_n who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o his_o salvatiou_n for_o he_o ought_v not_o for_o any_o man_n sake_n relinquish_v his_o faith_n or_o its_o rule_n i_o say_v to_o behave_v himself_o thus_o as_o in_o that_o supposition_n he_o ought_v be_v such_o a_o intolerable_a ma_fw-fr apart_a presumption_n so_o senseless_a and_o unnatural_a and_o self-condemning_a a_o rebellion_n and_o such_o a_o fanatic_a spiritual_a pride_n as_o i_o much_o doubt_n will_v give_v a_o man_n but_o small_a title_n to_o hope_v for_o especial_a assistance_n from_o god_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n at_o present_a i_o only_a remark_n the_o fault_n of_o this_o principle_n which_o be_v these_o first_o that_o it_o suppose_v god_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o or_o design_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v this_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o private_a person_n next_o that_o god_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n be_v engage_v that_o it_o be_v thus_o intelligible_a to_o every_o sincere_a eadeavourer_n neither_o of_o which_o be_v in_o the_o least_o prove_v or_o provable_a last_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o close_a instead_o of_o make_v it_o so_o intelligible_a as_o that_o all_o sincere_a endeavour_n may_v thereby_o be_v absolute_o secure_v from_o err_v as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n see_v very_o well_o these_o slight_a ground_n be_v not_o able_a to_o carry_v so_o far_o he_o substitute_n in_o their_o room_n these_o waty_a word_n in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n so_o that_o though_o they_o err_v in_o all_o the_o main_a point_n of_o
position_n abate_v the_o degree_n of_o it_o for_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v equal_o or_o more_o absurd_a not_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o infallibility_a of_o a_o great_a body_n of_o man_n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v pretend_v whatever_o reason_n or_o tradition_n appear_v for_o it_o without_o a_o evident_a miracle_n the_o second_o part_n be_v likewise_o grant_v in_o case_n it_o suppose_v as_o it_o seem_v to_o do_v the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o infallibility_n derive_v only_o from_o those_o very_a book_n which_o they_o recommend_v and_o in_o passage_n which_o they_o be_v to_o explicate_v ere_o they_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o such_o a_o infallibility_n otherwise_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o book_n obscure_a in_o multitude_n of_o other_o passage_n may_v be_v clear_a in_o that_o one_o which_o relate_v they_o to_o the_o church_n or_o that_o body_n which_o they_o be_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v as_o to_o the_o proper_a interpreter_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o dogmatical_a and_o controvert_v passage_n which_o belong_v to_o faith_n but_o the_o dr._n shall_v do_v well_o to_o show_v we_o any_o society_n of_o man_n or_o church_n that_o pretend_v to_o build_v her_o infallibility_n only_o on_o the_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o that_o very_a infallibility_n otherwise_o it_o will_v not_o touch_v our_o church_n who_o claim_v the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o her_o rule_n of_o faith_n tradition_n and_o as_o for_o her_o be_v natural_o support_v from_o error_n in_o attest_v former_a doctrine_n it_o be_v ground_v by_o those_o who_o discourse_n of_o that_o point_n upon_o humane_a nature_n as_o to_o its_o infallible_a sensation_n and_o on_o its_o rationality_n which_o render_v it_o incapable_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o a_o motive_n as_o they_o must_v do_v shall_v they_o transmit_v a_o not-delivered_a that_o be_v a_o evidently-new_a doctrine_n for_o a_o old_a or_o deliver_v one_o 18._o there_o can_v be_v no_o hazard_n to_o any_o person_n in_o 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of_o any_o particular_a place_n in_o thâ—se_a book_n suppose_v he_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o understand_v they_o now_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n to_o i_o that_o god_n shall_v promise_v that_o a_o man_n mistake_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o book_n shall_v not_o err_v in_o so_o do_v but_o omit_v this_o slip_n of_o dr._n st_n reason_n or_o memory_n i_o ask_v what_o mean_v this_o disjunctive_a promise_n either_o of_o not_o err_v or_o not_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o why_o it_o mean_v that_o dr._n st._n know_v not_o well_o himself_o what_o to_o say_v to_o the_o point_n or_o whether_o he_o shall_v stand_v to_o it_o or_o no_o that_o a_o man_n use_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o understand_a scripture_n that_o be_v according_a to_o he_o the_o best_a mean_n lest_o by_o god_n for_o he_o to_o arrive_v at_o faith_n shall_v not_o err_v and_o therefore_o he_o wary_o subjoin_v or_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o and_o then_o he_o think_v himself_o secure_a enough_o from_o confute_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o conclude_v of_o any_o particular_a wellâ—_n mean_v man_n when_o he_o be_v damn_v when_o not_o whereas_o it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v no_o such_o hard_a matter_n to_o prove_v whether_o what_o he_o hold_v be_v true_a or_o not_o i_o can_v ask_v he_o whence_o or_o how_o he_o come_v to_o this_o assurance_n of_o god_n disjunctive_a promise_n here_o so_o confident_o assert_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o the_o salvation_n of_o so_o many_o soul_n necessary_o depend_v not_o by_o tradition_n for_o this_o will_v make_v he_o rely_v on_o a_o society_n of_o man_n or_o a_o church_n which_o he_o hate_v with_o all_o his_o heart_n not_o by_o scripture_n for_o this_o will_v make_v the_o same_o thing_n be_v the_o proof_n to_o itself_o not_o by_o reason_n for_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v he_o have_v do_v his_o best_a in_o that_o already_o and_o yet_o as_o be_v show_v have_v effect_v nothing_o but_o i_o will_v demand_v of_o he_o serious_o do_v god_n ever_o promise_v that_o if_o one_o take_v such_o a_o way_n as_o for_o want_n of_o a_o due_a intelligibleness_n in_o proportion_n to_o his_o capacity_n be_v not_o able_a to_o secure_v he_o from_o error_n he_o shall_v not_o err_v or_o that_o if_o he_o will_v needs_o be_v wise_a than_o his_o pastor_n and_o choose_v a_o mean_n for_o such_o a_o end_n which_o god_n never_o intend_v for_o that_o end_n he_o shall_v yet_o be_v sure_a to_o arrive_v at_o that_o end_n by_o that_o mean_n or_o that_o if_o by_o rely_v on_o it_o and_o err_a he_o shall_v happen_v to_o fall_v short_a of_o sufficient_a mean_n he_o shall_v notwithstanding_o miraculous_o be_v save_v without_o sufficient_a mean_n these_o be_v the_o point_v he_o be_v to_o consider_v well_o and_o speak_v to_o and_o not_o thus_o confident_o call_v every_o thing_n a_o principle_n which_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o say_v on_o his_o own_o head_n though_o never_o so_o extravagant_a in_o a_o word_n let_v he_o prove_v scripture_n to_o have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o which_o will_v fall_v into_o the_o same_o to_o have_v be_v intend_v by_o god_n for_o that_o end_n that_o be_v to_o be_v of_o itself_o such_o to_o people_n of_o all_o capacity_n that_o sober_o inquire_v as_o secure_v they_o from_o err_v in_o faith_n while_o they_o rely_v on_o it_o and_o this_o of_o itself_o without_o need_v any_o society_n of_o man_n or_o church_n to_o attest_v or_o explain_v it_o and_o then_o i_o shall_v yield_v his_o discourse_n to_o run_v as_o current_o as_o his_o own_o heart_n can_v wish_v but_o in_o prove_v this_o he_o hitherto_o have_v and_o ever_o must_v fall_v short_a most_o miserable_o he_o have_v often_o as_o i_o note_v former_o instead_o of_o say_v his_o rule_n of_o faith_n shall_v preserve_v those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o follow_v it_o from_o error_n or_o from_o miss_v of_o truth_n substitute_v those_o word_n can_v miss_v of_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n and_o such_o like_a the_o examination_n of_o which_o word_n i_o have_v reserve_v till_o now_o and_o that_o i_o may_v do_v he_o all_o right_a imaginable_a i_o will_v press_v his_o argument_n or_o rather_o indeed_o bare_a say_n in_o behalf_n of_o scripture_n as_o far_o as_o my_o reason_n can_v carry_v it_o none_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o very_a few_o point_n be_v sufficient_a for_o well-meaning_a particular_a person_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o jeweâ—_n that_o be_v save_v and_o many_o silly_a and_o weak_a christian_n since_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v deny_v but_o every_o one_o that_o read_v scripture_n or_o hear_v it_o read_v by_o one_o they_o dare_v trust_v may_v understand_v some_o few_o good_a thing_n to_o which_o if_o they_o live_v up_o hearty_o and_o
aught_o they_o will_v as_o god_n command_n the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o common_a reason_n oblige_v they_o be_v rather_o willing_a to_o trust_v their_o pastor_n who_o be_v better_a qualify_v for_o such_o knowledge_n and_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o to_o instruct_v they_o what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n than_o trust_v their_o own_o private_a shallow_a judgement_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o dr._n st_n discourse_v all_o along_o concern_v this_o point_n be_v a_o plain_a beg_v the_o question_n for_o if_o god_n have_v leave_v a_o church_n and_o command_v the_o faithful_a to_o hear_v it_o and_o conform_v to_o its_o faith_n and_o consequent_o to_o receive_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o point_n of_o faith_n from_o it_o than_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o scripture_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v plain_a to_o all_o capacity_n of_o itself_o nor_o of_o think_v man_n may_v sincere_o desire_v to_o know_v god_n will_n in_o scripture_n and_o use_v due_a mean_n to_o understand_v it_o without_o make_v use_n of_o the_o church_n judgement_n in_o that_o affair_n upon_o which_o false_a supposition_n dr._n st._n whole_o build_v his_o otherwise_o perfect_o ruinous_a discourse_n wherefore_o his_o supposition_n be_v deny_v i_o must_v reply_v that_o those_o who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o know_v god_n wisl_n have_v a_o certain_a virtue_n in_o they_o call_v humility_n and_o this_o teach_v they_o not_o to_o overween_v in_o their_o own_o opinion_n but_o to_o think_v that_o their_o pastor_n appoint_v by_o god_n to_o teach_v they_o be_v general_o wise_a than_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v teach_v and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v wise_a know_v better_o than_o those_o who_o be_v less_o wise_a a_o little_a of_o this_o plain_a honest_a rational_a humility_n will_v quite_o spoil_v all_o dr._n st_n discourse_n and_o convince_v all_o his_o principle_n to_o be_v a_o plausible_a piece_n of_o sedition_n and_o licentious_a presumption_n tend_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n utter_o to_o destroy_v all_o church_n and_o church-government_n and_o if_o apply_v to_o that_o subject_a temporal_a too_o i_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o know_v what_o mean_v the_o word_n such_o in_o the_o last_o line_n if_o he_o mean_v infallible_a and_o that_o the_o church_n pretend_v to_o infallibility_n must_v have_v infallible_a assurance_n that_o she_o be_v infallible_a it_o be_v assert_v by_o we_o and_o his_o supposition_n that_o she_o be_v not_o be_v absolute_o deny_v for_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_o certain_a that_o christ_n promise_n to_o she_o shall_v not_o fail_v and_o also_o infallible_o certain_a by_o constant_a tradition_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o good_a christian_n in_o all_o age_n that_o christ_n have_v promise_v she_o this_o security_n or_o immunity_n from_o error_n in_o faith_n none_o question_v it_o but_o those_o who_o have_v rebel_v and_o revolt_v from_o she_o in_o a_o word_n this_o whole_a principle_n be_v faulty_a be_v build_v on_o a_o false_a and_o unproved_a supposition_n and_o be_v the_o supposition_n grant_v and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v fallible_a still_o it_o be_v false_a that_o his_o faithful_a will_v have_v great_a assurance_n of_o their_o faith_n than_o we_o as_o have_v be_v partly_o now_o show_v and_o more_o ample_o in_o my_o reply_n to_o the_o forego_n principle_n recapitulation_n the_o sum_n then_o of_o dr._n st_n performance_n in_o these_o ten_o principle_n of_o he_o which_o most_o fundamental_o concern_v his_o faith_n and_o the_o pretend_a reduction_n of_o it_o to_o principle_n be_v brief_o this_o that_o he_o have_v not_o bring_v so_o much_o as_o one_o single_a argument_n prove_v either_o that_o scripture_n letter_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o that_o tradition_n or_o the_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o god_n church_n be_v not_o it_o and_o as_o for_o the_o particular_a maxim_n or_o say_n of_o he_o on_o which_o he_o chief_o rely_v they_o have_v be_v one_o by_o one_o disprove_v and_o the_o opposite_a truth_n establish_v as_o 1._o that_o faith_n be_v such_o a_o assent_n as_o when_o build_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v on_o the_o mean_v leave_v by_o god_n for_o mankind_n to_o rely_v ou_fw-fr be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o so_o that_o mean_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v necessary_o such_o as_o while_o man_n rely_v upon_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v err_v these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v so_o as_o i_o have_v large_o prove_v in_o faith_n vindicated_n and_o the_o introductory_n discourse_n to_o this_o present_a examine_v dr._n st._n have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v a_o offer_n or_o attempt_v to_o show_v that_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 2._o that_o since_o it_o be_v agree_v god_n can_v contrive_v write_n sufficient_o intelligible_a for_o that_o end_n or_o sufficient_o clear_a to_o ascertain_v those_o who_o rely_v upon_o they_o of_o their_o faith_n and_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v evident_a god_n have_v not_o the_o facto_fw-la do_v this_o or_o contrive_v such_o method_n and_o way_n as_o our_o reason_n tell_v we_o evident_o be_v proper_a mean_n to_o keep_v those_o write_n call_v the_o scripture_n from_o be_v thus_o misunderstand_a by_o several_a party_n even_o in_o fundamental_a point_n as_o we_o experience_v they_o be_v it_o follow_v hence_o most_o manifest_o that_o god_n never_o intend_v the_o way_n of_o write_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 3._o since_o several_a party_n of_o excellent_a capacity_n in_o understand_a word_n aright_o and_o both_o own_n scripture_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o apply_v themselves_o with_o great_a diligence_n to_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o do_v notwithstanding_o differ_v in_o those_o fundamental_a point_n of_o a_o trinity_n and_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o scripture_n be_v not_o able_a so_o secure_a those_o who_o rely_v on_o it_o to_o their_o power_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 4._o again_o since_o in_o passage_n that_o concern_v faith_n the_o know_v whether_o the_o word_n be_v take_v proper_o or_o improper_o be_v that_o which_o determine_v what_o be_v faith_n what_o not_o and_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o have_v from_o scripture_n it_o follow_v that_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 5._o god_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v still_o assist_v those_o who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o compass_v a_o end_n in_o case_n they_o take_v a_o way_n disproportion_v to_o attain_v that_o end_n and_o which_o way_n be_v consequent_o never_o intend_v by_o he_o for_o such_o a_o end_n for_o this_o be_v to_o engage_v himself_o to_o do_v perpetual_a miracle_n when_o ever_o any_o one_o shall_v act_v irrational_o wherefore_o unless_o it_o be_v first_o solid_o prove_v that_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o apt_a of_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o give_v those_o who_o rely_v on_o it_o inerrable_a security_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n while_o they_o thus_o rely_v on_o it_o and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v intend_v by_o god_n for_o such_o a_o end_n none_o can_v just_o lay_v claim_n to_o god_n assistance_n or_o tax_v his_o justice_n or_o veracity_n if_o they_o fall_v into_o error_n much_o less_o if_o they_o neglect_v those_o duty_n which_o nature_n make_v evident_a to_o they_o and_o common_a christianity_n teach_v viz._n to_o obey_v and_o hear_v their_o governor_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n ordain_v by_o god_n and_o rely_v on_o their_o own_o private_a wit_n or_o god_n immediate_a assistance_n to_o their_o single_a self_n rather_o than_o to_o those_o public_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n god_n have_v appoint_v to_o govern_v and_o direct_v they_o for_o this_o intolerable_a spiritual_a pride_n be_v so_o odious_a and_o pernicious_a that_o it_o most_o just_o entitle_v they_o to_o delusion_n error_n and_o heresy_n 6._o hence_o since_o god_n have_v leave_v some_o mean_n for_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o say_v that_o those_o who_o rely_v according_a to_o their_o utmost_a power_n on_o the_o mean_v leave_v and_o intend_v by_o god_n to_o lead_v man_n into_o truth_n can_v while_o they_o do_v so_o run_v into_o error_n which_o yet_o private_a understanding_n as_o be_v see_v may_v rely_v on_o the_o write_a word_n it_o follow_v 〈◊〉_d unavoidable_o that_o some_o other_o way_n be_v leave_v which_o be_v not_o write_v to_o secure_v the_o relyer_n on_o it_o from_o error_n in_o faith_n or_o to_o be_v to_o they_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 7._o scripture_n not_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v once_o settle_v and_o accept_v in_o the_o christian_a part_n of_o the_o world_n by_o mean_n of_o miracle_n there_o need_v no_o more_o but_o to_o derive_v it_o down_o to_o future_a age_n and_o this_o doctrine_n be_v practical_a and_o so_o object_v
to_o infallible_a assent_n that_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v infallible_o assist_v in_o judge_v of_o the_o matter_n propose_v to_o he_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o 22d_o in_o consonancy_n to_o it_o mention_n the_o infallibility_n of_o particular_a person_n in_o the_o assent_n they_o give_v to_o matter_n propose_v by_o other_o to_o they_o which_o clear_o signify_v that_o faith_n can_v be_v infallible_a unless_o we_o have_v infallibility_n or_o infallible_a knowledge_n of_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n for_o what_o can_v matter_n propose_v to_o we_o to_o be_v believe_v signify_v else_o on_o the_o other_o side_n in_o the_o 21_o princ._n he_o seem_v only_o to_o aim_v at_o prove_v there_o must_v be_v infallibility_n in_o we_o that_o the_o proponent_n be_v infallible_a also_o princ._n 22._o he_o conclude_v that_o to_o our_o infallible_a assurance_n there_o be_v require_v equal_a infallibility_n in_o ourselves_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n infallibility_n and_o last_o princ._n 23._o he_o conclude_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n of_o no_o effect_n if_o every_o person_n be_v not_o infallible_a in_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o which_o expression_n be_v of_o quite_o different_a sense_n from_o the_o former_a and_o require_v not_o infallibility_n in_o the_o in_o the_o matter_n propose_v to_o believe_v as_o do_v the_o other_o but_o only_o in_o know_v the_o proponent_n to_o be_v infallible_a now_o because_o i_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o cavil_n but_o be_o hearty_o glad_a when_o he_o give_v i_o occasion_n to_o handle_v any_o good_a point_n i_o will_v not_o take_v he_o as_o his_o former_a word_n sound_v it_o be_v perfect_a nonsense_n to_o require_v evidence_n of_o the_o point_n propose_v ere_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o authority_n that_o proposes_n they_o for_o what_o need_n can_v there_o be_v either_o of_o any_o proposer_n or_o of_o know_v he_o infallible_a if_o we_o be_v infallible_a certain_a antecedent_o of_o the_o point_n themselves_o but_o i_o shall_v willing_o pass_v by_o those_o expression_n as_o effect_n either_o of_o a_o strange_a unwariness_n or_o of_o a_o crafty_a prepare_v for_o future_a evasion_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o late_a thesis_n for_o in_o truth_n it_o hint_n at_o a_o very_a excellent_a difficulty_n though_o he_o propose_v it_o but_o ill_o and_o pursue_v it_o worse_o i_o will_v therefore_o clear_v his_o discourse_n from_o his_o contradictory_n expression_n and_o put_v it_o home_o and_o close_o as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v and_o so_o as_o i_o hope_v himself_o will_v not_o say_v i_o at_o all_o wrong_n it_o he_o seem_v they_o to_o argue_v thus_o objective_a infallibility_n in_o another_o viz._n the_o proponent_n avail_v nothing_o to_o make_v my_o faith_n or_o assent_n infallible_a unless_o i_o be_v also_o infallible_o certain_a that_o the_o proponent_n be_v infallible_a wherefore_o in_o case_n infallibility_n be_v requisite_a to_o faith_n every_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a must_v be_v also_o infallible_a but_o this_o render_v both_o these_o infallibility_n useless_a and_o insignificant_a for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o no_o effect_n if_o every_o person_n be_v not_o infallible_a and_o if_o every_o person_n be_v infallible_a what_o need_v any_o church_n representative_a or_o council_n be_v so_o therefore_o this_o doctrine_n of_o a_o infallible_a proponent_n be_v frivolous_a and_o inconsistent_a to_o make_v way_n towards_o the_o clear_n this_o considerable_a difficulty_n i_o premise_v these_o few_o note_n 1._o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v infallible_a or_o out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o be_v deceive_v in_o some_o particular_a thing_n two_o manner_n of_o way_n either_o from_o his_o penetrate_v the_o reason_n which_o conclude_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v as_o he_o judge_n that_o be_v from_o his_o knowledge_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o which_o we_o may_v fit_o term_v formal_o infallible_a or_o else_o by_o adhere_v not_o through_o knowledge_n but_o accidental_o as_o it_o be_v to_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v a_o real_a truth_n though_o he_o penetrate_v not_o the_o ground_n why_o it_o be_v true_a or_o by_o adhere_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o another_o person_n in_o some_o thing_n or_o tenet_n who_o judgement_n be_v indeed_o well_o ground_v and_o certain_a as_o to_o that_o thing_n though_o he_o see_v not_o it_o be_v so_o and_o such_o a_o man_n may_v fit_o be_v say_v to_o be_v material_o infallible_a both_o of_o they_o be_v absolute_o secure_v from_o error_n or_o infallible_a fundamental_o by_o the_o thing_n be_v be_v such_o as_o they_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v that_o be_v in_o our_o case_n by_o rely_v on_o a_o proponent_n which_o be_v infallible_a and_o they_o differ_v only_o in_o the_o way_n by_o which_o they_o come_v to_o rely_v upon_o that_o proponent_n the_o one_o be_v lead_v to_o it_o by_o perfect_a sight_n that_o the_o thing_n must_v be_v so_o or_o that_o the_o proponent_n must_v be_v infallible_a the_o other_o perhaps_o blind_o at_o best_a not_o out_o of_o clear_a discernment_n embrace_v that_o judgement_n yet_o as_o long_o as_o he_o adhere_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o another_o man_n who_o can_v be_v deceive_v or_o in_o a_o error_n as_o to_o that_o thing_n himself_o be_v actual_o secure_v from_o possibility_n of_o err_a and_o so_o infallible_a or_o incapable_a to_o be_v in_o a_o error_n likewise_o to_o this_o difficulty_n i_o have_v regard_n in_o my_o faith_n vindicate_v when_o i_o distinguish_v between_o faith_n be_v true_a in_o we_o and_o true_a to_o we_o for_o the_o blind_a assenter_n that_o be_v though_o he_o stumble_v upon_o a_o truth_n yet_o if_o he_o real_o hold_v it_o his_o judgement_n be_v true_o and_o real_o conformable_a to_o the_o thing_n or_o object_n and_o consequent_o true_a or_o impossible_a to_o false_a and_o so_o himself_o undeceivable_a or_o uncapable_a to_o be_v in_o a_o error_n in_o hold_v thus_o yet_o if_o we_o go_v about_o to_o relate_v that_o truth_n which_o be_v in_o he_o to_o evident_a reason_n or_o ground_n in_o his_o mind_n connatural_o breed_v that_o conformity_n of_o his_o judgement_n to_o the_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n perhaps_o to_o be_v find_v whence_o it_o be_v not_o true_a to_o he_o or_o evident_a to_o he_o it_o be_v true_a since_o he_o see_v not_o or_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v true_a yet_o still_o as_o i_o say_v before_o he_o be_v infallible_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v in_o a_o error_n while_o he_o adhere_v to_o it_o as_o true_a because_o that_o judgement_n of_o he_o be_v in_o reality_n comformable_a to_o the_o thing_n 2._o it_o be_v requisite_a and_o necessary_a that_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n in_o every_o particular_a beleeyer_n be_v at_o least_o material_o infallible_a provide_v it_o be_v build_v as_o it_o ought_v upon_o the_o mean_v lay_v by_o god_n for_o mankind_n to_o embrace_v faith_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n for_o omit_v many_o other_o mischief_n and_o inonveniency_n otherwise_o as_o be_v late_o prove_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o god_n who_o be_v essential_a truth_n do_v lead_v mankind_n into_o error_n in_o case_n rely_v sincere_o on_o what_o god_n order_v they_o to_o rely_v on_o their_o judgement_n by_o so_o do_v do_v become_v erroneous_a 3._o it_o be_v requisite_a and_o necessary_a that_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n in_o diverse_a particular_a believer_n be_v formal_o infallible_a or_o that_o those_o person_n be_v infallible_o certain_a by_o evident_a reason_n that_o the_o authority_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n they_o rely_v on_o can_v herein_o deceive_v they_o else_o great_a wit_n and_o acute_a reflecter_n who_o pierce_a understanding_n require_v convictive_a ground_n for_o their_o faith_n will_v remain_v for_o ever_o unsatisfy_a nor_o can_v the_o wise_a christian_n sincere_o and_o hearty_o assent_v to_o nor_o with_o honesty_n profess_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n nor_o can_v any_o prove_v it_o true_a to_o establish_v rational_a doubter_n in_o it_o or_o convert_v man_n of_o exact_a knowledge_n to_o it_o or_o convince_v heretic_n call_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o question_n nor_o can_v governor_n and_o lead_a person_n with_o any_o conscience_n or_o credit_n propose_v and_o preach_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o generality_n also_o it_o be_v truth_n be_v otherwise_o unmaintainable_a the_o best_a vigour_n of_o faith_n and_o its_o efficacy_n to_o work_v through_o charity_n must_v needs_o be_v exceed_o enfeeble_v &_o deaden_v it_o be_v necessary_a then_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n be_v both_o conclusive_a of_o its_o truth_n and_o also_o penetrable_a by_o those_o who_o proper_a work_n it_o be_v to_o make_v deep_a inspection_n into_o they_o whence_o they_o will_v become_v formal_o or_o knowingly-infallible_a that_o the_o authority_n they_o rely_v on_o for_o faith_n conveyance_n can_v possible_o deceive_v they_o 4._o beside_o these_o man_n who_o be_v to_o
different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n and_o measure_n of_o divine_a assistance_n but_o every_o christian_a by_o the_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o common_a help_n of_o grace_n may_v attain_v to_o so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o certainty_n from_o the_o convince_v argument_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n on_o which_o man_n doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o they_o may_v as_o well_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v most_o evident_a to_o sense_n &_o reason_n i_o wish_v d._n s._n have_v explain_v himself_o here_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n whither_o some_o glance_n or_o likely_a appearance_n of_o truth_n call_v great_a or_o lesser_a probability_n or_o such_o intellectual_a sight_n at_o the_o least_o of_o they_o discover_v the_o thâ—ng_n thâ—â—_n evidence_v to_o â—e_v be_v indeed_o so_o or_o true_a i_o suspect_v much_o he_o mean_v the_o former_a because_o thâ—se_a be_v the_o most_o proper_a ground_n for_o fallible_a certainty_n which_o he_o be_v now_o go_v to_o establish_v whereas_o the_o latter_a sort_n of_o evidence_n will_v hazard_v to_o carry_v too_o far_o and_o to_o beget_v infallible_a certainty_n which_o will_v quite_o spoil_v his_o most_o excellent_a design_n of_o settle_v the_o fallible_a certainty_n of_o faith_n for_o those_o evidence_n which_o show_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a show_v it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a whence_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o that_o such_o evidence_n as_o these_o will_v utter_o destroy_v his_o belove_a fallible_a certainty_n and_o endanger_v to_o introduce_v again_o by_o necessary_a and_o enforce_v consequence_n that_o popish_a doctrine_n of_o infallibility_n which_o he_o have_v new_o discard_v when_o he_o add_v that_o every_o christian_a may_v by_o the_o mean_n here_o assign_v attain_v to_o so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o certainty_n etc._n etc._n i_o have_v think_v he_o have_v mean_v certainty_n of_o the_o point_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o my_o hope_n be_v much_o defeat_v when_o come_v to_o the_o point_n he_o fly_v off_o to_o his_o christian_n not_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o convince_a argument_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o this_o be_v far_o wide_a of_o our_o purpose_n and_o his_o promise_n which_o be_v to_o reduce_v the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n to_o principle_n whereas_o these_o word_n signify_v no_o more_o but_o not_o to_o doubt_v of_o christianity_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n or_o scripture_n be_v god_n word_n but_o reach_v not_o to_o what_o be_v those_o point_n of_o christianity_n or_o determinate_a sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o particular_a which_o constitute_v protestantism_n and_o only_o concern_v our_o debate_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o roman-catholic_n profess_v not_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o convince_a 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then_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o socinian_n who_o he_o will_v not_o deny_v to_o have_v both_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o common_a help_n of_o grace_n and_o both_o the_o convince_a argument_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o authority_n of_o scripture_n to_o make_v use_n of_o how_o i_o say_v he_o come_v so_o to_o fall_v short_a of_o evidence_n and_o consequent_o certainty_n spring_v from_o that_o evidence_n concern_v christ_n godhead_n which_o be_v a_o fundamental_a point_n of_o christian_a faith_n that_o he_o doubt_v it_o nay_o utter_o deny_v it_o whereas_o yet_o the_o protestant_a have_v the_o same_o mean_n to_o work_v with_o judges_z he_o have_v evidence_n and_o certainty_n ground_v on_o that_o evidence_n that_o christ_n be_v god_n yet_o all_o this_o while_n they_o dissent_v not_o at_o all_o in_o thing_n most_o evident_a to_o sense_n or_o reason_n i_o much_o fear_v our_o drs._n big_a word_n concern_v his_o degree_n of_o evidence_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o faith_n build_v on_o those_o degree_n will_v when_o examine_v amount_v to_o a_o very_a obscure_a evidence_n and_o a_o problematical_a kind_n of_o assuredness_n much_o like_o those_o comfortable_a light_n which_o both_o party_n have_v when_o they_o lie_v even_o wager_n at_o cockfighting_n &_o such_o game_n give_v good_a hope_n to_o both_o side_n but_o good_a security_n to_o neither_o but_o so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v if_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o infallible_o but_o only_o fallibly-certain_a which_o be_v all_o he_o be_v bend_v to_o prove_v 25._o no_o man_n who_o firm_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n as_o true_a can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n entertain_v any_o suspicion_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o for_o that_o be_v to_o make_v he_o certain_a and_o uncertain_a of_o the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v therefore_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o these_o who_o be_v certain_a of_o what_o they_o believe_v may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n not_o know_v but_o it_o may_v be_v false_a which_o be_v a_o apparent_a contradiction_n and_o overthrow_v any_o faculty_n in_o we_o of_o judge_v of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n this_o principle_n and_o the_o next_o be_v i_o conceive_v intend_v to_o preserve_v the_o dr_n and_o his_o friend_n credit_v against_o the_o inference_n at_o the_o end_n of_o faith_n vindicate_v and_o diverse_a other_o passage_n show_v they_o either_o to_o be_v far_o from_o good_a christian_n in_o hold_v that_o all_o christian_a faith_n may_v possible_o be_v a_o error_n and_o lie_v imposture_n or_o else_o very_o bad_a discourser_n of_o their_o own_o thought_n whilst_o they_o equivalent_o express_v themselves_o in_o divers_a place_n to_o be_v possible_o in_o a_o error_n in_o all_o they_o believe_v nay_o more_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n this_o if_o justify_v can_v but_o reflect_v on_o they_o be_v so_o concern_v a_o lapse_n and_o i_o have_v at_o dr._n st_n brisk_a instigation_n charge_v it_o home_o in_o reason_n against_o raillery_n though_o i_o still_o express_v myself_o to_o incline_v to_o the_o more_o civil_a and_o more_o charitable_a side_n and_o rather_o lay_v the_o blame_n on_o their_o understanding_n then_o on_o their_o will_n and_o intention_n which_o book_n have_v dr._n st._n see_v when_o he_o write_v this_o he_o will_v have_v discern_v the_o triflingness_n of_o these_o weak_a excuse_n but_o let_v we_o see_v what_o he_o say_v his_o firâ—t_o part_n be_v build_v on_o a_o most_o gross_a and_o senseless_a error_n which_o be_v that_o he_o who_o firm_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a be_v certain_a of_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n for_o this_o be_v to_o make_v he_o certain_a and_o uncertain_a of_o the_o same_o thing_n i_o wonder_v exceed_o where_o the_o dr._n â—earned_v this_o notion_n of_o certainty_n not_o from_o mankind_n i_o be_o sure_a at_o least_o not_o from_o those_o who_o have_v the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n for_o all_o these_o already_o know_v it_o to_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o man_n may_v firm_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a and_o yet_o that_o thing_n be_v false_a must_v that_o man_n therefore_o be_v certain_a of_o that_o falsehood_n and_o that_o it_o be_v though_o in_o reality_n it_o be_v not_o we_o experience_n that_o opposite_a party_n firm_o assent_v to_o contrary_a tenet_n as_o true_a for_o example_n the_o socinian_o firm_o assent_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o god_n we_o and_o the_o protestant_n that_o christ_n be_v god_n catholic_n assent_v firm_o that_o they_o be_v not_o idolater_n when_o they_o make_v use_v of_o holy_a image_n in_o divine_a worship_n d._n st._n firm_o assent_v they_o be_v at_o least_o he_o will_v persuade_v his_o 〈◊〉_d by_o his_o book_n he_o do_v so_o be_v all_o these_o opposite_a side_n certain_a of_o their_o several_a tenet_n because_o each_o side_n firm_o assent_v to_o they_o as_o true_a
it_o be_v a_o excellent_a world_n for_o heretic_n if_o this_o notion_n of_o certainty_n will_v take_v for_o these_o be_v obstinate_a in_o their_o error_n no_o man_n more_o firm_o assent_v to_o falsehood_n than_o they_o and_o questionless_a the_o generality_n of_o they_o judge_v what_o they_o hold_v true_a too_o nay_o they_o must_v all_o do_v so_o if_o they_o once_o be_v put_v firm_o assent_v as_o in_o our_o case_n for_o to_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n be_v to_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v indeed_o true_a by_o which_o mean_v all_o heretic_n in_o the_o world_n be_v certain_a of_o their_o error_n and_o if_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o they_o common_a sense_n tell_v they_o they_o ought_v to_o hold_v what_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o again_o â—light_a probability_n make_v many_o weak_a people_n firm_o assent_v so_o do_v passion_n and_o interest_n yet_o they_o be_v all_o by_o this_o new_a doctrine_n certain_a of_o what_o they_o hold_v and_o so_o all_o be_v well_o it_o be_v now_o come_v to_o light_v what_o kind_n of_o certainty_n d._n st._n intend_v to_o prâ—scribe_v for_o faith_n after_o he_o have_v reject_v infallibility_n namely_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o one_o may_v have_v whether_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o no_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o firm_o assent_v to_o it_o as_o true_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v he_o be_v certain_a of_o his_o faith_n and_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o requite_v i_o with_o maintain_v that_o i_o be_o certain_a of_o my_o faith_n too_o for_o we_o â—oth_v firm_o assent_v to_o they_o as_o truth_n and_o so_o we_o be_v both_o very_a good_a friend_n and_o by_o the_o same_o method_n so_o be_v turk_n and_o jew_n atone_v to_o christian_n nothing_o be_v so_o proper_a to_o reconcile_v contradiction_n as_o a_o chimaera_n viz._n a_o fallible_a certainty_n or_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v none_o identical_a proposition_n be_v mere_a toy_n to_o they_o or_o as_o dr._n t._n say_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o fallible_a certainty_n or_o certainty_n that_o be_v no_o certainty_n can_v work_v wonder_n and_o even_o do_v more_o than_o miracle_n ridiculous_a folly_n not_o to_o see_v that_o when_o any_o one_o say_v i_o be_o certain_a of_o such_o a_o thing_n all_o mankind_n understand_v he_o to_o mean_v he_o have_v such_o ground_n as_o infer_v that_o thing_n be_v as_o he_o say_v and_o not_o only_o that_o he_o have_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o it_o as_o true_a without_o intend_v that_o he_o have_v any_o ground_n to_o enforce_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o this_o be_v what_o i_o often_o reflect_v upon_o in_o dr._n t._n reason_n against_o raillery_n that_o his_o discourse_n still_o aim_v to_o take_v the_o business_n of_o certainty_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o object_n and_o put_v it_o constant_o upon_o the_o subject_a and_o to_o make_v account_n he_o be_v sure_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o because_o he_o very_o judge_v it_o or_o do_v not_o doubt_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o dr._n st._n be_v here_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o wise_a plot_n to_o which_o he_o begin_v to_o make_v way_n in_o his_o 20_o princip_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o assent_n be_v not_o build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o their_o evidence_n to_o we_o '_o indeed_o if_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o assent_n which_o it_o matter_n not_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a or_o rather_o which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v false_a it_o be_v mere_o build_v on_o our_o own_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n which_o i_o suppose_v he_o must_v mean_v there_o by_o the_o word_n evidence_n but_o if_o the_o assent_n we_o speak_v of_o and_o to_o which_o himself_o apply_v it_o be_v that_o of_o faith_n which_o must_v necessary_o be_v true_a both_o it_o and_o the_o evidence_n which_o immediate_o breed_v it_o must_v forcible_o either_o be_v build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o else_o on_o nothing_o and_o so_o both_o the_o pretend_a evidence_n be_v a_o false_a light_n and_o the_o assent_n itself_o false_a and_o chimerical_a on_o the_o other_o side_n in_o case_n if_o the_o evidence_n and_o consequent_o the_o assent_n be_v build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v footstep_n of_o god_n infinite_a wisdom_n in_o which_o he_o have_v imprint_v all_o create_a truth_n and_o establish_v they_o under_o penalty_n of_o the_o high_a folly_n and_o contradiction_n to_o be_v inerrable_o what_o they_o be_v it_o follow_v that_o in_o case_n the_o evidence_n have_v from_o those_o thing_n be_v indeed_o a_o true_a evidence_n or_o a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o their_o nature_n our_o understand_a power_n will_v be_v the_o same_o within_o as_o they_o be_v without_o and_o so_o inerrable_a in_o its_o assent_n and_o it_o certainty_n build_v on_o those_o nature_n so_o that_o as_o their_o metaphysical_a verity_n immediate_o depend_v on_o god_n be_v fix_v by_o that_o essential_o unchangeable_a be_v in_o a_o participate_v but_o yet_o absolute_a unchangeableness_n in_o be_v what_o they_o be_v so_o formal_a verity_n or_o truth_n in_o we_o be_v a_o immediate_a effect_n of_o those_o nature_n thus_o establish_v work_v upon_o our_o understanding_n transfuse_v into_o it_o that_o be_v into_o our_o knowledge_n and_o consequent_o our_o assent_n anâ—_n certainty_n such_o a_o proper_a effect_n of_o themselves_o as_o suit_n with_o the_o subject_a in_o which_o it_o be_v receive_v viz._n a_o intellectual_a unchangeableness_n or_o a_o unchangeableness_n build_v on_o knowledge_n of_o those_o nature_n that_o be_v a_o infallibleness_n no_o wonder_n then_o both_o our_o drs._n in_o their_o weak_a discourse_n fly_v off_o so_o from_o depend_v for_o their_o assent_n or_o faith_n on_o the_o object_n or_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o recur_n still_o to_o the_o subject_a for_o by_o this_o mean_v common_a sense_n be_v drive_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o nonsense_n and_o contradiction_n grow_v in_o great_a request_n and_o first_o infallibility_n or_o true_a certainty_n be_v radical_o destroy_v which_o otherwise_o according_a to_o the_o discourse_n now_o make_v must_v forcible_o be_v admit_v then_o fallible_a certainty_n come_v into_o great_a credit_n or_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v firm_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a whether_o â—t_a be_v true_a or_o no_o that_o be_v such_o certainty_n as_o be_v no_o certainty_n but_o wilful_a adhesion_n such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v no_o faith_n but_o fancy_n such_o a_o religion_n as_o be_v no_o religion_n but_o folly_n or_o interest_n and_o such_o truth_n as_o be_v no_o truth_n but_o possible_a falsehood_n in_o a_o word_n the_o object_n set_v aside_o and_o the_o dependence_n of_o our_o assent_n upon_o thing_n without_o we_o as_o the_o dr._n will_v have_v it_o the_o subject_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o hold_v and_o say_v what_o best_o like_v the_o spirit_n within_o they_o or_o their_o voluntary_a fancy_n in_o which_o consist_v the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o d._n st_n bless_a reformation_n i_o grant_v he_o then_o â—hat_n no_o man_n who_o firm_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n as_o true_a can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n entertain_v any_o suspicion_n of_o its_o falsehood_n but_o i_o deny_v that_o this_o plea_n will_v either_o acquit_v he_o or_o dr._n t._n from_o the_o imputation_n of_o make_v christian_a faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a which_o be_v object_v for_o why_o may_v not_o this_o man_n who_o firm_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a now_o or_o to_o day_n both_o suspect_n and_o see_v it_o to_o be_v false_a to_o morrow_n unless_o he_o can_v show_v that_o that_o assent_n of_o he_o depend_v on_o the_o object_n or_o be_v build_v on_o the_o unchangeably-fixt_a nature_n of_o thing_n which_o dr._n st._n deny_v in_o express_a term_n princ._n 20._o or_o what_o can_v establish_v he_o in_o his_o assent_n of_o faith_n if_o that_o do_v not_o be_v it_o not_o evident_a he_o may_v change_v if_o he_o may_v see_v true_a reason_n may_v be_v bring_v against_o it_o what_o will_v do_v he_o credit_v in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o offer_v to_o make_v it_o out_o that_o assent_n require_v evidence_n and_o so_o firm_a assent_n clear_a evidence_n he_o have_v this_o clear_a evidence_n from_o the_o object_n to_o ground_v this_o firm_a assent_n for_o than_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a his_o assent_n will_v be_v unalterable_a and_o solidly-grounded_n or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o become_v faith_n not_o desultory_n inconstant_a and_o weakly-built_a as_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o opinion_n but_o this_o my_o two_o adversary_n must_v not_o do_v for_o how_o can_v they_o pretend_v to_o a_o unalterable_a assent_n if_o assent_n be_v not_o build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n only_o which_o be_v unchangeable_a or_o how_o to_o clear_a evidence_n if_o they_o may_v notwithstanding_o that_o evidence_n be_v still_o deceive_v as_o they_o must_v say_v all_o
some_o certainty_n without_o any_o kind_n of_o nature_n of_o proof_n that_o be_v without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o the_o object_n after_o this_o he_o acquaint_v we_o with_o one_o kind_n of_o morâ—l_v certainty_n watch_v he_o say_v be_v oppose_v to_o mathematical_a evidence_n now_o i_o neither_o discern_v how_o moral_a and_o mathematical_a come_v to_o be_v opposite_a to_o one_o another_o more_o than_o moral_a or_o physical_a and_o metaphysical_a or_o theological_a less_o do_v i_o see_v how_o certainty_n anâ—_n evidence_n have_v such_o a_o opposition_n and_o antipathy_n i_o think_v they_o may_v have_v be_v both_o on_o the_o same_o side_n but_o i_o conceive_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o natural_a reason_n make_v he_o at_o unaware_o join_v certainty_n to_o moral_a and_o evidence_n to_o mathematical_a thereby_o confess_v that_o this_o moral_a certainty_n as_o he_o apprehend_v it_o be_v indeed_o the_o issue_n of_o no_o kind_n of_o evidence_n at_o all_o but_o of_o mere_a obscurity_n or_o at_o best_o of_o some_o conjectural_a glance_n of_o likelihood_n but_o he_o describe_v or_o give_v we_o some_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o this_o moral_a certainty_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o imply_v a_o firm_a assent_n upon_o the_o high_a evidence_n that_o moral_a thing_n can_v receive_v and_o this_o he_o assign_v to_o christian_a faith_n where_o first_o i_o will_v know_v whether_o this_o moral_a certainty_n here_o mention_v be_v a_o infallible_a certainty_n or_o a_o fallible_a one_o and_o i_o presume_v he_o will_v answer_v it_o be_v a_o fallible_a one_o for_o infallible_a and_o moral_a certainty_n be_v opposite_a which_o be_v a_o fair_a beginning_n towards_o the_o ascertaning_n faith_n next_o i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o speak_v out_o candid_o and_o tell_v i_o whether_o this_o moral_a certainty_n put_v faith_n absolute_o out_o of_o possibility_n of_o be_v false_a or_o whither_o notwithstanding_o this_o certainty_n it_o may_v with_o truth_n be_v say_v that_o still_o absolute_o speak_v all_o christian_a faith_n may_v be_v a_o error_n or_o mistake_n of_o the_o world_n i_o presume_v he_o will_v not_o say_v it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v all_o a_o mistake_v because_o it_o be_v so_o protect_v by_o this_o moral_a certainty_n for_o he_o make_v this_o a_o less_o degree_n of_o certainty_n than_o mathematical_a certainty_n be_v and_o dr._n t._n have_v tell_v we_o there_o can_v be_v no_o degree_n in_o absolute_a impossibility_n beside_o i_o see_v not_o how_o a_o fallible_a certainty_n can_v establish_v any_o tenet_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n which_o be_v incomparable_o above_o that_o can_v do_v no_o more_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o his_o credit_n for_o it_o be_v indeed_o blasphemous_a to_o say_v that_o all_o christian_a faith_n may_v possible_o be_v a_o lie_a imposture_n for_o any_o thing_n any_o man_n live_v know_v or_o that_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n though_o rely_v and_o proceed_v to_o their_o power_n on_o the_o mean_n god_n have_v appoint_v to_o establish_v they_o in_o true_a faith_n may_v notwithstanding_o be_v possible_o in_o a_o error_n i_o suppose_v than_o he_o will_v recur_v to_o his_o late_a excuse_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o no_o man_n who_o firm_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n as_o true_a can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n entertain_v any_o suspicion_n of_o its_o falsehood_n but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o our_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o his_o judgement_n but_o his_o doctrine_n which_o stand_v impeach_v not_o his_o thought_n but_o his_o word_n and_o discourse_n let_v he_o clear_v those_o to_o the_o world_n and_o i_o be_o to_o remit_v secret_a thing_n to_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n i_o leave_v then_o he_o and_o his_o frâ—end_n to_o shuffâ—le_v about_o for_o better_a evasion_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a can_v never_o be_v candid_a and_o scholarlike_o but_o some_o learned_a quirk_n and_o jeer_n and_o address_v myself_o to_o a_o far_a examination_n of_o this_o worthy_a principle_n 3_o than_o i_o will_v ask_v whether_o the_o firmness_n of_o this_o assent_n which_o he_o say_v here_o moral_a certainty_n imply_v be_v take_v from_o the_o object_n or_o from_o the_o subject_a i_o suppose_v he_o will_v say_v here_o from_o the_o object_n because_o he_o say_v it_o be_v upon_o the_o high_a evidence_n moral_a thing_n can_v receive_v but_o i_o perceive_v he_o dispose_v even_o while_o he_o say_v so_o to_o blame_v the_o thing_n for_o receive_v no_o more_o i_o doubt_v he_o shall_v rather_o blame_v himself_o for_o receive_v no_o more_o from_o those_o moral_a object_n who_o be_v both_o as_o able_a and_o as_o ready_a to_o afford_v he_o perfect_a evidence_n as_o perhaps_o any_o other_o thing_n in_o nature_n do_v he_o dispose_v himself_o to_o receive_v it_o for_o be_v not_o moral_a thing_n as_o firm_o establish_v in_o their_o respective_a determinate_a nature_n as_o natural_a and_o mathematical_a thing_n from_o which_o establishment_n all_o our_o science_n be_v take_v be_v not_o a_o will_v as_o certain_o a_o will_n and_o liberty_n as_o necessary_o liberty_n as_o a_o triangle_n be_v a_o triangle_n again_o be_v not_o voluntary_a liberty_n virtue_n vice_n and_o such_o like_a very_o intelligible_a word_n and_o consequent_o the_o nature_n of_o moral_a thing_n knowable_a as_o well_o as_o other_o in_o other_o science_n i_o wonder_v then_o why_o the_o evidence_n of_o moral_a thing_n can_v be_v as_o high_a as_o that_o of_o mathematical_a thing_n since_o the_o nature_n of_o both_o be_v equal_o firm_a both_o nature_n can_v be_v know_v and_o so_o engage_v in_o our_o discourse_n of_o they_o and_o from_o they_o and_o all_o science_n or_o evidence_n spring_v from_o engage_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n the_o sum_n than_o be_v dr._n st._n have_v give_v faith_n excellent_a good_a word_n in_o tell_v we_o its_o moral_a certainty_n imply_v a_o firm_a assent_n upon_o the_o high_a evidence_n moral_a thing_n can_v receive_v but_o look_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o meaning_n he_o intend_v it_o only_o a_o fallible_a certainty_n or_o such_o as_o may_v still_o permit_v it_o to_o be_v false_a and_o so_o the_o right_a descant_n upon_o his_o fine_a word_n be_v in_o true_a construction_n this_o he_o allow_v faith_n such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v uncertain_a such_o a_o firmness_n as_o may_v both_o bow_n and_o break_v such_o a_o evidence_n in_o its_o ground_n as_o be_v obscure_a and_o consequent_o make_v it_o such_o a_o assent_n as_o be_v irrational_a all_o which_o and_o much_o more_o must_v needs_o follow_v from_o this_o reject_v infallible_a certainty_n in_o the_o gronnd_n of_o faith_n if_o he_o think_v i_o wrong_v he_o let_v we_o put_v it_o to_o the_o test_n let_v he_o take_v the_o best_a of_o those_o evidence_n or_o proof_n which_o ground_n his_o moral_a certainty_n and_o put_v it_o with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o little_a logic_n into_o a_o syllogism_n or_o two_o and_o then_o tell_v i_o whether_o it_o do_v necessary_o conclude_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n or_o no._n if_o it_o conclude_v why_o do_v he_o not_o say_v faith_n be_v absolute_o certain_a but_o mince_v it_o with_o moral_a if_o it_o conclude_v not_o how_o can_v all_o the_o world_n avoid_v but_o his_o pretend_a evidence_n be_v obscure_a his_o pretend_a certainty_n build_v on_o that_o evidence_n uncertain_a the_o firmness_n of_o that_o assent_n infirm_a and_o the_o assent_n itself_o to_o a_o conclusion_n thus_o unprove_v and_o no_o way_n evident_a in_o a_o man_n capable_a to_o comprehend_v what_o ought_v in_o due_a of_o right_a reason_n cause_n assent_v privative_o irrational_a or_o faulty_a 28._o a_o christian_a be_v thus_o certain_a to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o a_o firm_a assent_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n his_o faith_n be_v thereby_o resolve_v into_o the_o scripture_n as_o into_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o what_o he_o be_v to_o believe_v as_o it_o be_v into_o that_o veracity_n of_o god_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o believe_v what_o be_v therein_o contain_v a_o christian_n who_o be_v no_o better_o certain_a then_o thus_o that_o be_v by_o ground_n allow_v only_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v not_o absolute_o or_o true_o conclusive_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n as_o dr._n st._n intend_v no_o more_o by_o his_o moral_a certainty_n be_v not_o certain_a at_o all_o as_o appear_v far_a by_o the_o next_o word_n certain_a to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o a_o firm_a assent_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o must_v be_v that_o this_o high_a degree_n of_o a_o firm_a assent_n either_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o certainty_n he_o intend_v his_o faith_n according_a to_o his_o former_a doctrine_n and_o constitute_v or_o explicate_v it_o or_o else_o that_o at_o least_o it_o help_v to_o make_v up_o this_o certainty_n that_o be_v perfect_a it_o within_o its_o notion_n and_o
certainty_n we_o have_v of_o all_o that_o concern_v it_o aught_o by_o consequence_n be_v better_a ground_v and_o firm_a than_o any_o or_o all_o its_o superstructure_n also_o it_o be_v ill_a divinity_n to_o counterpose_v matter_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o mean_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n in_o their_o life_n since_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v the_o very_o best_a of_o those_o mean_n or_o to_o pretend_v that_o error_n in_o opinion_n i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v in_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o point_n be_v not_o more_o dangerous_a to_o man_n soul_n than_o a_o vicious_a life_n for_o this_o suppose_v faith_n no_o part_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n nor_o infide_o heresy_n judaism_n or_o turcism_n to_o be_v vice_n which_o by_o consequence_n degrade_n christian_a faith_n from_o be_v a_o virtue_n contrary_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o all_o christianity_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v hope_v from_o any_o impartial_a and_o intelligent_a reader_n who_o be_v a_o christian_n that_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v these_o posiâ—ions_n of_o my_o bear_n a_o clear_a evidence_n either_o in_o theâ—_n sâ—lves_n or_o in_o their_o proof_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o opposite_a one_o advance_v either_o explicitly_a or_o implicit_o by_o dr._n st._n be_v both_o obscure_a and_o which_o be_v worse_o untrue_a the_o total_a account_v of_o dr._n st_n principle_n thus_o have_v i_o speak_v distinct_o and_o full_o to_o dr._n st_n principle_n it_o be_v not_o amiss_o to_o sum_v up_o their_o merit_n in_o brief_a and_o give_v a_o short_a character_n of_o they_o that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v see_v how_o infinite_o short_a they_o fall_v of_o deserve_v so_o honourable_a a_o name_n but_o first_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n or_o two_o to_o the_o principle_n agree_v on_o by_o both_o side_n of_o which_o the_o first_o and_o three_o be_v great_a truth_n and_o the_o word_n god_n and_o obedience_n due_a to_o god_n now_o &_o then_o bare_o name_v but_o no_o kind_n of_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v from_o those_o two_o particular_a proposition_n influential_a to_o the_o end_n intend_v viz._n to_o reduce_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o protestant_n to_o principle_n whence_o though_o they_o be_v most_o certain_a truth_n yet_o as_o stand_v here_o they_o be_v no_o principle_n the_o 2d_o and_o four_o which_o concern_v god_n attribute_n be_v not_o at_o all_o use_v neither_o for_o he_o can_v use_v they_o alone_o to_o evince_v scripture_n letter_n be_v the_o rule_n unless_o he_o first_o prove_v that_o scripture_n letter_n be_v the_o fit_a for_o that_o end_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o become_v gods_n attribute_n to_o choose_v it_o which_o he_o no_o where_o do_v and_o whereas_o he_o will_v argue_v thus_o princ._n 7._o god_n have_v choose_v it_o for_o a_o rule_n therefore_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o attribute_n it_o be_v both_o frivolous_a because_o all_o be_v already_o conclude_v between_o we_o if_o he_o prove_v god_n have_v choose_v scripture_n for_o that_o end_n for_o then_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o it_o must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o attribute_n and_o also_o preposterous_a for_o he_o make_v that_o the_o conclusion_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o case_n he_o argue_v from_o god_n attribute_n the_o principle_n for_o his_o argument_n ought_v in_o that_o case_n to_o run_v thus_o god_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v choose_v that_o for_o a_o rule_n which_o be_v wise_a and_o best_a to_o be_v choose_v but_o scripture_n letter_n be_v such_o therefore_o he_o have_v choose_v it_o for_o a_o rule_n the_o four_o and_o 5_o be_v either_o never_o make_v use_n of_o by_o he_o as_o principle_n or_o else_o they_o make_v direct_o against_o himself_o for_o fallible_a certainty_n only_o which_o have_v discard_v that_o which_o be_v infallible_a he_o sustain_v can_v never_o make_v any_o one_o know_v what_o be_v god_n will_n this_o be_v a_o ill_a beginning_n and_o a_o very_a slender_a success_n hitherto_o let_v we_o see_v next_o whether_o he_o have_v better_a luck_n with_o his_o own_o principle_n the_o first_o take_v the_o word_n literal_o and_o proper_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v in_o principle_n be_v against_o himself_o for_o he_o confess_v there_o that_o such_o a_o way_n of_o revelation_n be_v in_o itself_o neccessary_a to_o our_o entire_a obedience_n to_o god_n will_n as_o may_v make_v we_o know_v what_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v but_o common_a sense_n tell_v we_o that_o fallible_a certainty_n which_o only_o have_v reject_v infallible_a certainty_n he_o can_v maintain_v be_v far_o from_o make_v we_o know_v this_o principle_n therefore_o be_v either_o against_o himself_o or_o if_o he_o mean_v to_o go_v less_o by_o the_o word_n know_v than_o what_o be_v apt_a absolute_o and_o true_o to_o ascertain_v it_o be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n for_o so_o it_o can_v only_o settle_v opinion_n and_o not_o faith_n the_o second_o be_v useless_a impertinent_a and_o in_o part_n false_a the_o three_o be_v false_a and_o impertinent_a to_o boot_v the_o four_o be_v ambiguous_a and_o take_v in_o that_o sense_n when_o distinguish_v which_o he_o seem_v to_o aim_n at_o it_o be_v absolute_o false_a the_o 5_o be_v absurd_a preposterous_a and_o against_o all_o art_n in_o put_v we_o to_o argue_v from_o what_o be_v less_o know_v to_o what_o be_v more_o know_v and_o withal_o total_o false_a the_o 6_o be_v sophistical_o ambiguous_a and_o in_o great_a part_n false_a the_o seven_o build_v on_o a_o groundless_a pretence_n and_o contain_v a_o notorious_a 〈…〉_z the_o 8_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n or_o sinâ—â—_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o process_n of_o his_o discourse_n he_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n certain_o and_o know_v only_a fallible_a certainty_n which_o be_v none_o at_o all_o he_o can_v possible_o advance_v by_o such_o a_o discourse_n towards_o the_o settle_v we_o a_o certain_a rule_n of_o faith_n beside_o he_o either_o suppose_v scripture_n as_o it_o now_o stand_v sufficient_a which_o be_v to_o beg_v the_o question_n or_o else_o he_o confound_v god_n ordinary_a power_n work_v with_o the_o cause_n now_o on_o foot_n in_o the_o world_n which_o only_o concern_v the_o present_a point_n with_o his_o extraordinary_n or_o what_o he_o can_v possible_o effect_v by_o his_o divine_a omnipitence_n the_o 9th_o only_o enumerate_v the_o several_a way_n how_o god_n may_v be_v conceive_v to_o make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o in_o do_v so_o either_o mince_v or_o else_o quite_o leave_v out_o the_o tradition_n of_o god_n church_n as_o if_o it_o be_v vnconceivable_a god_n shall_v speak_v to_o man_n by_o their_o lawful_a pastor_n in_o the_o church_n whereas_o yet_o himself_o must_v confess_v that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n faith_n either_o be_v signify_v and_o certify_v by_o that_o or_o no_o way_n the_o 10_o go_v upon_o a_o false_a supposition_n and_o include_v two_o fallace_n call_v by_o logician_n non_fw-la causa_fw-la pro_fw-la causa_fw-la or_o assign_v a_o wrong_a cause_n and_o omit_v the_o true_a one_o also_o it_o be_v in_o part_n false_a in_o say_v word_n be_v equal_o oapable_a of_o be_v understand_v speak_v or_o write_v and_o last_o it_o confound_v again_o god_n ordinary_a power_n with_o his_o extraordinary_a the_o 11_o make_v account_n there_o be_v no_o benefit_n of_o divine_a write_n but_o in_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v against_o common_a sense_n and_o daily_a experience_n the_o 12_o come_v home_n to_o the_o point_n but_o it_o be_v perfect_o groundless_a unproved_a false_a and_o as_o full_a of_o absurdity_n of_o several_a sort_n as_o it_o can_v well_o â—old_a the_o 13_o begin_v with_o a_o false_a position_n proceed_v with_o a_o false_a and_o unproved_a supposition_n and_o endeavour_n to_o induce_v a_o most_o extravagant_a conclusion_n only_o from_o premise_n grant_v kind_o by_o himself_o to_o himself_o without_o the_o least_o proof_n the_o 14tb_n contain_v three_o false_a and_o unproved_a supposition_n viz._n that_o god_n promise_v his_o church_n to_o deliver_v his_o whole_a will_n in_o write_n or_o that_o the_o writer_n of_o scripture_n have_v any_o order_n from_o god_n to_o write_v his_o whole_a will_n explicit_o or_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n believe_v it_o to_o have_v such_o a_o perfection_n as_o to_o signify_v without_o need_v the_o church_n all_o save_a truth_n to_o every_o sincere_a reader_n with_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o faith_n the_o 15_o begin_v again_o with_o a_o false_a and_o unproved_a supposition_n and_o draw_v thence_o a_o consequence_n not_o contain_v in_o the_o proof_n and_o in_o part_n against_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o own_o tenet_n and_o last_o bring_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o a_o instance_n which_o make_v against_o himself_o the_o 16_o putt_n upon_o catholic_n a_o tenet_n they_o never_o hold_v and_o be_v whole_o false_a irrational_a and_o absurd_a assume_v
the_o true_a church_n likewise_o that_o a_o representative_a of_o that_o body_n be_v a_o true_a council_n and_o that_o a_o eminent_a member_n of_o it_o deliver_v down_o to_o the_o next_o age_n the_o doctrine_n believe_v in_o his_o whether_o by_o express_o avouch_v it_o the_o chnrches_n sense_n or_o confute_v heretic_n be_v a_o true_a father_n last_o they_o can_v have_v infallible_a certainty_n both_o of_o the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v faith_n for_o if_o any_o fault_n which_o shock_n their_o faith_n whether_o of_o translator_n or_o transcriber_n creep_v into_o any_o passage_n or_o if_o the_o text_n be_v indeed_o right_a but_o yet_o ambiguous_a they_o can_v rectify_v the_o letter_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o assign_v it_o a_o sense_n agreeable_a to_o the_o faith_n which_o they_o find_v there_o between_o which_o and_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a writer_n they_o be_v sure_o there_o can_v be_v no_o disagreement_n as_o be_v both_o inspire_v by_o the_o same_o unerring_a light_n 22._o contrariwise_o those_o that_o follow_v not_o this_o rule_n and_o so_o be_v out_o of_o this_o church_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o first_o can_v have_v no_o true_a faith_n themselves_o it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o and_o usual_a that_o some_o and_o not_o seldom_o many_o of_o the_o point_n to_o which_o they_o assent_n be_v true_a and_o the_o same_o the_o true_o faithful_a assent_n to_o yet_o their_o assent_n to_o they_o be_v not_o faith_n for_o faith_n speak_v of_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o assent_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v false_a and_o not_o only_o the_o point_n assent_v to_o but_o the_o assent_n itself_o must_v have_v that_o distance_n from_o falsehood_n as_o be_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o faith_n vindicate_v else_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o degenerate_v into_o a_o low_a act_n and_o be_v call_v opinion_n now_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o assent_n rational_o make_v depend_v upon_o the_o strength_n of_o its_o ground_n &_o all_o ground_n of_o that_o assent_n call_v faith_n i_o mean_v such_o ground_n as_o tell_v we_o what_o christ_n teach_v beside_o tradition_n be_v prove_v §_o 10._o weak_a and_o none_o without_o it_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a faith_n next_o for_o want_v of_o that_o only_a infallble_a ground_n they_o can_v have_v certainty_n which_o be_v true_a faith_n who_o true_o faithful_a which_o the_o true_a church_n which_o a_o true_a council_n who_o a_o true_a father_n nor_o last_o which_o be_v either_o the_o letter_n or_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o dogmatical_a passage_n that_o concern_v faith_n and_o since_o they_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n they_o have_v no_o right_n nor_o ought_v in_o a_o discourse_n about_o faith_n be_v admit_v to_o quote_v any_o of_o they_o but_o be_v themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a cause_n conclude_v in_o this_o single_a inquiry_n who_o have_v a_o competent_a that_o be_v a_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a or_o infallible_a rule_n to_o arrive_v at_o faith_n 23._o the_o solid_a satisfaction_n therefore_o of_o those_o who_o inquire_v after_o true_a faith_n be_v only_o to_o be_v gain_v by_o examine_v who_o have_v or_o who_o have_v not_o such_o a_o rule_n this_o method_n be_v short_a and_o easy_a and_o yet_o alone_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n all_o other_o till_o this_o be_v have_v be_v superficial_a tedious_a and_o for_o want_v of_o ground_n insignificant_a the_o former_a discourse_n reduce_v to_o principle_n to_o show_v the_o precedent_n discourse_v build_v on_o most_o firm_a and_o most_o evident_a principle_n and_o such_o as_o i_o have_v describe_v in_o my_o preface_n i_o request_v the_o reader_n to_o look_v back_o with_o attentive_a consideration_n upon_o its_o several_a part_n and_o he_o will_v discern_v that_o §_o 1._o the_o first_o paragraph_n be_v only_o a_o descant_n upon_o this_o proposition_n the_o ground_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v before_o the_o superstructure_n or_o which_o come_v to_o the_o same_o that_o he_o who_o build_v must_v build_v upon_o something_o or_o to_o put_v it_o in_o more_o immediate_a term_n what_o be_v first_o be_v to_o be_v begin_v with_o that_o be_v what_o be_v first_o be_v to_o be_v first_o which_o be_v resolve_v final_o into_o this_o proposition_n supreme_o identical_a a_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v §_o 2._o the_o second_o rely_v on_o that_o famous_a maxim_n of_o logician_n that_o the_o definition_n be_v more_o know_v than_o the_o thing_n define_v which_o be_v self-evident_a speculative_o for_o the_o word_n once_o understand_v it_o come_v to_o this_o that_o what_o clear_v another_o thing_n must_v be_v clear_a itself_o that_o what_o explain_v must_v explain_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o it_o imply_v that_o in_o plain_a thing_n depend_v on_o authority_n honest_a man_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v before_o knave_n which_o be_v self-evident_a practical_o §_o 3._o the_o three_o be_v but_o a_o inference_n from_o the_o two_o foregoing_a one_o and_o manifest_o depend_v on_o the_o same_o self-evident_a principle_n §_o 4._o the_o four_o be_v a_o far_a deduction_n and_o since_o to_o satisfy_v rational_o be_v to_o make_v man_n know_v one_o way_n or_o other_o plain_o amount_v to_o this_o what_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o all_o must_v be_v possible_a to_o be_v know_v by_o all_o which_o be_v as_o self-evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o that_o can_v or_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v â—tne_n §_o 5._o the_o five_o be_v only_o a_o short_a descant_n upon_o the_o foregoing_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o so_o be_v reduce_v into_o the_o same_o ground_n with_o they_o §_o 6._o the_o six_o be_v as_o evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o man_n be_v not_o to_o assent_v upon_o authority_n or_o believe_v if_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o or_o that_o rational_a agent_n be_v to_o act_v rational_o §_o 7._o the_o seven_o state_n the_o question_n concern_v the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o show_v the_o way_n to_o look_v after_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o plain_a truth_n the_o mean_v of_o the_o word_n signify_v any_o natune_n be_v the_o nature_n signify_v by_o that_o word_n or_o which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o any_o word_n be_v mean_v by_o that_o word_n §_o 8._o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o 8_o be_v resume_v into_o this_o clear_a truth_n what_o leave_v we_o in_o need_n of_o a_o rule_n be_v not_o a_o rule_n or_o a_o rule_n be_v able_a to_o regulate_v which_o be_v perfect_o equivalent_a to_o this_o a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n the_o second_o part_n averr_v that_o faith_n take_v it_o for_o a_o assent_n upon_o the_o motive_n lay_v by_o god_n which_o can_v lead_v into_o error_n be_v not_o its_o opposite_a opinion_n which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o this_o faith_n be_v faith_n §_o 9_o the_o nine_o only_o direct_v our_o application_n of_o the_o two_o precede_a paragraph_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n §_o 10._o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o ten_o be_v full_a as_o evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o scholar_n as_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v not_o can_v be_v satisfy_v d_o rational_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o require_v scholarship_n which_o since_o to_o be_v satisfy_v rational_o signify_v to_o know_v import_v thus_o much_o that_o those_o who_o can_v know_v can_v know_v and_o the_o second_o part_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o it_o be_v that_o that_o be_v not_o the_o way_n which_o multitude_n take_v &_o yet_o go_v wrong_v which_o since_o a_o way_n be_v that_o which_o be_v to_o carry_v one_o right_a be_v as_o palpable_o self-evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o a_o way_n be_v a_o way_n §_o 11._o the_o eleven_o which_o contain_v the_o main_a and_o in_o a_o manner_n the_o only_a point_n have_v two_o part_n one_o that_o mankind_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o do_v for_o since_o both_o reason_n and_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o sense_n in_o man_n be_v conveyer_n of_o outward_a impression_n to_o the_o know_v power_n shall_v impression_n upon_o those_o part_v not_o be_v convey_v thither_o they_o will_v in_o that_o case_n not_o be_v sensitive_a or_o animal_n and_o so_o no_o man_n and_o do_v they_o not_o perceive_v when_o such_o impression_n be_v convey_v as_o they_o ought_v they_o will_v be_v destitute_a of_o a_o power_n receive_v knowledge_n by_o sense_n and_o so_o again_o no_o men._n so_o that_o this_o first_o part_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o mankind_n be_v mankind_n and_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o §_o direct_o engage_v this_o identical_a proposition_n the_o same_n be_v the_o same_o with_o its_o self_n that_o be_v both_o of_o they_o be_v self-evident_a or_o immediate_o imply_v what_o be_v so_o §_o 12._o