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truth_n church_n scripture_n speak_v 4,012 5 5.0509 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A40084 The principles and practices of certain moderate divines of the Church of England (greatly mis-understood), truly represented and defended wherein ... some controversies, of no mean importance, are succinctly discussed : in a free discourse between two intimate friends : in three parts. Fowler, Edward, 1632-1714. 1670 (1670) Wing F1711; ESTC R17783 120,188 376

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consider_v the_o three_o or_o four_o first_o verse_n of_o the_o 13_o the_o chapter_n of_o deuteronomy_n where_o god_n by_o moses_n say_v thus_o to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v unto_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n or_o that_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o to_o know_v whether_o you_o love_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul_n etc._n etc._n theoph._n that_o place_n be_v to_o very_o good_a purpose_n quote_v by_o you_o and_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v plain_o to_o be_v gather_v from_o it_o first_o that_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n itself_o before_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o mean_n of_o its_o confirmation_n second_o that_o god_n for_o certain_a reason_n may_v suffer_v wonder_n to_o be_v wrought_v that_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o no_o man_n can_v give_v account_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v effect_v by_o natural_a mean_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o false_a doctrine_n and_o you_o have_v from_o thence_o rational_o conclude_v what_o i_o now_o say_v viz._n that_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v necessary_a to_o go_v along_o with_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o miracle_n whereby_o it_o be_v confirm_v to_o make_v they_o such_o a_o argument_n as_o we_o may_v reasonable_o desire_v to_o induce_v we_o to_o entertain_v it_o as_o come_v from_o god_n and_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o god_n son_n that_o bring_v it_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n i_o mean_v at_o least_o its_o negative_a goodness_n and_o say_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o see_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o be_v plain_o unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o revele_v or_o that_o contain_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n to_o any_o of_o his_o attribute_n but_o when_o positive_a goodness_n be_v also_o therein_o observable_a that_o be_v a_o high_a congruity_n and_o agreeableness_n with_o the_o divine_a perfection_n such_o doctrine_n make_v miracle_n a_o more_o abundant_o strong_a argument_n that_o the_o preacher_n of_o they_o be_v no_o impostor_n but_o that_o he_o come_v from_o heaven_n upon_o god_n message_n philal._n but_o there_o be_v learned_a man_n that_o distinguish_v betwixt_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n assert_v that_o the_o former_a be_v sufficient_a motive_n of_o credibility_n though_o not_o the_o latter_a theoph._n though_o these_o two_o ought_v to_o be_v distinguish_v yet_o i_o conceive_v that_o distinction_n will_v signify_v very_o little_a when_o apply_v to_o this_o matter_n for_o i_o can_v question_v but_o that_o it_o may_v lie_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o evil_a spirit_n power_n to_o play_v such_o feat_n as_o no_o mortal_a man_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v but_o wonder_n can_v be_v sagacious_a and_o quick-sighted_a enough_o to_o discern_v they_o from_o real_a miracle_n but_o when_o a_o person_n do_v not_o only_o perform_v most_o marvellous_a work_n but_o also_o deliver_v the_o most_o excellent_a doctrine_n we_o have_v the_o great_a assurance_n that_o can_v be_v from_o both_o together_o that_o he_o come_v on_o god_n errand_n and_o that_o the_o religion_n he_o bring_v with_o he_o have_v the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n for_o its_o author_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v no_o less_o assure_v of_o it_o than_o that_o god_n be_v good_a it_o be_v utter_o unconceivable_a that_o he_o shall_v lay_v before_o we_o such_o a_o invincible_a temptation_n to_o believe_v a_o cheat_n and_o falsity_n philal._n but_o there_o be_v those_o you_o know_v that_o seem_v by_o their_o discourse_n to_o lay_v no_o weight_n either_o upon_o the_o miracle_n or_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o be_v hear_v to_o cry_v up_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n scripture_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o those_o book_n that_o contain_v it_o theoph._n there_o be_v so_o philalethes_n but_o why_o do_v they_o distinguish_v between_o miracle_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o without_o all_o doubt_n for_o be_v they_o not_o perform_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v his_o testimony_n or_o attestation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n philal._n but_o they_o mean_v a_o internal_a testimony_n or_o a_o secret_a powerful_a persuasion_n wrought_v immediate_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n theoph._n but_o those_o that_o say_v that_o credit_n can_v be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o this_o make_v the_o devil_n great_a unbeliever_n than_o we_o be_v from_o scripture_n assure_v they_o be_v and_o moreover_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o assert_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n may_v have_v spare_v their_o mighty_a work_n for_o who_o will_v deny_v that_o the_o spirit_n immediate_a testimony_n be_v alone_o abundant_o sufficient_a for_o that_o purpose_n but_o beside_o those_o that_o talk_v thus_o do_v apparent_o run_v in_o as_o gross_a a_o circle_n as_o that_o we_o accuse_v the_o papist_n of_o for_o as_o they_o prove_v the_o scripture_n by_o their_o church_n and_o their_o church_n by_o the_o scripture_n so_o these_o prove_v the_o scripture_n by_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o then_o can_v prove_v so_o much_o as_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o person_n but_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o once_o more_o if_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o this_o opinion_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o infidel_n for_o this_o internal_a testimony_n can_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o none_o but_o those_o that_o have_v it_o philal._n this_o i_o once_o urge_v to_o a_o certain_a divine_a who_o stiff_o maintain_v that_o conceit_n and_o be_v angry_a with_o those_o that_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o other_o way_n and_o he_o ready_o reply_v that_o he_o know_v no_o mean_n to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o unbeliever_n but_o pray_v for_o they_o theoph._n i_o commend_v that_o gentleman_n ingenuity_n in_o that_o concession_n but_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v more_o dishonourable_a to_o our_o excellent_a religion_n or_o that_o tend_v more_o to_o expose_v it_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o those_o that_o bear_v no_o goodwill_n to_o it_o philal._n but_o theophilus_n do_v you_o think_v then_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o this_o inward_a testimony_n theoph._n all_o i_o think_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n spirit_n i_o will_v brief_o tell_v you_o i_o say_v that_o the_o external_a and_o rational_a motive_n of_o credibility_n be_v as_o sufficient_a to_o give_v unprejudiced_a person_n a_o undoubted_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o any_o rational_a argument_n be_v to_o persuade_v a_o man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n he_o desire_v satisfaction_n concern_v but_o yet_o because_o our_o grand_a adversary_n use_v all_o art_n to_o make_v it_o as_o much_o suspect_v as_o may_v be_v and_o to_o shake_v our_o faith_n therein_o and_o we_o be_v moreover_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o contrariety_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o our_o carnal_a and_o fleshly_a interest_n very_o apt_a to_o be_v strong_o prejudice_v against_o it_o and_o we_o be_v not_o easy_o bring_v full_o to_o believe_v what_o we_o will_v not_o have_v true_a god_n be_v ready_a without_o all_o question_n to_o assist_v our_o weakness_n by_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o particular_n when_o humble_o seek_v to_o but_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o he_o do_v this_o ordinary_o in_o a_o immediate_a manner_n but_o by_o blessing_n the_o use_n of_o mean_n i._n e._n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o motive_n he_o have_v give_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o that_o he_o confirm_v our_o faith_n by_o give_v we_o to_o see_v such_o strongly-convincing_a demonstration_n in_o those_o argument_n and_o by_o so_o close_o apply_v the_o evidence_n of_o they_o to_o our_o understanding_n as_o that_o they_o come_v to_o be_v even_o perfect_o overpower_a and_o against_o all_o opposition_n to_o have_v full_a assent_n and_o such_o as_o have_v a_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o our_o practice_n as_o it_o be_v even_o force_v from_o they_o but_o if_o all_o the_o external_a motive_n will_v not_o make_v one_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o persuade_v to_o assent_v how_o can_v they_o render_v the_o unbelieving_a jew_n inexcusable_a as_o our_o saviour_n several_a time_n assure_v they_o they_o will_v
to_o grace_n or_o faith_n new_a obedience_n never_o mean_v 188_o xc_o no_o crime_n to_o hold_v justification_n by_o work_n in_o st._n james_n his_o sense_n ibid._n xci_o st._n paul_n language_n not_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o st._n james_n his_o 189_o the_o second_o part._n 190_o i._n a_o more_o distinct_a account_n of_o their_o opinion_n ibid._n two_o of_o their_o judgement_n in_o doctrinal_n 191_o three_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o church_n of_o england_n impose_v subscription_n to_o the_o 39_o article_n ibid._n four_o the_o lord_n primate_n of_o ireland_n his_o testimony_n ibid._n v_o what_o doctrine_n they_o most_o endeavour_n to_o confute_v 192_o vi_fw-la philalethes_n his_o representation_n of_o god_n nature_n 193_o seven_o consequence_n of_o opinion_n not_o to_o be_v charge_v on_o all_o those_o that_o hold_v they_o 198_o viij_o that_o they_o set_v themselves_o against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n absolute_a decree_a man_n sin_n and_o misery_n 199_o ix_o that_o those_o two_o be_v not_o to_o be_v separate_v 200_o x._o that_o those_o doctrine_n make_v their_o defender_n assert_v two_o will_n in_o god_n and_o the_o one_o contrary_a to_o the_o other_o by_o which_o mean_v other_o sad_a consequence_n also_o follow_v 202_o xi_o of_o oppose_a god_n secret_a to_o he_o reveal_v will_n 206_o twelve_o that_o we_o must_v resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o at_o all_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v nothing_o against_o which_o we_o can_v answer_v all_o objection_n 210_o xiii_o that_o the_o forementioned_a doctrine_n evident_o contradict_v our_o natural_a notion_n 213_o fourteen_o which_o be_v the_o safe_a course_n in_o reconcile_a seem_o contradictory_n scripture_n 216_o xv_o theophilus_n can_v believe_v no_o sense_n of_o scripture_n that_o do_v evident_o contradict_v self-evident_a notion_n 217_o xuj_o of_o that_o opinion_n that_o whatsoever_o god_n do_v be_v therefore_o good_a and_o just_a because_o he_o do_v it_o 218_o xvii_o what_o be_v the_o motive_n induce_v the_o good_a man_n of_o that_o persuasion_n to_o go_v that_o way_n 223_o xviii_o those_o divine_v middle_a way_n between_o the_o calvinist_n and_o remonstrant_n 228_o nineteeen_o this_o way_n propose_v by_o catharinus_n at_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n 231_o xx_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o way_n for_o some_o age_n have_v few_o friend_n 232_o xxi_o this_o way_n a_o great_a ease_n to_o theophilus_n his_o mind_n 233_o xxii_o philalethes_n no_o less_o beholden_a to_o it_o which_o cause_v theophilus_n to_o ask_v he_o some_o question_n 236_o xxiii_o of_o free_a will._n 239_o xxiv_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o heathen_n 249_o twenty-five_o that_o god_n have_v way_n though_o they_o may_v be_v perfect_o unknown_a to_o we_o to_o clear_v the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o all_o mankind_n 254_o xxvi_o whether_o what_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o defend_v that_o middle_a way_n tend_v to_o encourage_v security_n etc._n etc._n 256_o xxvii_o that_o the_o doctrine_n discourse_v against_o do_v a_o world_n of_o mischief_n 257_o xxviii_o the_o test_n by_o which_o theophilus_n examine_v controvert_v point_n 260_o xxix_o of_o the_o great_a obscurity_n of_o st._n paul_n style_n in_o many_o place_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o 261_o thirty_o a_o paraphrase_n upon_o several_a verse_n of_o the_o nine_o to_o the_o roman_n 263_o xxxi_o how_o god_n be_v say_v to_o harden_v sinner_n 275_o xxxii_o philalethes_n offer_v another_o interpretation_n of_o the_o 19_o the_o and_o 20_o the_o verse_n 284_o xxxiii_o that_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n be_v enemy_n to_o absolute_a reprobation_n with_o its_o concomitant_n 288_o xxxiv_o that_o the_o old_a gnostic_n be_v great_a friend_n to_o it_o 291_o xxxv_o mr._n joseph_n mede_n judgement_n concern_v this_o point_n 293_o xxxvi_o the_o church_n of_o england_n no_o favourer_n of_o it_o 294_o xxxvii_o the_o moderation_n of_o those_o divine_n in_o other_o matter_n of_o controversy_n which_o theophilus_n have_v not_o time_n to_o insist_v upon_o very_o remarkable_a 295_o xxxviii_o none_o more_o dislike_v by_o they_o than_o the_o monopolizer_n of_o truth_n to_o a_o party_n 296_o thirty-nine_o infallibility_n in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n or_o church_n deny_v by_o they_o 297_o xl_o of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o protestant_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v stickler_n for_o it_o 298_o xli_o of_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o four_o first_o ecumenical_a council_n 300_o xlii_o what_o respect_v due_a to_o council_n 302_o xliii_o the_o church_n of_o england_n sense_n of_o general_n council_n 304_o xliv_o the_o determination_n of_o our_o own_o church_n not_o to_o be_v oppose_v in_o matter_n disputable_a 305_o xlv_o a_o argument_n that_o christ_n intend_v we_o no_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n 306_o xlvi_o private_a christian_n promise_v infallibility_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o the_o church_n representative_a have_v the_o promise_n of_o it_o 307_o xlvii_o of_o disputacity_n 308_o xlviii_o of_o friendly_a dispute_n ibid._n xlix_o the_o way_n to_o peace_n ibid._n l._n the_o mischief_n of_o contend_v for_o a_o infallible_a judge_n 309_o li._n force_v other_o to_o be_v of_o our_o mind_n tyrannical_a ibid._n lii_o to_o condemn_v man_n for_o dissent_v from_o we_o unwarrantable_a 310_o liii_o of_o those_o divine_n candour_n towards_o dissenter_n from_o they_o 313_o liv_o of_o mr._n chillingworth_n book_n 315_o lv_o of_o their_o opinion_n concern_v fundamental_o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o forward_o to_o give_v a_o catalogue_n of_o they_o 316_o lvi_o the_o use_n of_o the_o forego_n principle_n 317_o lvii_o that_o those_o divine_n procure_v to_o themselves_o enemy_n of_o divers_a sort_n by_o their_o endeavour_n to_o propagate_v those_o principle_n 319_o the_o three_o part._n 322_o i._n their_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n ibid._n two_o that_o they_o prefer_v episcopacy_n to_o all_o other_o form_n of_o church_n government_n 323_o iii._o how_o much_o essential_a to_o episcopacy_n ibid._n four_o that_o they_o unchurch_n not_o those_o church_n that_o will_v not_o admit_v it_o though_o they_o think_v it_o desirable_a that_o all_o will_v 324_o v._n their_o opinion_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o sacred_a affair_n 325_o vi_fw-la that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v a_o power_n both_o legislative_a and_o judiciary_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n ibid._n seven_o their_o opinion_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n 327_o viij_o that_o they_o believe_v magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v when_o they_o command_v thing_n inconvenient_a if_o lawful_a 329_o ix_o that_o they_o judge_v it_o unlawful_a for_o the_o people_n to_o take_v arm_n against_o their_o prince_n etc._n etc._n on_o any_o pretence_n 331_o x._o that_o they_o be_v for_o show_v favour_n to_o dissenter_n out_o of_o conscience_n 332_o xi_o who_o they_o conceive_v be_v not_o to_o be_v deal_v with_o as_o man_n of_o tender_a conscience_n 333_o twelve_o theophilus_n presume_v that_o they_o will_v be_v glad_a if_o some_o thing_n that_o most_o offend_v be_v remove_v etc._n etc._n 334_o xiii_o philalethes_n his_o opinion_n upon_o the_o whole_a account_n 336_o fourteen_o why_o the_o bigot_n of_o the_o several_a party_n be_v most_o their_o enemy_n 337_o xv_o that_o it_o be_v pity_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o distinction_n of_o name_n between_o they_o and_o the_o moderate_a man_n of_o some_o party_n 339_o xuj_o what_o name_v they_o only_o desire_v to_o be_v know_v by_o 340_o xvii_o that_o their_o temper_n and_o free_a principle_n be_v of_o no_o late_a stand_n etc._n etc._n 341_o xviii_o why_o the_o pharisee_n can_v not_o endure_v our_o saviour_n ibid._n nineteeen_o when_o the_o temper_n and_o spirit_n that_o have_v be_v describe_v begin_v to_o decay_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n 343_o xx_o the_o pope_n behold_v to_o the_o decay_n thereof_o for_o his_o power_n 344_o xxi_o that_o it_o be_v much_o revive_v in_o the_o protestant_a church_n though_o the_o generality_n be_v still_o great_o defective_a in_o it_o 345_o xxii_o if_o the_o invisible_a antichrist_n be_v once_o fall_v the_o visible_a one_o will_v quick_o follow_v ibid._n xxiii_o the_o conclusion_n 346_o theophilus_n a_o lover_n of_o god_n philalethes_n a_o lover_n of_o truth_n errata_fw-la page_n 27._o line_n 13_o read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 165._o l._n 13._o r._n make._n p._n 289._o l._n 24._o r._n 100_o a_o free_a discourse_n between_o two_o intimate_v friend_n etc._n etc._n i._n philalethes_n my_o dear_a theophilus_n discourse_n the_o observation_n i_o have_v for_o some_o time_n make_v of_o the_o great_a change_n in_o your_o countenance_n from_o that_o spriteful_a and_o cheerful_a air_n i_o be_v wont_n with_o pleasure_n there_o to_o behold_v to_o a_o melancholy_a pensiveness_n and_o deep_a dejection_n have_v make_v i_o not_o a_o little_a solicitous_a concern_v the_o cause_n nor_o can_v i_o but_o entertain_v a_o great_a suspicion_n that_o it_o be_v no_o ordinary_a
to_o affect_v to_o be_v man_n of_o great_a power_n and_o knowledge_n but_o to_o be_v most_o holy_a and_o righteous_a love_a and_o merciful_a in_o a_o word_n the_o new_a testament_n i_o be_o sure_a give_v the_o most_o amiable_a account_n imaginable_a of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o so_o do_v the_o old_a too_o even_o when_o god_n appear_v in_o the_o most_o frightful_a form_n do_v he_o proclaim_v himself_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n gracious_a and_o merciful_a pardon_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o though_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a clear_a the_o guilty_a i._n e._n the_o impenitent_a yet_o that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o his_o goodness_n that_o it_o be_v a_o far_a declaration_n of_o it_o for_o otherwise_o he_o will_v not_o have_v that_o part_n thereof_o that_o be_v call_v righteousness_n he_o be_v there_o represent_v as_o a_o god_n good_a to_o all_o and_o who_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n as_o a_o god_n 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i_o have_v deserve_v they_o by_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v now_o say_v doubtless_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a no_o nor_o any_o theist_n neither_o but_o will_v say_v the_o same_o and_o though_o i_o prefer_v your_o name_n before_o my_o own_o yet_o be_v i_o give_v i_o for_o nought_o if_o i_o do_v not_o thus_o speak_v of_o god_n for_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a i_o can_v make_v no_o pretence_n to_o be_v a_o friend_n to_o truth_n theoph._n but_o you_o speak_v what_o i_o now_o hear_v from_o you_o with_o such_o a_o impetus_fw-la as_o be_v a_o demonstration_n to_o i_o that_o you_o have_v a_o most_o quick_a and_o deep_a sense_n of_o what_o you_o say_v and_o that_o you_o be_v infinite_o concern_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a philal._n but_o i_o pray_v sir_n answer_v i_o be_v there_o any_o christian_n that_o dare_v deny_v this_o nay_o that_o will_v not_o most_o hearty_o acknowledge_v it_o theoph._n true_o philalethes_n i_o dare_v not_o say_v there_o be_v but_o i_o dare_v say_v this_o that_o 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to_o eternal_a misery_n make_v he_o absolute_o to_o decree_v man_n sin_n too_o in_o order_n to_o it_o i_o think_v they_o do_v not_o theoph._n no_o there_o be_v many_o that_o assert_v the_o one_o that_o no_o less_o deny_v the_o other_o separate_v but_o i_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o they_o can_v for_o if_o man_n be_v by_o god_n avoidable_a and_o absolute_o determine_v to_o the_o end_n he_o must_v do_v more_o than_o decree_n bare_o to_o permit_v the_o mean_n for_o they_o must_v necessary_o sin_n that_o god_n absolute_a decree_n may_v infallible_o take_v effect_n which_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o may_v not_o if_o they_o be_v only_o permit_v and_o not_o necessitate_v thereunto_o for_o then_o mankind_n may_v have_v never_o fall_v philal._n i_o wonder_v that_o all_o shall_v not_o see_v this_o but_o theophilus_n why_o shall_v those_o that_o maintain_v that_o desperate_a doctrine_n of_o god_n absolute_a decree_a man_n sin_n be_v so_o rich_a as_o not_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o 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himself_o i_o mean_v when_o on_o his_o deathbed_n or_o under_o some_o smart_a affliction_n either_o complain_v of_o god_n or_o curse_n adam_n for_o his_o neglect_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o unmindfulness_n of_o his_o precious_a soul_n and_o those_o of_o they_o who_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v do_v ever_o lay_v the_o blame_n on_o themselves_o principal_o of_o their_o carelessness_n and_o disobedience_n and_o not_o at_o all_o i_o say_v either_o on_o their_o creator_n or_o first_o parent_n as_o if_o by_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o so_o sad_a a_o condition_n as_o to_o be_v under_o a_o impossibility_n of_o so_o much_o as_o willing_a to_o do_v otherwise_o but_o then_o they_o be_v hear_v to_o befool_v themselves_o exceed_o and_o to_o make_v god_n a_o many_o fair_a promise_n how_o good_a they_o will_v be_v if_o he_o will_v but_o please_v to_o prolong_v their_o life_n or_o remove_v their_o affliction_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o 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their_o will_n who_o dare_v deny_v have_v not_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v without_o excuse_n or_o render_v inexcusable_a but_o how_o can_v they_o be_v so_o if_o they_o be_v deny_v what_o be_v at_o least_o so_o far_o necessary_a as_o be_v now_o say_v but_o philalethes_n we_o need_v not_o trouble_v our_o selus_fw-la about_o they_o we_o shall_v no_o question_n at_o the_o great_a day_n if_o we_o can_v but_o have_v patience_n to_o wait_v till_o then_o clear_o understand_v the_o infinite_a justice_n of_o god_n almighty_n proceed_n with_o they_o and_o that_o those_o of_o they_o that_o shall_v then_o have_v the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n pass_v upon_o they_o will_v accuse_v themselves_o most_o and_o not_o at_o all_o their_o maker_n for_o it_o for_o
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say_v that_o general_a council_n be_v infallible_a that_o will_v cause_v considerative_a man_n one_o jot_n the_o soon_o to_o embrace_v their_o decree_n unless_o their_o understanding_n be_v first_o convince_v by_o a_o proof_n of_o it_o if_o any_o will_v say_v that_o those_o council_n prove_v themselves_o or_o shall_v for_o they_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v infallible_a the_o same_o question_v recurr_n who_o shall_v judge_v whether_o this_o be_v do_v convince_o and_o so_o the_o matter_n come_v again_o to_o the_o same_o issue_n philal._n but_o you_o do_v not_o contemn_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o council_n theoph._n i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o i_o have_v a_o great_a veneration_n both_o for_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o all_o general_n council_n that_o have_v be_v impartial_o call_v and_o who_o member_n have_v be_v under_o no_o restraint_n but_o be_v free_o permit_v to_o speak_v their_o mind_n and_o give_v their_o suffrage_n but_o i_o must_v tell_v 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jerusalem_n alexandria_n and_o antioch_n have_v actual_o err_v by_o these_o citation_n you_o will_v easy_o guess_v who_o be_v most_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n judgement_n in_o this_o point_n whether_o we_o or_o those_o person_n who_o talk_n we_o but_o now_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o which_o occasion_v this_o discourse_n and_o the_o like_a to_o what_o be_v say_v of_o general_a council_n we_o also_o most_o hearty_o acknowledge_v concern_v our_o own_o particular_a church_n disputable_a viz._n that_o we_o be_v bind_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o oppose_v the_o determination_n of_o her_o governor_n and_o representative_n in_o disputable_a matter_n nor_o do_v they_o as_o have_v be_v show_v require_v our_o internal_a assent_n to_o their_o article_n but_o enjoin_v our_o submission_n to_o they_o as_o to_o a_o instrument_n of_o peace_n only_o and_o what_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n can_v think_v though_o he_o shall_v suppose_v they_o not_o only_o subject_a to_o error_n but_o likewise_o to_o 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7._o 17._o if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n then_o be_v you_o my_o disciple_n indeed_o and_o you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n joh._n 8._o 31_o 32._o &_o several_a other_o promise_n there_o be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o grant_v the_o church_n can_v err_v in_o fundamental_o while_o she_o continue_v so_o for_o shall_v she_o she_o will_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la cease_v so_o to_o be_v and_o therefore_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v assert_v also_o concern_v every_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o and_o as_o for_o circumstantial_o why_o may_v not_o man_n dispute_v about_o they_o and_o maintain_v peace_n and_o love_n notwithstanding_o what_o be_v there_o in_o not_o think_v just_o alike_o in_o doubtful_a matter_n that_o shall_v make_v people_n so_o much_o as_o angry_a with_o each_o other_o disputacity_n i_o like_v not_o i_o confess_v a_o disputatious_a wrangle_n and_o
they_o be_v condemn_v by_o some_o who_o without_o any_o reason_n take_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a son_n of_o the_o church_n as_o false_a friend_n to_o she_o and_o that_o as_o by_o acknowledge_v no_o more_o they_o anger_v that_o extreme_a so_o by_o grant_v so_o much_o conscience_n they_o no_o less_o displease_v the_o other_o but_o to_o proceed_v these_o person_n be_v not_o more_o for_o obedience_n to_o all_o lawful_a command_n of_o authority_n than_o desirous_a that_o mercy_n and_o indulgence_n shall_v be_v show_v towards_o those_o who_o conscience_n will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o will_n of_o their_o governor_n in_o some_o thing_n disputable_a philal._n but_o do_v they_o not_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v most_o unfit_a that_o seditious_a practice_n shall_v pass_v unpunished_a theoph._n yes_o that_o they_o do_v conscience_n and_o do_v believe_v that_o those_o dissenter_n from_o the_o establish_a way_n of_o religion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v or_o 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phoenomenon_n than_o that_o of_o the_o philosopher_n a_o wise_a man_n be_v the_o great_a prodigy_n and_o i_o believe_v they_o the_o only_a sort_n of_o man_n that_o be_v in_o any_o likelihood_n of_o or_o qualify_v for_o the_o repair_n of_o our_o present_a dangerous_a breach_n and_o cure_v our_o very_a ill_a presage_a animosity_n theoph._n for_o my_o part_n i_o must_v profess_v to_o you_o that_o i_o can_v scarce_o persuade_v myself_o once_o to_o hope_n that_o there_o may_v be_v any_o prevention_n of_o our_o utter_a confusion_n but_o that_o it_o have_v please_v the_o divine_a providence_n to_o raise_v up_o among_o we_o so_o considerable_a a_o number_n of_o such_o good_a spirit_a and_o generous_o mind_a person_n the_o thought_n whereof_o be_v my_o best_a antidote_n against_o despondence_n philal._n that_o they_o chief_o design_v the_o propagation_n of_o truth_n and_o true_a goodness_n and_o not_o any_o private_a selfish_a interest_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o have_v cause_n to_o 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as_o the_o make_n &_o strengthen_v of_o sect_n and_o party_n and_o gain_v to_o themselves_o greatness_n and_o popularity_n those_o high_a and_o hot_a gentleman_n know_v very_o well_o that_o if_o these_o person_n principle_n shall_v once_o get_v good_a foot_n among_o the_o people_n they_o must_v either_o grow_v more_o cool_a in_o those_o matter_n that_o do_v most_o exercise_v their_o zeal_n or_o there_o will_v be_v little_a for_o they_o to_o do_v philal._n the_o truth_n be_v those_o man_n trouble_v themselves_o most_o about_o matter_n which_o as_o a_o excellent_a person_n say_v be_v neither_o religion_n nor_o the_o body_n of_o religion_n nor_o scarce_o the_o garment_n of_o the_o body_n of_o religion_n but_o be_v rather_o the_o fringe_n of_o the_o garment_n of_o the_o body_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v thing_n or_o rather_o circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o thing_n wherein_o the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v theoph._n but_o yet_o as_o great_a a_o antipathy_n as_o those_o kind_n of_o man_n profess_v against_o these_o person_n party_n i_o observe_v there_o be_v prudent_a and_o moderate_a man_n in_o some_o of_o the_o party_n that_o have_v a_o reverend_a esteem_n of_o they_o and_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o man_n very_o valuable_a which_o sober_a person_n be_v no_o less_o honour_v and_o love_v by_o they_o also_o between_o who_o the_o difference_n in_o opinion_n be_v so_o inconsiderable_a that_o it_o be_v pity_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o distinction_n of_o name_n between_o they_o philal._n and_o if_o the_o generality_n of_o each_o of_o our_o party_n be_v as_o true_a to_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o so_o self-denying_a as_o to_o prefer_v his_o interest_n before_o their_o own_o i_o question_v not_o but_o that_o they_o and_o their_o principle_n will_v find_v incomparable_o more_o friend_n among_o they_o than_o they_o do_v now_o enemy_n theoph._n but_o whereas_o i_o now_o speak_v of_o the_o distinction_n of_o name_n by_o i_o must_v desire_v you_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o if_o other_o be_v not_o better_o at_o coin_v they_o than_o these_o our_o friend_n be_v they_o will_v be_v know_v by_o no_o other_o than_o the_o good_a old_a antiochian_a one_o viz._n christian_n or_o if_o they_o must_v have_v one_o that_o be_v more_o discriminate_v obedient_a son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n philal._n to_o which_o church_n i_o can_v better_o express_v the_o sincerity_n of_o my_o affection_n than_o by_o wish_v that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v ambitious_a of_o be_v account_v her_o most_o genuine_a offspring_n be_v of_o the_o temper_n and_o principle_n of_o these_o here_o child_n if_o they_o be_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o her_o circumstance_n will_v be_v far_o less_o sad_a than_o now_o they_o be_v theoph._n nay_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o then_o improbable_a but_o that_o in_o due_a time_n her_o condition_n as_o seem_o desperate_a
reconcile_a seem_o contradictory_n scripture_n xv._n theophilus_n can_v believe_v no_o sense_n of_o scripture_n that_o do_v contradict_v self-evident_a notion_n xvi_o of_o that_o opinion_n that_o whatsoever_o god_n do_v be_v therefore_o good_a and_o just_a because_o he_o do_v it_o xvii_o what_o be_v the_o motive_n induce_v the_o good_a man_n of_o that_o persuasion_n to_o go_v that_o way_n xviii_o those_o divine_v middle_a way_n between_o the_o calvinist_n and_o remonstrants_n xix_o this_o way_n propose_v by_o catharinus_n at_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n xx._n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o way_n for_o some_o age_n have_v few_o friend_n xxi_o this_o way_n a_o great_a ease_n to_o theophilus_n his_o mind_n xxii_o philalethes_n no_o less_o beholden_a to_o it_o which_o cause_v theophilus_n to_o ask_v he_o some_o question_n xxiii_o of_o freewill_n xxiv_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o heathen_n xxv_o that_o god_n have_v way_n though_o they_o may_v be_v perfect_o unknown_a to_o we_o to_o clear_v the_o justice_n &_o goodness_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o all_o mankind_n xxvi_o whether_o what_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o defend_v that_o middle_a way_n tend_v to_o encourage_v security_n etc._n etc._n xxvii_o that_o the_o doctrine_n discourse_v against_o do_v a_o world_n of_o mischief_n xxviii_o the_o test_n by_o which_o theophilus_n examine_v controvert_v point_n xxix_o of_o the_o great_a obscurity_n of_o s._n paul_n style_n in_o many_o place_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o xxx_o a_o paraphrase_n upon_o several_a verse_n in_o the_o nine_o to_o the_o roman_n xxxi_o how_o god_n be_v say_v to_o harden_v sinner_n xxxii_o philalethes_n offer_v another_o interpretation_n of_o the_o 19_o &_o 20_o verse_n xxxiii_o that_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n be_v enemy_n to_o absolute_a reprobation_n with_o its_o concomitant_n xxxiv_o that_o the_o old_a gnostic_n be_v great_a friend_n to_o it_o xxxv_o mr_n joseph_n mede_n his_o judgement_n concern_v this_o point_n xxxvi_o the_o church_n of_o england_n no_o favourer_n of_o it_o xxxvii_o the_o moderation_n of_o those_o divine_n in_o other_o matter_n of_o controversy_n which_o theophilus_n have_v not_o time_n to_o insist_v upon_o very_o remarkable_a xxxviii_o none_o more_o dislike_v by_o they_o than_o the_o monopolizer_n of_o truth_n to_o a_o party_n thirty-nine_o infallibility_n in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n or_o church_n deny_v by_o they_o xl._o of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o protestant_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v stickler_n for_o it_o xli_o of_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o four_o first_o ecumenical_a council_n xlii_o what_o respect_n be_v due_a to_o council_n xliii_o the_o church_n of_o england_n sense_n of_o general_n council_n xliv_o the_o determination_n of_o our_o own_o church_n not_o to_o be_v oppose_v in_o matter_n disputable_a xlv_o a_o argument_n that_o christ_n intend_v we_o no_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n xlvi_o private_a christian_n promise_v infallibility_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o the_o church_n representative_a have_v the_o promise_n of_o it_o xlvii_o of_o disputacity_n xlviii_o of_o friendly_a dispute_n xlix_o the_o way_n to_o peace_n l._n the_o mischief_n of_o contend_v for_o a_o infallible_a judge_n li._n force_v other_o to_o be_v of_o ●●r_fw-fr mind_n tyrannical_a lii_o to_o condemn_v man_n for_o dissent_v from_o we_o unwarrantable_a liii_o of_o those_o divine_n candour_n towards_o dissenter_n from_o they_o liv._o of_o mr._n chilingworth_n book_n lv._o of_o their_o opinion_n concern_v fundamental_o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o forward_o to_o give_v a_o catalogue_n of_o they_o lvi_o the_o use_n of_o the_o forego_n principle_n lvii_o that_o those_o divine_n procure_v to_o themselves_o enemy_n of_o divers_a sort_n by_o their_o endeavour_n to_o propagate_v those_o principle_n i._o their_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n ii_o that_o they_o prefer_v episcopacy_n to_o all_o other_o form_n of_o church_n government_n iii_o how_o much_o essential_a to_o episcopacy_n iv._o that_o they_o unchurch_n not_o those_o church_n that_o will_v not_o admit_v it_o though_o they_o think_v it_o desirable_a that_o all_o will_v v._o their_o opinion_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o sacred_a affair_n vi_o that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v a_o power_n both_o legislative_a and_o judiciary_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n vii_o their_o opinion_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n viii_o that_o they_o believe_v magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v when_o they_o command_v thing_n inconvenient_a if_o lawful_a lawful_a ix_o that_o they_o judge_v it_o unlawful_a for_o the_o people_n to_o take_v arm_n against_o their_o prince_n on_o any_o pretence_n x._o that_o they_o be_v for_o show_v favour_n to_o dissenter_n out_o of_o conscience_n xi_o who_o they_o conceive_v be_v not_o to_o be_v deal_v with_o as_o man_n of_o tender_a conscience_n xii_o theophilus_n presume_v that_o they_o will_v be_v glad_a if_o some_o thing_n that_o most_o offend_v be_v remove_v xiii_o philalethes_n his_o opinion_n upon_o the_o whole_a account_n fourteen_o why_o the_o bigot_n of_o the_o several_a party_n be_v most_o their_o enemy_n xv._n that_o it_o be_v pity_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o distinction_n of_o name_n between_o they_o and_o the_o moderate_a man_n of_o some_o party_n xvi_o what_o name_v they_o only_o desire_v to_o be_v know_v by_o xvii_o that_o their_o temper_n and_o free_a principle_n be_v of_o no_o late_a stand_n etc._n etc._n xviii_o why_o the_o pharisee_n can_v not_o endure_v our_o saviour_n xix_o when_o the_o temper_n and_o spirit_n that_o have_v be_v describe_v begin_v to_o decay_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n xx._n the_o pope_n behold_v to_o the_o decay_n thereof_o for_o his_o power_n xxi_o that_o it_o be_v much_o revive_v in_o the_o protestant_a church_n though_o the_o generality_n be_v still_o great_o defective_a in_o it_o it_o xxii_o if_o the_o invisible_a antichrist_n be_v once_o fall_v the_o visible_a one_o will_v quick_o follow_v it_o xxiii_o the_o conclusion_n
be_v forbid_v be_v now_o call_v wickedness_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n make_v it_o holiness_n but_o if_o this_o do_v not_o raze_v and_o overturn_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n no_o opinion_n in_o the_o world_n tend_v so_o to_o do_v philal._n if_o abraham_n be_v of_o that_o mind_n he_o strange_o forget_v himself_o when_o he_o say_v to_o his_o maker_n shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_a and_o whether_o he_o be_v of_o that_o mind_n or_o no_o if_o the_o doctrine_n be_v true_a he_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o monstrously-absurd_a impertinence_n in_o so_o say_v and_o yet_o which_o be_v more_o strange_a he_o have_v no_o check_n for_o it_o theoph._n nay_o do_v not_o god_n himself_o appeal_v to_o man_n innate_a notion_n and_o so_o confute_v that_o doctrine_n when_o he_o say_v to_o the_o rebellious_a jew_n be_v not_o my_o way_n equal_a and_o your_o way_n unequal_a can_v those_o man_n think_v that_o he_o only_o mean_v be_v not_o my_o way_n such_o as_o i_o please_v to_o fancy_v and_o you_o such_o as_o it_o be_v my_o pleasure_n to_o dislike_v who_o will_v dare_v to_o fix_v such_o a_o expostulation_n as_o that_o on_o the_o infinitely-wise_a god_n philal._n well_o i_o be_o clear_o sensible_a that_o nothing_o revel_v by_o god_n can_v possible_o contradict_v those_o principle_n that_o be_v impress_v in_o as_o i_o think_v indelible_a character_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o place_n may_v seem_v to_o speak_v man_n being_n necessitate_v to_o be_v either_o sinner_n or_o miserable_a must_v be_v understand_v in_o another_o sense_n especial_o see_v that_o god_n have_v so_o often_o declare_v that_o man_n ruin_n be_v of_o themselves_o and_o that_o their_o help_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o their_o death_n but_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o much_o less_o can_v he_o will_v their_o sin_n as_o he_o have_v also_o as_o plain_o as_o can_v be_v declare_v and_o moreover_o afford_v they_o 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it_o not_o desperate_a madness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o show_v such_o hatred_n and_o abomination_n at_o the_o comfortable_a and_o gracious_a promise_n of_o god_n that_o he_o can_v be_v content_a to_o spend_v almost_o his_o whole_a age_n in_o contrive_v and_o hunt_v after_o interpretation_n utter_o contradict_v and_o destroy_v the_o plain_a apparent_a sense_n of_o those_o scripture_n and_o will_v be_v glad_a and_o hearty_o comfort_v to_o hear_v tiding_n of_o a_o new-found-out_a gloss_n to_o pervert_v and_o rack_n and_o torment_v god_n holy_a word_n philal._n methinks_v this_o passage_n shall_v affect_v any_o good_a man_n but_o theophilus_n what_o shall_v induce_v so_o many_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o a_o few_o scripture_n against_o such_o a_o torrent_n of_o other_o to_o cry_v up_o such_o strange_a doctrine_n theoph._n you_o love_v to_o ask_v i_o question_n which_o you_o can_v answer_v as_o well_o yourself_o you_o know_v they_o pretend_v that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o advance_v 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