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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n deserve_v divine_a great_a 74 3 2.0664 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59248 Sure-footing in Christianity, or Rational discourses on the rule of faith with short animadversions on Dr. Pierce's sermon : also on some passages in Mr. Whitby and M. Stillingfleet, which concern that rule / by J.S. Sergeant, John, 1622-1707. 1665 (1665) Wing S2595; ESTC R8569 122,763 264

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to_o a_o lesser_a one_o in_o the_o margin_n and_o that_o to_o luke_n 19_o 22._o and_o david_n cut_v of_o goliah_n head_n with_o his_o own_o sword_n a_o story_n know_v undoubted_o by_o all_o that_o be_v like_a to_o read_v his_o sermon_n shall_v be_v secure_v from_o be_v think_v a_o piece_n of_o a_o romance_n or_o knight-errantry_a by_o a_o punctual_a citation_n in_o the_o open_a margin_n 1_o sam._n 17._o 51._o and_o to_o omit_v diverse_a of_o the_o like_a pleasant_a strain_n lest_o any_o unbeliever_n shall_v be_v so_o impious_a as_o to_o doubt_v that_o his_o theopneust_n aholiab_n be_v a_o embroiderer_n you_o shall_v see_v it_o as_o plain_a as_o the_o nose_n on_o a_o man_n face_n in_o a_o express_a text_n exod._n 35._o 30._o 34._o 11._o but_o why_o insist_v i_o thus_o on_o so_o poor_a a_o foolery_n in_o a_o book_n i_o design_v for_o solid_a or_o what_o advantage_n can_v i_o gain_v to_o my_o cause_n by_o so_o sleight_v a_o animadversion_n i'answer_v ●tis_o my_o temper_n when_o i_o see_v 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it_o be_v engage_v for_o such_o and_o such_o point_n nor_o yet_o be_v the_o divine_a authority_n or_o the_o church_n as_o mr._n whitby_n p._n 96._o very_a mistake_o argue_v behold_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o my_o private_a reason_n for_o my_o belief_n of_o her_o infallibility_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a my_o private_a reason_n be_v behold_v to_o they_o for_o that_o judgement_n see_v i_o therefore_o come_v to_o have_v that_o judgement_n because_o those_o as_o object_n wrought_v upon_o my_o apprehension_n and_o imprint_v a_o conceit_n of_o they_o there_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o so_o oblige_v my_o reason_n to_o conclude_v and_o my_o judgement_n to_o hold_v they_o such_o as_o they_o be_v this_o rational_a assent_n establish_v my_o faith_n against_o the_o assauld_n of_o any_o doubt_n from_o human_a reason_n rest_v assure_v th●●_n the_o same_o god_n who_o tell_v i_o this_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n else_o and_o have_v write_v all_o create_a truth_n in_o the_o 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blot_v wear_v out_o etc._n etc._n which_o though_o it_o seem_v a_o remote_a and_o impertinent_a exception_n yet_o to_o one_o who_o consider_v the_o wise_a disposition_n of_o divine_a providence_n it_o will_v deserve_v a_o deep_a consideration_n for_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n be_v the_o end_n of_o god_n make_v nature_n the_o mean_n to_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o settle_v strong_a and_o unalterable_a than_o any_o other_o piece_n of_o nature_n whatever_o put_v then_o scripture_n letter_n to_o be_v this_o rule_n and_o that_o all_o its_o significativeness_n of_o god_n sense_n that_o be_v all_o its_o virtue_n of_o a_o rule_n be_v lose_v if_o the_o material_a character_n its_o basis_n be_v destroy_v or_o alter_v who_o see_v not_o a_o very_a disorderly_a proceed_n in_o lay_v so_o weak_a mean_n in_o such_o immediateness_n to_o so_o main_a a_o end_n and_o conclude_v not_o thence_o that_o faith_n rule_n ought_v in_o right_a reason_n have_v a_o better_a basis_n than_o such_o 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scripture_n significativeness_n which_o be_v the_o other_o branch_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o this_o be_v quite_o lose_v to_o all_o in_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o 〈◊〉_d evident_a that_o it_o be_v unattainable_a by_o the_o vulgar_a that_o be_v the_o better_a half_n of_o mankind_n since_o they_o be_v unfurnish_a of_o those_o art_n and_o skill_n as_o language_n grammar_n logic_n history_n metaphysic_n divinity_n etc._n etc._n requisite_a to_o establish_v and_o render_v certain_a the_o sense_n they_o conceive_v the_o letter_n ought_v to_o bear_v without_o which_o they_o can_v never_o make_v such_o a_o interpretation_n of_o it_o but_o a_o acute_a scholar_n skilled_a in_o those_o mean_n will_v be_v able_a to_o blunder_v they_o and_o make_v a_o seem_n clear_a one_o of_o his_o own_o in_o a_o word_n if_o we_o see_v eminent_a wit_n of_o the_o protestant_n and_o the_o socinian_o make_v use_n of_o the_o selfsame_a and_o as_o they_o conceive_v the_o best_a
the_o multitude_n of_o virtuous_a person_n will_v ●elp_v to_o increase_v both_o virtue_n and_o glory_n too_o in_o ●heir_a fellow_n and_o relation_n it_o follow_v that_o ●ad_v those_o father_n in_o any_o age_n consent_v to_o mis●●ad_v their_o posterity_n from_o what_o themselves_o con●eit_v to_o be_v true_a they_o shall_v do_v the_o most_o extreme_o ●arm_v imaginable_a to_o other_o without_o any_o the_o ●east_o good_a to_o themselves_o which_o be_v perhaps_o impossible_a in_o one_o single_a man_n more_o in_o a_o few_o but_o infinite_o in_o a_o multitude_n especial_o of_o good_a man_n moreover_o christ_n law_n be_v the_o law_n of_o charity_n which_o include_v love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n it_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o christi●nity_n to_o do_v they_o a_o injury_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n 〈◊〉_d to_o debar_v they_o heaven_n and_o send_v they_o to_o hel●_n and_o all_o this_o gratis_o 11._o again_o the_o great_a the_o recommend_v any_o truth_n be_v the_o great_a be_v the_o obligation_n not_o bely_v ourselves_o and_o it_o let_v we_o weigh_v then_o 〈◊〉_d recommend_v which_o christian_a doctrine_n receive_v from_o forefather_n have_v either_o as_o to_o its_o serious_a 〈◊〉_d port_n that_o it_o be_v faithful_o transmit_v to_o other●_n or_o the_o universality_n conceit_a wisdom_n goodness_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o recommender_n and_o than_o 〈◊〉_d lance_n it_o with_o the_o recommendation_n of_o any_o natural_a or_o civil_a truth_n whatsoever_o and_o we_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d it_o levitate_fw-la like_o a_o inconsiderable_a feather_n or_o 〈◊〉_d in_o comparison_n of_o the_o vast_a poise_n and_o weig●_n sway_v with_o which_o the_o other_o descend_v 12._o nothing_o be_v by_o nature_n more_o deep_o 〈◊〉_d more_o universal_o root_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o manki●●_n than_o a_o dear_a and_o tender_a love_n of_o their_o offspring_a and_o a_o careful_a provision_n for_o their_o pass_v their_o 〈◊〉_d well_o that_o be_v free_a from_o misery_n with_o a_o com●tency_n of_o such_o good_n as_o be_v hold_v fit_v for_o th●_n nature_n but_o how_o much_o more_o care_n must_v cha●●ty_n oblige_v parent_n to_o have_v of_o their_o child_n 〈◊〉_d to_o use_v the_o mean_n they_o conceive_v proper_a to_o bri●_n they_o everlasting_a and_o infinite_a bliss_n in_o heave●_n and_o to_o avoid_v they_o intolerable_a and_o endless_a ●_z in_o hell_n especial_o since_o the_o perform_n ●evaricating_a from_o that_o duty_n be_v of_o equal_a concern_v 〈◊〉_d themselves_o how_o strange_a a_o advantage_n ●peradds_v christianity_n in_o this_o particular_a to_o the_o ●earest_a natural_a love_n of_o ourselves_o or_o of_o our_o near●●t_a relation_n who_o be_v next_z ourselves_o 13._o consider_v we_o next_o the_o natural_a care_n of_o not_o ●●sing_v one_o credit_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o common_a that_o the_o good_a opinion_n of_o other_o we_o call_v ●redit_n or_o repute_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o most_o necessary_a mean_n to_o make_v man_n fit_a for_o human_a society_n or_o commerce_n and_o without_o which_o none_o can_v expect_v 〈◊〉_d thrive_v in_o his_o vocation_n or_o live_v with_o comfort_n ●eflecting_v next_o on_o the_o degree_n of_o discredit_v we_o ●nd_v that_o he_o who_o tell_v a_o lie_n for_o his_o own_o advantage_n though_o without_o any_o harm_n to_o other_o with_o ●uch_o ado_n escape_v some_o disrepute_n but_o if_o his_o ●yes_n be_v pernicious_a he_o be_v hold_v a_o arrant_a villain_n ●f_o to_o near_a friend_n and_o relation_n still_o great_a ●f_o the_o mischief_n he_o do_v by_o his_o false_a word_n or_o dealing_n be_v exceed_o great_a one_o he_o be_v yet_o more_o abominable_a and_o proportional_o still_o as_o the_o harm_n ●e_n induce_v grow_v if_o the_o motive_n he_o have_v to_o keep_v ●im_a good_a be_v very_o strong_a and_o efficacious_a he_o ●s_v still_o more_o enormous_a and_o as_o the_o strength_n of_o ●hose_n preservative_n motive_n increase_v so_o be_v his_o ma●ice_n still_o enhance_v but_o if_o he_o go_v about_o all_o this_o wickedness_n bold_o and_o confident_o without_o ca●ing_v who_o know_v it_o especial_o if_o he_o back_o his_o most_o notorious_a and_o most_o pernicious_a lie_n with_o deep_a oath_n and_o perjury_n by_o thing_n most_o sacred_a he_o be_v now_o conceive_v to_o be_v arrive_v at_o such_o a_o pitch_n of_o wickedness_n that_o he_o be_v no_o long_o to_o be_v hold_v a_o man_n but_o a_o devil_n incarnate_a but_o how_o incomparable_o more_o wicked_a and_o consequent_o disgraceful_a must_v that_o man_n be_v who_o believe_v christ_n doctrine_n to_o be_v thus_o receive_v and_o the_o mean_n to_o salvation_n shall_v teach_v his_o child_n otherwise_o the_o believe_v mischief_n he_o do_v his_o near_a relation_n no_o less_o than_o the_o loss_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o sad_a gain_n of_o hell-fire_n for_o all_o eternity_n the_o motive_n he_o have_v not_o to_o do_v it_o as_o to_o his_o own_o concern_v full_a as_o infinite_a his_o lie_n most_o notorious_a to_o all_o about_o he_o and_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o if_o he_o be_v a_o pastor_n who_o beside_o other_o sacrament_n imply_v most_o oblige_a vow_n not_o to_o renounce_v his_o faith_n be_v consecrate_v by_o a_o particular_a one_o to_o preach_v christ_n doctrine_n true_o and_o to_o preserve_v his_o flock_n sound_n in_o faith_n to_o his_o power_n then_o to_o prevaricate_v from_o this_o duty_n render_v he_o a_o sacrilegious_a abuser_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a state_n of_o life_n and_o most_o inviolable_a tie_v this_o world_n as_o sanctify_v by_o our_o saviour_n have_v in_o it_o what_o inconcievable_a villainy_n then_o and_o consequent_o discredit_n must_v that_o man_n see_o undergo_v who_o shall_v misteach_v his_o own_o fancy_n for_o doctrine_n deliver_v and_o how_o impossible_a be_v it_o a_o world_n of_o forefather_n shall_v all_o conspire_v to_o make_v so_o desperate_a and_o absolute_a a_o forfeit_n of_o their_o reputation_n and_o honesty_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v sum_v up_o or_o even_o guess_v at_o be_v beyond_o all_o proportion_n the_o advantage_n then_o with_o which_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o each_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o of_o the_o faithful_a rivet_n and_o confirm_v this_o natural_a care_n of_o credit_n to_o the_o preserve_a tradition_n inviolable_a be_v incomparable_a and_o in_o a_o manner_n infinite_a 14._o it_o will_v require_v a_o large_a volume_n to_o unfold_v particular_o how_o each_o virtue_n contribute_v to_o show_v the_o inerrable_a indeficiency_n of_o tradition_n and_o how_o the_o principle_n of_o almost_o each_o science_n be_v concern_v in_o demonstrate_v its_o certainty_n arithmetic_n lend_v she_o number_v and_o multiply_v faculty_n to_o scan_v the_o vast_a number_n of_o testifier_n geometry_n her_o proportion_n to_o show_v a_o kind_n of_o infinite_a strength_n of_o certitude_n in_o christian_a tradition_n above_o those_o attestation_n which_o breed_v certainty_n in_o human_a affair_n logic_n her_o skill_n to_o frame_v and_o make_v we_o see_v the_o connexion_n it_n have_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o understanding_n nature_n her_o law_n of_o motion_n and_o action_n morality_n her_o first_o principle_n that_o nothing_o be_v do_v gratis_o by_o a_o cognoscitive_a nature_n and_o that_o the_o body_n of_o traditionary_a doctrine_n be_v most_o conformable_a to_o practical_a reason_n historical_a prudence_n clear_v the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o undiscernible_a revolt_n from_o point_n to_o descend_v &_o hold_v so_o sacred_a politic_n show_v this_o to_o be_v the_o best_a way_n imaginable_a to_o convey_v down_o such_o a_o law_n as_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n to_o be_v skilful_a in_o metaphysic_n engage_v the_o essence_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o be_v which_o fix_v every_o truth_n so_o establish_v the_o scientifical_a knowledge_n which_o spring_v from_o each_o particular_a nature_n by_o their_o first_o cause_n or_o reason_n exempt_a from_o change_n or_o motion_n divinity_n demonstrate_v it_o most_o worthy_a god_n and_o most_o conducive_a to_o bring_v mankind_n to_o bliss_n last_o controversy_n evidence_n the_o total_a uncertainty_n of_o any_o thing_n concern_v faith_n if_o this_o can_v be_v uncertain_a and_o make_v use_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o establish_v the_o certainty_n of_o this_o first_o principle_n and_o which_o settle_v secure_v scripture_n as_o far_o as_o be_v requisite_a and_o all_o thing_n else_o that_o can_v main_o concern_v salvation_n to_o pursue_v these_o and_o many_o other_o testimony_n of_o tradition_n infallibleness_n be_v not_o my_o task_n at_o present_a i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o conclude_v that_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v it_o self-evident_a that_o tradition_n if_o ever_o hold_v to_o be_v a_o inerrable_a rule_n so_o our_o four_o last_o discourse_n have_v show_v its_o ever-indeficiency_a or_o rather_o indefectibleness_n scientifical_o evident_a and_o as_o strong_a as_o nature_n and_o grace_n strain_v as_o we_o may_v say_v to_o their_o utmost_a can_v make_v
none_o of_o the_o pretend_a rule_n of_o faith_n all_o of_o they_o building_n on_o scripture_n letter_n be_v certain_a disc._n 2._o 3_o 4._o without_o tradition_n it_o follow_v that_o no_o other_o company_n have_v any_o principle_n of_o distinction_n from_o other_o that_o be_v either_o of_o constitution_n or_o self-preservation_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o church_n but_o that_o which_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n all_o the_o loud_a outcry_n then_o make_v common_o against_o that_o body_n which_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n call●d_n roman-catholick_n for_o account_v itself_o only_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o exclude_v all_o other_o be_v but_o empty_a noise_n and_o her_o claim_n rational_a and_o wellgrounded_n till_o it_o be_v show_v by_o evident_a discourse_n that_o the_o other_o pretender_n have_v some_o other_o more_o evident_a and_o certain_a rule_n to_o know_v who_o be_v of_o the_o church_n who_o not_o than_o this_o of_o tradition_n now_o produce_v and_o explicate_v upon_o which_o she_o proceed_v and_o by_o which_o she_o consist_v 12._o there_o be_v no_o argue_v against_o tradition_n out_o of_o scripture_n for_o since_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v disc._n 4._o there_o can_v be_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o scripture_n letter_n without_o tradition_n this_o must_v first_o be_v suppose_v certain_a ere_o the_o scripture_n letter_n can_v be_v rational_o hold_v such_o and_o consequent_o aught_o in_o reason_n to_o be_v hold_v uncertain_a while_o tradition_n be_v think_v ●it_n to_o be_v argue_v against_o that_o be_v while_o its_o certainty_n be_v doubt_v of_o wherefore_o since_o none_o can_v argue_v solid_o upon_o uncertain_a ground_n none_o ought_v to_o argue_v against_o tradition_n out_o of_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n 13._o none_o can_v in_o reason_n oppose_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o church_n against_o tradition_n first_o because_o in_o reality_n tradition_n right_o understand_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n material_o with_o the_o live_a voice_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n essential_a consist_v of_o pastor_n and_o laity_n which_o be_v so_o ample_a that_o it_o include_v all_o imaginable_a authority_n which_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v in_o a_o church_n second_o because_o in_o the_o way_n of_o generate_a faith_n tradition_n formal_o take_v be_v antecedent_n to_o disc._n 2._o §_o 11._o and_o so_o in_o the_o way_n of_o discourse_n work_v by_o formal_a and_o abstract_a notion_n its_o notion_n must_v be_v presuppose_v and_o its_o certainty_n establish_v before_o the_o notion_n and_o certainty_n of_o faith_n consequent_o of_o faithful_a and_o consequent_o of_o church_n which_o must_v necessary_o be_v a_o congregation_n of_o faithful_a whence_o they_o will_v argue_v very_o preposterous_o who_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o oppose_v church_n against_o tradition_n this_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o think_v to_o establish_v the_o house_n by_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n 14._o none_o can_v in_o reason_n oppose_v the_o authority_n of_o father_n or_o council_n against_o tradition_n this_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o former_a corol._n 13._o in_o regard_n neither_o of_o these_o have_v any_o authority_n but_o as_o representative_n of_o the_o church_n or_o eminent_a member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o can_v any_o determine_v certain_o what_o be_v a_o father_n or_o council_n disc._n 2._o §_o 11._o till_o the_o notion_n of_o church_n that_o be_v of_o faithful_a that_o be_v of_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o tradition_n be_v certain_o establish_v 15._o no_o disacknowledger_n of_o tradition_n be_v in_o due_a of_o reason_n but_o in_o courtesy_n only_o to_o be_v allow_v to_o argue_v out_o of_o scripture_n letter_n father_n or_o council_n for_o since_o want_v tradition_n they_o have_v certainty_n of_o none_o of_o those_o as_o be_v prove_v disc._n 2._o §_o 11._o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o disacknowledge_v tradition_n while_o they_o allege_v and_o talk_v of_o these_o they_o allege_v and_o talk_v of_o thing_n themselves_o do_v not_o know_v to_o be_v certain_a wherefore_o it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o condescendence_n and_o courtesy_n in_o catholics_n to_o let_v they_o run_v forward_o descant_v with_o wordish_a discourse_n on_o those_o testimony_n after_o their_o raw_a manner_n since_o they_o may_v just_o take_v their_o advantage_n against_o they_o and_o show_v they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o make_v use_n of_o principle_n which_o their_o own_o ground_n can_v never_o make_v good_a to_o they_o as_o be_v tertullian_n smart_n and_o solid_a way_n de_fw-fr praescr_n haeret._n c._n 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o deny_v they_o the_o use_n of_o scripture_n who_o deny_v the_o church_n which_o will_v save_v many_o a_o airy_a confuse_a discourse_n about_o word_n unapt_a to_o evidence_n any_o thing_n satisfactory_o nor_o can_v the_o right_a of_o a_o opponent_n to_o argue_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la licence_n they_o to_o claim_v this_o favour_n from_o our_o controvertist_n in_o regard_n we_o never_o hold_v that_o scripture_n letter_n hammer_v upon_o by_o criticism_n and_o such_o pretty_a knack_n of_o human_a learning_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o the_o way_n to_o establish_v it_o but_o only_o as_o interpret_v by_o the_o language_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o consequent_o can_v we_o hold_v it_o capable_a to_o be_v prejudice_v by_o such_o endeavour_n of_o private_a wit_n though_o then_o we_o shall_v allow_v they_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o consequent_o so_o far_o a_o liberty_n to_o argue_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la against_o we_o yet_o we_o never_o allow_v their_o method_n of_o argue_v from_o it_o as_o efficacious_a either_o to_o build_v or_o evert_v faith_n but_o our_o learned_a controvertist_n ever_o hold_v direct_a contrary_n whence_o in_o case_n they_o clamour_v that_o in_o not_o follow_v their_o wild_a method_n we_o desert_n scripture_n to_o avoid_v which_o calumny_n with_o the_o vulgar_a i_o 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mean_v by_o those_o word_n which_o express_v the_o thing_n we_o be_v discuss_v namely_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o we_o may_v with_o good_a ground_n expect_v a_o solid_a clear_a and_o brief_a satisfaction_n both_o of_o what_o be_v not_o that_o rule_n and_o what_o be_v it._n 2._o to_o begin_v then_o with_o what_o be_v most_o evident_a see_v a_o rule_n signify_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v able_a to_o regulate_v or_o guide_v he_o who_o use_v it_o it_o must_v consequent_o have_v in_o it_o all_o those_o quality_n by_o which_o it_o be_v able_a to_o do_v that_o it_o be_v proper_a effect_n otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o rule_n that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o apt_a or_o able_a to_o do_v what_o a_o rule_n shall_v do_v 3._o it_o must_v then_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v evident_a as_o to_o its_o existence_n unto_o the_o sense_n if_o it_o be_v to_o guide_v it_o or_o to_o the_o understanding_n if_o it_o be_v a_o intellectual_a rule_n for_o how_o shall_v either_o of_o these_o be_v guide_v by_o what_o they_o neither_o see_v nor_o know_v 4._o whence_o follow_v that_o it_o must_v be_v evident_a to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o it_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n otherwise_o it_o can_v be_v to_o they_o no_o rule_n since_o be_v unknown_a it_o reach_v not_o or_o affect_v not_o those_o person_n who_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o it_o that_o be_v reach_v not_o those_o thing_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v to_o do_v its_o effect_n and_o so_o can_v rule_v they_o or_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o they_o 5._o moreover_o to_o those_o who_o can_v raise_v doubt_n or_o can_v have_v doubt_n raise_v in_o they_o that_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o mankind_n even_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a it_o must_v be_v knowable_a that_o the_o intellectual_a rule_n they_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o have_v in_o itself_o a_o virtue_n to_o rule_v or_o guide_v their_o understanding_n right_a that_o be_v they_o must_v be_v capable_a to_o know_v that_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v rely_v on_o as_o a_o rule_n wherefore_o this_o must_v either_o be_v evident_a by_o its_o own_o light_n or_o at_o least_o easy_o evidenceable_a by_o other_o knowledge_n or_o skill_v presuppose_v in_o those_o user_n of_o reason_n who_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o that_o rule_n otherwise_o it_o be_v against_o sense_n and_o reason_n to_o yield_v over_o one_o understanding_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o that_o which_o he_o can_v never_o come_v to_o understand_v that_o it_o have_v in_o it_o any_o ability_n or_o power_n to_o guide_v he_o 6._o and_o because_o nothing_o can_v be_v evident_a to_o be_v what_o in_o reality_n it_o be_v not_o it_o follow_v that_o this_o thing_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n must_v also_o be_v certain_a in_o its_o self_n or_o establish_v on_o secure_a ground_n for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o can_v in_o true_a sense_n be_v call_v a_o rule_n which_o one_o may_v follow_v and_o yet_o go_v wrong_n or_o be_v miss_v the_o directive_n power_n then_o which_o it_o have_v must_v not_o be_v waver_v wherefore_o also_o the_o cause_n which_o conserve_v it_o so_o constant_o able_a to_o perform_v that_o effect_n must_v be_v establish_v too_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o keep_v it_o fit_v to_o do_v the_o effect_n proper_a to_o its_o nature_n which_o be_v to_o be_v certain_a in_o its_o self_n 7._o thus_o much_o be_v evident_o gather_v out_o of_o the_o common_a notion_n or_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o genuine_a and_o proper_a meaning_n of_o that_o single_a word_n we_o be_v next_o to_o consider_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n by_o which_o we_o intend_v not_o to_o give_v rigorous_a school-definition_n of_o either_o this_o or_o the_o former_a word_n but_o only_o to_o reflect_v on_o and_o make_v use_n of_o some_o attribute_n predicate_v or_o property_n which_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o who_o intelligent_o use_v those_o word_n be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v involve_v in_o or_o true_o appertain_v to_o their_o signification_n this_o caution_n give_v to_o avoid_v mistake_n or_o cavil_v let_v we_o inquire_v of_o what_o kind_n of_o nature_n that_o thing_n be_v which_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o word_n faith_n and_o then_o reflect_v what_o further_a qualification_n it_o require_v in_o its_o rule_n that_o be_v in_o the_o certain_a mean_n which_o be_v to_o guide_v we_o to_o that_o knowledge_n call_v faith_n 8._o faith_n then_o in_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n be_v the_o same_o with_o believe_v and_o divine_a faith_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n from_o who_o as_o be_v the_o intelligent_a user_n of_o that_o word_n the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v take_v the_o believe_a god_n in_o reveal_v truth_n which_o necessary_o import_v some_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n of_o
supernatural_a thing_n again_o it_o be_v evident_a and_o hold_v by_o those_o christian_n that_o none_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n without_o know_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n or_o some_o very_a great_a good_a reserve_v for_o the_o next_o life_n nor_o yet_o without_o love_v it_o for_o none_o be_v think_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o which_o love_n beside_o the_o knowledge_n that_o heaven_n be_v can_v be_v have_v without_o know_v likewise_o that_o it_o be_v a_o good_a incomparable_o great_a than_o any_o in_o this_o life_n nor_o can_v these_o knowledge_n be_v have_v by_o mankind_n but_o by_o believe_v hence_o belief_n of_o supernatural_a thing_n or_o faith_n be_v conceive_v necessary_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n nor_o be_v this_o find_v only_o in_o the_o judgement_n the_o learneder_n faithful_n make_v concern_v it_o by_o their_o discourse_n but_o in_o the_o very_o mean_v of_o the_o word_n faith_n as_o it_o import_v knowledge_n of_o supernatural_a thing_n it_o be_v then_o grant_v by_o all_o and_o in_o itself_o most_o rational_a that_o some_o at_o least_o of_o the_o vulgar_a be_v to_o be_v save_v that_o be_v be_v to_o have_v faith_n or_o knowledge_n of_o god_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o certain_a mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o faith_n must_v be_v appliable_a to_o they_o 9_o moreover_o since_o the_o rude_a or_o unskilfull_a people_n be_v the_o less_o capable_a they_o be_v of_o science_n and_o none_o doubt_v but_o some_o among_o even_o the_o rude_a may_v come_v to_o be_v save_v since_o we_o experience_v they_o have_v oftentimes_o well-meaning_a virtuous_a and_o devout_a heart_n the_o rule_n or_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o faith_n must_v also_o be_v appliable_a to_o these_o that_o be_v must_v be_v such_o as_o even_o the_o rude_a may_v be_v capable_a to_o know_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n 10._o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n therefore_o must_v be_v knowable_a as_o to_o it_o be_v existence_n by_o natural_a impression_n upon_o man_n sense_n affect_v their_o soul_n according_a to_o the_o common_a light_n of_o understanding_n for_o see_v the_o rude_a be_v very_o shallow_a reflecter_n and_o discourser_n and_o suppose_v to_o be_v utter_o unacquainted_a with_o any_o kind_n of_o skill_n get_v by_o speculation_n or_o study_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n existence_n must_v not_o need_v any_o skill_n or_o science_n acquire_v by_o study_n intervening_a between_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o it●_n otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o be_v knowable_a by_o they_o 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o they_o a_o rule_n by_o parag_n 4_o 11._o again_o see_v those_o who_o be_v very_o rude_a be_v yet_o capable_a of_o be_v put_v into_o doubt_n concern_v their_o faith_n either_o by_o sophistry_n or_o fai●_n language_n and_o at_o length_n desert_v it_o and_o it_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a there_o shall_v be_v no_o mean_n lest_o by_o god_n sufficient_a to_o settle_v they_o nor_o can_v any_o mean_n be_v sufficient_a if_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o best_a if_o not_o only_o mean_v to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o faith_n be_v dissatisfactory_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v show_v worthy_a to_o be_v rely_v on_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o i●_n either_o by_o its_o own_o light_n evident_o secure_a and_o worthy_a to_o be_v hold_v a_o rule_n and_o this_o even_a to_o the_o rude_a who_o can_v doubt_v or_o else_o easy_o evidenceable_a to_o they_o to_o be_v such_o by_o intelligent_a person_n who_o be_v verse_v in_o such_o reflection_n and_o this_o out_o of_o principle_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o as_o be_v prove_v parage_v the_o 5_o that_o be_v require_v only_o common_a and_o obvious_a reason_n not_o scientifical_a speculation_n to_o instill_v they_o otherwise_o those_o rude_a person_n will_v be_v leave_v unfurnish_v of_o due_a mean_n to_o be_v steadfast_a in_o their_o faith_n 12._o also_o since_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n bear_v that_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o a_o virtue_n and_o so_o no_o act_n of_o it_o irrational_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o its_o act_n rational_a and_o the_o submission_n of_o onr_a understanding_n exercisd_v in_o it_o rationabile_fw-la obsequium_fw-la it_o be_v evince_v that_o the_o satisfactorine_n of_o its_o rule_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o be_v evident_a or_o easy_o evidenceable_a to_o the_o rude_a doubter_n as_o we_o now_o prove_v but_o also_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o qualify_v that_o the_o faithful_a who_o yet_o have_v no_o doubt_n shall_v do_v rational_o even_o while_o they_o simple_o or_o unreflect_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v supply_v to_o their_o common_a and_o uncultivated_a reason_n by_o a_o natural_a way_n what_o it_o want_v of_o reflection_n i_o mean_v so_o that_o the_o common_a light_n of_o reason_n may_v tell_v they_o upon_o solid_a and_o true_a principle_n teach_v they_o by_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v or_o follow_v thongh_v they_o dive_v not_o into_o the_o ground_n or_o particular_a reason_n of_o their_o tenet_n or_o action_n nor_o can_v give_v account_n of_o they_o 13._o and_o since_o our_o saviour_n intend_v those_o out_o of_o the_o church_n shall_v embrace_v faith_n and_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v convert_v be_v heterodox_n that_o be_v hold_v contradictory_o to_o the_o church_n in_o what_o they_o dissent_v from_o she_o so_o that_o if_o they_o change_v they_o must_v now_o hold_v be_v indeed_o of_o be_v not_o or_o be_v not_o instead_o of_o be_v there_o be_v no_o middle_a to_o hold_v to_o in_o those_o point_n in_o which_o they_o differ_v from_o she_o and_o no_o change_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o reason_n or_o in_o a_o rational_a nature_n of_o which_o nature_n those_o heterodox_n be_v without_o true_a reason_n to_o change_v and_o the_o change_n in_o our_o case_n be_v to_o be_v make_v not_o to_o a_o mere_a suspension_n which_o be_v believe_v nothing_o nor_o to_o a_o middle_n between_o be_v and_o be_v not_o but_o to_o a_o contrary_a or_o rather_o contradictory_n assent_n and_o no_o assent_n can_v be●_n without_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o assent_n nor_o be_v any_o sufficient_a in_o reason_n to_o put_v that_o effect_n or_o cause_n assent_n in_o a_o thing_n antecedent_n to_o faith_n as_o be_v the_o rule●_n of_o faith_n but_o evidence_n for_o while_o it_o be_v but_o probable_a that_o be_v while_o the_o understanding_n must_v a●_n yet_o say_v i_o know_v not_o it_o be_v so_o it_o can_v say_v i_o know_v i●_n be_v so_o which_o be_v no_o more_o but_o to_o say_v understand_o or_o to_o assent_n that_o it_o be_v so_o now_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o actual_a assent_v to_o the_o church_n faith_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o follow_v out_o of_o the_o notion_n of_o rational_a include_v in_o the_o word_n faith_n as_o apply_v to_o convettible_a person_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v beyond_o all_o peradventure_o how_o high_a and_o presume_v soever_o they_o be_v that_o be_v absolute_o evident_a to_o we_o and_o consequent_o certain_a 14._o moreover_o there_o be_v many_o eminent_a wit_n in_o the_o chutch_n verse_v in_o true_a logic_n &_o enure_v to_o science_n and_o true_a logic_n and_o the_o course_n of_o science_n necessary_o tell_v they_o that_o nothing_o can_v in_o perfect_a reason_n be_v hold_v by_o one_o who_o penetrate_v difficulty_n but_o either_o self-evident_a principle_n or_o conclusion_n necessary_o deduce_v by_o intrinsical_v medium_n from_o those_o principle_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v necessary_o deduce_v without_o immediate_a connexion_n or_o identification_n of_o the_o term_n with_o the_o medium_fw-la which_o infer_v the_o identity_n between_o themselves_o in_o the_o conclusion_n and_o that_o what_o be_v not_o see_v to_o be_v thus_o connect_v be_v unknown_a and_o so_o for_o any_o thing_n appear_v may_v be_v false_a and_o to_o see_v a_o thing_n may_v be_v false_a must_v needs_o breed_v some_o fear_n of_o be_v so_o or_o doubt_v if_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o truth_n or_o falsity_n of_o that_o thing_n and_o none_o can_v rational_o assent_v or_o fix_v their_o judgement_n where_o there_o be_v leave_v some_o doubt_n or_o waver_v of_o judgement_n and_o the_o judgement_n or_o assent_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v rotional_a it_o follow_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o immediate_a producer_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o must_v not_o only_o be_v plain_a to_o the_o rude_a sort_n but_o also_o contain_v in_o itself_o seed_n of_o perfect_a evidence_n to_o satisfy_v those_o learned_a person_n who_o shall_v more_o narrow_o examine_v it_o otherwise_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a portion_n and_o