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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n doctrine_n scripture_n tradition_n 1,683 5 8.8849 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A36018 Protestant certainty, or, A short treatise shewing how a Protestant may be well assured of the articles of his faith Dillingham, William, 1617?-1689. 1689 (1689) Wing D1485; ESTC R1392 22,130 40

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imprimatur_fw-la feb._n 13._o 1689._o carolus_n alston_n r._n p._n d._n hen._n episc_n lond._n à_fw-la sacris_fw-la protestant_n certainty_n or_o a_o short_a treatise_n show_v how_o a_o protestant_n may_v be_v well_o assure_v of_o the_o article_n of_o his_o faith_n let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o assure_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n rom._n 14.5_o london_n print_v for_o henry_n mortlock_n at_o the_o phoenix_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o at_o the_o white-hart_n in_o westminster-hall_n 1689._o protestant_n certainty_n or_o a_o short_a treatise_n show_v how_o a_o protestant_n may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o article_n of_o his_o faith_n although_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o every_o real_a christian_n be_v well_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o evangelical_n doctrine_n teach_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n which_o be_v indispensible_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o his_o salvation_n yet_o see_v that_o in_o these_o time_n there_o be_v abroad_o so_o great_a a_o paroxysm_n and_o fermentation_n of_o dispute_n about_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o my_o be_v attain_v and_o such_o endeavour_n use_v by_o some_o man_n to_o unsettle_v we_o therein_o it_o will_v be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o recollect_v and_o consider_v well_o of_o the_o ground_n which_o we_o have_v go_v upon_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_n of_o word_n that_o which_o be_v good_a our_o faith_n and_o confidence_n and_o our_o profession_n of_o it_o without_o waver_v unto_o the_o end._n according_a as_o we_o be_v exhort_v 1_o thess_n 5.21_o 2_o tim._n 1.13_o heb._n 3.6.10.23_o by_o firmness_n of_o assent_n and_o constancy_n of_o profession_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o force_n and_o fraud_n whereby_o we_o be_v or_o may_v be_v assault_v and_o this_o the_o rather_o because_o our_o faith_n be_v precious_a and_o a_o treasure_n the_o keep_n whereof_o be_v of_o 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with_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o time_n and_o occasion_n of_o introduce_v they_o part_n i._o to_o which_o a_o preface_n be_v prefix_v concern_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o the_o notion_n of_o transubstantiation_n by_o ed._n stillingfleet_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n
apart_o now_o we_o assent_v unto_o all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o a_o divine_a faith_n and_o this_o faith_n be_v firm_a and_o certain_a subjective_n but_o the_o romanist_n pretend_v to_o give_v a_o infallible_a subjective_n certainty_n of_o they_o and_o so_o by_o out-bidding_a we_o invite_v man_n over_o into_o their_o communion_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v whether_o our_o subjective_a certainty_n be_v sufficient_a for_o save_v faith_n or_o a_o infallible_a subjective_n certainty_n be_v require_v to_o it_o as_o for_o our_o part_n we_o do_v not_o at_o all_o doubt_n but_o that_o god_n will_v infallible_o in_o the_o event_n bring_v all_o his_o elect_n unto_o true_a faith_n and_o by_o it_o unto_o salvation_n though_o he_o do_v not_o make_v they_o all_o infallible_o persuade_v of_o it_o in_o this_o life_n a_o subjective_a certainty_n of_o what_o we_o believe_v be_v sufficient_a for_o adhere_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o obedience_n the_o fruit_n thereof_o and_o 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require_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n and_o for_o the_o certainty_n of_o such_o rule_n it_o be_v very_o consentaneous_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o this_o shortness_n of_o man_n life_n and_o multitude_n of_o the_o person_n concern_v to_o commit_v such_o rule_n to_o write_v rather_o than_o to_o intrust_v it_o to_o the_o conveyance_n of_o oral_a tradition_n which_o all_o just_a and_o wise_a lawgiver_n have_v find_v it_o necessary_a to_o decline_v but_o however_o a_o reveal_v rule_n there_o must_v be_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n which_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n or_o probability_n lie_v claim_v to_o it_o but_o only_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o this_o they_o do_v according_o for_o we_o often_o find_v they_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o this_o prerogative_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o i_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v and_o he_o teach_v the_o people_n say_v and_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o though_o all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o then_o write_v when_o the_o apostle_n write_v that_o yet_o all_o the_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n be_v and_o many_o more_o which_o claim_n have_v it_o not_o be_v a_o true_a one_o it_o will_v certain_o have_v be_v the_o great_a forgery_n usurpation_n and_o blasphemy_n against_o god_n himself_o that_o be_v imaginable_a and_o then_o we_o may_v have_v rational_o expect_v that_o the_o great_a and_o good_a god_n will_v have_v be_v so_o jealous_a of_o his_o own_o honour_n and_o man_n salvation_n as_o in_o all_o this_o time_n by_o some_o signal_n act_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o disow_v it_o and_o discover_v the_o imposture_n but_o since_o he_o have_v not_o do_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n have_v make_v it_o his_o work_n by_o his_o wonderful_a providence_n to_o maintain_v and_o preserve_v it_o for_o so_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n and_o accompany_v the_o preach_v of_o it_o for_o the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n unto_o himself_o and_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o mankind_n what_o else_o can_v be_v think_v but_o that_o he_o thereby_o own_v it_o to_o be_v he_o certain_o such_o a_o proof_n as_o this_o concern_v any_o man_n book_n will_v be_v a_o violent_a presumption_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a author_n of_o it_o and_o he_o will_v be_v think_v a_o very_a unreasonable_a man_n who_o shall_v but_o call_v it_o into_o question_n but_o we_o have_v great_a certainty_n than_o this_o for_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o mean_v the_o heavenliness_n of_o the_o matter_n the_o majesty_n of_o the_o style_n the_o harmony_n of_o the_o part_n the_o consent_n of_o the_o several_a writer_n the_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a to_o lay_v man_n low_a and_o to_o advance_v god_n glory_n in_o man_n salvation_n these_o and_o such_o like_a 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bag_n together_o it_o seem_v very_o unworthy_a of_o the_o whole_a bless_a trinity_n to_o assert_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o holy_a dove_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o inhabit_v only_o those_o candida_fw-la tecta_fw-la of_o pure_a and_o sanctify_a soul_n and_o to_o move_v and_o inspire_v only_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n 2_o pet._n 1.21_o under_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n shall_v now_o in_o time_n of_o a_o more_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o its_o grace_n and_o holiness_n under_o the_o gospel_n take_v up_o its_o residence_n in_o and_o give_v out_o oracle_n from_o such_o impure_a sink_n of_o sin_n error_n and_o ignorance_n as_o many_o of_o those_o who_o have_v pretend_v to_o this_o infallible_a guidance_n be_v confess_v to_o have_v be_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v grieve_v by_o the_o resist_n of_o his_o motion_n and_o even_o by_o corrupt_a communication_n eph._n 4.29_o shall_v digest_v thing_n so_o contrary_a to_o his_o holy_a nature_n and_o not_o withdraw_v from_o such_o a_o soul_n or_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o holy_a jesus_n will_v ever_o by_o his_o promise_n oblige_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o such_o a_o office_n and_o for_o those_o few_o other_o among_o they_o who_o be_v holy_a and_o good_a man_n we_o must_v be_v well_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v true_a bishop_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v due_o elect_v and_o ordain_v or_o so_o much_o as_o baptize_v their_o doctrine_n of_o the_o priest_n intention_n be_v necessary_a to_o a_o sacrament_n make_v it_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v and_o for_o one_o that_o be_v not_o so_o qualify_v such_o assistance_n be_v not_o claim_v or_o pretend_v to_o and_o as_o for_o council_n be_v infallible_a the_o claim_n allow_v it_o only_o to_o general_n council_n which_o certain_o may_v best_o of_o any_o pretend_v unto_o it_o from_o the_o promise_n as_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o universal_a church_n represent_v and_o thereby_o also_o impower_v to_o conclude_v all_o by_o 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distinct_a from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o it_o but_o rather_o disclaim_v it_o we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o believe_v other_o who_o pretend_v to_o it_o for_o they_o but_o rather_o to_o suspect_v that_o they_o do_v therein_o but_o serve_v their_o own_o private_a interest_n and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o well_o consider_v the_o pretence_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o clog_v with_o so_o many_o uncertainty_n that_o it_o can_v never_o make_v its_o way_n through_o they_o to_o give_v any_o tolerable_a security_n to_o particular_a christian_n which_o yet_o it_o be_v now_o make_v use_n of_o for_o 1._o for_o first_o a_o private_a christian_a may_v be_v convince_v of_o truth_n deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o firm_o believe_v they_o and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o command_v therein_o contain_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o in_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o attain_v salvation_n and_o not_o only_o moral_o and_o rational_o assure_v but_o also_o have_v a_o divine_a supernatural_a faith_n thereof_o wrought_v in_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o be_v show_v before_o now_o either_o of_o these_o conviction_n or_o belief_n do_v bind_v the_o man_n not_o to_o let_v go_v those_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v so_o believe_v whereof_o christ_n will_v one_o day_n take_v a_o account_n how_o they_o have_v be_v keep_v by_o he_o as_o he_o do_v of_o the_o church_n revel_v 3.8.10_o and_o therefore_o he_o must_v neither_o through_o carelessness_n lose_v they_o nor_o through_o cowardice_n deny_v they_o through_o treachery_n betray_v they_o nor_o through_o apostasy_n renounce_v or_o disclaim_v they_o wherefore_o i_o see_v not_o how_o one_o that_o have_v so_o believe_v the_o truth_n can_v resign_v up_o himself_o to_o other_o and_o compromise_v his_o faith_n to_o believe_v whatsoever_o they_o shall_v offer_v to_o he_o since_o thereby_o he_o will_v trust_v his_o eternal_a concernment_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n forego_v that_o sure_a hold_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o on_o the_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n to_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o bind_v himself_o as_o unto_o a_o rock_n or_o mast_n but_o be_v that_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o resign_v up_o his_o faith_n to_o the_o decision_n of_o a_o general_a council_n yet_o before_o he_o can_v do_v it_o prudential_o it_o be_v fit_a he_o shall_v have_v good_a assurance_n give_v he_o 1._o that_o the_o council_n who_o canon_n be_v offer_v to_o his_o faith_n be_v real_o a_o general_n council_n and_o due_o elect_v by_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v represent_v and_o conclude_v by_o it_o but_o if_o he_o must_v suspend_v till_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v agree_v on_o a_o just_a list_n of_o general_a council_n i_o believe_v he_o may_v wait_v till_o doomsday_n for_o at_o present_a they_o fluctuate_v between_o eight_o and_o one_o and_o twenty_o as_o they_o do_v for_o the_o note_n of_o the_o church_n between_o 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