only_o in_o the_o word_n it_o be_v agree_v then_o among_o we_o all_o that_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v be_v god_n word_n or_o his_o will_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o salvation_n all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o know_v with_o absolute_a certainty_n what_o be_v the_o first_o teach_v doctrine_n or_o christ_n sense_n and_o whatever_o can_v thus_o assure_v we_o of_o that_o be_v deserve_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n now_o the_o word_n rule_v make_v use_n of_o to_o mean_v a_o spiritual_a or_o intellectual_a direction_n be_v metaphorical_a or_o translate_v from_o some_o material_a thing_n as_o most_o word_n that_o express_v spiritual_a notion_n be_v and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o those_o kind_n of_o metaphor_n which_o be_v transfer_v from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o for_o some_o proportion_n or_o resemblance_n between_o they_o for_o as_o a_o material_a rule_n be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o if_o one_o endeavour_n to_o go_v 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fire_v to_o burn_v etc._n etc._n it_o follow_v that_o since_o to_o preserve_v all_o that_o rely_v on_o it_o in_o right_a faith_n be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n what_o have_v not_o in_o itself_o the_o power_n to_o do_v this_o and_o this_o of_o its_o self_n independent_o on_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o on_o god_n who_o establish_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v certain_a power_n to_o produce_v their_o proper_a effect_n be_v not_o in_o true_a speech_n a_o rule_n of_o faith_n since_o than_o not_o one_o catholic_n in_o the_o world_n hold_v that_o scripture_n letter_n of_o itself_o and_o independent_o on_o something_o else_o viz_o thâ—_n church_n tradition_n attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o letter_n and_o interpret_n it_o have_v in_o itself_o power_n thus_o to_o certify_v person_n of_o all_o capacity_n of_o christian_a faith_n without_o possibility_n of_o err_v nor_o any_o one_o but_o hold_v the_o church_n authority_n be_v able_a alone_o to_o 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to_o follow_v in_o its_o definition_n the_o write_a word_n yet_o it_o be_v observable_a 146._o that_o it_o no_o where_o build_v on_o any_o place_n of_o scripture_n but_o it_o profess_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o build_v its_o interpretation_n of_o that_o place_n on_o tradition_n which_o evident_o argue_v that_o though_o scripture_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o council_n contain_v the_o point_n yet_o that_o which_o indeed_o regulate_v the_o council_n in_o its_o definition_n be_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o also_o express_o declare_v where_o ever_o it_o define_v and_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o catholic_n in_o the_o world_n who_o think_v the_o council_n know_v not_o both_o what_o and_o how_o to_o define_v against_o luther_n and_o calvin_n at_o that_o time_n without_o need_v to_o seek_v its_o faith_n anew_o in_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o plain_o conclude_v that_o the_o council_n be_v not_o regulate_v by_o it_o or_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o her_o rule_n but_o only_o consider_v it_o as_o of_o a_o sacred_a authority_n and_o available_a against_o heretic_n profess_v to_o rely_v on_o scripture_n and_o accuse_v the_o church_n for_o go_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nay_o the_o council_n define_v that_o none_o shall_v dare_v to_o interpret_v scripture_n contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n which_o our_o h._n mother_n the_o catholic_n church_n have_v hold_v and_o do_v hold_v which_o clear_o take_v it_o out_o of_o private_a hand_n and_o make_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n ever_o hold_v the_o only_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o extend_v to_o all_o scripture_n which_o unavoidable_o make_v it_o no_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o distinction_n now_o give_v show_v my_o sentiment_n consistent_a if_o not_o perfect_o agree_v with_o that_o common_a opinion_n of_o our_o divine_n that_o scripture_n be_v a_o partial_a rule_n or_o that_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n integrate_a one_o complete_a rule_n for_o they_o clear_o mean_v by_o those_o word_n that_o faith_n be_v partly_o contain_v in_o scripture_n partly_o in_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o what_o they_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o in_o so_o do_v be_v not_o the_o evidence_n requisite_a to_o a_o rule_n but_o only_o the_o degree_n of_o extent_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o mean_v only_o that_o scripture_n contain_v some_o part_n of_o faith_n which_o i_o perfect_o allow_v to_o it_o and_o perhaps_o more_o this_o be_v my_o judgement_n concern_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o what_o be_v such_o a_o rule_n and_o these_o my_o reason_n for_o that_o judgement_n if_o any_o one_o think_v
be_v so_o the_o not_o appear_v to_o be_v otherwise_o will_v avail_v nothing_o to_o conclude_v it_o so_o all_o it_o can_v effect_n be_v to_o make_v we_o maintain_v our_o liberty_n of_o suspense_n and_o indifferency_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v void_a of_o forestalment_n or_o prejudice_n and_o free_a to_o believe_v it_o when_o competent_a or_o conclusive_a reason_n shall_v appear_v to_o evince_v it_o what_o then_o dr._n st._n be_v to_o do_v be_v to_o produce_v conclusive_a reason_n to_o evince_v that_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n have_v such_o a_o perspicuity_n and_o other_o perfection_n belong_v to_o such_o a_o rule_n as_o must_v ground_v that_o most_o firm_a unalterable_a and_o if_o right_o ground_v inerrable_a assent_n call_v christian_a faith_n and_o this_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n the_o effect_n which_o be_v to_o proceed_v from_o faith_n and_o obligation_n issue_v from_o it_o and_o incumbent_a on_o the_o faithful_a as_o such_o but_o in_o stead_n of_o perform_v this_o necessary_a duty_n of_o he_o to_o argue_v as_o if_o though_o the_o reason_n he_o bring_v conclude_v it_o not_o yet_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o because_o we_o have_v no_o evidence_n it_o be_v not_o so_o be_v so_o pleasant_a and_o new_o invent_v a_o way_n of_o argue_v that_o he_o must_v find_v the_o world_n a_o new_a logic_n and_o mankind_n itself_o a_o new_a nature_n ere_o he_o will_v arrive_v by_o mean_n of_o such_o discourse_n at_o any_o conclusion_n and_o whereas_o he_o seem_v to_o build_v much_o on_o the_o word_n equal_a allege_v that_o we_o must_v for_o the_o reason_n there_o give_v hold_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n unless_o it_o appear_v they_o be_v defective_a with_o a_o evidence_n equal_a to_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v those_o book_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v absolute_o deny_v not_o only_o for_o the_o reason_n late_o give_v in_o common_a that_o none_o can_v be_v bind_v in_o reason_n to_o hold_v or_o own_o any_o unproved_a position_n but_o particular_o because_o of_o the_o peculiar_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o be_v discourse_v of_o for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o which_o be_v to_o tell_v we_o god_n say_v such_o or_o such_o thing_n or_o engage_v the_o divine_a authority_n for_o their_o verity_n if_o we_o shall_v happen_v to_o misuse_v scripture_n letter_n by_o let_v loose_a people_n of_o all_o capacity_n to_o rely_v on_o it_o as_o their_o rule_n of_o faith_n then_o in_o case_n it_o shall_v peradventure_o not_o have_v be_v intend_v by_o god_n for_o this_o end_n but_o for_o some_o other_o we_o expose_v ourselves_o and_o other_o to_o the_o desperate_a danger_n of_o run_v into_o endless_a error_n by_o this_o misusage_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o adhere_v to_o those_o error_n as_o firm_o as_o if_o god_n himself_o have_v speak_v they_o that_o be_v we_o hazard_v err_v irrecoverable_o in_o matter_n which_o eat_v the_o proper_a mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o blaspheme_a god_n daily_o in_o make_v he_o the_o patron_n of_o lie_n in_o this_o case_n then_o there_o be_v particular_a caution_n to_o be_v use_v and_o so_o if_o upon_o sincere_a and_o strict_a examination_n it_o be_v but_o any_o thing_n dubious_a that_o scripture_n be_v never_o intend_v by_o god_n for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o can_v never_o be_v oblige_v to_o hold_v or_o own_v it_o for_o such_o especial_o not_o have_v any_o certain_a argument_n to_o conclude_v it_o such_o much_o less_o must_v we_o be_v oblige_v to_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v such_o unless_o we_o have_v eqval_a evidence_n of_o its_o unfitness_n to_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v those_o book_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unless_o dr._n st._n will_v say_v that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o restrain_v a_o man_n from_o hazard_v the_o great_a mischief_n in_o the_o world_n but_o perfect_a evidence_n that_o no_o harm_n will_v come_v of_o it_o so_o that_o still_o his_o main_a business_n and_o without_o which_o he_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o remain_v yet_o to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v to_o bring_v solid_a convince_a proof_n that_o god_n intend_v scripture_n or_o his_o write_a word_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v for_o such_o a_o rule_n as_o people_n of_o all_o sort_n rely_v on_o it_o shall_v be_v infallible_o or_o absolutely-secured_a from_o error_n by_o so_o do_v in_o make_v good_a which_o concern_v point_n he_o have_v hitherto_o trifle_v exceed_o nay_o himself_n here_o be_v afraid_a to_o own_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o own_o proof_n otherwise_o he_o will_v never_o have_v think_v it_o fit_a to_o annex_v those_o word_n unless_o it_o appear_v with_o a_o evidence_n equal_a to_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v those_o book_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v never_o intend_v for_o that_o end_n because_o of_o their_o obscurity_n or_o imperfection_n for_o the_o evidence_n whereby_o it_o appear_v those_o book_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v be_v conclusive_a else_o according_a to_o his_o ground_n we_o can_v never_o conclude_v one_o word_n of_o faith_n true_a and_o so_o a_o evidence_n equal_a to_o it_o must_v be_v conclusive_a likewise_o if_o then_o he_o have_v think_v his_o reason_n to_o prove_v scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v good_a and_o conclusive_a common_a sense_n will_v have_v forbid_v he_o to_o add_v these_o cautious_a word_n unless_o it_o appear_v with_o a_o equal_a evidence_n etc._n etc._n for_o common_a sense_n tell_v we_o no_o conclusive_a reason_n can_v possible_o be_v bring_v for_o the_o negative_a if_o conclusive_a reason_n be_v once_o produce_v or_o be_v producible_a for_o the_o affirmative_a it_o appear_v then_o by_o this_o behaviour_n of_o he_o on_o this_o occasion_n that_o he_o distrust_v that_o either_o he_o have_v produce_v any_o conclusive_a reason_n for_o that_o main_a point_n of_o scripture_n be_v intend_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o that_o any_o can_v be_v produce_v last_o that_o we_o may_v give_v perfect_a satisfaction_n to_o this_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o he_o though_o perhaps_o there_o be_v not_o evidence_n scripture_n letter_n be_v never_o intend_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n equal_a to_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v those_o book_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o regard_n we_o believe_v this_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n church_n which_o be_v support_v with_o the_o whole_a strength_n of_o best_a nature_n and_o supernatural_n yet_o we_o have_v rigorous_a and_o conclusive_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o pen_v in_o the_o very_o best_a way_n imaginable_a to_o avoid_v all_o ambiguity_n of_o word_n and_o forestall_a mistake_n as_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v by_o god_n who_o work_n be_v perfect_a if_o it_o have_v be_v intend_v by_o he_o to_o be_v our_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o i_o shall_v presume_v i_o have_v already_o bring_v conclusive_a evidence_n both_o à _fw-la priori_fw-la and_o also_o à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la in_o my_o answer_n to_o his_o 10_o principle_n to_o evince_v that_o it_o have_v not_o in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o rule_n nor_o consequent_o be_v it_o intend_v by_o god_n to_o be_v such_o a_o rule_n how_o incomparable_o excellent_a soever_o it_o be_v for_o other_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v indeed_o and_o sole_o intend_v but_o omit_v all_o the_o rest_n at_o present_a i_o remind_v he_o of_o one_o which_o i_o can_v too_o often_o repeat_v and_o enforce_v it_o upon_o he_o thus_o he_o can_v deny_v but_o the_o point_n of_o a_o trinity_n and_o christ_n godhead_n be_v most_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n he_o can_v deny_v but_o both_o protestant_n and_o socinian_o rely_v on_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o sole_a rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o which_o be_v all_o he_o require_v on_o the_o person_n side_n he_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o notwithstanding_o this_o one_o party_n hold_v there_o be_v no_o trinity_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o god_n the_o other_o that_o there_o be_v a_o trinity_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o so_o one_o side_n err_v most_o fundamental_o he_o can_v deny_v but_o error_n be_v a_o defect_n there_o must_v be_v a_o fault_n somewhere_o to_o beget_v this_o error_n that_o be_v either_o in_o the_o person_n judge_v of_o what_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n tell_v they_o or_o else_o in_o judge_v that_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n which_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n for_o in_o case_n they_o err_v in_o neither_o of_o these_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v err_v or_o misconceive_v at_o all_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n he_o can_v deny_v in_o any_o reason_n but_o the_o person_n on_o both_o side_n be_v such_o acute_a man_n and_o excellent_o well_o verse_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n have_v both_o capacity_n
if_o they_o do_v not_o it_o be_v their_o own_o fault_n they_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v save_v and_o as_o for_o such_o point_n as_o a_o trinity_n christ_n godhead_n real_a presence_n and_o such_o like_a the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o even_o in_o case_n they_o be_v truth_n be_v not_o of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n since_o none_o doubt_v but_o this_fw-mi absolute_o speak_v possible_a to_o be_v save_v without_o knowledge_n of_o they_o since_o many_o have_v be_v actual_o save_v who_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o such_o point_n have_v impartial_o say_v in_o short_a the_o best_a i_o can_v in_o dr._n sts._n behalf_n and_o much_o more_o than_o he_o have_v say_v for_o himself_o let_v we_o see_v now_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v reply_v in_o behalf_n of_o truth_n to_o make_v way_n to_o it_o i_o premise_v these_o maxim_n 1._o that_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o god_n providence_n man_n be_v save_v by_o mean_n 2._o that_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o some_o degree_n 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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 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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
god_n may_v make_v know_v his_o will_n to_o we_o either_o by_o immediate_a voice_n from_o heaven_n or_o inward_a inspiration_n to_o every_o particular_a person_n or_o inspire_v some_o to_o speak_v personal_o to_o other_o or_o assist_v they_o with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o write_v such_o book_n which_o shall_v contain_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o distant_a person_n and_o future_a age_n all_o this_o be_v grant_v and_o much_o more_o for_o there_o be_v innumerable_a other_o way_n conceivable_a how_o god_n may_v make_v know_v his_o will_n to_o we_o beside_o those_o here_o recount_v in_o case_n we_o regard_v only_o god_n power_n to_o do_v it_o and_o set_v aside_o his_o wisdom_n and_o other_o attribute_n namely_o those_o four_o way_n mention_v by_o i_o above_o and_o multitude_n of_o other_o such_o but_o out_o of_o all_o these_o god_n wisdom_n which_o have_v pre-established_a the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n will_v make_v choice_n of_o that_o which_o be_v fit_a to_o perform_v the_o effect_n intend_v that_o be_v to_o certify_v absolute_o the_o first_o deliver_v faith_n to_o we_o who_o live_v now_o and_o leave_v it_o shall_v be_v too_o early_o understand_v which_o way_n be_v best_a for_o that_o end_n which_o will_v forestall_v and_o render_v void_a dr._n st_n future_a discourse_n he_o therefore_o very_o politic_o quite_o leave_v out_o any_o peculiar_a mention_n of_o our_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o one_o may_v have_v think_v deserve_v a_o place_n among_o the_o rest_n leave_v out_o i_o say_v for_o those_o word_n or_o inspire_v some_o to_o speak_v personal_o to_o other_o suit_n better_o with_o prophetical_a messenger_n than_o with_o the_o tradition_n of_o god_n church_n wherefore_o premise_v this_o note_n that_o it_o be_v agree_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v and_o settle_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o faith_n at_o first_o and_o therefore_o that_o there_o need_v no_o more_o for_o we_o to_o know_v god_n will_v now_o but_o to_o find_v out_o 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dexterous_o bring_v in_o not_o by_o connexion_n of_o term_n far_o be_v any_o such_o piece_n of_o confidence_n from_o so_o learned_a and_o profound_a a_o jeerer_n at_o demonstration_n but_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o some_o pretty_a equivocation_n i_o remind_v the_o reader_n of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o by_o put_v some_o of_o my_o opposite_a proposition_n each_o of_o which_o be_v make_v good_a in_o its_o respective_a place_n 1._o a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v principal_o perform_v by_o a_o heartily-assenting_a faith_n a_o lively_a hope_n and_o a_o ardent_a charity_n and_o not_o by_o outward_a action_n otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o spring_v from_o these_o therefore_o the_o way_n of_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n to_o we_o or_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o ground_n these_o must_v be_v absolutely-certain_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a 2._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o mystery_n or_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v more_o remove_v from_o our_o knowledge_n than_o those_o maxim_n which_o assure_v we_o that_o god_n reveal_v they_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a to_o begin_v with_o examine_v those_o point_n but_o the_o ground_n for_o god_n reveal_v they_o 3._o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v be_v perfect_o secure_a for_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v grant_v veracious_a if_o there_o be_v infallible_a ground_n that_o god_n have_v say_v they_o those_o point_n be_v infallible_o true_a if_o not_o they_o be_v not_o point_n of_o â—aith_n and_o so_o not_o worth_a examine_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o no._n 4._o god_n power_n alone_o give_v we_o no_o light_n what_o be_v or_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o his_o wisdom_n goodness_n etc._n etc._n join_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o fitness_n or_o vnfitness_n of_o the_o thing_n pretend_v to_o be_v so_o 5._o god_n wisdom_n make_v choice_n of_o that_o way_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n which_o according_a to_o its_o nature_n as_o now_o establish_v be_v a_o capable_a or_o fit_a instrument_n to_o such_o a_o effect_n and_o not_o by_o that_o way_n which_o be_v only_o capable_a to_o do_v it_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o his_o power_n these_o may_v serve_v for_o antidote_n to_o the_o opposite_a position_n if_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o own_v they_o for_o though_o he_o be_v able_a to_o deliver_v himself_o as_o clear_o as_o most_o man_n if_o he_o please_v yet_o he_o affect_v all_o over_o this_o discourse_n a_o strange_a perplex_a intricacy_n and_o ambiguity_n and_o he_o put_v down_o his_o principle_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o a_o crafty_a lawyer_n who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o bring_v a_o estate_n afterward_o into_o dispute_n pen_n write_n much_o shift_a wit_n there_o be_v in_o they_o but_o nothing_o of_o candid_a clear_a and_o down_o right_a and_o this_o intricacy_n be_v make_v great_a by_o his_o unconnected_a way_n of_o discourse_v no_o man_n live_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v in_o better_a half_o of_o his_o 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attest_v or_o explain_v those_o write_n and_o this_o he_o attempt_v to_o prove_v in_o the_o fiveâ—exâ—_n â—exâ—_z on_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v not_o amiss_o to_o declare_v before_o hand_n what_o i_o mean_v by_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o rather_o to_o repeat_v something_o of_o that_o much_o i_o have_v write_v former_o concern_v that_o point_n in_o my_o second_o appendix_n to_o sure-footing_a and_o elsewhere_o that_o so_o all_o equivocation_n be_v take_v away_o it_o may_v more_o clear_o be_v see_v where_o the_o point_n stick_v on_o dr._n st_n side_n as_o also_o that_o his_o understanding_n i_o to_o have_v different_a sentiment_n from_o some_o catholic_n divine_v in_o this_o matter_n may_v be_v remove_v for_o if_o i_o understand_v myself_o or_o they_o there_o be_v no_o variance_n at_o all_o between_o we_o in_o the_o thing_n but_o
many_o other_o give_v live_v voice_n a_o incomparable_a advantage_n over_o dead_a character_n in_o point_n of_o intelligibleness_n and_o expressiveness_n and_o though_o dr._n st._n may_v contend_v that_o whatever_o advantage_n in_o signify_v that_o have_v over_o this_o may_v possible_o be_v put_v in_o writing_n and_o express_v by_o mean_n of_o many_o large_a explication_n write_v by_o the_o person_n himself_o that_o be_v to_o deliver_v his_o mind_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o show_v that_o those_o multitude_n of_o word_n in_o those_o very_a explication_n have_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o significativeness_n and_o intelligibility_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v speak_v viuâ_fw-la voce_fw-mi by_o their_o author_n since_o they_o will_v still_o want_v all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o advantage_n now_o speak_v of_o which_o manifest_o determine_v the_o signification_n of_o word_n to_o omit_v that_o all_o this_o will_v little_o make_v for_o his_o purpose_n when_o he_o come_v to_o apply_v it_o since_o scripture_n have_v no_o such_o large_a explication_n write_v upon_o it_o to_o supply_v that_o less_o clearness_n of_o express_v which_o the_o way_n of_o writing_n be_v necessary_o subject_a to_o if_o compare_v with_o that_o of_o speak_v much_o less_o if_o daily_a practice_n go_v along_o with_o live_a voice_n to_o declare_v man_n mind_n as_o be_v find_v in_o tradition_n as_o for_o what_o he_o add_v and_o build_v on_o that_o scripture_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o he_o mean_v it_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v such_o according_a to_o the_o ground_n he_o proceed_v on_o he_o ought_v either_o to_o have_v put_v it_o among_o principle_n agree_v on_o by_o both_o side_n or_o else_o have_v prove_v it_o which_o he_o no_o where_o attempt_n but_o afterward_o princ._n 15._o very_o solid_o and_o learned_o disprove_v and_o confute_v while_o he_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o any_o infallible_a society_n of_o man_n to_o attest_v or_o explain_v those_o write_n for_o since_o 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explanation_n of_o it_o to_o secure_v it_o from_o many_o such_o imputation_n evident_a in_o the_o bare_a letter_n take_v it_o as_o un_fw-mi explain_v or_o uninterprete_v any_o man_n of_o reason_n will_v think_v that_o to_o leave_v scripture_n in_o such_o a_o pickle_n be_v but_o a_o slender_a provision_n to_o give_v it_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o will_v fit_v it_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n if_o he_o but_o reflect_v that_o that_o rule_n must_v be_v the_o basis_n of_o all_o our_o knowledge_n that_o god_n ever_o reveal_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o that_o be_v of_o all_o mankind_n way_n to_o salvation_n but_o suppose_v it_o thus_o grant_v that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v be_v fufficienty_n declare_v to_o man_n by_o writing_n in_o the_o manner_n declare_v above_o let_v we_o see_v what_o follow_v 11._o it_o be_v agree_v among_o all_o christian_n that_o although_o god_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n do_v reveal_v his_o mind_n to_o man_n immediate_o by_o a_o voice_n 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of_o their_o obscurity_n or_o imperfection_n this_o whole_a paragraph_n amount_v to_o one_o proposition_n which_o be_v this_o such_o write_n viz._n pen_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o future_a age_n receive_v at_o first_o and_o deliver_v down_o ever_o since_o as_o divine_a and_o infallible_a be_v to_o be_v hold_v the_o certain_a rule_n of_o faith_n unless_o there_o be_v evidence_n of_o their_o defectiveness_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o their_o be_v god_n word_n which_o be_v a_o bare_a assertion_n neither_o prove_v from_o any_o principle_n agree_v or_o not_o agree_v on_o and_o therefore_o perfect_o groundless_a and_o unprove_v and_o false_a into_o the_o bargain_n though_o the_o main_a stress_n of_o his_o whole_a discourse_n rely_v on_o it_o now_o that_o it_o be_v false_a i_o prove_v because_o its_o contradictory_n be_v true_a for_o there_o may_v be_v write_n pen_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v and_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o as_o divine_a and_o infallible_a and_o yet_o we_o need_v not_o be_v bind_v to_o hold_v they_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n though_o we_o have_v not_o equal_a evidence_n of_o their_o defect_n as_o we_o have_v that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n since_o to_o be_v write_v by_o man_n divinely-inspired_a to_o be_v divine_a infallible_a and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n signify_v no_o more_o but_o that_o they_o be_v perfect_o holy_a and_o true_a in_o themselves_o and_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n in_o some_o way_n or_o other_o and_o this_o be_v the_o far_a these_o word_n will_v carry_v but_o that_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o of_o sufficient_a clearness_n to_o give_v sincerely-endeavouring_a person_n such_o security_n of_o their_o faith_n while_o they_o rely_v on_o they_o as_o can_v consist_v with_o error_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n these_o word_n signify_v not_o they_o may_v be_v most_o holy_a they_o may_v be_v most_o true_a in_o themselves_o they_o may_v be_v exceed_o useful_a or_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v endow_v with_o this_o property_n which_o yet_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v have_v and_o whereas_o he_o say_v they_o be_v for_o these_o reason_n to_o be_v own_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v we_o be_v for_o these_o reason_n to_o judge_v and_o profess_v they_o such_o unless_o it_o appear_v with_o a_o equal_a evidence_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o be_v defective_a sure_o he_o never_o understand_v what_o judge_v and_o profess_v be_v build_v on_o who_o can_v make_v such_o a_o discourse_n our_o assent_n or_o judgement_n be_v build_v on_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n which_o conclude_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v as_o we_o judge_v and_o not_o on_o our_o see_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a for_o in_o case_n the_o reason_n produce_v conclude_v not_o the_o thing_n to_o
christianity_n yet_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v or_o these_o crafty_a common_a word_n inform_v we_o they_o have_v still_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o save_v they_o that_o be_v though_o they_o go_v wrong_v all_o their_o life_n they_o be_v still_o all_o the_o while_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o i_o suppose_v dr._n st._n mean_n that_o no_o more_o be_v necessary_a for_o any_o one_o salvation_n than_o just_a as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v understand_v in_o scripture_n which_o i_o wish_v he_o will_v once_o begin_v to_o set_v himself_o to_o prove_v &_o make_v out_o by_o some_o convince_a argument_n i_o be_o hearty_o weary_a of_o speak_v still_o to_o his_o unproved_a and_o voluntary_a assertion_n 14._o to_o suppose_v the_o book_n so_o write_v to_o be_v imperfect_a i._n e._n that_o any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v be_v not_o contain_v in_o they_o be_v either_o to_o charge_v the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o with_o fraud_n and_o not_o deliver_v his_o 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god_n to_o set_v down_o his_o whole_a mind_n but_o only_o write_v the_o several_a piece_n of_o it_o occasional_o nor_o do_v the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n ever_o attribute_v to_o scripture_n such_o a_o intelligibleness_n as_o that_o private_a person_n shall_v ground_v their_o faith_n upon_o their_o evidence_n without_o need_v the_o church_n interpretation_n if_o we_o speak_v of_o all_o point_n necessary_a to_o mankind_n salvation_n as_o he_o seem_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v and_o here_o i_o desire_v to_o enter_v this_o declaration_n to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o i_o attribute_v not_o the_o least_o imperfection_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n every_o thing_n have_v all_o the_o perfection_n it_o ought_v to_o have_v if_o it_o can_v do_v what_o it_o be_v intend_v to_o do_v and_o in_o the_o manner_n it_o be_v intend_v treatise_n of_o deep_a philosophy_n be_v not_o imperfect_a if_o they_o be_v not_o as_o plain_a as_o plain_a narrative_n history_n no_o not_o if_o they_o be_v ita_fw-la editi_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la sint_fw-la editi_fw-la in_o case_n they_o be_v mean_v as_o a_o matter_n for_o the_o author_n to_o explain_v and_o dilate_v upon_o to_o his_o scholar_n nor_o be_v the_o law_n imperfect_a though_o they_o often_o need_v learned_a judge_n to_o interpret_v they_o nor_o be_v we_o to_o expect_v that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n shall_v be_v as_o plain_a as_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o immediate_a end_n of_o write_v each_o piece_n as_o far_o as_o appear_v to_o we_o be_v occasional_a st._n paul_n epistle_n be_v evident_o so_o nor_o can_v i_o doubt_v but_o they_o be_v perfect_a in_o their_o kind_n and_o apt_a to_o signify_v competent_o to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v what_o he_o intend_v so_o that_o if_o they_o have_v any_o far_a doubt_n they_o may_v send_v to_o ask_v he_o or_o do_v it_o viva_fw-la voce_fw-mi and_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o even_o in_o those_o day_n when_o the_o complexion_n of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n be_v fresh_a and_o near_o than_o now_o some_o unlearned_a person_n err_v damnable_o in_o mistake_v and_o misconceive_a they_o that_o be_v while_o they_o go_v about_o to_o frame_v their_o faith_n out_o of_o they_o it_o be_v questionless_a also_o they_o rely_v upon_o they_o as_o god_n word_n or_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n else_o they_o have_v not_o so_o build_v upon_o they_o or_o adhere_v to_o they_o they_o may_v sincere_o endeavour_v too_o to_o know_v their_o meaning_n yet_o if_o the_o write_n be_v disproportion_v to_o their_o pitch_n they_o may_v err_v damnable_o for_o all_o that_o what_o far_a end_n god_n intend_v the_o h._n scripture_n for_o appear_v not_o by_o any_o express_v either_o promise_n or_o declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o out_o of_o the_o knowledge_n that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o person_n divine_o inspire_v and_o the_o experience_n the_o church_n have_v of_o their_o vsefulness_n towards_o instruction_n and_o good_a life_n join_v with_o the_o common_a knowledge_n we_o have_v that_o all_o good_n that_o come_v to_o the_o church_n happen_v through_o the_o order_n of_o god_n providence_n hence_o we_o just_o conclude_v as_o dr._n st._n well_o say_v that_o they_o be_v intend_v and_o write_v also_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o future_a age_n and_o from_o their_o vsefulness_n and_o the_o success_n of_o their_o use_n we_o may_v gather_v how_o god_n intend_v they_o for_o the_o church_n the_o learned_a and_o stable_a son_n of_o the_o church_n read_v they_o with_o much_o fruit_n to_o excite_v their_o will_n to_o goodness_n the_o pastore_n of_o the_o church_n make_v excellent_a use_n of_o they_o in_o exhort_v preach_v catchise_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o many_o other_o use_n of_o this_o sort_n they_o be_v excellent_o beneficial_a which_o be_v so_o many_o that_o be_v it_o now_o seasonable_a for_o i_o to_o lay_v they_o open_v at_o large_a as_o i_o true_o hold_v they_o none_o will_v think_v i_o have_v little_a reverence_n for_o scripture_n but_o in_o decide_v controversy_n or_o final_o silence_v heretic_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o do_v by_o the_o unavoidable_a evidence_n of_o the_o text_n to_o private_a person_n no_o use_n be_v ever_o make_v of_o they_o alone_o with_o any_o success_n as_o the_o father_n also_o complain_v unless_o the_o the_o church_n authority_n go_v along_o animate_v the_o dead_a letter_n in_o dogmatical_a passage_n and_o show_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n to_o have_v be_v perpetual_o hold_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o so_o give_v it_o the_o sense_n majesty_n authority_n and_o force_n of_o god_n word_n elevate_a it_o thus_o above_o the_o repute_n of_o be_v some_o private_a conceit_n or_o production_n of_o skill_n and_o wit_n interpret_n the_o letter_n scripture_n then_o be_v perfect_a or_o have_v all_o due_a to_o the_o nature_n god_n intend_v it_o if_o due_o make_v use_n of_o as_o the_o church_n best_a instrument_n it_o be_v able_a to_o work_v those_o effect_n speak_v of_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o evident_a or_o self-authorized_a as_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o give_v it_o absolute_a pre-eminence_n in_o its_o kind_n that_o be_v above_o all_o other_o write_n that_o ever_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o prefer_v before_o it_o tradition_n or_o god_n church_n which_o be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o consist_v of_o the_o live_a temple_n of_o the_o h._n ghost_n for_o who_o sole_a good_a as_o its_o final_a end_n scripture_n itself_o be_v intend_v and_o write_v 15._o these_o write_n be_v own_v as_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n so_o plain_o reveal_v that_o no_o sober_a enquirer_n can_v miss_v of_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o salvation_n there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n suppose_v of_o any_o infallible_a society_n of_o man_n either_o
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
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