notion_n fit_v that_o be_v whic_n have_v trn_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v perform_v by_o examine_v which_o of_o they_o be_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n if_o apply_v and_o hold_v to_o able_a to_o assure_v we_o infallible_o that_o christ_n taugbt_v thus_o and_o thus_o 10._o and_o for_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n not_o to_o insist_v that_o if_o it_o be_v deny_v as_o many_o if_o not_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v by_o some_o or_o other_o or_o mention_v that_o those_o who_o receive_v the_o book_n do_v often_o and_o always_o may_v doubt_v of_o almost_o any_o particular_a text_n allege_v whether_o some_o fault_n through_o malice_n negligence_n or_o weakness_n be_v not_o creep_v into_o it_o in_o which_o case_n the_o letter_n can_v evidence_n it_o self_n but_o needs_o another_o rule_n to_o establish_v it_o i_o say_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o these_o thing_n which_o yet_o be_v undeniable_a we_o see_v by_o experience_n multitude_n of_o sect_n differ_v from_o one_o another_o and_o some_o in_o most_o fundamental_a point_n as_o the_o trinity_n and_o godhead_n of_o christ_n yet_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o outward_a letter_n and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o uncharitable_a but_o even_o impossible_a to_o imagine_v that_o none_o among_o so_o uâ—st_a multitude_n do_v intend_v to_o follow_v the_o letter_n to_o their_o power_n while_o they_o all_o proâ—ess_n to_o reverence_v it_o as_o much_o as_o any_o read_v it_o frequent_o study_v it_o diligent_o quote_v it_o constant_o and_o zealous_o defend_v the_o sense_n which_o they_o conceive_v of_o it_o foe_z far_o that_o many_o be_v even_o ready_a to_o die_v for_o it_o wherefore_o it_o can_v be_v suspect_v but_o they_o follow_v it_o to_o their_o power_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o infallible_o teach_v they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n that_o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o they_o contradict_v one_o another_o and_o that_o in_o most_o fundamental_a point_n the_o bare_a letter_n then_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o not_o be_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n able_a to_o assure_v we_o infallible_o though_o we_o follow_v it_o to_o our_o power_n what_o christ_n have_v teach_v i_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v to_o have_v less_o veneration_n than_o i_o ought_v for_o the_o divine_a book_n who_o excellence_n and_o vsefulness_n as_o it_o be_v beyond_o man_n to_o express_v so_o peradventure_o among_o man_n there_o be_v not_o many_o who_o conceit_n this_o deep_a than_o myself_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a not_o one_o among_o those_o who_o take_v the_o confidence_n to_o charge_v we_o with_o such_o irreverent_a thought_n but_o we_o be_v now_o about_o another_o question_n they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o their_o true_a sense_n be_v faith_n we_o be_v inquire_v out_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n who_o office_n it_o be_v not_o to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v what_o god_n have_v say_v which_o none_o doubt_v of_o but_o what_o it_o be_v which_o god_n have_v say_v and_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o letter_n alone_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o assure_v we_o infallible_o of_o this_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o so_o many_o err_a thousand_o be_v a_o lamentable_a but_o convince_a proof_n of_o it_o 11._o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o need_v but_o common_a sense_n to_o discern_v that_o tradition_n be_v able_a if_o follow_v to_o one_o power_n to_o bring_v infallible_o down_o to_o after_o age_n what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v at_o first_o for_o since_o it_o mean_v no_o more_o but_o delivery_n of_o faith_n by_o daily_o teach_v and_o practice_n of_o immediate_a forefather_n to_o their_o respective_a child_n and_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o to_o which_o they_o be_v educate_v of_o that_o which_o they_o daily_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o do_v let_v this_o rule_n be_v follow_v to_o one_o power_n that_o be_v let_v child_n resolve_v still_o to_o believe_v and_o practice_v themselves_o what_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o and_o practise_v with_o their_o father_n and_o this_o from_o age_n to_o age_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o all_o succeed_a child_n which_o follow_v this_o rule_n must_v needs_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v of_o the_o same_o faith_n which_o be_v teach_v at_o first_o for_o while_o they_o do_v thus_o there_o be_v no_o change_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o change_n it_o be_v the_o same_o tradition_n then_o thus_o understand_v have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v able_a if_o hold_v to_o to_o bring_v down_o infallible_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v 12._o we_o have_v find_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n there_o remain_v to_o find_v which_o body_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v ever_o and_o still_o do_v follow_v this_o rule_n for_o those_o and_o only_o those_o can_v be_v infallible_o assure_v of_o what_o christ_n teach_v that_o be_v can_v only_o have_v true_a faith_n whereas_o all_o the_o rest_n since_o they_o have_v but_o fallible_a ground_n or_o a_o rule_n for_o their_o faith_n which_o may_v deceive_v they_o can_v have_v right_a faith_n but_o opinion_n only_o which_o may_v be_v false_a whereas_o faith_n can_v 13._o and_o first_o it_o be_v a_o strong_a presumption_n that_o those_o many_o particular_a church_n in_o communion_n with_o the_o roman_a which_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v call_v roman-catholic_n do_v hold_v their_o doctrine_n by_o this_o infallible_a tenure_n since_o they_o alone_o own_o tradition_n to_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n whereas_o the_o deserter_n of_o that_o church_n write_v whole_a book_n to_o disgrace_n and_o vilify_v it_o and_o since_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n will_v go_v about_o to_o weaken_v a_o tenure_n by_o which_o he_o hold_v his_o estate_n it_o be_v a_o manifest_a sign_n that_o the_o deserter_n of_o that_o church_n hold_v not_o their_o faith_n by_o the_o tenure_n of_o tradition_n but_o rather_o acknowledge_v by_o their_o carriage_n that_o tradition_n stand_v against_o they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o renounce_v it_o lest_o it_o shall_v overthrow_v their_o cause_n wherefore_o since_o tradition_n §_o 11._o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o derive_v christ_n doctrine_n infallible_o down_o to_o after_o age_n they_o by_o renounce_v it_o renounce_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o convey_v the_o docttine_n of_o faith_n certain_o to_o we_o and_o be_v convince_v to_o have_v no_o faith_n but_o only_a opinion_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o even_o to_o oppose_v and_o go_v pointblank_o against_o it_o since_o they_o oppose_v the_o only-sure_a method_n by_o which_o it_o can_v with_o certainty_n come_v down_o to_o we_o 14_o beside_o since_o tradition_n which_o i_o always_o understand_v as_o former_o explicate_v to_o be_v the_o teach_v the_o faith_n of_o immediate_a forefather_n by_o word_n and_o practice_n have_v be_v prove_v the_o only_a infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n those_o who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o k._n henry_n viii_o and_o since_o have_v desert_v it_o aught_o to_o have_v have_v infallible_a certainty_n that_o we_o recede_v from_o it_o former_o for_o if_o we_o do_v not_o but_o still_o cleave_v to_o it_o it_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o preserve_v the_o true_a faith_n to_o we_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o sure_a we_o do_v not_o they_o know_v not_o but_o we_o have_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o manifest_o condemn_v themselves_o in_o desert_v a_o faith_n which_o for_o aught_o they_o know_v be_v the_o true_a one_o but_o infallible_a certainty_n that_o we_o have_v desert_v this_o rule_n they_o can_v have_v none_o since_o they_o neither_o hold_v the_o father_n infallible_a nor_o their_o own_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o unavoidable_o shipwaack_v themselves_o upon_o that_o desperate_a rock_n which_o be_v aggravate_v by_o this_o consideration_n that_o they_o build_v not_o their_o reformation_n upon_o a_o zealous_a care_n of_o right_v tradition_n which_o we_o have_v former_o violate_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o testimonial_a evidence_n as_o shall_v be_v show_v present_o that_o we_o have_v desert_v it_o but_o all_o their_o pretence_n be_v that_o we_o have_v desert_v scripture_n and_o because_o they_o assign_v no_o other_o certain_a mean_n to_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n but_o the_o word_n and_o those_o be_v show_v to_o be_v no_o certain_a mean_n §_o 10._o it_o be_v plain_a the_o reformer_n regard_v not_o at_o all_o the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o build_v their_o reformation_n upon_o a_o weak_a foundation_n and_o incompetent_a to_o sustain_v such_o a_o building_n whence_o neither_o have_v the_o first_o reformer_n nor_o have_v their_o follower_n faith_n at_o all_o but_o only_a opinion_n 15._o on_o the_o contrary_a since_o it_o be_v know_v and_o
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 according_a to_o it_o and_o decline_v not_o from_o it_o preserve_v one_o from_o go_v crooked_a so_o this_o intellectual_a rule_n call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o if_o one_o go_v according_a to_o it_o and_o swerve_v not_o from_o it_o it_o preserve_v one_o from_o go_v wrong_a or_o from_o err_v in_o his_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v true_a or_o first-delivered_a faith_n and_o faith_n be_v intend_v for_o person_n of_o all_o sort_n or_o capacity_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v able_a to_o preserve_v even_o those_o of_o the_o mean_a capacity_n from_o err_v in_o faith_n while_o they_o rely_v upon_o it._n agian_a this_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o primary_n effect_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o every_o nature_n that_o be_v have_v essential_o in_o itself_o a_o power_n to_o produce_v of_o its_o self_n and_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o other_o its_o primary_n effect_v or_o rather_o be_v itself_o that_o power_n as_o man_n to_o discourse_n 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 do_v this_o effect_n since_o it_o be_v know_v and_o confess_v it_o actual_o perform_v this_o in_o the_o beginning_n there_o be_v not_o one_o catholic_n that_o i_o know_v of_o who_o hold_v either_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n take_v the_o word_n in_o this_o sense_n or_o that_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o church_n live_v voice_n and_o practice_n or_o tradition_n be_v it_o and_o so_o take_v the_o word_n proper_o as_o i_o do_v they_o all_o agree_v with_o i_o on_o the_o other_o side_n take_v those_o word_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o contain_v faith_n or_o that_o may_v signify_v it_o with_o absolute_a certainty_n to_o people_n of_o all_o sort_n not_o of_o itself_o but_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o another_o who_o power_n of_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o letter_n in_o those_o passage_n at_o least_o that_o concern_v christian_a faith_n and_o of_o uner_o interpret_n it_o lend_v it_o to_o be_v thus_o certain_o significative_a of_o god_n will_n take_z i_o say_v rule_v of_o faith_n in_o this_o sense_n as_o some_o of_o we_o do_v i_o grant_v with_o they_o that_o scripture_n be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o still_o i_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o thing_n only_o i_o dissent_v from_o they_o in_o the_o word_n and_o judge_v that_o this_o container_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n as_o now_o describe_v be_v but_o improper_o call_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o not_o have_v in_o itself_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o rule_n that_o be_v not_o have_v a_o power_n in_o itself_o and_o of_o its_o self_n thus_o to_o ascertain_v faith_n by_o absolute_o engage_v the_o divine_a authority_n this_o distinction_n now_o give_v i_o learn_v from_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o no_o where_o say_v that_o scripture_n be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o do_v express_o of_o tradition_n sess._n 5._o but_o only_a that_o it_o contain_v faith_n as_o also_o tradition_n do_v but_o whether_o it_o contain_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v to_o have_v faith_n by_o rely_v on_o it_o may_v by_o so_o do_v be_v absolute_o secure_v from_o err_a which_o be_v requisite_a over_o and_o above_o to_o make_v it_o in_o true_a speech_n deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o rule_n the_o council_n say_v nothing_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v far_o from_o say_v that_o people_n of_o all_o sort_n read_v the_o scripture_n and_o attend_v sole_o to_o the_o letter_n as_o interpret_v and_o understand_v by_o their_o private_a self_n shall_v be_v sure_a never_o to_o err_v in_o right_a faith_n nay_o it_o engage_v not_o for_o their_o security_n from_o err_v so_o much_o as_o in_o any_o one_o point_n which_o yet_o ought_v to_o be_v say_v if_o scripture_n in_o itself_o and_o of_o itself_o have_v the_o power_n of_o regulate_v they_o in_o their_o faith_n or_o be_v a_o rule_n rather_o the_o council_n by_o its_o carriage_n say_v the_o direct_a contrary_n for_o though_o be_v about_o to_o define_v against_o heretic_n it_o profess_v 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 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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 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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
divinity_n p._n 191._o 192._o in_o logic_n p._n 228._o 236._o 237._o his_o performance_n reduce_v to_o their_o proper_a principle_n contradiction_n p._n 236._o tradition_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 45._o 46._o 141._o 142._o union_n how_o to_o be_v hope_v p._n 51._o 52._o write_v how_o capable_a to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 36._o 37._o 38._o errata_fw-la page_n 2._o line_n 4._o receive_v p._n 11._o l._n 21._o perfect_o p._n 15._o l_o 2._o disparate_a p._n 32._o l._n 1â—_n than_o we_o can_v p._n 45._o l._n 12._o again_o p._n 67._o l._n 27._o deal_n and_o this_o as_o far_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o line_n after_o p._n 81._o l._n 29._o deal_n of_o p._n 84._o l._n 2._o endeavorer_n l._n 29._o endeavorer_n p._n 104._o l._n 4._o deal_n we_o p._n 100l_n l._n 5._o his_fw-la p._n 124._o l._n 5._o and._n p._n 131._o l._n 30._o deal_n in_o the._n p._n â—_o 2._o l._n 11._o infallible_o l._n 23._o then_o p._n 834._o l._n 17._o be_v false_a l._n 20._o about_o p._n 159._o l._n 22._o if_o p._n 100l_n l._n 14._o as_o l._n 15._o deal_n be_v p._n 167._o l._n 11._o deal_n if_o p_o 173._o l._n 18._o to_o a_o high_a degree_n p._n 177._o l._n 23._o which_o be_v p._n 181._o l._n 2._o degree_n p._n 184._o l._n 24._o ground_n p._n 185._o l._n 15._o reason_n give_v l._n 18._o keep_v man_n p._n 187._o l._n 14._o be_v p._n 188._o l._n 14._o dissatisfaction_n l._n 21._o some_o p._n 192._o l._n 5._o conformable_a l._n 16._o it_o l._n 26._o by_o she_o all_o p._n 193._o l._n 17._o our_o p._n 198._o l._n 2._o receive_v p._n 199._o l._n 14._o in_o wiseman_n in_o this_o point_n p._n 202._o l._n ult_n the_o 5_o and_o 6_o p._n 214._o l._n 3._o deal_n to_o p._n 216._o l._n 12._o be_v p_o 221._o l._n 18._o dr._n st._n p._n 234._o l._n 18._o apply_v it_o p._n 235._o l._n 23._o produce_v one_o p._n 250._o l._n 9_o not_o the_o first_o examen_fw-la concern_v dr._n stillingfleet_n design_n in_o this_o discourse_n as_o express_v in_o his_o title_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o title_n superscribe_v to_o this_o discourse_n and_o signify_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v well_o weigh_v that_o so_o we_o may_v make_v a_o right_a conceit_n of_o what_o we_o be_v just_o to_o expect_v from_o dr._n st._n in_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v this_o the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n reduce_v to_o principle_n 2._o now_o principle_n as_o we_o have_v discourse_v in_o the_o preface_n must_v either_o be_v evident_a to_o both_o party_n or_o at_o least_o hold_v and_o grant_v by_o both_o else_o no_o discourse_n can_v proceed_v for_o want_v of_o agreement_n in_o that_o on_o which_o all_o rational_a process_n be_v ground_v also_o they_o must_v be_v proper_a for_o the_o end_v intend_v or_o influential_a upon_o the_o conclusion_n which_o the_o arguer_n aim_v to_o evince_v otherwise_o if_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n deceive_v not_o its_o evidence_n and_o truth_n from_o they_o though_o those_o proposition_n be_v never_o so_o evident_a in_o themselves_o yet_o they_o can_v be_v to_o it_o or_o in_o this_o circumstance_n a_o principle_n whatever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o other_o wherefore_o to_o make_v good_a this_o title_n dr._n st._n be_v to_o produce_v nothing_o for_o a_o principle_n but_o what_o be_v either_o grant_v at_o first_o by_o both_o party_n or_o else_o be_v of_o so_o open_a and_o undeniable_a a_o evidence_n as_o all_o the_o world_n must_v see_v and_o acknowledge_v it_o such_o as_o be_v either_o first_o principle_n or_o those_o which_o immediate_o depend_v upon_o they_o and_o be_v comprehend_v under_o they_o or_o if_o he_o build_v on_o any_o proposition_n as_o principle_n which_o be_v not_o thus_o evident_a but_o need_n proof_n he_o be_v at_o least_o to_o render_v they_o evident_a ere_o he_o build_v upon_o they_o and_o last_o he_o be_v to_o apply_v they_o close_o to_o that_o which_o he_o profess_v to_o conclude_v from_o they_o otherwise_o he_o can_v never_o show_v they_o to_o be_v principle_n in_o this_o occasion_n any_o more_o than_o one_o can_v be_v a_o father_n who_o have_v no_o offspring_n or_o than_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v a_o ground_n which_o have_v no_o superstructure_n 3._o next_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o dr._n st._n mean_n by_o the_o word_n faith_n in_o this_o place_n and_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v not_o think_v i_o injure_v he_o in_o suppose_v he_o have_v so_o good_a thought_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n as_o to_o hold_v it_o be_v more_o than_o a_o bare_a opinion_n who_o ground_n may_v all_o be_v false_a for_o if_o so_o the_o assent_n of_o protestant_n as_o faithful_a may_v possible_o be_v a_o error_n and_o all_o the_o tenet_n they_o profess_v to_o be_v truth_n and_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o believe_v they_o liable_a to_o be_v prove_v nothing_o perhaps_o in_o reality_n but_o a_o company_n of_o lie_n if_o then_o as_o in_o this_o supposition_n he_o must_v he_o holâ—s_v the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o protestant_n impossible_a to_o be_v faâ—â—e_n he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o reduce_v it_o into_o 〈◊〉_d ground_n and_o principle_n as_o be_v likewise_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o consequent_o if_o it_o rely_v on_o authority_n he_o be_v to_o bring_v infallible_a authority_n for_o it_o all_o that_o be_v fallible_a as_o common_a sense_n teach_v admit_v possibility_n of_o falsehood_n in_o whatever_o be_v ground_v on_o it_o such_o ground_n then_o or_o principle_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o produce_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n in_o case_n he_o hold_v it_o may_v not_o perhaps_o be_v a_o error_n for_o any_o thing_n he_o or_o his_o church_n know_v but_o in_o case_n he_o judge_v this_o assent_n or_o belief_n of_o protestant_n may_v be_v true_a faith_n though_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o may_v be_v false_a than_o he_o owe_v i_o a_o answer_n to_o faith_n vindicated_n where_o the_o contrary_a be_v prove_v by_o multitude_n of_o argument_n not_o one_o of_o which_o have_v yet_o receive_v one_o word_n of_o sober_a reply_n from_o he_o or_o dr._n tillotson_n though_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o inference_n at_o the_o end_n of_o that_o book_n it_o most_o high_o concern_v they_o both_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o several_a reason_n it_o contain_v 4._o in_o the_o three_o place_n we_o be_v to_o reflect_v what_o may_v be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n reduce_v in_o the_o say_a title_n and_o since_o all_o truth_n not_o self-evident_a nor_o know_v by_o immediate_a impression_n on_o sense_n be_v at_o first_o derive_v or_o deduce_v from_o principle_n this_o word_n reduce_v have_v a_o signification_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o other_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o dr._n st._n make_v account_v he_o have_v begin_v by_o put_v the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n which_o be_v the_o conclusion_n and_o bring_v it_o back_o for_o so_o the_o word_n reduce_v import_v to_o principle_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o every_o scholar_n he_o proceed_v in_o a_o way_n quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o he_o here_o pretend_v first_o lay_v six_o principle_n agree_v on_o than_o thirty_o other_o which_o since_o they_o go_v before_o his_o conclusion_n we_o be_v to_o think_v he_o mean_v for_o principle_n too_o and_o thence_o draw_v in_o the_o close_a six_o inference_n or_o sequels_fw-fr which_o be_v most_o manifest_o to_o deduce_v from_o principle_n not_o to_o reduce_v to_o they_o 5._o but_o however_o it_o be_v unblamable_a in_o one_o who_o own_v himself_o a_o scholar_n especial_o pretend_v the_o rigorous_a and_o learned_a way_n of_o proceed_v by_o principle_n not_o to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o way_n himself_o take_v yet_o let_v we_o kind_o suppose_v that_o dr._n st._n out_o of_o a_o unwariness_n only_o make_v use_v by_o chance_n of_o a_o improper_a word_n which_o be_v but_o a_o human_a lapse_n be_v more_o easy_o pardonable_a especial_o since_o the_o method_n he_o here_o undertake_v viz._n to_o begin_v with_o principle_n be_v if_o right_o manage_v and_o perform_v the_o most_o honourable_a for_o a_o scholar_n and_o the_o most_o satisfactory_a that_o may_v be_v and_o so_o deserve_v to_o make_v amends_o for_o many_o great_a fault_n let_v he_o then_o by_o reduce_v to_o principle_n mean_v deduce_v from_o principle_n yet_o since_o both_o reduce_n and_o deduce_v imply_v the_o show_v a_o connexion_n between_o those_o principle_n and_o what_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o they_o and_o this_o either_o immediate_a as_o to_o every_o particular_a conclusion_n or_o mediate_v we_o be_v to_o expect_v dr._n st._n shall_v still_o show_v we_o this_o connexion_n which_o be_v best_a and_o most_o clear_o do_v by_o relate_v each_o of_o his_o six_o conclusion_n to_o their_o respective_a premise_n or_o principle_n that_o so_o by_o this_o distinct_a proceed_n and_o own_v
and_o ground_v upon_o they_o hope_n and_o this_o all-over-powering_a love_n of_o heaven_n the_o main_a part_n of_o our_o obedience_n be_v true_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a if_o then_o dr._n st._n take_v the_o word_n know_v in_o this_o signification_n this_o principle_n be_v grant_v if_o in_o any_o other_o or_o for_o a_o great_a hope_n only_o that_o they_o be_v true_a as_o i_o fear_v when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o point_n he_o intend_v no_o more_o i_o must_v for_o the_o reason_n here_o give_v and_o many_o more_o allege_v in_o faith_n vindicated_n and_o reason_n against_o raillery_n deny_v that_o no_o other_o way_n of_o revelation_n be_v necessary_a and_o put_v he_o to_o prove_v it_o which_o he_o neither_o have_v do_v nor_o can_v do_v 2._o man_n be_v frame_v a_o rational_a creature_n capable_a of_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o may_v antecedent_o to_o any_o external_n revelation_n certain_o know_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o his_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v natural_o please_v unto_o he_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o any_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n god_n the_o true_a god_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o so_o evident_a that_o every_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n may_v arrive_v to_o know_v he_o however_o some_o few_o may_v and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o right_a nature_n all._n and_o in_o case_n he_o take_v the_o word_n certain_o know_v in_o their_o proper_a signification_n than_o he_o may_v consider_v how_o ill_o his_o friend_n dr._n tillotson_n discourse_n who_o profess_v not_o to_o have_v even_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o christianity_n that_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n which_o as_o dr._n still_o say_v be_v attainable_a by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o natural_a reason_n 3._o all_o supernatural_a and_o external_n revelation_n must_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o natural_a religion_n 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sometime_o take_v for_o the_o way_n of_o delivery_n sometime_o for_o the_o thing_n or_o point_n deliver_v when_o they_o be_v take_v for_o the_o one_o when_o for_o the_o other_o partly_o the_o circumstance_n and_o the_o aim_n of_o the_o discourse_n determine_v partly_o some_o annex_v particle_n or_o variation_n of_o the_o word_n so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v take_v for_o the_o thing_n reveal_v or_o deliver_v and_o be_v express_v singular_o it_o be_v call_v a_o divine_a revelation_n or_o a_o tradition_n if_o plural_o divine_a revelation_n or_o tradition_n now_o it_o seem_v something_o doubtful_a in_o whether_o sense_n it_o be_v take_v here_o for_o §_o 1._o he_o speak_v of_o the_o way_n of_o revelation_n which_o can_v only_o mean_a reveal_n and_o in_o the_o two_o follow_a one_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o word_n god_n have_v reveal_v find_v in_o the_o three_o but_o this_o matter_n not_o much_o so_o it_o be_v here_o take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n 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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 what_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n of_o convey_v the_o same_o down_o to_o our_o day_n i_o beg_v leave_n to_o supply_v dr._n st_n neglect_n and_o to_o insert_v into_o the_o middle_n of_o this_o §_o these_o word_n or_o else_o by_o the_o way_n of_o open_a attestation_n of_o a_o world_n of_o immediate_a christian_a father_n to_o a_o world_n of_o child_n by_o live_a voice_n and_o constant_a practice_n of_o what_o they_o have_v learn_v by_o their_o daily_a sensation_n which_o have_v dr._n st._n do_v any_o considerate_a reader_n who_o his_o much_o talk_n of_o god_n power_n and_o what_o god_n may_v do_v have_v not_o divert_v from_o reflect_v that_o his_o wisdom_n determin_n his_o power_n in_o ordinary_a and_o general_a effect_n to_o do_v what_o accord_v to_o the_o establish_a nature_n of_o thing_n be_v the_o fit_a mean_n to_o compass_v such_o a_o end_n will_v quick_o have_v incline_v to_o judge_v this_o the_o most_o connatural_a and_o fit_a way_n and_o therefore_o actual_o to_o have_v be_v make_v 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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 odd-natured_a principle_n what_o influence_n they_o have_v either_o immediate_a or_o mediate_v upon_o any_o thing_n follow_v the_o rest_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o nine_o be_v either_o absurdity_n already_o lay_v open_a or_o else_o impertinent_a truth_n as_o will_v be_v see_v by_o their_o uselessness_n in_o the_o process_n of_o this_o discourse_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n necessary_a to_o the_o better_a clear_v the_o follow_a principle_n the_o several_a way_n of_o reveal_v at_o least_o as_o many_o as_o dr._n sy_n thought_n fit_a be_v propose_v he_o go_v about_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o establish_v one_o of_o they_o viz._n write_v to_o have_v be_v intend_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o fit_a mean_n to_o ascertain_v faith_n to_o we_o who_o live_v now_o and_o this_o he_o do_v in_o the_o first_o five_o principle_n whence_o he_o proceed_v to_o reject_v the_o infallibility_n of_o any_o church_n whatever_o either_o to_o 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
to_o be_v ascertain_v that_o he_o who_o be_v real_o god_n infinite_a in_o all_o his_o attribute_n and_o infinite_o happy_a in_o himself_o shall_v pure_o out_o of_o his_o overflow_a goodness_n towards_o miserable_a mankind_n take_v his_o nature_n upon_o he_o become_v his_o brother_n friend_n physician_n master_n nay_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n many_o hardship_n during_o his_o life_n and_o at_o length_n buffet_n scourge_v crown_v with_o thorn_n and_o a_o most_o cruel_a death_n on_o the_o cross_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o remembrance_n of_o these_o many_o benefit_n warm_a in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v we_o after_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n his_o most_o precious_a body_n and_o blood_n in_o a_o sacrament_n institute_v for_o that_o end_n by_o this_o mean_v not_o only_o revive_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o former_a incomparable_a love-motive_n but_o also_o add_v new_a incitement_n to_o that_o best_a of_o virtue_n by_o our_o apprehend_n lively_o that_o he_o so_o dear_o embreast_n and_o embosom_v himself_o with_o we_o by_o his_o unite_n himself_o to_o we_o through_o his_o corporal_a presence_n that_o so_o our_o soul_n may_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o love_n spring_v from_o this_o consideration_n feed_v on_o and_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o spiritual_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o these_o be_v not_o truth_n but_o that_o the_o church_n may_v perhaps_o err_v in_o embrace_v they_o who_o see_v not_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v idolatrous_a at_o least_o material_o in_o give_v true_a divine_a honour_n which_o be_v proper_a only_o to_o the_o creator_n to_o a_o creature_n each_o of_o these_o two_o point_n then_o be_v of_o that_o high_a concern_v as_o to_o christian_a life_n and_o practice_n that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n either_o a_o most_o wicked_a and_o damnable_a heresy_n to_o deny_v or_o else_o to_o assert_v it_o wherefore_o it_o be_v the_o high_a impiety_n to_o imagine_v that_o god_n have_v leave_v no_o way_n to_o ascertain_v mankind_n whether_o these_o two_o point_n omit_v many_o other_o be_v true_a or_o false_a since_o it_o be_v unavoidable_a they_o be_v if_o true_a the_o great_a and_o most_o efficacious_a help_n to_o christian_a devotion_n that_o can_v be_v if_o false_a the_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o same_o as_o corrupt_v the_o best_a devotion_n of_o those_o christian_n into_o idolatrous_a worship_n the_o know_v then_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v most_o certain_o will_v by_o god_n we_o be_v to_o expect_v such_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v declarative_n of_o these_o and_o such_o as_o these_o with_o absolute_a certainty_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v whether_o write_v be_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o such_o a_o end_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o it_o may_v certain_o be_v conclude_v from_o god_n wisdom_n goodness_n etc._n etc._n that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v make_v choice_n of_o or_o intend_v by_o god_n for_o it_o but_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o dr._n st._n perpetual_o wave_v any_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o argue_v from_o god_n power_n which_o though_o i_o have_v already_o show_v how_o incompetent_a and_o absurd_a it_o be_v let_v we_o examine_v at_o lest_o what_o work_v he_o make_v of_o it_o if_o say_v he_o the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v to_o man_n by_o writing_n it_o must_v either_o be_v etc._n etc._n i_o must_v distinguish_v the_o word_n can_v be_v declare_v by_o writing_n as_o i_o do_v former_o and_o affirm_v that_o they_o may_v either_o mean_v that_o the_o way_n of_o write_v as_o take_v in_o the_o whole_a latitude_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o stand_v under_o god_n infinite_a power_n order_v it_o with_o all_o possible_a advantage_n to_o the_o end_n intend_v can_v sufficient_o declare_v god_n will_n as_o to_o such_o point_n or_o they_o may_v mean_v that_o god_n revelation_n of_o his_o will_n by_o write_v so_o qualify_v as_o it_o be_v now_o actual_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n can_v sufficient_o or_o with_o absolute_a certainty_n declare_v god_n will_v as_o to_o the_o point_n aforesaid_a to_o man_n of_o all_o capacity_n in_o all_o future_a age_n take_v they_o in_o the_o former_a sense_n i_o deny_v the_o proposition_n and_o say_v that_o god_n will_v as_o to_o such_o point_n can_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v by_o write_v for_o it_o be_v absolute_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o god_n power_n to_o contrive_v a_o book_n on_o that_o manner_n as_o may_v define_v exact_o or_o else_o explicate_v at_o large_a in_o what_o precise_a sense_n every_o word_n that_o express_v each_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v take_v and_o to_o provide_v that_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v take_v in_o that_o book_n in_o more_o than_o that_o one_o sense_n or_o if_o in_o more_o to_o notify_v to_o we_o in_o which_o place_v it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o different_a meaning_n he_o can_v also_o have_v lay_v it_o so_o that_o a_o hundred_o or_o two_o of_o original_n of_o these_o book_n may_v be_v preserve_v public_o in_o several_a distant_a country_n from_o the_o beginning_n which_o may_v by_o their_o perfect_a agreement_n bear_v testimony_n to_o one_o another_o and_o so_o assure_v we_o the_o text_n be_v keep_v hitherto_o inviolate_a even_o to_o a_o tittle_n and_o also_o remain_v a_o standard_n to_o correct_v all_o the_o multitude_n of_o diverse_a readins_n which_o as_o experience_n show_v we_o be_v apt_a otherwise_o to_o set_v the_o copy_n at_o variance_n with_o one_o another_o he_o can_v also_o have_v so_o order_v it_o that_o the_o original_a language_n may_v have_v be_v as_o well_o understand_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n as_o their_o own_o be_v &_o so_o have_v avoid_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o translation_n again_o lest_o crafty_a heretic_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n for_o the_o future_a by_o witty_o allude_v place_n or_o play_v upon_o word_n or_o other_o sophistries_n pervert_v the_o sense_n god_n power_n can_v have_v cause_v a_o book_n to_o be_v write_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o large_a prophecy_n foretell_v that_o in_o such_o a_o time_n 〈◊〉_d place_n such_o and_o such_o a_o heretic_n shall_v arise_v pervert_v such_o and_o such_o a_o point_n and_o forewarn_v man_n of_o his_o sophism_n and_o error_n this_o and_o much_o more_o may_v have_v be_v effect_v by_o god_n power_n to_o establish_v write_v such_o a_o absolute_o certain_a and_o intelligible_a way_n which_o why_o his_o wisdom_n shall_v not_o have_v do_v in_o case_n faith_n be_v a_o assent_n which_o while_o it_o rely_v on_o the_o ground_n god_n have_v leave_v for_o mankind_n can_v be_v a_o error_n as_o it_o may_v be_v if_o none_o can_v be_v absolute_o certain_a both_o of_o the_o text_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n i_o will_v glad_o be_v inform_v especial_o since_o dr._n st._n tell_v we_o here_o princ._n 15._o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o infallible_a society_n of_o man_n either_o to_o attest_v or_o explain_v they_o and_o all_o that_o be_v fallible_a as_o common_a sense_n tell_v we_o fall_v short_a of_o elevate_a it_o above_o possibility_n of_o be_v a_o error_n whence_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n on_o foot_n in_o the_o world_n tradition_n of_o the_o church_n fail_v or_o be_v set_v aside_o to_o secure_v we_o absolute_o of_o this_o it_o can_v only_o be_v have_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a operation_n of_o god_n power_n secure_v the_o letter_n of_o such_o write_n and_o render_v those_o write_n themselves_o perfect_o intelligible_a in_o the_o manner_n assign_v in_o case_n write_v be_v indeed_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n write_v then_o can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o able_a thus_o to_o ascertain_v faith_n to_o we_o if_o god_n infinite_a power_n undertake_v the_o frame_n it_o such_o as_o i_o have_v express_v but_o because_o experience_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v not_o so_o order_v let_v we_o leave_v this_o platonic_a way_n of_o consider_v how_o thing_n shall_v be_v in_o that_o supposition_n and_o follow_v the_o aristotelian_a consider_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v and_o according_o examine_v how_o gâ—ds_n wisdom_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o order_v such_o write_n actual_o and_o thence_o gather_v whether_o however_o it_o be_v agree_v between_o we_o they_o be_v most_o excellent_a for_o other_o use_n and_o end_n they_o be_v ever_o intend_v by_o the_o same_o wisdom_n for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o evince_v the_o contrary_a of_o which_o not_o to_o repeat_v those_o many_o argument_n i_o have_v bring_v elsewhere_o i_o fartner_n offer_v these_o reason_n first_o if_o the_o write_n of_o man_n divine_o inspire_v be_v mean_v for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n then_o either_o all_o such_o write_n as_o such_o be_v therefore_o to_o belong_v to_o that_o rule_n or_o some_o only_o if_o all_o then_o since_o some_o write_n grant_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o
such_o person_n be_v know_v to_o be_v lose_v it_o may_v be_v doubt_v nay_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o present_a write_a rule_n be_v defective_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n unless_o it_o be_v well_o make_v out_o that_o those_o divinely-inspired_a write_n which_o be_v lose_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n than_o these_o extant_a and_o therefore_o that_o they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o be_v a_o rule_n the_o proof_n for_o which_o point_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o pregnant_a and_o convince_a otherwise_o it_o may_v be_v question_v whether_o any_o book_n write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v have_v in_o they_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n or_o be_v intend_v for_o that_o end_n by_o god_n and_o this_o be_v particular_o enforce_v because_o dr._n sâ—_n here_o princ._n 28._o make_v scripture_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o if_o the_o measure_n fall_v short_a it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v the_o thing_n measure_v or_o faith_n will_v fall_v short_a likewise_o but_o if_o he_o say_v only_o some_o of_o those_o divinely-inspired_a write_n be_v sufficient_a it_o be_v very_o necessary_a it_o shall_v be_v make_v out_o how_o many_o be_v needful_a that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v thorough_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o precise_a ground_n of_o christian_a faith_n concern_v which_o yet_o there_o be_v much_o difference_n in_o opinion_n among_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o letter-rule_n which_o signify_v that_o none_o of_o they_o know_v distinct_o what_o themselves_o assign_v or_o hold_v to_o be_v that_o rule_n or_o if_o he_o say_v that_o only_a those_o which_o god_n providence_n have_v preserve_v be_v that_o rule_n then_o he_o must_v either_o say_v that_o god_n providence_n therefore_o preserve_v these_o because_o they_o contain_v holy_a doctrine_n and_o be_v write_v by_o man_n divinely-inspired_a or_o be_v apt_a to_o benefit_v future_a mankind_n and_o then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n those_o which_o perish_v shall_v have_v be_v preserve_v too_o or_o else_o that_o god_n preserve_v these_o in_o particular_a because_o these_o which_o remain_v be_v beside_o those_o qualification_n proper_a and_o sufficient_a to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o then_o he_o beg_v the_o question_n and_o suppose_v his_o own_o tenet_n true_a even_o while_o he_o be_v prove_v it_o so_o nexâ—_n suppose_v the_o original_n of_o these_o book_n now_o extant_a to_o have_v be_v once_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v requisite_a the_o church_n in_o the_o beginning_n shall_v have_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o such_o and_o consequent_o have_v make_v account_n for_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n till_o when_o they_o be_v not_o collect_v or_o universal_o propose_v it_o have_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n or_o entire_a body_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o of_o this_o we_o hear_v not_o that_o any_o have_v the_o least_o jealousy_n or_o that_o they_o look_v after_o book_n of_o scripture_n as_o thing_n without_o which_o the_o church_n be_v not_o either_o absolute_o certain_a of_o its_o faith_n or_o have_v not_o all_o its_o faith_n again_o have_v those_o book_n be_v then_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o consider_v that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v unacknowledged_a one_o scatter_v here_o another_o there_o accidental_o be_v senseless_a to_o imagine_v yet_o how_o can_v we_o â—ow_o or_o future_a age_n hereafter_o have_v absolute_a certainty_n that_o some_o substantial_a word_n or_o other_o be_v not_o alter_v omit_v or_o insert_v in_o those_o place_n that_o concern_v the_o main_a point_n of_o faith_n for_o example_n the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o real_a presence_n in_o case_n there_o be_v no_o infallible_a authority_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o which_o dr._n st._n deny_v here_o princ._n 15._o it_o be_v not_o evident_a he_o must_v say_v that_o none_o of_o these_o can_v be_v make_v out_o with_o absolute_a certainty_n and_o consequent_o confess_v with_o 118._o dr._n t._n that_o all_o this_o may_v be_v otherwise_o unless_o he_o have_v recourse_n to_o god_n extraordinary_a assistance_n to_o the_o multitude_n of_o transcriber_n and_o translator_n because_o of_o the_o necessity_n the_o letter_n shall_v be_v thus_o preserve_v still_o unchanged_a in_o regard_n otherwise_o none_o can_v say_v his_o faith_n be_v true_a which_o again_o beg_v the_o question_n and_o suppose_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n instead_o of_o prove_v it_o so_o far_o let_v the_o letter_n be_v suppose_v exact_o like_o the_o original_a how_o will_v that_o letter_n secure_a from_o all_o possible_a error_n all_o that_o rely_v on_o it_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n ought_v or_o to_o use_v dr._n st_n word_n princ._n 15._o reveal_v so_o plain_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n that_o no_o sober_a enquirer_n can_v miss_v of_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o salvation_n now_o if_o they_o can_v miss_v of_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o salvation_n they_o must_v needs_o hit_v on_o it_o and_o so_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n infallible_a as_o to_o that_o point_n while_o they_o rely_v thereon_o to_o put_v it_o to_o the_o trial_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o dispute_v there_o be_v out_o of_o scripture_n letter_n between_o socinian_o and_o their_o opposer_n about_o a_o trinity_n and_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o between_o catholic_n and_o their_o adversary_n about_o the_o real_a presence_n how_o many_o interpretation_n of_o this_n be_v my_o body_n how_o many_o allusion_n of_o one_o place_n to_o another_o in_o both_o those_o point_n to_o hammer_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o these_o agitate_a on_o both_o side_n by_o body_n of_o eminent_a man_n excellent_a scholar_n acute_a scripturist_n must_v every_o sober_a enquirer_n and_o every_o private_a ignorant_a person_n who_o sincere_o endeavour_v needs_o hit_v on_o the_o right_n and_o judge_v better_o of_o these_o point_n than_o all_o those_o learned_a man_n or_o must_v we_o needs_o conclude_v that_o all_o those_o learned_a enquirer_n find_v in_o each_o of_o those_o vast_a different_a party_n be_v mad_a or_o insincere_a i_o wish_v he_o will_v prove_v this_o it_o be_v his_o best_a interest_n and_o will_v give_v his_o argument_n some_o likelihood_n which_o till_o then_o have_v none_o for_o the_o fact_n be_v so_o notorious_a how_o earnest_o they_o all_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o point_n by_o the_o letter_n none_o will_v judge_v but_o that_o if_o their_o head_n or_o heart_n be_v not_o strange_o disorder_v by_o folly_n or_o insincerity_n the_o letter_n which_o shall_v inform_v they_o be_v strange_o incompetent_a for_o that_o end_n but_o it_o be_v remarkable_a how_o neat_o dr._n st._n skip_v aside_o from_o the_o point_n he_o undertake_v not_o to_o give_v we_o any_o assurance_n that_o his_o sober_a or_o sincere_a enquirer_n shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n find_v out_o that_o any_o one_o point_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v a_o absolute_o certain_a truth_n but_o only_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o miss_v 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purposely_o compile_v to_o deliver_v a_o entire_a body_n of_o faith_n nor_o do_v it_o observe_v any_o method_n tend_v to_o clear_v each_o several_a point_n for_o it_o neither_o begin_v with_o define_v or_o explain_v every_o word_n make_v use_v of_o in_o signify_v those_o point_n which_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o avoid_v equivocation_n the_o ground_n of_o all_o mistake_n nor_o do_v it_o pursue_v home_o the_o evidence_a any_o one_o point_n by_o make_v we_o aware_a of_o the_o sinister_a sense_n in_o which_o each_o word_n express_v that_o point_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v take_v nor_o do_v it_o put_v objection_n against_o each_o tenet_n and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o right_a apprehension_n of_o it_o by_o solve_v they_o nor_o distinguish_v by_o lay_v common_a rule_n to_o know_v when_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v take_v proper_o when_o metaphorical_o much_o less_o tell_v we_o particular_o in_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 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in_o the_o bare_a letter_n as_o it_o lie_v there_o be_v find_v many_o passage_n which_o contradict_v one_o another_o and_o abstract_v from_o all_o interpretation_n and_o attestation_n of_o the_o letter_n no_o part_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v true_a than_o other_o for_o if_o it_o once_o lose_v the_o repute_n of_o be_v god_n word_n as_o in_o that_o case_n it_o must_v it_o be_v all_o equal_o liable_a to_o be_v false_a it_o follow_v that_o if_o there_o be_v neither_o any_o man_n infallible_a in_o attest_v nor_o in_o explain_v those_o write_n all_o the_o world_n may_v be_v deceive_v in_o perform_v both_o those_o duty_n and_o so_o all_o mankind_n may_v be_v deceive_v both_o in_o judge_v the_o scripture_n which_o we_o now_o have_v to_o be_v the_o same_o book_n which_o be_v write_v at_o first_o since_o there_o be_v no_o infallible_a attestation_n of_o it_o and_o also_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o judge_v there_o be_v not_o contradiction_n in_o it_o since_o there_o be_v no_o infallible_a 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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some_o other_o depute_v by_o god_n for_o that_o end_n who_o have_v faith_n in_o their_o heart_n already_o by_o some_o other_o mean_v but_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v dr._n st._n will_v in_o the_o process_n of_o his_o discourse_n clear_v this_o point_n solid_o and_o thorough_o for_o it_o be_v the_o main_a hinge_n of_o all_o this_o controveesie_n he_o go_v forward_o thus_o 12._o such_o write_n have_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o first_o age_n as_o divine_a and_o infallible_a and_o be_v deliver_v down_o as_o such_o to_o we_o by_o a_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o age_n since_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v own_v by_o we_o as_o the_o certain_a rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v what_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_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 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 whole_a mind_n or_o the_o writer_n with_o insincerity_n in_o not_o set_v it_o down_o and_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n of_o the_o first_o age_n with_o folly_n in_o believe_v the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n as_o far_o as_o i_o apprehend_v the_o forego_v principle_n be_v intend_v to_o show_v that_o scripture_n be_v sufficirnt_o intelligible_a to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o under_o examination_n be_v to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o faith_n as_o he_o call_v it_o princ._n 28._o and_o all_o he_o contend_v here_o be_v that_o it_o contain_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o multiply_v dispute_n i_o grant_v those_o holy_a book_n contain_v all_o he_o pretend_v some_o way_n or_o other_o either_o implicit_o or_o explicit_o either_o in_o express_v word_n or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n but_o that_o those_o book_n contain_v or_o signify_v for_o they_o be_v the_o same_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v so_o evident_o that_o all_o person_n who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v their_o meaning_n and_o this_o for_o all_o future_a age_n may_v thence_o alone_o as_o his_o discourse_n aim_v to_o evince_v that_o be_v without_o the_o church_n interpretation_n arrive_v to_o know_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n with_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o obligation_n annex_v to_o it_o i_o absolute_o deny_v and_o if_o he_o mean_v this_o by_o the_o word_n perfection_n which_o he_o add_v to_o fullness_n i_o deny_v also_o that_o either_o the_o first_o author_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o fraud_n since_o he_o promise_v no_o such_o thing_n or_o the_o writer_n with_o insincerity_n since_o they_o be_v not_o command_v nor_o do_v intend_v thus_o to_o express_v it_o nor_o as_o far_o as_o appear_v have_v any_o order_n from_o 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 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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 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