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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61545 A discourse concerning the nature and grounds of the certainty of faith in answer to J.S., his Catholick letters / by Edw. Stillingfleet ... Stillingfleet, Edward, 1635-1699. 1688 (1688) Wing S5582; ESTC R14787 74,966 133

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of_o faith_n and_o have_v he_o find_v out_o the_o church_n authority_n too_o without_o the_o church_n help_v and_o yet_o do_v he_o want_v some_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n then_o it_o follow_v that_o after_o the_o submit_v to_o the_o church_n authority_n there_o be_v still_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n which_o may_v be_v want_v and_o then_o a_o absolute_a submission_n be_v not_o all_o that_o be_v require_v of_o one_o that_o have_v find_v out_o the_o church_n authority_n but_o my_o whole_a argument_n there_o proceed_v upon_o a_o supposition_n viz._n that_o if_o one_o may_v without_o the_o church_n help_v find_v out_o the_o church_n authority_n in_o scripture_n then_o why_o not_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o it_o go_v upon_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n and_o i_o see_v no_o answer_n at_o all_o give_v or_o pretend_v but_o only_o he_o endeavour_v to_o stop_v my_o mouth_n with_o a_o handful_n of_o dirt._n thus_o i_o have_v dispatch_v this_o long_a argument_n 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ever_o the_o less_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o rule_n because_o both_o party_n own_o it_o but_o they_o differ_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o controversy_n can_v never_o be_v end_v by_o it_o if_o church-history_n deceive_v we_o not_o the_o great_a controversy_n be_v end_v by_o it_o before_o general_a council_n be_v hear_v of_o and_o more_o than_o have_v be_v since_o many_o of_o those_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o first_o age_n be_v quite_o lay_v asleep_o 3._o as_o theodoret_n observe_v but_o since_o church-authority_n interpose_v in_o the_o most_o reasonable_a manner_n some_o difference_n have_v be_v perpetuate_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o nestorian_a and_o eutychian_a controversy_n i_o do_v not_o blame_v the_o authority_n of_o council_n proceed_v as_o they_o then_o do_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n but_o the_o event_n show_v that_o the_o most_o probable_a mean_n be_v sometime_o very_o ineffectual_a for_o end_v controversy_n and_o those_o which_o man_n think_v will_n 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obstinacy_n of_o mankind_n and_o till_o human_a nature_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o better_a temper_n we_o may_v despair_v of_o see_v any_o end_n of_o controversy_n man_n may_v dispute_v and_o for_o all_o that_o i_o know_v will_v do_v to_o the_o world_n end_n about_o the_o method_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o dispute_n for_o the_o controversy_n about_o certainty_n and_o fatality_n have_v be_v always_o the_o matter_n of_o debate_n among_o dispute_v man_n under_o several_a name_n and_o hypothesis_n and_o be_v like_o so_o to_o be_v to_o the_o general_a conflagration_n iv._o he_o say_v 26._o scripture_n be_v not_o our_o distinguish_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o our_o own_o particular_a judgement_n about_o scripture_n for_o that_o which_o distinguish_v my_o rule_n from_o that_o of_o the_o most_o abominable_a heresy_n can_v only_o be_v my_o own_o judgement_n upon_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n and_o wriggle_v which_o way_n i_o will_v there_o it_o will_v and_o must_v end_v at_o last_o i_o wish_v mr._n s._n have_v be_v a_o little_a better_a conversant_a in_o the_o old_a dispute_n about_o certainty_n for_o it_o will_v have_v save_v i_o the_o trouble_n of_o answer_v some_o impertinent_a objection_n such_o as_o this_o before_o we_o for_o they_o will_v have_v be_v think_v mean_a logician_n who_o can_v not_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o rule_n of_o judgement_n and_o the_o judgement_n which_o a_o man_n make_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n suppose_v the_o question_n be_v about_o sense_n whether_o that_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n or_o not_o to_o judge_v by_o and_o epicurus_n shall_v affirm_v it_o and_o say_v he_o so_o firm_o believe_v it_o that_o he_o judge_v the_o sun_n to_o be_v no_o big_a than_o he_o seem_v to_o his_o sense_n will_v not_o he_o have_v be_v think_v ridiculous_a who_o shall_v have_v say_v this_o fancy_n of_o epicurus_n be_v his_o rule_n the_o rule_n he_o go_v by_o be_v in_o itself_o certain_a but_o he_o make_v a_o wrong_a judgement_n upon_o it_o but_o that_o be_v not_o his_o rule_n so_o it_o be_v here_o we_o declare_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v our_o only_a certain_a and_o stand_a rule_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o we_o understand_v it_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v and_o form_v our_o judgement_n by_o it_o but_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o our_o judgement_n be_v our_o rule_n we_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o our_o judgement_n but_o our_o rule_n be_v infallible_a we_o may_v differ_v in_o our_o judgement_n but_o our_o rule_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o those_o who_o differ_v in_o judgement_n to_o have_v the_o same_o rule_n if_o our_o rule_n and_o our_o judgement_n be_v the_o same_o for_o than_o their_o rule_n must_v be_v as_o different_a as_o their_o judgement_n i_o know_v not_o what_o modern_a logic_n mr._n s._n learn_v but_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o learn_v not_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v from_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n who_o discourse_v about_o the_o criterion_n after_o another_o manner_n than_o our_o great_a pretender_n to_o logic_n do_v 26._o v._o he_o object_n that_o our_o people_n do_v not_o make_v scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n not_o one_o in_o a_o million_o rely_v upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o this_o pretence_n of_o i_o he_o say_v book_n like_o a_o mere_a jest_n and_o he_o can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o i_o be_o in_o earnest_n while_o i_o advance_v such_o a_o paradox_n what_o do_v j._n s._n mean_v to_o call_v one_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o church_n a_o jest_n and_o a_o paradox_n for_o the_o word_n of_o our_o six_o article_n be_v holy_a scripture_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o read_v therein_o nor_o may_v be_v prove_v thereby_o be_v not_o to_o be_v require_v of_o any_o man_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v believe_v as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o be_v think_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n do_v j._n s._n now_o take_v this_o for_o a_o paradox_n among_o we_o i_o assure_v he_o i_o love_v not_o to_o make_v jest_n about_o scripture_n nor_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o salvation_n but_o wherein_o do_v this_o jest_n lie_v why_o forsooth_o i_o make_v the_o people_n to_o make_v scripture_n their_o rule_n and_o not_o one_o in_o a_o million_o think_v of_o rely_v on_o it_o have_v they_o then_o any_o other_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o rely_v upon_o what_o be_v it_o i_o pray_v be_v it_o the_o church_n infallibility_n no._n be_v it_o pius_n the_o four_o creed_n no_o true_o while_o they_o be_v child_n 27._o they_o believe_v tradition_n now_o i_o think_v j._n s._n have_v hit_v it_o tradition_n be_v indeed_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o child_n who_o be_v very_o apt_a simple_o to_o believe_v their_o father_n and_o teacher_n but_o suppose_v they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n what_o rule_n of_o faith_n have_v they_o then_o have_v they_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n then_o no_o this_o be_v another_o jest._n for_o he_o suppose_v all_o our_o people_n to_o be_v a_o dull_a sort_n of_o animal_n that_o understand_v nothing_o of_o scripture_n or_o faith_n themselves_o i_o wonder_v then_o that_o they_o make_v no_o more_o convert_v among_o they_o but_o trust_v their_o parson_n for_o all_o for_o boves_fw-la arabant_fw-la &_o asinae_fw-la pascebantur_fw-la juxta_fw-la eos_fw-la therefore_o the_o people_n have_v no_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n 2.2.9.4.2.6_o i_o hope_v j._n s._n know_v who_o jest_n or_o rather_o argument_n that_o be_v whatever_o he_o insinuate_v as_o to_o our_o people_n i_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v far_o better_o of_o they_o and_o that_o all_o those_o who_o mind_n their_o salvation_n do_v serious_o read_v and_o consider_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith._n but_o if_o
but_o however_o it_o be_v express_v or_o connect_v his_o meaning_n be_v that_o we_o only_o set_v up_o scripture_n against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o then_o set_v up_o our_o own_o authority_n over_o the_o people_n this_o be_v not_o possible_a if_o we_o do_v allow_v they_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o thing_n he_o so_o much_o charge_n upon_o i_o and_o say_v he_o never_o read_v any_o protestant_n that_o put_v matter_n more_o into_o private_a hand_n than_o i_o do_v 29._o and_o yet_o in_o the_o very_a next_o page_n he_o say_v i_o deny_v the_o people_n the_o same_o privilege_n against_o pastoral_n authority_n how_o can_v i_o deny_v they_o such_o a_o privilege_n if_o i_o put_v matter_n into_o their_o hand_n above_o any_o other_o protestant_n i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o i_o do_v in_o the_o least_o differ_v from_o the_o six_o article_n of_o our_o church_n nor_o do_v i_o take_v off_o from_o the_o due_a authority_n of_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o church_n but_o all_o our_o dispute_n be_v about_o this_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n whether_o it_o be_v allowable_a to_o people_n and_o how_o far_o in_o his_o three_o letter_n he_o resume_v this_o argument_n and_o thither_o i_o follow_v he_o 92._o that_o i_o may_v lay_v thing_n together_o into_o some_o method_n the_o word_n he_o cavil_v at_o be_v if_o we_o have_v the_o consent_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n against_o the_o only_a pretend_a infallible_a judge_n we_o have_v their_o consent_n likewise_o that_o every_o man_n be_v to_o judge_v for_o his_o own_o salvation_n what_o hurt_n be_v there_o in_o this_o it_o seem_v then_o nothing_o will_v content_v we_o now_o but_o infallibility_n be_v there_o ever_o such_o a_o awkard_n man_n at_o reason_v it_o follow_v indeed_o that_o either_o there_o must_v be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n or_o every_o man_n must_v judge_v for_o himself_o do_v i_o then_o allow_v no_o authority_n to_o church-governor_n that_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o infallibility_n yes_o very_o much_o while_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o impose_v on_o our_o faith_n by_o a_o pretence_n to_o infallibility_n but_o what_o occasion_n do_v i_o give_v for_o this_o when_o i_o say_v only_o that_o every_o man_n must_v judge_v for_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v the_o conscience_n to_o leave_v this_o out_o in_o repeat_v my_o sense_n but_o two_o line_n after_o may_v not_o you_o mistake_v or_o pervert_v to_o day_n what_o you_o hear_v yesterday_o when_o i_o find_v you_o mistake_v or_o pervert_v my_o sense_n but_o at_o two_o line_n distance_n and_o then_o run_v on_o in_o a_o long_a discourse_n as_o though_o you_o have_v take_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o my_o word_n be_v not_o this_o a_o fit_a person_n to_o play_v out_o mr._n g_o be_v game_n who_o shuffle_n in_o so_o strange_a a_o manner_n and_o so_o open_o play_v false_a card_n where_o do_v i_o ever_o dispute_v against_o church-authority_n in_o due_a propose_v matter_n of_o faith_n provide_v that_o every_o man_n be_v to_o judge_v for_o his_o own_o salvation_n but_o i_o have_v he_o say_v a_o ache_a tooth_n at_o the_o church_n intermeddle_v in_o matter_n of_o faith._n 93._o from_o whence_o do_v this_o appear_v this_o must_v either_o arise_v from_o great_a ignorance_n as_o to_o the_o right_n of_o judge_v every_o man_n have_v as_o to_o his_o own_o salvation_n or_o from_o a_o malicious_a design_n to_o expose_v i_o to_o all_o church-governor_n but_o i_o pity_v his_o ignorance_n and_o despise_v his_o malice_n what_o pleasant_a entertainment_n do_v he_o make_v with_o the_o sober_a enquirer_n it_o be_v pity_n say_v he_o but_o he_o have_v a_o blue_a apron_n on_o and_o a_o tub_n to_o hold-forth_a in_o as_o a_o sober_a enquirer_n may_v possible_o find_v some_o pretender_n to_o infallibility_n have_v do_v in_o their_o time._n but_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o this_o ado_n about_o a_o sober_a enquirer_n i_o have_v say_v many_o year_n ago_o that_o the_o scripture_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 a_o infallible_a society_n of_o man_n either_o to_o attest_v or_o explain_v these_o write_n among_o christian_n any_o more_o than_o there_o be_v for_o some_o age_n before_o christ_n of_o such_o a_o body_n of_o man_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o attest_v or_o explain_v to_o they_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o where_o lie_v the_o heresy_n or_o danger_n of_o this_o doctrine_n if_o i_o say_v that_o no_o sober_a enquirer_n can_v miss_v of_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o st._n chrysostom_n st._n augustin_n aquinas_n and_o other_o schoolman_n have_v say_v before_o i_o and_o be_v they_o for_o blue_a apron_n and_o tub_n to_o hold_v forth_o in_o nay_o to_o show_v how_o unskilful_a j._n s._n be_v in_o the_o writer_n of_o his_o own_o church_n if_o they_o do_v own_o he_o even_o bellarmin_n himself_o grant_v as_o much_o as_o i_o say_v for_o be_v to_o answer_v that_o place_n jam._n 1.5_o if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v liberal_o etc._n etc._n he_o answer_v respondeo_fw-la this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o sapientia_fw-la necessaria_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la so_o than_o a_o sober_a enquirer_n pray_v to_o god_n to_o give_v he_o wisdom_n shall_v not_o want_v that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o his_o salvation_n and_o he_o quote_v several_a passage_n of_o st._n augustin_n to_o prove_v that_o prayer_n obtain_v nothing_o infallible_o but_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a or_o useful_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o he_o that_o pray_v if_o this_o be_v then_o obtain_v infallible_o than_o we_o see_v a_o infallible_a ground_n of_o certainty_n as_o to_o what_o be_v necessary_a or_o useful_a to_o salvation_n bellarmin_n indeed_o say_v that_o a_o gift_n of_o interpretation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v by_o prayer_n and_o do_v i_o ever_o say_v it_o be_v do_v i_o ever_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n to_o enthusiastic_a pretender_n or_o to_o the_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n and_o order_n of_o our_o establish_v church_n what_o mean_v then_o these_o spiteful_a insinuation_n do_v the_o man_n hope_v to_o raise_v himself_o by_o expose_v i_o or_o to_o be_v caress_v by_o f.p._n and_o f._n w._n by_o the_o brave_a attempt_n of_o throw_v dirt_n so_o plain_o in_o my_o face_n which_o will_v never_o stick_v be_v so_o unskilful_o throw_v either_o to_o my_o prejudice_n or_o his_o advantage_n but_o this_o matter_n about_o the_o people_n judgement_n of_o discretion_n must_v not_o be_v thus_o pass_v over_o for_o he_o resume_v it_o at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o three_o letter_n and_o think_v it_o a_o good_a relish_v bit_n to_o conclude_v with_o and_o towards_o the_o very_a end_n he_o begin_v to_o state_n the_o controversy_n this_o true_a 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out_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith._n and_o where_o lie_v the_o heresy_n the_o enthusiasm_n the_o atheism_n of_o this_o doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v already_o show_v be_v assert_v both_o by_o father_n and_o schoolman_n and_o j._n s._n himself_o grant_v that_o every_o man_n be_v to_o judge_v for_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o of_o the_o best_a way_n to_o his_o salvation_n and_o of_o all_o the_o controversy_n between_o they_o and_o we_o and_o especial_o of_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o all_o this_o without_o the_o church_n help_v and_o if_o he_o can_v do_v all_o this_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o he_o can_v find_v out_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n have_v he_o indeed_o resolve_v all_o controversy_n and_o yet_o want_v some_o necessary_a point_n
which_o be_v there_o receive_v as_o in_o the_o lump_n and_o if_o we_o receive_v the_o book_n which_o contain_v all_o we_o must_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n receive_v all_o contain_v in_o it_o as_o if_o a_o purse_n be_v leave_v to_o a_o man_n by_o his_o father_n will_n full_a of_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o this_o by_o the_o executor_n be_v declare_v to_o contain_v all_o the_o gold_n and_o silver_n his_o father_n leave_v he_o they_o who_o deliver_v this_o purse_n to_o he_o from_o the_o executor_n do_v certain_o deliver_v to_o he_o all_o the_o gold_n and_o silver_n leave_v he_o by_o his_o father_n but_o if_o he_o suspect_v there_o be_v both_o gold_n and_o silver_n leave_v he_o by_o his_o father_n which_o be_v not_o in_o that_o purse_n than_o he_o must_v call_v in_o question_n the_o integrity_n of_o the_o executor_n who_o declare_v that_o all_o be_v contain_v therein_o this_o be_v now_o the_o case_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o to_o all_o divine_a truth_n which_o respect_n man_n salvation_n the_o primitive_a church_n who_o answer_n to_o the_o executor_n in_o the_o other_o case_n do_v unanimous_o declare_v that_o all_o such_o truth_n be_v undoubted_o contain_v in_o the_o write_a word_n although_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v a_o real_a difference_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v as_o there_o be_v between_o gold_n and_o silver_n yet_o he_o that_o receive_v all_o must_v receive_v one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n they_o that_o receive_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n upon_o ground_n of_o certainty_n must_v be_v assure_v that_o therein_o they_o receive_v all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n never_o be_v any_o purse_n so_o rifle_v as_o this_o be_v by_o j._n s._n he_o examine_v not_o only_o the_o coin_n in_o it_o but_o the_o very_a string_n and_o lining_n of_o it_o he_o be_v a_o dreadful_a man_n at_o ransack_v a_o metaphor_n 40._o he_o tell_v i_o my_o similitude_n be_v so_o far_o from_o run_v on_o four_o leg_n that_o it_o be_v in_o many_o regard_v lame_a on_o the_o right_n and_o indeed_o only_o foot_v it_o ought_v to_o stand_v on_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o perhaps_o against_o myself_o the_o sum_n of_o it_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o because_o scripture_n contain_v all_o and_o protestant_n have_v scripture_n therefore_o they_o have_v all_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o discourse_n as_o if_o because_o they_o have_v it_o in_o a_o book_n therefore_o they_o have_v it_o in_o their_o mind_n and_o soul_n in_o which_o and_o no_o where_o else_o faith_n be_v to_o reside_v but_o be_v not_o the_o question_n put_v whether_o we_o have_v all_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o our_o saviour_n teach_v and_o how_o can_v i_o answer_v a_o question_n about_o all_o but_o by_o show_v where_o we_o have_v all_o if_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v there_o we_o must_v be_v certain_a we_o have_v all_o if_o we_o have_v the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v all_o but_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o have_v it_o in_o a_o book_n i_o grant_v it_o but_o still_o if_o you_o ask_v where_o all_o my_o faith_n be_v contain_v i_o must_v refer_v you_o to_o that_o book_n which_o contain_v all_o for_o i_o profess_v to_o believe_v every_o thing_n there_o and_o nothing_o as_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o be_v there_o we_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o person_n to_o say_v their_o faith_n be_v in_o such_o a_o book_n but_o we_o grant_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o read_v and_o search_v and_o actual_o believe_v what_o ever_o they_o find_v in_o that_o book_n but_o still_o all_o point_n be_v not_o equal_o necessary_a to_o all_o person_n that_o be_v therein_o contain_v but_o all_o such_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n lie_v there_o open_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o who_o desire_v to_o know_v they_o now_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o thing_n j._n s._n find_v fault_n with_o this_o similitude_n of_o a_o purse_n for_o viz._n that_o people_n think_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o open_v and_o as_o easy_a to_o come_v at_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o take_v money_n out_o of_o a_o purse_n it_o be_v but_o pluck_v the_o string_n and_o the_o deed_n be_v do_v and_o be_v this_o any_o disparagement_n to_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o all_o person_n we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o any_o person_n by_o open_v the_o scripture_n may_v present_o attain_v to_o the_o certain_a sense_n of_o all_o place_n of_o scripture_n but_o that_o which_o i_o assert_v be_v that_o no_o man_n who_o set_v himself_o to_o read_v and_o consider_v the_o scripture_n as_o he_o ought_v and_o pray_v for_o wisdom_n from_o god_n shall_v miss_v of_o know_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o his_o salvation_n but_o mr._n s._n be_v for_o mend_v the_o similitude_n and_o true_o he_o do_v it_o after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n he_o will_v allow_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o purse_n provide_v the_o purse_n mouth_n be_v tie_v up_o with_o a_o knot_n of_o such_o a_o mysterious_a contrivance_n that_o none_o can_v open_v it_o but_o those_o who_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o bequeather_n and_o that_o the_o church_n to_o which_o it_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o legacy_n have_v knowledge_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o so_o can_v open_v it_o whilst_z other_o only_o perplex_v themselves_o more_o while_o they_o go_v about_o it_o the_o point_n then_o between_o we_o be_v whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v leave_v only_o to_o the_o church_n to_o interpret_v it_o to_o the_o people_n in_o all_o point_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o general_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o as_o thereby_o to_o direct_v themselves_o in_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o consequent_o whether_o it_o may_v not_o be_v open_v and_o understand_v by_o all_o person_n in_o matter_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n one_o will_v think_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n management_n of_o the_o scripture_n keep_v it_o so_o much_o out_o of_o the_o people_n hand_n and_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o the_o danger_n and_o mischief_n that_o come_v by_o it_o that_o they_o do_v esteem_v it_o just_a as_o the_o old_a roman_n do_v the_o sybillin_a oracle_n which_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v up_o from_o the_o view_n of_o the_o people_n and_o only_o to_o be_v consult_v in_o case_n of_o great_a difficulty_n and_o no_o far_a question_n be_v to_o be_v ask_v but_o what_o the_o keeper_n of_o they_o declare_v to_o be_v their_o meaning_n be_v to_o be_v so_o receive_v without_o any_o far_a examination_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o politician_n of_o that_o church_n concern_v the_o scripture_n but_o when_o they_o have_v write_v like_o divine_n and_o have_v be_v drive_v to_o state_n the_o controversy_n true_o they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o such_o concession_n as_o have_v overthrow_v the_o political_a hypothesis_n for_o i._o they_o can_v deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v design_v to_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n to_o all_o this_o bellarmin_n prove_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o controversy_n 1.2_o where_o he_o show_v at_o large_a that_o the_o law_n be_v the_o rule_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o search_v thy_o commandment_n etc._n etc._n that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n christ_n prove_v his_o doctrine_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o refer_v the_o pharisee_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o confute_v the_o sadducee_n out_o of_o they_o that_o the_o apostle_n direct_a christian_n to_o honour_n and_o esteem_v and_o to_o rely_v upon_o they_o and_o then_o he_o prove_v that_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v certain_a and_o know_v and_o for_o the_o scripture_n he_o say_v nihil_fw-la est_fw-la notius_fw-la nihil_fw-la certius_fw-la nothing_o be_v more_o know_v nothing_o more_o certain_a how_o can_v this_o be_v if_o there_o be_v such_o mystical_a knot_n which_o tie_v it_o together_o that_o none_o but_o the_o church-guide_n can_v unloose_v how_o can_v this_o then_o ever_o be_v so_o know_v as_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o people_n and_o not_o mere_o a_o rule_n but_o a_o most_o certain_a and_o safe_a rule_n which_o be_v the_o great_a nonsense_n in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v by_o those_o who_o be_v to_o make_v it_o their_o rule_n they_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o algebra_n be_v a_o rule_n for_o mason_n and_o carpenter_n and_o a_o jacob_n staff_n for_o a_o tailor_n be_v measure_n but_o mr._n s._n have_v beat_v his_o brain_n so_o long_o about_o rule_n
thing_n or_o manner_n but_o the_o revelation_n of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n so_o that_o if_o these_o point_n be_v own_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n they_o must_v be_v so_o plain_a that_o man_n may_v understand_v their_o duty_n to_o believe_v they_o for_o that_o be_v the_o bind_v i_o keep_v myself_o within_o that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o our_o duty_n to_o believe_v they_o but_o if_o not_o we_o may_v err_v without_o prejudice_n to_o our_o salvation_n mr_n s._n ask_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n nothing_o but_o what_o all_o other_o do_v mean_a by_o it_o 48._o do_v christ_n say_v he_o teach_v any_o unnecessary_a point_n alas_o for_o he_o but_o be_v all_o point_v teach_v by_o christ_n or_o write_v in_o scripture_n equal_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o people_n no_o he_o say_v present_o after_o that_o he_o will_v grant_v that_o few_o mean_n than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o christ_n teach_v may_v suffice_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n very_o well_o now_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v make_v something_o of_o the_o main_a business_n in_o hand_n viz._n to_o prove_v that_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o all_o that_o christ_n teach_v be_v necessary_a to_o man_n salvation_n when_o he_o grant_v that_o some_o may_v be_v save_v without_o so_o much_o as_o know_v all_o that_o christ_n teach_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v all_o this_o heat_n about_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o all_o that_o christ_n teach_v if_o at_o last_o some_o may_v be_v save_v without_o so_o much_o as_o know_v it_o how_o do_v mr._n s._n prove_v that_o those_o some_o be_v only_o the_o ignorant_a people_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o that_o all_o we_o be_v tie_v to_o no_o less_o than_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o all_o that_o christ_n teach_v he_o will_v have_v do_v well_o to_o have_v prove_v such_o a_o privilege_n for_o ignorance_n to_o have_v be_v limit_v to_o their_o communion_n and_o that_o no_o claim_n can_v be_v allow_v as_o to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o any_o other_o particular_a person_n some_o few_o he_o say_v again_o may_v be_v save_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o and_o such_o point_n 48._o slender_a motive_n be_v enough_o for_o their_o circumstance_n i_o thank_v mr._n s._n for_o this_o it_o seem_v the_o point_n as_o to_o salvation_n be_v gain_v unless_o particular_a person_n among_o we_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v none_o of_o these_o few_o but_o wherever_o they_o be_v it_o seem_v they_o may_v be_v save_v but_o i_o hope_v not_o without_o true_a and_o save_v faith_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o such_o faith_n have_v no_o necessary_a relation_n to_o these_o high_a point_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o infallible_a certainty_n as_o to_o they_o of_o all_o christ_n teach_v one_o of_o these_o high_a point_n be_v that_o of_o transubstantiation_n too_o high_a for_o i_o and_o thousand_o and_o million_o beside_o ever_o to_o apprehend_v let_v we_o do_v our_o utmost_a nay_o we_o can_v apprehend_v such_o be_v our_o dulness_n that_o we_o can_v have_v any_o certainty_n as_o to_o sense_n or_o reason_n if_o we_o hold_v it_o we_o hope_v therefore_o j._n s._n will_v enlarge_v his_o number_n and_o not_o talk_v only_o of_o some_o few_o that_o may_v be_v save_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o deep_a mystery_n we_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o his_o number_n for_o true_o our_o capacity_n can_v never_o be_v stretch_v so_o far_o as_o to_o comprehend_v the_o possibility_n of_o transubstantiation_n suppose_v our_o motive_n be_v slender_a yet_o they_o be_v such_o as_o move_v we_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o we_o can_v overcome_v the_o reluctancy_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o revelation_n and_o tradition_n against_o it_o ibid._n but_o mr._n s._n bring_v himself_o off_o with_o a_o salvo_n though_o all_o point_n be_v not_o necessary_a for_o every_o particular_a person_n yet_o all_o of_o they_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n who_o pastor_n be_v to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o they_o and_o apply_v the_o efficacy_n of_o they_o to_o their_o soul_n as_o their_o capacity_n admit_v and_o exigency_n require_v it_o seem_v still_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o particular_a person_n but_o according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o exigency_n but_o they_o be_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n but_o how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n for_o instance_n the_o point_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v a_o very_a deep_a point_n and_o although_o particular_a person_n may_v be_v save_v without_o believe_v it_o yet_o i_o can_v understand_v how_o this_o deep_a point_n come_v to_o be_v necessary_a in_o any_o respect_n for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n i_o hope_v j._n s._n will_v not_o deny_v this_o to_o be_v one_o of_o his_o necessary_a church-point_n let_v he_o then_o show_v how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v so_o necessary_a for_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o it_o my_o capacity_n i_o assure_v he_o will_v not_o reach_v to_o this_o and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v be_v excuse_v and_o in_o his_o own_o word_n my_o mind_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v cultivate_v by_o such_o elevate_a consideration_n i_o do_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o such_o danger_n of_o the_o flock_n die_v 49._o or_o fall_v short_a of_o their_o full_a growth_n they_o may_v have_v have_v in_o the_o plentiful_a pasturage_n of_o the_o church_n as_o j._n s._n elegant_o speak_v if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v transubstantiation_n or_o any_o such_o deep_a point_n but_o still_o we_o have_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o our_o high_a fundamental_o no_o we_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a and_o from_o absolute_o certain_a ground_n it_o be_v absolute_o certain_a that_o whatever_o god_n reveal_v be_v true_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o and_o we_o be_v as_o absolute_o certain_a as_o scripture_n and_o reason_n can_v make_v we_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v the_o fundamental_o of_o our_o faith._n but_o there_o be_v experience_n to_o the_o contrary_a what_o experience_n that_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a we_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v and_o who_o can_v tell_v best_o how_o come_v mr._n s._n to_o know_v we_o be_v not_o certain_a when_o we_o say_v we_o be_v but_o all_o be_v not_o as_o socinian_o etc._n etc._n what_o be_v they_o to_o we_o be_v not_o we_o certain_a because_o some_o be_v not_o certain_a what_o pitiful_a reason_v be_v this_o be_v mr._n s._n certain_a of_o his_o infallible_a ground_n of_o certainty_n oral_a tradition_n why_o do_v i_o ask_v such_o a_o question_n for_o very_o good_a reason_n because_o there_o be_v some_o not_o certain_a of_o it_o and_o even_o in_o his_o own_o church_n but_o cry_v out_o upon_o it_o as_o fallible_a fallacious_a dangerous_a and_o destructive_a of_o faith_n and_o lead_v to_o atheism_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v on_o mr._n s_n principle_n that_o he_o can_v be_v certain_a himself_o because_o other_o be_v not_o nay_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v have_v any_o certainty_n on_o his_o own_o ground_n for_o he_o can_v have_v no_o rule_n of_o certainty_n as_o i_o shall_v evident_o prove_v from_o his_o own_o word_n a_o rule_n must_v have_v absolute_a certainty_n absolute_a certainty_n there_o can_v be_v where_o person_n be_v leave_v uncertain_a but_o there_o be_v many_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o not_o only_o doubt_v of_o his_o rule_n of_o infallible_a certainty_n but_o utter_o deny_v it_o and_o dispute_v against_o it_o how_o be_v it_o then_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o be_v certain_a of_o it_o on_o his_o own_o ground_n but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o proceed_v to_o another_o objection_n against_o our_o rule_n of_o faith._n 50._o viii_o j._n s._n say_v we_o can_v be_v no_o more_o certain_a of_o our_o rule_n than_o we_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n but_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a we_o have_v the_o right_a letter_n unless_o we_o have_v a_o right_a translation_n and_o that_o must_v be_v from_o a_o true_a copy_n no_o copy_n can_v be_v true_a unless_o conformable_a to_o the_o original_a and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o failure_n in_o any_o of_o these_o nay_o if_o we_o have_v not_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o all_o these_o we_o can_v have_v any_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o our_o faith._n this_o objection_n those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o believe_v scripture_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n though_o not_o the_o complete_a be_v concern_v to_o answer_n as_o well_o as_o we_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v convey_v to_o their_o mind_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n
suspect_v any_o fraud_n or_o design_n in_o the_o alteration_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o manuscript_n copies_n and_o as_o to_o translation_n that_o have_v be_v make_v among_o we_o the_o people_n who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o examine_v they_o by_o the_o original_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v they_o as_o to_o any_o matter_n of_o faith._n not_o mere_o from_o the_o skill_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o person_n and_o the_o care_n that_o have_v be_v take_v but_o because_o it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o concernment_n of_o some_o man_n to_o have_v lessen_v the_o credit_n of_o our_o translation_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v shake_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o consider_v man._n if_o it_o be_v say_v after_o all_o this_o be_v but_o human_a faith_n and_o not_o divine_a i_o answer_v iu._n we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o distinguish_v the_o certainty_n of_o human_a and_o divine_a faith_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o we_o have_v a_o absolute_a divine_a certainty_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v only_o capable_a of_o human_a certainty_n and_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o we_o have_v only_o human_a certainty_n of_o thing_n capable_a of_o divine_a certainty_n if_o the_o question_n be_v put_v concern_v the_o object_n of_o divine_a faith_n than_o we_o do_v answer_v that_o we_o have_v a_o divine_a certainty_n of_o they_o from_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o divine_a faith_n because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n we_o believe_v the_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v write_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n because_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v fulfil_v upon_o they_o and_o especial_o in_o a_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n but_o if_o the_o question_n be_v ask_v only_o concern_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o whether_o the_o book_n that_o bear_v such_o name_n be_v write_v by_o the_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v then_o i_o can_v have_v no_o great_a certainty_n than_o belong_v to_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o than_o it_o be_v so_o circumstantiate_v that_o i_o have_v a_o great_a and_o more_o absolute_a certainty_n as_o to_o this_o than_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o want_v the_o proof_n that_o this_o have_v and_o if_o as_o to_o book_n and_o copy_n and_o translation_n we_o have_v as_o high_a a_o certainty_n as_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o be_v madness_n to_o expect_v and_o require_v more_o for_o where_o there_o be_v but_o a_o human_a testimony_n there_o can_v be_v the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a faith_n which_o must_v not_o only_o have_v a_o divine_a object_n but_o must_v rest_v on_o a_o divine_a testimony_n but_o where_o the_o testimony_n be_v human_a the_o certainty_n must_v be_v such_o as_o relate_v to_o the_o high_a of_o that_o kind_n but_o still_o such_o a_o faith_n may_v have_v absolute_a certainty_n of_o its_o kind_n and_o although_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o testimony_n it_o be_v human_a faith_n yet_o in_o regard_n both_o of_o its_o object_n its_o inward_a cause_n and_o its_o effect_n it_o may_v be_v true_o call_v divine_a ix_o the_o last_o objection_n be_v concern_v the_o number_n of_o canonical_a book_n 58._o pray_v satisfy_v we_o say_v mr._n s._n about_o this_o exact_a number_n of_o book_n and_o how_o many_o will_v just_o serve_v turn_n one_o will_v think_v by_o his_o objection_n j._n s._n be_v prepare_v matter_n for_o the_o critical_a history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n he_o seem_v so_o concern_v to_o lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v answer_v the_o objection_n he_o offer_v 56._o 1._o there_o may_v have_v be_v book_n lose_v that_o be_v write_v by_o person_n divine_o inspire_v and_o we_o have_v no_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o there_o be_v none_o lose_v and_o those_o book_n 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although_o these_o do_v then_o want_v universal_a consent_n yet_o they_o be_v still_o keep_v and_o read_v and_o disperse_v till_o upon_o further_a examination_n they_o come_v to_o be_v universal_o read_v it_o be_v not_o therefore_o in_o the_o least_o probable_a they_o shall_v suffer_v any_o apostolical_a write_n to_o be_v lose_v ii_o this_o be_v to_o charge_v the_o christian_a church_n with_o so_o gross_a a_o neglect_n as_o overthrow_v the_o force_n of_o all_o his_o argument_n for_o tradition_n for_o we_o must_v suppose_v a_o apostolical_a write_n send_v to_o some_o church_n by_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o yet_o that_o church_n be_v so_o notorious_o careless_a as_o to_o lose_v a_o book_n contain_v in_o it_o many_o point_n of_o faith_n now_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o one_o of_o common_a sense_n whether_o he_o can_v trust_v their_o word_n for_o matter_n of_o faith_n who_o can_v be_v so_o negligent_a as_o to_o lose_v a_o great_a many_o point_n of_o faith_n at_o once_o 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not_o but_o we_o think_v it_o a_o considerable_a proof_n that_o they_o can_v not_o because_o the_o divine_a providence_n do_v so_o immediate_o concern_v itself_o in_o preserve_v that_o which_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n if_o a_o hair_n do_v not_o fall_v from_o our_o head_n nor_o a_o sparrow_n fall_v on_o the_o ground_n without_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n as_o our_o saviour_n affirm_v be_v it_o not_o very_o unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o a_o divine_a book_n 30._o write_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v be_v whole_o lose_v especial_o consider_v the_o extraordinary_a care_n the_o first_o christian_n take_v in_o time_n of_o the_o great_a persecution_n to_o preserve_v the_o scripture_n and_o no_o force_n or_o violence_n can_v extort_v they_o out_o of_o their_o hand_n on_o mr._n s_n supposition_n it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o a_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v lose_v viz._n if_o the_o several_a book_n have_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o custody_n of_o some_o man_n in_o trust_n for_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o thing_n as_o they_o real_o be_v it_o will_v appear_v hardly_o possible_a for_o the_o book_n be_v not_o keep_v up_o at_o first_o in_o a_o few_o hand_n but_o disperse_v abroad_o in_o multitude_n of_o copy_n and_o receive_v with_o mighty_a veneration_n both_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o they_o be_v read_v both_o in_o public_a and_o in_o private_a they_o hear_v they_o in_o their_o assembly_n and_o they_o make_v they_o their_o constant_a employment_n at_o home_n they_o be_v their_o rule_n of_o life_n as_o well_o as_o of_o faith._n and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o suppose_v any_o book_n so_o receive_v so_o