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
which_o place_n each_o word_n be_v to_o be_v take_v thus_o or_o thus_o nor_o can_v it_o justify_v with_o absolute_a or_o infallible_a certainty_n either_o its_o text_n or_o copy_n to_o be_v substantial_o like_o the_o original_a nor_o if_o we_o may_v trust_v dr._n st._n here_o princ._n 15._o can_v any_o authority_n on_o earth_n supply_v that_o necessary_a duty_n for_o it_o nor_o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o compare_v one_o place_n to_o another_o so_o to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n do_v it_o tell_v we_o which_o place_n be_v to_o be_v compare_v to_o another_o as_o its_o proper_a explainer_n nor_o of_o the_o two_o allude_v place_n which_o be_v to_o stand_v firm_a and_o be_v take_v as_o the_o letter_n lie_v which_o to_o bend_v its_o signification_n in_o correspondency_n to_o that_o other_o without_o foreknowledge_n of_o which_o it_o be_v pure_a folly_n to_o think_v to_o avail_v ourselves_o by_o compare_v place_n none_o of_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n letter_n as_o it_o lie_v which_o notwithstanding_o and_o perhaps_o many_o other_o such_o like_a it_o have_v be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o have_v give_v it_o in_o case_n it_o have_v be_v intend_v by_o he_o for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o such_o a_o direction_n by_o rely_v on_o which_o people_n of_o all_o capacity_n may_v have_v so_o wellgrounded_n a_o assent_n to_o those_o point_n as_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v a_o error_n while_o they_o thus_o rely_v on_o it_o which_o assent_n in_o christian_a language_n we_o call_v faith_n on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o of_o some_o point_n it_o give_v only_o accidental_a hint_n here_o and_o there_o without_o insist_v upon_o they_o ample_o or_o explain_v they_o full_o and_o that_o book_n which_o be_v most_o design_o intend_v to_o assert_v christ_n divinity_n be_v yet_o so_o far_o from_o put_v it_o out_o of_o all_o dispute_n or_o preserve_v it_o from_o be_v oppose_v and_o call_v in_o question_n that_o never_o yet_o do_v heresy_n prevail_v so_o much_o against_o god_n church_n as_o do_v the_o arian_n who_o deny_v that_o very_a point_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o need_v more_o to_o evince_v this_o point_n than_o these_o two_o argument_n one_o à _fw-la priori_fw-la the_o other_o à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la all_o word_n be_v either_o proper_a or_o improper_a and_o metaphorical_a of_o which_o proper_a one_o express_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v indeed_o or_o in_o reality_n so_o but_o improper_a one_o that_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o or_o in_o reality_n so_o whence_o it_o happen_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o so_o exact_a truth_n as_o point_n of_o faith_n especial_o when_o the_o point_n be_v of_o main_a concern_v it_o import_v a_o plain_a heresy_n either_o to_o take_v a_o proper_a word_n for_o a_o improper_a or_o a_o improper_a one_o for_o a_o proper_a for_o example_n those_o text_n express_v that_o god_n have_v hand_n foot_n repent_v grieve_v be_v move_v by_o our_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n be_v if_o take_v proper_o wicked_a heresy_n and_o destroy_v the_o spiritual_a and_o unchangeable_a nature_n of_o the_o godhead_n also_o to_o take_v those_o word_n christ_n be_v man_n suffer_v die_v rise_v again_o etc._n etc._n improper_o be_v wicked_a heresy_n too_o and_o take_v away_o the_o main_a support_n of_o our_o salvation_n this_o be_v so_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o absolutely-certain_a knowledge_n when_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v take_v proper_o when_o not_o be_v determinative_a of_o what_o be_v true_a faith_n what_o heresy_n it_o must_v be_v have_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n itself_o and_o so_o from_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n if_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o rule_n but_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o have_v from_o the_o scripture_n letter_n for_o this_o must_v either_o be_v do_v by_o that_o letter_n signify_v in_o each_o place_n express_o or_o equivalent_o that_o the_o word_n be_v proper_o or_o improper_o there_o take_v which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v show_v nor_o be_v ever_o pretend_v or_o else_o by_o signify_v the_o contrary_a point_n in_o another_o place_n and_o this_o as_o far_o as_o the_o bare_a letter_n carry_v or_o abstract_v from_o all_o interpretation_n can_v only_o signify_v that_o the_o letter_n in_o one_o place_n seem_v to_o contradict_v itself_o in_o another_o place_n and_o this_o as_o far_o as_o the_o bare_a letter_n carry_v or_o abstract_v from_o all_o interpretation_n can_v only_o signify_v that_o the_o letter_n in_o one_o place_n seem_v to_o contradict_v itself_o in_o another_o place_n which_o be_v far_o short_a of_o give_v we_o a_o unerring_a security_n which_o side_n be_v truth_n or_o if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o letter_n alone_o give_v we_o not_o this_o security_n without_o some_o interpretation_n than_o this_o interpretation_n perform_v what_o the_o letter_n if_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n ought_v but_o can_v not_o and_o determine_v with_o absolute_a certainty_n when_o the_o word_n be_v take_v proper_o when_o not_o that_o be_v give_v we_o our_o faith_n and_o consequent_o that_o light_n or_o knowledge_n whatever_o it_o be_v which_o the_o interpreter_n bring_v with_o he_o and_o have_v it_o not_o from_o the_o letter_n give_v we_o the_o right_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o so_o it_z not_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n from_o the_o effect_n or_o à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la i_o argue_v thus_o we_o experience_v that_o great_a body_n of_o man_n of_o divers_a sect_n with_o equal_a earnestness_n as_o far_o as_o appear_v to_o we_o go_v about_o to_o find_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n letter_n and_o equal_o profess_v to_o rely_v upon_o god_n assistance_n to_o that_o end_n wherefore_o either_o we_o must_v be_v force_v to_o judge_v that_o none_o of_o those_o several_a sect_n do_v sincere_o desire_v to_o find_v true_a faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o by_o dr._n st_n principle_n no_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n have_v right_a faith_n which_o quite_o take_v away_o all_o christianity_n or_o else_o we_o must_v think_v all_o of_o they_o true_o desire_v to_o find_v right_a faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o rely_v on_o god_n help_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o which_o case_n since_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o they_o take_v as_o apply_v themselves_o to_o their_o rule_n and_o rely_v on_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v manife_a they_o differ_v that_o be_v one_o side_n err_v in_o most_o fundamental_a point_n as_o in_o the_o trinity_n divinity_n of_o christ_n real_a presence_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n it_o follow_v unavoidable_o that_o the_o faulâ_n be_v in_o those_o person_n in_o hold_v it_o their_o rule_n for_o in_o case_n they_o err_v not_o in_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n that_o be_v in_o case_n it_o be_v indeed_o apt_a to_o ascertain_v they_o absolute_o if_o they_o apply_v it_o and_o that_o they_o do_v actual_o apply_v it_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v ever_o err_v scripture_n letter_n then_o be_v far_o from_o secure_v man_n of_o all_o sort_n while_o they_o rely_v on_o it_o from_o error_n since_o whole_a body_n of_o man_n and_o among_o those_o multitude_n of_o great_a scholar_n and_o learned_a scripturist_n err_v grievous_o and_o that_o in_o most_o fundamental_a point_n even_o while_o they_o rely_v upon_o it_o which_o if_o it_o destroy_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n i_o know_v not_o what_o do_v this_o discourse_n be_v forelay_v we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o make_v short_a work_n with_o his_o principle_n to_o which_o we_o now_o address_v whereas_o then_o in_o his_o ten_o principle_n he_o contend_v that_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 i_o answer_v that_o by_o extraordinary_a contrivance_n and_o act_n of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o power_n it_o may_v but_o that_o this_o will_v avail_v he_o little_a since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la god_n have_v not_o thus_o exert_v his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n in_o make_v scripture_n letter_n fit_a for_o that_o end_n whence_o we_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v never_o mean_v for_o a_o rule_n and_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o word_n be_v equal_o capable_a of_o be_v understand_v speak_v or_o write_v i_o deny_v it_o absolute_o for_o nature_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o countenance_n and_o carriage_n of_o the_o speaker_n the_o accent_n of_o the_o voice_n the_o giving_z a_o due_a and_o live_a emphasis_n to_o the_o word_n with_o the_o whole_a complexion_n of_o circumstance_n in_o which_o the_o speaker_n be_v find_v and_o which_o general_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v and_o among_o these_o principal_o his_o apply_v himself_o pertinent_o to_o the_o present_a exigency_n thought_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o hearer_n all_o these_o i_o say_v and_o
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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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 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if_o they_o do_v not_o it_o be_v their_o own_o fault_n they_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v save_v and_o as_o for_o such_o point_n as_o a_o trinity_n christ_n godhead_n real_a presence_n and_o such_o like_a the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o even_o in_o case_n they_o be_v truth_n be_v not_o of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n since_o none_o doubt_v but_o this_fw-mi absolute_o speak_v possible_a to_o be_v save_v without_o knowledge_n of_o they_o since_o many_o have_v be_v actual_o save_v who_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o such_o point_n have_v impartial_o say_v in_o short_a the_o best_a i_o can_v in_o dr._n sts._n behalf_n and_o much_o more_o than_o he_o have_v say_v for_o himself_o let_v we_o see_v now_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v reply_v in_o behalf_n of_o truth_n to_o make_v way_n to_o it_o i_o premise_v these_o maxim_n 1._o that_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o god_n providence_n man_n be_v save_v by_o mean_n 2._o that_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o some_o degree_n 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consider_v man_n several_a capacity_n which_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a frenzy_n to_o think_v they_o must_v needs_o be_v perfect_o adjust_v to_o their_o spiritual_a necessity_n one_o may_n as_o well_o say_v that_o every_o one_o who_o throw_v a_o die_n upon_o a_o fortune_n book_n shall_v most_o certain_o light_a on_o his_o own_o lot_n as_o that_o every_o one_o who_o read_v scripture_n shall_v let_v his_o exigency_n be_v what_o they_o will_v find_v motive_n sufficient_a for_o his_o salvation_n if_o dr._n st._n say_v that_o some_o one_o or_o two_o point_n have_v prove_v sufficient_a for_o some_o few_o therefore_o they_o may_v have_v serve_v all_o if_o they_o will_v and_o that_o god_n goodness_n towards_o christian_n oblige_v he_o to_o no_o more_o i_o reply_v first_o that_o he_o speak_v against_o nature_n since_o it_o be_v evident_a some_o temptation_n require_v great_a motive_n to_o overcome_v they_o than_o other_o and_o no_o man_n can_v assure_v we_o that_o those_o who_o have_v few_o 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the_o necessity_n of_o all_o other_o point_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o such_o a_o few_o of_o they_o only_o which_o have_v happen_v by_o the_o very_a especial_a assistance_n of_o god_n prevent_v and_o assist_v grace_n to_o have_v accidental_o as_o it_o be_v suffice_v to_o have_v save_v some_o few_o if_o he_o say_v that_o proceed_v on_o this_o manner_n none_o can_v hold_v a_o error_n for_o they_o be_v to_o hold_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o see_v to_o be_v evident_o there_o and_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o they_o see_v not_o they_o be_v to_o suspend_v i_o will_v know_v what_o shall_v hinder_v they_o from_o think_v they_o see_v that_o to_o be_v evident_o there_o which_o be_v not_o evident_o there_o since_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v the_o vulgar_a or_o generality_n be_v but_o bad_a judge_n and_o distinguisher_n of_o a_o true_a evidence_n from_o a_o counterfeit_n one_o beside_o there_o be_v in_o the_o open_a letter_n as_o it_o lie_v many_o heresy_n and_o if_o they_o know_v these_o 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they_o that_o superior_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v and_o their_o teacher_n to_o be_v hear_v and_o believe_v in_o thing_n not_o know_v to_o be_v against_o god_n command_n and_o experience_n tell_v they_o that_o scripture_n be_v oft_o time_n liable_a to_o dispute_v in_o passage_n that_o to_o both_o side_n seem_v clear_a both_o humility_n prudence_n obedience_n and_o the_o due_a care_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o all_o virtue_n that_o can_v be_v concern_v in_o this_o kind_n of_o action_n incline_v they_o strong_o rather_o to_o adhere_v to_o what_o person_n wise_a than_o themselves_o or_o their_o pastor_n conceive_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n than_o to_o what_o seem_v so_o to_o themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o same_o pastor_n and_o multitude_n of_o other_o christian_n who_o be_v evident_o of_o great_a knowledge_n and_o as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v be_v inform_v of_o equal_a sincerity_n 19_o the_o assistance_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o those_o who_o 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aught_o they_o will_v as_o god_n command_n the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o common_a reason_n oblige_v they_o be_v rather_o willing_a to_o trust_v their_o pastor_n who_o be_v better_a qualify_v for_o such_o knowledge_n and_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o to_o instruct_v they_o what_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n than_o trust_v their_o own_o private_a shallow_a judgement_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o dr._n st_n discourse_v all_o along_o concern_v this_o point_n be_v a_o plain_a beg_v the_o question_n for_o if_o god_n have_v leave_v a_o church_n and_o command_v the_o faithful_a to_o hear_v it_o and_o conform_v to_o its_o faith_n and_o consequent_o to_o receive_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o point_n of_o faith_n from_o it_o than_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o scripture_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v plain_a to_o all_o capacity_n of_o itself_o nor_o of_o think_v man_n may_v sincere_o desire_v to_o know_v god_n will_n in_o scripture_n and_o use_v due_a mean_n to_o understand_v it_o without_o make_v use_n of_o the_o church_n judgement_n in_o that_o affair_n upon_o which_o false_a supposition_n dr._n st._n whole_o build_v his_o otherwise_o perfect_o ruinous_a discourse_n wherefore_o his_o supposition_n be_v deny_v i_o must_v reply_v that_o those_o who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o know_v god_n wisl_n have_v a_o certain_a virtue_n in_o they_o call_v humility_n and_o this_o teach_v they_o not_o to_o overween_v in_o their_o own_o opinion_n but_o to_o think_v that_o their_o pastor_n appoint_v by_o god_n to_o teach_v they_o be_v general_o wise_a than_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v teach_v and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v wise_a know_v better_o than_o those_o who_o be_v less_o wise_a a_o little_a of_o this_o plain_a honest_a rational_a humility_n will_v quite_o spoil_v all_o dr._n st_n discourse_n and_o convince_v all_o his_o principle_n to_o be_v a_o plausible_a piece_n of_o sedition_n and_o licentious_a presumption_n tend_v of_o its_o 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and_o unproved_a supposition_n and_o be_v the_o supposition_n grant_v and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v fallible_a still_o it_o be_v false_a that_o his_o faithful_a will_v have_v great_a assurance_n of_o their_o faith_n than_o we_o as_o have_v be_v partly_o now_o show_v and_o more_o ample_o in_o my_o reply_n to_o the_o forego_n principle_n recapitulation_n the_o sum_n then_o of_o dr._n st_n performance_n in_o these_o ten_o principle_n of_o he_o which_o most_o fundamental_o concern_v his_o faith_n and_o the_o pretend_a reduction_n of_o it_o to_o principle_n be_v brief_o this_o that_o he_o have_v not_o bring_v so_o much_o as_o one_o single_a argument_n prove_v either_o that_o scripture_n letter_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o that_o tradition_n or_o the_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o god_n church_n be_v not_o it_o and_o as_o for_o the_o particular_a maxim_n or_o say_n of_o he_o on_o which_o he_o chief_o rely_v they_o have_v be_v one_o by_o one_o disprove_v and_o the_o opposite_a 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do_v this_o or_o contrive_v such_o method_n and_o way_n as_o our_o reason_n tell_v we_o evident_o be_v proper_a mean_n to_o keep_v those_o write_n call_v the_o scripture_n from_o be_v thus_o misunderstand_a by_o several_a party_n even_o in_o fundamental_a point_n as_o we_o experience_v they_o be_v it_o follow_v hence_o most_o manifest_o that_o god_n never_o intend_v the_o way_n of_o write_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 3._o since_o several_a party_n of_o excellent_a capacity_n in_o understand_a word_n aright_o and_o both_o own_n scripture_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o apply_v themselves_o with_o great_a diligence_n to_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o do_v notwithstanding_o differ_v in_o those_o fundamental_a point_n of_o a_o trinity_n and_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o scripture_n be_v not_o able_a so_o secure_a those_o who_o rely_v on_o it_o to_o their_o power_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 4._o again_o since_o in_o passage_n that_o concern_v faith_n the_o know_v whether_o the_o word_n be_v take_v proper_o or_o improper_o be_v that_o which_o determine_v what_o be_v faith_n what_o not_o and_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o have_v from_o scripture_n it_o follow_v that_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 5._o god_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v still_o assist_v those_o who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o compass_v a_o end_n in_o case_n they_o take_v a_o way_n disproportion_v to_o attain_v that_o end_n and_o which_o way_n be_v consequent_o never_o intend_v by_o he_o for_o such_o a_o end_n for_o this_o be_v to_o engage_v himself_o to_o do_v perpetual_a miracle_n when_o ever_o any_o one_o shall_v act_v irrational_o wherefore_o unless_o it_o be_v first_o solid_o prove_v that_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o apt_a of_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o give_v those_o who_o rely_v on_o it_o inerrable_a security_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n while_o they_o thus_o rely_v on_o it_o and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v intend_v by_o god_n for_o such_o a_o end_n none_o can_v just_o lay_v claim_n to_o god_n assistance_n or_o tax_v his_o justice_n or_o veracity_n if_o they_o fall_v into_o error_n much_o less_o if_o they_o neglect_v those_o duty_n which_o nature_n make_v evident_a to_o they_o and_o common_a christianity_n teach_v viz._n to_o obey_v and_o hear_v their_o governor_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n ordain_v by_o god_n and_o rely_v on_o their_o own_o private_a wit_n or_o god_n immediate_a assistance_n to_o their_o single_a self_n rather_o than_o to_o those_o public_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n god_n have_v appoint_v to_o govern_v and_o direct_v they_o for_o this_o intolerable_a spiritual_a pride_n be_v so_o odious_a and_o pernicious_a that_o it_o most_o just_o entitle_v they_o to_o delusion_n error_n and_o heresy_n 6._o hence_o since_o god_n have_v leave_v some_o mean_n for_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o say_v that_o those_o who_o rely_v according_a to_o their_o utmost_a power_n on_o the_o mean_v leave_v and_o intend_v by_o god_n to_o lead_v man_n into_o truth_n can_v while_o they_o do_v so_o run_v into_o error_n which_o yet_o private_a understanding_n as_o be_v see_v may_v rely_v on_o the_o write_a word_n it_o follow_v ãâã_d unavoidable_o that_o some_o other_o way_n be_v leave_v which_o be_v not_o write_v to_o secure_v the_o relyer_n on_o it_o from_o error_n in_o faith_n or_o to_o be_v to_o they_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 7._o scripture_n not_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v once_o settle_v and_o accept_v in_o the_o christian_a part_n of_o the_o world_n by_o mean_n of_o miracle_n there_o need_v no_o more_o but_o to_o derive_v it_o down_o to_o future_a age_n and_o this_o doctrine_n be_v practical_a and_o so_o object_v
be_v formal_o infallible_a in_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o able_a to_o discourse_v of_o those_o ground_n and_o make_v out_o their_o absolute_a certainty_n by_o way_n of_o skill_n or_o art_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v moreover_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o church_n formally-infallible_a in_o discern_v the_o true_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o each_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n for_o these_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o state_n of_o life_n which_o be_v to_o meditate_v on_o god_n law_n day_n and_o night_n their_o perpetual_a converse_n with_o the_o affair_n of_o faith_n by_o preach_v teach_v catechise_v exhort_v their_o concern_v to_o overlook_v their_o flock_n lest_o any_o innovatour_n shall_v infect_v they_o with_o novelty_n their_o constant_a addiction_n to_o observe_v exact_o their_o rule_n tradition_n the_o standard_n by_o which_o they_o govern_v themselves_o in_o distinguish_v the_o 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advice_n and_o discipline_n or_o if_o he_o persist_v in_o his_o obstinacy_n to_o cut_v he_o off_o solemn_o from_o the_o church_n by_o excommunication_n that_o so_o the_o sound_a faithful_a may_v look_v upon_o he_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n command_n as_o on_o a_o heathen_a or_o a_o publican_n it_o be_v thus_o make_v evident_a that_o he_o stand_v against_o all_o his_o superiors_n and_o rebel_n against_o the_o most_o sacred_a authority_n upon_o earth_n or_o in_o case_n that_o heretic_n cloak_n his_o poisonous_a doctrine_n in_o ambiguous_a expression_n or_o go_v about_o to_o pervert_v the_o word_n use_v former_o by_o the_o church_n by_o draw_v they_o to_o a_o sinister_a sense_n never_o intend_v by_o she_o they_o be_v perfect_o acquaint_v with_o the_o language_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o invent_v and_o assign_v proper_a word_n to_o express_v the_o church_n sense_n and_o such_o as_o be_v pertinent_a and_o effectual_a for_o the_o present_a juncture_n and_o exigency_n to_o defeat_v the_o crafty_a attempt_n of_o those_o quibble_v underminer_n of_o faith_n or_o else_o they_o be_v to_o clear_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o former_a word_n use_v by_o the_o church_n by_o declare_v in_o what_o meaning_n the_o church_n take_v and_o ever_o take_v they_o and_o sometime_o too_o beat_v the_o heretic_n at_o his_o own_o weapon_n scripture_n letter_n by_o avow_v this_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n in_o which_o the_o church_n ever_o take_v such_o and_o such_o place_n hence_o they_o be_v say_v to_o define_v faith_n that_o be_v to_o express_v in_o distinct_a word_n it_o be_v precise_a limit_n and_o bound_n that_o so_o no_o leaven_n of_o error_n may_v possible_o intermingle_v itself_o and_o to_o seal_v and_o recommend_v their_o act_n by_o stamp_v on_o they_o the_o most_o grave_a most_o venerable_a and_o most_o sacred_a authority_n in_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n now_o that_o this_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n representative_a be_v infallible_a in_o know_v the_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o on_o the_o best_a manner_n be_v prove_v hence_o because_o if_o such_o a_o learned_a body_n consist_v of_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o know_v personage_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v deceive_v while_o they_o rely_v on_o the_o mean_n leave_v by_o god_n to_o preserve_v mankind_n from_o error_n in_o understand_v the_o point_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v evident_a no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v ââcured_v thereby_o from_o error_n and_o so_o the_o mean_n will_v be_v no_o mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o truth_n but_o rather_o a_o mean_n to_o lead_v man_n into_o error_n since_o they_o err_v rely_v sole_o on_o that_o which_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v intend_v by_o god_n for_o a_o contrary_a end_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a 5._o though_o the_o substance_n or_o essence_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o believe_v what_o be_v true_a upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n certain_o engage_v for_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o formal_a motive_n of_o believe_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o trne_v faith_n that_o the_o âgenerality_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o vulgar_a be_v material_o infallible_a in_o their_o faith_n yet_o it_o add_v evident_o a_o great_a perfection_n to_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v formal_o infallible_a and_o that_o the_o faithful_a see_v with_o infallible_a certainty_n that_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v actual_o engage_v when_o they_o believe_v first_o because_o faith_n be_v a_o intellectual_a virtue_n and_o so_o to_o proceed_v know_o upon_o its_o ground_n make_v it_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o understanding_n and_o perfective_a of_o it_o 2._o because_o the_o more_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v engage_v the_o more_o hearty_o those_o who_o reverence_v it_o be_v dispose_v to_o submit_v their_o judgement_n by_o believe_v whence_o faith_n in_o such_o person_n be_v more_o lively_a firm_a and_o immovable_a also_o more_o efficacious_a and_o if_o other_o consideration_n be_v equal_a more_o apt_a to_o work_v through_o charity_n than_o it_o be_v in_o other_o moreover_o such_o faithful_a be_v incomparable_o more_o able_a to_o satisfy_v and_o convert_v other_o being_z able_a as_o be_v suppose_v to_o make_v âut_v evident_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n wherefore_o every_o thing_n be_v then_o in_o its_o perfect_a state_n when_o it_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v its_o like_a or_o another_o of_o it_o be_v own_o kind_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o faith_n in_o such_o man_n be_v ripe_a manly_n and_o perfect_a since_o it_o be_v able_a to_o propagate_v it_o sâlf_o to_o other_o or_o as_o s._n paul_n phrase_n it_o gignere_fw-la in_fw-la evangelio_n whence_o those_o who_o be_v to_o convert_v soul_n and_o propagate_v faith_n be_v oblige_v to_o labour_v all_o that_o may_v be_v to_o accomplish_v themselves_o in_o this_o particular_a lest_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o this_o perfection_n which_o seem_v proper_o and_o peculiar_o due_a to_o their_o state_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o opprobrious_a to_o the_o laity_n to_o be_v unable_a to_o perform_v this_o but_o it_o be_v high_o so_o to_o they_o because_o they_o be_v lame_a without_o it_o 6._o notwithstanding_o this_o it_o be_v god_n will_n that_o all_o the_o faithful_n shall_v be_v formal_o infallible_a in_o their_o faith_n or_o know_v infallible_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v false_a as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a for_o this_o be_v as_o be_v late_o show_v a_o perfection_n in_o faith_n and_o god_n who_o be_v essential_a goodness_n not_o be_v envious_a but_o desirous_a his_o creature_n shall_v have_v all_o the_o good_a they_o be_v capable_a to_o receive_v especial_o such_o good_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o better_n their_o soul_n and_o promote_a they_o towards_o heaven_n it_o follow_v that_o he_o will_v they_o this_o perfection_n in_o faith_n as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v stand_v with_o the_o universal_a order_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o particular_a nature_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a to_o receive_v it_o 7._o he_o have_v therefore_o ordain_v such_o a_o mean_n by_o which_o to_o know_v his_o will_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v our_o belief_n or_o what_o he_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v that_o be_v he_o have_v constitute_v such_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o its_o certainty_n may_v be_v most_o easy_o penetrable_a by_o all_o degree_n and_o sort_n of_o the_o faithful_a whence_o follow_v most_o evident_o that_o tradition_n and_o not_o scripture_n be_v that_o rule_n for_o of_o all_o way_n of_o know_v and_o ascertain_v imaginable_a nothing_o be_v more_o easy_a to_o be_v comprehend_v or_o to_o satisfy_v people_n of_o all_o sort_n than_o be_v that_o of_o witness_v authority_n as_o we_o experience_n in_o their_o perfect_a belief_n of_o k._n james_n or_o k._n h._n 8th_n existence_n and_o such_o like_a the_o ground_n of_o which_o truth_n not_o need_v to_o be_v
different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n and_o measure_n of_o divine_a assistance_n but_o every_o christian_a by_o the_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o common_a help_n of_o grace_n may_v attain_v to_o so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o certainty_n from_o the_o convince_v argument_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n on_o which_o man_n doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o they_o may_v as_o well_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v most_o evident_a to_o sense_n &_o reason_n i_o wish_v d._n s._n have_v explain_v himself_o here_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n whither_o some_o glance_n or_o likely_a appearance_n of_o truth_n call_v great_a or_o lesser_a probability_n or_o such_o intellectual_a sight_n at_o the_o least_o of_o they_o discover_v the_o thâng_n thââ_n evidence_v to_o âe_v be_v indeed_o so_o or_o true_a i_o suspect_v much_o he_o mean_v 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faith_n build_v on_o those_o degree_n will_v when_o examine_v amount_v to_o a_o very_a obscure_a evidence_n and_o a_o problematical_a kind_n of_o assuredness_n much_o like_o those_o comfortable_a light_n which_o both_o party_n have_v when_o they_o lie_v even_o wager_n at_o cockfighting_n &_o such_o game_n give_v good_a hope_n to_o both_o side_n but_o good_a security_n to_o neither_o but_o so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v if_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o infallible_o but_o only_o fallibly-certain_a which_o be_v all_o he_o be_v bend_v to_o prove_v 25._o no_o man_n who_o firm_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n as_o true_a can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n entertain_v any_o suspicion_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o for_o that_o be_v to_o make_v he_o certain_a and_o uncertain_a of_o the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v therefore_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o these_o who_o be_v certain_a of_o what_o they_o believe_v may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n not_o know_v but_o it_o may_v be_v false_a which_o 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be_v evident_a that_o a_o man_n may_v firm_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a and_o yet_o that_o thing_n be_v false_a must_v that_o man_n therefore_o be_v certain_a of_o that_o falsehood_n and_o that_o it_o be_v though_o in_o reality_n it_o be_v not_o we_o experience_n that_o opposite_a party_n firm_o assent_v to_o contrary_a tenet_n as_o true_a for_o example_n the_o socinian_o firm_o assent_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o god_n we_o and_o the_o protestant_n that_o christ_n be_v god_n catholic_n assent_v firm_o that_o they_o be_v not_o idolater_n when_o they_o make_v use_v of_o holy_a image_n in_o divine_a worship_n d._n st._n firm_o assent_v they_o be_v at_o least_o he_o will_v persuade_v his_o ãâã_d by_o his_o book_n he_o do_v so_o be_v all_o these_o opposite_a side_n certain_a of_o their_o several_a tenet_n because_o each_o side_n firm_o assent_v to_o they_o as_o true_a
some_o certainty_n without_o any_o kind_n of_o nature_n of_o proof_n that_o be_v without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o the_o object_n after_o this_o he_o acquaint_v we_o with_o one_o kind_n of_o morâl_v certainty_n watch_v he_o say_v be_v oppose_v to_o mathematical_a evidence_n now_o i_o neither_o discern_v how_o moral_a and_o mathematical_a come_v to_o be_v opposite_a to_o one_o another_o more_o than_o moral_a or_o physical_a and_o metaphysical_a or_o theological_a less_o do_v i_o see_v how_o certainty_n anâ_n evidence_n have_v such_o a_o opposition_n and_o antipathy_n i_o think_v they_o may_v have_v be_v both_o on_o the_o same_o side_n but_o i_o conceive_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o natural_a reason_n make_v he_o at_o unaware_o join_v certainty_n to_o moral_a and_o evidence_n to_o mathematical_a thereby_o confess_v that_o this_o moral_a certainty_n as_o he_o apprehend_v it_o be_v indeed_o the_o issue_n of_o no_o kind_n of_o evidence_n at_o all_o but_o of_o mere_a obscurity_n or_o 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all_o christian_a faith_n may_v be_v a_o error_n or_o mistake_n of_o the_o world_n i_o presume_v he_o will_v not_o say_v it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v all_o a_o mistake_v because_o it_o be_v so_o protect_v by_o this_o moral_a certainty_n for_o he_o make_v this_o a_o less_o degree_n of_o certainty_n than_o mathematical_a certainty_n be_v and_o dr._n t._n have_v tell_v we_o there_o can_v be_v no_o degree_n in_o absolute_a impossibility_n beside_o i_o see_v not_o how_o a_o fallible_a certainty_n can_v establish_v any_o tenet_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n which_o be_v incomparable_o above_o that_o can_v do_v no_o more_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o his_o credit_n for_o it_o be_v indeed_o blasphemous_a to_o say_v that_o all_o christian_a faith_n may_v possible_o be_v a_o lie_a imposture_n for_o any_o thing_n any_o man_n live_v know_v or_o that_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n though_o rely_v and_o proceed_v to_o their_o power_n on_o the_o mean_n god_n have_v appoint_v to_o establish_v they_o in_o true_a faith_n may_v notwithstanding_o be_v possible_o in_o a_o error_n i_o suppose_v than_o he_o will_v recur_v to_o his_o late_a excuse_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o no_o man_n who_o firm_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n as_o true_a can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n entertain_v any_o suspicion_n of_o its_o falsehood_n but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o our_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o his_o judgement_n but_o his_o doctrine_n which_o stand_v impeach_v not_o his_o thought_n but_o his_o word_n and_o discourse_n let_v he_o clear_v those_o to_o the_o world_n and_o i_o be_o to_o remit_v secret_a thing_n to_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n i_o leave_v then_o he_o and_o his_o frâend_n to_o shuffâle_v about_o for_o better_a evasion_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a can_v never_o be_v candid_a and_o scholarlike_o but_o some_o learned_a quirk_n and_o jeer_n and_o address_v myself_o to_o a_o far_a examination_n of_o this_o worthy_a principle_n 3_o than_o i_o will_v ask_v whether_o the_o firmness_n of_o this_o assent_n which_o he_o say_v here_o moral_a certainty_n imply_v be_v take_v from_o the_o object_n or_o from_o the_o subject_a i_o suppose_v he_o will_v say_v here_o from_o the_o object_n because_o he_o say_v it_o be_v upon_o the_o high_a evidence_n moral_a thing_n can_v receive_v but_o i_o perceive_v he_o dispose_v even_o while_o he_o say_v so_o to_o blame_v the_o thing_n for_o receive_v no_o more_o i_o doubt_v he_o shall_v rather_o blame_v himself_o for_o receive_v no_o more_o from_o those_o moral_a object_n who_o be_v both_o as_o able_a and_o as_o ready_a to_o afford_v he_o perfect_a evidence_n as_o perhaps_o any_o other_o thing_n in_o nature_n do_v he_o dispose_v himself_o to_o receive_v it_o for_o be_v not_o moral_a thing_n as_o firm_o establish_v in_o their_o respective_a determinate_a nature_n as_o natural_a and_o mathematical_a thing_n from_o which_o establishment_n 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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 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it_o into_o ãâã_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 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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
insignificant_a word_n inquiry_n it_o be_v so_o very_o safe_a that_o it_o be_v absolute_o inconfutable_a have_v he_o say_v candid_o and_o plain_o hear_v follow_v the_o principle_n not_o agree_v on_o voluntary_o which_o therefore_o i_o will_v make_v evident_a that_o my_o adversary_n reason_n may_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v their_o verity_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v my_o discourse_n proceed_v and_o way_n be_v make_v towards_o some_o conclusion_n he_o have_v offer_v i_o some_o play_n for_o than_o i_o may_v possible_o have_v discover_v the_o weakness_n or_o inevidence_n of_o his_o principle_n or_o the_o slackness_n of_o his_o consequence_n but_o now_o all_o my_o attempt_n be_v defeat_v by_o this_o one_o pretty_a word_n inquiry_n for_o though_o i_o shall_v hap_v to_o confute_v every_o line_n in_o all_o the_o thirty_o paragraph_n yet_o still_o after_o all_o this_o none_o can_v deny_v but_o he_o have_v inquire_v into_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n whether_o he_o have_v produce_v one_o word_n to_o evince_v it_o or_o no_o thus_o dr._n t._n in_o his_o late_a preface_n get_v rid_v of_o the_o hard_a and_o main_o concern_v passage_n in_o sure-footing_a by_o virtue_n of_o two_o insignificant_a word_n allege_v that_o he_o have_v sufficient_o consider_v it_o in_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o word_n be_v perfect_o verify_v though_o as_o appear_v in_o reason_n against_o raillery_n disc._n 8_o he_o ready_o grant_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o as_o to_o that_o point_n once_o more_o i_o desire_v our_o learned_a reader_n to_o reflect_v on_o the_o different_a manner_n in_o which_o i_o and_o my_o adversary_n bear_v ourselves_o towards_o one_o another_o i_o candid_o avow_v my_o ground_n to_o be_v evident_a principle_n my_o consequence_n to_o be_v necessary_a my_o argument_n to_o be_v absolute_o conclusive_a or_o demonstrative_a and_o by_o so_o do_v i_o offer_v they_o all_o the_o fair_a play_n imaginable_a and_o trust_v to_o the_o invincible_a force_n of_o truth_n expose_v myself_o 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of_o their_o discourse_n 4._o notwithstanding_o that_o dr._n st._n be_v thus_o shy_a to_o name_v these_o thirty_o paragraph_n principle_n in_o regard_n they_o be_v so_o monstrous_o unlike_o those_o clear_a and_o evident_a truth_n which_o use_n and_o aught_o to_o bear_v that_o sacred_a name_n yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o his_o carriage_n he_o mean_v they_o for_o such_o and_o will_v have_v they_o think_v such_o too_o for_o they_o immediate_o follow_v after_o the_o six_o principle_n voluntary_o agree_v on_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o other_o sort_n of_o principle_n not_o voluntary_o agree_v to_o and_o all_o of_o they_o antecede_v his_o six_o conclusion_n or_o sequels_fw-fr which_o he_o put_v immediate_o to_o follow_v out_o of_o they_o again_o the_o run_v title_n superscribe_v to_o they_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n reduce_v to_o principle_n all_o which_o manifest_v to_o we_o beyond_o evasion_n that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o and_o rely_v on_o they_o as_o principle_n though_o he_o be_v something_o bashful_a to_o call_v they_o so_o direct_o wherefore_o in_o compliance_n with_o his_o intention_n we_o will_v for_o once_o strain_v a_o word_n to_o the_o high_a catachresis_fw-la that_o may_v be_v and_o by_o a_o strange_a antiphrasis_n call_v black_a white_a and_o all_o these_o paragraph_n principle_n 5._o yet_o though_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o candid_a and_o clear_a and_o consonant_a to_o any_o maxim_n even_o of_o natural_a logic_n in_o this_o discourse_n yet_o i_o must_v allow_v that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o cunning_a and_o slight_a and_o sophistry_n in_o it_o as_o can_v well_o be_v stuff_v into_o so_o narrow_a a_o room_n wherefore_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v like_o he_o i_o shall_v open_o profess_v before_o hand_n what_o i_o undertake_v viz._n to_o show_v plain_o that_o he_o have_v not_o speak_v one_o efficacious_a word_n to_o the_o purpose_n he_o intend_v that_o be_v he_o have_v not_o produce_v any_o one_o principle_n one_o reason_n one_o argument_n either_o settle_n in_o the_o least_o the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n nor_o unsettle_v that_o of_o catholic_n this_o will_v be_v see_v by_o our_o examination_n of_o each_o particular_a principle_n in_o order_n and_o the_o answer_n to_o they_o to_o which_o i_o now_o address_v 1._o a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v agree_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o man_n happiness_n no_o other_o way_n of_o revelation_n be_v in_o itself_o necessary_a to_o that_o end_n than_o such_o whereby_o man_n may_v know_v what_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n for_o his_o sake_n be_v the_o fulfil_v of_o the_o law_n do_v by_o consequence_n include_v in_o itself_o eminent_o a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v agree_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o man_n happiness_n yet_o this_o love_n or_o charity_n presuppose_v hope_n and_o both_o hope_n and_o love_n presuppose_v faith_n as_o their_o basis_n both_o of_o these_o do_v by_o consequence_n come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v in_o their_o several_a manner_n and_o according_a to_o their_o several_a nature_n condition_n of_o man_n happiness_n as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o all_o sober_a protestant_n will_v grant_v again_o faith_n be_v part_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o so_o command_v by_o he_o and_o it_o be_v against_o those_o attribute_n of_o god_n agree_v on_o by_o both_o side_n to_o command_v man_n to_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o right_a nature_n himself_o have_v give_v he_o and_o establish_v it_o essential_a to_o he_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o true_a reason_n also_o faith_n be_v a_o virtue_n and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o right_a nature_n nay_o more_o a_o supernatural_a virtue_n and_o so_o perfect_v and_o elevate_a right_a nature_n or_o true_a reason_n not_o debase_v or_o destroy_v it_o it_o follow_v from_o these_o and_o many_o other_o reason_n allege_v in_o faith_n vindicated_n that_o this_o part_n of_o our_o obedience_n call_v faith_n must_v be_v rationabile_fw-la obsequium_fw-la a_o reasonable_a obedience_n and_o that_o our_o assent_n call_v belief_n take_v it_o as_o impose_v by_o god_n be_v conformable_a to_o maxim_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o that_o it_o perfect_v and_o not_o in_o the_o least_o pervert_v human_a nature_n but_o it_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o human_a nature_n as_o give_v we_o by_o god_n or_o to_o right_a reason_n to_o assent_v and_o profess_v that_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v true_a as_o the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n settle_v by_o our_o saviour_n enjoin_v we_o in_o case_n we_o be_v to_o rely_v sole_o on_o the_o divine_a authority_n for_o the_o formal_a motive_n of_o this_o our_o believe_v or_o hold_v they_o such_o and_o yet_o when_o we_o come_v to_o doubt_v concern_v their_o truth_n can_v possible_o arrive_v to_o see_v any_o ground_n absolute_o certain_a that_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v indeed_o engage_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o say_a point_n also_o it_o be_v quite_o opposite_a to_o human_a nature_n to_o love_v heaven_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o case_n there_o be_v not_o ground_n absolute_o certain_a that_o god_n have_v tell_v we_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o heaven_n or_o such_o a_o blissful_a state_n attainable_a by_o we_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o he_o wherefore_o when_o dr._n st._n say_v no_o other_o way_n of_o revelation_n be_v in_o itself_o necessary_a to_o this_o end_n or_o to_o the_o entire_a obedience_n to_o god_n will_n than_o such_o whereby_o man_n may_v know_v what_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v we_o be_v to_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n know_v that_o at_o least_o the_o govern_v part_n of_o god_n church_n or_o ecclesia_fw-la docens_fw-la may_v be_v absolutly-certain_a that_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n the_o assent_v to_o and_o profess_v which_o
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 for_o unless_o we_o be_v antecedent_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v he_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o we_o by_o any_o supernatural_a mean_n if_o he_o mean_v here_o priority_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v to_o be_v grant_v for_o this_o proposition_n god_n have_v reveal_v imply_v and_o presuppose_v as_o its_o basis_n god_n be_v butler_n if_o he_o understand_v it_o of_o priority_n of_o time_n as_o i_o conceive_v he_o do_v than_o i_o both_o deny_v the_o proposition_n and_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o reason_n give_v for_o it_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a both_o by_o reason_n and_o experience_n that_o manifest_a and_o convictive_a miracle_n which_o be_v supernatural_a and_o external_a revelation_n do_v before_o the_o heathen_n who_o yet_o know_v not_o the_o true_a god_n in_o testimony_n of_o christianty_n at_o once_o or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n make_v it_o certain_a that_o he_o who_o we_o adore_v be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o also_o that_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n by_o supernatural_a mean_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a as_o dr._n st._n here_o affirm_v to_o be_v certain_a of_o such_o a_o revelation_n without_o know_v any_o time_n before_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n nor_o must_v all_o supernatural_a and_o external_n revelation_n need_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o be_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o he_o pretend_v since_o such_o a_o revelation_n may_v cause_v that_o knowledge_n and_o so_o antecede_v it_o not_o be_v antecedent_n to_o it_o 4_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v for_o divine_a revelation_n which_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o must_v be_v antecedent_o suppose_v to_o all_o divine_a revelation_n for_o that_o be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n this_o discourse_n seem_v at_o the_o first_o show_n to_o carry_v so_o clear_a a_o evidence_n with_o it_o that_o nothing_o appear_v so_o irrational_a as_o to_o doubt_v or_o dispute_v it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o less_o if_o the_o word_n in_o which_o it_o be_v couch_v be_v not_o equivocal_o take_v but_o still_o be_v mean_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n to_o prevent_v then_o the_o growth_n of_o a_o witty_a piece_n of_o sophistry_n which_o i_o foresee_v creep_v in_o under_o the_o disguise_n of_o a_o ambiguous_a word_n i_o be_o to_o provide_v against_o it_o with_o a_o distinction_n both_o pertinent_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o present_a matter_n these_o word_n divine_a revelation_n may_v either_o mean_v the_o way_n or_o act_n of_o reveal_v or_o else_o they_o may_v mean_v the_o thing_n divine_o reveal_v that_o be_v the_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o differ_v as_o show_v and_o thing_n show_v or_o as_o a_o action_n and_o its_o effect_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o word_n tradition_n be_v 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 throughout_o which_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o word_n revelation_n be_v here_o make_v use_n of_o thrice_o and_o in_o the_o first_o and_o last_o place_n it_o seem_v plain_o to_o mean_v the_o point_v reveal_v in_o the_o middle_a the_o way_n or_o act_n of_o reveal_v yet_o the_o two_o follow_a principle_n incline_v the_o doubtfulness_n of_o the_o expression_n to_o mean_v the_o point_n of_o faith_n themselves_o though_o this_o be_v to_o speak_v moderate_o by_o far_o the_o more_o preposterous_a and_o absurd_a tenet_n as_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v show_v but_o i_o be_o to_o provide_v for_o both_o part_n since_o i_o be_o to_o skirmish_v with_o such_o a_o ambidextrous_a adversary_n and_o therefore_o apply_v this_o discourse_n to_o his_o proposition_n i_o distinguish_v thus_o and_o grant_v that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v for_o divine_a revelation_n take_v those_o word_n to_o signify_v the_o act_n of_o reveal_v which_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o must_v be_v antecedent_o suppose_v to_o the_o act_n of_o reveal_v also_o i_o grant_v that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v for_o divine_a revelation_n take_v those_o word_n to_o signify_v point_n of_o faith_n reveal_v which_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o must_v be_v antecedent_o suppose_v to_o those_o point_n this_o be_v candid_a and_o clear_a deal_n and_o far_o from_o that_o sophistical_a and_o equivocate_a ambiguity_n which_o contrary_a to_o the_o genius_n of_o truth_n he_o so_o constant_o and_o so_o industrious_o affect_v 5._o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o mean_n imagine_v whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o a_o faculty_n in_o we_o of_o discern_a truth_n and_o falsehood_n in_o matter_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o exercise_v in_o judge_v the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n we_o must_v be_v impose_v upon_o by_o every_o thing_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o here_o be_v many_o quaint_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v for_o if_o dr._n st._n mean_n that_o we_o can_v judge_v of_o truth_n without_o a_o faculty_n to_o judge_v of_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o ãâ¦ã_z principle_n though_o very_a littââ_n ãâã_d his_o purpose_n but_o it_o be_v most_o ãâã_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
discern_a truth_n and_o falsehood_n again_o what_o be_v mean_v here_o by_o divine_v revelation_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o formal_a act_n of_o reveal_v then_o it_o be_v false_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o judge_v of_o its_o truth_n but_o a_o faculty_n in_o we_o of_o discern_a truth_n and_o falsehood_n in_o matter_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n for_o these_o matter_n be_v point_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v a_o madness_n to_o think_v we_o must_v begin_v with_o examine_v their_o truth_n ere_o we_o can_v know_v that_o god_n have_v true_o or_o indeed_o reveal_v they_o since_o the_o knowledge_n that_o god_n have_v reveal_v or_o speak_v be_v have_v ordinary_o by_o natural_a mean_n antecedent_n even_o to_o the_o revelation_n itself_o much_o more_o antecedent_n to_o those_o point_n viz._n by_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o show_v the_o divine_a authority_n engage_v for_o their_o truth_n but_o if_o he_o mean_v by_o divine_a revelation_n the_o thing_n or_o point_n divine_o reveal_v and_o as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n matter_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n he_o bend_v strong_o that_o way_n than_o the_o sense_n be_v evident_o this_o that_o we_o must_v judge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n by_o exercise_v a_o faculty_n of_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o point_n and_o since_o to_o judge_n be_v to_o exercise_v our_o faculty_n of_o judge_v it_o amount_v plain_o to_o this_o that_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o point_n of_o faith_n by_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o identical_a proposition_n and_o perfect_o true_a but_o not_o at_o all_o to_o his_o purpose_n yet_o it_o be_v too_o for_o it_o be_v creditable_a now_o and_o then_o to_o speak_v clear_a evidence_n however_o in_o reality_n they_o prove_v impertinency_n but_o if_o dr._n st._n mean_v nothing_o but_o that_o we_o must_v use_v our_o faculty_n of_o discern_a truth_n and_o falsehood_n that_o be_v indeed_o our_o reason_n even_o in_o assent_v to_o thing_n above_o reason_n or_o to_o mystery_n of_o faith_n he_o say_v very_o right_a for_o it_o be_v most_o rational_a to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o god_n who_o be_v essential_a verity_n have_v say_v and_o exceed_o rational_a to_o believe_v god_n have_v say_v it_o or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o in_o our_o case_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v teach_v it_o upon_o a_o authority_n inerrable_n in_o that_o affair_n and_o thus_o my_o faith_n may_v be_v most_o rational_a without_o exercise_v my_o reason_n in_o scan_v and_o debate_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o the_o matter_n propose_v to_o my_o belief_n or_o examine_v the_o point_n of_o faith_n themselves_o nay_o more_o this_o method_n of_o he_o be_v most_o preposterous_a and_o absurd_a for_o the_o mystery_n or_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v elevate_v above_o the_o pitch_n of_o our_o ordinary_a natural_a reason_n and_o such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o which_o god_n infinity_o most_v exert_n as_o we_o may_v say_v it_o be_v utmost_a but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o ascertain_v to_o we_o the_o divine_a revelation_n or_o that_o god_n have_v tell_v we_o they_o lie_v level_a to_o our_o reason_n as_o inform_v by_o natural_a knowledge_n hence_o to_o relinquish_v the_o method_n of_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n by_o those_o knowledge_n which_o lie_v within_o our_o own_o ken_n and_o to_o begin_v with_o those_o which_o be_v most_o elevate_v above_o it_o as_o it_o be_v to_o comprehend_v the_o extent_n of_o god_n infinite_a power_n be_v both_o against_o all_o art_n and_o common_a sense_n both_o which_o tell_v we_o we_o must_v begin_v with_o what_o be_v more_o easy_o knowable_a and_o thence_o proceed_v to_o what_o be_v less_o knowable_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o danger_n of_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o everything_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o dr._n scruple_n as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n can_v lie_v and_o that_o god_n have_v say_v this_o for_o these_o put_v the_o thing_n be_v most_o certain_o true_a 6._o the_o pretence_n of_o infallibility_n in_o any_o person_n or_o society_n of_o man_n must_v be_v judge_v in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v for_o that_o infallibility_n be_v challenge_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o supernatural_a assistance_n and_o for_o that_o end_n to_o assure_v man_n what_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o mean_n must_v be_v use_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o that_o as_o for_o any_o other_o supernatural_a way_n of_o god_n make_v know_v his_o will_n to_o man_n here_o the_o word_n he_o divine_v revelation_n which_o he_o now_o first_o use_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o dr._n st._n mean_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o god_n reveal_v it_o or_o divine_a revelation_n which_o word_n he_o use_v former_o and_o this_o be_v far_o confirm_v by_o his_o say_n that_o 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it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o several_a way_n of_o reveal_v ãâã_d will_v to_o we_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o dispute_v from_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o necessity_n of_o one_o particular_a wây_n to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o all_o other_o but_o we_o ought_v to_o inquire_v what_o way_n god_n himself_o have_v choose_v and_o whatever_o he_o have_v do_v we_o be_v sure_o can_v be_v repugnant_a to_o infinite_a justice_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o truth_n i_o do_v not_o remember_v to_o have_v hear_v that_o any_o man_n live_v ever_o go_v about_o to_o dispute_v from_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n alone_o the_o necessity_n of_o one_o particular_a way_n to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o all_o other_o nor_o do_v it_o appear_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o do_v it_o without_o consider_v also_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o several_a way_n of_o reveal_v in_o do_v which_o if_o we_o come_v to_o discover_v that_o only_a one_o be_v as_o thing_n stand_v of_o itself_o 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god_n may_v make_v know_v his_o will_n to_o we_o either_o by_o immediate_a voice_n from_o heaven_n or_o inward_a inspiration_n to_o every_o particular_a person_n or_o inspire_v some_o to_o speak_v personal_o to_o other_o or_o assist_v they_o with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o write_v such_o book_n which_o shall_v contain_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o distant_a person_n and_o future_a age_n all_o this_o be_v grant_v and_o much_o more_o for_o there_o be_v innumerable_a other_o way_n conceivable_a how_o god_n may_v make_v know_v his_o will_n to_o we_o beside_o those_o here_o recount_v in_o case_n we_o regard_v only_o god_n power_n to_o do_v it_o and_o set_v aside_o his_o wisdom_n and_o other_o attribute_n namely_o those_o four_o way_n mention_v by_o i_o above_o and_o multitude_n of_o other_o such_o but_o out_o of_o all_o these_o god_n wisdom_n which_o have_v pre-established_a the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n will_v make_v choice_n of_o that_o which_o be_v fit_a to_o perform_v the_o effect_n intend_v that_o be_v to_o certify_v absolute_o the_o first_o deliver_v faith_n to_o we_o who_o live_v now_o and_o leave_v it_o shall_v be_v too_o early_o understand_v which_o way_n be_v best_a for_o that_o end_n which_o will_v forestall_v and_o render_v void_a dr._n st_n future_a discourse_n he_o therefore_o very_o politic_o quite_o leave_v out_o any_o peculiar_a mention_n of_o our_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o one_o may_v have_v think_v deserve_v a_o place_n among_o the_o rest_n leave_v out_o i_o say_v for_o those_o word_n or_o inspire_v some_o to_o speak_v personal_o to_o other_o suit_n better_o with_o prophetical_a messenger_n than_o with_o the_o tradition_n of_o god_n church_n wherefore_o premise_v this_o note_n that_o it_o be_v agree_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v and_o settle_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o faith_n at_o first_o and_o therefore_o that_o there_o need_v no_o more_o for_o we_o to_o know_v god_n will_v now_o but_o to_o find_v out_o 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dexterous_o bring_v in_o not_o by_o connexion_n of_o term_n far_o be_v any_o such_o piece_n of_o confidence_n from_o so_o learned_a and_o profound_a a_o jeerer_n at_o demonstration_n but_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o some_o pretty_a equivocation_n i_o remind_v the_o reader_n of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o by_o put_v some_o of_o my_o opposite_a proposition_n each_o of_o which_o be_v make_v good_a in_o its_o respective_a place_n 1._o a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v principal_o perform_v by_o a_o heartily-assenting_a faith_n a_o lively_a hope_n and_o a_o ardent_a charity_n and_o not_o by_o outward_a action_n otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o spring_v from_o these_o therefore_o the_o way_n of_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n to_o we_o or_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o ground_n these_o must_v be_v absolutely-certain_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a 2._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o mystery_n or_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v more_o remove_v from_o our_o knowledge_n than_o those_o maxim_n which_o assure_v we_o that_o god_n reveal_v they_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a to_o begin_v with_o examine_v those_o point_n but_o the_o ground_n for_o god_n reveal_v they_o 3._o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v be_v perfect_o secure_a for_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v grant_v veracious_a if_o there_o be_v infallible_a ground_n that_o god_n have_v say_v they_o those_o point_n be_v infallible_o true_a if_o not_o they_o be_v not_o point_n of_o âaith_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 fiveâexâ_n âexâ_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
he_o can_v go_v to_o work_v more_o logical_o and_o exact_o in_o find_v out_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o notion_n of_o a_o rule_n and_o show_v i_o i_o take_v it_o improper_o i_o shall_v hearty_o thank_v he_o and_o acknowledge_v my_o mistake_n but_o i_o never_o yet_o discern_v any_o such_o attempt_n nor_o do_v i_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o fear_v any_o such_o performance_n and_o i_o much_o doubt_n shall_v any_o catholic_n divine_v out_o of_o a_o charitable_a intention_n of_o union_n which_o i_o shall_v ever_o commend_v and_o hearty_o approve_v trust_v to_o the_o equivocalness_n of_o the_o word_n say_v scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n or_o a_o rule_n i_o much_o doubt_v i_o say_v that_o when_o the_o thing_n come_v to_o be_v examine_v to_o the_o bottom_n it_o will_v scarce_o tend_v to_o any_o solid_a good_a for_o however_o word_n may_v bend_v yet_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o catholic_n faith_n be_v inflexible_a and_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n lest_o while_o we_o yield_v they_o the_o word_n they_o expect_v not_o as_o they_o may_v just_o have_v such_o occasion_n that_o we_o shall_v grant_v the_o thing_n proper_o signify_v by_o that_o word_n which_o if_o they_o do_v we_o must_v either_o recede_v or_o else_o forgo_v catholic_n ground_n but_o now_o the_o difference_n between_o i_o and_o dr._n st_n party_n be_v in_o the_o very_a thing_n itself_o and_o this_o as_o wide_a as_o contradiction_n can_v distance_n we_o for_o 118._o dr._n t._n who_o he_o still_o abett_n make_v it_o possible_a that_o he_o have_v neither_o true_a letter_n nor_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v make_v his_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o his_o faith_n build_v sole_o on_o it_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o all_o that_o go_v that_o way_n fall_v unavoidable_o into_o that_o precipice_n while_o they_o admit_v no_o ground_n but_o what_o be_v fallible_a as_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a in_o faith_n vindicated_n and_o reason_n against_o raillery_n whereas_o i_o still_o bear_v up_o to_o the_o impossibility_n that_o christian_a faith_n shall_v be_v a_o lie_n and_o consequent_o i_o maintain_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o engage_v the_o divine_a authority_n on_o which_o its_o truth_n sole_o depend_v and_o without_o engage_v which_o it_o may_v be_v all_o false_a must_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a or_o infallible_o certain_a and_o hence_o take_v my_o rise_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o all_o protestant_n and_o indeed_o all_o that_o have_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n except_o some_o few_o speculator_n agree_v with_o i_o viz._n that_o take_v it_o as_o build_v on_o those_o motive_n leave_v by_o god_n for_o his_o church_n to_o embrace_v faith_n that_o be_v take_v it_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v it_o be_v above_o opinion_n and_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a hence_o i_o say_v build_v on_o this_o mutual_a agreement_n i_o pursue_v a_o solid_a union_n which_o i_o declare_v myself_o most_o hearty_o to_o zeal_n hope_v that_o this_o point_n once_o distinct_o clear_v against_o the_o sophism_n and_o blind_a craft_n of_o some_o weak_a heterodox_n writer_n it_o will_v quick_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v every_o man_n concern_v who_o be_v of_o capacity_n to_o look_v after_o such_o ground_n that_o the_o divine_a authority_n on_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o faith_n depend_v be_v engage_v for_o the_o point_n he_o hold_v as_o be_v absolute_o certain_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o i_o make_v account_n that_o be_v this_o quest_n hearty_o pursue_v it_o will_v quick_o appear_v both_o by_o other_o confess_v the_o possible_a falsehood_n of_o they_o as_o also_o by_o enforce_a reason_n nay_o by_o dr._n tillitsons_n yield_v to_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o this_o rule_n etc._n even_o when_o he_o be_v to_o impugn_v it_o that_o nothing_o but_o tradition_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v such_o a_o ground_n perhaps_o also_o it_o may_v be_v show_v that_o both_o more_o learned_a and_o more_o sober_a 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embrace_v if_o not_o i_o have_v this_o satisfaction_n that_o i_o have_v do_v a_o due_a right_n and_o honour_n to_o christian_a faith_n and_o give_v it_o that_o advantage_n by_o assert_v its_o perfect_a security_n from_o error_n as_o god_n grace_n assist_v be_v apt_a to_o make_v it_o work_v more_o efficacious_o both_o interiorly_a and_o exterior_o in_o those_o who_o already_o possess_v it_o four_o examen_fw-la sift_v the_o the_o ten_o follow_a principle_n concern_v the_o letter-rule_n and_o live_a rule_n of_o faith_n the_o right_a nature_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v thus_o state_v it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o address_v to_o our_o examen_fw-la how_v dr._n st._n from_o principles_n settle_v we_o such_o a_o rule_n beginning_n from_o his_o ten_o 10._o if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v to_o man_n by_o write_v it_o must_v either_o be_v because_o no_o write_n can_v be_v intelligible_a enough_o for_o that_o end_n or_o that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v know_v to_o be_v write_v by_o man_n infallible_o assist_v the_o former_a be_v repugnant_a to_o common_a sense_n for_o word_n be_v equal_o capable_a of_o be_v understand_v speak_v or_o write_v the_o late_a overthrow_n the_o possibility_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o have_v already_o say_v and_o in_o divers_a book_n manifold_o prove_v that_o no_o declaration_n of_o god_n will_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o in_o our_o case_n no_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a consider_v the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o faith_n ãâã_d obligation_n arise_v from_o it_o but_o ãâ¦ã_z to_o be_v false_a and_o build_v on_o infallible_a ground_n this_o premise_a we_o be_v to_o inquire_v whether_o write_v be_v the_o best_a way_n for_o thus_o assure_v it_o in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v then_o close_o to_o our_o answer_n we_o be_v first_o to_o reflect_v again_o what_o dr._n st._n mean_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n at_o lest_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o mean_v by_o it_o for_o these_o word_n at_o the_o first_o sight_n seem_v to_o signify_v only_o some_o external_n action_n command_v by_o god_n to_o be_v perform_v or_o avoid_v and_o it_o be_v the_o dr_n interest_n they_o shall_v be_v take_v only_o in_o this_o sense_n for_o such_o a_o will_n be_v more_o easy_a to_o be_v signify_v by_o write_v than_o some_o other_o thing_n of_o a_o more_o abstruse_a spiritual_a and_o dogmatical_a nature_n which_o yet_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o point_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n and_o godhead_n of_o christ_n who_o die_v for_o we_o since_o then_o god_n will_v extend_v not_o only_o to_o aim_v at_o mankind_n attainment_n of_o his_o last_o end_n or_o true_a happiness_n but_o also_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o it_o or_o to_o give_v we_o knowledge_n of_o those_o motive_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o create_v in_o man_n a_o hearty_a love_n of_o heaven_n above_o all_o thing_n the_o best_a condition_n of_o man_n happiness_n or_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o it_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o hold_v all_o those_o tenet_n which_o contain_v in_o themselves_o such_o motive_n do_v all_o come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o omit_v many_o other_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o two_o point_n of_o main_a concern_v and_o influence_n towards_o christian_a life_n namely_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o real_a presence_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o sacrament_n now_o who_o see_v not_o how_o wonderful_a a_o ascendent_n both_o these_o if_o verify_v must_v needs_o have_v over_o christian_a heart_n can_v any_o amulet_n of_o love_n be_v so_o charm_v or_o apt_a to_o elevate_v to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n as_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 âow_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 of_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o salvation_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o err_v or_o at_o least_o not_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o so_o that_o for_o any_o thing_n appear_v by_o his_o discourse_n let_v he_o but_o read_v the_o scripture_n though_o he_o hold_v nothing_o but_o error_n by_o so_o do_v yet_o he_o be_v still_o in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n by_o the_o very_a read_n and_o run_v into_o error_n but_o this_o deserve_v a_o particular_a reflection_n hereafter_o last_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o genius_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o now_o be_v shows_z that_o however_o it_o be_v excellent_o useful_a for_o perfect_v the_o life_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o many_o regard_n yet_o it_o be_v never_o intend_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o to_o omit_v innumerable_a other_o reason_n frequent_o allege_v by_o our_o author_n its_o several_a part_n be_v evident_o write_v on_o several_a emergent_a occasion_n and_o have_v not_o the_o least_o semblance_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a have_v be_v 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 scripture_n have_v no_o such_o large_a explication_n write_v upon_o it_o to_o supply_v that_o less_o clearness_n of_o express_v which_o the_o way_n of_o writing_n be_v necessary_o subject_a to_o if_o compare_v with_o that_o of_o speak_v much_o less_o if_o daily_a practice_n go_v along_o with_o live_a voice_n to_o declare_v man_n mind_n as_o be_v find_v in_o tradition_n as_o for_o what_o he_o add_v and_o build_v on_o that_o scripture_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o he_o mean_v it_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v such_o according_a to_o the_o ground_n he_o proceed_v on_o he_o ought_v either_o to_o have_v put_v it_o among_o principle_n agree_v on_o by_o both_o side_n or_o else_o have_v prove_v it_o which_o he_o no_o where_o attempt_n but_o afterward_o princ._n 15._o very_o solid_o and_o learned_o disprove_v and_o confute_v while_o he_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o any_o infallible_a society_n of_o man_n to_o attest_v or_o explain_v those_o write_n for_o since_o 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 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or_o secret_a inspiration_n yet_o afterward_o he_o do_v communicate_v his_o mind_n to_o some_o immediate_o inspire_v to_o write_v his_o will_n in_o book_n to_o be_v preserve_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o future_a age_n and_o particular_o that_o these_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o receive_v be_v so_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ._n this_o be_v grant_v only_o it_o be_v not_o agree_v among_o all_o that_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n of_o what_o nature_n this_o benefit_n be_v which_o god_n intend_v man_n in_o future_a age_n by_o the_o scripture_n whether_o of_o strengthen_v they_o in_o faith_n and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o good_a life_n or_o teach_v they_o their_o faith_n at_o first_o and_o assure_v it_o to_o they_o nor_o how_o this_o benefit_n come_v to_o be_v derive_v to_o the_o generality_n whether_o by_o immediate_a read_n and_o penetrate_v it_o themselves_o or_o through_o the_o preach_a and_o instruction_n of_o 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
enough_o and_o apply_v that_o capacity_n to_o their_o power_n by_o as_o great_a a_o diligence_n as_o any_o nor_o can_v he_o in_o charity_n deny_v but_o they_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o in_o such_o point_n therefore_o he_o can_v deny_v but_o the_o person_n attend_v to_o the_o rule_n be_v faultless_a either_o in_o understand_v scripture_n in_o these_o point_n if_o it_o be_v to_o private_a understanding_n clear_o intelligible_a or_o will_v to_o understand_v it_o if_o they_o can_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v incredible_a they_o shall_v not_o will_n or_o desire_v this_o since_o they_o use_v such_o exact_a diligence_n in_o it_o and_o solemn_o profess_v to_o rely_v on_o the_o letter_n alone_o or_o that_o do_v they_o indeed_o sleight_v the_o letter_n or_o purposely_o decline_v rely_v on_o it_o their_o bias_n shall_v not_o manifest_o appear_v in_o so_o long_a time_n and_o they_o be_v brand_v for_o evident_a insincerity_n he_o can_v deny_v then_o but_o the_o person_n be_v faultless_a as_o to_o their_o capacity_n and_o will_n to_o understand_v the_o rule_n therefore_o unless_o he_o will_v renounce_v his_o reason_n he_o can_v deny_v but_o the_o fault_n must_v be_v in_o the_o same_o person_n judge_v that_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n which_o be_v not_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o alone_o and_o of_o itself_o clear_a and_o intelligible_a enough_o to_o preserve_v private_a man_n both_o capable_a and_o diligent_a and_o rely_v sole_o on_o it_o from_o possibility_n of_o error_n no_o not_o from_o actual_o err_v in_o most_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n nor_o consequent_o have_v it_o in_o it_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o since_o god_n never_o intend_v any_o thing_n shall_v do_v what_o its_o nature_n reach_v not_o to_o do_v that_o be_v shall_v do_v what_o it_o can_v do_v it_o be_v manifest_a scripture_n letter_n be_v never_o intend_v by_o god_n for_o that_o end_n or_o to_o be_v such_o a_o rule_n 13._o although_o we_o can_v argue_v against_o any_o particular_a way_n of_o revelation_n from_o the_o necessary_a attribute_n of_o god_n yet_o such_o away_o as_o writing_n be_v make_v choce_fw-mi of_o by_o he_o we_o may_v just_o say_v that_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o design_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n âf_n god_n to_o give_v infallible_a assurance_n to_o person_n in_o write_v his_o will_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n if_o those_o write_n may_v not_o be_v understand_v by_o all_o person_n who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n it_o be_v not_o yet_o prove_v nor_o ever_o will_v that_o god_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o the_o way_n of_o write_v for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o design_v it_o for_o that_o end_n nor_o that_o the_o benefit_n he_o mean_v mankind_n by_o such_o write_n be_v to_o ground_n their_o faith_n on_o what_o appear_v to_o their_o private_a judgement_n to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o letter_n therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o all_o person_n shall_v hap_v to_o misunderstand_v it_o even_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n notwithstanding_o their_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o since_o god_n have_v never_o promise_v that_o any_o who_o take_v a_o way_n never_o intend_v by_o he_o for_o such_o a_o end_n shall_v infallible_o arrive_v at_o that_o end_n by_o such_o a_o way_n nor_o be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o godness_n of_o god_n at_o all_o concern_v in_o preserve_v any_o from_o error_n if_o they_o take_v such_o a_o way_n especial_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o these_o follow_a consideration_n first_o that_o god_n have_v no_o where_o engage_v his_o word_n to_o secure_v every_o single_a or_o private_a man_n from_o error_n who_o shall_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o find_v his_o faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n in_o case_n he_o rely_v on_o his_o own_o private_a judgement_n &_o neglect_n to_o hear_v his_o pastor_n whence_o if_o such_o private_a person_n rely_v on_o god_n promise_a assistance_n to_o such_o a_o end_n they_o rely_v on_o what_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v and_o so_o no_o wonder_n their_o hope_n fail_v they_o if_o those_o hope_n be_v groundless_a second_o they_o can_v but_o know_v if_o but_o mean_o verse_v in_o the_o world_n that_o whole_a body_n of_o man_n and_o among_o they_o divers_a of_o great_a learning_n interpret_v scripture_n several_a way_n in_o very_o concern_v point_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o favour_v of_o a_o proud_a self-conceit_n in_o any_o person_n to_o think_v god_n regard_v his_o single_a self_n more_o than_o he_o do_v whole_a body_n and_o great_a multitude_n again_o it_o can_v without_o a_o strange_a unreasonableness_n &_o uncharitableness_n be_v imagine_v or_o judge_v that_o not_o one_o person_n of_o those_o many_o who_o adhere_v to_o the_o opposite_a tenet_n as_o clear_v to_o they_o in_o scripture_n according_a to_o their_o best_a judgement_n do_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o sacred_a book_n and_o if_o they_o do_v then_o common_a sense_n tell_v this_o private_a person_n that_o the_o whole_a foundation_n on_o which_o his_o hope_n be_v build_v be_v unsound_a and_o that_o more_o be_v requisite_a than_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n and_o a_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o understand_v it_o and_o that_o if_o these_o suffice_v to_o direct_v he_o right_o they_o ought_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v another_o and_o so_o he_o ought_v to_o doubt_v whether_o himself_o or_o those_o other_o proceed_v on_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o have_v the_o same_o mean_n be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o be_v he_o ought_v to_o doubt_v of_o his_o faith_n no_o better_o ground_v last_o this_o private_a man_n belong_v to_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o have_v pastor_n and_o governor_n set_v over_o he_o to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v he_o and_o those_o too_o as_o we_o will_v suppose_v read_v and_o rely_v on_o the_o scripture_n also_o he_o must_v judge_v this_o church_n sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n for_o this_o be_v the_o requisite_a condition_n to_o find_v right_a faith_n without_o this_o his_o church_n have_v no_o right_a faith_n and_o so_o be_v no_o church_n now_o for_o a_o private_a man_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o such_o a_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o that_o church_n not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o church_n and_o his_o lawful_a pastor_n as_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o his_o faith_n even_o though_o they_o be_v sincere_a endeavour_n as_o well_o as_o he_o but_o to_o adhere_v to_o that_o for_o his_o faith_n which_o appear_v to_o his_o private_a self_n to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n though_o he_o contradict_v and_o defy_v all_o the_o church_n he_o his_o a_o member_n of_o in_o so_o do_v which_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v if_o he_o proceed_v on_o this_o principle_n that_o scripture_n may_v be_v understand_v by_o all_o person_n who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o his_o salvatiou_n for_o he_o ought_v not_o for_o any_o man_n sake_n relinquish_v his_o faith_n or_o its_o rule_n i_o say_v to_o behave_v himself_o thus_o as_o in_o that_o supposition_n he_o ought_v be_v such_o a_o intolerable_a ma_fw-fr apart_a presumption_n so_o senseless_a and_o unnatural_a and_o self-condemning_a a_o rebellion_n and_o such_o a_o fanatic_a spiritual_a pride_n as_o i_o much_o doubt_n will_v give_v a_o man_n but_o small_a title_n to_o hope_v for_o especial_a assistance_n from_o god_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n at_o present_a i_o only_a remark_n the_o fault_n of_o this_o principle_n which_o be_v these_o first_o that_o it_o suppose_v god_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o or_o design_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v this_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o private_a person_n next_o that_o god_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n be_v engage_v that_o it_o be_v thus_o intelligible_a to_o every_o sincere_a eadeavourer_n neither_o of_o which_o be_v in_o the_o least_o prove_v or_o provable_a last_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o close_a instead_o of_o make_v it_o so_o intelligible_a as_o that_o all_o sincere_a endeavour_n may_v thereby_o be_v absolute_o secure_v from_o err_v as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n see_v very_o well_o these_o slight_a ground_n be_v not_o able_a to_o carry_v so_o far_o he_o substitute_n in_o their_o room_n these_o waty_a word_n in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n so_o that_o though_o they_o err_v in_o all_o the_o main_a point_n of_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 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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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controversy_n or_o final_o silence_v heretic_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o do_v by_o the_o unavoidable_a evidence_n of_o the_o text_n to_o private_a person_n no_o use_n be_v ever_o make_v of_o they_o alone_o with_o any_o success_n as_o the_o father_n also_o complain_v unless_o the_o the_o church_n authority_n go_v along_o animate_v the_o dead_a letter_n in_o dogmatical_a passage_n and_o show_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n to_o have_v be_v perpetual_o hold_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o so_o give_v it_o the_o sense_n majesty_n authority_n and_o force_n of_o god_n word_n elevate_a it_o thus_o above_o the_o repute_n of_o be_v some_o private_a conceit_n or_o production_n of_o skill_n and_o wit_n interpret_n the_o letter_n scripture_n then_o be_v perfect_a or_o have_v all_o due_a to_o the_o nature_n god_n intend_v it_o if_o due_o make_v use_n of_o as_o the_o church_n best_a instrument_n it_o be_v able_a to_o work_v those_o effect_n speak_v of_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o evident_a or_o self-authorized_a as_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o give_v it_o absolute_a pre-eminence_n in_o its_o kind_n that_o be_v above_o all_o other_o write_n that_o ever_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o prefer_v before_o it_o tradition_n or_o god_n church_n which_o be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o consist_v of_o the_o live_a temple_n of_o the_o h._n ghost_n for_o who_o sole_a good_a as_o its_o final_a end_n scripture_n itself_o be_v intend_v and_o write_v 15._o these_o write_n be_v own_v as_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n so_o plain_o reveal_v that_o no_o sober_a enquirer_n can_v miss_v of_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o salvation_n there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n suppose_v of_o any_o infallible_a society_n of_o man_n either_o
position_n abate_v the_o degree_n of_o it_o for_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v equal_o or_o more_o absurd_a not_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o infallibility_a of_o a_o great_a body_n of_o man_n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v pretend_v whatever_o reason_n or_o tradition_n appear_v for_o it_o without_o a_o evident_a miracle_n the_o second_o part_n be_v likewise_o grant_v in_o case_n it_o suppose_v as_o it_o seem_v to_o do_v the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o infallibility_n derive_v only_o from_o those_o very_a book_n which_o they_o recommend_v and_o in_o passage_n which_o they_o be_v to_o explicate_v ere_o they_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o such_o a_o infallibility_n otherwise_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o book_n obscure_a in_o multitude_n of_o other_o passage_n may_v be_v clear_a in_o that_o one_o which_o relate_v they_o to_o the_o church_n or_o that_o body_n which_o they_o be_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v as_o to_o the_o proper_a interpreter_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o dogmatical_a and_o controvert_v passage_n which_o belong_v to_o faith_n but_o the_o dr._n shall_v do_v well_o to_o show_v we_o any_o society_n of_o man_n or_o church_n that_o pretend_v to_o build_v her_o infallibility_n only_o on_o the_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o that_o very_a infallibility_n otherwise_o it_o will_v not_o touch_v our_o church_n who_o claim_v the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o her_o rule_n of_o faith_n tradition_n and_o as_o for_o her_o be_v natural_o support_v from_o error_n in_o attest_v former_a doctrine_n it_o be_v ground_v by_o those_o who_o discourse_n of_o that_o point_n upon_o humane_a nature_n as_o to_o its_o infallible_a sensation_n and_o on_o its_o rationality_n which_o render_v it_o incapable_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o a_o motive_n as_o they_o must_v do_v shall_v they_o transmit_v a_o not-delivered_a that_o be_v a_o evidently-new_a doctrine_n for_o a_o old_a or_o deliver_v one_o 18._o there_o can_v be_v no_o hazard_n to_o any_o person_n in_o 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it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o conclude_v of_o any_o particular_a wellâ_n mean_v man_n when_o he_o be_v damn_v when_o not_o whereas_o it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v no_o such_o hard_a matter_n to_o prove_v whether_o what_o he_o hold_v be_v true_a or_o not_o i_o can_v ask_v he_o whence_o or_o how_o he_o come_v to_o this_o assurance_n of_o god_n disjunctive_a promise_n here_o so_o confident_o assert_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o the_o salvation_n of_o so_o many_o soul_n necessary_o depend_v not_o by_o tradition_n for_o this_o will_v make_v he_o rely_v on_o a_o society_n of_o man_n or_o a_o church_n which_o he_o hate_v with_o all_o his_o heart_n not_o by_o scripture_n for_o this_o will_v make_v the_o same_o thing_n be_v the_o proof_n to_o itself_o not_o by_o reason_n for_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v he_o have_v do_v his_o best_a in_o that_o already_o and_o yet_o as_o be_v show_v have_v effect_v nothing_o but_o i_o will_v demand_v of_o he_o serious_o do_v god_n ever_o promise_v that_o if_o one_o take_v such_o a_o way_n as_o for_o want_n of_o a_o due_a intelligibleness_n in_o proportion_n to_o his_o capacity_n be_v not_o able_a to_o secure_v he_o from_o error_n he_o shall_v not_o err_v or_o that_o if_o he_o will_v needs_o be_v wise_a than_o his_o pastor_n and_o choose_v a_o mean_n for_o such_o a_o end_n which_o god_n never_o intend_v for_o that_o end_n he_o shall_v yet_o be_v sure_a to_o arrive_v at_o that_o end_n by_o that_o mean_n or_o that_o if_o by_o rely_v on_o it_o and_o err_a he_o shall_v happen_v to_o fall_v short_a of_o sufficient_a mean_n he_o shall_v notwithstanding_o miraculous_o be_v save_v without_o sufficient_a mean_n these_o be_v the_o point_v he_o be_v to_o consider_v well_o and_o speak_v to_o and_o not_o thus_o confident_o call_v every_o thing_n a_o principle_n which_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o say_v on_o his_o own_o head_n though_o never_o so_o extravagant_a in_o a_o word_n let_v he_o prove_v scripture_n to_o have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o which_o will_v fall_v into_o the_o same_o to_o have_v be_v intend_v by_o god_n for_o that_o end_n that_o be_v to_o be_v of_o itself_o such_o to_o people_n of_o all_o capacity_n that_o sober_o inquire_v as_o secure_v they_o from_o err_v in_o faith_n while_o they_o rely_v on_o it_o and_o this_o of_o itself_o without_o need_v any_o society_n of_o man_n or_o church_n to_o attest_v or_o explain_v it_o and_o then_o i_o shall_v yield_v his_o discourse_n to_o run_v as_o current_o as_o his_o own_o heart_n can_v wish_v but_o in_o prove_v this_o he_o hitherto_o have_v and_o ever_o must_v fall_v short_a most_o miserable_o he_o have_v often_o as_o i_o note_v former_o instead_o of_o say_v his_o rule_n of_o faith_n shall_v preserve_v those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o follow_v it_o from_o error_n or_o from_o miss_v of_o truth_n substitute_v those_o word_n can_v miss_v of_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n and_o such_o like_a the_o examination_n of_o which_o word_n i_o have_v reserve_v till_o now_o and_o that_o i_o may_v do_v he_o all_o right_a imaginable_a i_o will_v press_v his_o argument_n or_o rather_o indeed_o bare_a say_n in_o behalf_n of_o scripture_n as_o far_o as_o my_o reason_n can_v carry_v it_o none_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o very_a few_o point_n be_v sufficient_a for_o well-meaning_a particular_a person_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o jeweâ_n that_o be_v save_v and_o many_o silly_a and_o weak_a christian_n since_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v deny_v but_o every_o one_o that_o read_v scripture_n or_o hear_v it_o read_v by_o one_o they_o dare_v trust_v may_v understand_v some_o few_o good_a thing_n to_o which_o if_o they_o live_v up_o hearty_o and_o
bide_v by_o we_o and_o we_o by_o it_o all_o our_o whole_a life_n till_o we_o arrive_v at_o our_o future_a state_n the_o region_n of_o light_n where_o we_o shall_v see_v fancy_n ad_fw-la faciem_fw-la who_o see_v not_o that_o it_o must_v be_v hold_v and_o so_o since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n to_o hold_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v not_o must_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o otherwise_o be_v we_o to_o hold_v it_o that_o be_v be_v itself_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v hold_v alterable_a when_o ever_o more_o light_n shall_v appear_v discover_v it_o to_o be_v a_o error_n to_o evince_v this_o truth_n i_o have_v produce_v multitude_n of_o argument_n in_o faith_n vindicate_v none_o of_o which_o have_v be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v reply_v to_o though_o i_o and_o faith_n opposer_n still_o crafty_o persist_v to_o insinuate_v the_o contrary_a error_n but_o i_o will_v at_o present_a make_v use_v only_o of_o one_o which_o will_v i_o conceive_v 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blame_n how_o far_o short_a he_o have_v fall_v hitherto_o of_o make_v out_o his_o pretend_a rule_n of_o faith_n viz._n scripture_n as_o stand_v under_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o private_a person_n to_o be_v impossible_a to_o suffer_v man_n to_o err_v while_o adhere_v to_o that_o way_n be_v already_o show_v how_o hearty_o now_o he_o assert_v faith_n itself_o build_v on_o the_o mean_n or_o rule_n leave_v by_o god_n to_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v erroneous_a or_o false_a come_v next_o to_o be_v examine_v 20._o no_o man_n faith_n can_v therefore_o be_v infallible_a mere_o because_o the_o proponent_n be_v say_v to_o be_v infallible_a because_o the_o nature_n of_o assent_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o objective_a infallibility_n of_o any_o thing_n without_o we_o but_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o it_o in_o our_o â_z for_o assent_n be_v not_o build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o their_o evidence_n to_o we_o this_o principle_n begin_v with_o a_o fallacy_n of_o non_fw-la causa_fw-la pro_fw-la causa_fw-la for_o what_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n ever_o say_v or_o hold_v that_o faith_n must_v therefore_o be_v infallible_a mere_o because_o the_o proponent_n be_v say_v to_o be_v infallible_a must_v a_o mere_a say_n that_o be_v a_o say_v neither_o self-evident_a nor_o prove_v be_v hold_v a_o competent_a ground_n to_o build_v the_o existence_n of_o any_o thing_n upon_o but_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o dr._n st._n by_o the_o word_n be_v say_v to_o be_v mean_v be_v or_o prove_v to_o be_v as_o be_v indeed_o our_o true_a tenet_n let_v we_o see_v how_o he_o confute_v we_o our_o tenet_n be_v that_o in_o case_n the_o proposer_n of_o faith_n be_v infallible_a all_o that_o rely_v on_o it_o for_o that_o particular_a be_v by_o so_o do_v infallible_a likewise_o he_o argue_v against_o we_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o assent_n which_o he_o say_v depend_v not_o on_o the_o objective_a infallibility_n of_o any_o thing_n without_o we_o but_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o it_o in_o our_o mind_n if_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n depend_v not_o such_o a_o dependence_n as_o be_v immediate_a i_o grant_v it_o for_o our_o assent_n be_v a_o effect_n wrought_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o a_o result_n of_o some_o forego_v knowledge_n notion_n or_o nature_n of_o thing_n within_o we_o which_o produce_v that_o assent_n if_o it_o be_v a_o conclusion_n or_o compound_v it_o if_o a_o first_o principle_n it_o be_v impossible_a any_o thing_n without_o we_o and_o stay_v there_o without_o evidence_v itself_o to_o our_o mind_n or_o breed_v some_o interior_a discovery_n of_o itself_o there_o shall_v beget_v any_o assent_n at_o all_o concern_v it_o but_o if_o he_o mean_v by_o those_o word_n that_o our_o assent_n depend_v not_o mediate_o or_o depend_v not_o at_o all_o on_o the_o object_n without_o we_o as_o his_o large_a expression_n seem_v to_o signify_v then_o it_o be_v absolute_o deny_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o 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dilemma_n against_o infallibility_n ãâã_d proponent_n 21._o it_o be_v therefore_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o a_o ãâã_d assent_n that_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v infallible_o assist_v in_o judge_v of_o the_o matter_n propose_v to_o he_o to_o be_v believe_v so_o that_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o a_o necessity_n of_o some_o external_a infallible_a proponent_n be_v assert_v must_v rather_o make_v every_o particular_a person_n infallible_a if_o no_o divin_n faith_n can_v be_v without_o a_o infallible_a assent_n and_o so_o render_v any_o other_o infallibility_n useless_a 22._o if_o no_o particular_a person_n be_v infallible_a in_o the_o assent_n he_o give_v to_o matter_n propose_v by_o other_o to_o he_o than_o no_o man_n can_v be_v infallible_o sure_a that_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a and_o so_o the_o church_n infallibility_n can_v signify_v nothing_o to_o our_o infallible_a assurance_n without_o a_o equal_a infallibility_n in_o ourselves_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o 23._o the_o infallibility_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v not_o assert_v by_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o one_o render_v the_o other_o useless_a for_o if_o every_o person_n be_v infallible_a what_o need_v any_o representative_a church_n to_o be_v so_o and_o the_o infallibility_n of_o a_o church_n be_v of_o no_o effect_n if_o every_o person_n be_v not_o infallible_a in_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o we_o be_v far_o to_o inquire_v what_o certainty_n man_n may_v have_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n suppose_v no_o external_a proponent_n to_o be_v infallible_a ere_o i_o begin_v my_o discourse_n i_o be_o to_o note_v dr._n st_n shuffle_a way_n of_o contrive_v his_o sentence_n here_o or_o of_o pen_v his_o principle_n as_o he_o call_v they_o his_o 21_o contend_v it_o be_v necessary_a
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rightness_n of_o which_o all_o depend_v be_v preserve_v from_o error_n among_o so_o many_o translatious_a and_o transcription_n or_o that_o the_o sense_n be_v necessary_o such_o as_o they_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v amid_o such_o multitude_n of_o commentator_n and_o sect_n wrangle_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o letter_n nor_o yet_o be_v they_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o skill_n of_o all_o those_o several_a sect_n and_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v differ_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o tradition_n then_o of_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o prove_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v both_o far_a show_v how_o unreasonable_a unnatural_a and_o unsafe_a dr._n st_n private-spirited_n rule_n of_o faith_n be_v and_o also_o even_o hence_o demonstrate_v against_o he_o here_o that_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a since_o be_v by_o this_o moan_n prove_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n appoint_v by_o god_n to_o light_a mankind_n to_o their_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o those_o who_o rely_v and_o proceed_v upon_o it_o shall_v be_v lead_v into_o error_n and_o also_o impossible_a that_o faith_n itself_o thus_o ground_v shall_v be_v false_a but_o i_o need_v not_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o to_o confute_v d._n st_n four_o principle_n now_o under_o hand_n the_o four_o first_o note_n have_v abundant_o give_v they_o their_o answer_n and_o it_o be_v time_n we_o now_o begin_v to_o apply_v they_o to_o that_o purpose_n whereas_o then_o he_o ground_n they_o all_o on_o our_o tenet_n that_o no_o divine_a faith_n can_v be_v without_o a_o infallible_a assent_n he_o may_v please_v to_o know_v that_o we_o only_o mean_v by_o those_o word_n there_o material_o infallible_a or_o so_o as_o can_v possible_o be_v a_o error_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o own_o the_o position_n and_o so_o must_v he_o too_o unless_o he_o will_v speak_v open_a blasphemy_n for_o divine_a faith_n be_v a_o believe_v upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o as_o we_o both_o suppose_v upon_o some_o mean_v lay_v by_o god_n himself_o by_o which_o he_o propose_v to_o we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v by_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v say_v it_o in_o case_n a_o assent_n thus_o ground_v can_v possible_o be_v a_o errouâ_n it_o will_v follow_v necessary_o that_o god_n himself_o will_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o error_n the_o substance_n then_o of_o faith_n can_v be_v preserve_v and_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o faith_n our_o salvation_n on_o some_o fashion_n attain_v be_v there_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o be_v though_o never_o a_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n do_v know_v or_o can_v come_v to_o know_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v infallible_a provide_v none_o in_o the_o church_n do_v speculate_v and_o so_o look_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o find_v they_o as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v see_v inconclusive_a do_v begin_v to_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o nor_o any_o out_o of_o the_o church_n do_v oppose_v faith_n for_o the_o faithful_n will_v in_o that_o case_n be_v in_o actual_a possession_n of_o those_o excellent_a truth_n call_v point_n of_o faith_n firm_o assent_v to_o by_o their_o understanding_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o produce_v thoâe_o good_a disposition_n of_o their_o will_n call_v virtue_n in_o the_o same_o sort_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n as_o they_o do_v now_o and_o by_o mean_n of_o they_o they_o may_v arrive_v at_o heaven_n thus_o the_o dr._n may_v see_v that_o all_o he_o build_v on_o be_v a_o pure_a mistake_n and_o that_o all_o the_o faithful_a may_v be_v thus_o infallible_a in_o their_o assent_n and_o thus_o infallible_a in_o judge_v the_o proposer_n do_v not_o nay_o can_v deceive_v we_o nay_o infallible_a in_o judge_v thus_o of_o the_o matter_n propose_v to_o we_o to_o believe_v and_o yet_o not_o one_o man_n be_v infallible_o sure_a by_o way_n of_o evident_a knowledge_n that_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a because_o all_o this_o proceed_v not_o in_o the_o least_o in_o this_o supposition_n from_o the_o reach_n of_o any_o man_n intellective_a faculty_n but_o pure_o from_o the_o goodness_n and_o conclusivenesse_n of_o the_o ground_n lay_v by_o god_n and_o his_o good_a providence_n which_o lead_v those_o man_n to_o embrace_v they_o though_o they_o neither_o penetrate_v nor_o go_v about_o to_o discourse_v they_o but_o simple_o to_o believe_v they_o on_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o our_o rude_a unreflect_v vulgar_a be_v lead_v now_o but_o in_o this_o case_n be_v all_o the_o world_n no_o wise_a the_o wise_a in_o the_o church_n will_v be_v no_o wise_a than_o the_o weak_a and_o rude_a vulgar_a now_o mention_v wherefore_o both_o for_o that_o reason_n and_o many_o other_o '_o assign_v in_o my_o 3d_o and_o four_o note_n it_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a to_o the_o church_n and_o so_o become_a god_n providence_n to_o order_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o and_o that_o the_o conclusiveness_n of_o those_o infallible_a ground_n on_o which_o god_n have_v found_v our_o faith_n shall_v be_v penetrable_a by_o those_o who_o set_v themselves_o to_o such_o speculation_n or_o fall_v into_o doubt_n concern_v they_o according_a as_o the_o exigency_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o need_v such_o help_n if_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v dr._n st._n i_o be_o sure_a it_o will_v serve_v to_o defeat_v all_o his_o argument_n i_o shall_v far_o tell_v he_o that_o the_o generality_n or_o main_a body_n in_o the_o church_n be_v formal_o infallible_a in_o judge_v the_o church_n to_o be_v such_o in_o deliver_v down_o the_o first-taught_a faith_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o my_o 6_o and_o seven_o note_n and_o elsewhere_o beside_o my_o reason_n give_v there_o and_o in_o other_o place_n i_o must_v desire_v he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o my_o reader_n that_o in_o conceive_v how_o this_o may_v be_v they_o will_v take_v their_o measure_n from_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n such_o people_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o parallel_n matter_n and_o not_o from_o their_o ability_n to_o explain_v or_o defend_v this_o absolute_a certainty_n or_o their_o constancy_n in_o adhere_v to_o it_o if_o combat_v by_o plausible_a reason_n for_o he_o be_v a_o very_a mean_a reflecter_n upon_o nature_n who_o observe_v not_o that_o the_o vulgar_a have_v absolute_a natural_a evidence_n of_o many_o truth_n which_o yet_o they_o can_v neither_o give_v reason_n for_o declare_v defend_v nor_o perhaps_o through_o levity_n incident_a to_o such_o weak_a soul_n do_v very_o firm_o adhere_v to_o and_o no_o wonder_n since_o so_o great_a a_o man_n as_o sextus_n empiricus_n speculate_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o conceit_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o sense_n of_o which_o yet_o none_o doubt_v but_o nature_n till_o he_o begin_v to_o pervert_v it_o by_o wrong_a speculation_n have_v give_v he_o as_o infallible_a certainty_n as_o to_o any_o other_o also_o they_o be_v to_o reflect_v how_o infallibility_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o certainty_n may_v be_v in_o a_o thousand_o different_a degree_n according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o lesser_a capacity_n of_o the_o subject_n which_o they_o will_v best_o comprehend_v by_o reflect_v with_o how_o different_a a_o clearness_n many_o thing_n appear_v to_o we_o now_o we_o be_v at_o age_n and_o how_o dim_o when_o we_o be_v young_a which_o yet_o we_o be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o at_o that_o time_n nor_o yet_o do_v one_o of_o those_o infallibility_n speak_v of_o render_v the_o other_o vseless_a for_o they_o may_v either_o be_v about_o different_a object_n as_o if_o the_o church_n officer_n be_v formal_o infallible_a in_o know_v what_o particular_a point_n come_v down_o from_o christ_n time_n and_o penetrate_v the_o distinct_a limit_n of_o each_o point_n and_o those_o other_o particular_a person_n be_v only_o infallible_a in_o judge_v the_o church_n to_o
be_v so_o as_o it_o happen_v in_o many_o controvertist_n who_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n yet_o not_o so_o well_o verse_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o particular_a point_n but_o believe_v they_o only_o by_o implicit_a faith_n or_o else_o one_o of_o their_o knowledge_n may_v be_v more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a than_o the_o other_o and_o so_o serve_v to_o perfect_a and_o advance_v it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o art_n do_v nature_n lest_o of_o all_o can_v it_o follow_v that_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n representative_a be_v needless_a for_o this_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o teach_v the_o faithful_a their_o faith_n at_o first_o nor_o do_v i_o remember_v ever_o to_o have_v see_v a_o general_n council_n cite_v in_o a_o catechism_n but_o this_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o church_n diffusive_a by_o her_o practice_n and_o language_n and_o by_o her_o pastor_n in_o their_o catechism_n and_o instruction_n but_o it_o be_v use_n be_v to_o secure_v and_o preserve_v faith_n already_o teach_v and_o know_v from_o receive_v any_o taint_n by_o the_o equivocate_a heretic_n and_o to_o recommend_v it_o more_o authoritative_o to_o the_o faithful_a when_o clear_v and_o whoever_o read_v my_o four_o note_n will_v see_v so_o many_o particularity_n in_o the_o member_n which_o compound_v a_o representative_a church_n above_o other_o who_o be_v pure_o part_v of_o ecclesia_fw-la credens_fw-fr that_o he_o can_v in_o any_o reason_n judge_v they_o vseless_a though_o those_o other_o be_v in_o a_o inferior_a degree_n certain_a of_o their_o faith_n too_o for_o all_o this_o while_n the_o word_n infallible_a which_o seem_v to_o have_v so_o loud_a a_o sound_n and_o be_v make_v such_o a_o monstrous_a piece_n of_o business_n by_o the_o denier_n of_o it_o be_v in_o plain_a term_n no_o more_o but_o just_o bare_o certain_a as_o i_o have_v prove_v faith_n vind._n p._n 37._o 38._o and_o reason_n against_o rail_n p._n 113._o to_o come_v close_o up_o then_o to_o my_o adversary_n his_o 20_o principle_n which_o speak_v of_o assent_n in_o common_a be_v whole_o build_v upon_o a_o false_a supposition_n that_o it_o can_v only_o be_v ground_v upon_o evidence_n for_o however_o indeed_o in_o perfect_a reflecter_n that_o be_v unbya_v evidence_n of_o the_o object_n or_o of_o the_o credibleness_n of_o the_o authority_n be_v always_o requisite_a to_o breed_v assent_n yet_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o assent_n in_o weak_a and_o unreflect_a person_n be_v frequent_o build_v on_o a_o great_a probability_n sometime_o a_o very_a little_a one_o and_o sometime_o man_n assent_v upon_o little_a or_o no_o reason_n at_o all_o their_o passion_n or_o interest_n byass_v their_o will_n and_o by_o it_o their_o understanding_n and_o this_o many_o time_n even_o against_o such_o reason_n as_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o another_o again_o material_a infallibility_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o that_o assent_n we_o speak_v of_o precise_o and_o sole_o consider_v depend_v sole_o at_o least_o principal_o on_o the_o object_n contrary_a to_o what_o be_v there_o assert_v and_o whereas_o he_o say_v princ._n 29._o that_o the_o infallibility_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v not_o assert_v by_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o a_o church_n he_o see_v by_o this_o discourse_n it_o both_o be_v and_o must_v be_v assert_v and_o that_o we_o maintain_v that_o every_o particular_a person_n must_v be_v material_o infallible_a or_o incapable_a of_o err_v while_o he_o rely_v on_o the_o ground_n lay_v and_o recommend_v by_o god_n that_o be_v while_o he_o believe_v the_o church_n which_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o render_v the_o formal_a infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n useless_a unless_o he_o will_v say_v that_o because_o it_o suffice_v for_o the_o pitch_n of_o weak_a people_n who_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o to_o maintain_v and_o make_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v simple_o in_o the_o right_n or_o void_a of_o error_n and_o that_o they_o see_v after_o a_o gross_a manner_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o though_o they_o can_v defend_v it_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o those_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o do_v so_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o penetrate_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o explicate_v prove_v and_o maintain_v it_o to_o be_v true_a nor_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o though_o the_o generality_n be_v after_o a_o rude_a and_o gross_a manner_n formal_o infallible_a in_o their_o belief_n that_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a and_o therefore_o that_o the_o point_n she_o propose_v be_v all_o likewise_o infallibly-true_a it_o will_v not_o follow_v i_o say_v hence_o that_o a_o great_a and_o clear_a and_o more_o penetrative_a degree_n of_o formal_a infallibility_n be_v useless_a in_o church-governor_n for_o as_o appear_v by_o my_o four_o note_n there_o be_v many_o other_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v by_o they_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o the_o church_n which_o far_o exceed_v the_o pitch_n and_o posture_n of_o those_o dull_a knower_n of_o the_o low_a class_n which_o be_v the_o next_o degree_n above_o ignorance_n and_o be_v unauthorise_v to_o meddle_v in_o such_o affair_n unless_o he_o will_v say_v that_o art_n be_v needless_a because_o there_o be_v nature_n or_o that_o there_o need_v no_o judge_n to_o decide_v such_o case_n in_o which_o the_o law_n seem_v plain_a and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o clear_n this_o concern_v point_n in_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o principle_n i_o shall_v be_v brief_a but_o i_o must_v not_o pass_v over_o his_o transition_n to_o they_o which_o be_v this_o we_o be_v further_a to_o inquire_v what_o certainty_n man_n may_v have_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n suppose_v no_o external_n proponent_a to_o be_v infallible_a and_o he_o need_v not_o go_v far_o to_o satisfy_v his_o enquiry_n for_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a by_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o protestant_n and_o socinian_o that_o scripture_n need_v some_o external_n proposer_n of_o its_o true_a meaning_n in_o such_o kind_n of_o point_n as_o also_o some_o external_n proposer_n or_o attester_n that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a text_n of_o it_o on_o which_o all_o be_v build_v also_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o dr._n st._n princ._n 15._o deny_v any_o infallible_a proposer_n of_o either_o of_o these_o and_o that_o here_o again_o he_o pursue_v close_o the_o same_o doctrine_n last_o this_o proposer_n be_v such_o that_o however_o we_o can_v have_v certainty_n without_o it_o that_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v yet_o we_o must_v depend_v on_o it_o for_o the_o knowledge_n when_o and_o where_o it_o be_v engage_v that_o be_v we_o must_v depend_v on_o it_o for_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o follow_v that_o in_o case_n this_o proponent_n be_v not_o infallible_a it_o can_v never_o be_v make_v out_o with_o infallible_a certainty_n that_o the_o divine_a authority_n stand_v engage_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o one_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o certainty_n man_n have_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o infallilible_n one_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n which_o faith_n have_v as_o he_o no_o where_o challenge_n but_o very_o laborious_o disprove_v it_o he_o need_v not_o go_v far_o to_o inquire_v or_o learn_v what_o certainty_n it_o must_v have_v for_o common_a sense_n tell_v he_o and_o every_o man_n who_o have_v the_o least_o spark_n of_o natural_a logic_n that_o if_o faith_n must_v have_v certainty_n as_o he_o grant_v and_o have_v not_o infallible_a certainty_n it_o must_v either_o have_v fallible_a certainty_n or_o none_o at_o all_o there_o be_v no_o middle_a between_o they_o and_o so_o we_o must_v make_v account_n that_o because_o it_o overstrain_v d._n st_n weak_a ground_n to_o assert_v faith_n to_o be_v infallible_o certain_a therefore_o his_o next_o attempt_n must_v be_v to_o overstrain_v common_a sense_n and_o to_o the_o inestimable_a honour_n of_o christian_a religion_n maintain_v that_o all_o christian_a faith_n be_v fallibly-certain_a but_o he_o must_v do_v it_o smooth_o and_o wary_o and_o however_o he_o name_v the_o word_n infallible_a loud_v enough_o and_o oft_o enough_o when_o he_o be_v confute_v it_o yet_o he_o must_v take_v heed_n how_o he_o name_v the_o word_n fallible_a certainty_n when_o he_o be_v assert_v it_o lest_o it_o breed_v laughter_n or_o dislike_n though_o it_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o very_a term_n that_o he_o who_o confute_v infallible_a certainty_n must_v maintain_v fallible_a certainty_n sf_n he_o maintain_v any_o but_o now_o he_o begin_v his_o defence_n of_o faith_n fallible_a certainty_n and_o it_o be_v fit_a we_o shall_v listen_v monstrous_a thing_n use_v to_o challenge_v and_o even_o force_v attention_n from_o the_o most_o unconcern_v 24._o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o certainty_n to_o be_v attain_v according_a to_o the_o
it_o be_v a_o excellent_a world_n for_o heretic_n if_o this_o notion_n of_o certainty_n will_v take_v for_o these_o be_v obstinate_a in_o their_o error_n no_o man_n more_o firm_o assent_v to_o falsehood_n than_o they_o and_o questionless_a the_o generality_n of_o they_o judge_v what_o they_o hold_v true_a too_o nay_o they_o must_v all_o do_v so_o if_o they_o once_o be_v put_v firm_o assent_v as_o in_o our_o case_n for_o to_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n be_v to_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v indeed_o true_a by_o which_o mean_v all_o heretic_n in_o the_o world_n be_v certain_a of_o their_o error_n and_o if_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o they_o common_a sense_n tell_v they_o they_o ought_v to_o hold_v what_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o again_o âlight_a probability_n make_v many_o weak_a people_n firm_o assent_v so_o do_v passion_n and_o interest_n yet_o they_o be_v all_o by_o this_o new_a doctrine_n certain_a of_o what_o they_o hold_v and_o so_o all_o be_v well_o it_o be_v now_o come_v to_o light_v what_o kind_n of_o certainty_n d._n st._n intend_v to_o prâscribe_v for_o faith_n after_o he_o have_v reject_v infallibility_n namely_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o one_o may_v have_v whether_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o no_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o firm_o assent_v to_o it_o as_o true_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v he_o be_v certain_a of_o his_o faith_n and_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o requite_v i_o with_o maintain_v that_o i_o be_o certain_a of_o my_o faith_n too_o for_o we_o âoth_v firm_o assent_v to_o they_o as_o truth_n and_o so_o we_o be_v both_o very_a good_a friend_n and_o by_o the_o same_o method_n so_o be_v turk_n and_o jew_n atone_v to_o christian_n nothing_o be_v so_o proper_a to_o reconcile_v contradiction_n as_o a_o chimaera_n viz._n a_o fallible_a certainty_n or_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v none_o identical_a proposition_n be_v mere_a toy_n to_o they_o or_o as_o dr._n t._n say_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o fallible_a certainty_n or_o certainty_n that_o be_v no_o certainty_n can_v work_v wonder_n and_o even_o do_v more_o than_o miracle_n ridiculous_a folly_n not_o to_o see_v that_o when_o any_o one_o say_v i_o be_o certain_a of_o such_o a_o thing_n all_o mankind_n understand_v he_o to_o mean_v he_o have_v such_o ground_n as_o infer_v that_o thing_n be_v as_o he_o say_v and_o not_o only_o that_o he_o have_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o it_o as_o true_a without_o intend_v that_o he_o have_v any_o ground_n to_o enforce_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o this_o be_v what_o i_o often_o reflect_v upon_o in_o dr._n t._n reason_n against_o raillery_n that_o his_o discourse_n still_o aim_v to_o take_v the_o business_n of_o certainty_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o object_n and_o put_v it_o constant_o upon_o the_o subject_a and_o to_o make_v account_n he_o be_v sure_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o because_o he_o very_o judge_v it_o or_o do_v not_o doubt_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o dr._n st._n be_v here_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o wise_a plot_n to_o which_o he_o begin_v to_o make_v way_n in_o his_o 20_o princip_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o assent_n be_v not_o build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o their_o evidence_n to_o we_o '_o indeed_o if_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o assent_n which_o it_o matter_n not_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a or_o rather_o which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v false_a it_o be_v mere_o build_v on_o our_o own_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n which_o i_o suppose_v he_o must_v mean_v there_o by_o the_o word_n evidence_n but_o if_o the_o assent_n we_o speak_v of_o and_o to_o which_o himself_o apply_v it_o be_v that_o of_o faith_n which_o must_v necessary_o be_v true_a both_o it_o and_o the_o evidence_n which_o immediate_o breed_v it_o must_v forcible_o either_o be_v build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o else_o on_o nothing_o and_o so_o both_o the_o pretend_a evidence_n be_v a_o false_a light_n and_o the_o assent_n itself_o false_a and_o chimerical_a on_o the_o other_o side_n in_o case_n if_o the_o evidence_n and_o consequent_o the_o assent_n be_v build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v footstep_n of_o god_n infinite_a wisdom_n in_o which_o he_o have_v imprint_v all_o create_a truth_n and_o establish_v they_o under_o penalty_n of_o the_o high_a folly_n and_o contradiction_n to_o be_v inerrable_o what_o they_o be_v it_o follow_v that_o in_o case_n the_o evidence_n have_v from_o those_o thing_n be_v indeed_o a_o true_a evidence_n or_o a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o their_o nature_n our_o understand_a power_n will_v be_v the_o same_o within_o as_o they_o be_v without_o and_o so_o inerrable_a in_o its_o assent_n and_o it_o certainty_n build_v on_o those_o nature_n so_o that_o as_o their_o metaphysical_a verity_n immediate_o depend_v on_o god_n be_v fix_v by_o that_o essential_o unchangeable_a be_v in_o a_o participate_v but_o yet_o absolute_a unchangeableness_n in_o be_v what_o they_o be_v so_o formal_a verity_n or_o truth_n in_o we_o be_v a_o immediate_a effect_n of_o those_o nature_n thus_o establish_v work_v upon_o our_o understanding_n transfuse_v into_o it_o that_o be_v into_o our_o knowledge_n and_o consequent_o our_o assent_n anâ_n certainty_n such_o a_o proper_a effect_n of_o themselves_o as_o suit_n with_o the_o subject_a in_o which_o it_o be_v receive_v viz._n a_o intellectual_a unchangeableness_n or_o a_o unchangeableness_n build_v on_o knowledge_n of_o those_o nature_n that_o be_v a_o infallibleness_n no_o wonder_n then_o both_o our_o drs._n in_o their_o weak_a discourse_n fly_v off_o so_o from_o depend_v for_o their_o assent_n or_o faith_n on_o the_o object_n or_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o recur_n still_o to_o the_o subject_a for_o by_o this_o mean_v common_a sense_n be_v drive_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o nonsense_n and_o contradiction_n grow_v in_o great_a request_n and_o first_o infallibility_n or_o true_a certainty_n be_v radical_o destroy_v which_o otherwise_o according_a to_o the_o discourse_n now_o make_v must_v forcible_o be_v admit_v then_o fallible_a certainty_n come_v into_o great_a credit_n or_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v firm_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a whether_o ât_a be_v true_a or_o no_o that_o be_v such_o certainty_n as_o be_v no_o certainty_n but_o wilful_a adhesion_n such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v no_o faith_n but_o fancy_n such_o a_o religion_n as_o be_v no_o religion_n but_o folly_n or_o interest_n and_o such_o truth_n as_o be_v no_o truth_n but_o possible_a falsehood_n in_o a_o word_n the_o object_n set_v aside_o and_o the_o dependence_n of_o our_o assent_n upon_o thing_n without_o we_o as_o the_o dr._n will_v have_v it_o the_o subject_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o hold_v and_o say_v what_o best_o like_v the_o spirit_n within_o they_o or_o their_o voluntary_a fancy_n in_o which_o consist_v the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o d._n st_n bless_a reformation_n i_o grant_v he_o then_o âhat_n no_o man_n who_o firm_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n as_o true_a can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n entertain_v any_o suspicion_n of_o its_o falsehood_n but_o i_o deny_v that_o this_o plea_n will_v either_o acquit_v he_o or_o dr._n t._n from_o the_o imputation_n of_o make_v christian_a faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a which_o be_v object_v for_o why_o may_v not_o this_o man_n who_o firm_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a now_o or_o to_o day_n both_o suspect_n and_o see_v it_o to_o be_v false_a to_o morrow_n unless_o he_o can_v show_v that_o that_o assent_n of_o he_o depend_v on_o the_o object_n or_o be_v build_v on_o the_o unchangeably-fixt_a nature_n of_o thing_n which_o dr._n st._n deny_v in_o express_a term_n princ._n 20._o or_o what_o can_v establish_v he_o in_o his_o assent_n of_o faith_n if_o that_o do_v not_o be_v it_o not_o evident_a he_o may_v change_v if_o he_o may_v see_v true_a reason_n may_v be_v bring_v against_o it_o what_o will_v do_v he_o credit_v in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o offer_v to_o make_v it_o out_o that_o assent_n require_v evidence_n and_o so_o firm_a assent_n clear_a evidence_n he_o have_v this_o clear_a evidence_n from_o the_o object_n to_o ground_v this_o firm_a assent_n for_o than_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a his_o assent_n will_v be_v unalterable_a and_o solidly-grounded_n or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o become_v faith_n not_o desultory_n inconstant_a and_o weakly-built_a as_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o opinion_n but_o this_o my_o two_o adversary_n must_v not_o do_v for_o how_o can_v they_o pretend_v to_o a_o unalterable_a assent_n if_o assent_n be_v not_o build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n only_o which_o be_v unchangeable_a or_o how_o to_o clear_a evidence_n if_o they_o may_v notwithstanding_o that_o evidence_n be_v still_o deceive_v as_o they_o must_v say_v all_o
the_o church_n may_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n if_o infallibility_n be_v deny_v or_o last_o how_o will_v their_o evidence_n be_v clear_a if_o the_o nature_n of_o mâral_a thing_n will_v not_o bear_v so_o clear_a a_o evidence_n or_o afford_v we_o so_o much_o light_n of_o themselves_o as_o by_o it_o to_o conclude_v absolute_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o point_n i_o foresee_v both_o these_o profound_a admirer_n of_o moral_a certainty_n will_v hearty_o maintain_v and_o dr._n t._n in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o sermon_n p._n 29._o in_o express_a term_n blame_v i_o for_o expect_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o whereas_o he_o say_v it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v that_o thâse_a who_o be_v certain_a of_o what_o they_o believe_v may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n not_o know_v but_o it_o may_v be_v false_a i_o grant_v it_o absurd_a nay_o more_o i_o affirm_v that_o in_o case_n they_o be_v true_o certain_a that_o be_v in_o case_n their_o certainty_n be_v take_v from_o the_o thing_n or_o object_n than_o not_o only_o they_o may_v not_o knâw_v at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o it_o may_v be_v false_a but_o not_o at_o any_o time_n ever_o afterward_o unless_o the_o thing_n itself_o hap_v to_o be_v in_o that_o regard_n alterable_a for_o true_a certainty_n be_v build_v on_o the_o thing_n be_v be_v as_o it_o be_v and_o nothing_o can_v ever_o be_v true_o know_v to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v but_o if_o he_o take_v certainty_n in_o a_o wrong_a sense_n for_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a however_o that_o assent_n be_v ground_v then_o though_o upon_o supposition_n he_o firm_o assent_v he_o can_v at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n be_v shake_v in_o that_o assent_n or_o not_o firm_o assent_v yet_o he_o be_v far_o in_o that_o case_n from_o any_o knowledge_n or_o intellectual_a certainty_n one_o way_n or_o other_o because_o he_o regard_v not_o the_o thing_n or_o object_n whence_o only_o true_a knowledge_n can_v be_v have_v whatever_o he_o deem_v or_o imagine_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o he_o firm_o assent_v to_o laâtly_o these_o excuse_n be_v quite_o beside_o the_o purposex_v i_o never_o accuse_v their_o thought_n they_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o my_o sight_n but_o their_o discourse_n and_o write_n i_o can_v see_v and_o discover_v that_o they_o make_v faith_n possible_a to_o oâ_n false_a as_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a in_o reason_n against_o raillery_n i_o meddle_v not_o then_o with_o what_o they_o assent_n to_o or_o whether_o or_o no_o they_o can_v or_o do_v hold_v the_o contrary_a what_o i_o object_v be_v that_o their_o word_n in_o their_o book_n import_v the_o possible_a falsehood_n of_o faith_n for_o which_o they_o yet_o owe_v satisfaction_n to_o all_o christian_n for_o the_o common_a injury_n do_v to_o faith_n and_o as_o yet_o they_o have_v give_v none_o at_o all_o 26._o whatever_o necessary_o prove_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n prâve_v it_o impâssible_a to_o be_v false_a because_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o same_o thing_n shall_v be_v true_a and_o false_a at_o the_o same_o time_n therefore_o they_o who_o assent_n firm_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o true_a do_v thereby_o declare_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o the_o first_o part_n i_o easy_o grant_v and_o the_o reason_n for_o it_o to_o be_v most_o valid_a and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o expect_v he_o will_v in_o counterchange_n grant_v i_o this_o proposition_n that_o whatever_o word_n say_v prove_v or_o imply_v a_o thing_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n say_v prove_v or_o imply_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_o true_a and_o then_o dr._n t._n must_v consider_v how_o he_o will_v avoid_v the_o force_n of_o it_o who_o make_v scripture_n the_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o only_a mean_n for_o mankind_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o their_o faith_n and_o yet_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 118._o profess_v that_o both_o the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o the_o protestant_n take_v they_o to_o be_v which_o in_o case_n they_o take_v their_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a must_v mean_v possible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o true_a that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a whether_o his_o own_o contrary_a position_n hang_v together_o or_o no_o be_v not_o my_o concern_v as_o for_o his_o inference_n i_o deny_v that_o assent_v be_v a_o interior_a act_n be_v declare_v one_o belief_n but_o i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v it_o thus_o therefore_o they_o who_o declare_v they_n assent_v firm_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o true_a do_v thereby_o declare_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o this_o be_v ready_o also_o grant_v only_o in_o requital_n i_o expect_v he_o shall_v for_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o must_v grant_v i_o this_o counter-proposition_n that_o therefore_o they_o who_o declare_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n in_o faith_n and_o its_o ground_n or_o of_o the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v thereby_o declare_v they_o do_v not_o assent_v firm_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o true_a which_o do_v let_v dr._n st._n and_o his_o friend_n look_v to_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o it_o lie_v still_o very_o heavy_a upon_o their_o credit_n as_o writer_n and_o ever_o must_v till_o they_o retract_v it_o no_o sincere_a protestant_a who_o love_v his_o faith_n more_o than_o their_o write_n will_v ever_o be_v bring_v to_o endure_v it_o if_o he_o once_o set_v himself_o serious_o to_o consider_v it_o 27._o the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n do_v receive_v several_a name_n either_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o proof_n or_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o assent_n thus_o moral_a certainty_n may_v be_v so_o call_v either_o as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o mathematical_a evidence_n but_o imply_v a_o firm_a assent_n upon_o the_o high_a evidence_n that_o moral_a thing_n can_v receive_v or_o as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o high_a degree_n of_o certainty_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n so_o moral_a certainty_n imply_v only_o great_a probability_n of_o one_o side_n than_o the_o other_o in_o the_o former_a sense_n we_o assert_v the_o certainty_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o be_v moral_a but_o not_o only_o in_o the_o latter_a this_o principle_n be_v pernicious_a to_o human_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o destructive_a to_o all_o principle_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v true_a one_o and_o not_o like_o itself_o first_o it_o design_n to_o give_v we_o the_o several_a name_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n do_v receive_v but_o it_o do_v indeed_o acquaint_v we_o with_o some_o species_n or_o kind_n of_o certainty_n unless_o he_o will_v say_v that_o the_o moral_a certainty_n he_o assign_v to_o faith_n be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o probability_n which_o i_o perceive_v he_o be_v loath_a to_o own_o next_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o discourse_v of_o one_o or_o more_o sort_n of_o certainty_n or_o to_o distinguish_v its_o notion_n unless_o we_o firât_o know_v the_o common_a notion_n of_o certainty_n itself_o the_o word_n moral_a which_o be_v one_o of_o its_o difference_n and_o chief_o intend_v to_o be_v explain_v here_o be_v hard_a enough_o of_o itself_o alone_o but_o when_o to_o this_o shall_v be_v add_v a_o new_a difficulty_n of_o not_o know_v what_o certainty_n which_o be_v the_o genus_fw-la mean_n we_o be_v like_a to_o make_v a_o wise_a business_n of_o it_o now_o all_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v hitherto_o gain_v of_o certainty_n in_o a_o discourse_n purposely_o intend_v to_o make_v we_o understand_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o fallible_a certainty_n both_o manifest_o imply_v in_o his_o discourse_n where_o all_o that_o we_o can_v gather_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n by_o the_o former_a be_v that_o perhaps_o it_o be_v asleep_o fix_v or_o rest_v in_o some_o tenet_n without_o any_o ground_n and_o by_o the_o late_a that_o it_o be_v a_o chimaera_n or_o nonsense_n three_o he_o distinguish_v certainty_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o proof_n or_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o assent_n but_o i_o vehement_o deny_v it_o as_o the_o most_o absurd_a position_n imaginable_a that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o kind_n of_o certainty_n take_v from_o the_o degree_n âf_v the_o assent_n in_o contradistinction_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o proof_n for_o this_o will_v make_v as_o if_o the_o subject_n or_o person_n assent_v more_o or_o less_o do_v constitute_v
be_v concern_v and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o that_o may_v not_o serve_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v make_v use_n of_o as_o the_o mean_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o sin_n in_o their_o life_n unless_o any_o imagine_v that_o error_n in_o opinion_n be_v far_o more_o dangerous_a to_o man_n soul_n then_o a_o vicious_a life_n be_v and_o therefore_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o take_v more_o care_n to_o prevent_v the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o the_o dr._n be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v notwithstanding_o all_o his_o promise_n to_o reduce_v faith_n to_o principle_n and_o to_o prove_v its_o certainty_n leave_v it_o still_o uncertain_a think_v it_o his_o best_a expedient_a to_o close_v his_o blind_a principle_n with_o a_o speed_a one_o which_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o all_o principle_n shall_v maintain_v that_o it_o need_v not_o be_v certain_a though_o he_o couch_v this_o sense_n wary_o as_o it_o behoove_v he_o he_o seem_v to_o ground_v his_o sceptical_a discourse_n on_o this_o that_o man_n be_v fallible_a and_o so_o subject_a to_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o wish_v he_o will_v speak_v out_o once_o in_o his_o life_n and_o tell_v we_o plain_o whether_o all_o mankind_n be_v fallible_a in_o every_o thing_n or_o only_o in_o some_o thing_n and_o in_o some_o circumstance_n again_o whether_o he_o mean_v that_o man_n be_v natural_o fallible_a or_o supernatural_o that_o be_v by_o mean_n of_o god_n infinite_a power_n if_o it_o shall_v set_v it_o âelf_n to_o deceive_v they_o if_o the_o late_a it_o be_v not_o nor_o aught_o to_o be_v our_o question_n for_o no_o man_n who_o have_v any_o reverence_n for_o god_n or_o his_o attribute_n will_v ever_o think_v that_o he_o will_v do_v miracle_n still_o to_o lead_v mankind_n into_o error_n but_o rather_o judge_v it_o become_v his_o goodness_n to_o provide_v in_o case_n the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o church_n shall_v require_v that_o some_o extraordinary_a thing_n be_v do_v that_o mankind_n shall_v have_v notice_n of_o it_o by_o some_o certain_a way_n to_o prevent_v his_o err_v as_o it_o happen_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o eucharist_n take_v he_o then_o to_o mean_v that_o man_n be_v natural_o fallible_a we_o inquire_v further_o be_v all_o mankind_n however_o one_o sense_n or_o another_o accidental_o may_v be_v insincere_a in_o one_o or_o another_o particular_a yet_o be_v all_o mankind_n natural_o fallible_a in_o their_o daily_a sensation_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n so_o frame_v as_o to_o convey_v wrong_a impression_n into_o his_o know_a power_n if_o not_o they_o can_v err_v natural_o nor_o do_v i_o think_v dr._n st._n will_v say_v our_o sense_n thus_o and_o in_o this_o be_v fallible_a if_o he_o do_v i_o know_v not_o what_o to_o say_v of_o he_o which_o be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o perfect_a pyrrhonian_n and_o unworthy_a of_o mankind_n conversation_n or_o discourse_n with_o he_o for_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v man_n discourse_v with_o he_o if_o all_o his_o sense_n be_v fallible_a himself_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o discourse_n or_o no_o i_o ask_v still_o further_o be_v man_n natural_o fallible_a in_o some_o thing_n not_o have_v immediate_o from_o sense_n for_o example_n in_o know_v that_o the_o world_n be_v on_o foot_n a_o year_n before_o we_o be_v bear_v or_o in_o first_o principle_n as_o aequale_fw-la est_fw-la aequale_fw-la sibi_fw-la a_o equal_a equal_a to_o itself_o or_o in_o a_o conclusion_n immediate_o depend_v on_o such_o principle_n as_o that_o therefore_o three_o line_n draw_v from_o the_o centre_n to_o the_o circumference_n be_v equal_a and_o such_o like_a i_o think_v he_o will_v not_o say_v it_o we_o see_v then_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o infallibility_n or_o certainty_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n wherefore_o they_o can_v aim_v at_o it_o and_o desire_v it_o especial_o in_o faith_n which_o be_v of_o so_o high_a a_o concern_v to_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o basis_n of_o all_o their_o spiritual_a building_n therefore_o both_o for_o that_o reason_n and_o very_o many_o other_o recount_v and_o enforce_v by_o i_o in_o faith_n vindicated_n and_o elsewhere_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v this_o certainty_n especial_o since_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n be_v neither_o provable_a maintainable_a nor_o professible_a without_o it_o in_o case_n such_o a_o certainty_n be_v not_o in_o itself_o impossible_a and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o i_o have_v say_v something_o both_o in_o my_o reason_n against_o raillery_n p._n 64._o to_o 67._o and_o p._n 112._o to_o p._n 116._o as_o also_o in_o this_o present_a treatise_n in_o my_o answer_n to_o the_o 27._o principle_n but_o set_v this_o aside_o we_o will_v proceed_v and_o demand_v still_o far_o be_v man_n deceivable_a in_o know_v what_o one_o another_o mean_n in_o ordinary_a conversation_n or_o domestic_a affair_n can_v the_o maââer_n and_o the_o man_n the_o mistress_n and_o her_o maid_n understand_v one_o another_o or_o in_o case_n some_o ambiguous_a expression_n intermingle_v itself_o can_v the_o speaker_n upon_o the_o other_o be_v signify_v his_o dissatisfaction_n absolute_o clear_v his_o doubt_n and_o make_v himself_o be_v thorough_o understand_v experience_n tell_v we_o they_o can_v and_o that_o they_o may_v as_o easy_o be_v mistake_v in_o their_o sensation_n as_o in_o such_o kind_n of_o expression_n we_o see_v then_o man_n be_v infallible_a in_o many_o thing_n and_o even_o in_o understand_v word_n aright_o in_o same_o case_n if_o then_o they_o be_v fallible_a in_o understand_a scripture_n and_o this_o in_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o christianity_n as_o be_v show_v above_o it_o be_v evident_a this_o fallibility_n be_v not_o to_o be_v refund_v total_o into_o the_o subject_a or_o man_n since_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o infallible_a certainty_n in_o other_o thing_n but_o into_o the_o want_n of_o clearness_n in_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o such_o point_n in_o proportion_n to_o private_a understanding_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v never_o intend_v by_o god_n for_o their_o rule_n of_o faith_n since_o though_o both_o side_n rely_v on_o this_o yet_o one_o even_o while_o do_v thus_o be_v still_o in_o a_o error_n and_o such_o a_o error_n as_o be_v a_o heresy_n since_o than_o what_o we_o hold_v be_v that_o man_n be_v infallible_a in_o affair_n belong_v to_o faith_n and_o this_o while_o they_o rely_v on_o the_o ground_n leave_v by_o god_n for_o they_o to_o embrace_v faith_n i_o will_v ask_v he_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o he_o hold_v all_o man_n may_v be_v deceive_v in_o that_o very_a affair_n even_o while_o they_o do_v this_o to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o power_n if_o he_o say_v they_o can_v it_o be_v unavoidable_a all_o the_o christian_a world_n may_v possible_o be_v now_o in_o a_o error_n and_o all_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o mere_a lie_n as_o also_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o that_o case_n god_n will_v have_v leave_v no_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o secure_v his_o church_n or_o any_o man_n in_o it_o from_o error_n &_o last_o that_o god_n lead_v man_n into_o error_n sânce_o they_o act_v to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o power_n as_o be_v suppose_v their_o error_n can_v be_v refund_v into_o they_o but_o into_o the_o defectiveness_n of_o those_o mean_n that_o be_v their_o want_n of_o perspicuity_n or_o sufficient_a plainness_n to_o their_o addict_v and_o faithfully-endeavouring_a understanding_n even_o as_o to_o those_o main_a point_n thus_o much_o to_o show_v how_o crafty_o dr._n st._n to_o avoid_v reflection_n on_o the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o rule_n he_o assign_v put_v it_o only_o upon_o man_n being_n fallible_a and_o how_o unreasonable_o he_o behave_v himself_o in_o so_o do_v let_v we_o now_o see_v how_o he_o provide_v against_o this_o fallibility_n lest_o otherwise_o all_o mankind_n shall_v err_v in_o their_o faith_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a way_n to_o prevent_v man_n mistake_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o man_n be_v fallible_a be_v subject_a to_o than_o the_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o mistake_v in_o a_o matter_n wherein_o their_o salvation_n be_v concern_v well_o put_v this_o consideration_n in_o man_n be_v any_o of_o they_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o yet_o infallible_a or_o secure_v from_o err_v in_o understand_a scripture_n if_o not_o all_o mankind_n may_v yet_o according_a to_o his_o ground_n be_v in_o a_o error_n in_o matter_n belong_v to_o faith_n and_o so_o all_o christian_a faith_n may_v still_o possible_o be_v false_a notwithstanding_o all_o the_o provision_n put_v by_o he_o to_o secure_v they_o and_o it._n but_o if_o this_o render_v they_o absolute_o secure_v from_o err_v than_o we_o may_v hope_v god_n church_n too_o may_v have_v the_o grace_n give_v she_o by_o god_n
certainty_n we_o have_v of_o all_o that_o concern_v it_o aught_o by_o consequence_n be_v better_a ground_v and_o firm_a than_o any_o or_o all_o its_o superstructure_n also_o it_o be_v ill_a divinity_n to_o counterpose_v matter_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o mean_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n in_o their_o life_n since_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v the_o very_o best_a of_o those_o mean_n or_o to_o pretend_v that_o error_n in_o opinion_n i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v in_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o point_n be_v not_o more_o dangerous_a to_o man_n soul_n than_o a_o vicious_a life_n for_o this_o suppose_v faith_n no_o part_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n nor_o infide_o heresy_n judaism_n or_o turcism_n to_o be_v vice_n which_o by_o consequence_n degrade_n christian_a faith_n from_o be_v a_o virtue_n contrary_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o all_o christianity_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v hope_v from_o any_o impartial_a and_o intelligent_a reader_n who_o be_v a_o christian_n that_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v these_o posiâions_n of_o my_o bear_n a_o clear_a evidence_n either_o in_o theâ_n sâlves_n or_o in_o their_o proof_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o opposite_a one_o advance_v either_o explicitly_a or_o implicit_o by_o dr._n st._n be_v both_o obscure_a and_o which_o be_v worse_o untrue_a the_o total_a account_v of_o dr._n st_n principle_n thus_o have_v i_o speak_v distinct_o and_o full_o to_o dr._n st_n principle_n it_o be_v not_o amiss_o to_o sum_v up_o their_o merit_n in_o brief_a and_o give_v a_o short_a character_n of_o they_o that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v see_v how_o infinite_o short_a they_o fall_v of_o deserve_v so_o honourable_a a_o name_n but_o first_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n or_o two_o to_o the_o principle_n agree_v on_o by_o both_o side_n of_o which_o the_o first_o and_o three_o be_v great_a truth_n and_o the_o word_n god_n and_o obedience_n due_a to_o god_n now_o &_o then_o bare_o name_v but_o no_o kind_n of_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v from_o those_o two_o particular_a proposition_n influential_a to_o the_o end_n intend_v viz._n to_o reduce_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o protestant_n to_o principle_n whence_o though_o they_o be_v most_o certain_a truth_n yet_o as_o stand_v here_o they_o be_v no_o principle_n the_o 2d_o and_o four_o which_o concern_v god_n attribute_n be_v not_o at_o all_o use_v neither_o for_o he_o can_v use_v they_o alone_o to_o evince_v scripture_n letter_n be_v the_o rule_n unless_o he_o first_o prove_v that_o scripture_n letter_n be_v the_o fit_a for_o that_o end_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o become_v gods_n attribute_n to_o choose_v it_o which_o he_o no_o where_o do_v and_o whereas_o he_o will_v argue_v thus_o princ._n 7._o god_n have_v choose_v it_o for_o a_o rule_n therefore_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o attribute_n it_o be_v both_o frivolous_a because_o all_o be_v already_o conclude_v between_o we_o if_o he_o prove_v god_n have_v choose_v scripture_n for_o that_o end_n for_o then_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o it_o must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o attribute_n and_o also_o preposterous_a for_o he_o make_v that_o the_o conclusion_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o case_n he_o argue_v from_o god_n attribute_n the_o principle_n for_o his_o argument_n ought_v in_o that_o case_n to_o run_v thus_o god_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v choose_v that_o for_o a_o rule_n which_o be_v wise_a and_o best_a to_o be_v choose_v but_o scripture_n letter_n be_v such_o therefore_o he_o have_v choose_v it_o for_o a_o rule_n the_o four_o and_o 5_o be_v either_o never_o make_v use_n of_o by_o he_o as_o principle_n or_o else_o they_o make_v direct_o against_o himself_o for_o fallible_a certainty_n only_o which_o have_v discard_v that_o which_o be_v infallible_a he_o sustain_v can_v never_o make_v any_o one_o know_v what_o be_v god_n will_n this_o be_v a_o ill_a beginning_n and_o a_o very_a slender_a success_n hitherto_o let_v we_o see_v next_o whether_o he_o have_v better_a luck_n with_o his_o own_o principle_n the_o first_o take_v the_o word_n literal_o and_o proper_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v in_o principle_n be_v against_o himself_o for_o he_o confess_v there_o that_o such_o a_o way_n of_o revelation_n be_v in_o itself_o neccessary_a to_o our_o entire_a obedience_n to_o god_n will_n as_o may_v make_v we_o know_v what_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v but_o common_a sense_n tell_v we_o that_o fallible_a certainty_n which_o only_o have_v reject_v infallible_a certainty_n he_o can_v maintain_v be_v far_o from_o make_v we_o know_v this_o principle_n therefore_o be_v either_o against_o himself_o or_o if_o he_o mean_v to_o go_v less_o by_o the_o word_n know_v than_o what_o be_v apt_a absolute_o and_o true_o to_o ascertain_v it_o be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n for_o so_o it_o can_v only_o settle_v opinion_n and_o not_o faith_n the_o second_o be_v useless_a impertinent_a and_o in_o part_n false_a the_o three_o be_v false_a and_o impertinent_a to_o boot_v the_o four_o be_v ambiguous_a and_o take_v in_o that_o sense_n when_o distinguish_v which_o he_o seem_v to_o aim_n at_o it_o be_v absolute_o false_a the_o 5_o be_v absurd_a preposterous_a and_o against_o all_o art_n in_o put_v we_o to_o argue_v from_o what_o be_v less_o know_v to_o what_o be_v more_o know_v and_o withal_o total_o false_a the_o 6_o be_v sophistical_o ambiguous_a and_o in_o great_a part_n false_a the_o seven_o build_v on_o a_o groundless_a pretence_n and_o contain_v a_o notorious_a ãâ¦ã_z the_o 8_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n or_o sinââ_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o process_n of_o his_o discourse_n he_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n certain_o and_o know_v only_a fallible_a certainty_n which_o be_v none_o at_o all_o he_o can_v possible_o advance_v by_o such_o a_o discourse_n towards_o the_o settle_v we_o a_o certain_a rule_n of_o faith_n beside_o he_o either_o suppose_v scripture_n as_o it_o now_o stand_v sufficient_a which_o be_v to_o beg_v the_o question_n or_o else_o he_o confound_v god_n ordinary_a power_n work_v with_o the_o cause_n now_o on_o foot_n in_o the_o world_n which_o only_o concern_v the_o present_a point_n with_o his_o extraordinary_n or_o what_o he_o can_v possible_o effect_v by_o his_o divine_a omnipitence_n the_o 9th_o only_o enumerate_v the_o several_a way_n how_o god_n may_v be_v conceive_v to_o make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o in_o do_v so_o either_o mince_v or_o else_o quite_o leave_v out_o the_o tradition_n of_o god_n church_n as_o if_o it_o be_v vnconceivable_a god_n shall_v speak_v to_o man_n by_o their_o lawful_a pastor_n in_o the_o church_n whereas_o yet_o himself_o must_v confess_v that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n faith_n either_o be_v signify_v and_o certify_v by_o that_o or_o no_o way_n the_o 10_o go_v upon_o a_o false_a supposition_n and_o include_v two_o fallace_n call_v by_o logician_n non_fw-la causa_fw-la pro_fw-la causa_fw-la or_o assign_v a_o wrong_a cause_n and_o omit_v the_o true_a one_o also_o it_o be_v in_o part_n false_a in_o say_v word_n be_v equal_o oapable_a of_o be_v understand_v speak_v or_o write_v and_o last_o it_o confound_v again_o god_n ordinary_a power_n with_o his_o extraordinary_a the_o 11_o make_v account_n there_o be_v no_o benefit_n of_o divine_a write_n but_o in_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v against_o common_a sense_n and_o daily_a experience_n the_o 12_o come_v home_n to_o the_o point_n but_o it_o be_v perfect_o groundless_a unproved_a false_a and_o as_o full_a of_o absurdity_n of_o several_a sort_n as_o it_o can_v well_o âold_a the_o 13_o begin_v with_o a_o false_a position_n proceed_v with_o a_o false_a and_o unproved_a supposition_n and_o endeavour_n to_o induce_v a_o most_o extravagant_a conclusion_n only_o from_o premise_n grant_v kind_o by_o himself_o to_o himself_o without_o the_o least_o proof_n the_o 14tb_n contain_v three_o false_a and_o unproved_a supposition_n viz._n that_o god_n promise_v his_o church_n to_o deliver_v his_o whole_a will_n in_o write_n or_o that_o the_o writer_n of_o scripture_n have_v any_o order_n from_o god_n to_o write_v his_o whole_a will_n explicit_o or_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n believe_v it_o to_o have_v such_o a_o perfection_n as_o to_o signify_v without_o need_v the_o church_n all_o save_a truth_n to_o every_o sincere_a reader_n with_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o faith_n the_o 15_o begin_v again_o with_o a_o false_a and_o unproved_a supposition_n and_o draw_v thence_o a_o consequence_n not_o contain_v in_o the_o proof_n and_o in_o part_n against_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o own_o tenet_n and_o last_o bring_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o a_o instance_n which_o make_v against_o himself_o the_o 16_o putt_n upon_o catholic_n a_o tenet_n they_o never_o hold_v and_o be_v whole_o false_a irrational_a and_o absurd_a assume_v
gratis_o this_o position_n that_o nothing_o but_o miracle_n ought_v to_o serve_v whether_o there_o be_v other_o mean_v lay_v or_o no_o or_o that_o no_o proof_n but_o miracle_n can_v possible_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v man_n reason_n in_o a_o thing_n subject_a to_o reason_n for_o the_o natural_a assistance_n of_o the_o church_n be_v such_o of_o itself_o and_o the_o suppernatural_a suppose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sanctity_n in_o the_o church_n be_v as_o plain_a reason_n as_o that_o the_o great_a motive_n to_o goodness_n and_o interior_a goodness_n cause_v by_o those_o motive_n will_v make_v those_o good_a man_n who_o have_v it_o act_n as_o good_a man_n ought_v and_o be_v apt_a to_o do_v the_o 17_o proceed_v whole_o upon_o a_o false_a imputation_n lay_v on_o our_o church_n and_o on_o his_o confound_a most_o absurd_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n with_o that_o of_o the_o school_n or_o rather_o take_v a_o few_o speculative_a divine_n and_o those_o the_o weak_a to_o be_v the_o church_n the_o 18_o be_v again_o build_v on_o a_o unproved_a supposition_n of_o which_o kind_n of_o ground_n he_o be_v still_o very_o free_a and_o on_o a_o false_o pretend_a promise_n from_o god_n so_o to_o secure_v any_o private-spirited_n contemner_n of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n whether_o he_o errâ_n or_o no_o though_o as_o common_a sense_n and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n give_v it_o he_o forfeit_v both_o his_o reason_n and_o his_o virtue_n by_o not_o hear_v his_o lawful_a and_o learned_a pastor_n rather_o than_o his_o self-conceited_a ignorant_a self_n the_o 19_o have_v the_o same_o fault_n with_o the_o former_a and_o be_v whole_o false_a even_o though_o his_o own_o supposition_n mention_v in_o the_o close_a be_v free_o grant_v he_o which_o it_o be_v not_o the_o four_o principle_n follow_v be_v make_v up_o of_o these_o error_n 1._o that_o we_o hold_v that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v a_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n unless_o he_o see_v and_o know_v that_o the_o proponent_n be_v infallible_a 2._o that_o the_o nature_n of_o assent_n when_o rational_a depend_v not_o on_o the_o object_n 3._o that_o one_o can_v have_v a_o infallible_a assent_n in_o faith_n without_o infallible_a assistance_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n themselves_o 4._o that_o there_o be_v no_o middle_n between_o no_o particular_a person_n and_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v formal_o infallible_a whereas_o my_o tenet_n be_v that_o some_o must_v be_v so_o most_o may_v be_v so_o and_o all_o need_v not_o be_v so_o 5._o that_o because_o all_o must_v be_v material_o infallible_a or_o in_o the_o true_a faith_n but_o know_v not_o how_o they_o be_v so_o therefore_o it_o be_v useless_a that_o any_o shall_v know_v how_o to_o make_v out_o those_o ground_n to_o settle_v explain_v and_o defend_v faith_n and_o its_o certainty_n these_o with_o his_o self-contradiction_n be_v the_o jar_a element_n which_o compound_v these_o four_o terrible_a principle_n with_o which_o he_o hope_v to_o undermine_v and_o blow_v up_o the_o church_n infallibility_n and_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o all_o christian_a faith_n the_o 24_o give_v good_a word_n in_o common_a of_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n but_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o former_a fallible_a certainty_n by_o the_o late_a only_o some_o probability_n or_o improbability_n so_o it_o but_o appear_v so_o to_o the_o subject_a and_o be_v a_o total_a prevarication_n from_o settle_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n to_o not_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o question_n the_o 25_o hold_v forth_o a_o most_o wicked_a and_o gross_a absurdity_n destructive_a of_o all_o certainty_n evidence_n faith_n christianity_n and_o even_o manhood_n viz._n that_o to_o assent_v firm_o to_o any_o thing_n as_o true_a be_v to_o be_v certain_a of_o it_o and_o intimate_v two_o other_o viz._n that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v now_o certain_a of_o a_o thing_n may_v at_o another_o time_n know_v that_o thing_n to_o be_v false_a though_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o also_o that_o such_o a_o certainty_n be_v competent_a for_o belief_n or_o faith_n the_o 26._o speak_v evident_a truth_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o but_o be_v nothing_o available_a to_o his_o cause_n but_o rather_o against_o he_o the_o inference_n thence_o be_v false_a be_v defective_o express_v and_o when_o rectify_v be_v also_o a_o clear_a truth_n but_o high_o prejudices_fw-la himself_o the_o 27._o be_v utter_o ãâã_d of_o common_a sense_n certainty_n faith_n and_o christianity_n the_o 28._o principle_n be_v a_o weak_a and_o inconsistent_a discourse_n the_o 29._o suppose_n scripture_n intelligible_a enough_o in_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n without_o the_o church_n and_o to_o contain_v express_o god_n whole_a will_n oâ_n every_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o at_o least_o with_o such_o a_o ground_n of_o it_o there_o as_o that_o it_o be_v deducible_a thence_o by_o private_a understanding_n with_o a_o certainty_n competent_a for_o faith_n none_o of_o which_o he_o have_v at_o all_o prove_v nor_o ever_o will_n the_o 30_o and_o last_o confess_v all_o man_n liable_a to_o error_n in_o faith_n though_o rely_v on_o the_o mean_v leave_v by_o god_n to_o secure_v they_o from_o it_o which_o evident_o make_v that_o mean_v to_o be_v none_o and_o assign_v a_o way_n for_o their_o best_a security_n which_o all_o err_v sect_n in_o the_o world_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v discern_v take_v and_o yet_o still_o err_v and_o last_o for_o a_o upshot_n he_o make_v account_n like_o a_o solid_a divine_a that_o our_o christian_a life_n be_v not_o at_o all_o interior_a but_o only_o exterior_a and_o consequent_o that_o faith_n be_v no_o part_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n nor_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o nor_o infidelity_n and_o heresy_n a_o sin_n or_o vice_n and_o then_o all_o be_v safe_a and_o his_o principle_n stand_v firm_a for_o then_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o every_o private_a 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church-authority_n and_o if_o she_o have_v none_o herself_o it_o be_v evident_a she_o can_v give_v none_o whence_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o reform_a church_n derive_v nothing_o which_o be_v constitutive_a of_o a_o church_n from_o any_o forego_v one_o but_o be_v whole_o erect_v anew_o and_o then_o i_o will_v know_v what_o authority_n under_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o constitute_v the_o church_n at_o first_o have_v power_n to_o constitute_v it_o anew_o but_o if_o dr._n st._n say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n rely_v on_o the_o mean_n leave_v by_o god_n to_o ascertââ_n faith_n then_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o do_v so_o she_o can_v not_o err_v in_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v as_o sound_a as_o may_v be_v whatever_o our_o talk_v disputant_n say_v since_o than_o there_o be_v no_o middle_n between_o rely_v on_o the_o mean_v leave_v by_o god_n to_o ascertain_v faith_n and_o not_o rely_v on_o it_o and_o so_o that_o body_n in_o communion_n with_o the_o roman_a church_n must_v 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all_o will_v equal_o fit_v a_o socinian_n or_o a_o quaker_n and_o his_o way_n of_o manage_v his_o rule_n will_v much_o better_a suit_n with_o a_o quaker_n or_o any_o fanatic_a than_o with_o a_o protestant_n also_o in_o stead_n of_o reduce_v to_o principle_n he_o at_o first_o begin_v to_o deduce_v from_o principle_n and_o in_o the_o process_n of_o his_o discourse_n he_o put_v conclusion_n for_o principle_n and_o principle_n for_o conclusion_n and_o so_o reduce_v and_o deduce_v that_o be_v draw_v backward_o and_o forward_o blow_n and_o sup_v both_o at_o once_o in_o a_o word_n the_o total_a sum_n of_o his_o heroic_a achievement_n amount_v to_o this_o he_o have_v lay_v thirty_o principle_n which_o want_v either_o evidence_n or_o else_o necessary_a influence_n upon_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o prove_v be_v no_o principle_n he_o have_v so_o reduce_v to_o those_o principle_n that_o he_o make_v six_o conclusion_n follow_v that_o be_v he_o deduce_v from_o they_o and_o so_o he_o have_v so_o reduce_v to_o principle_n that_o he_o have_v not_o reduce_v to_o they_o he_o have_v put_v that_o for_o a_o rule_n which_o want_v power_n to_o direct_v aright_o those_o who_o be_v ro_o rely_v on_o it_o be_v evident_o no_o rule_n he_o have_v attribute_v such_o a_o certainty_n to_o his_o faith_n as_o be_v a_o fallible_a one_o that_o be_v no_o certainty_n but_o a_o chimaera_n and_o consequent_o he_o have_v so_o principled_a faith_n as_o make_v it_o no_o faith_n but_o opinion_n only_o he_o have_v make_v six_o proposition_n so_o follow_v out_o the_o thirty_o which_o for_o want_v of_o necessary_a coherence_n with_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v last_o he_o have_v make_v those_o to_o be_v conclusion_n which_o for_o want_n of_o premise_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o great_a evidence_n than_o be_v fonnd_v in_o his_o principle_n and_o for_o many_o other_o regard_v be_v not_o conclusion_n but_o rather_o principle_n all_o which_o be_v show_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n so_o that_o his_o perplex_v intricacy_n in_o contrive_v and_o posture_v his_o word_n odd_o be_v once_o unravel_v their_o affect_a ambiguity_n clear_v and_o his_o insignificance_n and_o incoherence_n lay_v open_a the_o common_a light_n of_o nature_n will_v inform_v any_o attentive_a and_o intelligent_a reader_n that_o dr._n st._n have_v not_o reduce_v the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n to_o principle_n but_o that_o his_o whole_a discourse_n attempt_v it_o be_v reduce_v to_o contradiction_n yet_o in_o confidence_n of_o his_o vast_a performance_n he_o venture_v upon_o this_o grand_a conclusion_n that_o shall_v strike_v all_o dead_a from_o all_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o wilful_a ignorance_n weakness_n of_o judgement_n strength_n of_o prejudice_n or_o some_o sinful_a passion_n which_o make_v any_o one_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o embrace_v that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o with_o how_o much_o great_a reason_n may_v i_o conclude_v that_o in_o case_n the_o church_n of_o england_n own_v his_o way_n of_o discourse_v herâ_n and_o hold_v not_o that_o the_o tradition_n practice_n and_o sense_n of_o god_n church_n be_v to_o give_v we_o that_o assurance_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o build_v faith_n on_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o every_o private_a man_n fancy_n to_o be_v his_o own_o judge_n in_o that_o affair_n nothing_o but_o either_o a_o invincibly-weak_a ignorance_n or_o the_o wicked_a sin_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n make_v private_a man_n scorn_v to_o submit_v their_o judgement_n to_o person_n wise_a than_o themselves_o or_o to_o be_v teach_v by_o their_o lawful_a pastor_n who_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o that_o end_n can_v make_v any_o man_n remain_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o not_o unite_v himself_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n especial_o since_o they_o all_o hold_v that_o faith_n can_v possible_o be_v false_a &_o so_o must_v hold_v that_o the_o mean_n to_o faith_n can_v possible_o lead_v the_o relier_n on_o it_o into_o error_n and_o yet_o if_o but_o mean_o verse_v in_o the_o world_n they_o must_v needs_o experience_n that_o those_o who_o do_v rely_v on_o their_o own_o sense_n of_o scripture_n differ_v in_o most_o fundamental_a point_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o oneside_n necessary_o err_v in_o so_o do_v finis_fw-la transition_n to_o the_o follow_v discourse_n have_v thus_o total_o defeat_v dr._n st_n attempt_v to_o reduce_v his_o faith_n to_o principle_n and_o show_v that_o in_o stead_n of_o perform_v this_o all_o the_o most_o substantial_a part_n of_o his_o discourse_n be_v reduce_v to_o so_o many_o contradictious_a it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v expect_v i_o shall_v assert_v the_o truth_n of_o my_o own_o by_o show_v that_o it_o be_v build_v on_o
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 uâst_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 proâess_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
agree_v to_o by_o all_o the_o world_n at_o what_o time_n all_o deserter_n of_o our_o church_n of_o what_o name_n soever_o break_v from_o we_o as_o also_o who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o abettor_n and_o who_o the_o impugner_n of_o such_o new_a doctrine_n beside_o in_o what_o place_n they_o first_o begin_v and_o be_v thence_o propagate_v to_o other_o but_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v know_v of_o we_o even_o by_o our_o adversary_n who_o it_o concern_v to_o be_v most_o diligent_a searcher_n after_o it_o see_v they_o be_v in_o a_o hundred_o mind_n about_o the_o time_n when_o and_o the_o person_n who_o introduce_v these_o pretend_a new_a doctrine_n of_o we_o which_o they_o say_v vary_v from_o scripture_n as_o may_v be_v see_v by_o their_o own_o word_n in_o several_a book_n and_o among_o other_o one_o call_v the_o progeny_n of_o protestant_n and_o this_o for_o every_o point_n in_o which_o they_o pretend_v we_o have_v innovate_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o when_o we_o charge_v they_o with_o deserttng_a the_o know_a doctrine_n of_o the_o former_a church_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o speak_v open_a and_o acknowledge_v evidence_n when_o they_o accuse_v we_o of_o the_o same_o their_o charge_n be_v obscure_a and_o unknown_a even_o to_o the_o very_a accuser_n nay_o plain_o prove_v false_a by_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v notorious_a if_o it_o happen_v and_o the_o constant_a disagreement_n of_o those_o who_o allege_v it_o when_o or_o how_o it_o happen_v 16._o i_o say_v notorious_a for_o since_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o ground_n all_o christian_a practice_n be_v the_o most_o concern_v truth_n in_o the_o world_n it_o can_v be_v but_o the_o denial_n of_o such_o truth_n must_v needs_o raise_v great_a commotion_n before_o the_o opposite_a truth_n can_v be_v nniversal_o spread_v and_o the_o change_n of_o christian_a practice_n and_o manner_n which_o depend_v on_o those_o truth_n must_v be_v wonderful_o manifest_a and_o know_v to_o every_o body_n wherefore_o have_v we_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o change_n and_o introduce_v new_a tenet_n and_o propagate_v they_o over_o the_o christian_a world_n as_o be_v pretend_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v manifest_o and_o universal_o know_v that_o we_o do_v so_o neither_o be_v it_o possible_a the_o change_n shall_v be_v so_o insensible_a and_o invisible_a that_o our_o very_a adversary_n can_v find_v it_o out_o especial_o this_o alone_a make_v their_o victory_n over_o we_o so_o certain_a and_o perfect_a for_o see_v we_o own_o tradition_n as_o a_o infallible_a rule_n we_o be_v irrecoverable_o overthrow_v if_o they_o make_v out_o that_o we_o ever_o desert_v it_o and_o sure_o nothing_o shall_v be_v more_o easy_a than_o to_o make_v out_o that_o than_o which_o if_o true_a nothing_o can_v possible_o be_v more_o notorious_a 17._o moreover_o since_o it_o can_v be_v that_o multitude_n of_o man_n shall_v profess_v to_o hold_v point_n both_o infinite_o concern_v and_o strange_o difficult_a to_o believe_v and_o yet_o own_v no_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o hold_v they_o if_o we_o ever_o as_o it_o be_v say_v we_o have_v desert_a tradition_n we_o must_v till_o the_o time_n we_o take_v it_o up_o again_o have_v proceed_v upon_o some_o other_o ground_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o because_o none_o ever_o charge_v âs_n with_o proceed_v upon_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n or_o phanaticism_n and_o beside_o thâse_a there_o be_v no_o other_o but_o tradition_n it_o be_v plain_a we_o never_o desert_v but_o always_o stick_v to_o tradition_n 18._o beside_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o that_o body_n of_o man_n which_o claim_v for_o their_o rule_n of_o faith_n a_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n shall_v not_o have_v hold_v to_o that_o rule_n of_o faith_n from_o the_o beginning_n for_o otherwise_o they_o must_v have_v take_v it_o up_o at_o some_o timâ_n ãâã_d other_o and_o by_o do_v so_o profess_v to_o the_o ãâã_d that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v of_o faith_n but_o what_o descend_v by_o a_o uninterrnpt_v delivery_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n acknowledge_v that_o all_o they_o then_o hold_v be_v not_o so_o descend_v but_o receive_v by_o another_o rule_n this_o of_o tradition_n or_o uninterrupted_a delivery_n be_v then_o new_o take_v up_o which_o be_v so_o palpable_a a_o contradiction_n that_o as_o humane_a nature_n can_v not_o fall_v into_o it_o so_o if_o it_o can_v the_o very_a pretence_n will_v have_v overthrow_v itself_o and_o need_v no_o other_o confutation_n 19_o add_v to_o this_o that_o none_o of_o tbose_v many_o sect_n who_o from_o time_n to_o time_n have_v desert_v our_o church_n faith_n and_o discipline_n and_o so_o become_v her_o adversary_n ever_o yet_o pretend_v to_o assign_v the_o time_n when_o we_o take_v up_o this_o rule_n of_o tradition_n and_o yet_o a_o change_n in_o that_o on_o which_o we_o profess_v to_o build_v all_o the_o rest_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o all_o change_v the_o most_o visible_a and_o most_o apt_a to_o justify_v the_o carriage_n of_o those_o revolter_n wherefore_o it_o be_v demonstrable_o evident_a on_o all_o side_n that_o as_o this_o present_a body_n of_o man_n call_v the_o roman-catholick_n church_n do_v now_o hold_v to_o tradition_n so_o their_o predecessor_n uninterrupted_o from_o the_o apostle_n day_n do_v the_o same_o that_o be_v do_v hold_v to_o it_o ever_o and_o since_o it_o be_v show_v before_o §_o 11._o that_o this_o rule_n if_o hold_v to_o will_v certain_o convey_v down_o the_o true_a faith_n unchanged_a to_o all_o after_o age_n it_o be_v likewise_o demonstrable_a that_o they_o have_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o be_v the_o true_o faithful_a or_o true_a church_n 20._o and_o hence_o by_o the_o way_n be_v clear_o see_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o universal_a tradition_n and_o where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o and_o find_v which_o puzzle_v many_o man_n otherwise_o very_o judicious_a and_o sincere_a who_o profess_v a_o readiness_n nay_o a_o duty_n to_o follow_v universal_a tradition_n but_o they_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n how_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v which_o be_v je._n for_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o to_o complete_a the_o notion_n of_o the_o universality_n of_o mankind_n for_o example_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o think_v we_o must_v take_v in_o brute_n too_o which_o be_v of_o a_o opposite_a nature_n to_o mankind_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o include_v all_o in_o who_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n be_v find_v so_o to_o make_v np_v the_o notion_n of_o universal_a tradition_n it_o be_v equal_o absurd_a to_o think_v we_o ought_v to_o take_v in_o those_o in_o who_o the_o nature_n of_o tradition_n be_v not_o find_v but_o its_o opposite_a that_o be_v deserter_n of_o tradition_n or_o their_o follower_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o include_v those_o in_o who_o tradition_n be_v find_v as_o in_o its_o subject_a that_o be_v adherer_n to_o traedition_n or_o traditionary_a christian_n all_o therefore_o that_o have_v at_o any_o time_n desert_v the_o teoch_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o immediate_o foregoing_a church_n how_o numerous_a and_o of_o what_o name_n soever_o they_o behave_v no_o show_n of_o title_n to_o be_v part_n of_o universal_a tradition_n and_o only_o they_o who_o themselves_o do_v and_o who_o ancestor_n do_v ever_o adhere_v to_o it_o how_o few_o soever_o they_o seem_v be_v the_o only_a person_n who_o can_v with_o any_o sense_n pretend_v to_o be_v those_o of_o who_o as_o part_n universal_a tradition_n consist_v whence_o also_o that_o rule_n of_o vincentius_n lirinensis_n direct_v we_o to_o hold_v that_o which_o be_v believe_v in_o all_o place_n all_o time_n and_o by_o all_o which_o be_v so_o misapprehended_n by_o our_o modern_a dissenter_n be_v clear_o understand_v viz._n by_o take_v it_o with_o restriction_n to_o all_o those_o who_o hold_v to_o tradition_n for_o otherwise_o shall_v we_o not_o restrain_v it_o to_o those_o only_o who_o have_v adhere_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o enlarge_v it_o to_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o the_o word_n so_o as_o to_o comprehend_v also_o those_o who_o have_v desert_v that_o rule_n nothing_o can_v possible_o be_v hold_v of_o faith_n whlch_v any_o heretic_n have_v ever_o deny_v and_o so_o in_o stead_n of_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o distinguish_v or_o know_v what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v it_o will_v by_o thus_o confound_v right_a faith_n with_o all_o the_o heresy_n in_o the_o world_n render_v it_o utter_o impossible_a ever_o to_o know_v what_o be_v faith_n what_o not_o or_o discern_v christ_n true_a doctrine_n from_o diabolical_a error_n but_o to_o return_v whence_o we_o digress_v 21._o it_o follow_v from_o the_o former_a discourse_n that_o those_o man_n who_o stick_v to_o tradition_n can_v by_o apply_v that_o their_o rule_n certain_o know_v who_o have_v true_a faith_n and_o which_o body_n of_o man_n be_v
the_o true_a church_n likewise_o that_o a_o representative_a of_o that_o body_n be_v a_o true_a council_n and_o that_o a_o eminent_a member_n of_o it_o deliver_v down_o to_o the_o next_o age_n the_o doctrine_n believe_v in_o his_o whether_o by_o express_o avouch_v it_o the_o chnrches_n sense_n or_o confute_v heretic_n be_v a_o true_a father_n last_o they_o can_v have_v infallible_a certainty_n both_o of_o the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v faith_n for_o if_o any_o fault_n which_o shock_n their_o faith_n whether_o of_o translator_n or_o transcriber_n creep_v into_o any_o passage_n or_o if_o the_o text_n be_v indeed_o right_a but_o yet_o ambiguous_a they_o can_v rectify_v the_o letter_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o assign_v it_o a_o sense_n agreeable_a to_o the_o faith_n which_o they_o find_v there_o between_o which_o and_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a writer_n they_o be_v sure_o there_o can_v be_v no_o disagreement_n as_o be_v both_o inspire_v by_o the_o same_o unerring_a light_n 22._o contrariwise_o those_o that_o follow_v not_o this_o rule_n and_o so_o be_v out_o of_o this_o church_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o first_o can_v have_v no_o true_a faith_n themselves_o it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o and_o usual_a that_o some_o and_o not_o seldom_o many_o of_o the_o point_n to_o which_o they_o assent_n be_v true_a and_o the_o same_o the_o true_o faithful_a assent_n to_o yet_o their_o assent_n to_o they_o be_v not_o faith_n for_o faith_n speak_v of_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o assent_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v false_a and_o not_o only_o the_o point_n assent_v to_o but_o the_o assent_n itself_o must_v have_v that_o distance_n from_o falsehood_n as_o be_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o faith_n vindicate_v else_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o degenerate_v into_o a_o low_a act_n and_o be_v call_v opinion_n now_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o assent_n rational_o make_v depend_v upon_o the_o strength_n of_o its_o ground_n &_o all_o ground_n of_o that_o assent_n call_v faith_n i_o mean_v such_o ground_n as_o tell_v we_o what_o christ_n teach_v beside_o tradition_n be_v prove_v §_o 10._o weak_a and_o none_o without_o it_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a faith_n next_o for_o want_v of_o that_o only_a infallble_a ground_n they_o can_v have_v certainty_n which_o be_v true_a faith_n who_o true_o faithful_a which_o the_o true_a church_n which_o a_o true_a council_n who_o a_o true_a father_n nor_o last_o which_o be_v either_o the_o letter_n or_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o dogmatical_a passage_n that_o concern_v faith_n and_o since_o they_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n they_o have_v no_o right_n nor_o ought_v in_o a_o discourse_n about_o faith_n be_v admit_v to_o quote_v any_o of_o they_o but_o be_v themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a cause_n conclude_v in_o this_o single_a inquiry_n who_o have_v a_o competent_a that_o be_v a_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a or_o infallible_a rule_n to_o arrive_v at_o faith_n 23._o the_o solid_a satisfaction_n therefore_o of_o those_o who_o inquire_v after_o true_a faith_n be_v only_o to_o be_v gain_v by_o examine_v who_o have_v or_o who_o have_v not_o such_o a_o rule_n this_o method_n be_v short_a and_o easy_a and_o yet_o alone_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n all_o other_o till_o this_o be_v have_v be_v superficial_a tedious_a and_o for_o want_v of_o ground_n insignificant_a the_o former_a discourse_n reduce_v to_o principle_n to_o show_v the_o precedent_n discourse_v build_v on_o most_o firm_a and_o most_o evident_a principle_n and_o such_o as_o i_o have_v describe_v in_o my_o preface_n i_o request_v the_o reader_n to_o look_v back_o with_o attentive_a consideration_n upon_o its_o several_a part_n and_o he_o will_v discern_v that_o §_o 1._o the_o first_o paragraph_n be_v only_o a_o descant_n upon_o this_o proposition_n the_o ground_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v before_o the_o superstructure_n or_o which_o come_v to_o the_o same_o that_o he_o who_o build_v must_v build_v upon_o something_o or_o to_o put_v it_o in_o more_o immediate_a term_n what_o be_v first_o be_v to_o be_v begin_v with_o that_o be_v what_o be_v first_o be_v to_o be_v first_o which_o be_v resolve_v final_o into_o this_o proposition_n supreme_o identical_a a_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v §_o 2._o the_o second_o rely_v on_o that_o famous_a maxim_n of_o logician_n that_o the_o definition_n be_v more_o know_v than_o the_o thing_n define_v which_o be_v self-evident_a speculative_o for_o the_o word_n once_o understand_v it_o come_v to_o this_o that_o what_o clear_v another_o thing_n must_v be_v clear_a itself_o that_o what_o explain_v must_v explain_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o it_o imply_v that_o in_o plain_a thing_n depend_v on_o authority_n honest_a man_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v before_o knave_n which_o be_v self-evident_a practical_o §_o 3._o the_o three_o be_v but_o a_o inference_n from_o the_o two_o foregoing_a one_o and_o manifest_o depend_v on_o the_o same_o self-evident_a principle_n §_o 4._o the_o four_o be_v a_o far_a deduction_n and_o since_o to_o satisfy_v rational_o be_v to_o make_v man_n know_v one_o way_n or_o other_o plain_o amount_v to_o this_o what_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o all_o must_v be_v possible_a to_o be_v know_v by_o all_o which_o be_v as_o self-evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o that_o can_v or_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v âtne_n §_o 5._o the_o five_o be_v only_o a_o short_a descant_n upon_o the_o foregoing_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o so_o be_v reduce_v into_o the_o same_o ground_n with_o they_o §_o 6._o the_o six_o be_v as_o evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o man_n be_v not_o to_o assent_v upon_o authority_n or_o believe_v if_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o or_o that_o rational_a agent_n be_v to_o act_v rational_o §_o 7._o the_o seven_o state_n the_o question_n concern_v the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o show_v the_o way_n to_o look_v after_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o plain_a truth_n the_o mean_v of_o the_o word_n signify_v any_o natune_n be_v the_o nature_n signify_v by_o that_o word_n or_o which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o any_o word_n be_v mean_v by_o that_o word_n §_o 8._o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o 8_o be_v resume_v into_o this_o clear_a truth_n what_o leave_v we_o in_o need_n of_o a_o rule_n be_v not_o a_o rule_n or_o a_o rule_n be_v able_a to_o regulate_v which_o be_v perfect_o equivalent_a to_o this_o a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n the_o second_o part_n averr_v that_o faith_n take_v it_o for_o a_o assent_n upon_o the_o motive_n lay_v by_o god_n which_o can_v lead_v into_o error_n be_v not_o its_o opposite_a opinion_n which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o this_o faith_n be_v faith_n §_o 9_o the_o nine_o only_o direct_v our_o application_n of_o the_o two_o precede_a paragraph_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n §_o 10._o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o ten_o be_v full_a as_o evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o scholar_n as_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v not_o can_v be_v satisfy_v d_o rational_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o require_v scholarship_n which_o since_o to_o be_v satisfy_v rational_o signify_v to_o know_v import_v thus_o much_o that_o those_o who_o can_v know_v can_v know_v and_o the_o second_o part_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o it_o be_v that_o that_o be_v not_o the_o way_n which_o multitude_n take_v &_o yet_o go_v wrong_v which_o since_o a_o way_n be_v that_o which_o be_v to_o carry_v one_o right_a be_v as_o palpable_o self-evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o a_o way_n be_v a_o way_n §_o 11._o the_o eleven_o which_o contain_v the_o main_a and_o in_o a_o manner_n the_o only_a point_n have_v two_o part_n one_o that_o mankind_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o do_v for_o since_o both_o reason_n and_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o sense_n in_o man_n be_v conveyer_n of_o outward_a impression_n to_o the_o know_v power_n shall_v impression_n upon_o those_o part_v not_o be_v convey_v thither_o they_o will_v in_o that_o case_n not_o be_v sensitive_a or_o animal_n and_o so_o no_o man_n and_o do_v they_o not_o perceive_v when_o such_o impression_n be_v convey_v as_o they_o ought_v they_o will_v be_v destitute_a of_o a_o power_n receive_v knowledge_n by_o sense_n and_o so_o again_o no_o men._n so_o that_o this_o first_o part_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o mankind_n be_v mankind_n and_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o §_o direct_o engage_v this_o identical_a proposition_n the_o same_n be_v the_o same_o with_o its_o self_n that_o be_v both_o of_o they_o be_v self-evident_a or_o immediate_o imply_v what_o be_v so_o §_o 12._o